What’s Up Wednesday

Joining in on a series today:

 What’s up Wednesday with Mix and Match Mama, The Larson Lingo, and Sheaffer Told Me To 

What We’re Eating This Week 

As usual, terrible meal planning, with homemade treats laying around. I love to bake, especially when it’s cold out. We’ve had Andrea’s Skors Bars and these super soft chocolate chip cookies (twice) over the last few weeks, so I’ve been trying to keep my actual “food” simple. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. Italian Wedding Soup has been a favorite. I need to find a good recipe to make it at home. 

What I’m Reminiscing About 

It should go without saying, FB memories. I used to cringe at my social media history, until I had a child and a dog. These are from one year ago: 

Carly goes to doggy daycare maybe once a month, because she can be pretty high energy, and they take the best holiday pictures! I promise you, she’s (probably) happy here, this is just her baseline/signature look. 👀 

We had just started construction on our master bathroom here, and our contractor brought Lyla donuts 

What I’m Loving 

I’ve said it a million times already, but seeing Lyla understand, and therefore, get super excited about Christmas. Her Mimi sent this 

Melissa and Doug Advent Christmas Tree and it has been a huge hit! Bonus: looks like it’s on sale right now 

 I promised a very sad 2 year old, that I’d keep

her toy set-up exactly how it was, when she had to go bed last night. This is from this morning: a piggy, a magnetic advent tree, a treasure chest, and a gingerbread house just waiting to be played with 

What We’ve Been Up To 

Lots of Christmas shopping this week; lots of trying to get Lyla to eat all of the goodies lying around - her clinic appointment got moved to this Friday coming up; lots of chilling out after a fun Thanksgiving weekend. 

What I’m Dreading

It’s weird, but I’m not dreading Lyla’s clinic appointment as much as I was before it got rescheduled (from 2 weeks ago). We will be seeing someone very special to us, on our CF Clinic Team, for the last time before they move, so that’s a bit of a bummer. 

What I’m Working On 

Trying to keep things cute and fun here, in little internet land. I go through phases, where for a few days, I’m super into it, then I dgaf for a little bit. It’s just like working out. 

What I’m Excited About 

Again - the holidays with a toddler. Also, our sweet Carly turns 5 tomorrow! For being 5, she’s still pretty playful; and as always, she’s the kindest, bestest friend ever. 

What I’m Watching/Reading 

I’m so sick of myself by nighttime, that laying around and watching TV and just waiting to go to bed, has forced me to try reading a book. I’ve gotten realllllly out of the habit. I’ve been trying to get into 

Red Queen . For some reason, it’s just not my thing. I should just stick with what works - Jackie Collins. 

As far as TV, I’m really excited for Dirty John; and I’ve rewatched some of The Haunting of Hill House. You can add me to the list of people that enjoy a Hallmark Christmas movie, as well. 

What I’m Listening To 

I’ve been on a huge Florence + The Machine kick. That happens for me when it’s cold out, for whatever reason. We’ve had some Christmas music playing, of course. Lyla hasn’t really gotten super into it - probably because it’s not her beloved “puppy ghost” aka Thriller. We still listen to that, like, 37 times a day. 

What I’m Wearing 

My husband surprised me with some Cuddle Dud pajamas one day. He knows how much I like to lounge, but look cute while doing so. You will never catch me in jeans, while sitting around the house. 

(Lololol) 

Similar/stuff I want for hanging out: 

Cuddle Duds Leggings

Cuddle Duds Tunic

Cuddle Duds Long Sleeve Tee

We have some holiday parties coming up, and I need to figure out what I’ll be wearing, that’s festive and a little bit dressy. 

What I’m Doing This Weekend 

I actually have no idea. That’s nice! We love weekends like that. I know we’d like to take Lyla to the mall to ride the train, and do some shopping, so maybe that. With most laid back winter/football weekends, there will probably be some cooking and baking going on, too. I prefer to keep weekends following a clinic appointment, pretty low key. 

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month 

Our little nephew will be here in January- That’s huge! 

💙

What Else is New 

My birthday is coming up. I honestly keep forgetting. I think it’s on a Thursday? It’s always nice to celebrate with family and friends, though. 

The bonus question is about The Elf on the Shelf: 

 I’m not getting into that, until I absolutely have to. So, probably next year. I’ll get pretty festive, but there’s something about that Elf that just doesn’t do it for me. 

This was fun, it felt a little bit like a MySpace questionnaire. 

Here’s to a fun link-up! XO 

Gift Guide: Family Favorites

Sometimes you just need one more gift for your parents. Or maybe you’re doing a gift exchange with your siblings’ family? These are some of those ideas when you just need that one gift that the whole fam can enjoy. 

