Favorite Finds Friday #2

Today's post is heavily makeup based, which is so unlike me but I just have to share some of my favorite products with you all. Let's dive right in.
1. Friends that listen, understand, and offer advice

Every girl needs someone they can talk to about anything without judgement. I'm so grateful that God has blessed me with a few of these friends. I'd be lost without these girls in my life. I confide in them, laugh with them, cry with them, and pray for them. They aren't just friends anymore, they all have a piece of my heart.
2. Benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil I read Julie's blog on a daily basis and can relate to a lot of the things she talks about since her little guy is 2 months older than Micah. Julie over at Peanut Butter Fingers wrote about the benefits of using Rosehip Seed Oil recently and I found it very intriguing. I plan to purchase a bottle and start using it right away. Michigan winter's are brutal on my face and I've always used a facial moisturizing cream after showering, but don't like the oily feeling it leaves. I will let you know what I think of the Rosehip Seed Oil after I use it for a couple weeks.
3. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

I've been using the Maybelline Great Lash mascara for a few years now and don't think I'll ever switch. On one of my Target runs, I picked up a new tube of this stuff. Is there anything better than a fresh tube of mascara? I think not. I love how weightless it feels and it doesn't clump. If Maybelline ever discontinues this mascara, I will buy it by the pallet. That's how much I love it! Here's a little tip for applying mascara - twist the brush as you are removing and replacing it from the tube. This minimizes the amount of air that is forced into the tube and your mascara will last longer.
4. My 4th Stitch Fix box arrived on my doorstep! Stitch Fix is an online subscription and personal styling service that caters to busy women with "personal styling tailored to your taste, budget, and lifestyle." You will fill out a style profile when signing up and your personal stylist will then use that to hand pick 5 items for you. You patiently wait track the status of the Fix 18 times a day and your heart thumps when the status says  "delivered." You get 3 days to try everything on and decide what you will keep and send anything you're returning back in a postage paid bag. It's so easy, convenient, and fun! I love Stitch Fix because it takes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to try things on that I normally would stray away from in stores.

5. Mary Kay Satin Hands lotion

Michigan winters are always so hard on my soft hands and I have tried a ton of different lotions to help with my dry, cracked hands to no avail. My Mary Kay consultant told me about their Satin Hands lotion so I bought it and hoped for the best. After using this lotion for almost 2 weeks, I can say my hands are now soft and no longer cracked. I don't know what Mary Kay's secret is, but this lotion is a miracle worker. On a completely unrelated note, I took the picture above at my desk at work and some of my very favorite things are in the background. 

Micah's 5 Month Check In

Get ready for a picture dump...

You finally rolled over on your own!

I'm so glad that you'll always have a friend in Cooper.

You may not smile when the camera is in your face, but you do make some funny faces.

Those little toes will always be my favorite and the drool hanging from your chin is priceless.

You really wanted to taste Daddy's ice cream.

You sat up all on your own the same week you rolled over!

You wore the cutest shirt to Nose Papa's birthday party and everyone loved it. Such a handsome little fella.

Daddy finally caught a smile on camera!

Oh, hey there Micah!

We celebrated Tet (the Lunar New Year) at the Vietnamese church and you wore the traditional clothes Grandma made. Grandma made this outfit for your cousin Will to wear in 2015. You thought the priest was the coolest guy ever and wouldn't stop smiling at him. So cute!

Another month older and my love for you is that much bigger. I'll love you forever little man.

Micah's 4 month check in

 

At your four month check up you weighed 13 pound 8 ounces and were 25 inches long! You are getting more vocal with each passing day. If you see a camera or phone, you immediately stop laughing/talking/smiling, furrow your brows and just stare at us. You are grabbing a lot more toys now and they all end up in your mouth. Your favorite toy right now is the Oball because it's easy to grab and chew on.

You met Santa this year and didn't even cry, which I'm sure will not be the case next year. Santa was so happy to see such a small baby that he just held you and talked to you.

