2.26.2017

Tuesday Talk

Happy Tuesday!

Time to play catch up from the weekend and share all the random things going on in my head...

ONE

I only had Grayson at home with me on Friday because Camden went to school (making it up from a day he previously missed) and it was 75 DEGREES out! Since that practically never happens in Ohio in Feb, we went for lots of walks, ate lunch outside, and I got really crazy when I busted out my new fav sandals. It was good for the sick-and-tired-of-winter-and-no-sun soul of mine...


And I know I've said this before but it is truly remarkable how much you can get done with just one child at home. One that isn't mobile. One that doesn't pull things out of the refrigerator the second you turn the corner. But hey...moving on...

TWO


My cousin got me hooked on LipSense. If you haven't heard of it, LipSense is a long wearing lip color that is smudge proof, water proof, and kiss proof and can last 4-18 hours! I was skeptical if it would live up to all the hype, but now I am using it all the time (the color I got is called sheer berry) and it really does not budge! They have so many colors to pick from (and will help you match your skin tone) and you wear it with a shea butter gloss that "locks" the color in and hydrates your lips. If you're interested in trying it - head HERE to my cousin's Facebook page...she can get you hooked up with a gorgeous color and gloss! 


(there are plenty of other colors too-I just love the reds and nudes!) 


THREE

We took the boys to the Bluejackets (NHL) game on Saturday night! Our seats were about 10 rows up from the glass - it was so much fun! Since Billy grew up playing hockey (and still plays and is a ref as well) he really wants the boys to get into the sport (don't ask me how I feel about that-I'm going to be so overprotective, no matter what sport they play!) and was loving having them there!

No one would have even known Grayson was there because he was just as content as could be staring at all the lights. Camden loved watching it...he was clapping and really into it! However...he was NOT a fan of the loud canon that goes off when they score. He pretty much clung to us for dear life whenever it happened. After a chicken tender basket to keep the toddler happy, we left a little early to beat the traffic and any meltdowns that might have followed so it was definitely a success!



FOUR

Completely obsessed with this mascara primer. If you want longer and fuller lashes this will be your new go-to! I use it every morning!





FIVE

Big week this week...it's Billy's birthday on Friday (!!) and me and a few girlfriends are hosting a baby shower for our friend Rachel!

 I need your help because I'm in need of a REALLY good cake recipe, but it has to be easy since I'm not the best baker. Bonus points if it can be easy but yet somehow still impress Billy at the same time. If you have one that you think I could tackle, please send my way!


Lastly, if you have been wanting to try Target's monthly beauty boxes-March' is available to order online now! I have loved every box I've got (and for $8 you really can't go wrong!) and share these monthly on my snapchat (@katiewkrysh.)

Now it's time to take the kids to the doctors so that both of them can get shots...pray for me.


2.22.2017

5 Things I've Done To Get Healthier Hair


In high school and college, I did so much damage to my hair that it's kind of embarrassing to look back at pictures of it! It was so dry, over-colored, and no matter what I tried I could never get it to grow past a certain point. As of the past two years my hair has totally changed for the better and I've gotten a bunch of questions from friends + readers about what gave me the most improvement, or what I've done differently!

Here's how I made my hair healthy again and some of my must-have products...

1) CUT BACK ON WASHING & DRYING IT

Dry shampoo really is your BFF (my favorite is this one-less than $5) I try not to wash my hair more than twice per week. Typically my hair looks it's best on day 2, so if we're going out for date night or I know I'm heading to dinner with a girlfriend I will plan at the beginning of the week to wash it the night prior. Ever since I started cutting back on washing and drying my hair I noticed how much healthier the ends were and how much more it grew in length!

And if you can help it, set down the blow dryer and let your hair air dry.

2) USE A WET BRUSH

This brush is the only brush I ever use on my hair when it's wet OR dry. I can't express enough how much I love it - just buy it if you haven't tried it yet! Also, when I blow dry my hair I mainly just use my fingers.

3) TAKE PRENATAL VITAMINS OR BIOTIN

I have to give credit to these bad boys for strengthening my hair and getting it to grow several inches! It has so much more body and length to it, and my nails grow super quickly too.

4) DON'T COLOR IT SO MUCH!

I do get partial highlights every so often, but I really try to limit it.

