my current skincare routine

It's been a good year since I last talked about my full skincare routine, and a few things are the same while some things have changed. I'm constantly trying out new products - some end up becoming a real staple of my skincare routine, and others are exchanged for newer, shinier, more promising products. Thanks to four years of really focusing on improving my skin through products and procedures, I'm at one of the best places I have ever been with my skin!

As far as my current routine, I have a lot of old favorites that are a still a part of my routine, and a ton of new products I've fallen in love with. A few months ago, Drunk Elephant sent me a care package with all of their top products. The irony was that literally the week before,  I had purchased their babyfacial mask and oil, so I was already a purchasing customer! I've been using their products consistently for the past two months and am now a huge convert. This is not a sponsored post, I've just tested their products consistently and am very impressed with the results I've seen in my skin, which is why I keep using them!

in the morning //

1. Drunk Elephant Day Serum: I've been using a Vitamin C serum for the past year, and after recently finishing Ole Henrikson's Truth Serum, I was excited to try a new Vitamin C serum! I would say that these two feel very similar when applied. Vitamin C has been clinically proven to even out skin tone and protect against pollution, which is why I've made it a daily part of my skincare routine!
2. Paula's Choice Sunscreen: A few years ago, I was ready a Q&A somewhere about preventing wrinkles, and one question was about what people in their late twenties/early thirties should do to prevent wrinkles, and the easiest solution that we're all told to do anyway is wear sunscreen. Duh. I've tried several face sunscreens, and keep coming back to this one! It goes on so fluid, you never even know it's there, which is why I use it every day. Highly recommend if you are looking for an easy step to add to your skincare routine that prevents wrinkles, and most importantly, skin cancer! I know we all think we are untouchable when it comes to cancers, but we all know we're going to get wrinkles, so might as well protect against both!
3. Drunk Elephant Hydration Gel: I've always had dry skin, which is why I've really been attracted to hydration gels (like the First Aid serum I used last year!). This DE gel has been a godsend for the past few months of harsh hospital environments and being in a constant state of dehydration haha. But really, my dry skin concerns have been greatly reduced by using this every morning. 
4. Belif moisturizer: One of my holy grail items I buy over and over and over again! I just noticed last week they sell this in a huge economy size tub and I'm honestly debating buying it. 

at night //

1. Glossier cleanser: I looooove this cleanser and buy it over. and over. and over again. I use it to remove my make-up - it's so effective at getting eye makeup off without rubbing and pulling on the delicate skin around eyes, doesn't hurt my eyes, and smells amazing. It's just my absolute favorite. 
2. Tretinoin cream: I use a perscription tretinoin cream every other night. See my full review of how tretinoin majorly changed my skin!
3. OR Drunk Elephant Night Serum: On the nights I don't use the tretinoin cream, I use this night serum. I've noticed a big change in the texture of my skin since I started using it - I used to have a lot more flaking and dry patches, and used to have to do a lot more scrubs than I do now! I think this is one of the biggest additions to my skincare routine that has made my skin really glow. 
4. Drunk Elephant Marula oil: About nine months ago, I really started falling in love with using face oils. Remember like ten-fifteen years ago when we thought oil in skincare products was the devil - everything said it was oil-free! And now I'm constantly smearing oil all over my face, and it's never felt better. I had just finished my third bottle of The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed oil when I received the DE Marula Oil. I think The Ordinary's oil felt super smooth and calming when applied, while I think the Drunk Elephant Marula oil leaves my skin softer the next day - they are two different types of oil, so it's not a direct comparison, but just between two types of oils I've used over the past year. The Ordinary does also sell a Marula oil that I may order the next time I put in an order just so I can compare the two. But I'm so happy with the Drunk Elephant oil that I'm more than willing to buy another bottle with my own money. 
5. Nivea cream: I grew up using Nivea cream - we used to bring huge tubs over from Germany! A few months ago, I randomly read about how the original Nivea cream from Germany is very very similar to La Mer. I have never actually tried La Mer, but I've read enough celebrity interviews over the years to know that people are obsessed with it. The last time my mom went to Germany, I asked her to bring me a tub back, and have been using it ever since. Is it identical to La Mer? No idea. But my skin is soooo soft after I use it that I just keep using it! I think the American version is actually very similar, if you are interested in trying it out for yourself (especially if you've used La Mer, I'd love to hear your opinion!). 

