I worked at a hair salon in high school, and have had a natural interest in color/cuts/styling for as long as I can remember. I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination when it comes to hair and beauty products, but I am pretty darn good at tracking one down, so I’m going to share mine with you.

Meet Lauren Bartholet at Salon 11. Hair genius. I adore her. I’ve used her as my hair stylist for as long as I can remember. Yes, even while I was in college… Yes, even when I lived in New Orleans, I drove back to Jackson to have her do my hair. I was one of her very first clients out of hair school, and in my nearly 12 years of using her, she has never steered me wrong.

She’s the kind of girl that shoots you straight. You can take her a picture of someone’s hair you saw on Pinterest and she’s going to straight up tell you she’s happy to do that for you, but just know it’s not going to be able to look like that for reason x, y, z. I mean, can I get an amen? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in her chair and said “I don’t know what I want you to do with my color, but I trust you.” She knows I don’t do brassy. I like golden highlights that take using color + a toner. I don’t want any blonde. And don’t even try a red tint. She just knows, and I think a hair dresser that knows you and your style is a very, very valuable thing — and something worth paying good money for. It’s also extremely nice when new products come out, and she knows your hair type, texture, desired style, etc and can let you know what will work well for you. But do remember, they can’t read your mind. I don’t recommend going in and winging a cut and color with someone you’ve seen three times. I was very particular with Lauren for years, and she’ll be the first to tell you that. Heck, I used to part my hair myself for her to cut it because I wanted it to be exact.

I asked Lauren to share her top tips for hair with volume, and here’s what she said:

1. Use products! (Her favorite two are Bumble & Bumble Thickening Mousse and Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Spray.)
2. Get your hair as healthy as possible. Healthy hair styles better no matter what.
3. Give it a little tease with a comb at the crown.
4. Sleep with your hair in a bun using a loose crease free hair tie to make your styling last longer.

If you want to see Lauren, I recommend calling and making your hair appointment at least 6-8 weeks in advance. I see her every 12 weeks, and I make my next appointment before I even step foot out of the door. But I believe with every little strand of hair on my head, she is worth it. Salon 11 was voted Best Salon in Mississippi, and that’s with good reason. They have an incredible team of stylists, and they also have a blowout bar. So if you’re not great with a round brush and need your hair done for an event, they’ve got a chair waiting on you.

So, moving on to how I do my hair at home. I do not ever… EVER.. straighten it. I am a round brush girl through and through. If you want body, straightening it is counterproductive, unless you’re using it like a curling iron. If you’re loyal to your flat iron, then try not straightening the roots so you can still get lift and volume. I also wash it about 2 times a week, and that’s it. You CAN train your hair to be able to do that, and I think using a good bit of product helps keep your hair from getting greasy and dirty looking. I was once an every day hair washer, too. So my hair is nothing special and yours can do it too. It just takes time and stretching it little by little.

As far as maintanence goes, I have tons of layers to help me create body, and I get my hair cut and colored every 12 weeks like clockwork. I won’t necessarily need length taken off every single time, but I always need my layers freshened back up so that it styles well. If you’re wanting volume and body, I find that’s really hard to achieve with hair that is nearly all the same length. As I mentioned above, I wash my hair about 1-2 times a week. When drying it, I get it almost completely dry before I even start using the round brush. If you’re starting off with a sopping wet head and a round brush, you’re going to be there a while, and it will be a very long process. Once my hair is nearly dry, I then start sectioning off starting with the very bottom layer. The smaller the sections, the more body your hair will have. I typically do larger sections to round brush the bottom layers, and then I do smaller sections on the top of my head for added volume. If it needs to be freshened up between washes, I throw in some dry shampoo listed below and run my round brush back through it with my hair dryer on high heat or I use a curling iron/wand to throw some movement in it.

