Natural Blemish Busting Cleansers

I am a natural skin care hippy. Yeah, you read that right. I am pretty fervent on incorporating as many natural products into my skin care routine. It's like a fun little quest I am always undertaking. I also take a simple and economic approach to skin care, trying to use as few products on my skin with products that don't break my bank account. I can't really say the same for my makeup products, as that's an even more challenging quest, and gosh darn it, I like makeup. So, I'm not a complete hippy - just a cleanser/moisturizer/treatment hippy.

When it comes to the drugstore, I've almost completely given up on the skin care aisle, and head straight to the organic skin care section. There you will find products that are free from parabens, pthalates, sulfates, and synthetic chemicals. I'll explain more on another post on why you should avoid said things, because that's a whole 'nother topic for a whole 'nother time! (In fact, if you saw me tweeting yesterday, I was very upset at how difficult it is to find natural ingredients in mainstream skin care items.)

 I am acne-prone, and have suffered from it since I hit puberty. It's kind of weird and silly to be in my late twenties and having to deal with such an adolescent bugaboo (ten points for me for using awesome vocabulary, btw). The Clarisonic has definitely helped me keep it at bay, but ever since I got pregnant, this seems to be a never-ending fight. My hormones are working overtime, and it seems to be showing on my face more than usual.

So, in the spirit of being acne-prone and on a quest for natural skin care, I wanted to focus on two of my favorite cleansers right now. These cleansers contain a natural form of Salicylic Acid found in Willow Bark Extract. Salicylic Acid is known for it's blemish fighting properties and exfoliation benefits. I like both of these cleansers very much, and recommend them to anyone who battles with blemishes.

Two great things about these two cleansers:

1. Both of these cleansers can be found at your local drugstore in the organic skin care section!

2. Each of these cleansers will run you $10 or under!

Here are my picks!

 

{one} 

Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser

 I find that I go through this cleanser fairly fast, as it's kind of got a watery textrue. It has a medicinal, natural smell to it, isn't irritating to my skin and really helps to keep me clear. Overall, I really like this cleanser and have repurchased twice.

{two}
Alba Botanica ACNEdote Deep Pore Wash

I am actually really loving this cleanser a whole lot. It was on special at Target when I got it, and was $7.99, although it looks like it runs $8.99 normally. The smell is lovely and very similar to the Burt's Bees. It is also a larger quantity of product, with a thicker texture. It foams up nicely, and I could really tell a difference in my skin after using this only a few times. I'm currently using this cleanser, and have been for a couple of weeks.


So, there you have it! If you have any questions over anything, please feel free to ask! Hope this helps you on your journey to clear skin! If you already have flawless skin, then stop being so perfect and disregard this blog post. I'm sure you have flaws elsewhere. ;)

Also, NYC recaps start tomorrow! Holy crap, I have so many pictures- it's taking me days to sort through and edit them! Be patient with me!

I. Love. Crumbs.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am safe to say that I have found cupcake mecca. It is in small chain bakeshop that exists in only New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia and D.C. Pretty much everywhere besides Houston, TX. I traveled to this bakery whilst in NYC, and I found heaven.

Yes, you heard me right. The cupcake connoisseur has found her cupcake kryptonite. 

It's Crumbs Bake Shop.

I have only had two of the cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop, but they were, literally, the best cupcakes I've ever had in my life.

Exhibit A:

This is a milkshake cupcake accompanied by my hot coffee (shh! I know I'm not supposed to drink caffeine, but Baby O was asking for it). Marbled vanilla and chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting, and chocolate chips. I was too excited about this cupcake to notice that the coffee was in focus in this picture, and not really the cupcake. Whoops.

But wait! The nice surprise came with the filling! It was malty-goodness! OMG, it was milkshake cupcake heaven. Don't look at my pathetic excuse of cuticles, btw.

Exhibit B:

This is what was left of my Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcake. I ate almost all of it before I thought to take a picture of it. (That's a good sign of a fantastic cupcake or a craving pregnant woman - you decide.) The cake was a nice, moist, yellow cake, with peanut butter frosting and graham cracker pieces, filled with strawberry jam. It was perfection.

