Target Treasures

Friday, April 28, 2017



Happy Friday ladies! Do you all have fun plans for the weekend? We have a couple things on the books...Damian's high school musical tonight and a couple of Aubrey's soccer games to go to...but other than that, I want to spend Saturday and Sunday getting a few things checked off the "Before Baby To-Do List". We will see how much I actually get done though... ;)

Thought I would pop on today and share some of my favorite finds from Target that I have picked up recently. You all know my love of Target by now, and I am always amazed at what great things can be found there - and in so many different categories (clothes, cosmetics, shoes, home decor...etc, etc.) These are all things I've purchased over the past two weeks and am loving so far!




// Lace Trim Cami - $19.99
I love this piece! It is so classic and feminine and is perfect for layering or wearing with a pair of jeans for a summer date night. I have been eyeing some more expensive ones from Cami NYC, so I was excited to find this more budget-friendly version that looks very similar!

// Sonia Kashuk Lipgloss in Alluring Azalea - $8.99
The perfect pink color for summer! It looks great with bronzed skin and doesn't have any sparkle added (which I like). It also holds up pretty well for a "drugstore" lipgloss, and there are 7 other colors in the line...all which look really pretty!

// Ruffle Maxi Dress - $29.99
Such a cute boho dress for the warm weather...I saw this hanging up one day when I wasn't supposed to be shopping for clothes, and I just had to try it on. Of course it was adorable, and comfortable, and under $30...so I scooped it up and plan to have it on regular rotation this summer!

// Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer - $9.00 (sample size)
I grabbed the sample size of this primer because I have heard great things about it from some beauty bloggers and YouTubers online. I think it is awesome that you can test it out before taking the plunge and purchasing the much larger tube for twice the price. I will let you know how I like it after a few uses!

// Gilligan & O'Malley Unlined Nursing Bra - $16.99
Funny story - I spent wayyy too much money and time messing with nursing bras from Nordstrom and other department stores (online)...and ended up returning all of them. Then I physically went to Nordstrom in hopes that I would find one. NOPE. Where did I end up finding one that is non-granny looking as well as comfortable and practical for nursing?? Target. For under $20. Go figure.

Bumpdate // Third Trimester

Monday, April 24, 2017



Well, we are getting towards the finish line here. Only a couple more weeks left (if I'm lucky). We are excited and ready to meet our little girl! I am currently 35 weeks and 5 days, so I have about 4 weeks left if I were to go up until my due date of May 25th.

I thought that was likely to happen, as I've heard most first time moms go that long (or longer) ...but at my recent doctor's appointments they've been keeping an eye on my blood pressure and such as they were worried about pre-eclampsia.  That s**t is no joke, apparently, so I have more appointments this week and we will see what they say...but the word "induce" was thrown around at my last appointment. Hoping that isn't necessary, but I'll do what ever we need to to get baby girl here safely! 


 

Gender // Girl

Maternity clothes // They are basically all I wear now - loving this maxi dress from Old Navy and a couple other stretchy spring dresses for the warmer weather! 

Stretch marks // None, yay!

Belly button // Pretty much out now lol...you can see it through my clothes when I have a tight top on...it is kind of hilarious. 

Sleep // Total crap. Literally don't feel like I sleep at all - tossing and turning all night (which is also very difficult) and up multiple times a night to pee.

Best moments // My second baby shower that was for my Columbus friends and getting my boho-inspired maternity pictures done this past weekend (can't wait to share them!).

Symptoms // So many...where do I begin? Braxton Hicks, other various cramps, itchy skin (but still using tons of oil!), short of breath, just general discomfort from being so large & round...and I can't do simple things like put on tennis shoes or pants anymore haha!

Miss anything // Just being comfortable...and not getting tired and crampy when I move around too much.

Movement // All the time and super strong! Sometimes it even hurts - clearly she is running out of room. I definitely think her head is down because the kicking is up by my rib cage, and I can feel her hiccup from time to time lower down in my bump.

Cravings // Just more of those wonderful mints I mentioned recently ;)

Looking forward to // Having her here! I'm so curious as to what she looks like...and so excited to finally get to see and hold her <3 

 

Loving Lately

Friday, April 21, 2017



 Happy Friday my friends! Hope you have all had a nice week and have some fun plans for the weekend. 

I am traveling up to Akron for my maternity pictures with Bethany Zadai (same awesome photographer that did our engagement pics)! The pictures are Sunday, and I am SO excited - the weather report looks good and we are hoping to get some really pretty outdoor shots. I'm actually headed up a day early, on Saturday, to have a girl's night sleepover with one of my besties!

