microblading | the solid truth in achieving great brows

I did it!

mama bear tee c/o / "Brady" necklace c/o

I recently had my eyebrows microbladed and I'm SO glad I finally pulled the trigger.  first of all.. I'm way behind on the whole filling in your brows thing.  my poor eyebrows have been through the worst of it.. when I was about Baker's age I got stitches in my left brow, so they grow funky on that side anyway and when I got into high school I started plucking them myself and they were terribly short and thin.. like, SO BAD you guys.  I finally let them grow out and have been getting them waxed in my adult years, but even still I've never kept up with them well at all. it was only recently that I started filling them in.  after getting a brow wax (I love the gals at the benefit bar at Ulta!) she took some time and gave me a mini tutorial on filling my brows in- which actually gave them some shape and I thought- okay this is a major game changer! so, I went from never doing anything with them to filling them in the best I could every day.  regardless, they were still uneven and pretty patchy.  

now, with four kids under my feet, I REALLY wanted something to help create a quicker and easier makeup routine.. not to mention, on the days when I have zero makeup routine at all, I still have a semi-pulled together look. enter in miss Tia Parks . I hadn't mentioned it before (or after) getting them done, but the first time I posted a photo with my "new brows", people started asking about them!  it makes such a difference, more than I expected, actually.  so, with the interest shown on IG, I wanted to share about my experience and maybe what to expect if you are considering having your eyebrows microbladed:)

what is microblading?  
mircoblading falls under the permanent makeup category but it’s much less invasive than getting an actual tattoo and it’s only semi-permanent. 

whats my investment?

Tia is actually running a special right now for the procedure and is charging $250 (!!!) .  a touch up is recommended in 4-6 weeks from the initial application and she charges $50 for that.

how long does it take?

from start to finish, including consultation and the actual microblading itself was about 2.5 hours.  Tia did mention that there are some cases that it can take longer (up to 3-4 hours), just depending on the existing brow shape.

what can I expect?

first thing's first, the eyebrows are assessed, measured and drawn on with a pencil. she fills in (with pencil) where she might like to fill with the ink and then numbing cream is applied (and all throughout the process).  color is matched, the microblading is done, and color pigment is applied all over the brow for a few minutes to absorb into the strokes that were created.

whats the healing time?

7-10 days and up to two weeks! Tia made sure to walk me through the healing process very thoroughly- they started out really dark, almost unnatural looking and then progressively get lighter and finally evened themselves out in the permanent color within that first 10 days.  they will peel during the healing process, and the most important thing was to keep them dry and makeup free during those first couple weeks to allow for the best pigment protection.  some might even recommend to skip the showers and workouts for the first couple weeks to prevent anything from hindering the healing brows. 

how often do I need to get them re-done?

this is directly related to how you care for them, but up to 2+ years before you would need to get them done again.  this surprised me the most about procedure.. I had no idea it would last that long.  while this procedure fills in your eyebrows, the maintenance of them is the same, so regular waxing/threading/plucking is still required to maintain the shape.

does it hurt?

like a mother.  I think my problem was that I wasn't sure what to expect?  I had heard that "it was painless" but ya'll, it was definitely NOT painless. the best way I can describe the procedure is that it feels like she is scraping through my brows.  it does hurt, but she applies numbing cream throughout the time she is working on my brows.  for whatever reason my right eyebrow hurt worse than my left (?) but I LOVE the end result, so it's worth the little bit of pain!

how do I find some one in my area?

if you are local, in the DFW area, I highly recommend Tia!  she is located in Grapevine and can be contacted through phone or her contact page HERE.

if you are not in the DFW area I would look for someone that is certified in microblading.  before/after photos are pretty standard, so check out a few photos online before scheduling, too.

is it safe while nursing?

the truth is.. I had to google this. the initial answer is that its not recommended, but it also comes with personal judgement.  after reading a ton of conflicting information on this, I still felt a little uneasy, so I called my pediatrician and asked her opinion about it while nursing Brady and she did not see a huge issue with having this procedure done.  to me, its sort of along the same lines as limiting my caffeine intake and being careful with certain foods that might upset Brady's stomach.  I do know of some spas that will not perform microblading while nursing (definitely not while pregnant) unless you have a doctor's note.  something to look into before booking your appointment, for sure:)  

is it worth it?
yes.  100x YAS!  it was annoying to go through the whole scabbing/flaking process, and worrying about keeping them dry.  attempting to not put makeup on the but around them.. but it was/is totally worth it! its cut a solid 5 minutes off of my routine in the morning, which is HUGE considering I usually only get a handful of minutes to throw myself together. she changed the arch of my brows and made them more even and I just love them! 

