Holiday entertaining essentials

The holiday season has fully commenced and I am in major hostess with the hostess mood! To kick off November, I am hosting some of my favorite girls to a luncheon for Friendsgiving. I love setting beautiful tables. I feel like the effort really sets the tone for the party and let’s your guests feel how important they are to you by making it pretty. Over the years I have gathered some tried and true staples to make any table theme gorgeous. Here is my round up of home entertaining holiday essentials that work with any season and feel.

Gold flatware goes with everything for every season. I grabbed 6 settings of this gorgeous flatware last year and find they are all I use now for entertaining. They elevate any place setting and give it a little shine with a modern design.

Neutral chargers are my staple. I use these ratan chargers for literally every gathering. You have seen them in both Fall , Spring and Christmas gatherings. They go with everything and give a nice texture to a tables cape

Candle sticks add a little height and drama to your table. I like level changes through my settings. Simple candle sicks allow guests to still see each other but get some ambiance.

Serving bowls and platters are the most basic essential in setting any table for a gathering. No matter if it’s a potluck or a full spread it is lovely to have a cohesive feel to your serveware. I like to mix strong white peices with airy glass bowls for salads.

Versatile drink ware can both serve for everyday use or for any gathering. I keep a nicer set of plastic cups both big and small on our exposed shelves. They look pretty and are super handy to grab when entertaining.

Basic white china can be mixed and mingled any way you like. I registered for this beaded white china for our wedding and still use it for every gathering 11 years later. It’s simple yet the beaded rims add a little sweetness to my tables without being to distracting.

Lots of seating is a must! We just updated our dining room and have capacity for 8-10 seats at our new dining table. I keep a handful of extra chairs that match tucked away for occasions with more guests. That way you don’t always need to keep the leafs out on your dining table but are able to accommodate extra guests if needed.

Cheese boards are the chicest appetizer display in my book. If you have been following my Insta stories you know I am having a complete obsession with charterturie boards. They are perfect in any setting.

Speaking of snacks, make sure to have plenty of cute snack bowls available to add to your cheese boards, scatter around the house or add to your tables for smaller condiments.

Tween makeup

Hello awkward tween age!!!! We aren’t quite in it yet with Capri but it’s coming and it’s going to be glorious. We have a friend who’s daughter Lilah is 12. For her birthday she asked for a makeup session with me. How cool am I????!!! Lilah’s mama Kristi suggested we hit 100%Pure to keep her products as clean as possible, which I thought was an amazing idea. The whole line is gluten free, cruelty free, vegan, natural and fruit pigmented. I hear all the time that so many women have no clue how to make themselves feel beautiful with makeup. Either it intimidates them or their mom never taught them. I feel like it’s such a skill to teach our girls. To not only educate them on how to take care of their skin with basic hygiene but also teach them how to highlight their own beauty in a natural way. It can only help them in so many occasions to know how to put their look together and put their best foot forward.

Now a little background on why this mama trusted me with her babelet. I have been in the beauty industry for 11 years with my hair and makeup biz KG Hair and Makeup. My whole philosophy when it comes to beauty is to accentuate and highlight each person’s individual beauty. Kristi knew I would have a light touch when it came to keeping my recommendations and lesson very age appropriate.

I wasn’t super familiar with the 100%Pure line so it was really fun to get my hands on the products and educate myself on the goodies. I also find it really important to learn about our own features and learn how to properly. Lilah is starting into puberty with a little acne but nothing big. We wanted to address that to give her tools to feel confident through that fun phase. I really wanted to focus on ease also. I chose products that didn’t need a lot of fuss or finesse.

Here is what we chose and why…

Luminous Primer - “Silicone-free, vitamin and antioxidant-infused, luminous primer makes cosmetic application last longer and flawless; fills in lines for smoothness while light-reflective pigments diffuse flaws and illuminate for a healthy, glowing complexion.”

Why? a. makeup goes on so much smoother when skin is prepped with a primer. It also helps create a barrier between skin and makeup. I asked Lilah if she liked a dewier look or something more matte. She liked mine (personal high five) which is on the dewy end. Tween skin can be on the oilier end so we are going to watch that and see how the Luminous formula looks on her.

