Just bloggin.....update

So, I still have a couple blog topics that I want to cover in regards to babies, BUT I keep forgetting to take pictures of Lydia's nursery so that one will have to be put on hold. I also want to do one on fav baby items, but I figure I will combine the two so.... to be continued on that. 

I am just going to do an update on life in general today:

Update on my Lent challenge: I have not been on Facebook or Instagram since March 6. I can't describe the feeling it brings. Less drama, less worry, less care.... more time for other important things. I have read so many books, spent more time with my son and family, been happier overall. I have a new outlook on things. While I will not give it up permanently, I do know that my time spent on social media will be MUCH LESS when I do return. Life is so much more important than the social world out there. I truly needed the break and the detox and I am beyond glad I took it.

I have also been reading my Bible passages daily and still keeping up with my First 5 readings as well. I love taking time to reflect on His word and feel good about how close it makes me feel to Him.

Family update:

I am almost 38 weeks pregnant with baby girl, Lydia Jo. Things are going well. I don't feel any closer to labor than I did last time. With my son, my water broke in the middle of the night and that was it. Off to the hospital and 23 hours later, he was here. He came at 39 weeks. I hear so many different things from people about how their second labor was different from the first. It's hard to tell what this baby will do, but I am find waiting and letting her come when she is ready. 

Landry can tell something is going on. We talk about the baby and while I think he somewhat understands, I don't think he gets the whole idea. I don't know that he will until she is here. I do know he is attached to us like no other right now and going through a bit of a 2 year old phase where he thinks he is the boss. He is just pressing the limits and learning how to be a little person and we are trying to be patient and stern at the same time. Toddler life is tough!

Work update: I am still working and will be until this baby pops out! I am very fortunate to have a job I absolutely LOVE and has been much easier on me this pregnancy. 

Business update: Ever has been great lately. They have been having a lot of great monthly specials and just set up another one. Business has been good! The new foundation they put out is AMAZING and my fav! As always, if you'd like to check it out: www.everskin.com/with/melissaanderson

Feel free to email or message me for more info, coupons, etc.

msenseney05@aol.com

Hair: I cut my hair over the weekend! I LOVE IT! Right before I had Landry, I cut my hair off and it was so easy to manage with a baby, because you know you don't have time for yourself much the first few weeks. 

Have a fabulous Tuesday folks! 

Friday Favs!

FRIDAY! Woo hoo! The weekend is ahead and even though it's cold and windy here in Southeast Texas, I am ready for a couple days to rest and relax. 

Today I am going to share with you a few of my favorite things- beauty wise, clothing wise, mom stuff, kid stuff..... just some things I LOVE!

Beauty:

Of course I sell Ever skincare and makeup so those are my favs! I did a whole blog post on that yesterday and here is my link, in case you missed it!

https://www.everskin.com/with/melissaanderson

Another product that I love is:

https://www.revelnail.com/

Revel nail allows you to do an at home dip powder manicure. It takes some time to get used to the process and get better at it, but overall it is easy and I love it! This was one of my favorite manicures with it. The color options are endless! Saves time and money instead of going to the salon. 

Clothing:

I am pregnant right now so clothing options are somewhat limited. I can still wear a lot of my non-maternity shirts, but pants are a no-go. When I am not pregnant some of my go-tos for clothing are Maurices, Jane, and Zulily. I love a great deal! I recently found a new website that I am really liking!

https://ddpboutiqueauctions.commentsold.com/store

The prices are so affordable. They post new stuff all the time. it is cute and on trend! Check it out!

Current Shoe LOVE- Adidas Cloudfoam. SO COMFY for my pregnant feet. They slip on and tie. They come in cute colors. 

Mom stuff & Kid Stuff

This is a harder topic! There are so many things out there for moms, babies, and kids. I am recently reminded of that when I am preparing for baby #2. 

