“This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. I was paid for this post and received the included Carter’s clothingas compensation.”
Ella is almost 19 months
old and she is as active as ever! Her communication skills are
increasing by the day with new words, expressions, and her imagination
and play has really gone to the next level. She is pretty non stop on
the go but there is still ONE activity I can get her to sit down with me
and do, read. She loves pulling books off her shelf and bringing them
to me to read to her. I will often find her sitting under her bookshelf
going through the pages and reading to herself, and pointing to the
pictures.
Sorry for the lack of posts on the blog these days! I swear I have been starting every post with an apology lately. I have been very active on social media just not so much on this blog anymore. But I had to check in and share some pictures from the adorable baby shower some of my friends put together for me. It was such a sweet gesture, something I wasn’t expecting at all, and I was really touched by the whole thing. I didn't think second baby showers were a thing but I am actually really happy about because I have felt like this baby hasn’t had nearly as much attention or “celebration” as Ella had. We have just been so busy over here, too busy honestly, we are functioning at a rate that isn’t sustainable. At least not sustainable for good health! Haha It was just nice to take a minute and focus on him.
I did do a little vlog on the shower as well as an update on the baby if you want to watch that below. Vlogging has kind of taken over what blogging used to be for me. Video medium is something I really enjoy and I love having those memories saved in that way. Anyways, back to the shower, my friends out did themselves. They are the dynamic duo behind The Confetti Creative and they are the ones who helped me with Ella’s First Birthday. I say helped when really I just gave them the theme and they did everything else! Haha They have so much talent and if you are local you should really utilize them! They are the best of the best. I am kicking myself that I forgot to get a cute picture with them at the shower :( BAH. Oh well, they took some gorgeous shots of the set up before the party started so I wanted to share those!
Did you catch my Facebook Live video? It was my first time doing one! I made a little announcement about joining SeneGence and becoming a distributor. You have probably heard of their more known product LipSense! I have talked about LipSense before on my social media accounts – it has basically taken over the State of Utah the past year! Haha Anyways, about seven months ago my good friend Jalynn tried this lipstick, that supposedly lasts for up to 18 hours, and fell in love with it. She almost instantly signed up to become a distributor. She in turn introduced me to the lipstick, and I too fell in love with the product. I mean, this stuff legit has staying power! It isn’t going ANYWHERE.
That first night of trying LipSense I thought about joining Jalynn and becoming a distributor. I have always loved make up, and beauty products is something that I have shared on my social media accounts for years. Plus, I could get a discount of up to 50% OFF on the product! ;) BUT I hesitated. I had a lot going on; a nine month old, tons of other work and personal projects that were taking up all of my time. I had no more time to give to something else. So I tucked the idea away; good thing too, because shortly after I would realize I was pregnant with my second and would spend the next thirteen weeks throwing up multiple times a day! *That was a rough period for me* In the meantime, I loved all the LipSense I had got. While I was enjoying them, I did start to feel like my lips were drier than usual and that the color would flake off. You see, I have a serious issue with dry lips. Ever since moving to Utah this has been a big problem for me. NOTHING has significantly helped them. I have tried it all you guys, EVERYTHING, and YES I do hydrate! I am someone who will drink 60-100 oz of water a day pretty regularly. The climate here is just hard on my skin, and my lips suffer the most. I have just got used to being in a constant cycle of peeling dry lips. So anyways, while I LOVED the product, and wanted to wear it all the time, I felt like maybe my already dry lips weren’t a good match for this product that seemed to only be contributing to the problem. I also felt like some colors didn’t stick as well on my lips as others. Yet so many of my other friends didn’t seem to have these issues, so I just chalked it up to me just not being the best fit for LipSense. I would occasionally still wear the lipstick I had because I did love the colors and the staying power it still provided; but wasn’t sure I was going to get any more.
A few more months passed.
I wish I had done a little more research on the product before giving up on it the way I did. I mean, one of my best friend’s was killing it as a distributor and I didn’t even bother to ask her about it. What was I thinking? I wasn’t. Since I had so many friends selling and loving LipSense, I would see their posts, and I learned that there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using LipSense. There is a learning curve in how you apply it, and a lot of people will experience an exfoliation period when they first start using it. This exfoliation period sounded pretty familiar to what I had experienced.
