Sunday Secret Weapons: Skincare

This week, my secret weapons are a few skin care products that I really love, but don't hear too much about from other people. Maybe some of you will like them, too!

1. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream:

This first product is awesome. First of all, I have REALLY sensitive skin. I'm all about products that are natural. I have a rule (that I only sometimes break--like for Cetaphil), that if I put it on my face, I have to be able to pronounce/recognize all the ingredients. The ingredients in this are as follows: Olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract.

This stuff is great for my daughter, too. She has eczema, and this really helps her skin.

For this stuff, I only use it at night. It definitely makes my skin look greasy and SUPER shiny, so I wouldn't recommend using it in the day. If I didn't know every ingredient in it, it might worry me that it looks so shiny. But don't be scared by the oily nature of it. Olive oil is actually good for your skin in a pure form. I use this in place of a moisturizer at night. Also, I like to let it dry while I brush my teeth and get all ready for bed. Use about the size of your thumb nail, rub it together in your hands first, and then you can use it on your face (or anywhere!). It has helped keep my skin calm, heal blemishes, etc.

As far as price goes, it feels like a small fortune because I'm a cheapskate frugal shopper, but it's really not too bad, especially for how long it lasts you! It's about $30, and for the last 3 months, I have used it every day on my face, and all over my daughters whole body (granted, she's only like a foot tall), and the jar is still pretty much full.

2. Sugar:

No, really. Sugar.
So, I put like a tablespoon of sugar in the palm of my hand, mix it with my face wash at night, and it's like the BEST exfoliant in the world.

I'm not gonna go acting like I'm a chemist or even remotely good at science at all, whatsoever. I'm not. D's get degrees, boys and girls, and this girl barely passes her science classes. I don't want to be a scientist! I want to be a writer! Or get paid to talk about makeup and shoes all day long but that's not realistic, nor is it relative to the current subject of skincare and table sugar! BUT, I did pay attention enough to know that table sugar is a lil' but of glucose, and a lil' bit of fructose, and I couldn't tell you if that's good for your skin or not, but I do know that it passes the pronunciation of ingredients test, and it's all scrubby-like. So it's working for me. And my skin kind of hates me sometimes, so if it's working for me, it's prolly safe. Plus I looked it up and some random websites said it was a good, natural scrub. Which is weird since, isn't refined table sugar in fact, not natural??
Or not. I don't know! I'm not a chemist! It just works, okay?

3. Coconut Oil:

I'm loving this. I use it all the time. As a hair mask/deep conditioner (Split ends? What split ends?), as a scalp treatment (Itchy scalp? Nothankyouverymuch. Not this girl.), as a facial moisturizer (sometimes I mix it with sugar. And it smells like a sweet, creamy, coconutty treat, thankyouverymuch), as a shaving cream oil, as a treatment for my little girl's eczema, as a tanning oil (Okay, that's an untruth. I'm kind of banking on not going to hell, so I won't lie to you, I haven't done this, but I might. One day.), and whatever else I feel like dabbin' this miracle goodness on! Don't be scared to use it on your face--again, it's the good kind of oil. I actually use it more like a facewash (or scrub if used with sugar), and rinse it off afterward. It will still feel kind of greasy, but coconut oil, if it's organic and all that granola jazz, is anti-bacterial. It's good for the ol' pores. Ain't no thing. And it's pretty cheap. Like $10-$12 ish bucks for a little tub of it. I don't feel like giving all the instructions so just buy the bottle I buy and follow the directions on the back, yo.
I use Efa Gold Organic Coconut Oil and I would recommend just buying it at Walgreens. But you can order it on Amazon, too.

MAKE SURE YOU ONLY USE ORGANIC, PURE EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL OR ELSE IT WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN LOOK LIKE A HOT MESS. kthanks.

4. Some Mixin' and Matchin' and Whatnot:

So, one thing that I love is mixing the sugar and a little bit of coconut oil as a lip scrub. Just try it. The next day, that sometimes-makes-my-lips-look-flaky-but-it-was-freakin'-expensive-so-I'm-using-it-mac-lipstick will go on smooth like butta. As in, no gloss needed. But still, use the gloss. We're not neanderthals, ladies.

Another thing I love? Coconut oil makes your arm pits smell good. Don't judge me. You'd prolly have some extra on your hands when you were in the bathtub, and you'd prolly try it. I'm just the only one sayin' it!

