Best Products For Growing Your Hair!

Maui Moisture Strength & Anti-Breakage Agave Shampoo

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (you can mix this in any hot or cold beverage twice per day)

Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

Biotin (5,000mcg)

Evening Primrose Oil

Not Your Mother's Way To Grow Leave-In Conditioner

It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In (a tried and true favorite for years now)

Hi friends! As of this past month, thanks to my lovely thyroid medication I switched to recently, I've suffered from extreme hair breakage, loss, and thinning. 😰 I have always had really thick hair and never had any real hair loss issues (except for the random regrowth postpartum), so as you can imagine I was literally shocked when I looked in the mirror one night and realized about half my head of hair was gone and there's breakage happening all over. I may have shed a few (or a lot) of tears.

After speaking with my doctor and trying to make a plan of action with him-I got online, asked friends (and you all!), and read a ton of different reviews on different products/supplements to help, and landed on all of these ones as some of the best.

In the past few weeks (almost a month now) I've been using them, my hair feels a lot stronger and I haven't seen as much breakage happening. All of these products come highly recommended and ones that I've been using everyday/every few days to help! I think my favorite product being the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides...but the Way To Grow Leave-In is my second fav find.

If you've suffered from hair loss before, what helped you?! I'm praying mine resolves as quickly as it can.

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer

OH MY WORD!

Girls, have you heard of the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer? I am dedicating a whole post to this beauty (lol) because I have fallen in love and promised you all on instagram a review once I tried it.

This is what I've noticed/like about it when I compare it to other hair dryers:

-uses less heat (= less damage)

-my hair turns out much shinier 

-cuts down the drying time (took me about 6-7 minutes to do my whole head)

-looks like you just left the salon!

-less frizz so I don't have to use a straightener as often/as much

It's really easy to use-I just separate my hair into sections first then blow dry each one. And I like that if you want more volume, you can just hold it under your hair close to the roots.

I can't say how well the item is made or how long it'll last since I just got it, but I think it's worth a shot since it's not too expensive and has other amazing reviews on Amazon. 

Basically what I'm trying to say is: If you have $60 to spend, BUY IT. (+free shipping too!)

*PS, this is not sponsored in any way, just sharing my love for it!

SEPHORA SPRING BONUS EVENT

Happy Friday it is! 

Staring today until the 23rd all Sephora VIB and Beauty Insider members will be able to get up to 15% off sitewide!! If you aren't a beauty insider yet, it's completely free and you can just sign up directly from the website. Pretty much all of my favorite makeup is included in this sale - click on the images below to shop! 

Valentine's Day Gifts

iPhone Case

Amour Graphic Tee (I would size up if you're in between sizes! Such a cute top for spring!)

Silk Pillowcase (I keep hearing the best things about these) 

Multi-Miracle Glow Mask (for the softest skin ever!!! totally worth the price!) 

David Yurman Ring (I wear this ring everyday) 

Mom Coffee Mug 

Sandals (how cute are these!) 

Arrow Bookends (thinking about buying these for our office!) 

All these things are pretty sweet, but you know what I love the most?! I'm going to be an Aunt! 

Billy's brother, Kevin, and his wife, Katie, are having a baby and are due in July!!! (2 days before Grayson's birthday actually!) We could NOT be more excited/happy/thrilled for them, and of course for the boys to have a sweet cousin to grow up with. 

It's a happy Thursday over here! 

PS-Check out my instagram for an update on our kitchen cabinets :) 

BEAUTY + SKINCARE FAVORITES

Hey friends! Thank you all so much for the love towards our new pup Kona! She is a great puppy - pretty chill but playful too. She does well in her crate + is only whining to go potty once in the middle of the night. She loves to cuddle with me up on the couch while the boys are napping, which of course I love. We are having so much fun with her!

A few months ago I tried a whole bunch of new products from It Cosmetics. I tried them all and wanted to share the ones I feel are the best, and that I have been consistently using. All of these that I'm featuring are now included in my daily beauty routine - I can't even pick a favorite because they're all so good.

SKINCARE //

MIRACLE WATER 3-IN-1 GLOW TONIC: I use this after cleansing and it makes my skin super refreshed. I also like to use it after a workout. It's formulated with Secret Sauce™ fermented complex: seven key fermented ingredients that work to increase absorbency and maximize the efficacy of your moisturizers and serums.

CONFIDENCE IN A CLEASER: I use this twice per day, morning and evening, and love how it removes all of my makeup and how clean and soft my face feels afterwards.

