If you have curly hair, you know the struggle of finding the right concoction of products for your tresses. You also know that your special mix will change with the seasons, weather, and life circumstances (I'm talking about stress, people). So when I tell you that I'm always trying new products for my hair, even though I've found several that I love, that's the reasoning.

Okay, so I constantly see ads for curly products, but probably none as frequently as LUS. After a particularly rough month, in which none of my current products seemed to be enough, I decided to take the plunge and give LUS a try.

It's a simple three-step system: shampoo, conditioner, and all-in-one styling cream. They recently started offering an unscented version, so that's what I went with because I really do have a hard time with scented products.

I decided to use the wavy system because my hair leans more toward wavy than curly most days. It's really a mix between 2c and 3a. So for me, finding products that aren't heavy is essential, which is why I was excited to try this particular system.

You can get the entire system for $45 plus tax and shipping, or you can buy them individually for about $16 per bottle. Not terrible in the scheme of things. The ordering process was easy, and my products shipped quickly.

Ultimately, LUS didn't work for me. After a month of trying, and hoping my hair would finally adjust, my results kept getting worse.

My experience went a little something like this:

First wash: after using a clarifying shampoo to remove all other product buildup, I shampooed and conditioned my hair in the shower. First impression was that the shampoo lathered nicely and the conditioner was nice and slippery, and I loved that there was no scent. Moved on to the styling. I apparently used too much of the all-in-one styling cream as it left my hair feeling like it was coated with something fuzzy. Worse, my hair barely curled at all.

Second attempt with the styling cream was similar, even though I barely used any product at all. My hair felt disgusting.

For my next wash, I decided to skip the LUS cream and use something I know works with my hair. It was a disaster. Not only did my hair not curl, but it was so dry and brittle it felt like straw.

Somewhere during all this, I went to my hairdresser and got a haircut. She did a deep conditioner to try to reverse some of the damage and suggested maybe one (or all) of the products had too much alcohol in it for my hair. I don't know about that, but we both agreed it had been long enough for my hair to adjust to the new products.

Now my LUS shampoo, conditioner, and styling cream are all resting in the cabinet under my sink.

So there you have it.

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a nice weekend. We didn't do much. Alexis spent the weekend with her grandparents, Chris did some work on his hunting land, and I mostly took it easy. Of course, there were a few things around the house that needed doing, like laundry and unfortunately the bathrooms. I'm doing better keeping things mostly tidy during the week. It's easier now that Alexis is old enough to actually help.

So last week started with magazine distribution. Then Alexis had her yearly check-up plus a consultation for a second case of lice (we got a really expensive prescription shampoo that hopefully took care of it for real this time because I am very much over it).

I got my first COVID shot on Wednesday. The hospital near our house has been doing a drive-through clinic, so I didn't even have to get out of my car. I got the Pfizer one, and other than my arm being a little sore and a dull neck/headache I've been fine. I get my second dose May 5th.

Thursday night, my temporary crown came loose, and of course my dentist is closed on Fridays. I looked up what to do and found that you can use Vaseline to reapply during the day, but unfortunately one of the corners broke off. I go in for my permanent one on Wednesday, though, so I guess I'll just tough it out until then.

This week, I'll be finishing up all the editorial stuff for the May issue of the magazine, as well as wrapping up ad sales. I think I'll probably get a jump start on June's guide just so it'll be done. Probably go ahead and start uploading stuff to the website, too. So, you know, the usual end-of-the-month routine.

I hope everyone has a productive week!

Have you guys heard of a "momiform?" It's basically a 'uniform' for moms. That sounds pretty boring, huh? Like you wear the same thing day after day. Well, I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be!

Momiform is an ugly word that describes your everyday style as a mom. A momiform is your go-to combination of clothing pieces. The best momiforms are the perfect mix of style and functionality, meaning they're easy to move around in when you're running errands or chasing after kids but still look like a real outfit.

Not sure if you can pull off that balance of style and practicality? Today's post is all about expressing your personal style while still dressing in a way that's conducive to your current lifestyle...all using outfits I've worn in the past week. It's a Real Outfit Roundup with a purpose!

