ABH Eyeshadow Quad

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Quad

I have been in desperate need of new eye shadows for a while now. I was scraping the pan on the last of my Urban Decay Naked palettes, and decided that even though I loved them, I wanted to try something new. I've heard great things about Anastasia Beverly Hills eye shadow singles...so I put together a little personalized quad.

Loving Lately

Thursday, December 14, 2017



December Loving

I can't believe Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! It has crept up so quickly this year. Even though I got most of my gift shopping done weeks ago, not one thing has been wrapped yet...so you all know what I'll be working on this weekend ;)

This is also the time of year that the major sales come about, so it's hard to not pick up one or two (or ten) things for yourself along the way. I'm sharing a few things today that I've purchased recently in various sales and with discount codes, and that I'm loving so far! 


Marin // 5-6 months

Tuesday, December 5, 2017



Time for another quick update on my little Bird! I'm a little late with this one as she turned 6 months old on November 18th...but better late than never, right?

Happiness // No.4

Friday, December 1, 2017


via

I'm not going to lie, this week has been a total doozy. Sometimes blogland and social media can seem so perfect, and portray only the "pretty" moments in people's lives...so I think it is good to keep it real on here from time to time. 

Starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving - Marin has been a total terror at night time. She won't go to bed, and then when she finally does...she never sleeps longer than 1-2 hours. On top of that, when she wakes up, she screams bloody murder and is inconsolable for sometimes upward of half and hour. That lasted for a good 5+ nights in a row. I know she is teething and also had a bit of sickness contributing, but that didn't make it any less difficult. (Don't worry, I've talked to the pediatrician and we've taken some steps to hopefully help her since this is totally not normal for her - it had me worried too!)

I've also been sick most of the week with a terrible sore throat and ear pain - all of which is viral, so in the doctor's words, I just need to "ride it out". Lovely.

Because of all the grumpiness and sleeplessness that has been going on at my house, I really wanted to sit down and do another post on things that have made me happy this week. Reminding myself that even when you are down in the trenches (of illness, parenting, whatever it may be)...there are always little bits of positivity to be thankful for. 


Christmas Pictures // Sisters

Wednesday, November 29, 2017


Sister Christmas Pictures



We just finalized the outfits that the girls will be wearing for Christmas pictures this year, so I thought I would share them with you. They are going to be getting their photos taken together just at a simple studio this year. I wasn't able to organize the whole family for group shots with a photographer this time around...but that will be the goal for next year! 


Madewell Favorites

Monday, November 27, 2017


Madewell Favorites

I don't know why it has taken me so long to discover Madewell...but I finally have, and I am loving most everything they have to offer! It seems like the perfect place to go for classic, neutral pieces, whether it be clothing, shoes, or even accessories.

I haven't gotten the chance to order anything yet, but from a quick browse, these are the things that immediately caught my eye! If you have any Madewell favorites too - please let me know. I'd love recommendations!

And great news! You can get 25% right now for Cyber Monday using the code GOODMOOD! 

Recent Cruelty Free Empties

Wednesday, November 15, 2017



Why do the weeks following a long weekend seem to drag on for all eternity? It is only Wednesday, and I feel like I've been at work much longer than just three days already. 

I've used up a bunch of beauty products lately, and have been keeping the empty bottles laying around, so that I could share my thoughts on each of them with you! This post will be about the most recent group...but there are also posts coming soon about a big pile of makeup empties and then a big pile of skin care empties, so brace yourselves.

*All items are from cruelty free companies. 


Nursery Plans

Monday, November 13, 2017


Nursery

How terrible am I? My daughter is nearly 6 months old and her nursery still isn't done yet. My excuse is that she doesn't even really use it yet - since she's still sleeping in our room. 

My plans for this room have altered slightly since when I was pregnant. During that time, I was going for a more cool toned space with lots of light grey incorporated. But, since Marin was born, and over the past few months, the plans have shifted. We are still going to use the same crib and changing table (obviously), but I want to change up some of the decor before she is in there full time.


