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 

Currently

Home 

I feel like our dining room needs something. Maybe a rug? I’ll try to get some pics if I remember. I know what you’re all thinking - “I’ll be over here, on the edge of my seat” (name that show) **

**(edited to add, that while I was looking for some curtain ideas for our laundry room, I stumbled across these curtains from Pier One, and I cannot stop thinking about them for our dining room - a sign that I genuinely love them. That would require bigger changes in that room, however, then I was planning. This is all news to my husband, reading this, by the way. Hi Anth)! 

I also am thinking of giving our laundry room a makeover. It would be a weekend project. Or 2-3 day long middle-of-the-week project, since all of my days look exactly alike. Think paint/take down unnecessary cabinets/curtains/paint wire shelving black. Again, totally riveting.  

Inspo: 

This idea started when I realized that we probably have some paint left from our guest room, Sherwin Williams Silvermist

Parenting 

What adult films themselves playing with toys for YouTube? I get it, these weirdos make 6 figures, but these videos majorly creep me out. I don’t even know how my little one stumbled upon them, but these kinds of videos (tutorials?) put her into the deepest trance. V disturbing. Have any of you seen the Paw Patrol Morning Routine clip, where the grown man asks the dolls if they “tee teed” in their diapers?! <— (A sentence that I hope to never type again). My brother and his wife have taken away all YouTube privileges in their house. I can see why. Not to mention the selling out aspect of it, as I sit here, waiting for a sponsorship to roll in... 

As one of the all-time greats once said were people doing coke in your bathroom “never hustle a hustler”

I don’t know a ton about parenting, or what’s right and what’s wrong, but I do aim to instill love and confidence every second that I can. I’m hoping this will set us up for some easy-ish adolescent and teenage years. What I do know, is the simplest way to make Lyla feel loved and secure, is to simply be totally engaged. Most days, I put my phone away and sit on the floor and play, just have little chats, or explore outside together. Simple things, where I try to be as present as possible. Some days it takes effort, if I’m being real. It doesn’t seem like much, but from what I can tell, that is huge in a 2 year old’s world. This is just something that I’ve been thinking a lot about, lately. 

Health 

I wish that I cared as much about my size, as I did my house. That’s not to say that I don’t put in the effort, but it definitely doesn’t come naturally to me, to care much about it. Lately, I’ve been playing around with Intermittent Fasting, and figuring out which way to follow it fits into all of our lifestyles, since we all try to eat together, etc. So far, I really enjoy it and find it much more realistic than, say, planning out 6 small meals a day. It’s just a good fit for me. I just need that will power at night, after everyone goes to bed, and I want to decompress with my shows and a snack. 

As far as exercise, we’ve been walking a ton, but otherwise, I’ve been terrible. I’m much happier when I’m working out regularly, for so many reasons. I need to figure out a new sneaker situation, and I should be good to go. For me, I like to work out on a treadmill and use free weights. I have a sprint work out, that I’ve based off of some of my favorite spin classes, and when I’m consistent, it’s great. Classes, and going to a gym, just aren’t realistic right now, which is fine.  I prefer to do it alone, and listen to my jams. I have always thought that exercise is a really personal thing, and different things work for different people. Maybe writing about it, and drowning in my own narcissism, will motivate me to get a good work out in today? 

Pop Culture 

Yawn. Snooze. Streaming has taken over our lives, so not much to say, except that I’m loving Get a Room with Carson Kresley and Thom Filicia (original Queer Eye). It’s everything that I want from HGTV but don’t get - fancy decorating, with curse words and off-color jokes thrown in. I’m hoping to get into The Haunting of Hill House soon, but I’m not ready to commit to a new series. Writing about my lame thoughts takes up a ton of time. 

Hope you’re all having a good week! 

XO, Luci 

ETA: I started to write this post, before the shooting at the Synagogue in Pittsburgh. There are not enough words to express how heartbreaking it is. It is absolutely disgusting that such hate is still so present in this country. I find it embarrassing, if I’m being completely honest. My heart goes out to the Jewish community, a community that I’ve only ever known as kind, smart, and open-hearted/minded. Let’s all take a moment this week, to reflect on those that lost their lives, and their loved ones. 

Blonde Moments

Thoughts not big enough to merit their own post: 

*Since starting a little IG account for this blog, I’ve gotten a few messages and emails, on “growing” my business/account. Some of these are legit, and when the time feels right, I’ll start doing more to get out there. I’m not great though, with unsolicited advice. An email that was sent to me, felt like a list of rules on what and when to post. I’m not even sure who sent it. 

The other thing to consider is how much to feature my daughter. She’s pretty much my entire focus in life, and her CF journey can reach a lot of people out there, in a positive way. I just don’t want it to turn into an Amazing Amy/Gone Girl situation; or worse, attract the wrong kind of person. Luckily, the quality of pictures that my phone takes, almost blurs her out entirely. Someone named “missy” however, did email me to tell me to post good quality pictures. Missy, I’ll privately send you my address, so that you can send me a new iPhone that I’ll inevitably drop, or better yet, a good camera. Thanks, girl! 

*Speaking of Lyla having Cystic Fibrosis, we’re about to make a little change to our routine. I’ll be adding a teaspoon-tablespoon of heavy cream to her Pediasure. Her weight isn’t bad, but she definitely needs some “reserve” before cold season hits us. 

Another CF related thing, that I’ve realized, is that while I’m very hopeful for Lyla’s future, this is after all, a progressive disease. It can, and should, get more severe with age. I seriously think that I blocked this information out for the first 2.5 yrs of Lyla’s life. That said, with modern science and medicine, I really do think that she’ll be ok. Isn’t that what all parents do, though? Worry. 

*On the other end of that, our dog is on a diet. The saddest part is that she doesn’t understand why we aren’t giving her as many treats or table scraps as usual. 

*OK. A Star is Born. Who has seen it? Beyond, right? We were lucky enough to see it while we were in FL. It totally exceeded my already high expectations. If I was into Lady Gaga before, I’m full on obsessed now. And who doesn’t love Bradley Cooper. We’re already hoping to see it again. My parents also saw it, and my even dad was left emotional over it. That’s always my gauge if something is worth the hype - if my Dad gets into it. It’s just so well done. My mom, of course, loved it! Lyla is starting to learn the songs from it, because we have the soundtrack on so much. Although, yesterday we took a break from it, to listen to the entire Tarzan soundtrack, per Lyla’s request. It still totally holds up. I didn’t realize how well she knows the songs from it, even the random scores. Lol. 

Love their friendship 

True. 

Until next time! XO