Chronicle 38: Say What?! Wednesday: Traveling with Baby

A friend of mine is flying across the pond with her adorable 8 month old in a few weeks. For those of you who are interested, that is a 10 hour plane ride with a recently mobile little guy. An independent, mobile little guy. She wondered if I had any suggestions for traveling with a little one and, after wracking my poor, tired mommy brain, I gave her a few suggestions that helped me when my husband and I flew cross country with G.

Baby G, at 3.5 months, and mama!

Planning the Flight:

1. First thing's first, it is MUCH cheaper to hold your child on your lap, no matter the length of the trip. Many airlines DO have discounted seats for children under 2, but you will still pay close to full price. If your child is not mobile, you are allowed to carry them in a Baby Bjorn or something similar.

If you choose to buy a seat, then you must have a TSA approved car seat for your kiddo. Usually the car seat will say if it is approved on the side, or you can check the manual it came with, or even call the manufacturer. If your child is mobile, they may not want to sit in the car seat the entire time, so be prepared to end up holding them anyway!

Traveling with a car seat

2. Try to schedule an early/late flight. Most children do better in the morning or late at night, and will actually sleep after take off. The cabin pressure and motion of the plane combined with snuggling equals nap time! We left early and came back late, and G slept for most of both flights!

3. In that same vein, do your best to leave on a day when the airport is not as busy. This will make it easier to navigate the airport and security. If you are switching flights, pick a layover that is over an hour, preferably two. This way you can gather everything, de-board, pick up the stroller & car seat, etc. without rushing, panicking and running through an unfamiliar airport.

4. It is painful for little ears when the plane takes off and lands, which causes VERY unhappy babies. The best way to combat this is feeding your baby during this time. If you are nursing, make sure you pack a blanket or nursing cover to take on the plane. You are allowed a certain amount of pre-made formula, so check with your airport's TSA policies to see how much you can carry-on, and how much you can pack if your destination does not have the formula you normally buy.

5. You can check the car seat with its base AND your stroller for FREE at the gate. They will have it waiting for you when you disembark.

Where to check your stroller

6. Airlines will ask you to bring your baby's birth certificate to verify age and identity. They do not accept copies. Even if you have obtained your child a passport, take the birth certificate as backup.

Packing for the Plane/Trip:

1. If you are visiting with relatives, ask if they have access to a Pack n Play or portable crib. Many hotels also offer these for free or an additional fee, so call and check with your hotel. If you are unable to procure one at your destination, see if you can fit your Pack n Play into a golf bag and take it with you. 

2. Pack enough diapers & formula to get you to your destination, then buy the rest when you arrive. This will increase your packing space dramatically. 

3. You will need at least 2-3 outfits per day for baby. If you have access to a washer & dryer, pack less and make life easier for yourself! Also, take bibs that can be wiped down and don't have to be washed. You don't want to have to worry about rotting food particles stinking up your suitcase!

Easy Wipe Bibs

4. An inflatable tub is cheap and easy to fold up and bring along. If your destination is warm, it can double as a baby pool! I found mine at Buy Buy Baby, but you can also buy them from Amazon, Target, Babies R Us, etc.

5. Bring a backpack rather than a diaper bag. That way you can pack your entertainment/snacks along with the baby's and it is easier to carry.

Vacation:

1. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible! Nap times and mealtimes should not be delayed and /or missed. It will be difficult because you will want to do so much, but it will be to your benefit to avoid meltdowns when traveling AND deviation from your child's routine once you return home. Little ones cannot handle it as well as we. 

2. Traveling on airplanes can cause constipation in babies, so be prepared. Give a bit of water and juice throughout the trip to help them regulate (always talk with your pediatrician first).

Juice!

3. Take a small first aid kit with you. I always pack baby Tylenol & baby Ibuprofen along with our Dr.'s dosage recommendations. I also pack nail clippers, a rectal thermometer, cotton balls, and Neosporin. You never know when you'll need them! 

