Prepping for a Summer Vacation//Bikini Wax

Thank you Waxing The City for sponsoring this post. Unwanted hair is part of life...and so is getting rid of it. From brows - to backscaping - to bare it all Brazilians –we’ve seen it all. With 100 locations open –you’ll be sure to find a Waxing The City studio near you. First time customers get 50% off their first service!

Simon's swim lessons, friend BBQ pool parties and family reunions at the lake + an overwhelmed mother of two attention-seeking toddler boys who doesn't have a lot of time to keep up on her shaving desires, don't mix super well--but who wants to miss out on all the water fun? Especially when 115 degrees is the norm?? Not me!

Overall, I'd say I'm a pretty low-maintenance lady, but the idea of not having to worry about shaving the bikini line for a few weeks straight, sounded like a pretty nice perk this summer. I decided to take Waxing The City up on their offer to try out a modified bikini wax. (You can try one too--your first service is 50% off!)

I scheduled my appointment online--it was so easy and even virtually the service was personal and top-notch. I chose a day Marcus was home and headed down for my wax--

Now I'm kind of a prude when it comes to being naked in front of stranger- haha, I'm going out on a limb here in assuming I'm not alone in that way of thinking. So I was secretly hoping since I was getting a modified bikini wax I wouldn't have to bare it all...I was wrong 😅. BUT my waxer was so chill and didn't make me feel weird at all. Of course, they truly don't care--they chose this profession and have seen it all, apparently they've done over half a million Brazilian! We chit-chatted about life, her engagement, and how it's kind of weird that we all care about body hair anyways. She educated me a little on waxing, but wasn't pushy or salesy at all. 

The process stings a bit, but was overall so much better than my first experience at a different salon, where they used much bigger strips of wax and the end result was bloody and bruised hair follicles! 

At Waxing The City, their goal is customer comfort above all--not speed. One wouldn't assume an hour laying naked in front of stranger while they ripped tiny hairs off my body would be relaxing, but I guess that shows you how un-relaxing taking care of two little crazy (cute) boys is! 😆

Here are a few tips before you head down for your first wax:

• Grow out period is about two weeks--the hair has to be long enough for the wax to grab hold--Your hair grows in two cycles--so you follow up wax will be even less painful, smoother and faster.
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• If you're going to make this a regular part of your routine, they recommend coming in every four weeks, to keep the hair growth cycle on track.
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• Coming right before (or during) your period isn't recommended as you have more blood flow to the area and it will be more sensitive.
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• Wait to do self-tanning lotion until after your wax, as it will be removed with the wax.
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• After your wax, let your skin rest for a day or two, then start exfoliating to prevent any in-grown hairs. I loved their sugar scrub and their exfoliating mitts for this!

• When waxing is done consistently, hair grows back slower and sparser. Some say it eventually stops growing all together! Okayyyyy 👌

I truly loved my experience with Waxing The City--most of all because of the happy, positive and comforting vibe of the staff and the cute and clean office. Plus I had NO irritation post-wax, yay! I highly recommend them and if you do decide to give them a try, make sure to use the 50% off your first service deal! Just visit waxingthecity.com to schedule your service.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Ima Jean Overall.

I'm itchin' for a pair, but the few I've ever tried on looked weird on me. I'm tempted to splurge on one of the following...have you had any luck finding the perfect overall? Or you a hater of the trend? Go ahead and tell me, you won't hurt my country lovin' feelings. 

(*click on the images to shop the looks, if you're in the market)

Spring Picnic Style

Weather's heating up and I'm quickly falling back in love with airy skirts! Here's an easy Spring/Summer outfit to keep you cool and feeling pretty.

