Our Garden

This past year we have gone through some big changes in this house, but these last couple of months during our quarantine we tackled our yard in a big way. We started with just the typical moving and trimming, but then it shifted into something else. Not just a check off our box, but a family project that turned into a time of bonding. We realized that we have it better than many. We are able to go outside and still do all our work from home. I did a whole video tour on my instagram that goes into more depth, but overall we realized that before we were told to stay home and safe, we all sort of got used to doing our own things. With work, school & all the activities in between we simply were on auto pilot. We may have been on plane that was going faster than we liked. This project got us talking, laughing & reconnecting in a way words can not express. We took note of simple things and it gave us all a space to work out our feelings of this time that we are in. Now these aren’t styled or professional quality photos, but if I am going to do this blog then I need to get back to the basics of just enjoying the process of sharing. So iphone photos it is.

This area of our yard we never actually used. It sits up above our house {see last photo for reference} and we always new it could be great, but never quite had the vision for it. Well one day we were all just clearing out this little bit of land and happened upon a slew of rocks. They must have been from years past when they built all the rock walls that wrap our property and just dumped the extras. We started digging and came across hundreds, HUNDREDS. We then thought wouldn’t it be fun to have a place to hang up here as the view is nice. We then started dry stacking rocks and soon enough a platform was built for a flagstone patio. We did have to purchase more flagstone and the folk’s at Hanna’s could not have been more helpful. Little Kellen then took all the remaining rocks and built a wall that lines the edge of the property.

Then lastly we bought some cedar beds for a cutting garden. I bought the seeds from Floret and direct sowed them. Can’t wait to see what all grows. They are starting to become seedlings and it has become my daily adventure to see what all is sprouting. There is plenty of room to add more beds or till beds directly into the soil if this first stage goes well. I’m already dreaming of a little fenced area that may protect it some from our plethora of roaming cats and other animals.

Limelight hydrangeas have been a favorite of mine for decades. They are easy to care for and can tolerate this Alabama heat well. They also leave me with loads of flowers to cut. We ended up adding 10 around the front part of our yard in hopes that one day it will create a bit of a wall for summer hammock lounging. We use Eno hammocks which you can find at any local sporting goods store, but of course Amazon has them too. We then added a mix of different kinds of Rosemary along the whole perimeter of this section of our yard. The little garden lights are from Target and add a nice glow for night. I may even do a night tour for insta, because it really is so pretty. They are solar as we don’t have electricity out here. They work well thus far.

Do you spy the old fish pond? We finally added some ornamental grasses and I can’t believe I have not done it sooner. It truly changed how that area looks. I love the way it sounds when the wind blows through and just adds a tactile element this area needed to help soften the sea of concrete and stone. The seating area with fire pit, made by a friend, has been here from year one. They have held up beautifully the last 4 years and haven’t aged a bit. We don’t use the trampoline often, but it makes a great space for littles when they are over and we just discovered it’s a safer place for little K to chuck his lacrosse ball without breaking another window. You can see a more full garden tour on my instagram and always excuse my ramblings.

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Beautycounter...

sweatshirt by Proper Tee {I am wearing a medium}

If you read my last post, I mentioned that instagram has become a place where sharing has been hard for me. My work as a consultant for Beautycounter is one of those things that I would have posted there, but right now I feel like it’s just not fitting there. At the same time I have had folks reach out wanting to know more about new products, what I recommend and more. If you are looking for everyday or special beauty products then this post is for you. You may even find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. If this seems frivolous and does not fit your needs right now I get that too. This is a business that I believe in and have been growing over the last 8 months. I feel strongly that safer products should be in the hands of everyone. Plus right now this business feels like it could be more steady than my everyday job. So I ask for grace as I find my own footing.

This post could be a mile long, but for now I will start with the newest products, new tries for me, & my everyday go to’s. I am here to answer any and all questions. I would love to help you find your perfect product. If we miss the boat on said product, Beautycounter has a 60 day return policy so if you don’t love it and want to try something else they make that easy to do. My instagram has video demo’s on some of these products so be sure to look there too. I will try to update that more also. My skin is more sensitive, has an occasional chin breakout, but is also painfully dry. It’s as combo as combo can get. I don’t wear makeup everyday and can go a whole month without missing it. I was raised by a mama who rarely wears makeup and has taught me from a young age that skin care is important. What used to be clinique in middle school has now become Beautycounter. A safer more grown up version of a routine that I find important.

