Ch Ch Changes.

Last Saturday Penelope and I said 'see ya later' to our home in San Antonio for a while and headed up north back to Pennsylvania. David and Romeo are close behind us and will be saying goodbyes as they bring the rest of our belongings, finishing up the last bit of loose ends to this temporary relocation. 

So. We are in the process of temporarily moving our little family back to Pennsylvania after being in Texas for almost three years for some personal reasons that I'll share sooner rather than later, but I'm just not quite ready at the moment. I'm due in July with little man and am planning to give birth here. One Texas baby and one Pennsylvania baby! This will be quite an adventure, I keep telling myself. 

Everything has been kind of a whirlwind lately. We planned and executed a move within about three weeks because we decided at the time it would be the best thing for our family. We'll need a whole bunch of support surrounding us in the next several months and we will definitely have that here, but it didn't make it any easier saying goodbye to the place we found home the last few years. 

It's actually funny that I was so sad leaving San Antonio because of how much I had absolutely hated it when I first moved (no offense to anyone!). When we first moved there almost three years ago, it was like any place that you haven't grown up or know anything about; new. I was so incredibly homesick and missed the familiarity of where I had grown up. The roads were different, the stores were different, the pace was much slower, the people were different, and the weather was different. Seasons? Yeah, forget it. San Antonio doesn't experience seasons. Summer extends itself for half the year and you have a short burst of fall-like weather for about three months. 

 Little by little, as time went on and Penelope was born, we fixated ourselves into a routine. We explored, immersed ourselves in this different culture, enjoyed slowing down and soaking up life in a new place. We made friends, we wore sandals and tank tops for most of the year (yes!), and ate a lot of great food. We started a family and a life in San Antonio and it soon started holding a special place in my heart and forever will. 

We'll of course be back after we have dealt with some things that are headed our way in the next few months and have hopefully come out stronger and better for them, but it still is pretty bittersweet. 

For now, we need to find it in ourselves to re-adjust and explore in not so much a new place, but a new little journey we have to take in our lives. I have to say I am a little excited to go to a real pumpkin patch this fall in fall-like weather and not '80 degree, wear sunblock or you'll burn" weather. It's been a while!

It's funny how life has its ways of changing things up when they are least expected, crashing into you like a ton of bricks at first, but soon you start to see a little light forming or at least some hope that things will turn out better, and you most of all, will turn our stronger for moving on and living through it. 

So, that's my rant today. Here's to new places, difficult journeys, and the strength to forge on, even when sometimes, you're not quite sure you have it in you. You always do. 

My Skincare Basics

Skincare! I wanted to share a few of my skincare favorites with everyone. I don't really have a special skincare routine but I do have a few products that I love and make my skin feel awesome. I'm not claiming to know anything really about skincare and definitely can't tell you what would work best for different types of skin. Not claiming to be a skincare genius but I do know what I like to use after many trials. I know what makes my skin look better and figured I would share that with you guys and get some feedback! I'm always looking for different skincare products and new things to try. so recommendations are encouraged!

I wrote a post on here about coconut oil a while ago. I absolutely love it and still use it, especially during my pregnancies. I used it morning and night on my belly when I was pregnant with Penelope and continue to use it now while pregnant once again. It completely hydrates my skin and makes it feel super smooth but it also helps with stretch marks. I didn't really get many or notice many after I was pregnant with Penelope. With this baby, I've noticed a few but keeping my skin hydrated, has definitely made a difference in severity.

Aside from coconut oil, which I just use on my belly at the time, I've found a few different products recently that I started using on my face and body. I kinda just stumbled upon some of these products while at Target, while getting a spray tan after I had Penelope, and just reading online articles/recommendations.