Let's get started, shall we?

Last but not least, my ultimate momiform. There's just something about a graphic tee layered over a dress and finished off with sneakers. It screams "trendy" but still gives you so much room to move.

This can't be done with every dress you own, unfortunately, but it works extremely well with sleeveless ones. The trick to picking the best graphic tee is all in the colors. They don't have to be exact matches but coordination is key. If you couldn't tell, red was my common denominator here.

Well, that's it for this round of Real Outfit Roundup. I hope my momiforms help inspire you to branch out a little in your own style. Remember, mom style doesn't have to be boring!

 
I was introduced to Mellow Cosmetics several years ago when I got one of their creamy matte lipsticks in nude in my ipsy bag. To this day, it remains my go-to nude lipstick. So when Mellow reached out to me to collaborate, my answer was a resounding yes.

Mellow Cosmetics has been around since 2014. Their products are vegan, cruelty free, and don't contain parabens. They carry a range of products for lips, eyes and eyebrows, and cheeks.

For full transparency, I was given 30% off my purchase in exchange for a post about my experience.

I ordered three products: blush/bronzer, an eyeliner marker, and a liquid lip paint. From start to finish, the process was easy, and my order shipped quickly.

Now let's get to the good stuff.

As a redhead, blush is tricky for me. It's really difficult to find something that looks natural. Mellow's Powder Blush in Bronze is perfect. It's not overdone at all. It gives my cheeks just the right amount of definition, blends into my foundation smoothly, and lasts all day.

They also offer three other shades of blush. You can see them here.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cannot apply liquid eyeliner. Like at all. And pencil/crayon liners are pretty much always more trouble than they're worth. Breaking at the worst possible moment, and who wants to keep up with a sharpener? That's where Mellow's Liquid Precision Pen Eyeliner comes in. It's basically a marker but is smudgeable, which is a must for me because I can't draw a straight line. 10/10 definitely recommend.

I'm one of those people that puts lipstick on once and then never reapplies it, so once it wears off, it's gone. But Mellow's Liquid Lip Paint stays put, even through putting on and taking off a mask. It's not too shiny or too matte either. This is the London, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It comes in 18 shades total.

Here you can see all three products on my face. Note: I applied the lipstick heavier than I typically wear it so you can really see the color.

In conclusion, if you're looking for new lipstick, an easy-to-apply eyeliner, or a natural-looking blush/bronzer, give Mellow Cosmetics a try! The prices are reasonable, the website is easy to use, and the customer service is awesome.

 
I'm getting a slow start this Monday. Not that I'm surprised. Last night did not go the way I planned. At all.

I ordered us subs for dinner using GrubHub - before 5:00 p.m. so that Chris would be able to eat before going in to work. Well, after delaying our order multiple times, so that Chris ended up leaving earlier than he normally would have so he could pick up something on the way, they canceled my order altogether. At 7:00! At this point, I had Alexis in the bathtub, so I ordered from a different service. We finally got our supper around 8:00, Alexis's bedtime. Needless to say, she didn't get in bed until almost 9:00, so she was dragging this morning.

We had Alexis's birthday party Saturday afternoon. It ended up being even smaller than we had planned, but she had fun and her best friend from school came so I consider it a success.

The April magazines came late last week and then it stormed, so I've got to finish up distribution today and tomorrow. The rest of the week will be busy getting everything in order for the May magazine, although I'm in a pretty decent place work-wise considering.

I've got to get out the door, so I'm going to end things here. I hope everyone has a happy and productive week!

Has Spring weather finally arrived where you live? Spring in the south is a confusing time. The weather is unpredictable and our temps bounce between winter and summer, sometimes in the same day, making getting dressed an often frustrating guessing game.

It's been awhile since I shared a Real Outfit Roundup, and several of my most recent outfits are good examples of casual Spring outfit formulas. Some of these you'll have seen already in my white jean jacket post.

Rompers are one of my favorite casual warm-weather outfits, but there are certain things I look for before committing. I tend to stick with cotton/polyester material and mostly avoid thinner materials. The thicker material tends to drape more flatteringly, hold it's shape better, and not get wrinkled if I sit for more than five seconds.