When it comes to products, I do think some are worth paying more for (and most of the products I feel that way about are straight product recommendations from Lauren.) BUT, I have tried a heck of a lot of products and some of my very favorite are drugstore brand. My everyday shampoo + conditioner, voluming mousse (I haven’t tried the B&B one Lauren recommends, but that will be happening and I’m sure it will be a favorite), and hairspray all come from Kroger or Target. Above you can click the “Shop My Favorite” and then “hair products” to see all of these products again as this post gets pushed down, but here is my arsenal. They’re also linked below the list.

John Freida Touchably Full Shampoo + Conditioner for Color Treated Hair / $6.99 a piece – if you’re going to pay for the color, make sure you’re using products that keep your hair color rich for as long as possible.

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse / $4.99 – as a girl that loves big hair, you better believe I have tried quite a plethora of voluming products, and I typically always come back to this one. I start with it at the roots and then work it through all of my hair before round brushing. If you’re an air dry kind of girl, this is not for you.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry / $30 – Now this right here is worth every penny of $30 to me. It is described as being “Part mousse (but way lighter), part salt spray (but less gritty) – for big, beachy texture with heat-styled polish.” And, I would have to agree with that. It is REALLY amazing if you like a lot of body and want to thicken your hair. I typically put it in with the Tresemme mousse when I round brush my hair. Again, this is not for you if you let your hair air dry. I buy mine locally at Salon 11, but if you want to order online you can do so at the link below.

Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Spray / $30 – This stuff is amazing. Because this guy isn’t cheap, I primarily use it when I am actually styling my hair for an event or outing (date night/ girls night/ wedding/ etc.) If I’m just washing my hair for the week and will primarily be at home chasing babies, I use the one below. I buy this locally at Salon 11, but there is a link below to purchase online if you aren’t local.

TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo / $5 – This is a really great drugstore dry shampoo. If you’re not into spending a lot on hair products, go get this bad boy. (Although like I mentioned, some are very much worth paying for.)  I style my hair about once a week and I put this in as soon as I’ve styled it to help my hair make it longer before washing. I find most dry shampoos work better if you use them before your hair is in need of dry shampoo. I also really like this one because I think it works well on dark hair, too. There’s nothing worse than dark hair that has visible, white dry shampoo in it, ha.

Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Hairspray / $4 – I use this hairspray for a lighter hold. I spray each section after I round brush it and this gives you some hold, but not the feeling like you have hair spray in your hair. You can still run your fingers through it, and it looks very natural.

Chi Helmet Head Hairspray / $22 – This does exactly what it says it does. Wherever you spray this, your hair is not moving, girlfriend. So, I recommend you spray wisely and spray once you have your hair exactly how you want it and don’t want it to move. I do this primarily for weddings and special events but it is really great for side bangs, and pieces you need to stay put without pinning.

Rusk Speed Freak Hairdryer / $119 – A good hair dryer is very, very important. A  key component of styling hair is heat. You aren’t going to get a good blow out with a hair dryer that isn’t getting hot enough. This thing gets HOT, and has a conveniently placed cold button so you can set your curl. I have now had 3 of these in the last 10 or so years. So yes, they last a good while and I think they are worth every penny IF you are doing blow outs regularly. If you’re primarily drying your hair to straighten it or style it some other way, this may not be your best route.

Ion Pink Ceramic Anti-Frizz Ceramic Round Brush Size Large / $7 – I really love this round brush. I’ve tried low end to high end round brushes and this has been my go-to for years. I get it at Sally’s Beauty Supply. It’s inexpensive, which is nice considering the heat from my hair dryer eventually warps the bristles of any brush so I would rather not have a super expensive one. I use the large barrel size since my hair is longer, so if your hair is a bit shorter simply size down to get a tighter curl.

Pintail Tease Comb / $3.50 – I also get this at Sally’s. It has long and short “teeth” so it teases very well. I prefer this metal end for pulling my hair into sections to tease it.

That’s it, folks!

I don’t know a lot about brows, but I DO know who to trust with taking care of mine. Eyebrows are a key feature to shaping your face, so I highly recommend going to someone that really knows what they’re doing. If you want my two cents, if you live in the Jackson metro area or anywhere close, you should really just go to Raegan. She’s THE brow queen. You’ll walk into her room for a brow wax, and be out in 5 minutes with the best eyebrows you’ve ever had. She just gets it. She can look at your face and know exactly what you need done. She does the works – waxing, tinting, microblading. You name it, she does it — And does it WELL. (No this is not a sponsored post, she’s just that good.)

