Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup - November 24
Must Have Products for a New Mom
I'm guilty of having the unrealistic expectation that I was going to have a lot of free time during maternity leave. OMG - I couldn't have been more wrong! If I get a shower in I call it a successful day! I'm currently loving products that make my routine a bit easier. Below are some of my favorite items so far on maternity leave...
1) Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes - I love these for when I'm a pinch or on the go. Sometimes I have to use these in the car on the way to the gym! These makeup remover wipes are a quick and easy to use to remove makeup. They don't make my skin feel greasy and are especially good at removing eye makeup. I like to keep a package in my diaper bag and gym bag.
2) Noodle & Boo The Balm - I LOVE this lotion. It smells like a sweet baby :) With the cold weather in full effect in Michigan, my skin is so dry. I keep this lotion in my diaper bag for both myself and my baby boy. My hands are constantly on my baby, so I'm extra careful of the lotions I put on my hands. The best part about Noodle & Boo products is that they are safe for both mommy and baby - win/win!
3) Dove Dry Shampoo - I can usually sneak in a shower, but washing my hair is a whole other battle. It seems like I never have time to dry it all the way straight unless someone else is home helping with the baby. I packed this dry shampoo in my hospital bag and have been using it ever since. When I use this dry shampoo my hair looks really fresh. It also has a great, nice and fresh scent (usually I don't like the smell of dry shampoos).
4) Bath & Body Works Antibacterial - I'm fanatical about sanitizing my hands now that I'm a mommy. I keep several of these everywhere: car, diaper bag, purse, living room, kitchen...no excuse for someone not to use them before picking up the bambino! Bath and Body Works usually has them on sale for 5 for $5. Great idea for stocking stuffers too :)
5) Love + Grace PJ set - It's a struggle to take this pajama set off....because they are so comfortable! I was super excited to try these out. They are the softest pajamas I have ever owned. And as a nursing mom, it's key to have an easy, button down PJ top to go over a nursing tank. The first few weeks at home with bambino I was in my PJs the entire day, so if you're going to be a new mom, I'd highly recommend splurging on an ultra-comfortable pair like these.
6) Bath & Body Works Fragrance Mist - There's something about Fall and Winter that make me crave vanilla scents! The Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla Fragrance Mist, in my opinion, is the perfect scent for the holiday seasons. I've been staying away from strong perfumes because I don't want them to irritate my baby boy, but this light mist is perfect to spray on my body, and even hair, to make me feel (and smell!) pretty.
*Post contains affiliate links
** This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
Bloggers Give Thanks PayPal Giveaway!
Myself along with a few other awesome bloggers have come together to bring you a PayPal giveaway just in time for Thanksgiving! It’s our way of saying ‘Thank You’ for supporting our blogs.
Want a chance to be a
lucky winner? Bookmark this page to make it easier to return to every single
day up until November 20, 2014, and earn extra entries by sharing the giveaway with
your friends on twitter!
Prizes
1st Prize: $150
2nd Prize: $50
3rd Prize: $25
Organized by: Kim of
Beauty and the Bump
Co-Hosts: Prime Beauty Blog // Everyday Beauty Blog // Norah Loves Makeup // XONoelle // Beauty Info Zone // Sabrina Dellinger // BeautyZ // Beauty Xpose // Lipgloss Break // Beauty Tidbits // Making Up The Midwest // Beauty with a Twist // The Diary of a Debutante
Rules: Use the
Rafflecopter widget below to enter daily.
Besides the mandatory blog comment entry, all other
entries are optional. Giveaway ends 11/20/2014, and is
open to anyone with a valid PayPal account.
Good Luck!
Giveaway Break - Headbands of Hope
Headbands of Hope is an American-made colorful headwear line. They have some beautiful headbands! For every headband purchased, one is given to a child with cancer and $1 is donated to the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund much needed childhood cancer research, Alex's Lemonade Stand or CURE Childhood Cancer - you get to choose.