Here are several things that made my life much easier as a mom:

https://www.thewonderweeks.com/

You can get the APP for this. It is a life saver when it comes to having a baby. I could put in the baby's due date and then see what to expect when they go through a leap or growth spurt. It definitely kept me from feeling like I was crazy for thinking my baby was acting "different" for a few days or weeks.

https://www.sheamoisture.com/products/mommy-baby-kids.html

This stuff is my fav! It smells SO good and you don't have to worry about harsh ingredients for you or baby!

You can sometimes find these products at Marshall's for cheaper and sometimes Target will carry them as well. I highly recommend these:

FOOD AND DRINK

Here are a few things I am really loving lately. I try to watch what I put in my body. I try to be cautious of sweets and too many carbs or processed foods.

I love these drinks- cherry limeade is my fav. They are zero calories. I don't drink them every day, but when I need a break from water all day, every day this is my go to right now.

Carb master products are sold at Kroger. I pick them up with my ClickList order. They are lower carb smoothies and yogurts. I haven't found a flavor I don't like yet. It gives me a little sweet something after lunch without loading up on sugars and calories. 

These are just a few of my favorite things...... what are some of your favorites?

My side gig

I believe in this and can tell you that it's true. I haven't found one negative thing to having a side gig! Let me tell you a little about it.

The OB-GYN that took care of me during my first pregnancy introduced me to this product. She was nearly 50 at the time and did not look it! I remember being in labor and my mom and mother-in-law asking her about her skin routine. Priorities- haha! She said she sold and used Ever skincare and told us a little about it. I was curious, but amidst being a new mom and all I didn't really look into it until much later. When I started researching it, I was a little taken aback by the price. I thought- I can't afford that. I would browse the website and then put it off. I would do it again and again. Finally in early 2018, a teacher friend of mine, Katherine, had joined the team and I decided I was going to do it! I wanted healthier looking skin, I wanted products that I could use without worry nursing and being pregnant, I just wanted more. Up until this point, I had tried so many products. From Neutrogena and other store shelf brands to Rodan and Fields (PS- the VP for R&F just left them to join us! hmmmmm) and everything in between. I have a box in my closet of products I tried that did nothing for my skin. Some smelled awful, some burned, some felt sticky and gross. Enough was enough. I was going to try Ever. Upon researching, I decided that I would like to try selling it. What could 1 year of trying something hurt? I signed up and the rest is history. 

Does your skincare look this pretty sitting on your counter?

We also have a whole makeup line from concealer to blush/eyeshadow palettes to longwear lipgloss, brushes, mascara that makes it look like you are wearing falsies and so much more! Best part about all that is it is a FAST morning routine! 

Here are some of the many reasons I LOVE Ever and I love my side gig:

We abide by European standards, which are far stricter than US standards for skincare and topical products.

Our products are botanically based. They have a NEVER EVER List

The products work! They give you real results! 

Here are some of my personal results:

That was just a month in! I need to take some new pics as I am approaching almost a YEAR with Ever.

I have earned extra income for my family with Ever. This past year, I earned $3,000. Not much at all, but it made a difference to us. It paid for my skincare, paid for a vacation, paid for things that broke unexpectedly around the house. 

Overall, my experience with Ever has been amazing! As far as the price- my initial concern- it's no longer a concern. the products do last a while, so I would say on average I spend about $50 a month with skincare products and makeup. For some people that is one meal out or one week of Starbucks. My skin is more important to me. I want to make sure I am taking care of myself. SELF CARE is so important. I also want to know that the products that I am putting on my skin are good for me, because they enter your bloodstream within 10 seconds- did you know that? 

I encourage everyone to do research. Look at the products on your counter and see what is in them. Are they giving you the results that you want and need? We have products for every skin type and every skin concern. I am going to link our product catalog below. Check it out! I will also put the link to my personal Ever page. If you have any questions about a routine or about starting a side gig please contact me at msenseney05@aol.com

Catalog: https://issuu.com/everskin/docs/ever_product_guide?e=15378534/11207162 

My webpage: 

www.everskin.com/with/melissaanderson