New Year Beauty Boost- My Favorite Items!

I've had a few readers e-mail me asking for my makeup routine..

So re-sharing the items in my makeup bag. :)

With the start of a new year...maybe you are wanting to try out some new products.

These are my favorites..and maybe, this year, they'll become yours!

I swear by the mac under eye cream...and the urban decay

cream to powder foundation. (all items linked below!)

As far as a cleansers/moisturizers...

I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Skin Cleanser,

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner(LOVE) and Cetaphil Moisturizer Cream

Makeup:

1. E.l.f. Eyelid Primer - Target

I got this in an eye shadow set from E.l.f. at target. (a mini version) and I love it! I never used primer before... it works magic. Makes sure you don't get those creases.. and some days when I don't have time for eye shadow I just put the primer on for a nice matte finish.

2. Urban Decay Surreal Skin, Cream to Powder Foundation - Ulta/Sephora

I went into Ulta not knowing what type of foundation I was going to get..But I wanted something new. I AM IN LOVE with this product. A little goes a long way. I don't use the brush that it comes with..instead I use a big brush from E.l.f. I got at target. It makes putting it on a lot easier. It goes on as a cream..dries almost immediately to a foundation..and leaves your skin covered and lovely. For those of you who are blessed with perfect skin..don't both with this.. but I need it to make me look alive/decent. ;) Love it.

3.Loreal Color Riche Lip Balm - Target

I don't wear a lot of lipstick or lip gloss. why? the husband doesn't really like it.. and you want to make the man you are smooching happy. ;) So that's why I love this lip balm. gives you a hint of color and moisture..without any sticky feeling.

4. Mac Mineralize Concealer (for Under Eye) - Mac Costmetics

ALLELLLUIAAAAAA..that's what the angels in heaven were singing around me when I discovered this product. As a mom who barely gets enough sleep. barely sleeps through the night because of babies crying or babies pushing on my bladder in my womb...this is a God Send. It brightens you up. a little goes a long way. A couple times I was in a rush and didn't pay attention..wow. looked in the mirror and I looked like a doll. But..when used right it makes you look like you actually did sleep in till whenever you wanted like you did in college. ;)

5. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - Clinique 

I am not a fan of loose powder..I don't know why..maybe I've used the wrong kind. But after I put on my foundations and concealer I do a light dap with this powder..and use it throughout the day for touch ups. Leaves you looking matte. which I like. shiny... bad.

6. Burt's Bees' Tinted Lip Balm(Hibiscus) - Ulta

Again..same as the comments above for the color riche lip balm..

love the hint of color and moisture..without a stickiness or harsh color.

husband approved.

7. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation - Clinique

I have used this forever. I used to use this along without the Urban Decay Foundation.. but I would always have to use more concealer on my blemishes/red spots etc.... But the day I used both foundations (as seen by a youtube makeup girl with different products) I found I barely had to use any concealer to touch up.. it was way better of coverage. I put on very little of this though but preps the skin nice.

8. Maybelline ExpertWear Eeyeshadow (Almond Satin) - Target

Ok.... I used to have no time for eye shadow. and I never liked the shine of them..But when I tried this (with the eyelid primer) I fell in love! I love being able to mix up the shades. some days I just use the light..some days I do a smoky eye. I like options. It lasts a long time.. and goes on beautifully. it's CHEAP. try it.

9. Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara (very black) - Target

Been using this since high school.....seriously...I won't wear anything else.

I've tried other mascaras..but this one is the best.

It makes your eyelashes look so long..and it lasts.. You can get lots of drama with multiple coats..or the perfect darkness and length with a quick quote before a toddler tries to put their baby on(IN) the potty. sienna-"poopy!"

10. Sonia Kashuk Blush -Target

Big fan of these products. Still a blush hopper..trying to find one I love. But I've been using this for a couple years.. so...that means something. ;)

I love the shade...makes me look alive.

alive looking is always nice when you are going on a date after a long day.

11. Urban Decay Concealer Pencil - Ulta

OH..MY GOSH! LOVE! If you need a concealer stick....this.... is the one!

I used to use a wand one from clinique..and then a pot one from mac..

but this one beats them all. don't use the others anymore. don't need nearly as much.

