My Skin Care Routine

As many of you know I sell BeautyCounter. I love the majority of their products! I really love that they are safe for everyone and non-gender products. When I used products in the past I felt I had to wash my hands or not touch G until I was sure the product wouldn't transfer onto him. Now why I didn't think well maybe that isn't safe for me I am not sure. I don't worry now if he gets into the products at all. He has been known to put some cream on his face or neck. 

I have always been very simple when it comes to a skin care routine. I didn't use anything other than soap on my face until the past year. I would wash my face and that was it. Now I have a routine I follow morning and evening. It is quick and simple. Sure I could spend lots of time using different products, but honestly I don't want to spend the time on that stuff. I want something that is light weight, simple and quick. That is how this routine has come into play. 

Morning Routine:

Foaming Face Wash

I make my own face wash. I think I started using this early last year. My sister made me a batch and I fell in love with it. Lacey bought me the foaming soap container I think at the dollar store. I just use the same one. I make the face wash and refill my container. I keep the extra in a glass Mason jar in my bathroom cabinet. You can find foaming soap containers on Amazon. 

1/2 cup unscented Castile soap
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
1 cup of water

I make a double batch at one time. I put it all into a mason jar, shake it up and then fill my foaming soap container. You can add essential oils to the mixture if you would like scented soap. I don't like a scented soap, so I don't add any. If you don't like almond oil you can always use aloe vera gel, witch hazel or jojoba oil. I looked for an organic oil on Amazon, so that is how I ended up with almond oil.  I like the almond oil best for my skin since I feel it also moisturizing. If I skip applying a moisturizer I don't feel like my skin feels dry at all. 

I have tried BeautyCounter face washes. I have nothing against them. They work great for my skin. I just choose to make this one since it is so reasonable and easy to make. If you are looking for some safe nontoxic cleansers go HERE. 

Day Time Moisturizer

I use BeautyCounter Nourishing Day Cream. I got my cream in October and I am still using the same bottle. I use it at least 6 days a week. I have given samples out of it too. It lasts a long time! I am going on month 8 using the same bottle. Some people may feel that $43 for a moisturizer is a lot to spend. If you break it down that is only a little over $5 a month. I only use one pump for my entire face. A little goes a very long way! My face doesn't feel greasy either. It soaks into my skin very well. 

Depending on how my skin is feeling I use the No. 3 Balancing Oil by BeautyCounter. I maybe use this a couple times a week or at night. In the winter this stuff is amazing when the cold weather zaps the moisture out of your skin. I don't suffer with dry skin in the winter very much since our temperatures doesn't get bitter cold. When there is changes in the weather my skin does change a little. I have found I reach for this more in the summer. When I have gotten more sun on my face than I like it's great to hydrate it.  Yes, this does seem pricey. Again I am still on the same bottle since October. I had some people take massive sample out of my bottle one time. I think 3 people took over half my bottle. So essentially I have been using half a bottle for 8 months. I use 3 drops to on my entire face. 

I do not put sunscreen on my face or use a moisturizer with SPF. If I am going to be outside I will use the BeautyCounter Protect Stick Sunscreen. I had a long talk with a friend who has melanoma about using sunscreen on a daily basis. He told me to only use it when I am going to be out in the sun for a lengthy period of time. He suggested not using it daily and exposing your skin to additional chemicals. I trust him, so I have gone with his advice.  

Eye Creams

My very first product I bought from BeautyCounter was the Nourishing Eye Cream that was being sold by Target. I am STILL using the same one. I use a tiny little bit under each eye before I apply my concealer. I notice such a difference when I apply my concealer. It blends in so much easier. 

I have used the Rejuvenating Eye Cream on and off for a few months. This stuff really helps reduce dark under eye circles. I can't use this product every day or I tend to get some dry spots. Some people have a reaction to the caffeine and algae in the product. I don't have any issues if I use it every other day or even once a day. Again I just use a little tiny bit. I have found it works best for me at night instead of layering it under my concealer. 

