Winter Skin Routine

If you're anything like me, your skin can be dryer in the winter. I always need some much needed skin care, and I try to be good and do at least half of this routine every night. Some nights, I only get a few of these products on, and other nights, I do a full routine. #busymomlife

I will be 40 in a few months, and I am working hard to take care of my skin naturally without botox, fillers, chemical peels, etc. First, I don't want those things on my skin or in my body, and 2nd, I'm cheap and I'm not spending my money on that! 

Every night without fail, I use Orange Blossom Face Wash from Young Living. This is actually great for teen skin and Gretchen uses it too! 

Once a week, I use the charcoal mask. It is one of my favorite skin care products! Charcoal can reduce the appearance of pores, which I so greatly need. A little bit of this goes a long way. In fact, I think this is the only tube I've ordered and it's lasted several months. I will also spot treat pimples with this mask, and Gretchen uses it too ;) 

I think one thing I love about Young Living's skin care is that it's great for all ages! And I really want to teach the girls the importance of a good skin care regime when they're young! 

Awe, these oils on my face nightly. 

Tea Tree is great for pimples. Who knew that at nearly 40 I would still have breakouts. Sigh. I put a few drops on my fingers, spot treat the breakouts, and that's it- and yes, Gretchen uses this one too!

Frankincense is an oil I wish I could bathe in. It's seriously so good. It's great for moisturizing and fine lines, and those lines that come with age. I just dump several drops on to my hands and rub it all over. 

Patchouli is another oil that I just dump and rub all over. It's another one that is great for moisturizing skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. 

I'll follow up those oils by using a gua sha stone. You can find videos on You Tube on how to use these, but I use it along my neck and jaw line, my cheek bones, and around my eyes. 

Young Living's bloom moisturizer is another favorite! If I use this at night, I find that I don't need to re-moisturize in the morning. The entire Bloom line is formulated for aging skin, and I guess since I'm almost 40, my skin is aging. 

This hydrosol is what's left over after essential oils are distilled. It's basically water with left over essential oils. I spritz this on my face, but it's also great for your hair! 

And finally, if I need a glow, I'll add these tanning drops to my lotion and apply to my arms and legs.

I have been so happy with the skin care routine I've found. I don't dry out, my skin feels dewy, and my makeup applies easily in the morning and stays on all day.

Click here to shop my favorite skincare products :)  

 

February Camping Trip

I think camping the weekend after Signing Day will be a tradition. Last year, we went out to west Texas and this year, we stayed a little closer to home. DJ and I realized that we would have some time for only one weekend in February, but with the girls commitments, we needed to stay close to home. He found us a spot at Lake Georgetown, and after school on Friday, we headed there to camp! 

The weather on Friday was gorgeous! It was warm, and we explored down by the lake. 

There is a big hiking trial around the lake (like 20+ miles) and our plan was to tackle a little bit of it on Saturday, so we stayed near the campsite Friday evening. The girls had so much fun riding bikes, skipping rocks, and being out in nature. 

The lake was gorgeous and I could easily see us spending a weekend here this Summer with the paddleboard. 

Megan, of course, was all about the gymnastics. 

Lots and lots of exploring. 

And some reading too ;)

We grilled steak on the blackstone, along with potatoes and asparagus. Dinner that night was so yummy! 

After dinner, Megan, Gretchen and I headed back home. Both of the girls had early morning activities on Sunday, so we wanted to sleep at home, and get them to where they needed to be. After I dropped them off, I headed back to the campsite. 

Adalyn was super excited to see me :) Actually, she was excited I was there, so DJ could cook bacon for breakfast. Bacon is her favorite.

Around 11, we got out for a drive and explored some areas near the lake. We got out and walked at an overlook area but it was cold! Around that time, Gretchen let us know we could pick her up, and since we were all out, we all went to get her. Then, we stopped for snowcones, because we had a few minutes before we had to pick up Megan. While we were out it started to spit snow! We picked up Megan, and headed back to the camper. 

Because it was so cold, we just stayed indoors! I took a nap, the girls played, DJ emptied the gray tank, and around 3, it had finally warmed up enough for us to get outside. 

Because it was so cold, we opted out of hiking, but we did walk a few campground trails, and went back to the lake. 

And, the girls rode bikes. 

DJ made chicken fajitas for dinner- yum! 

We started a fire and warmed up with smores! 

Camping is a favorite!

