Ipsy Glam Bag: August

Hi, friends! It's me, Tori. I know it has been a while since I have written a post but the other peach and her cute family have been holding it down. Life has been busy but I feel like every one is busy. Either way, I'm slowing making my way back into post ideas and have some fun personal stuff to share too.

Today I wanted to talk about the Ipsy Glam Bag. Look, I am like years behind this trend so this is nothing groundbreaking. However I have recently become obsessed with make up and am starting to get really interested in skin care as well. I'm constantly watching YouTube videos on make up hauls and tutorials and finding out new products to try. I'll admit that I'm a Drug Store make up girl. High end products are great and I know a lot of the popular ones but for now, the drug store price just really works for me and according to the videos I watch, there are plenty of great dupes out there. One reason Ipsy appealed to me was because it was a way to get samples of more high end products at a really good price point. After months of Ipsy Bag unboxing videos, I decided to take the plunge last month.

For those who don't know, a subscription to Ipsy is 10 dollars a month and you get a super cute make up bag and 5 products in it. The bags are a special design for the month and the products are chosen based on a survey you fill out when you sign up. You can review the products once your bag arrives so you won't get something you didn't like the second time. You are able to let them know what products you would really like to see based on your interaction with your account and the bags you receive. I got my first one last month and I have been using 4 out of 5 products. The only miss was a liquid eyeliner but that's because I'm like tragically bad at applying it.

I thought I would start sharing with you guys what I get every month to show people who are curious what I'm getting in the bag. If you are receiving the Ipsy bag, make sure to comment and let me know if we got any of the same things.

I should mention this post is not sponsored. Maybe that sounds silly to say but just in case we ever venture into the world of sponsored posts, this one was my idea and all ideas and opinions are my own.

I have to say I'm pretty happy with everything I got this month. I downloaded the Ipsy app and it tells me what all the products are and what they are used for. I can even preview the items ahead of time and I keep choosing that because my curiosity wins every time. 

They had 3 designs for the bag this month and I had my fingers crossed I would get the Good Vibes Only one and I did! Both bags I've gotten so far are extremely good quality for the price point of the subscription.

So what did I get in my bag?(Going clockwise from the bag) 

1. SLMissGlam T35 Precise Blending Brush: I got a brush in my last bag so at first I wasn't too excited but in reality my make up brush collection is pretty weak and I'm trying to master eye shadow this year. I love the color and this one is very soft. I also have noticed people applying concealer with brushes (I know I'm late to so many things) so I have been trying that out. I'll give this one a good review in hopes I get more bigger brushes in the future!

2. Make Up Forever Excessive Lash Arresting Volume Mascara: I actually received 2 mascara samples last bag so this felt a bit redundant BUT I've never tried the make up forever brand and can you have too many mascaras???  I don't think so. This brand has great reviews from the videos and posts I've seen too which is awesome. These little samples will be great to keep in my purse, gym bag, or to have with me because I'm doing a lot of traveling in the upcoming months. 

3. Nature Recipe Sheet Mask Duo (Honey & Tea Tree): So as I mentioned I'm becoming more and more interested in skin care and so I was so excited for some sheet masks! After a long day or when its self care time, face masks have become a way for me to relax. I'm so excited to try this and how great that they sent me two!

4. Aurora Pro Color Corrector in Pistachio: It's harder to tell from the lighting but this is a pale green color. It's a color corrector that is good to cover up redness or blemishes. I have acne prone skin and sometimes my spots can be harder to conceal with my every day make up. This is my first color corrector product so I'm interested to see how this works for me and something I could use but have always been wary to buy for myself.

5.The Balm Cosmetics theBalm Voyage Vol. 2 Eyeshadow in Kuwakaribisha (what a mouthful):  So I really want to master eye shadow this year. Maybe just eye make up in general because I've been eyeing false lashes and those seem so intimidating to put on. All the eye shadow palettes I see are so gorgeous and pretty but I don't know where to start. I've found myself attracted to warmer tones and the shade I got is a shimmery pale peach. It says it can be used as an eye shadow or a highlight which is awesome. I think I will get a lot of use out of it.

