Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you all for being here. I hope you all have a great day with loved ones and delicious foods 💞

Feeling Thankful

Thanksgiving will be here tomorrow and sure I could be cliche and say I'm thankful for the same things everyone else does...my health, my family, my house, food on the table, etc. 

But what I'm really thankful for this year, this season, is the progress my son has made. 

Brian and I had his parent teacher conference the other night and we could not be more proud of our little man. 

He is continuing to excel everyday in Kindergarten, improving his social and emotional skills, and most importantly he LOVES it! 

This is more than a breath of fresh air for us and we are so blessed that he has adjusted so well and has such an amazing teacher to guide him through the year. 

So Happy Thanksgiving to Billy this year. Thank you for making Mommy and Daddy so very proud 💙

Turning 35

Yep, I'm heading on the wrong side of my thirties.

Turning 35 is really no big deal for me. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Reality is, it is super close to 40! That's how I feel anyway.

My daughter has been counting down to my birthday and telling me how close I am to getting there every morning lol. It's cute how much she is into calendars and planning. Just like her Momma.

I'm realizing that I'm getting older. My body just doesn't move the way it used to and my skin is getting some fine lines but I'm very blessed to have my health.

All I want for my birthday is a day of laziness, good food, cupcakes, and maybe a new purse. My birthday is ten days before Christmas so it is always around the hustle and bustle of all that every year.

Goal after turning 35...Take better care of my skin! And keep doing what I'm doing.

Here's to 19 more days.

My Fave Drugstore Makeup Products

Bringing you a quick little post today to share with you my top drugstore makeup products that I use regularly.

As a single income family, me having lots of high end makeup and skincare just isn't a priority right now. Sure, I have a few higher end products that I use for special occasions but for regular everyday use, here's what I use.

• BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers

I personally don't use a foundation EVER! I've tried so many over the years and just don't like the way foundation works with the texture of my skin. So, I use a BB Cream or a Tinted Moisturizer. Another good one is Garnier SkinActive BB Cream.

• Concealer- L'Oreal Full Wear Concealer

This concealer rocks! And a little bit goes a long way! Seriously just a few dots under the eyes, nose, forehead, and chin and then blend with a beauty blender. 

• Beauty Sponger- e.l.f. Total Face Sponger

So far this is the best beauty sponge I have found and it is only $5!!

• Bronzer and Setting Powder- Wet N Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette

I use this palette two ways. I use the contour powder to bronze my skin and the highlight powder to set my concealer. I have a hard time finding a matte bronzer but this works out great.

• Mascara- Maybelline Lash Sensational

Hands down the best drugstore mascara! Completely transforms my wimpy lashes. 

• Eyebrow Pencil- Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Eyebrow Pencil

My favorite brow pencil to create defined brows.

I hope this helps and makes it easy for you to create an awesome makeup look without breaking the bank. 

Please comment below if you decide to try any of these or if you already do use any of these products. 

Also, if you have some great affordable makeup products that you love, I'd love to hear about it!

My At Home Manicure

I am very much a DIY girl, even when it comes to my beauty routines. One thing I make sure to take the time to do myself is my nails. 

Are they as perfect as a full set from the salon? Probably not, but doing them myself saves money and a headache of having to schedule nail appointments at a salon every other week. Keep reading if you want to learn my technique, tips, and the products I use. 

Products Needed...

1. Full Cover Artificial Nails
2. Nail Glue
3. Buffer Block
4. Coarse Nail File 
5. Cuticle Pusher 
6. Cuticle Clipper 
7. Nail Clipper 
8. Cotton Balls (not pictured)
9. Rubbing Alcohol (not pictured)
10. Nail Polish
11. Top Coat

Links for the products I use or a comparable product linked below. 

Step One: Prep Nails

First you are going to want to prep your nails. Push back your cuticles and clip them and then you will clip and file the free edge fairly short. Roughing up the bed of your nail using the nail file is a key step to helping the nails last and helping the glue adhere. Lastly, apply a little rubbing alcohol to your nails using a cotton ball to really dry them out. Again, this will help the nails last longer. 