I’m going to answer some of the main questions I’ve gotten below. If you have more, feel free to reach out to me. I’m happy to share more details of my experience.

Also, if you’re interested in having Microblading done, please know my positive experience and raving review is largely in part to WHO did them. I personally would not go to someone who just started recently, or doesn’t have a repertoire of before-and-afters photos you can see featuring work they did themselves. Microblading is a semi-permanent form of tattooing and is no joke. So you want to ensure you’re getting the right shade of pigment, shape, etc. and it really takes an expert to do that. Raegan is a Brow Design International Certified Microblading Artist, one of only 47 in the country. SO, all that to say… please don’t go to Sally Sue who started microblading this month and is offering a special of $300 and expect the same experience. (Not knocking Sally Sue — we all have to start somewhere but hot diggity, these are your eyebrows that are {semi} permanently on your face!)

Here are a few of the questions I’ve been asked most. Raegan helped with these, and I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have.

What is microblading? Microblading is a semi permanent form of cosmetic tattooing.  It lasts 1-2 years on average depending on your skin type.  It does not go as deep into the skin as a traditional tattoo resulting in hairlike strokes close to the surface of the skin.  The results are a much more natural alternative to traditional permanent cosmetic techniques.

How much does microblading cost? The initial session costs $600 and includes 1 perfecting session 4-6 weeks after your initial session.

Do you think it was worth it/Are you happy with yours? Absolutely! I have loved the results. 

How long does it typically take each session? The initial session takes about 2.5 hours. Touch-ups vary depending on the client’s needs. 

How long does it take them to heal? You’ll need to wait 10 days to wear make up on them, or get them wet. (This includes sweat.) They typically are fully healed after 4 weeks. 

Who is microblading ideal for? Microblading is for anyone who  wants to enhance the look of their eyebrows.  Eyebrows frame your face and by making them perfectly placed and symmetrical they can truly open up your eyes and give you a more youthful appearance.  Great for busy moms or working women with no extra time on their hands.  People with trichotillomania, alopecia, or anyone who is simply unhappy with their brows, microblading is your answer.  

Who shouldn’t get microblading? Raegan has a list of circumstances in which microblading is not recommended that can be found here.

Does it hurt? Yes girlfriend, it does. I think its safe to say it hurts some more than others. Your first “pass” is done without numbing cream, and then your second (and if needed, third) pass are done with topical numbing cream. I think the numbing cream works differently on everyone. It did lessen the pain for me, but it was still uncomfortable, I’m not going to lie. I mean those puppies up there aren’t red for nothing!

How long does it typically last? 1-2 years

Can you have microblading done if you’re pregnant? No.

Anything someone should know before going into a microblading appointment? The sound. No one told me it sounds weird. So here’s your warning. Also, everyone’s skin is different and will take the pigment differently. So, results will obviously vary. 

* Raegan’s gorgeous studio is located in Ridgeland at 500 Highway 51 Suite W, Ridgeland, MS 39157. It is in-between Kosmos Salon & College Corner. I love that she takes appointments through her website, and you can pay there as well. (praise hands)

Here’s a little peak of her space! Tell her I said hey when you go, and give her a big hug for me!*

Every time Fall comes around, this is the first thing I want to whip up! My mom has made this for years, and it’s one of the biggest hits in our family cookbook. Let me start by saying, this isn’t something that has a strong pumpkin flavor. Tyler isn’t a big fan of pumpkin flavored anything, and he really enjoys this… Our whole house does, actually. Which is why I could only photograph half of the cake, because the other side is gone, ha. But the fact that it isn’t super “pumpkiny” makes it a great thing to take to fall parties and events because it seems mostly everyone can enjoy it!