Bits + Bobs

Thursday, November 9, 2017


eucalyptus vase
image via

Happy weekend, friends! Well, not sure how many people have a long weekend, but our offices are closed here...so I am excited that this is my Friday and I get three days at home with my little bird. We are still working on things around the house (always. never ending.) and hopefully will get a few things done off the "To Do" list. 

I might be taking a trip up to Akron to see my sister and my best friend Michelle (and her new daughter)...but sickness is lingering, so we are playing it by ear. Marin just got over her bug and Michelle's daughter is only a few weeks old - so not taking any chances!   


Maple Holistics

Tuesday, November 7, 2017


 
I was recently contacted by Maple Holistics to try out some of their hair care products. This is a brand that boasts products that are all natural and made up of the highest quality ingredients here in the United States.  I was immediately on board...once I double checked that they were a cruelty-free brand (Logical Harmony approved)...because I love sharing new products and brands with you all!

New Fashion Pieces

Monday, November 6, 2017


Fall Fashion Bits

It is chilly and rainy here in Columbus, and I am ALL about it. It might sound weird, but part of me loves dreary weather. Not all the time, but let's be honest - I really needed a break from all the muggy heat that we were blasted with this summer (and up until the past couple weeks). My Mum and I joke that it's the Scottish part of me that craves a cloudy overcast day. Do any of you feel the same?

I've picked up a few fashion bits over the past week or so that will be great to wear in these chillier temperatures. And now that I see them all laid out, they will be good to mix and match with each other too! 


Cruelty Free Product of the Week: 03

Friday, November 3, 2017


Cruelty free skin care

Happy Friday friends! I'm back with a new Cruelty Free Item of the Week post. It has been awhile since I've done one of these...they were intended to be weekly, which didn't entirely pan out...but we are back! And this week, I want to share with you the 3-Ingredient Cream from S.W. Basics.

October Highlights

Thursday, November 2, 2017


Wow. The months are just flying by at this point! Does anyone else feel this way? I feel like summer was just a minute ago, and now here we are with October already over and the holidays creeping up. I'm not ready for it! Thinking about Christmas shopping literally makes me break into a panic sweat right now!

Anyway, I'm hopping on here today to share some of the high points and highlights from our month of October...


Fall Home Decor

Friday, October 20, 2017

green pumpkin

We are already nearing the end of October, but I finally have all of our fall decor up around the house! I'm okay with that...I have a tiny person taking up most of my time and the decorations will stay up until Thanksgiving, when we switch to Christmas...so not too shabby, me thinks! 

I wanted to share a few snapshots of what I put out, and I will link to anything I can. Not pictured are a wreath from Smith & Hawken (Target) that isn't available anymore, but is similar to this one, and this doormat (which is pretty much out almost year round). 

Cold Weather Clothes for Baby

Tuesday, October 17, 2017


H&M winter clothes



It has gotten chilly all of a sudden here in central Ohio. I have been looking forward to it for so long (I HATE the summer)...but it was 80 degrees one day, and then frosty the next...and I realized that Marin's wardrobe wasn't prepared for the drop in temps! 

Thankfully, H&M came to the rescue with some adorable cold weather finds that are stylish and affordable. For reference, Marin is currently almost 19 lbs (I know, I have a huge 5 month old)...and I bought sizes 9-12 months in most of these items. That is a bit big for her, as she is currently wearing 6-9 months in this brand, but I want them to last through as many of the winter months as possible. 


Weekend Recap

Monday, October 16, 2017


Happy Monday everyone! Although I am annoyed to be getting up at 6 am and heading back to work this week...I'm riding a high from spending such a great weekend with one of my best friends. 

If you follow me on Instagram (@emilykaysteiner), you'll know that one of my closest girlfriends came down to Columbus on Saturday for our annual girl's weekend. We have one every October to celebrate her birthday and we always try to do something new and fun around Ohio. This year, we went to the Renaissance Festival!


Marin // 3-4 months

Friday, October 6, 2017

Fun in her Baby Bjorn bouncer

Happy Friday friends!