as needed //

1. Drunk Elephant Babyfacial Mask: My friend Tierney told me about how much she loved this face mask, so last fall during a Sephora sale, I ordered it. Babyfacial is a perfect name for it as it leaves you skin looking brand new - just glowy and smooth. I'm a big fan!
2. Ren Glycolic Mask: I continue to use the same bottle of this I had last year - you don't need a huge amount when you apply it. I also love the smell and it really does leave your skin more radiant. 
3. The Ordinary Peeling Solution: I ordered this a few months ago, and have used it a few times now, and really enjoy it! It goes on bright red so don't be scared by that. Leave it on for 10 minutes (no longer!), and have brighter skin after! I wouldn't say that this is my favorite mask I've ever used, but I like it enough to keep using it!
4. Clinique Night Lip Mask: Ohhh, this is a new addition for my night time routine. I almost always have this Clinique balm in my scrub pocket, but saw the night lip mask and instantly wanted to try it. If you also have dry lips, this is a great little product to put on before going to bed (especially if you're a mouth breather like me.....). 
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: As much as I try to prevent acne, it still shows up once in a while (come onnnnnnn). I use the drying lotion on it as soon as it shows up - it doesn't make it disappear completely, but I generally think the zits are smaller overall. 

beauty tuesday: my current skin care routine

I'm sort of at an impasse at the moment when it comes to my skincare routine. I have some holy grail items I've used and loved for a long time, like my coconut oil + Paula's Choice cleanser combo, that won't change any time soon. There are some new found loves, like my First Aid serum, that I know will be a part of my routine for a long time, and then there are certain new items, like the Belif moisturizer, Origins overnight mask, and Glossier cleanser, that I really am enjoying but haven't used long enough to have a full review ready (I like to use something for at least a month before doing a review). Therefore, today I'm sharing what I'm currently using and testing daily (or weekly, when it comes to treatments and masks!).

As just a bit of a disclaimer about my skin: I'm not one of those lucky people who naturally have really great skin. I have pretty dry skin that is still fairly acne prone (that also scars easily). I also have a fairly patchy complexion and dark eye circles, so I've been looking for products over the years to help me with these issues. I'm not necessarily complaining about my skin, because overall it isn't that bad at all, but just to share what my skin concerns are and why I chose the products I did. 

AM routine

1. Glossier Milky Jelly + One Love Organics Sponge: I saw the press release for the new Glossier cleanser, and some of the original reviews, and was intrigued. I either use it by itself, or put it on my cleansing sponge when I need a bit of gentle exfoliation (especially after a night of using my tretinoin cream). I am really really enjoying this combo!
2. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid: I dab a few droplets on a cotton pad, and then onto my acne prone areas. Read my full review here. 
3. First Aid Hydrating Serum: I use about half a pump, and rub all over my face. Still loving this product - full review here. 
4. Belif Moisturizing Bomb: I had previously been using CeraVe's AM moisturizer with SPF, but since I need a bit more moisturizing in the winter (and since I don't actually see sunlight during the day), I recently made the switch. This is very hydrating, but my skin has really felt much more hydrated recently - review coming in a few weeks!

PM routine

1. Coconut Oil: For years I used those Neutrogena make-up remover toilettes, but I never thought they did that great of a job on actually removing my make-up, and I hated spending $6 every 20 days on a new package. Then Pinterest came along, and taught me the magic of coconut oil, and I haven't looked back since. I melt a little between my finger tips, and rub onto my eyes, and then rinse with water. 
2. Paula's Choice Cleanser: I love this cleanser - I'm on my fourth bottle! It is the only one I've found that removes the coconut oil and remaining make-up, it doesn't dry out my skin, and a little bit goes a long way. Worth every single penny. 
3. Retin-A Micro gel: After making sure my skin is completely dry, I use a chickpea amount all over my face. My experience (with pictures) can be found here. I use this every other night. 
4. Vanicream: Recommended to me by my dermatologist, this is a very heavy moisturizer, but without any of the "bad" stuff. Apparently many patients with eczema have great results with this cream as well, so if you struggle with either eczema or dry skin, it may be worth checking out since it is so inexpensive. 
5. CeraVe Eye cream: I started using this a few months ago - I haven't really noticed a difference one way or the other with it, but it makes me feel proactive about the skin around my eyes so whatever, I'll keep using it for now! But I'm definitely open to suggestions if someone has an eye cream they've had noticeable results with.

