Mommy Needs a Drink

Happy Wednesday!

Don't cha just love when things just don't go as planned?  It's no ones fault but my own.  

A little improper planning, hoping it wouldn't happen, and a "oh damn, 

is it already the last week in June", happened to me yesterday.  

My Nanny is on her one week paid vacation.  Yup, I said it.  

So I feel as if I'm that much closer to accepting it. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, days of caribbean bliss for her.  

Well deserved, of course.  But the pain is still there.  You may say, gosh, 

does she not want to keep her kids!  Well yes, of course I do!  That's the easy part.  

It's the rest of the holy hell I have to deal with that makes my stomach hurt just a smidge.  

It's day one.  I can do this.  I know I can.  I styled 6 women's hair today while 

my staff entertained my little ginger baby.  They polished her nails,  braided her hair,

 lollipops were definitely involved, and so was dancing!  She had a great time, 

and I think the staff had fun..........or at least they seemed too!

Piper and Zander have camp this week, thank the lord, just a little.  They had to be picked up at 12.  One in one place one in the other.  My manager went and got Piper.  My husband scooped up Zander.  I blew dry hair at what seemed like Trudy's on Steel Magnolias.   I came home with the baby girls for the first "half day" I have ever worked, for real, ever.  So now I'm sitting here, as the girls nap, writing to all of you.  So this is it.  Motherhood.  There isn't anything glamorous about it, but it sure is rewarding.  I love spending time with them, and always wish there could be more days like this.  

Bring it on.

These are the days, that I sure do miss my mom.   I knew what I was choosing when I became a working mom. I knew it would be hard, I knew it would be a lot of things, but when it's tough at times, your decisions and knowing your responsible for them doesn't make anything less hard.  She was a working mom, and she was amazing.  I respect her so much for all that she did, and admire her.  I thought she was crazier than hell when she was living though!  I sure wish I could tell her I've changed my mind, that I get it now.  That I know what it feels like to love your children and want to be there with them but none-the-less, kiss them every morning and tell them good bye.  Do I have to work, probably not.  Do I love what I do, yes.  Would I love to be with them too, yes.  It's a constant question in my head, that I have no right answer to.

I ask moms that stay home, do you wish you would've worked?  Most say yes.
I ask moms that worked, do you wish you would've stayed home?  Most say yes.
We are doing it all theses days, ladies.  It's all a compromise.  So guess what, I'm going to put my best foot forward and try to be as balanced as possible.  To pick and choose my battles, and try to enjoy every last minute of my time with them.  They are precious little beings, and definitely a lovely distraction!

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Wish me luck, this week!  

$300 Make Over Winner

Congrats Katie Byrd!  

You are the winner of Blush Haus of Beaute's blog and Facebook $300 makeover!  

Chit Chat with Foz and Joclyn

Powder what shows and wash what stinks!

Volume is an understatement for this dry shampoo/ miracle with a little click.  This stuff is crazy it will transform your hair in about three seconds by just brushing it in.  It's quick easy and functional and doesn't discriminate against brunettes!  

Hotlanta

Girl Trip!

Happy Monday!  This weekend was a time of rest in Wilmington, NC.  

Atlanta wore me out.  

I've always heard that as you get older recovering becomes a bit of a problem, but dawg-on. 

 Here is a little recap of the trip.

It started out with a great flight from Wilmington to Atlanta.  

I found out the true meaning of Hotlanta!  It was so humid!  

I thought it was bad at the beach,
but truly I should have packed a turban to cover my messy hair!


image, turbans

We always try to pack light!

Upon arrival at the hotel we both agreed that shopping was first priority.
We hit Lennox Mall with a vengeance.

 

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We started out the trip with a good deed.  When we checked into J.W. Marriot,
 we met a cute girl named Wendy.  She loved my shirt and asked where I got it.
Wendy didn't just love this shirt, she needed it!
I promised her if I saw Urban Outfitters, I'd buy her one.
Low and behold the first store we saw was Urban Outfitters.
I bought it for her, I couldn't wait to see her reaction!
Hopefully it's paid forward! 

pink silk blouse

I will have to say that good girl time, cures almost anything.  