Crumbs. Oh, Crumbs. Why must you be so far away? Thank goodness you can order their cupcakes online and have them delivered. I have a feeling Baby O will be requesting some in the near future.

Oh, by the way, I'm back!! 

I'm happy to be home from my trip! It was a fantastic time and these next couple of posts will be dedicated to recaps! I have so many pictures to share with you, but I had to start with the good stuff (i.e. cupcakes). I also have a giveaway lined up that I'm way too excited about! I'll give you a hint: it has to do with this post.

Also, a HUGE thank you to all of my guest posters (if you haven't read the last 4 posts, you need to go now)! I loved each post so so much and I am so grateful that y'all were here for me when I was out in New York!

In the meantime, be patient with me as I catch up, and be excited as I move forward!

Guest Post: My BFF!

Finally, I've got my BFF, Katie, posting for me to end up my series of guest posts! This girl is seriously one of the funniest people I know, and she is truly one the best friends a girl could ask for. And I may or may not have teared up while reading this. Thank you, Katie, for guest posting! I heart you times infinity!!!


Hello, O. is Me readers! I am Katie from SeeKRead , some of you might recognize me. I am the girl who doesn't look like a model in the pictures Meg posts :) I kid I kid, I really am a model.

Anywho, I am not here to talk about how awesome, beautiful and skinny I am. I am here to talk about how awesome Meg is and what a amazing mother Meg is going to be. I would love for this post to be a surprise to her, but I think I got privileges like that taken away when I wanted to request "Freak of the Industry" and "Pussy Control" at her wedding. Someone's a prude... :) Meg has been one of my besties since we were about 14, however old you are in 9th grade. She is the Jenna Maroney (but not as weird, just a blonde actress) to my Liz Lemon (snarky, brunette, non-actress). She is also the Godmother to my son, The Toddler (I try to not say his name online but do slip on Twitter).

Caitlin (our other Bestie that Meg is visiting), Me, Meg

Meg was a rock during my pregnancy, which wasn't easy. The Toddler also had a NICU stay and I had a emergency c-section, needless to say, the SeeKReads were not doing well. She was there when I needed her, even there when I didn't realize how bad I needed her. Her positive attitude got me thru a very, very rough time. I pray daily that she doesn't have to go thru what I did. What did Meg get for all that amazingness? A kid who has done every bodily function possible for a baby/toddler to do all over her. My child is nothing but giving I tell ya.

Meg already had a one up on me in the Mommy game buy not freaking out during a poo explosion of epic proportions, all over her. She knew how to handle him quickly, and with out upsetting him. Where as I suggested praying for guidance and freaked out wondering how the heck I was going to live thru the baby stage.

My child would have no manners I am pretty sure if it wasn't for her. She makes him say his please and thank yous before he gets anything. Something I should probably be doing but in my mind I am just all "take it kid and go play with your iPhone". Yes, my 2 1/2 year old has a iPhone. Thanks to Auntie Meg. When hers broke (it can't really be used as a phone anymore) she gave it to him. I can't wait to get Baby O drums. Here are some pictures over time of Meg and The Toddler. I swear the only person he smiles in a picture for is her, or the dog.

This is from when Meg got to baby sit The Toddler for a week, while she was in the middle of planning her wedding, mind you. Life saver that girl is I tell ya! I think The Toddler was about 4 or 5 months old.

Okay, this is the only time I am going to tell you to ignore my child and bestie. Check out that waterfall of beautiful blonde pony tail in the back ground. If only my hair was as luxurious.

I love this picture! They both look so happy. The Toddler was about 11 months old here.

I really think he loved her more than me. No idea how old he is here. Meg probably knows.

Okay, he had just sat thru a wedding and I can tell by looking at his eyes he is super tired. I was in said wedding so Meg and my Mom got the honor of being harassed by him during the ceremony. Thanks guys!

Look! It's Mr. O! He is also going to be a awesome Dad. When I first had The Toddler he was very wary around him, like he was going to break him. Now they play all rough and I worry that The Toddler will break him. He is probably showing him pictures of Teddy Kennedy.

