How To Wash Your Hair Once A Week

I washed my hair every single day for a very long time. That was the normal thing to do and I never thought twice about it. In college a friend of mine went to hair design school and told me about this stuff called dry shampoo. Um, what? Why would I spray powder in my hair? Weird. She explained that washing your hair every day actually isn't the best way to keep it healthy. I wasn't convinced. And honestly this was way back during a time when I frequented smoky bars and occasionally ended up with beer in my hair. Yup, former party girl right here. I'm not sure dry shampoo would have been my best option. 

Fast forward a few years. I got an office job, found a guy who didn't care if I wore heels or slippers and traded in nights out for take out on the couch. And really started to invest in self care. I washed my hair every other night for a while before lessening to 2-3 times a week by the time I had Fallon. I quickly found myself only washing my hair once a week and have never looked back. So if that sounds like your kind of thing, here are my best tips for rocking dirty hair without looking homeless (mostly).

Start Slow 

If you wash your hair religiously every single day, do what I did and slowly lessen washes to weekly. You could do this over a few weeks. 

Use Dry Shampoo

I've tried several over the past few years and for the price, you can't beat this one. It works for all hair types/colors and doesn't leave a powdery residue. Bonus points for adding volume. Brush your hair first! Lift 1-2 inch sections of hair and spray it onto roots. Gently massage into your scalp and let it absorb while you do your makeup, wash your face, catch up on Hawaii Five 0, ect. If your hair seems greasy as washing day nears go ahead and sleep with the dry shampoo in. Repeat in the morning. Or just be lazy like me and wear a hat.

Stop Touching Your Hair. 

Oils and dirt from your fingers transfer to your hair causing it to become greasy so much faster than if you just leave it alone. I find this easiest to do if I've fixed my hair. But I'm a busy mama so I do not have the time to do it daily, sometimes only once a week. I make it a point to have time on the day I wash my hair to blow dry and fix it. A great thing about "dirty" hair is that it tends to hold a style better than squeaky clean hair so your do should start to last longer. If I am able I'll recurl later in the week but I'm a big fan of just throwing on a hat or twisting up a messy topknot.

That's it! Only having to worry about washing my hair once a week is so freeing. I'm about to have even less time on my hands for luxuries like long showers and getting myself ready so you can bet I may even try to sneak in another day of dirty hair without anyone noticing. Wink wink. I've linked my fave hair products below!

This Whole Mom Thing: Part II

Way back when Fallon was a fresh little newborn I wrote a post with my thoughts on motherhood in that season of life. I reread that post this morning as I was reflecting on that time and thinking about how we will be there again in mere weeks. So I thought it would be fun to do a little part II as a raw motherhood post is a bit overdue.

This whole mom thing

Is still HARD. And EXHAUSTING. And absolutely freaking AMAZING.

Is up before the sun and long after it's gone down

Is all the tantrums and all the eskimo kisses

Is caffeine, crumbs and clothes thrown out of every drawer

Is too much Mickey Mouse and too little time in the day

Is complete and utter frustration and complete and utter joy

Is finding everything missing from around the house shoved underneath the couch

Is feeling constantly guilty and constantly lucky

Is realizing how easily your toddler can outsmart you

Is snacks all day washed down with mama's drink

Is catching your daughter climbing the furniture, because what else is it good for?

Is appreciating all the #momwins but still stressing over the #momfails

Is cake pops on Target trips and naps in the car

Is blankets, stuffed animals and toys EVERYWHERE

Is thinking you cannot possibly love someone any harder until the next day when you do

Is teething, talking like a big girl and tough days full of tears

Is counting down to bedtime then missing her as she sleeps

Is waiting for daddy to come home by the window and crying when he leaves

Is so many messes and so much love

Is feeling totally helpless one minute and like supermom the next

Is trying not to laugh when you should be disciplining

Is wiping a snotty nose, a poopy butt and crocodile tears

Is public meltdowns and I'm sorry hugs 

Is everything I never knew I always wanted and so much more

See the original post here

PJ Party: Floral Edition

All things floral has been my motto all summer and there is no sign of it changing for fall. I also still live by pjs all day, even though those days are fewer and further between during pool season. But I do love to slip right into my jams after a day of running around with Fallon or chasing her around the baby pool. A nice pretty floral is so nice to wake up to in the morning too, like a bouquet you don't have to water greeting you for the day. We had a slow Saturday morning over the weekend with coffee and snuggles and Fallon destroying the roses I had just picked. But it made for a nice little photo shoot, my room smelled like fresh flowers and I was inspired to find the cutest floral pjs for you all. Any maybe more for me. Because clearly I don't have enough. 

Packing The Pool Bag

Summer has officially begun and I don't think I've been this excited about it since I was a kid. Having a baby I can do all the fun summer things with has me giving this season all the heart eyes. We joined our local swim club and it's my first time packing for the pool with my own kid. So the first couple trips were a a chaotic mess of me running around finding things I thought I'd need and trying to shove them into multiple bags. But after a few weeks of trial and error and buying a bag strictly for the pool, I think we have it down. Now my bag sits mostly packed and ready to go, just the way I like it. So I thought it might be helpful to pass on my ways of wisdom. Kidding. I am still totally winging it. But here's what's in my pool bag and where you can find it.

