Thursday, August 20, 2015

Current skin care routine!

I wanted to talk about my new updated skin care routine since it's changed quite a bit since my last skin care blog! I've been using this routine for months now because I wanted to be sure I loved it before sharing it! 

Let's start by saying: I no longer use my clarisonic. I haven't in almost a year now because I started noticing my skin was developing red areas around my nose and cheeks. I did love it in the beginning but I think it just got too harsh for my skin. Almost immediately after I stopped using it, the redness started disappearing and now, I have no redness at all! Also between then and now I read Jessica Alba's book called "The Honest Life" which really opened my eyes and caused me to be more mindful of what I put on my skin. What we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our bodies! So i started searching for more natural products, with less of the yucky chemicals and my skin is better than it's ever been! 

Most of you know it wasn't an easy journey for me to get pregnant. I had to put my body through a lot (I will get into that in another blog if anyone in interested.) but needless to say, when your body goes through any kind of hormone changes, your skin changes too. I've been pretty lucky because it seems like my skin has gotten BETTER. I have noticed that I am a little oily now in my t-zone, when before my skin was extremely dry, but other than that, my skin has been breakout-free & I really believe it's from cutting out the harsh chemicals where I can. It's impossible (at least for me) to have a completely organic, plant-based beauty regimen just because I love to get glammed up every now and then, but small changes can make a big difference.

MORNING:

I start out my morning with a fresh clean face that I washed the night before. I just rinse with water during my morning shower. Then, I take a cotton pad and put some of the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water on it and gently wipe my entire face. This stuff is really awesome, It removes all the makeup or dirt that your cleanser may have left behind. Once that dries, I moisturize with my Origins Ginzing Energy boosting cream. This is a very light-weight, citrusy moisturizer, it absorbs into the skin so nicely. No stickiness or oiliness, perfect for morning time because that's the last thing you want to feel throughout the day.

I think not using foundation unless I'm going somewhere nice or maybe once a week if I feel like putting on a full face has really helped my skin. On a regular day to day basis, I have been using this BB cream by Tarte. It's free of all the chemicals you don't want on your face everyday and its light to medium coverage is perfect for evening out your skin tone while also offering sun protection. I apply this with my clean fingers.

NIGHT TIME:
So first things first, I have to remove the day! I have been using coconut oil as eye makeup remover and it works SO well!! It's perfect for removing tough mascara and eyeliner. I just get a dab on my (clean) fingers and very gently rub my eyes. Keep them closed because it's pretty uncomfortable if you get the oil in your eyes. Then I take a Simple Eye makeup Remover pad and wipe away the oil & the makeup will slide right off with it. I am not a big fan of these pads on their own just because they aren't tough enough to remove all my mascara but mixed with the coconut oil is perfect because of their moisture, a dry cotton pad doesn't quite do the job.

Lastly, I wash my face with either my Origins Checks and Balances frothy face wash or Origins Ginzing face scrub. (I use the scrub every 2-3 days) and apply my night cream, Origins Night-A-Mins. This moisturizer is pretty thick but I love it because it's not sticky. It makes my skin feel amazing come morning time!

I haven't bought any more masks since I ran out of my glam glow just because I don't know which one I want to try next, but I have been getting oxygen facials and they are to die for! Talk about pampering. If you live in San Angelo, go see Thana at the Waterford for a truly relaxing experience.

So that's that! Short and pretty simple I'd say! Nothing too crazy. If you haven't read The Honest Life, and you're into incorporating safer products into not only your beauty and skin care routine, but your home & everyday life, check that book out. It has so much information about how to do so & she even has her own line of products. (Beauty products coming soon that I am eager to try!!)
Thanks so much for reading!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

12 week bumpdate



How far along: 12 weeks

Size of babies: plums!!!

Babies' size and weight: size of large plums, a full half ounce!

My total weight gain: 4 lbs 

Baby's development: fetal digestive system is beginning to practice contraction movements necessary for eating, and bone marrow is busy making white blood cells 

Stretch marks: None.

Maternity clothes: Not yet

Gender: Hopefully we will find out at our next appointment! We both want a boy & a girl! 

Movement: Not that I can feel but they were both wiggling like crazy at my last ultrasound

Sleep: I've never been one to wake up in the middle of the night, but this entire pregnancy that's all I've done. I wake up 1-2 times a night either having a hot flash or to go to the bathroom. I guess my body is preparing me for what's to come!

What I miss: nothing! I'd give up anything for these two babies!

Food cravings: comfort food! I'm ready for winter so I can make things like chicken & dumplings, beans & corn bread, etc.

Symptoms: pretty much just exhaustion. I've gotten sick a few times but it hasn't been anything consistent. 

Casey is: so amazing! He's so ready to be a daddy it's the most precious thing! And he's so good at taking care of me.

What I'm looking forward to: our next ultrasound and hopefully finding out the genders!! And cooler weather. I'm so thankful I won't be super pregnant while the temps are in the 100's!! 

Best moments: Seeing our babies move for the first time at our last appointment. My heart exploded!!!!!