I believe women are meant to talk, laugh, share, and cry.  

We did all of those things, plus some. 

 It was such a refreshing change to just "hang out".  

I learned that just because you work beside someone for a year and you "like" them, 

doesn't mean that you "know" them, 

or have really ever took just a minute to "enjoy" them.  

Tess's story is such a humbling but empowering one.  

I would love to share it with you, but it is not mine to tell.  

Maybe one day she can guest post from her blog that is still in the works.  

We learned on this trip that on a short flight to ATL crazy things can happen. 

 We didn't just talk about lipstick and heels this time.  We talked about making a difference.  

Before our plane landed, I had a call into the 

Congressman, the Mayor, and The House of Representatives!

Bitch don't play.

After dropping off our good deed at the desk, (Wendy was gone for the day),
we rushed upstairs to get ready for the evening.  We were both famished!
Tess asked me, are you re-doing your make-up?  I looked at her like she had two heads!
 And she knew before it came out of her mouth that it was a silly question.
Public and barefaced are not two words that are usually used together in my world.  

Hers either for that matter!  We got it together in record time and headed out.

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I can honestly say, I would be just fine, if I never-ever-ever, see another french martini!

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Twist is a local hotspot in the Buckhead area.
 I will say our service was impeccable, and the manger was so nice.
He gave us his recommendations, and we took all of them!

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 We ordered the Mac and Cheese(to die for),

Ahi Tuna Pizza(so,so)

Tempura Shrimp(Ahmazing!)

Watermelon, Prosciutto, and Feta ( this was our absolute favorite!)

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We actually squeezed some work in too!

Yves Saint Laurent launched their fall collection, and we got to feel, see, and try it! 

Inspired by the look off the runway, Loyd hit it out of the park yet again.  

This mascara is absolutely amazing with any skin tone.  

We tried this with a pretty vamp lip, the results were out-of-this-world pretty.  

I'm blued eyed and Tess is brown eyed.  It was truly pretty on us both.  

I hate to wish away my summer months, but fall is calling my name.......  

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Being inspired is a must when you are creative!  It was fun to put down the blowdryer and the laptop for a minute and just enjoy life.  Two days is sometimes all it takes.  Hopefully today because of those two days I will have a gold nugget of experience that will take me through a lifetime. 

Chit Chat with Foz and Jocelyn

Check out this weeks chit chat with me, 

I touch base on making 

ponytails fab, 

nail trends, and summer looks.

Summertime

She acts like summer and walks like rain 

                                                 Reminds me that there's time a to change, 

 Since the return from her stay on the moon 

      She listens like spring and she talks like June..........hey, hey, hey

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This is absolutely my favorite time a year, these is some of my must haves!

  1.  Zebra beach towel- this is a must have, I mean seriously!

  2.  Beach Chair-super fab and comfy too

  3.  Tote- completely out of the ordinary for me, but I love it

  4.  Sandals-  can I say closet staple

  5.  Sun Glasses- one in every color please!

  6.  Hat- love this because it doesn't cover everything, I need some Vitamin D

  7. Water Bottle-  everybody is doing it.........

  8.  Brush- this saves me after the boat, wind, and salt water

  9.  Sunscreen-  trust the bum

10.  Powder - i love the coverage and the protection

11.  Lipstick- this is my mood lipstick.  It's never the same color

12.  Deodorant- kiehl's, need I say more

13.  Shampoo-  smells divine

14.  Conditioner-  protective and nourishing

15.  Sun Protectant- this really protects from salt water, chlorine, and sun.  it's a no brainer

How much more enjoyable would bike riding be!  The smell of the flowers as you ride!
Umm, ummmm.  Need I say anymore?

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What are some of your summer favorites?

