mommy blogger

SUNLESS TANNING TIPS TO GIVE YOU A PERFECT APPLICATION EVERY TIME!

August 10, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I have very fair skin, and while I’ve learned to embrace the pale these days I didn’t always feel that way! I started getting spray tans in high school, and I still love a great spray tan but those can be extremely pricy! I also will admit to the fact that I have used tanning beds (very minimally but still it makes me cringe!) in the past but haven’t been in one in about 6 years. Even though I’ve embraced my naturally fair skin, I do love how a bit of a tan makes my skin appear a bit more even, my muscles more defined, and overall just a nice healthy glow. And my favorite way to get a little glow going? Without any hesitation, at-home sunless tanning! I have been using sunless tanning products at home for about half my life now, and I have made plenty of sunless tanning mistakes along the way, but now I have some tips up my sleeve that really help me get a natural looking tan every time.

Exfoliate:

Okay, I know you’ve probably heard before that it is important to exfoliate before you tan you skin, but I of course have to throw that in because it is an important first step! I love my Caress Evenly Gorgeous Burnt Brown Sugar & Kartie Butter Exfoliating Wash! The name may be a mouthful, but this stuff smells incredible and works as well as higher end exfoliating products for me.

Skip Shaving:

If you shave you legs in the shower and then get out and immediately apply self tanner the tanner will go into the hair follicles you’ve just opened up and then you will have little dark spots visible all over your legs which isn’t as lovely as the slimming, flaw covering tan you can get if you wait 20 minutes or alternate your shaving and sunless tanning days. I like to shower at night, so I usually will shave one night and then the next night apply sunless tanner and just rotate nights to keep up on both my shaving and my summer glow.

Start Down and Work Up:

This sounds simple, but begin with your feet and legs and work your way up so that you’re not behind over to get your legs and creasing the sunless tanner that you’ve already applied to the rest of your body.

How To Apply To Your Back Without Help:

I LOVE using the St. Tropez Applicator Mitt for reaching hard to get places, like my back, and it also helps to get a nice even application without any awkward zebra stripes! You can also, if you’re reasonably flexible, put a little bit of your sunless tanner onto the front and back side of you hand and reach behind to tackle that challenging middle section of back. I also have been known to use a sunless tanning mist for my back, but I actually prefer lotion (loving the Banana Boat Summer Color right now!) for the rest of my body.

Use a Makeup Sponge or Makeup Brush:

This is my BIGGEST TIP! For years and years I always dreaded the telltale sign of a fake tan that stopped at your wrists, or the awful look of sunless tanner all over your fingers, but now I have finally found a way around it! After I’ve finished tanning the rest of my body and washed my hands throughly (get between those fingers!) I use a stippling makeup brush like the Sigma F50 or a cheap makeup sponge to apply a tiny half-of-a-pea-sized amount of sunless tanner to the tops and sides of my hands, fingers, and wrist! You want just the ever so slight amount to help blend some color onto those areas without having horribly obvious self tanner faux pas. Seriously, this is LIFE CHANGING!!

Fix a Goof:

If you get streaky try using a mix of lemon juice and baking soda for a small streak, and if you get a big orange disaster somewhere like your palms or between your fingers try a whitening toothpaste or a little bit of an acetone based nail polish remover.

I hope that you found this post helpful! If you did please considering sharing it using my share buttons below or hovering over the picture to “pin” it to your Pinterest! Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend!! xx

CYBER CLEAN: THE HIGH-TECH CLEANING COMPOUND REVIEW

April 6, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you follow our daily family vlog channel, then you probably know that I talked about receiving these products for consideration and review. If you don’t want our vlogs, or missed the vlog where I mentioned these products, you are probably confused because this isn’t a place where you usually find cleaning product reviews! I don’t always say yes to product offers, and I always try to review things that I think are something my readers (that’s YOU!) would enjoy and also fit in with the general theme of my blog. So, while I know I don’t usually talk about cleaning products, hang in there with me because I think these are worth sharing. As always, all opinions are my own and I never accept money in exchange for a positive review. I was not paid for this review, but given the products for my consideration.

Cyber Clean: The High-Tech Cleaning Compound

Items Tested and Reviewed:

Car Interior Cyber Clean and Home & Office Cyber Clean

Product Claims Tested:

1.Removes germs on contact and enters even the tightest gaps and crevices that cannot be reached with conventional cleaners

I found this to be very true! My husband, Stephan, LOVED using it for all those tiny spots in the car between the front seats and on the dashboard that otherwise require using a toothbrush or else paying to have your car professionally detailed. It took minutes to clean all those little crevices! So cool…yep, cleaning stuff is cool because I’m an adult ; ) I also tried this on my keyboard and our remotes, and it was pretty awesomely gross ; )

2. Leaves no residue

I also found this to be true, but it does have a very strong scent that I don’t find very pleasant! It smells like chemicals even though it says it is based on natural ingredients, and I washed my hands REALLY well after using this.