SECRET SAUCE CLINICALLY ADVANCED ANTI-AGING MOISTURIZER: Keeps my skin super hydrated without being oily. My pores seem smaller and it helps with dryness and dullness. A little goes a long way!

BEAUTY //

CC AIRBRUSH PERFECTING POWDER: You can use this as a foundation powder or a finishing powder! It offers sheer to full coverage with anti aging peptides, collagen, and antioxidants. This is a Fan Fave at Ulta!

BYE BYE LINES FOUNDATION: Perfect for all skin types, Bye Bye Lines Foundation starts its life as your hydrating anti-aging serum, and is infused with pure color pigments to seamlessly conceal the look of lines and wrinkles to give you instant complexion perfection! I notice after using it my skin looks healthier and smooth.

PERFECT LIGHTING RADIANT TOUCH MAGIC WAND: I ALWAYS use this around my eyes to open them up and highlight - it does not settle in lines or wrinkes and does not get cakey! It improves the appearance of shadows and imperfections while giving a pretty natural glow.

BYE BYE UNDER EYE CONCEALING POT: Covers those dark circles - just make sure to blend it well. I like to just pat it under my eyes and I always use a moisturizer first! If you've used the bye bye under eye in the black tube this is not as thick of a consistency.

Give them a try and let me know what you think!

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.

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!)

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! 

The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

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!

Splurge Worthy Holiday Gifts For Her

Barbour Coat (on sale) // It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Cream // Stila Lip Set // Tory Burch Leather Crossbody Wallet (love this gray color) // Pajama Set (other colors available) // Patagonia Pullover (need this-love the cream too) // Nike Juvenate Sneaker (this is the pair I'm always wearing on my snapchat that I get so many questions about!) // Tory Burch Link Tote (carry everything in this) // Oribe Gold Lust Set // UGG Dakota Slippers // It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Serum // Sequin Sweater (gorgeous) // neuLash Lash Enhancing Serum (top of my list) // Lululemon High Times Pant (couldn't live without these!) // UGG Fleece Robe (so warm and cozy)

This is my second to last gift guide I will be featuring on my blog! Next week I will have my favorite picks for men and that'll be it, but if you have any requests please let me know! And if you missed my gifts for her under $50 you can see that here.

These are the items you ask your husbands for ladies (or maybe treat yourself to?) because they will surely be the favorite under the tree! Whether it's a new coat (this Barbour coat is on sale and is my new favorite brand), running shoe, purse, or pajama set you will definitely get your use out of them. 

To highlight my favorites: I recently splurged on the Oribe texturizing spray after JoJo raved about it and I'm obsessed. It's like a dry shampoo/volume booster in one. I use it every time I curl my hair, and the gift set is a great deal! These Lululemon pants I ask for every year because they keep me warm and are so flattering because they are high waisted and suck you in! The It Cosmetics anti-aging serum I've been using with this eye cream for the past few months and I will be re-purchasing once my bottles are up. I am picky about eye creams and this one I have no complaints about and has gotten a ton of beauty awards. Lastly, the Patagonia pullover is something I would wear on the daily just running errands and going places with the kids!

Happy Thursday!

Gifts For Her Under $50

Happy day before Thanksgiving, you guys!

Black Friday is typically when I like to get started on my holiday shopping, just because I can't pass up all the sales. I look forward to posting these gift guides every year and have so much fun putting them together! Most of these items I featured today are marked down a ton and are such good deals!

I just bought a beanie that looks identical to this one, and I've gotten so many compliments on it already. I know it'll be a staple for me this winter. That scarf is cashmere (comes in other colors!) and is 50% OFF! The Fresh Sugar Lip Set is an awesome deal and would be a great stocking stuffer or for your girlfriends! I can't go a day without using it - it has the prettiest tint. Lastly, I'm obsessed with those adorable plaid flannel pajama pants.