4. Don't panic if you forgot to pack something! Many times you can find what you need at the airport, a gas station, or Target/Wal-mart/Meijer once you arrive. 

Most importantly: have fun! Traveling with a baby can be stressful, but roll with the punches and everyone will enjoy themselves. Please comment or e-mail with any additional questions, mamas!

Xoxo,

The Hot Mama

Chronicle 54: Holidazed & Confused

I love loved the holidays. Getting together with friends and family, taking part in longstanding traditions (awkward small talk until you remembered that you grew up with this person and have many hilarious memories together). I used to bask in sweater weather, eat too much turkey and gravy, and spend hours sprawled on the floor looking at old family photos.

When I got pregnant with my son, I was so excited to share moments like these with him. I couldn't wait to teach him the perfect dressing to green bean ratio, or watch him joyously discover the fun of running around with cousins while the grownups watched with knowing smiles. This was all before reality sunk in.

It's no secret that having small children is difficult. But there is a HUGE difference between "knowing" and KNOWING. Perhaps you don't have children yet, or it has been awhile since you've had little ones in the house. You may feel a certain sympathy for the mom juggling a plate of cranberry sauce and a newborn. Or the Dad chasing after the son who is going after Grandma's breakables. It might even be a bit funny to watch prized knick knacks wobbling toward the edge of the table. Later? It will be funny to me, too. Now... well, here's what you DON'T know.

Mom had a sleepless night before Thanksgiving because the baby was in a strange place and would not sleep in her portable crib. The little bundle of sweetness has graciously started teething and no longer requires that swaddle you found on some obscure website. Also, the months it took to convince said baby that Mom was not a pacifier have been shot to hell overnight. Add in some tryptophan and Mom's ready to plummet face first into her plate.

The son slept soundly in his inflatable bed on the floor of the guest room,  but you would never know it, because he is running around in circles and bouncing off walls like a pinball to burn off energy. Usually he gets to play outside, but it's cold and everyone is inside. The only thing that will keep him still and occupied for a minute is watching YouTube videos on Dad's phone. Cue the judgement.

The food is delicious and heavenly, but after the second baby the weight just won't come off. Please don't tell Mom she looks great as she balances a plate of food on her wobbly stomach. Thanksgiving dinner looks like too many nights at the gym that she will never have time for. Appreciate the thought, though.

The parents have not had a spare moment alone since the oldest was born. Holidays included. All the teenagers and college kids acting all moony and the older couples who don't even make eye contact any more make them feel alone and depressed. Divide and conquer, and hope that someday they will be reunited. WE. ARE. SPARTAAA!

What you realllly won't see is the aftermath. Children thrive on schedules, so even if the travel is for "just a few days", this throws children off and sends them careening on a downward spiral... with consequences lasting for days. Days = months in parenthood. It's science.

The son will refuse to nap. So will the baby. There will be LOTS of crying and tantrums. It will bleed into school the following Monday. Then an explanation to teachers will be expected. "It was a rough weekend. That must be why my son beaned you over the head with his Lego tower." Awkward.

The bags will lay unpacked in the parent's room for days. Laundry will pile up and baby girl will have to wear big brother's old onesies. OLD. She will scream and cry at the indignity. Mom and Dad will finally get a breather after coaxing the children into bed by threatening them with "Santa won't come if...!". The parents will then promptly fall asleep to Netflix. At 8:00 p.m.

What I want to constantly scream is "We're battling sheer exhaustion! Nothing will fix that, not even sleep!" To you a day or so of travel may seem like nothing. To us it's like Mount Everest.

The truth? I love you. I love you ALL. But when it comes to dealing with small children, please try to understand. I love my sanity and my schedule more. For now. 

"It's just one year."

