What's Your Skin Care Routine?

Since having Little Miss Penelope (and even when I was pregnant), my skin has definitely gone through some changes. Luckily I was blessed with great skin (thanks Mom!) and so I've never really had to do much in the way of caring for it. I have typically used a make-up remover towelette in the evenings, followed by a little Aveeno moisturizer (I don't even know which kind because I never even paid attention to it!).

Lately I've noticed that my skin is incredibly dry. As in, patches of dry skin on my cheeks. So I've started to change things up a little. I've switched out most of my expensive stuff for products that can be found in most drug stores, Target or Wal-mart. I know my sister Christine is going to yell at me for calling this my routine, but this is really how I 'care' for my skin...or more like, here's what I do to/put on my face each day.

I wash with bar soap (I'm currently loving Dove's blue fig & orange blossom), slather with Nivea Soft (this has single-handedly rehydrated my skin), and top with Garnier BB Cream in fair/light (a great inexpensive option that simply evens out my skin tone and smells pretty nice too!) and my favorite tarte blush in Exposed (my one splurge of the bunch). Oh and at the end of the day? I remove it all with a Neutrogena cleansing towelette and re-slather with Nivea. It's that simple for me!

What are your favorite skin care products?

What is your skin care routine?

New Mom Faves: The Early Weeks

When I first arrived home with my sweet Penelope Jane, I didn't really know what to expect. I tried to plan as much as possible, but like many things in life, until I was actually doing it (taking care of Penelope, nursing, and adjusting to my new life), I realized what I needed and what I didn't. There were some items that became my favorite things and new best friends. I would recommend all of these items to any new (and nursing) moms out there!

clockwise from top left:

Pretty pj's (via Target): In the first few weeks, I spent a lot of time in pajamas and so having some nice new sets made me feel like a chic new mom, instead of a hot mess. 

A large purse (via Cuore & Pelle): Though I've since traded off to a giant diaper bag - more on that later - in the first few weeks, I loved having a large enough purse that I could throw in a couple of diapers, wipes and an extra outfit for small trips to the pediatrician or for a walk around the neighborhood.

Dimmer switches: Shaun switched out the nursery switch for a dimmer and it has been a godsend. We also keep our other lights dim in the evenings so that Penelope can unwind without being overstimulated. Dimmer = Mom's best friend.

Water bottle (via Camelbak): I was simply amazed at how thirsty I felt all the time in those first few weeks, especially when nursing Penelope. I loved having a brand new (non-spilling) water bottle to carry with me all over the house and while out and about.

iPad mini: I know this is a bigger ticket item, but I think this has been my number one product as a new mom. For all of those sleepy, late night feedings, the iPad mini fit perfectly in my hands to keep me awake and alert (and not bored!). I loaded up my favorite blogs, downloaded the Kindle app and continue to use it all.the.time. Not to mention it's perfect for tracking feedings and diaper changes in those important first weeks.

Thank You cards (via Invitation Box): Though our family threw us a huge baby shower, we continued to receive gifts from our extremely generous friends and family after Penelope was born. I was so happy that I had pretty, girly Thank You notes on hand to send out as gifts came in.

Nuts & dried fruit mix: I loved having this as a snack next to my bedside for middle of the night feedings. In addition to thirst, I could not believe how HUNGRY I got while nursing. Dried fruit and nut mixes kept me feeling satisfied and healthy.

I have lots of other favorites that I've come to love over the last 10 weeks. Stay tuned for more coming soon!

New moms: What are some of your favorite products?

Party Favor Polish

A few weeks ago, I attended a lovely bridal shower for a family friend of ours. I absolutely fell in love with the sweet party favors, which consisted of a pretty Essie nail polish and a pink emory board. Given my nail polish obsession, is it any wonder that this ranks as one of my favorite party favors of all time?!

The bride's sister, Erin, chose bridal-themed colors, like Looking for Love (the one I received) and a sheer pink called Starter Wife (which, coincidentally, I already own, so I was very happy to get the lovely gray shade to add to my collection). It was all tied together with chic twine and also served as our table card so we all knew where to sit.

Isn't this such a fun party favor? As soon as I have a few free minutes on my hands, I have this polish all queued up to use. I can't wait to use it!

Have you attended any parties lately?

What fun party favors have you seen?