Here are all the links:
Fresh Sugar Lip Set (my fave chapstick ever-has such a pretty tint)
 Knit Beanie with PomPom (I just bought one identical to this and it is going to be a staple this winter...this one is only $19 and comes in black too)
 Cashmere Scarf 
 Estee Lauder DayWear Starter Set
 Wine Not Phone Case (Because WINE! I just bought this, are you surprised?)
 Echo Touch Tech Gloves (only $29)
 Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace 
Bauble Bar Tassel Earrings (many colors-perfect for holiday parties)
 Kendra Scott Tessa Earrings (LOVE!)
 Zella Live-In Leggings (you better run to purchase these-they're the best and on sale right now for $37!)
  Make + Model Plaid Flannel Lounge Pants 
 Tweezerman Rose Gold Love Story Set
 Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Travel Spray 
Hunter Cable Knit Knee High Socks (so cute!)
Levtex Stripe Monogram Throw 
Sigma Eyes On The Go Brush Set
Swell Birch Wood Stainless Steel Water Bottle (NEED!)
 BP Stripe Foldover Clutch (only $25 and multiple colors)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families! I will have another gift guide up soon, including one for kids! If you have any requests, please let me know so I can include them!

Repairing My Tooth Sensitivity With Sensodyne® ($100 GIFT CARD!)

Raise your hand if you've had sensitive teeth over the years and you've just tried to live with the problem? Yep, that's me and I'm sure some of you, too.

Because really, who likes going to the dentist? Other than my routine appointments, I typically try to avoid going at all costs. Unfortunately though, I've suffered with sensitive teeth for years. I am no stranger to the uncomfortable sensitive sensation I get after a scoop of ice cream or sip from a cold drink.  If you suffer from tooth sensitivity too, you know it's not fun at all. 

As of this past year, I've been using Sensodyne® Repair & Protect toothpaste and it’s provided me with so much relief. Sensodyne® is the #1 dentist recommended brand for sensitive teeth, and it also provides all the benefits of a daily toothpaste so you really can't go wrong! When brushing with it twice a day every day, I've found that my sensitivity issues are much more manageable or gone all together.

One of the reasons why Sensodyne® works so well is because the active ingredient (stannous fluoride) forms a reparative layer over the sensitive areas of the teeth, with twice daily brushing. Using Sensodyne® Repair & Protect is such a simple change in your oral care routine that it's really silly to just try to live with the tooth sensitivity pain. Take care of yourself, and your teeth, and give it a try if you haven't already! You'll be happy the next time you have that ice cream craving!

GIVEAWAY (WOULD BE GREAT TO PUT TOWARDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!) >> Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/2016-12/31/2016
Be sure to visit the Sensodyne® brand page on SheKnowsMedia.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Sensodyne® or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Connect with Sensodyne® on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Currently...Texas Edition!

Time to play a little catch up...

Watching: Obviously this was a big week because of the election. I'm not going to get into my thoughts and opinion on it (there is way too much of that going on on Facebook), but I will say that this is the first election that I've been able to vote in that really shocked me and had me sucked in. I can't believe how many votes it came down to in some states! It's so important that we all come together and be unified right now, regardless of who you voted for. When it comes down to it, we all care because we want what's best for the country.

And on an not as important side note, I have to say I'm pretty happy Pump Rules is back. Who watched? This season is going to be GOOD. I could do without James and LaLa, though. Eye rolls.

Traveling To: Texas! As in, I will be there bright and early tomorrow until Tuesday to visit Steph! I'm taking Camden with me (Billy doesn't have vacation time left so he's staying home with Grayson), so that him and Paisley can finally meet and we can absurdly plan their future wedding. We have tried planning this trip many times but because of our schedules, one of us being too pregnant or having a baby, it's been hard so this visit is way overdue. I can't wait to see them, but I'm also a little sad/nervous because it's my first time leaving Grayson. I am crossing my fingers that Cam will do well on the flights (we have a connection-woof) since it'll be just me and I won't have Billy for backup, ha! (Pray for me, you know how toddlers can be so unpredictable!)

Craving: TEX-MEX...BBQ...ALL OF IT! I'm going to eat like a mad woman this weekend. There's no dieting when on vacay. 

Loving: (1) This list of holiday must-have beauty favorites. I've been using this Perfect Complexion palette (pictured below) and love that it has a bunch of my favorite products in one. This palette has a bronzer, highlighter, blush, and their award-winning Bye Bye Pores powder (one of my all time faves.) I also switched to using this All That Glitters brush set and they are definitely my go-to brushes now. My makeup goes on evenly and smoothly, plus they are just so pretty. I rave about It Cosmetics often, but it's because I truly love almost every product I've tried from them...

(2) I've gotten a lot of questions about my over the knee boots that were pictured recently on my snapchat and instagram. They are sold out (for good reason-I'm obsessed) but these are similar in black and I also love these brown suede ones (still some sizes left!) and these ones. 

