Last Blast Was Not A Blast

Okay so, I do not have great natural eyelashes. It just doesn't really run in my family. Plain and simple. I have actually had numerous people tell me, in shock, how short my lashes are. Yes, people are rude like that. I have always lusted after long lashes. They don't even need to be dark or thick, just looong. But thus, we can't always have everything and I have learned to be grateful for what I have got. And I have learned to work with what I have got.

We all know that I am not a huge make-up wearer. In fact, if you see me at the grocery store or out for a walk, 75% of the time, I am not wearing any. I will have a decent outfit on (well, maybe) but my hair and make-up will be sketchy. The other 20% of the time, I would be wearing mascara and have colored in my brows a bit but thats it. The last 5% of the time I would be wearing foundation, concealer, blush, eyeliner, mascara, and some eyebrow pencil. If you're lucky a tiny bit of bronzer. But if it's not my wedding day (I already did that), I wouldn't be wearing all of that, lets be honest. I am all about embracing the face you got. Maybe enhancing it a little?

SO, if I am wearing any make-up, mascara would be it. It makes me look more alert, more feminine, and enhances my eyes which I kinda like. I think mascara really is important. I am also the type of person who sticks with what she knows. When I go to restaurants, I find the thing that I like best and get it every time. It's the same deal with make-up. I have been using the same face wash since I was 12, for Pete's Sake! I am not necessarily saying that is a good thing but why fix what isn't broken?

This last week, I got a Covergirl coupon in a magazine. It was a pretty decent coupon for any Covergirl eye product. I needed new mascara anyway and I had heard great things about the Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara so I thought I would give it a whirl! I wish this next part was more positive but I will be blunt. I am not a fan. It has the weird rubbery bristles that I believe are suppose to help with clumping. It did avoid clumping but it also made the "voluminous" part nonexistent as well.

Boo, so disappointing.

Now, because I have such scrawny natural lashes, I use multiple coats of mascara to pump them up. We're talking like 2-3. A lot I know, but I need my mascara to be build-able in order to obtain that full lash look. So, with the Lash Blast, I used just that, 3 coats and the results were disappointing. Not only did my lashes remain short looking (thats fine, the product didn't claim to provide longer looking lashes)  but they look scrawny/thin. Where was the volume that they claimed? They were also really brittle feeling, like I could snap them off. Boo, all around disappointment. This product did not fit my needs BUT it may be great with other individuals with already long, thick, lashes?

I am glad that I didn't pay full price for this product, it really wasn't worth it. In the future, I will sticking with my original favorite. The L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. It's fantastic. The product is not only about $1 cheaper than the Covergirl Mascara but it is build-able and volumizing (is that a word?). It may have more issues with clumping but I would rather have too much product than not enough. My lashes always look longer, thicker, and all together more noticeable with the L'Oreal Mascara. I would absolutely suggest it. Particularly the Carbon Black option. Really great and definitely what I will stick with!

Buy this product. It's great!

There you have it! I was in no way paid to do this review, this is just the honest truth of what I found.

Happy Tuesday!

Hil

Lately

Hello, hey, hi. Hilary here. As I mentioned before, I have been so distracted with daily life lately that my blog was put on a back burner. All with good and grand things though! We are very happy and healthy here. I will say that I feel like part of my is missing and it's because I haven't been able to write! But I am here now and wanted to do a quick update for you and throw some quick pictures up (some may have already seen them) of our life lately.

Batman!

Reading: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Isn't that awful!? Well, I do read tons of kids books each day and other blogs but I am not reading any specific books currently. I should start a new one soon.

He loves the swings now.

Young Chad. Looks so much like Geddy. 

Watching: Kitchen Nightmares again. I love that show. Gordon Ramsay is the man. And I just love food.

At a restaurant in a Thor T-shirt and no makeup. That sums me up.