So that is my morning routine. After I put on these products then I apply my make up. I usually give my face a minute or two to absorb everything before I start putting on my make up. 

Evening Routine: You will find my evening routine is almost the same as the day. 

Eye Make Up Remover

I use coconut oil to remove my eye make up each night! I keep a little container of it in my bathroom next to my foaming face wash. I take about dime size amount out, melt it between my fingers then I gently rub my fingers over my eyes to get the eyebrow, eyeliner and mascara to come off. I look like a raccoon after I have put the coconut oil over my eyes. I gently wipe it off with a wash cloth. 

I buy a huge container from Costco every few months for $20. I keep the big container in my kitchen cabinet.  No harmful chemicals in this stuff. It also moisturizes around my eyes as I take off my make up. 

I wash my face then with the foaming face wash from above. 

Night Time Moisturizer

I use BeautyCounter's Nourishing Night Cream. I use one pump all over my face. I will use the No. 3 Balancing Oil by BeautyCounter more at night than I do during the day. Again all depends how my face is feeling. The night cream runs $47 a bottle. Again I have been using the same bottle for 8 months and I have given samples of this product out to numerous people. I have also let a few friends use my moisturizers for a few days to try them. 

Then I follow the same eye cream routine as I mentioned above. 

Once a week I will also do the No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask. This product is the same as the charcoal face mask I have talked about a lot on social media. I love this product! It really helps breakouts and blackheads just disappear! You can get 30+ masks out of one bottle. Have I said I love this stuff?!?! If there is one product to try I highly suggest trying this one first! 

This is my simple skin care routine I follow on a daily basis. I wash my face every morning and evening. I don't ever go to bed with make up on my face. There have been times I have fallen asleep with G with make up on my face, but I end up waking up and I must wash my face. I just don't like the feeling of eye make up on when I am sleeping. 

I rarely have breakouts anymore. I use to have a lot of breakouts prior to starting this routine and skin care products. I started selling these products only because of the great results I had after trying them out! If there are any products you would like to try, please let me know and I would be happy to send you some samples. 

Below are the products I use along with the links. I have linked the products above too. 

Nourishing Day Cream

Nourishing Night Cream

Nourishing Eye Cream

Rejuvenating Eye Cream

No. 3 Balancing Face Oil

No. 3 Balancing Face Mask

Protect Stick Sunscreen

Website for All BeautyCounter Products

Monday Thrive!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend and all you mother's had a Happy Mother's Day!

1) I wanted to start this Monday Thrive off with one of my favorite new BeautyCounter products! I recently decided to try the Tint Skin. I don't wear foundation very often. Lately I have felt I wanted to wear it more. Even out my skin and to help my make up stay in place. I decided to try the Tint Skin about 2 weeks ago. Normally if I wear foundation for a week straight I will start to have breakouts along the sides of my face near the hairline closest to my eyes. The breakouts can get pretty bad. 

I have been wearing the Tint Skin for over 2 weeks and my skin is still great. I love that I can apply it with a foundation brush over my entire face. It doesn't feel like I have anything on my face. Half the time I forget I even have a foundation on. It is so light weight! It has great coverage, but isn't heavy. I really hate heavy products on my face. I ended up going with the sand color. It is a perfect match for my skin tone. I might need to go one shade darker for the summer time. All depends how much sun I get on my face. 

I included the color chart below if you need help on finding the perfect color for you. 

2) I have a lot of different blog posts going through my head that I want to write. I want to write about potty training G. I started in January when he was 2 years 4 months. I have a lot of reasons why I started then and what has worked for us. Then I would like to write about recent purchases, more on Paleo, skin care routine and a Father's Day gift guide. Friday I am talking about taking G's bottles away. Yes, I potty trained him first then I took his bottles away.

3) I have really been wanting the bow sandals by Sam & Libby at Target. I tried to find them in store, but they were sold out. They were also sold out online for a little while. One day I checked online and they were back in stock. I quickly ordered my size. I just received them. I love them! They are so comfy and cute! These are going to be great for this summer. 