Happy Holidays,
The Hot Mama

Chronicle 34: Say What?! Wednesday: Breastfeeding

For my first edition of Say What?! Wednesday, I want to put forth my version of a DISCLAIMER. This is not a warning label, or Interwebz caution tape. It is merely a "before you read/keep in mind while you read" type...thing. So. Disclaimer: I do not endorse/prefer/judge those who do or do not use said method. I am writing solely from my own personal experience. So please, no snide comments or debates necessary, mamas. Thank you for reading the disclaimer. Please, read on!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/welfarestateofmind/4459735887/

When I found out I was pregnant (or, as I fondly referred to it, "knocked up"), I did a lot of research. I spent countless hours hunched over my ancient Apple laptop and poring through a worn copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting, charting every second of my pregnancy and what to do once the baby was actually born.

It wasn't until I was weeks away from delivering that I received a shock. Nursing, as it turns out, is NOT an easy thing to do. In fact, once I stumbled onto this tidbit, it became a train wreck topic (you know, can't look away...). First time moms were terrified, experienced ones assured us that it was hard, but it could be done. With lots of help. The La Leche League website became one of my most visited sites, until I finally added it to my bookmark bar.

http://www.lllofaz.org/yuma.htm

Why was I so utterly shocked? Udderly? Ha. Because! I literally thought that you just popped the baby on. And they drank. And then they were full and you patted their little backs until they let out an adorable "urp!" Maybe you got to breathe in their little milky breaths while you were at it. And my nipples? What about 'um? I did not give them a second thought. Even though I became terrified that I would fail at such a "natural process of mothering", I was so glad that I was prepared. Glad that I took the time to really find out what it was all about. That is why I want to help prepare YOU, so that when faced with this decision, no matter what it is, I can somehow make it easier for you.

There is a lot of information in this post, so bookmark and "read as you need" or take it in a few times so you are not overwhelmed.

After Delivery:
1. The hospital where I delivered G made it a priority for mothers to nurse their newborns as soon as possible after birth. Not only does this start the bonding process, but it gives you a snapshot of what nursing will be about for the first few months.

2. My son had a hard time latching, so my room nurse had the lactation consultant visit our room. She helped by correctly positioning my son in my arms & also provided a nipple shield. This helps the baby latch on and stay on. It also protects the nipple a bit more.

3. It hurts. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, because if you're prepared for a bit of pain, then it is easier to deal with. You may experience chapped, raw, bleeding or cracked nipples. It's not pretty, but it is for a relatively short period of time. Then they toughen up and you can't feel a thing. It's a bit odd.

4. I made sure to make another appt with the lactation consultant before we left hospital. There is so much to deal with at the hospital, and all the information comes fast and furious. It is ALWAYS a good idea to get the information again. Make sure to leave with a pamphlet that details local nursing groups and hotline numbers for urgent questions.

http://www.ivillage.ca/pregnancy/breastfeeding-immediately-after-your-babys-birth

At home:
1. I drank ALOT of water from the huge bottle given to me at hospital. I relaxed on the couch and my man refilled it (what a sweetie!). This jug holds up to 30 ounces, which I downed every few hours. It helps with milk production, and keeps you from becoming dehydrated.

2. I became constantly hungry, which was not a problem as nursing can burn an 500 extra calories a day. I just tried to snack on healthier options like crackers & cheese, fruit, veggies & dip, etc. Some days I had chips and candy. Balance is key.

3. There are several different ways to hold your baby as you nurse. I liked and stuck with the traditional cradle hold, which is probably what you think of first. It was easiest for me to prop little man on the Boppy pillow (a U-Shaped pillow that fits around your waist and supports your arm while nursing). Different holds include the cradle, crossover, reclining, and football, to name a few. This article outlines them all, and provides helpful tips.

4. When your milk comes in, you may become engorged which is extremely uncomfortable. Your breast tissue will swell and become inflamed and your supply will not be regulated. The baby can't drink enough at one time to relieve you, so you may need to pump. Word of caution: only pump until your breasts are soft again. Any more and you will encourage the production of even more milk! Don't let the milk go to waste, bag and freeze it for when you introduce the bottle.

