on Bed-sharing

Thursday, January 29, 2015

When I first admitted to friends about letting Mason sleep in our bed with us, I didn't know there was a term for it. We primarily allowed him to sleep in our bed because his crib was not yet put together, and since I had gone back to work, having that time together was so nice, even though we were just all sleeping. Mason would sleep in between us, and sometimes I would just stare at him while he slept. Creepy, I know! Some nights, he would start to turn horizontal, and I would wake up, centimeters away from the edge. You see, we only have a queen size bed so it is quite small for the three of us. However, I loved having him sleep with us. On the weekends, we would lay in bed, and snuggle for a little bit.

Eventually, he became a bit too big and we couldn't all sleep comfortably, so now we have moved to co-sleeping, which is yet another term that I wasn't familiar with. I had thought that I would prefer to have him sleep in his own room, but when it came time, I realized how nice it is to have him close by. On nights that he keeps us up, that does mean that the both of us are up. However, it is nice to have him close by. On the weekends, his little head would poke up and he would look around for signs of life. If I'm up already, I would hide so he can't see me. Weird, I know! But I just love watching him look around. Sometimes, he would lay there and look at his hands and just rub his bedding with his hand. I wonder what he's thinking about?

I am not sure if he will always stay in our room, but for now, we love co-sleeping!

Thanks for reading!

Kaolee 



Philosophy - Hope In A Jar Foundation

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

I was shopping at Ulta, and came across the new Hope In a Jar foundation. I have tried the Hope In A Jar moisturizer in the original formula, and wasn't too crazy about it. Some of you might go wide-eyed in disbelief, but it wasn't that great when I used it the last time. However, I saw this foundation, and have been looking to try something other than my Tarte foundations so I picked this up in shade #5 (although I think I might be more of a #6). They have eight shades. The foundation offers light to medium coverage which is perfect for me, as I am not looking for full coverage. The foundation is supposed to be "light-as-air" and I have to admit that it is definitely a lighter formula, and goes on the skin nicely. It does have broad spectrum spf 20, and my skin does not react to the spf. If you know me, I don't wear sunscreen or a lot of makeup with sunscreen because my skin will react to the sunscreen. However, my skin has not reacted to this foundation, and also both the Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour foundation and BB tinted primer. This foundation is oil-free, but still hydrating. If you are looking for a new foundation and for light-to-medium coverage, then I definitely recommend this one!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Kaolee
  

Blue Jeans

Sunday, January 25, 2015

I seem to have such a hard time finding jeans that fit well and are still reasonably priced. One of the biggest issues of course is the length, as I am only 5'2". A lot of jean makers seem to have the longer length, but not the shorter length for us short ladies. Another issue is the fit. Jeans that fit well at the hips and waist doesn't always fit well at the calves. A third issue that I have been struggling with is find jeans that are not too low-waist but aren't up to my belly button. After Mason, I have a nice little post-partum present known as the bulge, and my old jeans are cut too low so the bulge sort of "bulges" out. I found these jeans from the Loft that I'm wearing below that helps with the bulge issue. They are still a little longer than I really care for, but I just fold them over as I love the wash and the fit. I did get these also which are the ankle length, but fits me perfectly, and also helps with the bulge!!! I have bought Loft jeans in the past, and although not my favorite, these two pairs have really changed my mind about their jeans so I'm looking forward to getting some more washes.

What are your biggest issues with jeans, and which brands are your favorites?

Thanks for reading!

Kaolee


Shopping for a Baby Boy

Thursday, January 22, 2015

These days, I buy more clothes for Mason than myself. It's mainly because he is outgrowing everything so fast. I have to stay on top of it as well since I feel like once I buy the next size up, I already have to be thinking about the size after that. One of my fears is running out of clothes in his size, and having to run to the store the day of to buy something that will fit him!

H&M has such cute baby clothes, and they have really cute boy clothes also. These are the items that I'm eyeing for my Mason!


 
 
He would be so cute in this! Doesn't hurt that it has an M on it already!

 
With no hair, Mason always reminds me of an old man. So naturally, cardigans would be perfect for him. This one has elbow patches. I mean, isn't that just the cutest??!!!!

 
 
These are just so darn cute! I love the patches on the jeans and love the faded details!
 

 
 
I have a star sweater too, so Mason and I could be twins!

 
 
I love the neon green on this jacket! So cute with the star design!



 
 
These are so cute! I wished they had some that would fit me!

 
 
This would be perfect with the sweatpants above!
 
 
I'm not sure if Brandon would be a fan of this on his little boy, but I love the print!!!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Kaolee


Just the Two of Us

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Brandon was out of town last week so Mason and I ended up flying solo. To say that it was hard was truly an understatement. I won't disagree that I tend to overcomplicate things, and overthink them so of course, coming into the whole situation, I was already panicked. The day to day with Mason is hard, but with Brandon, at least there is someone in the evening to talk to, and to hand Mason off to so I can catch my breath. However, without Brandon, I was sort of left on my own.
 
