Beauty Essentials for the busy babe

It’s no secret that being a mama keeps you busy. You pretty much have a lot going on at all times, you can hardly catch a break. In order to stay on track with life, I really have had to get seriously organized and focused on making the most of my time. I have my rituals down and all my essentials are prepared and organized so I can be efficient and effective during my days. What’s better, everything here I order off Amazon on the regular so no need to even leave the house to stock up.

1. I can’t live without my new pink makeup case. Here is the deal. I do not like big makeup organization. I hate the way makeup looks all over the counter. I need a portable bag (for the days I am on the go) that will look cute hanging out on the sink or inside of my purse. This cute little pink bag, also comes in black and gold, is the best thing ever. It has pockets for everything so all of my supplies are organized and easy to see. This is a must have for a busy mom or any girl on the go.

2. These spa level peel pads are bliss. And they’re by the company Bliss. When I lived in the city, I went to Bliss for facials because I love their products. I am head over heels for these pads because they really do such a good job of deep cleaning the face. I use these once a week at night, just after a long bath. It’s like an extra good deep clean when you haven’t had a facial in a while. These are especially good in the Summer when really needing to care for your face.

3. There is no way I would go a day without some sort of skin vitamin. Especially after baby, my skin has completely changed. I loved taking pre-natal vitamins ( I got mine at Whole Foods) but the second I stopped, I introduced one of my long time favorites for hair, skin and nail vitamins. These are just a must have when looking to keep your hair strong, nails long and skin glowy.

4. My pink vitamin planner. I would not remember to take all the vitamins I do without it. I set it up each Sunday with a week of vitamins ready to go. That way, if I travel or go to the gym, I will always have everything I need for my morning routine. This made a huge difference on my mornings, and its big and a fun color of pink which is girlie and fun.

5. A silk sleep mask. Seriously, if you want a good night’s sleep and I know you do, you need to get one of these. First of all, it helps keep bacteria off of your eye area which is transformational. Your pillow most likely has a TON of gross bacteria and your most sensitive area is the eyes. You will also keep out all sunlight from the eyes and get yourself into true deep sleep which will help your skin too. Sleep is magical for your skin.

6. I currently wear powder dip on my nails. I love it because it lasts longer than two weeks which I desperately need because my life is busy. I don’t have time to be at the nail salon all the time. When my nails need a break, they are weak and in serious need of TLC. I found this Pink Armor Nail Gel years ago on a late night infomercial and I will NEVER not keep this in my home. It is the absolute best nail strengthener polish. I use it as a base coat and a top coat and it will have my nails get their strength back asap. So, if you do powder or shellac, this is your savior.

7. A water bottle with a straw. Hydration is the most important thing when it comes to skin. Keeping yourself fully hydrated will completely reinvent your skin. It’s a habit you MUST get addicted to. I get bored of water so I infuse it with fruit or add some drops of essential oil. Also, have a bottle to keep the water cold with a straw will transform how you drink water.

8. Never leave home without a hat guys. Especially in the Summer. The sunshine is so strong and can do so many things to the face that you don’t want to see later in life. Keep your beautiful face protected at all times. I cannot tell you how much I wish I had started this sooner. I love a good straw wide brim fedora that can fold up and fit in the stroller or my bag.

Book Club: 6 things I learned about The Art of Southern Charm

There is nothing I love more than a book about lifestyle. Entertaining, decorating, cooking, style, wellness, etc. I even wrote a book about living because I really just love it so much. Lifestyle guides are what get me through life. I wish my grandmother had written one and I am now even thinking of two aunts of mine and how I may push them to write one too. I love digging deep into these books, I always have a highlighter and pen on hand so I can highlight and take notes. This book in particular, The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul really has me so inspired. Patricia is a muse, an inspiration, an example of the fabulous way of living that we women need to pay attention to. There is grace, elegance and charm in living intentionally, not rushed, hurried, wrinkled and stressed. What is glamorous about that? So I thought I would share 6 things I learned and noted in this book so that you can write these down too.

1. Build a stationary wardrobe. This is something that I have always done but let’s face it, life gets in the way and we forget to write those handwritten notes. It is easy to thank someone for a gift or send a thoughtful note to a friend who is grieving via text or email but this just isn’t charming. A handwritten note goes a LONG way. Naturally a stationary wardrobe will help you to inspire you to send someone a handwritten note, and with easy access to gorgeous stationary, you will be more inclined to write it. I recently went to pick up some new stationary and fell in love with Matthew Willamsons stationary designs for some pretty and easy notecards. Personalized stationary is key. In the South, monograms and personalization are everything so make sure to get yourself some personalized stationary, it is a MUST.

2. Treat yourself with trays. You must build a collection of trays for yourself. It makes ordinary actions seem like glamorous moments. Hit up an antique shop to find a gorgeous silver tray. Make sure you get one that is real silver with gorgeous handles and nice details like this beauty. I use my silver tray for coffee and tea in the mornings. You can use these to corral your beauty items in the bathroom or serve an afternoon sandwich. A bed tray is also an essential. You can find a beautiful tray for the bed to use while you read and catch up on the latest episode of Southern Charm. I am obsessed with this bohemian chic one.

3. Simplicity is key to entertaining well. Here’s the thing, if you want to be sure to host a fabulous party, keep the food simple but display it on gorgeous dishes. Tea sandwiches, hot dogs and deviled eggs look best on beautiful and whimsical dishes. Be creative about how you serve a simple dish and you will WOW your guests. No need to break out the Julia Childs cookbook. You can even order Chinese food but serve it on a gorgeous dish and voila’. Think Anthropologie dishes or my current obsession is the Tory Burch cabbage plates.

4. We need a resurgence of the cocktail hour. This is a secret to socializing without having to actually go out. Such a brilliant idea for someone like me who loves to be home. Or for anyone who has kids at home that makes it more difficult to go out. Throw a party from 6-8pm. Invite your friends. Create a signature cocktail for the event. Suggest a certain type of attire. Play some really fun music. Think Breakfast at Tiffanys house party, nothing formal or seated, just cocktails and good conversations.

5. Potpourri in a decorative bowl. It makes a lasting impression. The Bitter Orange blend by Agraria is her favorite. It’s nicknamed Park Avenue Potpourri. This is a signature move for her, so take the inspiration and create your own home signature scent.

6. Caftans and cocktails are a MUST. A caftan collection is all your wardrobe really needs. Especially in the South and in the Summertime. You can wear them while hosting an outdoor party or to a fabulous cocktail event. It’s all about the accessories, make sure you have some big statement earrings to go with it. Also, a dressing drink is always best. To help relax you as you get ready to attend an event or throw one. It helps to calm the nerves. The way to always be fabulous is to always be relaxed (caftans make you feel easy and breezy and so do cocktails) and ready to mingle.

I am obsessed with her pink caftan here, I am thinking I need one asap. Here are a few I have my eyes on.