Cargo, Gold, and Leopard...OH MY!

Jacket (similar) | Sweater | Scarf (similar) | Jeans (similar) | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses (similar)

So this past weekend we went out to one of the local farmer's markets around us and had so much fun. It wasn't freezing and the sun peeked out every now and then. It was the perfect day for a light sweatshirt, my favorite cargo jacket, a pop of animal print and my new sneakers that I am literally obsessed with, I wear them almost every day!  Cozy and stylish at it's best for the both of us. Lilly had a blast seeing all the doggies and chickens and she even played with some other kids and danced to the one-man-band that was there. We had a very yummy lunch, scored a couple of sweet treats and took home a good amount of fresh veggies.

 

Yes we match  ;)

 Lilly and Mommy dancing to the "one-man-band" at the farmer's market

Lilly's stayed warm by the fire pit
Old Navy Jacket (similar) | Walmart Leopard Sweatshirt (similar) | Jeans (similar) | Target Boots (similar), found these sneakers that would make us really be twinsies :)

What's In My Bag...with a Toddler!

This bag is my favorite bag to use right now and it's from Walmart! I did not see it online, but it is in stores and comes in a variety of colors. I have a love affair with crossbody satchels these days and this one is the perfect size. I love the black with the gold hardware and tortoiseshell faux buckle on the front. It is perfect to carry my needs and the little bit I carry for Lilly (who is 18 months now). Since Lilly turned one I really haven't been carrying a big diaper bag that much anymore. Since I really didn't need to carry that much for her anymore I started switching to just some of my regular handbags and made sure I had enough room for a couple of diapers and wipes. I also have an "emergency car bag" that has a nice stockpile of diapers and wipes, change of clothes, and anything else I may need when we are out, but having to carry it in my everyday bag at all times is not necessary anymore.  

Bag is from Walmart | similar here | here | and here

...Here's what's in the front pocket...

 

...and here's a look inside...

...all the stuff inside...

Cosmetic Bag | Wallet | Coupon and Receipt Clutch | LOFT Sunglasses

...the goodies in the cosmetic bag...

My Skincare Routine

 Morning

Dove Body Wash
I use this every time I take a shower in the mornings. I have been such a huge fan of Dove soap and Dove body wash for years now. My skin feels so clean and moisturized without feeling like there's a residue on it.

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Cleanser
This cleanser I've also been using for about a year now and I absolutely love it. This is a cleanser that actually works and makes my skin look and feel absolutely amazing.

CVS Exfoliating Apricot Wipes
These wipes I typically use at night to get some of my makeup off, but some days when I'm in a pinch for time or am just super exhausted, I use these on my face and they make my skin feel cleansed and awake. 

Olay Face Moisturizer
I still haven't found like a "Holy-Grail" moisturizer that really works on my skin, but this moisturizer has been a go-to of mine for the past few years. I always go back to this one because it does work on my oily skin and doesn't leave a residue on my face either, it really does soak into the skin.

Honest Company Lavendar Mint Lip Balm
This lip balm is so moisturizing! Use it by itself or as a base before applying your main lip product.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Hand Cream

After I put my makeup up on wash my hands really good I love to put on a hand cream to moisturize my hands in the morning. This hand cream is so soft and soaks in really fast so you you're not walking around with greasy hands afterward.

 Nightime

 Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Face Wash with my Clarisonic
I use my Clarisonic every night to really deep clean my face and get all the makeup, dirt, excess oil and dead skin off my face. My Clarisonic has dramatically improved my skin and has faded a lot of my scaring. I use to use it once a week, but at the beginning of this year started using it every night and what a difference it has made!

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Toner
I love this toner! It is light and doesn't completely dry out my skin but really helps give it that extra clean feeling. I use this toner down my neck and on my chest too to make sure I'm getting and excess dirt and oil off my skin.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Face and Eye Serum
I've talked about these before here. I'm still loving them and they have improved my skin so much.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist Cream Moisturizer
This moisturizer I have been using all winter because my skin has been unbearably dry. I tend to have really oily/combination skin, however this winter has been the driest winter I have ever experienced. This moisturizer I only use at night because it is super hydrating and kind of greasy(takes a super long time to set into the skin and still has a greasy feel). If I use it in the morning my skin is way to oily and my makeup doesn't sit on it properly. So I use it at night to really moisturize my skin while I sleep and my skin looks and feels really hydrated when I wake up.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Crean
I use this on my hands, arms, feet...really anywhere I feel like my skin is super dry before I go to bed and it's really been helping with the dryness and itchiness that my skin has right now. 