Masks & Treatments

• Kiehl's Acne Spot treatment: I don't really think there is a big difference between these different salicylic acid spot treatments, but I've been using the same tube of this for over a year, and it works fine. Recently, I've been using this at night with a dab of Glam Glow cleansing mask on top of it, and it actually has worked really well (future post planned for that as well). 
• Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment: I got this as a part of the holiday gift set (which seems to still be available), which includes the normal large size of the black jar + a smaller size of the white jar + a cleanser + brush, for the price of the larger black jar, and it really was a great deal! Like I said above, I've been using this as a spot treatment and it's been working really well in reducing pimples before they even show up. 
• Glamglow Youthmud: $70 is a lot of money to spend on one skincare product, which is why I spent literally years asking for samples of this every time I went into Sephora. I finally bit the bullet over the holidays with the giftset, and don't regret it for one minute. I use this about once a week now - I leave it on for about 20 minutes, rinse, and follow with the Origin's overnight mask since it does dry out my skin a bit. I love using the brush to apply it evenly to my face (+ it keeps it out from under my finger nails), and with a little bit of water added before screwing the lid on as tight as possible, I haven't had any issues with it drying out. 
• Origin's Overnight Mask: Jessica recommended this to me a few weeks/months ago, and I've really been enjoying it! More thorough review to come soon, but if you've been eyeing it, definitely give it a shot. It smells amazing and my skin feels so good in the morning. 
• Tony Moly masks: These were recommended to be by another customer in Sephora, but I ended up finding them a bit cheaper on Amazon. I've used two so far, and like them! Full review coming once I've actually used them all, but the price really can't be beat. 

So that is my current skin care routine! Any suggestions, tips, or product recommendations? I'd love to hear what some of your holy grail skincare items are!

review: Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer with White Tea

I've been in a bit of a skincare overhaul for the last year or so. While I've always been one to wash my face at night and slap on a moisturizer, I've really been focusing on the treatment and prevention side of skincare. With the help of Paula's Choice (acne kit + toner) and a tretinoin cream, I feel the treatment side of my skincare is pretty well figured out - my acne is pretty under control at this point. Now I'm focusing on the prevention side - making sure to use sunscreen, staying out of the sun, and finding products that help protect my skin from wrinkles. I was missing a moisturizer I could use to help treat my skin on the nights I don't use my tretinoin cream, so when I saw this Origin's moisturizer (a brand I've had some pretty good luck with recently), I wanted to give it a try. 

what it promises:

Research at several major universities has proven that white tea is among the most potent antioxidants, anti-agers, anti-stress, anti-smoke, and anti-pollution antidotes. Now its protective powers are energized and optimized in a moisturizer that surrounds skin in a virtually impenetrable protective bubble. This barrier intercepts damage before it causes lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness.

how I use it:

Every other night (the night I don't use my tretinoin cream + vanicream moisturizer), I will lightly exfoliate with the First Aid radiance pads, allow that to dry for about 20 seconds, and then rub a thin layer of the Origins moisturizer into my skin. 

what I like:

Like all Origins products I've used, this one smells great. It's a faint citrus smell that isn't overwhelming, and just makes it enjoyable to use. I find a little bit goes a long way - I've been using this for about a month now, and it doesn't even look like I've used any out of the jar (which is good, since it's a bit pricy at $43 for 1.7 oz). 

I really like that I'm treating my skin while also getting a great moisturizer. I wanted a product that helped treat my dry skin but also did something for it, and so having an anti-aging, anti-oxidant moisturizer is exactly what I was looking for. 