So what is the exfoliation period? Before using LipSense you probably used some kind of chapstick; Burts Bees, Caramex, just regular lipsticks you buy from traditional stores - almost all of these lip products contain wax and even led. This wax makes your lips feel great, and provides relief when you have dried out lips. However the relief is temporary. These products often contain carnauba wax, which is the wax you use to protect your car from moisture to prevent rusting. It is creating a barrier for your car from the rain, and the same thing happens when you wear your chapstick; it creates a barrier from moisture coming to your lips. This is why you often find yourself needing to use chapstick multiple times, at least during the drier months because your lips aren’t actually being healed long term. So when you start using LipSense some people will experience some exfoliation or feel like their lips are getting drier or that their color is flaking off; and that is because the product is actually breaking down layers and layers of dead skin cells, wax and led build up. This exfoliation period is different for everyone, it all depends on what you used and how often you used it before you started LipSense. Some people can take up to 6 weeks to finally get through this process, so HANG IN THERE! I wish I had.
In my experience, I came in with already damaged lips, with years of using products like this in attempts to heal my lips. The cool thing is the more you use LipSense products, the healthier your lips will become - it is designed this way! This is what I love about SeneGence, they aren’t just great products but they are great FOR YOU. I think what ultimately sealed the deal for me was when my friend Jalynn even gave me a tube of their Lip Balm to get started on healing my lips before I started using LipSense more regularly again. You guys, it was shocking how fast this stuff helped. After only a few days my lips that were literally cracked and bleeding were totally normal – and normal is not something my lips usually are! It was incredible. By far the best lip product I have ever tried in regards to helping heal my dry lips. And this all happened in the dead of winter when they are usually at their worst! Often people will feel a slight tingle or sting when they apply LipSense, this is an indicator that your lips aren’t very hydrated or are damaged. The feeling goes away the second you put their gloss on. However, I am happy to say while before I always felt that sting, I don’t now! How amazing is that? My lips have never been better! When you have healthy skin, the LipSense color can molecularly bond evenly on that one layer of your lips which is going to maximize the staying power.
The only other con about LipSense besides needing to get through the exfoliation period, is that I have personally found you have to stay on top of putting the gloss on if you really want to get the full staying potential. The gloss is what seals the color and keeps your lip hydrated and if you don't put it on periodically throughout the day the color wont last as long. Even still, I have found your good for 4-5 hours, and that is just when the color could break down, the lip color is still completely smudge proof! So honestly, still a win in my book and better then any other lasting lip color out there! Now you may think this next part totally throws out my "honest" review, but really, if you know me and follow me on social media you know I have been using this stuff for almost a year now. I didn't just "jump" on this! The healing my lips have experienced through these products changed everything for me. Since all of this went down, I have decided to become a distributor. I will admit, I am slightly embarrassed to be a part of an MLM. Multi-Level Marketing + Direct Sales – These have become kind of “dirty” words to a lot of us! You have probably been added to many Facebook groups for LuLa Roe, Beach Body, Doterra, LipSense, etc. And you probably roll your eyes every once in a while when the cliché verbiage starts pouring out around these kinds of businesses - I know I have! I never thought in a million years I would join an MLM; but as I have been a part of online marketing for several years now, I have seen many of my friends and fellow colleagues do it right. And by right I mean support a product they actually use, love, and not shove it in your face like a sales person. While I hate sales, I don’t intend to “sell” it at all. LipSense SELLS ITSELF. I will be just another person you can pick some up from if you want to try it out. What it really boils down to for me is that I love the products this company produces. LipSense sold itself to me! I love wearing the lip color, and this is the best way to do it in my opinion.
So in honor of me getting started with this little venture, I am hosting a giveaway over on my Instagram! I don’t plan on posting too much about LipSense on my personal Instagram account, so you can head on over to the new one I created for it @Lip_Party or join my Facebook Group Page – Lip Party to stay on top of the colors I have in stock, discounts, giveaways and all kinds of fun that I am sure will go down! In celebration of my launch, I am offering FREE SHIPPING + NO SALES TAX for all orders made through Wednesday 1/25! So head on over to my Facebook group if you want to grab something or try LipSense for the first time!
