Ok, so this little tradition started wayyyyy back when I was in my first year of teaching. I remember going out and buying a tiny rubber “foot shaped” stamp and green ink and going to TOWN in my classroom. The kiddos went nuts and it’s been a favorite tradition ever since.
If you’re just starting this tradition this year I highly suggest these two books:
How to Trap a Leprechaun- Provides a fun background and answers “what & why” for the kiddo who may be wondering what in the heck you are asking them to do! 😉
How To Build a Leprechaun Trap– Is a great tool if you are needing trap ideas or if you have bigger kids who want to make something more challenging! It’s pretty awesome and even gives STEAM connections in some of the trap instructions!
(For more St. Patrick’s Day book recommendations, see my March Book Post!)
OVERVIEW
Legend says that the sneaky little Irish fairies are known to keep to themselves, hide their gold at the end of rainbows, and play general mischief on humans. They are nearly impossible to catch and according to legend, if caught, leprechauns will try to barter for their freedom by granting three wishes! The task- on St. Patrick’s Day Eve, when the Leppies are known to be out causing the most mischief, try to create the perfect trap to catch them…and score yourself some wishes! 😉
TRAP BUILDING
We started going away over spring break, so now I pack all these supplies up and bring them with us because the girls were NOT ready to quit making their traps. What I typically try to collect for trap building: (it changes every year)
tissue boxes
toilet paper rolls
shoe boxes
small paper cups
paper plates
twine/string
cotton balls
craft sticks
pipe cleaner
construction paper
tape/glue
scissors
paints/crayons/markers
Things Leprechauns Love:
rainbows
gold
sweets
green hats
4-leaf clovers
castles
the color green
grass
riddles/tricks
Tips:
We love to add creative accents like little craft stick ladders, a giant hole covered with tissue paper for the leprechaun to fall through, a fun toilet paper roll tunnel, hanging some “bait” from a string, etc. Get creative!
We sit around together to plan, discuss, look at pictures in our book, and then I let them GO TO TOWN! I step in only when they ask for help. If I’m feeling crafty (read as: needing to be in control of the craft) I’ll sit with them and make my own. It’s such a fun family activity!
Not into crafts? Target has some ready-made green box traps and “leprechaun mess” baggies in the dollar spot! Or this adorable $5 “game” would be the perfect trap too!
CATCH ONE?
We set out our traps before bed. We’ve always set them outside, due to the mess the Leprechauns usually leave in their wake, but you can obviously set yours anywhere. In the morning, the kids wake up and are shocked (and usually pretty mad!) that the tricky little Leps have gotten away (again!) and wreaked havoc on their traps in the process, leaving behind a trail of glitter, a “better luck next year” note, and usually a small treat as a consolation prize. (skittles or chocolate coins are their fav!) One year we got so close to catching a Leprechaun that he left his tiny green hat (cough, Hobby Lobby, cough) behind! He must’ve been so mad…everyone knows how much Leprechauns love their hats!
After trap inspection, we all go inside and eat Lucky Charms for breakfast…
(and Daddy has his obligatory Guinness)!
Top O’ The Morning!
**Also, if you decide to WIN St. Patrick’s Day by placing this giant inflatable in your yard, PLEASE tag me so I can share it! Bonus points if you dress up in this costume and dance under it. Come on, you know you want to! 😉
Foreo– I used to use my clarisonic to cleanse my skin at night until Samantha (my esthetician friend in case you missed Skincare: Part 1 !) warned me that they can harbor bacteria so I switched over to a Foreo Brush. The full sized one is a bit pricey, so I got the cheaper travel size option to test out and I absolutely LOVE it!
Samantha Says– If you don’t feel like investing in a cleanser brush, a good old wash cloth will do. Just be sure to wash it after every use.
GLOPro– I used to be really good about using my micro-needle roller but I’m just so dang tired at night. I try my best to used it at least twice a month. It’s great for stimulating natural collagen growth, regeneration of skin, and prepping skin for product absorption. When I use my GLO-pro, I use it at night, after cleansing and then continue with all of my night time products.
Samantha Says– “I use my GLOPro once every 2-3 nights if I can remember….so like once a week.” The GloPro contains 500+ microneedles that penetrate the surface of the epidermis,triggering the skins healing process (hello collagen!) and allowing your serums to dive a little deeper. The added red LED light promotes circulation and improves collagen and elastin production. Immediately after I apply my Growth Factor Plus serum by Rhonda Allison. It’s a “formula boosted with additional antioxidants, essential oils, beta glucan, and most importantly, Chondroitin. Chondroitin stimulates the skin’s memory cells and bolsters its immune system and enhances moisturizing capabilities. The synergy of this increases and enhances regeneration and healing and is also highly moisturizing.” From the Rhonda Allison website.
Jade Roller- These little handheld massagers are are fairly cheap and are supposed to “boost blood circulation, reduce swelling, and help your skincare products penetrate deeper.” Basically, they’re supposed to help with dark under-eye circles and puffiness from fatigue. “The increase in circulation can also help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.” [source: InStyle]
Handheld Fan- I use this tiny little contraption to “dry” and set my liquid products between steps. This is especially handy when I’m in a rush and need that vitamin C to soak in so I can apply my moisturizer & get out the door!