Personally, I’m not a Black Friday shopper. At all. I can think of a billion other things that I’d rather be doing, some of those rather unpleasant. These are for my Cyber Weekend champions. 

1. I think that Smeg products are the cutest. Retro looking, pretty colors, functional. Who wouldn’t love a new toaster? I feel like we’ve needed a new one for the longest time, and just won’t get one. You could be really adorable, and go for the 1950’s inspired coffee maker. 

Smeg 1950’s Retro-Style Coffee Maker (misc color choices)

Smeg Toaster (misc color choices)

2. Some fun ideas for in the kitchen include this stainless steel popsicle maker set, or a hot sauce making kit. I especially love the Hot Sauce Making Kit. It’s unexpected and interactive. 

Ecozoi Eco-Safe Stainless Steel Popsicle Making Set

Hot Sauce Making Kit

3. Coffee Table Books are one of my favorite things to have around. There’s a book out there for literally everything. These are just two ideas for the music or fashion lovers in your life.  Coffee Table Books usually come at a good price, too. 

1000 Record Covers Book

Chanel: Collections and Creations

4. Games are kind of a no-brainer. We like 

Cards Against Humanity,  Apples to Apples and What Do You Meme? I had never seen this Awkward Family Photo Game (👇🏼) before. Our family would really enjoy this, I think. 

Awkward Family Photos Movie Line Caption Game

5. Cookbooks are such a great thing to have. The older that I get, the more I really appreciate mine. I included one that my parents used to refer to all of the time, and is a classic favorite; and a book if you’re shopping for empty-nesters. 

Better Homes and Gardens: New Cookbook

Complete Cooking For 2 Cookbook

6. This is definitely a gift that you would go-in on with other people. It’s not cheap. My husband recently purchased this for our house, and while I’m not a technical person, I can say that it is awesome. It has made our WiFi connection perform so much better. 

Click around, because there are different strengths and price points. 

Eero Home WiFi System

7. We are such Cuddle Dud fans. From their clothes to their blankets. Nothing cozier. I love to give blankets as gifts. These are some of my favorite. 

Cuddle Duds Fleece Throw

8. Outdoor games make fabulous gifts. Cornhole sets are nice, but I like to think a little fancier. Think of how much fun a Croquet Set would be. My grandmother had one, and while we never played how you’re supposed to, it made for some fun memories. 

Croquet Set, 6-player

9. I was so excited when I found these. They’d be perfect for a family with young children. You could wrap them up with some hot chocolate mix. 

Marshmallow Shaped Family Mug Set

Hopefully you got some good ideas! Here’s to shopping for those that we love! XO 

My Daytime Makeup Routine

For those of you that are new, before I was lucky enough to stay home with my baby, I worked in spas/salons as an esthetician and hairstylist. I did love it, and I definitely fulfilled a childhood dream by working in the “beauty” field. For now, there’s nothing that I’d rather be doing more, than being home with Lyla, but I do still use all of the tips and tricks I learned along the way, almost daily (unless we have nothing planned, then it’s frump express) 

Here’s a very small glimpse into my quick makeup routine. This is what I do, if we’re running into the grocery store or something similar. You’ll notice that my hair is not done. I have really fragile/fine hair, and try to give it a break as often as possible. So my daytime makeup routine is usually synonymous with the most simple hair that I can pull together. Fine by me. Praise Meghan Markle for making casual hair more acceptable 🙌🏼

You’ll notice that a lot of these products are drugstore products. I promise you, I have tried it all. Every once in a while, I like to treat myself to a Chanel lipgloss, or anything MAC, but these are my beloved staples in this post. Some of these products, I’ve been using for 20 years. Recently, I had my own little undereye concealer drama, when Neutrogena did away with my very favorite. Don’t you hate that? I literally tried everything under the sun to get the same effect..and I ended up on the E.L.F. brand. I find E.L.F. Studio to be almost identical to NARS, from the packaging, the colors, and the staying power. 

Here’s a little glimpse into what works for me. My main focus is just to look awake - bright eyes, a touch of bronze on the skin, and a glossy lip (makes them look bigger). I don’t do any contouring, because I’m not a Kardashian, and that’s just not realistic for me. 

