Winter in the south isn’t half as long or as cold as winters in the midwest where I grew up. So for the sake of my northern friends I will avoid complaining. However, I admit the early sunsets and dark mornings turn me into an actual slug. After listening to a 1000 hrs outside podcast, I am determined to change both my winter gear and my mindset. Today I am passing along some recommendations of things that have gotten me through the postpartum and winter months with a little more grace.

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN
EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE

1. Gabe gave me with this plush electric blanket a few Christmases ago, and I am addicted to it. I keep it on my bed, and look forward to curling up in it every night with a good book or show. It also got me through so many hard winter evenings when I was pregnant with Augustine and feeling super nauseous. It’s soft and plush with several heat settings you can adjust.
2. I know I have shared about this one before, but it truly is one of my winter lifesavers. My kids and I all tend to get chapped lips. This is a very creamy Trubee beeswax based lip balm that is the best I have ever tried, and it’s only $4.
3. I tend to get restless legs at night, and magnesium always helps. I heard about this moon juice from a friend, and have been using it all winter. All it takes is a spoonful mixed in water, and it tastes really good!
4. I needed all of the expandable waist line pants during postpartum and holiday months. These already sold out it looks like! (Not surprised because they were a great price.) Here is a similar pair that will hopefully go on sale soon.
5. I’ve talked about packing aromatherapy heat packs in my hospital bag, but recently got one that wraps around your neck. We have used it many times for headaches, achey muscles, etc.
6. I had a con-air curling iron all of my teen and college years through now. I have had my eye on the T3 1.5 in. barrel and found it on ebay! It curls easy loose waves, and it cuts hair prep time in half. You can swap out the barrel for different sizes too.
7. I have been needing a hydrating mask for my hair, and this Dae Monsoon Mask did wonders. It’s a leave in treatment you can do on occasion that leaves your hair feeling super smooth and hydrated. Smells divine!
8. For the past few years I have taken Equilibria CBD liquid drops and soft gels to help with sleep and anxiety. (After talking with my doctor!) I still get asked about these frequently, so wanted to leave them here as something that has been a helpful tool for me. You can still use code “inhonorofdesign” for an additional %15 off sitewide.
9. My favorite powder bronzer is discontinued, but really love this RMS Buriti Cream bronzer for a glowy warm up around the face.
10. Still love these furry house slippers. Maybe a little too much.
11. I have a stack of books I have been slowly making my way through, and Atomic Habits is one of them. Wow. So much to think about. Re-thinking how I approach habits and goals in all areas of my life!
12. I love a good face tanner, but don’t love the harsh chemicals used. I found a good clean ingredient option called Beauty by Earth that has worked really well. Instead of a dark tan, it looks more like your natural color in the summer.

Happy wintering!

The post Winter Favorites first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Winter Favorites appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

I thought it was time to pass along my tried and true list of most used items this year. I usually only like to recommend a product if I am really sure about it. These really did bless the mess of 2020. I would love to hear yours as well!

