A Day at the Beach for Mommy

We are knee deep in summer and it seems like everyone is out at the beach every weekend enjoying this Florida weather! We don't frequent the beach as often as I'd  like since it involves a little more work and a lot more stuff when you have a one and two year old. 
Last time I was at the beach, the kiddos were taking a little siesta and I was able to sit on the edge of the ocean and unwind for a little bit. I've been daydreaming of having a mommy's day at the beach (sans the littles) so I felt inspired and wanted to share some must-haves if I ever get around to going...

Clockwise from the top: Sun Bum Sunscreen | Skinnygirl SkinnyMini Margaritas | Tory Burch Beach Towel Black Floppy Hat | Hayden Reis Tote | Gnarly Whale Beach Waves

What are some of your favorite day dreams for a relaxing day for mommy?

Beauty Box Bandwagon

Some of you may have noticed that I jazzed up the blog a little and added some fun new labels to my sidebar. Life with les deux can really be overwhelming and sometimes I just need a bit of space so I added a mommy time section that focuses on everything for moi!
Anywho, the other night I was amazed by a celebrity's makeup and was lead to a YouTube beauty tutorial. Now this was my first time EVER watching a video beauty tutorial and...I was amazed! I couldn't stop watching and was in awe at how beautiful the makeup artist looked after ten minutes of makeup application! What really amazed me was how behind in the beauty game I am! Highlighter isn't just for brushing on your cheekbones anymore people!! Sure I would be able to mimic the application, but I don't own a quarter of the products she used in the video and if I purchased half of them I probably wouldn't be allowed home ;-)
So I found myself looking at beauty subscription services again. I've glanced at the box craze before, but didn't think I needed it. Now I am starting to realize it may be helpful for me to step up my game in the makeup world. Let's be honest, I have two toddlers (yes I said it....not babies...toddlers) that keep me incredibly busy and I don't have a lot of time to spend researching the latest beauty trends.
Sooooooo...I've gone ahead and compiled a couple of beauty box subscriptions that appeal to me:

1. Birchbox: This is one of the first beauty boxes that hit the scene. Every month you will get a selection of samples from different beauty brands. Boxes for women run $10/month.

2. Glossybox: This box is taking the lead so far because every month you receive 5-6 luxury-sized products. The bigger sizes are nice, but it's a little pricier at $21/month.
3. Ipsy: This subscription is neat because every month you'll get a makeup bag filled with personalized products. The products seem to be more of a full size as well and this bag runs $10/month. 
4. NewBeauty Test Tube: This tube is another fun option! For $26.95 you will receive a test tube full of beauty products and samples six times a year as well as a subscription to their magazine which you will receive quarterly.
Decisions...decisions...
Have you jumped on the beauty box bandwagon and if so which one did you choose?

You Had Me At Helen...

Last year I received a gift for Mother's Day/birthday from Danny. He ordered a Helen Ficalora necklace straight from her shop in lower Manhattan. The necklace has two handmade charms with each of my baby's initials engraved in it. Aside from my children, it's one of my favorite gifts EVER!

This necklace is so special to me since it allows me to have Sienna and Daniel even closer to me at all times. It wasn't a surprise because I knew I wanted a necklace with their initials and I wanted to make sure it was made out of excellent quality for daily wear. The researcher in me finally decided on Helen and boy am I glad I did! I can honestly say I think I have taken it off maybe a handful of times and it still looks as beautiful as ever (this was a quick iPhone shot so the quality could be better).

I used to work in the jewelry industry that specialized in charms so there is a special place in my heart for meaningful pieces. She only has a few shops around the country and I am hoping we will travel to one of those locations soon ;) 

I am such a fan...

Mommy Must-Haves

all photos/items found here
Leaving the house with the kiddos is definitely one of the biggest challenges of life with les deux. As hard as it is wrestling them to stay in the stroller, feeding them on the go, and double diaper changes at any given moment, there is definitely something freeing about being in the outside world and not being cooped up in the house! Maybe it's because life feels a little more normal. On a side note to all the mommies out there, if you have a choice between two malls, pick the one with a Nordstrom because their little mommy lounge has been my saving grace these past two years...the fabulous shopping helps too!
Anywho, I've compiled a list of some of my mommy must-haves that I can't leave home without.... 5. My shopping cart/high chair cover: being that I am a huge germophobe (see image #3), this little cover comes in quite handy especially at the grocery store! Keeps the little ones from putting their hands and mouths on the dirty cart. This isn't the actual one I own because I am in the market for a new one, but I'm hoping Balboa makes a black and white one like this to match my nursing cover :) 4. My Ergo Baby Carrier: this has been another saving grace with the two little ones! I usually use it combined with the shopping cart cover if I have them both at a store that has shopping carts (Yes I am that crazy woman you see juggling babies, a shopping list, and coupons at the grocery store-thank goodness for cookies & balloons). 3. Babyganics Hand Sanitizer: this is a must when out with the kids! Once again I despise germs and sick kids (proud owner of not one, but TWO humidifiers). Sienna also has sucked on her fingers since a young age so I have to have one without alcohol. Also the kids like it- Sienna thinks its really exciting to rub the disappearing foam in her hands! 2. My Timi & Leslie Diaper bag: I have been rockin this bag and purse since December of 2010 and it is still going strong! It's great because it comes with the stroller straps, bottle holder, changing pad, and and extra small purse! So I have been using it all for 2 years now because I refuse to carry two  big purses. It even looks cute so I don't feel like I am carrying a diaper bag! Don't worry though, mommy has definitely been eye-balling the rightfully deserved purse I will be getting once I hang up the old diaper bag ;) 1. And last, but not least my Bob Revolution Duallie Stroller: this deserves a blog post on it's own so I will keep it short, but this is a great stroller that has everything I need to be out with the babies! I use it if I want to go for jog, go to the mall, or even at the beach! It is amazing for when we visit theme parks as well!  So there ya have it! That's everything I have to have with me if I want to take the kids out! And yes, I've been stuck driving Danny's big SUV while he sports my cute VW CC...sigh...can't wait until the umbrella stroller days!