My make-up cabinet. 👆🏼 I love this thing, so very much. I’m not sure how I’ll ever not have this kind of setup. The Amish really knocked this one out of the park for me. Inspiration: spice cabinet/Pinterest. I have an identical cabinet below, and keep some of Lyla’s stuff in there 

I always start with a BB or CC cream. As long as it has sun protection in it, I’ll try it. I haven’t found one that I absolutely have to use all of the time, or any that I wouldn’t use again. These can all be pretty interchangeable to me. Currently I’m using 

Supergoop! CC cream, spf 35 (med)  and I really like it. It’s thick, so somedays it’s more coverage than I prefer. I forget where I even heard about this..I want to say a magazine? That’s weird, because I haven’t read a magazine since I got my first iPhone. Who knows.. 

What a ridiculous picture. Lol. This is post CC cream, pre-anything else. As you can see, I just smeared that concealer all over my eyes, then applied the dual/other-side liquid highlighter to my ring finger (least amount of pressure), and blended. There is nothing technical here. 

E.L.F Studio concealer/highlighter

Now to add some color. In keeping with the theme of using E.L.F. Studio, I adore their bronzer and blush. In fact, I *may* have used a bit too much in these pics. I use the lighter bronzer all over my cheeks, bridge of my nose, under my chin, and across my forehead. Then I’ll use a shade of pink on the apples of my cheeks, from the blush pallet - depends on my mood that day, which color.

E.L.F Blush Pallet, light

E.L.F studio contouring blush/bronzer

The most important part: eyes. Again, totally laughable pic. I did my left eye, and left the right completely plain. Before contouring and brows were a huge deal, the biggest secret or trick that I knew of in the makeup industry, was to use a good eyelash curler. I linked my very favorite below (Shu Uemora). It is a miracle, and is even referenced in The Devil Wears Prada. 

After I rub that concealer all over the place, and curl my lashes, I swipe a light shade of eyeshadow all over my lids. I just think that it looks nice. I have several different pallets, and go with what I’m in the mood to use. I do like to spend my money on eyeshadow. I just think that it stays on better. Some of my favorite brands are Too Faced, Lorac, and Lancôme 

After some shadow, for color, I do what I’ve been doing since I was allowed to wear make-up in public. Liquid black eyeliner on my upper lid, and a gajillion layers of black mascara (again...on the upper lashes only). I absolutely swear by L’Oreal Paris’ liquid eyeliner (link below). It just adds the right amount of definition, and is so easy to use. I’m a total mascara freak, and I always go back to using Revlon and L’Oreal simultaneously. I just layer and layer. I always get black, never waterproof, and any variation that’s volumizing and lengthing. Believe it or not, the more expensive mascaras tend to bother my eyes (that might be because I USE so much. I ❤️ a good spider lash). 

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner, Black

Shu Uemora Eyelash Curler   

Revlon Mascara 

L’Oréal Mascara

If I’m going out for a special night, I’ll do all of this, but maybe shape my brows, do a little undereye liner, and a darker shadow in the crease of my eyelids. 

I like to finish it all off with a spray of toner. Right now, I’m using Teddie’s (featured below). It just keeps the skin dewy and hydrated looking. As I was getting ready to take pics of the finished look, Lyla and Cinderella joined in (they had been playing at my feet, or on the counter the entire time).

Teddie Organics Rose Water Facial Toner

Here’s to a little bit of glamour and girliness! XO 

Self Care

Self care is something that we all need, but I wonder if some of us don’t make it a priority. It means something different to every single person. The first time that I heard the term “self care” I giggled, because immature/euphemism. If I’m being honest, it’s probably not always a priority for me. That’s not because I feel selfish taking time to do what feels relaxing, or fulfilling to my own emotional needs, but because it’s just hard to find the time. That’s not the worst problem to have, I know. The minute that I think “I can finally sit down for just a second” someone has pooped their pants, or needs more juice (both Lyla, not Anthony). 

So, about that sitting down for a moment, that’s really what does it for me. Sitting still. Sometimes there’s internet perusing, or a show involved, but just to sit and zone out is my idea of recharging. I do make time for this every morning, before our day starts. As simple as that sounds, it’s huge. Breaking a sweat, and being surrounded by mature trees, is good for me, too. Having clean, organized surroundings is important to the sitting and vegging out. Our house gets messy, of course, but I always try to stay ahead of keeping it clean, and try to have a candle going or music on, just to make it that much nicer. That’s more for me than anybody else. 

I have finally made peace with the fact that keeping it simple is totally acceptable. Sneaking out to get a pedicure can be great, but it also involves putting on a bra, driving, and spending money. None of that is ideal to me. 

With most things that I write, there’s a part of me thinking “this is so silly!” There are single parents out there, people paying their way through school, people affected by natural disasters, or people taking care of loved ones that are terribly ill. So yeah, if I don’t get a quiet minute to myself throughout the day, it’s absolutely ok. In those moments that I can recharge my personal batteries, though, this if what works. I’m a much better wife, mother, daughter, and friend if I get my time. 