BEFORE

 AFTER

LOVE! 
if you're in the area, definitely give Tia a call + book your appointment!

I'm going for my touch up in a couple weeks and plan to do another post then. its amazing what a little shape to your brows can do for your entire face!

5 summer essentials | casual mama style

the weather is warming, the sun is hanging around a little longer in the evenings, and I can smell someone in my neighborhood grilling every night of the week.  its summer!! when it comes to my wardrobe these days I'm looking for easy care items that I can throw on and feel put together but also be super comfortable and able to move around when I'm out doing activities with my kids- from the grocery store to the aquarium to a (casual) date night these are my top five mama essentials for summer!  even better- the holiday weekend has left us with a bunch of sales, so nearly all my picks are discounted!  yas!

the easy tee

I've been living in boyfriend style pocket tees.  I love the casual nature of them and how lightweight and comfortable they are for summer!  I tuck the front for a little added shape and you can totally dress them up our down, just depending on the shoes and accessories.  I'm also loving the softened shirts that button down- my third summer in a row to be breastfeeding, so I'm all about the easy access with buttons down the front!

casual bottoms

two words: boyfriend denim. I LOVE distressed denim and the boyfriend style allows me to move and bend and be comfortable without feeling like I'm going to explode after eating Sonic cheesy tots (with jalapeños!).  don't get me wrong, there is a perfect time and place for an amazing pair of skinny jeans (I have THESE in every color because they are just perfect in every way!)

but the looser fit of the boyfriend jeans also offers the ability to wear them while its 100+ degrees in Texas.  I also invested in a cute pair of joggers to wear while running errands or grabbing coffee with a girlfriend (I did this yesterday!) pair with the boyfriend pocket tee and you are totally hitting all the high marks for that athleisure style thats so popular right now.

AND overalls. yes.  100% yes.  I prefer the fitted style over the baggy boyfriend fit- I own a great pair from Pinkblush that I'm loving and wearing about once a week (and they're on sale!). but I'm hard pressed to add a pair of short overalls to the mix.  do it.

breezy dresses

my favorite "look" while sporting the bump this time around was a t-shirt dress, sneakers, and a ball cap. talk about comfort and style all wrapped into one! as the heat is rising (its literally sweltering hot today..) I appreciate the t-shirt dress for several reason- keep me cool (number one!), the variety of style it offers (with sneakers + ball cap; sandals + side ponytail; wedges + chunky necklace..), and the fact that I can take the same dress and go from daytime to evening and not have to think about changing my clothes:). these are my favorite dresses for wearing casually with sandals or sneakers.

trendy sneaks

speaking of sneakers.. they are like my new favorite guilty pleasure.  no idea WHY,  but finding ways to be able to wear them with everything I currently own in my closet is my mission.  I think a lot of it has to do with how much I'm on me feet- I need something thats comfortable.  I am not a shoe person at all whatsoever.. which is probably a good thing.  I usually purchase one great neutral pair of sandals and wear the crap out of them all summer. same for heels and wedges.. now when it comes to boots and booties all bets are off because I just loveeee me some booties.  

every color, please! but this is summer.. in Texas.. and I'll literally be filling my suede booties up with sweat if I attempted to wear them right now.. so I'll stick to sneakers:)

blush lip
blush everything is the hottest color of the season and I've found a handful of glosses and mattes that I'm loving right now.  the tarte lip paint is phenom.. I got it as a sample last month and I'm loving it so much that I went and got a couple the other day to stock up for summer.  my luck, they always discontinue my favorite makeup and I can ever find it again- I hate that!  I've learned from these tribulations and always buy more than one when shopping!
my top three makeup must haves right now..
NUMBER ONE is definitely lip gloss. number two would have to be my bronzer/highlighter combo (I am loving the tarte combo palette !), and number three is my eye brow pencil + filler (benefit gimme brow is the bomb).