3. Simply press it on, and the dirt is gone! Do not rub

Yep, this is true! I had the best luck pressing firmly and then slowly pulling it back up. It is cool to be able to see the grime that you maybe couldn’t see, and definitely couldn’t reach lift off of whatever surface your cleaning.

Product In Action:

Pros:

-It works fast for all those little spots that are so hard to clean in your car

-It makes me feel better knowing that I’ve been able to truly clean the electronics that we touch constantly

-It is reusable until the color changes (it comes with a chart to help you determine when it’s donezo)

-It has a container to keep it airtight

-Proven to eliminate more than 99% of germs commonly found on different surfaces

-Protects against harmful bacteria and promotes a healthy living environment

Cons:

-I really don’t like the smell

-It is super cool, kind of like flubber, so it worries me that the kids might try to play with or eat (looking at you Logan!) it, so definitely don’t let you little loves see this

Overall:

I really loved this for the car! I want to use it again when I’m finally able to detail my car for spring! We are in the middle of a snow storm currently (yep, in April!) so I haven’t vacuumed or cleaned up my car yet for spring, but this product will definitely now be a staple for getting it done faster. I also liked the Home & Office one too, but it just wasn’t quite as amazing to me as car Car Interior results.

Where to Buy:

You can purchase Cyber Clean on Amazon.com or MyQuestStore.com

Thank you for reading! Let me know about any spring cleaning projects you have been working on in the comments!

CONGRATULATIONS CONNOR!! | FEEDING PROGRAM GRADUATION

April 4, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! Thank you for taking time out of your crazy Monday to read my little blog : )

On March 25th our middle son, Connor, graduated from his Intensive Feeding Program. Connor has major eating delays, and this program helped him tremendously. It was very hard. Connor, his little brother Logan, and I stayed 200 miles away from home every week and Connor and I attended clinic from 8a.m-4p.m Monday-Friday. It was emotional. It was exhausting. And it was worth it. If you’re interested in seeing what exactly he eats I discuss it in this daily vlog video, but today I just want to share a couple of pictures of Connor’s big graduation celebration! Miss Kaitlyn, if you’re reading this Connor misses you and this is your moment ; )

Connor,

We are so proud of you! You are a totally different kid than when you started the clinic in the beginning of February! We have a long journey ahead, but we are so thrilled with your hard work and progress! You did such a fantastic job and adapted fabulously! You are a champ! Always!

We love you so!

Mommy (and Daddy, Hailey, and Lo Lo!)

Note: Food pictured was for the parents and staff ; ) The kiddos at the feeding clinic can’t eat these donuts!

Thank you again for reading! Please subscribe to help support our journey! Thank you! xo

Be Me Nail Art Pens Review!

March 30, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I recently did a review on 2B Colours cosmetics and shared a tease about a nail art pen review coming soon and today is the day I share them with you! I was sent these Be Me Nail 2-in-1 Brush and Art Pens for review, and I was pretty apprehensive because I am not into nail art. <–Blunt right? I think it is adorable, but besides doing an accent nail every once in a great while, I usually stick to a basic manicure. Why do I not usually do nail art? Basically because it intimidates me since I am creative but NOT an artist at all, and also I feel like I barely have time to paint my nails as is. So, I decided to review these but keep it real with my bad nail art and all. Thank you to Be Me for sending me these for review! As always with my reviews, all opinions are my own honest opinions: ) If you want to keep seeing more reviews and giveaways from me, please like my social media and subscribe here and to my YouTube channels! The more subscribers, “likes”, and followers I have the more companies want to work with me which benefits you as well! And, I get giddy anytime I get a new like! My Instagram is updated daily, as well as most of my social media.

What I was Sent:

I was sent this Nail Art Pens Festive Collection. I believe this was a holiday collection, but the colors are beautiful so I didn’t mind at all!

First Impressions:

I really like that each color can be used as a nail art pen or as traditional brush and bottle nail polish.

My Nail Art:

Pros:

When used as a pen these have a SUPER fine point and it was pretty easy for me to get very exact lines. I think with a little practice I could really have some fun with these for holidays or special occasions. I love plastic bottle because you can squeeze it while drawing with the pen to get the polish to flow the way you need it to.

