Diaper Cream = Acne Killer

The other night I felt a pretty gnarly cyst forming on my jaw. You know what I'm talking about if you've ever suffered from hormonal/cystic acne. It's those ones that form deep under the skin and are located usually around the jaw area. They can take weeks to heal if left untreated. I thought to myself, "Oh no, I need my Mario Badescu right away." (Side note: see my post on my product review of this.)

I go to grab it - and I'm OUT. I haven't needed it lately as my skin has randomly cleared up and I forgot to buy more. Before I started hyperventilating, I turned to the back of the bottle to check out the ingredients. First one - zinc oxide.

LIGHT BULB.

I think, "isn't that the same active ingredient in diaper cream?" (Why I remembered this I have no earthly idea but let's just say it's because I'm a genius. Humor me, okay?)

I head upstairs to Kennedy's nursery and grab a few bottles of diaper cream. Among the sorts are Boudreaux's Natural Butt Paste and Burt's Bees Diaper Cream. I check out the ingredients. Sure enough - zinc oxide.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, ladies. If I didn't act quickly, I was bound to be left with this monster on my face, and there was no way I would be able to face the public. Yes, I realize I am being dramatic.

So what do I do? Slather that stuff on without any hesitation whatsoever. I put it over the spot multiple times during the day. I have been home and not wearing too much makeup while I'm here taking care of Kennedy, so every time I thought of it, I would apply some.

And guess what? It was gone in THREE DAYS. 

I'm left with some flaking and some post-breakout redness. But it's gone. And I didn't need Mario to save me. I will probably go back and buy some more of the buffering lotion just in case, but dang it, this is a darn good back up. And I'll probably keep doing this, anyway.

The key is to find a diaper cream with zinc oxide. The less other filler ingredients the better. And remember, you are not above butt cream, especially if it does this 

So, do yourselves a favor and pin the crap out of this. You'll want to remember it when you're in a bind!

June Blog Design Showcase

Well, folks. My blog has become so abandoned by me because I am loving up on everyone else's! Such is the story of my life. My blog looks so... inferior now. I have been a blog designing machine, to say the least.

Wouldn't you like to see what I've done? Go give these ladies a "HEEEEYY" from me!

Veronika from Veronika's Blushing

I know y'all probably have already seen this one, but I'm just so darn proud of it, I'm going to show it off again. I love the ombre and gold glitter we used thematically around her blog. My favorite part is her navigation tabs at the top. They change to glitter when you mouse over them!

Shelley from Hand in Hand

Shelley told me she liked pink and purple and she wanted something light and clean. I love this color palette - how the pink has a hint of coral and the purple is a lovely shade of lilac. I just adore how awesome they look together! It's girly but not overwhelming. I just love the cursive font I used, too.

Tracy from Honey and Nutmeg

Tracy was the lucky winner for my blog design giveaway! She told me she liked animal print and gold glitter. More gold glitter! Honestly, there cannot be too much glitter in this world. I also felt like such a badass because I learned how to create my own gold glitter in Photoshop while working on Veronika's blog and wanted to do it again. Haha! I gotta admit, I had no idea how I was going to be able to put those two together but darn it, I love the way this looks! I think using the zebra print and gold as a slight accent and having the pink and black stand out really works!

Katie from The Nerdy Katie

Of course when the BFF enlists my talents I will deliver. Katie is a kelly green and navy lover but wanted a lighter color palette to brighten things up a bit! She found this color palette on pinterest and we just went with it. I pretty much just did what I wanted because I know what she likes. My favorite part of her blog is how her social media icons (you know, all ten of them) are incorporated into her header! I thought that was a pretty brilliant idea I came up with, if I don't say so myself.



Britney from My Kind of Crazy

Britney told me she liked chevron, crowns and bright colors and she was looking to channel some of the items on Paper Concierge. I found this orange pink and blue color palette on pinterest and thought it was perfect for her! Instead of doing a traditional chevron, I decided to go with a double chevron to make it a little more visually interesting and different. My favorite part about this design is how incredibly bright and happy it looks, while also staying clean! When I finally get to redesign my own blog, I  think I am going bright.

I am not currently accepting any more clients, because my wait list still has seven people on it! Once I've completed their designs, I will open it back up and make sure to announce it! 

Happy Friday, friends!

Half Birthday!

Happy Half Birthday, Kennedy! 

I can't believe it's already been 6 months since you were born!