Clinique Acne Treatment
I got this as a sample and once my skin started breaking out a lot I started using this at night to see if it helped. I'm telling you this stuff works wonders overnight! Within 2-3 days my really stubborn under the skin breakouts were gone and little breakouts disappeared. I think I might have to purchase this product!

Weekly 
 
Apricot Scrub
I use this scrub in the shower about twice a week and exfoliate my whole body with it. Apricot scrub is something I've been using since high school and it's always been a skincare staple for me.

Green Mask
This mask is amazing! I don't even know where I got this or how (I think it might have been a gift or gift with purchase or something) but this mask is amazing! I use this when my skin is breaking out a lot and this mask clears it up. It really does wonders on lifting all the dirt and gunk out of your skin. LOVE IT!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites by nataliemorelliwaters featuring a palette eyeshadow
  

So here are some of the things I've been browsing at across the web this week. I've really been interested in getting a new pair of athletic shoes and these metallic ones from New Balance are calling my name. I have also been looking for a good "all-in-one" eyeshadow pallette and this one from Lorac Pro seems to have the perfect colors that I'm looking for. This mint tote and red skirt from Old Navy are just absolutely fabulous and are having me wishing for warmer weather, especially this week. And this dress from Target I'm obsessed with; it has such a great shape and I'm obsessed with the graphic print! I also discovered this coffee body scrub from Frank and has me really intrigued to try it out.

What are some things you're browsing at this week?

Colorful dress
target.com

Old Navy clothing
oldnavy.gap.com

New Balance sneaker
urbanoutfitters.com

Old Navy vegan purse
oldnavy.gap.com

Palette eyeshadow
ulta.com

Paul Frank body cleanser
frankbody.com

Spring Wish List

Spring Wish list by nataliemorelliwaters featuring a pink trench coat

Trench Coat

Nothing is more classic and comfortable for spring then a great khaki trench coat. I used to have a nice trench, but I'm not sure if it is in storage or if I got rid of it when we moved so if it's not in storage I might be re-investing in one again this year :)

Gingham Shirt

I love plaid and nothing is more spring and summer to me then a lightweight gingham blouse. This year I really want a navy blue and white one...how classic!

Pastel Denim

A great way I like to add a little variety to my wardrobe is with a colorful denim or pant, and pastels for spring are what I'm lusting for this year.

Windowpane 

This print is everywhere right now and is a nice graphic print other then all the watercolor florals we are consumed with every spring.

Pops of red

I've been seeing a lot of these pops of this coral/pink/red color everywhere right now and I'm very intrigued to incorporate it with some of my accessories in my spring wardrobe this year. 

Pastel Accessories

Mini pastel handbags are everywhere as wel! I'm lusting over these cute little crossbody satchels that come in an array of pastel cuteness! 

Nude Nail Polish

As a change from all the dark and bright fingernail polish I have and wear periodically, right now I'm really drawn to different kinds of nudes and neutral nail colors.

What are some things you are lusting for this spring?

Old Navy sweater
oldnavy.gap.com

Pink trench coat
pinkqueen.com

Old navy skinny jeans
oldnavy.gap.com

Women's Plaid Popover Favorite Shirt Merona
target.com

Nine West pointy toe flat
ninewest.com

Tote bag
target.com

Butter London pink shimmer nail polish
6pm.com

Multicolored Cluster Stud Earrings | Loft
loft.com

Coffee Talk: My Coffee Favorites :)

Something different that I haven't done yet or even talked about really is my love affair with coffee. Coffee has been a daily thing of mine since I started high school. I can not go a day without a super hot cup (or 2) of delicious coffee, even in the summer.

So here are some of my coffee favorites and how I drink my coffee on a daily basis:

So my go-to coffee Josh and I buy in huge containers is Folgers Simply Gourmet Coffee in Black Silk.

How many cups of coffee do I drink a day: 2-3

When I want a little sweetness I use a little bit of Almond Milk and a tsp of Sugar in the Raw.

If I ever venture into flavors, my all time favorite is hazelnut.

 

Heart coffee mug is from Walgreens 

 

Our coffee mug storage above our coffee bar

Products I'm Not Impressed With

Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer

This primer somewhat works but makes my skin break out like crazy. I don't notice a huge difference when using it anyway. I'm not big of a fan of primers from the start and don't know if I necessarily need one with my skin. This is a definite never buy again product. 