Cons:

Each pen comes with a color on each end, and while you can take them apart I realized quickly that I couldn’t get the cap off (without smudging my nails anyways!) unless the colors were connected. I also found that it took quite a while for this to dry, so the design was easy to make but the time spent drying was longer than when I just throw on a few coats of polish.

Overall:

I am excited to use these for holidays! I found myself looking up some YouTube videos and I’m excited thinking about doing things for the 4th of July already and it isn’t even April yet! I think these are very user friendly, and a lot of fun. My daughter, Hailey, is really excited about these, too! She thought my nails looked MUCH COOLER with some nail art ; )

Where To Buy:

I appreciate that these are easy for anyone to grab online! They are available at Walmart.com, Kmart.com, Target.com, and my favorite Amazon.com.

You can follow Be Me Nail on Twitter for much better inspiration and nail art that I created ; ) I also love following the Be Me Nail Art Instagram feed.

If you have any questions let me know! I need to challenge myself to try some cool nail art in the future. If you’d like to see any nail art or tutorials I *might* panic a little, but I would certainly be willing to try for my readers : ) Have a great weekend! Please don’t forget to subscribe! xx

OUR EASTER 2016 IN PICTURES!

March 28, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Easter if you celebrate! We had a wonderful day as a family. Today I want to keep it simple and share some pictures of the kids : ) You can watch the kids eyes light up with Easter magic in our Easter vlog! And watch our What’s in our Easter Baskets for 2016 here!

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Thank you, as always, for reading! I appreciate each of you!! Don’t forget to subscribe!! : )

AFFORDABLE MAKEUP BRAND REVIEW! 2B COLOURS

March 21, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I am super excited to be bringing you a fun, affordable, and cruelty free makeup brand. I hadn’t heard of 2B Colours until my friend, Ciera, talked about them on her YouTube channel and blog. Shortly after hearing about them 2B reached out to me and offered to send me a few items for consideration and review. I have had the makeup items for a couple of weeks and feel that now I have had the chance to use all of the products and test them out to provide good and honest reviews. I also was sent a set of Nail Art Pens, so stay tuned for a review on that soon! And wish me luck ; )

2B Cosmetics Makeup Reviews

Concealer Corrector Waterproof in 01 Peach

I wasn’t really sure what I would think of this when I saw the pen form, but I really have been enjoying it. The peach color works great for covering under eye circles, but I am careful when applying it so I’m not dragging it on my delicate eye area skin. I also LOVE this for targeting small imperfections or blemishes! I do find that it can be tricky to blend, but I just use my finger or a damp beauty sponge like the Beauty Blender. I would purchase this.

Cheek Pop Blush Powder in 04 Kissed By a Rose

This is my absolute favorite item that 2B sent me!! I want to try all of these blushes! This is SUPER pigmented! I was shocked and had to quickly blend it out because I was too heavy handed the first time I used it. This is gorgeous and it is very long wearing.

My Favorite Eye Color Eye Catcher in 01 White

I love the idea of having a white eye shadow on hand to use before applying other eye shadows so that the other shadows are exactly true to color, but I am not crazy about the texture of this shadow. I do think it works well for making other colors pop, and a small dab of it on the center of each eye lid makes the eyes pop as well, but this is my least favorite product in the bunch. I will keep you posted incase anything changes, but I wouldn’t purchase this.

Mascara in Mega Prune

I remember when I was in middle school and colored mascara was super popular! I think blue was the favorite color that year ; ) I normally wear only black mascara, but this was a really fun change! I will keep wearing this, and the prune is just ever so slightly different than a brown or black mascara, and is perfect if you just want a tiny bit of color.

Eye Liner Long Wear Waterproof in 01 Black

I tested this out in my waterline and it wore SUPER well on me! I was shocked because so many eye liners disappear on me almost instantly. I don’t know if it is waterproof, but it definitely wore well on the waterline. I have not tried it on the upper lash line yet. I would purchase this.

Pop Up Lips in 01 My Own Ice Cream Bar

I love this! The lip crayon is super creamy, and it’s just a hit of color but a very pretty pink. This isn’t long wearing, but it’s a super low maintenance lip that is easy to reapply even with no mirror. I definitely would purchase and I’ll keep this in my purse.

Hydrastick in 07 Rose

This feels very nice on the lips. This works perfectly for a natural makeup day when you just want a little moisture or for putting on under a lipstick. I like that it has jojoba oil and UVA/UVB filter. I also like that it is shaped like a lipstick instead of flat on the top like most lip balm products.