Sharing some things that I have been loving lately - have my eye on all of them, but haven't taken the plunge and purchased any yet! xx 




// One Two Magnetic False Eyelashes - $69.00

Have any of you ladies heard of these?! Or better yet...tried them? They have pretty good reviews, from what I have seen so far and it's such an interesting idea. I am SO intrigued. It seems like a truly easier way to use falsies on a regular basis than with your typical glue application. I might just have to try them out! 


// Sophia Joy Cosmetic Case - $24.99

This cute little number is actually from Target! I think it looks like such a great (and practical - hello easy clean plastic) makeup case for my purse or for traveling. 


// CK Modern Cotton Lounge Set - $108.00

This looks SO comfy. I just look at it and want to throw it on after a long day at work and snuggle up watching Netflix on the couch with Aaron and the pups. Need to hold off on any more clothing purchases until the baby is born though - not trying to buy the wrong size and have things not fit properly after I deliver!  


// Modern Minerals Lip Gloss in Padparadscha - $25.00

Despite the name being nearly impossible to pronounce, this is such a pretty color. I love the brand Modern Minerals - I received one of their lip glosses in a Petit Vour box (cruelty-free subscription service) a while back and it was such nice quality. Would love to get my hands on this coral-pink gloss for summer time! 


// Fawn Design Diaper Bag in Black - $159.99

I think this is going to be our diaper bag of choice. Seems very practical, yet stylish - looks like a cute bag, not just a diaper bag! And it has backpack straps which I think will be super convenient, but also good for Aaron...who won't want to carry a bag like a purse ;)


Baby Shower // Columbus

Monday, April 17, 2017



Happy Monday!

This past weekend, my Mum threw me a beautiful baby shower on Saturday for all my friends and family in the Columbus area. She had help from my little sister and grandma, and it was such a perfect day. They put so much work into all the details and it turned out so lovely...I'm so grateful for the generous friends and family we have and how excited they all are for baby Steiner to arrive!


My sister arrived Friday night to spend time with me and got up early to help me clean on Saturday, which was so awesome of her! My Mum and grandma arrived a few hours early on Satruday to set up, and all their decor was so beautiful!

There was tons of delicious food - crackers and a cheese plate, fruit (including chocolate covered fruit from Edible Arrangements), mini cupcakes, and my favorite Easter candy - Mini Eggs :) They also brought a home made punch made with 7up, orange juice, and lemon and mango sherbet - delicious!






My Mum also took the time to put together the sweetest little gift bags for all of the guests, which included gorgeous handmade soaps that a friend of hers makes down in the Cincinnati area. And the amazing flower centerpieces ended up being the prizes for the games we played - which was such a great idea!



It was such a relaxing day - and I completely forgot to snap any more pictures after everything was set up and all our friends arrived! I'm terrible at that, remembering to get the camera out a couple times during events to get pictures of everyone. Just goes to show how much fun we were all having! Thank you so much to my amazing Mum and family for this shower, and to all my Columbus friends for all the lovely gifts!! xx


Current Wish List

Friday, April 14, 2017


Wish List April 2017


Happy Friday my friends :) Are you excited for the weekend? I have my second baby shower tomorrow, which I am really looking forward to! I know many of you probably have some fun Easter weekend plans with your friends and family!

Popping into Blogland today to share some things on my wish list - some beauty items, some fashion pieces, some randoms! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend xo


// DefineMe Fragrances - cruelty free perfume that I have heard good things about! I would like to get their $29 sample pack to figure out which fragrance I like best before purchasing any full sized ones.

// The Cher Top by Realisation - saw this on Tanya Burr during one of her monthly favorites videos the other day and it is just gorgeous. Shame it is $140.

// BKR Spiked Water Bottle in Naked - such funky water bottle! Is it just me, or does getting you recommend daily water intake seem easier when you have a cute way to drink it? ;)

// Antonym Eye Shadow Quad in Croisette - this quad looks just gorgeous...it has two matte and two shimmer shades. I am most interested in the shimmery bronze shade, which is right up my alley! Love the bamboo packaging too.

// Jeffree Star & Manny MUA Skinfrost in Eclipse - this looks just AMAZING. I've heard such good things about his line of cosmetics and this collaboration Skinfrost looks like my dream highlighter. Think I really need to get my hands on this one.

// Kani Botanicals Fresh Face Balm - I love the Kani Botanicals line...their Petal Polish scrub is one of my all time favorite skin care items, so I want to try more of what they offer. This balm was recommended by Rhian HY of WifeLife and it seems like a great multi-purpose skin care item to have handy!

Skin Care Tag

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

image via
I found this tag circulating around YouTube the other day, and even thought I don't make videos, I thought it would be a fun one to do a blog post about! 

Skin care is so important. It is something that I didn't pay much attention to when I was younger - but as I've gotten older, I've taken the time to learn more about it and invest in products that are good quality and that actually work. I always feel that less is more, and consistency is important - and those are principles I try to bring to my skin care routine as well.