You randomly started sleeping through the night. The longest you would sleep was 5 1/2 hours at a time, and then one night you just slept for 10 hours. I thought it was a fluke and you'd be right back to your usual schedule, but it wasn't! Don't get me wrong, there are still night you are up multiple times, but for the most part you are sleeping 8-10 hours.

Here you are in your first pair of Chistmas jammies!

You are fascinated with Cooper. He's pretty much the coolest thing ever in your eyes. You will watch him sleep, play with toys, or run around the house like a maniac. It won't be long until you're running right along with him.

Graduating to size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothes makes me want to cry. You're growing so fast and you're really not a newborn anymore. As I prepare to go back to work next week, I'm cherishing each moment spent with you. Our new schedule will take some getting used to, but I know you will have so much fun with Grandma while Mommy is at work. I'll love you forever, little man!

The Best Lactation Cookie Recipe

 We've successfully breastfed for 4 months, more than halfway to our goal of at least 6 months, but not without our fair share of struggles along the way - clogged ducts, nursing strikes, and decrease in milk supply to name a few. While scrolling Instagram, I came across a company that sells lactation cookies which are supposed to increase your milk supply. I have heard of supplements, teas, and oatmeal aiding in increasing milk supply, but I had never heard of cookies working. I immediately went to their website (because who doesn't love cookies?) and what I found was disappointing.

I found their cookies to be overpriced and they recommended eating at least 3 cookies per day. Yikes! Since I couldn't justify spending $2+ on one single cookie, no matter the results, I found a recipe online and tweaked it to fit my needs. The first night I ate these cookies, I saw an increase of one and a half ounces on each side! I've been eating these cookies for almost a month now and my supply is back to where it was before, if not surpassed that. I mean, come on, that's amazing!

 These cookies are so soft and fluffy and you can't even taste the brewer's yeast and flaxseed meal. Another plus for these magic cookies? My (non-lactating) hubby loves them too!

The Best Lactation Cookies

Yields 2 dozen cookies.
Ingredients
3 cups old fashioned oatmeal 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 4 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1 cup butter (I use unsalted) 2 eggs 2 cups flour 4 tablespoons brewer's yeast 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  2. Mix flaxseed meal and water. Set aside for 3-5 minutes. 3. Cream butter and brown sugar. 4. Add eggs one at a time to butter mixture. 5. Stir flaxseed mixture and add with vanilla to butter mixture. 6. Mix remaining dry ingredients, except oats and chips, and add to butter mixture. 7. Mix in oats then chips. 8. Scoop onto ungreased baking sheet. 9. Bake 10-15 minutes.

Disclaimer: Though I saw an increase in my milk supply after consuming these cookies, results may vary.

Favorite Finds Friday #1

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

I was never really satisfied with the eyeliner I was using previously. There would barely be anything left at the end of the day - somehow finding its way to the corner of my eye. Yeah, it was a pretty sight. My friend always has perfect eyeliner so when it came time to buy a new one, I asked her what she uses. She (and all the girls in her family) use Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. I may have made a Target run just for this eyeliner. I've been wearing it for a week now and it's a game changer, people. I no longer have black globs of eyeliner sitting in the corner of my eye. I now how flawless eyeliner all day long. The best part is that it's waterproof, but easily comes off with my eye makeup remover.

2. Babywearing Workout Class

I stumbled upon a babywearing workout class in our area and was intrigued. After attending only one class, I'm hooked! After not having much physical activity for the past year, I felt the burn in my arms and legs for a couple days afterwards. Not only was it a great workout for myself, Micah loved the constant movement and watching the other babies. This class meets once a week for an hour and I plan to attend on a regular basis from now on. It's nice to meet other young moms, too. I'm the first one of my friends to have kids so I don't want to constantly bore them with chats about baby puke, blow outs, and sleepless nights.

