How to & review: Palmolive Fresh Infusions

Sorry for the delay in post.  My house has been a non-stop sick zone.  Oh my goodness I feel like the coughing, colds, flu, sore throats, and pink eye (read: not pink eye) will never leave.  Here is to hoping that we are all on the mend.  I never knew that my luscious little baby bug would be such a hot bed of virus. Anyhoo....

In the last year there are a few things that I feel I have a good handle on when it comes to raising an infant and I wanted to share them in case any of you are struggling with some of these issues.  Now, there are plenty of things that I didn't have a handle on (and still don't) but I think that is where we can learn from other Mom's out there.  Early on I realized that I would be tied to my sink washing and sanitizing everything. Even though I was breastfeeding I still had to wash and sanitize pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, and now we have to wash and sanitize her bottles and nipples that she uses at school.  Its a nightly ritual that has become a habit.  I created a little system that streamlines this process and actual makes it an enjoyable part of the night.  You only need four things:

A cure for cradle cap: SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap

When I took Eleanor for her 6th month check-up, her doctor mentioned that we should try to clear up what was left of her cradle cap.  Her hair is really starting to come in and once the hair is there it is harder to get rid of.  She mentioned using a dandruff shampoo, but I was kinda hesitant.  So far everything that goes in or on Elly I try to be natural/organic about.  It's just my personal preference for her.  I started looking around for some natural solutions and spent a good bit of time in the bath aisle at Whole Foods.  Nothing was standing out to me as a solution for the cradle cap.  Ironically (read: doesn't it ALWAYS happen this way) I got my Natural Vox Box from Influenster and was given a bar of this Shea Moisture- Organic Baby Ecxema Bar Soap.

I've been give a lot of samples recently and I don't share them unless I am 100% sold.  So believe me, this soap is AMAZING! After the first use the cradle cap patch was almost gone and the eczema on her wrist cleared up.  It makes her feel so silky smooth she doesn't even need baby lotion!  The fragrance is light, but fresh- and when I borrowed it for my shower it left my skin baby soft too.  If you have any dry skin issues especially with the change of seasons- I can't recommend this enough.  This soap will always be a staple in Elly's bath time routine. 

// I had to share this! I love a just out of the bath baby!

//disclaimer- I received this product complimentary through Influenster, but the opinions are my own.

New Momma make-up routine

I'm about 12 weeks into being a new Momma and I feel like I am starting to get a handle on time management and new routines (read: all this will change next week when I go back to work.) Immediately after having Eleanor all I wanted to do was get into the shower and get some make-up on! I haven't really spent a day of my teen/adult life without make-up on.  It is part of my daily routine and not something I was going to sacrifice in becoming a Mom.  That said, I knew I would need to streamline my make-up process while still being able to change up looks as needed. I am equal opportunity when it comes to make-up brands.  Some brands just do it better so instead of being loyal to one brand I buy and use what works best. This is my daily make-up routine.

1. willa face wipes | lavender (birchbox.com) - Even though I wash my face in the shower (philosophy purity made simple) I sometimes still need to remove eyeliner/mascara.  These face wipes smell great and are gentle on my face. 

2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles | Brightener - I use this under my eyes to cover up the dark circles from too little sleep.  This is THE BEST under eye concealer I have ever used.  Get brightener.  A little goes along way.

3. ELF Eye Primer - This is a cream based eye primer in a lipstick tube.  I get mine from Target for 3.00!

3. Philosophy the Supernatural - This is a very light tinted primer with SPF 15 that I use as a foundation.  I don't like to wear heavy foundation and I find this gives me a healthy glow, absorbs into my skin after a few minutes and has a smooth finish.

4. Benefit You Rebel - This is called a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15, but I also use this as a foundation replacement.  It is light enough to use in the summer months and gives good coverage.  *I am still in the early stages of testing this product so I am not ready to leave Philosophy yet!

5. Benefit Hoola - I use this all year long.  It is the perfect amount of color on the cheeks! It gives you a sunkissed glow without making you look like you spent the summer at the Jersey Shore ;) * This product last a long-long time.

6.  Benefit Creaseless Cream eyeshadow/liner - This has been the major change to my morning routine.  I usually spend quite a bit of time on my eyes, but I don't currently have that time.  These little pots of color go on bold or subtle and give me color all day.  * I use stiletto and birthday suit.

7. MAC eye pencil | coffee - I can't give up my MAC.  They create the best eyeliner- smooth, long-lasting and BOLD.

8. Maybelline Falsies | Black - Honestly does make you look like you are wearing false lashes. Also, it doesn't give you raccoon eyes at the end of a long day.  Happiness!

9.  tarte lip surgance lip tint | amused  - This was in my March Birchbox and it was perfect timing for this new Mom!  This lip stain smells amazing and doesn't dry my lips.  The bonus is I can apply it and kiss Eleanor without leaving lip prints all over her kissable cheeks. 

Hope this helps any other new Momma's out there! What is your morning make-up routine? Do you have additional suggestions for me?

* edited to add | While reading back over this post, it looks like ALOT of make-up and not streamlined at all (ha!) but, it really only takes me around 5 minutes to apply.

A midnight snack

Very early in my pregnancy I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and I actually think it was a blessing.  I am now healthier and more educated about my body than I think- maybe ever.  In an effort to take the best care of myself and the little bean I have explored and learned about foods and food combinations with the help of an excellent diabetic counselor.  There are two things I've learned that will remain a part of my life even after the pregnancy:

1.  If you eat a carbohydrate- ALWAYS eat a protein with it. (read: apple/cheese, graham cracker/sunflower butter)
2.  The importance of protein!

Late night protein is super important to me as it currently helps with my fasting blood sugars in the morning.  This being said you can only eat so many cheese sticks and eggs before bed. (read: I am not sure when, if ever I will be able to eat an another egg.) I needed to find a new solution that would satisfy me, but also satisfy my protein requirement.  On a whim my husband picked up some Yoplait Smoothies at the grocery store.

Frozen fruit- perfectly proportioned with no added sugar. Just add ice, milk (read: protein) and blend- it is thick & delicious. The Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple is my FAVORITE. Although I haven't had one yet that isn't yummy.  It's usually on sale for 2 for $5 ( I bought some at Harris Teeter on Saturday) and yesterday I received an email with a coupon good for a dollar off. Perfect timing!  Just click this link and download.  Let me know if you try them! 

How about other suggestions for protein sources?
 
*I received this coupon offer from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.