Silk Pillowcase- This is the one I bought! Silk fabric has 18 kinds of amino acids that are believed to effectively stimulate your skin cells’ metabolism, great for anti-aging. Silk is also much less absorbent than other fabrics, meaning all those pricey serums and moisturizers you apply at night will stay on your face, not be soaked up into your pillow case! I’ve heard they take some getting used to, but I’m totally willing to give it a shot if it means less wrinkles and getting more bang-for-my-buck from my skin products!
MASKS:
Drunk Elephant Baby Facial – prob my fav product/mask ever! Get ready for your skin to tingle ladies, because this little mask is literally like a mini-facial in a bottle!!! I use this maybe once a month.
Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask– Favorite Cheapie Drug store mask!! I use this once every 2 months or so, when my skin is feeling extra oily…this shrinks my pores like unlike anything else I’ve tried!
Mario Badescu Collagen Mask– Firm and tone mature and sensitive skin with this collagen and clay based mask designed to tighten, nourish, and purify skin. Soothing oatmeal helps to reduce redness and irritation on sensitive skin. I use this 1-2 times a month!
Boscia Luminizing Black Masque– This mask is allllll over the “beauty blogger world” right now, so I had to try it. It’s a peel-off mask, so for those of you weirdos like me who like to SEE results AS they are happening (Biorè pore strips, anyone?!) this one is for you! It boosts skin’s clarity and helps minimize the appearance of pores by removing dirt and impurities and absorbing excess oil.
*A word about masks. Unless otherwise noted on the packaging, masks should be applied to a clean, dry face. I typically clean my face, apply mask, leave on for suggested amount of time, rinse, and then proceed with my normal nighttime routine. I don’t typically do “sleep in” masks, but for those I’d probably cleanse, tone/exfoliate and then apply the mask as my “treatment” that night but I’ve heard you can apply “sleep in” masks as the last step to your normal nighttime routine.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion– Spot Treatment for breakouts. DON’T mix the bottle. Simply stick a q-tip down to the pink stuff at the bottom and dab onto breakouts. I put it on at night, sleep with it, and rinse in the am! Best EVER!
Alba Acnedote – salcylic acid spot treatment gel. No parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances
EYES:
Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum– tap-tap-tap around my tired eyes every morning. The Shaba is great preventative serum with copper peptides and soothing anti-inflammatory agents.
Kate Sommerville Goat Milk Eye De-Puffing Balm– I glide this little stick along my dark eye baggage in the mornings before make-up or anytime my eyes need a little pick-me-up. I LOVE this for travel!!
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream– I use this one at night. It’s their super-powered “get sh** done” eye cream with 5 forms of vitamin C & 8 peptides. It helps treat stubborn damage, strengthens skin, improves fine lines, and brightens uneven tone.
Samantha Says:I use a PIN PRICK amount of Cosmedix Opti Crystals every night. Copper peptides stimulate collagen & elastin, coconut extract and liquid crystal technology provide hydration, and antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals. It looks like unicorn tears!
Tip: Things getting pricey?! Try the Drunk Elephant “The Littles” kit. You get to sample eight products for under $100!
LIPS:
Vitamin E Stick– I love these little sticks of pure vitamin E & keep one in my car, purse, and bedside table!
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm is also an absolute fav. I apply it morning and evening at the end of my skin care routine! I love that it can also be used around eye area and on cheekbones for an extra boost of moisture & glow! Insider tip: The lippe balm itself is $18, so instead, I like to spring for the $25 “Out of Office” set which includes the lippe balm and travel sized bottles of the Virgin Marula Oil & the D-Bronzi Anti-pollution sunshine drops! Worth the extra $7 for two extra products, I think!
Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub-My lips get SO dry and chapped, especially in the winter. This is a great exfoliator for sloughing off that dead skin!
Honest Beauty Honest Balm– I used to use this for my lips but my friend Danielle (and spa-bum) told me to also dab a tiny bit along my cheekbones for the ultimate “glow”…it’s my favorite “fresh from the spa” party trick! Thanks, D! 😉
TIPS:
Don’t forget your neck and decolletage when applying products!
Have some excess on your hands after application? Rub that on in!!! Why not battle the signs of hand-aging and face-aging at the same time!
Rinse cleansers off with COOL water. Warm water opens your pores and we want those suckers closed up tight!
Do not underestimate the importance of drinking water and getting a good night’s sleep as a part of your skincare routine! Easier said than done…I know. I’m a night owl but have used the following to help me fall asleep at night:
A Casper Glow light– this little light syncs with your circadium rhythm and slowly dims over time to help you drift off to sleep naturally. I have one in all the kid’s rooms too!
Blue Light Blockers! Blue Light (hello tvs, ipads, phones, etc.) are one of the main culprits in disrupting our sleep cycle. I use my glasses every night to limit the amount of blue light my eyes are taking in! I’ve totally seen a difference.
Missing Something? Don’t forget to hit up the first segment of this series:
Ok, let’s talk Skincare! If we’re being honest, I only started caring about my skin a few years ago…riiiight around the time when my age started showing. Coincidence much? 😉
Anyway, I had NO idea where to start, what kind of skin I had, or what the heck “ferulic acid” was, aside from the fact that it sounded like it would melt my face off (newsflash- it WON’T!)
So where did I start?
First, I booked myself a facial at a trustworthy spa.