4) G loves popsicle. What kid doesn't! I am not a fan of all the sugar and artificial crap that is added to most of them. I decided I would make him some. I could get some extra veggies in there for him too. I bought these popsicle molds on Amazon. I take a couple handfuls of spinach, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1-2 cups of fruit and blend it all. Then I pour it into the molds and freeze them. Over ripe bananas work great for these! He loves them! He calls them popsies. 

5) It's hard to believe G birthday is approaching again so soon. I think this year we are going to rent a space at the park and do a jumpy house. All G wants is piecy (pizza), jumpy house and cake. At 2.5 that is the perfect party for him. That works well for me. I will just get some pizza and cake from Costco and rent a jumpy house. I need to get this all booked very soon. The summer is going to go by quickly and I am sure things will fill up soon. I really wanted to have the party at the park down the street from our house, but they don't allow jumpy houses. 

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Monday Thrive appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.  

Monday Thrive!!!

It's crazy to me that it is May already! I feel like this year is just flying by. I was going to say I felt like April flew by, but I feel March also flew by. Last week we had some amazing summer weather! It was in the 80's for a few days. We wore shorts almost all week. Shorts and flip flops are my favorite things! 

1) I have been uploading some of my posts to Pinterest lately. I go in stages with Pinterest. Sometimes I go on there a lot and other times I just go on to find a recipe. I do look for meal ideas and paleo type recipes often. I pin a bazillion projects I would like to do that never happen. If you want to follow along with me on Pinterest you can find me under MrsPost08. My goal is to complete some of those projects in the month of June. G will be going to preschool. My goal is to go to yoga a couple times a week and work on projects the other days. You can follow along with me on Pinterest by clicking the Pinterest button on my blog page upper right corner. 

2) BeautyCounter has a beautiful new gift set out for Mother's Day. It comes with a lip sheer, blush, mist spray and a white make up bag. I have talked about how much I love the lip sheers in the past. I love their blush too! I wear the powder and cream blushers. They just are fabulous at staying put! If you add the mist spray to your make up it really helps set it for the day. 

3) I usually keep a blanket over our couch cushions to help with spills and dog hair. I keep seeing these pet covers that covers. These things kind of remind me of the plastic covers that people in North Dakota use to keep over their couches. I remember sliding off couches as a kid. Or in the summer you would get stuck to it. It sure kept those couches from looking brand new even after the springs were worn out. I decided to order one from Amazon for less than $25. 

I just love this thing! I wish I had bought it years before. It keeps all the pet hair off the couch. Sammy likes to lay on one couch which annoys me. It's our newer nicer couch. I have just got done fighting him over this couch and now keep it covered. I also feel like a granny now that I have this. lol

4) I have been on the hunt for a non-toxic and fragrance free dry shampoo. I have been using an organic baby powder that was just not doing anything. I have felt frustrated because I have needed to wash my hair way too often. I HATE washing my hair! I decided to try LuLu Organics Hair Powder. It is a little pricey. I decided to try the 1oz size just to see how I liked it. I have been using it for a couple of weeks and I really like it. I sprinkle it on my hair at night before bed. I pat it into my head, but I don't brush it in. I let it soak in over night. It really helps soak up any greasy hair. I can now wash my hair once a week. 

5) Can we talk about Birkenstock's? I bought a pair of the Gizeh's last summer. I wore them on and off since then. They are the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever worn in my life. I have tried to break them in, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I keep hearing people rave about how comfortable they are. Is it just my pair? Or my feet? I want to love these. I want them to be comfy. I need some comfy mom shoes for summer. I tried to wear them the other day and within 5 minutes I took them off. I went back to my Tory Burch flip flops instead. I seem to wear my Tory's or Havaianas all summer. What are your go to summer shoes? 