It's great to be able to give a gift like this to someone you care about, and know that you're contributing to a good cause as well. I worked at Detroit Children's Hospital when I was in college and experienced first hand how special it was for patients to receive gifts like this. A small gesture or gift goes a long way for kids who are fighting cancer.
I just purchased a knitted a headband to help keep my head and ears warm for the upcoming winter months. I can't wait to get it and spread the words about Headbands of Hope.
Thanks to Headbands of Hope, you can enter for a chance to win a studded headband, like the one pictured below!
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***Giveaway***
Enter to win a black and gold studded headband from Headbands of Hope!
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Tuesday, December 2nd. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break (and will send an email as well), so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup - October 20
Allure Best of Beauty 2014
What products on this year's list catch your eye?
Beauty Blog Coalition Cash Giveaway!
The fabulous ladies over at the Beauty Blog Coalition (including me!) have pulled together to bring you a Facebook Only Giveaway! Starting today, enter to win 1 out of 3 cash prizes. The only way to enter is to 'Like' our pages on Facebook. The contest ends November 1st so don't wait - enter today!
Prizes:
1st Place: $155
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $55
*Winner must take PayPal Only.
The following blogs are participating...check them out!
The following blogs are participating...check them out!
Participating bloggers:
Aquaheart www.aquaheart.net
Beauty by Krystal http://www.beautybykrystal.com
Beyond Beauty Lounge http://
Blushing Noir http://blushingnoir.com
Color Me So Crazy http://
Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom http://
Cosmetically-Challenged http://
Everyday Beauty Blog http://everydaybeautyblog.com
Geniabeme http://www.geniabeme.com
Glamorable! www.glamorable.com
Hairspray and Highheels http://
I Know all the Words www.iknowallthewords.com
Intrubeauty http://www.intrubeauty.com
Liesl Loves Pretty Things http://
Lipgloss Break http://www.lipglossbreak.com
Lit From Within http://
Makeup Life and Love http://www.makeuplifelove.com
Midnight Manicures www.midnightmanicures.com
MinaSlater.com http://www.minaslater.com
My Highest Self http://myhighestselfblog.com/
Nail Polish Anonymous http://
Peek & Ponder http://peekandponder.com
Phyrra http://www.phyrra.net/
Pointless Cafe http://www.pointlesscafe.com
Polarbelle Http://www.polarbelle.com
polish insomniac www.polishinsomniac.net
PolishGalore http://www.polishgalore.com
The Dalai Lama's Nails www.thedalailamasnails.com
The Lacquerologist http://www.lacquerologist.com/
The Mercurial Magpie http://
The Plastic Diaries http://
NUBAR Nail Lacquer 'Fall in Love' Collection
Now that I'm a mom, it's a lot harder to find time to paint my nails and allow them to dry properly, so when I get the chance, I want to find a polish that will last. I'm a huge fan of gel manicures, but they're not practical to have all the time. I recently tried out Nubar Nail Lacquer for the first time and was really happy with the wear time.
Nubar Nail Lacquer is formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free. They pride themselves in being a 'healthy' nail polish, which is something I look for now since I have a newborn at home and my hands are constantly around him.
Normally I only get 2 days wear out of regular nail polish, but I had a really good run with Nubar polish. Love American Style is a creamy red that goes well with every season, especially Fall. This lasted, chip free, about 5 days on my nails. After 5 days I had minor signs of wear, but the manicure still looked good.
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| Nubar Love American Style |
Lush is a pretty blue that is perfect for fall and blue jean and jean jacket weather. This manicure also lasted about 5 days on me (credit to my BFF Tina for giving me this manicure).
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| Nubar Lush |
Sweet Hue is a bright pop of color for your hands. It's a pinkish-coral with a slight gold shimmer. I really liked this shade. It took 3 coats to achieve complete coverage, but was worth it! This color will transition nicely into Spring and Summer.
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| Nubar Sweet Hue |
Check out the full 'Fall in Love' collection on the ByNubar.com site. What's your go-to Fall nail color this season? Please share in the comments below!
Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
Mommy & Baby Favorites
Today my baby boy is 7 weeks old. Time flies! I've learned so much these past few weeks, and can't imagine my life before Maximus.
I remember the first time my hubby and I walked into Baby's R Us to register...we were so overwhelmed! We only stayed for 30 minutes. I came right home and jumped online to do my research on the best products to register for. Here is a list of my favorite baby items so far.
I remember the first time my hubby and I walked into Baby's R Us to register...we were so overwhelmed! We only stayed for 30 minutes. I came right home and jumped online to do my research on the best products to register for. Here is a list of my favorite baby items so far.
1. TWELVElittle Diaper bag
When out and about with your little one, you have to be prepared for diaper explosions, spit up, hunger and tears. I heard with your second child you worry less about this and can leave the house with just a diaper and a wipe, but I'm no where near this confident yet. My diaper bag is loaded down! I bought this TWELVElittle bag the week before my son was born. I did a ton of research and this one had everything I was looking for: 1) could pass as a regular purse, 2) lots of compartments, 3) came in black, to match most of my clothes and stroller, 4) separate pocket for bottles and 5) changing pad pull out. I really like the bag so far. It's unreal how much I can fit in it. I will be doing a 'What's in My Diaper Bag' post soon. You'll be amazed...
2. Aden + Anais Swaddles
These blankets are made of 100% cotton muslin. They are super soft, breathable blankets, especially nice for summer babies, like Max. They have all kinds of fun patterns, and also make burp clothes, crib sheets and changing pad covers to match. I opted for the blue and gray star prints.
3. Boppy pillow
This is not just for nursing moms. This pillow was with me from day one in the hospital. I'm so glad I brought it! Feeding a baby can get so tiring for your arms. The Boppy fits snug around your waist and will allow you to rest your arms/baby on it, for a comfortable feeding or cuddle session.
4. Newborn Rock'n Play
The Rock'n Play is ultra portable, which is why I love it so much. You can easily bring it from room to room, and easily collapse it to pack in a car.
5. BOB Revolution Stroller
This was my splurge item. I knew I was going to be a baby strolling machine, and wanted a really nice stroller to walk up town with. A jogging a stroller is not just for runners (which I am not). It's great for city strolling too. The BOB Revolution is extremely easy to push, maneuver and collapse, which was nice since I was recovering from a c-section, but still wanted to get out and go for walks.
6. May Designs Bump Diary
I'm a list maker. Even though I work in the digital sales field, I still like to make a good old fashion list on paper. I came across May Designs while shopping for gifts, and ended up buying my self a few presents. I loved the idea of personalizing a Bump Diary to help keep me organized throughout my pregnancy. I'm still using this to help keep track of doctor questions, appointments, etc. May Designs allows you customize your cover with colors, patterns, and fonts. Since we didn't have a name picked out until the week before Max was born, my cover read 'Bambino Sherman.'
So, there you have it. A few of my favorite things so far. Here are a few other baby item round ups that may be helpful...enjoy!
Persnickety Plates - Baby Must Haves
The Small Things Blog - Favorite Mom & Baby products
Mommy Mentionables - Top Baby Products for New Moms
And here's a list items you can probably cross off of your wish list...
Please share your baby must-haves in the comments below. What could you or baby not live without?
*Post contains affiliate links
When out and about with your little one, you have to be prepared for diaper explosions, spit up, hunger and tears. I heard with your second child you worry less about this and can leave the house with just a diaper and a wipe, but I'm no where near this confident yet. My diaper bag is loaded down! I bought this TWELVElittle bag the week before my son was born. I did a ton of research and this one had everything I was looking for: 1) could pass as a regular purse, 2) lots of compartments, 3) came in black, to match most of my clothes and stroller, 4) separate pocket for bottles and 5) changing pad pull out. I really like the bag so far. It's unreal how much I can fit in it. I will be doing a 'What's in My Diaper Bag' post soon. You'll be amazed...
2. Aden + Anais Swaddles
These blankets are made of 100% cotton muslin. They are super soft, breathable blankets, especially nice for summer babies, like Max. They have all kinds of fun patterns, and also make burp clothes, crib sheets and changing pad covers to match. I opted for the blue and gray star prints.