beauty faves | minimalist makeup routine

while that little collage of my favorite beauty products is b u s y up there, really this is the simplest make routine I have found myself in since.. well ever.  when the twins were really young I still made time for getting myself ready and out the door- I was late about half the time, but I was pretty put together for the most part. when Baker was born, and actually this started when I was pregnant and exhausted, it was a success for me to have just been able to fix my hair.. not even wash it, just get it out of the hair-tie mess on top of my head, let alone put on makeup!  I was busy getting myself and three kids ready for whatever and I was always last on my list for being completely put together.  I cant tell you how many times I have gone to church/dinner/work without makeup on or my hair in a topknot from the night before.  this is coming from a former "I cant go anywhere without having full face makeup and hair washed and dried ".  finally I have fallen into a routine that has me looking put together well enough and it takes me probably just about 15-20 minutes to get myself ready.
the base
I start with lotion containing SPF (I use R+F for my skin care) and then layer with benefit porefessional.  I got this as a sample- and they always get me.  after running out of the tiny bottle I immediately got myself a full size tube.  I follow this primer with tarte full coverage foundation.  I've used this foundation for a couple years and I really love it.  I'm not picky about my foundation makeup really, but I have to find one that doesn't clog my pores and actually lasts as long as it says it will.  lastly, I finish off my base look with concealer.. and another sample product I received.  I swear they know what they are doing when they hand out those tiny little samples..benefit fake up quickly has become my favorite concealer. this one boasts a crease-free formula, and it follows through with that claim with flying colors!
the brows
I've mentioned my new found love for the benefit eyebrow system, and if I don't do anything else aside from my base makeup- I always do my brows.  I never EVER messed with them before- mainly because I was clueless and a little intimidated as to how to achieve a more full look. I start with the gimme brow; brushing evenly over my brows.  I then line just under my brow line with the high brow pencil (I love this stuff!) and set my brows by brushing on the ready, set, brow setting gel. EASY and takes about 5 minutes or less.  serious.
the eyes
while we are talking about eyes.. kind of.. I can mention my go-to eye shadows.  I am a lover of MAC and urban decay- but LOVE L'Oreal's infallible eye shadow. I wear this shadow in Amber Rush almost everyday.  If I am not wear this, I've got urban decay snatch or sellout on my eyes.  since I have lashes, I don't wear mascara very often unless we are going out or taking pictures or I need a fill really bad:)  when I do wear mascara it has to be oil free as to not affect the lash glue, and so I use benefit BADgal lash. 
the blush
I finish my look with my FAVORITE blush ever- urban decay afterglow.  I wear this blush in fetish- which is a warm coral color.  I always gravitate to the warmer colors for my olive skin.  they have a huge array of colors in these, so you can definitely find any color that you love!
the brush
I'm kind of a snob when it comes to my makeup brushes.  I have used the cheap ones.. and the brush hairs gets all in my makeup and stick to my face because they so easily fall out.  I make a splurge on new makeup brushes about once a year (hello, they are the perfect stocking stuffer!) and MAC is always my go-to for brushes. the three main types I use.. a powder blush brush, and foundation brush, and my favorite and super tiny angle brush. I shop at utla A LOT, and I found a great brush cleanser by IT cosmetics that I use about once a week.  it doesn't take much and the bottle lasts forever.  I haven't tried this DIY recipe, but my favorite beauty blogger has a super easy tutorial to DIY your own brush cleanser HERE.  after you read that.. google her youtube tutorial on how to tease your hair.  it will change your life.
lips
at any given time I have about 4-5 glosses in my bag. I love lipgloss- and I have a lot and tried a lot.  my favorite right now?  buxom full-on lip polish.  I wear dolly (a mauve color) most often and for a little more color I wear Isabella, which is more of a plum color.


there we have it! easy and quick and with super minimal effort-  all good things in one sentence.  any quick beauty tips you got for me, I am all ears!

five on friday

 one.  lashes!! 

disclaimer.. please excuse my post workout sweaty hot mess of hair up there. the humidity is ridiculous, and even at 5am I am DRENCHED in sweat by the time I get home.  