Kennedy Lately:

• As you can probably see by this photo, Kennedy is able to sit up on her own now! She has been doing this for about two weeks. She loves to sit and play with her toys. It's harder to get her to do tummy time because all she wants to do it sit up like a big girl!
• This girl is a chunker. She is comfortably fitting in 9 month clothes and size 4 (yes, you read that right) diapers! I had no idea but apparently toddlers wear size 4 diapers. I'm telling you, it's because she has her momma's Texas Toast.
• Kennedy loves to put just about everything in her mouth. She especially loves a cold spoon from the freezer.
• She is definitely hitting all of her milestones on time. She can roll from front to back, back to front, and I can see that she's trying to learn how to crawl by scooting her butt.
• She loves her bedtime routine. We have this little butterfly that projects stars on the ceiling and plays music and once she hears the music, her eyes light up and she knows that it's bedtime.
• But speaking of bedtime, Kennedy's sleep patterns are so random. She does get about 2 naps during the day, but night time is weird. Some nights she will sleep completely through the night, and others she will wake about once. The times she will wake have become pretty sporadic, too. 2 a.m., 3 a.m., and last night it was 11 p.m. So random.
• This lady definitely has a personality and an opinion. I think it's great. She will let you know when she is not happy with something, wants something, is hungry, tired. etc.
• We go to our 6-month check up this week so I am not sure what she weighs and measures. I know it's big, though.
• Kennedy had her physical therapy follow up for her torticollis and she has made so much progress! It is almost completely corrected. Go us! We made sure to give her plenty of tummy time and do the exercises at home to stretch her neck out. They want to see us back in about 2 months for a follow up.
• We also go to the Opthalmologist this Thursday, something I have been nervous about ever since she was born. I will blog more about what's going on with her eye once I know more. As far as I know her vision is fine, we just need to get a genetic defect in her pupil checked out. Please say a little prayer for us!
• I officially put Kennedy back on solids as of yesterday. Instead of going with something nutritionally void as rice cereal, we did avocado! She loved it! It's a good thing because I love avocado too, and I get to eat what she doesn't.
• Kennedy and I have this whole summer together and I am loving every second of it!

of course a funny picture is in order

How She's Grown:

And a Happy Father's Day to her Amazing Daddy!

Body After Baby (part 2)

Here I am, still fighting the battle of the baby bulge. Need to catch up? Read part 1.

I will tell you, this has been a very slow process. Sometimes it's frustrating. But I just have to keep looking at the positive.

I've had days where I've felt great about my progress and others where I almost break down (i.e. the time I went to Target looking for shorts and nothing looked good on me or fit right).

This is definitely an adjustment. I am not sure what to put on my body. I walk into my closet and about 80% of my clothes are unwearable. And I don't want to go out and buy a ton of new things because I am still losing (albeit slowly).

There have been some successes in this process, however. The other day I was able to button up some of my pre-pregnancy jeans! Granted, those were my "fat" pre-pregnancy jeans and they were tight as all get out. Even my husband commented that I probably shouldn't wear them out of the house. It still felt like an accomplishment, though. I'll take anything I can get!

I had another accomplishment - actual weight loss. I'll get to that in a second.

I was feeling so frustrated at the scale. I know what you're going to say. "Stop looking at the scale!" But it's tough. And it stares at me, teases me and taunts me. And I'm a little obsessive. I weigh myself almost every day. I know that's bad, but it's really interesting to see how much my weight does, in fact, fluctuate. I was stuck at that 15 pound mark since April. Now, that is especially frustrating to see when you are eating right. Then all of a sudden I lose a pound. And the best part? One week later, another pound! That seemed like a LOT seeing how I had zero loss for about two months!

So here I am. 12 pounds left until my pre-pregnancy weight. It's probably more like 10 because my boobs are ridiculously huge. This is definitely something to celebrate (the weight loss, and perhaps the boobs, too)!

Not the greatest picture of me but it will do

What am I doing now?

DIET:
I obviously cannot go on any kind of strict diet or cleanse, since my body needs the calories for breastfeeding. I especially cannot eliminate carbs because it will kill my milk supply. I am not doing any strict calorie counting, just trying to eat cleaner. More veggies, lean protein, and whole grain. Lots of water. I think of it this way - I want my baby to have the best nutrition so I am putting good things into my body. I cheat sometimes, especially on weekends, but I make it a point to not overdo it.

I know I am doing the right thing with my diet, simply because Kennedy is still exclusively breastfed and is in the 70th percentile for weight (this was at her 4 month check up). She really is a big baby. The chunker can fit in 9 month clothes and even a few 12 month things! Haha! My body is a baby nutrition machine, and I keep telling myself that any time I feel down about my weight. That is something to be proud of!

