Twee Blog

Mother’s Day

“Motherhood is the Greatest Thing and the Hardest Thing” -Ricki Lake

With Mother’s Day approaching I know it makes us all think about our moms and the amazing, wonderful traits or things they do everyday(Love you mom).  Or maybe it makes us all think about our kids, the ones that made us moms!  The other day Dusko asked me in a very joking tone, “When am I going to make an appearance on your blog?”  haha.  The funny thing was, little did he know I actually was planning to do a post about him.  You see, I think that your husband is a HUGE player in what makes you the mom you are.  He is your partner, your best friend, the father of your children.  Now, I want to preface with the fact that by no means is our marriage perfect.  Nor are our parenting skills!  haha, we are definitely still learning.  every.  darn.  day.  Aren’t we all?

Being a stay at home mom is a very HARD job.  I definitely used to judge it, in an “I want to do that kind of way.”  It’s hard in many regards because well, first off, your job never ends.  You don’t clock out at 3:03, or even 6pm.  Dusko is really good at understanding when I need APHUKENBRAKE!  lol  Seriously, click here to watch one of the funniest Youtube videos I have ever watched.  Seriously though, he tells me that I am doing a good job and knows when I have had enough.  He also rarely says no when I ask him to go grab me a coffee at Starbucks when we both know darn well we have coffee at home.  But, I guess he just gets me!  Or maybe he wants me to shut up and it’s just easier.  Either way, it fuels me!  Literally!

Dusko has also been very supportive of all of my business ventures/side gigs/photoshoots!!!  Well, sometimes on the photo shoots.  The real real on this is that, I need these side gigs.  They make me feel grounded, like I am still a human.  Point blank, they make me a better mom.  His support is obviously very important to me but truly aside from my mom, he is my biggest cheerleader.  Well, I should say fan(he’s for sure front row, 50 yard line if you get me).

Sometimes, ok, most times, he wakes up in the middle of the night for one of the kids.  Except when I was nursing and obvs he couldn’t do much.  But for real, there were times even when I was nursing, he would get up with me if I couldn’t get one of the kids to sleep.  I mean, this is a true co-parenting partner.  That was a mouthful.  Mom-ing is exhausting.  I may not always say it, but this is so helpful.  I mean, moms are already zombies, so having someone assist in the wee hours of the night obviously makes me a better mom.

The actual scenario that made me want to write this post though happened just a few days ago.  I had gone away for the weekend to my Beautycounter Leadership Summit.  I was gone for 4 days/3 nights.  I missed Max & Emme SO much!  Max is at such an age where he realizes when one of us is gone and is talking so much.  Emme was actually mad at me and didn’t want to even facetime me.  lol.  So, my flight was supposed to land at 9:35am.  I got lucky and Southwest put me on a flight that landed at 8:05am.  I was already at the airport for reasons I won’t waste your time with so this was great!  We live over an hour to the airport, even on a sunday morning.  Dusko got both kids ready and loaded up the car per my request for them to pick me up!  I know this was the absolute last thing he wanted to do(especially since we had a huge pile of mulch sitting in our driveway that needed to be spread). He did it anyway.  He didn’t do it just for me, he did it for the kids too.  I know that.  What I didn’t know is that they were going to park and come into the airport to surprise me.  He carried Emme(forgot the stroller-dad mistake.  lol) and held Max’s hand for almost 30 mins just to surprise me.  I know this may not sound like much, but to be surprised by your two little kids, who actually were fighting to hug me was literally one of the best moments of my life.  And this moment, only happened because my husband is a really great dad.  This makes me a better mom.

Thanks Dusko for all you do, I am the mom I am because of you.

