Amazon Prime Purchases - February

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes. 

It's time for another round of Prime Purchases. I didn't go crazy this month as there just wasn't much that I needed. I did utilize amazon for my Whole Foods orders and those are not listed here. By the way, if you have a Whole Foods near you, you can get your food delivered for free or free pick up and they shop for you. We just never had the need for it until I had surgery. Thankfully, it has been a life saver this month.

Now, Ashley (my sister), if you are reading this....stop because some of your baby shower gifts are on here.

linking up with Tanya

Heart Sweater

I bought this to wear on our date night the day before Valentine's Day (I wore my pink heart sweater on Valentine's Day again) and the area that the v neck meets together was already coming undone. The sweater was really soft and the hearts were beautifully stitched, but I was worried it would come apart when I washed it. Sadly, it went back.

Meyer's Laundry Detergent

We were in need of laundry detergent and I forgot to add it to our Whole Foods list, so I ordered some on Amazon. And this is a two pack, so we saved some money in the long run.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream

This is our favorite lotion. Sutton was complaining that she was more itchy lately and after checking her out, we noticed just how dry her skin was. I was out of my Cerave, so I ordered some online. It has helped so much. Now the girls use it daily.

Valentine's Day Card

I got Rory his decanter for Valentine's Day, but I never got a card. So I ordered this one. It says, "You'd fart" on the inside. Haha.

Munchkin Rinser

My sister requested this on her registry and we used ours all the time with the girls, so I grabbed one for her.

Diaper Wipe Warmer

I helped my sister with her registry and I added this after using it in Oklahoma when visiting friends. I changed my friend's daughter's diaper a bunch and she had this warmer. So amazing.

Boppy Newborn Lounger

I know all the hype is on the Dock a Tot, but those are pricey. The same friend I mentioned above, she used this with her daughter and she loved it. So I added it to my sisters registry and then bought it for her.

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump

I didn't even add this to my sister's registry. I just bought it for her. I saw so many stories on Instagram about this thing and I wish I would have had it when I pumped and breastfed my girls. When you are breastfeeding, you attach this pump to the other breast and it collect all the milk that usually ends up in your bra or on a nursing pad. So genious.

And that was it for this month's purchases. What did you buy from Amazon Prime this month?

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy Friday all! Can you believe we start a new month on Monday? I can't. And March is going to be a good month. We have a lot planned and hopefully we get to do all of it! We don't have much planned this weekend and that is ok. I am all for a relaxing weekend. And fingers crossed we have some good weather so we can get outside.

Onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. I wanted to start off Friday favorites with my favorite couple...my mom and dad. Today is my parents 38th wedding anniversary. So happy anniversary mom and dad!!!

TWO. So I am sure you have heard by now if you are a Becca Cosmetics fan, but they are shutting things down come September. I saw this yesterday and mildly panicked. I LOVE the anti-fatigue primer and the under eye brightener. I use the anti-fatigue primer daily. Even when I am not wearing makeup. It just takes away the dark circles and gives my eyes some life again. So I went on Sephora yesterday and bought 2 of each as an investment. BUT after September, and once these have been used, I will need other suggestions.

Are you a Becca Cosmetics fan?

Becca Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector (I get light to medium)

THREE. A couple weeks back when I bought the girls their bathing suits for part of their Valentine's Day gift, I bought myself a bikini from there. It is juniors, so I was worried about sizing, but I ordered off of the sizing chart to change juniors to women's and it fit. Even post surgery swelling. And I plan to go back to Target in person and pick up a few others. Since our Target doesn't allow dressing room changes, I will have to buy them and try on at home and return anything that doesn't fit or I don't like.

Top  |  Bottom

And the bottoms are not cheeky like they say. I read the reviews and tried it on myself and Victoria Secret bathing suits were cheeky. This isn't as cheeky.

FOUR. Weekly funnies.

Hahaha. This is funny since I had to buy my husband deodorant at the store this week and the scent names are weird.

I am totally going to start doing this.

I have been guilty of this.

But yet I still watch them.

This is pretty funny because this is what you could wear for vaccinations.

Have a great weekend. I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything.

What's Up Wednesday

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I haven't participated in a What's Up Wednesday since October. I have been behind or had other posts that I wanted to post. But I decided to participate this month since I haven't done many life updates.