ANYway.. my lashes. so many of you asked about them!  honestly, it was the best thing I have ever done for myself!  I used to think that getting my nails done once a month was my greatest 'me time', but that was before I napped or an hour while I got my eyelashes done.  I never ever thought I would be interested or needed them- and I still don't.  but I got them right before we went to Cabo because I didnt want to worry with bringing my entire makeup collection and I was going simple.  mascara is one of those things for me that I would take with me if stranded on a desert island.  

mascara is also something that I haven't worn in almost two months.

I have zero makeup on in this picture.  they are full and long and I.love.them.

is it worth it for the money?  the gal I go to is absolutely amazing (!!) and doesn't charge the amount that I've looked into and I'm so thankful for her! it completely cut down on my time in the mornings- especially when I have to get ready with three babes at my feet and three that I also need to manage and get them dressed, too. I take really good (and careful) care of them so they last about 2-3 weeks in between fills.  I wash them several times a week and if I do wear mascara (like, on my bottom lashes) I use oil free everything.  baby wash for cleaning and I have to be careful with my facial moisturizer and sun screen- I lost a lot while we were on vacation because of this, but that was to be expected!

if you are in the DFW area check out my lash studio.  

..and also.  this coffee mug is everything.

two.  Baker's first sno cone.

it is SO HOT right now.  even on days when it doesnt even reach 90 degrees the humidity makes it feel like 110!  the other day I went to pick up the girls from their BB + Papa's house after a day spent playing with their cousins and decided that a sno cone was more important than dinner.  Baker is working on those two top teeth (at the same time!) and so anything cool is her jam.  she LOVED it!  she was making us all laugh when she dipped her spoon in everyone else sno cone cups. she wanted a little nibble of everything. 

...if I had lashes like Baker then I wouldn't need extensions. 

three. carter's little baby basics collection.

last week I shared our collaboration with carter's (can we talk about how cool that is!?) and although the giveaway is over, the discount code is still available for a couple more weeks!

use code LBB2016 for 20% off your entire purchase until 7/4! 

and for my in-store shoppers- have the cashier use code 069475.

I might have used my own coupon code for that red plaid romper above and this floral one, too.. and these maxi dresses for the big girls.. and this sweet little embroidered tank top for Baker. 

their summer line is off the charts precious!!  

four. off the shoulder tops.
anyone else have this obsession?  I cant get enough!  the off the shoulder look is just SO cute and feminine.. and 100% boho.  I love this look and its perfect for summer.
backyard bbq's.
margaritas on the patio.
concerts on the lawn.

all of the above!

five.  summer nights + yummy meals from the grill.
this week when making my grocery list I noticed all the summer fruits on sale!  'tis the season for fresh juicy fruit!  I scored a giant watermelon for 5 bucks and the cartons of raspberries were BOGO.
we have been grilling ALOT lately and I found myself meal planning this week and including almost every meal to be cooked on the glorious grill! costco had a great sale on their lean ground beef.. so I also needed to find a way to use some of that up, too!

heres what we are eating this week:
monday: burgers! roasted parmesan sweet potatoes and grilled watermelon + feta salad
tuesday: mexican chicken tamale casserole
wednesday: cilantro lime grilled chicken with strawberry salsa + roasted tomato pasta salad
thursday: stuffed spaghetti squash w ground beef (second week in a row for squash!)
friday: date night!

happy weekend, ya'll!

saving face with rodan + fields | a review + giveaway

let me take you back about 60 days ago. after sharing a posts about my favorite beauty products at the moment I received the sweetest email from Amy.  yes I had heard of rodan + fields and had actually tried the product once about 2 years ago.. I wasnt given much guidance when using that product and I didn't get results I was looking for, so the investment into that product wasnt worth it to me at the time.  I shared my experience with Amy, and she understood my hesitations.

I was completely transparent- I didn't want yet another disappointing experience with another skin care product.

because, ya'll.  I have tried everything. 

EVERYTHING.

the moment I agreed to given r+f a try (again) I started to dread.. really DREAD sharing this post.  how was I supposed to know the possible results? not to mention that putting myself, my scars, and my splotchy skin out there for all of you all to see was at the top of my anxiety list. 

after 30 days I could see a difference.  well, actually.  after just a couple weeks I could tell a difference in the texture of my skin.  I have really dry and flaky skin- but exfoliating with scrubs often are too harsh.  its the most annoying catch 22 ever. but the exfoliating wash I used in combination with the night cream really changed that for me.  it allowed me to consistently lose that dead layer of skin rather than letting it sit there until it started to flake.

gross.

what did I use?

