Carrie’s Chitchats

~ Carrie ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes I feel like I have nothing specific to write about- just some random chitchat so maybe this can become a thing? We’ll see…

At the beginning of the year, my husband and I made a plan to tighten up our mental health. One way to prioritize that was to carve out more time for ourselves which is no easy feat when you have 2 young kids and a dog who we pretty much consider our 3rd child. In order to do this, we made a commitment to start getting up before the kids instead of with the kids. Although challenging at first, it’s now nearing the end of February and we’ve been consistently waking up around 6:30am to do the things we want. Some days this means getting an early workout in, other days we sit on the couch and read together. I’ve also picked up the habit of journaling and have come to look forward to setting my intentions for the day ahead- it’s a good way to stay mindful and hold yourself accountable for your actions and behaviors….the current one I’m working on is keeping my emotional reactivity in check. I’ve also begun reading a quick daily meditation via this book that I’ve come to really appreciate and look forward to every morning.

I toyed with the idea of seeing a therapist again just for mental hygiene but I noticed that in the past, in between therapy sessions, I wasn’t necessarily doing the work that we had discussed. So the therapy didn’t seem all that therapeutic or beneficial. I mentioned this lack of effort to a neighbor friend of mine and she told me to check out the book How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera. Although I’m only halfway through it, I have in fact been doing the work and I can say that it has been majorly benefitting me and my family. Happy mom/wife, happy life right? In addition to the book, part of my overall improvement in mental health has been a general shift in thought patterns such as not dwelling on things, remembering that I can only control myself (as much as I want to help someone or improve their life, I don’t have power over them), and not comparing myself to others (reminder: comparison is the thief of joy). These shifts and changes have been TOUGH to follow through on and maintain…my husband and I recently lamented, “why does improving ourselves feel like such constant work and will it get easier?” I don’t know the answer to that but I will say that so far, the work has been worth it.

My (upgraded) Skincare Routine

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I’ve officially upgraded my skincare routine and I’ve come here to tell all of my (one) follower(s) about it! I’ve really noticed a difference in my skin these last few weeks and even my husband has noticed a difference. Well- that’s after nagging him like a puppy about it…howdoesmyskinlook, howdoesmyskinlook, howdoesmyskinlook? Good, he says. I’ll take it. Here’s the scoop:

  1. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: this is my OG facewash I’ve been using for the past 15+ years. I would classify my skin as “normal” but it works for all skin types (oily, dry, normal, etc). It’s basic, non-irritating, and I like that it easily removes my makeup. I use this twice daily, in the am & pm.
  2. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: that was a mouthful, eh? I’ve only been using this gem of a product for the past month but I noticed a difference in my skin within days of using it. My skin just feels cleaner after one swipe of this stuff which is evidence that the salicylic acid is really working to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Bonus points for the glow and evenness my skin has benefitted from. Talk about a glow up! I use this every morning. On the nights I’m using Tretinoin, I will skip Paula’s as I believe both products would be too harsh on my skin.
  3. Maelove: The Glowmaker Antioxidant Serum: about a year ago, I journeyed to Sephora in an attempt to upgrade my skincare routine and purchase some holy grail tried and true products. I left with an eyebrow pencil and feelings of defeat. One of my main goals was to buy a vitamin C serum as I’d heard this product is essential to any decent skincare lineup but after the salesperson tried selling me on a 1 oz bottle for $80+, I hightailed it out of there. After, I went on a mission to find a vitamin C serum that wouldn’t break the bank. *Maelove has entered the chat* Their products are clean, the packaging is sleek, and they’re actually affordable! Quite the unicorn product, am I right? After using the Glowmaker for some time, I noticed a decrease in fine lines, increase in my skin’s glow, and I like that the serum doesn’t have an oily texture. Vitamin C is said to help slow down the skin’s aging process and serves as a barrier to protect your skin from environmental factors like the sun. After washing my face with Cetaphil and exfoliating with Paula’s Choice, I apply my Glowmaker.
  4. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: do I need to elaborate on this one? It’s lightweight, packs a 40 SPF punch, and the ingredients are clean. I feel like the sheeny texture provides a nice foundation for makeup application. Bonus points for how long the bottle lasts! I use this every morning after applying the Glowmaker.
  5. Tretinoin: I’m not quite ready to take the plunge on Botox yet so instead I did the next best thing and called up the doc for some of the good stuff. I’m seeing a reduction of fine lines and my skin just seems more new and fresh. Maybe she’s born with it….maybe it’s the tretinoin. I apply a pea-sized amount every other night and while I noticed drying and flakiness initially, my skin has acclimated quite well in the month+ I’ve been using it. One caveat: my insurance didn’t cover this one so cranky Carol was up in arms at the pharmacy when the $70 price tag was announced. However, with the small size application and the fact that I don’t use it every single night, I believe the tube will last at least a good 6 months. If not, I’ll be asking for the manager…
  6. Maelove: The Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream: after 1 night of using this cream, I woke up and said “woah” in the mirror. I noticed a big difference in my skin- it felt and looked tighter, more glowy, and extremely hydrated. Apparently glycolic acid is another one of those ingredients that works to shed old skin cells, uncovering those newer, cuter ones underneath. I did notice a slight burning sensation upon the first few uses and Maelove recommends easing your way into it by using it 3 x/week to let your skin acclimate.