Thinking About: How grateful I am for family. I get to see my sis here in a couple of weeks (she has been living in North Carolina but is coming to visit). I can not wait! There will be giggling and baking and happiness when she comes. I am also so grateful for Geddy's Grandparents. Today is my Father's birthday and I got to call him. My Paren't are serving in Virginia on an LDS Mission so I don't get to see them right now. It was so wonderful to talk to him, he misses Geddy so much and can't wait to see him in the next year or so. I am also so grateful for Chad's parents. They are stellar people who I love. They have been so good to take an extra load while my folks are away. They babysit all the time (they are probably sick of us) and dote on Geddy so he knows that he is loved even more. They have done a lot for our little family and I can't thank them enough.

On of my all time favorite pics of Grumpa and Geddy. 

He LOVES blanket forts.

Eating: Tuna Melts. Oh my gosh, you guys, I am obsessed. Everyday for lunch, I make one with an apple on the side and it's so good. Also, Teddy Grahams. I made the foolish mistake of buying Teddy Grahams for Geddy and I ate literally half the box. Then guess what? I bought them again the following week! They are just so freaking good, I can't stand it!

Spider-Man!

His long fuzzy curls. 

Loving: Watching Geddy try to communicate with us. I mentioned before that he has learned some of the signs for words. Lately he has been getting them so confused. Haha, he will say cracker and be doing the sign for milk. It's cute and we work around it but it's exciting to see hime try. Also, several times a day, Geddy will stop and take a moment to think and then turn to me and ask "Dada?" as he waves. He knows that Chad has gone to work and talks about it ALL day. It's pretty dang charming. I am also loving the fact that my brother-in-law, Aj, got his mission call to...UGANDA. We were all so shocked and thrilled for him. That kid is an inspiration, he has worked so hard to get where he is and I am so impressed and proud. Love that nerd.

I ran a 5k! I was really happy I did it. 

There you have it. That is what is happening lately in our little home!

Happy Monday!

Hil

P.S. Sorry about any typos, Geddy woke up from his nap early!

Are You My Mother?

Mother's Day is upon us. This is such a special day for everyone. Whether you are a Mother, have a Mother, or know a Mother, it is a day that we all celebrate. I feel like almost all of my posts are about being a Mother, you are probably so sick of it (and I can't blame you!)! So, I wanted to keep my thoughts really brief and leave a few wonderful quotes that will give you warm fuzzies.

First of all, I was blessed with a beautiful, courageous, graceful, mother. She inspires me daily to be patient and loving with my son but to also stand up for what I know is right. My Mother has a quiet strength that would never waiver. I also have a spectacular Mother-in-Law! I am so grateful to have both these Mamas in my life as I raise my children. So blessed.

Sooooo true. Holy crap.

I fear that I don't proclaim my love of Motherhood enough. In fact, I know that I don't. So I will dedicate this post to shout it on the mountain top. I love being a Mama! I love that I have slumped around in my jammies for days and have stretch marks. This sounds sarcastic but it's true. I have gone through one of the most challenging transitions and came out the other side in one piece. It's my proudest accomplishment, EVER. I love his sticky little fingers and the "humpy" hugs that he gives. I love that I worry about him constantly and seeing his tiny butt cheeks in the tub. Being a Mother is an honor and I feel so blessed. I am a much better person because of Motherhood.

This made me chuckle. It's so true. 

Happy Mother's Day. It is a special day indeed so go celebrate it.

Happy Sunday!

Hil

It Gets Me

Every now and then, I stumble across a picture and think to myself "this picture gets me". It can be anything from a picture of a house, garden, food, clothes, art, babies, dogs, etc and it's usually on Pinterest, let's be honest. Yesterday I discovered one of those pictures.

I love everything about this. The bold glasses, gray jacket, mustard cardigan, striped shirt, thick dark leggings, fuzzy straight hair. From head to toe, this look is genius and I want it. All of it. Totally my style inspiration for the week, month, year, always.

Happy Saturday!

Hil

Woopy Doo

I completely dropped the ball this week as far as blogging. Yikes. I have just been so distracted. I feel like we have been on the go all day but in a really great way. All these little distractions have actually been incredibly positive. I have been focusing on making our day worth while. Trying to do more one on one play time and being outside, just focusing on being the best Mom I can be. Geddy and I have been communicating better. He is starting to say Mama, Dada, Cracker, Dog, Hi (all with signs and noises). He still knows the sign for Milk like it's nobody's business.