“This
#HalftimeHero creation is brought to you by Farm Rich. All opinions expressed
are my own.”
It’s a good thing I have always loved watching Football, because my birthday has always landed on or during the weekend of the biggest football game of the year. Trevor very cleverly created a tradition of throwing me a “birthday party” that is really just game day football food with some cake. Honestly though, I love it. We always get together with a bunch of friends and all bring a ton of snacks, appetizers and eat ourselves sick. One of our favorite things to make, and the easiest thing, is some crock pot meat balls! Anything that I can easily throw in a crock pot, or the oven, with little to no prep is my kind of cooking when you have a bunch of food to make and want to spend time with your friends.
Farm Rich has a great selection of Meatballs and they are all Gluten Free for those who need to be aware of that! I used their Original Meatballs for this recipe but you can use their Italian if it suits what your making better. They even have some Turkey Meatballs if you are wanting to be a little more health conscious. The different meats and seasonings available create a base for a variety of ways you could take this recipe! There are several different ways you can cook these Meatballs but the way we like them is to get them in the crock pot, add whatever your favorite sauce is and let them cook away! If you have been reading my blog for a long time you know we like a little spice and always use some Jamaica Me Sweet Hot and Crazy Marinade. So take whatever sauce you want to use, and set your crock pot to HIGH, cover, and heat for 3-4 hours (full bag). Grab some tooth picks and let people serve themselves throughout the game! EASY PEASY!
While picking up the Meatballs I noticed a huge selection of Farm Rich snacks and appetizers! All great picks for a game day get together. I decided to grab some Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeno Peppers - I mean, what doesn't scream football food more than that? haha Anything with cheese or cream cheese is a go in my book. They will be super easy to just pop in the oven and serve. When it comes to frozen foods it's comforting to know that Farm Rich is made with wholesome ingredients, are quick-frozen and carefully packaged. Check out their Game Day page for all the different options for your party prep!
In preparation for the big game Farm Rich wants to know what you favorite #HalftimeHero snack/appetizer is? Share your ideas via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest using the hashtag (via photos or text), and you will be entered for the chance to win year’s supply of Farm Rich snacks for all your game day needs. Good Luck and may the best team win! ;)
I recently did a shopping haul on my YouTube channel. Thought I would post it on over here too! I love seeing what deals are going on, what other people buy for their kids, where they like to shop. Enjoy! XO
While I have been very active on all my other social media platforms, I have totally neglected this blog the past six months! With the new year I want to get back to posting more regularly on here, because this blog is first and foremost a journal for me that I never want to stop using. The main thing that has been keeping me away from posting here is that I have been doing much more vlogging. Basically what I would post on my blog now done on video form on my YouTube channel. I have been posting very regularly on there if you are interested.
Just yesterday I filmed and posted a Second Trimester Update! I haven't posted more about this pregnancy because there hasn't been much to say. I have been feeling amazing and I have hardly any symptoms to even mention. You can hear more about the things that have been changing more recently for me as I am about to start the final trimester of my pregnancy. I can't believe how fast this has flown on by and before I know it I will be a mom of two! A little BOY! AHHH haha I am getting excited :)
I have talked about The Baby Cubby several times on my social media channels and blog, and that is because it is my favorite place to shop for all things baby. This isn't just another baby store, they are unique in so many ways. First off, it is family run, by a couple who are parents themselves, everything they offer feels like a recommendation from a trusted source. They are truly a resource for you mamas! They take pride in offering the best and safest baby gear and
providing it to parents in a fun shopping experience. You can test strollers on their stroller track, they actively engage with parents via social media and on their own cubby community blog where they discuss some of those hard topics of parenting.
They offer the best of the best brands, and often are the first to showcase new and upcoming companies and businesses that are making waves in the world of baby must haves. For example I fell in love with everything Little Unicorn when I was pregnant with Ella, and it was so nice to have an actual store front I could go to, to see and buy the product. They often host pop up shops with the brands they work with, offering amazing deals to their customers. They even price match! If you can find it, even on amazon, for a lower price, they will honor that. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49 for those who don't live here in Utah who want to take advantage of their awesome selection. You can read more about their passion behind what they do HERE.
