Valencia - Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask

Recently, I had the opportunity to try a (new to me) skin care product - Valencia Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask.  As someone who has incredibly sensitive skin, I knew that using this product could go either very well or terribly bad. However, the main ingredients of the product sounded promising and even some I've used in my own homemade skincare remedies (Green Tea, Rosehip, Aloe).

What I noticed first about the Plumping Hydration Mask from Valentia is the amount of product you receive. Because a small amount of this product goes such a long way, you are really getting a great value. And then the scent is so heavenly. I really wasn't too sure what to expect, as so many masks have little scent or not one I really enjoy. Lucky for me, this one has a nice, clean, citrus scent. My husband even commented on how nice it smells. Seriously, I could use it every day, just for the scent alone!

Post-Valentine

This year, Valentine's Day kinda came and went without much thought. There were no heart-shaped boxes filled with caramel filled chocolates. I didn't receive a dozen red roses or teddy bears with proclamations of, "I love you" stitched across their chests. Valentine's Day simply came and went and there was no real celebration in my home.

I am really OK with that.

Since bringing Pip into our lives, things have shifted dramatically. Of course, right?! But really, the mere idea of Valentine gifts seemed too unnecessary for me. I actually preferred and requested that we did not celebrate V-day in that traditional sense. So, aside getting Pip "Llama Llama, I Love You" a week ago, Valentine's gifts or special dinners did not happen. (btw - that book is adorable!)

We do not feel like we are missing out.  My husband gets flowers for me for no reason and always finds ways to shower me with reminders of his love. I enjoy cooking nice meals for him regularly. I even bake for him and send him to work with goodies to share with his co-workers. These things take place throughout the year!

Of course,when Pip is a bit older, we will partake in the usual Valentines activities. I am actually looking forward to that! For now, reading Llama Llama will do.

xoxo

AVP to SAHM

I think it is very important to start off saying that the choice of being a SAHM vs. a working mommy is something I consider to be very personal. Not every mother wants to or is able to stay home with their babies. Just the same, not every mother wants to or is able to work after their babies are born. One decision is not necessarily better than the other. 
Each family and their needs are unique. The decision is personal.
No matter what your work status is - as long as you do your best by your child - you rock.

Life before Pip revolved around my not-so-9-to-5. My career was incredibly important and sacrifices were made to get to my position. With no college education (that would come later), I had to work exceptionally hard to prove myself and position myself for advancements. Before Pip, I was an AVP for a financial group. My expertise was in Information Security. I developed Disaster Recovery Plans/Scenarios. I wrote policy and ensured that my organization was working in compliance to meet regulations at a Federal level. At least on the surface, my job was pretty darn important.
Then came Pip.

Happiness Is...

watching my little one smile...the sound of Pip finding her voice...coffee that abruptly kicks my butt into high gear...snuggles with my pooch...seeing my husband catch a case of the "feels"(I love a sentimental man)...family supporting family...taking an uninterrupted shower that lasts at least 10 minutes...wine...skype dates with my long distance bff...watching Pip dream...Gilmour Girls (how is it that I missed this show when it was on air!?)...homemade sugar scrubs...fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes...a good book...this life.

here's to you finding a little happiness in the small things
xoxo