Anyways, onto this month's What's Up Wednesday...

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...
Sunday: Grilled Cheese and salad.
Monday: Take-out.
Tuesday: Take Out Fake Out Szechuan Noodles
Wednesday: Tri tip with steamed artichokes
Thursday: Steak Sandwiches with fries or a salad (using our leftover tri tip)
Friday: Unsure
Saturday: Unsure

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT... The last year. Can you believe we are about two weeks away from the pandemic one year anniversary? That means I have been working from home for almost a year now. We thought this would last two maybe four weeks and here we are. So many things have changed. 

WHAT I'M LOVING... I know I have only been using this neck serum for a week and a half, but I am already seeing results. I can't wait to show you the month update. I know it is pricey, but my esthetician (who Rory bought it through) says it lasts forever. His wife has been using it for 4 months and she has a ton left.

Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum

I am also loving my gallon water bottle. Yes it is ridiculous, but it is the only way I get enough water during the day. I get a ton of compliments on it at the gym and everyone always asks about it. Even my doctor (yes I brought it into the doctors office) asked me where I got mine so she could get one.

QuiFit Gallon Water Bottle

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO.. We haven't done that much this month. I have been recovering from surgery which has taken longer than we expected.

Rory did take the girls and Walter on a long walk.

We made waffles using our new Dash Mini Waffle Maker.

I got my hair colored and my extensions moved up.

The girls and I made them shirts to celebrate 100 days of school and Valentine's Day.

We went out for date night and an early Valentine's Day.

WHAT I'M DREADING... I am not really dreading anything. Maybe taking a covid test to get back into the US.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON... Just work, blogging and planning for Mexico.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT... Going to Mexico. Fingers crossed this happens. I have been researching about getting back into the US, about what it is like in Mexico, any restrictions there, extra precautions we need to take, etc. I have been on Tripadvisor daily.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING... I am currently reading One Little Secret.

As for tv shows, I have been watching This is Us and Riverdale. And then we have been binging Animal Kingdom on Prime. This show is sooo good. It is crazy with some sex, violence and drug usage, but so dang good. We can't stop watching it. So far there is 4 seasons out and another coming out soon. We are on season 4 and my good friend, Grant Harvey is in it. So cool to see a friend making it big in Hollywood.

I am also loving Firefly and Behind Her Eyes on Netflix.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO... Nothing.

WHAT I'M WEARING... I mentioned that I bought a pair of American Eagle Jegging Joggers a few weeks back. When I got them in, I was early into my post surgery. The first time I wore them, it was a bit painful since they are high waisted, but I have worn them since and they are amazing. I didn't think they would fit me post surgery until the swelling went down, but they are stretchy and fit amazingly.

They are soft, hold up after every wash, are comfy, and fit your body even when you are bloated/swollen. I love the zip up ankle and the tie waist, but they still have a zipper and button up at the top. Overall, these will be worn a lot. I am already on the waitlist for a pair in black. Go with your true American Eagle size. When you pull them out of the package, they look small, but they will fit. Trust me.

AE High-Waisted Jegging Jogger

Other than that, I am just wearing leggings, sweatshirts and the occasional jeans. Yes, jeans are more comfy right now than leggings. My leggings are all high waisted, so my joggers (Zella) and my American Eagle jeans are what I have been tending to wear more of.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND... Well we have our couch being looked at. When they delivered our sofa bed, we noticed and they did too, that there is a stain behind one of the cushions at the top. It looks to be 3 pen marks, but they are having someone come over to clean it.

Other than that, we are relaxing, getting outside and maybe seeing family.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH... March brings Mexico, Rory's birthday, my sister's baby shower and lots of fun stuff. Plus we are hoping for some better weather and more outdoor time.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW... Nothing much.

Hair Extensions Update

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.  

It has been about 5 months since I first got my hair extensions in and I thought I would update you all. Especially because I got them moved up two weeks ago. I feel like I have mastered the care for them and don't really notice them anymore. Yes, I notice how my hair is longer, but I don't really feel them day to day like I used to.

Here is my original post on when I first got them. And this is what my hair looked liked before and after.

