Archives for April 2020

Top: Dolman V-neck // Jeans: Wide leg Crop Jeans // Shoes: Aislyn Flat Sandals

The last time y’all saw these jeans, I posted them here on day 13 of our quarantine. Well fast forward 26 days and I’m still wearing them – except now in the blue jean version. Equally as comfortable and stretchy, these jeans are just easy. They aren’t too tight or too baggy and they have the perfect amount of stretch so I can still do everything I normally would do in work out leggings like sit cross legged on the floor with Henning or go on long walks. They’re perfect for our in-between weather right now too. On chillier mornings, I pair them with sneakers, but on warmer days I love them with sandals.

Speaking of sandals, this black suede pair is so comfortable. I did a double take the first time I put them on because it literally felt like I was walking on padding. Classic, simple and chic, I know these will go with everything. This top is another staple I know I could pair with everything. Love the simple v-neck paired with the cool sleeves {I’m all about a fun/cool sleeve these days}.

Keep an eye on Ann Taylor! Not only are they still releasing new arrivals all the time, but they are also running insane deals. Today? They are doing 50% off 1 dress of 65% off when you buy 2 or more. Over the weekend they were running the same deal on their shoes which a bunch of you took advantage of {still mad at myself for not scooping up the red pair when I had the chance!}

Anyway, as you all know, I’ve worked from home for over 4 years now and getting ‘dressed’ everyday just makes me feel better. Sometimes that is work out clothes, but more recently, thats been comfortable jeans and a top. I know we are all so different, so I’m curious what works for you? Let me know in the comments! xx B

thank you to Ann Taylor for sponsoring this post

For those of you who have been following me a while, have probably seen me mention the SK-II Facial Pitera Essence. I have been using it for years. It was actually one of the very first products I splurged on when I started taking my skincare seriously back in 2015? ’16? Anyway, it’s often referred to as miracle water because of its consistency and effect on the skin and I’d say that description is pretty accurate. But let’s back up a bit first – I want to break it all down for you!

WHAT IS SK-II PITERA ESSENCE?

Made up of 90% PITERA™, SK-II’s Pitera essence has been around for nearly 40 years. Pitera is a natural bio ingredient cultured exclusively in Japan for SK-II and was discovered after scientists in Japan noticed the youthful looking hands of the brewers making sake. Despite their older age and weathered faces, their hands were soft, supple and looked lightyears younger than the rest of their body. You can check https://www.bareluxe.ca to learn the all about the natural ingredients used in skincare and its effects on our skin. SK-II perfected the ingredients in the Pitera essence and it has since become legendary with a bottle selling about every 2 seconds somewhere in the world.

BENEFITS OF USING SK-II

This product works quickly – in just 1-2 days I notice an immediate change in the texture of my skin. It is so much softer, and plumper. Gone is the rough, sand paper-like feel of my skin and instead it starts to feel like velvet. Even my husband noticed! I remember when I first started using this product years ago I had to get used to the drastic change in my skin – I had never dealt with such soft and smooth skin! On top of all that, I think this helps hydrate my skin which adds to an overall glow.

HOW TO INCORPORATE THE SK-II PITERA ESSENCE INTO YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

The best part about this product is the ease of incorporating it into your beauty routine. Like I just mentioned, it’s literally like splashing a little water onto your face – hence why it is referred to as a ‘miracle water’! After cleansing and toning your skin {if you do that}, simply pour 3-4 drops of the essence into the palm of your hand and pat into the skin. Afterwards, you can continue on with your serums and Nivea moisturisers. The SK-II Pitera Essence absorbs extremely quickly into your skin {just like water would} and doesn’t have any lingering stickiness or tack. The biggest complaint I hear from friends and readers is the smell and although it isn’t the most pleasant, I am grateful they aren’t adding perfumes to try and cover it up. With that being said, the smell has never bothered me, but I do find that it dissipates as soon as it is on my skin.