NEW PRODUCTS:

Counter+ All Bright C Serum is the newest product from Beautycounter and it does not disappoint. It looks like sunshine in a bottle and the smell is so good. It instantly brightens skin and helps reduce the appearance of existing dark spots, while antioxidant-rich turmeric and camu camu extracts help protect against new ones. The formula also helps defend skin from the damaging effects of environmental stressors. The recommend use has the All Bright C Serum as a treatment step with any regimen. After cleansing and toning in the morning, use your regimen’s regular serum, then layer All Bright C Serum on top. Apply to face, neck, and décolletage. Follow with moisturizer. Today I just used the serum and my skin feels light and soft. Although I am dedicated to my nighttime regimen after I shower, I tend to fall short in the morning. This one step is easy for me to do and I can see it will be a mainstay for me. For those who already use a serum in the AM you would layer this one on top. I will keep you all updated on the results as I try this product out for a longer period of time.

Counterstart Cococream Cleanser is the first cleanser that Beautycounter has come out with that fits almost every budget. It comes in at only $20 dollars and still fits the values of being a safer product. This gentle daily cleanser removes makeup and impurities without stripping away moisture. The formula, made with a blend of coconut oil and aloe vera, leaves skin feeling nourished and soothed and is perfect for sensitive skin. From a client who wanted to try it, “Also, wanted to report back that I’m really liking the counterstart cleanser! It’s super gentle and my skin feels so soft.” Sounds like a win to me! It also has a Cocoboost moisturizer to pair with it.

NEW TRIES:

So I am pretty tried and true to my hair care products, but I ran out of my shampoo and conditioner. I thought it would be a perfect time to try Beautycounter’s. My hair could be matched to a horse mane as it’s thick and course. I wasn’t sure how my hair would do as I normally need something that is extra thick and hydrating. All that to say I have been so pleased with the shampoo and conditioner from Beautycounter. It left my hair feeling soft and shiny. Also I have been leaving my hair au natural lately and my hair life may never be the same.

Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 has quickly become a must for the whole family. We have been spending more time outdoors and sunscreen is key for us all. What I like about this formula is that it goes on clear and doesn’t feel too thick. I used to just count on my Dew Skin, a tinted moisturizer, but without me wearing makeup I needed the alternative. The sunscreen Stick will for sure stay in my arsenal for the long haul.

MAINSTAYS:

Countertime skin care is by far my favorite product I have tried out of any company. I have tried many over the years that were deemed clean, but they either broke me out or irritated my skin after prolonged use. It then left me wasting the rest of the product. This one ended up fitting me perfectly. I turn 40 later this year and I was still having breakouts more times than I like, but now they are far in between. It was so dry it hurt my cheeks and now it is soft and I see WAY less fine lines. I am no longer hiding my skin behind makeup and allowing my skin to just breath as is. Although not the cheapest it definitely feels worth it to me and I count it as a splurge. I am on the same set I bought back in August and just ordered another to have on hand when I do run out. It is so potent a little goes a long way. You can get the items individually, but I recommend the collection or regimen. The collection comes with an eye cream and the regimen does not. Can only splurge on one product? Then the Supreme Cream is my recommendation. The claims of it being supremely rich and deeply hydrating, supporting elasticity and visibly firming while minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles is completely true. Not sure what kind of skin you have or what products would be best? This quiz is a great place to start.

The Overnight Resurfacing Peel is another favorite of mine. When I can feel a chin breakout coming on I apply this after washing my face then top with my supreme cream. By the next morning my skin feels clear and new. Although you can use this product everyday I recommend only using it 2-3 days a week. It gives the skin time to replenish. The peel features a proprietary multi-acid complex, this leave-on AHA/BHA peel improves skin texture and boosts clarity without irritation or over-drying. With glycolic, malic, and botanically derived lactic acid, the formula clears away dull surface cells, while arginine and essential fatty acids help soothe to reveal a brighter, healthier looking, renewed complexion. Now do the peel at night and the new All Bright Serum in the morning and your skin will thank me daily.

Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer has saved my skin. Again, I am so so dry and this keeps the flaking at bay. It soaks in which is key for me and I can put on my leggings within a few minutes without difficulty.

