MAJOR News, Guys!

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We waited about 2 weeks after our first and temporary (respite) foster baby went home before we got THE call. The call we had been hoping for and in our guts knew was coming any moment. I guess it should not have been much of a surprise that Thursday we got that call and everything just fell into place.

We said YES. 

For us, when we say yes, we need to know we are saying yes to forever in case all the stars align and forever means forever with us. This little guy felt right. The moment felt right, and we were overwhelmed with pure joy and excitement. You begin to form momma bear intuition even when you are a foster mom. I am thankful for this.

Here's my prep list for new baby (we are literally probably picking him up as you read this!):

1. Steam and pure some baby food using the AH-mazing Cuisinart baby food processor and bottle warmer from my very dear friend. 
2. Do some laundry so I have a few changes of clothes easily ready for WHEN my outfit becomes annihilated with baby goo. 
3. Eat well and sleep well tonight. It may be the last night of full sleep for awhile. 
4. Bathe dogs and have the chamomile doggy relaxers ready so they can investigate the new little one without feeling worried. 

We were very lucky to have a foster to adopt party thrown for us so all of the registry items, etc. are all put away and ready for some use! 

What are your must haves for an infant under 6 months? Happily seeking Momma advice! 

New Products Review & Say A Little Prayer

First off, before what seems so shallow of a post at the moment, say a little prayer for Moore, Okla. My homestate was absolutely demolished on Monday and the loss is unspeakable. To donate to the relief fund, you can text to donate to the American Red Cross at 9099 the word REDCROSS. I am beyond thankful this morning that the path of this storm stayed away from my family, however I am deeply saddened by the so many who were not so lucky. We are doing our part by donating blood and items to coworkers who were affected. I am thankful for the 'Oklahoma Spirit' of our amazing people and I know we will pull together, again. 

Here's the rundown of the new products I have been trying: 

1. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner: I bought the tester or travel size from Beauty Brands because I wanted to see how I liked the product before committing to the full size that comes along with that full size price. Can we say amen! I am officially spoiled now that I have used this shampoo/conditioner and I am going back this week to purchase the Pureology Volume Shampoo and Conditioner to try that and rotate with the hydrate. Buy again: YES! 
2. Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer:  I first got this in a Birchbox and became obsessed quickly. I just picked up the full size and it was well worth it and I feel a lot of product for the money. I learned this can be used as a primer for under eye concealer as well. While I've been using it my eye makeup has looked flawless all day. Buy again: And again and again...
3. Revlon Lip Butter: I wanted a red lipstick, bad. However this is a new concept for me so I wanted something sheer and cheap. I actually really like this lip product and I feel it's a good red for me and its easily applied. Buy again: probably, but now I'm interested in some higher end reds.
4. Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil: Being an acne prone person, the thought of putting oil of my face seemed just plain irresponsible. However, I purchased the try it size from Sephora and have been mixing one drop of it with my nightly  retinol product. After two uses I felt my skin was calmer and clearer using this combo. Typically, my skin is too sensitive to use the retinol alone so I've always added moisturizer and the Argan Oil really did the trick. I was able to apply to my full face without irritation. Buy again: yes! I now consider this a necessary product to apply with my retinol. 
5. Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray: Not sure if this one is a well marketed product or if it is actually awesome. I feel like my makeup, especially my foundation has stayed put all day despite the extra humid weather. I did switch foundation too, so that may be the culprit. Either way, it does have a nice cooling effect so it feels good on the skin on these hot humid mornings. Buy again: Not sure...
6. Simple Radiance Facial Cleansing Wipes: These wipes are not by any means amazing, however they do the job. They remove makeup and do not irritate my skin. For now, that is a win. Buy again: Yes, until I find something that works well and I love. 
7. MAC Tinted Moisturizer: Totally surprised on this one. The coverage is just what I wanted and feels light and stays put in this Oklahoma heat. I have been using this one on the weekend since it is lighter and has SPF. Buy again: Yes, during summer months. 
8. Loreal Lumi Foundation: I have always been a makeup snob so I was not expecting much from this drugstore find. I was totally proven wrong and I really like this foundation. It is a light to medium coverage and I use this for day to day wear. It matches perfectly which is hard to find at drugstore prices. I simply set this with my bare minerals READY mineral veil. Buy again: Yes, I feel this will be my staple for awhile. 
9. MAC Mineralize Concealer: Amazing. End of story. Buy again: YES! A little goes a long way so it will be awhile before I need to repurchase. 