I was lucky enough to get an extremely knowledgeable esthetician who listened to my concerns, answered my questions, and didn’t push products and treatments on me. She walked me through what I should be doing for my skin and suggested a few key products. I then went on to research and learn more myself…it’s been overwhelming, but totally fun at the same time!
While getting a professional spa treatment was great, I understand that it’s not always an option– and that’s totally ok, too. Lucky for us, my amazing friend Samantha, who happens to be an esthetician, has been kind enough to chime in on my routine & products!
**And before we get started, here’s a quick (& embarrasing) BEFORE & AFTER of my face (I can’t believe I’m showing you these!)Left was taken a year ago when I first started my skincare routine (I’ve added/changed products over time) The photos on the right were taken this week. Look at how the pigmentation & dullness has faded and how much more consistent and hydrated my skin looks now! I have no makeup on my face in these photos (Although I had lash extensions in the “before pics”) and my skin has not been edited and do I even need to state the glaringly obvious: “NO filters applied!”
Ok, now let’s get YOU started on your own face transformation! I hope this little guide we put together helps you find some new products and establish a routine that works best for your skin!
*A NOTE* You might notice my love of Drunk Elephant products below. While I haven’t perfected “clean product usage”, I do try my best to select products that are natural, organic, and paraben-free over other comparable products and to buy brands that are “ingredient conscious” as often as possible! One of my fav parts about Drunk Elephant is that they give you testers of their products in most of their full size product boxes. I collect them for when I travel!
AM and PM SKINCARE ROUTINE
Ok, here is a no-nonsense cheat sheet of my basic skincare routine steps, to give you a little overview before we dive in….
Now let’s get down to business and break these steps down!
STEP 1. Cleanse
What I Use– Well, I USED to just splash cool water on my face in the morning…until Samantha came into my life. She taught me the importance of morning cleansing (and DOUBLE cleansing in the evening) and introduced me to my new favorite products: Eminence Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and Tata Harpers Purifying Cleanser (Both natural & organic!) But, why TWO cleansers? Read below…
Samantha Says-
Morning- I regularly apply acids & retinols to my skin during my night time routine, so it’s important for me to get in a quick cleanse in the morning to remove products and any build up of dead skin cells. I usually reach for my Eminence Stone Crop Cleansing Oil – keeps my skin soft and hydrated without compromising my acid mantle, but gently removes all the rest. Steer clear of face washes that foam as these usually contain surfactants and will strip your skin of essential moisture and can create an alkaline surface that’s favorable to bacteria – ew! If I’m in a rush and don’t have time to wash, I do a quick wipe down with Bioderma Micellar water on a cotton round. This removes heavy emollients, sweat, and shedding skin cells from the night before & will help your daytime serums & treatments be most effective.
Evening- I double-cleanse in the evenings if I’ve worn makeup or SPF that day (so, basically always). I start with a balm or oil cleanser – my Eminence Stone Crop, or I also really love Clinique’s cleansing balm (the balm, not the oil!) – and then follow that cleanse with either Tatcha’s Deep Cleanse, Tata Harpers Purifying Cleanser, or I just use my oil cleanser again. I have combination, aging skin, and neither of these cleansers leave my skin feeling “stripped” or tight, but they’re both equally as effective for my husband who has combination skin and loves that “clean” feeling. win-win!
2. chemical exfoliants (ie Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 ). I swear by P50. But if you can’t get your hands on it I would also recommend AH Liquid Gold, Pixie Glow Tonic (affordable option & sold at Target!), or Dr Dennis Gross Peel Pads (I take these when I travel, because they’re convenient and fool-proof). Be sure to wear SPF and/or cover up if you apply these in the daytime to avoid skin damage- or just save them for night!
Toning is one of the most important steps for prepping your skin for the serums and moisturizers you use after. Toners were originally thought of as a second cleanse – to remove any remaining makeup/sebum/cleanser – but toners are SO MUCH MORE than that. A toner can either help to rebalance your skins neutral PH and provide additional hydration, or you can use acidic toners that help to exfoliate the skin, and challenge it in a safe (and non-abrasive!!) way. Think of acid toners as the new “St. Ives Apricot Scrub” exfoliator for your skin- but, like, WAY better for your skin! When you apply an acid toner to your skin, you put your skin in an acidic PH state, make the pores act like little vacuums; pulling anything applied to it more effectively and deeply. This method is frequently used by estheticians during chemical peels, applying vitamin A/retinol to the skin when its at its most acidic state to drive it deeper into the epidermis.
What it does- Ok, yes…CE Ferulic is a SPLURGE for sure, but I seriously love it so much & it lasts forever! “It features an antioxidant combination of ferulic acid, pure vitamins C and E, and it enhances your skin’s protection against environmental damage. It helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution. It also improves signs of aging and photodamage, and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion.” [taken from DERMSTORE] If CE Ferulic isn’t in the budget, try Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum instead! But definitely apply some form of Vitamin C every day! Next, The TLC Serum I use at night has glycolic acid (a natural exfoliant) so it resurfaces dull skin and gently lifts dead skin cells away for a clear, smooth, and even looking complexion. I like using this one at night because it enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for maximum absorption [info taken from Drunk Elephant & Allure.com ]
Samantha Says– I have a rotation of serums that I interchange depending on what my skin is telling me it needs – for hydration I use Hydrafacial brand, for additional exfoliation Sunday Riley Good Genes never fails me for added exfoliation & pigment concerns, and for tissue repair Kate Somervile Deep Tissue Repair with Peptides is a creamy treatment that can be used in this step or as your moisturizer. Listen to your skin and switch up your treatments, or even better, COCKTAIL your serums together to feed your skin what it needs. I’m a mad scientist in my bathroom mixing multiple serums together – have fun with it!