1. Yes to Carrots Intense Hydration Night Cream 

I have always used the Yes brand since I stumbled on it in Target a couple years ago but I recently was looking for a facial cream to keep my skin from drying out. Living in Texas has made my skin SO incredibly dry and my face has gotten the worst of it. This cream which I use at night before bed isn't greasy or super thick and keeps my skin pretty soft and hydrated. I've definitely seen a complete difference since I have started using it. The price isn't too bad either compared to other skincare products. It's under $15! You can find it online or at Target : YesToCarrotsNightFaceCream 

2. Hylunia Colloidal Silver Spray

I found this facial spray when I was getting a spray tan before my brother's wedding last June. When ever I visit back home in PA, I go to the same place to get a spray tan because they do such a great job and yep, I am kind of addicted to them when I'm not pregnant or nursing. The spray tans at this place are completely organic and so they sell organic body products as well. I found this facial mist/spray there and decided to give it a try, even though it was a little more expensive than I'd like to pay when trying something out the first time. Impulses! The spray is a facial mist/ spray toner that you can use at any time of day. It has colloidal silver and lavender in it, which help soothe the skin, keep it clean, and glowing. People use it for acne, burns, irritations, and even after waxing to calm their skin when it starts to flare. I started using it in the morning before applying moisturizer and makeup and at night before I put on the hydration night cream. I've noticed it keeps my face looking bright and clean. The reviews are fantastic on it as well. It's a little pricy but under $35 and free shipping and free returns if you aren't happy with the product. You can find this on the Hylunia website: HyluniaColloidalSilverMist

3. Yes to Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer 

More Yes Brand. I love their products and see a difference after using all of them. This one in particular I started using on and off a couple years ago. I wanted something a little lighter for the day that I could put on in the morning before putting makeup on, the days I would go to work. I don't typically wear makeup the days I am home to let my skin breathe. Those days I just use the intense hydration cream during the day as well, to keep my face really moisturized but on days when I wear makeup, I use this daily moisturizer as a base. This product is super light and is formulated to work with sensitive skin. I have the most sensitive skin you could imagine and have no issues using this moisturizer and have noticed that it doesn't cause my face to look greasy during the day, which is something I've struggled with in the past. It's under $15 and you can find it at Target: YestoCucumbersDailyMoisturizer

4. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer 

I tend to switch up the lotions/moisturizers I use on my body often, depending on the season. Currently I am using this product and love it. The Jergens natural glow has a gradual tanner in the lotion which develops a pretty even tan on your skin while moisturizing it. Since I can't really get my spray tans like I normally do, I decided to give this a try in place of my normal lotion. I put this on my body after the shower every other night and have not only noticed a nice glow covering my almost translucent legs but also my legs are super soft! The other awesome aspect of this lotion is that it doesn't smell like a self-tanner! This is a super cheap product that really works and gives you a nice little glow as well. It is under $10 and you can find it at Target, Walmart, etc. or online: JergensNaturalGlow

5. Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser

This is turning into a Yes brand post and I promise it is not sponsored. I just really love this stuff. The gentle milk cleanser is the only type of facial cleanser I use. I use it in the shower to wash my face every night before bed. Other than that, I don't really use anything else on my face in terms of facial wash or cleansing products. The reason I love this product is because it's not harsh, doesn't feel like it's taking layers off of your skin, and is really light. I found that it is super soothing and my face feels really fresh and clean after using it. I apply the hydration cream soon after and feel like my face is super soft and fresh before I go to bed. This is under $10 and can be found at Target: YestoCucumbersCleanser

Some other products I have ordered and am really liking right now: 

Bio-Oil : I've read really great reviews on this product and saw it at Babies R Us recently as well. I also heard that it works really well for the prevention of stretch marks and the appearance if you already have them. I just ordered it and am planning to start using it and see how I like it! 

Let me know what your favorite skincare products are and what you recommend!

Being a mom.

My baby is going to be 1 in a month. My baby. I have been a mom for almost a year. A mom. A year ago, I would have sat in front of you and told you that I have no clue how to raise a little human; to teach them the things they need to know in the world, to provide a standing and strong example for them, to teach them manners, to cover their mouth when they cough, to be a good, thoughtful, caring, and open-minded human.