I have put together a little round up of some of my favorite picks from their site, I know you guys will love all the different brands represented on their site!
Little Unicorn Blankets and Sheets // I am such a huge fan of the Little Unicorn designs, and have a ton of blankets and sheets for Ella. I plan to get some for little brother too!
Nuna Pippa and Nuna Rava// I have both of these car seats and am obsessed. I love all Nuna gear! Not only does it look good, it functions with such ease. Everything makes sense, is easy to use, and I just can't say enough about this company and brand.
Tubby Todd // I have tried the shampoo and love it! The scents are scrumptious, and knowing what I am using on my little one is completely safe is the best. I have been dying to get my hands on the rest of the products in this line, I have heard so many good things. ComoTomo // I have become a HUGE fan of these bottles. Ella loves them, and they were the perfect transition from breast to bottle.
Happy Baby Wrap // I mean, it is kind of a newborn must! Not only
does baby love being close to mama, but what mama doesn't want the
constant snuggles of their little one right on their chest?! Freshly Picked Moccs // I mean, are you surprised? These are everywhere, and for good reason! They are adorable, comfortable, and the perfect first shoe!
Over the past year I have become obsessed with listening to podcasts and audio books! It is the best for long drives, cleaning up around the house, or for when I take Ella on a walk. I was pretty flattered when Kirsten from Marvelous Mom's Club asked me to be apart of her podcast, especially since I had been listening to it for months! She has some really great interviews with woman from all walks of life with all different experiences.
My episode aired yesterday, and I am talking all about how I got into the world of blogging and turned social media into a business. It was a lot of fun just chatting away about so many different things; motherhood, business, entrepreneurship, personal progress, you name it we probably talked about it. She even somehow called that I was pregnant which is pretty funny because I had NO CLUE that I was already expecting when we taped this.
If you head on over to her site you can access my blogging e-book FOR FREE and a 15% OFF discount code to my shop Lunaby Baby!
Thanks again for having me Kirsten, it is always fun to chat with you! XO
HE OR SHE? Check out our gender reveal vlog :) We are SO excited to see Ella become a big sister! These are the kinds of videos I really love having. I believe that life should be enjoyed and celebrated, and invite you to join along in the party! ❤ XO
He or She? 🍫 What will it be? Make your guesses now because we will announce the gender tomorrow! 💙💕😝 Ella only seems to care about shoving chocolate in her face! 😂 What can
I say? Haha #leftoverhalloweencandy
It appears I can only manage so many different social media platforms! haha I have been focusing a bit more on my YouTube channel lately and have totally neglected the blog. Since having Ella I have taken so much video it is crazy! I have decided to not let those go to waste and just sit on my desktop, and to essentially "blog" them, or as they say "vlog." So I have doing a lot more vlog style videos over there if you want to check them out. Just in the last week I vlogged our trip to Arizona (Part One, Part Two, Part Three) Our Halloween weekend, and more recently a little peek into our week! I will work on being better about posting them on here along with whatever pictures I have to keep things moving on this front. Don't be surprised if you see some out of order posting as I play catch up on the blog!
Here is my latest vlog! I go to a friendsgiving, paint more cabinets in my kitchen, and prepare for our gender reveal :)
I have such a treat for you guys today! Today, Freshly Picked is releasing something called Freshly Picked Marketplace; one community where parents can be introduced to amazing brands, their
stories, and shop their products. This community of small businesses is
truly the best of the best, hand picked and tested by Freshly Picked, then shared
with you on their website.
Susan is such a power house business woman, and I love that she is taking her passion to help others. As new baby product innovators emerge and try to gain exposure for their
awesome products, she understands their needs because she was once there. This Marketplace will be a megaphone to share each entrepreneur's story
and products! And all of us mamas get to benefit ;) haha
Check out my unboxing and review to get an idea of the kinds of products you can expect on the site. And check out more over at Freshly Picked to see what the Marketplace is all about.
My top is from ARDEN for those who have asked. LOVE ALL THEIR STUFF!
How far along: I am 16 weeks and 2 days!
How big is baby: The size of an avocado
Weight Gain: Haven't weighed myself this week but I think I have put on a few pounds.