XOXO,

Lissa

Why I still “sell” Beautycounter

 

If you have been following me for a little while you know I wrote a post not that long ago about My Journey to A Safer Lifestyle.  If not, You can read all about it HERE.  So, after attending Beautycounter’s Leadership Summit this past weekend I felt I should follow up with-“Why I Still sell Beautycounter.”  As I mentioned, I just got home from Leadership Summit(a yearly conference for BC consultants).  I was obviously feeling pretty inspired.  Have you ever been to a conference for work?  Even when you really dislike your job, you generally leave feeling pretty inspired(and so darn exhausted).  One of the Managing Directors gave an incredible presentation on her dedication and grit to be able to quit her full time job and replace it with similar income from Beautycounter.  Something she said just cracked me up, infact, Dusko laughed when I told it to him. So it must be funny, right?!?!?  She said after her first summit, her husband asked her if she drank the “kool-aid?”  Her response, “No, but I did drink the non-GMO, organic smoothie!”  Ok, ok, maybe I am actually turning into a nerd?  I still think it’s hilarious though, and the ironic thing is, I actually personally did not drink the kool-aid either but I sure did drink A LOT of wine with some great old and new friends!

Me and one of my oldest/very first friends-Britt!

Me and a bunch of awesome new friends!

They also had so many fun photo booth opportunities and if you know me, you know I spent a lot of my night taking advantage of them!!!

So, bonus, this business(side gig) whatever you want to call it has also made me a great new social circle!  I want you all to know I have technically been a Beautycounter consultant for almost 2 years, come this Sept.  I went to this leadership summit thinking ok, maybe I will dive more into the product, get to know some of the women, etc.  To my surprise I came out of it completely OBSESSED with Beautycounter’s Mission(and maybe even feeling like I want to be a politician-maybe in my next life).  It is a fairly simple mission-To get safer products into the hands of EVERYONE!

What I didn’t know, maybe sheer ignorance was that Beautycounter actually has a lobbyist that works for them and goes to Washington D.C. regularly, fighting to get a law passed with regulations over certain chemicals.  There have also been hundreds of consultants that have won trips to go with her.  If you don’t already know this, there hasn’t been a major federal law passed in the United States since 1938(come on people, the ball point pen was invented in the same year) to regulate the safety of ingredients used in our personal care products!!!  Beautycounter and it’s thousands of consultants and customers are MAKING a difference in the world.  It is so much more than just skincare.  I also heard someone over the weekend say you can’t unlearn what you have already learned.  It’s kind of like when your friend tells you a secret and you try so hard to just forget it so you don’t tell anyone else.  lol, but really you just think about it more!  You all know what I am talking about!!!  I will be honest, I used to kind of ignore people or just not read articles regarding all of these cancer causing chemicals and hormone disruptors.  Ignorance is bliss, amiright??!?!  But it’s reality and we are living it.  We are also raising kids in this world and if I can make a difference in my family’s life as well as people that I connect with, than I am here to stay!  I left this weekend feeling proud that I am a Beautycounter consultant, I left feeling like I really want to share this gift with anyone else that wants to take it.  If you are interested in the opportunity to really have a voice, or maybe just to make friends(lol), or just to get some awesome, safe, beauty products, click HERE!  Also, take a few minutes to read an older blog post of mine that was a Clean Sweep campaign Beautycounter did a little while back.  It gives great insight to a lot of the harsh chemicals and what you should try to switch out immediately!

Bonus:  You can shop all of my summit looks below!

Shop all of this look here

Shop all of this look here

Shop all of this look here

Shop all of this look here

Shop all of this look here

Have you consciously switched out any of your beauty or self care products?  Would love to hear what and why in the comments!

XOXO,

Lissa

Shop my Beautycounter HERE!

Adding a Pop of color to any outfit

This warm weather is giving me all the feels.  Seriously, isn’t everyone just happier?!?!?  I LOVE fashion and I LOVE color but since becoming a stay at home mom it sometimes feels silly to get dressed or even ready for the day.  Like who is even going to see me?  My 1 and 3 year old?  And if Dusko isn’t traveling, him.  Not to mention, most mornings we workout or go to the park.  Well, I decided that the reason I try to get dressed every day and dress like I have somewhere to go is because it makes me feel better!  I am doing it for ME!  Plus, haven’t you ever heard the saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have?”

I am a basics girl at heart.  Especially these days, I feel like casual is the new COOL.  I love to take just a basic white t, or in this case, a turtleneck.  Throw on a ripped pair of jeans(which really amps up the casual/cool level) and add that pop of color!  Pops of color can be added in with shoes, handbags, or jewelry.  I do love doing it with a pair of shoes, well, because what girl doesn’t love shoes?  They always fit right?!?!?!  Ok, except maybe during pregnancy!  lol.  I may be a rarity but my feet have actually shrunk since having kids.  Weird, I know!