What it does–The Derm-e is a silky, lightweight formula that re-hydrates, detoxifies and replenishes nutrients during the day. The Water Drench is a serum so you only need a tiny bit to make your skin glow & feel hydrated all day, without the heaviness of a lotion based moisturizer. I. FREAKING. LOVE. THIS. STUFF!!! The Drunk Elephant Protini’s formula “delivers younger, revived-looking skin, almost from the first application. Lines, wrinkles and signs of sun-damage appear reduced; depleted skin feels strengthened and moisturized.” Sign me up! Love this stuff for my night time routine!
Samantha Says– Hi. My name is Samantha, and I’m addicted to Skinbetter Science Intensive AlphaRet overnight cream for my nighttime moisturizer. This retinol + glycolic + lactic acid blend is POWERFUL. Goodbye wrinkles, texture, dullness, and frankly, my thirties! It also contains antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, and more. Holy. Grail. For another moisturizer option, Jordan hit the nail on the head here…Drunk Elephant Protini is really, really, REALLY good. It’s very rich, and best suited for a “normal” to dry or aging skin type. Kate Somerviles Goat Milk moisturizer is another favorite.
My oily girls – if you don’t like the heavy feeling of a moisturizer AND an SPF during the day, feel free to skip a moisturizer altogether! Instead, use a hyaluronic acid serum (like Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum to boost hydration and then go straight to your SPF. Side note: if you’re oily and you’re skipping your daily moisturizer and then cleansing at the end of the night with a cleanser that suds, STOP. Oil cleansers will change your life!
STEP 5: Facial Oils (I typically only use oils at night!)
What it Does- The Marula oil is “Like rehab for your skin, this wonder-working, luxury facial oil…helps to moisturize, rejuvenate and nourish skin while restoring a youthful glow. Straight from the “pip” of the marula fruit…Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is untouched by any chemical or fragrance, natural or synthetic and remains in its purest form.” [Drunk Elephant] The Sleeping Oil is a Retinol & Blue Tansy based oil. I use it a few times a week in the place of my other oil, because- duh…this tired mama needs some retinol in her life! (I only use facial oils at night because they tend to be a bit too heavy for me to have on all day.) Other Options- Le Prunier Facial Oil (LOVE! Could replace the Marula Oil), Mad Hippie Facial Oil, Honest Beauty Organic Facial Oil
Samantha Says- I apply Luna Sleeping Night Oil over my night cream to lock everything in and keep my skin hydrated but still working for me. This is a great retinol starter if you’ve never used a retinol or for anyone who finds that other retinols are irritating to their sensitive skin. A bottle lasts for what feels like forever.
What it does- Love this stuff! The Umbra Tinte has just the slightest amount of tint, with an spf 30 protection. I use it as my “foundation” every day! I love using the supergoop spray on-the-go when I need to reapply sunscreen without messing up my makeup. Other Options- La Mer SPF 30 Skin Tint OR for a non-tinted option, get Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer
Samantha Says– If you are staying home all day, no need to apply spf. If you’ll be outside (overcast days included!) or even in your car for more than 15 minutes, apply sunscreen. I like NeoGen Day-Light Protection 50+++. You need to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours if you’re in direct sunlight (ie beach days, sitting at the park, etc.). I avoid moisturizer/sunscreen combo products because I invest in really high quality (and often times $$$) skincare and don’t want those ingredients being diluted by sunscreen. I don’t need to wear SPF all day, everyday so applying it separate from my moisturizer just makes sense for me.
And the last, BEST thing you can do for your skin? Water, water, water! Drink up, ladies! Nothing will work better than hydrating your skin from the INSIDE, OUT!
Need some help digesting all that info?
I know it might seem like a lot, so here are some little cheat sheets for you. Print them out, stick ’em to your mirror, and voilà…just like the spa at home. 😉
And here’s a blank copy of my chart for you to download, print & fill in with the products you’ll be using. It’ll helpful to keep in your bathroom for reference the first few weeks until it becomes second nature: Blank Skincare Steps Chart
Have Questions?
Check out this fun segment below!
I chatted with a few friends while putting this post together and asked Sam if she would be so kind as to answer a few of our most burning questions! Hope this helps!
A:
1. A proper cleanser that removes makeup & spf but isn’t drying or irritating (if you don’t know if your cleanser is right for your skin take the 2 hour challenge – wash your face and apply NOTHING, wait two hours, then assess your skin. Is it tight and dry? If so, switch to something that isn’t stripping your skin of moisture, ex: an oil or milky cleanser, not something that suds.)
2. Sunscreen! Sun damage is SO aging and preventing it is so EASY and inexpensive. The neutrogena spf at Target will do just fine! If you’re investing in good skincare and not applying spf you’re just wasting your time and money.
3. An oil or cream, preferably one that contains antioxidants and other skin boosting ingredients. If you’re washing your face and not following up by feeding your skin the moisture it needs you’re going to have dull and often times wrinkly/crepe-paper looking fine lines caused by surface dehydration.
