Fall Makeup

Hello lovelies! 

As most of you know already, I love makeup. 

and I love fall.

So I can't help it but be consumed and excited for fall makeup trends!

To me, summer makeup is all about minimal and bronzed, leaving most of the focus on the face,

featuring sunkissed bronze, highlighted cheeks, and simple on the eyes.

Fall is a total game changer.

I love the deep vampy, berry, and wine colored lips paired with smokey sultry eyes,

it's my favorite. I've just been obsessing over these trends on Pinterest, any takers on me applying your makeup for you?? 

Today I thought, why not post some inspiration, and some of my favorite lip colors I own?

Best part is all of these are very affordable and very inexpensive. 

So without further ado, here are the babes I will be busting out of my collection this season:

(I will be talking about each lip product in order from left to right. Click the products for links)

NYX Butter Gloss (Raspberry Tart) : Love this lipgloss! It's a super wearable shade, and I love that the color is buildable. I can put one coat on for a light berry color or a couple coats to get a plum effect. It's less commitment than a lipstick for all day, and easy to touch up! Best part is it's price, only $4.99 at Ulta! (Ulta always has a $3.50 off  $10 coupon on their website, and so I thought since I'm mentioning 3 NYX Lip products from Ulta you might as well bundle and save a penny!)

Milani Color Statement Lipstick (Uptown Mauve) : This color is ideal! I originally came across this beauty searching for a long-desired dupe for the ever so popular MAC lipstick in the shade "Rebel". It's simply stunning, but honestly, $17 for a lipstick just isn't my taste! This is a purple with a deep pink undertone, and it's gorgeous on so many skin tones. I picked this stunner up at Walmart for $4.97! 

NYC Lipstick (Mahogany) : This one is honestly my FAVORITE! From one glance it looks like a deep cranberry shade, then the next its a deep purple. This one believe it or not is 93 cents at Walmart, heck yes to that budget!

NYX Butter Gloss (Chocolate Crepe) :  This is such a unique lip color. It has a dusty rose, deep mauve feel to it, with slight brown undertone. It would go great with an intense smokey eye or a glitter crease cut. This one is $5.99 at Ulta! 

Milani Twist up Lip (Premiere Plum) : I was lucky enough to find this pretty color at the Dollar Tree of all places. Milani is a pretty inexpensive brand, and so when you find it at the Dollar Tree, snag it up girlfriend! They are good quality! This creamy plum lip shade is a typical fall statement

NYX Butter Lipstick (Licorice) : This deep wine color is a go-to for me for sure. It stays on all day, and is just the ideal fall lipstick color everyone tries to find! Only $5.99 at Ulta too, can't beat that.

Color Swatches from L to R: Uptown Mauve, Mahogany, Raspberry Tart, Licorice, Premiere Plum, Chocolate Crepe


I've also got some more shades I'm on the lookout for this season too :)

I'm dying over these! L to R: Retractable Lip Liner in "Plum", Simply Vamp Lip Cream in "Bewitching", High Voltage Lipsticks in "Wine & Dine" and "Dahlia", Intense Butter Glosses in "Toasted Marshmallow" and "Spice Cake"




I hope you enjoyed this little beauty post, please let me know if there are any products you hold true to this fall, or if you try any of these for yourself :)
XOXO, Kess

a quick pregnant post :)

Hello to you all :)

My blogging has been slacking hard core.

so sorry!

I've honestly just been riding the mamahood coaster, and I have had a broken laptop charger (hence, no laptop) for a while now, and I'm just too lazy to type a blog post from my phone.

Excuses excuses, I know! ;)

I thought I would write a quick little pregnancy update, and what better way than a cute Q & A!