I planned to get a fully water-resistant wipeable bag with lots of pockets. But then I saw this adorable straw bag at Target and the pom poms were just calling my name. It has no pockets so I took my friend's genius suggestion to use my bag organizer and it's been working like a dream. There is plenty of room for our smaller essentials like sunscreen, wipes, swim diapers, lip balm, sunglasses and Fallon's snack container in all the pockets. I also bring a regular diaper and change of clothes for baby girl in case she falls asleep on the way home. I wipe her down with a full body wipe and toss her bathing suit into a little plastic bag. I can still easily fit a few pool toys + our Gathre mat (for concrete picnics), towels, blanket (for nursing/napping) and a small variety of chips/crackers. Now just imagine me carrying this with a baby on my hip and pushing a stroller with a cooler in the seat and a float on top. 

Towels / Gathre Mat / Muslin Blanket / Solly Wrap / Mama's Sunscreen / Fallon's Sunscreen / Snack Container / Baby Sun Hat / Hand + Face Wipes / Full Body Wipes 

Happy Summer!

Everyday Favorites

As a SAHM I no longer have to follow a dress code every day, but I've fallen into the habit of wearing a kind of uniform. Running errands, pushing the stroller through the park and chasing my wild child aren't actives that lend themselves to nice polished outfits. So most of the time you will find me in leggings with a tee and sneaks, a hat to cover my messy hair, sports bra underneath and earrings to make me think I look a teensy bit put together. And of course an iced coffee. I have the pieces that make up this momiform in varying colors and brands but after nearly a year on the jobI've found my go-to favorites. So today I thought I'd share them all with you.

My hat is under $10 and comes in lots of fun colors. These earrings are 2 years old but they're still a best seller and go with absolutely everything. The softest v-neck pocket tee that isn't too oversized yet not too fitted comes is several great colors and it's currently on sale! A sports bra that's supportive yet not restrictive and so easy to nurse in? Yea, I have it in several colors. Every mama needs a good pair of black leggings and these are hands down the best! And I couldn't be happier that sneakers are so stylish because these Nikes are incredibly comfortable + light weight and if I posted my outfit every day y'all would be SO sick of seeing them. Of course my momiform isn't ever really complete without some teething jewelry for Fally. Our favorite brand has the prettiest styles that you've probably noticed I wear all the time and you can save 15% off your purchase with my code HILARYPFEFF.  

What's your momifrom?

Shopping Made Easy With Snap & Shop Tray

I used to think strolling through Target with my cute kid in the cart, iced coffee in the cup holder, taking my time to browse was only a dream. But I am happy to report that dream has now become a reality. Yes, it's true, we have had many a happy trip to the motherland or grocery store these days because I found the Snap & Shop shopping cart snack tray. This thing is golden people, golden.

Fallon has always loved being out and about, engaging with people and taking in all the new things around her. When she was tiny her daddy would carry her aka parade her through stores while I pushed the cart and shopped. So you can't really blame a girl for getting upset when she wasn't carried on my solo trips when she got big enough to sit in the cart. Although she was happy, it's not exactly easy to hold a baby and shop, and definitely not leisurely. I do my best shopping hands free so the search for a solution began. 

I tried puffs but it got old constantly feeding them to her. Teething biscuits she ate so fast I could barely blink and then she fussed to be held. Pouches she would drop (or throw) so many times I got a good work out picking them back up. But the Snap & Shop tray is a total game changer. It clicks right onto the handle of the cart, facing your kiddo, and you can fill it up with whatever kind of snack will keep her happy for the next 30 minutes. There are 2 sides to keep different snacks separate or as the division line if you have 2 children. It's deep enough so that you aren't leaving a trail of Goldfish crackers in your wake and also comes with an airtight lid so you can even pack in advance! 

You will never come here to read about something I don't actually use or believe in. So when I tell you that I absolutely love this thing, you can be sure I'm shooting you straight. If you want to have a mom win kind of day, trust me, you need one of these trays in your bag of tricks. 

This post was written in partnership with Snap & Shop but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible

Vacay Pics + Travel Tips For Tots

Our vacation started early on a Monday morning when we flew to Alabama to leave on a 5 day cruise. It wasn't Fallon's first time flying, but it was my first time flying alone with her. Chris had to stay behind for work so it was just the 2 of us, navigating check-in, security and a connecting flight. So before I get to all the fun stuff, let's talk about a few things that made traveling with a baby easier, especially doing it solo. 

1. Bring way too many snacks. Fallon was only 3.5 months old when we flew the first time so I nursed her during takeoff and landing instead. This time around I stuffed my diaper bag full of all the snacks. And I fed them to her while we waited to board the plane and throughout the flights. If you think you have enough snacks, add in more just in case. 

