Category Archives: Beauty

My big girl

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My big girl, my sweet, sweet child.

These pictures are already a month old and every day she looks more and more like a big girl, than my little baby. I love her wild, fluffy hair, and her expressive little face. Like me, this kid will not be good at poker. You know how she’s doing with out saying a word.

We adventure every weekend and explore together. She’s a sea of words, and questions, and energy. We snuggle in to watch “Stella and Sam” and we sing at the top of our lungs on drives. She is my favorite road trip pal, and as long as we have snacks and a park nearby, she is more than happy to go anywhere. We play play dough when the weather is too poor to go out, and I love watching her tiny little hands with their soft dimples roll the dough in to various shapes.

On the feeding front, we’re considering her weaned from her g-tube, but will be keeping it in for another few months. She’s growing like a weed; 3 feet or so now and is a bean pole.

She never ceases to amaze me, this wild-child of mine. My heart is full.

Yours in mommaness,
Raina

You really are beautiful.

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Did you know that you’re beautiful?

You are. You really are. There’s days where you know you look good, and there’s days that you hope you don’t look like a two year old throttled you all night. Through the damn fine days, and the damn hard days, know that you’re always beautiful. Anyone that tells you otherwise isn’t worth your time and energy-forget em.  Those that support you and make you feel good? Well, keep those folks close by.

I also trust organizations who support that concept too. A few months ago I heard about a new company, Don’t Call Me Ma’am, who was producing beauty products with a message of empowering women and feeling beautiful. The concept is simple-The products don’t have all of the ingredients that aren’t good for you. The product packaging is minimal and made from recycled materials. The last and best part? The company supports finding your beauty and loving who you are- at all ages, and all places in your life, without abandon. You can read their manifesto on their webpage, here. See? It’s awesome!

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When I got the invite to go, it encouraged people to come as they were, clean-faced, no make up. Umm. Dang. I wear make up most days, and usually always in public. I was down for a challenge though, and I am so glad I did. This is a great group of gals, and I was able to mingle with other bloggers. Tell me this doesn’t look like fun? Here I am signing the manifesto, and with other bloggers (hint, I’m the tall one). There was also wine, glorious wine!

DCMM-0138DCMM-0108 DCMM-0075 (1)I had a chance to chat with the owners and awesome ladies behind DCMM. They are wonderful and friendly-they come with a wealth of experience. Ileen Ruvinski comes with a background in marketing and product development and paired with Kathleen Spitzer’s background in skincare and working in managment for some big companies, you have a power house. If you put that aside, and just chat with them, you learn that that want happiness. They want women to find that happiness and know that they are beautiful. They are excited about their products and what they mean for women-no marketing ads exploiting women, and no using images that damage self-esteem. It’s skin care you can get behind. We talked about who were are, and why it is so important to have healthy images for beauty-as a mom to a little girl, I can’t get behind this idea enough.

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So, what products are there? There’s a lot! There’s washes, lotions, creams, serums, and toners. There’s something for all skin types and the fact that it’s free of pthalates and parabens and other toxic chemicals makes me feel good about using it. I had a chance to try out three products: the Wash It Away Cleanser, the In Balance Toner, and the Face Love Moisturizer.

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As with every new product, I am skeptical until proven otherwise, and after spending the past three years either pregnant, breast feeding, or waiting for my hormones to finally figure it all out, my skin is a fierce judge. When I first used the wash, I didn’t get it. It wasn’t foaming, and then it occurred to me-it shouldn’t! It was quick-put it on, rub gently and rinse off! The toner was nice and refreshing, a nice change to my normal routine (oil washing, and a touch up with almond oil under my eyes).  Lastly was the Face Love moisturizer, I squeezed a bit out and put it on, only to realize I squeezed way too much. Guys, a little bit of a good product goes a long way! After two weeks, I am happy to report that I am enjoying it! My skin isn’t as well, hormon-ridden, and it’s just as quick as my oil washing routine. No time lost and I get to mix up what I use? Yes!

So…Are YOU ready to sign the manifesto and give Don’t Call Me Ma’am a try? Here’s  your chance! You can win your very own set of three products, the Wash It Away Cleanser, the In Balance Toner, and the Face Love Moisturizer. All of you have to do is comment on this post and tell me why you’re beautiful. Share this with your friends, and have them say that you sent them for an extra entry! If you REALLY want to get crazy, go to my Facebook page, located here and add another comment that you “liked” me, for an additional entry!  I’ll pick a winner end of day on Saturday the 28th!

Here, I’ll even go first! I’m Raina, I am beautiful because I am loved, I am strong and I am one hell of a momma. You can call me by my name, you can call me Momma. Call me what you will, but Don’t Call Me Ma’am. 😉

Here’s to all of us and finding your beauty!
Raina

Please note: While I wasn’t paid for this post, I did receive the goods in exchange for the write up. Also, the pictures in the post are from DCMM and Revel Creative Marketing Group, who were wonderful in providing all images from the event and of the products-thank you, ladies!!!!