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation

Don't even get me started on this foundation. This was a definite "Youtube mad me try it" product purchase. I had seen a ton of beauty bloggers and youtubers rave about this new foundation and how great it was for oily skin. Well I bought it and tried it and I took it back the next day to get my money back, that's how horrible it was for me. Number 1 the colors are so bad, I looked like a oompa-loompa...and number 2 it made my face look and feel like I had chalk all over my face, did not cover up any imperfections but instead accentuated them. I don't have any wrinkles, but this foundation made me look like I had wrinkles...it made me look so much older then I actually am and that is the exact opposite of what you want in a foundation. It may be great for some people but I did not enjoy it and it did not work well with my skin. 

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer and Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

Again, not a huge fan of primers from the start. These I received as samples in a gift set my husband got me for Christmas and I'm not impressed with them at all. They really don't do anything in my opinion. When I use the anti-crease eye primer, I still get creasing. My concealers do a better job then these primers.

My Everyday Mommy Must-Haves

My Everyday Mommy Must haves by nataliemorelliwaters featuring Lifefactory

Wipes

From highchairs, to shopping carts, to grimy hands...it is inevitable that something is going to need to be wiped or sanitized multiple times a day. Having good multipurpose wipes is essential when having a little one no matter where you are. 

Tissues

It is also inevitable that you, your husband or your little one will have a runny nose or just need to wipe something. Having tissues on hand is always a good idea in my opinion. 

Lip Product

With all the running around it is possible that you will need to keep your lips moisturized and feeling hydrated. Having a good nourishing lip product will help you get through the day whether it's shiny and colorful or not.  

Gum and some sort of snack(s) for yourself and child

Gum is essential for me because let's be honest, who wants bad breath? No one! especially when you're frantically running errands or just trying to get everything done before nap time, you never know who you're going to run into or talk to. Having a snack for myself and Lilly is also a must have. We both get hangry when we are hungry and sometimes the only way to get Lilly to behave when we are out for a long period of time is snacks. You never know when you are going to have a meltdown and a good snack will more then likely always save the day. And having a nice treat for yourself is always a nice bonus when you need the energy. 

Water

I never leave the house without water for our family. We always have a cup for everyone. 

Comfy Shoes

Who wants to be an on-the-go mom with hurting feet? I didn't think so, comfy shoes are a must!

Something to Keep Little Hands Busy

Along with the snacks, something to keep your child entertained or busy and distracted while you get what you need to get done is always a good idea. 

I'd love to know some of you mommy must haves! Leave them in the comments below :)

Lifefactory kitchen dining
$23 - connox.com

Mentos Pure Fresh Mint Gum 15 ct
target.com

TOMS blue shoes
toms.com

Eos lip treatment
$9.98 - selfridges.com

Travel beauty product
amazon.com

Fun Years Imagine Me Fun Sounds Keys Toys R Us
toysrus.com

First Impression: Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

I have been wanting to start trying out new makeup products lately since my makeup routine has seriously been the same for about 4 years now. Same products, same brands, same, same, same. I was getting bored and wanting to venture out and try some of the abundance of new stuff at the drugstore that I have been seeing lately. And seeing that I am a busy mom-on-the-go, I really need products that serve multiple purposes and hopefully will streamline my makeup routine so that I'm not spending too much time doing my makeup.

So after watching dozens of YouTube videos and scanning Pinterest, I decided the first thing I was going to try was the Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation. It is claimed to be a long wearing foundation that has lasting power of a primer, coverage like a concealer, and a blendability of an all day foundation with SPF 20 built into it as a bonus.

My First Impression

The first day I wore the foundation I instantly loved it. First thing is that it has a pump which makes things so much easier to use! It covered and blended beautifully and, unlike Revlon Colorstay, I didn't feel like I was wearing a ton of makeup. It is definitely a medium coverage foundation that is build-able to full coverage. I do have to cover up some problem spots with concealer but I'm certainly not using as much concealer as I was with my old routine. The color is a pretty good match, I still have trouble with colors from the drugstore, but it blended nicely and lasted all day. And even though it does have SPF in it, it does not have that over powering sunscreen smell to it, it doesn't have much of a fragrance at all to me. So as of right now I'm really liking this foundation and its satin-matte finish on my skin. I hate true matte foundations because they make my face feel and look chalky, but this one has a little dewiness/glow to it that doesn't battle with my oily skin.