Powder Foundation- “Talc-free, fruit pigmented® powder foundation absorbs oil and reduces shine with medium coverage, mattifying rice powder. Made with nourishing fruit oils.”

Why? a. I was between the Powder foundation and Tinted Moisturizer . I loved both but figured the powder would be more user friendly for Lilah and less likely to get over done. I wanted to get something that would even out any redness and blur any of the new little pimples that may come up.

Cheek and Lip Tint- “Designed for double duty as both a cream blush and lip tint. Made with vibrant fruit pigments, plus shea and cocoa butters for intense skin and lip-softening.”

Why? a. I loved the simplicity of a double duty product. We chose the color Pink Grapefruit Glow which was the perfect light pink for her fair skin. I showed her how to apply it lightly on the apple of her cheek. When using tints like this you want to build the color slowly. Pat your ring finger on the product and tap the color on to get a good read on how color is building. You want to mimic a natural flush.

Satin Eye Shadow-

Why? a. I love a cream eye shadow for ease of application. You can apply a swipe of a creme eyeshadow with your finger and you are good to go. Simple and pretty! I didn’t want to jump into blending lesson with Lilah yet. I explained to her how her eyes are almond shaped with a monolid so she knew how to describe her eyes and work with their unique shape. I explained the goal with her eyes would be to open them up and keep them bright. We chose the color Bahamas for it’s soft flesh color shimmer.

Ultra Lengthening Mascara- “Lengthens and separates lashes without clumping, smudging, or flaking. Coats each lash with conditioners and natural pigment from black tea, berries, and cocoa.”

Why? a. We definitely didn’t need the lengthening aspect of this mascara but wanted to give Lilah some darkness on her light blonde eyelashes. She has the prettiest blue eyes and I opted for the Blackberry color for her. It’s a really gorgeous deep plum color to pop her baby blues. I explained to her that plums and warm brown colors are best for her blue eyes. Another great option would be a brown mascara but I thought the plum was something a little fun and different for her.

What 33 taught me

It's my birthday!  Year 33 has been a good.  There has been a lot of building, reworking, learning and refocusing this year all wrapped up in a lot of joy!  Mid 30s I think bring lots of self development and lots of juggling.  I learned a couple key things this year.  

1.  It's okay to be exactly who you are, all the time.  Thank you Enneagram test for leveraging that real self talk! 

2. It's totally okay to not be crushing it at everything all at one time.  I finally eased into the reality of not needing to be achieving my highest levels of success at every moment.  Each life category has it's shining moment at it's own time.  

3.  Girlfriends are like gold.  No one replaces my mama but man have I found lifelong bonds this year!  Trusting these girls with my victories and defeats has been incredibly good for my soul. 

4. It's okay to cry and just not be okay for a little while.  Then we put on our big girl panties and get on with it. 

5.  To flip that coin, it's really okay to celebrate the crap out of victories big and small! 

6.  Personal growth sets you free.  If I'm not growing how am I getting closer to super woman status?

7.  Forgiving doesn't mean they won.  It just means that YOU are no longer mad.  So much power in that.  God handles everything always how it should be. 

8.  God really shows up!  All the time! 

9.  Fine lines are just a real thing.  They are coming in hot and who the heck cares.  

10.  It's okay to be a little fat and happy now and then!  This 34 year old body is pretty okay. 

11. Saving money sucks all the time.  But having that extra $$ when you need it or want to splurge is heaven! 

12.  Standing up for yourself and for others matters.  If you don't who does?  

13.  God has a specific plan for me. He knows exactly the woman I am now and who I am to become.  He knows the wife and mother I will be and He's got it worked out.  Man is that reassuring to not have to worry about that.

14. I cackle when I laugh and it's a lot but it's okay

15.  34 looks good!

Inspired by: Black Leather Jackets

Look one is the perfect athleisure approach to a leather moto jacket.  Layer on your leather jacket  over a grey sweater and white t-shirt for a cooler day.  Add comfy yoga pants and black sneakers and you are set for a day of errands.

Look two is one of my favorites.  Pair your leather moto jacket over a comfy black dress for an edgy feminine mix.  Add some studded sandals and practical tote bag for a day of running around with the kids or lunch with friends. 