Some of the reviews find this is a bit too greasy for oily skin, but as someone who uses this on drier skin and only at night, I have not found this to be true. 

what I don't like: 

It seems that the reason Origins products smell so great is because of the added ingredients that make it smell so freaking good. I personally don't care so much about that - I'm not that sensitive to smells (in fact, I really enjoy the smell of this product) but I know that those ingredients (bergamot, lemon, orange, spearmint, and vetiver oils, according to Beautypedia) can be irritating. These aren't synthetic fragrances, but worth noting. 

would I buy this again?

The thing with preventative skin care is that you can't really see a result right away - with acne treatments, you know if it's working or not, but you can't really tell if an anti-oxidant, anti-aging product is working. Therefore, I can't say that this is a "holy grail, will buy a hundred more times" kind of product, just like I haven't been able to say that about any anti-aging product. That being said, I do really enjoy using it, so I will probably buy it again. I may try out some other products in between, but I've been very satisfied with the Origins A Perfect World moisturizer. 

ps. I've been receiving a few more beauty questions in my Ask Me Anything, so I'm thinking about doing a full beauty/skin care Q&A for an upcoming Beauty Tuesday. Have any specific questions? Feel free to add them in the comments, or in this google doc!

my current skincare routine for mid-30s skin

I have shared my skincare routines over the years (2016 at age 28, 2018 at age 30) and I think the latest change to my skincare regimine is reflected of where I'm at in my mid 30s as a mother to two young children - quick and easy, gets results, and prevents future problems. I have dry skin that needs moisture. The acne I was dealing with for years is now kept at bay, but instead now we are dealing with fine lines. The addition of several key lotions and potions have made a huge difference in my skin though, and I'm so happy about where we are at. 

As a disclaimer, I did get 3 sessions of microneedling done back in 2016-2018 that helped with some acne scarring, and I get botox about twice a year, although with my pregnancies, I haven't really had much botox in the last 3 years. I also get a small amount of filler in my tear troughs every two years as I have had basically hollowed eye sockets since childhood. I think while those things helped target specific concerns that skin care can't fix, but the daily skin care routines make such difference in how your overall skin looks and feels. I'm at such a good place with how I feel about my skin that I don't wear anything on my skin other than some concealer and setting powder - I no longer wear any foundation or even a CC cream unless it's a special occasion. So here's my current routine, and why having a "less is more" approach is working for me now!

AM //

I don't used a cleanser in the morning, I just wash my face with water and then pat dry. Then I use

Vitamin C serum: Probably the biggest game changer for me has been adding vitamin C serums to my routine. I've tried several, I used BeautyPie's vitamin C ampules for several years until finally splurging on the SkinCeuticals version last month (it's the most hyped and recommended Vitamin C serum I've seen). It's been proven to help reduce free radical damage, and improve fine lines and overall brightness. I've definitely noticed a huge difference in the brightness of my skin with consistent Vitamin C use over the last three years. One big thing to note is that the stability of Vitamin C isn't great, so not all Vitamin C serums are created equal but I think all provide a benefit. As with most skin care, this is something you have to use daily and for a while until you see a difference, but with consistent use, you will get amazing results. As the SkinCeuticals serum is pricy (the priciest skin care item I've ever purchased), here's a post about dupes to the skinceuticals serum - I've always had great success with Paula's Choice so their Vitamin C serum would be my recommendation. If you aren't using a Vitamin C serum yet, I highly recommend adding one. 

Moisturizer: Like I said, I have dry skin, and have been very loyal to Belif's moisture bomb for years now. It's a medium thick cream, so it's great for daily morning use - provides enough moisture but doesn't turn you into an oil slick (I save that for night time!). Love love love. 

Sunscreen: Some years ago, I read that the best anti-aging cream you can buy is sunscreen and that somehow blew my mind but also makes sense. I've been consistently using daily facial sunscreen since my mid 20s and I like to think it's what keeps me looking so youthful ;) (...that, and the fact that I worked 60-80s hours a week and never saw the sun....). Something I didn't learn until recently though is that you're supposed to put your sunscreen on last in your routine! I'm currently using up my first bottle of SuperGoop's Glow Screen, which I quite enjoy as it leaves you all dewy and young looking. Next up I'm going to try EltaMD's sunscreen though, because it's again one that comes highly recommended my the dermatologists I follow. In the past I've also really liked Paula's Choice sunscreen, if you're looking for another price point. 