Y'all also get a bonus video! Yay right?!? I bet Meg is so glad I have this and am posting it to her blog :)

It was great showing off my kid and best friend to y'all. I promise I don't talk about my kid all the time. I also talk about books and True Blood! I am very exciting I tell ya. If that's your brand of exciting, be sure to check out my blog! Thank you!

Guest Post: Mary's Friday Etsy Favorites

I am so excited to have Mary from Serenity & Style guest post for me today! She is one of my favorite bloggers and a daily read of mine. Thank you, Mary, for volunteering to guest post. I love reading your Friday Etsy Favorites, so it's a pleasure for you to host them here toady!


Hello lovely O. is Me Readers!! I'm Mary Nevin and I blog over at Serenity & Style. I live in Atlanta and love to blog about cooking, traveling, figuring out life in my 20s, running and love in its many forms, and my many shenanigans, such as this picture below.

I'm so honored to do a guest post for the beautiful Meg. O. is Me is one of the very first blogs I read regularly and it remains not only one of my absolute favorite blogs but a source of joy in inspiration in my life!

I do a feature every Friday on my blog called Friday Etsy Favorites where I pick a few awesome Etsy items surrounding a particular theme. Since Meg was amazing and invited me to do a guest post, I thought I would do a Friday Etsy Favorites in honor of Meg O. and some things I think she would love!

Friday Etsy Favorites: O. is Me Edition

First, this lovely cupcake shirt via Dressing on the Side

I think Dexter needs this hilarious pet tag asap :)

A Beautiful Recipe Book to keep track of all the cooking goodness

In honor of Baby O, these adorable Typography Birth Prints

Hope you guys enjoy and Meg, I hope you Mr. O. and Baby O are having a wonderful time in NYC!

- MN

Guest Post: Emily's Top Photo Tips

Today I am so excited to have Emily post for you! I adore her photos on her blog and since I got a new DSLR camera in March, I've been wanting to learn more about how to use it. She seemed like a perfect person to ask, not to mention she is a Houston blogger! I threw the idea out of her posting her best photo tips and she graciously accepted and ran with it! Also make sure to go like her Photography Facebook Page after you check her blog out!


Hi, Emily here from Just the 2 of Us…and a Cat guest blogging for Meg while she is having an amazing time in NYC! My blog entry today will focus on a few things to know about your DSLR that will help in the process of improving your photos.

So You Want to Take a Better Photo?

A little background: I have always had a love for photography. I minored in it in college and it was always something I wanted to pursue. After planning our wedding for about 13 months I was at a loss at what to do; then decided to use photography as my creative outlet. So for Christmas/Birthday 2009 (my bday is Christmas Eve) my husband surprised me with a shiny new Nikon DSLR! I practiced for around a year before I started having paying clients, and before Fleurish Imagery came into the picture. I did the following to improve my shots, and to move into strictly shooting in manual mode.

LEARN YOUR CAMERA. If you have a DSLR you have so many options other than the dreaded Auto mode. Switching to Manual mode can be scary, but if you practice at it you will definitely see a difference!

APERTURE: that little number that reads 2.8, 3.5, 4, etc… the lower that number the more open your lens is therefore more light will come in. If you have the basic “kit lenses” they probably only go to 3.5. If you are looking at getting a different lens definitely check out the “nifty fifty.” You can get the 50mm/1.8 for under $200 and produces some great photos, plus you have more apertures to work with which makes it great for low lighting. I do not like to go below 2.8 usually, especially for people. I could go on and on about this so if you have questions just let me know!

ISO: These numbers read 200, 400, 600, etc… So if it is a sunny day you will set that number at 200. Lower light = higher number!

SHUTTER SPEED: This reads as 1/60, 1/80, 1/200, 1/400 etc… This determines your shutter speed, or how fast or slow your lens opens and closes. I know everyone has had that photo with a blurry face, hand, leg… that means your shutter speed was not fast enough.

Also, learn your focus meter. This can be set in different modes. When you look through your view finder look at something you want to focus on hold your button down half way and you should see some little red squares pop up – that is what your camera is focusing on! When you learn your focus you will also learn how to get that pretty bokeh effect – or blurred background. Ahhh I love a good blurred background!