Look three brought to you by the queen of effortless chic, Jen Aniston.  No one does it better! Top your cozy scarf over a leather jacket, add black jeans and tan riding boots for the chicest way to run around town. 

Prime Day Picks

Nordstrom Sale Athletic Wear Favorites

Inspired by: Yellow Rain Coat

Look one is so comfy cozy and perfect for chilly weather while site seeing on vacay or boating!  Let's be honest it's pretty cute for grocery shopping too!  Love this easy, casual look that reads so classic and nautical. The bright yellow hooded raincoat is such a fun departure for winter neutrals but can be toned down with a classic striped top, black skinny jeans and topped with a grey beanie for cooler days.  

I adore this whole uber casual look.  So relaxed and yet still so chic!  Pair your yellow hooded rain coat over a classic striped button up.  Add boyfriend jeans and tan booties and you are ready for a day of brunching, shopping or errands. 

Inspired by: Tan Trench Coats

Look one is highlighting the trench coat as a layering piece over leather leggings, a simple white tee and a chunky geometric scarf or luxe poncho.  This look paired with tan heels is sexy but still uber chic.  You could also skip the heels and throw on some comfy tennis shoes (or these and these) to keep the look more casual. 

Look two is one of my favorites and just exudes effortless chic!  This is a look that Meagan Markle sports a lot! Pair your classic trench with a chambray button up blouse, tucked into stone washed skinny jeans.  Top the look off with black booties, black oversized sunglasses and sleek black clutch for cocktails with friends or date night. 

Inspired by: Blush Moto Jackets

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access is here!  I've been scooping up great staple peices!  I'm always inspired by simple, timeless fashion.  I like to find a piece and work a look around that special piece to create multiple looks.  I've created this series to help you put together looks all from pieces on major sale right now at Nordstrom!  

I love a moto style jacket and find them so versatile.  Blush has quickly become  a neutral shade and can be paired well with light or darker tones.  The feminine color mixed with the edgier style of a moto jacket is the perfect mix of sweet and sassy.  I love these two takes on styling a blush pink moto jacket.  

Look one is a monochromatic grey look of grey skinny jeans and chunky grey sweater with a pop of softness in a tan bag and blush jacket.  Pair this look with an animal print flat for unexpected twist. 

Look two is using the feminine color of the jacket with a flirty floral dress like this , this, or this.  underneath.  The structure of the jacket will edge up this look just perfectly! Add a sweet blush pink block heel to finish off the look. This is a great look to take you into Spring as well. 

Fourth of July at Monarch Beach Resort

We love Fourth of July and always make a point to explore new resorts and experiences each year.  This year we tried Monarch Beach Resort having heard such fun things about their Fourth of July festivities.  

We checked in on the 3rd and bee lined it for the beach.  Beach access is by jumping on a cute little trolley that winds you through the resort to the beach.  They have the sweetest set up including loungers, anoraks and The Monarch Bay Club with yummy cocktails and local menu. I had big plans of parking my booty under an umbrella with a glass of rose, but the girls were ready to party.  

After getting properly sandy, I snuck away to the spa for a facial.  To say I was giddy was a massive understatement!!!!  I was welcomed with a Detoxifying Ginger Elixir shot made with lemon and ginger juice, black pepper and raw honey. To follow the ginger shot, I sipped a Soothing Green Elixir made from celery, cucumber, pineapple, apple and kale juice.  So refreshing!  The Miraval Spa is pretty legit!  With full service treatments including Diamond facials and Hydrafacials, massages , yoga and endless fitness classes.  It even has a DryBar to keep your tresses looking perfect! 

I had a Hydrafacial and it was the dreamiest!  I would say one of the most luxurious facial experiences I have ever had!  My skin was left decongested and glowing and the scalp massage was beyond divine!  

The next day was the fourth and we hit the ground running with pool time!  What I loved about the resort is how easy access everything is from morning coffee and healthy snacks at the Part & Parcel market to super attentive pool staff.  This mama was so happy!  The girls right away made some new friends.  We split our time with festive waterslides, snow cones, the pool and endless fun in the kids club.  They got crafty with USA Sand art and Patriotic glitter tattoos.  That evening we got ourselves cleaned up for a magic show.  The kids were mesmerized!  After our minds were blown with the magic, we headed up to enjoy a massive, delicious Fourth of July BBQ buffet and fireworks show!  There is nothing like sitting under the stars with your people watching fireworks. My heart is so full watching the girl's faces as the fireworks explode.  

