Sharing some of my tips for a super simple skincare routine with no unecessary frills. If you’re looking for new skincare options, Friends and Family starts TODAY at this link. If you’ve been wanting to try Beautycounter, I’ve made a shopping list with some of my all-time faves here. 

Hi friends! How’s the day going so far? I’m finally on the other side of this crazy virus and pink eye situation. I ended up needing steroid drops from the eye doctor (which changed my world) and quite a few days to fight this thing off. I feel very grateful to be over the hump and will hopefully get good news today that I can start working back to wearing contacts again. I still have quite a few days left of washing pillowcases/towels/everything and my hands are so cracked and dry. It’s been a whole thing.

I had to toss a lot of my makeup, and it corresponded perfectly with the Sephora sale and the Beautycounter Friends and Family sale. 😉 For today’s post, I wanted to share some of my tips for simplifying your skincare routine and some of my beloved products (including the ones I’m restocking!).

Even when things are busy or crazy, I’m a huge fan of sticking to a consistent skincare routine. My routine is super simple, but these simple steps can improve skin quality, delay the signs of aging, and help you feel more confident. I definitely notice a difference in how I feel when I’m dedicated to my skincare routine. At the same time, I totally get how it can feel overwhelming. The wide variety of product choices can often make skincare complicated, and not everyone has the time and commit to do an elaborate skincare routine regularly. Today, I’m sharing some practical tips on how to simplify your skincare routine but still get the same fantastic results.

I’m also sharing some of my favorite products below. You’ll see a mix of brands; I like to switch up the products I’m using every now and again. Everything linked below is something I’ve had in my personal makeup drawer and highly recommend.

Simplifying your Skincare Routine

Identify your skin goals

Is your skin normal? Oily? Combination? Are you working on elasticity or wrinkle prevention? Write down a few of your skincare goals so you can keep these in mind as you structure your routine and pick your products.

Choose quality over quantity

This is #1 tip for creating a skincare routine. Don’t feel like you have to buy a ton of products! I’d start with four (details below) and build from there. I’d rather have five high-quality products than a whole drawer of produ

Shrimp and sausage fried rice has officially been added to the list of our favorite dinners. This easy recipe is a “two thumbs up,” kid-approved, hearty-as-can-be skillet meal; perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner! 

Shrimp and Sausage Rice

Okay, let’s just admit it. I’m fried rice obsessed. Ever since I tried my friend Julie’s tips for perfect fried rice, I’ve been making different versions at least once a week.

In case you’re wondering, oh yes, we still love the Fried Rice with Ham and Vegetables that I shared a while back. All three of my kids have declared fried rice to be one of their favorite meals now.

I love shrimp fried rice, as evidenced by this older classic shrimp fried rice recipe. I have tweaked it so much over the years, it is past due for an update. (Especially now that I’ve learned just how much better fried rice can be?!)

Sausage Fried Rice

Recently, I had some kielbasa sausage in the refrigerator and shrimp in the freezer calling my name, so this became the latest variation of fried rice that we’ve fallen in love with.

As soon as I tasted it, I knew I needed to share it with you. Sausage or kielbasa with shrimp is always a great combination.

The first thing to know when making fried rice is that you’ll need a large deep-sided skillet. Trying to use a shallow or smaller pan will just leave you frustrated and likely with a mess on your

Do you have a question about fitness? Sharing a post with some of the questions I commonly receive about fitness with their answers. Please keep in mind that while I’m a certified personal trainer, women’s fitness specialist, Integrative Health Practitioner, and P1 Nutrition Coach, I’m not a doctor or Registered Dietitian. If you have specific health considerations, please reach out to a local health professional for guidance. 

10 frequently-asked fitness questions and their answers

1. How much cardio should I be doing?

2. How often shou

Creamy Lemon Dip served with fresh berries, graham crackers, or shortbread cookies is a light summery dessert that is perfect for sharing with friends.

Lemon Fruit Dip

I made this dip for a pool party with friends a while back and it disappeared lightning-fast. Kids and adults happily scooped it up with the dippers and then nearly licked the bowl clean.

The fluffy sweet fruit dip is tempting enough straight off the spoon, but when you serve it with graham crackers, fresh strawberries, or shortbread cookies? I can tell you for a fact that no one is able to resist it.

For the lemon curd in this dip, I used my 5-Minute Microwave Lemon Curd. It turns out perfectly every time and it’s honestly easier than going to the store to buy lemon curd.

That recipe will make more than you need just for this lemon dip, but you won’t be sad about that.

Easy Fruit Dip Recipes

Fruit dips and plenty of fruit to dip into them are some of my kids’ favorite snacks. I’ll happily find any excuse possible to make and eat all of these dips.

Thick and creamy, cinnamon spice yogurt takes about 10 seconds to stir together and it makes a great dipping sauce for apples. It’s also a terrific breakfast with a sprinkling of granola and berries.

Crunchy peanut butter apple dip is simple and slightly sweet, perfect to enjoy with apples, pretzels, or about anything else you might want to dip into it.

This creamy cranberry jalapeno dip is lightly sweetened and balanced with just a hint of heat from the peppers. Served with crackers and pretzels or spread on toast, this is an unforgettable holiday treat.

This peanut butter and honey yogurt dip was “officially” named a favorite snack in our house when my boys were little. I made it on repeat for months! Who knew that yogurt would be such a great match for peanut butter? It makes the dip smooth and creamy and adds a slight tang that is balanced nicely by a bit of honey.

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Sharing some gift ideas for all of the ladies in your life! Moms, grandmas, nanas, friends, mom figures, new moms, whoever you want to shower with something special this Mother’s Day. I also wanted to recognize here that I know Mother’s Day can be hard and sad for various reasons; please know I’m holding you in my heart. 

Hi friends! How was the weekend? I hope you had a wonderful one. Things are looking up over here on the conjunctivitis front. Thanks to some steroid drops from the eye doc, I don’t look like a demon anymore. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life, but will be so glad to have it behind me. We hung out at home this week – the Pilot ended up getting sick, too – but I hope that you enjoyed the weekend and had some fun!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some Mother’s Day gift ideas. I’m not requesting a lot gift-wise this year – let’s be real, I’ve been online shopping a little toooooo much since I’ve been cooped at home lol – but am absolutely looking forward to celebrating all of the women in our family we love so much.

I thought I’d share some ideas if you’re shopping, and I’d love to hear your gift guide picks, too!

Flowers and plants:

Venus et fluer flowers. I get ad-targeted for these on Facebook ALL THE TIME and they’re SO GORGEOUS. The roses last an entire year!

Heart shaped succulent planter. Love succulents, and since they’re so hardy, it doesn’t matter so much if you have a black thumb.

This customizable concrete planter with a little air plant.

Personalized + jewelry:

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