Product Review: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelette ---- HELP!

Ladies - please help me! 

I need suggestions on which sunless tanners work for you. 

I have been pasty for far too long and I need a little color in my life. 

I use to be an avid tanner back in the day. 

I played volleyball in high school and college so it was necessary that I maintain a nice golden glow since I lived in spandex. 

I loved being tan. 

It's slimming. 

See picture #2. I don't have to wear much makeup - just throw on a little mascara and eye liner because it makes my skin look good. 

My angel kisses come out. 

You get the picture. It's just makes me feel good about myself.

Then I started working at Healing Waters Spa & Cosmetic Clinic and saw first hand what sun damage does. 

Wrinkles, wrinkles, and more wrinkles. 

Saggy skin.

Hyper-pigmented skin.

Skin cancer.  

None one which are flattering or worth it.

Since then - I've tried a few different spray tan places but haven't been fully satisfied. 

If you know me - you know I'm cheap. 

Paying $15-$30 for a tan that lasts maybe a week doesn't cut it for me. 

I would rather buy a lotion and do it at home when it's convenient for me.

So yesterday evening I tried out the L'oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes.

You can purchase these 6 single use towelettes at target for $9. 

I thought using a towelette would be easier to handle, there aren't any gloves involved and I wouldn't have to worry about putting on too much or too little.

Conclusion: 

 My upper body looks great but not so much my lower body. 

It said to use sparingly around your elbows, knees and ankles but clearly I didn't follow the rules. 

Don't mind the crusty toes.

 This preggo can hardly bend over these days - so I'm going to get a much needed pedicure with my mom on Friday!

The tricky part about using a towelette is that you don't know where exactly you are applying it. You just rub it on hoping you cover everything. I also slept in short shorts last night so I woke up with discolored/splotchy legs. I'm sure it's because I get super hot in my sleep and probably sweat some areas off. Gross. I also can't stand the smell and neither can CT. Even though I took a shower this morning I could smell myself all day at work. That's the worst! 

So ladies .. help me out please! 

Do you have a sunless tanner that works well for you? 

Week 27

(playing around with the self timer)

How far along: 27 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Cauliflower

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +15 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I hit up target's clearance rack for a few more pieces the past week - two shirts. I'll be hitting up my favorite discount stores (TJMAXX, Ross & Gordman's) to look for a shower outfit for this weekend. 

Stretch marks: No. Thank goodness!

Belly button in or out: In.

Sleep: When CT sleeps like a baby, I sleep like a baby. It is pretty brutal sleeping with him in our queen sized bed. He sleeps diagonal and his elbows are always under my pillow. I'm getting annoyed just typing about it.

Best moment last week: Hearing Kingston's heart beat and finding out we get another sonogram next week! 

Worst moment last week: Being freaked out about the C word. Read about it here.  

Miss anything: Margaritas and my pants buttoning.

Movement: Yes. It definitely goes in spurts. It's funny though because when CT talks to him - he is always so active after. He loves his daddy already. <3

Cravings: Sour cream. I ordered mozzarella sticks yesterday with a side of sour cream. 

Queasy or sick: Some movements make me sick - but as quick as it comes - it goes. 

Looking forward to: Mani's & Pedi's with my mom on Friday and our first family baby shower on Saturday! 

Prayer Request: This week I pray for sleep and for cooler weather. 

Bi-Racial = Happy

So there is this thing going around social media these days about 100 happy days. 
I must not be that cool because I don't really know what it's about ... 

but it has got me thinking about certain things that make me happy. 

First - lets start off with a little Pharrell: 

Doesn't that song just make you want to jump around the room and dance all ridiculous like? No? Maybe that's just me. 