A:
This is a tough one because it’s very age related, but if you already have the items above and are looking to really invest in your skincare I would say that anyone over age 30 should start using retinol in their nighttime routine, and if you’re currently using physical exfoliants (St Ives Apricot scrub, anyone?) to instead invest in a good chemical exfoliant/toner/serum like P50, Drunk Elephant TLC, Sunday Riley Good Genes, etc. Physical exfoliants can be so so damaging to the skin, and many of the chemical exfoliating serums mentioned above also contain other great ingredients for your skin and benefit a wide range of skin types and conditions.
A:
YES!!! I sleep on a SLIP pillowcase every night, and I’ve even splurged over the years on extras for my daughters and husband because they’re just so great!! You spend a third of your life in bed, and if you’re like me, you sleep with your face squished against the pillow just begging for wrinkles. Silk pillowcases reduce friction by more than 40% and that benefit spans beyond just your skin – less tangled, damaged, bed-head hair is another perk! Cotton pillowcases are also far more absorbent and I’m not investing in quality skincare just to see it absorbed by my cotton pillowcase. 😉
A:
This is a rabbit hole…
Are you only breaking out around your time of the month? Are your breakouts around your chin area (a usual sign that it’s hormonal)? Are your “breakouts” deep under the skin or on the surface with visible white heads? Looooots of factors here. (Please feel free to message me personally if you have specific skincare concerns, I am happy to help you in a more targeted way here!!)
If you’re already using a retinol and chemical exfoliant toner/serum and still having significant breakouts I would start first by determining if your “breakouts” are true acne or a reaction to products you’re using (overexfoliating, overly dry and stripped skin, or an allergy, etc). Second to that I would eliminate dairy. I did this after having my second daughter (she had allergies) and was SHOCKED by the dramatic change in my skin.
Acne spot treatments are great for treating what’s already there. Salicylic acid is an oil-eater and exfoliant and is best used on black and white heads, as well as those bumps that don’t seem to come to a head. Benzoyl peroxide treatments are best for those big, red, puss filled zits as it kills bacteria.
A:
Ok, here’s the deal. The concern is with overexfolition, and PH. Vitamin A (retinol), the holy grail of skincare, is an antioxidant and works on a cellular level supporting cell production, collagen, and fibroblasts that keep your skin firm, plump, and visibly less wrinkly. Acids, on the other hand, work on the surface of the skin to slough away dead skin cells. While retinol does cause cell turnover, it is not an exfoliant. If you are noticing significant redness, dryness, peeling, and irritation, CUT BACK; alternate using retinol every other night until you’ve built up more tolerance, or find a formula with a lower percentage of vitamin A (an over the counter retinoid like Luna Night Oil is a great place to start) What you really need to know is that keeping your skin hydrated and protected from the sun is the most important thing you should do because as your skin sheds the “adult cells” and reveals new “baby cells” they are fragile and the sun can cause loss of firmness, pigmentation, and wrinkles, and that goes against everything we’re working towards!
Vitamin C + retinol is another concern people have, but fear not. Vitamin C remains stable at a low PH level and previously the concern was that retinol would be ineffective at that PH but that myth has since been debunked. So mix away!
You can follow me on my skin specific Instagram @heyskingirl (I have been inactive recently while getting settled into our new home state, but this was just the motivation I needed to get back at it!), my personal account @samantha.m.hawes or email me at samanthamhawes@gmail.com
**Tip: Things getting pricey?! Try the Drunk Elephant “The Littles” kit. You get to sample eight products for under $100! Also, I built up my collection over a year…don’t think you need to go buy everything at
Ready for MORE?
For my favorite skincare tools, masks, eye products, etc. check out Skincare: Part 2 where we chat about face tools, eyes, lips, masks and more!
Ok, better late than never, right? The good news is, lots of these Valentine’s Gift Giving ideas are super affordable and can be purchased & here in time for the big day!
FOR YOUR KIDDOS
My mom always says, “Don’t set expectations you don’t intend to keep.”
Translation:
Do I want to spoil my kiddos with overflowing baskets on Valentine’s Day because I love them and because gift-giving is my love language? Yes.
If I do this one year, will they they expect this every single year and be disappointed the year that I don’t/can’t do it. Also yes.
So- we keep it small and simple on V-day. Just a little surprise for them to open. And hey, if you do it up BIG…good for you! If you don’t- that’s awesome, too! To each their own, right? We like to do it up a bit at Easter (see my Easter basket post HERE) – so there’s no judgement here if your house looks like Christmas morning on Valentine’s Day or if you just give your kiddos a big hug and tell them how much you love them an extra amount of times! This is just what we do. 🙂
I found these super cute tin pails at Hobby Lobby. I got white for the girls and red for Max! I can use them year after year and they are small enough to prevent me from trying to fill them with TOO much junk! 😉
What the girls are getting: a candy necklace, JoJo Siwa bath bomb, heart cookie, enamel pins, a few surprise packs (ALL from Target) and a cute little sequins mermaid tail key ring for their backpacks (from Hobby Lobby). I might throw a new book in each girl’s pail from my recent Usborne haul.
