Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

It's a common known rule that when a July Thunderstorm hits...you dance in it. 

You take advantage of not having to water your plants. 

But most of all, you do the stinkbug walk!!!

And when that loud clap of thunder hits, you hightail it back into the garage and in the house as fast as you can. 

And finish watching the storm from inside. 

And when the Sun finally peeks through the clouds, you wish you were as smart as the neighbor kids and put on your swim suits to take advantage of the flooded storm drains. 

I have only seen this drain overflow flood one other time in the last five years. Usually it's completely dry, but today it was at least 5-6 feet deep. That's what a torrential downpour does on a July afternoon. 

With all these rain storms, we haven't been able to get outside much, so I decided to get a head start on some Christmas projects. We intend to get Maggie a play kitchen for Christmas, so I wanted to whip out an apron to go with it and use some of my scraps. 

Not to bad for having no pattern. I just used a small dessert plate to cut the curve in the body of the apron. 

Happy Tuesday

XO Kelli

J Crew Factory Wishlist

I can't believe that it's already time to start back to school shopping. I feel like Summer has flown by and my absolute favorite time of year is right around the corner. As I made my way through J Crew's Factory site the other day I couldn't help but put together a few of my favorite pieces to add to my wish list for both myself and Maggie. I am especially looking forward to some Mommy and Little matching outfits with the camo and chambray. 

Here is the best news....take an additional 30% off new arrivals. Hurry before the sale ends. 

24th of July

We get an extra dose of Summer Celebration here in Utah with the 24th of July Pioneer Days. Nothing says Summer like small town parades. They have quickly become a favorite of Maggie's. She gives her undivided attention and an extra special applause to the fire engines and the high school marching band. 

I would give all the sour patch watermelons in the world to have her sit this still at home. 

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to snap a photo of the Jazzy Couch!

After the Parade we headed over the park for fun and games, and some Giddy Up time. She was a little unsure at first but she warmed up pretty quick. I can't get enough of her squinty little nose when she really smiles. 

We opted out of joining the rest of the family for fireworks, since Maggie goes to bed so early. When I heard them all going off I decided to wake her up and let her experience them. Living on the side of a mountain has its perks. We had a view of the entire valley, and about 50 different fireworks displays. She loved the fireworks, but she was more fascinated by the stars. For someone who goes to bed before the sun goes down, she hasn't had many opportunities to see them. 

I love to have someone remind me of the little things. 

Geez these Summer sunsets never get old. Too bad it takes a bunch of forest fires to make them so beautiful. 

Happy Weekend. 

Thursday Loves: Beauty Products

I'm always on the hunt for new and inexpensive beauty products, that also deliver amazing results. I also believe that some products are worth spending a little extra money on. I wanted to give a quick run through of my daily use products that I absolutely LOVE and to let everyone know where they can find them to try them out as well. 

Aquaphor: This is an intense moisturizer that I use everywhere, cracked heels, chapped lips, eczema patches, even stretch marks. This stuff is amazing, and can literally be found anywhere. It's made by Eucerin which is a company devoted to products specifically made for eczema and I love it. They also make Baby Aquaphor which I consider to be a MUST HAVE for newborns dry skin. I didn't even buy lotion for Maggie when she was born, I just used this stuff.

Denman Hair Brush: This brush has been a recent purchase for me, but something that I have wanted for a while. I have the slightest natural curl to my hair and attempting to get it perfectly straight and keep it from getting really Staticky during the day was next to impossible...until this guy. The coated bristles are embedded in rubber and treat the static as you brush through it. The brush is also really heavy and the weight of it helps make your hair extra straight while blow drying.

Elf Brushes: I cannot justify spending loads of money on makeup brushes after trying out Elf's Studio line of Makeup Brushes. These are an absolute must in my daily makeup routine. I use the large Stipple brush for applying my foundation and it gives it the most flawless application. I use the small stipple brush as my blush brush and it applies the color so well, and I use the powder brush to apply my setting powder. I don't think I spend more than $5-6 dollars a piece for each of these. GET THEM. You won't be disappointed.

Elf High Def. Powder: The Best Translucent Powder out there...and get this. It's only $6.00! Enough Said.

Physicians Formula Happy Boosting Blush: I am the pickiest person when it comes to blush. I have such pale skin that softer, more raspberry pinks are the only colors that I can pull off. However all other brands with this color never really last all day and I was constantly reapplying. This stuff however is the complete opposite. I put it on with my Elf Small Stipple Brush and it lasts ALL DAY! I LOVE IT.

Mac Studio Finish Concealer: This is product I have to admit I would go cheap on until recently. A Friend had me try her Mac concealer and immediately I was hooked. Chasing a 14 month old I admit there are many days that makeup doesn't done, but sometimes a quick trip to the grocery store is required. A little dab of this under the eyes and any red areas, and some chapstick and i'm out the door with flawless looking skin. I use color NC15.

Moroccan Oil: You have probably seen many duplicates of this item in the drug stores and beauty supplies labeled as argan oil, etc., but nothing beats the real thing, trust me I've tried the others and there is a difference. Nothing makes your day two hair look as good as day one as this stuff. Taming frizz, static and flyways and it smells amazing without leaving your greasy or oily. It also gives amazing shine and a little goes a long way.

NYX Hi Def. Photo Concealer: I consider this to be my brightening and contouring staple. I buy it in porcelain and use it for under eye brightening. It's awesome and only about $5.00.

Brazillian Blowout Thermal Straightening Balm: Remember my slightly curly hair that I mentioned. Well mix the Denman Brush with this stuff and you will have yourself the most perfect blowout ever. A pea sized amount of this, and I emphasize "PEA SIZED", otherwise your head will be giant grease ball. Rub it all through your damp hair focusing mainly on the ends and about half way up the hair shaft. It's formulated to cut drying time and offer a straighter result to naturally curly hair. Seriously I cannot live without this stuff. I use it Everytime I blow-dry for probably the last 6 months and I have only used about a tablespoon of product because it requires so little product. I love products that make the most of my money.

Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer: I have been blessed with two very unfortunate genes, Pale Skin, and extreme susceptibility to Skin Cancer ( Grandmother died of Melanoma, and many family members have had moles and small skin cancer spots removed). Needless to say, sun tanning is not for me, but I still yearn for that perfect summer glow. Natural Glow is right up my alley. I have used this for years. I usually start in April and carry it through October or what I like to refer to as "Leg Shaving Season". Start Gradually, applying every other day to avoid over applying in certain areas. Once you have achieved your desired color, you only need to apply once-twice a week. Use it sparingly around your knees, ankles and feet but make sure to blend well to avoid streaks and make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS when you are done.

Beauty Blending Sponge: This is my go to for blending in my NYX Concealer under my eyes. These sponges are great to have on hand and give your makeup that flawless, professional finish.

Cover Girl BB Cream: To say that I have tried many BB creams would be an understatement. It's probably close to about a dozen different ones. I had the mentality that the more expensive ones were going to be a better quality and match my skin tone better. Not True. After failing to find one that really matched my skin, I decided to just buy an intensive one and give it one last try. Success. This has been my daily go-to moisturizer/sunblock. I put this on daily in the summer, even under my foundation because we spend so much time outside. On my no makeup days, it goes on in 10 seconds flat and still gives my skin the SPF and moisturizer it needs daily.


I hope you give these products a try. Comment and let me know your thoughts on any of them and let us know what some of your favorite beauty products are.

Happy Thursday (And Happy 24th of July if you're in Utah)

XO: Kelli