PM //

Cleanser: I can't find any make-up remover/cleanser as much as I love the Glossier cleanser. With just three pumps of the cleanser, I can take off all my make up without needing two different cleansers or separate make up remover. I've tried a bunch of others in the past, and always come back to this as it's so easy and works so well. If you're lazy, and don't wear a ton of face make up, this is a great option for you to remove your make up and cleanse your skin.  

Retinol: The other "must have" item that is always recommended to use is a type of retinol. From my basic non-dermatologist understanding, retinols are typically purchased over the counter and tretinoin is a prescription. I was prescribed a tretionoin cream by my dermatologist about six years ago, but as I moved several times, and couldn't make it to an actual dermatologist's office (plus most had a 6 month wait list), I started using Dear Brightly. You have an online consultation with a derm (including sending pictures of your skin), and they send you prescription retinol. I love this version of retinol because it is formulated with hyaluronic acid, so I haven't experienced as much of the dryness I did with Retin-A Micro. As I've been a long term retinol user now, I use a stronger strength (0.1%). Not ready to get a prescription tretinoin cream? There are tons of over the counter retinol products in almost every price range, but if you are looking for the biggest change, I'd recommend an Rx, from either your local dermatologist (the generic creams are really not that expensive, as long as your get the generic versions!) or if you can't make it to in person dermatology appointment soon, try an online version like Dear Brightly. Start off slow with a lower concentration, make sure your skin is all the way dry when applying, and make sure you use a moisturizer. 

Moisturizer: At night I like to go a bit heavier on the moisturizing. I'm still loving Vanicream for the days I use my tretinoin cream, and on days I don't use it, I like to use the traditional Nivea cream. I love how thick it goes on, and how soft my skin is in the morning! 

Ointment: This CeraVe ointment has been a recent find (I think I saw it on a TikTok in a video about "slugging") and went out to buy it the next day. I've tried lots of different face oils to help trap in moisture, but this takes it to the next level. I smear it all over my face and I look a little ridiculous because of how greasy I look, but my skin is so so soft  the next day. If you have oily skin, this is not the cream for you, but if you have drier skin like I do...run, don't walk. 

In addition, I also apply this hair strengthening serum in hopes that my postpartum hair loss won't be as bad, and then put my hair in a low pony with a silk hair tie - I have had such bad breakage around the level I wear a messy bun that I'm really trying to break that habit, and have found that this really helps. I also use Lash Boost every other day to keep my eyelashes long and full. 

So that's my quick and dirty skincare routine. It's not 12 steps, but that's why it works for me and the current state of my skin! I'd like to add back a mask or two when I take a bath, so if you have any current loves, I'd love to hear about them!

beauty tuesday: updated skincare routine

A couple of weeks ago, a reader asked about starting a night time skin care routine. After answering, I've had several other people ask me for what my current skin care routine is, and since I last did that post in February, here's an update! As you can see, many parts of my routine are still the same, but I've stopped using a few products for one reason or another, and added a few new ones in. I'm finally over the flakiness that the tretinoin cream caused, and I have a more control

in the morning

1. Glossier cleanser: I use this first thing in the morning in combination with the sponge below. It's a very gentle cleanser, the bottle lasts a long time (I just ordered my second bottle finally), and I even use it to remove my make up on nights I'm feeling lazy and wore less make-up during the day. 
2. Cleansing sponge: I've had the same sponge for about two years now, and still use the same one. It has made such a difference in removing flaky skin, especially during the winter. 
3. Paula's Choice perfecting liquid: Another mainstay in my skincare routine. I'll stop using it for a few days because I get lazy, and all of a sudden have like four new break outs. It is a bit drying so I only use it on my problem areas, but it has made such a difference for me. 
4. First Aid Beauty hydrating serum: To combat the dryness, I started using this serum last winter, and it's been a life saver. I tried cutting back on it this summer too, but again, came right back to using it because it is so effective.  
5. Paula's Choice sunscreen: I used to never use daily sunscreen, but having read enough about skin cancer and just the vain prevention of wrinkles has made me start using sunscreen. I really like this sunscreen particularly because it's not thick and oily like typical sunscreens - it's a very fluid sunscreen that doesn't leave a film or anything on the skin. 
6. Belif moisturizer: Another mainstay in my current routine - I'm on my third or fourth jar now!

