Since I work from home, most days I’m rocking the “no-makeup makeup” look. Let’s be clear: I have no qualms about going makeup-free, but I realized quickly that a little makeup and a few minutes will go a long way to making my “no makeup” look feel a little more polished. Plus, it makes me feel more productive when I’m working from home. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to look fresh and pulled together without putting on … Read More
Natural Nail Polish Smack Down
In an effort to clean up my beauty routine, I decided to target what might be the worst offending category – nail polish. Seriously, guys, I don’t even want to know what’s in most conventional nail polish. As Ainsley’s gotten older and I’ve thought about painting her nails I just didn’t have a lot of peace about using regular nail polish on her little nails. So, I asked for recommendations of your favorite natural brands, ordered them all on my … Read More
Weeknight Dinner // Baked Garlic Ham & Cheese Sliders
Nine times out of 10 I try my best to put a really wholesome dinner on the table. I love feeding my family and make every effort to fuel our bodies with food that not only tastes good but leaves you feeling good, too. But let’s be honest, sometimes hungry husbands and picky toddlers win out and you just want a recipe that’s going to be a weeknight winner. Am I right?! On nights like those, I know that I … Read More
Building Your Mommy Tribe
This is a sponsored post written on behalf of The Women Bloggers in association with @KendalKingGroup and #SoapboxInfluence; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. When we moved back to Iowa last year I was a little nervous about finding new mom friends. Sure, I grew up in this small town, but I had no idea what to expect living here as an adult. Thankfully, we got plugged in fairly quickly and I’ve been working on building relationships with … Read More
Pretty in Purple + Tiny Tags Giveaway
Outfit Details // Brixon Ivy Lace Detail Dress (Stitch Fix) // Tiny Tags Mini Dog Tag Necklace // Shoes from my wedding five years ago! The Christmas before Ainsley was born, there was only one thing on my wish list: A Tiny Tags mini dog tag necklace inscribed with Ainsley’s name. I’ve never been a huge jewelry person, but I saw the necklace on my friend Natalie’s blog and just had to have one for myself. Thankfully, my Aunt Gwen … Read More
Natural Contouring Tutorial
Good afternoon, ladies! Thank you all so much for your great response to my last makeup video tutorial. I may not be the most skilled at heavy makeup, but I’m your girl when it comes to natural looking, easy makeup. Today I wanted to share with you my easy, natural routine for contouring your face. It’s great for giving your face definition and shape but not so extreme that you look like you’re ready for a red carpet or photo … Read More
Easy Weeknight Meal // Black Bean & Grain Enchiladas (Vegetarian + Non Veg Versions)
Easy weeknight meals. Gosh, isn’t everyone in search of more of those? Honestly, despite the fact that the kitchen is my happy place, I still get flustered and frustrated about weeknight dinnertime. We all know how rushed it can feel to get a meal on the table in the short two hours between 5 and 7. You know, after work and before the kiddos totally melt down and refuse to eat because they are tired? The rush to eat dinner, … Read More
Stitch Fix Lately
It’s been way too long since I’ve last posted about Stitch Fix, hasn’t it? I’ve had a lot of friends and family ask if I’ve still be getting monthly fixes, and the answer is a resounding YES. I’ve had a mixed relationship with Stitch Fix over the past few years. Some of my fixes were pretty lackluster and didn’t fit my style or my requests, and I thought about canceling my subscription for a while. But about a year ago … Read More
Sweet Potato and Cranberry Muffins
Now that our family has gotten into a little bit more of a routine and Ainsley is eating more “real people” food, I’ve been trying to think ahead a bit more. Although I’ve never been huge on meal prep or advance planning, it’s become a new part of my weekend reality. Doing about an hour’s worth of prep each weekend prevents me from spending crazy amounts of money on fruit + veggie pouches or feeding Ainsley endless pb&j sandwiches – … Read More
My Every Day Hero
**This post was sponsored by Imprint. All opinions are my own. Last night we were chatting with friends about the first year of parenthood. Guys? I’m not joking when I say the first year is the strangest mix of challenging and wonderful all bundled up together. No matter how many books we read or how many people we talked to, there was no way for us to really prepare for the life-changing reality of adding a little person into our … Read More
Quick & Easy Every Day Makeup
Good morning! If you’re time-pressed like I am most days, then you probably find getting ready every morning to be a little bit of a pain. Hey, I want to look put-together and pretty like everyone else, but the idea of spending a lot of time doing so isn’t my jam. Thankfully over the last number of months as a mom I’ve perfected my quick and easy makeup routine. It takes about 6 minutes (maybe less when I’m not trying to … Read More
What I’m Wearing // Weekday Mommy Wardrobe Edition
When I first transitioned from pre-baby life in the corporate world to my new life as a freelancer and mom, I had a little bit of a style identity crisis. My body had gone through so many changes and sizes, I didn’t have use for all the corporate dress clothes that I wore before baby, and the only clothes I had purchased for the cooler weather were last year’s maternity items. I was more than a little lost! Over the … Read More