These are my personal every day go-to’s from Beautycounter. They would also make great Mother Day gifts if you are in the market. Big and Little Kellen both use the Counterman line which would make for great Father’s Day gift ideas. Ellie uses the Countercontrol line to keep breakouts under control. While both Ellie & I use the Flawless in Five set for makeup when we were wearing it {you can see more here}

*MONEY SAVING TIPS:

New to Beautycounter then you may be in luck, they are giving a 20% off code for new clients. This ends in April. It counts on everything except all the new products, consultant kits & band of beauty.

Band of Beauty is a non-renewing annual membership to Beautycounter. Every time you shop, receive 10% of your subtotal in product credit to use towards your next purchase. Spend $100 get $10 for next purchase. Credit expires after 90 days. Receive free shipping each time you place a product order of $100 or more. Plus, this month you will receive a Overnight Resurfacing Peel {in my favorites} Travel Size ($45 USD value) as our gift to you when you become a member and spend $50+ in product purchases. Keep in mind the membership price of $29 does not go towards the total needed for the free product.

If you want to know more I am here to help! Also I wanted to say a huge thank you to all my current clients. You choosing me to be your consultant is truly an honor that I don’t take lightly.

Life {back to blogging amidst the chaos}

I know it’s been awhile since I posted, but I am finding that this time at home gives me ample opportunity to start back. I still have my interior design business, but that’s looking a bit different now that covid-19 has caused disarray in our communities and our world. Sharing on Instagram has been hard for me as I feel a twang of guilt as I know so many don’t have it quite like us. We have a home and a yard. We are still able to perform work from home. I know the fear that some folks hold. I don’t want to feed it, but I also am not good at seeing the realities around us and don’t ever want others to feel as if I don’t see them. I see you, I really do. I feel like I am swinging from a pendulum. My heart aches for those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their jobs, those who are hanging onto a string to keep their businesses open, those who are deemed essential workers and are putting their life in danger everyday for us. So many are hurting and there is no quick fix. On the other side I see the beauty of having my family at home. I have truly fallen in love with our little corner of the world. I am blown away by our community and our world in ways people have filled in the gap of needs. What does not swing is seeing God move in incredible ways. The knowing that He is steady and He is near.

WORK: For my interior design business so many were in the final stages which means I can do it from home. Any new projects have been strictly e-design based. I am in the stage of figuring out how and what my next steps will be and should be. I take it day by day which is really all I can do. Some of you may or may not know, I also am a Beautycounter consultant. I began last year after years of using their products. Once Ellie was wanting to wear makeup I knew being able to provide her with a safer product was key for me. Since then, the whole family has made the switch as Beautycounter really does have products that work. If you have been around over the years then you know my quest for safer products is not new. It just took me years to find products that treat our bodies well. So well in fact that I decided to be a consultant to help advocate for safer products to get into the hands of everyone. It boggles my mind to see what ingredients and chemicals that can be put into products when there are known consequences.

FAMILY: My husband has been working from home and we have figured out how to do it as well as we can. The only time it gets hard is when we both have phone calls at the same time as he set up his “office” right behind mine. The kids have gotten used to e-school. Little Kellen already had practice from when he was sick in 2018. Ellie stressed for a hot minute until our assurances of “you will not fail” sunk in. We have found ourselves playing a lot of basketball in the backyard and even did a home project outside that leaves us proud. Will share more on that later, but it truly led to good conversation while we worked and bonded us more as a family unit as we too have been stuck in the hustle of life passing us by. The kids pretty much school themselves while we work and then we have family time randomly throughout. I had to put my enneagram 1 in the back seat as nothing can be perfect. I can’t be the perfect homeschool teacher and be there for my clients. Allowing them to take charge of school leaves me less exhausted and leaves me space to be a better parent. Plus I truly can’t help you in algebra or geometry. I know those with younger ones this can be so hard, but you will be surprised in what your kids can do when you allow them to have some responsibility. Mama’s allow yourself some grace. We found our family does best when we work as a team to figure out how we can all serve our home life best. Takes the pressure off one of us to handle it all. The kids truly have exceeded my exceptions even when we do have to remind them to be kind to each other.

FAITH: I am holding onto the truth in which Christ gave us…

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 5:1

I am not sure how long I will blog for, maybe it will be just be for now. It is something that I loved to do for over a decade. It was a way to share my heart and share some of my favorites. It was a way to connect with you all. So much has shifted to instagram, but here it feels slower. I am need of finding a rhythm that is slower and this space is just that.