Reverse Regimen

AMP MD roller

REDEFINE overnight cream

So.. lets start from the beginning. 

The Reverse Regimen was best fit for my skin type and the results I was seeking.  while I do still struggle with some adult breakouts, the reduction of my scars and dark spots was at the top of my wishlist. and honestly my adult acne wasnt terrible enough to need the strength of the unblemish line r+f offers.

Reverse is made up of four steps:

-Deep Exfoliating Wash

-Intensive Brightening Toner

-Dual Active Brightening Complex (a retinol formula and a vitamin C formula)

-Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 50+

the claims to fame?

Reverse helps erase the appearance of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and discolorations.  it will brighten skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and defend against sun exposure for a radiant complexion!

in addition to this 4 step reverse regimen I started using the AMP roller.  at first glance/use of this thing I was super skeptical because- how can that really work?  what is it supposed to do exactly?? 

well!  I am so glad you asked!  (ha!)

the AMP MD Roller utilizes micro-exfoliation technology for visibly advanced skin-firming benefits. when I combined its use with the REVERSE Regimen, my REVERSE results were accelerated while also promoting a firmer-looking complexion.  the best part about it?  for me anyway.. the AMP Roller was so helpful in reducing the appearance of my scarring. 

one extra step! 

after talking about my skin type and tendencies.. and after completing the skin care consultation, Amy recommended that I use the REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream in addition to the Reverse. since I have such dry skin, this was the best way for me to maintain moisture.  it is an ultra-hydrating cream which replenishes skin’s natural moisturizing factors while you sleep for visibly firmer, less-lined skin in the morning. the moisture recycling complex of hyaluronic acid and glycerin prevent moisture loss while 12-hour, time-released antioxidants A, C and E replenish vital skin nutrients. 

to be completely honest.. there were even some nights that I went to sleep with a dirty face and skipped the second half of my skin care regimen and STILL saw these results.  I'm so lazy about washing my face, but after seeing the results it motivated me to keep up with it!

more company details..

 rodan+fields is not a “one product fits all” shop…everyone’s skin is NOT the same! This is why Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields have created several different lines of skincare, and finding the one that is best, specifically for you in the key. 

All regimens/products are a 2 month supply when used 2x each day.

Every purchase comes with an incredible empty bottle, 60 day, money-back guarantee.

want to learn more?? I am hardly a sales person.. and try to keep this blog as transparent as possible, and that being said- I believe in this product and after using a million different things on my face I have fallen in love with a regimen that I can actually attest to working as it claims!

giveaway time!

Amy is so graciously offering to any of my readers who complete the skin care consultation (and emails it to themselves) will be entered to win a jar of the Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream (a $60 value)!  You can access the solution tool HERE! 

view Amy's website HERE or contact her through email HERE to learn more about how she can help you get the best regimen your skin needs.

I went out to run errands without and ounce of makeup on for the first time in YEARS.

maybe even EVER. 

worth it enough for me.. how about you?

friday favorites | beauty

its been awhile since I have shared my beauty favs!  some are the same but most are new finds that are by no means 'new' but I'm just late to the party on figuring out about them.  after using some of these products for a couple months now, I figure - if I'm loving these I bet you would, too! 

I've been on a little bit of a hair + face product kick, which might not be of surprise because since Baker was born makeup has taken a backseat.  I still wear it but its all about the basics for me. what really matters when people see me?  not looking like the walking dead.  so what can I put on my face in the shortest amount of time to make me look presentable. 

presentable is all that matters.. and then sometimes it doesn't matter.

like sometimes at target.  and sometimes at starbucks (thank the sweet lord for the drive thru).  and sometimes when you see people you haven't seen in forever.. and they don't recognize you.  I dunno if thats a good thing or a bad thing.

c'est la vie. 

a n y w a y 

less makeup means that I work harder at the attempt to make my skin look good - I use the term good loosely because I was not blessed with great skin at all.  so even into my adult life and now my 30's its been a battle.  thankfully I have found a few products that don't clog my pores and don't make my skin freak out- I'm excited to share with you!