All I would have told you is what I knew...I would love them and despite all the things I may do wrong, they will find their path. That notion, far off but almost in fingers grasp last October came so quickly and hit me like a ton of bricks. This little human, the moment she locked eyes with me, my heart was not only hers but she literally owned every inch, every beat and I did what I would have guessed, I have loved her every second of every single day for the last (almost) year and have had the best days and some of the best laughs of my life.

 In the midst of every learning experience, every sleepless night, every snuggle, every tear, every overheated bottle or temper tantrum (yes they happen now!), I will be so devastatingly honest and tell you, that there were SO many moments where I had no idea what I was doing and I was praying that I was not messing up this little human. All I knew at some points was to just love her and in some strange yet perfectly simple way it, that is what makes a mother.

I may not have the routine down absolutely perfectly. There are days we miss nap time, or we eat way too many crackers for our own good, or most of our dinner is in our laps than in our mouths, or Romeo eats our toys.  There are times when I think that we have traveled too much, in one year we have been on too many airplanes for just a little human. Then I think to myself, we have shared so many awesome moments, she has seen so much all ready with those little curious eyes, and I have been the best mother I knew how to be and have loved her every single second.

Her little eyes light up when she sees me, she reaches for me and says "mama", we listen to her favorite songs and dance every afternoon while making dinner and eating snacks, we snuggle in the mornings when she wakes up and play patty cake and peek a boo while having tickle wars and seeing who can laugh the loudest.

I may be a different mother than you or her and I think that is what is so beautiful about this job. We are constantly wondering if we are doing it all right because we love these tiny little humans so much. We love them and that is what being a mom is all about; just loving them so much and being their biggest fan and making sure they know this every day. There is honestly no greater happiness than coming home, walking up the steps and seeing two little smiling eyes peeking around the corner waiting for you. I love being a mom and I love love this little girl of mine. 

Talking Favorites: Baby Gear

Collage : Polyvore 

I've been meaning to put this post together for a while now and kept adding and then removing items,as I went along. I figured I would write a post on the few items that we use religiously and absolutely love for little miss P. To each their own I say and I can only speak for myself and my family but I have totally found my favorites in terms of baby gear and what we use day in and day out. I've also put together a list below of all of the essentials and what kinds of products we use for Penelope as well.

Strollers and Car Seats 

Orbit Baby Travel System (pictured above) - My mom gifted this to us before Penelope was born, insisting that this would be the easiest stroller to use. We bought the car seat shortly after and have loved the entire travel system. The car seat clicks right into the stroller base and folds up so easily! It's perfect for eating out as well because the seat swivels in any direction for easy positioning at a table. I have used this almost every day and am absolutely a fan of this travel system. We have traveled with it as well and it folds up easily for airport use. 

BoB Revolution Jogging Stroller (pictured above)  - I'm admitting I have a weird stroller addiction and was researching jogging strollers after I had Penelope until she was about 4 months old before making a decision. This jogging stroller is AWESOME and was my Mother's Day present. It is all-terrain and from experience is definitely a smooth ride on any surface. We took Penelope to the beach and this stroller was perfect for sand- no bumpy ride. The fold up is super easy BUT the stroller is a little heavy and bulky for storage but I absolutely love it. This stroller is on the pricier side for jogging strollers but once in a while you can find it on sale and it's totally worth it! 

Baby Carriers

Solly Baby Wrap (pictured above) - Baby wearing is a thing now and it's kinda taken off in the past couple years. I found this company prior to having Penelope and ordered one of their wraps. This was what I carried Penelope in when we ventured out the first few weeks after having her. She liked being all snuggled up and would just fall asleep in it. It is super easy to wear and so comfy for the baby. I love the company and their easy tutorials on their website. 