TO RECAP:

• Cleanse
• Tone {if you do this}
• SK-II Pitera Essence
• Serums
• Moisturizer
• Oil

I promise you will not regret investing in this product – it is one that will also last you months and you will see a difference in your skin almost immediately. With all the craziness going on in the world right now, it feels good to indulge in something as simple and relaxing as skincare {#amiright?!}

The entire SK-II product line is not to be missed – I’m also totally obsessed with their treatment masks – they’re more of an investment than your typical sheet mask so I like to save and use before a special day or big event. Plumped lines, smaller pores, and a brightened complexion will make you feel like the best version of yourself. Head to Sephora to see more and get up to 20% off with code: SPRINGSAVE {**see below for more details!}

SEPHORA SPRING SALE
– ROUGE: 4/17 – 20% off with code SPRINGSAVE
– VIB: 4/21 – 15% off with code SPRNGSAVE
– BEAUTY INSIDER: 4/23 10% off with code SPRINGSAVE

thank you to SK-II for sponsoring this post

If there is anything I learned after the first time I left Henning, it was that I wanted the ability to check on him whenever I wanted. I was crazy nervous about leaving him in the first place, so I wanted constant pictures/videos/texts with updates about him to help ease my mind and sometimes waiting an hour for my nanny to get back to me felt like an eternity. Thats why, when we were preparing to leave Henning again for Sun Valley, I decided to put two additional cameras in my home. I wanted the option to see what Henning was up too at any given time during the day without having to bug my nanny 24/7. With that being said, I didn’t want to invest in some crazy expensive camera either because I knew we would likely take it down once we got home. Enter in the Wyze camera. It is $25 on Amazon and amazing. The video is clear, I can hear and speak through the microphone, and it is incredibly easy to set up. I was so impressed with the first one, I immediately bought another one for Henning’s nursery.

Below are some of the additional features the camera + app offers:

• Live stream from anywhere in full HD – Live streaming lets you see inside your home from anywhere in real time using your cell phone.
• Motion/Sound Recording with Free Cloud Storage – Wyze Cam can automatically record a 12-second video clip when motion or sound is detected and saves that video to the cloud for 14-days, for free. Push notifications can also be enabled so you’re only alerted when something is detected letting you stay on top of things without having to constantly monitor the app.
• See in the dark – Night vision lets you see in absolute darkness using 4 infrared LEDs.
• Voice Control – Use two-way audio to speak through the Wyze app
• Shareable – One Wyze Cam can be shared with multiple family members so everyone can have access to its live stream and video recordings. Just have your family members download the Wyze app and invite them to your account. Camera sharing can also be easily removed. I shared access with my husband so he could easily check in on Henning too!
• Last but not least, it comes with a metal mounting plate and adhesive tape so you can easily mount the camera wherever you want!

If you are needing or wanting an inexpensive camera for your home, I can’t recommend this one enough. Happy snooping! 😉 xx B

I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t buy {or register for} a lot of toys before Henning was born. I didn’t have the slightest clue what kids actually played with and at what age vs. what was just a gimmick and not really needed. All I knew was that I definitely didn’t want a bunch of toys laying around that we wouldn’t using. So I waited. I wanted to see what Henning’s personality would be like and then just purchase accordingly. I’ve gotta say, I feel really good so far with the amount of toys that we have because we play with everything.

When Easter was approaching, and the quarantine in full effect, I knew I wanted to splurge and get a few new toys for Henning that would help occupy all our hours at home. As I often do when I need an outfit for a certain event, or a new pair of shoes, I went straight to one of my most trusted online retailers – Nordstrom. I have gotten many of Henning’s favorite toys there before {he is in love with his Sophie the giraffe, and he uses these pacifiers every night!} They have an entire section on their site devoted to kid’s toys called ‘The Toy Shop‘ and it’s really great because it is divided by age which is helpful for a clueless mom like myself 🙂 While scrolling, I was immediately drawn to this ‘music-in-a-box’ set from Melissa and Doug. How cute is that? It comes with all these instruments and I knew Henning would love it – especially since our music class got cancelled due to the Coronavirus. When he opened it on Easter, he was so excited. He went straight for the tambourine and the maracas. I even put one in his crib and woke up the next morning to him banging it against the wall 🤣

I went down a rabbit hole while perusing Nordstrom’s selection, and with so many options, I may have gone a little overboard. It’s just so fun now that Henning is actually engaging with his toys {talk about perfect timing!} I ordered this ‘green toys’ dump truck, and this wooden truck with cars. Anytime we go over to my in-law’s house, Henning goes straight for the toys with wheels. It’s so cute. He just spins them round and round and watches as his older cousins ram them into walls {and each other 🤣} Other favorites that I’m eyeing are this colorful wooden peg game and this munch mit {he’s totally teething!}

So, even though I hope this quarantine ends sooner rather than later, I’m confident Henning and I will be good on the toy front for a while {I hope at least!} 😉 What are you and your kids go-to toys and activities these days? While we’re all stuck inside day after day, we all need a little inspiration, right? Let me know in the comments! xx B

thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post