Mega Colours Nail Polish in 022 Rich Lavender

When I first started applying this I was worried because the first coat was very sheer, but the second coat was pretty and I could have stopped there but I went for a third coat and it was so pigmented! I couldn’t believe the difference. I also applied this without a base coat or a top coat and it wore for a few days without chipping. I was very happy with this, and my four year old, Hailey, wants to wear this color on her nails next.

Social Media:

You can check out 2B on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comments! I think 2B Colours has some gems that shouldn’t be overlooked, and I am happy that I now know about them. Have a wonderful week! Don’t forget to subscribe!! xx

MAKING A HOTEL STAY EASY (EVEN WITH YOUNG KIDS) | 5 THINGS TO PACK! + PICTURES OF OUR ADVENTURES!

March 16, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We have traveled about once a month with kids for years, but with the exception of our trip to Walt Disney World and a few longer weekends away, we usually only were gone for one night. Now that I have been away from home every week for the past 6 weeks, I feel like I have some really good tips for making hotel life easier. If you’re wondering why I have been away from home, you can check out our daily vlogs : )

1. PACK OUTFITS NOT CLOTHES

It saves me so much time to have my clothes and my kids clothes packed by outfit (shirt, pants, undies, socks) and I know what I have packed matches and isn’t excessive. I of course pack extras, but I pack an outfit for each day plus 1-2 extras because in most situations you could run to a store or do laundry if you ever needed more clothing than packed.

2. PACK A SOUND MACHINE

I absolutely LOVE our Dex Baby Sound Machine and we always pack it for even the shortest trips. Actually, we love it so much we own two of them. This helps to make the sleep environment as much like home as possible. It also helps if noises are different than home or the walls are thin.

3. BUY A SMALL PLASTIC DRYING RACK

I had never thought to purchase a small plastic dish drying rack until we started this long term stay, but it is so curtail! I found a small rack at Target for about $5 and it makes it easy to wash out sip cups, bottles, travel coffee mugs, and whatever else you might need to rinse out without overcrowding the sink area. Is it ideal? No, but it gets the job done.

4. GET HAMPERS FROM THE DOLLAR TREE

In my Walt Disney World Dollar Tree/Hobby Lobby Haul video I shared that I bought pop-up hampers to sort laundry when traveling. I will NEVER go on a trip again without doing this! I bought a couple pop-up hampers and a mesh laundry bag this time and it is so nice to not have to try to separate your dirty and clean clothing in the suitcase.

5. BUY A HANGING TOILETRY HOLDER

I have had one of these since my college spring break days, and it is the best! It holds all of my toiletry items (not counting my makeup, because let’s not get carried away!), and the toiletry items for the rest of my family perfectly. It is so nice to not have the bathroom counter cluttered with products, and you can see the items while it’s hanging so it makes things simple. I don’t like living out of a suitcase, I prefer to unpack somewhat, so having the toiletries like this helps a lot.

SOME PICTURES FROM OUR LATEST ADVENTURE:

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Have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend! Please subscribe!! xx

BLOGIVERSARY & MY FORGOTTEN BIRTHDAY (STORY TIME & BIRTHDAY GIFT)

March 14, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! On Saturday I turned 29(!!) and LeahTackles.com turned 2!!! I am so grateful to each and every reader out there!! I still get excited whenever I gain a new subscriber or whenever I get a new comment. If you are a KwapisFamilyTackles follower then you know that our life has been turned upside down the past few months, and because of that Stephan, my sweet hubs, completely forgot my birthday! I am talking Sixteen Candles style forgot my birthday until about 11a.m on Saturday. I could have “put him in the dog house” but he felt bad enough. I will admit it didn’t feel great, and when our daughter, Hailey, was crying because she didn’t get to put together a gift or bake me a cake or get balloons…THAT was super sad, but I know that it was an honest mistake. I did receive a LOT of birthday love on social media from sweet friends, family, and followers which always is so uplifting : )

*Housekeeping Note: The Chapstick Giveaway winner has been contacted! Thank you all for participating! I can’t wait for another giveaway soon : ) Remember, the more readers/followers I have, the more likely companies are to offer giveaway opportunities! : )

BIRTHDAY VLOG:

WHAT I GOT FOR MY BIRTHDAY:

FIRST EVER BLOG POST:

Hello World! First Post and Shower Favorites-drugstore edition

Thank you for reading! I hope you have a fantastic week! And please subscribe : ) It’s fun and free!! xx

PEACHES and PETALS SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016! | 50% OFF CODE!

March 2, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I am so thrilled to once again be reviewing a box for the fabulous people at Peaches and Petals! I have been away from home Sunday afternoon until Friday nights for a month now (shameless plug: watch our daily vlogs to see why!) and coming home to this box was so much fun! Peaches and Petals is a monthly style and beauty subscription box that they describe on the website as, “fun, flirty, and fashionable vintage-modern lifestyle”.

December Peaches and Petals Box

January Peaches and Petals Box

January Peaches and Petals Unboxing Video

February Peaches and Petals Box:

peaches&petalssubscriptionbox-leahtackles.jpeg

Sweet Spun Sugar Candle 4 oz

This candle is super sweet smelling and I really like it! I usually buy the big 3 wick candles from Bath & Body Works because I really like the scent to fill the room, so I hope this has a good throw.

Slightly Melted Sugar Scrubs

I am so excited about these! They are absolutely adorable and remind me of something you would find at Lush. The packaging is just so charming, and they work really well! These gems would be adorable as part of a gift!

Love Birds Salt and Pepper Shakers

These are cute but I don’t know if I will actually use them. I feel like I will maybe set these up as part of a tablescape, but not alone they are quite small.

Whoopsie Pies Baking Book

I am so excited about this! I can’t wait until I am able to make a few of these with the kiddos when I am back home : ) Yummy! And absolutely adorable! My 4 year old, Hailey, loves the pictures in this little book.

Lip Smacker Girl Scout Coconut Carmel Stripes Lip Balm

As a beauty and lifestyle blogger I can’t help but smile at Lip Smacker! Lip Smackers were my first step into the world of makeup and beauty items. And Girl Scout cookie scented Lip Smackers? Sign me up! And now that I have this I really want to grab a few of my old throw back favorites like Dr. Pepper lip smacker which I loved for the scent AND because it was the closest to a lip stain I could get away with ; )

XOXO Throw Pillow Cover

I really love this! I think it’s a great way to spruce up a boring pillow that just came with our couch. I am also totally on board with the black and gold trend, so this is perfect!

I think that Peaches and Petals did a fantastic job this month! I adore the Slightly Melted Sugar Scrubs, I am excited to use the Whoopie Pie Baking Book, the Lip Smacker makes me smile, and the pillow case is great quality. The Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers and the Sugar Spun Candle were just okay, I don’t dislike them but I would have rather them combined that into one item like a bigger candle. I really liked the box and think that the value is good. The box costs $19.99 with shipping included and remember to use the code LEAHPEACH for 50% off your first box!

THE NEW MUST HAVE PLANNER ACCESSORY! byANGIEBOUTIQUE Planner Pouch

February 15, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last year I got my very first Erin Condren Life Planner and I really enjoyed it but didn’t dive completely into the planner world but this year I’ve fallen back in love and I am all in. As many of you know by now, I am currently living away from home every week for the next couple of months (shameless plug: watch our Daily Vlogs to see our adventure!) and needed something to use to carry my planner and all of my planning goodies. I saw a picture of a byAngieBoutique planner pouch on Instagram and instantly was swooning! After talking to Angie we decided to coolaborate and I couldn’t be happier to be sharing her product with all of you. All opinions are my own, but I was gifted this pouch for my review.

The Rebecca Portfolio:

This is the absolute PERFECT pouch for any planner lover out there! My mom doesn’t have an Erin Condren, but she loves the concept for her coloring books, too. I love that I can easily fit not just my planner, but washi tape, scissors, pens, and other planning odds and ends. Plus, how adorable is this?! Angie has the cutest fabrics, too.

Construction:

This bag is not only super cute, but it’s extremely well made. The stitching is flawless, and the zippers and vinyl are both very good quality. I can really fit a lot in here without feeling like I’m going to jam it to the point of breaking. It also isn’t too giant, so I can slide it into a diaper bag or large purse easily. You could definitely fit this in a backpack or a lot of brief cases, also.

Features:

3 pockets (2 zipper pockets & 1 slip pocket)
Clear vinyl on both zipper pockets
Zipper closure on main pocket will not allow your planner to fall out or ‘pop out’ if bag is tilted or turned upside down
Fully lined with hidden seams
Includes a fabric tab on one side of the bag
Reinforced seams

Overall:

This pouch has made me plan more because it has made planning much more functional for me. I love that I can put literally hundreds of stickers, a bunch of washi, and a pack of pens easily inside along with the planner. I would truly suggest this to anyone who loves planning, especially if they ever plan away from home.