Ergo Baby Carrier (pictured above) - I had registered for this carrier after seeing a woman in Costco carrying her baby in it. It looked super easy and functional and...something David would possibly wear as well. We have used this SO many times and totally recommend it. The number one easiest carrier to use in the airport as well. We travel home a lot and this carrier has made getting through the airport with a baby, SO easy! Penelope likes to hang out in it, fall asleep, or look around. I will not forget the day David was home with Penelope and texted me a photo while I was at work with him wearing the carrier. He likes to take our dog Romeo for walks while wearing Penelope and letting her hang out. We've taken it on hikes where she can hang out and look around, as well. It is very sturdy and durable and almost fits like a backpack. The babies ride in the front but they also can held on your back as they get older. It's a great piece for mom and dad and lasts for a couple years of baby wearing until kids are older!

Swaddles, Blankets

Aden & Anais Swaddles (pictured above) - These swaddles are very light muslin, breathable fabric perfect for swaddling and as blankies when babies get a little bigger. Penelope loved being swaddled the first two months and these were perfect for that. Now she uses them as blankies when she goes to bed at night. She likes to caress her face with the soft fabric. The patterns are so adorable and it is the perfect light weight swaddle for babies. 

Circo Woven Crib Sheets - I like to buy Penelope's crib sheets from Target. They have so many adorable patterns and they are super affordable. She currently has this pattern in her crib.

Bath Time

4Moms Bath Tub (pictured above) - We used this tub for the first few months and it sat right over the sink despite it's size. You can also put it in the tub as well. It's very functional, has a thermometer to test the temperature and is comfortable. 

Aveeno Bath Shampoo & Soap - Penelope has super sensitive skin and some eczema issues for awhile. We found that the Aveeno bath shampoo worked best for her skin and didn't dry out her skin too much which prevented eczema breakouts.  

Feeding

Dr. Brown Bottles 

Bottle Warmer - This is a life save and I totally recommend it! We still use ours for Penelope's bottles. 

Formula Dispenser - Once Penelope was on formula full time going out meant we had to bring bottles everywhere so I found this awesome formula dispenser at Babies R Us. It is such a small thing but SO useful. You can put formula in their for each bottle and take it with you to make bottles while you are out. This is KEY when traveling for us! 

Aden & Anais Bibs 

Munchkin No Spill Training Cups - I LOVE these trainer cups. The doctor told us to start introducing sippy cups to Penelope around 6 months. I did some research and decided to try the spoutless cups which I believe have been a lot easier for her to use than the normal sippy cups. She loves this one!

Fisher Price Booster Seat/High Chair - We went with a smaller (similar) booster attached to the chair for now as our kitchen space isn't big enough for a separate high chair. It is super easy and also portable.

Bumbo Floor Seat - Penelope used this when learning to sit up. We didn't use it as much for feeding but kept it in her room for play time. Her babysitter would read to her while she sat up in the bumbo. 

Play Time

4Moms Play Yard (pictured above) - Easy set up and fold up with lots of room for baby to play and an included bassinet for infant sleep. We use this ALL the time from when she was an infant for naps until now for play time! I particularly liked the plain sleek look!

4Moms Mamaroo Swing (pictured above) - This probably has to be one of our favorite items we bought for Penelope. She LOVED it from the moment we brought her home. With different settings and an iPod hook up for soothing music, Penelope would hang out in this as a baby and she even slept in it for a while as an infant. I absolutely recommend this over any baby swing!

Baby Einstein Music Maker - For 6-10 bucks, this thing is also one of my FAVORITE items and one of Penelope's favorite toys. I bought this after reading about it in another blog where the mama said this was a stroller life saver when out shopping. This little music box plays classical music and keeps the babies entertained while out and about. I keep this in my diaper bag for any outing and Penelope absolutely loves it. 

Infantino Playmat - This cute playmat was awesome as Penelope was learning to roll and play. I kept it in her room for play time. The pattern was adorable as well! 

Travel

Herschel Backpack - My mom gave me this backpack for Christmas this year as I told her we were lugging so much stuff with us on the flight to visit home for the holidays. I LOVE this backpack. It is big and can store so much, super easy to carry with padded shoulder straps, and is super cute! They have a TON of really cute colors, patterns, and sizes as well! 