The next morning, my mom and I tired Aerial Yoga. We were both a little intimidated but have always wanted to try it.  How bad could we be right?!  We had the best time!  The funny thing was that we surprised ourselves with what we could do.  Everything is very mind over matter and once we got over the little fear that came we were able to conquer a couple really cool poses and stretches.  There was even a handstand involved.  So to say we are submitting our applications to Cirque de Solei....game on! 

Overall, we had the best trip!  The hotel is beautifully styled, has impeccable service, yummy food and a million activities to keep all ages busy and excited!  We will definitely be back!

7 reasons why I probably shouldn't be a dance mom

So here's the thing.... I danced for over 18 years.  Was I the best, no.  Did I work the hardest, no.  Did I think I was pretty good, yep!  Am I beyond competitive, yep!!  I'm going to be brutally honest in the most loving way possible!  We keep it real in our house! The girls had there dance show this weekend and it through me into a tailspin of OMG!  Capri's potential is beyond and Peyton is living her best life in her costume with full makeup.  So that's the situation.  Capri is a dancer in every form but can't retain choreagraphy and isn't that excited about practicing.  Peyton, is pretty hard core but has a serious knock knee, sickle foot scenario going on.  All the heart and not that much natural talent.  What I realized is this, I probably shouldn't be dance mom, and here's why....

Reason 1.  No one wants you fogging up  the glass during class while your daughter is dancing.  Disclaimer on this one... I did ask Capri if she wanted me to watch her practices and she said yes.  My intensity level was apparently accepted. 

Reason 2.  No one wants you, as a grown woman, doing the Jr. Jazz routine almost full out in your chair.  

Reason 3.  Calm down, the pirroute prep situation is giving you a major eye twitch.  Can she just turn the correct way?  Don't even get me started on Peyton's turnout!

Reason 4.  My panic ensues when we are off count.  

Reason 5.  Can we just let it be fun and not be about being the best?  I'm not sure on how to even deal with that basic question. 

Reason 6.  Capri forgot half of her 2 routines in her first show.  I broke out into a cold sweat.  

Reason 7.  There was a mother/daughter dance at her show. Should I even tip my toe into that situation?  It took every restraint to not bust a serious move.  I thought about it but for sure knew I'd rip my hammy so that settled that.  

So overall, I'm trying to be a good dance mom.  It's taking a very large effort and I'm working really hard on making sure the girls aren't aware of my level of crazy.  What I can say is we are pretty situated in our stage hair and makeup game.  #wegotthis Parenting is no joke! Any other dance moms feel me? 

Watermelon Lime Mocktails

This is the yummiest mocktail that may make you not even miss the booze! We love the kids to be able to drink anything we are so mocktails are our jam these days!

You will need: 

1/4 cup watermelon juice 

2 T lime juice

1 t agave nectar

To make: 

Chop watermelon and blend until smooth.  Strain the watermelon to separate juice.  Stir in lime juice and nectar.  For spicy kick add jalapeño like my hubby likes!  

You could also blend with ice and rim glass with sea salt. 

For boozy option, add tequila!  

Off the shoulder ruffled gingham

Gingham is my all time favorite warm weather go to!  It's fresh and flirty!  I love this off the shoulder, ruffled dress by Tobi.  It's flattering silhouette nips in the waist to be oh so feminine.  I paired this easy breezy dress with a wide brimmed sun hat, leather belt, comfy slides and straw bag for a day at the park with some friends. 

Spring Sunday whites

Spring has sprung and nothing gets me more excited that outdoor fun on a sunny day!  I grabbed my favorite new book and something sparkly and planted myself for an afternoon of lounging this weekend. It was heavenly!  

Since our weather has been so nice I decided for a fresh white look for the day.  I paired my new favorite off the shoulder top from Tobi with a crisp white denim skirt.  Topped my look with a hat and off I went. 