Anyways ... 
What makes my heart so happy is bi-racial couples and bi-racial families  (and not just because I'm apart of one).  I think it's beautiful.
CT and I talk about this all the time - eventually in a million bizillion years (if Jesus doesn't come back before then) our whole world is going to be one big mixed race.  I think that's how God wanted it. 
There would be no hate - only love.  Everyone would look similar - beautiful. Everyone would be on an equal playing field.  There would be no stereotypes based on color and no persecution. 
I love seeing the older generation couples - because you knew they did it before it was ever anywhere near acceptable. When it was completely against the norm and when people judged and looked down on them. These people are my favorite! I am inspired by their braveness and their ability to fight for love.
It's not about what someone looks like (even though my hubby is a complete hottie) but it's about how they treat you and how they love you.  Love is beautiful - whether you are black, white, grey, or purple. 
I love love. It makes me happy. 

My Life in Lists: You're Hired

Linking up again with Marci and Kelli again.

If I could hire someone to do anything for me - what would it be? 

1. CLEAN! 

Duh! Who wouldn't love to hire a housekeeper?

I enjoy picking things up and putting everything in its place (especially when I'm mad - it's the best therapy) but I do not enjoy deep cleaning. 

Dusting. Vacuuming. Washing windows. Scrubbing the counters. 

Nope ... not for me. 

2. Hairstylist/MakeUp Person

I've never been good at this. I have a handful of go-to hairstyles - most of which include a ponytail. 

I also never wore anything but mascara and eyeliner in high school and not much has changed since then.

If I could hire someone - I would hire Kim Kardashian's glam squad.

See the amazing transformation! 

I'd love them to work their magic on me. 

3. Masseuse

CT and I take turns rubbing/scratching each others backs every night for 10 minutes. 

I'm greedy and this isn't enough for me. 

If I could hire someone - I would hire a personal Masseuse to give me an hour massage each morning and each night. 

4. Baker

I enjoy cooking meals but I'm not that grand of a baker. 

If I could hire someone - I would hire someone to make me delicious goodies. Cinnamon rolls. Homemade donuts. Brownies, brownies, and more brownies. Icecream cakes. 

You get the picture. 

All this preggo can think about these days are sweets. 

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5. Personal Stylist

Especially now that I wear the same 4 shirts and same 4 dresses all the time, I'd hire a personal stylist. I'm too cheap to buy any new clothes for this growing bump and it doesn't help that I only shop at the discount stores. 

If I could hire someone - I would hire someone to help me find some good pieces that can be worn all year - with or without a bump.

What would you hire out if you could?

Breech Baby

I wish that read beach baby. 

A warm vacation by the water sounds good right about now. 
And I'm not too huge yet so I could still pull off looking cute in a swim suit. 

Anyways ... yesterday we had Kingston's 26 week check up.
 Our doctor came in and immediately gave me an order for a sonogram in 2 weeks. Apparently at our anatomy scan they didn't get a good picture of his spine because he was breech. 

He still is breech. 

Head up by my ribs and feet down by my bladder. 

Basically he's just sitting in there - relaxing all cool. 

Immediately my mind went to one place:
 sh*t I'm going to have to have a c-section. 

I knew it was too good to be true. 

I've been feeling too good and things have been too easy. 

 I should have been grateful that I get to see my babe again in two weeks. 
But I wasn't ...I was freaked out.  

I was told that most babies at this stage of pregnancy are head down already but to 'not worry there is still plenty of time for him to turn on his own'. 

14 weeks to be exact.

My doctor told me if the time comes and he's doesn't on his own, there are a few options to try.  There are chiropractic options and certain at home positions that may help. 

Of course I turned to Dr. Google and he said that if you place something cold on top of your belly that the babe will move away from the cold.
 I may or may not have tried this with some frozen turkey. 

Surprisingly, it didn't work =)

Another option is a procedure called ECV. 

Basically you go to the hospital, get some medicine that relaxes your uterus, and then the doctor is a gangster and manually turns the baby from the outside.

And in the end IF all that fails - we would schedule a c-section.

I blame CT for this. 
1) Because Kingston's stubborn just like his daddy
2) Because I think Kingston's going to be a big baby just like his daddy

All I know is he better get to moving!

