Apr 30, 2012

In Case You Were Wondering...

If you haven't noticed, I have been a little distant from this blog...and I have all sorts of excuses, but here are a few recent ones:

Been on vacation to Seattle to help out with my sister's barn wedding reception (I will post more pic soon)


Been spending lots of time with this guy, who is getting close to crawling!  Ahhh!


Getting outside as much as possible with the gorgeous Utah spring weather.


What have all of you been up to?
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Apr 28, 2012

Lightscoop Review

You may remember the Lightscoop Review I did a couple years ago...Well, now they have come out with a new and improved model of the Lightscoop.  Introducing the Lightscoop Deluxe:


 Instead of rambling on about what it does how about I just show you? 

I had to get a good picture of my brother's shiner...long story, but I took these indoors with a combination of tungsten light and outdoor light coming in:

With Lightscoop

With a direct flash and without Lightscoop

Without any flash (natural light and tungsten)

As you can see, the first one looks the best with a flattering and softer flash from the Lightscoop.  I also need to mention that these were taken in my house with vaulted ceilings- so it even works in that situation.

I have been impressed with both Lightscoops I have tried out- they are great for indoor pictures with mixed light sources (which is the lighting condition most of us moms are taking pictures in!)

You can purchase at Lightscoop and can see more about them on their facebook page too.
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Apr 27, 2012

Friday Giveaway!


Today I am excited to share some gorgeous jewelry with you that a friend of mine creates, along with her mom.  They have an Etsy shop together called Tortuga's Design.

Their creations are amazing and unique.  Here are a few of my faves:




The ladies at Tortugas Design have offered to give away a pair of these earrings:


Aren't they so cool?  They remind me of The Hunger Games...

Anyway, to enter the giveaway, follow the Rafflecopter directions below:

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Apr 26, 2012

Computer Issues


Having computer issues right now...Don't you hate how that feels?  It's like nothing can just work out or be easy...kinda the story of my life right now.  

Come back tomorrow for a giveaway you won't want to miss!
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Apr 19, 2012

Flying With Children: Tips and Tricks

As I thought about all the things I do now, flying from Salt Lake to Seattle multiple times a year and from the experiences I have had with children in tow, I thought I should share them with you since traveling season is upon us.

First of all, traveling with 2 kids is much harder than just one, especially since you only have 2 hands.   When flying with both parents it is much easier, but even so I am sure some of these tips will still come in handy.

1. Don't pack lightly.  I never regret bringing extra stuff, but always regret leaving those things I thought we could do without.



2. Make sure your kids are comfortable.  Sometimes I keep Allie in her pajamas to fly, but I always make sure that I dress her in layers.  Some airplanes are freezing cold while others are steaming hot!  

3. Don't be cheap, and use the skycap!!!  Especially when you are checking 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, etc.  It is always worth a few bucks to get dropped off right at the curb and have your luggage taken for you without all that extra hassle.  Worth EVERY penny!  You really only need to tip $1-$2 per bag too, so just do it and save yourself the grief!

4. Use a diaper bag that is easy to carry on your shoulder and easy to get into with one hand.  For example, my "diaper bag," which is actually a purse, has straps that are the perfect length for me to get into with the same arm that is carrying it ans are also leather so they don't slip off my shoulder constantly.  They are attached with metal chain so they can bend easily, and the bag is just open at the top without extra clips, etc. that makes it hard to get into.

5. Organize your diaper bag like you are OCD.  You are going to want to know exactly where everything is, especially on the plane with limited space and time when your kids are screaming and crying and need something :)

6. When you go through security, you don't need to take off your children's shoes under 12 years of age!  This also saves you a LOT of hassle when you are trying to do a million things at once at this time. 

7. You also don't have to take off your baby carrier!  They will have to "swab" your hands to make sure you haven't been handling certain materials, but its much easier and quicker than trying to carry a baby while you are gathering your items and putting on your shoes.

8. Wear flats or some type of shoes that you can easily slip on and off (while going through security)

9. Bring your nursing shield (if you are breastfeeding) and feed your babies during takeoff and landing.  Give your toddlers suckers (and bring a few of them since landing will take about 25 minutes.)  Gum also will work.  These things will help "pop" your kid's ears.



10.  If you are worried about your kids being noisy on the plane, sit behind the wings, as the engines are loudest there and people around you won't be disturbed as much.

11. Make friends with your flight attendant.  They bring your kids snacks, drinks, and sometimes they have changing tables next to where they sit.