This pair aren't over the knee, but they are on sale and super cute...

Jessica Simpson Tandra Bootie 

Wondering: When it's acceptable to put our Christmas tree up? Oh wait...it would probably help if we had a tree! I decided to take back the one I bought last year because I didn't love it, so we're in the market for a new one. And fast because sister wants to get it up! I'm really feeling the itch to decorate early this year. Any suggestions on where to get the best trees?

Thankful For: Billy recently bought me a beautiful necklace with a Pomeranian charm on it, and had Rocky's name engraved on it. I thought it was so sweet he picked it out on his own. Gotta love him.

Thinking About: How no post is as cute if my babies aren't pictured, so...

There. Much better :)

Can't wait to do a recap of our trip next week! Have a great day, friends!

Take Care of Your Skin with Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ {+Giveaway!}

Happy Monday! I really hate to say this but my skin has definitely suffered after being pregnant for nearly two years in a row. With both pregnancies I failed to properly take care of it (out of pure laziness) and I was unable to use some products in my cabinet that I was used to using due to the ingredients. Now, I'm left with an uneven skin tone and some pesky melasma spots that I knew had to be my focus once I had Grayson. I wanted to make it a priority to myself to get my skin in tip-top condition again.

For the past month I've been using two products to help brighten my skin and make it look healthier. I didn't have success with the first one (Neutrogena's Visibly Even Moisturizer), but I did want to share the one I'm still using and finding the best results with, which is Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.

Garnier SkinActive® is a brand that I've used for years and I've loved many of their products so I was excited to try this. I've been using this moisturizer every morning and within a week I noticed a difference in my skin. It claims to even out tone and texture for brighter, smoother skin and it did just that. My skin has felt so much more hydrayed. healthier, and it's oil-free formula so I don't have to worry about breaking out. My melasma and dark spots are fading away so I know that by continuing to use this product these trouble areas will look even better. Another reason why I love this moisturizer is because it has antioxidant Vitamin C in it, which is so beneficial for your skin.

For a mom that has very little time to take care of herself, using this product has been simple enough to give me results I want without breaking the bank. Highly, highly recommend you give it a try if you've been neglecting your skin like me!

You can find this moisturizer at Target, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, Rite Aid, etc! Head on over to Garnier SkinActive®'s website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and Google+ to learn more about their products.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, tell me: what is one step in your beauty regimen that you never skip? Your comment will enter you to win!

Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/26/2016– 10/22/2016
Be sure to visit the SkinActive Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Loving Lately

Warning: this post is all over the place. Just kinda wanted to update you guys, share some things I'm loving, and ramble on and on just because well, this is my place to do just that, right? Right.

Happy almost Friday! I'm sorry I've still been a little MIA lately...things are still going well over here - Grayson is proving to be one of the sweetest, relaxed babies out there and he is the perfect addition to our family! We love him so much. It's been a huge relief to us that he doesn't have the same breathing issue or reflux that Camden had when he was a baby. He is, however, looking more and more like his big bro every single day, he's just a little chunkier!

Right now I'm just trying to find my new normal/routine with 2 kids (which I'm sure you can imagine is a little crazy in the beginning), but honestly I can't complain. The transition has been a lot smoother than I anticipated. The evenings are normally when I get some free time to myself and I keep saying I'm going to crank out a blog post, but then I look over at Grayson and his sweet little snuggles are just too good to pass up. He's already 3 weeks old - the time is just flying! I know I'll find a balance soon where my blog won't be neglected, so please don't leave me just yet. :)

So what else is going on? Well, Wednesday's and Thursday's seem to be the least chaotic days in my life right now because Camden is still going to his nanny's on these days, which gives me the one-on-one time with Grayson that I really crave and also gives me time to get things done! Yesterday I felt like a million bucks because I went shopping for 3 hours, paid bills, cleaned the house, took Rocky to get his haircut (I did forget about his appointment but when they called me I rushed him over, lol!), cooked dinner, and managed to relax a bit. Say whatttt?! I'm not sure how many times this will happen, so yes, totally documenting it.