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Monday Thrive Ideas appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Mother's Day is right around the corner! I decided to put together a gift idea that I would actually like for Mother's Day! What is on your list for Mother's Day? Are you buying a gift for your mom, mother in law, sister, friend or yourself? I am not sure there is anything wrong with picking out your Mother's Day gift! Tell your husband exactly what you want that way you will be very happy when you open your gift. :)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

I really love the Steve Madden blush perforated shoes! They are perfect for Spring and Summer! Blush has been one of my favorite colors the past year or two for clothing, shoes and accessories. Such a beautiful neutral! 

BeautyCounter's lip sheers are the most amazing things on your lips. They are so hydrating!!! They have this amazing vanilla smell to them too. I have the twig and plum colors. I wear them constantly! 

I have been using some random exercise bands I have to tie in a knot to work. I need some of the exercise loop bands that don't require tying to get in a workout. lol Have you tried exercise bands? They really are amazing! Your legs, thighs and butt will thank you the next couple days after you use them. Thank you by hurting like a mother!

I recently saw on Facebook an ad with these amazing Tom Cutout Sandals. I fell in love with them instantly. I rarely wear heels these days. I don't find them toddler friendly. I am usually going for walks, going to the park, shooting squirt guns or something else toddler related. I do think they would be super cute for a date night or a night out with friends. 

Who doesn't love a floral print? I love this sweet wrap floral maxi dress! It would be cute with those Tom Cutout Sandals or a pair of Sam Edelman leopard sandals! I have a couple pair of Sam Edelman sandals that I wear with everything. They are such a versatile sandal that will go with any outfit. 

Now to finish off your Mother's Day look you are going to need some cute earrings! I have had my eye on Kendra Scott Tessa Earrings for awhile. These earrings will go great with a casual or dressy look. I wear my tag necklace almost daily. I love to add in some fun earrings. These would go great in a fun bold color too. 

I would love to hear what is on your wish list! Happy Mother's Day shopping!!!! 

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Mother's Day Gift Ideas appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

Monday Thrive!

Monday Thrive is back this week! I feel in order to have a good week I need a plan to make sure we all thrive! What are you planning to do this week to have a successful week? I plan our meals, activities, outfits, naps and when I can go get a sparkling water from Sonic. 

1) When my brother and I were little we use to love to watch Richard Simmons on tv. I remember 2 things we would beg to stay up late to watch. Around St. Patrick's Day Bonanza would have an episode with leprechauns. It was our favorite episode! The other thing we use to beg to watch is when Richard Simmons was on any late night tv show. We just loved him and would crack up laughing the entire time he was on. It actually wasn't that late where we lived when the shows came on. They usually where on around 9pm. I still look for the Bonanza episode occasionally with the leprechauns. 

I was looking for a new podcast and found Missing Richard Simmons. I decided to listen to it. I had listened to 4 episodes when he had was hospitalized a couple weeks ago. I still have 2 more episodes to go. I lost a little interest since I know he is actually ok. The podcast is really interesting about his life. I plan to finish it in the next week on my walks. 

2) I bought BeautyCounter's eyebrow pencil back in November. I use it every single day. I have barely used even half of the pencil in 5 months. The pencil costs $23. It really is a great deal for a brow pencil that lasts so long. I don't go out now without my eyebrows filled in and without eyeliner. It use to only be eyeliner. I have noticed such a difference in how my make up looks when I fill in my eyebrows. 

3) Art and I have been watching The Glades on Netflix. We have enjoyed watching a couple episodes every night. Well we finished it. It left us all hanging. They cancelled the show too. Ugh! So now we need a new show. Does anyone have a series they love? I am not a fan of zombie or horror type shows. I have wanted to watch Scandal. Any thoughts on the show? 

4) I really have been wanting mac & cheese, which isn't something that is paleo friendly. I really like Daiya products. I use their shredded cheese to make pizza. I use to buy their pizza, but I found a crust recipe I actually like better. Daiya products are my saving grace for the paleo life! I found the Daiya mac & cheese recently at Sprout's. I made it for dinner the other night. G LOVED it! He wouldn't eat anything else. He kept saying more mac & cheese mmmmmm. This really hit the spot! We will for sure be purchasing this for an occasional treat! 