If you're having a breakout, and you decide to pull out the heavy artillery (I'm talkin' that tube of 10% BP, boys and girls), use the Egyptian Magic Skin Cream around wherever you put the Benzoyl Peroxide (but not on top...let's not defeat the purpose, now), and you'll avoid that annoying "Yes, I dried out my zit but I also have Flakeville around the rest of my non-broken out face. Thanksforthat. I can't win." thing happenin'.

OR, if you have just that one little spot that is kind of dry and it is making your makeup look stupid (I'm telling you, you ought to be using a good primer!), then just use a tiny bit of the Egyptian Magic and then put your powder over it so that it won't be shiny. It's kind of the consistency of Vaseline, without being bad for your pores, and it won't let your skin get dry again throughout the day.

Sunday Secret Weapons: 6 Secret Mommy Weapons

I'm a good mom.
I'm not a perfect mom.
I'm not Supermom.
I'm pretty much just a normal mom.

And that being said, I often lose my sanity. And I often forget how amazing these two little stinkers lovelies are.

So today, my secret weapons are a few secret tricks I use to keep the chaos of motherhood in perspective.

1. Letters to Baby
For both of my children, I have kept a journal for them from the time I found out I was pregnant. I try to keep it current, although with Landon I had a lot more time on my hands than I do with Adelle, so his is a little bit more thick.

When they are grown, and gone off on their own, I will give them their book of letters. These journals will hopefully give them a glimpse into how much I love them. When I'm at my wits end, I often sit down and either write them a letter or pour over previous entries. It is only a matter of moments before I check myself, and start feeling grateful for them.

2. Letters to Mommy
Similar to my individual journals for my children, I have a "mommy journal" for myself. I have other journals, this blog, a private blog, etc. But my "mommy journal" is just for entries about my kids, documenting funny things they say, or big milestones. I've found, going back and reading them, that I would have forgotten so many of those things. Oftentimes, my entries are just lists. Things like, "Landon's Favorites" and a list of the things that my son is currently loving is a staple in my "mommy journal". Reading over or adding to this also really reminds me that I'm one lucky mama.

3. Playtime
It's so easy to get caught up in the craziness of life. It's easy to stress about the bills, the housework, the homework (for other students like me), relationships, family, work, etc. But to our children, those things aren't a worry (or they ought not be). Those children will never be children again. And there will come a time when they're "too cool" for us, or would rather be with their friends. Getting on the floor and coloring, busting out the (I know, I know. I hate it, too) play-doh and cookie cutters, or spending an hour pushing giggling toddlers on the swings reminds me about what is really important. The rest seems to take a back seat, if only for a moment.

4. Enlist and Reward
I believe in working. I believe in teaching our children to work, and how to do something efficiently and effectively. And I start them out young. My four year old has his list of daily chores, and a significantly longer list on Saturday's. It's just the way that it is in our home. Even my 18 month old knows how to pick up her toys. When the housework gets chaotic, or the kids are too wild, we often put on some music, make a list on the whiteboard with our reward written at the end. We spend some time doing our work, and I've found that my kids are a lot better about their chores if they get to use the dry-erase markers to cross off each job after it's completed. And who doesn't like a reward at the end?! (I may or may not tailor said reward to my personal preferences/cravings. BECAUSE I'M THE MOM, THAT'S WHY!) I'm an OCD mommy who likes order, lists, and a clean home. These things make me a very happy lady! And if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

5. BABY WIPES
As long as I have children in my home (I'm talking well into High School, people), I will probably be single handedly keeping Costco in business with the amount of baby wipes used in my home. We use baby wipes for everything. Diaper changes, sticky hands, dirty faces, yucky picnic tables, questionable restaurant high chairs, crayon masterpieces on the walls, spills in the car, four-year old (and sometimes daddy...) clean up at the base of the toilet, makeup removal (yes, sometimes for mommy, sometimes for curious diva-esque 18-month old's), dirty shoes, those endearing yet annoying hand prints on the walls, quick wiping up of the bathroom counter/sink in between scrubbings when little one's good intentions with toothpaste go awry, etc., etc., etc. Literally, the list goes on and on. We keep some in every room in the house, a package in the car, a package in each of the 14 million diaper bags we have, some in mommy's purse...everywhere you can imagine. Baby wipes are my right hand mommy man. They don't hurt eyes, they are soft on raw, runny noses, and if you buy the skinny travel container, they fit well pretty much anywhere.