Maternity clothes: I am starting to wear more of my maternity tops and while I can fit into my regular pants, I am having to start doing the hair band trick on my jeans by the afternoon ;) haha
Stretch marks: No new ones!
Sleep: Thankfully so far no issues! .
Craving: Same old, same old. Cereal, PB + J's and Macaroni and Cheese. This time around I find that I am almost not in the mood for food. Which is kind of depressing cause I live for food haha
Feeling: I am getting anxious to find out what we are having! Ella and I are off to Arizona for a trip and soon after we get back we will be finding out the gender and I couldn't be more excited. I JUST WANT TO KNOW!
I put together a fun little pregnancy update via a vlog if you want to watch that for some more insight and a peek into my day.
Talking all about the miracle acne cure sitting in your kitchen
cupboard. But really! Using APC as a toner has changed my skin and cured
my acne issues I got because of pregnancy. Hopefully it can make a huge
difference for you too! ❤
I have been posting more to my YouTube channel SUBSCRIBE and join the party ;)
I recently went back to Platinum hair which means, lots of damage!
Thankfully my hair has always held up really well to highlights and
overall bleaching; and I think a huge part of that is because I have
always been really good about taking proper care of it. Whenever you
color treat your hair you are causing some kind of damage to it. How you
treat it before, and after your color is super important. If you know
you are going to be getting a ton of highlights or an overall color, you
should be prepping the week before with lots of moisturizing and
conditioning treatments.
For years I would take a
vitamin called Biotin. It is known for its superior hair strengthening
benefits. When the hair is strong this enables it to grow, and hold up
to the wear and tear of life. Suave Professionals recently came out with
a new Biotin Infusion line that has got me really excited. Like really
excited. I was asked to test this line out and I have to say I am blown
away! I do not take my hair care lightly. You see I have very thin hair,
that likes to break, so I can't risk my hair on shampoos and
conditioners that don't help me out. If I did, that would mean it would
all be falling out. I have been using this line for the past week and I
am obsessed and incredibly happy because it means I won't have to spend
an arm and leg for my other expensive brands I have been using. I wasn't
surprised at all when I read that this line was tested and proven to
strengthen as well as Pureology® Strength Cure®. It felt like I was
using one of my higher end products and the results were honestly better
then what I am currently using! I will definitely be throwing this line
into the mix and be using it as my every day hair care.
This
line is infused with B7 Biotin, which I mentioned is a vitamin known
for superior hair strengthening benefits, and this luxurious range
reduces breakage by 95% for dramatically less hair fall vs.
non-conditioning shampoo. Less hair fall is exactly what I need right
now! Not only because of the damage of color treating it, but because I
just had a baby and hair loss is usually a side affect postpartum. When
your hair isn't falling out as much, you are left with fuller, thicker
looking hair! Which is something I also need because I have thin hair as
it is. Anything to make my hair fuller gets me excited. Did I mention
that the shampoo and conditioner smells AMAZING! I mean, I know that
isn't a "necessity" but it sure was the cherry on top. I love the scent
of this stuff and it doesn't just smell when you are using it, it lasted
through my blow out! I was pleasantly surprised that my hair smelled
good all day long. Having my hair smell good is always my favorite thing
about leaving the salon, and so it was really fun being able to achieve
that at home.
Okay, now on to my favorite part of this line! The Biotin Infusion Anti-Breakage Serum. This serum is also infused with B7 Biotin, and wraps each strand in a protective seal for advanced hair fall defense. While using this product along with the shampoo and conditioner, you will experience 95% less breakage and your hair will be 20x stronger vs. non-conditioning shampoo. I can attest to seeing a huge difference already in my hair fall out. This serum really seals the deal, and is one more layer of vitamins and benefits for your hair. Once your hair is damp, you put a dime size in your palm and run this through your hair. It is an extra treatment that will take your blow out to the next level, and keep your hair healthy and strong. This whole line is like feeding vitamins and all the goodness to your hair!
Now that I have raved about each member of this amazing line (yes, I really am this excited to have found a product I love so much that doesn't break the bank) I want to make sure I share my tips on taking care of damaged hair.
Let the products in - and keep them in!