Pottery Barn Diaper Bag - I spotted one of my girlfriends carrying this diaper bag and immediately went online and ordered it after she left. (Thanks Carly!) It looks like a handbag but is so roomy and has tons of hidden pouches for all of baby's needs. I'm into just using trendy oversized tote bags as diaper bags lately but this one is a great color year round and was on sale for a while and still is a total steal! 

Teething

Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder - Freeze some bananas, any kind of fruit, or ice cubes and put in these mesh pouches for baby to hold and put in their mouth while teething. Penelope loves them. 

Sun and Outside

Babyganics Sunscreen lotion - We tried the Aveeno sunscreen because we use Aveeno bath products but it was very thick and contributed to Penelope getting heat rashes as her skin didn't breathe easily with it. I tried the Babyganics Sunscreen which is plant based and safe to use without any harsh chemicals. It's one of my favorite brands and is super light.

Let's Playground Play mats - This mat I actually don't have BUT just ordered after reading so many great reviews and seeing photos on instagram. Great company that creates mats for outdoor adventure. They are perfect for beach days, park outings, etc AND they are absolutely adorable. 

Clean-up

Babyganics Detergent - I love, love, love the Babyganics brand of cleaning agents. They are plant based cleaning products. Super gentle and affordable. Plus - Babies R Us always has sales on the Babyganics line. 

Babyganics Dish Soap

Diapers

Huggies- We tried the organic route and liked the Honest Company diapers but Huggies were just convenient and more comfy for Penelope. 

Huggies Natural Wipes - I love these wipes and they are perfect for sensitive skin. 

Desitin - I have used this diaper rash cream since she was born just because that's what most people recommended in my family. It works for Penelope so I haven't tried any others but I have heard great reviews for the Honest Company Diaper Rash cream as well, if you want to go more of an organic route. 

What began as a short list grew and grew! These items are what we love and find to be super helpful in our every day lives with little P and so I thought I'd share! What are some of your favorite baby items? 

xoxo

P & Me - Summer Edition

I started posting outfit ideas for my little babe and myself a little while ago and decided I will start posting more of these from now on. One of my most favorite things is to dress Penelope even though some days we live in our PJs until dinner time! It has been so much fun coordinating outfits for her that I decided to share some of the little pieces I've gotten for her to wear out this summer and I added a few of my favorite summer pieces that I have been wearing and a few that are on my wish list too! 

Gingham outfit : Baby Gap, Moccasins: Freshly Picked, Floral Dress: Old Navy, Sandals: SaltWaters, Flamingo Suit: Carter's, Bow: Etsy, Sweatshirt: Old Navy. 

Dress: Calypso, Sandals: SaltWaters, Flamingo Suit: Similar, Clogs: Swedish Hasbeens, Hat: Target, Bag: LongChamp, Overalls: Madewell

xo V & P

Currently.

So, I will admit I follow blogs like crazy. I am almost a blog stalker, if you will. There is just something about getting a sneak peek into people's lives that I can't resist. It starts with the blog, then the instagram, and then I feel like I am BFFs with these pretty cool ladies (I've reached creeper status, unapologetically). Anyway, I had written about this awesome lifestyle and everything sweet included blog I follow a few months ago: Sometimes Sweet. Danielle, the author writes a "Currently" post every so often with current thoughts, loves, etc. and I completely love it and had started writing my own when the inspiration struck. Life as usual gets in the way and while I was busy smelling the flowers and playing with an almost on the move little babe, I took a break from this blog but I am back and here to stay muchachas and muchachos if you're reading this: ) So here goes.

Doing:  I've just wrapped up playing with chubby hands (above) and attempting to teach her how to use a sippy cup unsuccessfully. Sippy Cup = really cool toy I can bang on my high chair until I decide to throw it into Romeo's (the dog) bowl and then cry until Mama picks it up so I can do it all over again...sigh. Little mama is now in her bed, snuggled up and sleeping while I finally can sit down with a cup of water (boring), my calendar and my to-do list all ready for me to get into planning mode for the next few busy months! Between trips back home, my brother's wedding, vacations, moving in September, we are one busy family and I feel like I'm on a tilt-a-whirl. I need to - do lists stat.