And can you EVER go wrong with homemade cream cheese frosting? Fair warning, if you’ve never made it before…. it’s very dangerous once you know how easy it is. And last little note, it’s delicious on cinnamon rolls, too. You’re welcome.

Pumpkin Spice Cake

• 4 eggs 
• 1 lb canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions 

• Beat eggs and pumpkin with an electric mixer
• Once smooth, add sugar and oil. Mix thoroughly
• Add remaining dry ingredients
• Mix until smooth
• Spread into a 10×16 pan lightly sprayed oiled (we use Pam Cooking Spray)
• Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes (We check ours at 30. If your pan is more shallow or deep, adjust your cooking time accordingly. You can test to see if it’s ready by sticking a knife in it, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!)
• Cool cake before icing

Cream Cheese Frosting 

• 6 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup margarine softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Directions 

• Blend cream cheese and margarine together with an electric mixer
• Add in vanilla
• Add in powdered sugar
• Mix well until smooth
• Spread evenly on cake

*You can cut these into bars if you’d like. Cake or bars can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature.

Whew! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve made my way over here. I tell you, only I would start a blog and find out two and a half weeks later I am pregnant, ha! Needless to say, I had to take a little breather and focus on keeping my people alive. (Well, and myself for that matter.) It’s been a crazy, sleepy, 12 weeks full of lots of naps and take-out, but we couldn’t be more excited to be adding another little one to our family! Tyler and I have always wanted a lot of kids (I think Tyler would have ten), and we’re thrilled the Lord has blessed us with another peanut! #GiveMeAllTheBabies

Now that I am no longer likely to be found sleeping while standing up, I hope to make my way back over to this space a bit more. Thank you for hanging in there, and also for being so excited about our newest addition coming in May!

I do want to add, if you’re in the trenches of trying to get pregnant or grow your family, please know I’m sending you the biggest hug I have. We have been there… and there was a time we weren’t sure we were ever going to see the light again out of that dark place. Baby announcements from other people don’t make it any brighter, either. I can vividly remember our season of waiting with Breck and seeing a new one every day. And it stings. I hope that sting is short, and you can find hope that there IS life and babies after a long journey where you’re not sure you’re ever going to get there… after tests results that don’t go your way … talks of infertility… and everything in between. We have been there, and let me tell you… when you get to come out of that dark place, the light is even better than you remember.

So, if you need an ear to listen… If you want to pick my brain about our journey… anything, please message me. I can’t thank the women enough that were there for me when I was going through it. Their advice and encouragement were worth more than gold. And let me finish with this, the Lord IS faithful. Your cries do NOT fall on deaf ears, I promise you. And when you do meet your baby, you’ll know exactly why you had to wait. The Lord is teaching you something, and he uses this time of waiting in BIG, BIG ways. I remember telling myself every single month we got a negative pregnancy test that I was one month closer to getting to meet the baby the Lord had just for us. And let me tell you, that Breck boy was worth every single minute of the nearly year wait to get pregnant with him. Hang in there sister, there IS light!

Okay, on a MUCH lighter note, and to sharply shift gears to much more insignificant things… I am going to try to get back in the swing of things here and I have a few posts coming up soon: 1. how I style my hair and who my go-to hair stylist is in Jackson 2. Who takes care of these eyebrows and did my Microblading… and a few more things up my sleeve if I can get it together, ha!

In the meantime, enjoy these excited little peanuts! I can’t wait to see them as big brother and big sister to our newest little one.

As our family and business have grown, I’ve found it has become more difficult to keep Tyler and I synced as far as our calendars/needed groceries/etc.  I’ve heard many wives/moms ask about this over the years so I figured I would share what has worked well for us. We’ve done a good bit of trial and error, and have finally found a system that seems to be working really well for us.

I’ll start by saying, Tyler primarily keeps up with his calendar digitally, and I am very visual and need everything written out. So, we have a combination of those two styles to keep things organized.

