10 Minute Mommy Make-Up.

**In the middle of writing this post I accidentally published it instead of saving it. So, for the few of you who saw it before I figured it out, I apologize. I can only imagine how crazy you thought I was when the post ended with the second picture.**

While I was pregnant with my second baby I made a promise to myself. I promised I would not let myself go like I had with my first baby. I promised that every day I would make an effort to make myself feel good. I promised I would not wear my pajamas all day. I promised I would brush my teeth, comb my hair and wash my face. Even if I only had 10 minutes, I would do something with that short amount of time to make myself feel better.

The difference it made was HUGE! Feeling better about myself made all of the sleepless nights and crazy days go smoother. It sounds silly and maybe even a little superficial, but I'm a believer that making one positive change will have a positive effect on the rest of your life. Now don't get me wrong, there were some days when I didn't change out of my pajamas and sometimes I couldn't shower until late in the evening, but overall the difference in how I felt was like day and night.

Over the last 2 years I have found a routine that, after I do all he necessary hygienic stuff, I can be put together and ready for the day in 10 minutes. It took some time and practice to perfect, but this is my go 

to look. Now I know some girls don't like wearing make-up and I'm not saying you need to wear it to feel good about yourself. I'm just encouraging you to take 10 minutes out of your day and do something, anything that makes you feel good. You deserve it :)

Here's my look and the products I currently use to achieve it!

Before. Just showered, teeth brushed and face moisturized.

I try to only wash my hair every 2-3 days. On the 2nd or 3rd day I use dry shampoo to refresh my style. I spray it on before I start my make-up and let it sit until I'm done so it can soak up all the oil. On days when I have to wash my hair I give myself 30 more minutes to straighten and/or curl it or I do a quick messy bun.

After dry shampoo....scary, I know.

For my face, I start with a BB Cream. They don't offer any coverage, but if you're comfortable with your skin it is a perfect and quick alternative to a full coverage foundation.

Why I love this: 1. It's easy to apply. Just use your fingers and apply like you would moisturizer. 2. It has SPF. 3.It looks completely natural. 4. It evens out my uneven skin tone.

Next I add a light powder all over my face. It helps to set the BB cream and makes it last all day.

My powder of choice is MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. It gives your skin a beautiful, natural finish. It's super light and it doesn't give you that cake-y, way-too-much make up look.

When I'm in a hurry, which is mostly every day, this is the blush I always reach for. It's a beautiful color! It's really pigmented, but is really easy to blend. You don't have to worry about having a harsh line where the blush ends. It is completely matte so it looks very natural. It's orange-ish, peach color would look good on most skin tones. Obviously, you can use any color or brand you want. Just make sure it's easily blended.

MAC blush in Honey Jasmine. I picked this up from one of their summer collections, but I'm almost positive it's a part of their permanent collection.

From the BB cream to the blush it only takes about 2 minutes tops. I spend most of my time on my eyes. They are my favorite feature so I like to enhance them. But they also give me the most work. I always have dark circles to cover and thanks to the Lasik surgery I had last year they are usually dry and red.

I start with under eye concealer. I LOVE this one by Maybelline. It doesn't crease of sink into my fine lines. It hides the circles and even help brighten.

I apply it in a triangle under my eyes. It helps to brighten the center of my face. Then if blend it out using my Beauty Blender. You can also use your fingers by very, very, very gently tapping it until it blends in. Don't rub or tug at that delicate skin :)

      For my eyeshadow I keep it really simple. I love doing smokey and fun eye looks, but for day-to-day I'm all about a swipe-and-go look. These cream shadows by Maybelline are amazing!!!! I literally just use my finger and swipe it across my lid. That's it!                            

                                       

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink. I can't say enough good things about these!

To help with the redness, which makes you look sick and or tired, I use eye drops and I line my waterline with a nude kohl pencil. It's very subtle, but makes a big difference.

This is the best nude kohl liner I have tried! Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude. It's creamy, cheap and waterproof!

The left side is without and the right side is lined. Sorry about the death stare...

Most days I don't do anything to fill in my brows I just use a clear mascara to keep them under control. I'm fortunate enough to have full brows, but if you're not I would definitely encourage you to fill them in. It makes a huge difference!

The last step for my eyes is mascara. This is the one thing that is an absolute must. I have no problem leaving the house with a bare face, but I can't not wear mascara.