5. Burping, spit up, and gassiness...oh, my! For the first three months feeding, sleeping, and pooping are going to be top priority in your life. Anything that disturbs those will be the bane of your existence. Enter burping that elicits spit up, and a hold that allows air to get into your baby's tummy which brings on gassiness. There are a few things you can do to help your baby get through these disruptions, but they are inevitable. There are Mylicon drops, which basically binds gas bubbles, making them easier to exit the body (either way). These can be found at drugstores and are harmless enough that you can give them multiple times a day. I always gave a bit before and a bit after feeding. This seemed to help the most.

http://www.newbornbabyzone.com/baby-care/how-to-burp-your-baby/

5. NIPPLES. Again, with the nipples! Lanolin is your new best friend. Use it after you nurse. Yep, every time. If you can find them, get petal gel pads. They are cool and soothe aches and pains. Also, putting a few drops of breast milk on them and letting them air dry after nursing works wonders. Get used to always having your boobs out. Once you're on a schedule, it gets better. I promise!

6. You will leak. Invest in some washable nursing pads to wear in your bra when you go out in public. There is nothing more embarrassing than leaking through your shirt. I would also recommend having a change of clothes with you at all times. Between leaking and baby spit up/poop/etc, you never know when you might need an extra shirt!

Schedule/After 3-4 months:
1. When you're out and about, be sure to wear an accessible shirt or dress. There's nothing worse than realizing you have to get completely undressed to nurse. I purchased a few nursing bras, but after awhile I realized wireless bras can just be pulled up, AND they cost LESS!

2. Breast feeding in public is tricky. I do not like to do it, although I did get a nursing shawl. I tried it once and it was just too much for me. People were staring, I was trying not to show the goods, and my son just wriggled around and pulled everything out of place. I usually try to find a restroom with a chair or countertop to sit on. Some places actually have nursing rooms, which is a huge bonus!

3. Take a lunch box with ice pack for a bottle of pre-mixed formula or breast milk during longer car rides or outings. If there is not a place to nurse or you are unable, it helps to have a pre-made bottle.

4. I DO supplement with formula for the above reason. Also, if someone is watching my son and they run out of frozen breast milk, it is nice if your child can accept formula from a bottle as well. That has worked well for our family.

http://www.greenkiddie.co.uk/Bottlefeeding.php

When older:
1. Teething prompts the return of sore/bleeding nipples. Reacquaint yourself with Lanolin cream, gel pads, bottles, and soft bras. Nurse from the "healthier" nipple until the other has healed a bit.

2. When your little one starts solids you will be nursing less. Your supply may decrease or even dwindle, or your kiddo may not be interested in nursing anymore. This decrease in supply may herald the return of your period, so be prepared! I wasn't and my husband had to make a midnight run while on vacation.

3. If you missed those lovely little adult beverages, now is the time to fit them back in your life. Make sure you pump or have formula available. One drink is metabolized in one hour, which means it is not stored in your breast milk. Better safe than sorry, mamas. Go with your gut on this one. And be prepared to be tipsy after less than one drink!

http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/teething-and-biting

After much research and consideration, I decided that nursing was best for me and my family, but that does not mean it was at all easy. It was a huge sacrifice, one that I decided to make because of the positive effects for my baby and myself. Would I do it again? Absolutely!


Xoxo,
The Hot Mama

Chronicle 27: Bananas for Homemade Baby Food

When I first started Baby G on solids, I sat down and wrote a lengthy post about how and what I did and why. This is not that post. Wanna know why? The Internet gods looked down on me and said, "Not today, young lassie", and deleted everything I had written. I haven't had the time or energy to sit down and write another one. Until now. This post is brought to you by Cinco de Mayo, and the letter Corona-rita. 

I am a big fan of the Baby Bullet, which was one of the most useful baby gifts I received. We've already established that I am no cook, and this makes it super easy to make large quantities of baby food cheaply (I am also a fan of saving money). Another thing I love is that I completely control what goes into it. Organic banana baby food from our local fruit stand? Check. Sounds so complicated but it's incredibly easy. Here's how I did it:

These are most of the "tools" I used to whip up some pureed bananas for my little man. I say most because I realized that I needed to add some water late in the game and had to grab a measuring cup. So add that to your list now, mamas! Pictured left to right: Small storage jar, large blending cup with baby blend blade and lid, two 'nanas, bowl from Ikea, spoon, and the Baby Bullet base.