• How far along: 30 weeks 
• Weight gain: its been a steady incline, I'd say I'm nearing 20 lbs.
• Maternity clothes: I don't have any! I honestly stick to leggings and yoga pants :)
• Stretch marks: None yet! Hoping to avoid those suckers!
• Belly button in or out:It is on the verge of popping out!
• Sleep: I am having trouble getting comfortable and staying asleep. It could be because, pre bump, I slept on my stomach. These days I wake up wide awake around 3 or 4AM, and rarely make it back to sleep again. 
• Best moment this week: Sounds silly but it made my week that we made some headway on the nursery. We have been transitioning our home office into a nursery and to see it as a blank canvas to decorate and nest makes me so excited. Can't wait to see all the newborn stuff set up again. 
• Worst moment this week: I had my bloodwork/glucose labwork this week, and it was no bueno. I am so horrible with blood draws, and on my way home from the appointment I started blacking out and having trouble breathing. I had to pull into a parking lot quickly and Hank called for help to come get me. It was so so scary :(
• Miss anything: sleeping on my stomach! enjoying a meal, I get so hungry yet I have no room for food haha!
• Movement: Oh yes, little man loves to roll around and kick me whenever I stop moving or lay down. But when someone tries to feel his movement, he completely stops, what a stinker!
• Queasy or sick: feeling pretty good, thank the Lord! The first and early second tri had me so sick, I seriously couldn't take it!
• Looking forward to: Holding this sweet BOY, seeing his sweet features, and his bond with Henry
• Any names: The only name that has stuck on me is Grayson, but Hank doesn't like it, so we are waiting for something to really stick and resonate with us. Naming a second child is so much harder! I feel like you try to consider how it sounds with your last name, their siblings names, and yours, its hard!
• Random pregnant things to note: I am SO scatterbrained, like ridiculously a space cadet haha. Hank will tell me something and I immediately don't remember what he said. Appointments? Forget those in my memory! If I don't look at my calender everyday I would be so lost!

Love you all, thanks for reading :)

XOXO, Kess

little moments.

I remember before I had Henry my vision of motherhood was quite immaculate.

I pictured waking up and having time to myself to get put together, hair neatly done, fresh washed face with some makeup, dressed, birds chirping, pancakes and eggs cooking, and sure enough, a sweet little baby waking up to cooing and giggles and the day filled with sunshiney smiles and snuggles all the day through.

Most days it's yoga pants, an oversized tee, brushed teeth, messy pony and a groggy little smiley boy coming out of his room who doesn't want anything except chocolate milk and Mickey Mouse. The day is spent with lots of questions, toddler mood swings, and the addition of the smiles and snuggles.

I'm not saying this to shock you. I'm not saying this to seem negative.

I feel like nobody tells you the depth and work of motherhood.

I don't feel like anybody could explain it to the extent exactly.

It's something you learn as you go. and still are trying to learn. 

I wish somebody would've told me out of love that it was going to be hard.

Being a mom is seriously what my heart calls and longs to do, and even then it can be challenging.

It's also the most wonderful, precious, and rewarding aspect of your life.

There are days when I seriously feel like my day as a mother is a pop up Hallmark card. Henry is giggly, we are reading books and exploring life together, he's saying his ABC's, playing at the park, and ending the day with silly stories before bedtime.

There are days I remember from Henry's newborn colic that left me so exasperated, discouraged, and downright defeated. Days where there are tantrums, mood swings, and manners are out the door, and we are struggling to get to bed.

That is life.

It's messy. unpredictable. wonderous. bittersweet. joyous. challenging. amazing.

Yesterday I had my "moment". After a long morning of packing up camp (have you ever tried to pack up a pop up camper? Holy guacamole, frustrating!) while trying to rein in a toddler, while tired and pregnant I looked around and thought, "This is only going to get....crazier?!"

Then driving our 6 hr drive home I had a different kind of "moment". A drive with a toddler in general can be treacherous, but this one was different. It was a drive I pictured long ago when I dreamed up my future, and I was living it :) Henry and I were singing "Here Comes the Sun" and to hear him say "wittle dawlin" was just melting me in a puddle. We danced to Uptown Funk, and pointed out windmills along the freeway. Henry eagerly sang Wheels on the Bus and would say when it was Mommy or Daddy's turn. We had our Hallmark card moment

There is so much access for comparison in this world lately. People point and shoot put together photos of clean dreamy homes with smiley dressed babies doing fancy traveling and the world goes round and round about it.

Everyone posts the highlights, nobody posts the behind the scenes. 

You don't see how someone just cleared their neglected laundry off the couch to take a picture of that DIY they tried for the third time. You don't see the crankiness, and sleepless night that mommy and baby just had, and for a quick minute she got that baby smiling and needed to capture it. You don't see that they have saved months, maybe years for that much needed vacation from stress you didn't know they are bearing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the little things in life are meant to be soaked up, meant to be embraced and cherished wholeheartedly. Most of the time days aren't filled with big grand outrageous adventure. Motherhood is a string of little moments, smiles, milestones, joys, and firsts.

I just know one day these little things will mean the world to me. These little moments may be "little things" right now, but I just know looking back they will be the biggest things ever.

XOXO KESS

summer lovin.

hello s u m m e r :)

I don't know about you guys, but I feel like it was just starting to feel like spring, and then bam! It was hot, school was dismissed, and summer snuck right up. To be honest, I love it. I feel alive and full of energy with the sun out and activities going on.