two words: living proof.  I have fallen INLOVE with this line of hair care, and honestly I don't know how I ever had a good hair day before it.  it was a recommendation of a friend to try out the living proof dry shampoo and an awesome recommendation at that!  I can get three really good days out of using this product just once the morning after a wash.  THREE days.  thats worth every penny!  I'm also loving the living proof 5-in-1 styling treatment.  its sort of like a hair lotion that you comb through your hair while its still wet.  I have gotten so many compliments since I started using this stuff I can never bring myself to stop using it:)  I also have their root lifting spray and volume mousse- but I've found that GUTS10 and the 5-in-1 styling treatment work best together for my hair if I am blow drying it straight after washing.  the mousse stands alone as a great styling tool and I like the root pump for when I am washing my hair at night and sleeping on it wet.  gives me the extra volume I need in the morning after sleeping on my hair all night.  they have so many great products I literally want to try them all!

I've tried just about every skin care regimen on the market and no matter how good its claim to fame may be- my face can always find something wrong with it (enter rolling eye emoji here). I have never  really bothered with anything anti aging (ever) but I'll be *ahem* halfway to my mid-thirties this year, and geez its starting to show!  I got the philosophy anti wrinkle cream as a sample and started using it just as my daily moisturizer.  while it might have the anti aging benefit I noticed just after a couple weeks of use that my pores are smaller and my cheeks are smoother.  using this in combination of the philosophy microdelivery face wash I have also noticed that my notoriously dry skin on my nose has diminished.  what is with the constant dry flake?!  

I use the microderm face wash every morning with my clarisonic mia 2 and I just feel like my face is really clean and refreshed.  at night I use philosophy purity face wash and it cleanses my face and eye makeup great!

speaking of makeup.. some of the essentials in my makeup drawer..

there was a time when I didn't care at all about a makeup brush- I was fine using the regular old sponge applicator that usually came with the eyeshadow or even the foundation wedges.  again with the samples.. but I got a small sample brush kit as a gift several years ago and I never looked back.  brushes are so important!  this foundation brush applies my favorite full coverage foundation evenly and without causing build up in one spot.  tarte full coverage foundation is the bomb (oh, hey 2001). when my favorite foundation was discontinued (why does that always happen?!) I was on the search for something different.  I have dark spots and some acne scarring and this covers better than I have ever used before- and believe me when I say that I have run the foundation gamut at the makeup counter.

another brush thats important is the style of blush brush you use. this brush in particular doesn't shed and it blends into my cheeks really well.  spending money on makeup brushes can feel silly and not important, but using a quality brush can make all the difference in how your finished makeup looks.   

maybelline has always been a standard go-to of mine since I was in high school.  I started using the fit me line of foundations and concealers and the maybelline fit me concealer is awesome!  and really affordable.  I get asked a lot about the brand of mascara I use and its the regular old maybelline volum' express falsies - black drama gives me lots of volume as well as height without having to curl my eyelashes.. who has time for that?!  I wish I did..
and when I want to splurge? urban decay big fatty mascara  is where its at.

as usual, please tell me what you are loving this month. I think it’s impossible to have too many beauty products. 

(which I definitely do.)

Black Friday + White Plum

It was this time last year that I had just found out I was pregnant with our sweet miracle babe.  

Just 6 days after our second baby went to sit at His right hand on October 11th..October 17th was the day our dreams came true to grow our family from four to five.  I had NO idea how much her perfect placement into our lives would impact me, my heart, and the understanding of grace.

Oh Baker girl.  You and those crystal grey eyes and double chin.

Homegirl is getting straight heavy cream, I tell ya.

But serious- I am one very thankful mama.  

leggings c/o white plum // mug // thankful mama tee // romper // hairbow c/o little biscuit

 It has hit me over the last couple weeks how thankful I am for her.  I cant stop looking at her.  smelling her baby head, and tickling her chunky thighs.

THAT smile!  Letting me into her tiny world with every happy flicker of her sweet little eyes.

The tears are welling as I type..

#truth  

She is my constant reminder that miracles and the purest of all love exists. 

With the end of another Thanksgiving.. I am left with tired feet, hilarious attempts at family photos and extra thankful for pants without buttons.