Sunday morning, we had breakfast and headed home. We have a Spring Break camping trip planned in a few weeks and we can't wait to get back out! 

 

Let's Talk About Nails

For over a year now I've been using Red Aspen nail dashes and friends, I'm obsessed! 

Before COVID happened I was getting my nails done at a salon and paying big bucks, then everything shut down and my nails were so damaged. I found these nails last year, ordered a set, and started using them more and more! I keep a pop up party open so my friends can shop too!

Red Aspen nails glue on top of your real nail. So, you don't need long nails to use these! My nails have always been short and rarely grow, so I love that I can apply these on top and have some length and thickness added! 

The nails can also be cut with nail clippers and filed down! They have various lengths and shapes, so if you see a color or design you love, but don't love the shape, just cut it down! 

New releases have been happening every Tuesday, but when the nails are sold out, they're gone!

In each set you receive several individual nails in different sizes, so you can find the nail dash that fits each nail perfectly. You also receive a nail file, cuticle pusher, and the glue! So, you get everything you need to apply them with your order! 

To remove, just soak in warm soapy water, and gently lift. Then, store your nails and you can use them again!

Pro tip- carry an extra nail glue with you just in case one does come off while you're out and about! 

I had this color on recently and it's gorgeous! 

Click here to shop or leave a comment if you want to host your own pop up party and earn free nails! 

 

Bowling Bash

When Gretchen and I started talking about her birthday party and what type of party she wanted; she pretty immediately decided she wanted a bowling party with friends! I mean, what's better than a group of your closest friends hanging at the bowling alley on a Friday night when you're a teenager?

I remember planning elaborate parties for the girls when they were little, and I have to admit, as they get older, party planning becomes way easier. We picked a date, she texted her friends, and then we made a simple invite on Canva so their parents didn't think we were crazy and that was it. I booked the party online, and we showed up ready to bowl. 

DJ helped the girls divide up and put their names in. 

And they mostly stood around and talked waiting for their turn. I laughed, because they only sat down twice, and both times was when it was time to eat. 

We ordered pizza for everyone, and they stopped just long enough to inhale a few bites. 

So glad this teenager, still let's her little sisters tag along; but, let's be honest- they had to use a different lane. 

Photo bomb by dad. 

I sat back and watched and cuddled this baby while everyone bowled. It won't be long until she's 14. 

More bowling, more talking, and more little sisters bugging the big girls. 

Loved being able to celebrate her! 

We made a gluten free chocolate cake with bakery icing and it was delicious! Gretchen picked out the sprinkles and decorated it herself. 

She opened presents.

Made a wish.

And then everyone spent the last 30 minutes playing arcade games. 

By this point, a few moms had arrived, so we chatted, while Megan took my phone to take pictures of the games. I think this one was a favorite. 

It was so fun celebrating this 14 year old at her bowling bash with her friends! 

 

Friday Favorites

Happy Freezing Friday! We had ice come through Wednesday night which gave us a 4 day weekend. I'm not going to lie- I've loved it! I'm linking up today with Andrea & Erika for Friday Favorites! 

A few months ago, I signed up for $5.00 a month meal plans and I'm loving the variety of recipes. There are soups, slow cooker meals, and a variety of dinner recipes. Because we are gluten free, I've been able to make easy substitutions and we are loving the recipes! Plus, I'm not cooking the exact same thing each week. Coming up with dinner ideas has never been my strong suit, and I usually have a small handful of meals in my rotation. This meal plan service has given us a great variety! 

This ranch chicken with gluten free bread crumbs was so yummy! To receive your weekly meal plans click here.

Last weekend, DJ took these girls to the Daddy Daughter Dance at our church. They were so excited to go, and seeing them all dressed up was a favorite. 

Megan's dress is here, and her boots here. 

Adalyn's dress is sold out, but gosh it was a steal at just $15.00! 

We curled and fixed their hair, and they just looked precious. 

Their escort wasn't too bad himself :) 

While we were iced in, we baked these gluten free chocolate chip cookies. I'll be sharing the recipe on my home design IG account this weekend. 

If you've been wanting to try Red Aspen Nails, there's a sale this weekend on Valentine sets! These are glue on, reusable nails that you can cut & file down just like your real nail. I've been wearing these for a year, and I'm obsessed. You can click here to shop. 

And finally this weekend, we'll be celebrating our favorite 14 year old with a bowling party with friends!