Wearing:
Hat//Forever21 (here)
Shirt//Forever21 (old--similar here and here)
Arrow Necklace//Stella & Dot (here)
Skirt//Old Navy (old--similar here)
Huarache Sandals//Franchesca's (old--similar here & here)

Picnic with Stitched

I've already begun stressing about how I'm going to survive as a mother when summer hits here in Arizona. Simon and I are both happiest when we're outside exploring nature and enjoying God's creations, but when it's 115+ degrees, it's not even safe to spend more than a few minutes outside (besides the fact that it's completely miserable). But I'm trying my best to enjoy the time we still have before summer gets real. Stitched, a new custom design quilt company let me try out their service and I designed this pretty little picnic blanket, so we made the most of the cool evening temps and had a picnic on our back patio, both Simon and Poppy thought it was pretty cool and when they're happy, I'm happy :) I think this blanket will be getting a lot of use!

If you like the quilt I designed or have a design idea of your own, be sure and check out their kickstarter here and see how you can customize your own.

And please share tips how surviving the heat with a kid!

custom puzzle from this & that etc.//Simon's linen romper found here, moccs found here

Post Baby One Piece

kortni jeane suit found here

One of my childhood besties just had her first precious baby and she asked me to help her find a swimsuit that she would feel comfortable in post C-Section since summer heat is quickly approaching here in the Valley of the Sun! In case anyone else is on the lookout--here's the list. As always, just click on the image you like and it will take you to the shop (click the arrow to see the 2nd page as well)

Year Five: Wood

This weekend we celebrated our five year anniversary by taking a trip up north. We love a good themed anniversary and year five is "wood"--wood based gifts and a trip to the woods! 

It was our second road trip this month and we've been so lucky with how well Simon has been doing with them--maybe he knows that along with a long drive comes cooler weather and lots of time outdoors, his very favorite place to be! People are meant to spend time outdoors, having a baby has helped me realize this more and more. Being in Mesa during the summer makes me sort of depressed because it's dangerously hot outside (hence the reason we're heading on our third road trip this month tomorrow)! I love seeing this beautiful world through Simon's eyes. 

One of his favorite things, (besides nursing ;)) has always been watching the leaves rustle in the in wind. An aspen forest is pretty much ideal for such things! He also couldn't stop giggling at Poppy as she dug her heart out. It was such a beautiful escape and we can't wait to go back up to Flagstaff in the Fall to see the leaves change.

Marcus made me this pretty little video of our afternoon. I'll treasure it always.
song//Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

We absolutely love our ergobaby performance carrier, it certainly helps us get outside and go on more adventures! It's made out of a sportier mesh fabric that keeps you cooler and dryer for outdoor activities. And when you have a 22 pound 7 month old, you need all the help you can get carrying him around! I let my sister borrow our carrier this week to see if she liked it. She has a bitzy little baby girl and so she used the infant insert. She's sold and can't wait to order one for herself. This little miracle has easily made it's way to our favorite things list! I wish I were Oprah and could give you each one! Haha 

I loved my friend, Dani's tip on how to stay even cooler while baby wearing this summer--an ice-pack in the zipper pocket! Genius! Here are some more tips on staying cool while baby wearing in the summer.

on me: striped top//swell (similar here, here and here), initial necklace//barberry&lace (here), buffalo check flannel//jcrew (similar here), grey skinnies//forever21 (here and similar here), mocs//minnetonka (here)
on marcus: linen button up//old navy (here), jeans//american eagle, boots//cole haan (here), watch//skagen (here)
on simon: striped onesie//american apparel (here), paci clip//madeline's box (here), natural rubber paci//natursutten (here), performance carrier//c.o. ergobaby (here), mat//c.o. let's playground, red union suit//c.o. goatmilknyc (here)

Grabbed dinner to go in Flagstaff and picnicked in the park on our way out of town!

We stayed the night in Pine and had breakfast at the historic Randall House before heading back to Mesa. I couldn't even deal with how cute Simon was in his red long-johns!

What's been your favorite adventure this summer? 

Any traveling with baby tips?

This post was sponsored by Ergobaby, but all opinions are my own. I truly appreciate the support from my sponsors since it allows me to continue creating fun, original content for you to read. Be sure and check them out!