Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Product Review: Maybelline Baby Lips

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I bought Peach Kiss on a whim a while ago and really liked the soft color hint of shimmer it has. It’s an easy chapstick to wear that gives you some color without having to worry about the color transferring or fading. On a recent Target trip I picked up a limited edition color- Melon Mania for a Baby Lips with some color. I thought the fun pinkish red tint would be great for summer. They are so affordable and are so easy to wear.

Pros:
- Inexpensive ($2.99)
- Sheer color (you can build a little color with application)
- Moisturizing
- SPF 20
- Fun packaging
- 6 permanent shades with limited edition shades
- They are scented based on their shade, but it’s not a strong scent
- Gives a light gloss
- Widely available

Cons:
- Doesn’t last long
- Wears off easily
- Good as an everyday chapstick, I don’t recommend this for really chapped lips
- Has a slick feeling, but is not greasy or thick

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Overall, I like these products, but they're not a Holy Grail, run out and buy right now (like the elf cream liner), must own every color, lip stuff. I'm lazy about reapplying lipstick so I like that these add some color and fade/wear off without leaving behind a stain so they're easy to wear. Just like in the cons section, if you have chapped lips already, these will not heal them. They're moisturizing for already moisturized lips and won't dry them out. If you were hoping for a healing chapstick with a boost of color I'd suggest a Burt's Bees or Neutrogena chapstick instead. 

What are your favorite tinted lip balms? What colors do you like best?

Monday, April 29, 2013

Weekend Recap and Recent Purchases

This past week has been so busy! We celebrated my hubs birthday on Thursday, we took it easy and just had his parents over for dinner and visiting. My birthday is this week so we'll do something after my baby shower this weekend. We also had our second Lamaze class (which is 3 hours every Friday!) and got into some great massage and relaxation techniques. Who know a tube sock with three tennis balls would be such a glorious wonder on your back?

We worked on projects around our house, we hung up a few things in our nursery and just have a few more things to hang before it's "complete". I bought some large frames to hang on the wall and didn't realize that the back didn't have the hanging hooks, they were for stand up only! Such a bummer, I'll be back to Home Goods this week to get that taken care of- I didn't even think to check the back!

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On Sunday we supported the Our Nicholas Foundation's Autism walk for my nephew. The walk was gorgeous  and circled around a vineyard, so the view was beautiful! 75% of the funds our team raised goes directly to my nephew for therapies and medical testing. Our Nicholas Foundation is such an amazing project to be a part of and has helped their family so much with providing play dates, family nights out, and an opportunity for Logan to play sports. If you would like to donate, our team is still accepting donations here.

I've also caved and bought a few items for  my post-bump body. I bought everything in my usual pre-pregnancy size (medium) since until 2 weeks ago those sizes still fit me so I'm assuming that they'll fit me right away after she's born. I've just been dying with all of the cute summer stuff that's out and not being able to wear them. What made me bite the bullet is that I felt a few of these pieces would be sold out quickly and I wanted to be sure and snag them, they should be delivered today!

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Lace Knit Top
I loved how simple this top is and the feminine touch the lace adds. 
 
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Essential Woven Pencil Skirt
I am in dire need of some skirts for church/work. This color is gorgeous and will go with so many items in my closet. 
 
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  You can never go wrong with a basic tee.

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Retro Floral Peplum Top
After seeing this top on the gorgeous Shasta, I had to have it. It's the perfect date night top. Do you read her blog? This beezy has STYLE, plus she's just the cutest mom.

 
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Essential Pencil Skirt
I just saw the mint color and added to cart immediately.
 
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Essential Striped Dress w/ Belt
I don't remember who (I'm so sorry!), but some gorgeous lady bought this dress and I totally copied her.

I really hope all these items are as cute in person as they are online. Nothing is worse than getting a package in the mail and it's nothing like you expected. Such a downer.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! 

We have our 34 week appointment this afternoon and I have a million questions for the doctor, thank you again to all your comments/emails in my Bumpdates. I'll be sure to update you guys on the status of our little girl in this week's Bumpdate. Cross your fingers!


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Bumpdate Week 34

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First, I just want to thank all of you again so much for the positive response, support, and love from my Bumpdate Week 33 about Frank Breech babies and having C-sections!! It lifted my spirits so much and helped me feel more confident about the procedure and more educated about what happens during/after C-sections. The honesty and openness that you have shared with me about your personal experiences (and your friends/family experiences) have helped to settle my fears.  I can't say it enough how much I appreciate each of you, thank you for all your kindness and love.

I have several questions ready for my doctor on Monday (my next appointment) and I look forward to seeing what options are available to me. Of course, our bunny can turn at any time, but I'm not counting on it. The most important thing will be that she's here healthy and happy, not what way she's born.


