that funny little question

I'm officially on maternity leave, and officially realizing how horrible I have been at blogging!  And now that I'm on maternity leave, I keep getting the same question asked over and over again, "So do you just not know what to do with yourself?"  Every time this gets asked I just laugh.  If only that were the case, because to be quite honest…things have been crazy busy in the LaFuze household.  And I'm learning how to finally take a bit of a break, but it has been a journey. 

Last week at work was intense.  I wish being a teacher and going on maternity leave were two things that made sense together, but they don't.  Leaving your students for three months is a lot of work!  On top of that, I had parent-teacher conferences before and after school, leaving little to no downtime.  I basically had to tell myself that I wasn't pregnant so that I could get through the week, and solely focus on work.  Every time I thought about something that I had to do to get ready for baby, I would write it down for next week.  By the time Friday night came around, I was filled with such a mix of emotions.  You see, I've worked since the age of 10 with no breaks.  Not even in college.  So working is a large part of my identity.  Saying good-bye to that part of my life on Friday was very challenging for me, and the whole ride home I finally let it out and just cried.  I know that what awaits me is just going to be beyond amazing, but it was definitely challenging to finally wrap my mind around the fact that now I had to get ready to have a baby.  

Now everyone keeps asking me this silly question.  And the reason why I laugh is because I have so much to do!  Work consumed so much of me, that now is the time I can finally focus on preparing for our sweet baby boy to arrive.  This week alone I have gone to the chiropractor, a doctor's appointment, goodwill, put some final touches on the nursery, had our carseat installed and inspected, met up with a friend who I'm helping with a photo shoot, made dinner for my brother and sister in law, wrapped all of our Christmas gifts and shipped packages that need to go out.  Today is packed with more appointments.  So maternity leave hasn't been very restful and relaxing as I'd hoped it would be, but I know that after this week things will finally start slowing down.  (And hopefully someone will start coming soon.)  

Even though there has been so much business in our lives, I love seeing all of the beautiful moments we have had.  

Like Minnie snuggling on me whenever I sit on the couch...

Or having Lindsay over for a girl's night which involved eating way too much food and indulging in sugar cookies and hot cocoa...

Or braving the crowds for December Nights at Balboa Park...

Or finally feeling a little bit better after rearranging the gallery wall in the nursery…

(PS: In case you can't find your husband's leveler, remember that there is an app for that!!  It is so nifty and I used me phone to check that all of the frames were level!)

Or crossing off one more item off my to-do list and feeling so good about it...

black friday deals & squeals

Black Friday.  These words alone make me think of women huddled up in huge jackets with canisters of coffee, waiting in line outside of a store, coming up with their game plan for grabbing those items they just have to have.  Chaos.  Ruthlessness.  Clutter.  And I wish I could say I've never done this before.  But that'd be a lie.  We did the whole "Black Friday" experience a few years ago as newlyweds, wanting to get some good deals for Christmas shopping.

But this year something has changed.  I'd much rather sleep in, sit in my PJ's, and soak up the savings.  And there's a few reasons for this.  I'm not a huge fan of some stores that opened last night, on Thanksgiving.  People-enjoy time with your family!!  There's also this heart of mine that has been opened up to small businesses, whether they're local or far away, that I'd much rather support and love on.  Blogging has opened up my eyes to all of these beautiful women with beautiful families with even more beautiful stories.  We would love to help these businesses rather than wait in line for hours at big corporations.

So today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite online shops that are having some great deals today that you should check out!!

For Two Fitness
This online maternity workout clothing shop is just fabulous, and I'm happy to be an ambassador for them.  Staying fit, active, and healthy has been a top priority for me during this pregnancy and  I love that this company helps me do that!  Today you can save 35% using the code friday.  Right now I'm craving this new hoodie they just launched and a pair of capris, but I only have one month left to go so I'm not sure if I'm going to make that purchase or not.