Reading: I just finished reading Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen (insert fangirling screams) just last week. I'm obsessed with Sarah Dessen's books and have been since I was in high school. There is nothing like an author that can literally speak to your soul. I'm not kidding people. All of her books are the ultimate coming of age, self-realization, cute boy crush trip all the way back to your teenage years when a slurpee at 7-11 with a soft pretzel to go were all you needed to survive the summer. Anyway, I highly recommend any of her books but her latest Saint Anything is perfection. Next on my list to read is this handy dandy user guide to Essential Oils that I just received from Amazon, which brings me to my next topic....

Interesting: Essential Oils! I may sound like an earth-loving hippie right now (more power to you all) and that's okay with me but I have become increasingly interested in essential oils and the health and mental benefits that come along with them. Back to my blog stalking - a few of the blogs I follow swear by essential oils for health and mental purposes. They use them in their homes to battle illnesses, anxiety, cravings, etc. and it really intrigued me. When I'm intrigued, I do a WHOLE lot of research until I make a decision so...I'm reading a book about essential oils right now before I decide to buy some and explain to my husband that we totally need them!

Listening: I've always really liked country music dating back to when my dad would play the country station in the car on family trips and start yelling "yeeeee-haw" with the windows down but Texas has made my love for country music deeper. After one night at John T. Floore's (which I will be talking about in another post) I was sold on the idea of sitting outside on a super hot Texas night and listening to some country songs. My country album of choice this week is Kacey Musgrave's new album Pageant Material and I TOTALLY recommend it.

Watching: David and I live on netflix and Hulu, I hate to admit. Currently, I am loving the show The Fosters and of course The Bachelorette. I don't know why I love drama so much, but The Bachelorette just makes me laugh. The Fosters is a show I got into while I was pregnant and hanging out on my couch a lot! It's on ABC Family and it's a pretty neat show surrounding two women who foster and adopt children and their dynamic with some drama thrown in there.

Loving: My little babe. She makes me laugh every day. It is pretty much my most favorite thing ever to see her learn something new every day. She is currently trying so very hard to crawl while getting to all fours, rocking a bit, and plopping on her belly as I sit there cheering her on each time. I couldn't imagine how absolutely head over heels I would be before this little munchkin entered my life but I am so grateful.

Hope you have an awesome Wednesday!

Unplugged.

Photo Credit: Pinterest 

One of my goals back in February (and yes I forgot to post my March goals but have been following through with them!) was to unplug every now and then and really focus on what's going on around me. David and I are always always on our phones/iPads. I will be the first to admit this because sometimes I have to remind him to look up from it ( I know we are horrible!). Between taking photos and videos of Penelope, posting things on social media or reading what everyone is up to on there, reading articles, and catching up on blogs...I feel as though sometimes so much is happening around me that I forget to soak it in and truly enjoy it.

The weather has been so nice here this week - over 80! I started taking Penelope out in the stroller during the day and sometimes early evening for a walk which she absolutely loves. Watching her look around, stare at me and take everything in that's happening around her, really brings me back to reality sometimes. She's experiencing EVERYTHING for the first time and I have front seat to all of it. As cheesy as this sounds, it's a pretty awesome experience, watching her eyes try to soak everything in while smiling or laughing (sometimes we have no clue why).

I have started to slowly put my iPhone in my purse when we are out or leave it in the bedroom on the weekends and spend my mornings with my girl, hanging out, playing patty-cake or singing Bruno Mars...you know, what ever she prefers! It is nice having that time to just spend with her, not getting caught up in social media for hours. I remember before I had her, there were Saturday/Sunday mornings where I would lie on the couch and get lost in facebook, instagram, and blogs for hours...not even realizing that I was wasting my day. You know you've done that before too! Don't even try to deny it!

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with ya'll. Maybe try putting the phone down a little this week and enjoy lunch, dinner, a walk outside without taking photos of the sunset or looking to see what color Kim dyed her hair. It's actually quite nice : )

Have a happy week : )