EXERCISE:
Finding time to exercise was becoming very difficult during the school year. I parted ways with my yoga studio for the time being so I could get serious about getting back in shape. The main reason was because my yoga studio doesn't offer childcare, and the gym does. Even doing DVDs at home was getting to be difficult because Kennedy requires much more attention nowadays. I reactivated my gym membership and have been going every weekday in the morning since summer started. My feelings are since Kennedy doesn't want me to sleep in, I might as well use that time doing something productive while my husband is working. That way we can be together in the evenings and I don't have to rely on him to watch the baby.

Getting to the gym in the morning has been fun for not only me, but Kennedy, too! She is a ham and the girls in charge at the kids club love her. Kennedy loves being around a lot of people so it's a great time for her to interact, observe, and play. It takes a lot of pressure from me to figure out when to work out.

BOTTOM LINE:
I don't know how fast I will lose weight from here on out, but at the end of the day, I am doing everything right by eating right, exercising and breastfeeding. It's just about all I can do at this point.

At the end of year Theatre Banquet at school. This is actually with 15 pounds left to lose.

I will update you as I have more to update!


Moms, what helped you stay focused and on track when you were trying to be rid of your baby weight? Please share your tips!

Just Call Us 'The H-town Artists'

Sunday we had our monthly H-town Bloggers meetup! This time, we did something new and had a fantastic painting party at Pinot's Palette. And let me tell you something, it was our most fun meetup to date!

Let me tell you a little something about Pinot's Palette. You pay a flat fee. They provide the canvas and the art class, while you provide the wine and the food (they even have plates, glasses, napkins, ice buckets, and bottled water for you)! They offer public classes where you can go see what painting they will be doing that evening. They also offer private parties in their studio and they can also bring the party to you!

Don't you want to see how much fun we had?

My Painting:

Everyone's Paintings!

My Blogger BFFs!

If you've ever thought about going to a class like this, GO! I had no idea I could actually paint an actual painting! And let me just say that my favorite part about these meetups is building relationships and friendships. These women (yes, every single one of these ladies at the meetup) are so supportive and kind! It's incredible how blogging can bring people together to do something fun, to create something, to network, to discover, and to bond!

I had so much fun at Pinot's Palette. The instructor, Erin, was so nice and patient with a group of rowdy and talkative ladies, and her assistant Preetika was so sweet and helpful with great ideas to customize your painting. I love how everyone's turned out so different. Never more visual has the phrase "art imitates life" been for me! Each and every painting was special and unique - just like us. 

Pinot's Palette also is huge on community and supporting various charities. I was told that every fall they host the Art Tasting charity event at their studios where guests come and enjoy an open house. Studios throughout the country are participating and they will be splitting the proceeds between a national charity and local charities. Pinot's Palette is asking fans to select their favorite charity. All you have to do is go to their Facebook page at facebook.com/PinotsPalette! While you're there, go "like" their page. You can also follow them on twitter!

 And I'm not the only one who had a blast this past Sunday. 

Check out all of the other H-town Blogger Posts and see what they had to say!

Baby O. in Photos (volume 8)

I haven't posted pictures of Miss Kennedy in quite some time! So get ready for some cuteness overload!!!

Left: They both love Baby Einstein

Middle: Oh, just lounging on the couch...

Right: Little Princess outfit!

Left: Love this girl!

Middle: All the girls on Mother's Day

Right: wanting to watch TV and not eat

Left: Say no to crack!

Middle: Dressed appropriately for the farmer's market

Right: Family at the farmer's market

Left: with Mimi at lunch

Middle: Tuckered out

Right: Trying to grab Dexter while in the jumper

Left: with daddy at the farmer's market (again...we love that place)

Middle: with Daddy and Grandma in front of Grandma & Grandpa's plane. They flew in to visit!

Right: In Grandpa's cockpit!

Left and Middle: Sleepin'

Right: Her new sun hat! Goes perfect with her Ralph Lauren romper

Left: Getting ready for bed. She loves her bedtime routine

Middle: That little butterfly thins is awesome. She loves it!

Right: Nakey

Left: She now likes to bite her bottom lip

Middle: a cold spoon = a happy baby

Right: Being silly, of course!

One more thing before you go... my blog design giveaway is over and congratulations to:

Tracy at Honey and Nutmeg!

I'd have to say this was the most successful giveaway I've ever hosted! I will most definitely host another one once I've completed all the designs in my current wait list. How does that sound? I wish I could give everyone a pretty blog! 

Happy Friday, friends!

May Beauty Favorites

Ah, summer is upon us. I know we're already one week into June. I  but don't you worry - I haven't forgotten about my May beauty favorites! I love doing this monthly feature.