1. Charcoal Mask – With mask wearing came lots of lovely breakouts this, and this charcoal mask has been the best overnight spot treatment. My son has been wearing masks all day in school so the charcoal bar has been great for him. (They are offering a 20% off code for first time orders right now, and travel size mask is free with a Band of Beauty.)
2. Thrive mascara – The only makeup item I am loyal to is mascara since it can fool me into believing I am not tired. I have tried all of the cleaner options too, and this one wins. No residue and applies thick. It does feel clumpy at the end of the day though.
3. Frother – Not a necessity by any means, but certainly our most used item of the year. Gabe and I both look forward to our morning coffee and this amazing gadget turns it into a frothy latte. So easy to use, and pretty sure it’s the reason we pretty much cut out drive through coffee orders.
4. Clean Deo – I’ve tried all of the clean deodorants. I admit I was skeptical about the new Beautycounter Clean Deo, but after a few months of use I have been so impressed at how high performing this one is. It’s a clean ingredient formula they have been working on for 5 yrs that feels lightweight (not pasty), lasts all day, and has incredible scents. I also love that it is re-fillable so when you run out, you just order a refill cartridge.
5. CBD Oil – Back in the spring, I realized anxiety was getting the best of me. I read up on the benefits of CBD oil, consulted my doctor, and researched places to get purely sourced CBD. I started taking Equilibria’s liquid drops and gel capsules, and immediately noticed a difference. Grateful for this resource that helped keep me mentally stronger for my family this year. You can read FAQ’s about CBD oil here. *So important to consult your doctor as well as sometimes medication may be the best answer!* You can also use code: ‘inhonorofdesign’ for 15% off! (Gabe and I both use the balance box for best price.)
6. Productivity Planner – I was looking for a planner that had an area for block scheduling, to-dos, meal planning, goal tracker, and monthly calendar. A tall order, but this one checked all of the boxes! I keep an online calendar too, but having things on pen and paper helps me remember so much better.
7. W & P Porter Ceramic Mug – Diswasher/microwave safe ceramic to go mug that fit in my car console. I take drinks seriously – he he. Also love a good insulated drink carrier to keep coffee hot all morning.
8. Airpods – I actually hate that this is even on my list. ha! When these first came out I thought it was ridiculous to pay that amount for ear buds. After buying three sets of knockoffs that all broke or didn’t function properly, I finally caved. I get it now. They just work really well. They have long lasting battery life which I appreciate the most. I use these all of the time for podcasts.
9. Zella Leggings – Pretty much lived in these activewear leggings. Motivation to actually be active was slim, but it would remind me to move my body for ten minutes a day with the kids or sometimes late at night. Love the side pockets as well.

What were your most used items this year? Probably should have included all of the quarantine snacks….

The post Most Used Items of the Year first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Most Used Items of the Year appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

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I have shared the Life Projection Plan here before as the guide we use and re-visit every year. It’s kind of a blue print we can check in with whenever life throws crazy curveballs, or even if it’s steadily on track. A wise mentor had recommended it, and it made such a difference on the way we approached the year, and it brought so much peace. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I shared it as a free download to our newsletter fam last year, but want to share it here in case you missed. I really believe it can be an unwavering pillar to keep you focused on the core purpose and goals you want to root your life in. 2020 proved that for us!

DOWNLOAD THE LIFE PROJECTION PLAN HERE​​​​​​​

There are 4 pages total in the pdf. Print it, set aside time to fill it out on your own or with your partner, and put it somewhere you know you will see it every month. (I have to either tape it inside my coffee mug cabinet, bathroom mirror, or stick it in my nightstand. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I hope this can be of great benefit to you as it has to us!​​​​​​​

A few other resources we love:
Gabe’s choice: Monk Manual – To the point, simple, and priority based.
Anna’s choice: Productivity planner – I have tried so many, and this one checks all of the boxes for me!
(Phone case by Bri Emery)

The post A Powerful Resource for a Peace Filled Year – Life Projection Plan first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post A Powerful Resource for a Peace Filled Year – Life Projection Plan appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

It’s been over 5 months since Chiara was born, and it took till about the 4 month mark for me to feel like the fog had cleared. You know….when everything stops feeling blurry, and you can actually connect your sentences again! It has been a time when the bliss of being with my baby has also been mixed with the anxiety of feeling like I am not enough for anyone. The joy of seeing her with her siblings was also mixed with feeling down and out of sorts. It is so natural to want to share the highs, and shuffle the lows underneath the rug. Perhaps though, if we gave more pause to the unspoken difficulties of new motherhood, the isolation we tend to feel would dissipate a little more. Having Chiara, like each of my children, has transformed my heart. I hope that in giving words to the often hard and beautiful sides of the coin, you feel the strength to do so too.

I asked my friend Crystal Karges, RDN, to write today’s post. She is a Maternal Health Specialist who has a wonderful way of offering new mothers a healthier perspective during postpartum season…

From Crystal Karges:

Culturally, we’ve grown accustomed to defining postpartum as the 6-8 weeks after delivery, but if you ask any new mom, this chapter of motherhood is a transformative journey that extends far beyond that. It is easy for new moms to assume that things should be back to “normal” within a relatively short time period. The reality is that postpartum recovery is not something that happens in weeks. For the majority of women, recovering from childbirth is something that happens over months… even years. new moms often keep pushing along, trying to hold themselves together when under the surface, they may be coming undone. Growing a baby and bringing life into the world impacts a woman on multiple levels, including her physical, mental, and emotional health. These are things that can’t really be measured or assessed at the typical 6 week postpartum check-up that new moms are accustomed to receiving. 

