How I Completely Cleared up my Acne

I hope that you enjoy this video and that this routine does for you what it did for me.  It feels amazing to not have breakouts anymore and it's been a very long road to get here.  

Good Habits

• Drink 8 glasses + of water per day
• White Washcloths and Pillow Cases.  Wash them with bleach.
• Remove Makeup every evening!  Preferably right when you get home for the day.

Products

• Simple Micellar Wipes Link
• Simple Micellar Water Link
• The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil Link
• Alpha-H Liquid Gold Link
• Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Peel Pads Link
• Proactive Toner Link
• Ren Glycolic Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask  Link
• Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Serum Link
• Philosophy Help Me Retinol Link
• Sunday Riley Luna Link
• Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Link

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My Everyday Makeup Routine

Without a doubt, these are my most watched youtube videos.  I love to watch other people put on makeup... It's relaxing!  This is probably some kind of subconscious childhood comfort trigger from watching my Mom do her makeup.  Whatever it is, I can't get enough.  I'm so excited to finally have my own contribution to the genre.  This video made me so happy to film and edit.  I hope you enjoy it!  I've linked all of the products used below.

• Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer Link
• Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation in 105 Link
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Fair Link
• Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer in Light Link
• Chanel Loose Powder in 30 Link
• Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzer Link
• Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow Link
• Tarte Blush in Fearless Link
• Mac Eyeshadow in Shale Link
• Mac Eyeshadow in Brule Link
• Nars 'Larger than Life' Eyeliner in Via Veneto Link
• Chanel Liquid Eyeliner Link
• Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume in Black Link
• Rimmel Lip Liner in Enchantment Link
• Rimmel Kate Lipstick in 08 Link

What's in My Diaper Bag (Louis Vuitton Edition)

In my latest video, I show you how I use my Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM as a diaper bag.  It takes a bit of creative organizing as the Neverfull has no pockets.  Well, it has a small one.  Anyway,  I've found that this actually works better for me.  It really frees up a lot of space and lightens the weight significantly.  Watch the video below to see what I carry around for my 11 month old an how I keep organized.  The little Mud Pie diaper pouch is the best way I've found to carry diapers, because I can use it with most handbags or carry it on it's own.  The versatility really has made it my most used baby item.  This is a pretty bold statement!  I've linked it below in case you want to get one.  It's actually on sale right now.  Don't forget to like the video and hit the subscribe button.

• Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM in Damier Ebene Link 
• Mud Pie Diaper Pouch and Wipe Case Link
• Aden + Anais Swaddling Cloth Link
• Sophie la Girafe Teething Toy Link

February Favorites and Christian Louboutin

Today I filmed my February Favorites video... for about the thousandth time.  Ok, exaggeration,  maybe the 4th. But still, it was excessive.  I re-filmed and re-filmed the same content...over and over again  It was just so difficult to get rid of my insecurities long enough to approve of anything about my first few takes.  Granted, I don't particularly love the final product any more than the rejects.  I just had to come to terms with how I look and how my voice sounds etc,  and accept that I'm not perfect.  It was the first of many hurdles I'm sure will come with this hobby of mine.  It's already  rewarding though.  I'm already proud of myself for overcoming and pushing on.  I hope you watch and like what I'm doing.  Let me know if there's anything that you'd like to see me do with this channel.  I definitely take requests.  Also, please subscribe to my youtube channel and follow me on instagram and twitter.  I plan to post at lease one video and two blog posts per week.  I post on instagram everyday.

Products from My Video:

• Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation in shade 105 Link
• Chanel Poudre Universelle Link
• Chanel Liquid Eyeliner Link
• Sunday Riley Luna Link
• Image Skincare Vital C Eye Gel Link
• Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer Hair Link
• Lush Bubbleroon in Rose Jam Link
• Jo Malone London Cologne in English Pear and Freesia Link
• Scarf Made By My Mom
• Mulberry Roxanne Link
• Christian Louboutin
• Clearly Canadian Link

These shoes deserve more than just a mention and a link.  They're the perfect shade of pink that can still pass as a neutral/nude.  That makes them practical for a luxury purchase because they're so wearable with so many outfits. They're also just pink enough to keep them from being the same tired nude patent pumps that everyone already has and wears.  Don't get me wrong, I love nude heels!  They're an absolute staple and I wear them all the time.  These are just something extra special.  I've had my eye on them since before you could even purchase.  The pre-sale was a serious temptation, but like a good girl, I talked myself out of them.  Well, the good girl won that battle but ultimately lost the war because I ended up buying them anyway.  They're really hard to find now as they've almost sold out, so if you're interested, you'd better act fast.  I'm sure these will make plenty of appearances in my blog and OOTD posts on instagram, so stay tuned to see how I style them.  I can't wait to get started.  Here's a sneak peek at my first outfit.  How do you feel about the mauve paired with pink?  Is it too much?  I thought the distressed denim added enough edge for balance.

• Jeans: Target (similar) Link
• Top: H by Halston Link
• Necklace: J. Crew (similar) Link
• Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Springtime in Charleston and The Bugaboo

We went to Charleston, SC for a nice little weekend break and it was just what I needed.  It's amazing how much my psyche craves the warm weather and sunshine.  Maybe calling it warm weather is a bit of a stretch but it was warm-ish.  It definitely got my spring wardrobe wheels turning.  Now, all I want to wear/buy is pink!  I managed to reign myself in a little bit when I did some shopping at J. Crew.  These outfits were perfect for this in-between time of year.

Here's a little look at what we got into and what I wore.