How far along?  33 weeks! (Each bumpdate reviews the week previous)

Total weight gain: At my last appointment, I was 15.6lbs up and I think we could add another pound or so. I have an appointment on Monday so I'll have an update next week.

Stretch marks?: Besides Stretch Mark Gate (read about it here  in Week 28) I haven't had any more pop up and the few I have on the underside of my chest have not grown or gotten worse.  I've started using Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion every morning after my shower and starting using the  Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter each night before bed (when I remember). The Body Spa Cell.U.Lift is a miracle worker!! The stretch marks have already started to fade after only a week of use! I have pictures and will do a review in a bit after I've documented some more and used the product for a longer time period. 

Maternity clothes: I hate getting dressed. I just want to wear pjs or my birthday suit everyday. I'm hot, uncomfortable, and a muumuu would be grand right now.I have some maxi dresses that are perfect for the weekends, but aren't work appropriate because they're strapless.

I'm still wearing my Old Navy Maternity Smooth-Panel Rockstar Jeggings  (I bought two pairs) and my Kiki La'Rue Jeggings (which aren't maternity, but fit below my belly).  They are the only bottoms I wear. My thighs/butt have gotten a size larger in the last month (I’m blaming the hip pain to a widening of my hips- I don’t care if that’s the truth or not) and some shorts I’ve been wearing unbuttoned no longer fit. Whatsoever.

Belly Button in or out?: Mostly out and flat, but it also depends on what position I’m in. It changes if I’m standing up or sitting down. It’s funny looking though and it feels funny to rub it. LOL.

Sleep: Sleep is better, I wake up once a night to use the restroom (there were two nights that I woke up twice) and I have started to sleep with a pillow wall around me. I have one on each side of me and it’s been so nice to turn from side to side without have to move one pillow or snoogle with me. Plus, I like the support and cushion the pillow provides on my back (like the snoogle does). I’ve also tucked the corner of a pillow under my belly for support as well which sometimes feels good and sometimes annoys me.

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Matt and I had our Breastfeeding class on Tuesday night. There was a lot of information, but I found it to be pretty basic. I've done a lot of research so I didn't hear anything I hadn't already read or learned from breastfeeding friends. I'm still glad we took it though, but I wish there was a class offered with more information about pumping and storage. My insurance does offer a postpartum class for breastfeeding as well and I hope to learn more then once I'm in the thick of my breastfeeding.

Best moment this week: All of the support from everyone about C-sections and breech babies! It has been so wonderful having mothers talk to me about their own experience or their friend’s experience. It’s given me so much reassurance and has changed my fear and apprehension by leaps and bounds.

We also started our Lamaze classes which I enjoyed and look forward to finishing in the next few weeks. I know that if I have a C-section the Lamaze classes may be a waste, but I'd rather be prepared. Also, I think the breathing and relaxation techniques will help with any anxiety I have before and during the surgery.

Worst moment this week: Nothing, this week was great!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Shopping for myself and wearing shorts.

Movement: So much so! She's a mover and a shaker, but hasn't turned from her Frank Breech position.

Food cravings: I’m back to smoothies! I’ve made a few this week, I also want vanilla ice cream (which I haven’t had any, but I keep talking about it and then I’m too full to actually have some), pineapple juice, and more water.I don't think I've ever been so thirsty.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.

Have you started to show yet: Absolutely!

Gender: Team pink!

Symptoms: It’s been really warm this past week and my fingers have swelled a little bit. I can still wear my wedding rings comfortably, but have chosen not to in fear that at some point I won’t be able to get them off. I hate not wearing them though and feel naked without them, plus I feel like I get more eyes that move from my belly to my bare ring finger. I know I can wear the rings on a chain, but I’m afraid of losing them that way. So I’ll rock a bare hand until our bunny arrives! Luckily, the swelling hasn't reached my ankles or feet, knock on wood.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, happy, happy!

What I'm reading: I finally started The Happiest Baby on the Block and it seems like a great read, I’ll let you know once I’ve finished it! I'm really excited to read it and look forward to putting the information to use.

Looking forward to: Hanging things in the nursery, we have a few things that need to be painted before they’re hung, but it has been too windy to spray paint them outside (my husband will be painting them because of the fumes). I also have my 2nd shower with my husband’s side of the family next weekend and I’m pumped for that!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

InstaLately Link Up 20


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Best.Mail.Day.Ever. I LOVE Image Skincare products (see my reviews here) and am so happy to try their Body Spa Cell.U.Lift Firming Body Lotion and Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. Image Skincare has the most amazing products and I can't wait to review these two for you guys!

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I posted this for Throwback Thursday #tbt of some of my best girlfriends on a Vegas trip a few years back. Oh how I miss my blond hair and extensions!