However, we survived, and I got to spend one-on-one time with Mason, even if it was at 1am for five straight days. Needless to say, I was very glad when we went to the airport to welcome Daddy home.
 
Thanks for reading!
 
Kaolee
 











Philosophy - Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser

Monday, January 19, 2015

I have heard a lot about this cleanser so I was really excited to try this out. This cleanser is a 3-in-1 cleanser, and it's supposed to clean, tone and melt away makeup. It is fragrance-free, although it does have a smell, not overpowering but just a nice smell. It claims to melt away makeup which I initially didn't believe. In my past experiences, when cleansers claim to take off all your makeup, they usually don't live up to their promise. I wear waterproof mascara so I typically use a separate makeup remover to remove my eye makeup, and then use a makeup remover wipe to wipe off any remaining eye makeup and the rest of my face. I feel like that takes off everything really well. However, since this cleanser claims to take off my makeup, I decided to put it to the test. I didn't use anything to take off my makeup beforehand, and just washed my face with this cleanser. Lo and behold, all my makeup was gone, including my stubborn mascara! I was very surprised and pleased. I even used a makeup remover wipe to see if there were any makeup leftover that the cleanser did not take off, and there was nothing else coming off on that wipe. I did wash my face again after using the wipe, since after just one wash with this cleanser, my face didn't feel the squeaky clean that it usually does (even though there was no hint of makeup left). This cleanser leaves your face soft, and is not drying at all.

Overall, I really like this cleanser. It has a nice smell, and does what it promises. I will probably continue to remove my makeup as mentioned above before I use this cleanser since I like my face feeling squeaky clean.

I didn't see SLS on the ingredient list; however, I did see sodium trideceth sulfate. Based on the Good Guide, there is no health concern associated with this ingredient, so that is another plus! I'm currently just looking to make sure my products are SLS-free, but let me know if you want more research on ingredients in the products I use.

Have you tried this cleanser? If you have, did you like it?

Thanks for reading!

-Kaolee

Happy Sixth Months!

Sunday, January 18, 2015

I can't believe our sweetheart is six months old already! A child truly is a great reminder of just how fast time passes. It's fun to watch as he progresses each and every day. At the doctor, he measures:
 
height: 26.5 inches (51%)
weight: 18 lbs (58%)
head circumference: 17 inches (32%)
 
Just very recently, he is starting to be able to sit himself up, although once he leans too far to the right, left, or back, gravity takes control. He hasn't been able to roll yet. I've been working with him to encourage him to roll from his back to his tummy. I've only fed him bananas and avocado, although our daycare is feeding him rice cereal as well. I'm lagging on this, and need to start introducing him to more solids. He loves his food so I know he will really enjoy tasting more solids. I think he may be starting to teeth. He has been waking up in the middle of the night so let's hope it's teething, and not just him wanting to bother us :) He loves to put his foot in his mouth. He is also outgrowing his Size 3 diapers so I am about to move him up to Size 4. He wears 6-month clothing, but can fit in certain 9-month clothing. I bought him this cute 6-month long-sleeve onesie, and after washing it, it didn't fit him! I was so bummed out, but his chunky thighs wouldn't fit the leg part. He is starting to know when I am out of the room, and yes, sometimes I'll crawl out so he doesn't see me! He loves clapping. He loves when I clap his hands together, and when I clap my hands. He thinks it is just the funniest thing ever. I sing the "If you're happy, and you know it" song, and clap his hands, and he just laughs so hard. We love this guy so much, and love seeing him grow (although, I want him to stay this size forever!).
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Kaolee

 








origins a perfect world age defense skin guardian with white tea

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Straight from Origin's website:

"In an ideal world, skin would never age before its time. Now Origins has uncovered the key to longer-lasting look of youth, health and vitality - utopia's own Silver Tip White Tea. It helps banish youth offenders long before they cause visible signs of oxidation, deterioration, dehydration. Boswellia sets up a secure sanctuary against age-accelerating static and stress. Without the need to defend itself, skin's energies are devoted to improvement. Smoothness is immediate. And lush, tranquil Mimosa, Orange and Bergamot sweep over you like a tropical trade wind. Skin has found its Shangri-la."

This is a serum that you use before your moisturizer. I really enjoyed using this during my pregnancy when my skin was a lot more dry. My skin is getting back to combination/oily, although with winter, I will probably start using this again. And yes, this stuff lasts forever! The texture of this serum feels like a primer to me, not exactly, but kind of. Since my skin is on the oily side, I probably won't repurchase after I use this up. I think this would be a great serum for those with dry skin.

