drugstore diva

I'm a big fan of beauty and fashion blogs, which is kind of weird, considering I hardly ever stray from a product. I've been using the same stuff for years, because it works wonderfully for me. I'm not one to branch out when it comes to products I use on my body.

Bloggers like Kate are inspirational; she's always got great makeup and hair advice, but homegirl spends like $30 on a bottle of root lifter! I don't know about you, but us stay-at-home-mom-not-so-successful bloggers can't afford that bizness.

So, today I'm bringing you my favorite products, that can all be purchased at your local Walmart/Target/Harris Teeter, because honestly, who has time to go to Ulta, and who wants to spend $100 there? These are all products that you can grab during your grocery store run, and they all work fabulously, in my opinion.

For shampoo and conditioner, you can't beat Suave Keratin Infusion smoothing shampoo and conditioner. This stuff is the bomb. It leaves your hair shiny, smooth, and manageable, and it's less than $3 a bottle. WIN!

Bodycology products at Walmart and Target are great substitutes for Bath & Body Works products. Back in the day when I was a carefree single lady, $15 for a bottle of lotion didn't seem so steep. Now that I'm shelling out my entire life savings on formula, $3 lotion is more my style. The Bodycology bodywashes and lotions are very similar in scent and texture to that of the B&BW brands, but a third of the price. They also have a large selection of flavors as well.

 That's what I'm talking about.

I swear by Tresemme hairspray. It's a waterless formula, meaning it goes on dry. No stickiness, and a very buildable, flexible hold. I'm a huge fan.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub and Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer are the only products I'll ever use (except for Obagi... see below). The apricot scrub leaves you with baby soft skin, and the moisturizer has a tiny bit of medication in it to prevent breakouts. I've been using this combination for years, and love the results.

 

For all you ladies who love the Bare Minerals makeup, did you know that Walmart has a Physician's Formula brand that pretty much rocks your socks as well? My favorite thing about this line is that you can purchase a pack of "airbrush" powder, blush, and bronzer all in a set for about $20. Takes all the guesswork out of picking colors, and the finish is flawless (I'm wearing it in my photo over in the top right). I've gotten lots of compliments, and I highly recommend it!

Last, but not least, is my most expensive beauty product, like, ever. The only reason I own it is because it was a gift from my mother, but let me tell you, ladies, it's a miracle worker. Do you have freckles, dark spots, or acne scars that just won't go away? Then try the Obagi Skincare line. It's expensive and smells like ass, but boy does it work!! I've been using it for 10 weeks (you cannot use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding!!) and there has been such a noticeable difference. I've had freckles my whole life, and after using this line of skincare products, they are practically gone. I have a smoother, more porcelain complexion, and I'm hooked!! When I run out, however, that may be all she wrote. The trial packs are $183!! But ladies, believe me. If you really want your skin to look better, try it. You will not regret it!!

And, in case you need further proof, my before and after!

Isn't that crazy? And the best thing about the product is you never even know it's working. It doesn't make your skin peel or turn it red (at least it didn't with me!). It does smell pretty funky and you do have to wear a sunscreen everyday to keep the spots from returning, but hey, shouldn't we be doing that anyway??

So there you have it. Some (mostly) inexpensive, drugstore beauty products that won't bust your budget but will still leave you looking phenomenal! Go, spend the money you saved on a sassy new something for yourself!!

still alive... promise

Hello my bloggy loves!! I'm baaaacckkkk! 

I know, you've been waiting with bated breath for a new post, and I have been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad blogger. I took a little hiatus, what with the massive trip to Alabama, then getting back home and trying to get everything back in order and back into our routines. 

The break was good for me though, as I had time to think of lots of new and exciting ideas for this little ole blog. Sometimes the best way to revitalize and renew your passion for something is to take a step away, don't you think?

And I took a BIG step away, one giant step all the way from North Carolina to Alabama! My parents are getting ready to make a huge move across the country to Montana, so we wanted to have a good visit while we were still within driving distance of each other (12 hours is monstrous, but at least it's doable. It's a 6 day drive from NC to MT.. ick.) So, my lovely parentals drove all the way up here, making a pit stop in South Carolina to pick up my grandmother, and then picked up me and my little booger bear (that'd be the baby... not the husband. Although I can see how you'd be confused!).