I love whites for any occasion.  This Tobi off the shoulder blouse is just the perfect top!  I could pair it with denim cutoffs for a super casual look or  a flow midi skit for something a bit more dressy.  It's so versatile.  

How to pack a capsule wardrobe for vacation

We are off to a couple big trips this year and I am the self proclaimed queen of packing practical and light.  I am a firm believer in a capsule wardrobe and think this premise is super helpful when it comes to packing for a getaway. Let's be real ladies we don't need all the options! Save your sanity and keep it light.  Here is my go to method and some tips and tricks I've found tried and true when it comes to packing with the capsule mindset.

Tips to get you started: 

1.  Plan your itinerary.  Will you be walking all day, everyday? Lounging at the beach? Enjoying dinners out?  What will be filling your days up? 

2.  Check your destination's weather for when you will be there.  Rainy? Don't pack your leather shoes or jackets that aren't waterproof.  Gloomy? Layers will be key.  Windy? Plan on no hats and chic hair situations to not look crazy windblown  Hot? Think loose fitting and light fabrics. 

3.  Check out your destination's color pallet.  This may seem odd but if you dress with the pallet of your location in mind you will always look perfectly chic in every photo.  This will also help you keep on track with a cohesive packing color pallet to allow to mixing and rewearing items. 

4.  This is always something I think about too... I like to eat and enjoy myself on vacation so I purposely avoid tight fitting outfits so I can be as full and comfy as needed.  I may add a belt to cinch in my waist for some shape or a fitted jacket but I keep my outfits loose fitting for the most part for my eating!  

5.  Decide on hair looks.  I wash my hair about once a week so I plan accordingly.  I usually start my trip with fresh hair then plan for hats and accessories like headbands and clips for the rest of the trip so I can avoid traveling with a million styling products.  Dry shampoo is the best and plan for wash and wear styles like cute braids.  If you must, plan on one curling iron to touchup any simple styles.   

I have sort of a fool proof science when it comes to my packing.  I go day by day and pack for the whole day each day at a time so I don't forget something.  I visualize the day from start to finish and pack literally each item as I would envision using it per day. 

With this structure, I rewear a lot of items. I pack two pairs at maximum, one jacket in a neutral color, one pair of sunglasses and one hat. One beach tote that I use as my carry on and one crossbody bag to keep hands free. I also try and pack my swimsuit cover to double as a shawl for chillier evenings. 

This is how my packing would look for a beachy vacation with mulitple different additional outings: 

Swimsuits can be worn under denim shorts, green shirt or sarong for beach days.  Breezy sundresses and rompers for exploring local areas or dinners out.  White blouse and denim cut offs or crisp white jeans for more comfy options.  

Westin Mission Hills, Palm Springs - Spring Break 2018

Palm Springs is always our favorite go to when it comes to spring break.  We love that if feels like a real getaway but is still close to home.  We stayed at the Westin Mission Hills this year and were so excited to explore.  

First off, we made a b-line for the pool!  It was a mad house but we hit the water like no one's business. I booked this resort solely for it's waterslide to be honest.  The girls swam for about 3 hours and took turns on the waterslide a million times.  We had a hankering for Mexican food and drove a couple blocks for some yummy tacos and chips.   We decided to tuck in early that night and continue our Star Wars marathon we had started earlier in the week.  Us girls had never seen Star Wars so Erik thought it would be fun to watch all of them over the break.  

Day Two, we hit the pool super early.  This pool seating situation was no joke.  I set my alarm and off we went at 7:45 for our spots.  Once our mission was accomplished, we grabbed a nice easy breakfast at the Mission Hills Market Cafe.  I love the ease of this sort of breakfast.  They offered fresh pastries and Starbucks coffee along with toiletries and snacks for the rest of the day.  Cereal for the girls and coffee for mommy and we were set.  We also had the option of fresh pancakes by the pool too which smelled delish.  That was definately a perk of getting to the pool early was  yummy breakfast options and quiet pool.  The Westin hosted super fun kids activities all throughout the day. From family fishing to waterslide lifeguard games to watermelon eating contests there was always something fun to do.  Capri decided to participate in the watermelon eating and won!  Girl can take a watermelon down!  