Cover Girl Clump Crusher. This is the BEST every day mascara! It looks so natural , but it can be built up to look more dramatic. But, it doesn't matter how much you add it does not clump! No spider lashes here :)

After mascara! It makes such a difference.

     The very last step for the make-up are the lips. It's good to have a good neutral go to that you can throw on and not have to worry about if it matches what you're wearing or clashes with the rest of your make-up. I prefer lipstick, but lip gloss works just as well. Even just a clear, shiny lip balm will make you look pulled together.

                    

My 3 go to lipsticks. Two of them are Revlon Lip Butters. They don't feel like a lipstick, they're low maintenance and they last a long time. The third one is by MAC. It's feels more like a traditional lipstick, but still quite creamy.

Left: Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon. My summer favorite. Middle: Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie. This one lives in my purse and is just the perfect color. Right: MAC Lustre in Viva Glam V. My perfect nude.

When I finish my make-up I rub in the dry shampoo and then I'm done :)


Before and After. I apologize for the difference in color. It turns out I am no good at taking selfies.

And that's it. I know it seems like a long post, but from start to finish it only took 10 minutes. Again, if make-up isn't your cup of tea then do something different. Just take the time for yourself!

Tried it Tuesday: Ceramic Painting.

Last Thursday I took the girls to our local ceramic studio, The Copper Kiln, for a little fun. It's a cute little studio right on Main Street. They have lots of different ceramics to choose from, a very big paint selection, and a friendly,helpful staff. If you're in the area I encourage you to give them a visit. Have a great time while supporting a local business!

So excited!

This was right up her alley! She loves all things arts and crafts!

I knew she would enjoy it, but I wasn't sure how long she would remained entertained.


Thirty minutes was her limit :)

After we finished painting we left our creations there to be fired. They called us 4 days later and we returned to pick them up.

Their finished creations!

                                             

Kennedy's turtle :)

Karoline's puppy :)

We had such a good time and we will definitely be returning! Kennedy and I already have a trip planned before she goes back to school.

If you're in the area swing by and create something yourself. Check our their website, they always have special going on!

Just Me and You.

Dear Kennedy,

Last week, while we were on vacation in Colorado, we went on a hike together. You were so excited to go. I wasn't sure about taking you because you don't even like to walk around the grocery store let alone hike up a mountain. But, you insisted you were up to the challenge and I am so,so,so happy we went. The memories we made on our hike will always hold a special place in my heart.

We took our time and enjoyed ourselves. We did lots of talking. Mostly about the beautiful scenery and how there is no way there could be a bear on our trail :) But, there is one thing you said over and over again made my heart so full. You said, "Isn't this great! I'm so happy it's just me and you!".  It meant so much to me that our time together meant so much to you.

We took lots of pictures and I hope you look back at them with and cherish them as much as I know I will. You're so special to me and I am so thankful for our day together... just me and you <3

The beginning. It was raining, but you didn't care! You were excited to get started!

At the start, looking down at the town.

I just love your sandals. You weren't too fond of them, but I thought they were adorable!

The trail we chose. 

You picked these 2 dandelions for daddy and sissy. You're so thoughtful. Just one of the many things that make you so special <3

You carried them for a while, but soon figured out that the wind was going to blow them away. So, you made a wish  instead after I assured you that daddy wouldn't be upset :)

The first part of the trail was quite rocky. You did a great job though!

We saw lots of little chipmunks.

One of the many beautiful views we saw.

After the rain ended we were left with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather.

A view of the local airport. The runway goes right to the edge of the cliff. The planes just fly off the edge when they take off!

Most of the trail went through dense forest.

It was beautiful and the shade provided a perfect temperature.

We tried out the self timer on the camera. You thought this silly picture was hilarious!

This picture means so much <3

There was a stretch of the trail that had so many of these butterflies.

You loved it and made sure we got pictures of all of them :)

With some wildflowers you found.

You picked them for daddy, but decided you didn't want to carry them the rest of the way. We made sure to get a picture to show him how beautiful they were!

We found an old cabin!

Becoming quite the photographer!

You were so excited to take this picture :)

So many beautiful wildflowers!

Taking a water break.

You were amazed that the mountains were higher than the clouds! You noticed every detail of everything. It was amazing seeing things through your eyes. 

The half way point!

You decided it would be best to stop halfway. So, we walked down the ski slope to the village and rode the gondola the rest of the way :) The whole hike took about 2 hours. A very special 2 hours <3