Even those few little words seem like such huge accomplishements. And I can tell it's a relief for Geddy, he is less frustrated. We have been playing at parks and trying really hard to get out each day and it has helped immensely. I feel bad because I fear that I complain about my little dude. He really is my world. And he is such a pleasant, happy, individual. I have strangers say "he is so happy" all the time and truthfully, he is. He is happy to be alive and has a passion for life already. It's hard for this Mama to keep up! A lady at the grocery store commented on how smiley he was and followed by asking "do you know what they say about babies who smile a lot?". I responded "no" and she replied "it's because they feel love at home, for reals, it's a proven fact". I don't know if what she said is an actual proven theory but it made me feel good. I hope that Geddy always feels just how much we love him. Because it's an overwhelming amount. What an incredible boy.

Chad and I of course celebrated Star Wars Day (May 4th "May the Fourth Be With You", get it?) by watching the old star wars movies. But we didn't just stop there (of course not) we actually watched all the new ones as well. Such a great story! Obviously, the old ones are significantly better but it was interesting to watch the new ones as well because I had completely forgotten what happened in them. We actually finished the last movie last night and we were sad it was over. We felt a little bit lost. I cannot WAIT for the 7th movie to come out. (Speaking of movies, who else is excited to see the new Star Trek movie?! I am PUMPED! Especially because Benedict Cumberbatch is in it. It's going to be amazing.)

That's about it, team. I have nothing more to say today. I will do a Mother's Day post, I am sure, so keep an eye out for that.

Happy Friday!

Hil

What I Think of the Park and Shoes of the Day

Chad had to work late yesterday so I needed a fun activity that I could do with Geddy for a while, just to use up some of the time in the day. I decided to take him on a little picnic at the park. I was smart and kept him in his stroller while he ate. Here is my thing, I know that the park is a great place for children to get their wiggles out but when I go to the park, I feel like I am herding a very angry cat. It's almost like Mama is getting her wiggles out while the toddler is just being fueled. Geddy is a wonderful, social, spirited, active, boy. Because he has such a hearty soul, he wants to be around ALL the people and nothing to do with Mama. He will never walk in the same direction with me. He is just trying to get away!

Out little picnic date.

Little Dude is incredibly social, has been from the beginning. That means when we go to the park he doesn't want to play on the toys or swing he wants to get really close to all the children (even crying ones) and scream in their face with excitement. He is just so happy to see everybody! All the parents are so sweet and honestly, it doesn't bother me that he wants to be close to children, that's cute and endearing. However, when he wants to go to the edge of the parking lot where the suspicious two gentlemen, who drove separately but were purposely meeting each other there only to sit in one of their cars to "talk", it's a little frustrating (and scary). Or when he wants to visit the far too affectionate couple cuddling under a tree. OR when he wants to play with the teenage brother and sister who are practicing their batting with a metal bat. 

Geddy's cool Marvel shirt.

Our time at the park turns into Mama chasing the boy and trying to redirect him. Here is the thing, when you redirect him (even if you carry him halfway across the park to distract him) he will immediately turn back around and proceed with his original plan. He almost takes it as a challenge. Let me tell you, this kid has heart! 

The end of tantrum numero uno. He threw himself on the grass.

By the end of our park experience, he is usually yelling/crying as I carry him like a big barrel of ale to the car. Covered in dirt (because staying clean is for fools) and clenching a new rock or stick. Honestly, I am not really that upset or frustrated, in the moment I was but I know he is just a healthy little boy and he deserves to act that way. I always end with "why do we ever go to the park?" but ultimately, I know he loves it and we will never stop. This post was mostly just light hearted...mostly :) I am assuming that it will get better with age but do any other parents feel like this? Like the park is more exhausting than enjoyable?

How we look after the park. Snot, tears, and dirt. Poor kid. 

How Mama feels after the park. Frazzled and warm. 

ANYWAY...for Mother's Day, I wanted to get Geddy some new moccasins. Funny how that works, you want to get your child something for YOUR gift. I have so loved his other Moccs that we went ahead and got the same brand, Minnetonka, but a different color and style. This time we went with RED. I adore these. They are a bit tricky to get on but man do they add a fun pop. I am all about the soft soled shoes too (unless it's wet or snowy). Geddy likes them a lot as well. 