2. Wait until the very last call for boarding to get on the plane. Walk around the terminal, sing songs, read a book, whatever you have to do while everyone else gets on. Don't even worry about them running out of room for your carry-on bag. You can either check it gate side or a very nice flight attendant will stow it in the closet for you. Just don't be stuck on the plane any longer than you have to be. 

3. Let people help you. I struggle with this. I don't want to be a bother to anyone and I like to think I can do it all by myself. But when someone offers to put your bag in the overhead compartment or grab it off the gate side rack, let them. I cannot tell you how floored I was by the kindness of strangers during our flights to and from our destination. And remember that when you're traveling. The lady with the baby next to you could be me. 

4. It's okay to cry. I mean I'm hoping it's not you that's crying but that's okay too. Life is rough. But if your kid cries, WHO CARES?! The majority of people on the plane are parents or grandparents. They've been there, done that, got the t-shirt and most likely aren't fazed a bit by a little screaming. If it gets really bad, just order yourself a cocktail and buy a round for all the adults on the plane. I joke. But really. Don't stress about it. You'll never see those people again anyway.

5. Forget all the rules. Leave the nap schedule at home for the day. Let your kid eat the cookies they give you on the plane, pull the magazines out of the seat back pocket and let her crinkle the combos wrapper found wedged between the seats. Just do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep them occupied. Trust me, they won't be scarred for life. 

I'll spare the details but a few things went wrong on the way to and during our trip. But don't worry, none of them killed us, obviously, or put a damper on our vacation. We ate (a LOT), we swam, we went to the beach and even hung out on a trampoline in the ocean! 

We spent our days at sea poolside, breathing in the salty ocean air and soaking up some vitamin sea. Our 2 days in port we beached it and Fallon wasn't exactly all about the sand between her tows, she was happy to enjoy the view from mama's arms. 3 course dinners with fresh seafood and melting chocolate cake were every day affairs and Fallon even went to a Dr. Seuss brunch! Thanks so much to my awesome in-laws for this vacation!!

Now if you'll excuse me I'll be doing the old camera roll scroll through all these pictures as I share them with you. Happy Friday!!

My First Mother's Day

This year will mark my very first Mother's Day celebrating as a mama myself. Quickly closing in on a year of having a daughter has me thinking about how incredibly thankful I am to have the title of mom. Motherhood has been my greatest challenge but by far my greatest joy. Most days I have no idea what I'm doing, just winging it, giving it my all and hoping for the best. And even though I've completely lost my mind, I've found my purpose. Motherhood has shown me strength I didn't know I had, a whole new level of patience and the truest meaning of unconditional love. Funny how you don't there's a missing piece of your heart until it finds you.

I just can't seem to find the right words to describe how amazing it is to be a mom. Even on the days when nothing is going right, I've hit the wall and just feel like a massive failure, I still go to bed missing my baby girl while she sleeps and feeling grateful that she's mine. Did your mom ever tell you, "one day when you're a mom you will understand,"?. It's annoying when you're a know it all teenager but it makes more sense than anything else most days when you do become a mama yourself. I still have a long road of understand ahead of me, mistakes and heartaches with I hope so much laughter and joy mixed in. Motherhood is such a crazy, wonderful and terrifying journey but I have to say, I'm think I'm doing alright. And that's more of a compliment to my own mom than it is to me. Because I learned how to surpass good and become a great mom from the very best. Mom, I understand now. And I hope I'm making you proud. 

In closing of this very first Mother's Day post, I have to thank my perfect baby girl for making me a mama. Fallon Lynn, you are the most precious gift I could ever receive. I hope you know that I am here to support you when you leap, catch you if you fall and cheer the hardest when you succeed. May your strong will take you all the places you want to go and nowhere that you don't. Never lose that sparkle of curiosity in your eyes or that smile you do with your whole face. I love you always baby girl, and one day, when you're a mom, you will understand.

9 Months Of Fallon

Fallon's 9 month check-up was yesterday morning and our pediatrician said she's all legs, eyes and brains. Can't ask for much more. Our baby girl is now 17lbs 8oz and 27.25 inches tall. She has 8 tiny teeth in her mouth and isn't afraid to use them! We're still going strong with breastfeeding so yea, the teeth are a little scary. But mostly she just uses them to chomp on all the food she's eating. Green beans are her least favorite but she's still never met a food she won't eat. Whose kid is this?!

She's hated tummy time and being on her back (except for sleeping) for months, girlfriend just likes to be upright. But in the last week or so she's become mobile in her funny little half crawl, half scoot way. She can pretty much get where she wants to go and get there pretty fast! I will take chasing over screaming every single day. She's often trying to push up to stand and pull herself up on, well, everything. Her little voice is so cute and we get to hear it all the time as she babbles away, happy screams and tries to mimic the sounds we make to her. 

Blocks are still among the favorite toys and her activity cube, and she kind of dances to the ones that play music. She waves but almost never if I ask her to and is always smiling at other babies. She's also really into having books read to her and likes to grab them out of the basket in her room. We read Goodnight Moon every night and I Love You Through and Through almost every day. She's so curious and friendly, it would be hard not to fall right in love with her. But I'm kind of biased and I still can't believe this little 9 month old is mine.