That night we ordered Dilberts pizza in for more Star Wars.  They were playing a fun movie that night by the pool but we were all sun kissed and exhasted from the pool all day.  

Day Three greeted us again with a simple cafe breakfast and comfy spot at the pool first thing.  My idea of a vacation is parking myself by the water and absorbing myself in a book all day.  I got my wish!  I literally barely moved and was so happy about it!  For lunch the girls noshed on freshly grilled burgers and mommy got a fresh watermelon salad while Erik hit the gym.  The girls swam all day and when we had our fill, we hit the road reluctantly.  

Tips for your stay: 

- Get to the pool no later than 7:55 am to get a spot.

-Take advantage of poolside breakfast and cafe.  They will save you money and time getting a whole family breakfast situation at a restaurant. 

-Plan to keep an eye on little ones, the pool does not have lifeguards.

-Take advantage of the kids activities and kids club for a nice adult free couple hours. 

-Bring fun pool floats and balls.  There are a million kiddos around and the floats were a hit. The pool also has a volleyball net to play with. 

Overall, another great family Spring break vacation for the books.  

Day in the life of a momprenuer

I had a funny conversation with a friend the other day about what was on my agenda for my "average Momprenuer" Monday.  I was saying how relaxed the day was going to be and then got to really thinking what my "normal" Monday would be. Momprenuer life is no joke!  Mom's wear many hats and then add in work life the hats double and triple.  I am so fortunate to have a couple businesses that allow me most of the time to work from home.  Nevertheless, my days are run like a well oiled machine.  Not every day is the same but here is my Monday from this week.  Don't miss the big GIVEAWAY at the end of this post!!! It's a good one!!! Let's get into it!

7:00 am I rustle up throw on my robe over my pjs and get to the morning routine. Yes, I am 100% the mom that rocks her robe to school drop off!   Peyton is not a morning kid and loves to be cozy so she takes quite a while to get rolling.  Capri is much more like me and once we are up , we are up.  We check the weather and quickly decide what to wear that day.  As the girls wake up and get dressed, I start breakfast. Our hens are giving us so many eggs so mornings consist of scrambled eggs, berries and english muffin. As the girls eat, we listen to some music and I work on lunches.  Lunches consist of half a sandwich ( peanut butter only for Capri and peanut butter and jelly for Peyton- Don't mix them up mommy!!) a piece of fruit like a cutie orange and a healthy chip or pretzel with juice.  Snacks get packaged and put into backpacks while the girls grab their vitamins and start working on brushing their hair.  Hair done, teeth brushed, shoes on and off we go!  

7:40 am Off to school.  We love to listen to music and chat on the way to school.  I really try and make mornings fun so it starts our day off great!  

8:05 am We roll into school drop off with kisses and love

9:00 am 2 cups of coffee and email checking begins while one load of laundry gets started.  

9:30 am I make a couple protein pancakes or eggs and get to responding to my emails, making grocery lists for the day, list of things I need to accomplish that day ie. change sheets, pay bills, clean bathrooms, workout, bleach teeth, shower etc.  

10:00 am Start to do list.  Fold and restart new load of laundry. Strip the sheets on the beds.  Clean dishes from morning and clean kitchen countertops and reorganize living room.  Run Puppy ( Roomba) 

Smile Brilliant before and after results

10:30 am Workout for the day ( quick Tone it Up workout or a class) and beauty maintainence.  This would be doing some self tanner, giving myself a mani pedi, face mask or teeth bleaching. This may seem silly but being a blogger and work in the wedding industry it's important for me to keep my self situated.  Nails are in my bride's wedding photos and in my blog photos.  We randomly need to shoot a look or something quick for the blog so self tanner helps me not look scary.  Teeth bleaching was on my 2018 goal list.  I partnered this year I partnered with  Smile Brilliant and have the prettiest teeth I've ever had.  I've used white strips in the past and would be so frustrated with them sliding around and missing the stains on my gum line not to mention ouch to my sore gums.   Smile Brilliant bleaching trays have been a game changer!  I got customized trays that fit my teeth perfectly, bleaching gels and even desensitizing gel to keep my gums happy.  I pop in my trays and get on without a hitch in my to do list.  I can tackle phone calls without sounding funny, do a workout, take a shower or even run an errand and they are virtually undetectable. I brush my teeth to get my morning coffee off, pop on my trays with bleaching gel in for 30 minutes.  Brush with wet ,sans toothpaste and follow with desensitizing gel for 20-30 min.  I rinse and viola! I pop in my trays and get on without a hitch in my to do list.  I can tackle phone calls without sounding funny, do a workout, take a shower or even run an errand and they are virtually undetectable.   
 