Who Said Walking Isn't Good Enough?

Oh yeah, the snotty trainer I went to ONCE! My theory is, exercise in any form is better than sitting around. Plus, if you enjoy what your doing you are far more likely to continue.

Yes, I totally know I won't look like Gwenyth Paltrow just by walking around the 3 mile lake in the neighborhood. The thing is, I've found I get a major stress relief from this little jaunt. I get to clear my head, see all kinds of wildlife and focus on myself for a little while. Not only do we need physical wellness but mental wellness. I'm not an om and meditate kind of gal, so this is my form of om-Ing it out. 

So when someone says it's not good enough, poo on them. If it works for you and benefits your health do it. 

What's your favorite form of exercise go chill out/clear your headspace?

H54F//Link Up

This week has been bittersweet. We had to let go of our first foster baby that we grew to love very quickly. However, he gave us the confidence we need to know we will be great parents. He also taught me endless love and compassion. We feel more affirmed in our mission to adopt from foster care than ever before.

Now that the house is quiet and I've gone back to work, I was able to spend some time on myself. Here's my 5! 

1. Loved and lost but learned so much 

2. Found a new respect for Mom's (especially stay at home moms)

3. Decided I needed a quick makeover so I enlisted Lauren @ The Lauren Elizabeth Blog to rework my wardrobe with her new Virtual Styling service. 

4. Branched out and purchased some new beauty products 

5. Picked up a few items from Old Navy which were compliments of Lauren's suggestions. 

I'd love to know how your week was! Link up and let me know what your looking forward to this weekend in the comments. 

Colorful Breakfast

The week before I became a foster momma, I thought I should give myself a little extra time to cook delicious meals before sitting through a meal became a distant memory. 

Here is what I made and it was oh-so tasty and filling. 

Omelet with spinach and (a little) cheese with banana and raspberries on the side. Oh, and coffee of course. I only sweeten with Truvia and use sugar free creamer. 

Plain omelet because the spinach beast in me ravished trough the bag before the next day...I also have a newfound love for bananas in the morning. This day I tried fruit ontop of Greek yogurt. However, the yogurt I purchased was new to me and I hated it. I did find a better one though! I'll share my Greek yogurt roundup soon. 

What is your go to breakfast right now? 

Urbanite Patio Garden Update

Well. I never thought I had a green thumb. Thanks to Mother Nature and our 4 unseasonal freezes my seedlings never sprouted more than 1/4 inch. I wish I could say this was a total success and that I have a sustainable garden, but I tried! Instead of telling you what to do since I totally killed my plants, how about a what not to do.

Here are my don'ts (suggestions) for a patio garden: 

Be sure to spray something for the fruits. My strawberries grew and then ants ate them. All of them.

Wait to plant until you know you are out of winter or early spring where freezes are still possible.

Perhaps use a seedling starter kit v. just planing into a large container and hoping for the best.

Ditch the seeds altogether and opt for already established Bonnie herbs and veggies. You can find these at any home improvement store in the garden center.

Although this garden project did not turn out well, I actually have managed to keep my flowers and other potted plants alive. Snapped a few shots on instagram so you can check it. There is hope for me & my not so green thumb.

How Do You Do It?

Okay, all the Mommas out there. How do you do it? For the past 10 days I was a first-time Foster Momma to a sweet little one year old boy and I learned that some days showering is a luxury and that not finishing a meal is common. I thought I would have it down with my same schedule, easy peasy. Yeah right. Honestly, how do you dot it? Between taking care of yourself, managing a career home and marriage on top of baby duties I am unsure how you really can do it all. Yes, I was a first-timer and this little one did not have daycare. So I am sure that changes things a bit, but I would love to know how you fearless women do it.

Let me know in the comments! Seeking seasoned momma advice!

Starting Wednesday, I will have fresh new content here! Thanks for hanging around while I experienced being a Mom for the first time!