5) I really love the lace cutout dresses. Lace isn't very toddler friendly. I found a Lularoe Julia dress that has a cutout look to it. The best part is I found an excellent deal on it. A rep was going out of business with reduced prices for about $20. It is such a comfortable dress! I will be wearing this a lot over the summer. I wore this when we went out to dinner the other night. 

I linked up with 

Carylee & Jenna

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Monday Thrive appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

Monday Thrive!

I decided to change the title posts of my Monday posts to Monday Thrive! I didn't really like the last name, but I couldn't come up with anything else. lol 

1) I have struggled to find a pancake and waffle recipe that all of us will eat. G and I will eat most of them. I just wanted a pancake that tastes similar to what I use to eat, but that is Paleo. Recently I was at Sprout's and they had the Birch Benders buy 1 get one free. I decided to give them a try. All of us LOVE them! If you don't have a Sprout's near you Amazon also sells the mix. 

2) I have been struggling with my concealer under my eye creasing at times. I hate the way that looks. It makes you look like you have wrinkles and old eyes. I recently watched a blogger put on her make up. She mentioned she used powder under her eyes to avoid creases. I have had the Mattifying Powder by BeautyCounter in a box sitting in my house for months. I wasn't sure what to use it for or even why I would use it. Oh boy! 

I pulled it out to try it and let me just tell you it is a total game changer! No more creases and granny looking eyes! I put my concealer and cream blusher on my face. Then I take a brush and put the powder over the concealer and blush. It really helps set it to stay all day long. 

I then put on my eyeliner on the top of my eyelid. I have been lining the bottom with black eye shadow. I then take the powder and brush it over my eyeliner to help set it. I haven't ever had luck in the past keeping eye shadow on as an eyeliner! It always would wear off and look terrible by noon. Well with the Mattifying Powder it stays set ALL DAY LONG! 

I really like my eyes now that I started lining my waterline. I had to learn I have to do a thin line of eyeliner in order to not feel like a raccoon with my waterline lined. 

3) Do you buy much online? Have you signed up to use Ebates? I signed up with Ebates maybe about 5ish years ago. I will admit I don't always remember to use them. I kick myself when I make a purchase and don't use them. Over the years I have earned over $330.00. They will deposit the money into your Paypal account. Right now I have earned over $35 for the next payout. I downloaded the app to my phone, so it is easier to make purchases. I also log in when I make purchases on my computer. Use this LINK to earn $10 to sign up. Free money is always fabulous!

4) I love Target Tee's!!!! I feel I buy different styles and colors every season. They are just so comfy plus they are a great bargain. I bought the one below for $5. They have a purple color that I just LOVE! I have been looking for a purple tee for a long time. Regular price they are only $8. 

You can get the tee for only $8.34 with tax if you use your Target Redcard since they offer free shipping on all Redcard orders. I also used Ebates, so I will get 1% cashback. While the 1% isn't much it does add up over time. 

Find it HERE! 

5) I bought the Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop on Amazon recently. I buy too much stuff on Amazon! It is my go to place. I can usually get things within 2 days for a good price. I love this mop because I can fill it with non-toxic cleaners to spray on my floor. It's great for mopping your entire house or for a quick clean up. When you have a toddler you need to be able to mop areas quickly without having to drag out a mop, bucket, filling it with water, blah blah blah. This mop is fabulous! Sometimes I spray my entire kitchen with cleaner, let it sit then I go back into the room and mop it. My kitchen could be mopped twice a day. Now I feel I need to go mop my kitchen now. lol

I linked up with Hello Monday Linkup

Carylee & Jenna

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Monday Thrive appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

Beauty Products

I have been changing all my make up over to safer products. I use either the Honest Company or BeautyCounter. I bought a palette from the Honest Company awhile ago that I never used. I recently started using it. I am trying to use up the products I have before I buy new stuff. I really like the cream blusher in the palette. I don't really use the eye shadows in the palette. I don't wear browns and for some reason I bought one with all brown colors. 