11:30 am  possibly shower and back to computer.  This time I follow up on morning emails and start working on timelines for upcoming bride trial runs and weddings.  Next, emails go out to my team to keep them up to speed on upcoming appointments or weddings.  This is my time for brainstorming on new blog posts and/or shooting them and online shopping for items for upcoming posts or trips.  

12:30 pm  out of the house chores.  This Monday,I dropped my car off at car wash and walked over to  Target to get a competition team little present for Capri's competition team sister, more La Croix ( obviously) and trash bags.  Next was grocery store for week's worth of groceries and Erik's meal prep items.  

1:00 pm Run home with groceries.  Throw together a simple lunch ( I love leftovers or lettuce wrap or salad).  After lunch, I put away the morning's laundry and listen to a podcast ( I'm into Goal Digger or Lady Gang) 

2:00 pm I grab a La Croix and head to pick up the girls from school

3:00 pm I prep a snack for the girls while they relax and start getting homework out.  We like crackers, celery and peanut butter, apples or pretzels and quac or hummus. Snack plates and fruit bowls are big favorites.  

3:15 pm Homework for both girls while I go through their school folders to see what's up for the week from their teachers.  

4:30 pm  Capri gets ballet gear on and hair up in bun and off we go do dance for the night.  Monday's dance schedule consists of Ballet and Lyrical for her. 

5:15 pm  Peyton finishes up homework or works on some chores while I start dinner.  Tonight we are having spaghetti.  Ground turkey, yummy Rao's sauce, whole wheat noodles for girls and zoodles  for me and Erik.  After dinner is ready Peyton and I play a game or watch a movie together. 

7:00 pm We pick up Capri from dance and daddy gets home from work. 

7:30 pm We gather at the table for dinner ( non-negotiable) and chat about our days.  We have our routine of "Best Day"  we each take a turn discussing the best part about our day.  This could be something awesome that happened that day or something simple like the pretty weather or great song we heard.  It gets us all talking and connected.  I'm a big believer in family dinners and lots of conversation at the table.  

8:00 pm Girl's jump in shower, brush teeth, brush their hair and night time books picked out for reading.  Hugs and kisses and na night time.

8:30 pm Erik usually tucks in around this time too for his early morning wake up call (3:00 am) while I clean up after dinner.  I usually hit my emails one more time to make sure I got any lingering emails answered, blog posts finished or projects wrapped up.  Tonight I finished up my computer work and plopped down on the couch to work on my bible study lesson for Thursday.  After my study, I either play on instagram and watch all my favorite stories, watch a quick episode of my shows ( The Crown or Animal Kingdom) 

10:30 pm Lights out for mommy! 

Every day is different and I keep a tight eye on my schedule for the week to make sure to stay ahead of any things that may need prepping.  Girl Scout badges needing sewing, school party treats, new dance tights etc etc etc.  In honor of all you busy working mamas, I've partnered with Smile Brilliant to giveaway $149 credit towards your own Smile Brilliant bleaching kit and 15% to all my readers using the code below! 

COUPON & GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

15% off coupon code: lifewithlipstickon15

Giveaway link: www.smilebrilliant.com/g/lifewithlipstickon

Tooth Whitening Gel

Glowy 5 Minute Makeup tutorial: VIDEO

You guys ask all the time about my every day makeup look!  I am happy to share it here for you all!  I hope you guys find it as easy as it really is!  I firmly believe in natural beauty and am not a personal fan of perfection!  My belief is brows are supposed to be sisters not twins!  Everything doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!  

Here are all the products I used: 

Step by Step: 

1. Prime face and neck and hydrate skin with a spritz of rose water

2.  Apply dime size of CC Cream to foundation brush and stipple on whole face to blend. Make sure to blend down neck and ears. 