I am genuinely curious.. what works for the rest of you? 

Here’s to ourselves! 

XO 

Toddler Christmas Gift Guide

Just when I think that I’m sad about Lyla growing up, and losing her “babyish ways,” I’m quickly reminded that every phase with her, is so much fun, in different and exciting ways. She’s really starting to understand things, and holidays have been no exception. Not only do I like holidays now, but I think that I love them. I didn’t even like them that much when I was little. Nature, not nurture, in my case - it’s just my personality. It truly is magic to see things through a child’s eyes, though. 

Anthony and I are so pumped to play Santa this year. I’m hopeful that we can make a date night out of shopping for her, but I’m sure that we’ll also be utilizing trusty ole Amazon. Do people say trusty? I’ve said it like one other time in my entire life. But it really is TRUSTY, no? 

Some of our ideas for our 2.5 year old: 

 Kid-Century Table and Chairs  -  I think this will be her big gift from us. Lyla loves to have spaces that are her own, and to set up her little “scenarios” or to color. I love the look, and price, of this set. 

Dog Family Nesting Dolls  -  Lyla has a set of Russian Nesting Dolls at her Grandparents’ house. It’s one of her very favorite things. Her set there is a classic family set, but I think that she’ll get a kick out of the dogs. Or she’ll get pissed that it’s not actual people, throw it to the ground, and yell NO.

Fisher-Price Little People Safari Share and Care Set  - Little People toys are wonderful. They encourage creativity and come with minimal choking hazard. Everytime we see a commercial for this specific set, she goes nuts. 

Fisher-Price Little People Big Helpers Home - When we go to look at toys at Barnes & Noble, or Target (RIP Toys R Us 😢), Lyla’s really drawn to any kind of playhouse. I’m thinking we’ll pull out the big guns for her 3rd birthday, and get her The Little People Disney Princess Castle. 

LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch, Pink - Animals, numbers, button pushing, and having a computer just like Dad? Perfect. 

Original Magna-doodle - We have several mini-versions, or generic versions, of a magna-doodle, and girlfriend is obsessed. I’d like to get her the real deal, knowing she’d use it and appreciate it. 

Busy Books - Busy Books are the hit of our home right now. Our collection keeps growing. Trolls and The Grinch should be a welcome addition to our playtime routine. 

Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Play Set - Right now, Lyla loves to pretend to make cookies for her babies. It’s super cute. She usually uses some random puzzle pieces as the cookies. I love the resourcefulness, but this set is just too cute to pass up. Plus, I think that Melissa & Doug makes the nicest toys. 

Lyla’s also into unicorns, dinosaurs, and dress up right now. Who knows what else we’ll come up with between now and Christmas, but it’s been so much fun thinking about it. This is a kid, who isn’t saying a lot of full sentences, but just told me when I asked her if she was still hungry “No. I just play and play.” 🤗

Any ideas out there? Much appreciated! 

Happy Shopping 

XO 

3 Things to Know About Caregivers

I like this numbering/list format. Expect to see more of it.

The title of this post is really general, but the content is more specific to raising a child with Cystic Fibrosis. While Lyla isn’t necessarily sick, I do have to constantly keep in mind, that if she does get “actively” sick, it could be bad news. Either way you chalk it up, it can be heartbreaking and all-consuming raising a child, or caring for a loved one, with any kind of specific needs. It can also be the most wonderfully moving event of your entire life. 

1. Raising a child with health concerns has made me really selfish. I cannot help it. I hate that fact. My mind literally can only process and focus on so much. Obviously, Lyla’s health is number 1. A lot of extra noise or commotion really gets to me. We have a big appointment coming up at the end of this week, and it dawned on me how irritable I have been. This happens every 2 months, when we have a clinic appointment. All of my “brain energy” goes to fattening up my toddler. If we get to this appointment, and her weight is low, that falls on me, especially as we approach cold season. I don’t like to “fail” so needless to say, there’s already quite a bit of unnecessary pressure taking over my life. 

2. I need to preface this, by saying that this isn’t meant to sound passive aggressive in light of some recent real-life events for us. I’ve come to the realization that a lot of people simply don’t “get” CF, and that’s ok. Something to be aware of - If my daughter happened to contract pneumonia, she could die. That sounds super dramatic, but it is true. She. Could. Die. Granted, Lyla’s lungs have been pretty great up until now, but it’s not something that we’d even entertain playing around with. I could get into the science and reasoning behind why this could happen, but honestly, that’s not as important as simply knowing the horrific, and unfathomable, repercussions. If you have a respiratory infection of any kind (especially pneumonia), and know that you could be around susceptible patients, small children, or the elderly, please use some common sense. Actually...that goes for any kind of bug or sickness. Err on the side of caution. You know, so no one dies. 