This particular romper has a halter neck and fitted waist (which makes it easier to achieve that bloused-out look of a tucked-in shirt). It's got pockets and is cut to fit loose. Many rompers are sleeveless like this one, which can make them trickier to style outside of summer. A denim jacket really comes in handy here, but you could also layer a light-weight patterned kimono for a more boho look. I opted for these peep-toed booties because I wanted something with a heel but it wasn't quite warm enough for my favorite wedges yet.

Okay, so this one isn't really an outfit formula, but you really can't go wrong with a good maxi dress. This is one of my favorites. I wear it all the time. It's got the perfect amount of stretch and is super soft. It's also got pockets, which is always a win. It is a little long on me, but most maxi dresses are. I honestly have no idea if I'm wearing shoes in this picture, and if I was I can't remember what pair it was.

I don't usually share workout clothes, but since I had the picture I figured why not? My t-shirt is one of those moisture-wicking shirts. It's the BCG brand from Academy, so I didn't pay a lot for it. I like that it's fitted without feeling like it's suctioned to my body. These leggings have become one of my favorites. I love the thicker material and that the waist stays where it's meant to, no rolling. Also, my sneakers are really old, like to the point I need to replace them but can't find a pair I really like. I don't remember where I got them, and NB no longer makes them.

This is a really easy outfit formula to repeat: white jeans + a printed camisole + a denim jacket + tennis shoes. I love the casual vibe of pairing my dark-wash jean jacket with my navy blue Converse. That darker color combo helps to ground the nearly all-white outfit without making it feel heavy.

This button-front camisole is such a great addition to my closet. The material is so soft. The fit is loose but not tent-like. It's also not see-through. I also have the solid white and apricot. They are perfect for layering, have a nice drape for a front-tuck, or can be tucked fully in or left loose.

This is another one of my favorite Spring outfit formulas: maxi dress + denim jacket + sandals. You can literally do this with any maxi dress. Seriously. And pretty much any type of sandal will do - slides, flats, heeled, wedges. I was feeling extra Spring-ish this day and decided to bookend with white heeled sandals and a white jacket. The heels plus the bright white elevated this to a dressy casual look instead of just casual.

My dress is by Universal Thread at Target, and it's new, but I can't find it on their website to link to. It is just at my ankles in length, unlined but not see through, and does not have a defined waist. The colors are dark and light purple, and it's tiered from about the hips down.

My shoes I got on clearance, so they're no longer available, but I'm linking to some similar options.

Pairing a button down with a pair of crisp white shorts just screams Spring. I fell in love with this outfit formula when I was still working at the TV station doing live outdoor shows during the summer. I needed to still look professional without dying of heat stroke.

My shirt is new this year. It's a little more fitted than I wanted, but the pattern is so cute. It's also pretty thin so you won't get too hot. My shorts are also from Old Navy, but they're from last year. They're on the thin side as well, but as long as you don't wear bright underwear, you shouldn't have a problem. I would say that this style of short runs a small. I sized up to an 8 and they're still a smidge tight around my thighs, and the pockets do that annoying gapping thing. They do stretch out some as you wear them, but not much.

My sandals and belt are both from Amazon. The belt is recent and comes in several more colors/patterns. It's a pretty good belt for the price point and limited times I'll wear it. The slides are more comfortable than I expected them to be. The footbed has a nice cushion compared to other pricier slides I've tried, and the faux leather strap is nice and soft.

I wore this version of the maxi dress + denim jacket combo over Easter weekend. I like the way the dark-wash of the jacket plays up the blue in the dress's pattern without weighing it down.

My wedges are new. The straps are clear, which is on trend right now. I'm not a big fan of clear shoes, but since it seems like it's not going anywhere anytime soon, I decided to give a subtler version of the trend a try. Surprisingly, I didn't hate these. The gold buckle and straw wedge help to give them structure, and because they're sandals and not closed toe I don't have to worry about my toes looking squished and gross.

You've seen this shirt before, except styled with white jeans and brown peep-toe booties. This version of the outfit feels a little more clean-cut to me and captures more of what I feel is my signature style. I love the clean cut of these boyfriend jeans, how the belt breaks of the almost monotone of all the blue, and how these two-toned slides are comfortable but not flip flops.