So that's my bag for this month. I realize now this is more of a first impressions and I can update y'all on insta stories once I use the products an my thoughts. I hope you guys enjoyed this! I want to do more posts on my favorite products and my make up and skin routines as well because that's something I've grown to really enjoy.

I'd say for now the Ipsy bag is 2 for 2. Let me know if you guys use any of these products or get the glam bag as well!

If you wanna sign up you can use my referral code(click here)! I just get points from it, no money or anything. 

Life's a Peach,

Tori

My Fitness Journey | Month One

I just finished week 5 of my 12 week workout program. 

I will be honest. I have been dreading this post. I have contemplated  sharing my progress photos. But I have come to terms with things. I am proud of my body. No, I am not where I want to be, but I have made much progress and I am happy about it. 

So here are all the feelings and thoughts I have gone through over the past 4 months:

I do not remember being so frustrated and embarrassed and annoyed and all the words with my body with Finley. This time around I could not WAIT to start working out, but I had to. My body was a lot more sore and sensitive with my second delivery and I definitely tried too much too soon. I had to remind myself (and still do) everyday to take it slow, ease back into it. It took 9 months to make this baby, so it takes time for my body to recover. But man, I am just so impatient. My clothes don't fit the way I want them too, and that is hard. 

I would just look at myself in the mirror and be grossed out, honestly. I was unrealistically comparing my body to others, others that didn't just have a baby, or have any babies for that matter. I felt stuck. Every time I would try to workout or walk for exercise the first month or so I would have pains or feel sick and get so frustrated. It didn't matter to me how many people said I "looked good" and I thought my husband was only telling me that to make me feel better. I just wanted my clothes to fit. 

I knew I was being too hard on myself, and I knew I needed to stop putting myself down. I made a baby for goodness sake. I knew I needed to allow my body to get the proper rest and recovery. But, let's be real, all of  these things are easier said than done. 

I have tried to love my body at every stage of pregnancy and now post-pregnancy. It is not an easy thing to do, even if you want to. It takes practice. I am still not the most positive about my body, but I am getting there. I am trying to focus on the things I love about myself and seeing other areas as room for improvement. 

I love my legs. They are probably my favorite thing. Growing up I played soccer, so I had pretty strong legs. SQUATS ARE MY JAM! I could do them all day. It is much easier to push myself to do the leg workouts. I quickly regained my strength and tone in my legs since working out. I am so happy about it. I got my soccer legs back. 

Upper body has always been a struggle for me. Push-ups are the bane of my existence. Modified push-ups are hard. But y'all, I can do like 6 modified push-ups in a row now. Progress. 

My core. I love ab workouts too. I love feeling the burn, for real. My stomach is what I am most self-conscious about and I know it is going to take the longest to get that where I want it. I know when I start focusing on my diet I will start to see more results.

I have been doing these workouts for a little over a month now. I now know why they encourage you to take before and after photos. I would not have been able to see the progress I have made without them. I took photos on day 1 - week one and day 1 - week 5. I have not really altered my diet or eating habits yet. I do drink a ton of water. It is really hard in the summer to eat clean while living at camp. Dining Hall food is not the healthiest, but it is free. Kell and I are going to attempt to do a month of strict paleo in August to kind of detox from summer food and to get back on track to cleaner eating. We have never really been hardcore about eating clean, but I would say we enjoy eating healthy. But anyway, I expect to see more results and for exercising to become a little easier once we start eating better.  

I started out with walking, then tried a few 2 week workout challenges in April and May. I finally started to feel like myself again. About 5 weeks ago I started the Bikini Body Guide 12 week workout plan. It is by far the most challenging and satisfying workout I have ever done. I have never done circuit training before. IT'S INSANE! 

Basically M | W | FR you do a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout. legs, arms & core, and full body. 2  seven minute circuits, 2 rounds. I love that my workout is done in like 30 minutes, but it is a very challenging 30 minutes. I do a lot of modified versions of the workouts (specifically push-ups), and still feel the burn and drip the sweat. T | TH is 30-45 minutes of LISS (Low Intensity Steady State) Cardio. My cardio is usually a 45-60 minute walk pushing my double stroller around camp or yoga. I have not done as much yoga as I would like, but I am slowly trying to get back in it. Realistically that probably won't happen until summer is over. 

