A 5 minute face

It's Friday, we made it through another week! And of course I was in a hectic rush to get the kids dressed and fed, lunches and backpacks packed and out the door on time. Major bonus points if i can manage to get dressed and ready too. I can't just go out the door in my pj's and bed head because my daughter insists that I walk her to class every damn day. Luckily my wardrobe consists of 99% black so the getting dressed part it pretty easy. I pretty much have a whole 10 minutes for myself in the morning (and I've tried the getting up earlier thing & that just doesn't work in this house.)

It takes me about 5 to brush my teeth, throw on some clothes and  toss my hair in a bun or throw on a hat. That leaves me another 5 for my face. And let me tell you, my face needs a whole lot more than 5 minutes. But that's all I've got and I've learned to work with it.  So here it is, the easiest 5 minute face...

Step one: skincare

1.Serum.
Always use a serum, it's like vitamins for your face!! I can't live without Clarins double serum. It not only smells amazing, it keeps your skin looking healthy and hydrated all day. Plus it's filled with tons of antioxidants!!!

2. A great moisturizer.
I have super dry skin and I like something that will keep me hydrated but isn't to tacky and thick. Two of my current favorites are Lush's Skin Drink  moisturizer and Phoenix facial oil from Herbivore Botanicals (this works just like your typical moisturizer and it's heavenly!)

3. Eye cream.
Because this mamas tired eyes need it. And working in the skincare industry for the past 10 years, let me tell you, eye cream makes a difference. Bobbi Browns hydrating eye cream is super gentle and has always been a go to. I'm currently loving Jo Malones vitamin e  eye cream. It is light weight but super hydrating and it gives the right amount of glow under the eye.

Step two: Foundation & concealer

1. Primer.
I always throw on Laura Merciers illuminating face primer.  This way I don't have to re apply anything later in the day. Some days this is all I need because it gives my skin a nice all over glow!

2. Foundation.
I love a foundation that looks like skin. Whether it's full coverage or sheer, liquid or powder, it should ALWAYS look like your skin.  Right now I'm obsessed with Laura Mercier ' Candlelight Glow foundation. It's kinda everything a foundation should be (plus Beyoncé make up artist is raving about it. And who doesn't want their skin to look like Queen B?!) Also Bobbi Brown just came out with this lightweight  foundation, and it's amazing!!!

3. Concealer
This is my 100% must wear product. I'm loving Estee Lauders new perfectionist  concealer because it has a light sheer concealer on one side and a creamy full coverage concealer on the other for days I need more. Plus it's just so pretty.

Step 3: color

1. Cheeks
I quickly dab a highlighter on my cheekbones and then pop a little color on the apples of my cheeks. I use Laura highlighter  and NARS blush .

2. Eyes
Mascara. The blacker, the better. And top lashes only. I like a dark mascara because I can get away with NO eyeliner this way!!! I love Chanel Le volume mascara.
I don't wear shadow on a daily basis. I usually just pop a little bit of my highlighter on my eyes and call it good.
I also quickly brush a little clear mascara gel through my brows too! Check out Buddha Brows !

3. Lips
I'm a lip balm girl all the way. So give me one with a little color and I'm happy! These Burts Bee's  lip balms are my favorites.


So there you have it.  A super easy 5 minute face. And let's be honest, I don't do this everyday. Some days I do nothing. Some days I have a few more minutes and I do a little more. Like everything else, do what works for you.  Whether its a full face with lashes and the newest shade of lipstick or a clean face with nothing but a little coconut oil. Do what makes you feel good.

xo, D

Friday & five spring essentials

Yay it's the weekend, we made it through another school week. It's time to celebrate with with an extra big coffee and maybe an extra big glass of champs tonight!!! We gotta celebrate all the victories as mama's, and I consider making it through a week of homework, activities and errand running with minimal meltdowns and no broken bones a huge victory!

The weather has been pretty exceptional these past few days in the PNW and it has me dreaming of all things spring. Actually I had every intention of posting this yesterday but we were outside playing all day!!!  So in the spirit of warmer weather, here are five things I'm currently obsessing over.

Sunnies

 Spring = sun. Which = the need for sunnies! Now I used to buy all the fancy ones. But after having my kids break 6 pairs (that's like $1200 in sunglasses.) I wised up and started buying the cheapies. I love them because I can buy a couple pairs and don't feel guilty if I lose or break them!  Here's a look from Iweartheheadress that I'm loving!

