What's In My Cart | Skincare Routine Edition

**post contains affiliate links**

As I slowly climb to the wonderful age of 40, I have been trying to invest and take better care of my skin. Especially my face. And I will be the first to admit that I am not the best at following through with skincare routines, but I am definitely working on it. These are several items that I've been eyeing lately and have been wanting to purchase. 

 

Now I am definitely not your "beauty guru blogger" and do not claim to know a ton about skincare. But I  will share a few things that I use and a little routine that I do using these products. 

Nighttime: 

• Cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Hydro Boost moisturizer 
• Aloe Vera mask (that I leave on)
• Jawline mask (couple times a week)

Morning: 

• Rinse face with water
• Revitalift Triple Power
• Hydro Boost Moisturizer

L'Oreal Hyaluronic Acid | Aloe Vera Gel | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser | Neutrogena Hydro Boost | L'Oreal Revitalift Triple Power | V-Line Lifting Jawline Mask

Would love to hear what you're currently using and love!

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Dining Room Refresh

You know how people sometimes say, Wait to buy that until you think about it...and think about...and think about it some more, and if you just can't stop, then it's meant to be? No?? Oh, well, that's kind of what happened to me with our dining area and these beautiful shelves. 

Where these beautiful shelves are now, used to be landscape photographs that we took on one of our many adventures. And yes, they were beautiful but they didn't serve a purpose or really bring warmth and charm to the space like I wanted.

When I first had the idea of adding something to this area I was originally thinking a bar cart, or something along those lines. But given the small space of our dining area I knew I would be limited to what and where I could add it. 

I came across these shelves in early January and immediately became obsessed with them. But given the price tag, and my guilt for wanting to spend so much money, I continued looking and trying to find something to fill my love of these shelves. Even calling the company and asking for a discount on shipping. Really a discount of any kind.

Then a Sunday in February came when I opened my email and found a free shipping code. And I had high doubt, given they had to be shipped via freight truck, but I once again added them to my cart...and low and behold, it really was free shipping (saving me about $100). I've never bought something(s) so fast! 

And I am even happier now that we have them hung and I love the beauty and warmth they've brought to our little dining space. 

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Quinoa & Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

This is one of my new recipes that I've been enjoying on repeat lately. I typically keep some cooked quinoa on hand and ready so I can put together a recipe in a quick pinch. Quinoa can quickly be seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and garlic and it's ready to go.

I threw this quesadilla together one day for lunch when I was hungry and short on time. It's full of protein and fiber, and best of all, it's very tasty. I was even able to get Hayden to eat some one night when I made the recipe for dinner. 

Let me know if you give it a try and what you think! 

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Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

When your doctor suggests losing some weight and lowering your cholesterol, you take it to heart. I'm already down about 7 pounds and my journey continues. This is a recipe that is so simple and quick to make, whether you're in a hurry in the morning or need an easy afternoon snack.  

One of the things I've been trying to do the past few months is make better choices when it comes to my diet. I've been incorporating a lot more fiber and protein, and a lot less dairy and processed foods. This has become one of my go-to smoothies that I make several days a week. It includes the protein with the peanut butter and the oats are an added bonus to help your heart.

Would love to know if you make this recipe and what you might add to mix it up even more! Maybe a splash of vanilla or a TBSP of honey, yum!

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What's In My Cart | Easter Attire Edition

It's Thursday, so again I have another round-up of What's in My Cart. This week is all about Easter attire and finding the perfect outfits for kids for that special day. I put together a couple different ideas from different stores and different price points. Let me know what you like & happy shopping!

This outfit collection is all from Wal-Mart, and spoiler, I've already bought the girls these matching dresses. I went pretty simple with this grouping because I  wanted everything to be reusable for other events or occasions. And yes, I'm now shopping in the men's section for my oldest.

Toddler Polo | Toddler Khakis | Boy Shoes | Dress | Cardigan | Sandals | Polo | Khakis | Shoes


I absolutely love this combo from Old Navy . It can definitely be a little more, or less, matchy-matchy, depending on how you like to style. And the best part is they offer the same dress and shirts in adult sizes, so if you love a good family outfit, you're set. 

Dress | Cardigan | Sandals | Boy Shirt | Navy Pants | Boy Shoe | Toddler Shirt | Toddler Joggers | Toddler Shoe 

Umm, but okay, this bunny dress is so precious. I'm slightly obsessed with it. Love the pink mixed in with this combo; makes it feel just like spring.  Gymboree is killing it with their Easter attire this year so get it while you still can. 

Suit Set | Shorts Set | Button Down Set | Boys Shoes | Bunny Dress | Sandals

Let me know if you shop any of these outfits. I'd love to know which is your favorite!


