What's In My Diaper Bag

You know how they say 'sleep when baby sleeps'? Well since discovering What's In My Diaper Bag posts I have neglected this rule. At first I wanted to know what kind of bags people carry, then my obsession turned into contents. Why do people carry garbage bags? Why this? How come that? Eventually all my research turned me into a sleep deprived, but well prepared mom. So ladies lets take a departure from beauty and talk about what's in my diaper bag.

The Bag

A part of me wanted to get a fancy designer diaper bag. However the realistic side of me knew I didn't want to baby my bag, so I opted for the Herschel Strand Bag. What sold me on this bag was the unisex design and build quality. After using this bag for six months I can thoroughly say I love thatnits expandable, easy to clean and durable. As an added bonus Herschel products have a lifetime guarantee and they are relatively affordable too.

The Contents

Skip In Hop Pronto Baby Changing Station

This diaper changing station has a pocket for diapers, a compartment for diaper creams and a removable change pad. The best part is this changing station conveniently folds into a clutch, which means you can literally transform any bag into a diaper bag. Likewise if you wanted to leave your diaper bag in the car this small clutch takes up no room in the bottom of  our stroller.

Burt’s Bee’s Diaper Cream

To be honest I rarely use diaper cream… however should Everleigh’s bum look a little red I like to have one on hand. The Burt’s Bee’s is a good natural diaper cream, but to be honest I find the formula a little on the thick side.

Honest Multi Surface Spray

Public change areas can be filthy… Actually the whole diaper changing business in gross, so having a multi surface spray handy can be a lifesaver.

Dr. Bronners Hand Sanitizer

Public diaper changing stations are pretty disgusting... diapers are disgusting... the whole baby changing thing can be gross, so to combat messy situations I always keep a hand sanitizer handy. My personal favourite is the Dr. Bronners (review here). 

Kleen Kanteen Kid Kanteen

I always like to keep a handy bottle of cold water close by especially on really hot days. In comparison to traditional plastic sippy cups the Kanteen keeps water cooler longer. I also happen to really like it's stainless steel body because its both light weight and durable. 

A spare set of clothes!

Babies are prone to spills, diaper accidents, spit ups and all sorts of crazy things! So to avoid these issues I always keep a spare pair of clothes handy. Typically I keep a onesie, a pair of pants and a sweater in my diaper bag. 

Aden and Anais Swaddle Blanket 

From a stroller cover to a peekaboo toy these large muslin blankets come in so handy. In comparison to other muslin blankets I've tried the Aden and Anais are by far the softest on the market. I now have well over 10 of these and don't dare leave the house without one. 

I even have a spare in my car just in case! 

Pacifier Wipes and Pacifiers 

Pacifiers because it keeps a Everleigh cool, calm and collected while we are driving. Wipes because should it the paci fall on the ground it's nice to have a wipe handy. I also like to keep some protein bars in my paci bag for myself should I get hungry while out on a walk. 

Toys 

I don't go crazy with toys but I like keeping a couple in my diaper bag should the baby get fussy while we our out. Currently Everleigh favourites our her Vulli Turtle, Nubby and Vulli Raddle Keys. 

I think that is everything? Come to think about it, that seems like a lot of things... I suppose like most new moms I follow that 'I'd rather been over prepared then under prepared' principle. Thank you for reading ladies, beauty posts will resume later this week. 

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask Review

Firstly let me start by saying I've never purchased this item and usually I would be reluctant to review something I've never purchased. However over the years I've gone through 10 or more of these mini sample sizes of Ren's Radiance Renewal Masks. Come to think about it currently I have 4 mini back up's. How you ask? To be honest my local Sephora seems to constantly be giving these away. Actually even sephora.com usually has point/gift with purchase incentive... With that being said this is not a post on freeloading, but actual skincare review. So without further ado here is why you need to get your hands on Ren's Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.

We all know I love skincare and over the years I have tried multiple radiance inducing masks. Unfortunately most of these masks don't work, while the ones that do are painful as heck.  I am looking at you Glamglo, you literally feel like daggers on my skin. The good news is Ren's Radiance Renewal mask does work and even though it has a cocktail of acids it doesn't feel painful at all... Lets talk a little acid shall we? Ren's Radiance Renewal mask contains glycolic acid (from pineapple), lactic acid (from passionfruit), critic acid (from lemon) and tartaric acid (form grapes). These ingredients work together to exfoliate the face, while reducing the look of fine lines, improving skin tone all while giving you that beautiful radiant glow.

 I love that this mask only takes 10 min to use. I love that this mask doesn't make me look like a serial killer like a sheet mask. I think my baby is still traumatized from seeing me in a sheet mask. I love that this mask smells great. I love that this mask has some really great ingredients and I love that this mask lacks harsh, irritating chemicals. I you couldn't tell I am in love with Ren's Radiance Renewal Mask. And if you want noticeably, better looking skin in 10 minutes then trust me you will love this mask too.

