BlushPretty: Make-up Artistry Weblog

mummies in the media

It takes a village to raise a child.

It also takes a village to get Jennifer Garner, Heidi Klum, and Angelina Jolie back into pre-pregnancy shape 2.5 days after giving birth (okay, maybe 2.5 days is a bit of exaggeration but you know I'm not that far off from how quickly they bounce back to being camera ready).

Anyhoo ...

A good 'ole suburban mom who sits on the PTA board, drives kids to swim class, and works 8 hours a day doesn't have access to a personal chef, a pilates trainer, and a live-in nanny - therefore it may take her a tad bit longer to fit back into her skinny jeans (physically and mentally).

But, as I recently said to a dear friend about her business (when she mentioned she had to put it on the back burner for a bit), "do a little bit each day even if its just one thing – its always a step forward in the right direction anyway!", I realized that the same can be applied to getting back to your fabulous self.

Of course, this being a beauty blog, I would have to say that the most logical step to take when going from "i was pregnant" to "i just had a baby" to "i just had a baby and I look hot", is starting with your makeup and hair.

I mean think about it, Gwen Stefani wore her trademark bright and bold lip (sometimes red, sometimes fuschia), Nicole Richie was seen with her trademark boho-chic hair and smudgy eyeliner, and Jennifer Lopez still rocked her trademark "J-Lo Glow" - all in the photos that surfaced just weeks after giving birth to their children. The key word is trademark.

feeling kinda yummy today ...

I'm that "no makeup" kinda makeup artist. (Not for my clientele, but for me)

As in, I'll be sure I look presentable, but I limit my everyday look to cover-up, mascara, a touch of blush and lip gloss. And I wear it so it looks like I'm not wearing anything. 

But today, with BlushPretty Boy in bed recuperating from surgery, and BlushPretty Baby napping, and Mr. BlushPretty with BlushPretty dog at puppy school, I busted out my kit and played with my makeup.

I have my own stash of makeup separate from my actual makeup "work" kit so using the makeup in my kit is always a treat. I got to realize, all over again, why I love the products in my kit.

That picture over there is the end result - not the best picture I know. But I can tell you that my skin looks more even than normal, my cheeks are highlighted, my eyes look more defined, and my shadow a little bit more.

And I'm feeling yummy! Here is what I used:

cooking mama ...

I was never really a great cook.

I mean, I can cook and whip up a well-balanced dinner, but don't expect me to stray far from a simple 30 minute meal recipe or come up with something all on my own. I just don't experiment.

So imagine my surprise when I found myself in the kitchen, slaving over my hot stove, making beauty balm.  All sorts of balm: lip, body, and even a balm safe and gentle to use for baby.  Now that's my kinda cooking.

I'm using a whole bunch of tasty things like cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil and honey.  I'm even making it super beneficial by adding vitamin e and tea tree oil. And I'm experimenting with yummy scents: grapefruit, lemongrass, juniper and peppermint.

The balms are all-natural. Pretty much edible. I can't wait for you to try them ... that's right, I said you can try them. hmmm. Because one day, really soon at The Blush Boutique,  ...  ;)

-bp-

I Am Mom, Watch Me Multitask!

Yummy Mummies are multitaskers.

That's probably what makes us yummy.  We know that walking the dog will count as exercise. We know that soaking our feet while BlushPretty baby is in the tub will prep them for a good round with the pumice stone. We know to schedule BlushPretty boy's art class nearby the mall, so we can get an hour of shopping ... I mean errands ... done. 

Multitasking is our forte. We can make the most of our time.  We know that if we are going for a 30 minute drive from point a to point b, we might want to add 20 minutes to our drive so we can stop somewhere in between and pick up those potatoes that are more delicious than the ones at the store nearby home.  And while efficiency experts will tell you that multitasking is really just an excuse for getting things done half-ass, the truth is at least stuff is getting done. To me, multitasking is making the most of your time and working double duty. Are you telling me that writing out a to do list while I am waiting in the bank line for 20 minutes is doing something half-ass because I'm not sitting at my desk and focusing on it?

My favourite way to multitask is to find beauty products that are two-in-one.  I find that cream colour anything is a yummy mummy's best friend and if you can find it in the right colour, then you are good to go at any time of day. On top of that multitasking product usually requires less precision, less tools, and less space.  Here are some items to stock in your diaper bag (see - the diaper bag also multitasks) before you head out the door.