Random Thoughts

~ Carrie ~ Leave a comment

I think about this blog from time to time, wanting to regularly contribute something- my thoughts, current obsessions/hobbies, and life updates. But truth be told, I don’t have a lot going on right now (insert yikes emoji here). What happens when you want to write but feel like you have nothing to say? I searched (or at least attempted to search) some old favorite blogs of mine to cultivate some inspiration and those sites are now either flooded with sponsored posts with links galore or defunct. I miss the days where I could just hop on a blog and read someone’s genuine thoughts without asking me to buy something or click the link. Or maybe these sites still do exist but I’m looking in all the wrong places? Orrr maybe I just need to be the blog I wish to see in the world LOL

Mom Jeans

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Here I am, back on the ole blog for my annual entry. A lot has happened since I last hit publish almost a year ago, namely having another child, which brings me to the title of my post: I’m looking for some good mom jeans. This is what I have in mind: something that sucks me in, provides stretch, feels comfy, and makes me look like a cool mom. Basically, I’m looking for a unicorn. Below are the blues that have been catching my eye lately. Stay tuned for a try on to find out if unicorns do exist…

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All About Brows

~ Carrie ~ 1 Comment

Ever since my favorite brow gal moved out of the area, my brows have been kind of a wreck. Some days they’re wavy, other days they’re horizontal. And once in a blue moon, they’re perfectly arched, colored, and groomed. Amongst all the iterations of my brows, I continue to be on the prowl for the ideal brow product. Maybe this is why they’re consistently inconsistent? Anyway I thought I’d give a little synopsis of the brow products I’ve tried over the years:

  1. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade: this is the stuff I always come back to and I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s because it’s familiar, I’ve become well-versed at using it, and the application is quick. However, I do feel that the pomade is a little heavy/harsh and the end product is more “sleek” than everyday brows. I’m looking for a more basic, everyday look which is why I continue my search.
  2. Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil: if you’re lazy about your brows like I am, this isn’t the product for you. Since I basically have peach fuzz for brows, I have to use this pencil to carefully draw them and envision what they “should ” look like. The end result is akin to your GPS route after you’ve been lost for 30 minutes.
  3. Billion Dollar Brows Eyebrow Powder: my aforementioned eyebrow lady recommended this brand years ago and at the time I really liked it. Back then I was using a lighter color but I’d love to revisit this brand with their taupe color since I’m not the faux platinum blonde little thang I once was. I do like the look of powder and it is relatively easy to apply.
  4. Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil: the employee at Sephora suckered me into purchasing this one and so far I’m pretty happy with it. Apparently this product is made in the same facility as the Anastasia products. Why this has relevance? I do not know but it’s what pushed me to buy the product. That saleslady knows what she’s doing! The pencil is waterproof, easy to use, and the taupe shade is a good match for me. Above all, the price ($12!) certainly fits the bill.
  5. Benefit Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel: do you remember when the Victoria’s Secret Miracle Bra came out? Well you had to have a little something to work with in order to witness that miracle. I feel the same away about this brow gel. When you only have peach fuzz to start with, miracles ain’t gonna happen. I love the concept and think it would work well for those with naturally fuller brows but it’s a no from me dawg.

For a blonde like me with barely there brows, I truly think the best solution is to get microbladed. I’ve been dying to do it but it feels like I’ll be either pregnant or nursing for the foreseeable future so hopefully one day I’ll come back here with a microblade experience update. Until then, let the hunt resume!

Valentine’s Date In

~ Carrie ~ 1 Comment

I’ve never been a huge Valentine’s Day fan, especially when it seems to call out those who are single but these days, we all need something to look forward to, right? Whether you’re single or spoken for, I love the idea of a date night in. Since we have nowhere to go here in California anyway, the hubs and I are planning a no tech night. This means we put away our phones, turn off the TV, and figure out what the hell to do with ourselves sans technology. We actually did this a few times back when covid first hit and it made for some fun, engaging nights. Here’s what we have planned:

  • Dinner: my mouth started watering once I found this french onion soup recipe. It’s delicious, easy, and relatively quick. A perfect winter meal.
  • Entertainment: we’re huge gamers over here and by we I mean me and I just force my husband to indulge me. Monopoly Deal is a fun, competitive game that can be played with just 2 people and usually concludes by me not speaking to my husband for the rest of the night. Competitive? Yes. Skilled? Eh.
  • Social: remember when we had to talk to each other before technology came around? Me neither but I suppose it’s something you must do once in awhile. I bought this couples quiz book that a blogger had mentioned and thought it could be a fun activity to find out little quirks and random tidbits about one another. Single? I feel like taking this Enneagram test could be a great way to discover more about yourself, your habits, & your personality. I got hooked on the Enneagram several months ago- learning about my type (6w5) and it’s uncanny alignment with my personality was almost spooky!
  • From the heart: Now that I have a daughter, much of the gift giving has been transferred over to her. I’m not that big on exchanging gifts with your significant other on V-day anyway but I have always cherished handwritten cards on every and any occasion. Anybody who knows me is aware of my chicken scratch/serial killer handwriting but Punkpost has come to the rescue in helping me send beautifully crafted cards in my own words, just not my horrendous writing. After you choose your card and concoct your message, a handwriting artist will beautifully write the card in the style of your choice. This is just a great way to support a small business, the USPS, and show some love to someone you love!

XOXO,

Carrie

Guest Room Refresh

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I was appointed “Head of Design” within my household (self-appointed but that’s neither here nor there) and I was tasked (again, self-imposed) to give our spare bedroom a little revamp. So here I give you the new & improved guestroom!

We are currently kinda house poor so the design projects within our home have a tight budget but I love the challenge of reworking items you already have or hitting up places like estate sales, the Goodwill, and FB Marketplace to find some hidden treasures. Most of the items pictured were things we had used in our previous guest room with a few exceptions:

  • Throw pillow covers: I found these through a blogger I adore and I absolutely love the quality & wide variety of styles she has to offer. These pillows were originally on our living room couch so re-purposing points for the win!
  • Rug: I was drawn to the colors of this rug, especially since it perfectly tied in with the mint green dresser.
  • Vase: I wanted a little something tall to add some design dimension (I say this like I know what I’m talking about LOL) to the dresser top. Enter this ceramic vase which I added faux pampas to. I think it gives it a little something extra, dontcha think? (said in an Elle Woods voice).
  • Daybed: I scored this beauty from FB Marketplace for $150. Since it’s a small room, the bed works great in here and I love the versatility of having it fold out into a king bed for guests.

Although I love this room, when it inevitably turns into another nursery, I know that I can simply re-purpose most of the items in this room to other areas of the house. So there’s another design tip for you: consciously purchase items that have staying power and can thus withstand time in your home. Write that down.

Well, this concludes my design session. Thanks for coming and see you next time.

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In Between

~ Carrie ~ Leave a comment

True to form, here I am 6 months later trying to write on this blog again. Life sure was busy since the summer ended and I resumed my duties as an OT graduate student, taking on a 3-month internship working at a school. But now that has ended and here I am, trying to find joy and inspiration in my downtime before I start my final internship (who knows when that will be, thank you COVID).

This in-between is a struggle for me. It’s uncomfortable. I’m sort of a dormant student right now and not yet an employee and while I absolutely love my role as a mom, my identity has always been closely tied with productivity, hard work, meeting goals, and making that $$$. So I come back to writing because it makes me feel sorta accomplished. Maybe I just need something tangible besides a happy baby and a clean house to show I’ve still got it and I can contribute something to the universe.

So let’s give this blog another go and where it takes me…

Can You Be My Mother?

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Today is the anniversary of my mom’s passing and after 16 years, you’d think it’d get easier. As I reach life milestones though (getting married, buying a home, completing grad school, having a baby girl), it feels like a fresh wave a grief knocks me down and keeps me there. This has been especially true this past year, as I’ve had to navigate being a new mom with no guidance or direction from the most maternal, loving, and nurturing woman I’ve ever known (I may be a little biased). And for 16 years, I feel like I’ve been walking around like that little bird in P.D. Eastman’s book, “Are You My Mother?” Except I’ve been looking for some kind of fill-in; someone who will take me in and treat me as their own and give me that unconditional love that I’ve longed for since my mother’s passing. If a woman was especially nice to me in a store or if I met a sweet neighbor, a little voice inside asks, can you be my mother? A sort of surrogate mom. But I’ve yet to meet her. Or maybe my tender heart just won’t allow it. I guess the only thing I can do at this point is give all the love and comfort and safety to my daughter. And maybe that will be enough.

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Mom Shorts

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Mom Shorts

I believe the correct term to use here is “paper-bag shorts” but I’ve officially dubbed these things mom shorts. Just tuck in those loose odds & ends, tie that puppy up and fuhgettaboutit. I often used to wear denim shorts pre-baby but now I find myself doing the fingertip rule and wondering if I should just toss those shorts that don’t pass the test because I’m not a regular mom nor a cool mom, just a mom who’s worried about her extra junk falling out. Ya know? Anyway these shorts just work cause they’re high-waisted yet appropriate in length and despite those two features, they don’t feel frumpy. I call that a win!

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