It goes on way better..covers better.. and lasts longer. Plus it's more fun with a cute pencil.

12. Mac Eye Shadow (Dark brown shade for eyebrows) - Mac Cosmetics

Eye brow magic.. A little dark shade on my eyebrows frames the eyes..

I used to pluck my eyebrows more..but the past couple years I've been letting them grow in..(still keeping them groomed) and I think that it makes you look a lot younger if they are thicker rather than thin lines. So.. something to think about. A little shadow on them fills them in and helps the shape.

Cosmetic Tools:

13. E.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush - Target

14. Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush - Target

15. E.l.f. Studio Eye Shadow Brush - Target

16. elf Angled Crease Contour Brush - Target

17. Revlon Eyelash Curler - Target

MASCARA EXAMPLE:

I love maybelline full n soft. you should try it.

(ENGAGEMENT PHOTO BELOW. BEEN USING THE SAME MASCARA FOR 5+ YEARS!)

If you are wanting some more Beauty Boost Products..

I posted last year a 1 Week Beauty Boost!

Baby #3 - My Hospital Bag!

HOSPITAL BAGS ARE PACKED!

WOW.. it totally feels more real now! we are DOING THIS!...

That baby #3 will be here before we know it!

I thought I would share what I put in my Hospital Bag..all my favorites and must haves.

(I pack a suitcase. camera bag. back pack.)

I can't believe I photographed my underwear in this blog post.....haha.

But seriously.. pack comfy undies ladies! and socks. :)

1. Target Nursing Tanks that I LIVE IN when I'm at the hospital & then

when I'm home and around the house.

This tip was given to me with my first baby by my sister-in-law. I have 3 of these.

2. Pretty Designer Hospital Gown by Dear Johnnies.

So excited to try this out this time around!

3. KMART find! these slippers are amazingly comfy. and snuggy. :)

4. Cute PJ's from Target. The top and pants are so soft..and it's easy for nursing in.

5. I always pack soft comfy tops to wear over my nursing tanks..with my "yoga pants."

These are all from target.

6.Going home outfit.  I wear comfy Maternity clothes...

because you don't leave as tiny as you wish. ;)

7. A robe. I got this one at target a while back..it's a good weight and soft.

8. "Yoga pants"..that make you feel dressed when you want to be.

We don't know what we are having so I packed both boy and girl clothes/blankets.

I know a lot of people just pack one outfit but I like to have the option of changing the baby into our clothes in the hospital. One BIG HUMONGOUS tip...get a pack of the gerber zip up onesies! Saves your life when you are trying to change the baby in the middle of the night.

And of course a Phillies onesie is packed for boy or girl. ;) Husband snuck that in.

I didn't pack my boppy this time around. I have one...

but ended up not using it with Sienna (Baby #2)

I found using a regular pillow was just as good at the hospital and home.

But it was handy when I was first learning with Sophie (Baby #1)

I know plenty of mamas go deliver their baby with chapstick and that's it!

But me...I like my routine and using my normal products..

my own face wash and moisturizer etc..

There are also certain items, like the nursing pads and nipple cream that are essential (especially for first time nursers) One thing I didn't pack this time but

that I ALWAYS recommend for first time nursers...

nipple shields. You will thank me. Get some. I got mine at target.

They don't sell the same kind I used, but have something similar.

I pack my favorite and basic makeup items too.

With sienna I was putting on my makeup in between contractions.

It kept me calm. haha.

And I like to feel fresh and like myself while at the Hospital.

My Mac under eye cream...miracle worker.

I can give birth all night with that product. ;)

I also love my burt's bees tinted lip balm. a nice natural color and moisturizer in one.

Here's linkage for all the products

I love and am packing.

I also have shared in a past post everything that is in my Makeup Bag.

In case you are curious. :)

1. lansinoh breast pads

2. urban decay cream to powder foundation

3. suave dry shampoo

4. cetaphil moisturizing cream

5. sonia kashuk blush

6. neutrogena pore refining toner

7. e.l.f. eyelid primer

8. urban decay concealer pencil

9. neutrogena foaming cleanser

10. burt's bees tinted lip balm

11. clinique stay-matte sheer pressed powder

12. always infinity pads

13. mac mineralize concealer

14. neutrogena makeup removing towelettes (I bought the travel pack)

15. maybelline full n' soft mascara

16. lansinoh cream

I put together some gifts for our nurses!