What Max is getting: “Feelings” felt activity book, some Annie’s gummies, (both from Target) a Paw Patrol surprise pack, and Mickey Mouse lollipop spinner (both from Hobby Lobby)
CLASS VALENTINES
For Max- We went easy. I didn’t want to do candy for toddlers and lots of the cheap toys I found were borderline chokeables. So back to my old applesauce pouch it is! My sweet and crazy talented friend Steph from Joy Creative Shop (our kiddos go to school together and she is literally one of the sweetest humans ever!) created these (and ALL of my) tags this year! How CUUUTE are these Awesome Sauce tags?! Add some cute ribbon and boom- easiest, cheapest valentine’s ever!
For Ardyn- I always love to think of non-candy ideas, especially while they are still little and before you become “the lame mom who gives crayons” in elementary school…ahem, Q!! I think these “I heart U” crayon sets from the sweet mama @kelseypaigefrazier on IG are just SO precious and the kiddos will love them. They were the most expensive of all the class valentines I did this year, but Ardyn’s preschool class is super small so it worked out! These would be great to give out to just close friends or if you have a small class, too! Of, course the Joy Creative Shop “Color My World” tags were the PERFECT addition!!
For Quinlin- For Q’s fairly large class, I wanted something on the cheaper/easier side. I found this big containers of individually wrapped cookies at Target! They were called “DecoCookies” and came 8 to a box. I slapped on some simple, yet precious sticker tags from Joy Creative Shop and boom- cheap & easy!
FOR TEACHERS/ASSISTANTS, ETC.
Ok, the KEY to my Teacher Valentines this year was THIS precious printable Joy Creative Shop made for me. Have your kiddo fill it out and it instantly makes ANY little treat you give more personal and meaningful!!
Best news EVER? Steph created these as FREEEEEEE printables for YOU! All you need to do is sign up for her newletter- hurry, run!!! I plan on filling them out for each of my kiddos and sticking them in their Valentines buckets, too!
A few ideas to pair with your printables:
Pair your printable with some beautiful heart stationary or initial notepad from Joy Creative Shop and a cute pen!
Found this sweet heart clip board at Hobby Lobby. I used some transfer letters (also from HL) to personalize the clipboard with the teacher’s name!
Literally ANY little treat! The tiny mason jars were in the $ spot at Target and I filled them with these sour hearts from Target and the XO gummies from Trader Joes. Another cute idea- paper heart boxes (craft section at Target) filled with some heart shaped candies. Orrrr…my favorite idea: A perfectly sweet cupcake from your local bakery, wrapped up with some cute twine! (white cupcake boxes from Hobby Lobby!)
Seriously, these Joy Creative Shop printables work with ANYTHING! I’m obsessed! Go get yours—> HERE!
FOR GRANDPARENTS/RELATIVES
Create a mini Chatbook photo book with pics from a recent trip or a fun memory and pair with your Joy Creative Shop printable! Seriously, how cute is that!?! New to Chatbooks? Click HERE for $10 off your first book order!
GALENTINES (Or, hey- TEACHERS too!)
Pretty much obsessed with the idea of a funny mug (SimplyMade Greetings are my FAVORITE!) filled with some candy and paired with a cute O-Ring key chain from O-Venture ( My favorite gift to give!) Fill with some candies, maybe a can of prosecco and don’t forget to add a sweet printable to tell your gal pal why you adore her so much…even if it is because she loves wines as much as you! 😉
Have you ever received a Galentine? I received my first EVER Galentine from none other than Steph from Joy Creative last year and, I mean…it MADE. MY. DAY!
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Ryan and I don’t really do Valentine’s Day, but if we did- I’d give him a “Date Night” coupon- line up a sitter & make reservations to a fun new restaurant we’ve never been to before!
FOR IDEAS OF VALENTINE’S WE’VE GIVEN IN THE PAST, CHECK OUT THIS POST!
Happy Heart Day, friends!
Don’t Want to Forget these ideas? Or would you like to share them with friends?
Hi friends- I found a few awesome things lately that I wanted to share with you!
Reverse Umbrella– I saw this years ago when it was just a “brainstorm” idea. I remember showing Ryan and talking about how smart it was and then– BOOM! I walk into Target last week on a rainy day and there it was! I’m so proud of whoever invented this little nugget of gold. I feel like I’ve been there since the beginning! 😉 Picture yourself running to your car in the rain, you get in your seat, then need to stand up, lift your umbrella up over your door, close it down and alllllllll the accumulated rain drops from the top of the umbrella come rolling down onto you, getting you (and your seat) soaking wet. Well this genius little contraption closes UPwards…trapping all the raindrops, allowing you to stay seated and easily close your umbrella from your car seat, and keeping you dry. Everyone needs one!
Quip Toothbrush– I’ve also been watching this little sucker since it was a kickstarter and cost like a million dollars. But again- now it’s at Target and it was on sale for $40! It’s basically a sleek, redesigned, much cooler Sonicare. It’s lightweight, waterproof, comes with a cool holder that sticks to your bathroom mirror/tile, and doesn’t have the bulky charger. Go check it out…I bought one and I’m already in love!
Ever Co Sweatshirts– I recently bought my first “mom” sweatshirt from this sweet little company after buying cute holiday tees from them for the kids. My “soccer mom” sweatshirt arrived yesterday and it is the coziest EVER! I’ll def be buying more! (I’m a pretty solid medium and at first I was bummed when it arrived and I saw that I didn’t order a large because I don’t like my sweatshirts even a little bit fitted. But this Medium is roomy & cozy and basically fits perfectly!)