If you feel like serums are a waste, I hope you change your mind. They are great to target your specific needs, and there are so many serums out there: brightening, anti-aging, etc. I always, always, always wear an eye-cream, follow by a serum, and topped off with a moisturizer. Depending on whichever serum I am using, I may put it all over my face, or on specific parts of my face.

Happy Almost Friday!!!

-Kaolee
 


 

Mason's Personality

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Mason is an incredibly sweet boy. He loves to smile and he loves to laugh. He loves cuddling and hugs. I think he is going to be a bit on the sensitive side. The other day, Brandon came home and started yelling Mason's name. I was still feeding him so his face was looking away from Brandon. He could only hear the yelling. I initially thought that he was going to lean back and look up to wherever Brandon's voice came from. However, he just stopped eating, face frozen. Brandon yelled a couple more time to try and get Mason's attention. All of a sudden, Mason's face turned into a cute frown and he starts bawling. It was so sad (but still so cute!). Brandon came and snuggled the cry out of him. Because of this, and many other instances, I really believe that Mason will be sensitive.

He is a very curious boy. He loves to look around, and I am starting to fear the day that he becomes mobile. He loves when I throw him in the air (or maybe all babies love this?). He giggles when I kiss his tummy, and when I squeeze his thighs. He loves to babble and coo in his high-pitched voice.

I love seeing his personality form, and can't wait to see more as he grows up!

-Kaolee



Burt's Bees Brightening Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

I've been using this moisturizer alongside the Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector. This moisturizer claims to give you brighter skin in 8 weeks. The main ingredient is daisy which is supposed to be a natural skin brightener. After using it for over 8 weeks, I haven't seen anything dramatic in my skin. The moisturizer itself is a light beige color so that helps gives my skin a more luminous color, but I didn't feel like my skin improved. I am not a fan of how the cream sits on my skin either. It is a little thicker than I like especially since my skin is going back to being more oily. I also don't care for the smell. It's not overpowering, but it is a faint smell that I don't really like.
 
Have you tried this, and did it work for you?
 
-Kaolee
 


Busy Season Workouts

Monday, January 5, 2015

It seems like once a year, I start itching to join a gym, thinking that if I pay for the membership, I will be more likely to actually go. I have joined a national chain fitness center and have quit 3 times in the past 5 years. I would get really motivated, and start working out. Inevitably, something would happen and I wouldn't make it for months, and then feelings of guilt would come over me, which then leads to me cancelling my membership.

Just before Christmas, I was having one of those moments again. A girlfriend and I actually got one-day passes to try a different gym. She made it; however, I didn't. After that, I thought, if I can't even make it for just one day, how am I going to make it continuously in order for the gym to be worth it? So I finally decided, I'll just stick to work out videos. They're much easier to pop in, and I don't have to drive anywhere. Being a mom, and going into my busiest time at work, work out videos will make my life a lot easier, and the chances of me actually working out will be greatly increased.

Insanity - I have done the full work outs a couple of times with my husband, and they are super hard! I don't know how anyone can get through full workouts. This 20-minute insane workout is super hard as well, but knowing that it is just 20 minutes makes it easier for me to get through.

Ballet Beautiful - Ever since I heard that Mary Helen Bowers trained Natalie Portman from Black Swan, I really wanted to try the workout. So far, I really enjoy it. These work outs are not like any that I have done before, but I really enjoy them and I feel like I am definitely seeing results!

The Tracy Anderson Method - I talked about this one before. I love her no-weight/low-weight methodology. She has some great moves for the abs!

Do you have any favorite work out videos that I should try?

-Kaolee

My Only New Year Resolution

Saturday, January 3, 2015

I'm a big fan of New Year resolutions. I tend to forget them soon afterwards, but I do enjoy thinking about what I want to improve for the upcoming year. And most often then not, they are the same repeats from the year before. I write them down somewhere and think about them for the first month of the year, and then I start to fail within that month, and I give up long before the year is over.

As I was thinking about what my resolutions should be for this, I started thinking about what it is that I really want. If I was in a bubble, and I was not afraid of what others would think, what is it that I would want to achieve this year? Maybe it is just me, but over the last few years, I have let others influence my actions. A lot of my decisions are based on what people will think of me, and what I am doing.

This year, I am resolving to do the things that I enjoy. I am going to let go of the things that I don't enjoy, that aren't really important to me. I am going to work towards achieving a balance that works for me and my little family. It might not be for everyone, and I am sure people will have their own opinions, but then again, those are just people.

What are your New Year resolutions? And what would you want to achieve or do, if you didn't care about anyone judging you? Here's to a New Year, and here's to supporting each other as we carry on.

-Kaolee

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