Holiday Gifts That I Love!

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday this week! I know we did with our little babe getting sooo excited about his toys. I wanted to share some of the gifts I received so if you guys are ever looking for similar items, these are the ones to get! I promise to be better about posting now with the holiday season coming to an end. :)

Sephora Collection's "Ultimate Travel Tool Brush Set"

It's on sale now for $39 ($210 Value). All the brushes are a regular size (not mini size but kept in a cute case for traveling) so they are great for day to day. I especially love the eyeshadow brushes! The two brushes for powder and foundation aren't my fave because they are synthetic bristles and are harder to blend with. I recommend getting the Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Brush #47 for $28. I also like the bareMinerals Handy Buki Brush for $20. The bristles on this brush are very dense, so you get a really nice full coverage. 

Makeup brushes are expensive so I was glad to get this set for less than the cost of two brushes! It's so important to have the correct brushes for each make up application to ensure a beautiful finish!! 

Sephora Collection Travel Brush Set Here

Sephora Pro Foundation Brush Here

bareMinerals Handy Buki Brush Here

Urban Decay's "Naked" Eyeshadow Palette Here

(Not the Naked 2 palette)

I LOVE this palette. It has such a beautiful range of neutrals and let's get real, most of us only wear neutrals everyday. Some are matte, some are shimmery and all are perfect. I prefer the original palette verses the newer Naked 2 palette because I love to wear warmer shadows with my fair complexion. (Naked 2 colors are all on the cool side.) You don't need to be tan to have a warm glow to your face if you use warmer colors with your blush/bronzer and shadows! As you can see in the pic above, this set somes with a eyeshadow primer and basic application brush with is amazeballs. So get these shadows STAT!

 

Viktor and Rolf "Flowerbomb" Deluxe Gift Set (Fragrance) Here

There's a reason this is one of the top sellers at Sephora and department stores everywhere! It smells de-lish! This set from Nordstrom includes the perfume, roller perfume, body wash, and lotion. The gift set I got last year included the hair perfume which, believe it or not, smells even better than the body perfume! The body lotion smells a bit more "wintery" than the sort of "spring" like smell the perfume has. Which is to DIE for. Sometimes when I need a little pick me up, I just apply the lotion all over my arms and secretly sniff it all day! I even heard they make a Flowerbomb candle, which once we are in our new house, I will be purchasing!

Converse Chuck Taylor High Top Sneaker Here

I love that the sneaker trend is so big right now! Forever I wanted high top wedge sneakers because I think they are crazy cute. Honestly though, my 5'9 inch body doesn't need 3-4 extra inches to chase my 1 year-old around the park! These shoes are very comfy, very cute and very old school. My little man also has these kicks in the black and white version, so I needed a pair to match! I got them to wear with black leggings or my black leather skinnies and thought the white would be dope to pair with! I'll post an outfit post of my get up once I find a fun top to wear with. :)

Happy New Years Eve tomorrow!

xx

Guthrie Photoshoot Part Two

Sorry I haven't posted in suuuch a long time! I'm sure you guys are just as busy as I have been getting everything ready for the holidays!! Woot woot! I have everything bought except one little thing and then all I have to do is wrap it all. I even stuffed my husband's and baby's stockings today (I know, I know, I'm a bit too excited for Christmas). 

These family photos were taken a few days after my last Guthrie photos I posted HERE. We may or may not be wearing some of the same clothing items. Ha. The thing I love about this photoshoot is that the location is incredible. It's a secret spot so I won't tell ya where it is but the plants made our pics look very winter-y and Christmas-y. Just perf for our Christmas cards we sent out! I also love the color combo that was chosen and how absolutely adorable my sisters' outfits all were. Us Thruston girls are such divas so it's no surprise they had to be over the top. I mean, really??.... My 12 year-old sister had to wear red lipstick? And my two littlest sissies had to wear matching prom-like dresses? You bet. We are who we are!! I love these wild sisters of mine and don't forget my studly bros. ;)

Ahh, don't you love the cream and black color scheme with just the right amount of that pop of bright red?!

To see the photoshoot we did with my husband's whole side of the family, click here.

xx

James Bond Casino Party Outfit

A while back I did a post on dresses I was thinking about wearing to this particular holiday party. I seriously tried on a hundred dresses. Who knew designers thought everyone should look like a call girl?! Being 5 feet and 9 inches tall, it was rather difficult finding a dress that wasn't making me look like a lady of the night. Haha, so this is what I came up with. I didn't get a lot of pics since we were running behind to get to the party. Then after that we were of course, partying!!



{Yes, my baby wore his skull necklace instead of a tie}

Dress: H&M ($15!)
Gold Sparkly Belt: Target ($17)
Booties: Payless (Old, $30)
Gold Snakeskin Clutch: Target ($17)
Bracelets: Forever 21 (maybe $8?)