On the days that I have both boys, my goal is simply to keep them both happy (ahem-minimal meltdowns I should say), alive, and make myself look semi-presentable by the time Billy gets home. And hey, we're doing pretty damn good I think! Getting out of the house at least once per day seems to be the key to keeping us all sane...especially Camden. Oh, and another key to my sanity has been to simply forget perfection. I tend to be really hard on myself and always want things to go smoothly, but the biggest lesson I've learned these past three weeks is to cut myself some slack and realize that our days WILL NOT be perfect right off the bat. Grayson might nap on the go a little more than I'd like (or even skip a nap)...Cam might watch one too many episodes of Mickey Mouse when I feed the baby...the dishes might pile up in the sink...and that's OK! This transition period won't last forever and we'll soon have our "groove" down.

Moving on...I wanted to keep it simple and share some favorites/things going on lately! 

+Our SIX year anniversary is next weekend, but we're actually celebrating this Saturday because Billy's brother is getting married next weekend! We will share an anniversary weekend :) My parents are babysitting our boys so that we can go out to dinner. We're going to Eddie Merlots which is also where we had our rehearsal dinner so it's a favorite of ours! I'm pretty stoked about it. Now what do I get Billy? #HELP!

+Essie's Gel Couture nail polish collection! The top coat and colors are legit people. You've got to try them (you can shop them here.) 

the middle red shade is my favorite (called "Rock the Runway"), that dark blue shade ("Caviar Bar") will be perfect for fall! 

+Speaking of Billy's brothers wedding...it's going to be insane. I'll have a 19 month old (who is the ring bearer!) and a 1 month old to take care of in a different city so I'm a little nervous how it'll all play out, but luckily my parents will be there to help me out since Billy is in the wedding. Thank heavens for grandparents! Also, since I will be just one month postpartum I decided to try rent the runway for the first time (since they will send you two different sizes) so I'm crossing my fingers the dresses I ordered will work. 

+Bachelor in Paradise. So bad you just can't look away!

+The fact that I can drink wine and Corona Light again. Amen. 

+Moments like this. Camden is constantly showing Grayson his toys and trying to share them with him. Melt my freaking heart, I'm so excited to watch them grow up together!

+I'm planning a trip to visit Steph in Texas. Finally! More details soon. :) 

Alright, that's enough from me today. I have a bunch of posts I'm currently working on (including a few giveaways) so be on the lookout! Also, would anyone be interested in a "day in the life of" post with the kids schedules and such? I know I like reading them from other bloggers, so maybe I'll do one? 

Have a good day, friends!

These Are My Confessions...

I confess...that I tried to go shopping for things post delivery (aka things in my normal size) and it was one of the worst ideas I think I've ever had. It was actually very depressing and had me cursing in the dressing room because I got stuck in a shirt (lol), so then I ended up in the shoe section (you know-after I got out of said shirt) which made me feel a little better since I got a really cute pair of sandals. Thanks to the shoe section for redeeming the evening...somewhat.

I confess...I'm not proud of the amount of caffeine I've been drinking lately. Absolutely essential to survive these last few weeks of pregnancy with a toddler at home.

I confess...this Lush knit tee is one of my favorites to wear with boyfriend jeans and is marked down to $19 right now (with all sizes left-hurry up!)

I confess...I'm itching to go on vacation. Probably not the best time to have this itch since I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT! #wahwahwah. 

I confess...FGL's "Holy" is on repeat in my car these days.

I confess...I've found two holy grail skincare products that have done wonders for my skin, and make me feel like I just had an amazing trip to the spa. I snapchatted about them about a month ago, but had to share here too. Honestly, they are better than any other skincare product I've tried over the years (just read the reviews for them!) I will happily pay for these products time and time again in the future because they are worth every penny. The first is Colleen Rothchild's Radiant Cleansing Balm (you can buy it here too), which is a MUST try/buy. It dissolves all eye/face makeup (even mascara) and leaves my skin so smooth and hydrated. You rub it together in your hands which warms the products and massage it all over your face. Then you place the muslin cloth that comes with it over your skin for a mini facial and wipe off the balm. Obsessed! I even used it on Billy because I was raving about it so much.

The second is the Extreme Recovery Cream (can also buy here) that I like to use in both the morning and night. This cream fights fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin tone and texture. My skin just absorbs this cream and looks so much better when I use it. Both of these products have a spa like fragrance and feeling to them, and you get a lot of product so don't be put off by the prices. If you've never listened to me rave about skincare before, now is the time because you'll soon be hooked like me if you try them!

I confess...I truly believe I won the husband lottery. Billy normally doesn't get home from work until around 6:30 at night and the second he walks through the door he drops his laptop bag and plays with Cam, and asks what I need help with. He has been BUSTING his butt around the house daily, picking up my slack, and doing all the crazy things I ask him to do. I love him so much (and don't say it enough on here.)