3.  Swipe concealer under eyes and pat with moistened Beauty Blender to blend.  I like to pat my concealer down near my nose to outer corner of eye to create a triangle as well as cover my whole lid. This acts like an eyeshadow primer. 

4.  Set foundation and concealer with loose setting powder 

5. Using a fan brush, dust bronzer under cheek bones to contour as well as eye lids, neck  and hair line.  This is where the sun would natural kiss the skin.  Adding it to your eye lids starts an eyeshadow layering process without all the extra work. 

6.  Using an angled blush brush, apply blush to apples of cheeks

7.  Apply lighter eyeshadow from your Cordura duo to the outer socket of the eyelid.  Wiggle back and forth to build up a little color in the corner top portion of the eye.  Without picking up any more color,, using small circular motions, blend the shadow with your eye shadow brush through the crease concentrating on outer corner. 

8. With an angled liner brush, use the darker shadow from the duo to create a soft smoky liner.  Start from the middle of the eye's lash line and wiggle color along the lashes until you reach the outer corner.  If you want to draw the up a bit ( my eyes slope down naturally) create a little wing or flick with the shadow.  This doesn't have to be perfect. The smokier and smudged the better. Soft is best!  Add a bit more color to brush and start your lower lashe line from the outer corner working towards the center. By keeping darkness on outer corners only you draw the eye up and open.  Use your finger to smudge any harsh lines. 

9.  Apply three coats of black mascara. I like to wiggle a little on the bottom outer lashes. 

10.  Using a brow brush or your fingers, brush brows upwards. Begin creating light small strokes with your brow pencil.  Concentrate color only in the center of the brows. With light stroked draw small "hairs" upwards in the inner eye area of brow.  Lastly elongate and shape the end of the brow to come to a soft point. I find a small peak at the top of the brow is universally flattering. Finish by brushing your brows up again to see if you missed any spots or to blend your work.  

11.  Apply cream highlighter to apples of cheeks, brow bones, temples, tip of nose and cupid's bow.  Blend with fingers. 

12.  Finish your look with a light shimmery bronze lipstick.  

Easter basket treats

I asked you guys last week on Insta Stories what your Easter basket go to's are and got so many awesome ideas!  I am avoiding candy or sweet treats and wanted to keep the whole thing simple. My girls get little treasures all year with a new movie or a Disney day so all the gifting doesn't feel super necessary to me.  But who doesn't love a sweet Easter basket?!  We got so many great ideas from swim suits, coloring books to bubbles and chalk.  My most favorite one was additions to our fairy garden!  We have a special spot in our yard we planted last year that houses our fairy garden and I can't wait to add precious little additions to it. We now have two new fairy residents of our precious little spot.  Their home is complete with tree swing, bark path and wishing well.  I had so much fun creating this sweet little land and adding blooms from our peach tree for a little extra.  I have gotten so excited about all the fun treasures and created a whole Pinterest board dedicated to all the magical things people have created for their gardens.  

Kate Spade inspired Easter Tablescape

I adore Easter decor and wanted to try something a little different with my table this year for Easter brunch. I found this fun floral Kate Spade table cloth and black and tan striped runner and ran with it!  I layered the two linens with sweet bunny place mats and added blush pink linen napkins to adorable wooden bunny napkin rings.  For place settings, I layered my favorite rattan chargers with classic white beaded dinner and salad plate.  To top the setting, I added blush crystal coupe glasses filled with gold foiled eggs ( tutorial here) .  I love mixing metals and added gold flatware to my galvanized metal peices for a chic touch.  Next, I gathered straw reeds from a field nearby our house and created a simple center piece with an oversized galvanized bucket.  Our brunch menu will include all sorts of yummy treats including waffles and my favorite frittata.  I added some cranberry orange scones to a blush crystal basket.  I fell in love with this metal and wood, wheelbarrow salad bowl.  I just think it's the cutest little addition.  I layered a variety of bagels on a scalloped metal cake stand for some height contrast.  I find with creating a table space you want to keep an eye on your heights and make sure to have a variety to make the table interesting.  For an extra Easter touch, I added the cutest little straw bunny.