LVL Lash Lift and Tint

A few weeks ago, I asked for mascara recommendations on my Facebook page. I use mainly tarte cosmetics, and have used their Gifted mascara for years, but I was looking for a change. A friend suggested I try getting my lashes tinted. 

As fate would have it, one of my favourite bloggers, Janette from Ava to Zoe, posted a review and giveaway for an LVL Lash Lift by Stefania Lash Bar...and I won!

Truth time: I had no idea what an LVL Lash Lift even was. Stefani does LVL Enhance by Nouveau Lashes.

“LVL Enhance straightens your natural lashes at the root, creating the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. Plus the added lash tint creates a mascara-style effect, so your lashes are perfect from the moment you wake up. No extensions, no adhesive and no need for mascara! ”

— https://nouveaulashes.com/lvl-enhance-the-natural-lash-lift

I don't have a lot of time to fuss with my face (understatement!). I like that the lash lift uses my own lashes and after the first 48 hours I have no restrictions or special care instructions. The tint makes it look like I'm wearing mascara, even though my eyes are completely free of makeup. 

Stefani's home studio is cute and artistic, and her table was so comfortable I almost passed out during the hand and arm massage (while your lashes set, she does a hand and arm massage with locally made lotions). The entire process took less than an hour, was completely painless, and there were no harsh smells. The products Stefani uses are vegan and cruelty-free. 

I was a little concerned that I would wake up with irritated eyes this morning but I was pleasantly surprised. When I fall asleep without removing my mascara (BAD, HILLS) I wake up with angry red, itchy eyes so I was expecting something similar this morning. My eyes were totally fine this morning. No pain, no discomfort, no itch, just beautiful lashes that made me look like I'd already spent some time in front of the mirror. I'm thrilled.

So! Who wants to see the magic Stefani performed?

Disclaimer: I won this service in a giveaway so I did not pay for it. I am not required to write, nor am I being compensated for, this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Meal Plan 05/28/2017 - 06/02/2017

Life got a bit unmanageable there for a minute (or week). Shawn went out of town for a few days, Poppy turned one, and life's demand's continued to pile up. We spent yesterday celebrating our tiny, furious leader and today we're tired, our house is messy, and our hearts our full. It's time to get back to our (attempt at a) routine. 

Sunday (starting the meal plan early this week because it's National Hamburger Day): barbecued hamburgers served with purple coleslaw 

Monday: don't tell Shawn (love you, babe) but I'm going to try to make a vegetarian burger patty that he doesn't hate. I'm going to play around with sweet potato, broccoli, quinoa, and chickpeas and hopefully come up with something he'll enjoy for Meatless Monday (or he'll barbecue some chicken wings when I'm not looking).

Tuesday: Chicken tacos served with fresh guacamole.

Wednesday: Chicken taco salads with the leftovers from Tuesday.

Thursday: Cold Rice Noodles with Peanut-Lime Chicken loaded up with broccoli 

Friday: Avocado Eggs Benedict served with fresh fruit and veg.

What's on your meal plan this week?

Birthday Cake Smash without the Cake

Penelope's first birthday is next week (I know).

When Grady turned one, we did a DIY cake smash photo shoot with him. He hated it. The photos are priceless and I want the same for Pops.

Penelope cannot eat cake. She can't eat much of anything right now. The foods she's been introduced to that she doesn't react to, and that she'll actually eat, include: raw cucumber, cooked apple, blueberries, pureed spinach. We can't have a cucumber smash photo shoot. 

I realize in the grand scheme of things, this is not a tragedy. Penelope can't have a birthday cake smash photo shoot for her first birthday. It's not the end of the world. But I feel sad for her (mainly because of her food restrictions, not because she won't have adorable first birthday cake smash photos like her brother). 

So! Did you do a first birthday photo shoot that featured something other than food? The only thing I can think of is a bunch of balloons but I'd love to consider other ideas. 

Tiny Happy Tuesday: 11

Do you want to feel a little happier? Join #TinyHappyTuesday!  The details on how you can get started are here.

• Shawn's birthday dinner last night went off without a hitch. I grew up in a family that makes a big deal out of birthdays and I love that my kids are going to be able to say the same. Birthdays are my jam. 
• My brother-in-law has been making some pretty exciting life changes lately (not my story to tell but damn, the guy is mixing things up!) and I love that Grady and Poppy will be able to look to him as a role model when they're facing nerve-wracking-but-exciting opportunities.
• My Internet village. This Tiny Happy deserves a post of its own but let me just say that my internet village has boosted me up, been a sounding board, given me information and answers, and provided immeasurable support more than ever recently. I'm not sure how I got so lucky to know so many amazing people.
• My Real Life village. I know a lot of great people. I saw a bunch of them this weekend. I'm an introvert and I need my alone time but it's a pretty great feeling to be surrounded by thoughtful, hilarious, brilliant people too (as long as I get some alone time immediately after).
• It's the May long weekend (almost)! Every May Shawn goes away on his annual boys' trip and I order a lot of pizza and stay in pyjamas all day and make morning pit stops at the ice cream shop. Solo parenting is a lot of work but it's also a lot of fun once we let go of our routines and expectations (of cleanliness). I'm ready for a weekend of filth and greasy, cheesy goodness.

What's making you happy this week? Want to play along? Join the Facebook group and share your happy! Or share on Twitter or Instagram using #TinyHappyTuesday so we can find you.