I realized now that Marin is 4 months old...it is about time for another little update. Here are some notes on how she's been doing and growing over the past couple of months.


Boho Baby Clothes

Wednesday, September 20, 2017


Those that know me, know that I'm a bit of a hippie at heart. My ideal style leans heavily toward simple bohemian, with a mix of classic neutrals. I'd rather go barefoot, and if that's not an option then it's got to be sandals or cork wedges. And there's an obvious lack of bright colors in my wardrobe because, well, I hate them ;)

When I gave birth to my daughter, you can imagine that I just couldn't with most of the baby clothes that are out there. You guys...it's bad. Some of the stuff for little girls doesn't even look remotely comfortable, and all of it is covered in cartoon characters, obnoxious phrases, and ruffles. Oh, the pink frilly ruffles.

Just... no.

So, I went on a mission to find something else. Clothing pieces for babies (and toddlers) that were cute, but comfortable. Items that were neutral and classic. And for the love of God, no tiny pictures of cartoon owls or "Mommy's Little Angel". I have to say, Instagram has been a great tool in this search. I've found most of the stores/brands through exploring Instagram posts and stories, but others have come through recommendations or were found on blogs that I follow. 

Anyway, here is the roundup of my favorites so far! I will also be sure to do a separate post on my go to places that are more accessible (brick + mortar) and great for picking up staple pieces like simple onesies and such.

Happiness // No.3

Friday, September 15, 2017

image via
Happy Friday my friends! 

I am glad to hear of so many people being safe after all the panic last week with hurricane Irma. We were so worried about our friends in Florida (and other states near that part of the country), but everyone seems to be pretty unscathed - what a blessing!  

That being the number one thing making me happy...here is a quick list of some other things that have made my week...


Cruelty Free Product of the Week: 02

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

cruelty free hair care

After a week off last week (due to the shortened week from Monday's holiday)...I am back this week with another Cruelty Free Product of the Week!

This week, I'm sharing a hair care duo that I've been loving - Paul Mitchell's Lavender Mint shampoo and conditioner.


Loving Lately

Wednesday, September 6, 2017


Loving


Well, my family and I had a lovely Labor Day weekend together...but this week that followed hasn't been the best. The work week is dragging on forever, I've had a sore throat and head cold for a few days now, and I stubbed my pinky toe SO hard the other morning - I'm worried it might possibly be broken. It is currently extremely swollen and a dark purple color, so it doesn't look promising. 

Sigh. 

Everyone has these kinds of weeks from time to time, right? Sorry to be a Debbie Downer!! Hoping the next couple days pick up and I can have a nice weekend :) 

Something cheering me up over these gloomy days? Making a new little list of items I've been loving lately!

Happiness // No.2

Friday, September 1, 2017


image via

Stopping by this lovely Friday to share some of the things making me smile this week. 
Be sure to share in the comments what has brightened your week too! xx 


Cruelty Free Product of the Week: 01

Wednesday, August 30, 2017


Ecotools makeup brush shampoo

Happy hump day everyone! 

I wanted to start a new little series here on the blog that highlights a specific cruelty free beauty product every week. Each Wednesday or Thursday, I'll be sharing some of my favorite things that I personally love and use all the time. Anything is game, so if you have a particular item or category you are interested in hearing more about, let me know so that I can feature it.

This week, I'd like to share the EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo

About Me in Threes

Thursday, August 24, 2017



Happy Friday! I look forward to the weekends even more now because it means two full days that I get to spend with my little Marin <3 

What fun plans do you have for the weekend? We will be running back and forth to soccer games on both Saturday and Sunday for a tournament that Aubrey has, so hopefully we get some nice weather! I would love for it to be sunny, but cooler - I can't wait for fall...who's with me? 