Your nails should look like this when you are done prepping them...

Step Two: Application

Next you are going to apply the artificial nails. The nails come in individual bags organized by their size. Match them to your nails before you apply them with glue and line them up so that you don't get them mixed up. To apply the nails you are going to put a drop or two of glue on your prepped nail, take the artificial nail and firmly press it down. The goal is to get them on straight with no air bubbles. This takes practice! Don't get discouraged if you don't get them just right on your first try!

Once all of the artificial nails are applied they should look like this...

Step Three: Trim, File, Shape, and Buff

Here is where you can get creative. There are many shapes and lengths you can do so trim them and file them to your liking. Square, Oval, Almond, Coffin, Stiletto...I've done them all but a mid length square set is my go to. I also like to buff the sheen off the nails. This is purely a preference of mine. 

Step Four: Polish and Top Coat

I'm sure you all know how to polish your nails haha but I do two coats of polish and one generous layer of top coat. 

And that's it! That is my technique for my DIY Salon Nails!

Product Links...

Nails

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRYT918/ref=twister_B081N1M43Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Glue

https://www.amazon.com/KISS-Maximum-Speed-Nail-Glue/dp/B01IAEGTXO/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2F59HDAFY5DZQ&keywords=kiss+nail+glue&qid=1574203003&s=beauty&sprefix=kiss+nail+%2Cbeauty%2C139&sr=1-2

Buffer Block

https://www.amazon.com/Sanding-Buffing-Polisher-Pedicure-Manicure/dp/B01FXDNH58/ref=sr_1_5?crid=29ESX94GDCEBM&keywords=buffer+block&qid=1574203049&s=beauty&sprefix=buffer+%2Cbeauty%2C131&sr=1-5

Nail File 

https://www.amazon.com/MAKARTT-Professional-Files-Double-Washable/dp/B01E3PAM9Q/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=extra+coarse+nail+file&qid=1574203421&s=beauty&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE2WVZLVjJYSVYwWFEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NzIyMDcxQk0xTTRUTjFIRUZTJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDA1NjAyTlBDTk02NlpEU1c3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Cuticle Pusher

https://www.amazon.com/Cuticle-Pusher-Spoon-Nail-Cleaner/dp/B00JG8XQPS/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3MFY54NS6MOG5&keywords=cuticle+pusher&qid=1574203464&s=beauty&sprefix=cuticle+%2Cbeauty%2C169&sr=1-6

Cuticle Clipper

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Stainless-Steel-Cuticle-Trimmer/dp/B07S6K9VYV/ref=sr_1_5?crid=ZI4US8JSSL3A&keywords=cuticle+trimmer&qid=1574203588&s=beauty&sprefix=cuticle+%2Cbeauty%2C127&sr=1-5

Nail Clipper

https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Toenail-Clipper-1-ea/dp/B0015HKN3G/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3NZY7Q6LZQG2E&keywords=large+nail+clippers&qid=1574203623&s=beauty&sprefix=large+nail+%2Cbeauty%2C130&sr=1-8

Top Coat

https://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Fast-Boxed-0-5oz/dp/B00N4GYBPC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3DL9JT0VDK0XW&keywords=seche+vite+dry+fast+top+coat&qid=1574203659&s=beauty&sprefix=seche%2Cbeauty%2C133&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AD013J7BPKC03&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExV0QyWlJXSFZWNlA4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY1MzE1M0VEMzZSWVIzNldETiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODc3MjYyUVpBU0ozTldNRUU0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Air Fried Green Beans

Quick post today to introduce you to my favorite air fried veg! I literally eat these every day for lunch. Just four ingredients and about 8-10 minutes in the air fryer and done!

Preheat your air fryer for three minutes at 390 degrees, throw in a handful or two of green beans, spray with some olive oil spray, sprinkle with a little garlic salt and a little of the chipotle seasoning, cook for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer at 390 degrees.

And voila! Delicious and healthy veggie side dish!