There are so many little activities I cannot wait to plan and enjoy over the season with my boys. I am so grateful to live in Boise, and although fall is my favorite here, summer is a super close second. I So far we have been going to the lunch in the parks and swimming here and there at the Nampa waterpark. I have so many things in mind to do with Henry, with Hank for date nights, and as a little family.

With Henry I can see us spending our time going to the parks, ice cream trips, the zoo, indoor play centers on the rainy days, $1 matinee movies, and so much more. It is such a treat to experience your child experiencing something; it makes my heart just burst.

Hank and I will probably try to squeeze in as many date nights and one-on-one time before things get a little hectic and more busy this fall. I can see us going to dinners, Cold Stone, Northern Lights (dine in movie theater), Dave and Busters adult arcade, and just spending it walking out and about outside.

As a family there is so many little events and things we love to do. We will probably go to the fair, classic car shows, movies in the park, BBQs, drive inn, camping, hiking, lake days, and picnics. We will also be doing a few camping trips with family throughout the summer.

I am really excited to be going to the Boise Music Festival this month, which I won tickets for on the radio! Random I know, and so funny because I never win anything. I will also be going to the Beth Moore conference in July with my mama.

What are you doing this summer? What are your fun summer ideas? I'd love to hear anything you love to do or think we might enjoy :)

XOXO, Kess

Let's talk MAKEUP.

Ever since I was little, I've had an interest in makeup.

I remember begging my mother to let me wear it growing up, and admiring her putting it on as she got ready for the day.

"Gosh, I cannot wait 'til I'm old enough to play with that junk."

I remember going school shopping for entering junior high, and the surprise that came with it. My mother walked me over to the makeup section in the store,

"Dad and I decided you can wear a little for school. Just mascara, light eyeshadow, and lip gloss. ok?"

Oh it was totally ok! I was over the moon.

I remember picking out a light baby pink Mary-Kate & Ashley eye palette, some lip smackers chapsticks, and the signature pink and green Great Lash mascara tube. (I'm sure that was quite the combo, yikes!)

Fast forward several years, and hundreds of daily practices later, and sure enough, I'm still just as obsessed, if not more! I have somehow managed to fill an entire dresser into a makeup station, watch YouTube tutorials constantly, and am always on the lookout for products to try and love.

I feel its a creative outlet,  my "me time" between working and being a mama, and something I am passionate about.

Since this blog of mine is where I write about things I love, why not share it here once in a while?

I don't think I'm an expert...AT ALL. Nor a guru of any sort.

I just would like to share what is functional and affordable!

I don't use all high-end. In fact, I love drugstore products. It's so much fun to mix and match and get more for your buck. Honestly, in some ways you get more in certain high end products, such as quality and the usage you will get out of it. In others, I have found drugstore products to hold up and own the show for a budget friendly price.

Anywho, this is going to be my quick intro post, hopefully I can coordinate some helpful and entertaining makeup posts really soon.

XOXO Kess

Bun in the Oven!

So, it's been a while since I've been on the bloggy blog. 

Thought I might share this teensy little update??

Why yes, that little squish is our baby #2!

This little one came as such a surprise, but yet not haha. 

I remember one day just feeling SUPER nauseated and SUPER exhausted. 

I just knew it. 

C'mon, that kind of sickness is easy to recognize.

I headed out to the grocery store and to run some errands while the boys relaxed at home, and I just couldn't get the thought of that possibility off my mind. 

I passed a Family Dollar, and sure enough, before I knew it I was buying a test and confirming it in no time at all. 

Then I ditched the grocery shopping and errands. 

I raced home with my hands on my cheeks in pure shock and happiness, and went immediantly inside to tell Hank I needed to talk to him.

I told him the big news. 

...and he did not believe me. at all. 

oh, did I was trying to tell him on April Fool's Day?!

yes, the irony made it that much more hilarious to me :)

Needless to say we got more tests and scheduled our first appointment to be in the next few weeks. 

We are so very excited!

So, why don't I tell you some basic baby q and a's ??

how are you feeling?

oh man, so so sick and so so exhausted. With Henry I remember being nauseated but only getting sick a few times throughout. This time however, is a total 180. TMI I know, but I throw up 1-3 times a day. It's so awful. All I want to do is crawl in bed and sleep it off. This first trimester is kicking me lately. 

when are you due?

November 28th, 2015. The day after Black Friday this year. 

(What is it with us and having children around crazy holidays?!)

how did Henry take the news?

well, I'd say...like a toddler. I showed him the ultrasound and he told me it was a "baby doggie" and then asked to watch Elmo haha. I'd say he has no idea what's in store for him. 

how far along are you?