QUESTIONS:

// What's your skin type?

Dry. It's pretty much as straight forward as that - I do not have oily areas and I am not prone to any breakouts, but my struggle is more along the lines with keeping my skin properly moisturized. 


// How do you store your skincare products?

Right now they are stored in the medicine cabinet - but we are trying to finish up renovations on our master bathroom...so once that is done, my skin care products will have their own special area in the built-in storage area.


// Favorite ingredient?

Probably coconut oil. I love so many products that have this included – it wipes away any trace of makeup and it is super moisturizing for my dry skin.


// Most indulgent product?

Right now it is probably my Pixi by Petra + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse. It is moderately priced for a cleanser ($24.00)…definitely more than your typical drugstore item, but TOTALLY worth it. I hope this becomes part of the permanent line because it is so good.  


// Best budget buy?

Vitamin E Oil – can be purchased at pretty much any drugstore or the like. It has so many benefits for your skin and typically runs under $10. Plus, it is so concentrated, that a tiny bottle can last you ages! 


// Do you use any tools (Clarisonic, Foreo, etc.)?

I do have a Clarisonic, but it is not cruelty-free so I will be replacing it at some point for another brand. I do love using a face brush though, at least a couple times a week for exfoliating and really cleaning out my pores. I have this one from 100% Pure, but it isn’t quite as vigorous as I’d like. If you know of any CF vibrating face brushes – let me know!


// Best mask?

Has to be the 100% Pure Green Tea Water Bomb Mask (or Bright Eyes Mask – mini version). These are so hydrating and really feel like you are pampering and repairing your skin whilst you wear them. You can actually feel that it is working, as the mask becomes thinner as you wear it – and as your skin soaks up all the hydration. 


// Best multi-use?

S&W Basics 3-Ingredient Cream. This product is amazing – it is made up of only shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil (all free trade and organic) – and can be used so many ways. Plus it is the most perfect moisturizer for dry skin that I have ever come across! 


// If you had to stick to only one skincare brand, what would it be?

This is a hard question because I don’t have one brand that stands out in all areas of my skin care routine, but if I had to choose right now I would pick Pixi since I love their Glow Tonic, Double Cleanse, and mist sprays. However, there are lots of brands I have yet to try that I have heard great things about and might end up being front runners for this question (Paula’s Choice, OSEA, etc).


// Best spot treatment?

I’m not the best person to answer this question because I rarely get spots and when I do, I don’t mess with them. They are so few and far between for me that I just go about my regular skin care routine and leave them be. I’ve heard OSEA has a good all-natural blemish roller though! 


// Favorite step of your skincare routine?

Once my face is clean – makeup removed and face dried off…and I put my moisturizer on. It feels so good to have clean and dry skin just instantly soak up the hydration from a good moisturizer.


// What's on your skincare wish list?

There are quite a few things that I would like to try out or purchase for my skin care collection…

     Kani Petal Polish – used before and LOVE. Such an amazing face scrub.

     Paula’s Choice, OSEA, One Love Organics – all brands that are consistently raved about!

     Dermaplaning – little pampering / exfoliation session would be amazing!

Tea Time

Monday, April 10, 2017

via
Kinda of like coffee talk - except I don't drink coffee ;)

I don't know about you, but I am already dragging this morning. Maybe it is because I didn't sleep well last night (yet again). Despite being tired, I'm so happy to see sunshine and warmer temps outside - it is supposed to be in the mid 70s today in Columbus! 

Some things on my mind this Monday morning...




Our home renovations STILL aren't done.
We have been working on the master bathroom for over a year now (I know - embarrassing) and the kitchen for at least 6 months. The kitchen is fully functioning, just has some cosmetic stuff that needs finished up, but the bathroom is still weeks away. It is hard with Aaron traveling so much, since we don't want to dedicate every single weekend to working on the house...but we are really hoping to have them done soon. At least by the time baby girl shows up!

My second baby shower is this weekend.
I'm so excited for Saturday! We ended up having two showers because our friends and family are spread out over a couple cities, and this makes it easier for people to avoid traveling too far. This weekend our Columbus friends and some of my side of the family are coming together for a little shower my Mum is hosting at my house. 

I have some anxiety over my dogs dealing with the new baby.
Not in the sense that they will hurt her - I know they will be fine in that department. I'm more worried about getting a new routine going and still giving them enough attention and love. And exercise - they desperately need it as they are big dogs with lots of energy. They are my first babies and both mean so much to Aaron and I...how did you fur mamas handle this when adding a new baby to the family?

I've been doing a major closet clean out over the past couple weeks. 
Do you ever get the itch to just go through your wardrobe and just purge stuff? It happens to me a couple times a year, and I did a big clean out recently. A lot of things were donated, but I also have a pile of things I'm thinking of selling on eBay or some other resale outlet. If any of you have done this before - what has worked well for you??