Shop the whole look HERE

Similar Shirt Original was purchased at Electric Blue Boutique

Jeans

Shoes

Handbag

Similar Sparkly Bracelet ( I actually like this one better)!

Gold Bracelet

Similar Jean Jacket

Earrings

 

XOXO,

Lissa

***All photo cred: Emma Jo Vitallo***

But First, COFFEE…..

Recently I took a picture of my coffee and some other “staged” items and was planning to caption it-“But First, Coffee!”  When all of a sudden I had an aha moment-this is a load of BS.  haha, I mean, before I even had time to think let alone drink my coffee that morning I woke up to both kids needing to have diapers changed(Emme) and or go to the bathroom(Max), get dressed, eat breakfast, load up their snacks for workout class, I mean, you get my point here.  Basically, this caption just does not work for moms!  At any rate, it had me thinking about all of the other things we “don’t” get to do or things that simply have changed.
{The above photo is one of the many outakes I took of my coffee that day to only end up realizing they all stunk anyways!!!  lol}
Here are a few examples of how this chapter of life, we just can’t always go with the “plan” or what we “want.”
 I recently joined a new gym. Boy was I excited. Our “plan” was to sign the kids up for the child care and I could go every morning if I wanted and even shower there 😳. Well, we never signed them up for the child care because they both have been sick so much we didn’t think it was fair to bring them around other kids and didn’t want them more sick than they have already been. This winter has been brutal!!  We signed up in January and our “plan” changed. Come mid April and Back to my old workout routine I go! Which to be honest, I really missed. It’s this amazing village of women and kids with like minded fitness goals, fun activities for the kids, and great convo! Read all about it here.
{This is me after our workout class with both kids, just happy the sun is shining!}
Shop this entire look here including my $14 sunnies!!!
Another example, We were gifted Chicago Cubs tickets for Christmas(their second home game). The weather finally turned into spring and it was such a beautiful day…….Emme got sick(actually our babysitter too). We didn’t go. I really am growing up because I wasn’t even upset about the game, just that it was an absolutely gorgeous day and we hadn’t had one in awhile.
Fridays…omg I used to LIVE for Friday’s. Still do actually. It’s just a LOT different. Now, I get excited because Dusko will get home and my duties will have lessened. And if we’re lucky, we get to go out for pizza!
This is about what our fridays look like right now and that is just fine!
Long trips to target(or any store for that matter)….ALONE….I used to loathe going grocery shopping or anything. I’m not afraid to be alone but just Love having someone to chat with. On a lucky occasion I get to go alone now and I really enjoy it, I know we all do!
Getting ready every day? Forget about it!
Truly, my point here is, some day, we will likely get to say……But First, COFFEE!  And really mean it again.  This chapter is going to come and go before our very eyes and more than anything we will wish these Big kids were little again.  So I am going to try my best to cherish every second that I don’t get to drink a warm coffee or my iced coffee is watered down because I have added ice to it 3 different times.  This is a reminder to myself that even though the days are long, the years are way too damn short.

XOXO,

Lissa

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

I have compiled my Mother’s Day Wish List, just kidding!  It’s a gift guide, but basically it is either my wish list or some of my absolute favorite items that I think any woman would want or need!  These are not in order of my favorites or what I already own.  I just like them all, A LOT!!!  If I were you, I would just forward this along to my husband or children and let them choose!  haha.