Nurses like candy.. nurses like patients who bring them candy.

It's proven. (by my 2 past pregnancies ;)

We also packed up a gift for the big sisters.

When they come meet the baby at the hospital....

we'll give them these presents from the baby. And then mommy and daddy are giving them the movie to take home with grandma and watch as a special treat!

(sophie has been wanting to see this one! so excited for her to see we got it.)

I'm sure there are some items that other people pack that I haven't...

and items I packed that people would never... But this is how I do it :)

and if you are pregnant and packing... hope it helps!

What's in my Makeup Bag..

It's been a few years since
I posted what's in my makeup bag..

I love seeing what other real women use each day..

so I thought I would share what I use..
the items I love and can't live without! ;)
A good mix of high(for me) and low prices.

I was going to say If it has a star next to it..it means I LOVE it...
but I went through the items listed and they all ended up with stars..haha.
so.. you get the idea...All favorites.

Makeup:
1. E.l.f. Eyelid Primer - Target
I got this in an eye shadow set from E.l.f. at target. (a mini version) and I love it! I never used primer before... it works magic. Makes sure you don't get those creases.. and some days when I don't have time for eye shadow I just put the primer on for a nice matte finish.


2. Urban Decay Surreal Skin, Cream to Powder Foundation - Ulta/Sephora
I went into Ulta not knowing what type of foundation I was going to get..But I wanted something new. I AM IN LOVE with this product. A little goes a long way. I don't use the brush that it comes with..instead I use a big brush from E.l.f. I got at target. It makes putting it on a lot easier. It goes on as a cream..dries almost immediately to a foundation..and leaves your skin covered and lovely. For those of you who are blessed with perfect skin..don't both with this.. but I need it to make me look alive/decent. ;) Love it.

3.Loreal Color Riche Lip Balm - Target
I don't wear a lot of lipstick or lip gloss. why? the husband doesn't really like it.. and you want to make the man you are smooching happy. ;) So that's why I love this lip balm. gives you a hint of color and moisture..without any sticky feeling.


4. Mac Mineralize Concealer (for Under Eye) - Mac Costmetics
ALLELLLUIAAAAAA..that's what the angels in heaven were singing around me when I discovered this product. As a mom who barely gets enough sleep. barely sleeps through the night because of babies crying or babies pushing on my bladder in my womb...this is a God Send. It brightens you up. a little goes a long way. A couple times I was in a rush and didn't pay attention..wow. looked in the mirror and I looked like a doll. But..when used right it makes you look like you actually did sleep in till whenever you wanted like you did in college. ;)


5. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - Clinique 
I am not a fan of loose powder..I don't know why..maybe I've used the wrong kind. But after I put on my foundations and concealer I do a light dap with this powder..and use it throughout the day for touch ups. Leaves you looking matte. which I like. shiny... bad.


6. Burt's Bees' Tinted Lip Balm(Hibiscus) - Ulta
Again..same as the comments above for the color riche lip balm..
love the hint of color and moisture..without a stickiness or harsh color.
husband approved.

7. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation - Clinique
I have used this forever. I used to use this along without the Urban Decay Foundation.. but I would always have to use more concealer on my blemishes/red spots etc.... But the day I used both foundations (as seen by a youtube makeup girl with different products) I found I barely had to use any concealer to touch up.. it was way better of coverage. I put on very little of this though but preps the skin nice.

8. Maybelline ExpertWear Eeyeshadow (Almond Satin) - Target
Ok.... I used to have no time for eye shadow. and I never liked the shine of them..But when I tried this (with the eyelid primer) I fell in love! I love being able to mix up the shades. some days I just use the light..some days I do a smoky eye. I like options. It lasts a long time.. and goes on beautifully. it's CHEAP. try it.


9. Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara (very black) - Target
Been using this since high school.....seriously...I won't wear anything else.
I've tried other mascaras..but this one is the best.
It makes your eyelashes look so long..and it lasts.. You can get lots of drama with multiple coats..or the perfect darkness and length with a quick quote before a toddler tries to put their baby on(IN) the potty. sienna-"poopy!"


10. Sonia Kashuk Blush -Target
Big fan of these products. Still a blush hopper..trying to find one I love. But I've been using this for a couple years.. so...that means something. ;)
I love the shade...makes me look alive.
alive looking is always nice when you are going on a date after a long day.


11. Urban Decay Concealer Pencil - Ulta
OH..MY GOSH! LOVE! If you need a concealer stick....this.... is the one!
I used to use a wand one from clinique..and then a pot one from mac..
but this one beats them all. don't use the others anymore. don't need nearly as much.
It goes on way better..covers better.. and lasts longer. Plus it's more fun with a cute pencil.

12. Mac Eye Shadow (Dark brown shade for eyebrows) - Mac Cosmetics
Eye brow magic.. A little dark shade on my eyebrows frames the eyes..
I used to pluck my eyebrows more..but the past couple years I've been letting them grow in..(still keeping them groomed) and I think that it makes you look a lot younger if they are thicker rather than thin lines. So.. something to think about. A little shadow on them fills them in and helps the shape.

Cosmetic Tools:

13. E.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush - Target
14. Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush - Target
15. E.l.f. Studio Eye Shadow Brush - Target
16. elf Angled Crease Contour Brush - Target

17. Revlon Eyelash Curler - Target


MASCARA EXAMPLE:
I love maybelline full n soft. you should try it.

2011- Popular & Favorite Posts!

If you are a blogger..
you need to check out statcounter.com

It really helps in giving you all the background info on your page views/content

I just clicked for the first time to see my yearly stats..

2010 - Page Loads...353,528

2011 - Page Loads...966,564

?!?!?! Soo excited!! Might not be a lot compared to

some of the big time bloggas but it's big for me! :)

I thought I would share some of
the popular posts people viewed!

I had fun sharing them with you..
These are some of my favorites!

Felt Food - Favorite Tutorials
My mom and I made these and a bunch of other fun ones for my sophia's 2nd birthday.
the key was to give her a present that year that was veryyy soft
since she had a newborn sister. :)

Free Baby Shower Printable- Baby Jeopardy

Made this for my friends' shower that I threw.. it's been downloaded 1,103 times!

Happy to be a part of all those baby showers! 

Storybook Princess Party-

Sophia & Sienna's 3rd and 1st Birthday Party

(spent $4 on that DIY castle!)

Most Popular Inspiration Board -

Gift Giving DIY Projects

RECIPES

Saw a lot of clicks going to the button at the top for Recipes!

I can see a lot of you are like me..always looking for new ones to try!

Tutorials

Also saw a lot of clicks going to the button at the top for Tutorials!

Here's some of my favorites..

Streamer Canopy Tutorial

Owl Cupcake Tutorial

Tissue Pom Pom Inspiration Round-Up & Martha Stewart Tutorial

Sweet Shoppe Party Theme - Sweetopia Village

Sophia's 2nd Birthday Party

Pamper the Mommy Baby Shower

Threw it for 3 friends of mine who were pregnant.

I especially loved making up these We heart babies We heart mommies cupcake toppers..

and teaming up with my friend to create a bath bomb bar!

DIY

Always a favorite topic on the blog..

a lot of clicks went to the button at the top for DIY projects!

Here's a recent favorite...Glitter Votives

One of the most personal posts I've done was sharing

about my best friend's murder..She was A Victim of Domestic Violence

It was a great source of healing for me to blog about it. And I have been so blessed by all of your prayers and support through this hard time. I was also amazed by the vast reach that domestic violence has in our world..so many people know of, or are, someone affected by it. Please join me in this new year to pray for the end of violence..and for all those affected by domestic violence. I especially pray that every woman knows how amazing and worthy of love she is. And I pray that we may help stand up for those we know being told otherwise.

Thanks for making this year such a wonderful one on my blog..

for following my journey as a wife, mother and woman of God.

and for those of you who blog yourself..thanks for sharing YOU with us!

My family and I wish you many many blessings for this new year!

Have a fun and safe night!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!