The holidays are a great time for crafts with kids. Christmas ornaments & crafts kids can make are always a big hit.  You can use them to decorate around the house, or also to give to loved ones as gifts.  It’s special to the person that receives the gift, as well as to the child who makes it, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment in the gift that they are giving.

These ornament crafts are easy, inexpensive, and are sure to lead to fun during the holiday season!

8 Holiday Craft Ideas & Ornaments Kids Can Make for Christmas

2. Shrink Film OrnamentsBelow are some options for shrink film on Amazon.

3. Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree Ornament

4. Button Star Ornament

5. Easy Candy Cane for Kids
6. Mini Yarn Hat Ornaments

7. Clothespin Snowman Craft

8. Minion Christmas Ornaments

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There are so many options when it comes to making your own ornaments!  The possibilities are endless from favorite characters, quotes, and personalization the ornaments will be reminders of memories for years to come.

Do you have a favorite craft to do with Kids during the holidays?

Getting costumes for kids can add up quick!  There are some costumes that can only be worn once or twice so it can be a little frustrating when you’re spending $40+ to buy it.   It is not only cost effective but can be very fun and creative to come up with costumes with things that you either already have or that can be worn again besides just for Halloween or a Fall Festival. Here are some easy diy kid costumes!

1. Farmer Costume

I love this costume!  It is not only adorable, but can be worn through out the year. Plus, you can easly sawp out shirts for the overalls or bottoms for the tops and create new outfits!

Overalls

Red and Blue

Pink Shirt

Farmer Hat

2. Rosie the Riviter

This is a classic!  The outfit can be worn together or seperatley with other pieces later on.

Bandana

Denim Outfit

3. Minnie Mouse

Definitley a favorite!  This dress could be worn for other occassions as well and if you’re planning a Disney Trip, both the dress and ears will come in handy!!

Minnie Dress

Minnie Ears

4. Hunter

For all the outdoor lovers, Here’s a fun costume that can not only be worn again, but also won’t get dirty fast!  (Well, never say never..lol)

Camo Pants

Shirt

5. Superman

Easy and super cute!!  A dress shirt and pants is always a good thing to have.  You can also pair them with other bottoms and tops as well as the Superman shirt!

Black Dress Pants

White Dress Shirt

Superman Shirt

6. Mime

This costume has an extra bonus…. your child has to stay quiet!   It may only last for 30 seconds or less but they will definitley look adorable in this costume!

Girls Shirt

Boys Shirt

Girls Pants

Boys Pants

Looking for more costume ideas?

Check out-

Adorable Halloween Costumes For Baby

Awesome Costumes That Will Last After Halloween

The Aadams Family- Easy DIY Costumes

Easy DIY Costumes: The Parent Trap

Do You Have A Favorite DIY Costume?  I’d LOVE to hear about it!!

During our visit to Sweet Petes Candy Shop, we decided to get some food at the new 10/6 Grille.  It has an Alice in Wonderland which is one of my favorite stories. My husband’s birthday is coming up soon and I was hoping that this would be somewhere we’d be able to take him for brunch that day because it was so different than your average restaurant.

The decoration inside the restaurant is done well and captures the essence of the Lewis Carrol classic.  It’s whimsical and fun which also works perfectly with

Sweet Petes.  The concept of the two businesses fit well together.

I thought the set up of the keys, clocks, hearts, and chairs on the ceiling was a nice touch to the Alice in Wonderland decor.  The kids loved the look of the restaurant!

The Menu

Our Order

It was 11 am, and the kids aren’t big breakfast eaters so they decided to go with lunch.  My daughter chose the cheeseburger and fries while my son chose the chicken tenders and fries.   I wasn’t super hungry and had been wanting some beignets so when I noticed them on the menu I couldn’t help but get them.

The burger was good, my daughter wasn’t thrilled because it had cheddar cheese on it but she really loved the fries and ranch dressing.   The chicken fingers (as well as the fries) were really good and were a hit with my son.  The beignets looked fantastic and were cut into these adorable hearts covered with powdered sugar and included a fruit puree on the side.   However, the taste was where things took a turn.  It is very possible it was an off day or an off order but it tasted like the beignets were fried in the same oil as fish.  I had excitedly tried one and was quickly done.

It was early when we went in so they weren’t super busy however it did seem to take a longer than average time to get our food.  Then again, sometimes with well-done burgers, it does seem to take longer so that could have played a part.  By the time the food came my 6-year-old was getting good and hangry and I was having to start threatening that I would pay for our drinks and we would go home.

Thoughts on the 10/6 Grill

It’s really cute inside and as I mentioned the chicken fingers were really good.  There were a couple other menu items that I think would be worth trying there and am open to going back again one day.  I think because it is Alice in Wonderland theme I had built it up in my mind a lot and was let down a little.   The only thing I can say for sure is that I won’t try the beignets again.

Have you tried the 10/6 Grill?  Have a favorite dish?

Love Alice in Wonderland?  Check Out These Post!

Alice in Wonderland DIY Table Alice in Wonderland Themed Baby Shower

The Truth About Motherhood

Motherhood is beautiful, chaotic, confusing, overwhelming, and amazing- sometimes all at once.  It can bring you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  To grow and birth a human from one’s own body is an amazing, monumental experience. At some point though, we started treating it like it should be an easy, leisurely walk in the park.  This mindset sets us all up to feel like failures when things don’t go as smoothly as we anticipated.  The problem really comes in because are so entangled in the weeds that it is hard for us to see no, it isn’t because we are weak or incapable- it’s because it really is hard. 

A while back, I was listening to Lauren Conrad’s “Asking for a Friend” Podcast and her guest was Leslie Anne Bruce, a best-selling New York Times author who was coming out with a new book about transitioning into motherhood.  The podcast quote started off with this quote from her-

“I always say when it comes to mom guilt, we try so hard to to avoid it but I say lean into it.  Bathe in that guilt.  Let it cover you.  Because I think that feeling guilty is a really, really awesome reminder of how much we care about our kids.”

I had never heard anyone put it quite that way, it’s always been ‘ignore the mom guilt’ or ‘push past the guilt’ and her statement just clicked. You don’t have to ignore it or try and push past it, just accept it’s a reminder that you are aware that you want to do your best for your kid(s) and that you’re conscious of how you try and handle things. 

The book is titled “You are a F*cking Awesome Mom: So, Embrace the Chaos, Get Over the Guilt, and Be True to You.”    I’ll be totally upfront and honest… I grew up in the south, in the bible belt, so when I saw the title it wasn’t something I would have just picked up, which I why I felt it was important to create this review.   

“You are a F*cking Awesome Mom” is one of the most brilliant, honest books that I have ever read.  In listening to the first chapter, I literally started crying because it was like validation that I was not alone in my feelings of just how overwhelming it all is.  The book also helps connect the dots of why motherhood and transitioning into it is harder for women now.  Leslie points out that while many of us have been raised as “hear me roar” girl, which is incredible and great, we sort of lost some of that generational knowledge of motherhood being passed down.  

While (as it points out in the book) it is fantastic that women are now recognized as being capable of more than just motherhood it also makes it way more difficult than it was for previous generations because women today are having children later than prior generations meaning they’ve experienced more and know themselves a little better than they did at eighteen.  I love that at one point in the book Leslie asks the question, that many of us have wondered after having a baby, “how did those teen moms do it?”  Once again, it comes back around to the older we get, the more experience and knowledge we have which makes us view things from a different perspective. 

I was growing someone new and somewhere in my subconscious, I must’ve known I was becoming someone new.  Which meant I had to say goodbye to the woman I’d spent 32 years being.  I just didn’t realize this at the time.  So instead of preparing for my own transformation on top of stockpiling diapers and burp clothes, I kept telling myself I’d get back to being myself soon.

In the book, Bruce talks about how we expect ourselves to “tackle motherhood with the same self-sufficient self-gusto that we exhibited in our pre-baby lives” which is like comparing apples to…a chair.  It’s two completely different things.  Growing a baby inside your body and birthing that baby is a big deal.  It’s a monumental experience that we’ve tried to make just another Tuesday which leads us to feel like we’re not up to par because we are judging ourselves by this measuring stick that just doesn’t apply.   

You are an F*cking Awesome Mom is the book that delves into the true pre-baby checklist that all of those other baby books and baby prep classes skip over.  How you are changing during pregnancy and why we feel that post-partum identity struggle.   

Leslie Anne Bruce is a New York Times Best Selling Author, Award-Winning

Entertainment Journalist, Online Community Builder, Wife, and Mother of two as well as one of my new heroes.   You can check out her blog, Unpacified which was launched in 2016 with the goal of connecting with women and offering support as they fumble through motherhood.  You can also find her on Instagram as leslieannebruce.  

• Motherhood is gonna come at you like a thief in the night.  You never had a chance because you never saw it coming. 
• No one tells you the full story
• Pregnancy is not just about growing a baby, it’s about you preparing yourself to be a mom and transitioning into this new life. 
• The importance of self-care
• The truth about the Insta Mom
• Conflicting feelings are OK
• Sleep is a REQUIREMENT not a luxury.  There’s a reason sleep deprivation is a torture technique.
• How you feed your baby is NOT up for public debate.

I could write a much longer list, but you’ll get more from it if you read the book.  

I related so much to this book it was just insane.  My youngest is now six, and my oldest nine, but it helped me understand so much of my struggle and that it was ok.  Motherhood is a big deal, which is why we struggle and sometimes fumble through.  I wish this book had been around the first time that I got pregnant, I feel it would have made things easier.  

I feel like OB’s should give a copy of this book to women at their first sonogram.  It’s completely and totally legit.   It’s the parenting book that talks about how pregnancy is the time that is preparing you for motherhood, it’s not just about growing a baby inside you and getting the world outside ready for that new life.  

I understand the reluctance with the title; however, this book is full of so much that expectant moms/new moms/ moms in general, can find helpful that I think it’s worth checking out.  There’s some colorful language but it’s not in an offensive manner at all (which is probably why it’s referred to as ‘colorful’).

If you have someone in your life that is expecting, or that has young kids this makes a great gift.  If you are expecting or have kids, it’s something worth reading.  Even though it is focused on expectant and new moms, there is a lot in there for experienced moms as well such as knowing that you weren’t alone with those feelings and understanding some of the reasons behind the struggles you face(d).   

Make sure you check out Leslie on Instagram, she’s one of my favorite accounts because she is entertaining and thought-provoking.  

Get You Are A F*cking Awesome Mom on Amazon!

Self care is something we often neglect because we’re busy and it feels like an extra step that we can do without.  The fact is though, in order to take care of others we have to take care of ourselves.  You don’t expect a car to run without gas (or an electric charge in some cases).   Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for Christmas, birthday, or a way to say ‘thank you’ a DIY sugar scrub are a great answer.  They are also a great idea if you are just looking for a way to save some money but still take care of you also.  Check out Self Care Gift Ideas for Her for more gift suggestions!

Lip Scrubs

Lip scrubs exfoliate and make lips feel so soft and smooth!  These are especially nice during winter months when the air is dryer!  Exfoliating and cleansing your lips on a weekly basis will keep them soft and help them to retain moisture allowing those painful cracks to be avoided.

DIY Honey Vanilla Lip Scrub from Fit as a Mama Bear

DIY Lip Scrub from The Honest Co.

 Lip Scrub  from Blessed Beyond Crazy

Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are pretty and oh so useful when it comes to making your skin feel soft and beautiful.  The scrubs help promote skin cell turnover, remove dead cells from the skins surface, soften rough skin and draw out impurities.  They are also a great way to relax after a long day!  These DIY scrubs are a perfect idea for kids or adult gifts that are not only pretty and useful but affordable for you as well.

Mermaid Body Scrub

For the Disney Fans in your life you could make this “Ariel’s Scrub”!

Mint Body Scrub

Edible Sugar Scrub

Disney’s Jasmin Sugar Scrub Cube

Dole Whip Body Scrub

Elsa inspired Frozen Body Scrub 

Mickey Mouse Inspired Body Scrub

You can also check out these Gifts for Disney Fans!

Mad Hatter Sugar Scrub

Raspberry Sugar Scrub

Foot Scrub

Foot Scrubs can help with cracked heels and smooths skin.  It also is good for boosting blood circulation and is a stress reliever.  All the more reason these are great gift ideas or self care ideas to use at home for you!
Citrus Foot Soak

Homemade Foot Scrub

Handmade DIY natural crystal bath salt with seasalt, baking soda, lavender, rosemary and grapefruit oil

Need More Gift Ideas?

Recipes for Jar Gifts {Soup, Spices}

Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup Review

Lauren Conrad is a Reality Tv Star, DIY Queen, Fashion Designer, Blogger, Author, etc. and now she is taking on beauty. Your favorite celebrity comes out with a new makeup line and you want to try it, but wonder is it truly worth it?  After all, everybody is stamping their name on something these days and trying to sell it.  Lucky for you, in this instance, I’ve tried some of the product offerings and have an honest review of the Lauren Conrad makeup products. Many know Conrad from one (or all) of the following- her Laguna Beach or Hills days, her LC Lauren Conrad clothing line, her Lauren Conrad Blog that offers DIY tips and tricks as well as advice, her books (both fiction and non-fiction), her DIY style, or maybe The Little Market which is a fair-trade market she co-founded.

The Insider interviewed Lauren and asked how Lauren Conrad Beauty would stand apart from other brands.  “I wanted to create a line for someone like me.  I don’t have time to do a 45-minute makeup routine.  I have two small kids, a pretty hands-on job, and so I can’t be too precious with my makeup” Conrad answered adding that she wanted products that were made with clean formulas and were easy to apply.

What Is Lauren Conrad Makeup?

The new line of makeup brought to us via Lauren Conrad Beauty states on its website that it is “Clean, Uncomplicated Beauty.”   The makeup is eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free and is as gentle on your skin as it is the planet according to the site.  Clean, uncomplicated, gentle on skin- all things that women (especially moms) can find very helpful.   An added bonus to all of this- it’s not outrageously priced!  It’s completely affordable, which is another big win.  Who doesn’t want make up that is clean, uncomplicated, vegan, cruelty free & affordable?

What exactly is Vegan Makeup?

A vegan product does not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients.  This includes (but not limited to) honey, beeswax, collagen, gelatin, etc.   It’s important to note that just because a product is marked vegan it doesn’t mean it’s not tested on animals, this is where the phrase “cruelty-free” comes in.

What is Cruelty-free Makeup?

This means that there has been no form of animal testing at any point in the creation of the product.  It’s common for companies to not test the final product on animals but often it will be tested along the way or use ingredients that have been tested on animals by a third party.  There are still big well-known brands that test on animals even today so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for this.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean Beauty is used to signal that the products don’t contain certain ingredients (both natural or synthetic) that are considered controversial or unsafe, for example parabens or talc.  As a side note, there is no formal regulation of clean beauty so it’s not as simple as just looking for labels if you are on the search for this type of makeup.   In the instance of Lauren Conrad Beauty, I 100% believe that their statement of clean beauty is accurate based on the Lauren Conrad brand.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The packaging is made using recyclable, compostable materials and choosing partners that are committed to using less energy and water.  The brand is so committed to being eco-friendly and promoting recycling that they even have instructions on how to recycle the products on the website.

Lauren Conrad Beauty Products

Now to the products themselves.  They checked the boxes of being Clean, Eco Friendly, Vegan, Cruelty-free, but does it work?

The Liquid Highlighter

The Liquid Highlighter says you can get “a youthful glow with this buildable formula’s light to medium coverage and lightweight, luminous finish.”(LaurenConradBeauty.com)

While the Liquid Highlighter may be considered to be one of the pricier items, $26 for .37fl oz, it does give you a nice subtle glow that you can build on.  I love that it doesn’t make it look like you’ve been smacked with a shimmer stick and instead gives you a subtle highlight especially in natural light.  While the size is small, it doesn’t require a lot and so the product does still last.

The Mascara

“A rich color mascara that creates fuller looking lashes.  Gives your lashes definition and length with a natural volume effect. Smudge-proof, flake-free lashes that are soft to the touch” (LaurenConradBeauty.com)

The mascara ($20) is good, but I would say it’s general mascara.  I haven’t had any issue with it flaking or smudging which is a plus but I can’t say that it gives fuller-looking lashes or length so if that’s what you are looking for I wouldn’t recommend it.  However if you are looking for a general good mascara, it’s a good buy.

The Eyebrow Pencil

“A soft, lightweight pencil for buildable, medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that’s smear-resistant.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com

The eyebrow pencil ($22) comes in Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde and Light Blonde.  I haven’t used an eyebrow pencil in the past, as most of the time when I see people who have it’s very obvious that they’ve used a product on their brows.  I wasn’t sure about the color to use, my natural hair color is dark brown, but my hair is colored lighter.   Based on the pictures on the website, I went with the light brown which worked perfectly.   It is dark enough to fill in and see but not so dark that it looks fake.  I’m super happy with the results of it and totally recommend checking it out.

The Eyeliner Pencil

“Glides on easily with it’s smooth, creamy texture and leaves you with a matte finish that is rich in color, lightweight, and stays true through wear.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
I use the pencil ($18) for the liner at the bottom of my eye.  It has a rich color, glides on easily, and does have a matte finish that lasts through the day.  Previously I’ve used Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil ($28) and Benefit Eyeliner Pencil ($20), this is equally as good as both and it’s cheaper!

The Liquid Eyeliner

“Line your lashes with rich color that stays true through wear with its lightweight non-smearing formula” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
If there is one product in this line that I expected perfection from it was this one. After all, Lauren Conrad is known for her eyeliner.  The liquid eyeliner ($20) doesn’t disappoint.  It glides on smooth, is easily buildable, dries unbelievably fast and doesn’t smear.  I’ve always found it difficult to find a good liquid eyeliner that had a rich color to it and that dried quickly but the search over.  This is probably my favorite so far of all the products.

I look forward to trying the other products such as the Lip & Cheek Tint ($20).  There’s also an Eyeshadow Palette ($29), Powder Blush ($25), Lipstick ($20), and Lip Gloss ($18) available. Recently added as well as a skincare line- which I cannot wait to try!

The Verdict

The Lauren Conrad Beauty products are all that they claim to be as well as affordable. You won’t find too much in the way of a bold look, as the makeup is made to give you a clean, natural look which works great for everyday wear.  It’s a great solution especially for busy moms who want a quick makeup routine that doesn’t take them all morning.

Have you tried the Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup?  What did you think?

Self-Care isn’t about over indulging or being selfish, it’s about deliberately taking care of yourself so that you can be your best to take care of others.   Sometimes it’s the little things that just make you feel better and give you the extra ‘oomph’ you need to get through.

Here are a few of my favorite self-care gift ideas for her that can be a stand alone present, part of a gift basket, or stocking suffer!

1. Lauren Conrad Liquid Eyeliner

Feeling good about how you look makes a difference to your day.  Have some fun, be bold and let your eyes stand out with this incredible (and affordable @ $20!) eyeliner from Lauren Conrad Beauty.  See more of my favorite Lauren Conrad Beauty items.

1. Dermatonics Hard Skin Removing Balm

This stuff is like pure magic.  It takes cracked heals and callused feet and makes them feel incredibly smooth and sets you up to be ready to walk your road more comfortably.  It literally shows a difference in the first 24 hours. I have tried so many products that didn’t work, but this one is worth every penny!  Plus it’s not too greasy and has a light sweet scent.

I love the Kopari brand, and this body milk does an amazing job of moisturizing even the driest of skin while not leaving you feeling greasy.  It has a light scent so it isn’t overwhelming.  Soothes dry, itchy skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth!

1. Stella & Grace Rose Gold Face Roller

This Rose Gold face roller says it helps with lymphatic drainage, firms the look of the skin and reduces puffiness while helping you relax and destress.   I am not a skin expert and can’t speak to the lymphatic drainage but I can tell you it’s incredibly relaxing and does help with puffiness.

This primer from Heir Atelier gives you silky smooth lips and prevents lipstick from feeling dry and cracked.  It can be used alone or with lipstick/lip gloss. Check out my full review in this Favorite Beauty Products post!

Face primers help create a smooth base for makeup, can help foundation last longer, and can give an extra boost of hydration to skin.  Not all face primers are made equally though.   This primer from Heir Atelier is an absolute favorite for myself and as a gift to others- my mom absolutely loves it too and says she sees a notable difference with and without it.

More Beauty Product Suggestions

St. Patrick’s Day is literally right around the corner.  I’ve compiled some fun facts, crafts, activities, and snacks that can be done to help in celebrating!   This post is packed with some fun information so let’s jump in!St Patrick’s Day Crafts

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland.  He was actually born in Britan but kidnapped and taken to Ireland.  The holiday has also become a celebration of all things Irish.  Cities such as New York City who has a high Irish population has had a St. Patrick’s Day parade since 1762. The first St. Patricks’s Day celebration was in Boston in 1737.

About St. Patrick’s Day

The Color Green and St. Patrick’s Day

Blue was traditionally the color associated with St. Patrick, but somewhere along the way, green became the commonly connected color.  The shamrock, which is the Irish national plant is also a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day.

The Chicago River is dyed green every year for St. Patrick’s Day and other landmarks often get into the spirit as well.  The Empire State Building and the Sydney Opera House light up green.

The Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day (Getty Images) Sydney Opera House (Getty Images)

*You can find more fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day from The Spruce!

10 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

These St. Patrick’s Day Crafts are easy and fun to make with kids or in some cases for kids!  I think my favorite is the leprechaun trapping kit!

The Catch a Leprechaun kit is one of the cutest ideas I have seen! You can always go get real gold coins from the bank and replace the “bait” for when the kids check their “trap” the next day!  

    6. Corner Bookmark

How cute are these cups?  They are a fun way to make things festive also!  

I couldn’t leave out some Disney in this celebration.  Why not some Mickey and Minnie ears?

Crayola has FREE Printable Coloring Pages that you can print and use to not only be creative but decorate as well! 

5 St. Patrick’s Day Snack Ideas

Icecream Cake Pops 

Gold Coin Oreos

Pretzel Bites

Rainbow Skittle Treat bags

Shamrock Dippers with Pot O’ Gold 

Rainbow Pretzel Wands 

Looking for more Kid Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Food?

Fun Leprechaun Facts

♥ They are a type of fairy

♥ They are the bankers and shoemakers of the fairy world

♥ They are sneaky

♥ They hide gold at the end of the rainbow

♥ If you catch a leprechaun they grant you 3 wishes in exchange for freedom

♥ Leprechaun means “small body”

♥ In 1989 a local businessman in Carlingford, Ireland claimed he found evidence of a real leprechaun on a mountain called Slieve Foye.

♥ Leprechauns are mischievous

♥ Leprechauns are protected under European Law

♥ It is said that there are 236 leprechauns that still live in the caverns of Slieve Foye.  In 2009, the EU granted heritage status to the remaining wee people and now they have their own protected sanctuary.

Bonus- Check out these St. Patrick’s Day Jokes for kids

More St. Patricks Day Fun!

I’ve seen Stitch Fix ads and Stitch Fix Kids ads for a while but never tried them out, until recently.  It’s become increasingly difficult to find the kids clothes in stores, especially during Covid.  This led me to try Stitch Fix Kids.  I needed something that wasn’t going to be stressful, didn’t involve me going to ten different stores, and would be something the kids liked.

Stitch Fix Kids Sign Up

The sign-up process is very straightforward.  You tell your kids names, ages, and size.  They also ask about current brands that you buy and what sizes you buy in those brands.  There’s a $20 stylist fee which goes towards your purchase if you decided to buy.

There are also various clothing pieces that come up so you (or your child) can select if it’s something they would be interested in.   I’ll admit I was very nervous the first time trying this.

How Stitch Fix Works

You pay $20 per “fix” for the stylist to create your box, it took about a week to get the fix.  When you receive it you can pick and choose what you want to keep.  I’ll be honest, had I tried to budget this and say no to some pieces the kids probably would have been a little upset since the clothes were already in the house. If you buy all of the clothes, your $20 goes towards the purchase and you get an additional discount.  This makes buying the full box very enticing.

Did The Kids Like Their Stitch Fix?

That’s a big YES.  They were so excited; I didn’t have to fight them to try anything on and they really did love all the pieces.   I was also amazed at how well everything fit.   When you are setting up your fix, they will ask you about other brands you buy and what sizes you buy in those brands.  This apparently, is very helpful because everything we got fit great.

The kids also loved that the stylist wrote them a little note and shared what pieces went together and why they paired them that way as well as how to mix and match.   You can choose to keep your stylist or switch to a new one for your next box and they both chose to keep theirs.

Mom’s Thoughts on Stitch Fix

I was not sure at first, but between the lack of inventory I can find in stores, and the concern of having to be in and out of places this was so much easier.  Plus, the clothes were really cute, and I didn’t have to convince them of the outfits.   It really made the entire process so much easier.  I will say I probably spend more at one time then I might if I went shopping in a store, but they are also getting more than what I’d be able to find in one store.

I looked up some of the pieces online because some of the brands I wasn’t familiar with, and they were cheaper through Stitch Fix than if I had found them online so that was kind of nice as well. Plus, if there is a style your child really likes you can purchase additional through the Stitch Fix app.

Does anyone else have trouble finding cute kid’s clothes, especially after your child hits like 8?  Where do you shop?

Why Do I Need A Skin Care Routine?

A good skin care routine prevents acne, treats wrinkles and keeps your skin looking it’s best.  While fancy devices may be nice to have, they definitely aren’t required.  A good skincare can be super simple, and the most important part is consistency.  So what do you need to get started? Is there a difference between daytime and nighttime?  Find out how to get started taking care of your skin today!

Simplifying Skin Care

The skincare industry is filled with a ridiculous number of options and tools so it can be very overwhelming when you look at it. So what is skin care for busy women? What do you need? What will work? What is overpriced?  What is just a crazy trend?  All of these questions may come up when you think about Dermatologists recommend a routine as simple as cleanser and a moisturizer.  For nighttime; a cleanser, repairing serum and moisturizer.  There’s nothing wrong with adding more, but when you’re getting started it’s easier to stick with simple and not overwhelm yourself.

So, let’s start simple.

2. Moisturize

It is also recommended to use an SPF on your face as well.  For me personally, I use a makeup that includes SPF, otherwise it seems to irritate my face.

Basic Skin Care Routine

Cleansing your skin is a must, regardless of age of skin type.  Whether you do that in the morning, a night or both is up to your preference.   Some people prefer to just splash some water on their face in the mornings before starting their moisturizer and makeup routine.   Here’s a helpful Cosmopolitan post on How Often Should You Wash Your Face and  5 Reasons I Don’t Wash My Face In The Morning

You will pick a moisturizer depending on your skin type.  Whether

• Normal
• Oily
• Dry
• Combination

there is a moisturizer made for all.

Types of Skin

1. Oily Skin: Your skin secretes natural oils to keep itself moisturized but when you have oily skin, it adds more to the process.  Typically, people with oily skin have bigger pores.

According to Dr. Doris Day, founder of Day Dermatology and Aesthetics in New Yor City “you’re prone to oily skin if you notice that when you apply moisturizer, and almost anything you apply, you break out.”

1. Dry Skin: The first sign of this is if your skin appears dull and lifeless. Dry skin has this look because it’s covered in a layer of dead skin cells.  Light reflects off the skin cells in different directions, whereas with hydrated skin it has a smooth service that reflects life more evenly.
2. Sensitive Skin: This skin type may have acne, rosacea or contact dermatitis. It can be prone to stinging or burning. Often, it’s an overreaction to certain ingredients in a product.
3. Combination Skin: With this skin type the forehead and nose tend to be oiler and the cheeks drier. Skin type can change seasonally as well, meaning that you tend to be dry in the winter and oily in the summer.
4. Normal Skin: This is actually difficult to define but really it means that it can tolerate most things without overreacting.

More information on skin types.

Once you know what skin type you have, it makes it easier to pick out your moisturizer. A benefit of moisturizer is that when your skin is hydrated, it makes makeup go on easier and look better.  I also highly recommend using a primer after your moisturizer such as Heir Atelier because it helps to also smooth the surface of your skin.  While in a Sephora once a salesperson said it didn’t matter what brand of makeup you used, it came down to using a good moisturizer to make sure your skin was prepped for makeup.

The ingredients in moisturizers will actively help improve the look and feel of the skin. By applying these at night, it gives the skin enough time to soak them in and start to repair itself without being exposed to pollutants.

That’s the best place to start with skin care.  Just creating a routine of those things.  Once you have that down, you can add a repairing serum to it as well.

Additions for Your Skin Care Routine

Once you are ready, you can add on to your skin care routine with things such as:

Toner

Serum for cellular turnover at night (Such as Retinol)

Serum for skin brightening (such as Vitamin C)

Toner

Removes any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face.  When used daily as part of a skincare routine it can have a positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores

Cellular Turnover

Cellular turnover is the continuous process of shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with younger cells.  It results in skin that is shinier, tighter and has fewer fine lines and wrinkles.  While your skin does the naturally, the process starts to slow as you get older.

Serum for Skin Brightening- Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes collagen production which then helps to hydrate skin and brighten it.  Vitamin C is also an antioxidant so it protects skin cells from damaging radicals cause by UV exposure.  It inhibits melanin production of the skin which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone and enhance skin radiance.

Types of Skin Care Serums

Anti-Aging Serums

Skin Brightening Serums

Acne Fighting Serums

Anti-Aging Serums

These treat the most common signs of aging along with slowing down the process in general.  This means it targets fine lines, sagging, wrinkles as it firms and plumps the skin.  It helps to rejuvenate skin and smooth out the overall texture and appearance.  Many of these are recommended for nighttime use because it is suggested that retinol is negatively affected by the sun’s UV rays and could lead to adverse skin effects if used during the day.

Skin Brightening Serums

These help to brighten dull skin by smoothing complexion, fading age spots and sun spots, evening skin tones and diminishing hyperpigmentation.  It gives skin a natural, radiant glow. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Green Tea are often ingredients in these serums.

Acne Fighting Serums

Acne fighting serums actually work to prevent breakouts before they forum.  They are formulated with molecules that dive deep into the skin and deliver potent active ingredients. These types of serums have ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), tea tree, thyme, and cucumber to name a few.

Hydrating Face Serums

These serums work with your moisturizer to amplify its hydrating effects.  You will apply the moisturizer after applying the serum.  Ingredients related to hydrating face serums are Argon Oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, all over, rosehip oil, rosewater, jojoba and vitamin E.

Retinols

Retinols are one of the most tried and true anti-aging ingredients available over the counter.  It boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out of skin which then cuts down on fine lines and wrinkles.  Also improves skin tone and color

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar that is found naturally in our skin that holds water and helps to keep it hydrated and plump.  Topical products can make the skin appear more dewy and younger because it improves skin elasticity.  According to a study on The Hype On Hyaluronic Acid by Harvard Health Publishing topical HA is an excellent moisturizer but if you are looking to improve the loss of volume and laxity of your skin (which naturally occurs) the injectable HA (with a dermatologist) is the preferred treatment.

 What Order Should Skin Care Be Applied In?

The consensus from dermatologist, beauty magazines such as Allure and Cosmo as well as brands such as Kiehls is to layer your products starting with the thinnest, water-based formulas and ending with the thickest products.  Allow each product to absorb before layering on the next product.   Lightweight, water-based formulas are more penetrable and quicker to absorb than heavier products.  It is recommended not to use more that 2-3 serums in your skin care regimen.

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Storytelling has a formula, and in most stories, you can find that formula. The basis of stories is a piece of the human condition and conveying it in a unique situation. This may be something like (but not limited to) birth, growth, emotionality, aspirations, or conflict.  This is the initial incident.  Then, a rising action that complicates or frustrates leading to a climax where there is a turning point for the protagonist character.  This leads to falling action which starts to lead to the resolution.

For WandaVision, the human condition it is built around is grief.  The show is built around Wanda’s grief. You don’t know that if the first few episodes.  I wasn’t sure what to expect as all when we began watching.  It looked like a fun take on old sitcoms that were starring Marvel characters however it goes deeper than that.

As the story unfolds, we learn that this is a world that Wanda has created but we don’t know exactly why or how.  It’s not until later that we learn it is out of her deep grief that this has been born- some of it she didn’t even realize was her own doing.  The sitcoms are related to the favorite sitcoms she watched as a child with her family before her parents were killed.

Stages of Grief

We watch Wanda in her denial, where she lives in a sweet sitcom and gets her happily ever after with the one she loves.  In another episode, we see Wanda in the midst of denial and anger as she tries to stop threats and curiosities from destroying her world.

As we sat and watched it, I got it; what she was feeling, her need to protect it and keep her sanity, casting out the things that poked holes in what she created.

This leads Wanda to move to the next stage of grief, bargaining.  In this stage, the bereaved starts to accept that they can’t willfully resist the changes of the world around them but still believe that there are measures that can be taken to ease their suffering and hold on to their happiness.   During this episode Wanda storms out of the world she has created in Westview and confronts S.W.O.R.D. directly returning to her familiar accent from Avengers Age of Ultron.

Eventually it all becomes too much and she begins to break down, entering depression.  Wanda reflects the characteristics of lethargy, doubt and self-deprecation that eat away.

In episode 8 of WandaVision, the Disney+ show there is a flashback scene with Wanda and Vision where she is sad over the loss of her brother, Pietro.  Sitting on her bed she explains to vision that she is so tired, like she’s swimming against a tide that keeps trying to drown her.

Vision tries to console her saying, “It can’t all be sorrow, can it? I’ve always been alone, so I don’t feel the lack.  It’s all I’ve ever known.  I’ve never experienced loss because I’ve never had a loved one to lose.”  The true gem comes in his last sentence, “but, what is grief, if not love preserving?”

It is one of the most prolific lines ever, and at first, I thought it was just me until I saw the internet’s reaction to it as well.

In the end, Wanda realizes she can’t live in this world she created and it while it breaks her heart she comes to realize that her grief is as fueled by love as it is sorrow but she has to choose to commemorate love rather than pain.

I’ve heard some argue that Wanda is the villain, after all she cast a spell on the people of Westview holding them hostage.  The point though, of the story is that this was born out of her extreme grief and as we see her walk through her grief and go through different stages she begins to see that what is going on isn’t right and that she has to move forward.  Grief isn’t easy and it isn’t pretty.  It’s messy and often downright ugly but necessary.  Understanding that grief is as much about love as it is sadness can help us normalize the grieving process.

It’s the F word that people have long dreaded, and it’s thrown people into mid-life crisis or depression but is it really so bad?  There are so many pre-conceived notions about turning 40 some that are valid and some that are not.  I’ll admit I hate the term middle-age and definitely see how it can make something seem completely undesirable.  There are good things about turning 40 though, that outweigh the negativity of looking at it as middle age.

Why Turning 40 Isn’t All Downers

At 40, you’ve lived and learned enough of life to (in many areas) know what works for you and what doesn’t.  The pressure that is often felt to impress people gets a little lighter.  You’ve got experience and knowledge that you have gained in your twenties and thirties.

Reflection, Not Regret

Forty is a time where you can reflect on where you’ve been but don’t wallow in regret over it. If there’s something you want to change, decide how you’re going to do it.  Want to go back to school? Learn a new skill?  Do it.  It’s not too late.

You’ve faced adversities and are so much more prepared then you were trying to take on the world at 18.  As a famous General and great strategist once said, if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

Focus on the good and the possibilities that you have.  This way, in ten years when you look back you see all that you accomplished and don’t look back and think “I wasn’t all that old then and I could have…”.

Who Else is 40?

I know it’s probably a super nerdy thing to do, but it makes me feel better when I find people/celebrities that are 40 and up and think, ‘Wow they still look fantastic!  This doesn’t mean I’m past my prime.” For example, Gwen Stefani, she’s 51 and breaks all the age rules.   Other celebrities turning 40 this year include Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Britney Spears.    (40 Celebrities turning 40 in 2021)

I had planned to take 40 on with a positive attitude, and even wanted to plan a big family trip to Disney (after all if it’s for my 40^th birthday my parents and siblings couldn’t deny going with me, right?) but then Covid hit and well, there’s that.  We did do dinner and cake though which was nice.  My husband, kids and I stayed for a couple days at Disney’s Treehouse Villas which is a perfect social distancing getaway with a little Disney magic.  We didn’t visit a park, although we did check out Disney Springs and since it was a weekday they were slower. It was a nice getaway and was something that will always make me smile when I think about turning 40.

I’m not the same person I was when I turned 20 and I wouldn’t change the knowledge I have to go back to that person.  It’s funny, 30 wasn’t bad at all but I think that’s because I was pregnant with my first baby that was due in three months so it didn’t even matter that I was turning 30 because my dreams were coming true with having a baby.

Turning 40 has definitely been more reflective and made me stop and think some but I refuse to think that my value starts to decrease.

What is it About 40 That Makes People Sad?

Adriane Berg, an influencer for successful aging, healthy longevity and lifelong contribution said in an post (Advice to a Woman Turning 40 from a Woman turning 70) that she has found “depression in folks turning 40 or 50 because of age stems from fear of increasing irrelevance.”

There’s nothing crazy about having those feelings, especially with society how it is.  Although, we’ve come a very long way from years past and looking at (especially women) as losing relevance the older they get.  It’s important to remember that there is so much to look forward to and so much that you are still capable of accomplishing.

People Who Accomplished Great Things After 40

• Arianna Huffington founded the Huffington Post at age 55
• Tim and Nina Zagat were 51-year-old lawyers when they first published their collection of restaurant reviews under the Zagat name in 1979.Now it’s a culinary authority.
• Betty White didn’t become an icon until she joined the cast of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1973 at the age of 51
• Henry Ford was 45 when he created the Model T car in 1908.
• Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at the age of 40
• Donald Fisher was 40 and had no experience in retail when he and his wife Doris opened the first GAP store in San Francisco in 1969.
• Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart when he was 44 years old
• Martha Stewart was 41 when she achieved success publishing her first book. Entertaining.
• Coco Chanel was 70 when she made a triumphant return to the fashion world after previously closing her business due to the outbreak of WWII and the economic depression of the 1930s.

Staying Relevant at 40 and After

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

This applies to the 18-year-old just joining the adult world as well as the person turning 40.

Keep learning, keep doing and don’t let other people stop you from achieving what you set out to do.

Not 40 years old.  Not 40 years young.  40 years blessed. 40 years loved. 40 years wise. 40 years thankful.

Skin care is important and it’s not just about looking good. Yes, your skin does have an effect on how you feel about yourself and it’s been proven that when you look good, you feel better as well.  Regular skin care is about more than that though, it helps protect you against the elements.   Dry skin, itchy skin, rough skin- are all uncomfortable and a regular skin care routine helps protect you against those things.

Many times, as mothers we pass it off as not having time for it because we’re busy taking care of those around us.  The truth is though, that in order for us to take care of others, we have to take care of ourselves (check out the post “The truth about Motherhood” for more on that).   You don’t drive a car on empty and then get upset because it won’t go.  Another point to consider is that by taking care of ourselves, we teach our children the importance of taking care of themselves as well. Isn’t that something that we want to pass on to them?

In a previous post, I created a Review of Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup and decided to create one for the skin care line as well.

Lauren Conrad Beauty Facial Cleanser (Dry to Normal)

Said to “Cleanse your skin with this gentle, non-stripping formula that’ll leave your skin balanced and hydrated.”  Like the makeup line, this product is vegan friendly, cruelty free, clean beauty and paraben free.

This facial cleanser has a light, milky feel to it.  I want to absolutely love it; however, I don’t feel like it totally cleans my face.  There is one review on the LC Beauty website that states they tried first without removing their eyeliner and mascara and the cleanser left absolutely no residue after washing however even after attempting multiple times I haven’t found that to be the case.   I don’t wear heavy makeup( I’m actually using the Lauren Conrad Eyeliner and Mascara) so I’m not sure how it could absolutely leave no residue.

Vitamin C Oil

I was a little skeptical of the Vitamin C Oil, when I looked at the packaging online I thought that it was in a plastic peach colored bottle but it’s actually in a ceramic bottle.  According to the Lauren Conrad Beauty website, the Vitamin C Oil “brightens your skin with this luminous Vitamin C oil that helps hydrate and improves skin’s overall radiance.”

To use, you squeeze a couple drops of the oil into your palm and then massage into freshly toned face and neck in an upward, circular motion.  It is then recommended to follow up with face cream.  This literally takes just a couple of drops; a little bit goes a long way for sure.

The Vitamin C Oil definitely leaves skin feeling hydrated and brightens it as well.  It can feel a little too much at first, but it does soak into your skin to hydrate.  This is one of my favorite products in the skin care line.

Common Questions about Vitamin C Oil

What is Vitamin C Oil good for?

Helps blemishes, reduces hyperpigmentation, hydrates skin giving a glow.  Consistency is key to get the maximum effect.

Can People with Oily Skin Benefit From Vitamin C Oil?

While the idea of an oil may concern some, studies show that vitamin C oil can help in treating inflammationassociated with acne, treats damaged skin as well as brightens and has been shown to benefit oily skin as well.

The Face Cream (Dry to Normal)

“Helps to balance, hydrate and brighten dry to normal skin while improving the look of the skin with a non-greasy, rich, and creamy formula.”  (LC Beauty)

This face cream does a fantastic job of moisturizing, hydrating and brightening skin.  The clinical results on the Lauren Conrad Beauty site show:

• “100% of participants showed increase in skin moisture”
• “100% agree the product improves the texture of skin and provides more even skin”
• “100% agree my skin looks more radiant, energized, and bright”
• “100% agree that my skin has a smooth texture and felt deeply hydrated throughout the day.”

To me, this is completely accurate and I totally agree with the findings in the clinical results.  The Lauren Conrad Beauty Face Cream is creamy and not greasy and does a great job of hydrating and brightening skin.  I love to use it following the Vitamin C Oil to lock in moisture.

The Toner Mist

“Get balanced, hydrated skin with this misting toner that rebalances and refreshes” (LC Beauty)

Toner helps in removing any last traces of dirt and impurities in your pores and can have a positive impact on appearance and tightness of pores. The primary ingredients for the toner are listed as Rose Water, Vitamin B5, and Licorice Root Extract.

• Rose water is known for its ability to balance natural oils, reduce the appearance of temporary redness and hydrate skin.
• Vitamin B5 helps to restore the skin’s natural hydration balance while repairing damaging skin tissue.
• Licorice Root Extract may help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
• The toner does a great job of balancing and hydrating skin, preparing it to be treated and moisturized.

The Toner Mist is super light and refreshing.  It feels like a refreshing mist on your face.  It feels more lightweight than other toners that I’ve used, but I think that has more to do with the way it sprays (which I love!).

Verdict on Lauren Conrad Beauty Skin Care Line

Overall, I think this line is fantastic and affordable.   My personal favorite products are the Vitamin C Oil and the Face Cream.  Using consistently, I have noticed my skin is more hydrated and brighter than it previously was.  Similarly, to the make up line, the skin care line is made to be vegan friendly, cruelty free, clean beauty and paraben free so while not only making you look good, you can feel good about what you are using as well.  Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the products in the line.

Self-Care isn’t about over indulging or being selfish, it’s about deliberately taking care of yourself so that you can be your best to take care of others.   Sometimes it’s the little things that just make you feel better and give you the extra ‘oomph’ you need to get through.

Here are a few of my favorite self-care gift ideas for her that can be a stand alone present, part of a gift basket, or stocking suffer!

1. Lauren Conrad Liquid Eyeliner

Feeling good about how you look makes a difference to your day.  Have some fun, be bold and let your eyes stand out with this incredible (and affordable @ $20!) eyeliner from Lauren Conrad Beauty.  See more of my favorite Lauren Conrad Beauty items.