Here is the recipe as shown in the cookbook that came with the Baby Bullet. It shows you exactly what you need and how to do it. I used two smallish bananas and kept the 1/4 cup of water the same. Baby G has started eating those little puffs that resemble Cheerios, but dissolve instantly so as to avoid choking. This means that his solids don't have to be so liquid.

After peeling the ba-nah-nars, I broke them in half and dumped them in the blending cup, which was atop the UNPLUGGED base. Trust me, this needs to be unplugged until you are totally ready to puree away. When I say TRUST ME, I mean it. 

When blending the bananas I use the pulse method, which means that I twist and release the cup and the blade starts and stops. This works best for starchy foods. At this point, the blade refused to work until I added water. As you can see, I still had rather larger pieces of banana just hanging out.

Because I went to so much trouble finding organic bananas, I decided I should probably use our filtered water, rather than tap. So, here we are. Measuring cup, water, and nearly finished baby food. 

A little bit of water goes a long way! The finished product resembles banana pudding and has the consistency of marshmallow fluff. If your babe is just starting out with solids, double the amount of water I used for a version that is easier to swallow! 

I just adore these cute little storage cups! After spooning a serving and a half into the bowl seen below, I was able to get three of these little guys. I store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and if I have more, I pop the rest in the freezer. You can freeze any extras in an ice cube tray, and then transfer the cubes to a dated Ziploc to save room! These will keep for a month or so, and up to six months in a deep freeze. You will notice that the food turns brown (which completely freaked me out!), but it is still good. Toss it after 3 days, though! 

Ready for consumption! This literally took 5 minutes to make. Little man was keeping himself busy by chasing sweet potato puffs around his high chair tray.

Ready for the first bite! 

Success! We love bananas at our house! Just a reminder: make sure you throw away any uneaten food from the bowl. It grows bacteria super fast, so toss it and wash the bowl and spoon straight away!

What are your kiddo's favorite foods? Any funny baby food/baby food making stories?

Xoxo, 

The Hot Mama

Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored by Baby Bullet. I just really dig it! Thank you to my brother and sister in law for allowing us to make G some delicious food! 

Chronicle 20: Fear vs. Faith

After putting Peanut down for the night, I usually unwind with a book, or listen to some records while sipping a glass of wine, or peruse the "heavy" sections of the paper while my husband stares at me adoringly from across the living room...

PSYCHE! I WATCH TV. There, I said it. I unwind by watching a trainwreck of a reality show, or catching up on backlogged episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 (that I DVR every day). So, a few nights ago, I was all caught up on my stories, and looking for something uplifting. 

Enter E! and the True Hollywood Story of Giuliana Rancic. I've always thought Giuliana was adorable; she is super cheeky and chic...y. She makes crazy celebrity gossip seem like something important and exciting. And she is always honest and open about her personal life and struggles. I was so saddened when I heard about her being diagnosed with breast cancer. So saddened, in fact, that I started to cry.

Now, I don't know about all you mamas, or soon to be mamas, out there, but I cry ALOT now. Like every day. Sometimes more than once. Sometimes more than twice. So there I was, on the couch, remote in one hand, half-eaten Cadbury Creme Egg in the other, bawling my eyes out. But... quietly, so as not to wake the bebe.

Then, for no reason at all I got scared. Scared that baby G wasn't breathing (checked video monitor...he was fine). Scared that my husband's taxi got in an accident on the way back to his hotel (paranoid call...he was safe and sound, ordering chocolate cake from room service. Wait... I WANT chocolate cake!!) Scared that my eating habits will make me have a heart attack. Darn...no chocolate cake for me. But most of all, just plain scared that something would happen to any of my loved ones. 