So you can see I got this entire look for under just $90! I hope you budget fashionistas can save on your holiday party outfits too so you can spend more on gifts to your loved ones. :)

I know my girlfriend, Elba, (who is pictured above) got her shift dress from H&M as well for $15 or $20. Such a great store for trendy outfits for less dollasss!

Happy Holidays, Dolls!!
xx

Guthrie Photoshoot Part One

Happy Monday!! I just wanted to share with you guys a few of the special peeps in my life. :) These are a few of the Guthrie family photos we had taken Thanksgiving weekend when my sister-in-law and her family were in town. Oh my gosh could you just die?? They are breathe taking!! I may be partial since they are pics of the peeps I love so much :)

Our photographer was absolutely amaaazing! How she was about to capture so many people smiling at once is beyond me. Thanks again for taking the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen of our family!!

{Me, SIL Hanna, MIL Tami, FIL Sam, SIL Ashley, SIL Mallory}

{BIL Dax, BIL Trevor, MIL Tami, My Husband Gavin, BIL Skylar}

{All the Guthrie kids and spouses, along with the Guthrie parents}

To see the photoshoot we did with my side of the family, click here.

xx

Victoria's Secret... Shhh!!

Hey Dolls! I hope you enjoyed the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Tuesday night!! It was so magical, as always! I am such a fan and look forward every year to their ridiculously glamorous show! I get all ready, big messy curls, and my latest VS attire. Riri, Justin and Bruno did an amazing job as well. It's so fun to see a runway show interacting with music artists! Genius idea on their part. I loved "ooo-ing" and "aww-ing" at all of the outfits, then after the show I frantically get online and find my must haves!! Below I've listed VS items I have tried in the past and included my wishlist for Christmas!! It's not Christmas with out a little VS under the tree, I always say ;)

Tried and True:

The Very Sexy Push Up. I think every girl should own this bra. It's not too much padding and gives those girls just the right amount of ummph they need.

There's a reason this perfume is number one every year. It smells delicious on every women and adds that extra feminine scent we all are looking for. Great for every day since it's not incredibly expensive.

Comfiest thongs ever. Sounds like an oxymoron? Haha it's true. The lace on these doesn't hug into your hips like most thongs, (creating muffin top on even the skinniest of girlies). Enough said.

Light weight hoodie. Cute for on the go or a easy extra layer to have under your winter jacket.

The Boyfriend Pant. Obviously the relaxed fit is so ideal! I even throw these over leggings at night in the winter to keep extra warm when I sleep.

The Lacy Cheeky. Your husband/boyfriend/fiance will thank me. Shows enough and hides enough, simultaneously.

Wish List:

The Bombshell Push Up. Duh, which girl doesn't want to add two cup sizes?! Thank you VS, for making my busty dreams come true...

Holy cow this is a lot of makeup.

Every year I get knew sweats from Victoria's. I'm dying for this new cut to wear with my new Converse kicks. (Also on my Christmas wishlist!) 

I just love illuminators. I feel younger, fresher and glow-ier already.


Victoria's Secret always makes me feel more feminine, girly, powerful and beautiful. I love being a woman and getting dolled up everyday.

Well my fellow lady friends, go check out their website STAT and make your Christmas Wishlist!! Happy Holidays!

xx

Black, Red and Marc Jacobs

This was my outfit last week for church. It had been a little while since I've been... We have been going from city to city like we are America's most wanted lately! Haha. So it was nice to get back into things.
I use this bag as my diaper bag since I don't particularly like those typical diaper bags. I never wanted to look like a "mom" but more of maybe just a hot nanny??
Excuse the bad lighting for these photos, we were taking photos for my husband as well and his were more important than mine. :)

Sweater: H&M
Pencil skirt: Forever 21
Opaque tights: Target
Lipstick: MAC
Bag: MARC by Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom)

How To QUICKLY Get Your Tummy Back After Baby!

This is me 40 weeks pregnant!



Hello Dolls! This was one of my biggest concerns before I got knocked up. Every young girl fears that mommy "pooch" and wonders if they will ever be able to wear their clothes again. DO NOT BE AFRAID!! I will give you some personal tips of mine on how to get that sexy flat stomach back again in 6-8 weeks! I'm bringing sexy back ;)

Ok. Before you conceive get your health in order. Lose that weight you were always meaning to because you're only going to get heavier from here. Remember the term "muscle memory"?? Work those abs out my friends! If you begin in shape, it will be easier to get back there since your body has been there before. Duh.