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The hubs loves SPAM, but I just can't get on bored. I just don't trust canned meats and he made me try it- my verdict: it's ok. I would never want it again or buy it, but he picked some more up when he went to the grocery store -__-

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The hubs and I go to the stores the day after every holiday to pick up our favorite sweets, this is the last of our Reese's PB Eggs and they were delicious. The holiday shapes have such a better taste than regular cups, they have a better PB to chocolate ratio I think.

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I saw this beauty blender at Target and had to share. So many beauty gurus swear by these sponges and you can find it for a great price now! I didn't buy it myself because I use a brush for my foundation. Have you try this sponge before?

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My sister found the perfect pink from Sally Hansen! It's Sweet Talker and for the life of me I haven't be able to find it anywhere. I'll just use hers until I see her next, he he he. This is three coats- the first coat is pretty sheer, but it builds to a pretty shade.

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My new F21 top from this post, my lollysheep chain necklace, and day 2 hair/curls. 

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I saw this quote on Pinterest, and it's exactly how I've been feeling about the changes about to happen in our lives.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Recent Purchases + Updates

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We got a sneak peek of our Maternity photos this weekend and I absolutely love them! I'll be doing a full post and sharing more pictures later this week! 

First, I just want to thank all of you so much for your comments, Facebook messages, and emails from my Bumpdate Week 33!! I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your support. I've been emailing a few girls about having a C-section and breech babies and it has really settled my nerves so much.  Your honesty and openness has done a world of difference in making me feel apprehensive and afraid to confident and learning more about both from real experience and not a scary Google search so I can talk with my Dr. about my options. I'll go further into it on this week's Bumpdate about my questions and such.

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One of my closest friends (and grand big sis in the sorority) had her little man this weekend and some of the girls went together to visit their family. He is so perfect and such an adorable baby. You think he looks like one parent and then he'll make a face and look identical to the other. I'm so happy for them, they're going to be such wonderful parents and it's been such a blessing being pregnant together. Congrats again!!
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In the picture, I'm wearing this Mossimo Boyfriend Tee in Moxie Peach (I think it's more of a neon coral than peach) from Target. It's so comfortable and is a total staple tee for any girl's closet. This summer they have some great colors out right now.
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In that same Target run I also picked up these beauty products:  e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Coffee (see my review of this HG product here), e.l.f. Essential Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal (definitely similar to the Benefit High Beam, I'm working on a review and comparison to post soon) and Maybelline Baby Lips in Melon Mania (review in progress). I already have the Baby Lips in Peach Kiss and wanted a fun shade for summer.

Before seeing the new bundle of joy, I had lunch and a shopping date with Mandy of In the Fashion Lane. Mandy is such a doll and we have been blog friends for what seems like forever. She's also a great shopping buddy and has the perfect eye for fashion! We went to the Yard House then walked around the mall for a bit.We're total blogger failures because we didn't snap a single pic! We forgot on our last date too! Such a bummer! On our trip I bought these two items from Forever 21:

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It's so hard to buy anything right now at this point in my pregnancy. I need some new items, but I hate to buy something I know I can wear for only 7 weeks or less. This top is perfect for now and will look cute and loose after the bump. In the picture it looks super cropped and square, but it's not that short IRL. It reminded me of this cute pin I found on Pinterest and I had to have it. I can't find the exact color one on their website, but they have a gorgeous neon coral and cream one available here. The head band is super fun and I can't wait to wear it by the pool this summer. They don't have this exact one online, but you can see the super cute wraps they have here.

On a TV update, I've finally rid myself of my 15 at Heart TV shows! When we moved in January, I missed a few weeks of shows and just never bothered to get caught up. So see ya later Pretty Little Liars, Vampire Diaries, and I never got around to finishing the last season of Gossip Girl. To be honest, I don't miss them either! The only things I watch now is The Following, Criminal Minds, Once Upon a Time, Revenge, New Girl, The Mindy Project, Nashville, and Duck Dynasty. What TV shows are your favorite?

Monday, April 22, 2013

Birthday Wishlist

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Matt and my birthdays are just around the corner (ours are only 5 days apart!) so we've been talking about things we want to get and realized how old we are. The majority of our lists are all domestic and hardly any fun (mind you, I left a cupcake pan off this list because I realized that should NOT count as a birthday gift since we both enjoy what comes from it). Here's some of the things I'm wishing for:
MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup
Bowls with Lids (love the size of these Target ones)
Some extra large velcro rollers (Target has a great pack here)
A pair of oversized sunglasses (totally eyeing these TOMS ones)
New clothes! (I'm still in love with these colored jeans, I haven't bought anything yet, but look forward to buying some new items post-bump. I just don't know what size to buy...)