Your hair has pores, just like your face! And just like your face, hot and cold open and close those pores. While you are washing your hair, the water tends to be warm, opening those pores and letting the product in. To really seal the deal, pun intended, you need to turn your water to a cooler temperature (as much as you can handle) to close the pores. We all have different levels of hair porosity, but this will help secure and keep in the product you just used.
Wide Tooth Comb or Pick
Wet hair breaks SO easily; make sure that when you brush your hair out you have ringed out as much water as possible, and are using a wide tooth comb or some kind of pick to brush it out. This will save your hair!
Avoid Blow Drying
Blow drying the hair causes more damage, so if you can avoid it, don't do it. If you really need to because you are on a time crunch, or your hair is so think it would take days to dry, try and wait until it is more damp. Anything to reduce time under the heat is going to benefit your locks!
Use A Serum
I have always loved using some kind of serum on my hair before I blow dry it, or even when letting it air dry. There are so many added benefits to this one last step that is often over looked. If you notice, anytime you get your hair done your stylist uses products after the wash right? These products can take your wash to the next level, by adding styling benefits or health benefits to your hair. Using something like the Biotin Infusion Anti-Breakage Serum is going to do both for you!
You guys, the new Suave Professionals® Biotin Infusion Strengthening line is pretty dang awesome. They have been proven to work as well as luxury brands. Hopefully I have convinced you to try it out. It is flying off the shelves so I took that as a sign that it must be pretty great and so I bought the larger size bottles of shampoo and conditioner and am so happy I did because I will be using it all up! When I was at Walmart there were only a few bottles left of the serum and that doesn't surprise me now either. I am a believer! Go see for yourself. Visit your local Walmart to try out all of the new 2016 Suave Professionals collections: Coconut Oil Infusion, Coconut Milk Infusion and Biotin Infusion, while supplies last.
Well wow! Here we are, back to some maternity updates for the blog for baby number two. Still haven't really wrapped my mind around that. You see, this baby was kind of a surprise. I talk all about it in my YouTube video so I don't want to rehash here, but let's just say I am really fertile! haha Trevor and I have always wanted to have our children close together. We had talked about having our kids 18 months to 2 years apart, so this does fit into our plan nicely. This pregnancy so far has been a night and day compared to Ella's. I was incredibly sick the past few months, throwing up multiple times a days every day. Thankfully as I have entered the second trimester it has been so much better! I also haven't put on any weight, which by this time with Ella I had already gained about 10 pounds. My circumstances are just so different now, where I am able to be so much more active because I am not chained to a desk all day and being temped by donuts and eating out with co-workers haha I decided to fill out the little questionnaire I did with Ella's update and I plan to do the occasional video update as well on my YouTube channel.
How far along: I am 14 weeks and 5 days!
How big is baby: The size of a Lemon :)
Weight Gain: I go into more detail about this in my YouTube video, but I haven't put on any weight. I keep fluctuating back and forth a pound. This pregnancy is already so different from Ella! haha It is so strange to see my tummy pop out but not see any weight gain on the scale!
Maternity clothes: I am still in my regular clothes!
Stretch marks: No new ones!
Sleep: Thankfully so far no issues! I am still early enough along this hasn't been a problem yet.
Craving: Exactly what I craved last time I was pregnant haha I have been craving peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches and cereal (Life, Grape Nut Flakes, Oatmeal Squares, Honey Bunches
of Oats, and Special K Vanilla Almond.) Mac N Cheese, of course!
Feeling: Excited :) The first few months I was so sick and busy I hardly registered that I was pregnant, but now that my energy is coming back and I am feeling better and I have a little bump, I have been thinking about baby number two a lot more. I can't wait to see what he or she is like and watch them with Ella. Hearing the heart beat and seeing the ultrasound is always crazy, there is a little life in there! The body really is an amazing thing, and these little ones really are miracles. Trevor and I are thrilled that our family is growing. I just want to get all our kids here as soon as possible! I want my whole family together :) haha
Thanks for stopping by! My name is Alycia, and this blog has been such a fun space for me to share everything from the very meaningful, the mundane, and the frivolous stuff that falls inbetween. I guess you could say this is a digital journal of sorts! I believe that life should be enjoyed and celebrated, and invite you to join along in the party! ❤
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