6. It Takes a Village
You cannot raise your children alone. Even single parents (kudos, you're phenomenal) require some help. We have to swallow our pride sometimes, and ask Grandma to come get the kids for a minute, or take up your neighbor on her standing offer to let your little one come play for a bit. Some of my closest, dearest friends are known as "Auntie" or "Uncle" to my kids, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My sister and brothers are superheros at my house, and when Grandmas and Grandpas come by, it's smiles all around. It's good for our kids to know that they're loved by so many, it's good for us to see the people we love being good to our kids, and it's good to have a break and let our little ones bond with the people who love them.

Well ya'll, there ya have it. 6 of my secret weapons that help me to be just "that much" of a better mommy. Sometimes I need help, sometimes I need reminders, and sometimes I need routines and order. But in the end, it's all about trying to do those little things to remember how much of a blessing it is to be their mother.

And quite frankly, I'm honored..

Sunday Secret Weapons-Birchbox Style

Okay, so anyone who doesn't already get this, you're crazy. But it's okay because I was behind the times, too. And I just barely signed up but I'm so excited I could just lose my mind. Don't feel bad, you can click on this link and sign up right away. It says that there is about a 4 week waiting list, but I got mine in about 4 days.

https://www.birchbox.com?raf=9fjwl

And I will be blogging about what comes in this lovely surprise each month whenever I get it. And there will be reviews, don't you worry.

So, the secret weapon part of this, you ask?

Birchbox points.

So, if you sign up for the yearly subscription, you might die at the price, because it's $110. But, that's not a huge deal if you think about what you're getting. That means that one month is free, and it also comes with 110 birchbox points. For every 100 points, you get a free month. See how this works??

Well, if you're not really feelin' the $110, you can pay month to month with a $10/month subscription. You don't get any initial Birchbox points, but here is the kicker. For every item that you complete a review for, you get 10 points. Each month, you get between four and six items, so every few months, it's free. Those points will add up fast, lovelies!

So, thanks to our amazing family friend, Heather Clawson, I'm a happy girl, with a Birchbox on the way.

Holla.

-L

Sunday Secret Weapons-BUSY

This week has been a wild ride for me. It's a combination of school, finals, work, the kids, housework, family stuff, and all the other odds and ends that fill the gaps. That being said, Sunday snuck up on me. And before I knew it, it was 11:45 on Sunday night!

So, in light of my busy schedule, I thought to myself, "Self, how about we do a Sunday Secret Weapons: Too Busy To Function edition?"

And I told myself, "Self, that's a good idea you've got there."

The truth is, we spend so much of our time being "busy". I want to focus more on just smelling the roses. I would like to notice the little things, or stop to just play on the floor with the kids. These things happen from time to time, but they're far more rare than I'd like. And so, here are a few of the things I do, to cut just a few corners. Even if it only saves me ten minutes, that is prime coloring time with the babes.

So, *ahem*. Here are some of my secret weapons to combat my days when I'm so busy, that I literally don't have time to stop and put gas in my car! (This has happened. Repeatedly.)

1. Who has time to wash their hair?
Okay, first of all, I try to just wash my hair twice a week anyway. Gross? No. Every girl knows it's better for your hair if you only wash once or twice a week. Otherwise, your scalp overcompensates and produces too much oil. And THAT would be gross. So, my secret weapon for when I don't have time to wash my hair is:

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo
This stuff is awesome, and dirt cheap. I've gone through like 6 bottles since I discovered it. Dry shampoo can make your hair feel like straw, but this is amazing. Try it. You'll be hooked. It's like $3 at the drugstore.

2. Sorry, kids. I don't have time to make you breakfast.
Four words: Mini boxes of Cheerios.
When the mornings are rushed and we're lucky to get out the door on time as it is, these are life savers.  Yes, everyone. I know it's cheaper to just put cereal in a baggy. But I give them juice in washable water bottles, so bite me. I'm doing my part for the environment. Blah, blah. Anyway, the novelty of these are good because my kids are excited enough about them that it's fun for them to eat them in the car on our way to wherever we need to be in the mornings. Saves me a good 20 minutes!

3. If I don't have time to wash my hair, what makes you think I have time to actually STYLE it?
Boys and girls, enter: The French Braid.

So fast. Keeps it out of my face. And if you have the right outfit, you won't look like a polygamist. (No offense, if you're into that kinda thing...no judgement. Except I do judge your long socks with running shoes and dresses and I'm trying to be better and you're still beautiful and it's okay because you just gotta be you! Baby steps.)

Right now, I'm loving these:

And one of them will most likely happen tomorrow since I'm always running late-too late to actually do my hair...