5) USE COCONUT OIL FOR A DEEP-CONDITIONING HAIR TREATMENT

Typically I comb some through my hair (from about my ear to the ends) at night before I go to bed and wash it out in the morning. DO NOT use too much because I've found even after washing it that if I do my hair will be a little greasy.


FAV PRODUCTS: dry texturizing spray (seriously the BEST! I use when curling my hair for more volume) // paul mitchell hair straightener (heats up in like 60 seconds!) // T3 curling iron // moroccan oil // It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In (have used this for years and always buy more when it runs out!)

2.20.2017

Loving/What I've Purchased Lately

I'm so happy to be back blogging and catching up with you guys! It feels weird to take a week off and TRUST ME...I wish I had some cool, really exciting reason why.

We've just been dealing with back to back sicknesses (told you-boring) in our house and since I've (somehow) been the only one who has been healthy for the past 11 days I've just been running around with a bottle of Lysol in one hand and a kid, or both, in the other, while also trying to keep my husband quarantined in a room and keep my sanity at the same time. WOOF!

Moving on to happier topics... I've found and bought (a few are currently sitting in my cart) some pretty amazing things lately. I've been kind of on a spring buying kick lately because the weather is getting warmer here and there are so many great sales happening right now! 

+First up are the best pair of white jeans that I've owned. I've seen a few other bloggers rave about these (only $59!) so I bit the bullet and I'm so glad I did. They have the raw hem at the bottom and are NOT see-through. They are so cute on! (buy a size down as they run big) 




+I regretted not buying a good pair of espadrille's last spring/summer so I knew I wanted them to be one of the first things I splurged on this year. Because I know I'll be wearing them so much when out and about with the boys, I decided to spend a little bit more than I normally would on these Tory Burch Color-Block pair. I'm kind of obsessed with them and the cap toe, so don't be surprised if you see me in these everyday on my snapchat... (order a size up if you're in between sizes)



+For the kids we recently got a double BOB stroller. We had been using a tandem this whole time, but it kind of made us realize how much we prefer the side-by-side style. We think it's just easier to maneuver overall (it does fit inside our malls doors-I always wondered about that) and honestly it's not much heavier/wider than our single BOB stroller! Plus, you just can't beat the BOB when it comes to how smooth it rides and how nice it is to push. Also, Camden loves that he gets to sit next to Grayson and is always holding his hand! I think it was the right move for sure! 

(we bought ours used but it's same style)


+This cold shoulder floral sweatshirt and this gingham shirt are favorites of mine for spring!



+Target has been KILLING it lately (per usual though) in the shoe department - you need these sandals and these adorable heels in your life. Oh and did you see the Sugarfix for Bauble Bar line they carry now?! Love all the tassel earrings!






+This has nothing to do with spending all my monies, but definitely fits under the loving category so I'm sharing. Apple Cider Vinegar! As awful as it is - drink it you guys! But just not straight...yuck. Make this little concoction below in the morning or before bed...

 (I also like to add some lemon too)

 I've been talking about it on my snapchat (@katiewkrysh) the past few weeks and honestly, I totally attribute it to why I didn't get the stomach virus everyone else in my family got AND I've had so much less bloating + more energy lately because of it. It does taste super awful the first time you drink it, but you do get used to it. Now I don't even really mind it so I plan to keep drinking it once per day...



Alright - happy Monday ladies! 

2.09.2017

You Don't Want To Miss This


+For my local gals-you must head over to Chop5 (over at Polaris) for a healthy, delicious lunch or dinner. Think build your own salad or bowl. Seriously my fav!

+Add a cold shoulder top to your wardrobe this spring. I love this ruffled one (more colors available) 


+The cutest slip on shoes - these are perfect for spring and great for busy moms because they work well with so many different outfits. Really wanting to treat myself to them! 

+An adorable quick and easy Valentine's Day craft for babies + toddlers! (Crafts these days in our household MUST be quick and easy...)



+Need a new phone case? This one is my pick (I've owned 3 or 4 cases by this brand and I've always got so much use out of them) 

+How do you guys feel about this style of Ray Bans? They seem to be making their rounds as the popular style now. I am obsessed with the color of them, but not so sure I could pull off the look? What do you think? Would you rock them?

+ALL the heart eyes for this crossbody bag...