Could this be my next holy-grail foundation?!?
We'll see...
I'll be sure to check back in a few weeks with my full and final review on this foundation :)

 Stay tuned!

January Favorites

I know it's a little late but I finally was able to round up some of my January favorites.

So let's take a look shall we...

 

Black Handbag from Walmart

Could not find this bag on Walmart's website, but it is sold in-store and comes in a few different colors (my store had black, dark grey, and a plum color)

I absolutely am in love with this bag. I've really been drawn toward crossbody satchels that zip lately and finding this ladylike styled one in black with gold hardware at none other than Walmart for $18 was a steal! It's on the smaller side but it's big enough to fit all my needs plus a few diapers, wipes, and snacks for Lilly. Target has a similar styled handbag that comes in an assortment of colors but retails for $40...no thanks, I'll gladly take the Walmart one :)

DKNY Be Delicious Fragrance

I have been in love with this fragrance since my first year of college when my roommate introduced it to me. It really is delicious! I've been wearing it on and off since and this winter for some reason I have been wearing it almost everyday.

CVS Brand Apricot Exfoliating Towelettes

I am such a huge fan of apricot scrub face wash as my exfoliate and have been using the scrub for years. But in January I discovered these cleansing towelettes at CVS and tried them out and they are now a staple in my night time beauty routine. They are great at getting all my makeup off and lightly cleansing my face before I use my Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean face wash. The cloths have these beads on them that really are great for scrubbing and getting all the dirt and grime off. 

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM! 

Honest Company Lip Balm in Lavender and Mint  

I received this lip balm as a gift from one of my aunts this holiday and I have fallen in love with this stuff. It is so moisturizing and is the perfect lip product to wear at night before bed so your lips don't dry out and as a lip base before you put your lipstick or lip gloss on.  This has also become a staple in my everyday morning and night time routine. 

Estee Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme

My mom had given me a bunch of products that she had either bought or had samples of that she didn't want anymore and this product was one of them. My skin has been so dry this winter, the driest it has ever been in my 25 years of life. I really was in need of a good deep moisturizer and when my mom gave me those products I started using this one immediately. It is a really thick and heavy consistency and really hydrates.   

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Toner

So if you remember last year I discovered Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean cleanser and have been using it since. In January I purchased the toner because I needed a little bit more cleansing on my skin and this stuff works great at getting anything left over on your skin. It's helped with my complexion and evening out my skin tone. I really can't say enough about Estee Lauder's skin care. It's the first skincare I've ever used that actually works on my skin. 

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss in Smooth Talker

This lip gloss I had received in the "One Hot Mama" gift set from Ulta that my husband had gotten me for Christmas. This lip gloss is the perfect color and is so smooth and has just been my go to when I'm in a rush or on lazy/casual days.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in the Brightener Shade

I have been a huge fan of this stuff for over a year now and still am using it and loving it. If you haven't tried this concealer yet, you need to!

 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I have found a new favorite mascara! I had been using Loreal Voluminous Lash in the gold tube for years and when I tried this new one I instantly fell in love. I love the packaging, and the applicator and the way it applies. The only thing I don't like is that a lot of mascara comes out of the tube when you pull the applicator out so you have to wipe the applicator a bunch of times otherwise you are going to have way to much on your lashes and a big 'ol mess! But I love the mascara nonetheless.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Plum Wine

This is by far the best winter blush ever! From the perfect winter color and the formula of this creamy blush, it is just perfect. It applies so smoothly and lasts all day and even has a little bit of shimmer in it so you really don't need much of a highlighter when you use it. 

 

 

I'd love to know what some of your favorite products were last month so feel free to leave them in the comments :)

DIY Painted Filing Cabinet

We have been in desperate need of a filing cabinet for all of our important and loose paperwork scattered everywhere since we moved (um almost 2 years ago :-/ )  and I really wanted to find a cheap old one and give it a new funky look for my new mom cave/home office. 

So here is what I did:

 

Cheap filing cabinet...I picked this one up from Goodwill for $10

 

Hubby brought out the electric sander for and did the hard work for me :) 

 

Spray Paint used from Lowes

 

#besthubbyever

 

Hubby also painted the inside with the same metallic paint we used for the handles, love the way it turned out

 

My mom cave is coming together beautifully! We have about half of the room done, it's still a little work in progress but I can't wait for the finished product :)