3. Tim Horton's Hot Chocolate

Hot cocoa will always and forever be the way to my heart. Tim Horton's not only got to my heart, but has stolen my heart. I pass Tim Horton's every morning and have to resist the urge to stop for a creamy cup of hot chocolate with whipped topping. There will never be a hot chocolate that tastes this good. I don't care if it's -10 degrees or 95 degrees, I will still drink their hot chocolate. It's basically heaven in a cup.

4. Warmer Weather

Last weekend we were able to enjoy temperatures in the mid-40's, which is unheard of in Michigan in January. Michigan has had unusually warm weather this winter, and I'm not complaining one bit. Though snow makes everything look beautiful, I don't like having to bundle up just to check the mail or wiping off my car after work each night. The warmer weather has been a blessing with a newborn and having my mother-in-law here. Though, she still has to wear 3+ layers inside to keep warm.

5. Date Night

The hubby and I were able to sneak away for an hour or so for a quick Sunday date night. We wanted to use the remaining balance on our gift card, so we went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream. In the middle of winter. Ice cream is also something I can eat in extreme cold or extreme heat. I enjoyed our conversation over my Cookie Doughn't You Want Some ice cream. I hope you all have a great weekend!

10 Ways to Pray for Your Husband

I believe in the power of prayer. I've seen God work through prayer and He will never let you down. Things may not happen the way you asked or the exact timing you asked for, but God doesn't disappoint. I pray for my hubby and that I would show more grace towards him on a daily basis. Here are 10 ways you can pray for your husband.

1. Pray for your husband to be a spiritual leader for your family.
2. Pray for your husband's relationship with God.
3. Pray for your husbands emotional, mental, and physical health.
4. Pray that God would bless your husband.
5. Pray for your husband to love you deeply.
6. Pray for your husband to have a heart for his children.
7. Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows.
8. Pray for your husband to make wise choices.
9. Pray for your husband to prosper at work.
10. Pray that you will show your husband grace, kindness, and respect.
This list is not all-inclusive as there are many, many more ways that you can pray for your husband. These 10 ways are meant to give you ideas and get you accustomed to praying for your husband on a regular basis. Intentional and sincere prayer can change your marriage.

25 Questions to Ask Your Spouse on Valentine's Day

The first couple years that the hubby and I were dating, we would go to dinner on Valentine's Day, but soon realized that everyone else does, too. Waiting for an hour while trying to have a conversation over all the other couples also waiting for a table was oh-so-romantic. We quickly realized we could have a romantic dinner at home while saving money and our sanity, so that's exactly what we have done the past 5 years. And, I love it. Instead of standing around waiting for a table, we stand around our kitchen drinking wine, cooking dinner, and talking about our hopes and dreams. If you'd like to avoid the crowds this Valentine's Day, try making dinner at home and asking your spouse these 25 questions. You may find something out about your spouse that you never knew. You won't be disappointed.

1. What is your favorite memory of me while we were dating?
2. What is your favorite thing I ever did for a special occasion for you?
3. What was your first thought when you saw me at the end of the aisle?
4. What was the very first thing you thought about me?
5. What was your favorite childhood movie?
6. When was the last time you thought about me in a positive way?
7. What is your favorite thing that I do for you?
8. What movie reminds you of us?
9. What do you think we need to work on the most in our relationship?
10. What's the one accomplishment you are most proud of?
11. What would you do with one million dollars?
12. If you had $1,000 to spend on just yourself, what would you buy?
13. What is the biggest goal for your career?
14. What is your biggest goal in life?
15. What was your favorite subject in middle school?
16 What is your greatest talent and demonstrate?
17. If you could see into the future, what would you want to know?
18. If you could go back in time, what age would you be?
19. What do you like most about our relationship?
20. Are you an optimist, pessimist, or realist?
21. Do you think I am an optimist, pessimist, or realist?
22. What your favorite date night we ever had?
23. How did your siblings shape who you are?
24. What's a question you've never asked me, but always wanted to?
25. Have you ever considered a completely different career path?
Now that you are armed with 25 questions to ask your spouse on Valentine's Day, you don't have to be stuck talking about your latest project at work.