1. Dermatonics Hard Skin Removing Balm

This stuff is like pure magic.  It takes cracked heals and callused feet and makes them feel incredibly smooth and sets you up to be ready to walk your road more comfortably.  It literally shows a difference in the first 24 hours. I have tried so many products that didn’t work, but this one is worth every penny!  Plus it’s not too greasy and has a light sweet scent.

I love the Kopari brand, and this body milk does an amazing job of moisturizing even the driest of skin while not leaving you feeling greasy.  It has a light scent so it isn’t overwhelming.  Soothes dry, itchy skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth!

1. Stella & Grace Rose Gold Face Roller

This Rose Gold face roller says it helps with lymphatic drainage, firms the look of the skin and reduces puffiness while helping you relax and destress.   I am not a skin expert and can’t speak to the lymphatic drainage but I can tell you it’s incredibly relaxing and does help with puffiness.

This primer from Heir Atelier gives you silky smooth lips and prevents lipstick from feeling dry and cracked.  It can be used alone or with lipstick/lip gloss. Check out my full review in this Favorite Beauty Products post!

Face primers help create a smooth base for makeup, can help foundation last longer, and can give an extra boost of hydration to skin.  Not all face primers are made equally though.   This primer from Heir Atelier is an absolute favorite for myself and as a gift to others- my mom absolutely loves it too and says she sees a notable difference with and without it.

More Beauty Product Suggestions

Self care is something we often neglect because we’re busy and it feels like an extra step that we can do without.  The fact is though, in order to take care of others we have to take care of ourselves.  You don’t expect a car to run without gas (or an electric charge in some cases).   Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for Christmas, birthday, or a way to say ‘thank you’ a DIY sugar scrub are a great answer.  They are also a great idea if you are just looking for a way to save some money but still take care of you also.  Check out Self Care Gift Ideas for Her for more gift suggestions!

Lip Scrubs

Lip scrubs exfoliate and make lips feel so soft and smooth!  These are especially nice during winter months when the air is dryer!  Exfoliating and cleansing your lips on a weekly basis will keep them soft and help them to retain moisture allowing those painful cracks to be avoided.

DIY Honey Vanilla Lip Scrub from Fit as a Mama Bear

DIY Lip Scrub from The Honest Co.

 Lip Scrub  from Blessed Beyond Crazy

Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are pretty and oh so useful when it comes to making your skin feel soft and beautiful.  The scrubs help promote skin cell turnover, remove dead cells from the skins surface, soften rough skin and draw out impurities.  They are also a great way to relax after a long day!  These DIY scrubs are a perfect idea for kids or adult gifts that are not only pretty and useful but affordable for you as well.

Mermaid Body Scrub

For the Disney Fans in your life you could make this “Ariel’s Scrub”!

Mint Body Scrub

Edible Sugar Scrub

Disney’s Jasmin Sugar Scrub Cube

Dole Whip Body Scrub

Elsa inspired Frozen Body Scrub 

Mickey Mouse Inspired Body Scrub

You can also check out these Gifts for Disney Fans!

Mad Hatter Sugar Scrub

Raspberry Sugar Scrub

Foot Scrub

Foot Scrubs can help with cracked heels and smooths skin.  It also is good for boosting blood circulation and is a stress reliever.  All the more reason these are great gift ideas or self care ideas to use at home for you!
Citrus Foot Soak

Homemade Foot Scrub

Handmade DIY natural crystal bath salt with seasalt, baking soda, lavender, rosemary and grapefruit oil

Need More Gift Ideas?

Recipes for Jar Gifts {Soup, Spices}

Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup Review

Lauren Conrad is a Reality Tv Star, DIY Queen, Fashion Designer, Blogger, Author, etc. and now she is taking on beauty. Your favorite celebrity comes out with a new makeup line and you want to try it, but wonder is it truly worth it?  After all, everybody is stamping their name on something these days and trying to sell it.  Lucky for you, in this instance, I’ve tried some of the product offerings and have an honest review of the Lauren Conrad makeup products. Many know Conrad from one (or all) of the following- her Laguna Beach or Hills days, her LC Lauren Conrad clothing line, her Lauren Conrad Blog that offers DIY tips and tricks as well as advice, her books (both fiction and non-fiction), her DIY style, or maybe The Little Market which is a fair-trade market she co-founded.

The Insider interviewed Lauren and asked how Lauren Conrad Beauty would stand apart from other brands.  “I wanted to create a line for someone like me.  I don’t have time to do a 45-minute makeup routine.  I have two small kids, a pretty hands-on job, and so I can’t be too precious with my makeup” Conrad answered adding that she wanted products that were made with clean formulas and were easy to apply.

What Is Lauren Conrad Makeup?

The new line of makeup brought to us via Lauren Conrad Beauty states on its website that it is “Clean, Uncomplicated Beauty.”   The makeup is eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free and is as gentle on your skin as it is the planet according to the site.  Clean, uncomplicated, gentle on skin- all things that women (especially moms) can find very helpful.   An added bonus to all of this- it’s not outrageously priced!  It’s completely affordable, which is another big win.  Who doesn’t want make up that is clean, uncomplicated, vegan, cruelty free & affordable?

What exactly is Vegan Makeup?

A vegan product does not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients.  This includes (but not limited to) honey, beeswax, collagen, gelatin, etc.   It’s important to note that just because a product is marked vegan it doesn’t mean it’s not tested on animals, this is where the phrase “cruelty-free” comes in.

What is Cruelty-free Makeup?

This means that there has been no form of animal testing at any point in the creation of the product.  It’s common for companies to not test the final product on animals but often it will be tested along the way or use ingredients that have been tested on animals by a third party.  There are still big well-known brands that test on animals even today so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for this.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean Beauty is used to signal that the products don’t contain certain ingredients (both natural or synthetic) that are considered controversial or unsafe, for example parabens or talc.  As a side note, there is no formal regulation of clean beauty so it’s not as simple as just looking for labels if you are on the search for this type of makeup.   In the instance of Lauren Conrad Beauty, I 100% believe that their statement of clean beauty is accurate based on the Lauren Conrad brand.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The packaging is made using recyclable, compostable materials and choosing partners that are committed to using less energy and water.  The brand is so committed to being eco-friendly and promoting recycling that they even have instructions on how to recycle the products on the website.

Lauren Conrad Beauty Products

Now to the products themselves.  They checked the boxes of being Clean, Eco Friendly, Vegan, Cruelty-free, but does it work?

The Liquid Highlighter

The Liquid Highlighter says you can get “a youthful glow with this buildable formula’s light to medium coverage and lightweight, luminous finish.”(LaurenConradBeauty.com)

While the Liquid Highlighter may be considered to be one of the pricier items, $26 for .37fl oz, it does give you a nice subtle glow that you can build on.  I love that it doesn’t make it look like you’ve been smacked with a shimmer stick and instead gives you a subtle highlight especially in natural light.  While the size is small, it doesn’t require a lot and so the product does still last.

The Mascara

“A rich color mascara that creates fuller looking lashes.  Gives your lashes definition and length with a natural volume effect. Smudge-proof, flake-free lashes that are soft to the touch” (LaurenConradBeauty.com)

The mascara ($20) is good, but I would say it’s general mascara.  I haven’t had any issue with it flaking or smudging which is a plus but I can’t say that it gives fuller-looking lashes or length so if that’s what you are looking for I wouldn’t recommend it.  However if you are looking for a general good mascara, it’s a good buy.

