If you like grapefruit...

I hardly ever rave over beauty products. I like things that are quick and easy to use. I keep it pretty low key and don't like to spend a lot of money. I recently read an article raving about Neutrogena's Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash and was swayed to give it a try.



The affect of pregnancy and winter has not been good to my face the last 8 months. Between the constant out breaks of acne, dry patchy skin on my cheeks and the oil spots on my nose and forehead I've felt less then glowingly beautiful. So I thought what the heck do I have to lose and shelled out around $6.00 (give or take a few cents) to try the product out.

If you like the smell of grapefruit you will love this product. It's nice and refreshing, not too over powering. The microclear provides a nice exfoliation without irritating the skin. My acne seems better and the dry patches on my cheeks have also gotten better after using this product every day for the last two weeks. The product will dry out your skin (but not in excess) so make sure to follow it up with a nice moisturizer. I prefer Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15.

This product is the new jewel in my skin care routine. Even the Mr. likes to use it on occasion. It's just that great!

Undiscovered Etsy

dancing dahlias handmade happiness




Tree Surgeon




Poppy and Ted




Pomp & Ceremony




Choo Choo Photography

Homemade Christmas Wreath

I fell in love with this wreath from Pottery Barn ("made of faux pine and studded with sturdy plastic spheres"), but there was no way I was going to pay $79.00 plus shipping and handling for holiday decoration.



I came up with this quick and easy craft that any do-it-yourselfer can pull together.

Supplies:
Wreath
Ornaments (I chose plastic shatter proof ornaments for value and so they would last longer)
Floral Wire
Wire Cutter

Simply cut enough length of wire to string through the ornaments and secure them to the wreath. Secure to door with a wreath hanger.


50% off on wreaths - score!


50% off on tree trimmings - double score!


Almost there but looking a little sparse.


A finished master piece!

Total cost for this craft was about $22.00 and that's only because I had to buy a wire cutter. Without the wire cutter it would have been $16.00!

Little things that make you go aww.

If you ever told my I'd get excited over cloth diaper covers - well I'd be hard pressed to believe you.

But the years progress, times change and priorities alter. Suddenly the prospect of of cloth diapering your baby-to-be becomes something you get really excited about.

I received my first stash of cloth diaper covers today and I was head over heels with excitement.



I ordered 2 different sizes of Thirsties Duo Wraps from Green Mountain Diapers.

Mermaid Cafe

The Mr. and I ate at a new restaurant today for lunch. It's been in Madison for a few years but we've never made it over due to the limited day time hours. To be perfectly honest I was only familiar with it in passing but was very glad he suggested it.

Mermaid Cafe is funky little cafe/coffee shop located on Winnebago St. They have a full coffee and espresso bar, serve breakfast all day and have a nice selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. Be sure to check out their daily specials as well.

The Mr. had the Bahn Mi sandwich - "This french influenced Vietnamese style sandwich has our own daikon radish and carrot slaw, cilantro, cucumber, roast beef, mayo and a dash of soy sauce on a French roll."



I had the O.M.I. - "Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, avocado and tomato with coconut curry aoli on focaccia bread."



I also had a bowl of the seasonal vegetarian soup - "Winter squash with a balsamic reduction served with a toasted focaccia."



Prices are very reasonable and the serving sizes were great. I ended up taking most of the soup home because I was so full from the sandwich. The service was good and personalized with the sandwiches made to order and brought directly to your table. The food was delicious and we plan on going back again in the future.

Don't forget to try a coffee or espresso drink. The Mr. had his usual double espresso and I had a hot cocoa with whipped cream. I've become a fiend for hot cocoa now that fall is leading into winter (or at least it should be). With the baby on board I've switched to whole milk - it does make a difference in the taste.

The Daydreamer

It's safe to say I'm now obsessed with the owl theme. But how cute is our baby going to be crawling around in this t-shirt?



The Daydreamer by Chelsea Nelson, $18.00

Threadless Kids

Etsy love

Wall art for the baby's nursery.


Owl, 7x8 Print
Sharon Montrose Photographs


Owls, 8x10 Print
Beth Berg