I confess...these running shoes and these booties (the perfect color-I want these so bad! only $60) are everything. Get yourself a pair.

I confess...Camden has started saying please and it is the cutest thing I've ever heard. He also loves to hold our hands now, which I'm sure won't last long, and makes the cutest face when he sticks his hand out to us. My favorite is when he wants to hold both me and Billy's hands when he goes upstairs to bed...so precious. He's something else.

I confess...my Dad offered to babysit Cam on Saturday so we will get another date night. Hooray for one last dinner out and a movie before baby #2 comes!

I confess...I really want a Ford Explorer for my next car....I LOVE them! I'm trying to talk Billy into getting one sooner rather than later but am failing because I don't have a car payment now so it's proving to be difficult to get him on board. Who has one and wants to give me some great reasons why we need one so I can try to convince him? 

What do you confess? Tell me one confession in the comments!!

Confessions

Happy hump day friends!

The beginning of this week is already over (what?!) and we just had two nights of the Bachelorette.... HUGE yay on both accounts.

This past weekend in Cleveland was a great time! My soon to be sister-in-law's shower was beautiful, we had fun visiting with family, and me and Billy even got a date night downtown while Billy's parents babysat Camden. We went to a restaurant called the Chocolate Bar and they had seriously the best looking martini's I've ever seen. Of course I had to pass on getting one but don't worry, I wasn't about to miss a chance to indulge so I got this huge sundae for dessert (and will def be going back once baby is born!) which totally made up for missing that martini and then some...

Today...recent confessions because well, there's a lot of randomness brewing in my head that I'm gonna throw at you and I kinda love posts like this. Thank God I have this blog otherwise I have no idea where I would put all these life shattering thoughts. I mean, the horror! :)

I confess...as of the past week/week and a half I found out baby is extremely low (and head down) which is causing me so much discomfort/pressure. I'm talking sometimes it hurts to even stand for long periods of time. Camden never felt this low, so this is all new to me and is taking some adjusting to! I hate that I can't do as much, but I'm slowly learning to give myself more breaks and to not be so hard on myself.

I confess...there is a new CostCo opening about two miles from my work, which may or may be dangerous for our bank account. For all of my local readers, the new location is in Dublin and is opening in August! New Executive Members will receive a $20 Costco Cash Card and $55 in coupons and new Gold Star and Business Members will receive a $10 Costco Cash Card! Before having a kid (soon to be kids), I never really felt the need to buy in bulk all that often but it is just so much easier to shop for certain things in bulk when you have little ones. Less trips to the store keeps me sane, I'm tellin' ya. These are 3 things from Cost Co that are my faves...random, but GOOD buys. Camden loves loves loves peanut butter on pretty much anything, and this is by far my favorite to buy because the ingredients is just peanuts and it's super yummy.

(all 3 products are from their Kirkland signature brand)

I confess...I'm in loovee (insert heart eyes emoji) with the apple watch and am already so happy with it. Full review will be posted tomorrow!

I confess...that I don't understand people who can say they wish the boy or mother died, instead of Harambe. I love animals just as much as the next person, but it's just wrong. I also don't understand why people don't agree that the zoo made the right decision. They are the professionals and the ones who knew the gorilla best. I just wonder if that was their son down there, would they really be speaking the same tune? I don't think so.

I confess...I've already started to pack my hospital bag. I'm kinda paranoid about going into labor early and having nothing prepared. When I have some free time during the day I'll just casually start throwing things in it that I know I'll need, so it's not like it's completely packed but hey it's a start! I'm trying to limit the amount of full sized toiletries I'll need (let's be serious-not many will be even used) so the mini sizes of my favorite products are where it's at...

(it cosmetics cc cream, I wear the medium shade // superhero mascara)

I confess...I don't see the appeal in Jordan (from the Bachelorette) Maybe I will start to see it soon because clearly JoJo is smitten and I def trust the girl. She's the best, isn't she? I love watching her! Anyway, Chase and Derek both completely won me over this week.

I confess...configuring two carseats in my backseat has me all kinds of confused. Do I want Camden behind the drivers side or on the passenger side? Who will I load into the car first? Who will I load out of the car first? #SENDHELP (any tips from experienced mamas out there?)

I confess...that I'll pull all the weeds in our yard and then not bag them up or clear them from our grass, so they just sit there for multiple days on end. I don't know why, but I literally do it almost every single time.