Links to the air fryer I use and the chipotle seasoning...

https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-1550-Watt-Programmable-Reheating-Dehydrating/dp/B07QMZ6DC4/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=ninja+airfyer&qid=1573751066&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/McCormick-Chipotle-Roasted-Garlic-Seasoning/dp/B016F7ELKG/ref=sr_1_7?crid=30I14K3S9ZE82&fpw=pantry&keywords=mccormick+grill+mates+chipotle+%26+roasted+garlic+seasoning&qid=1573751216&s=pantry&sprefix=mccormick+grill+mates+chi%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-7

New Shoes!

Let's talk about the importance of wearing the right shoes!

I have been dealing with foot pain and plantar fasciitis for a LONG ASS TIME! I would just deal with it, stretch and ice, buy some new insoles from the drugstore here and there but never really found anything that was meeting my needs.

After voicing my concerns on social media, a few people had recommended going to Philadelphia Runner here on Main Street to get properly fitted for sneakers. I did some of my own research and a couple weeks ago I decided it was time to make a visit. 

I was greeted by Jen and told her all of my concerns. She measured my feet and watched me walk to see how I distribute weight in my feet. I was then fitted for insoles. Jen had me try two different sets and we found the right ones, then onto shoes. She brought out three different pairs, three different brands to try. 

First were the Brooks Ghost 12s. Slipped my foot in and they literally felt like they were made for my foot! Then a pair of Asics which is actually my go to brand for sneakers. They were fine but still the Brooks were my fave. Then a pair of New Balances and they were a no go. Just didn't like how they felt on my feet.

So Brooks had my vote! Went home and discussed it with the hubs. Spending close to $200 on shoes for me isn't a usual purchase for us so we had to plan and budget for it. 

I have been wearing my Brooks and Super Feet insoles for almost a week now and it has already made such a difference! First thing in the morning is the worst time of day for me and I can tell the pain is decreasing. This combo along with some stretching and self massaging is just what I needed!

If you are in the Philadelphia area I highly suggest checking out Philadelphia Runner. They have a few locations and even one in the King Of Prussia Mall if you can make the trip there. Or you can do some research and see if there is a running store in your area, as I'm sure they would offer a similar service. 

Self care is so important mommas and Brooks Running, Philadelphia Runner, and Super Feet have found a new forever customer. Here's to less pain, more walking, and happy feet 😌

DIY Dollar Tree Candy Cane Wreath

DIY Candy Cane Wreath

Anybody else ready to decorate for Christmas??? I certainly am!!! And what better way to do that than with a budget friendly DIY project!

I am all about finding some good finds to upgrade at the Dollar Tree and I remember seeing a candy cane wreath form there last year that for whatever reason I never picked up. So when I saw it there a couple weeks ago I knew I had to snag it. 

I created this wreath for only about six bucks! It's super cute and so easy that anyone could make it. 

Items Needed

• Candy Cane Wreath Form From Your Local Dollar Tree
• Two Rolls Of Matching Ribbon For The Body Of The Wreath
• One Roll Of Ribbon For The Bow 
• Couple Flower Picks To Match 
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks 

Directions

I simply wrapped the plaid ribbon around the wreath form until it was covered and hot glued the ends on the back. Then I tied a bow around the candy cane with the green mesh ribbon and cut the ends of the bow on an angle to look neater. Then I cut a few pieces of the poinsettia and and berry picks and hot glued them into the bow. 

And that's it! It maybe took me ten minutes tops to make this and is a perfect little accent in my living room. If you try this please share it on IG and tag me @momma_to_mom. 

Happy Holidays 🎄

#TBT and Body Confidence

Since it is Thursday and the weather is getting colder, I thought I'd do a little Throwback Thursday post to the summer.

To our best summer ever, full of memories.

To the summer when I learned to not give a crap about what people thought and chose to wear the damn bikini.

To the summer when I got in the pool with my kids and played games with them.