in the evening

1. Micellar water: I reviewed this a few weeks ago, but like I said, it easily removes all eye makeup and is super gentle (it basically feels just like water!). I use it with cotton pads. 
2. Paula's Choice cleanser: Another favorite! It's gentle, removes remaining make-up, and doesn't dry out my skin. I'm on my third bottle of this, and am about to order a fourth!
3. Retin A Micro: Probably the biggest game changer in my skincare routine over the past year. It's a prescription cream that I use every other night. It has decreased my acne, reduced hyper-pigmentation, and has overall made a big difference in my skin. Highly recommend if over the counter creams and cleansers aren't making as big of a difference as you would like. 
4. Vanicream: This was recommended to me by my dermatologist to help with the dryness and flaking caused by the tretinoin cream. I didn't believe it made me much of a difference until I ran out of it a few months ago, and the dry flakiness came back. Now I slather this on at night, and when I wake up, my skin is so soft (and not dry!).
5. Glossier balm.com: I use this for the rougher skin I get around my nose (mostly during the winter when I'm blowing my nose all the time). It soothes the irritation and heals the chapped skin. 

as needed

1. Kiehl's acne treatment: I've had this same little tube for a few years now (it's probably actually time to get a replacement) but I use it when I feel a break out coming on. I don't think it makes a huge difference one way or the other, and I don't particularly think that this salicylic acid spot treatment is much different than others, but I like it, and it's what I've been using. 
2. Kaplan's lip mask: I mentioned this on instagram yesterday, but the combination of a weekly lip mask + daily lip balm has made a big difference for my lips. I tend to have pretty dry lips no matter what else I've done, and this has helped, especially now that winter weather is officially here.  
3. Glamglow face mask: I use this about once every two weeks to help with the flakiness of my skin. It's definitely drying, so I don't leave it on much longer than necessary, but it has been one of the only things I've found that helps with removing flakes.
4. Ren mask: I stumbled upon this while looking through mask reviews, and people seem to really like it! I've used it twice, and plan on doing a full review soon, but it's basically a gentler mask that helps "restore radiance". 
5. Memebox sheet masks: After mentioning how much I liked the Sephora face masks a few months ago, several readers recommended checking out Memebox for cheaper masks. I put in a big order, and have been using various ones ever since! The masks run $1-$3, so even if I put one on and don't end up liking it, I don't feel like I wasted a ton of money on something I don't like. 

beauty tuesday: first impressions and new favorites

I have been playing with a bunch of new products over the last few months. Some I found by falling into an internet black hole, some I tried samples and loved, some were sent to me, and others were suggested by friends. I didn't think any really warranted a full review post (although a couple will have follow up posts with continued use), so I wanted to do a quick first impressions and mini review of the products!

Banila Clean it Zero Cleanser: K Beauty and its 10 step nightly routine has been a big thing discussed online for a while now, and every time I read about some people's routines, I get really confused about all the different steps, and what each of them does and then I just give up and continue my standard make-up removal, cleanser, treatment, moisturizing routine I've been doing my whole life. But then I recently read Sydney's post about her new routine, and man, her skin does look pretty amazing, and since her post made it a little easier to figure out how to go about all of this stuff, I purchased a few things. The first one is this balm cleanser, the first step in "double cleansing". For those of you who use coconut oil to remove your make-up, this is pretty similar, except it cleanses more and doesn't leave as oily of a residue behind. You scoop a little of the solid balm into your fingers, rub all over your face and eyes, and then cleanse with warm water. It does a great job of removing all of my eye make-up! I then cleanse again with my go-to Paula's Choice cleanser to remove all remaining make-up and cleansing balm. My face feels so soft after, and I like that I don't have to wipe at my face with any clothes or wipes or pads.

