Mommy Must Haves - September

  Sorry it's a little late, but as I said in my last post, this past month has been insane!

I recently re-vamped all of the music on my phone, so some CDs I've been obsessed with have been Lorde - Pure Heroine, Drake - Nothing Was the Same, and Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience. My poor baby has had to listen to me karaoke the shit out of these albums on our many car rides. Haha Plus, they're awesome motivation motivation music when I'm at the gym.
Speaking of the gym, I've been trying to spend some time there, since I'm standing in TWO weddings in April, so naturally, I needed to go buy myself some stuff for the gym as motivation. First, this Ello Percy Water Bottle is adorable! It's glass, but it looks like the traditional plastic version...I'm easily amused. Either way, I love it, it fits in the cup holders at the gym and my car, it doesn't leak...so it's a keeper. I also splurged and bought myself this Polar Heart Rate Monitor. It's amazing and totally convenient for those of you counting calories like me!
Everyone always gets so pumped for the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) at Starbucks each fall, but my very favorite has always been the Chai Tea Latte (Iced). I usually get it iced, but when it gets colder out, it's equally delicious hot. Do NOT make the same mistake I did and try to deviate to the Chocolate Chai Tea Latte thinking that it's going to be amazing, because it's not...just stick with the classic.
The Urban Decay Naked2 Palette is always such an amazing choice for natural, smoky eyes. I love bronze smoky eyes all year-round in the fall, and every color you could possibly need in included in this palette. It's amazing quality, high-pigmented color! LOVE!
Okay, so the reason I'm posting Vaseline (SO WEIRD) is because I LOVE this product. Firstly, it's like a Barbie sized Vaseline container...again, I'm easily amused. Secondly, it's not just for lips, people. It's literally VASELINE...with a sticker on it that says "lip therapy," but it's just Vaseline. SO, with that being said, I keep these on my nightstand and put it around my eyes and my eyelids at night...call me cray-cray, but this shit is amazeballs. It helps with bags, dark circles, and wrinkles. Officially obsessed. You're welcome.
If you follow me on Instagram, I posted about this Philosophy Frosted Animal Cracker Shower Gel back in July. If you haven't used this before, you're fucking crazy. It's like washing your body with sugary sweet cookies. SO GOOD. I may need to find a yummy fall scent to use soon because I'm running out of this.
I am a sucker for apples and almond butter, but I recently found this Jif Cashew Butter at Meijer and decided to give it a go since I love cashews waaaaay more than almonds, and I needed a change. OMG. This stuff is soooo effing good! I can't wait to try it in smoothies and cookies. Because holy shit, let's get married.
Now that you guys know I'm a chai lover, I obviously had to purchase this Vanilla Chai candle by Yankee Candle! I love how strongly scented their candles are, because nothing bums me out like buying a delicious candle and not being able to smell it when it's lit. Not this guy! Your whole house will smell like you want to go all Hansel and Gretel on your own house and start eating the shit out of it. This, I do not recommend. Buy yourself an iced chai tea latte first to fight the urge, and then burn this baby to your heart's content.

That's about it for my September must-haves, leave me some comments below and let me know what yours are!

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!

Mackinac Island Vacation/4th of July

I'm so very happy to say that we have all survived our first vacation with an infant unscathed. The warm weather and direct sunlight proved difficult with a teething baby, but slamming a pina colada with a view of Lake Huron helped ease the tension.

My obsessive packing organization didn't fail me, and there wasn't a thing I forgot! Score one for the mama packing method! I splurged and got Layla the overnight bag that I've been wanting to get her for months, but I held out until I had a coupon. Thankfully, it arrived just in time to be filled to the brim with onesies, headbands, and rompers.

overnight bag

Like I did the last time we traveled with Layla, I packed and sealed her outfits by day in Ziplock bags. In each bag I put her outfit for the day and a back-up outfit (each with their accessories) and a onesie and pajamas for that night. I was able to seal the bag and leave an inch open and roll the bag up to let all of the air out before re-sealing it. It allowed for so much more room in the overnight bag! Because of being on the waterfront, and this is Michigan, I made sure to pack some cold weather clothes and her swimsuits and reusable swim diaper.