On top of this, it’s important to see that many of the typical issues that may surface for new mothers might emerge further along in her postpartum journey, during a time where others typically expect her to be “back-to-normal”. For example, maternal mental health issues, like postpartum depression, can commonly occur up through 1 year after delivery and is considered the most common complication of pregnancy. However, the reality is that the majority of providers are no longer working with postpartum women or actively screening for postpartum depression beyond the six weeks of delivery. 

While the attention and focus may have primarily shifted to your precious baby, it’s necessary to care for yourself too in order to experience motherhood from a place of wholeness.  The good news is that there are some simple ways to attend to your own health and recovery, no matter where you might be on your postpartum journey. 

Keep these things in mind to help you cultivate a thriving postpartum experience:

1) Know the warning signs of maternal mental health issues and postpartum depletion: Because there is so much stigma surrounding mental health, it can be especially difficult for a new mom to reach out for help. The important thing to understand is that you don’t need to suffer in silence or struggle through this alone. There is no criteria for getting the help you need. If something feels off to you in any way – including physically, mentally, and emotionally – please connect with someone you trust and speak with your healthcare provider. Physical pain, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty coping with mental stressors are not a normal part of being a new mom. Remember that reaching out for help doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother or failing in motherhood – it simply means you’re human, and you deserve the help you need.

2) Be proactive with nutrition and rest: If you think about it, postpartum is one of the times in your life when your nutritional needs are at an all time high. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding take a huge toll on your body, and if you’re not nourishing your body well, it can all catch up with you. Imagine it like a bank account: Growing your baby in your body, birthing your baby, and producing milk for your baby are like taking massive withdrawals from your bank account. You can quickly fall into a negative balance if you don’t prioritize adequate nutrition and rest to replenish your body. The truth is that it’s easier to prioritize nutrition during pregnancy, but how and what you eat during postpartum are as equally important. Nutrient deficiencies in postpartum can prolong healing from birth and increase your risk for maternal mental health conditions. Check out this post here for more specifics on how you can eat to support your postpartum recovery. Remember that eating and nourishing your body is the most valid form of self-care. 

3) Stay connected to community and loved ones: Motherhood can be an isolating experience. I’ve once heard it described that motherhood is sometimes the hardest kind of loneliness because you’re with your babies/children, yet you feel apart from community and fulfilling relationships. This can be even more challenging in our digital media age, where we’re used to seeing the highlight reels of other people’s lives. You may feel connected to various people but more alone than ever before. Transitioning into motherhood often means experiencing a shift in relationships you once had. You might not see your close friends as regularly, now that you have a baby. You may even go through a difficult transition with your spouse/partner as you learn to navigate new parenthood together. With all that said, keep in mind that it takes a village – not just to raise a baby, but to care for a mother. You need other people in your life that you can trust to talk openly about what you’re feeling and experiencing. Cultivating community is an important aspect to your emotional and mental well-being. Motherhood was never meant to be done alone!

4) Self-care to nurture yourself and fill up your cup: Self-care has become a trendy concept, but I’m not referring to bath bombs and chocolate (though those things are nice, too). The self-care we’re used to hearing about usually involves something that can help you escape your circumstances temporarily. True self-care and nurturing sometimes involves doing things that are not necessarily enjoyable but important for helping you thrive.  This might look like getting into therapy, stopping the social media scroll to read a book, or skipping the late night TV sesh for an earlier bedtime. Remember that postpartum often brings about the most intense stressors in a short time period, and having meaningful ways to care for yourself through the transformation changes of motherhood are more important than ever. 

5) Focus on restoring function of your postpartum body: Pregnancy and childbirth take its toll, and healing physically often takes much longer than we really anticipate. Instead of focusing on weight loss or getting back to your pre-pregnancy size, think about what you can do to help restore function and strength to your body. Treat your body kindly and with the utmost respect. Don’t rush into rigorous exercise that might not benefit your healing postpartum body or deprive yourself of adequate food intake. Remember that your body grew a human life and birthed that miracle into the world. That is no small feat, mama!

Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, is a Maternal Health Specialist, Child Feeding Expert, and Food & Body Image Coach for Mothers. Crystal is passionate about helping mamas build a peaceful relationship with food & their bodies so they can confidently nourish themselves & their kids and bring joy back to eating. Crystal is committed to providing holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based nutrition care to mothers and families worldwide through her online blog and virtual nutrition coaching practice. Find more motherhood and meal time inspiration on her blog or on Instagram @crystalkarges

The post Redefining Postpartum Recovery to Support Health and Healing first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Redefining Postpartum Recovery to Support Health and Healing appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

It squeezes my heart to write that Chiara is already 7 weeks old! I am so acutely more aware with each baby how fast this cherub phase flies by. This time around I did more reading on the first 40 days after having a baby, and made sure to prepare for the “fourth trimester.” Today I wanted to share some thoughts and resources on recovering from birth in a fast paced culture, and navigating being a self employed working mother of 6. It’s a lot to unpack, so this will most likely be a series we share in the next few months.

Adjusting to a new baby

With my first baby, I was pretty young and a little naive. I listened to others over my gut instincts. I tried to get my son on a schedule early on, as the echoes of advice repeated in my head not to hold him too much or he would be “spoiled.” Those precious first months with him are gone forever now, and what I wouldn’t give to go back and hold baby Gabriel as much as I could. I slowly learned that each baby has their own pace and differences, and that we have a gift as their mother to use our intuition to know what is best for them. This is why I am not guilt tripping myself this time around over feeding Chiara whenever she wants to eat, or holding her as much as my time and energy allows. There is no spoiling a baby when a mother is their home base. Scientifically we can regulate their heartbeat, sense of security, and even build their immunity through feeding them. Not to mention the oxytocin release for us as mothers when we feed and hold our baby! Chiara is the first baby I am holding after going through miscarriage, and the gratitude perspective for this time is so different. For these reasons I have embraced this time with so much peace….even amidst the sleep deprivation and chaos.

Recovery

That being said, it is SO critical to also be caring for ourselves or to accept care as mothers during those first months postpartum. I experienced both severe burn-out and baby blues after Azelie because I tried to snap back to normal routine too quickly, and I was determined to do a better job this time around of caring for my mind, body, and soul.

I did experience postpartum anxiety and blues this time, but a good deal of this was contingent on sleep deprivation and noise. My toddlers had the roughest time adjusting since they are still very attached to me. They LOVE and smother the baby, but really struggled with my attention being diverted. We had several weeks of tantrums and acting out, and lord have mercy that was hard. It was the most difficult part of recovery to be honest! I knew they were just missing mom, and I felt incapable of being there for them in the ways I wanted. However, from experience I knew it would be a phase, and things have turned a corner since. Chiara’s sleep patterns have improved as well which immediately resolved the noise anxiety.

  I wanted to share some resources that were so beneficial this time around in hopes it can also help many of you approaching this season of your life.

RESOURCES FOR POSTPARTUM RECOVERY

The First 40 Days – I got this book after several people recommended it to me, and I can honestly say it provided me with such a wealth of information on recovering from nutrition, to cultural studies, to understanding what our bodies are actually going through. There are some really helpful recipes in the second half of the book as well. It would make an incredible gift to any new mother!

Another Tri Audio Guide – I downloaded this audio guide by my friend Jenna Rammel knowing her postpartum experience was recent and very relatable. She has an incredible gift to verbalize so much of what I needed to hear in the weeks following the birth of my baby. Reflections, affirmations, and how to create habits of mindfulness. It helped me adjust expectations, and quiet worries. Worth every penny to fight the negativity in the vulnerable days and weeks that often catch us completely off guard. So grateful to Jenna for speaking truth and wisdom into my life when I really needed it.

Together We Mother Journal – I am terrible at journaling. Especially when I am tired. I know that is such a therapeutic exercise though as it forces you to set aside time to reflect and record. What I love about this journal is that it helps to think through many topics you often would overlook. I love how it has helped me remember this part of my life in simple and concrete ways.

Supplements – We are easily depleted when breastfeeding and giving all of our good nutrients to our baby, so I made sure to stock up on my pre-natals, beef liver capsules, omega oil capsules, and CBD oil! I know it made a big difference in my emotions, anxiety levels, and physical recovery this time around as I felt significantly better than my previous post natal experiences.