Two Words: Leopard. Hunters. Can you tell it’s been raining a lot here?!
Ask child’s teacher to sign it at the end of each school year
Present book to your child at a crucial point in their educational career (8th grade/high school graduation)
The Details:
So I found this idea on Pinterest forever ago and, having been a teacher myself, thought it would be so cute to implement when I had my own children. I started when Q was in preschool and so far, I’ve kept up with both her and Ardyn’s books every year.
I recently shared this idea on my Instagram stories and got SO many messages about it, I figured I’d do a mini blog post with all the info!
Again, this was NOT my original idea and of course, you can tweak this little project to best suit you & your children!
Here is what I do:
I chose to do a different book for each kid. I started with the quintessential Oh, The places You’ll Go with Q. But then I started seeing other amazing books out there and thought- why not mix it up?
I found this instructional poem on Pinterest– I DID NOT write it. But I did go ahead and retype it out for you on standard white background (the one I found on Pinterest was on an Oh, The Places You’ll Go background- which doesn’t exactly work if you are using a different book!
I keep these books tucked away in mailing envelopes so the kids don’t see them throughout the year. At the end of the year I send them to school IN the sealed envelope, addressed to the teacher (again, so the kids don’t see). I’m sure one of these years the kids will catch on…but for now I’d like to keep it a secret. (NOTE: Please do not wait until the last day or two of school to ask your child’s teacher to do this. Teachers are super busy at the end of the year and 1. You’ll probably get a rushed messaged 2. it’s annoying) 😉
I plan on doing this as long as possible (goal would be through high school) and giving the book to each child at their high school graduation. Again, once I give Q hers- I’m sure the other two kids will figure they are also getting one…if they haven’t figured it out already. I’m not sure-I haven’t let my brain travel down that road yet. Right now, we’re just focusing on Kindergarten graduation! Ha!
Notes/Ideas:
Add a small school picture from that year next to each teacher’s message. Someone on IG said they place the picture on the page they want the teacher to sign! One of Q’s teacher’s did this back in her 4-year-old class and it really is the sweetest touch! You can always go back and add a pic later.
Maybe “reserve” a special page for yourself/the parents to write on. Front cover, perhaps? I just put a post it note on the page saying “reserved for mom & dad”. You can perhaps write a dedication note before you give it. It’d be super sweet to write a note the year you start it, and then a note the year you finish/give it! Ok…I’m not crying, you are!
If your teacher forgets to write the date, make sure you do so, or add the grade level next to each note!
It’s never too late to start this fun project so don’t feel like you missed the boat- just start this year!
I also LOVE this poem I found on My Sister’s Suitcase (via Pinterest) for an older student! I tweaked it a bit so it could be gender neutral…I hope the original author doesn’t mind! If you’d prefer, you can head to their website and download their his/her versions directly!
[ *SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE!* ]
Ok, so remember when I did the post on thank you notes and I talked about the importance of having personal stationary? Well, friends. The search for cute stationary is OVER…I’ve found the best, cutest stationary EVER and I’m sharing it with you here… along with an awesome custom listing and exclusive discount code for YOU GUYS! So be sure to scroll to the bottom!
I recently received this family starter kit of goodies from the talented Stephanie over at Joy Creative Shop and seriously, you guys…it’s the most beautiful stationary I’ve ever owned! I’m not even kidding. I’m obsessed.
Here’s what I got:
1. “Gift tag” stickers, a set for each girl and one set with all three kids’ names on them. These will come in SUPER handy for the 18,000 birthday parties we go to every weekend. I love the ease of a sticker and Stephanie’s designs are just SO fun! 😉
2. I also got a set of cardstock gift tags (non-sticker form) with all of our names on them. They come pre-punched with tiny holes and a bag of gorgeous twine perfect for finishing off any gift. In the pictures below you can see the tags with just our first names but those were mostly just for pictures. The real tags that we’ll be using have our last name (which I’ve blocked out of our stationary for privacy purposes) in script font at the bottom. They are seriously so gorgeous!!! You can see the little “M”s peeking out in the picture below. I LOVE them and I feel like the script font last name really ties the cards together!
3. The last thing I got was a set of stationary/envelopes for everyone! Each kiddo got his/her own stationary with their first name in big, bold caps and our last name in script below. We also got one set of family stationary that says “The M____ Family”. I’ve blocked out our last name in all the pictures, but I hope you can tell just how gorgeous these designs are!
Everything from Joy Creative Shop was absolutely BEAUTIFUL; from the paper quality, to the color combinations, to the packing! Honestly, the pictures don’t even do the products justice- they are THAT good in person!
So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a quality set of family stationary- I’m telling you- RUN over to Joy Creative Shop and order! She has SO many fun options in her shop, but this set that she designed for us just fit our personalities and our family so well.
She is truly talented! And also, she doesn’t just do stationary! She has a full-range of paper goods including weekly meal planners, notebooks, cards, notepads, and even glitter font!! So be sure to check those out too!
And, just for you guys, Stephanie created a special Family Starter Kit listing- a perfect one-stop shop with all the goodies you need to get started. Shop it here: Family Stationary Set
AND, also just for you guys, she’s offering 15% with the code JORDAN15 !
I cannot wait to use our stationary, and I will 100% be reordering when my stock runs out! And just for fun- I’ve also linked some of the other “office/stationary” items I love having on hand!