So in the last 5 months I have learned how to wash my hair quickly and efficiently. First tip, make sure you are using good quality shampoo and conditioner. Salon quality, but you can get that at Sephora or Ulta. Just something up from your basic Pantene Pro V. You will use more shampoo and conditioner each time you wash your hair, but you don't have to wash it daily like I used to. 

I find that the best way is to put some shampoo or conditioner in my hand, and using my fingers, rub it on the crown of my head, then around my ears, then the bottom of my scalp where my hair ends. Then I grab some more product and put it in between my rows using my fingers gently, but getting the old dry shampoo out. Then I use a bit more for the length of my hair and use the same method of washing it out. Use your fingers to make sure you get all of the shampoo/conditioner out of your hair. If you don't, you can have an itchy scalp.

As for blow drying my hair, I let it towel or air dry for at least 15 minutes to an hour. Then I brush it starting at the ends and working my way up. Then I use Kerastase Heat Protecting Serum on the length of my hair and Kerastase Volumizing Mousse in my roots. Since I have two rows of extensions, I dry my hair in three sections, starting from the bottom. It takes me about 10 minutes to blow dry my hair. Then you can curl it, straighten it or leave it as is.

As for the evening, I use Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum to keep my hair and hair extensions moisturized. Since the extensions do not grow from your head, they need help to keep them healthy and moisturized. I use one pump every night.

And that is it. 

My hair stylist is very happy with how I am taking care of my hair. She said it is super healthy (both my real hair and my extensions) and has tons of new growth. And I haven't had a cut in 5 months on it. 

We took photos of my hair to show the growth and how the extensions look after 8 weeks of growth. Then we took more photos after my extensions were taken out to see how much it has grown. Then we took more photos to show the new color and extensions in place. Finally we took a photo of it after I was done.

This is eight weeks of growth and they are still sewn in nicely and lay flat. Plus it was my full highlights appointment as you can see I have a lot of growth (my natural roots) in the back of my hair. I get full highlights every other appointment and I get partial highlights in between those appointments.

Check out how long my real hair is. Big change from the first photo.

Fresh color and extension "sewn" back in.

And done with details on my hair.

Is there anymore you want to know about my extensions?

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.  

Happy Friday all! This week flew by for us. We had Monday off from work and then I have a half day today at work. We don't have much planned for this weekend other than using our mini waffle maker again and doing some stuff around the house.

Onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. Last Saturday, Rory and I had a date night out. We celebrated an early Valentine's day and that I am well on my way to being fully recovered. I had another post-op with my doctor yesterday, but I will talk about that later.

Anyways, I thought I would share our date night. Sadly, we didn't get a photo together. Super lame. But Rory did capture a picture of me and I captured one of him, but he didn't share it.

Hamachi Crudo

Avocado salad

Filet Oscar (Rory had a rib eye that I didn't photograph as well as French onion soup)

Roasted brussel sprouts with bacon and macadamia nuts

Key lime tart

TWO. So I have had my eye on two things at Sephora recently and I purchased them and thought I would try them out and report back. First is the Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlight in Original. These are drops that you can add to your cheekbones, eyes around the eyebrow area, on your nose, etc. It gives your face a slight shimmer and brightens you up. I know with my skin, I feel like winter sucks the life out of it. And since I wear makeup daily (even just a little bit which you can use this with or without makeup), I thought I would give my face some life. I will let you know what I think. Have you tried it?

Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlight

THREE. The other item that I purchased is the Fenty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer. I have heard nothing but amazing things about Fenty products, but yet I haven't tried them. On Sephora, this gloss gets 4 1/2 stars with over 11,000 reviews. I bought it in the color Fu$$y. Yes I know that wearing it while you wear a mask is mute, but I can put it on after I arrive at a place.

Fenty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer

FOUR. As part of my Valentine's Day gift from Rory, he got me Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum. Wow that is a mouth full. My esthetician uses Dermalogica products on me and therefore, I use them to wash my face, mask and treat my dark spots. So when Rory got me this new product, I couldn't wait to try it. I saw a blogger use it on Try it Tuesday and she said it was doing good things. So I have been using it for close to a week now and I love it. I feel like it is working. Slowly, but it is firming up my neck. I will report back after a month of use.

Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

This couldn't be more true. And I went just this week. Reminder to set your appt and get yourself checked out.

This. I definitely feel this way.

The irony.

One of the worst parts about being an adult.

Have a great weekend. I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything.