Father's Day Gift Guide

 Father's Day is in exactly 2 weeks!

 I'm extra excited this year because it will be J's first one. (*As not just a dog dad.)

I'm still not sure what I'm going to get him, but I did round up some ideas for y'all. 

(The reason I'm not getting him anything on this gift guide is because he pretty much has everything on it. That's how I know they will be dad approved.) 

Melin Hydro Hat

These hats are awesome! They are water repellant and the mesh panel makes them breathable. Such a great gift! 

Solo Stove

Smokeless fire pit. So J actually doesn't have one of these, but we did get one for his parents. Definitely a great gift for dad! 

BYLT Basics Shirt

I recently bought some of these for J and he really likes them. It can be hard for him to find shirts that are long enough. These definitely pass the test. I would suggest sizing up 1 from their normal size.

Jimmy Fallon Dada Book

This is a great gift for a new dad. My friend got me the Mama version and it's so cute.

New Balance Sneakers

New Balance are the OG dad shoes. J has a couple pairs of these and really likes them. 

Yeti Can Colster

This is perfect for keeping dads beer nice and cold! 

Toiletry Bag

This is always a great gift option and I really like this brand.

Ice Mule Cooler

This is a backpack cooler that can hold around 24 cans. I got this for J a couple years ago and we really like it. Perfect for the beach  since you can just throw it on your back. (It does get a little heavy.) 

Blackstone Griddle Grill

Our friend has one of these and LOVES it! Perfect for the dad that likes to cook out! 

Beer Labels

This is another great gift for a new dad or soon to be dad. 

Hopefully this post was helpful if you are stumped on what to get your dad. I still need to figure out something for J so leave me some ideas in the comment section! 

Farmers Market

 I don't know why this look makes me think of the farmers market, but it does. 

We actually have a cute little farmers market close by that opens on Sunday mornings that I have been wanting to check out. A few of our friends have gone and say it's amazing. They have some food trucks, local produce, meats, and other stuff.  

I was hoping to check it out a few weeks ago and never got around to it. I'm thinking we will definitely make it a family outing in the next couple weeks. And when we do, I will probably wear this exact outfit. 

I specifically bought this dress the last couple weeks of pregnancy because I knew it would be great wear now and later option. I got to wear it a few times while pregnant and I've worn it a few times since I've given birth as well. I can vouch that it definitely works for both.

I can also tell you that I've dressed this look up a bit with heeled sandals for dinner, but decided to keep things more casual here. 

I think the hat and flats give it an effortless/cool vibe. And of course I had to pair it with my go-to tote bag as of late. 

J actually got this bag for me on my birthday last year. I need to do a full review on it because it's such a great bag. (Adding that to my list now!) 

Dress: Old Navy (Same dress different color here. Similar option here & here) | Shoes: Shein | Bag: Marc Jacobs | Hat: Lack of Color | Sunnies: Quay Australia | Necklace: Etsy | Earrings: Target | Lips: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk with Buxom Full-on-Plumping Lip Cream in Creamsicle on top

Elle's Birth Story: Part 1

 I can’t believe this time 3 weeks ago (yesterday) I was waking up and getting ready to head to my 39 week appointment. I had finally started feeling contractions the night before, but they came and then went away about an hour and half later. J was debating if he should go into the work that morning since I had been contracting, I was 3cm dilated (since week 37) and was going to have my membranes swept. I told him he should definitely go because most of the time membrane sweeps don’t make you go into labor instantly. Sometimes they don’t work at all. He finally decided to go to the office and I headed to my appointment. 

When I got there everything was routine until my nurse took my blood pressure. My blood pressure had been amazing my whole pregnancy until that day. The nurse goes “Your BP is high. We’ll have to tell the dr and let her decide what to do and take it again in a little. She will probably send you for monitoring.” My mind immediately started racing. J had just texted me asking how my appointment was going to which I responded “Not starting off good. My BP is high.” He asked what that meant and I told him “I’m not sure. They will retake it in a bit and probably send me to the hospital for monitoring.” The nurse popped back in and said “I forgot to ask are you getting a cervix check?” I replied that I had planned to have my membranes swept so she brought me a sheet and said she would bring the consent form to me in a few. A couple minutes later my doctor came in. She asked how I was and said she heard my BP was high. She started asking if I had any other symptoms like vision change, swelling, headache, etc. to which I replied no. She also asked if I had started feeling contractions since I had been 3cm dilated and 70% effaced 2 weeks before. I told her I had felt some contractions the night before, but they went away after about an hour to an hour and a half later. She said "Well let’s check you and see if you’re dilated any further. I will have to send you to L&D for monitoring since your BP was high." After checking me she determined I was 4cm dilated and asked me if I was in a position to have the baby today. I responded with “Yea, I guess." She goes "I’m the dr on call today and since you’re 4cm dilated I can just break your water and you can have a baby. With your contractions last night I think you could be in early labor anyway. That can last a while or things can move quickly." I said “ok" and started to cry. I told her the story of how J had debated going to work and apologized for crying. “I’m really happy and ready I swear! I was gonna have a membrane sweep and schedule an induction today anyway so idk why I’m crying!” She said “It’s ok. I get it. Your whole afternoon just changed in an instant.” We chatted for a few and she walked me through where to go, what the next steps were and told me not to freak J out. She said I would have plenty of time so he didn't need to rush home. She said it would be at least an hour or 2 before she came to break my water. 

The next little bit is kind of a blur. I remember walking up to checkout and there being 2 women in front of me that were kinda far along so they were scheduling multiple appointments. I just kept thinking OMG! Please hurry up! I need to call my husband!!! I shot him a text briefly telling him what was happening and that I would call him when I got outside since check out was taking forever! The ladies at checkout seemed convinced I was going for monitoring so they kept my appointment for the following week on the books and said we’ll see you then. As soon as I got in the hall I called J and asked if he saw my text. He hadn’t so I said “well, are you ready to have a baby today because I think that’s what’s happening.” I proceeded to tell him how the appointment went and what the doctor said. I also told him that he was right and probably shouldn’t have gone into the office that morning. We ran through all the things he needed to grab and I started my short walk across the street to labor & delivery.

Photos by Sarah DePasquale

The Dress of the Summer

 If you follow me on Instagram, then you have already heard me talk about how much I love this dress. 

Let me start by saying this dress is great if you are pregnant or not. I definitely plan to continue wearing it all Summer after baby girl arrives. 

However, being 39 weeks pregnant this dress has been a lifesaver. I have literally worn it 5-6 times in the last 2 weeks. It's pretty much the only thing I wear if I have to leave my house to go anywhere other than Target. 

I've worn it on multiple dinner dates, a little kids birthday party at the park, a doctors appointment and if I had to go into my office, I would probably wear it there too! 

Basically, if you're pregnant do yourself a favor and buy this dress.

It's super lightweight, which is perfect for those warm Summer days ahead. It's also very flowy which is one of my favorite qualities in a Summer dress. 

Did I mention that I actually have it in another print as well? That's right, I have another one! 

I would say you could get your normal size or even size down one. 

I'm wearing a small here and my other is a medium. Both fit great! 

Dress: Parkside Harbor | Shoes:Target only available in black (similar tan option here) | Necklace: Etsy | Sunnies: Quay Australia | Earrings: Target | Lips: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk with Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream in Creamsicle

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is right around the corner.  

I'm especially excited for this year because I'm hoping our little girl will be here to celebrate with! 

If you are stumped on what to get mom this year I've rounded up some great options. 

Waffle Robe

I love this robe. It's perfect for Summer.

Lighted Mirror Bundle

This comes with a mirror for home and for travel.

Personalized Necklace

Great for a new mom.

Zella Leggings

For the mom that loves to workout or just lives in yoga pants.

Card CaseFacial Steamer

Get her this and plan an at home spa day. 

Voluspa Candle

This is one of my favorite scents and I LOVE how big this one is. 

The Always Pan

Great for the mom that loves to cook. Pot option here.

Perfume

Pura Diffuser

Tory Burch Miller Sandals

I love these sandals so much. Would make such a great gift. These are a great option if your mom likes more arch support.

Marc Jacobs Tote

I freaking LOVE this bag! It holds so much stuff and is perfect for the mom on the go! 

Your mom will honestly just be happy spending time with you I'm sure. 

Easter Dresses

Can y'all believe Easter is this weekend? 

It really snuck up on me this year. 

I had in my planner to write this blog post weeks ago and just never got around to it. 

Add in the fact the fact that I've had non-stop work projects and trying to get everything ready for baby the next thing I know my MIL is asking me what we should do for Easter.

I'm like EASTER?!? 

If it snuck up on you too, and you're in need of a dress, I've got ya covered.

All these dresses should arrive in plenty of time for Easter Sunday! And they are all part of the Shop Bop sale. Use code "STYLE" for up to 25% off your purchase.

 

Tie Shoulder Maxi Dress

White Floral Puff Sleeve Maxi

Orange Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

White Cut-out Maxi Dress

Blush Tiered Midi DressGreen Ruffle Sleeve Maxi Dress

Gingham Tie Shoulder Mini Dress

Pink Tiered Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Wore this for one of my baby showers! 

Eyelet Maxi Dress

Blue Tiered Tank Maxi Dress

Have this in other colors and LOVEEEE it! 

Pink V-neck Midi Dress

Tassel Tie Mini Dress

Sephora Sale 2022

 The Sephora Spring Sale started yesterday for Rouge members. 

This is such a great time to stock up on old favorites and try new products you have had your eye on. I always do both.

I've rounded up some of my favorites and I'm sharing what's in my cart when I can ship next week. 

See below for a breakdown of when you can shop based on tier and what % off you'll get.

If you aren't a Beauty Insider yet, sign up NOW! That way you can get 10% off next week when it opens to that tier. 

It's free to join BTW. 

They are also doing 30% off the entire Sephora collection for everyone during the sale. 

I've been gravitating to light/medium coverage foundations lately. I have tried all of these and can tell you I love every single one.

If medium/full coverage is more your thing, I've got you covered with the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear

NARS Light Reflecting Advance Skincare Foundation

This is currently my ride or die! It gives such a beautiful glow and feels so light, but still gives me good coverage.

Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation

I bought this last year during the sale and it was my everyday foundation all last Summer and into the Fall. A really great budget friendly option.

 *This is 30% off and such a good deal!!

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Foundation

I just picked this up maybe a month ago after seeing it all over the internet. I've only used it a handful of times, but I really like it. Definitely gives you a dewy finish. 

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint

This is very light coverage, but I love it for Summer time. It's very lightweight, but leaves a beautiful glow. Pro tip: Use your fingers to apply instead of a brush or beauty blender. I was a little unsure about this product until I started applying it that way. It turns out wayyyyy better than if you use a beauty blender or brush. 

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear

This has been my go-to for a few years now. It was my everyday foundation for 2-3 years. I still use it for events when I need my makeup to last or if I want fuller coverage. 

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Skin Tint

I've been wanting this "foundation" since this time last year and I finally got my hands on it about a month ago. (It's always sold out.) I would say this is very comparable to the ILIA one. Both are super lightweight and go on best when using your fingers.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

I'm not sure if this is a foundation. I know some people say it's a foundation and some people say it's a primer. And some people say it's both.

I personally like to use it under my makeup for an extra glowy look.

I usually end up buying the most skincare during this sale. Here are some of my favorites! 

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen

SPF is one of the most important things you can use in your skincare routine. I love this for reapplying SPF if you have on makeup or if you're feeling sweaty! 

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

I honestly am not the biggest believer in eye creams. It's one of my most problematic wrinkle areas and I feel like nothing (other than botox) really helps. That is until I tried this! I've been using it for a month or 2 and I can honestly say that I think my crows feet have improved. Normally I notice them so much. (Especially in photos.) Since using this they aren't the first thing I notice when I look in the mirror, which is a win in my book. 

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil

I freaking love this stuff! I'm not currently using it because #pregnant, but I can't wait to start using again soon. This is a great product if you are new to retinol.

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

This is my holy grail tanning product. I always have at least 2 bottles on hand. It's super easy to use and gives amazing color payoff.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

If you have followed me for any amount of time you have probably heard me talk about this product. If I can influence you to buy anything let it be this. I use this product all day every day. (Even thought it's called a sleep mask.) 

It is the only lip product that I feel like hydrates my lips and doesn't cause them to chap later. The flavors are also to die for! 

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C Face Oil

I got a sample of this and I love it! I currently have a bunch of back stock of my Olehenriksen Vitamin C Serum, but I'm thinking about trying this one when I run out.

GLAMGLOW BRIGHTEYES Illuminating Eye Cream

I literally went from not using eye serums to being obsessed! haha This is another newer product, but I am already seeing results so I love it. This definitely helps brighten my under eye area in the morning and I know I will be needing that even more when baby girl is here real soon! 

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Sunscreen Lotion

This is my favorite sunscreen. It doesn't leave me feeling greasy and the ingredients in it are so good! It's expensive, but I LOVE it! 

Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil

Another holy grail product for me. I put this on as my last step every night before bed and wake up GLOWING!! It makes my skin look so pretty, plump, & hydrated! 

Let's move onto haircare. I'm definitely not the biggest hair person, but here are a few of my favorites that I keep rebuying.

Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave in Spray

My hairstylist always used this on me so I decided to try it for myself last Summer. I don't blow dry my hair so I was a little worried it might weigh it down. It definitely doesn't and makes me hair so smooth and shiny. 

IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo

This is my favorite dry shampoo ever! It smells so good and I feel like it actually cleans my hair. I feel like a lot of other dry shampoos just sit on the grease and don't actually absorb it. This one definitely absorbs the oil and is how I get away with usually only washing my hair once a week. (It also smells so freaking good!)

Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray

It's no secret that Florida is humid AF! My hair and humidity do not mix. (When it's styled.) I decided to give this a try last year and I feel like it definitely helps my curls stay better in the heat. It's also a heat protectant which is very important! 

SlipSilk Pillowcase

These are supposed to be so good for your hair. I actually have one, but I haven't used it yet. I currently sleep with my pregnancy pillow so I will have to let you know if I see a difference when I can actually try this pillowcase out. 

DryBar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Texturizing Finishing Spray

I've been using this for years and love it! Gives me hair some grit when I curl it and smells so so good! 

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Conditioner

I know Pureology is expensive, but I swear it's worth it if you spend money on your hair. This is definitely my favorite blonde conditioner. 

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo

The matching shampoo to the above conditioner. Smells so good and leaves me hair nice and blonde! 

Slip Small SlipSilk Scrunchies

These are the same brand as the pillowcase above and really good for your hair. I switch between these and the Give me Beauty ones! 

Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray

I use this on my hair after it's curled to give it more volume and texture. I also keep a travel size one in my purse for refreshes throughout the day. Since it's a dry spray it doesn't weigh my hair down at all.

Let's talk about makeup. This is probably the thing y'all are shopping for most. 

Here are some products that I love and use in my "daily" (if I wore makeup daily) routine.

Tarte Double Take Eyeliner

This eyeliner is great because it has the pencil on one end so you can sightline and the liquid tip on the other. It's a pretty fine point too so great for wings or cat eye.

NARS The Multiple

This is a multi-tasking stick that can be used as blush, eyeshadow or on your lips. I love using it as a blush and eyeshadow for my quick 5 minute makeup look. Really beautiful for Summer.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finishing Powder

This powder is so good! I'm usually not a fan of pressed powder because I always break them, but I am willing to risk it for this one.

Charlotte Tilbury Palette of Pops Luxury Eyeshadow

This palette is so freaking pretty!! (Especially if you have green eyes.) I love it for weddings and a night out. 

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb

I have so many of these and they are so pretty. I also don't find them super sticky which is nice.

Tarth SEA Breezy Cream Bronzer

I started using cream products about a year and a half ago and I love them so much more than powders. They look a lot more natural. This one I use in the Summer for contour. 

Fenty Beauty Freestyle Cream Blush

Another cream product I love. I got one right before Christmas and just bought another more summery pink. 

Hourglass Instant Extensions Lengthing Mascara

You've probably seen this mascara a lot on IG and TikTok. I tried it last year during the Fall and loved it. It's a tubing mascara so just note that. 

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

This is my favorite primer that I keep rebuying. I feel like it works with whatever foundation you use. If it's a matte foundation or dewy it keeps the finish. 

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

I don't have this palette, but I bought last years version and it is so pretty. Definitely the perfect palette for Summer.

Summer Fridays Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

I saw Megan Runion talk about this the other day and immediately added to cart. Can't wait to try it out. 

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

I love the original version of these so I think I want to try out the plumping version. 

iNN BEAUTY PROJECT Face Glaze Skin Barrier Protect & Glow Moisturizer

I think I saw Katey Macfarlan share this and I will basically buy anything beauty related that she talks about. I'm not even kidding. If she mentions it I'm instantly intrigued.

Iconic London Glaze Duel Ended Eyeshadow Crayon

Another Katey Mcfarlan rec. Enough said.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner Pillow Talk Collection

Little Blonde Book used this in her everyday makeup tutorial and it looked so pretty on her! I can't wait to try it out!

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum

I've had this in my cart for a while so I am excited to finally pull the trigger. It has really good reviews and I am all about the glowy look lately. 

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Full Coverage Concealer

I've used nothing but Shape Tape for years! I've seen his concealer a lot so I'm thinking it might be time to try something new. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner

I've been wearing nothing but Pillow Talk lately. I have the drugstore dupe for this lip liner, but since I've been wearing it so much I think I'll treat myself to the real thing.

Hopefully this helps you with your Sephora shopping.

Send me an email or DM on Insta if you have any questions.