DaLish Lip/Cheek Balm: Packaged like a fat chapstick, you can swipe this on over the lips and cheeks for colour.  Very sheer, layer it light for day and double it up for night.  You can also use this as a base to colours you already have at home.  The right colour can intensify your favourite powder blush, or maybe a layer of it under the right lip gloss glams you up a bit. (This product is available at The Blush Boutique and is no more than $10 bucks - look at that - I multitasked again by making my post a promo - tada!)

Stila Convertible Colour: Just like the DaLish Balms, this product can do the exact same thing, however it gives more colour and intensity at first application and does require use of your fingers to apply or a couple of good brushes.  There is a range of colours. Pick up Peony, Gerbera or Lillium - three of my faves.This is perfect for on-the-go because it comes in a compact with a mirror.  It's tiny and takes up little space.

Olay Dual Action Cleanser and Pore Scrub: So self-explanatory. Not only does it clean and remove a days worth of makeup, but is scrubs and exfoliates - in just one product, one squirt, one scrub, one rinse.  Clean skin, poreless face, yummy mummy.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers or Lip Gloss: You talk, you eat, you kiss baby.  Your lips get more work then you know. Dress them up with colour and shine, but also, keep them soft and smooth and well-hydrated.  Burt's Bees lips shimmers and lip glosses contain vitamin e and natural oils but don't skimp on tint.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for multipurpose, multitasking product.  There are tonnes more from foundation to nail polish choices.  Exercise your multitasking muscles and start searching the beauty websites.  You can do it while you are waiting for the kettle to boil on the stove.

Have a great Saturday morning!

-bp-

Fit to Be a Mom

Okay ... so maybe I do have one tiny but extremely predictable resolution.

It's to get fitter. And besides, who doesn't feel fresh.beautiful after regular exercise and shedding a few pounds.

For all the yummy mummies out there who read this blog to help get them feeling pretty, I'm going to share my ups and downs about trying to fit fitness into my routine. I'll share my successes, my losses, and any tips and tricks I learn along the way.  I may even, tell you my weight (*gasp*) now and then.  I've heard that writing and being open about your weight loss journey can actually help you achieve your goals.  You feel accountable.   So every month, expect one or two posts about my shrinking *fingers crossed* dress size.

You're probably wondering about what this has to do with BlushPretty and makeup and hair and all that stuff. Well, again, you can't underestimate the power that regular exercise and diet have on making you feel pretty and overall, better about yourself.

So, to begin my journey, I'll share with you what I've decide to do to help lose some pounds.

1.  Maintaining a regular sleep patterns.  I've got the waking up part done: Monday to Friday, I'm waking up at 6 am.  On Saturdays and Sundays, 7:30 am (unless I have a makeup job).  Now about the bedtime part - it's sporadic.  My goal however is to be asleep by no later than 11 pm.

2.  Drink more water.  I used to drink a 2L bottle of water everyday when I worked in an office.  But now that I am at home, its harder for me to calculate how much I'm drinking.  I'm going to start slow and try to be sure to drink a glass in the morning and evening, and also one at lunch.  I'll work my way up from there.

3. Go for a walk every morning and night.  I actually might have the advantage on this.  I now have a dog, and I walk him every morning for 25 minutes, and every night for about 15 minutes (it's colder at night). I've maintained this initiative ever since we got the dog.

And here's what I plan to incorporate over the next week or two:

1.  More strength training.  I currently work in some 20 minute routines every other day.  Hopefully I can work my way up to doing it daily.

2.  Make healthier meals. I've just started getting comfortable in the kitchen. Right now, I'm focused on just making meals for my family everyday (I do use the phone and dial 9671111 every now and then).  Eventually, I want to start incorporating well-balanced and nutritious meals, even if only it is for 2 of 7 dinners a week.

3.  To measure myself.  I've not taken my measurements yet.  I will do so at the end of the month and then measure myself again every month after that.  This is so I won't stress about my weight or size everyday.  I'll just worry about the number at the end of the month!

Now, to applaud the fact that I've decided to take this goal seriously and head on ... I went out and bought me a treat.  Okay, wait, I bought me two.  As mentioned, I walk my dog everyday and my poor Marc Jacob Wellies are beginning to show signs of wear and tear.  So today I went out and bought me a pair of Hunter boots in black.  Then I noticed they were on sale and so I bought a shorter pair in dark purple.  Hey, I said my resolution was about losing weight ... not stopping shopping.

Wish me luck.

-bp-