What's Your Beaute Regimen Series: Alena Smith from fishsmith3

I am continuing with my guest blogs with their morning regimen. I want to introduce to you, my beaute muse.  Alena Smith has been my bestie since childhood.  She was always a natural beaute and for years I have been chasing her around with a lipstick tube.  It was a little ironic to ask her for her beaute regimen because I didn't know she had one, LOL.  She wakes up gorgeous.  So we get to see how she continues to keep a fresh look with these simple steps!  


Hi!  Alena checking in from fishsmith3.com to give you the scoop on my morning regimen.  When it comes to my face, my “Go Green” philosophy, is more like “Choose Your Chemicals Wisely”. 


Raised a tomboy, I never wore makeup till I was in college.  Never took it seriously till I was pregnant and the infamous "pregnancy mask" took over my face.  {google it}  This will explain why most of my facial regimen is based around the prevention and maintenance of hyperpigmentation. 

6:15 a.m. + groggy

My feet hit the floor and I make my way to a trusty cup of coffee.  Again and again, my attempts to quit this addiction have failed.  Therefore, my love affair with Joe continues.

6:20 a.m. + awakening

Everyday begins with Cardinal Rule #1 - Wash Your Face!!  After I wash using my Clarisonic Pro {don't know how I lived without this}, three day a week I do an Ageless mask {by Image}.  The mask is the most time consuming step and I space it out on mornings I intend to sit home, reading or blogging for 20 to 30 minutes.  {When I know I don't have time, I just do it at night.}

Don't be overwhelmed by the picture below.  It doesn't take as long as it looks. After rinsing the mask and brushing my teeth.  I use witch hazel for my toner to remove any leftover residue.  Then onto my serums.  The first one if Vitamin C, to help prevent damage from free radicals and premature aging {Obagi C-serum} and then my eye serum {Skinseuticals}.  After I get dressed, I use my Obagi Clear which is also for discoloration correction.  Next, I apply Obagi Exfoderm to encourage exfoliation.  Lastly and most importantly SUNSCREEN!!!  I use Neutrogena Facial 70+ SPF.  I am a crazed lunatic about covering my face.  When I'm outside, 95% of time you will see me wearing a hat {even thought I have sunscreen on}.  Melasma gets darker and can get larger with sun exposure.  I've worked so hard to remove the discoloration that I will not risk its return. 

Play by Play {order}

1.  Acure Organix Facial Cleanser and Clarisonic Pro 2.  Image Ageless Total Resurfacing Mask 

3.  Sonicare Toothbrush 4.  Witch Hazel and Tweezerman Tweezers

5.  Obagi Nu-Derm Serum C 6.  Skinceuticals  Eye Gel

7.  Obagi Nu-Derm Clear  8.  Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm

6:45 a.m. + alert

Yes, all my makeup fits in that one itty bitty bag.  As you will see in the next picture, my "maintenance" bag is 4 times the size of my make-up bag.  Sad I know!!  {Elisha laughs every time she sees it.}  Never have and never will, be a guru for makeup.  Therefore, I do the bare necessities.  I have ultra sensitive skin and the only thing I have found that doesn't cause a reaction is gloMinerals.

GloMinerals Concealer and Lancome Brush {right}

GloMinerals Pressed Powder and Jane Iredale Brush {left}

GloMinerals Bronzer and GloMinerals Brush {left}

Jane Iredale Finishing Spray {middle}

Ives Saint Laurent Mascara {middle} Makeup Bags by Stephanie Johnson {right}

6:50 + yelling at kids


The "a la naturelle" look also applies to my hair.  Every couple nights, I wash my hair with Shu Uemura Argan Oil Shampoo.  Blow drying hair causes me stress therefore, I run a quick comb through my hair before bed and leave the rest for the morning.  I have {stick} straight blonde hair therefore, Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder is my new BFF.  {Thanks to Elisha!}  It's ahhhmazing!!  Shake, spray and "Hello Volume!!"  I add a couple drops of Shu Uemura Nourishing Oil to add some shine to the blonde.  Some lotion to my body, a quick spray of my favorite perfume {Wish by LoLLia}, a cute headband {or hat if I am hitting the gym} and out the door I go!!

Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder / Shu Uemura Nourishing Oil

Acure Body Lotion / Wish by LoLLiA / Headbands

7:00 a.m. + out the door


My fitness frenzy keeps me in gym clothes.  Therefore, you will find me during the day sporting Lululemon and a pony.  However, don't think I'm not rocking every accessory from headband and necklace down to the arm party.  Even if you don't know what your doing, look good doing it!! Hope you enjoyed my morning regimen as much as I enjoyed sharing it!  For more witty posts and addictive charm by me, check out my blog {and giveaways}!

xoxo-

How Do I Do It

Staying Organized

I don't actually.  It's kind of a funny thing.  Most people always ask if I am insanely organized.  I'm actually a borderline hoarder and crazy messy.  I swear it's true.  I have piles upon piles of stuff that I dig through daily.  From my clothes, (I can pull a sock out of a massive pile of clothes and find a matching one in .5 seconds), to my car (the W magazine that I blogged about last month is still riding around with me because I'm going to get it framed, no seriously), to my children's clothing that no longer fit (I just can't get rid of them).  I have 3 rental properties that I manage and co-own, a salon and cosmetics boutique, three children, a dog, a radio morning chit-chat, a monthly article that I write in a local magazine,  and I'm chair for our local pink ribbon project.  I don't even know how I do it, honestly.  I just do. 

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Somedays the mess gets the best of me and it takes me about three days to get it back together.  I find an old book, and read it.  I find old pictures and look through them.  I'll find a shirt I've been looking for and try it on.  Sometimes I even try to do my make up a different way if I find an eyeshadow that I thought was long gone.  I love the thrill of the hunt in my own space.  

Weird, maybe, but I love my lovely things out so I can see them.

organized chaos

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Because of the industry I'm in, of course I am a beauty product junkie.  I have to limit myself to what I bring home from Blush because it will over take my life.  I'm so scared I am going to run out of something even though I know I have five more shampoo bottles that have permanent real estate in my shower.  That hour of need is always in the back of my mind.  

I dream of a minimalist life, but it would never do for me.  I would love a pristine interior with coffee table books, but it's just can't be.  I'll stay as is.  I'm inspired by it.  

Call me crazy, but I call me creative.  

It's a constant dance, and I'm in the opening number!

What's Your Beaute Routine: Lindsey Cheek from Fifi Cheek and Poplin & Queen

Introducing Lindsey Cheek, of Fifi Cheek and Poplin and Queen. She is my dear friend and coveteur of fashion.  She inspires me daily through my blog and life in general.  She is one of my many lovely distractions.  Her regimen was somewhat created by me, lol, but I want you and myself to see her little secrets.


Hi Lovelies! My name is Lindsey Cheek and I write the blog Fifi Cheek and am the co-owner of the interior design + social media consulting firm, Poplin & Queen. When Elisha asked me to share my "beaute" routine, I have to admit, I was a little intimidated. She has been my beauty guru since I moved to Wilmington four years ago, and even though she has shown me dozens of times how to do certain beauty tricks, like blowing out my hair, I still don't have the hang of it. Nonetheless, after so many hours of sitting in her chair, I have come away with a few beaute tricks that stuck. 

Here is my daily beauty routine. 

6:30am: Wake up to my 6 month old daughter, Tilley-Gray. She's the light of my life, but since her arrival, my morning routine of long showers and curling irons has gone by the wayside. My new regimen takes me about 30 minutes, including a shower. 

I have to wash my hair every morning, so I take a shower as soon as I wake up. 

I have tried every shampoo and conditioner under the sun, but Kerastase shampoo and Bumble and Bumble conditioner are what work best for my hair. 

Elisha introduced me to the Clarisonic during my pregnancy when my skin a mess, and it has completely changed the texture of my skin. I have super sensitive skin, so I use Cetaphil in the mornings. 

I have dry skin and have just discovered EOS shaving cream. I love that it comes in a plastic bottle and doesn't leave rust stains in my shower. Kiehl's Creme de Corps body wash is great for dry skin as well and smells delightful. 