I am the type of person who thrives in a gym. I love using machines and being around others while they are working out. I just love the gym environment, so at-home-workouts have always been a challenge for me. In the past I have done workouts and felt like I still needed more, but with this program I am sweating and huffing and puffing the entire time. That's a good thing. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone. It's so good. It is something you can do at home or in a gym, and she just came out with a new program that is gym-based. If I didn't live over an hour away from the gym, I would be so on that. 

So there's that. I am pretty pleased with where I am. I can feel myself getting stronger each week. I am happier with the way I look and feel. I will be posting updates on here every month, and keep you updated on our instagram too. Cheers to being vulnerable and word vomiting all my feelings.

P.S. Both of my bras are from Wal-Mart. 

Maternity Shoot | Fawn & Fellow Photography

I know. I know. I am a little late on posting these. Like 6 months to be exact, but better late than never. I still look at these photos regularly because they are some of my favorite. I cannot believe that changes my body has made in the past few months! It's crazy and amazing what a woman's body goes through to create a little human. 

Fun facts: I cut my hair the night before I took these photos. This is not out house (it's an adorable Airbnb in Austin, TX). Pinkblush Maternity is the BEST (I mean just look at this robe)! I may sound like a broken record, but it's pretty sweet and convenient to be related to some super talented photographers. 

We read this book multiple time a day in preparation for little sister's arrival. It is so cute how he will now quote some of the book when he is interacting with Gwen now. And Finley's favorite song is "5 little Monkeys" so of course we had to jump on the bed and sing the song. 

This robe from Pink Blush made it into my hospital bag and is something that I use often.  It is so pretty, comfortable, and convenient for a nursing mama. 

Finley fell off the bed while we were taking pictures without him and ran over for some cuddles and comfort. I love that my sister-in-law captured these real parenting moments. 

This little kitchenette corner of the guest house was my favorite. 

Since bringing Baby Gwen home, Finley has become more of a daddy's boy which is so sweet and so sad for me at the same time. 3 years with just Finley was so good. We love our newest addition, but I love to look back on some of these sweet last moments of Finley being an only child. 

He obviously stole the show in this shoot. 

The end of my pregnancy quickly became uncomfortable and difficult. I am glad I got to capture the joy and beauty of pregnancy, but man I am so happy I am not pregnant anymore. Having Gwen on this side of the world is so much better. All of the discomfort and impatience that comes along with pregnancy was totally worth it. 

My Hospital Bag | The Essentials

Let's be honest. I have had my hospital bag packed and ready for 2 weeks now. I am so ready for this little girl to make her grand entrance.

Side note: We thought our due date was today (March 19th) our entire pregnancy. We realized last week at the doctor we had been off by a week the whole time. So cheers to being bad at math and being pregnant for at least one more week. But really finding out my due date is actually March 26th has not stopped me from trying all the things to induce labor.

I have been walking, taking warm baths, eating pineapples and spicy food, bouncing on an exercise ball...I even got a reflexology pedicure because I heard it could help. So far...nothing has worked.

I have either been super high on energy, cleaning like a mad woman and making all these baked goods or dead on the couch snuggled up with Hulu & Netflix. There is no in-between for me right now.


I was super motivated to pack my hospital bag because I am still obsessed with my Fawn Design bag, and I had been feeling super anxious about being unprepared for baby to come.

For those of you who don't know, I live in the middle of no where. Like we drive over an hour to the grocery store, doctor, and hospital. To get to the highway to get to town we have to take a very bumpy 8 mile drive down a dirt road. The closer we get to due date the more nervous I was getting about being prepared and dreading the possibility of being in labor on that dirt road!!!

I have recently become less nervous and anxious. Probably because I am starting to feel like she won't be coming on her own. We will probably have to force her out AKA induce labor. Our doctor was telling us that every baby and delivery is different, but they tend to come at the same times i.e. if your first was 2 weeks early, it is more likely that your second would be too. Finley was not early. He was forced out.