-Postpartum. If you have a natural, uncomplicated birth as I did, you can begin light exercise 2 weeks after delivery. Light exercise meaning just getting outta bed. Haha, I mean pushing your new babes in the stroller for a short walk. Your hips need a little time to slowly move back together so walking is key, but sometimes feels very funny. :) 

-I began doing basic muscle flexing maybe a few weeks after delivery. There are specific moves new moms need to accomplish before moving on to a tough personal trainer. I will show you these in the pics below. 

-Prepare easy, healthy meals. I actually have a mini fridge in my son's nursery so I could always have something to snack on. I prepared turkey and cheese sandwiches and bought pre-made salads for meals. I kept washed, fresh fruit in a rubber container along with string cheese and yogurt in my fridge for snacks. I even kept cereal and milk in the room for breakfast. Keep granola or protein bars on your night stand or close to where ever you do the most nursing. 

-Water. Omg I can't stress this enough. You mamas know how freaking thirsty you get breastfeeding. There's a reason. Your body uses everything you've got to produce milk, and your body needs to be replenished!! Women worry about eating enough to maintain a good milk supply but the true secret is drinking enough. Got it?! 

Booby feed. Booby feed. Booby feed. Most mamas have 6 weeks maternity leave to heal/adjust/enjoy their new lives. Think how many times you nurse that little infant if you nurse on demand 24 hours a day? That's approximately 8-12 times a day. I don't care what kind of baby training you believe in but your newborn needs to eat when they want to. Get those babies FAT so they can overcome sicknesses easier. So that's at least six weeks of strictly "Mama's Diner". De-lish.

So. These are the things I did after I had my sweet baby Gram and I'm so grateful I lost my baby weight sooner rather than later. If you are going to have to lose the weight eventually why not lose it asap so you can enjoy your skinny jeans and pencil skirts for even longer. Besides, you never know when you are going to get that baby itch again and have an other baby. Better get fit before that happens! :) 

If you guys have any personal questions (about my UNmedicated PAIN free birth, why I still breastfeed after a year, my health/fitness routine, ect.) for me, feel free to email me at PorcelainDollBlog@gmail.com :)

The Moves-
(Don't mind my towel, I couldn't find my yoga mat!)

Lay on your back like this and breathe slowly. After you exhale, pull your belly button in toward your spine. Stay relaxed and be careful to only pull your muscles in and not curve your spine. Hold tightly for 15 seconds. Repeat as many times as you can. Keep doing this several times a day and each time pull it in tighter and hold for longer. You will definitely feel the difference just from this basic flexing.



After you accomplish this and you feel like you can move to the next step after a few days, move on to this next move. Slowly bring each leg up like in this pic and then lower it again to the starting position. Focus on tightening your tummy. Repeat 12 times on each leg.

After that you can raise both legs at once, but this took me quite a while to accomplish. So I stuck with the first move for some time.

After a few weeks of that, try this. Keep one leg bent at all times and rotate legs making one straight and lowering it toward the ground. Remember to be constantly flexing and pulling in those ab muscles!



Last, once you are very confident that your abs are pretty strong, straighten both legs. Raise them from a few inches above the ground to totally vertical from the ground. Rest in between to make sure you are focused on pulling those abs in instead of just busting out reps. It's all about form!

Once you are stronger in the midsection from doing these, totally move on to your usual hardcore workouts!

Ok, ok, I know this looks a little cheesy but I promise the moms with new born babes will know how weak their tummies are and will have to ease into working out. Plain sit-ups will not get you the results you want, that's why you gotta do these exercises :)

Thanks guys! Hope this helps you expecting mamas, mamas with newborns or mamas who haven't started working out yet!

xo

Polka Dots and Leather Pants

So everyone who has taken family photos knows that the mom usually picks the colors for the outfits and everyone needs coordinate, blah, blah, blah. We did family photos with my in-laws on Wednesday this last week with the colors being every neutral color with a pop of mustard yellow. No one in my mini fam looks good in the later color so we wore cream, black and tan. 

Then a few days later my family wants to do fam photos with the colors black, cream and red. We debated wearing the exact same outfits. Haha. When we get all the photos back from both sides of the family I will post them, because honestly, you will DIE. They are freakkkin adorable. These are just a few of the photos we snuck in while everyone else was setting up.

K seriously, how rad are these pants?! I picked them up last week because I had been dying to own a pair but am such a cheap skate when it comes to clothes that I had been searching for a less expensive pair. 

Also, I didn't have to edit these photos (mess with the colors since I don't know how to use my Photoshop yet) because I borrowed my MIL's camera. What a difference a decent camera makes! I had been using my husband's point-and-shoot because my nice Nikon camera SUCKS, bad. How can a nice camera be worse than a point and shoot I have no idea. Maybe I should have done less flirting and more studying in my photography class in high school. Ha. 

If anyone has some awesome recommendations for a camera that takes photos like these please let me know!! As Christmas is around the corner and I'm pretty sure Santa has me on the "Nice List". ;)