BOKEH: To create a blurry background like in the photo above you want to not have your subject up against the background, wall, etc… you also want to focus on the subject not the background. Below is one of my favorite bokeh shots and it was shot with the 18-55mm kit lens about a week after I got my camera. Our toasting flutes and champagne, and that in the background is our Christmas tree, which was about 10 feet away or so.

FLASH: I know we all cannot afford a big fancy flash so to avoid the harsh flash in the face photos look into buying a lightscoop. It is a handy tool that snaps on to your on camera flash and will help not to give you the bright white blown photos

You can buy one here.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: It won’t come over night. I practiced for about a year. I started doing a lot of photo challenges in the blog world, photographed everything in my house, took my camera pretty much everywhere and I also picked up the book Understanding Exposure. It is a great book (which can be purchased on Amazon, or any book store) and really breaks everything down for you. You can also check out some intro classes. I know Houston has a Leisure Learning course for beginners, which is very informative and at an affordable price.

I hope you find these tips useful and with a little practice you will definitely see an improvement in your photos. I am always around to answer questions – feel free to stop by my blog, or shoot me an email as well. I will also leave you with one of my favorite shots from a recent wedding I shot:

Have a great week!

Guest Post: Amber's Beauty Must-Haves

While I'm in NYC, I have some fun guest posts lined up for y'all! Be excited! From beauty, to etsy, to toddlers, to photography - we've got it covered the next couple of days!

First off is Amber, one of my absolute favorite bloggers whom I also got the chance to meet while I was in Dallas a couple of weeks ago! In the spirit of this blog, she offered to give us a list of her favorite beauty products (which I'm always a sucker for)! Thank you, Amber, for volunteering to guest post! Love ya, girly!


Hey Y'all! I'm Amber from Brunch with Amber. I'm a 20-something medical assistant aspiring to be an RN who loves her coffee in the mornings and wine in the evenings. I enjoy blogging (obvs), my fabulous friends, trying new things and my incredibly boyfriend. Over at my blog, you'll find that I talk about a whole bunch of random stuff which includes lots of love for my blog friends which is why I'm more than happy to guest post for Meg while she's in NYC (which I'm super jealous of, by the way!) .

We all know that Meg is a beauty guru, right? Well, today I'm going to tell you lovely O is Me readers a few of my MUST-HAVE beauty products. Are you ready?

First off, I can't live without my Clinique moisturizer. There's no comparison to any other brand. I've been using it since I started my beauty regimen when I was a freshmen in high school. I swear by this stuff. It's AMAZING and really helps when you're peeling from a sunburn too.

Next up is powder. Now, for the longest time I didn't wear powder, that is until my little sister started telling me that I looked "old" without it.. whaaa?! Truth hurts, I guess. So now, it's part of my make-up routine too! Splurge on Clinique & Save on Maybelline Pure Stay

Mascara is basically my best friend. My eyelashes are pretty much non-existant until I put this Godly creation on & then BAM, I've got eyelashes for days. I won't wear make-up if I can't wear my mascara! Splurge on Christian Dior - Dior Show & Save on Maybelline Colossal Volume 

Eyeliner is one of my favorite products because you can do so much with it! It never fails that if I don't wear any, my boyfriend will ask me, "Why aren't you wearing the stuff that makes you look exotic?" Oooh la la! Splurge on MAC Graphblack & Save on Revlon Colorstay

I've always got a good lip balm on me, whether or not I'm wearing make-up that day or not. I hate having chapped lips (I mean, who does anyway?) and I like a glossy look on my lips. Splurge on B&BW C.O. Bigelow "My Favorite Lip Balm" & Save on Burt's Bees Chapstick 

There ya have it ladies, my make-up regimen is pretty low key & simple, right? Are any of these your favorite products too? Feel free to stop by my blog and say hi! :)

NYC Suggestions Needed!

Howdy!

As if things couldn't get busier around here in the O. Household, we're jetting off to New York City and Long Island tomorrow! We'll be spending two full days in the city and then visiting some dear friends of ours who live on Long Island for two days.

