MODERN LOUNGE DRESSES

Maxi dresses have been here to stay for years, but have you heard the term, "lounge dress"? Well, Lucky Love Co. has created a dress that is one size fits all in the prettiest colors and prints for women of all shapes and sizes to lounge and look beautiful. Plus, they have just come out with a brand new design that makes nursing babies so EASY with this dress. 

I wish this design had been around two years ago after having Levi. it's the best dress of your postpartum body, and the snaps on the sleeves open up so you nurse. Now, I'm not nursing anymore, but that doesn't stop me from wearing a pretty and comfortable dress. This dress would be great as a cover up for the beach too!

Recently, Lucky Love Co. came to my home to do a photoshoot for their new line. It was super fun to get to model for them. I'd love to hear which dress is your favorite that I wore. I simply can't decide. 

Photography by Cherie Mask.

REVIEW: VITRUVI ESSENTIAL OILS

I'm very self-conscious of the smell of my home. There's nothing like inviting people into your home for the first time only to have them smell stinky diapers (thanks, Levi). On the other hand, you don't always want your house to smell like an Anthropologie volcano candle all of the time. Well, I mean, I do, but I don't have time for that, and I'll probably forget to blow out the candle. SOLUTION: VITRUVI essentials oils and their porcelain diffuser. 

I'm going to level with you. I'm not a crazy essential oils person. I like the idea of them being able to help keep me healthy and I'm open minded to the benefits of them, but, truthfully, I just like them because they smell good. HAHA! There. I said it. Man, that felt good to get off my chest. 

So, aside from their potential healing properties, I love these oils because they smell fantastic and I can create my own home scents. VITRUVI had me at their branding (sleek and modern), and then when I saw their beautiful porcelain diffusers I knew I had found the right oil company for me. They also carry oils that resonate more with me such as spruce, cedarwood and grapefruit. I like more woodsy and clean smells for my home, and I'm not a huge floral fan. 

You can tell they care about the home experience and the product experience. The diffuser has a couple different misting settings and has a night light if you wanted to light a hallway or an entryway.

Out of all of the diffusers and oils on the market, I would say VITRUVI cares about quality and design more than the rest. Check out their site to see what I'm talking about.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

DENIM THAT'S COOL

This post is sponsored by NYDJ.

Like many people, I live in jeans because they are comfortable and coordinate with everything. However, 100 degree temperatures for five months takes away the "comfort" component and turns my fashion choice into a sacrifice. That is until I discovered these new jeans. NYDJ’s Smart Embrace™ is created with with high-performance, moisture-wicking COOLMAX® technology that keeps you cool and dry at all times. I was skeptical at first. I mean, how can stretch denim actually make you feel cool in 100 degree weather? But after trying them on and wearing them these past couple of weeks I can say it really works. Not to mentioned, they are way more comfortable than my other jeans.

After wearing them all August I don't even want to go back to my other denim. Plus, when the winter months come they keep you warm as well. I have no idea how they have done it, but I’m excited to experience it when the temps get down to the 50s. I’m a believer!

NYDJ is also known for their Lift-Tuck® technology guaranteeing that your backside looks the best it can be at all times. They place the pockets in the perfect spot to give the appearance of a lifted butt. Plus, their stretch denim ensures there is no gap in the back. As a girl that doesn’t have much of a butt, I’ll take help wherever I can get it. These jeans definitely help.

I tried two different washes, and I like them both. The dark wash is their classic girlfriend skinny jeans, and I also got the Alina legging for a more casual look (pictured above). Both are machine washable with a higher waistline. I went down a size with these jeans and I ordered a 2. I'm 5'8" and 126 lbs if that gives you an idea on sizing. NYDJ’s signature just-right rise is definitely helpful for any woman that is self conscious of their stomach. I know I fall into that category.

The jeans cost $134, and are worth the price for the technology and wearability. You can see more styles below. Photos by Rennai Hoefer

TIPS ON LASH EXTENSIONS

Okay, I'll admit it...I thought eyelash extensions were a bit "much" if you will. When I heard people were paying around $50 a month to maintain these puppies and it took over an hour to get them on, I rolled my eyes thinking, "What's so bad about applying mascara every day?" Well, don't knock it until you try it, folks.

With any luxury good or service, you really have to weigh the pros and cons as to why you want to do it. It's obviously not a need, and mascara and false lashes can help you achieve a similar look, so what is the big deal? Well, here's my break down of pros and cons for you to help you decide, as well as my experience and tips on lash care.

PROS:
1. They look more natural than false lashes. No false glue goop or crooked lashes here, my friends.
2. You wake up looking HOT and awake! You can actually say, "I woke up like this," and mean it. For tired moms, I highly recommend doing this before baby comes and during the first year. 
3. Shorter beauty routine. When I wear lash extensions I rarely put on eyeliner, eyeshadow or mascara (You can add mascara if you want as long as it's not waterproof. Same thing for eyeliner).
4. Longer fuller lashes than any mascara can promise. There's just no question.
5. No smudgy, streaky messes when you cry or swim. I have been crying a lot lately, and these have been helpful during a hard time. I'd also recommend these if you swim a lot. (You can get them wet after 24 hours of application).

CONS:
1. They take 1 - 1.5 hours to put on, and 30 minutes to 1 hour to fill.
2. You can't get them wet for 24 hours
3. They cost a ton more than a tube of mascara or false lashes
4. They only last 3 weeks before you need a fill
5. You can't use any oil based makeover removers or moisturizers

To me, the pros out weight the cons, but it really comes down money for me. My lash lady, Nicole, charges $100 for a full set of lashes, and $50 for a fill. That's a screamin' deal. If you live in the Arizona area, you can book this deal until the end of August. Just direct message her on Instagram and tell her I sent you her way. Nicole has been doing lash extensions for over five years. She also does microblading if you are interested in that as well. There was nothing painful about the process, and she created a combination of long and short lashes to make them look as natural as possible. You better believe I'll be going to her through this rocky season of life.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS

Packing lunches has gone to a level that I just can't compete with. From Bento Boxes to making animals out of vegetables, Pinterest has me all kinds of stressed out when I think about what other moms are doing. 

Me, well, I just stick to simple sandwiches, bananas, and juice. And, you know what, that is totally okay because this simple lunch gives my kids the energy and nutrition they need to be healthy and happy, and I have more time to spend with them. 

The same thing goes for snacks in our home. Though I would love to make banana sushi or something really creative for them every day, I just can't fit it in right now. But it's not the lunches that your kids remember when they are grown, it's how much you loved them and the time you spent. Moms, you're doing good just by making sure your kids have healthy food to eat. Minute Maid has been doing a great job on shedding light on parents #doinggood and taking the pressure off of themselves. Check out to see what I wrote for their blog this month, click here.

Photos by Lauren Schumacher.