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Weekend with my Girl

If you live in or around Boston and you have not had the chance to visit the Citizens Bank Opera House in Boston, you have to put it on your list. It's literally one of the prettiest buildings I've ever set foot into. And luckily, between ballet and broadway, they have shows running year round. 

This weekend I finally got to use one of my Christmas gifts and see Hamilton with my oldest daughter! It was not my first time seeing Hamilton, but it is by far one of my favorite broadway shows, and I could not wait for Stella to see it.  

Hamilton did not disappoint and was just as good the second time around - still bringing tears to my eyes. And Stella enjoyed the atmosphere, music, and her snack. Even having been there before, we still couldn't get over all the beauty.

We had the chance to see Wicked over the summer and I think she's officially been bitten by the theater bug. We're already planning for shows next season, and Frozen is definitely on our list! 

I would love to know if you've had the chance to visit the Citizens Bank Opera House and what show has been your favorite. 

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Winter Recipe | White Chicken Chili

We have one more week of winter and, where we live, we're still very much experiencing winter weather. Actually, we're anticipating another snow storm beginning tonight. So my winter recipes are still very much out and on rotation, and this chicken chili recipe is probably my favorite. Not only is it warm & delicious, it's one of the easiest recipes that I  can make by memory.


It doesn't take too many ingredients to prepare the chili and it can be easily adjusted to meet your families needs. One modification I  have recently started to make is adding greek yogurt instead of sour cream; a healthier option without losing or changing the flavor. 

Let me know if you try out the recipe or make any modifications. I always love to try and mix up my tried and true recipes. Leave a comment below!



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What's In My Cart | Easter Basket Edition

Easter is quite literally right around the corner I thought it'd be fun to share some Easter basket ideas. I've compiled a variety of fun Easter basket ideas for your kiddos of all ages. Plus, they're all from Wal-Mart so they're easily accessible and a great price. I've added links under the pictures to make it even easier to add straight to your cart. Happy shopping!

This first basket is for the dino-lover in your life. Whether boy or girl, these items will definitely be a big hit. Our Claire loves dinosaurs and is always wanting anything & everything dino related.

Dinosaur Coloring Book | Play-Doh | Pajamas | Dinosaur Toy | Water Bottle | Bubbles

This basket will fit the needs for any tween girl in your life. From hair accessories to a doodle pad and adorable pajamas, she'll be so excited.  And can you tell we need a restock of Play-Doh. 

Water Bottle | Hair Accessories | Pajamas | Play-Doh | Notepad | Pens | Sandals

Tween boys I find to be the most difficult to buy for. Totally depends on their interests but this will offer a good variety of gift ideas. What boy doesn't love candy and a video game gift card.

Notepad | Pens | Water Bottle | Book | Candy | Gift Card

Lastly, here are some ideas for the toddler of the house. Of course bubbles are always a big hit no matter the age and I always love the Color Wonder books and markers for little ones - the fun without the worry of coloring on anything.

Bubbles | Color Wonder Set | Fruit Snacks | Water Bottle | Puzzle | Pajamas

Let me know if there are other basket ideas you would like to see put together and I'd be happy to do it! And make sure to check back next Monday for some Easter attire ideas.

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Camping is for Making Memories

A couple weeks ago I wrote about our trip to Acadia and our experience camping with the kids for the first time. We had such a great time that we knew we needed to squeeze in one more camping trip before the weather turned cold. 

After searching a bit we settled on Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire, and it did not disappoint. It's a beautiful park on Pawtuckaway Lake, and there are so many areas to explore. (Spoiler: we have two weekends already booked for this spring.) Because we were a little late booking for the season there weren't a ton of spots/weekends available, but we ended up being really pleased with our campsite and the area it was in. Within a short walk to the beach area, playground, some really neat cove areas, and, of course, bathrooms.

Maybe the best part was that we were there during peak foliage. If you haven't experienced fall in New England, you definitely need to put it on your travel list. I feel like you just can't get enough of the colors - everywhere you turn you're surrounded by beauty.

The colors of the leaves, the weather, the location, it was just an absolute great weekend. Probably our most favorite thing about camping is the lack of routine and just relaxing. The kids relaxing by the fire or in their hammocks, fishing (or trying to), little walks to explore the area, cooking campfire meals together. 

Do you and your family enjoy the camping life? I'd love to hear about your experiences.  

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Guest Contributor | Central Mass Mom

Today I'm excited to be a guest contributor over at Central Mass Moms sharing some of our favorite activities to do in Central Mass during the spring months. Make sure to check it out and see what places you can mark off your list this spring. 

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