And can we talk about this circle bag for a minute? How adorable is it?! I've had my eye on it for a really long time and finally treated myself. It also has a shoulder strap which makes it easier to carry on outings.

*This post contains affiliate links.

 
In our house, Taco Tuesday can fall on any day of the week. Mexican food is one of our favorite things to eat, but I get tired of just plain old homemade tacos. Not to mention, our stove has been out of commission for awhile now. That's where today's recipe comes in!

Tacos are pretty simple to begin with, right? Well, this one-pot recipe stays true to the simplicity of everybody's favorite Tuesday meal.

Some notes: we use Bush's chili beans, the mild pintos. We also use Old El Paso taco seasoning.

You can really use any toppings you'd like. We tend to keep ours pretty simple with Fritos scoops, sour cream, cheese, and maybe salsa.

This is the recipe I started with: Slow Cooker Smothered Fritos Taco Bowls

Can you guys believe it's been one year since we entered the pandemic? If nothing else, the last twelve months have been great for my reading obsession. Although, if I'm being honest, I'm adding books to my TBR list faster than I can realistically read them.

Do you re-read your favorite books/series? I love to rediscover my favorite worlds and characters over the years. I'm almost always in the middle of re-reading something, especially in between new books - kind of like a palate cleanser. March was largely a month of re-reading for me. I dived back into All the Pretty Monsters series by Kristy Cunning, the Infinity Chronicles by Albany Walker, and the Lost Time Academy series by G. Bailey.

I also wanted to throw out that I read the first couple of chapters in Stolen Hood by The Grim Sisters, and it was awful. I was incredibly disappointed by how poorly written/edited it was. I was really looking forward to a Robin Hood retelling; so much so, in fact, that I added one by a different author to my list. Who knows when I'll get around to reading it though.

Last month I finished two series, two standalones, started another series, and advanced another I've been reading forever. Let's get to the reviews, shall we?

Author: Kerstin Gier

Dream a Little Dream is the first book in The Silver Trilogy. Liv has been having strange dreams, but none top the one in a graveyard where she watched four boys she goes to school with conduct a dark magic ritual. Somehow, these boys know things about her dreams, making her question if they're real. Instead of being scared, Liv is intrigued and determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.

It does end on a cliff hanger, but not an oh shit! one. I will probably finish the entire series eventually as I'm interested to see the direction the author takes the story. This definitely felt like it was geared toward a younger audience, but I don't really mind that. I really enjoyed the main character. I thought she was well-written and interesting.

Surge, Submerge, and Emerge (Salinity Cove series)

Author: Maya Nicole

Riley Kline has been virtually invisible all through school, but she gains the attention of the Tritons her senior year when her father disappears in the wake of an oil spill caused by his company. The three Tritons want Riley to find her dad, a man she's never met, so he can pay for the disaster that has destroyed their secret underwater home. They're literal tritons, mermen. In the midst of their mission against Riley, they discover she's a siren, a race of mermaid thought to be extinct, and uncover an even bigger mystery.

I'd been wanting to read a book that focused on mermaids and kept being disappointed. Then I found this series. I liked the character dynamics and was impressed that Riley didn't just immediately forgive her tormentors like is true in so many of these bully stories. Many of the reviews say the plot is unbelievable, but while this series is set in a modern-day world, it is fantasy, and in a fantasy revolving around sea people, I think it's not that far-fetched for them to seek revenge on the people responsible for an oil spill. But that could just be me.

Oath Taker & Curse Breaker: Books 1 & 2 of Kingdom of Runes

Author: Audrey Grey

Haven Ashwood is the crown prince of Penryth's protector, but when night falls you can find her outside the castle walls fighting monsters. When the Prince is kidnapped by one of those monsters, Haven vows an oath to save him. She joins forces with Archeron Halfbane and his band of immortals to not only rescue the prince but also to break the curse that lies over the land.