  1.  Personalized Necklace- I mean what woman doesn’t want something special around their neck at all times.  Especially with the name or birthdate of their little bundle.  These MBM necklaces are all over social media.  Definitely the IT necklaces of the year!  At only $36, you can’t beat this gift!  And it comes in silver, gold, and rose gold.
  2. Fitness Tracking Watch-I actually asked in my insta stories what women want this year for Mother’s Day and this was a very popular response.  I have an Apple watch so personally speaking this is what I would gift.  It does so much more than just track fitness.
  3. Mom Coffee Mug-Obvi, this is truly what every mother needs.  Mom fuel, and a cute cup to drink it out of!  We are all just trying to stay awake.  lol
  4. Mom Shirt-This mom shirt takes the cake in my opinion.  The combo of light pink and then the heart around MOM, bonus the tank style.  If you sign up for their email list, you get 15% off your first purchase.
  5. Sheer Lipsticks-If you haven’t tried Beautycounter’s sheer lipsticks, you might as well just order one for yourself right now.  They go on like butter and rightfully so, the moisturizing is from the plant based ingredients!
  6. Apolis Market Bag-Ahhhhh, I gifted my mom one of these recently and am really hoping to get one soon(fingers crossed that the hubs reads this)!  They are waterproof and can hold up to 135 lbs!!!  This one is super duper cute that it says, WORLD’S GREATEST MOM!!!
  7. Diamond Necklace-Every girl deserves a diamond.  This particular diamond initial necklace is so petite and shiny.  It is adjustable to 3 different lengths and comes in white and yellow gold.
  8. Athleisure/Workout Wear-Mom’s live in active wear when we are hanging with the kids(might as well look and feel good while doing it).  Every mom deserves a nice pair or three!  haha.  Seriously though, Athleta alters pants free of charge and will even ship them to you when they are done.  They also have a “give it a workout” guarantee.  So if you aren’t satisfied, at any time, you can return it.  Pretty amazing if you ask me.
  9. Coconut Bath Soak-This speaks for itself.  I want to go take a bath just thinking about the calming essential oils!

 

That’s a Wrap!  I could probably compile wish lists/gift guides ALL day EVERY day but I won’t because there are way too many other things to chat about!!!!  What’s the best gift you have ever received?!?!?!

 

XOXO,

Lissa

 

OOTN

How is it already Sunday Night?!? What a beautiful weekend we finally had. Dusko & I got out of the house for the night with some of my girl friends and their husbands!  Parent’s Night Out!  This was us on the way there…super excited.  Thanks to my MIL for holding down the fort at home, which meant no babysitter curfew for us!  woo hoo

PSA-I SWEAR I steamed this shirt like 5 mins before this picture!!!Had to do a quick blog post for this OOTN because there are some great items here that you all need!

 This clutch is such an awesome piece to pull an outfit together. It’s an updated camo print and has card slots inside for all your goods(so v practical too)! It is currently out of stock(will be back in may) so I linked it and another option. My earrings are SO good, only $14, and light as a feather. Oh, and these are my new jeans I’ve been raving about. They are still on sale(not as good as yesterday-but on sale) So hurry and get them before the sale ends!!!  
 
Similar Shoes
Also linked a ton of similar shirts here
Here is a pic of Most all of the group from last night!  We had so much fun!
Hope you all had a great weekend!

XOXO,

Lissa

Trendy Twist on a Classic Denim Dress

I Love finding items I know I will wear time & time again.  Denim is classic. The cool thing about denim is that it is changed in so many ways to give it a different look. When I saw this dress I knew I had to have to. I love the combo of the classic denim dress with a trendy twist!  The trendy twist being the lace up neckline and the frayed hem at the bottom. Not to mention, the fit is pretty great. This particular dress is for sure a denim dress. Not just a chambray, chambray is a much thinner fabric.  Which is great but I like the structure this dress gives!  I actually took these pictures quite awhile ago, ironically it was warmer that day than it is today!  Hey Spring, thanks for stopping by?!?!  Would love for you to stay!!!!  I know I’m not the only one.  Because of the trendy twist on this dress, it really doesn’t need much!  So I literally threw on my favorite otk boots and sunnies and called it a date! This exact dress is Sold out(bummer) but I linked A TON of cute and less expensive options below! Also, my sunnies are on sale for $25!