I’ll start with the Calendar app that comes on our iPhones. We both use Gmail Calendars that are synced into the app. My calendar is then synced with his work calendar, and anything he needs to be at for the kids is added there. Pretty simple! I have my own calendar, but can also click over so I can also pull up his week and see what all he has going on. Knowing if he will be out of town for the day, in a late meeting, etc helps me plan dinner and our evenings.

Next up, we have this trusty $10 white and gold calendar from Target pictured above (it’s on November so you’re not overwhelmed by my 5 year old boy handwriting that’s all over September and October.) This little guy is my favorite. Like I previously mentioned, I’m a very visual person and a digital calendar with everything hiding down in the days just doesn’t work for me. SO, I got this bad boy, and a magnet hook from Amazon and I stuck the calendar on our refrigerator. That way, I can see it often and it keeps me really organized with all four of our schedules. Tyler writes his important dates on it – such as if he is out of town overnight, but it doesn’t have his entire work calendar on it. If I need to see that, I go to the Apple Calendar app. (**Let me help a sister out and go ahead and tell you this little guy is NOT in Target stores — at least not in the Jackson area. You have to order it online. So for the love of all things Target, do not go there hoping to find this little gem and as a result spend a million dollars on other things you didn’t even know you needed. BUT it can arrive on your doorstep.)

Lastly, we really love Google Keep. I make tons of lists in this app (individualized packing lists if we’re going out of town, to do lists, reminder lists, etc) and then Tyler and I also have synced lists that we can both edit from our individual phones. This works great for grocery lists, honey-do lists, needed errands, etc. This has been SUPER helpful for us. For example, I often think of things I need Tyler to do during the day while I’m at home. Instead of sending him messages about it while he’s in meetings, I drop it in our mutual list for him to see later when he has time to check the app. We also have a grocery list that’s been really helpful and functional for us. We both add and check off stuff, and anytime one of us pops in the store, we check the list to see if there are other things that need to be purchased. *You have to activate the checklist system in the app, and I highly recommend you do that in order to maximize the functionality of it!

That’s the rundown on what’s working for us right now. If you have apps or systems that work for your family, I’d love to hear them!

So I am sure you know by now, I did not come up with this recipe. Nope. Norma over at Lyra & Jane did, and she’s been saving me one recipe at a time for quite a while. Her recipes are always really fresh and flavorful — my favorite!

Now, I know it looks like a lot more work than unscrewing the top of that salsa in a jar but let me just say, it. is. worth. it. And it’s actually really easy. It just all goes in a food processor and VIOLA!

Disclaimer: my husband will no longer eat jarred salsa, or salsa in the premade section at the grocery store. So if you’re not ready to have to make fresh salsa just about every week, maybe don’t try this one, ha. We put it on just about everything, and it keeps for about a week. I think it’s more flavorful a day or two after I make it.

This is a great, easy recipe to take to the beach, to a tailgating party, as an appetizer for dinner with friends, you name it — it fits the bill. So without further adieu, Norma’s delicious salsa recipe is below.

Ingredients {makes ~4 1/2 cups}

• 5 tomatoes, cut into chunks
• 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
• 3 garlic cloves (get the real deal, people. No squeeze garlic.)
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• juice of 1/4 lime or lemon {whatever you prefer– I have tried it both ways and I like lime. Also, it depends on how big your lime is– I’ve used 1/4 of a large lime or a whole small lime}
• 1/3 cup diced bell peppers  {I used a mix of colors}
• 1/2 bundle of cilantro, stems included (Feel free to adjust depending on how much you like cilantro — I typically start with 1/4 a bundle and increase as needed)
• 1 jalapeño, cut in half and remove seeds (leave the seeds in for an extra kick)
• optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste  {I ended up adding this at the end because the tomatoes I used did not have a strong tomato flavor, so if you have flavorful tomatoes, you probably won’t need this}

Directions

1. Throw all ingredients in a food processor. Mix for about 30 seconds or until ingredients are finely chopped and blended. Season with salt & pepper to taste and add tomato paste if needed. Quickly blend to mix.

*Taste after blending and feel free to add more of something depending on your taste preferences! Also, I scoop the seeds and insides out of the tomato so it’s less runny. That’s just a personal preference.