10 weeks. 

any gender guesses?

Hank has a strong feeling it's a girl. When I ask Henry what it is, he says baby sister. 

I was SO wrong guessing with Henry, so I just have no idea. But I'll guess different.

I'm guessing boy! We have no preference though. Healthy has always been whats important to us.

Thank you for all the warm wishes, love, and support!

We are so very overjoyed, grateful, and excited!

XOXO, KESS

A Few of My Favorite Things *Vol 3*

Hello everyone :)

I hope you guys like these kind of posts, it's been a very long time since I did a favorites thing post!

I'm thinking the last one was in...August??

Anywho, I am totally one of those product people. I love trying different things out, as well as hearing the things people are raving and loving. So with that quick intro, here's my favorites as of lately:

#1. Tribal Print Throw Pillow

I have been loving that aztec tribal pattern lately, so when I stumbled across this beauty in Hobby Lobby, I was stoked to say the least! (mind you, yellow is also my favorite color). I had a gift card from Christmas and used their 40% off online coupon, so it was quite a steal! I picked out four similar patterns for my living room, and I must say, they make the statement and dress up the space a little! 

#2. Dr.George Dental White Gel

As most of you know I love makeup, so I couldn't help but notice a YouTuber that I was tutorials on frequently has recieved ALOT of compliments on how white her teeth are. She said she used to use whitening strips like crazy until this stuff. I have noticed a difference in using this myself, and it doesn't leave my gums sensitive like the strips have. It's found online and is only $12!

#3 Mean Girls Graphic Tee

You guys, I CANNOT stop getting graphic tees. Oh, and anything Mean Girls. It's a problem. This is a super stretchy tank that I know will be a go-to staple for any outfit I put together this spring and summer. It's SO FETCH!

#4 Jessica Simpson Fancy Perfume

I tried on this perfume about a month ago, and instantly fell in love with it. It's main scents are pear and apricot, with hints of vanilla and gardenia. It's dainty, and feminine, but not too floral or intense. I bought it yesterday and wore it out today and two people asked me about it in the checkout line. It's a must, and for only $16, it's an absolutely wonderful perfume. 

#5 Maurices Strappy Sandals:

Okay let me start off by saying that I searched all last year for something like these and could not find them anywhere. Then on a whim, my mom and I walked through Maurices in the Boise Mall, and these screamed out to me on the display. I love a sandal that has good coverage over the top of the shoe; I feel as if the top is too open it makes my feet look big! I love that the detailing is silver, most shoes that are black have had gold accents lately and as much as that is a trend right now I'm not too big into that combo. My mama bought these for my birthday and I must say I know they will get alot of wear! 

#6 Tresemme Dry Shampoo

I love dry shampoo. I used to buy the Rockoholic Dry Shampoo when it first came out at Mastercuts all the time. It was a little high priced to me then too! Then out of nowhere, any and every hair product line started coming out with their own dry shampoos and I had to try it out. Most can leave your hair looking weighed down, flaky, white, or downright greasy sometimes. But this stuff works! I love the volume and quick fix it gives me on those in-between-wash days. 

#7 Andes Mints

An oldie but a goodie! Lately all I want are these as my sweet treat! I remember making brownies with them a couple years ago, and I must say, I stop by and get them at the Dollar Tree for a quick pick me up or chocolate craving!

#8 Ardell Natural False Lashes

My sweet little coworker let me in on these babies. Every once in a while if I do a dramatic or smokey eye look, I want false lashes for an extra oomph. For only 5 or so dollars at Sally's Beauty Supply, these work awesome. I believe the ones I use are the Demi Wispies. 

#9 EOS Mint Lip Balm

This product isn't new to me, but it's something I always replace when it runs out! I have always loved a mint lip product, and this one is no different. Very hydrating, very cute packaging. I have never tried any other EOS balm, but I know people swear by them!

#10 Lorac Unzipped Palette

LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!! Eeeeeeeeeekkkk! I'm so excited about this one. I saw the swatches for this palette on Pinterest not too long ago, and instantly I was sold. Gorgeous neutrals, with hints of rose! When I went into the store to see it in person, I was beyond impressed. Highly pigmented; I swiped my finger one time on the gold color and it seriously looked like a penny. Almost a foiled metal look to some of the shimmer colors. It also has mattes as well. I am SUPER excited and I think this might be my favorite palette I own! 

That's all the things I have to share with you this post, lovelies!

I hope you enjoyed it :)

What are some things you've been loving lately?

I'd love to hear!

XOXO, Kess