-Address stamper, I got this one pictured above from Ink Me This on Etsy. Love their designs so much!
-A polaroid camera, to add that “extra fun” touch to thank-you cards and other correspondence
Ok, fellow book hoarders…I’m keeping the list *somewhat* short for February…but I mean, come on. Books about love are the best kind, aren’t they? Here are a few of my very favs for the month, covering Valentine’s, President’s and Groundhog Day!
Also, I’m skipping the descriptions this month (bc, life.) But, each book has a direct link below, so if you’re interested, click the link to read a description and/or purchase!
{Scroll to the bottom for a big SALE items that you have been asking me about… AND some fun blog shares!}
So I mentioned not wanting to buy a lot of toys this Christmas. Howeverrrrr, call me a softie, but I still want Christmas morning to be exciting for the girls, with presents to open. (Fine- I’m a glutton for punishment…and for spoiling my kids on holidays!)
With that being said,we are making an effort to GIVE more this year and I’m also trying very hard to suppress my shopaholic tendencies and buy the kids items for Christmas that:
A. They actually need
B. They will actually get good use out of.
You know what that means? Less of those giant space sucking toys that light up and cry and sing and pee and bark and god only knows what else, that the kids play with for approx three seconds and then get buried in the abyss of “toys never played with”. Yeah, those. I will probably cave and get them each one thing that they really WANT (that I cringe over) but that will not be the majority of the toys under the tree, like in years past. I cleaned out out the playroom pretty seriously recently and only left the girls with 5 “toy” categories:
Blocks/Legos
Barbies
Dolls/Doll accessories
Kitchen Set
Dress Up/Pretend
These are the things they play with the most, so I basically got rid of everything else. I guess I don’t include books, games, or art in those categories, but I’ve made a drastic change in the items we buy for THOSE categories as well. Only classics games are allowed…no more “Trolls Chutes and Ladders” or “Princess Candy Land”. Nope, it’s classics or bust. I make exceptions for card games and other newer QUALITY games I come across (most are educational).
Quality is our theme this year; items that will be cherished, will last, and items that already have a need and/or a place they can fit into in our house. There is no space left to create “new homes” for more STUFF!
So, here you go…some of the quality items I’ll be getting the kids this Christmas!
(Note: These are ideas and wish lists. The kids will not be getting ALL of this stuff!)
I like doing one big themed gift for the girls this year. This year its a new bike for Cub and some gymnastics equipment for Q. They are both going to be so surprised and excited!
1.Public Bike | 2. Rainbow Streamers (I got this cuuuute idea from my friend Lee’s Gift Giving Guide. Her site Do Say Give has SUCH great ideas. Definitely check it out!)| 3. Bike Bell | 4. Helmet |5. Basket | 6. Handstand Practice Mat (goes on the back of the door and then folds out to be a cartwheel mat as well! | 7. Gymnastics Mat | 8. New Leo from Remie Girl | 9. Balance Beam (in case you are wondering, gymnastics equipment will live in the walk-in attic that opens directly from the playroom…perfect placement and storage option!)
I like any toys that encourage DOING, especially the DOING of something TOGETHER. These are great items that will encourage your kids (and you!) to spend time together learning and playing!
It’s no surprise that as a former teacher, educational gifts rank high on my list. These are a few I love!
1.Rhyming Sound Sort (I did an IG story on this game, once!)| 2. Me: A Compendium (like an “all about me/baby” book but for older kids!) | 3. City Atlas (a gorgeous giant book- thought it’s be fun to have for all our travels!) |3. (The second number three, since I put it up there twice and was too lazy to fix it -haha!) The First Big Book of Why | 4. And Then, Story Starter Cards | 5. Allowance Game (like Monopoly for littles!) | 6. Domino Set (Q learned to play this summer with her Aunt Britt-Britt so I told Britt these would be a great idea to get for her! | 7. Smarty Blocks (looks like such a fun game that both girls can play!)
Actual “Toys” that the girls want and that I don’t hate!
Super Similar to our “out of stock” tent from Land of Nod. This one is from Anthro and I might like it better than our own!! (unfortunately, not on sale…)
Since my gift guide is mainly for my own kids, and therefore isn’t all-encompassing, I’m sharing a few other Mama Blogger’s Guides with you! For some more Christmas Gift Guides, check out these fabulous ladies linked below! There are six of us and between us all, we have a total of 13 kids, ages 3 months to 7 years… so I’m sure there’s something for everyone!
2. I also got a set of cardstock gift tags (non-sticker form) with all of our names on them. They come pre-punched with tiny holes and a bag of gorgeous twine perfect for finishing off any gift. In the pictures below you can see the tags with just our first names but those were mostly just for pictures. The real tags that we’ll be using have our last name (which I’ve blocked out of our stationary for privacy purposes) in script font at the bottom. They are seriously so gorgeous!!! You can see the little “M”s peeking out in the picture below. I LOVE them and I feel like the script font last name really ties the cards together!
3. The last thing I got was a set of stationary/envelopes for everyone! Each kiddo got his/her own stationary with their first name in big, bold caps and our last name in script below. We also got one set of family stationary that says “The M____ Family”. I’ve blocked out our last name in all the pictures, but I hope you can tell just how gorgeous these designs are!
Everything from 
Jordan & Co 