4. I'm an insomniac, plus with so much to do, how can I waste time SLEEPING!?

Alright, that's stupid. I love sleeping. But I just can't sometimes. So.

Drink a lot of water. Really, though. It helps a lot.
Take vitamins.
And most importantly:
Always have a Rockstar on hand. With a straw.

5. Decisions take too long.
I struggle with deciding on clothes. This seems dumb and "duh", but one of my BIGGEST time savers is to pick out mine and my kids' clothes the night before. Landon is so used to it, he does it himself before bed.

6. Just say no.
We're busy. All of us. (Well most of us.) And I don't have time to go out and do all the things I want to with all of the people I want to see. And trying to fit everything in leaves me overwhelmed and my kids missing quality time with me. So, I say "no", a lot. No, I can't meet up. No, I can't do dinner. No, I can't stop by. No, I'm not home. No, you can't come visit. No, we can't get together.
I know I've hurt a few feelings, but busy lives really outline your priorities...any spare time I happen to find is already spoken for. They belong to my two little loves. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

7. Ask.
There's no shame in needing help. Especially when it comes to kids. It takes a village, and I've been blessed with an amazing village. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, best friends, etc. Things can get really crazy, but as long as I always keep my focus on what really matters the very most, then I know that I'll be okay.

So, there ya have it. A few of my secret weapons for when times get busy!!! The more organized I stay, the less I'm likely to lose my mind. Whether its new babies, finals, a hectic job, little kids, a big event, etc., the trick is, plan ahead, cut corners when you can, and simplify.

And if none of this mattered to anyone, then whatever. It's all I had time for. Really. I'm blogging on my phone in the bathtub for hell's sake. Which should be #8. Multitasking.....

-L

Sunday Secret Weapons

Alright, let's admit it. We all have those few things that we do every day that (we think) make just that much of a difference. They're our secret weapons.

This week, the topic of interest is makeup. Here are a few of mine and my best friends' secret weapons, when it comes to putting on our face.

1. Primer

There is a lot of back and forth about whether primer makes much of a difference at all. My favorite primer is Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer in Original. 

***UPDATE*** I like Smashbox Oil Free Primer just as much, if not more.

There are a few tricks with primer. First, LET IT DRY. Also, most of us have a combination of surfaces on our face; spots that get oily and other spots that are dry. Primer helps to make your face an even surface.

Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer in Original: $24.00 at Sephora
http://www.sephora.com/prime-time-foundation-primer-P182405?skuId=1002724

My good friend, Ester, has a trick that she loves. Let me just say, this girl knows her make-up and I'd trust her... She's known for always looking phenomenal. She uses Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream as a two-fer. It takes the place of her moisturizer AND primer. This is what she says about it:

"It makes foundation and any other 'blemish' concealer go on super smooth and nice. It is also really great for the skin and doesn't clog pores like the other moisturizers I have tried."

You can buy the Mary-Kay moisturizer here:
http://www.marykay.com/en-US/Skin-Care/Mary-Kay-Intense-Moisturizing-Cream/180202.partId?eCatId=10026

2. Translucent Powder

This is another one of those products that receives a lot of flack. Lots of people feel like it's just one more unnecessary step. But this is what I think about it, and this is why I love it.

First off, I don't use my translucent powder over my make-up at all. I use it after my primer, before I put on any concealer or foundation (and a side note: I think foundation is gross, and if I can get away with just translucent powder and a little concealer, I will. Let's be real...nobody wants to look like they have lots of makeup, especially foundation, on.) This trick is awesome because it keeps your makeup in place and keeps your face from getting oily/greasy/shiny without having to re-apply makeup later. I've tried the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil in Translucent, and it's alright. But the Make-up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder is my favorite. It's expensive, but it works really well, and it's really good for your skin. The powder is extremely fine, so it doesn't feel heavy. In fact, it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything at all. My tip is to definitely use it under your foundation. My sister and I both swear by this, and my sister is gorgeous. (If you want a setting powder for on top of your makeup, go for a more yellow toned translucent powder. Otherwise, make sure you know what you're doing so that you don't end up with white streaks that you didn't notice while you were putting your makeup on.) 

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder in Translucent: $34.00 at Sephora
You can buy this at Sephora, also. Or you can go online here:
http://www.sephora.com/hd-microfinish-powder-P210400?skuId=1510247

3. Eye Shadow Primer

I love eye shadow. But nothing drives me more crazy than when it creases twenty minutes into your day. I've tried lots of eye primers, and although I love the Urban Decay Eye Potion Primer, I love the Mineral Eye Primer from ELF just as much, and it's a FRACTION of the cost. Literally.