Well, let me tell you. 12 hours riding the middle seat in between the grandmother and the carseat is no picnic. I was thrilled to get to Alabama. Although, traveling with D was not nearly as horrid as I thought it would be. Granted, I had a lot of help, but we got through the entire drive with no meltdowns, poop explosions, or mommy tears. My advice to anyone traveling with an infant is to plan ahead! Stop to feed your baby before he is hungry. Anticipate his needs, and you'll have a much more peaceful trip. 

Our visit was lots of fun. My parents have a beautiful home with several acres and horses, so it's kind of a country playland. I got to ride Apache, their horse whom I swear is my spirit animal. We have a connection, people. To all you who scoff, I scoff right back. That horse gets me.

I am an excellent rider, but I wear a helmet. In the event I ever get thrown, I'd like to retain brain function, thanks. Also, no one looks skinny while sitting on a horse. Just no one.

We went shopping, went to the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and spent endless evenings on the porch playing guitar and singing. Check out my Facebook page for a super entertaining video of my Dad and I's rendition of "Cups" from Pitch Perfect.

Beautiful day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. If you live in the area, I highly recommend it... it's free!!

I wish this was my occupation.

Torturing the poor thing at Old Navy. Kid looks good in a fedora, though.

Approximately 5 minutes after arriving home from the 12 hour drive from Hell. Notice D is awake, possibly cause he was so comfy cozy in his carseat and slept the whole way. :)

Love that chunky baby!

All in all, it was a really fun trip, but boy was I glad to be home. I drove my brother's car back so I could keep it for him while he's in Montana for the summer, which means I got to drive the entire 12 hours back! I dropped my Grandmother off in South Carolina and floored it the last 4 hours to get home to my Hubby. Where I then promptly fell into a coma on the couch. 

All good things

Today is my last day with mi familia! Tomorrow, we will hop in the ole automobile and begin the treacherous journey from Alabama to North Carolina. An 11 hour drive really disturbs me on a cellular level... I've been dreading this drive since we got here.

But, alas. All good things must come to an end.

Who knows what kind of shenanigans we will get into today? We'll go wherever the wind blows us.

Until tomorrow, blogaronies!

High Five for Friday!

I'm sure you've all noticed my sporadic posting this week... Please forgive me! I know it may come as a surprise, but spending time with my family trumps blogging! I KNOW! Shocking! But seriously, if I go too many days without writing a post, I start getting antsy. I guess I've fallen head over heels for the blogging world.

This week has been super fun! If you're following me on Instagram (alaporte) then you've seen the delicious food my mom has been making every night. If there's one trait she did not pass on to me, it's her cooking skills!

My mom, grandma and I hit up Old Navy yesterday to take a peek at the baby clothes. Who knew they had such great stuff?! And cheaper than Walmart AND Target! I was so excited.

Froyo. Enough said.

My little man turned 4 months old this week, and his pediatrician told us to start cereal, which I was so excited about! I know some people recommend waiting till 6 months, but our doctor said it was more developmental than nutritional. D is having a ball with it, and is doing great! Learning to eat off a spoon is a super exciting step in his life :)

Just because I didn't have a daughter, doesn't mean I can't do mama+mini matching outfits!

How was your week??

The America I Love

The events in Boston yesterday rocked my world, as I'm sure it did yours. 4 months after Newtown, the day before the anniversary of Virginia Tech... My generation has been defined by the tragedies we have endured.

After hearing of the bombings in Boston, I spent the day in fear. My son was born 3 days after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary, and I feel like I've spent his entire life terrified that when the time came that we were faced with something of this magnitude, I would be unable to protect him. I don't want him to live his life fearing large crowds, public events, and even going to school, but I felt that the only way to protect him was to keep him as far away from things like that as possible.

