I ran out of face wash last week and as I was walking up and down the aisles at Target trying to pick a replacement, it dawned on me that I should try to make my own. I have seen tons of diy facial scrubs & masks on Whole Living before and thought I would look for a recipe to try. I decided on this fruit and yogurt one because I already had all the ingredients in my fridge. Rowan was a little confused when I was making it- she thought she was getting a smoothie and then saw me rubbing it all over my face in the bathroom. I did end up making her a smoothie right after so I wouldn’t seem like a complete loon to her.

Kev may have mad a Save By The Bell reference (The zit cream episode) when I was walking around the house with it on, but I had no bright red face reaction like Bayside did. It was cool and tingly on my face when I put it on. It felt great. After I washed it off my skin felt super, super smooth. Pretty sure I will try this one again, and again and again.

1. In a blender add 2 Tbsp of honey and 2 Tbsp of yogurt. Blend together.
2. Add 1/4 cup of berries. Blend.
3. Add 1 Tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend.
4. Cover face with mixture. Wear around house for 10-15 mins.
5. Wash off with warm water.

Honey: Did you know honey is a mild antiseptic and will gently exfoliate your skin? Also, seals in moisture.

Lemon Juice: Is full of vitamin C and natural enzymes which help brighten the skin.

Berries: Blackberries are full of antioxidants (more so than blueberries and raspberries) and will keep skin looking young and fresh.

Our lovely and talented friend Aimee came out from Boston last week to take some adorable newborn photos of Finley. While she was here, we asked if we could take some family photos as well. All the pictures came out beyond amazing. They make my heart swell up just looking at them. This is my family. I really can’t get over that we have 2 beautiful children. How did I get so lucky?

We took the photos up in our bedroom. We literally just finished painting it white the week before Finley was born. I had every intention of giving birth to Finley up there, so I wanted it to be finished. Her birth just happened too fast and we never even made it up there. Whoops. At least we have a peaceful, calm place to head to bed every night now. I worked really hard on the “Be Thou My Vision” hymn on the wall. I hand drew them out and then projected it up on the wall. I used paint makers to color it in and give the letters some dimension. I really love how it came out. They are the perfect words to carry with us as we start each new day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8408452597/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8408452571/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8409546920/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8409546848/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8409546784/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8409546716/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8409546654/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8408452103/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8408452089/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/8408451993/

Sorry. I just couldn’t narrow them down.

If you live in Massachusetts or even around New England make sure you check out Aimee’s photography website and think of her when you need some photos taken!

and yes, the top line of the mural is not finished. Whoops.

Music has always been important to me. I’ve never been someone who has been good at verbally expressing themselves. Maybe that is why I like blogging so much? I have a much easier time writing out feelings. Music has always been something I relate to on a very emotional level. It’s what got me through the last part of high school and college. It was my life (haha so lame!). It was the first thing I would use to identify myself. It’s also what first brought Kev and I together. Our very first date was to see one of our favorite bands. When Rowan was born we listened to Cat Power on repeat as I labored. It was calm, serene and set the mood for what I will always remember as one of my proudest moments. When I was getting ready for Finley to arrive, I really wanted to make a playlist that we could have playing at home. I filled it with favorite songs and songs that have special meaning between Kev and I.

When everything started, it was so quick and intense I almost forgot to put it on. Kev asked me at one point and in the midst of it all I told him “I didn’t care”. He knew I would want it on so he put it on anyway. Boy, am I glad he did! It was really the only thing that carried me through at a few points of the labor. It always amazes me how certain songs come on right at the right moment. Like your life has the most perfect soundtrack planned for it. It always feels so surreal to me when that happens. It make moments that I will remember forever.

p.s. Have you heard of Rdio? Kev and I pay for a subscription and its the best thing ever!

Here we go! The first real outfit picture after having Finley. I am going to rename these posts from “Style Files” to “My Everyday Style”- it just seems more fitting. I wrote last week that my goal is to refocus my outfit posts. I want them to be more about what really works as a busy Mom. Sometimes that means skirts, but most times that means jeans and easy to wear shoes.

I am pretty much in love with these studded sneakers! Have you jumped on the wedge sneaker trend? I am not sure how I feel about the whole thing, but add some studs to sneakers and I am all over that! Plus, these shoes zip up the side so I don’t even have to tie them. Yes. I am that lazy. I wear a lot of loose layers these days since I pretty much feel like a milking machine everyday. My daily uniform seems to be a fitted tank and a loose top that is easy to pull up and nurse under. I hate those nursing capes so if I don’t have to use one than that’s a win in my book.

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Blazer: Target/clearance (Similar)
Striped Top: J.Crew/old (Similar)
Jeans: Madewell/old (Similar)
Sneakers: Target

Well, It’s my first day home alone with my girls. Kev went back to work this morning (thankfully only for a half day!). So far, so good. I am sitting here at the kitchen table with Finley sleeping in the Solly Baby Wrap and Rowan sitting next to me eating some waffles with peanut butter. Of course with a little side of Yo Gabba Gabba. I think we can do this! Feeling pretty optimistic. Then again we haven’t left the house just the 3 of us yet…

Anyway, I really feel like the hardest thing about adding a new baby to your family has been taking care of the kiddo that you already had. The baby is the easy one. Rowan has been a champ, but you can tell she is all out of sorts. She is so affectionate and loving to the baby, but else where there have been lots tantrums over the silliest things. We had like 5 potty accidents last week when she hasn’t had an accident in months. She also didnt really want to leave the house or get out of her pjs last week. I think they where what was normal, what was familiar to her. She is in pretty good spirits today. We took her to soccer class for the first time over the weekend, and to gymnastics which she loves. Also, with the nice weather yesterday she got to spend lots of time outside playing with Kev. We are trying our best to make her feel special and not neglected. I know only time with make her feel like things are normal again and the new normal just includes a new little sister. She really is being so sweet to Finley though. Kev and I are both so excited for her to have a sister to grow up with.