12.  If you don't have changing tables on your flight make sure you pack some of these in case you have to change them on your lap.  And also bring a couple grocery bags to put a messy diaper into.

13.  Lastly, I bring a couple things to keep my toddler entertained.  First, snacks.  Second, my iPad.  I download new children's apps, books, and movies for her.  Third, new Dollar Store toys.  These are also great for long trips in the car- bring out a new one every hour!

I hope these tips help and that you all travel easily and safely this year!

images via
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Apr 16, 2012

Well, I am headed out to visit my family in Seattle tomorrow, so I may or may not be updating the blog for the next week.  I thought I would share some inspirational interiors that I found from a new favorite blog Arcadian Home.





Have a great week!!
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Apr 10, 2012

Easter

I realized that I hadn't posted anything about Easter! And this is probably my favorite time of year! So, here's a late Happy Easter!


Here are those cute seersucker outfits I was telling you about- thanks Mom!
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Apr 8, 2012

Firmoo

Let me introduce you to Firmoo.  They are an online glasses company that has a huge selection to choose from and can customize everything to fit your needs. 

They kinda made me wish I needed glasses...just a little :)

Since I don't need prescription glasses, I chose these sunglasses to review:

To be honest, I was a little disappointed that they were quite a bit larger than the picture showed on the page.  But, luckily I like big sunglasses and when I put them on they were very comfortable. 

They look less red in person- not sure why this pic turned out reddish.

However, I did like using the Firmoo site, all their styles, and that you are able to customize the glasses (even sunglasses can be polarized or UV protection can be added to the lenses.)

BUT, the coolest thing about Firmoo right now is their First Pair Free program.

They would like everyone to try their glasses, so they are offering a free pair- all you have to do is pay shipping!  Pretty cool- go check it out if you are in need of some eyeglasses!
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Apr 6, 2012

Boutique Sweet Cheeks Giveaway!



I wanted a Bumbo so bad when I had Allie, but since she was my first baby I had a million other things that I needed to buy and a Bumbo was lower on my list.  With Macsen, I already had most of the baby stuff I needed so I could buy a few more fun things.  I bought a mint green Bumbo so I could use it for another boy or girl, but I started wondering if he would even like it in the summer when he was hot and his skin would stick to the rubbery, non-breathable surface...

I found Boutique Sweet Cheeks on Etsy and was sold on her adorable and functional Bumbo covers. 

The fronts have 2 loopy tags to attach toys to keep your baby entertained by himself.  You can also attach a binky with a binky clip or whatever else your baby might want.
They are really easy to slip over the Bumbo and they can be machine washed!
They come in all sorts of SUPER cute patterns and also come in super soft minky fabric.
The back has a pocket to put whatever you need in it- especially great if you are taking the Bumbo outside and need to put their binky, wipes, a diaper, or whatever else you don't have enough hands to carry.

Since mine is over a mint green Bumbo, the green shows through the white a little- I love how it looks!  Very chic and matches my home decor :)


I also love the minky fabric on each side for baby's arms to rest on- Boutique Sweet Cheeks has really thought of everything for these covers!

Boutique Sweet Cheeks has offered to giveaway one Bumbo cover to one of you!  To enter the giveaway, click on "see more" below and use the rafflecopter:


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Apr 4, 2012

What I'm Loving

Right now I am addicted to all these amazing juices (Naked and Odwalla to name a couple)
 You can buy a pack of 2 32oz bottles at Costco for about $5.70 right now- totally worth it!

Forever 21 Girls is so fun to shop online!  I love this cardigan:

 And I just bought this tank for Allie:

I just started washing my hair every other day and I use this Suave dry shampoo:
 Not only does it work great, but it smells SO good and I also like how my roots are not as easy to see when I blend the white spray into them :)  For just under $3 at Target it's a steal!

My new favorite sunless tanning lotion:
You can read all about it here.


This is still my all-time favorite mascara and lately I have been loving using it with this eyelash growth serum
 The Rapid Lash serum not only makes my eyelashes longer, but since it helps them stay in longer, they also look fuller. 

Lastly, I am loving that the weather is getting warm enough for walks!!
 And Macsen is loving it too! :)

What are you loving right now?
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Apr 2, 2012

Florals

Florals never go out of style.  I am pretty sure I was posting about florals this time last year.  I love Spring and all the bright colors and florals associated with it.  Here are a few I am drooling over lately:








Find image credits here

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