Shop my super cute bracelet here because I couldn’t link it below!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

Photo cred: Emma Jo Photography

Mom Guilt

As defined by the urban dictionary:

Guilt a mother feels anytime she takes time to do something for herself, outside of work, that does not involve her children.
To be honest, I didn’t really have “mom guilt” when it was just Maxwell.  I would hear moms talk about mom guilt and I honestly would think to myself, “Am I selfish?”  “I really don’t feel bad leaving and doing something for myself.”  I guess I just didn’t understand where this stemmed from.  I felt like I gave Max everything I needed too and when it was time for me, it was time for me.  Though, this usually involved shopping or a mani/pedi(I’m sure Dusko wished the guilt was stronger on my end)!  lol
Once Emerson was born I started to feel a little differently about “mom guilt.”  I guess I started to understand it a bit more.  For one, she is a MAMA’s girl 100%.  This type of stage 5 clinger can make anyone feel the guilt when they so much as go to the bathroom( I wish I was kidding)!  She just makes me feel like she needs me more.  Maxwell has always been a little more independent.
Moms feel guilt for different reasons, some feel guilt financially because let’s be honest, kids are expensive!  So maybe that pedicure isn’t worth the $45 anymore.  Some feel guilt because they have to go to work everyday, and some feel guilt because they do get to stay home with them but not every minute of everyday is sunshine and rainbows.  Some mom’s feel guilt for taking care of themselves-I mean seriously, they can stay in their crib 10 mins longer so we can get a shower in!
I recently felt MOM guilt hard.  Dusko & I went on a weekend getaway to Arizona & California.  The morning we were leaving Maxwell woke up with a 102 fever.  He was crying and did NOT want us to leave.  I felt guilt, a lot of guilt.  But some of the guilt I felt was because I WANTED to make sure we got on that airplane.  I needed the break!  But I also knew deep down that he was probably going to be sick the entire time.  I also knew that Emerson was probably going to get sick, sooner rather than later.  Well, we got on the plane.  Max got better in a day and Emme got sick the next day.  Basically they were sick the entirety of our trip.  It sucked and all I wanted was to be here holding my babies when they needed me most.  In all reality, they were with their two grandmas and who better than to spoil them when mom isn’t there???  Plus, I came home(as a sahm) appreciating them A LOT more!  And guess what, they are just fine.  My point-take the trip!!  They won’t remember you leaving them and honestly by next month you will forget too.  Although, I do remember when I was in 3rd(ish) grade, my mom and grandma dragging me to some IHSA State golf tournament for my uncle when I had the stomach flu.  I still joke to this day that it was horrible!  lol.  I wonder if my mom felt guilt that day🤣🤣🤣. Sometimes it’s just hard to be in two places at once.
The cold, hard, reality is that our children are going to be much happier people the happier we are with ourselves!  SO get out there and do something for yourself today that you might have felt guilty about yesterday!!!!  What are you going to take the time to do?  Would love to hear in the comments!

XOXO,

Lissa

What to wear to a Baseball Game!

Ok, I am obsessed with Pinterest.  Especially when I am looking for something to wear.  I don’t need to have exact items for things but I do need inspiration!  So I am hoping this post gives you the inspiration you need when heading to the ball park!  I will admit I titled this blog post “What to wear to a Baseball Game” because I have actually searched this on Pinterest before.  Somedays I just can’t think straight, idk, maybe it’s because there is a screaming toddler demanding a different sippy cup.  Or maybe I just try to do too many things at once because I literally haven’t figured out how to relax?!??!  It’s true, I am 36 years old and I have a really hard time relaxing.  That’s partially where this blog has come into play, gives me something to spend my free time doing what I love!  This post is also partially selfish because Dusko & I are headed to the Friendly Confines(For you non-baseball fans, The FC is Wrigley Field) tomorrow night and I wasn’t sure what I am going to wear.  Well, I actually am still not 100% sure.  I mean, it may be snowing tomorrow or it may really be 62 degrees like it says.  I guess we will wait and see!

At any rate, I messed around with a few different outfits.  Disclaimer: I tried really hard to link exact items but almost all of my cubs gear is not exact.  However, they are items I now want!  Obvs.  This first look is what I like to call the outfit I wish I could wear!  lol, soon I will be complaining because I will be too hot in this shirt.  I like to find a shirt that fits with the “theme” but isn’t necessarily a team shirt.  Then add onto it.  I always wear a little something with my favorite teams logo though!  And of course my pop of color with my Tory’s.

Baseball Look #2, is such a cute, comfy, casual look!  Your favorite team shirt with super comfy leggings for all the hot dog’s and beers you are about to consume.  Layer on your denim jacket for that finished look.  These converse are go to shoes in the summer months.  The basic white looks good with so many outfits, and let’s be honest, have Chuck’s ever gone out of style???  Just get yourself a pair!  Also, showed a different version with a pair of distressed jeans and a sweatshirt tied at the waist!