I've seen this post floating around on some of my favorite bloggers sites, and I always enjoy reading them. And who doesn't like filling out a little quiz about themselves? ;) Feel free to copy and paste to create your own post...I'd love to read them and get to know everyone more! xx 


Currently Coveting

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Coveting


Happiness // No.1

Friday, August 18, 2017


Frances Loom
image via
I think it is important to keep a positive attitude & outlook in life. My days are so much more enjoyable when I brush off things that go wrong or any setbacks and frustrations...and take time to point out what's going right. Don't get me wrong, I have bad days and allow myself to get annoyed and disappointed, but I would much rather spend significantly less time in that state of mind than in a positive one.

So, in an effort to take time to focus on the good things, I am going to try and post each week about things that have made me happy or brought joy to my days. This could be anything, even the smallest little thing like grabbing your favorite coffee before work in the morning...anything at all! And please feel free to comment and share what brought you happiness this week too! 


Current Staple Accessories

Tuesday, August 15, 2017




Hope you are all having a good start to the week! I'm just sitting here missing my little babe (I'm back at work this week)! My maternity leave was so wonderful - I loved spending every day with Marin and it was so hard to hand her over to someone else to watch on Monday. I am lucky to have gotten 12 weeks (I know that some people don't even get close to that), but how fast it went and how young she still is makes me realize how great it would be if we were able to have longer in this country.

Anyway, I'm sharing some of my favorite staple accessories here today - all the things that I have been wearing this summer on repeat! They are all pretty classic, and many of them can even transition into fall. 


Summer Empties

Tuesday, August 8, 2017



cruelty free beauty

It has been such a great summer - I've loved staying home with Marin for the first twelve weeks of her life. But summer is winding down now and I am headed back to work at the beginning of next week. It is definitely going to be hard...am I am not looking forward to it. How have you working mamas out there handled the transition? I'd appreciate any tips you have, I'm going to miss her so much! 

Anyway, I wanted to share some of the makeup and skincare products that I've used up over the past couple months. Most of them I've liked, but I won't be repurchasing everything. Keep reading to get my thoughts on each item!

*All items are from cruelty-free brands and companies unless otherwise noted.


Marin // 0-2 months

Tuesday, July 18, 2017



I don't want to overdo it with the baby updates on here, so instead of doing every single month, I thought I would combine months together! Marin is officially two months old today - Tuesday, July 18th. Here are some updates on how she is doing over the past two months <3

Loving Lately

Thursday, July 6, 2017



Oh man...it has been nearly a month since I posted! Been so busy and caught up in the newborn bubble, trying to get in a new groove, but I'm back and want to share some of the new cruelty free makeup that I have been loving.

Recent Empties

Monday, June 12, 2017



Happy Monday friends! 


I wanted to share some cruelty free beauty products that I have recently finished up using. There were quite a few things over the past month that I was not really impressed with, but that's part of the game isn't it? Trail and error. Of course, just because something didn't work for me, doesn't mean it will be that way for everyone! I definitely believe in trying things out for yourself ;)


Newborn Must Haves

Friday, June 9, 2017



Baby Must Haves

I'm sitting here in the living room with a Fixer Upper marathon on the TV and my little 2 week old in my lap, cooing in her sleep. I thought...just the perfect time to put together a little post about all the the baby items that have been so useful and essential for us since Marin arrived!

I tried to do a lot of research when buying things while pregnant because I really didn't want to waste money. I also knew that there would be things that came up that we needed after she arrived...so even though we were pretty well prepared, we did end up having to run out and grab a few things after her birth too.

Keep reading for a list of my top ten newborn items that have been invaluable over the past couple weeks!



For at home...

// Moses Basket & Stand - we have this set up in our bedroom next to the bed for Marin to sleep in. It has been the perfect set up for a bassinet while she is still small, and I ordered the Jolly Jumper Rocking Moses Basket Stand to use with it. We got the white one to match our vintage Moses basket which was a gift from my Mum - she used it as a baby, and so did my sister and I!



// Yes to Carrots Baby - this brand is cruelty free and makes such great baby wash and lotion products. I can already tell they are going to be a favorite of mine...they are wonderful on the baby's sensitive skin, have virtually no fragrance to them, and leave her skin clean and moisturized.

// NuRoo Swaddler - this swaddle is great! It has pockets that you put your baby in, and then the super soft & stretchy fabric wraps and has a velcro close. Definitely a must have...taking the complication out of wrapping a swaddle.