Week 26

How far along: 26 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Lettuce

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +14 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I just ordered two belly bands (code thefrugalgirls2014 gets you two free bands - all you pay is s&h). Hopefully it's not to late to use them. I have some cute capris and jeans that I'd like to continue to wear. I'm just so cheap these days that I hate buying clothes for this bump. I'll be on the look out soon though for some cute dresses for my upcoming showers. 

Stretch marks: No - not yet. I'm keeping that coco butter slathered on. 

Belly button in or out: In for now.

Sleep: CT and I have switched sides of the bed the past few nights and it's amazing what a difference it has made. Our knees don't knock and my face is right next to the box fan. It's nice. Hopefully I can continue to talk him into this. 

Best moment last week: The 3 day weekend. I love being off work and being able to get so much done around the apartment. 

Worst moment last week: Finding my ring finger swollen. Yikes. 

Miss anything: My pants buttoning.

Movement: Yes. I love looking at my belly and seeing where he's positioned because of it being lopsided. 

Cravings: Sour cream. Krispy Kreme Donuts.  

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Hearing Kingston's heartbeat later today and hopefully passing my 1 hour glucose test.

Prayer Request: This week I pray that Kingston finds a best friend like I have found in his father. Someone that makes him happy and that can make him laugh, someone that challenges him, and someone that loves him and prays for him.

 I can't wait to experience parenthood with CT and I'm counting down the days until we can meet our little addition. 

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter! 

(My two day hair wasn't really working for me today and I need some practice on how to pose with a bump. I use to wonder why everyone always held their belly - but when I see pictures when I don't - I now know why. It's the most flattering way to not look huge.) 

Just remember: Jesus Paid It All

As I sit here and reflect on all the posts and pictures I've seen on Instagram and Facebook this morning I can't help but think...

Do we truly understand the real meaning of Easter?

Maybe I'm just realizing it more now because my news feeds are full of growing families and friends that are new moms - but when has Easter ever been about giving extravagant baskets filled with a ridiculous amount of gifts? 

Easter is about celebrating the gift that Jesus has given us. 

The gift of Him paying the price for our sins by dying on the cross for us and then being raised from the dead. 

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Taken from She Reads Truth Daily Devotional:

Resurrection Sunday is more than the miracle of a man coming back to life.

It is the fulfillment of a promise.

It is the irremovable seal on God’s vow of love to His children.

It is the resurrection of hope.

It is the definitive declaration that the Love we long for is not dead.

He is alive. Oh, dear Sisters, He is alive! 

He sits with you, He prays for you, He waits with the Father for you.

******************************************************************

I'm not saying I won't get Kingston a gift or take him on a scavenger hunt for eggs - but He will be taught the true meaning of this holiday. 

I hope that you all do the same. 

Remember: Jesus paid it ALL. ALL to Him I owe. 

Happy Easter! 

Kingston's Closet

As Kingston's closet begins to fill up - I figured this place would be the perfect place to showcase some of my little man's outfits. 

First let me let you in on a quick secret... {whispering voice}...

 I was a tad bit disappointment when the sonogram tech told us our little babe was a boy. 

Yes - I had a feeling from the beginning that we were team blue.

Yes - I've always wanted a boy first - mostly to play the big brother role that I never had. 

Yes - I wanted my parents to have a boy as their first grandchild. 

Yes - I'm your typical boy mom - I was a tom boy myself, played sports my whole life, and now I'm married to a coach/PE teacher. 

But what I wasn't excited about was the fact that I didn't think it would be as fun to dress a boy. BOY was I wrong! As soon as CT and I really started looking at outfits - my eyes were opened. Duh - I just needed to dress him like his daddy .. like a little man. He's going to be so dapper with lots of swagger! 

Onesie // Carters (Gifted)

Jeans // Gap - (Similar)

Moccasins // Stitches&Soles

I can't wait to actually see him in this! 

Product Review: Bright Spring Time Lips

As a member of Influenster I recently was able to review the new Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick. 

I was sent As You Want Victoria. 

Let me start off by saying that I have never been big into wearing bright colored lipstick because I have such huge lips. I was blessed in that department but I have yet to learn how to be confident with color on them. 