Okay, let’s chat for just a minute. I went for my annual appointment with my obgyn this week and I saw someone there I knew, that to my knowledge was not pregnant, with her husband and a nice little rolled up batch of sonogram pictures.  This is unchartered territory for many but let’s chat about unspoken etiquette. I have been on both sides of this little scenario. Over the last 3 years, I’ve had a lot of appointments at Jackson Healthcare for Women – some with my husband signifying a pregnancy… and some without him where I saw other people there with their husband, most likely signifying a pregnancy. (And if you go to this clinic, you know it’s massive and you’re never going to go and not run into someone you know.)

First things first, if you see someone there with their husband and you don’t know if they’re pregnant, you do not… I repeat… you do not have to avoid them like the plague. It makes things even more awkward. Say hello! Obviously there’s an elephant in the room (or maybe a stork) but don’t treat it as such! We’re all in this together, girlfriend. Likewise, if you’re the pregnant one holding the batch of sonogram pictures, don’t be scared to speak.

Secondly, what you see within the walls of that office is not to be shared. If someone is there with their husband and no pregnancy announcement yet – I really don’t think it’s anyone’s place to tell about it. Not to your best friend. Not to your group chat of close friends. Nowhere. Is that hard? YES! But that’s their news to tell. Not to mention, the first trimester is a very volatile time and if you haven’t been on the other side of that before, I hope you are someday! It’s an exciting but nerve-racking time. And let’s just flip the scenario, can you imagine going to your first appointment for a pregnancy at say, 6 weeks,  and you see someone who happens to know a lot of the same people you do. It’s likely you’ve only told your family at this point, and would you want them telling anyone you’re friends with before you got the opportunity?? Nope, and even if you’re telling someone one they distantly know, news spreads like wildfire, people! I’ve had people know I was pregnant before I even shared with my closest friends simply because someone we knew saw us at the doctor’s office.

It’s that simple! Speak to people you know, and let’s all make that office a safe place where we’re all on each other’s team — not sharing anyone else’s news and just simply praying for a healthy pregnancy and that you get to see some exciting news in the upcoming weeks as they make it out of the first trimester. That’s some of the most exciting news to get to share, and I really think the mom and dad of that little peanut should be the first to share the news.

So there’s my two cents that you didn’t even really ask for, ha.

Also, while we’re on the topic of women’s health – you all are my people. And I love my people. So let’s all make sure we’re going for our annual appointments, k? Getting the annual testing done. The works. You are your biggest advocate, and this is IMPORTANT. If you’re apprehensive, don’t know what to expect, don’t currently have a doctor, not sure where to go, whatever it may be, feel free to reach out to me! I’m happy to answer anything I can.

And what we have just done here is solified if I had any male readers, they’re now gone — ha!   ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I warned you by titling this “girl talk” buddy.

Today I’m taking you inside one of my favorite little shops. Nestled in the heart of Canton on the square is this little gem, Farmhouse. If you haven’t been, I sure hope you have some free time this weekend because you’ll be wanting to make a little trip north.

The shop is owned by the sweetest couple — Tom and Renee D’Agostino. Maybe I’m a wee bit partial, but I sure do love a husband and wife duo that are in business together! These two are super creative – Renee has an incredible eye for staging and decor (I mean step inside the store and you’ll quickly want to invite her over to do your whole house!) and Tom is a self taught woodworker. I mean can you say dream. team.

The store has a little bit of everything, and that’s one of the many reasons I love it. Looking for the perfect gift? They’ve got it. Need a knick knack for your home? They’ve got it. Need a statement light fixture or piece of furniture? They’ve got it. Seasonal decor? They’ve got it. A precious baby gift? Got that too.

I’m telling you, it’s worth the drive. So grab a friend and make a little trip to Canton, girlfriend. I may or may not suggest stopping for a hot fudge milkshake at Sonic on your way. (I also may or may not do that nearly every time I head that way.) I mean, it IS right there when you get off at the Canton exit, begging you to pull in. And shopping is better with ice cream, am I right?