I did bring a small soft cooler that fit in the basket of her stroller that I could fill with all of her bottles since we were out and about all day, every day. Of course, you never want to forget formula/breastmilk, diapers, and wipes! One thing that I was so happy that I brought was a bottle brush and a mini of her BabyGanics Dish Soap. One of the most unexciting parts of vacationing with your baby is that the simple pleasures of home (like scrubbing bottles every night) aren't left behind.

Packing for myself was done in pretty much the same fashion. I did score this awesome cosmetic travel case on sale at Walmart!
I was so excited to get my hands on the little bottles so that I could label them (of course!). The back zipper has a HUGE pocket that held so much stuff! Razor, hair products, q-tips, toothbrush/UV sanitizer (don't ask...yes I have a UV sanitizer for my toothbrush), ClairSonic/charger, all of my Murad face stuff, comb and round brush, bobby pins, perfume minis, lotions, deodorant...anything else I could cram in there, you better believe I did. I do have a separate makeup bag, so that doesn't count. haha

Our 4th of July was so great (even though we didn't get to see the fireworks!). We spent it walking along Lake Huron in all of the little shops of downtown St. Ignace. It has such a great little harbor town feel to it and I love looking in all of the kitchy, touristy shops! We did find time to go to a really adorable deer ranch and take totally cliche family photos. haha The restaurant we stopped at for dinner, however, forgot we were even there and we ended up waiting for an hour for our food...so we missed the fireworks. But Andrew and I did get to catch some on Saturday! (more on that, later!)
My little sweet babe on the 4th...those eyes! (Headband from Pretty Little Elm)

Friday was spent taking a ferry to Mackinac Island and spending the day touring in and out all of the little shops and tourist spots, like the butterfly house and the Grand Hotel. If only I had a few million crammed away, I'd love to live there! After stuffing my face with fudge, sweet tea, and pasties, we walked along the water and watched everyone fly kites. I wish real life were that leisurely all the time! I scored a bunch of cute stuff that I might post later on.

Saturday we went to a local zoo outside of St. Ignace and did some more shopping. After dinner, my mom took Layla so Andrew and I could go see the fireworks in town that we missed out on on the 4th. While we were watching fireworks, HUGE SURPRISE, Andrew proposed! It was very cute and the ring is GORGEOUS!


I'm so excited to start planning a wedding and blogging everything to share with everyone! I'm so very happy in my life right now, and it's so exciting to start a new chapter with Andrew and Layla.

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July!

NICU Favorites

During our long 76 day NICU stay, the hospital definitely became our home away from home. I am a chronic over-packer, but I learned pretty quickly what was and wasn't necessary. Looking back at all the times I lugged my filled-to-the-brim Louis Vuitton Keepall back and forth from my car, I can't help but think "If I knew then what I know now..." Unfortunately, there was no permanent place to put my things, nor was there a room guaranteed at our hospital. Basically, you asked the nurses around 10PM if a room was available. If it was, great (but you and your things better be out by 10AM). If not, sorry about your luck, you better make the 30 minute drive home.

After much reflection and conversations with other NICU mommies, I'm pretty sure I would've survived with just these few items.