I confess...you all need to try StriVectin's new Ultimate Restore hair care line. I've been using their shampoo and conditioner for the past weeks which I love, but my favorite product is the deep repair mask. My hair feels healthier each time I use it and it's sulfate free and safe to use on color treated hair.

Also, the WET BRUSH. If you haven't bought one of these bad boys yet, run to Target and purchase stat. It's actually the only brush I use and I just bought one for Cam! The best.

I confess...I've got nothing else.

What do you confess this week? Can you relate to any of my confessions? 

Confessions

Happy Monday you guys! 

How was your weekend? Billy just got back yesterday from New Orleans! He was there with a big group of friends and family for his brothers bachelor party. We missed him and are so happy he made it home safely!

How about some good ole confessions today? Here we go:

I confess...that the playlist that I listen to the most on my phone is actually my labor playlist (that's the exact name too...very creative of me) that I made for Camden's birth. I didn't even use it the day I was in labor with him, but heck it still lives on in my phone and gets played often now. Maybe I will use it for baby #2? That's up in the air.

I confess...that baby brother got some amazing gifts yesterday at my sprinkle that my girlfriends hosted for us! Feeling so loved and thankful for having a great group of girlfriends! Will share more about it tomorrow!

I confess...I can't stand when things need to be done at home but aren't done right away. Billy always says when I ask him to do something that I needed it done 20 minutes ago and it's so true. I lack patience and being pregnant does not help this at all. For example, we are currently living with an unfinished deck. It just needs to be stained but Billy wants to wait a month so that the boards can get weathered before staining it, which is the right call, but it's driving me absolutely bonkers staring at it like it is. I JUST WANT IT DONE RIGHT THIS INSTANT!

I confess...these are my most worn pair of sandals (under $50!) Check out that gold pair!

I confess...I get really defensive/sad when I hear people say they would rather have a girl than a boy, which is kind of hypocritical of me because at first (before we found out Cam was a boy) I thought I wanted a girl. But now that I have a boy(s), I'm kind of sensitive about it because boys are SO.SO.SO awesome and amazing and just the greatest ever. I think when some think of boys their first thought is messy, dirty, rough and that just does not accurately describe what it's like to have a son at all. It's so much more and it is crazy fun. 

I confess...If it weren't for the reminders that pop up in the phone I wouldn't remember when my OB appointments are. That is just the truth...is this where the "second child problems" can be used accurately?

I confess...I want this scarf. So cute! (comes in 3 other awesome colors and is 40% off right now, use code 'stars)

I confess...Aside from leaving friends and family, you wouldn't have to twist my arm to move to Florida. Or anywhere else that has warm weather for more than 3 months a year for that matter (#bitterpartyof1)

I confess...before Billy left for New Orleans, I gave him an ear-full about being safe, not walking alone, always being cautious...going on and on telling him he has 2 kids, a dog, and a wife (like he didn't know) so to please be responsible. LOL! I don't know how well bachelor party and responsible fit together, but I did give it my best effort.

I confess...I hate the NBA playoffs. Hate it.

I confess...I'm so proud of Cam - he knows most of his body parts and tons of animal sounds (my favorite being owl because of how cute his lips are when he says "hoo hoo!" I seriously love seeing him learn! I also confess I'm picture happy when he eats because he just looks so hilarious and cute...

 let's not talk about how old and handsome he looks here...

I confess...working out with this belly (30 weeks this week) is HARD. My belly feels so heavy and I have to literally force myself to get on the treadmill these days. However, chasing a toddler (and picking him up 20+ times per day) must count for something, right?

I confess...I can't watch anything remotely violent on TV, ever since having Camden. It's like I'm way too sensitive to handle it now. I'm talking things like Dateline, 20/20, etc. Even if it's not even involving kids, I can't do it (and I used to really enjoy these shows!)

I confess...that I'm already thinking about what my labor will be like this time around. Will my water break again or will it start with contractions at home? Also, I'm constantly thinking about if Cam + baby brother will look really similar or completely different. What do you guys think?!

I confess...favorite song right now? Army - Ellie Goulding. LOVE.

I confess...this is my favorite bronzer right now and this is my favorite mascara! I'm actually considering getting eyelash extensions just for a few months, but this mascara really plumps up my lashes and makes them extra thick in the meantime while I'm still deciding. 

What are your confessions? Do you feel the same on any of these like I do? TELL ME!