Goodness she is cute!

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Plaid Button Up: Target (boys section)
Tutu: Target-old (similar)
Tights: Target
Minnetonka Boots: Zappos

Over the past nine months I feel like my style has really changed. It’s funny to stay it changed when I wasn’t able to wear any of the stuff I wanted to wear in the first place. I guess it gave me time to think and dream about what I would “really” want to wear. I even considered being done with the whole fashion part of this blog. In all honesty, I don’t wear heels very often any more, I don’t change handbags everyday to match my outfits, I don’t even feel all that dressed up or put together everyday. I wondered if what I really wanted to wear even had a place here. The truth is I still really like getting dressed though. I love putting together outfits, picking color combinations and using it as a creative outlet. I decided I wanted to take a new approach to style files around here. I want to spend this new year redefining my personal style and showcase what really works as a Mom of 2. I think you can find the perfect balance of casual, practical and fabulous and I intend to find it!

I’ve spent the last 6 days in pjs. How can you not after you just gave birth? I did actually put on pants yesterday for the first time, but it only lasted a trip to the museum and then I was back in leggings at home. I love being comfy, but I really don’t like pjs that don’t make me feel put together. We have had lots of guests over to visit and these J.Crew weekend leggings and Gap sweater have been the perfect outfit to feel presentable, cute and cozy. The leggings are thick, super soft and one of my most treasured items in my closet at the moment. I am not a fan of nursing tops, for me it is easier to just wear a loose tank over and nursing bra and then wear a layer that is easy to pull up. Unbuttoning shirts shows way more boob than just pulling up a layer. The tank under the swearter makes sure your stomach and side are still covered. Loving this simple new mom outfit.

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Leggings: J.Crew (similar)
Boat Neck Sweater: Gap

Ever listen to Sharon, Lois and Bram? Was that a Canadian thing? I don’t even know. Anyway, we use to love it in our household growing up. Remember that song “I am slowing going crazy…” I feel like it is on repeat in my head these days. Life feels like it is on stand still around here as we wait for this baby (yep, I said it again. There should be a count… How many blog posts does it take till this baby comes out?). I also can’t seem to stop thinking and laughing about the Arrested Development clip where they talk about Buster “Maybe it was the eleven months he spent in the womb. The doctor said there were claw marks on the walls of her uterus”. Oh man I love that show.

Well, since this post is going to be random, here are some random pictures to go along with it. What else do you do when it’s -10 outside and you’re 4 days pasted your due date with a bored toddler? I’ll tell you. You take funny pictures of each other in the mirror while looking like a homeless, very pregnant gnome. Sounds about right to me.

The End.

Happy New Year!! We rang in the New Year pretty low key this year. We ate dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant (I ordered the spiciest thing on the menu-didnt work). Then a trip to Target to let Rowan pick out a special toy to give to the new baby. There was a decent bedtime for Rowan and then Kev and I pushed our chaise lounge chairs together to make what we have termed “couch bed”. We sat in front of our fireplace, drinking sparkling red grape juice and talking about 2012 and goals for 2013. It was quite lovely if you ask me.

We decided on more general goals for this year instead of specific resolutions. Here are some things that made my list…

ADVENTURE: Kev and I both have an adventurous spirit. We don’t sit still for long. I am looking forward to welcoming this new little baby into our family and figuring out how to still satisfy those adventurous desires. Rowan is at such a fun age to bring places and let her experience new things. She is just like her Dad, she gets so, so excited. I hope we can quickly settle in as a family of 4 and let the family adventurers begin. Nothing brings more joy than getting out there and doing things all together as a family. I’ve already got some ideas and things up my sleeve for 2013!

JOY: I love the idea of trying to find joy in every situation no matter what the circumstances are. There was such an awesome message at our church during the Advent season on Joy. It really struck a cord with Kev and I.

INSPIRATION: I wrote on twitter a few weeks back how I was cleaning house in my google reader and was only keeping blogs that uplift and inspire. I went from 250+ blogs to about 80. Same for twitter, instagram, etc… I really want this year to be filled with true inspiration. Not comparison. I don’t need to be bogged down with negativity. I love being inspired by people who are uplifting, honest, and truly awesome. I feel like it is so easy to see a persons true intention through blogging. Not just with blogging either, this is one that carries through to life in general with people and things we surround ourselves with.

FAMILY: With such a big change about to happen to our family dynamic, it’s going to be super important to keep our priorities focused on what’s most important. Life can get real busy, real fast around here. I want to make sure we are always very intentional about our family time. I would also love to spend more time visiting family that are far away. I miss my sisters and extended family so much. I want to carve out time to visit more often.

LAUGHTER: I want to make sure we are spontaneous and leave time and room for silliness and fun. I know sometimes when Kev gets home, I turn into task lady. I try to get everything done I wasn’t able to do during the day. I hear them goofing around and think it’s more important to put the laundry away. I want to make sure all of us remember that sometimes the things that seem the most important to worry about really aren’t. We are pretty silly already in our family, but I want to make sure it’s something we always have in our relationships with our kids.

Case in point…