The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter: I cannot stress enough about how drying hospital air is. They purposely keep it that way as to avoid bacterial growth in the air, but it does a number on your skin. And if that doesn't do your skin in, washing your hands and using hospital grade hand sanitizers every ten seconds will! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff. It's super thick and creamy and smells SO yummy! Other favorites are the strawberry and mango scents.
Lansinoh Lanolin Cream: If you didn't already know, I'm a first-time mom. I didn't really have an opinion on breastfeeding until I gave birth to a preemie and the nurses explained that my milk was her medicine. Because she was so tiny, I found myself permanently attached to a breast pump until she was strong enough to try latching. Luckily, I had a wonderful lactation consultant in the hospital that forewarned me about cracked nipples...otherwise I would've been pumping away with no concern for my poor nipples whatsoever! This stuff is amazing. I used it after each time I pumped and have never, ever had a problem!
American Eagle Button Down Shirt: I was so thrilled to finally kangaroo with my little princess, but after changing out of my clothes and into a crinkly, uncomfortable surgical gown for the umpteenth time, I knew there had to be a better way! Thankfully, one of her wonderful nurses suggested wearing a button down shirt to make it easier and more comfortable. I would usually leave this in her isolette drawer, because her dad and I would take turns doing kangaroo care with her, so I didn't always need it. It also came in handy for when I would try breastfeeding!
Boppy Pillow: This was amazing for when I tried breastfeeding! (Layla still drinks breastmilk, we were just never able to latch because she prefers the bottle.) Although the staff tried to give me some hospital pillows, they never worked as well as the Boppy and always slipped around. This was so great to leave up at the hospital to use whenever I needed it.
Medela Symphony Double Breastpump Kit: My hospital had Medela Symphony pumps in their NICU, but it may differ with your hospital. They were also able to provide me with multiple kits, so I never had to come out of my own pocket for these...which I cannot tell you how great that was. It was one less thing to worry about! If you can afford a Symphony, I STRONGLY suggest investing in one! It is by far and away the best pump I've ever used (I've tried a few that have sucked in comparison)! I also kept these at Layla's bedside, so that they were there when I needed them and I never forgot them.
Naked Juice Smoothies: As a health-conscious, breatfeeding mom, I tried so hard to live by the "what you eat, baby eats" rule. When you're traveling to and from home every day, going to school full-time, and trying to take care of the house, it's next to impossible. I can't tell you how many times I'd lay in bed at night and think, "Shit, I forgot to eat!" You get so caught up in your day and your pumping schedule that you just forget. It happens. These things saved my life! They're loaded with fruits and veggies and they're all natural! Win win win! When you don't have time to fix a meal, these come in so handy when you're trying to eat and drive be a traffic conscious mommy at the same time! They're ALL yummy (I'm partial to the Green Machine, myself...) so you can't go wrong!
Bumble Bar: Okay, so I know that everyone loves a good meal replacement/granola/protein bar. The problem is, they're full of shit and usually taste like it, too. {And the sugar content is disgustingly high.) These babies are INSANELY GOOD! They're organic, LOW in sugar, and taste AWESOME! They're not high in protein (around 5g/bar), so I usually boil a dozen eggs and eat one along side it. So great to throw in your bag and munch on when you're on-the-go and trying to avoid another Biggby brownie for dinner (Can you believe they're not selling these anymore?! I almost cried in their drive thru when they told me!).
iPhone 5: If you're anything like me, you live on your phone. This is obviously essential for staying in touch with family, friends, and NICU nurses everyday. Also, it helped keep me entertained when baby was sleeping and I was able to take hundreds of pictures and babyspam Facebook and Instagram feeds to my heart's content. IMPORTANT: Don't forget your charger!
Yoga Pants: You're already in an awful, uncomfortable hospital day in and day out. To top it all off, you just had a baby. You deserve to wear yoga pants. Everyday. I'm a stay-at-home-mommy and I own more yoga pants than jeans. I cannot tell a lie. I seriously love them. Best thing about them is that you don't have to spend a fortune on them. They're all the same to me! Comfy, stretchy, and wonderful!
Slippers: I pretty much feel the same way about these as I do the yoga pants. You're in a NICU, getting dressed up in unnecessary. Your situation is uncomfortable enough, YOU might as well be comfortable.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: When all of your time is taken up with baby and pumping and hospitals and driving and everything else...low maintenance is obviously key. This product is great for that. It's got great coverage, it's moisturizing, and has SPF protection all in one. If you only wear ONE product, this is it. Even just throwing some of this on real quick before I ran out the door helped me to feel more human!
Burt's Bees Lip Balm: I'm obsessed with lip balms. I have a sickening amount in every bag I own. No matter how much or what brand I buy, I always come back to Burt's. The hospital chapped my lips so bad that they would bleed. This stuff was awesome. And I have no idea why I'm so satisfied by the dull sting every time I put it on. haha

There you have it! I hope this helps to make your NICU stay less difficult, because let's face it...it's never easy. Let me know if there is anything that you considered a MUST HAVE during your NICU stay!