I also made essential oil roller bottles relating to emotions, anxiety, and even uterus recovery. (8-10 drops each diluted with fractioned coconut oil.) My go-to roller bottles: 
Stress Relief /Focus – 10 drops valor, 10 drops peace and calming, 10 drops Stress Away
Belly blend – 10 drops Clary Sage to every 10 drops fractioned coconut oil. (Rub on uterus area through contractions. It helps regulate contractions and also what I will use postpartum to help uterus go back into place.)
Happy blend – 10 drops Joy, 10 drops Lavender, 10 drops Peace and Calming (The scents that help mood boost or relax – it really is your preference. It can be as simple as smelling this roller bottle that can be incredibly calming and boosting!)
Hormone balance/ Postpartum anxiety – Equal parts Ylang Ylang to equal parts fractioned coconut oil.
*I use YoungLiving wholesale membership, but DoTerra is another great source for pure oils. 

Friendships – As women we are naturally drawn to community and friendship. I was so grateful when a few of my friends came over after I had Chiara not just to bring food, but also to just sit with me. We often lean towards the assumption that “she probably doesn’t want to be bothered,” and some days that may be the case! But in the most vulnerable times in our life, solidarity from another mother can lift you from the lows and leave you with a renewed spirit. 

Fresh air– Vitamin D. Essential for combatting baby blues. Fresh air each day did wonders for me. It may seem like an obvious one, but Gabe often needed to remind me to get some fresh air in between sleeping and feeding a baby and managing toddlers!

The importance of community

I saw this posted from a friend, and it hit me to my core. (If you know the source please let me know!) This is how women come together in many countries to care for the woman after they have given birth. It is a community that lifts them up.

I heard from many of you readers that in your countries outside of the U.S. you receive 6 months to a year of maternity leave. I know the U.S. is making some progress, but in other ways I see how as a whole we can do so much better. We are doing life alone instead of plugging into communities. We are trying to go back to work before our bodies have fully healed, or our minds are back to a place of rest and restoration. 

Finding a new rhythm

I planned to take a month maternity leave, but also left the following month open to slowly assess how our family was doing, and navigate back into minimal hours. That took the pressure off of trying to be productive while I was still getting to know our baby’s needs. (Sometimes breastfeeding and diapers feel like it’s own part-time job!) It’s been so challenging on the days when everyone seems to need me at one time, but there have been so many moments I feel so deeply grateful to experience it all one more time. The love my children have for their newest sister moves me to tears at times.

I hope in the years to come I can give back to my community by helping new mothers in some way. I myself couldn’t have recovered well without the help of family and friends. Please let me know if there are any questions you have. I would be happy to answer in the comments below!

The post The fourth trimester. (Adjusting to a new baby.) first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post The fourth trimester. (Adjusting to a new baby.) appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

I hope this list is helpful with finding pregnancy safe beauty products that work well! It’s cool to see that the information surrounding our under regulated personal care industry is actually becoming more mainstream news, which will hopefully encourage more companies to clean up their ingredient list. Here is a helpful break down of WHY it is so important to understand what we are putting on our bodies every day.

Helpful Tool: It can get overwhelming reading labels, right? I don’t have time for that, let alone understanding what is a safe ingredient and what can be harmful. I use EWG’s skin deep database app to see what a product’s health rating is.

Clean (and pregnancy safe) Personal Care

Deodorant – Primally Pure Geranium Deodorant. I’ve tried so many. Native and Schmidts didn’t quite last more than a few hours for me. Primally Pure has some really good scents, and also lasts allll day. I found a cyst near my armpit glands in college, which ended up being a fibroadenoma. I have no doubt it was linked to the aluminum in the deodorant I had used for years. Really grateful there are better options now! I have a discount code for you too! Use code IHOD10 for 10% off sitewide. Gabe uses the charcoal one. Side note – if you haven’t switched to a cleaner deodorant yet, try an armpit detox first!

Body wash – Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa Body Wash (No phthalates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances and I love this scent!)

Body Lotion – Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa Body LotionStretch mark prevention – Citrus Mimosa body butter and Jojoba oil believe it or not! Smells heavenly without synthetic fragrance and leaves your skin buttery soft. I start using this combo in the second trimester.

Nail polish – Cote is a newer and non-toxic nail polish I really like!