3. Please do not say that my child is spoiled. She’s not, and it’s rude/not cute or funny. I spend a lot of quality (and quantity) time with Lyla, and she’s come to expect that. That part can get a little tricky, and it’s up to me, her mother, to support more independence. I always planned on being a very hands-on parent, but when I was pregnant, and thought that we’d be spending most of our time in a hospital; or I’d only get around 20 years with my daughter, I decided not to waste one single second, or take one little tantrum or long day for granted. Things have brightened up quite a bit, in her future, but life can be short, and it is incredibly precious. So yes, Lyla gets most of my time and energy. No, I don’t worry that she’s spoiled by that fact. Personally, I don’t see how dropping what you’re doing to play or help your child, or sitting on the floor to engage with them is spoiling. If we were buying her tons of toys and giving her candy all day, that would be a different story. I’m obviously a tad sensitive on this one. My time with Lyla is the most precious thing in my world right now, and I choose to spend that time lovingly and meaningfully, simply put. 

(While we’re at it, I really have a problem with calling little girls “brats” or “sassy” because they say no when they don’t want to do something; or like girly accessories or toys). 

Hopefully this can give some insight into how us caregivers can feel at different times. You never know what someone is really dealing with, and how draining or worrying it can all be. (If anyone knows how to NOT use pizza as a crutch, please let me know. TIA). 

XO

5 Shows That I’m Over

Vapid. Shallow. Fluff. My favorite kind of post. I’ve also had 2 Trulys (SIC) *Colina lime only for me* so this seemed like a brilliant idea. For any trolls out there, my daughter has been sleeping soundly in her bed for almost 3 hours. A drink or 2 = totally ok. 

1. The Voice. I really love music, and I really love Kelly Clarkson, so I tried to watch the new season and I remembered very quickly why I gave it up. It’s like 18 hours of Carson Daly (🙄) recapping the rules, or past episodes, and 3 seconds of singing. For a 2 hour episode. I didn’t even like Carson Daly on TRL. So let’s give him a mansplaining platform. Fabulous idea. Negative points also given (taken?) for Adam Levine being the mayor of Douche City, Arrogancia. 

2. This is Us. Once something becomes trendy/people cry over it and post about it on social media, I’m usually out. However, in spite of that, and Mandy Moore’s whoa-is-me eyebrow raise, I tried to stick it out on this one. I did enjoy the 80’s nostalgia, involving the kids my age. But then..then..Sterling K. Brown said in an interview that this show was “bigger than any of us.” Ok. Bye. Not a level of hubris that I care for (she blogs. In 2018). 

3. The Real Housewives of Anywhere. Ok. I know. But you guys..it’s all gotten to be SO boring. I keep up with what happens via gossip site recaps, and IG accounts. Is that maybe the problem? Are the recaps easier and quicker, and therefore more gratifying? Am I tired of seeing grown women fight at a dinner party? I’ll check in when I can, and I’m hopeful for RHOBH (Denise Richards is total 90’s b-lister, and I live for that), but I can’t give much more. I loved to tune in for the clothes and homes, as well, but honestly, I can see that stuff anytime on instagram. 

Favorite Bravo recap site:

Tamara Tattles

4. American Horror Story. Every show that’s been produced by Ryan Murphy, gets way too weird for me, halfway through. Nip/Tuck, Glee, Feud, the OJ Simpson and Gianni Versace shows.. totally slowed down or got too bizarre for me at one point. AHS is no exception. Genius show ideas, poor execution. 

5. Sofia the First. I write this on behalf of my 2 year old, ok - and me, but this Mystic Isles storyline?! Holy dullsville. Holy way too many new characters. Personally, I loved the charm of Sofia’s little castle life. So simple, and a little girly. My husband and I have a theory that Ariel Winter (Sofia’s voice, Alex on Modern Family, IG SUPERSTAR), is becoming too “grown up” for Disney JR, and they need a way to phase her out, therefore they’ve introduced this totally random storyline, and have ridden it out way too far. Also, let me clarify that - she’s becoming too “grown up” in the sense that I have, for my normal-sized bras. Luckily, we now have Fancy Nancy and her incessant whining and being a rude, bossy friend/big sister/daughter. 

These are all my opinions, and felt oddly good to share. Therefore, I’m off to do a little soul-searching, and by soul-searching, I mean falling asleep. Feel free to chime in! 

XO, Luci