Enjoy, friends! Tell Renee I said hello, too! (Also, if you can’t make it up there before, they will have a booth at Mistletoe Marketplace. So, be sure to find them!)

Farmhouse is located at 141 West Peace Street, Canton, MS 39046. Their phone number is 601.391.3129. Their hours are Monday – Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm. Their website is www.farmhouseinterior.com

I’m a big fan of dewy, glowing skin. I have never been able to pull of the matte look when it comes to foundation or lip products. I love that look on other people, but I need some glow to look alive — but not so much that I look oily. Above you’ll find my two very, very favorites for brightening my skin and making it look dewy without looking oily, and the best part is… they don’t cost the price of your kidney on the black market.

First up is the Herbivore BRIGHTEN Instant Glow Mask. Y’all, I love this stuff. I use it 3 days in a row before a big event, and once a week if I don’t have much going on and I’m just trying to maintain my skin. It is an all natural mask and is made with fruit enzymes, rice powder, and tourmaline gemstone. I’m not going to lie, I have not jumped completely aboard the all natural train so I’m not going to pretend I have (much of my skincare does not fall in the all natural category). BUT, if that’s something that’s important to you, this fits the bill. If that’s not important to you, that’s great too because this will also work great on you, and I’ve tried all the stuff with all the chemicals too, ha!

Something I really like about this mask is that it has a gentle exfoliator. Most of the time I find that many products with exfoliating properties are too abrasive for my skin type, and honestly, they’re probably too abrasive for most skin types. You want it to slough off dead cells, not tear the skin. So, I am super particular about masks and my skincare products in general, and let me tell you I really really love this little guy. He is linked below and only a whopping $48 and lasts a really long time! I order it from Nordstrom because it ships for free. I’ve tagged it below for you!

Directions: Apply a thin layer to clean skin. Slight tingling is normal with this mask as it works to brighten and exfoliate the skin. Leave on 15–20 minutes or until mask is completely dry. Rinse with warm water. Sensitive skin: Leave on 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. For the first three nights, use nightly. After the third night, use 2–3 nights per week.

Tips for use: Only use this mask at night as you do not want to expose skin to sunlight directly following use. Use SPF during the day after using this mask to maintain results and avoid sun damage. Slight to moderate tingling is normal with this mask. Be sure to stir it before applying since some of the components may settle.

Next up, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater. Y’ALL. This stuff is amazing. I use it to set my make up if I actually put a full face of it on, and if I don’t, I use it in the morning, after the gym, and throughout the day just to refresh my face. I will even give myself a spritz after my night creams and before bed if my skin is feeling really dehydrated. I really think it is the product that makes the biggest difference in how my skin looks and feels. It is very much a water based product and not at all oily, like you may think. It really helps hydrate your skin, and also has soothing components that help with redness. Mario Badescu says it is for all skin types. I linked two different sizes of this product below. One is 4oz and is $7, if you want to just test it out to see if it’s for you first. The second one is $12, and it is an 8oz bottle if you’re feeling confident, girlfriend.

Directions: Mist onto face and neck throughout the day, as needed to give your skin a quick boost anytime, anywhere. Spray your day and night creams for a boost of hydration or use it to set make-up. 

Thank you so much for coming by! I’ve always had a love for this whole blogging thing, but with starting a business + 2 babies in just a matter of 4 years, things have stayed pretty hectic and crazy around here. But I’m back — revamped and ready to roll! I can’t wait to share some of my favorite things with you. Whether it’s my favorite baby linens, hair products, quick dinners, drapes, gifts for new moms, or wardrobe staples – you’ll find it all right here. I’m going to try to keep my “Shop” tab above updated regularly with things you’ll see on the blog, as well as on my Instagram feed and stories.

If you have more ideas for me as I get this baby rolling, I’d love to hear from you! Coming up: my favorite hair products and hair stylist, all the details on having my eyebrows microbladed, how Tyler and I keep our schedules organized using two specific apps, and more!