Neogen Wine Exfoliating Pads: You guys know I'm all about exfoliating - when you have dry flaky skin, anything that helps your skin look bright and not dying wins in my book. I've seen these wine soaked pads mentioned a few times over the past few months, so I figured it was time to try. I use these 2-3 times a week after double cleansing. Basically they smell like a combination of red wine and grape jelly - if you're sensitive to smells, you will probably hate this. I love it, I think it smells amazing! These are little gauze pouches, basically - you stick your finger in them, use the "rougher" side first (it's not rough at all) and then use the softer side after, to rub all over your face to exfoliate. My belief in this kind of over the counter skin care product is that it won't really change what your skin is really like - chances are, your pores won't be that much smaller, your acne isn't going to magically all disappear, your dark spots aren't going to just go away. But what it does in the day to day feeling of your skin is real - it does change how my skin feels, and how other skincare products react with my skin. So I would say in this situation, my skin does feel smoother! But it's not a magic product, just like most skincare products aren't. If you want a nice smelling exfoliator that helps with flakiness, this is a great product to try!

The Ordinary oils: In Sydney's post, a commenter said that there's no need to pay $40 for some of the face oils because you can get them for a quarter of that price from The Ordinary. I had never heard of this brand, so I fell deep into the internet hole about this brand. Basically, The Ordinary provides the active ingredients without any of the fillers...and for fair prices. I don't know if it's because we are so conditioned to see $100 bottles of face oil or if it's because we believe you can't buy good products for inexpensive prices, but I was pretty shocked when I saw that you could get the same 100% Squalane that sells for $60 from some brands for EIGHT DOLLARS from The Ordinary. $8! So at those prices, what do you really have to lose? Here's my disclaimer: I do not own the expensive bottle of Squalane, so I can't compare the two, but this little $8 bottle of oil feels pretty amazing. At night, after cleansing and exfoliating, I pat the squalane and rose hip see oil on my face. My face glows - I seriously can't stop looking at it because it looks so bright and clean and glowy! Again, I think this is one of those products that can change your skin when you apply it, but I have no idea how much it changes your skin over the long run, if that makes sense. The only product I have ever used where I noticed my skin actually changing is my prescription tretionoin cream - that product is the holy grail of changing your skin. These products change my skin on the daily, and so if you are looking for a few inexpensive face oils to try, The Ordinary is a great place to start! I've been very impressed with the products in the few days I've used it so far.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: A few months ago I reviewed Ole Henriksen's Power Peel system. I felt it was pretty harsh on my skin, so I returned it. Then I received a sample pack for the Power Bright system, and while it wasn't as harsh, the only part I really liked was the serum, or the middle step. Turns out, you can buy just the serum part without buying the harsh scrubs! So I bought the smaller bottle, and have been using it for about three weeks now. I use this in the morning after washing and toning my face - I use half a squirt, and pat into my face, and then follow with moisturizer. If you have oily skin, this may not be the best option for you, but for those of us with dry skin, it feels so good. I would actually say my skin does look radiant after using this (and I don't say that about everything)! It contains Vitamin C, which is another one of those skin care ingredients that has actually been shown to improve wrinkles and improve texture of the skin. I bought this before finding The Ordinary, but if you want to try a different Vitamin C product and not spend $50 on this oil, they make a Vitamin C suspension for $6...

Chanel Le Volume Mascara: I went to a Nordstrom Beauty event about two months ago with Katy. One of the products we got to play with was Chanel's volume mascara. Katy said she swears by the sample sized tubes, and it's been the best mascara she's ever used. You guys know I'm an eyelash junkie - I'm all about long thick lashes! So even though I kind of hate plastic brushes, I gave the sample tube a try...and have been using it ever since! It just really lifts and separates your lashes, while also building up the volume. I use one coat of primer, two coats of this, and one coat of Bobbi Brown's mascara for added thickness (I know it seems excessive...I just really love dark and thick eyelashes). Katy did say that she really likes the sample tubes more than the full size product, and I have only used the sample sizes so I can't verify her statement, but believe her. If you live near a store that sells Chanel makeup (like Nordstrom), stop by a counter and ask for a sample tube! It costs nothing, and maybe it'll be your new favorite. A sample tube lasts 2-3 weeks!