Pregnancy Must Haves

Thursday, April 6, 2017


Pregnancy Must Haves

When I found out that I was pregnant, I decided that I wasn't going to fall victim to all the trendy "must have" items that were floating around the internet. Especially being a first-time mom, it is overwhelming how much is out there...that everyone is telling you that you "need". Don't fall for the gimmicks! Doing so, you will just find yourself spending hundreds of dollars on things that aren't really necessary. 

So, I wanted to put together a quick list of the things that I really have found helpful. None of which will break the bank and all of which have been used (sometimes on the daily) throughout my entire pregnancy - first, second, and third trimesters!


// Slip Pillowcase
Now this specific one isn't necessary, but I will tell you what is...a pillowcase you love and lots of pillows. This just happens to be my favorite pillowcase. Comfy pillows are so helpful for propping yourself up at night (the heartburn is no joke) and supporting various areas of your body. No $100+ body pillow needed! 

// Liz Lange Maternity Tank
I've mentioned these before - they are amazing! Comfortable, can be paired with anything, come in great neutral colors, and run only $12.99 at Target. I have three white ones and fully intend on wearing them postpartum. 

// Your Food Craving
For me it is the Lifesavers Wint O Green mints. Can't get enough of these!! You never know what is going to strike your fancy, but I don't see anything wrong with indulging in whatever your craving is from time to time!

// Blanqi Belly Support Leggings
These are THE BEST. Probably actually the best leggings I have ever owned. I fully intend on buying the postpartum pair too, once my little girl is here. Completely worth the $64 price tag since I wear them multiple times a week - and most of the time you can find a coupon code floating around the internet for some savings!

// Coconut Oil & Bio Oil
So, at some point, the skin around your middle starts to itch. It happens due to the stretching, and I find these two products to be extremely helpful and soothing. There are mixed opinions out there on keeping stretch marks at bay - I think some people are just more prone to them than others...but adding this extra moisturizing to your skin can't hurt! Plus, it really does help the itchiness.

// Prenatal Vitamin
Doesn't need to be One A Day, that just happens to be the one that I take. Gummies are great at first because you can get ones with folic acid and DHA in them (very important during 1st Trimester), but I had to switch over later on because you need iron, and the gummies don't typically have that included.

//  Fun Water Bottle
On top of already having to pee all the time due to the little person taking up your insides...you also need to drink an immense amount of water while pregnant - which just adds to the bathroom breaks. It can be hard to keep track throughout a busy day, so I got a water bottle that was 20 oz, so I tell myself I need to drink at least 3-4 of them. I've been adding fresh lemon recently to make it more interesting! 

// Tums
I've mentioned the heartburn already, but it deserves it's own category because YIKES. It it something I deal with everyday (all day) and it is very helpful to have some of these little antacids handy for when other methods of control don't work. PS - tropical flavor are the best ;)

     

March Favorites

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Sorry for my lack of posting the past week or so - life has gotten the better of me...mainly in the pregnancy department. We've been very busy and this third trimester is making everything seem a bit harder to accomplish. 

But enough with the whining and excuses...let's get on to some of my March favorites! ;)


// Wint-O-Green Lifesavers
Hello first major pregnancy craving! I hadn't really had any cravings up until now...but I had one of these mints the other day and then immediately had to go out and buy myself a big bag...which I won't be doing again, because I already ate them all!

// VS Pajama Set
Since sleep hasn't been going to well these days, I decided I needed to treat myself to a new set of really comfy pjs. I settled on this pair from Victoria's Secret since they are a fun bright coral color for spring, and they are SO SOFT. Bonus - sized up so I can wear them until delivery and they can come to the hospital with me.

// Beauty & The Beast
Amazing. This remake was honestly so good and I'm so glad we went to see it in theaters. Aaron is a trooper for going with me ;) Everything about it was gorgeous and it made me really nostalgic since the animated original is from my childhood. I even cried a couple times - which my husband thought was hilarious and I am still blaming on pregnancy hormones haha

// Pixi Flawless Finishing Powder
I picked this up to keep in my purse for touch-ups throughout the day and I am loving it! It was a bit pricey for "drugstore" makeup, but the quality is well worth the price tag. It is truly translucent and sets your makeup perfectly, and the sponge that comes with it is even nice (which, as you ladies know, is very rare!)

// GLOW Airbrush Tanning
If you are in Columbus, this is the only place to go and get a spray tan. The owner, Jennifer, is extremely friendly and professional, and the spray tans are such high quality! I was worried when I first went to get one since my skin is so fair, but it turned out perfectly and looked like such a natural tan. I have gotten then many times now and used her for my engagement pictures, my wedding day, and will be getting one for my maternity pictures this weekend!   
 
emily kay