 +Looking for a cute coverup for an upcoming vacation? You can't beat this stripe caftan from ASOS! ($32)


Happy Friday Eve! 


2.06.2017

Weekend Happenings

Monday is here and I can't be more serious when I say that I'm really excited about it...

You won't believe it {as I'm knocking on wood over here} but everyone in our house is back to being healthy again, so I feel like a BRAND NEW WOMAN! If you missed it (see also I forgot to share), I went to the doctors last week and found out that I had bronchitis. Not that shocking since Grayson has been getting over RSV (he's pretty much over it now-thank God!), but still a big bummer when you're trying to parent two kids and feel like a semi-normal human being yourself. So yes, I'm thrilled it's a brand new week and that we're one week closer to spring!

Here's some happenings from our weekend // Just some fun things I wanted to share:
 

Billy got me this necklace as an early Valentine's Day gift. It's from Urban Sparrow Designs (not sponsored at all) and I really love it because not only does it have the boys' initials but also a paw print disc for Rocky. I have been wanting a disc necklace (vs the bars) for a while, so safe to say this is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry!


 Saturday night I went solo shopping to Target (#momsgonewild) to get some Valentine's Day things for the boys. When I got home and laid it all out I realized just how random of the crap that ended up in my cart actually was. And this picture isn't even including the chocolate covered strawberry Oreos that also came home with me...
 
 
But hey, at least I got those self-tanning wipes for 20% off (thanks Cartwheel! and yes, I do actually love them-they are so easy to apply and don't turn me orange) I typically like to just do little craft items, new books, and just 1 or 2 little pieces of candy or fruit snacks for the kids Valentine's Day baskets!

I've been sticking well to my plan of cutting back on caffeine. I've had it 2-3 times max in the past 3 weeks. I STOPPED craving it and feel worlds better, but still like to treat myself once a week just because.


 Camden looking adorable playing with his lego's...he's obsessed with that plane right now!
 and don't worry, we do actually have heat in our house but he wanted to wear his hat and since he looked so cute in it I had to snap some pictures.

 This mascara...

Also, let's talk meal planning. Does anyone prepare a big batch of dinners (3-4) on Sunday's to use for the week? I'm thinking about trying it. Yesterday I made these egg muffins to have on hand for the week for breakfast, these no-bake energy balls for snacks, and made a big batch of chicken noodle soup. Now I'm feeling inspired to make even more dishes (like dinners) as well on Sunday's. If you do, what are your favorite dinners to make in advance? Share them with me!


Not pictured but just as fun was a play date the boys had at our friends house! It was also my stepmom's birthday yesterday so we went over and celebrated that with her and she gave Camden a very {much needed} haircut! Oh, and I have to admit we turned off the Superbowl game early. I did watch Gaga's performance though, and of course LOVED it. Thought she looked and sounded amazing!

 Now let's cross our fingers our house remains healthy until like...summer. At least. :)

2.01.2017

The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

Valentines Day Gifts


Happy February everyone!

Can you believe Valentine's Day is only 2 weeks away? We don't have any specific plans yet, but I'm hoping we will be able to make it out just for dinner the two of us. We all have been so sick that I don't even mind just staying in, but I pray by that point we're all better. And if not...send help. Lots of help. :)

These beauties are my current Valentine's Day cravings...SO many favorites here!

Sole Society Giada Tote (only $65!) : This tote is my favorite pick out of the group. I love the structured look and the braided handle. Also comes in a gorgeous slate color!

DKNY Jersey Pajamas (on sale for $40-all sizes available)

Fresh Lemon Bath Cubes

'She Believed She Could' Cuff ($35!)

IT Cosmetics Ombre Radiance Blush: Looking for a flushed glow? Read this reviews on this bad boy! It's a blush and highlighter in one and is one of my favorite blushes that I've tried.

Jade Heart Necklace 

Tassel Drop Earrings (so many colors to pick from)

Vitality Lip Flush Hydrating Lip Gloss: This gloss is seriously the best!

Nashelle Initial Disc Necklace: Love love love this necklace! Lately I'm loving the disc style over the bar.

Vitality Flush Stain Stick Lip and Cheek Reviver

Sole Soceity Mason Travel Satchel: Such a cute travel bag! It has a bottom zippered section for shoes or other separates - GENIUS!