Lisa Leonard

This woman is a complete gem.  Fun fact: I went to college in San Luis Obispo, and my roommate at the time babysat for her.  I've met her in person, and she is the nicest woman ever whose family continually encourages me through their huge hearts.  She is my go-to place for jewelry!  You can find something for everyone, and so many things can be personalized which is a perfect touch for a gift.  I've already purchased a few gifts this year to give to people from her shop and today's deal is almost too good to be true-so it might be time to get a little something for me! 

Naptime Diaries

Jessi is a blogger, a pastor's wife, a church-planter, an authentic, real woman of God, a "let it all out there" gal, and someone I LOVE purchasing from!  Her and her husband have a graphic design shop and our home is filled with beautiful versus that she has created.  We've already bought a few for the nursery, and she is just about to launch canvases this week!  Gifting one of her beautiful prints, or getting one for yourself, is a decision you can't pass up! 

Raven + Lily

My mom began learning more and more about human trafficking and before I knew it, I started to learn about this huge injustice that is happening in our world.  There are so many amazing companies out there that help this cause, and one of them is Raven + Lily.  They're jewelry is eco-friendly and fair trade.  They educate woman in poverish countries while providing them with the skill or making jewelry, journals, and hand bags.  They're jewelry is just stunning, and today they are having a huge sale! 

So, go ahead and sip your coffee, and do some good from the comfort of your home in front of your computer screen and support great causes! 

what's in my make-up bag?

Do you ever have those moments where you feel like your make-up is in a rut?  That was me about a month ago, and then my birthday came around which allowed me to splurge a bit.  And splurging on make-up isn't always something I'm game for.  I will definitely spend the right kind of money on the right kind of make-up, because I want to put clean products on my face.  So when I walked into Sephora that Friday night just needing to buy some new powder foundation, my feet went straight to Urban Decay.  Because I've had my eye on the Naked2 pallette for a while now.  Because my eye shadow desperately needed an update.  Because I was feeling blah.  Because I had a gift card.  So I purchased it.  And instantly, I felt amazing.  It was like I was Cinderella waking up to birds all around me, little mice getting me ready, and everything was just perfect.  

Since my splurge, I've finally felt pretty solid about my make-up routine and love that the staples I use help me put on my make-up in less than 10 minutes.  I know this will definitely come in handy when this baby arrives!  

So I thought I'd share what's in my bag and the amazingness of each product...

Eyes:

Naked2 Palette: these colors are gorgeous, and I love how versatile they are.  This palette comes with so many colors that my options are endless with what kind of look I'm going for.  

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Champagne:  I broke down and bought this just about a year ago, and I'm almost out of it.  This is a classic color that I always put on first.  It is my go-to base and it has just enough shimmer that it doesn't need much to be vamped up.  This was a splurge last year as it is $21 for just one color, but it will LAST! 

Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion:  For years I was a dedicated Clinique mascara user.  However, they stopped making the mascara I adored and the expense was something I had a hard time with since I needed to purchase it more often than any other type of make-up.  So, Cover Girl came to the rescue!  I've tried the orange bottle and this one, and I definitely like this one better.  It isn't as heavy so my lashes can still stay nice and perked up.  Plus, it doesn't clump when I put it on! 

Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation:  Over this past summer I read The Honest Life, and immediately felt compelled to take a better look at what I was putting on my body.  I have used Bare Essentials for years, but when I did some research I soon found out that that product wasn't a true plant-based product.  I went into Sephora with my book in hand, and immediately switched over to Korres.  I LOVE that it is a pure, plant-based product, and the amount of coverage it gives you is amazing.  If you use Bare Essentials, I highly encourage you to make the switch.  I get so much more coverage that lasts!

Sonia Kashuk Buffing Brush: I just bought this brush at Target last month, and for $12 it is my most favorite make-up tool.  Ladies-this brush works!  It gives me amazing coverage with my mineral foundation.  Since I don't wear liquid make-up, I really need a brush that will put product on my face, but soak into the brush.  

Korres Cheek Butter:  Who doesn't want to wear something creamy, light, and beautiful on their cheeks?  This product is dreamy.  I love that I just swipe my finger over the cheek butter and rub it in a circular motion on my face.  Ta da!  I'm done!