Pants without buttons saved me from that second helping of mashed potatoes.  Scooped with a yeast roll.  Dipped in the gravy.  

All the carbs, you guys.   

Lets get back to the pants with no buttons. 

Leggings, my friends.  I'm talking about leggings.  

We all know about my leggings love.  They do such good things for the post baby bod.

Plus.. with the extra stretch in the tummy from housing now three babes in two pregnancies, I look like I'm about 5 months pregnant after a bowl of cereal.

Give me all the leggings.  Please.

After reading White Plum's Leggings Guide it brought a whole new meaning to how to wear them for our body types.  'Are they pants?'  No.  So.. cover your bum, girls.. 'What shoes do I wear with them?', 'How do I manage a fun print?'

The answers are all there!  I recently tried out their high-waisted fleece leggings and they are ugh-maaazing.  They come in just two sizes and stretch and hold their shape and do.not.sag.

This was my first time to try the cable knit leggings and OH my I love them!  

 tunic // necklace // leggings // boots

sweater tunic // scarf // jeggings 

  White Plum is giving you the chance to win some of their most popular and best selling leggings - I am so excited for you!!  I confess to own nearly every color and style of leggings from White Plum.  A girl can never have too many, right? Right.  Most of the time that logic doesn't fly with the hubby.. BUT leggings are such an important piece in my wardrobe during the cooler months.  They are perfect to layer under a long tunic (this one is my favorite- I have three colors..camel, navy, and wine and this one is amazing, too!) or pairing with a long cardigan - like this one or this one - and booties. SO many options. 

booties

Lets get to the giveaway, shall we?  Whats up for grabs?  

first place winner receives 10 pairs of leggings of their choice (worth $200 value)

second place winner received 5 pairs of leggings of their choice (worth $100 value)

THAT is an amazing.   

Thats TWO different prize opportunities for TWO different winners.  

..question.. can I enter my own giveaway?  These leggings are seriously my all time favorite and the chance to win TEN pair is unreal! 

 Enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter giveaway below and in the meantime, you can do a little shopping of your own using code BLACKISBACK for 50% off your entire purchase- their Black Friday sale was SUCH a huge success they extended it through today (Saturday)
This is HUGE!  
You better believe I have filled my cart in anticipation for this amazing Black Friday Sale. 

click for 50% off!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

White Plum really knocked it out of the park with their product selections this season- these are my most favorite pieces EVER to style.  NOW-  Who else is getting in on this Black Friday Sale??  FIRST enter my giveaway (because everyone needs more leggings in their life) and THEN head over to shop their site at 50% off!! .  Hurry!  Sale ends at midnight tonight!

Giveaway runs Friday, November 27th through Monday December 7th.

Good Luck!

This post is brought to you by White Plum and includes an awesome giveaway!  Two winners will win $200 +$100 worth of their awesome leggings.  
TONS of credit to Brittany of B Faith Photography for snapping these pictures.  

Thank you so much!

Dressing My Postpartum Self | Giveaway

How long can I use that term postpartum? Baker turned three months old yesterday (gasp!) and I'm still trying to figure out comfort in my skin. I know this comfort level looks different on everyone, but three kids later I have grown to appreciate my body for what it is.  My pregnancy with Baker was very similar to my pregnancy with the twins, but for whatever reason postpartum has been w i l d, foooor real.  I didn't have the stretch marks or loose skin after the twins like one would expect and I bypassed the stretch marks again even though my skin had been stretched to the max for the second time, but you guys.. I have just come to accept the fact that I’ll always be tucking my loose skin into my pants when I sit down.  

Real talk.

I knew my body wouldn't be the same after pregnancy, but it was a reality check after the twins, and once again after Baker was born.  It is funny how much we forget about pregnancy and postpartum.. 