3. Boppy pillow
This is not just for nursing moms. This pillow was with me from day one in the hospital. I'm so glad I brought it! Feeding a baby can get so tiring for your arms. The Boppy fits snug around your waist and will allow you to rest your arms/baby on it, for a comfortable feeding or cuddle session.
4. Newborn Rock'n Play
The Rock'n Play is ultra portable, which is why I love it so much. You can easily bring it from room to room, and easily collapse it to pack in a car.
5. BOB Revolution Stroller
This was my splurge item. I knew I was going to be a baby strolling machine, and wanted a really nice stroller to walk up town with. A jogging a stroller is not just for runners (which I am not). It's great for city strolling too. The BOB Revolution is extremely easy to push, maneuver and collapse, which was nice since I was recovering from a c-section, but still wanted to get out and go for walks.
6. May Designs Bump Diary
I'm a list maker. Even though I work in the digital sales field, I still like to make a good old fashion list on paper. I came across May Designs while shopping for gifts, and ended up buying my self a few presents. I loved the idea of personalizing a Bump Diary to help keep me organized throughout my pregnancy. I'm still using this to help keep track of doctor questions, appointments, etc. May Designs allows you customize your cover with colors, patterns, and fonts. Since we didn't have a name picked out until the week before Max was born, my cover read 'Bambino Sherman.'
So, there you have it. A few of my favorite things so far. Here are a few other baby item round ups that may be helpful...enjoy!
Persnickety Plates - Baby Must Haves
The Small Things Blog - Favorite Mom & Baby products
Mommy Mentionables - Top Baby Products for New Moms
And here's a list items you can probably cross off of your wish list...
Please share your baby must-haves in the comments below. What could you or baby not live without?
*Post contains affiliate links
Neutrogena #PoreNoMore Challenge
I was recently asked to take the Neutrogena #PoreNoMore challenge. I was hesitant to switch up my skin care routine at 38 weeks pregnant, so I enlisted my best friend to help...my husband.
My husband doesn't usually follow a strict skincare routine like I do, so this was definitely a challenge for him. But, since the Neutrogena Pore Refining Collection has so many different products and options, I think it made it easier for him to stick to it. He always complains about his large pores, so I really didn't have to twist his arm to participate.
Here's a rundown of the products:
Pore Refining Daily Cleanser
This cleanser is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores) and dermatologist tested. It's gentle enough to use as your every day cleanser. It will help to shrink pores, especially when paired with other products in this collection.
Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser
This exfoliating cleanser helps to reduce the look of pores just by washing your face. The exfoliating micro beads gently sweep away dead surface skin, than the alpha-hydroxy formula penetrates pores to remove dirt. This cleanser is non-comedogenic, soap free and dermatologist tested. I advised my husband to only use this a few times a week in place of the Daily Cleanser.
Pore Refining Toner
You may think your skin is clean, until you swipe some of this toner over your skin with a cotton ball. It always amazes me how much oil and dirt can be left behind after a quick face wash. This toner is designed to sweep away dead surface skin, and then penetrate deep into pores to help them appear smaller. It's also non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.
Pore Refining Moisturizer
End your pore cleansing routine with this moisturizer, to help visibly reduce appearance of pores and for softer, smoother skin. It contains Beta Hydroxy to smooth rough, uneven skin, and Retinol, that reveals the look of brighter skin. It's also oil free (I always look for this in products!), hypoallergenic and it won't clog pores.
So did my husband follow this exactly? Nope. But he did pretty good. He even kept it up when we were in the hospital for the birth of our son! Sometimes after a late night of working he would be too tired to wash his face, so it was nice to have the Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner on hand for a quick cleanse to remove oil. And he especially liked the Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser. He said the little exfoliating beads really made it feel like he was getting his skin super clean.
Want to shrink your pores? Check out this collection of products and take the #PoreNoMore challenge yourself! Please share your results in the comments below!
Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
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