The Eyebrow Pencil

“A soft, lightweight pencil for buildable, medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that’s smear-resistant.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com

The eyebrow pencil ($22) comes in Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde and Light Blonde.  I haven’t used an eyebrow pencil in the past, as most of the time when I see people who have it’s very obvious that they’ve used a product on their brows.  I wasn’t sure about the color to use, my natural hair color is dark brown, but my hair is colored lighter.   Based on the pictures on the website, I went with the light brown which worked perfectly.   It is dark enough to fill in and see but not so dark that it looks fake.  I’m super happy with the results of it and totally recommend checking it out.

The Eyeliner Pencil

“Glides on easily with it’s smooth, creamy texture and leaves you with a matte finish that is rich in color, lightweight, and stays true through wear.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
I use the pencil ($18) for the liner at the bottom of my eye.  It has a rich color, glides on easily, and does have a matte finish that lasts through the day.  Previously I’ve used Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil ($28) and Benefit Eyeliner Pencil ($20), this is equally as good as both and it’s cheaper!

The Liquid Eyeliner

“Line your lashes with rich color that stays true through wear with its lightweight non-smearing formula” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
If there is one product in this line that I expected perfection from it was this one. After all, Lauren Conrad is known for her eyeliner.  The liquid eyeliner ($20) doesn’t disappoint.  It glides on smooth, is easily buildable, dries unbelievably fast and doesn’t smear.  I’ve always found it difficult to find a good liquid eyeliner that had a rich color to it and that dried quickly but the search over.  This is probably my favorite so far of all the products.

I look forward to trying the other products such as the Lip & Cheek Tint ($20).  There’s also an Eyeshadow Palette ($29), Powder Blush ($25), Lipstick ($20), and Lip Gloss ($18) available. Recently added as well as a skincare line- which I cannot wait to try!

The Verdict

The Lauren Conrad Beauty products are all that they claim to be as well as affordable. You won’t find too much in the way of a bold look, as the makeup is made to give you a clean, natural look which works great for everyday wear.  It’s a great solution especially for busy moms who want a quick makeup routine that doesn’t take them all morning.

Have you tried the Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup?  What did you think?

As parents, we’ve all come to that crossroads where our baby/child has outgrown an item and we wonder what to do with it.   There are times when we have a family member or friend that can use it and we can give it away which is awesome, but what about when we don’t know anyone who could use it and don’t want to throw it out?

Baby gear is expensive and often you don’t get your money out of the use, however, it is still needed at the moment.  As your child grows there are other things that you have to buy for new moments, so why not try and sell some of those gently used items to help you save on the new?  You are not only helping someone else out by helping them find it for a lower price than new but also helping yourself out by using that money to put towards other items you need.

Say Hello to Markid

Markid is an app that can be downloaded giving you access to a community of parents that are looking for gently used baby and children items.  The app is specifically geared towards parents looking to buy/sell children’s items which means that you don’t have to worry about getting lost in a general marketplace.

For a buyer, it means that you have a place to go that specifically sells kid’s items.  The US Department of Agriculture says that every child estimates an average yearly clothing expense of $737.  That just takes into account regular clothes, not things for special occasions, sports, or activities such as dance.

The US Department of Agriculture also states that the average middle-income family spends $12,000 to $13,000 on their baby’s first year of life.

from marked.io

Why Buy Gently Used?

There are so many things that you buy for an infant, and as many parents know; there are some things you will buy that they won’t even like.  For example, with my daughter, we had gotten a baby swing (because every baby loves a swing) and she HATED it. I tried easing her into it, putting it on the lowest setting- I really tried but to no avail.   We couldn’t take it back because it had been un-boxed so it sat in the corner of a room unused.

Another commonly underused item for babies is clothes.   Some babies grow fast and they never get the chance to wear clothes or just wear them a couple of times.  Then there are the instances where the size is off-season- for example winter wear in summer (in Florida no less).  Even with toddlers and kids, sometimes you buy clothes and suddenly there’s a growth spurt and it’s never worn.

It’s reasons such as these that buying gently used baby and kid items works especially with babies and kids’ items.  There’s a great post, The Green Impact of Going Used that discusses the multiple benefits of going used such as saving money and reducing waste.

Examples of Savings on Markid

Here are a few examples of the deals that can be found on Markid!

Graco Duel Sooth & Swing Rocker

New: $118.99  Markid: $30

Loveevery Play Gym

New: $140.00. Markid: $90

Baby Bjorn Bouncer

New: 199.99   Markid: $145

Baby Bjorn Cradle Bassinet

New: 350.00.  Markid: $245 (NEW)

Somethings are Markid are local meetup and some are shipping (or both).  It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for baby & kid items!

There are so many benefits to buying and selling gently used baby items.  Whether it helps you declutter, make some extra cash to put towards the things your child needs as they grow, save some cash and still get quality baby items,  it is a win-win situation for all.

Download the Markid App!

 Apple App Store  Google Play

Whether it’s savings on items for kids breakfast & lunches, Motrin, or Advil for your election time headache (or is that just me?)  here are some coupons to help save you some money on your next grocery bill!   After all, with the year that we’ve had money saving opportunities are always welcome!

Coupons for Kids Breakfast and Lunches

Looking for some savings on kids’ breakfast and lunch products?  Here are some great coupons to help you save on your grocery bill! They include Yoplait Yogurt, Welche’s Fruit Snacks, Nature Valley Granola Bars, and General Mills Cereals.

Well-being and Healthcare Coupons

From cold and flu season to allergies and aches & pains, these coupons will save you some money on your well-being and health care needs!

For The Home Coupons

I love Air Wick scents!  Here’s a coupon to either get you started with your first Air Wick or to save on some Air Wick refills!

More Coupon Savings

Self-Care isn’t about over indulging or being selfish, it’s about deliberately taking care of yourself so that you can be your best to take care of others.   Sometimes it’s the little things that just make you feel better and give you the extra ‘oomph’ you need to get through.

Here are a few of my favorite self-care gift ideas for her that can be a stand alone present, part of a gift basket, or stocking suffer!

1. Lauren Conrad Liquid Eyeliner

Feeling good about how you look makes a difference to your day.  Have some fun, be bold and let your eyes stand out with this incredible (and affordable @ $20!) eyeliner from Lauren Conrad Beauty.  See more of my favorite Lauren Conrad Beauty items.

1. Dermatonics Hard Skin Removing Balm

This stuff is like pure magic.  It takes cracked heals and callused feet and makes them feel incredibly smooth and sets you up to be ready to walk your road more comfortably.  It literally shows a difference in the first 24 hours. I have tried so many products that didn’t work, but this one is worth every penny!  Plus it’s not too greasy and has a light sweet scent.

I love the Kopari brand, and this body milk does an amazing job of moisturizing even the driest of skin while not leaving you feeling greasy.  It has a light scent so it isn’t overwhelming.  Soothes dry, itchy skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth!

1. Stella & Grace Rose Gold Face Roller

This Rose Gold face roller says it helps with lymphatic drainage, firms the look of the skin and reduces puffiness while helping you relax and destress.   I am not a skin expert and can’t speak to the lymphatic drainage but I can tell you it’s incredibly relaxing and does help with puffiness.

This primer from Heir Atelier gives you silky smooth lips and prevents lipstick from feeling dry and cracked.  It can be used alone or with lipstick/lip gloss. Check out my full review in this Favorite Beauty Products post!

Face primers help create a smooth base for makeup, can help foundation last longer, and can give an extra boost of hydration to skin.  Not all face primers are made equally though.   This primer from Heir Atelier is an absolute favorite for myself and as a gift to others- my mom absolutely loves it too and says she sees a notable difference with and without it.

More Beauty Product Suggestions