Right as I was about to start hyperventilating (silently of course), I heard Giuliana's husband say something profound. He was talking about Giuliana's attitude about breast cancer and he said that we have a choice. We can either live by fear or we can live by faith. HOLD. THE. PHONE. How many times have I heard something similar? "Worrying is like a rocker, you never get anywhere" or "Let go, and let God." But combined? And so simplified? And so REAL? Never.

I don't claim to be religious. I've struggled with organized religion and the messages they put out in the world. Do not misunderstand me; I am so grateful that we have the freedom and are able to find comfort and something to believe in. But I look at my son, and how my body put him together and I feel as if there has to be something out there, orchestrating and planning and watching us grow. My life has come to a point where I'm ready to accept that there's more to life than just me and what I want. It's 100% scary giving up that bit of control. But Bill Rancic was absolutely right...it IS fear vs. faith. It's a choice, one you have to make every day. Quite the commitment.

I feel a bit better when I realize that faith doesn't even have to pertain to religion. It just means I acknowledge that most things are out of my control, and I can either be a paranoid freak, or let go of the paralyzing fear. So I am. And I will. One day at a time. 

Readers, what fears do you have? What have you let go of? How does Faith vs. Fear inspire YOU?

Much love to you all.

Xoxo, 

The Hot Mama

Chronicle 7: A Beauty Tutorial

Part 2: Video Vixen

Hey hot mamas! You know, I’ve been looking forward to filming this video for quite some time. Maybe it’s just me, but I have always been curious about other people’s daily routines, as well as the why’s and how’s behind it. Step by step tutorials are how I learn best, and the fact that you see a clear before and after is exciting (Is there such a thing as a beauty nerd?!). 

             Beautiful nerd? 

On the last post I outlined my morning skincare routine, and gave a sneak peek of the Hot Mama Fast Face. A product list can be found here. All of the products I use are for sensitive and/or dry skin, so please take that into account if you are looking to incorporate any of the products I show on the video. Also, I will make suggestions for alternative products when I can. If you have any questions about how/why I use the products, how to apply them, or where to find them, please leave a comment at the end of either Beauty Tutorial post!

Here we go, ladies! (Please forgive my terrible video taking/editing/tech skills...or lack thereof!)

***VIDEO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES***

Beauty Tutorial Breakdown:

My morning routine:

1. Clarisonic Mia for one minute with Clarins Cleansing Milk

2. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme peel for 1-3 minutes (once a week)

3. Clarins Toning Lotion, applied in circular motion with cotton round

4. ROC Retinol Correxion Eye cream

5. Jack Black Double Duty Moisturizer with SPF 20 (mixed with Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid on the mornings I will be leaving the house)

Hot Mama Fast Face, or the “Welcome Home, Honey” face:

1. Spot touch up with Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage 

2.  C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries Mentha Lip Buffer (to smooth lips and freshen breath)

3. Eyeko Strawberry Fat balm as cream blush on lips and cheeks

4. Bobbi Brown Tortoiseshell Sand Eye Palette, with darkest shadow as eyeliner

5. Coat of Millionize mascara if needed

Hot Mama Date face or, “Mom’s watching the kids” face:

1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation, put on with foundation brush

2. Spot touch-up with Laura Mercier Secret Camoflouge

3. Laura Mercier finishing powder or Mary Kay mineral powder in Ivory

4. Nars Orgasm blush

5. Bobbi Brown eyebrow pencil in Blonde

6. Two coats Millionize mascara

7. Mally black eyeliner

8. Satin Taupe, Bobbi Brown Tortoiseshell eye shadows – smoky eye

9. Clinique Black Honey lip gloss

10. Perfume: Flowerbomb by Victor Rolf, or Violet Blonde by Tom Ford (depending on how sexy I want to feel!) 

Friends, mamas... I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed making it! For someone as     challenged as me in the tech department, I hope that future posts are created much quicker and are not as primitive. Thanks for patiently standing by! I love you all.