But let's get back to the real reason we are here. My hospital bag:

I did not photograph everything I put in my bag, and I had Kell pack a separate bag for himself.

I have a thing for neutral colors right now. 

Clothes for Mama:

I prefer to have clothes that have a looser fit, but I wanted to pack some things that would hold everything tight as well. It can tend to be cold in the hospital so I wanted to have some cozy things to keep me warm too. The main thing is that I don't love wearing the hospital gown the entire time, especially if I am going to have visitors. Take things that will make you feel most comfortable, but don't overpack. 1-2 "outfits" is plenty. 

- leggings (higher waisted and hug the tummy for comfort after birth)

- cami/nursing top

- comfy tee

-cozy pants

- lightweight cardigan

- socks

- robe

- headband

I try not to be a diva or high maintenance, but I want to feel as normal as I can during labor and delivery. For me, that means a little bit of make-up and maybe having my nails painted. 

Toiletries for Mama:

Some things to make feeling so fresh and so clean clean a little easier. 

Keep your beauty routine simple, but also...YOU DO YOU! 

- waterproof mascara

- dry shampoo

- lotion

- face wipes

- styling spray for hair

(this stuff is nice because I can spray it in my wet hair and not have to worry about styling it)

Not Pictured:

- my maskcara palette 

(this make up is really light, natural and quick. It is my all time favorite)

- shower essentials 

- toothbrush

- deodorant 

- face wash

- bobby pins

For baby:

You really do not need a lot. The hospital will provide you with everything while you are there. Don't worry about bringing diapers, wipes, bottles or anything. You really only need clothes to bring them home in. 

I tossed in a cute blanket and headband for some photo opportunities. 

Things I may stuff in Kell's bag:

- snacks

 - camera

- phone charger

- my favorite water bottle

- room to take home all the leftover free things from the hospital. 

(because the reality is, we actually pay for that junk)

If you search "hospital bag" on pinterest you will find all kinds of things. You are sure to find a list that best fits your personality. Personally, some lists are little extravagant. I found with Finley that I didn't actually need half the things I brought, so I am trying to downsize this time. Plus, I have become much more of a minimalist over the past year or two. So there is no right or wrong amount of things you can bring with you. Just make sure you have the essentials covered. 

bag | @fawndesign

robe | @shoppinkblush

headband | @forever21

lotion | @rodanandfields

bow | @littlepoppyco

"new" outfiit | @petalsandpeonies

Give me all the Red & Pink.

 I love Valentine's Day. You know why? Because I love to see everything pink, red & covered with hearts. Plus this holiday is all about chocolate and so am I! When Leann showed me her Valentine's Day outfit, I knew I had to put together my own too. Luckily I had some pink and red to pair together. 

Both of these pieces are LuLaRoe. The top you recently saw in my OOTD photo and it's the style Perfect T. I saw this in a consultant's flat lay and immediately went and purchased it. I love it so much. The skirt is the Madison style. I just recently got this skirt and the red was speaking to me. I knew it would be great for Valentine's day, 4th of July, Christmas, and well any holiday for me. It's a great skirt I can easily pair with a print or another solid. The boots are a clearance find from Charlotte Russe. I don't know about you but I wear boots all year round. 

My Husband is in the restaurant business so basically Valentine's Day is his Black Friday. It's one of his busiest times of year so we don't put a lot of focus on the actual day itself. Usually we go grab some food the weekend before. Eating out has to be our favorite hobby. I had a lot of ideas growing up of what Valentine's was supposed to be like and reality didn't quite meet my expectations at first. It turns out, my reality ended up being something better. I have a wonderful husband, family and friends and that's all the love I need. I know, that sounds so cheesy but it's true.

This year Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday which is one of my Zumba nights! So I'll be celebrating with my Zumba friends that I love by dancing and laughing for an hour! I can't really think of a better way to spend my Tuesday evening, really. 

I love this outfit so much I'll probably wear it multiple times this year!

Where ever you are reading this from I hope you  know how loved you are! 

Life's a Peach,

Tori