But, I've recently realized that while it is my job to protect him from what I can, his ultimate protector is my almighty God. Just as I should turn my worries and fears over to Him, I should trust Him to protect and provide for my son as He sees fit.

By giving in to that fear, I was letting these terrorists, foreign or domestic, win already. They want our country confused, shaken and scared.

But what these evil people do not know is that this country does NOT cower.

We do NOT run.

We may be frightened, but fear does NOT define us.

Every time a tragedy of this magnitude unfolds, I am unbelievably proud of the American citizens I see all around me. When bombs are going off and people are dying, our first responders and even civilians are running TOWARDS the carnage, to help those in need.

A report out of Boston today told of strangers throwing themselves on top of children they did not know, in order to protect them from the blast.

THAT is the America I'm proud to be a part of. These terrorists have no idea who they are messing with. You may knock us down briefly, but as long as we continue to rally together in the face of adversity, our country will NEVER fall victim to terror.

In the wake of yet another tragedy, I encourage you to reflect, mourn for those we have lost, and allow yourself to grieve. But when you are done, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and remember- you are an American, and we do not live our lives in fear. As Nikki Giovanni said when she addressed Virginia Tech 6 years ago-



"WE WILL PREVAIL!"





Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

ain't no cookin like momma's cookin

Y'all, I am at my momma's house in Alabama, and I have probably gained 37 pounds in the last 24 hours.

Homegirl can COOK!

Breakfast- homemade pancakes... Dinner- spaghetti and meatballs, and homemade garlic bread... Dessert- strawberry and Nutella pound cake panini with fresh whip cream.. I'm seriously in Heaven. I'm pretending I have no cholesterol issue until I go back home, because I firmly believe calories don't count on vacation (possibly why I'm in this mess to begin with?).


So, I highly recommend you try this phenomenal dessert. It was my first time trying Nutella, and let me tell you, I'm converted!!


Strawberry and Nutella Pound Cake Panini:

Strawberries
Nutella
Pound cake (try to get a good firm one)
Butter
Heavy whipping cream

Slice up the strawberries and pound cake. Slather some Nutella on the pound cake, lay some strawberries on top, and butter both sides of the pound cake. Grill it up just like you would a grill cheese, and top with whipped cream.

To make the whipped cream, put a bowl and the beaters in the freezer to get nice and cold. Once they're chilled, pour in some heavy whipping cream and start beating slowly, then speed up. Once the cream is stiff, add in some vanilla extract and sugar (just eyeball it) and beat that in.

This is seriously the easiest dessert, but sooo delish. Try it out, and let me know what you think!!!

High Five for Friday

Friday is here!! It's been a fun week around these parts.




1. My birthday was last weekend, and my husband surprised me with an overnight trip to the beach, complete with Jacuzzi suite! It was awesome. The weather was fantastic, the hotel was great, and we had a wonderful time. It's amazing how even getting away just overnight still feels like a vacation and leaves you feeling refreshed.

2. I got the movie Pitch Perfect on DVD for my birthday, and I've watched it approximately 87 times since then. If you haven't seen this movie, then RUN to the nearest Redbox and watch the shit out of it. Funniest movie ever. 

3. Spent two days this week working on a new painting for D's bedroom. I spend so much time in there, I was sick of staring at the same old boring walls, so I decided to spice it up with a little octopus named Ollie!! I really like how it turned out, however, upon hanging it on the wall, I decided it needs a fourth panel to make it look more complete, so I'll be adding that in soon.

4. One of my favorite things about Spring is planting flowers! The dollar spot at Target never fails me... these cute little planting kits were only $3! I've got cilantro, daisies and strawberries on their way :)

5. D went for his 4 month check-up today, and had to have shots :( Good news is that the pediatrician said he was ready to try cereal!! So obviously I rushed out to the store to get some, as well as some rubber tipped spoons, and now I have to wait until Hubby gets home so we can do it together.... this is motherhood, folks. You get excited about feeding your kid cereal.

I'll be in Alabama at my parent's house for the next two weeks, so posting may be sporadic! I'll miss you little blog-loves terribly! Have a lovely weekend!!