To the summer when I held my son while he had a little meltdown about a seagull stealing his Wawa sandwich from his hands. I sat in that chair with him, rolls and all hanging out, being present for him.

To the summer when I drank some beers in the yard listening to music with my love knowing accepts every bit of me the way I am.

And most importantly, to the summer when I taught my daughter to do the same.

My family is not going to remember my exact size at that time. What they will remember is that we had a blast this summer. We laughed and made memories and that for sure is more important than sitting on a blanket covered up not enjoying my life with them. 

So mommas, Summer 2020 will probably be here before you know it and I encourage you to wear the damn bathing suit. The bikini, the one with the mesh, the one with the strings, who cares! Just be you and be present 💗

xoxo, 

Josie

Lentil Soup

It has definitely been feeling like soup weather is in full swing here in Philly which is my favorite time of year!

My Lentil Soup is probably one of the easiest soups I make and definitely my daughter Lily's most requested. It's hearty, comforting, and delicious. I like to make a big pot on a Sunday so we have it for two or three nights. It fills the house with the best smell! You can't go wrong with starting by browning some ham!

Just these simple ingredients are needed.

I hope you enjoy and please post in the comments below if you decide to give it a try 😊

Bikini Body Mommy Challenge 8.0

Let me tell you a little secret... There are free workouts on YouTube which means you can workout from the comfort of your own home without having to step foot in a gym or spending any money!

Bikini Body Mommy Challenges are free workouts on YouTube created by Briana Christine. Today was my last day for the 8.0 Challenge and let me tell you it has been a very long time since I have completed an entire challenge start to finish!

The workouts are about 20 minutes a day, always starting with a warm up, six days a week, Sundays being rest days. You begin with a fit test of eight exercises and you complete this fit test every two weeks. The only equipment needed are dumbbells. The 90 day challenge is broken down into three phases...

Phase One

Phase One alternates between Cardio and Full Body Strength. The Cardio workouts contain four exercises, 60 seconds on and 20 seconds rest, three sets each. The Full Body Strength workouts are 60 seconds on and 25 seconds rest, three sets each. 

Phase Two

Phase Two has three different types of workouts. Upper BodyStrength, Lower Body Strength, and Tabata Cardio. 

Tabata Cardio workouts contain three rounds of two exercises each and you do four sets of each round. This is probably my favorite form of cardio. Fast, short, and very effective! 

The Upper Body and Lower Body Strength workouts consist of five exercises, 45 seconds on and 20 seconds rest, three sets each.

Phase Three

Phase Three is more focused on individual muscle groups. All strength workouts contain six exercises, 40 seconds on, 20 seconds rest, three sets each.

Ladder Cardio was definitely something new for me in this phase. The goal is to do as many sets as you can and time yourself. Here's an example of how that works.

The schedule for this phase was a little more rigid...

Monday: Back and Biceps

Tuesday: Chest and Triceps

Wednesday: Ladder Cardio

Thursday: Legs

Friday: Shoulders

Saturday: Ladder Cardio

Here are my Day 1 and Day 90 Fit Test Results. I am definitely feeling stronger! Unfortunately I did not take any measurements when I started but I am down about five pounds. I'm sure this would have been more if I was really really focused on my nutrition! 

Overall I really liked this program and her format. I am planning on starting her 4.0 Challenge on Monday and we'll see how that goes! This time I will definitely take measurements before, during, and after! Comment below if you decide to check out her workouts and if you want to join me for the 4.0 Challenge!

Whole & Simple From Aldi

Tonight we tried Aldi’s new brand Whole & Simple for dinner.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We went with the Sesame Chicken Skillet and it was pretty tasty.

The only critique I would have is that there were not enough red peppers. If we were to try it again I would probably add some more myself.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I should also mention that I made two bags for us. One definitely would not have been enough.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Overall a delicious and easy to prepare meal for the fam.

Thank You

Just a quick post to say Thank You to my new followers. I appreciate you taking the time to read and I'd love it if you could leave a comment below and let me know what kind of content you'd like to see next.

Thanks again for being here

xoxo,
Josie