I have always been fascinated by photography. I have spent countless hours studying photographs of people, while considering the angles, the lighting, and the editing the photographer used. I love the fact that photography has the amazing ability to transport us to a different time, or place with one single shot.
It was not until I started blogging that I decided to take photography more seriously. With camera in hand, I started experimenting with photographs of my apartment, of friends, and family. It was after experimenting in this way that I realized my passion for photography. I have no formal training or background in this field, but I realize that passion can open your eyes to the impossible, so not only did I invest in the proper equipment I also spent the necessary time to learn everything I could to enhance the skill it takes to be proficient with this passion.
I enjoy, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph bloggers, couples, influencers who make an impact in their profession, families, and also lifestyle type setting. I take an individual approach to each person I photograph. I make every effort to embrace and highlight the focus of what they are trying to convey to their audience with each session.
I look forward to working together and capturing the potential magnificence of your moments through my eyes and the lens of my camera.
My quest for the perfect self-tanner started back in 2001. This 18 year journey has taken me from oompa-loompa to now, a bronzed Goddess. How did I become a bronzed Goddess? Tan Luxe. It truly gives you the most gorgeous, soft, I just got back from the beach, tan.
My biggest complaint about self tanner has never been the color but the smell. I don’t know if my skin soaks self-tanner in too much or the PH balance doesn’t match but I ALWAYS feel like I stink of self-tanner up until it fades away. However, and I am not just saying this, I do not get that same awful smell when I use Tan Luxe. There is a tiny hint of tanner but after I shower I never smell it again.
On days I want a full body tan I use, The Gradual. I put it on after my nighttime shower and sleep in it. I wash it off first thing in the morning and I emerge looking like I just got kissed by the sun. Even my husband, who doesn’t even notice when I change my hair, has commented on what a good tan I have. Or maybe that just shows how awful my previous self-tanning experiences have been.
Lastly, my favorite part is they make, The Face, which are drops you add to your personal daily moisturizer and they add a hint of gradual color. I first noticed my friends face seemed to have this gorgeous glow so I had to figure out what they were using, it was always The Face. It is such an unbelievable product but it sells out quickly! If you have the opportunity to buy it, BUY IT RIGHT THEN!
Stretch Mark: A dreaded product of pregnancy. There are so many articles out there on different ways to avoid getting stretch marks. I mean, you can really hear some crazy suggestions if you just google for it. I truly believe they are due to many different aspects, one being heredity. That being said, this post can’t guarantee you won’t get them during your pregnancy, but I did want to share the products I am using and tips I have heard that I believe have really helped me avoid these little creatures.
HYDRATION – This is seriously key! Throughout your entire pregnancy, to avoid stretch marks or not you should really up your water intake. I try to drink about 2-3L of Evian a day and I can really tell a big difference in my energy level, my skin, and my overall well-being. Every doctor will tell you this is a key necessity to your pregnancy. You can also do research and learn that hydrated skin is easier to stretch which can help avoid stretch marks.
2. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil – I use a LOT of different (and baby safe) oils on my belly. I have tried around four and one I really swear by is this one by Mama Mio. I first heard of Mama Mio when I read an article saying Khloe Kardashian used it on her neck after stealing it from Kourtney when she was pregnant. The Mama Mio products are really nourishing and rub in very well. I can tell a big difference when I don’t use it!
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm – Most women are so concerned about preventing stretch marks on their belly’s that they forget their breast. You forget that they can grow up to three sizes larger during pregnancy. That is a LOT of growing and stretching! I double up on this Mama Mio Nipple balm and the Mama Mio oil every night. I rub it together put it all over my breast so that I can help them also avoid getting stretch marks. It is the most hydrating combination I have tried thus far. Another fun fact – Being that I have large breast I get fine lines near my cleavage. I put it on my chest too and have really noticed a HUGE difference in the disappearance of those fine lines and the overall smoothness of my chest skin.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter – This is actually the very first product I purchased for stretch marks. I used it by itself for a really long time before I added oil. It is so rich and hydrating but I felt like I wanted something to in addition with it to make it go on smoother. Now, I put the oil on first and then layer this on top as a barrier to keep all the moisture and oil on the skin.
Beauty Counter Baby Oil – This is marketed as baby oil but after posting it on my Instagram everyone was saying they loved it for themselves when pregnant. Even my sister said she used it on her belly. After further googling I have even read that people use it for the eczema! I absolutely love this oil because not only it is Beauty Counter (which means it is safe and clean) it is also lighter than the other oils. It goes on so well and really seeps into the skin quickly. I plan to always have this on stock, be it for me or the baby. I will use this and then add the Mama Mio butter on top.
Coconut Oil – If you aren’t in the market to buy these other products Coconut oil has a ton of advantages and is 100% clean and safe. One of its many advantages is its reputation for preventing stretch marks. Because of its high amount of Vitamin E research has said it is an excellent fighter in the battle with stretch marks.
I am a closet beauty junkie. I get so excited when I get to try something new. That being said, I often cringe at the price and walk away without purchasing. Can you believe how expensive some beauty products are? I understand why some are more expensive and the fact that people “swear by them” but I can’t bring myself to buy them. I like my beauty products practical and effective.
I have a lot of products which I am really loving lately so I decided to share a few over the next few weeks! Starting with these five that I use pretty much daily!
Products I Love:
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil – I am such a fan of oil cleansers. I always use these towels (thanks HOP of the recommendation) to press the oil and my make-up off. The cleanser doesn’t leave your skin oily like you would imagine but is gentle, hydrating, and really gets all of your make-up and daily grim off!
Mary Kay Timewise Age-Fighting Moisturizer – I recently discovered this cream. While it isn’t super heavy for my dry days I do like it for everyday. It is light and moisturizing without being oily and it goes great under make-up!
bareMinerals BARESKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation – BEYOND OBSESSED with this make-up. Every time I wear it someone compliments my skin. No lie, every time! It is really light but gives great, natural, coverage. It also adds a gorgeous dewey, “I just woke-up like this glowing Goddess” look. I highly recommend trying this! tip: give it time to dry for a few minutes after applying!
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