AND...another shoe of the day. What?! Too good to be true. So, as an adult, I have always had issues with flip flops. They just aren't my thing. I usually feel like they are too casual or that they don't stay on my feet. I am just not that into them unless I am at a pool, lake, or beach. This summer, I was looking for a super low-key sandal/flip flop that I could sport casually. I found these for $16.99 at Target and thought I would give them a whirl. They are INCREDIBLE. I absolutely love them. They have officially replaced flip flops in my closet which I am 100% okay with. They are comfy and decent quality, especially for the price, and they go great with skirts, jeans, shorts, you name it! I have gone on walks while wearing them, grocery shopping, all over the town. Really great purchase, I love them so much, I am thinking about going back and getting another pair in a different color. You should check them out!

Happy Friday!

Hil 

P.S. Just recently, I have noticed Geddy doing an entirely new facial expression. It's a big boy expression, serious and calm. It's going to seem like a normal expression but it's not. His mouth is perfectly closed and you can tell he is thinking. I don't know why but it gets to me every time. I will even try to talk to him when he does it (it's when he is focused) and it's like he can't hear me. Really funny.  

His big boy face.

P.P.S. Little dude loves my necklaces. I only let him play with specific ones because I know they will likely end up broken. Yesterday, he put one on and it ended up like a bandoleer. He wore it like that for a good 5 minutes. It was so stinkin' cute.

A Post About Absolutely Nothing

This afternoon was intended for a nap, obvi. But, I awoke this morning with a headache behind my right eye (the worst) so I took headache meds that had caffeine in them. Which, unfortunately, led to a restless napping session, and ended with a blogging "sesh" instead. Oh well, I will sleep when I am dead, right?

Everyday I read my Google Reader  (which is soon going away, *tear*) and I find so much beauty and inspiration there. I love the creativity of so many bloggers and all the beautiful things they post. As much as I complain about the "perfectness" and lack of reality that some bloggers portray, I do relish in a lot of it's beauty and creativity. How fantastic is creating something? Whether it be food, literature, a child, interior design, there is something so satisfying in creating. It just makes me happy.

One post that I read today and absolutely LOVED was by Jen from JenLovesKev (one of my favorite daily reads). It was all about the difference of parenting between your first child and second child. It actually provided a lot of hope and made me excited to potentially have another child (in like a billion years). You should seriously read it, go here for the specific article. Was there a significant difference with your first and second child (as far as parenting goes)? I would love to hear, tell me!

I have had a lot on my mind lately. Different things really; parenting, blogging, getting healthy, projects that I want to start but don't know where to begin. Every now and then, I am proud of myself. Does that ever happen to you? In fact, I was looking at my Pinterest Boards and seeing the different things that I have liked and pinned and thought "You know what? I am a pretty cool kid". I remember one of the best compliments I ever received was from a corky college professor I had. She taught Ancient World History and I don't even remember her name but she was over the age of 50 with long wild gray curly hair, wore short skirts with high top converse, intense eyes, and was polytheistic (did I say that right? Apologies if I didn't). I remember I turned in my final to her (which I totally bombed, by the way) and she looked me in the eyes with her usual intense expression and said "You are a fascinating person, I loved having you in my class". I was blown away, I remember leaving and feeling so proud. Although she and I were different in some ways, we saw the value of the other person. She is actually the person who made me love the band Nirvana (soon after this class I met my future husband and we had one of our first connections over Kurt Cobain's published journals. Love was in the air). This lady was neat, I tell you.

I hope I am always a fascinating person. Sometimes I get stuck in the idea that I am "just" a Mom (which is a big deal in itself) but I am intelligent and interesting too. I also forget that our outside appearances aren't the only things that make us appealing. How many times have you talked to someone beautiful only to find a dull interior. It's beautiful to be unique. We should bask in our differences and be proud of who we are. This is something that I am constantly learning as I get older. And it's one of my favorite lessons but one that I struggle with the most.

This post was random and unorganized but these are sometimes my favorite. They are authentic and just my thoughts tripping out of my brain.

Happy Thursday!

Hil