Mommy-Must-Haves for August

So, this month I decided to post about my favorites for all of you mommies out there. Since becoming a mom, my tastes and needs have changed a bit, so I try a lot of different things to figure out what all suits me best. For instance, my skin looks like shit. This is no lie. Since having Layla, my hormones have been so messed up that I'm reverting back to my pubescent skin and mommy does not like. On top of that, the Proactiv that once used to work great, now burns my skin off. So, more often then not, I'm finding myself loading up on skin care products trying to find something that works.

I'm also trying to find quick, healthy alternatives for my breakfasts and lunches, since my life has be come infinitely more hectic. I'm attending school full-time, blogging, and taking care of Layla. So, for all of you moms who work, go to school, and take care of your babies...statues should be erected in your honor. I have no idea how you ladies do it!

Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer: I cannot say enough good things about this bronzer. It it so shimmery and perfectly golden on any skin tone. You can make it as subtle or heavy as you want. After a really bad burn this summer, I've been using SPF on my face (lesson learned!), so it's obviously much lighter than the rest of my body. This bronzer is perfect for evening things out. I also love using it as an eyeshadow from time to time, too!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent: I LOVE this powder for setting my makeup. It's not too "cakey" and I don't get oily at all with this powder, which I tend to have more oily skin anyways. It's also great for layering a bronzer on top of as well. And it's super cheap! Win, win, win!
Nars Blush in Orgasm: I'm pretty much obsessed with this blush and haven't used anything other than this blush in almost three years. I may need to expand my horizons soon, but if it ain't broken, don't fix it! If you're unfamiliar with the amazingness of this blush, you NEED to try it. Even if you just go into the store and sample it, you'll be hooked. It's this shimmery, coral-peach, mermaid-esque, sun-kissed, glowy, fantastic blush that makes your face look amazing. No lie. This is seriously an every month mommy-must-have.
Benefit They're Real! Mascara: I just got a sample of this as a birthday gift from Sephora, and I instantly fell in love! This mascara lengthens, separates, and plumps up your lashes to impossible standards! The only con is that it is a bit tricky to get off. I use the old baby oil trick and that seems to help a lot. I will definitely be buying the full size!
Lush Mask of Magnaminty: I recently purchased this mask to help with my break outs. This is a really great mask that helps bring everything to the surface, so be prepared for an epic breakout a few days after using. Typically, it's not caused by the product clogging your pores, but because it's bringing all the dirt and build up to the surface. Clean pores means smaller pores and fewer break outs! I use this once a week, and it's worked great so far.
Murad Acne Complex 30-Day Kit: So, when I last visited Sephora to try and fix the shit on my face, I found one of these kits on the tippy top of the shelf covered in dust. I was pissed about buying a full size of some expensive crap I've never tried, but desperate times...Anyways, I saw this as I was walking back to the counter, and this entire set of products was only $35! I do have to say I was drawn to the fact that you could actually start a skin regiment with this set without breaking the bank. I've used it for a while now, and it has really, really helped! Typically, it takes 6-8 weeks for anything to really make a difference, but so far so good! AND it doesn't burn my face off. haha PERFECT!
Luna Bar Chocolate Dipped Coconut: These are soooo amazing for on-the-go mommies! They taste great, and they're actually not bad for you! They're also really great at curbing those chocolate cravings, which I know all too well.
Starbucks Cool Lime Refreshers: To say that I'm addicted to these would be a total understatement. These are so effing good. They're like my crack. (Say crack again!) Crack. I was in the grocery store when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher VIA packets! UM. WHAT. You mean, I can make these at home for a FRACTION of the cost AND drink them out of a mason jar?! WHAT. YES.
Casemate Glam Case for iPhone 5 in Champagne: I'm overly fond of glitter...I've mentioned that right? Well, when I saw this case, I had to have it. It's heavy duty without looking heavy duty, and I'm a bit accident prone with my phones, and this case has definitely held up!
So those are my Mommy-Must-Haves for August! Hope you guys love them as much as I do! Let me know what some of your Mommy-Must-Haves are in the comments down below!

Crafty Mama DIY

So I've been Pinteresting quite a bit lately due to wedding AND 1st birthday planning (1st birthday, can you believe it?!), so I've stumbled across a ton of really great DIYs and I've actually completed a few that I wanted to share with you all!

I've been looking EVERYWHERE for a great framed picture that was big enough to make a chalkboard out of (and easy on the pocket), and I found one last weekend at the Salvation Army for $14.99. That was a bit expensive, but I couldn't pass it up...plus I already had the paint leftover from past projects, so that made it a bit easier.

This was what I started with:

All I need is a shag carpet and some mustard colored bell-bottomed corduroys to get down with this bad boy! Gotta love the faux wood grain stickers they used to put on frames!

After a few coats of glossy white spray paint for the frame and a few layers of chalkboard paint to cover up the artwork, voila!


All that's left is to hang it and get to doodling! With fall already in the air and Halloween on its way, I have a ton of ideas already planned for this chalkboard. I'm so excited to have another item to decorate!

My other DIY is a coupon organizer! I was seriously at my wit's end with not having some sort of organizational system for all of my coupons. They usually got stuffed in a wallet pocket or I had to fish them out of the bottom of my bag...it was annoying and most times, I forgot about them completely. So, when I saw a mini file expander in the Target dollar bin, I grabbed it and got to accessorizing with my label maker and washi tape.


Isn't it adorable?! In front, I made a tab labeled "This Trip" so that when I have my shopping list done, I can grab out any coupons I'll need and stick them in there, which means no rifling in the grocery store line! So very excited about that. I also made tabs for dining, fun, fuel, clothing, baby, grocery, heath & beauty, and household to help me keep things a bit more organized and easier to find. I'm really excited to utilize this and it makes my purse much happier looking now!

I have a ton of holiday and 1st birthday crafts in the works, so I'll be sure to keep you posted on all of those! If you have any great DIY wins (or fails) I'd love to hear about them!

It's been a while, so I'll leave you with a picture of my not-so-little pretty preemie!

Obsessed. I'm totally obsessed with her.