I really like this primer, and I use it every single time I wear eye shadow. I am out the door by 9:00 am, and when I get home at about 8:00 at night, my eye shadow still looks like it did when I put it on. I also suggest putting it under your lower lash line as well. I never put eyeliner or mascara on my bottom lashes, but sometimes I'll still have mascara or eyeliner that ends up under my bottom lash line, just from blinking, etc. all day long. Putting a little primer under your eyes helps with that.

You can buy the Urban Decay primer at Sephora, but I'm all about saving a buck. So, I'd suggest checking out ELF.

Urban Decay Eye Potion Eyeshadow Primer: $20.00 at Sephora
http://www.sephora.com/eyeshadow-primer-potion-tube-original-P284716?skuId=1325547

ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer in Sheer: $3.00 (YES, THREE!!) at eyeslipsface.com
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/minerals/eyes/concealers_and_primers/eyeshadow_primer

4. No Makeup Makeup

My grandma Bonnie taught me a lot about makeup. She says that the point is to make what you already have just look a little better. Make it look like you don't even have any on. Look natural.

There are days when makeup just doesn't happen. Sometimes we need to give our faces a break, and let it breathe! I'm all for no makeup days, and that being said, I think that no matter how much you care about your make up, you should be recognizable when you step out of the shower fresh faced. Too much of anything is a bad thing, and too much makeup is THE WORST. I'd take a naked face over too much makeup any day of the week! Wouldn't you?? Rachel McAdams looks natural and gorgeous. And Christina Agulera looks like a train wreck.

On those days, when makeup is out of the question, eyelashes are still a quick go-to. Even if you're just smudging on a tiny bit of mascara, or if you're wearing eyelash extensions, it's amazing how much more "awake" and "alive" you look by just adding eyelashes.

My bestie, Diana, is a firm believer in eyelash extensions. She's the queen of looking naturally beautiful. She looks fresh faced but flawless all the time. Even when you can tell she doesn't have make up on, she looks stunning. She says, "I am in love with eyelash extensions! No fuss in the morning, throw a little eyeliner on and you're good to go..."

My mom often has eyelash extensions. My mom is really naturally beautiful, so whenever she has her eyelashes done, I am usually around her for a few hours before I even notice. That's the idea. You shouldn't be able to tell what it is that looks so beautiful, just that they look great.

Another thing I love when I'm going for the "No make up" make up look is Watts Up Highlighter by Benefit. It comes in a tube, kind of like a lipstick, and it's the perfect shade. It doesn't matter if you have super fair skin or dark, olive skin. This shade looks lovely on everyone. And another thing: it looks DIFFERENT on everyone. On days when all I do is smudge on mascara, I also smudge this on the inside corners of my eyes. It plays really well with the light and stays put, even though it is sort of a cream base.

Watts Up Highlighter by Benefit in Luminous Champagne: $30.00 at Sephora

You can buy it here:

http://www.sephora.com/watt-s-up-P295206?skuId=1357250

5. Balance

My last secret weapon is less product and more tactic. I'm a girly-girl. No doubt about it. But I'm also not afraid to go to the store Au natural, or wear yoga pants and a top knot to run errands. I think that the fun part of it all is to just have balance. If you're going to throw your hair in a bun and run out the door in leggings and a baggy tunic, more power to ya! But put on some big, colorful sunglasses or embellished flats, and you're golden. If you're going to wear a bold, red lip, then I'm all for it. (my favorite is ELF lip stain in Crimson Crush. It's $2.00 on eyeslipsface.com and it's beautiful. Check it out: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/elf/lips/lip_stain/lip_stain.) But downplay it with a really simple eye and little or no blush. Same if you're doing a really colorful eye shadow. Don't wear dark lipstick. It's all about balance.

Diana made a really good point. She said, "The simple things in makeup are what make a difference. A light lip gloss and a pop of color on your eyes or cheeks!" She's absolutely right.


Ladies, obviously I love makeup. Share your favorite makeup secret weapons with me!! Also, if you try out mine, or my friends', let me know how they work for you! I'd love your feedback.

I have lots of Sunday Secret Weapon lists on the way, so stay tuned! Email me your secret weapons, and I'll be sure to send you the credit!! Send your tips to alyssalynnhall5@yahoo.com.

-L