I've got a few things in mind for while we're there, but I would be silly not to ask for reader suggestions on places to go, things to do, where to eat, and what to buy!

So far, these are my three priorities in NYC, aside from typical tourist-y stuff (Times Square, Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, etc.).

Crumbs Bake Shop

You know me, cupcakes are a priority on any occasion. I've been DYING to try Crumbs, but there are none in a 500-mile radius of me!! And I also think it's amazing the cupcakes come in different sizes.

The Book of Mormon

This is going to be a total crap shoot, as they're sold out for the next three years. They have a lottery each night for a select number of folks to score $32 tickets. We're going to attempt to get in each night we're there.

My Favorite Store

Texas is such an idiot for not jumping on the H&M bandwagon. Every time I go to a state where there is one, I'm there. Looking forward to scoring some flowy dresses and tops that can easily transition with my baby bump.

So, here's where you come in! Leave me suggestions below! If you've been, what do you like to do in NYC?

I'm really interested in hearing your food suggestions, as I am a huge foodie and will always want to go to a NON-chain restaurant when I travel. There are so many celebrity restaurants there, I have no idea where to start! Greg is also a huge pizza fan, so give me a good pizza suggestion (the more hole-in-the-wall off the beaten path, the better).

Looking forward to reading your suggestions!

Hello, again!

We're moved in!

And since when did my lower belly actually start to look big? Or is that a shadow? I'm in that awkward phase of just looking like I've eaten too many cupcakes (which also is true) instead of pregnant. And pardon Dexter's photo skills.

Although it's going to take us a while to furnish the entire house (yeah, we definitely have two empty rooms), landscape, paint walls, and make it look super pretty, it feels good to be settled. We're unpacked and everything (for the most part). We're just bosses like that.

p.s. I bought a chandelier for my bathroom on Saturday. This one, to be exact:

That automatically makes me fancy.

Happy (soon to be) Father's Day

While everyone might be posting about their fathers, I'm going to take a different route. I think Greg deserves a little love.

Funniest guy I know, by the way.

This photo makes him look dictatorial and official, which he strives to be.

He's also the best daddy to Dexter, btw

He's literally the best thing that's ever happened to me.

And I just know he'll be the best father to our Baby O.

Moving Day House Tour

It's moving day today!!!

I'm still a little absent in the bloggy world, since this whole house thing is taking up all of my time (thank goodness I'm on summer), but I wanted to do a quick post to give you a little (unfurnished) house tour. I took these pictures last week during our inspection, so I thought it was a great time to share.

I can tell you now it's going to take a while to furnish this baby, especially since it is a 5 bedroom home. Quite the upgrade from a 2-bedroom apartment, I must say.

But before we get to the house tour, here are some fun photos of Greg and I.

Our "Last Supper" as non-homeowners. Chuy's guacamole soft tacos are my kryptonite, btw.

Signing our papers at closing yesterday! A little blurry, and I look a little tired/stressed. Oh well. I just assumed a crap ton of debt. Can you blame me?

Okay, now onto house tour! Enjoy!

Front elevation

Entry way

Dining Room

Downstairs half bath (and me... and camera... and fetus)

Kitchen (Matching fridge is arriving today! Thanks, Mom!)

Breakfast nook

Living room with remote control fireplace

Master bedroom

Master bath...sorry, I couldn't get everything at one angle. Dual sinks, soaker tub, separate shower.

OMG only one part of the master closet. It's amaaaaaazing.

Ledge in 2-story foyer

One of four upstairs bedrooms (no need to see them all, they look similar). One will be the nursery, one will be an office, and the other two will be guest rooms.

One of two full upstairs baths (and me...and fetus) - the other one looks identical

Back elevation and un-sodded backyard. I think it's very fitting for a beach themed party. We're going to lay concrete across the back portion of the house to extend the porch. Obviously we also need help landscaping this.

Thank you all for your incredibly sweet comments and tweets over the last couple weeks. I haven't had much time to respond to each and every one, but know that I do appreciate your kind words! With my baby announcement, my birthday, and this new house, I feel incredibly blessed to have so many lovely friends, family members, and blog pals be so supportive and encouraging.