These are super cute too, and a fraction of the cost!

Shoes and sandals

I don't know what it is about the change from winter to spring but it always has me wanting new shoes. I think my feet get sick of living in rain boots for 5 months straight. Spring always means a new pair of vans and a few new sandals! I'm always on the hunt for shoes that are flexible. Ones that can go from the park to work to dinner with the hubby (like that ever happens, but a mama can dream!)

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Dresses

Now I'm normally a jeans and t shirt in all black type of girl. But this spring I'm obsessed with all things floral, chambray and blush. And dresses are so easy in the spring and summer. And this mama needs easy! These ones are on my list!

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Hats & Headbands

Remember how I said hats are area major mama essential for me. Well here are a few I'm wanting for spring...

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Overalls and tee's

My 90s self is loving that overalls are still in style (just don't wear them with one side down, that my friend is not in style!) They are super versatile and comfy too! Plus how else are you going to get away with matching your littles??!!

And pair them with some of these super cute tee's!!

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Cheers to a great weekend friends! We're going to spend ours gardening, sleeping in, eating yummy food and hanging out with friends!

XO, D

mama essentials

10 essentials I couldn't live without as a mama thus far...

1. Coffee
Like all the coffee. Because you always have late nights. Late nights up with your sick kiddos. Late nights because you've procrastinated on the project you promised your daughters teacher you would do for her. Late nights because everyone(including your hubby) went to sleep on time and you can finally get some quite time. And well because coffee is just so good. 

2. Wine
 Lots and lots of wine. Because well, wine goes good with the chicken nuggets and french fries you made for dinner because your kids won't eat the gourmet pork with roasted asparagus and risotto you spent two hours cooking. It's also great after a long day of picking up barbies, clothes and the crumbs of food that are left around the house. And wine,  just like coffee, is just so good.

3. Mama friends

Now these said friends can be hard to find. There are lots of other mamas out there in this world, but finding ones who you vibe with and who love your eccentric crazy children are a must. Mama friends will understand the late nights, dirty clothes and need for coffee and wine.

4. A really large purse or backpack or diaper bag
You will need said large bag to carry around the endless amount of things you constantly "need". Like diapers, wipes, snacks, ipads, books, your wallet, (although this sometimes gets left at home, especially when you need it) band aids, sunsceern, toys, changes of clothes, and wine (I'm kidding.) And as much as I love this oversized accessory, it takes me about 10 minutes to find one thing, 20 if my child is sreaming or I'm checking out at the grocery store.

5. Workout clothes
Whether I'm actually working out or not.  Because they're comfortable. Because stains wash so easy out of them. Because they match my messy hair and then I actually look like I just came from the gym. Because I'm hoping by wearing my yoga pants it might actually mean I can make it to a class that night. Because I might have worn them to bed last night but no one at parent drop off will know the difference.

6. A love for the car.
Now this may not be a thing but it's essential. Because between school drop offs and pick ups, skateboarding lessons, cheerleading,  dr appointments, costco runs and play dates at friends houses, you'll be in the car a lot. There's also those times when everyone of your kids is driving you nuts so you throw them all in the car, grab a coffee, blast the music and drive.

7. A really good concealer. 
This doesn't really need an explanation.  I 100% can not live without concealer. And on that note, a great mascara too. I may have only slept three hours but you'd never know thanks to concealer and mascara.

8. Dry shampoo and hats.
Although I do take a shower everyday, (well almost) I definitely do not wash my hair everyday and my messy topnot can only get me so far. Both cover my greasy roots and I love them for that.

9. Target
Again not a thing but an essential. Dollar toys and popcorn to bribe my kids while I shop in (somewhat) peace. Plus I heard they were going to start serving wine.... need I say more?

10. Love
Okay so I'm going to get sappy here. But duh, you're going to need a lot of love. And lucky for us mama's, our tiny little humans spread it like wild fire. Because after the late nights and early mornings, the sticky floors and the spaghetti on the walls, the dirty hair and yoga pants, nothing, I mean NOTHING (not even coffee or wine) is better than a hug or a kiss or an "I love you" from your child.

Xo, D