Baseball look #3, I honestly think this ended up being one of my favorites.  I LOVE hats!!!  Just incase you haven’t caught onto that yet.  I know it probably seems like such an odd outfit, a winter hat and sandals???  Like, yea right Alissa!  But this is real life spring and fall baseball in Chicago.  I love this tee because it has ruffle sleeves and when you go to the bars or a gathering before the game, you look adorbs!  Add this poof ball winter hat!  Your look is complete.  I linked my exact jacket but also found a much cheaper version for you!

Baseball Look #4, this last look is probably what I will end up having to wear.  Even if it does hit 62 degrees, we are going to a night game, so…..it’s gonna be cold!  lol, I will probably wear my winter jacket too.  I linked all the shoes below for you too!

Let’s GO Cubbies!!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

Emerson’s Spring Fashion Finds

Emerson has been growing like a weed!  Which means we get to go do our favorite thing….SHOPPING!  My mom always jokes that she will probably grow up to hate fashion but for now, she’s in my hands.  We have been finding SO many cute things that I felt like I absolutely had to share them.  When I am shopping for her, I will admit it is hard not to get so emotionally connected to ALL of the cute, ruffly things you see.  I try, and I mean try, because this does not always happen.  To buy things that I know she will wear more than once and that are semi practical.  I always almost always buy one size up from what she is currently wearing so she can wear it a full season.

I love when Emme wears jeans, she looks like such a big little girl!  And cardigans are totally necessary for our crazy midwest weather.  Warm one second and freezing the next!  The only thing not exactly linked below is the jeans.  I can’t seem to find them anywhere!

Stop it with this overall dress!!!  The butt has the most adorable ruffles on it, I love when she wears it because it shows just the right amount of her chubby legs.  This hat seems to be sold out but I linked 2 absolute must haves!  Piggy paint is the nail polish, it’s natural and non-toxic so you don’t have to worry about your little ones eating it!  lol.  Dusko bought Emme and I these matching Toms recently and I can’t wait for us to twin!

This swimsuit was seriously only $11.99 and it even has snaps for easy diaper changes!  She is going to make such a cute little mermaid.  Shop this suit HERE!
I am basically obsessed with ALL rompers and this print plus the ruffles on it, SOLD!!!  They pair great with her new fishy shoes!  I wish you could smell them through the computer.  I want to eat them!  haha.  And what little girl doesn’t need a white denim jacket?  I know, I know, she will get it dirty.  Well, I always look at it like this.  Clothes are meant to be worn and stain stick can take almost everything out!  Her hot pink hair bow is only $2.50 and it actually stays in!  I also think it’s the perfect size.  You can shop her mini Fawn Design bag HERE!  I might just borrow it because she clearly can’t carry it yet!  But her school days will be here before you know it(tear).  I linked another cute blush backpack below!


Kickee Pants!!!  Do I even need to say anything about these?!?!?  No really though, these are my absolute favorite baby/toddler item EVER!  They are the softest and have the cutest prints!  I couldn’t find the watermelon print to link but I found you a TON of other cuties!  My parents got Emme this unicorn doll for her bday and she pretty much carries it everywhere.  I think she likes her crazy hair!  Beware, she is popular and you may have to wait for her to arrive!


This hook hangs in Emme’s room and we switch it out every season or holiday with some of her fun outfits!  This little purse is from her first trip to Mexico, so can’t link it but it even has her name burned into it?!?!  It’s so cute!  The polka dot dress on the left and the bubble romper are Matilda Jane, you can shop them HERE.  This yellow jacket is To DIE for!!!  The bow detail on the sleeves is just too cute!  It’s not quite waterproof but it will do the trick!  Fashion has it’s price!  I picture it with her Hot pink hunter boots!  Or maybe even just black.  Below are two similar purple dresses.


Last, I linked a bunch of other MM shoes because they are all so cute and I had the hardest time deciding which ones to get her!!!


Happy Monday Ya’ll!!!  The snow has to stop falling soon, right???  April (snow) showers bring May flowers?????

XOXO,

Lissa

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