As bright and vivid as As You Want Victoria is - it didn't scare me too much. 

Thoughts??

I love how moisturizing and creamy this lipstick was. Unfortunately, though I probably wouldn't wear it too often because it comes off on everything. CT's lips, the straw, my teeth . . . everything. It sure looks pretty - but I feel like I would have to continuously keep having to reapply it because it won't stay on long. 

What are your favorite drugstore lipstick brands? 

Looking at these photos - I may start experimenting with colors more! 

My Life in Lists: If I had one MILLION dollars

This week I'm linking up with Marci - If These Walls Could Speak and Kelli - Team Gilbert for their new weekly link up - My Life in Lists. 

I dream about this daily - what would I do with a million dollars? 

How amazing would it be to come into a million dollars one day?  

I guess it would only be amazing if I came into it anonymously. 

With my million dollars this is how I would spend it: 

1. Pay off our STUDENT LOANS. 

We literally could afford a nice house in what we pay monthly for our student loans. 

The worst part about it all - I'm not even using my degree. 

 2. Build our dream home.

 via

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3. Be able to be a stay at home mom - Michelle Duggar style.

AKA have lots of babies and be able to afford them!

I would also want to be able to adopt 2 little mixed babies from the US too. 

  

4. Travel: 

Fiji

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Hawaii 

Castles

5. Invest it so I can make millions more!! 

Week 25

How far along: 25 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Zucchini

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +14 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Some. I hate spending money on them so I've been on the lookout for stretchy dresses/skirts at places like Ross, Gordmans, TJMAXX, Forever21 - the discount stores! 

Stretch marks: Not yet. Praying they don't ever come.

Belly button in or out: Half in - half out. 

Sleep: So, so. I'm starting to get hot all the time (expect at work in my freezing cold building) but I'm mostly sleeping out of the covers. I wake up for the occasional potty break or if I'm hot. 

Best moment last week: Making more progress in the nursery. We officially have things hung on the wall (more to come) and I completed Kingston's crib sheet and skirt! 

CT wasn't really feeling the crib skirt because it 'clashes'.

What does he know?! The whole nursery has so many patterns which was what I was going for. I love it! 

Worst moment last week: TMI: My tummy gets upset way easy these days. And when it's upset there's no stopping it. Let me tell you - it's so sexy having to rush to the bathroom when I start to get the gurgles. Just keepin' it real. :)

Miss anything: Margarita's and being non-itchy. My skin was never sensitive until pregnancy. 

Movement: Yes. I love it! 

Cravings: Sour cream & wheat thins dipped in cinnamon applesauce! :)

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Only having a 3 day work week this week!

Prayer Request: This week Kingston really starts adding some fat to his little body. I pray that he looks just like his daddy in this department. 

Look at home sweet CT was as a babe. So brown and so chunky! 

Week 24

How far along: 24 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Corn

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +13 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Some. Thankfully most of my pre pregnancy clothes were the flow-y type tops that I can still pull off. I've also found tons of cheap maxi dresses at Forever21 ($10) that I'm belting and wearing the crap out of.

Stretch marks: No - not yet. Fingers crossed they stay away.

Belly button in or out: It's making it's way to an outie.  

Sleep: I sleep good until my 230a potty break and then I toss and turn the rest of the night. I then wake up with sore sides of my hips. It's getting brutal.

Best moment last week: Christian taking second in two of his NCAA brackets and third in one. $$ Cha-Ching $$  Money in the bank! 

Worst moment last week: realizing that EVERYTHING in pregnancy grows. Not just your belly and bobbies ... but everything. 

Miss anything: My pants buttoning.

Movement: Yes. I love it! 

Cravings: Sour cream. 

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Upcoming showers. We have quite a few on the calendar but I just got my first official invitation today. 

Prayer Request: This week I pray that Kingston continues to grow inside me until I'm well into my 3rd trimester. It's crazy to think that I've made it to the point in this pregnancy where I could have him and he could survive (with a lot of help). We have 16 more weeks little man - lets make the best of it!