• Top:  J. Crew Link
• Scarf: J. Crew Link
• Jeans:  Jack Wills Link
• Shoes:  Tory Burch (similar) Link
• Handbag:  Chanel
• Necklace:  J. Crew (similar) Link

This look was perfect for a day of site seeing and wandering around the historic district.  Have you ever been there?  If not, you have to go.  It's absolutely magic.  You don't have to use too much imagination to pretend you've traveled back in time.  I expected carriages and hoop skirts around every corner and actually did end up seeing a fair few of both.  The people are charming, the food is amazing, and the scenery is stunning.  I really hope to live there someday.  

• Top:  J. Crew Link
• Skirt: J. Crew Link
• Shoes: J. Crew Link
• Necklace: J. Crew (similar) Link
• Earrings: Nordstrom Link
• Stroller: Bugaboo Link

When in the land of the southern belle, one feels the need to class it up a bit.  This look was my version of the ladylike, classy cool that seems to come so easy to the locals.  I absolutely love this tweed skirt paired with the striped shoes.  The mix of patterns and textures is so "in" right now, but can go so wrong if you're not careful.  Keeping the color scheme neutral and classic kept me out of that danger zone.  

The stroller really had it's moment to shine on this trip.  I've always loved it but cobblestone streets and miles of walking will really test the quality and this one passes with flying colors.  It's the Bugaboo Chameleon.  I've converted mine to the seat because sadly, Catherine has outgrown the bassinet.  I also have attached the breezy sun shade, which was perfect for keeping her cool in the sunny Charleston weather.  This stroller is expensive but I would say it's worth the money.  It's easy to maneuver, packs up nicely, and boasts plenty of attachments, bells, and whistles.  I can honestly think of nothing negative to say about this model.  Catherine loves riding in it and I would purchase the same one again if I had it to do over.

I did manage to drag my husband to a few shops while strolling along King Street.  Most of what I purchased was for Catherine.  Pink Chicken has a store in Charleston, so I couldn't pass up the chance.  It's my favorite shop for little girl's clothing.  Definitely stop in if you ever come across one.  They have the cutest designs and the quality is amazing.  The seersucker dress is a handmade item that I bought at the outdoor market, another must-see attraction if you're ever in town.

We just had the best time and can't wait to go back.  I really hope that you all get to go someday if you haven't already.  

What's in my Makeup Bag (Mommy Edition)

It's a glamorous life that we moms lead, let me tell you.  Someday you too will  have the chance to carry baby nose drops in your makeup bag.  I wouldn't change it for the world.  Those nose drops, along with Catherine's other necessities that have made their way into my bag, are a badge of honor.  They tell everyone who sees them that I am supermom, always prepared... Right!  I'll go ahead and get this out in the open; I'm definitely not prepared or organized or put together a lot of the time.  I'm usually just happy to be clean, dressed, and that I remembered to restock the diaper bag.  I just can't tell you how many times the spares, that I keep in my makeup bag, have saved us.  There aren't many and they don't take up too much space, so take my advice if you're a new mom and do this!!!

As far as my own products go; these are the flavor of the month.  I have no product loyalty, even when I find something so good I'm tempted to grant it "Holy Grail" status.  I'll never find "the" foundation or mascara or anything else because I find such joy in trying new ones.  You can trust however, that these are good ones.  The rejects never make it into my bag.  Let me know if you'd like detailed reviews of anything.

My Items:

Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation in Shade 105 Nude Link

Cle' de Peau Concealer in Beige Link

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Fair Link

Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow Link

YSL Touche Eclat in #1 Link

Chanel Ligne Graphique in 10 Noir Link

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara Link

Tarte Eyelash Curler Link

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel Link

Nyx Brow Pencil in Taupe Link

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Prelude

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm in 03 My Pink Link

Laqa & Co Lip Lube in Menatour Link

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer Link

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent Link

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat Link

Makeup Bag by Ted Baker (similar) Link

Baby Items:

Little Remedies Saline Drops for Noses Link

Aveeno Baby Eczema Therepy Cream Link

Honest Diaper Rash Cream Link

Vitamin D Drops

Baby Comb

My First OOTD and The Mulberry Roxanne

Today I had a new experience.  I've never actually taken a photo of what I'm wearing for anyone other than my mom and sister.  We frequently need each others advice on what to wear but the text message pictures aren't fancy.  It's much harder than it looks on Instagram.  Everyone looks so put together, with perfect lighting and interesting backgrounds.  Not to mention the contortion it takes to get everything in frame.  I'm not talking about the ones that someone shoots for you or the mirror selfies.  These are the shots I'm talking about.

Top:  Ralph Lauren Sheer Silk Shirt 

Camisole:  Actually a lace slip from La Perla

Scarf:  Forever21

Pants:  Mossimo for Target Skinny Jeans (dark gray)

Boots:  Coach 

Necklace:  J. Crew

Earrings:  Nordstrom

Bag:  Mulberry Roxanne

This outfit is pretty typical of my style.  Neutral, classic, a mix of expensive and inexpensive.  This bag is what inspired me today.  I'm really loving everything winter white.  A probable side effect of the weather we've been having lately.  

It's the Mulberry Roxanne.  An oldie but goodie, retired by Mulberry but still available from various pre-loved sites as well as the ever so risky E-bay.  This used to be the "it bag".  Everyone had it or wanted it.  The quintessential British luxury bag from a time when the brand was still hard to come by in the US.  I love all of the new Mulberry bags but there's just something special about The Roxanne.  It's sturdy, the leather feels quality, and it holds a ton.  If you have one, you should dust it off and start using it again.  I really think it's time for a comeback.