// H&M Onesies - these are the BEST onesies. They are made of the softest organic cotton and have snaps set up so that they are not only easy to put on and take off (no messing with over-the-head) and simple access for diaper changes. I had two when Marin was born, and within a week had purchased two more...and I plan to get more as she gets older and grows out of the newborn ones!



// Fisher Price Rock n' Play - this is a product I found out about online before giving birth. It came highly recommended by lots of moms, so I put it on my registry. Plus, it is a steal at under $50! Marin loves being in this...it rocks itself (and has timed settings to turn off) and plays different sounds - her favorite is the jungle noises.

On the go...


// Fawn Design Diaper Bag - I spent a lot of time looking into what diaper bag to get because I knew I didn't want anything typical. I did order a ToteSavvy organizer to use in one of my tote bags, but I also got the Fawn Design bag in black. It has been amazing - it has so much storage, enough for all the baby's stuff and my necessities (wallet, makeup, keys, etc) and it looks like a regular purse. I love the back pack straps, which are super convenient!

// Solly Baby Wrap - this is another item I picked up because of rave reviews from other new moms. It was easy to learn how to use, it is super comfortable, and makes life so much easier. I can pop Marin in the wrap when she wants to be held, but I need my hands free to get things done around the house.



// Tommee Tippee Travel Bottle Warmer - when it became clear that breastfeeding was just not working out for us, it became quickly apparent that I would need a way to warm up bottles when we were out and about. This Tommee Tippee product is amazing...it keeps water hot for hours and when you need it, you can pour the water into the white container and pop a bottle in to heat it up.

For a hungry baby...

// Boon Grass Drying Rack - we love this product! Not only is it a really cute design, so it looks nice sitting out on the counter, but it is super useful. We purchased the stem and twig accessories so there is a place for every part of the baby's bottles to dry. We can fit about 6-7 bottles on it to dry at a time.

// Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles - these are our bottles of choice. I've tried a couple other brands, but keep coming back to these because they really are the best. Marin has the easiest time feeding from them and the vent system helps with her digestion and really cuts down on the amount of spit up.

Bonus Item...

// Uppa Baby Cruz & Mesa - I cannot rave about this stroller / car seat system enough. They are so convenient and worth every penny. We got them both in black ("Jake") and they have made traveling with Marin so much easier! The car seat pops into the base, comes out with the push of a button, and clicks into the stroller - such easy transitions. I also love that once she gets bigger, there is a toddler seat for the stroller that will hold her up to 50 lbs.




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Recent Fashion Favorites

Tuesday, June 6, 2017


Hello friends! 

Sorry it has been awhile since my last post...new mommy life and my little Marin are taking up quite a bit of my time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We are living in the newborn bubble and finding our new normal one day at at time.

Now that summer is upon us and I am no longer confined to maternity clothes, I've wanted to revamp my wardrobe a bit. I thought I would share some pieces that I've ordered recently (because who has time to actually go to stores and shop? lol). Still waiting on most of them to be delivered, but I'm hopeful they fit and excited to start mixing and matching to create some fun new outfits for these warmer months!



I ordered the gorgeous coral skirt above from ASOS after seeing it on one of my favorite new YouTubers - Katie La Vie. It was super affordable at $35.00 and I want to pair it with a cute white crop top. I was hoping to get this one from ASOS, but it is currently sold out. I'll keep my eye out for a restock, but in the mean time, I ordered this one from H&M to see if it works. 


During a quick trip into Old Navy the other day for baby clothes, I spotted this smocked swing tank and it just happened to be 30% off. I think it will look super cute paired with some boyfriend jeans and wedges! 

While on another baby-related errand, I saw this button front midi skirt at Target and scooped it up. I also ordered a couple tops from H&M to hopefully pair with it. One off the shoulder and one tank top - both in black. Hopefully at least one will look cute with the skirt! 