Sunscreen – I am obsessed with the Beautycounter Spray Sunscreen since it rubs into my skin so well. I use it for Gabe and I. They are having a free sunscreen promo too if you want to check that out. Last day for it though! I use Aveeno for my kids since it is more affordable and has fantastic coverage. (Also doesn’t leave thick white film on them!)

Sunless tanner – Suntegrity. I didn’t think there could be a clean sunless tanner! This option works great though. Highly recommend using a mitt if you are going to try a sunless tanner.

Belly Butter – My belly gets so itchy towards the end! I was using this Baby Balm (which is super hydrating), but fell in love with the monoi scent of this Melting Body Balm. A little goes a long way, and I noticed when I rubbed this on at night it still felt super smooth and hydrated 10 hours later. I don’t wear perfumes so I really like when body products have a good scent!

Clean (and pregnancy safe) Hair Care

Shampoo & Conditioner – I use Beautycounter’s Daily Shampoo and Conditioner, and Dae Hair Deep conditioner once a week.

Hairspray – Josh Rosebrook has a pretty good firm hold hairspray. It isn’t as good as my Tresemme used to be, but for now it works! I would like to try this one next.

Dry shampoo – Klorane is paraben and sulfate free!

Clean (and pregnancy safe) Makeup
I am pretty loyal to my favorites once I find them! If I know a product works, and is going to last me a while.

Foundation – Beautycounter’s Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation is really lightweight, blends well, and evens out my skin tone. I love that it doesn’t feel like I am wearing foundation. Since it doesn’t have any fillers, one tube will last me for 5 months! (If you need a heavier coverage, try RMS beauty which you can also find on Thrive Market.)

Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 – I put a layer of Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer on top of my foundation in the summer for the spf and the dewy hydrating finish. It is still one of my favorite makeup products to date and I can usually get a tube to last at least 6 months with daily use.

Concealer – I really like the consistency of Vapor Beauty’s Illusionist Concealer stick. Blends well and covers well.

Blush – I love the subtle shimmer in the Rose Glow Highlighting Stick. I apply a swipe on my cheeks and blend with a brush. This is a great option for normal or dry skin. The powder color equivalent is Satin Blush in Nectar which is a beautiful coral with a shimmer hint.

Mascara – Still looking for a clean mascara that doesn’t have carbon black, doesn’t smudge or leave residue, and doesn’t dry out in two months (which I realize is a tall order when you aren’t using bad preservatives). I really like the BC Volumizing Mascara, but just ordered Honest Beauty’s because I love a primer combo.

Brow pencil – I fill in my brows with the Color Define Brow Pencil in Dark. The other side of the pencil has a brow brush which I love!

Brow gel – I used to use Glossier’s Boy Brow Gel, but I like how this Brilliant Brow Gel applies thicker and you really only need one coat. It’s like a mascara for the brows so it fills them in nicely.

Lip balm – Primally Pure or Burts Bees. I get such dry lips and hands when I am pregnant so I have these in every drawer;)

Lipstick – Favorite everyday colors are the Color Intense Lipstick in Brunch and the Nourishing Lip Sheers in Lily or Terra.

Liquid Eyeliner – I love using a black liquid liner for nicer occasions or a good wing tip look. This Precision Liquid Eyeliner makes it easy to apply evenly and it doesn’t smudge which is really nice.

Eyeliner – I don’t wear eyeliner much, but when I do, I use the Color Define Pencil in Violet. I love the color, and that it doesn’t smudge. The other side of the pencil has a blender for a smokey eye look.

Bronzer – My favorite makeup product to get a summer glow is the Luminous Powder in Topaz- hands down. It has a bronze shimmer in it, and I love the light it reflects! I apply all over, but if you have darker skin you can use just as a highlighter! The Radiant All Over Bronzer is another great option.

Clean (and pregnancy safe) Skin Care

Keep in mind I never spent more than $10 on face soap my whole life and am just now able to set aside some budget for personal care that I really love! If you are in a tight spot, try switching over the products you use most to cleaner options. More drugstores are offering safer alternatives now as well!

Facial Cleanser – I love this Nourishing cream cleanser if I am not using a cleansing balm. This one is super gentle for all skin types and still foams well. I use the cleansing balm at night to remove makeup and hydrate skin. This balm is incredibly hydrating and helpful for brightening skin as well thanks to the vitamin C.