1. Suave Touchable Finish Extra Hold Hairspray
I forgot how much I like this hairspray. I used it once before and went back to it recently. I really like how it's not super crunchy, but it does a fantastic job at taming flyaways and holding my style. I like an extra hold spray, so this really does the job. It also sprays a super fine mist. I don't mind the scent (I am pretty sensitive to hairspray scents) - in fact, I like the scent.

2. Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm
I have been using Beauty Balms for about a year or so, you know, before it was cool. Yeah, I just got all makeup hipster on you. See, I don't think they're the most amazing thing ever created for your face, but I like that some of them provide more coverage than tinted moisturizer, particularly this one. I've had this one for about a while, and the color and coverage is great for days I just wanna slap something on my face and go. It's a great summertime face makeup that includes a good amount of SPF.

3. Stila Dream in Full Color Palette
One of my BFFs, Anne, sent me this for my birthday. I have enjoyed playing with this palette and the endless combinations you can create with it. This palette is huge! We're talking the size of a dinner plate. The size doesn't make it travel friendly, or even makeup drawer friendly in my case, but it fits underneath the sink. I like the palette a lot, regardless. There 29 eyeshadows, 6 blushes, 1 bronzer, and a waterproof eyeliner that comes with it. It even comes with a little look book that gives you tips and ideas for color combos. I haven't really read it but thought that was a nice add in.  Some of the shadows I might not use (like the shocking bright blue) and a few shades are not very pigmented, but other than that, I really have enjoyed this. It's running for $22 on the Stila website, so I consider that a steal for such an extensive palette!

4. Nars Orgasm Blush
I've been reaching for this blush a lot more lately, so it's on my favorites list this month! I love the coral-pink color, it's got the right amount of shimmer, and it is perfect for summer. Nars always hits it out of the park with their blushes. It looks great on a lot of skin tones, and of course, it is a cult favorite blush, so it is definitely worth having in the makeup drawer.

5. St. Ives Energizing Citrus Body Wash
I just adore this body wash for many reasons. First of all, the scent is so yummy. I love citrus-y scents. Again, perfect for summer. Also, this body wash is made with mostly natural ingredients, so no harsh chemicals. I don't like to spend a ton of money on body wash (the husband goes through it so incredibly fast - yes, we share) and this one fits my budget nicely! I actually have tried all of the St. Ives body washes from their Naturals line and this one is my favorite!

What have you been loving lately? Give me your recommendations!

Excited!

I can't even explain to you how excited I am to be on summer break, spending my time with my little darling girl! There are many shopping trips to be made, lunches to be had, girlfriends to catch up with, and sleep to catch up on!

I think my excitedness is best illustrated through Kennedy's overall disposition in this video.

Happy Summer to all of my teacher friends!


p.s. Don't forget to enter my complete blog design giveaway! The giveaway ends on Friday!

Reasons to Celebrate - Blog Design Giveaway!

There are big reasons to celebrate today. BIG.

1. Summer starts tomorrow!
2. My birthday is Sunday!

AAAAND...

3. I am back in blog design business!

The summer is upon us and with that comes the free time and flexibility to take on clients and give them designs that best represent their personalities and their blogs. Right now, I do have a waitlist of people who said that they would wait for this summer. That flatters me so much, but I'm sure that doesn't help you if you are ready to pay me oodles of cash to design for you!

Today's timing is so wonderful, too. I just debuted my latest design for Veronika last night! Isn't it pretty? I kind of have blog envy right about now and mine is now looking a little shabby. Why does my blog always look inferior to the others I design? Ha.

I worked with Veronika over the course of a few months, very slowly, as we were both very busy in our jobs (and me being a new mom in addition to those responsibilities). It was amazing to work with her and not feel pressured to get it done in four hours (I have been known to do that before). Y'all need to go check her out and follow her! Her blog is a daily read of mine. You think I'm a beauty guru? This girl has got all sorts of guru-ness going on! Not to mention, she has impeccable taste and style.... AND she's a Houston blogger. Oh, and a Gemini. It's like we were destined to be bloggy friends. However, she would probably out-style me any day.

Anyway, to celebrate all these lovely things, wouldn't you like a chance to win a complete blog makeover of your own from yours truly? Whoever wins this giveaway, I will design their blog right away! Like, we're talking next week I am yours! Sound good? Thought so!!!

Once the giveaway is over, I will revise my wait list and perhaps take on a few more designs. I am booked right now, so stay tuned! Or maybe you will win this makeover and this becomes a non issue.

Okay, I'll stop blabbing. Just enter my giveaway.

Good luck!



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