Over the weekend I finally, finally, finally put away my maternity clothes into their proper bins and found their place in the attic (until next time!).  While I was at it, I purged just about everything I hadn't worn in 3 years since we moved into our home. I was hanging onto things that I wore in high school and college.  I needed fresh motivation to move completely out of my maternity clothes and into 'real' clothes again - and all those 'older clothes' were getting in my way.  
When I looked at those clothes, all I could think was.. 'I don't have anything to wear because nothing fits me!'
What I need are a few staple pieces in my wardrobe - not a ton of things that I only like a little and fit me 'just okay'. 
bag c/o lily jade // riding boots / carlos santana 

scarf (last season) / loft (similar) // tunic c/o white plum // high waisted leggings c/o white plum 

Since Baker was born, I have fallen in love with looser fitted tops, long tunics and leggings of every shape and form.  Gradually I pushed those tighter fitting clothes to the back of my closet.  I started seeking comfort not only in my reflection in the mirror, but also comfort in still being able to get on the floor with my babes and do a puzzle or pick up a sippy cup thats been flung from the heights of the high chair for the bazillionth time.  Its taken some getting used to but two pregnancies and two gigantic bellies later I've finally figured out how to dress myself and feel good about it.  I used to think leggings weren't for me, really because I didn't know how to wear them, but after getting a pair that fit me properly, I was sold!  There are still some that put on and quickly realize 'no.way.' just simply because the fit is off..  After reading White Plum's Leggings Guide it brought a whole new meaning to how to wear them for our body types.  'Are they pants?'  No.  So.. cover your bum, girls.. 'What shoes do I wear with them?', 'How do I manage a fun print?'
tunic (similar) + leggings c/o white plum  

The answers are all there!  I recently tried out their high-waisted fleece leggings and they are ugh-maaazing.  They come in just two sizes and stretch and hold their shape and do.not.sag.
Also. the whole high-waisted cover up my loose skin belly thing is pretty darn amazing.

Can we side track for juuuust a second to talk about Lily Jade and their newest addition(s) to their handbag family.  They Shaylee (above) and the Meggan are bigger and perfect for us mamas with multiple babies.  While I would love to be able to carry just the essentials for Baker, I am also responsible for extra panties (just in case), sippy cups, and eight different kinds of snacks because Lord knows the girls won't ever eat the same - so I am always prepared.  Not to mention the plethora of knick knack things that end up in there, too.  Because who knows when Parker decides she wants her tiny giraffe figurine and Jolie needs not only her white pair of sunnies, but her purpurrr (purple) pair, as well!
We just need (more) space.
The fantastic creators behind Lily Jade listened:)
top c/o white plum // jeans / loft // bag c/o lily jade // wedges (old) / nordstrom (similar)

 This top .. It just screams fall to me!  I ordered a size up from my normal for a more relaxed fit and a little longer in length and I'm glad I did!  I did want to mention that these jeans are technically leggings and I ordered my regular size.  I am always a little weary of pants that claim to be leggings but still have a button and zipper - are they true to size?  These are for sure.
Buttons and zippers in general make me wish for my buttonless maternity pants all over again.
Trendy Mom.  I feel like a trendy mom.
That can wipe a snotty nose and kiss a skinned up knee.
That definitely doesn't have it all together allllll the time and totally hides the extra baby weight around her midsection with long flowy tops and high waisted leggings.
No matter your size, shape, age, or gender, what you feel brings out the best YOU is what you should wear.
 
After sharing my love for leggings last month, I was equally impressed with your legging love, too! Everything I own from White Plum has become a go-to staple in my closet- mainly because they remain pretty classic and relativity affordable.  I continue to go back to styling them over and over again because its just easy and comfortable.  Theres that word again.. Comfortable. 
I especially love their random and amazing sales - like over the weekend I got an email that this sweater was on super sale from $40 to $15- serious perks of being on their mailing list! They don't always announce these discount codes. A girlfriend of mine and I were texting back and forth in contemplation of what colors to buy - because you know we could basically buy three for the price of one! 

I've teamed up with White Plum again to offer one lucky winner $100 to White Plum towards anything they wish!  I know you mamas out there could use some of these staple pieces I speak of, and $100 to kick off a fresh start to this season's fall wardrobe?  Yes, please!!    
Enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter giveaway below and in the meantime, you can do a little shopping of your own using code PBJ25OFF for 25% off entire purchase until 10/20! 
I already have some things in my cart waiting to be discounted.. like this tee and this plaid shirt (because who doesn't love plaid for this time of year??)

GOOD LUCK:)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

BIG thank you to b faith photography for snapping these photos and to White Plum + Lily Jade for their amazing sponsorship of this post.  
All opinions expressed are my own.