Face Toner – Thayer’s Lavender Witch Hazel ( I get mine at Thrive Market, but it’s also available at Target and amazon.)

Face mask – Indian Clay Healing Mask. Super affordable and deep cleanses pores.

Moisturizer – I really am crazy about this new safer alternative to retinol called Countertime Supreme Cream. It’s pricey for me, but I usually just use a small amount morning and night. I honestly can’t believe the visible benefits already. ​​​​​​​It uses ingredients much safer than retional but if you look at the reviews, it is just as affective! Nothing wrong with aging with grace of course, but I think we all can agree it certainly doesn’t hurt to want to look refreshed;) This Adaptive Moisturizer is also a great option. If you like a moisturizer to have SPF in it, try Kiehls!

Facial oils – A more affordable but hydrating facial oil option is Jojoba oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil!

Sunspots / Melasma “Pregnancy Mask” – I use this overnight resurfacing peel 2-3 times a week at night. It doesn’t smell the greatest because of the fruit based fermented acids, but WOW is it effective. It completely got rid of the dull patches on my face and leaves a healthier glow by morning. It also helps with pregnancy mask melasma. After it absorbs I use a Vitamin C packed No. 1 facial oil which smells really really good. It also helps brighten skin, lighten spots, and hydrate.

Breakout control – I always breakout in my first trimester of pregnancy. In fact, that was the first sign that made me realize I might be pregnant with my son Rocco. The charcoal bar has always kept breakouts under control for me, and if I have random spots, this acne spot treatment does the trick.

There are more companies in the beauty industry now making efforts to clean up their ingredient list, so if you are questioning whether you can find clean options in your price range, good news is you most likely can now! Purer ingredients that are high performing are going to cost more of course, but there are more options becoming available now even more than a year ago. (ie: Target just started a whole aisle dedicated to cleaner beauty products.) I am willing to pay a little more for products with no fillers that last longer, do a better job, and that aren’t linked with so many health issues knowing it will save me money in the long run. If you just want to start with a few things to switch to clean, just take it from there!

*All products shared are products I have personally used and loved. I do receive a small portion of profit from purchases through links, but only share companies and products I trust and use with confidence. I hope this guide is helpful for you!

The post Pregnancy Safe Skin, Hair, and Personal Care Favorites first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Pregnancy Safe Skin, Hair, and Personal Care Favorites appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

Rounding up this month’s favorite things in one post! What caught my eye around the web, a few things that have impacted me for the better, and a few things I am currently using and loving…

 
I absolutely love what House on a Sugar Hill did with our rose print downloads! She had them printed on glass from Fractureme.

This water bottle has actually helped me to drink more water every day!

I completely fell for a facebook ad the other week, and much to my shock, this little pod is really help improve my posture!

Currently reading this book, and I am only a few chapters in, but man those pages are marked up and highlighted! Also downloaded this book to listen to on audible during carpool hours.

A few children’s books I am loving – Quirky Quentin is a beautifully done book that helps children better understand the great things about their friends with autism. I can’t recommend it enough. My kids also really loved More than Food about the love of a mother.

An uplifting instagram account I’ve gotten so many good nuggets of wisdom from!

Does anyone have this hair tool? Is it worth the hype?

My friend Emily introduced me to this workout wear line. I’m intriqued!

The one step skin care item for winter I can’t get enough of. And this healing balm is saving my dry hands.

Brittany Jepson opened a valentine shop that is quite spectacular. All the heart eyes.  I recently met her and her little one in person, and she is as lovely as you would imagine her to be.

Going to give some of these recipes a try for my family!

We’ve been documenting the $500 powder room renovation challenge on insta stories and saved them all to highlights if you want to catch up there. We will have a full video for you next week:)
 

I’m off to a women’s retreat in the north Georgia mountains this weekend, where you have a good amount of time for reflection and QUIET which I am so eager for! Making time for things like this is hard, but I now see it as a necessity. Only possible thanks to Gabe, who claims to love having all 5 kids to himself!

Have a wonderful weekend ahead~

The post Weekend Links – January Edition! first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Weekend Links – January Edition! appeared first on In Honor Of Design.