I do love BeautyCounters eyeliner, eyebrown pencil, mascara and lip sheer. Below are pictures of me with those products. I am wearing the black eyeliner, medium eyebrow pencil and plum lip sheer. I have on the same products in both pictures, but you can see the difference in natural sunlight and inside. 

The BeautyCounter lip sheers can also be used as a cream blusher. I like to add a little of the plum to my cheeks to add a little pop of color. I also have used the powder blusher by BeautyCounter. I like the product, but I don't love it like the cream blushers. I feel I need the cream blusher still in order for the powder to stick. 

If you would like to try samples of any of the BeautyCounter items let me know. I would be happy to mail you some samples. 

BeautyCounter Cream Blusher!

The winter sale is going on through this week! Don't miss out on stocking up on some of your favorite products for a discounted price. If you are a Band of Beauty Member you can also receive a free cream blusher with a purchase of $100 or more. I love these blushers! I have ran three miles with the cream blusher on and it stayed put! 

BeautyCounter!

Have you thought about selling BeautyCounter?

It’s only $85 to join, plus the purchase of your products (not required).  (No monthly purchase or sales required either!)

You also receive 25% off all Beautycounter products!!! This was a big plus for me, and the prices with discount come out to the same as most products I used to buy! Win, Win! Safe and affordable!

Our compensation plan is second to none and the sky really is the limit on where you can take Beautycounter, and where it can take you!

Beautycounter is about to grow HUGE with new products for men and teens coming soon!  Now is the time to join!

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#beautycounter #beautifulproductsmadesafe

#theneverlist 

#bcf 

#routineclean

#beautycounterbody 

#countertime

#cleanbeauty 

#beautycountercosmetics

#vibranteyeperfector

#cleanbeauty 

#beautycountercosmetics 

#unparalleledsafety 

#flawlessformulas 

#agegracefully 

#squeakyclean

#glow

#rosewater

#beautycounteressentials

#girlboss

#igbeauty

#bossbabe

#health

#inspire

#letsdothis

#Entrepreneur

#mompreneur

#takethejob

Are your products safe?

We don't always have control over the environmental toxins all around us. We DO have control over the products that we put on our skin! BeautyCounter provides safe products for you!

Did you know Triclosan and Triclocarban: antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.

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#beautycounter #beautifulproductsmadesafe
#theneverlist
#bcf
#routineclean
#beautycounterbody
#countertime
#cleanbeauty
#beautycountercosmetics
#vibranteyeperfector
#cleanbeauty
#beautycountercosmetics
#unparalleledsafety
#flawlessformulas
#agegracefully
#squeakyclean
#glow
#rosewater
#beautycounteressentials�#girlboss
#igbeauty
#bossbabe
#health
#inspire
#letsdothis
#Entrepreneur
#mompreneur

The Never List

I really encourage you to go to BeautyCounter website to look at their Never List.

http://www.beautycounter.com/the-never-list/

Take your favorite product that you use on a daily basis and see if any of the ingredients from the Never List are in that product. If you find any of the ingredients look what those chemicals could be doing to your body.

Here is one of the Never List ingredients that BeautyCounter does not use, but is a common ingredient in some of the products you use daily.

Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.

Does this not scare you that your favorite fragrances could be causing a hormone disruption in your body? With so many people struggling with infertility today I really started wondering about this about 5 years ago. In the infertility clinics they ask you not to wear perfumes or colognes. If they aren't ok to wear during IUI or IVF why are they are ok to wear any other time? What are they doing to our bodies?
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#beautycounter #beautifulproductsmadesafe
#theneverlist
#bcf
#routineclean
#beautycounterbody
#countertime
#cleanbeauty
#beautycountercosmetics
#vibranteyeperfector
#cleanbeauty
#beautycountercosmetics
#unparalleledsafety
#flawlessformulas
#agegracefully
#squeakyclean
#glow
#rosewater
#beautycounteressentials

#girlboss
#igbeauty
#bossbabe
#health
#inspire
#letsdothis
#Entrepreneur
#mompreneur