After I shower, I plug in my hot rollers and dry my hair. I have hair that has just enough curl in it to make it ugly, and the fiber lift from Shu Uemera calms it down  without making it flat. Some people may think it's hysterical that I roll my hair, but it takes about 5 minutes to do. I'm obsessed with hot rollers and actually rolled my hair minutes before I gave birth! (You can read about it here.)

My make-up routine is similar on most days. I love to switch up my eye make-up or lipstick, but these are my everyday products that I have found over the years. 

YSL's primer and base make my skin so smoothe. I'm amazed by how long they last!

I am obsessed with Jane Iredale's moonglow. It's easy to get carried away with it because it's so pretty. I use it on my check bones, nose, and collarbone. I love Bobbi Brown's cream blush in pale pink. 

YSL's in #19 is the perfect compact for day to night eyeshadow. When I was 18 years old, my boss at the time gave me YSL mascara as a Christmas gift and I haven't stopped wearing it since then. If I don't wear any other make-up, I'll always at least curl my lashes and put on YSL's touche eclat under my eyes. It takes about two seconds and is an instant eye opener. 

Lastly, Paul and Joe's lipstick in debutante is a color that I found last year and love. Jo Malone's perfume is understated and not too sweet. I keep rosebud salve in my purse and in the mornings, put it on my cuticles to keep them moisturized.  

I hope I make Elisha proud with the final product!  My hair and make-up lasts through my day full of  meetings and lunch dates with clients. 

Thanks so much to Elisha for having me share my beaute routine!

PS: I have a great giveaway going on over at my blog this week, so make sure you pop by and check it out!

Chit Chat on a $300.00 give away!

Fan us on Facebook and join this site to enter to win a $300.00 give away for a beaute makeover at Blush!  I also touch base on sunless tanner and in-a-pinch bronzer tricks!  Thanks for listening!

Taking Photos in Style

One of my past times is taking photos of babies and "beaute".  I have loved and lost a lot in life and there is no better way to capture these special times than with photos.  When I was a little girl my mom would always say, "If the house catches on fire, grab my pictures"!  Now of course, it would be grab the computer and the hard drive, LOL!  Times have changed but the value of a photo has not.  

Now you all know that there is not much that I don't do without making a statement.  I will make no stops at holding a camera.  These are some of my favorites.  

Bloom Theory camera straps

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I would use this one on my nights out with my Nikon D90.  That's a big camera without much of a fashion statement.  With these sequins and ruffles it would be an accessory not a distraction.

Rosebud Lips Camera Strap

This camera strap was given to me for my 30th birthday by Alena Smith, my best friend and confident.  She is also one of my favorite bloggers, fishsmith3.blogspot.com.  She always has the best gifts!

How do you accessorize awkward electronics?  There are times that we can't leave the house without them, so any tips would be great!  We always want to look our best!

Lake House Bound

Road Trip

Driving on weekends to the lake are always fun.  Lee {my husband} and I usually finish up our Friday around 4.  The girls {Piper & Sutton} are usually still napping and Zander is thankfully playing in our neighborhood cul-de-sac.  We get packed in a hurry, with 3 kids we don't have an option not too.  It's hard sometimes to pack "cute" when you know you are going to be covered in popsicle and ketchup  for the majority of the time.  I still give it my best shot.  This is what is in my suitcase!

It is so much fun to come here. We go out in the boat and pull the kids tubing.  My husband is an amazing wakeboarder.  My little boy Zander loves driving the boat and our early morning jet ski rides.  Sometimes we wake the kids up and take them in their p.j.'s and life vests.  It's so much fun after a busy week.

And that is just what I'm going to do.  What are your plans for the weekend?  Are you staying in or traveling?  I feel so lucky to have the best of both worlds.  Should I stay at the beach or should I go to the lake , it's a constant question around our house!  For now, I'm signing out to no internet access, no pintrest, or Facebook, just a good ol' fashion lake house view. Enjoy your weekend and whatever you do be lovely!

Lake House Bound by elisha-1 featuring a fedora hat

A place to clear my head by elisha-1 on polyvore.com