The last thing I've ordered recently was this gorgeous sweater from Showpo. I saw it on Emily Rose Hannon's Instagram account (image above) and fell in love with it. I love how she paired it with dainty gold necklaces and even though we are headed into full-blown summer weather - I can never pass up a good chunky knit sweater ;) 

What new pieces have you added to your wardrobe for the summer? xx 

Marin Jane

Wednesday, May 31, 2017




Our family welcomed little miss Marin Jane on Thursday, May 18th at 9:05 pm.

She finally arrived after 29 hours of (induced) labor, weighing 7 lbs and 13 oz, measuring 21 inches long...and looking just like her Daddy! 

Everyone is home, healthy, and so very happy <3 







The Swimsuit Struggle

Tuesday, May 30, 2017


As a new mom, one thing I haven't really been looking forward to this upcoming summer is bathing suit season. After 39 weeks of pregnancy, I still have some work to do to get back into pre-pregnancy shape. However, I've found out that there are some great options out there for swimsuits that are mommy-friendly and still super cute and fashionable! 




I'm sure many of you have heard of AdoreMe and their great bras, panties, and lingerie...but did you know they also have swimsuits now? I'm loving so many of their styles, and they have so many choices for those of us that might not be comfortable jumping into teeny bikinis this summer. 

// I love this black one piece - Kallah - that also comes in a plus size option, that looks comfortable and sliming.

// My favorite two pieces both have high waists bottoms (perfect for new moms!) including this floral set with supportive tank style top and this adorable retro set! I love the polka dots and ruched sides. 

// Some of the other one pieces that stood out to me as great options were this plus sized suit with mesh detailing and this pink color-block suit that creates the illusion of a slimmer middle. 

AdoreMe has an amazing range of sizes - from XS through 4X and 30A through 46DDD! I have never seen a brand with such a wide range of sizing options...usually you just get your standard 3-4 sizes! You are also able to customize specific top and bottom sizes when you buy two pieces, so you are sure to get the perfect fit. 

The prices are also great, and much more affordable than a lot of swimwear these days! You can currently use the discount code SWIMSET10 for $10 off AdoreMe's swimwear category through 12/31/2017 (valid with VIP and PAYG orders).

Which swimsuit is your favorite?? 
Other mommas - let me know what styles of swimsuits you love for the summer! xx  

This post was sponsored by AdoreMe, but all opinions are my own.

Things I'm Loving

Wednesday, May 17, 2017



Picked up this makeup mist and the lower lash mascara from Pixi and they are both now must-have makeup items in my daily routine. 

Grabbed this Free People cardigan on sale after loving it many times on The House of Sequins Instagram page. 


Love this blush dress that was featured on Somewhere, Lately - and it is only $55!

I got this awesome brass mid-century inspired lamp for my nightstand recently. I also love this one, but we don't really have anywhere to put it right now!

Eyeing this BIDKhome square glass perfume tray for my dresser - think it would go so well with the new brass lamp!


Life Lately



Still here...still {very} pregnant.

Baby girl is officially due a week from tomorrow, so we will see if she hangs on until then, decides to show up early, or keeps us waiting past 40 weeks! Somehow I have a feeling it is going to be the latter...

Popping on here today to share happenings from the weekend and a quick Mother's Day recap!





Mother's Day was awesome this year. I slept in and woke up to a beautiful bouquet of flowers, the loveliest card, and a gift card for a full-blown spa day (which I am saving for after the baby is born). My sweet husband made it such a special day and I got the best phone call from Aubrey later that morning too. 

Mother's Day can be bittersweet when you are part of a blended family and have step children. However, I am lucky to have a family that has always made me feel included and appreciated, taking time to recognize me every Mother's Day. This one was extra special though, since I am 9 months pregnant with our newest family member!  



Later that night, Aaron and I had tickets for the RHCP concert. We had bought them before we knew I was pregnant, and I was hoping baby girl would hold on long enough for us to still go! ;)

The show was awesome, and I saw at least four other pregnant ladies there. Even got high-fived by one of them and her husband (she was due in 4 days!)...so happy we were able to get one last special date night in! xx

emily kay