Leave any questions you have in the comment section below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Xoxo, 

The Hot Mama

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Chronicle 6: A Beauty Tutorial

Part 1: Hot Mama's Must Haves

One of my favorite things to do online is watch beauty tutorials and read beauty blogs. I absolutely love learning about skincare, makeup, and new techniques and trends in the beauty industry. Taking care of my skin and hair is a big priority for me... I mean, we only get one shot with them, why not invest?! This is why I do not mind spending a bit more money on beauty products. There are, of course, a few drugstore products that are amazing (a few of which made my Must Have list).

Healthy skin is a great base for makeup, and depending on how clear it is, you can even skip the foundation! I keep my face clear with a consistent regimen. Baby G has 2 morning naps at this point, so I use that time to take a shower and perform the morning routine. My evening routine is completed after he goes to sleep. If he's awake, I will pop him in the exersaucer and move it where I can see him. Sometimes we'll jam out to the 90s. So, no excuses, hot mamas; it can be done almost daily! Truth be told, once a day is better than nothing.

                                                                  http://www.trendstyleimage.com/uploads/articles/40/image.jpg

My morning routine:

1. I use my Clarisonic Mia for one minute, with Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alphine Herbs, which is super creamy and fairly inexpensive (around $25 at Sephora). The Clarisonic Mia is a wonderful tool that I would highly recommend. It is wonderful at exfoliating and smoothing fine lines, and your makeup application will be much smoother.

2. Once a week I use a thin layer of Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal resurfacer, a pumpkin enzyme mask that only takes around 1-3 minutes depending on how sensitive your skin is.

3. Clarins Toning Lotion with Chamomile applied with a cotton ball in a circular motion. This is a very important and often missed step. Toner not only removes excess makeup and dirt from the face, but it restores your skin's PH balance after washing it, and readies the skin for moisturizing. 

4. ROC Retinol Correxion Eye cream (a drugstore find!). It is essential that you use a separate eye cream, and not just your moisturizer. Eye creams are specially made for the delicate skin around your eyes! This helps with dark under circles, as well (for all my sleepless hot mamas!).

5. Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer, SPF 20 with Blue Algae & Sea Parsley - what a mouthful! It's my husband's, and I love it. Super light and less expensive than my other moisturizers. On mornings I will be leaving the house, I mix it with Caudalie's all natural Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid with SPF 15. It is on the expensive side, but well worth it. I have yet to find a better sunblock, primer, and illuminator all in one.

Caudelie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid. Primer and illuminator in one! 

My evening routine is pretty much the same, although I use eye makeup remover first, and I leave out the Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid. If my skin is super dry, like during the winter, I will use a more heavy duty moisturizer, like L'Oreal Age Perfect Night Cream, another drug store find.

My Hot Mama Must Haves :

Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup Instant Natural Radiance, SPF 15 

Blush: Nars Orgasm

MAC Satin Taupe eye shadow

Mally black eyeliner (QVC, lasts for days)

L'Oreal Millionize mascara

Mary Kay eye makeup remover (used for YEARS!)

Eyeko Strawberry Fat Balm (cream blush/lip blush)

Ren Ultra Moisture Day Cream

MAC Satin Taupe, a flattering shade for any skin tone. Swipe across eyelid for day, layer for smoky eye at night!

I will be posting a video tutorial on how I use these products in my day to day life. For now, here's a sneak peek! 

How I use them:

Hot Mama Fast Face, or the “Welcome Home, Honey” face:

1. Spot touch up with Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage 

2.  C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries Mentha Lip Buffer (to smooth lips and freshen breath)

3. Eyeko Strawberry Fat balm as cream blush on lips and cheeks

4. Bobbi Brown Tortoiseshell Eye Palette, with darkest shadow as eyeliner

5. Coat of Millionize mascara if needed

Stay tuned for Part 2... I will be breaking down the morning skin care regimen,  and the Fast Face and Date Face makeup routines in a video!

xoxo,
The Hot Mama

**Disclaimer: I am not paid to endorse these products, I just really, really love them!!

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