I enjoyed this start to a series immensely. Books three and four are already out, with book five set to release in late August (which is why I'm in no hurry to continue). Book two ended in a way that sets up book three but it's not so much of a cliffhanger so much as a to be continued.

Author: Bella Forrest

This is book 11 in the "Harley Merlin" series, but book 2 of Finch's storyline. Erubus, the god of darkness, drops Finn at the Mapmakers Monastery with zero instructions. When the god fails to break through the monastery's defenses, he forcefully enlists the help of Finch's morph friend, Kenzie, to ensure Finch's success in learning how to create a magical map. Erubus's lack of direction isn't the only challenge Finch faces. As the son of a late wannabe goddess evil villain, he is regarded with suspicion by pretty much everyone there, plus there's a spy in their midst.

I just want to remind you all how much more I like Finch than Harley. I struggled to finish Harley's storyline, but there's no way to read Finch's books without having read Harley's.

Author: Colleen Hoover

Let's me go ahead and get this part out of the way. This book is in no way like Regretting You. It's still masterfully written, but this book is much darker. Lowen is a semi-successful author who is hired to finish writing a mega successful series after the original author, Verity, is gravely injured in a car crash. Having just been evicted from her apartment, Lowen temporarily moves into Verity's family's home at the insistence of her husband, where she sorts through Vertity's office to get a feel for the direction the final books should go. That's how Lowen discovers Verity's autobiography, and in an attempt to learn more about Verity, reads it and uncovers some pretty terrible family secrets and the answers to a horrible mystery. I enjoyed it a lot, but it was incredibly intense. And that ending. Woo boy. I'm still reeling.

Blood Oath, Shadow Wings, and Black Crown (The Darkest Drae trilogy)

Author: Raye Wagner & Kelly St. Clare

When Ryn is taken prisoner by the evil King Irdelron, everything she thought she knew about herself is proven to be lies. Not only is Ryn not human, but she's an impossible mix of Drae and Phaetyn. Everyone from the human rebellion to the Drae and Phaetyn want to use her for their own reasons. With the help of her mate, Ryn must determine who is friend or foe as she fights for not only her own freedom but that of the oppressed, as well.

 
Happy Monday, y'all! I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. We kept ours pretty low-key after a week-long vacation. We spent Saturday with my family and Sunday with Chris's family. Alexis got to hunt and color eggs, and we all ate way too much (both food and candy).

Alexis and I got back home from our Spring Break trip on Thursday. That's the farthest she's traveled, and the first time just the two of us have taken a trip together. I've made this particular trip many times, although it's been several years since my last one, but this go 'round decided to avoid the Florida Turnpike since the rates have gone up so much. We took I-95 instead, and I liked it so much better, even with the extra travel time (about half an hour).

It's been five or six years since I'd seen my college BFF, Stephanie, and neither of us had met the other's kid. Thankfully, our friendship is one that can go years without being in the same place and pick back up like no time has passed at all. And our kids got along nicely, despite the three year age difference.

Our first order of business was, of course, the beach. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures because my hands were literally full the entire time we were there. We spent a day at Lion Country Safari, a drive-thru zoo that had a few small rides, petting zoo, and a splash pad.

Our last full day, we went to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. It was a neat little place with lots of hands-on educational exhibits. They were having a visiting human body display while we were there that the kids didn't appreciate, but they loved the fish and the STEM room.

Okay, so that was Spring Break in a nutshell. We had a really good time, and I'm so thankful to have finally gotten to spend some quality time with Steph.

This week is Alexis's 6th birthday! I can't believe it's been six years already. We'll be taking cupcakes for her class on the actual day and then having a really small party this weekend to celebrate. She's super excited since last year she didn't get to celebrate with anyone. I've still got to order cupcakes and a cake, and fingers crossed her gift from us arrives on time!

Also this week, I'm getting the tooth that I had the root canal done on crowned and should be getting the April magazines in for distribution. I'm really considering paying someone out of my own pocket to get them out to get those days back in my office. Oh, and Chris and I are both finally eligible for the COVID vaccine so we'll be getting those scheduled soon to do our part.

Needless to say, it's looking like another busy week for us, but it's an exciting one for sure. I hope you all have a happy and productive first full week of April!