Battling Baby Eczema

As a longtime eczema sufferer I can tell you first hand it sucks. However when you child is suffering from eczema (and waking up crying) its absolutely heartbreaking. Not only has the whole experience been hard to watch, but finding safe eczema products for baby is a rarity of it's own. The good thing is there is a community of bloggers, moms, brand ambassadors and dermatologists out there that are more then happy to help. In Everleigh's case after months of suffering, along with a handful of products we are finally winning the battle against baby eczema. So without further ado here are our favourite products to help fight baby eczema.

Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid Replenishing Balm 

Usually I save the best for last but I'm going to go ahead and start with the best here. There is nothing that has helped Everleigh's eczema more then this Avene's Lipid Replenishing Balm. This cream is so effective that there was a noticeable  difference within the first use. 

Now lets get a little nerdy here... this balm contains thermal water which instantly instantly reduces redness and calms irritation. So if you or your child is suffering from an eczema flare up this will bring immediate soothing relief. Continued use not only moisturizes the skin, but actually repairs the skins natural lipid layer. The overall effect calm, healthy, nourished skin. Perfect for the whole family this eczema fighting powerhouse has become one of my favourite beauty products ever. 

Avene Xera Calm AD Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil 

The vast majority of baby products are loaded perfumes and chemicals, so finding the right body wash was not an easy task. After months of searching I found two excellent washes and out of those Avene's Lipid Replishing Cleansing Oil is our favourite. This thick oil/gel cleanser does wonders for the skin such as hydrating, repairing and reducing redness. In combination with the Lipid Replenishing Balm the two work wonders to fight eczema!

I have also been loving this as a facial cleanser for myself... I might actually do a whole review on this as a cleanser because it really deserves the added attention.

Skinfix Gentle Hair & Body Wash

Another favourite of our's is the Skinfix! Now there are a few things I really like about this product such as it's non-irratating fragrance, soap and chemical free formula. This formula also contains some amazing hydrating oils like jojoba, apricot and sunflower. In the soothing department this body wash contains chamomile and calendula extracts. While this body wash is loaded with amazing ingredients it feels really light on the skin. If your on the market for a gentle body, for sensitive skin I highly recommend this Skinfix Gentle Hair & Body Wash.

Coconut Oil

Firstly let me start by saying when Everleigh was going through eczema flare ups coconut oil couldn't keep up. With that being said now that her skin has calmed down coconut oil is a great product for everyday moisture. Not only does pure coconut oil lack chemicals and perfumes but it's actually been proven to reduce the itch that irritating eczema itch. Just like the Skinfix if your baby is prone to dry, sensitive skin coconut oil just might do the trick.

So mothers and eczema sufferer's I hope these products help you in your own journey. Just remember there is a whole team of people out there that are more then happy to aid you in your journey. If you have any favourite product's feel free to share them in the comments sections below.

June Favourites

I am going to do the typical thing and start my post by saying I can't believe we are half way through the year. Where does time go? Reflection aside we are here to talk beauty and that is what we will do. This June was a hot ass month! To make matters more steamy our air conditioner broke so this month really embodied healthy skin and minimal makeup.

Minimal, hot-weather chic is just a glamorous way of saying it was so hot my mascara was running down my face. Now on to my faves! 

EOS Smooth Stick

With it's smooth texture the EOS Smooth Stick is everything I wanted the original EOS lip balm to be. My whole review (here) I did earlier this month ended up being a comparison. With that being said when a cult product gets out shined by another I feel like a good comparison is due. So if your on the market for a buttery, hydrating and inexpensive lip balm this is one to check out. 

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

There are products out there that make me so excited I'm at a loss for words and Ren's Radiance Renewal Mask is that kind of product. If you were looking for a mask that gives you clear, healthy, bright, luminous looking skin in ten minutes you need to give this a try.

Actually this product is so good it really deserves a review of it's own.

Also... see I'm getting ramble-y here. I'm not telling you how to spend your Sephora Beauty Insider points but if you wanted to try this many Sephora's have these as 100 point perks.  Embarrassingly I now own 4 of these sample tubes.

Hermes Le Jardin Apres La Mousson

I love full boded fragrences during cooler months, but in the heat of the summer I am more of a body splash kind of girl. While there are some great offerings out there at affordable prices I have to say now approaching my 30's I crave a luxe body splash... Hello, Hermes! Le Jardin Apres La Mousson, smells a cucumber melon scent that meets a spice market. The overall effect is a fragrance that not only fits summer perfectly, but something slightly more refined then your typical body mist. 

A must have ladies especially if you were a fan of Bath and Body Works Cucumber Melon scent growing up. 

John Frida Sea Waves

The last thing you want to do when your air conditioning is broken is blow dry your hair. So what is one to do? Salt Spray! Without heat John Frida's Sea Waves creates some seriously stunning hair. Dare I say my long hair even looked slightly mermaid-ish! The thing that I like the best about this product is it literally takes no time at all, a couple of spritz to the hair and a little crunch and your done. In comparison to come higher end beach sprays I've tried this one is definitely comes out on top. 

A non makeup favourites that included beach spray and body splashes... summer is here people! I hope all of you enjoyed your long weekend. Feel free to let me know what some of your favourites are in the comment section below.