Bumble and Bumble Hairspray: When I got my hair colored back last fall, the stylist used this hairspray on my hair, and my curls lasted for THREE DAYS. That's unheard of for me! I remembered that she used a blue Bumble and Bumble hairspray, so when I finished  my last bottle of hairspray (which, tbh, I'd had for like two years because I don't use hair spray every day), I bought a bottle of this. And you know, my curls really have lasted longer! I love the fine mist, I love that it's technically a light hold, and I love that it's a twist top rather than having a lid that will mostly likely go missing.

Vichy Double Peel Mask: I was sent this tub by Amazon to test out, which I will be honest, I was so excited about. My mom has been a lifelong Vichy skincare user - whenever we go to Germany, she buys like ten tubs of products to bring back with her to the US. I trust my mother implicitly, so whatever works well for her, I know will be a good product. I fell in love with this "double" peel face mask - it exfoliated mechanically with powdered volconic rock, and then chemically exfoliated with AHA. I use this about once a mask, and then follow with a face mask. I would say this is a pretty gentle peel/exfoliator - there is not redness or burning after use (I have pretty sensitive skin, so this is important!). Definitely gentle enough to use multiple times a week. Be on the look out for a chance to win a trio of Vichy masks in the near future!

recent beauty faves

I'm so excited to talk a bit about a few recent beauty favorites from the last six months. I have lots of holy grail items I've been using for years (my eyeliner, powder foundation, and dry shampoo, which currently comes with an extra mini bottle fyi) but I do love playing around with new items and finding new favorites. With Sephora's holiday sale starting today, I thought it would be a good time to share a few of the items I've really grown to love!

Amika Purple Shampoo // As a life long (highlight getting) blond, I only started using purple shampoos like two years ago! They make SUCH a difference! My highlights/balayage stays brighter so much longer. I've tried several different brands at different price points, and this has been my favorite - the actual shampoo is thick and a deep purple, lathers nicely for a sulfate-free shampoo, and one bottle lasts me about six months. For $20, I can't really complain! If you want a drug store conditioner, I've been using L'Oreals Ever Pure conditioner for years and really like it!

Beauty Pie's Vitamin C capsules // I have plans to dedicate a whole blog post about my experience with Beauty Pie in the next month or so (I'm putting in an order for a few more products on Saturday when my monthly membership renews), but I've already found several items I absolutely love. I've been a long time fan of Vitamin C products - they have helped lighten up my acne scarring and keep my skin looking refreshed (here's a more in depth article about the benefits of Vitamin C). I've enjoyed the Paula's Choice serum as well as Kiehl's, but Vitamin C is fairly unstable and needs to be in sealed and dark containers, which is why these individual shells is the perfect storage for this serum! I use it every morning under my moisturizer. I've been using it for two months now, and am re-ordering another bottle this weekend. It's my favorite skincare product of the last year! If you want to try out Beauty Pie, you can use my referral to get your first month membership for free.

Hourglass's Ambient Light powder // I first heard about this on Jaclyn Hill's youtube, and finally broke down last year, and bought the mini version. I ended up using it every day, and a few months ago bought the full size version. I use this on light make up days (ie at work) as an eyeshadow base, and then lightly swiped across my cheeks and nose as a light highlight. It's just so pretty and the regular size is going to last forever (I wish I had just purchased the full size from the get go - a mini is 1.4 oz for $24, and for $48, you get 10 oz!). Love love love. This would also make a great present!

Beauty Pie's Sleep Oil // I have been using face oils on and off for years now...but it turns out, I was using it ALL WRONG all that time! I was putting it on over serums and under moisturizer, but actually face oils don't moisturize your face, they lock in the moisture. derp. Anyway, since realizing my mistake, I've been happily using Beauty Pie's sleep oil correctly, and it's becoming my favorite step in my night time routine. I pat on a few drops all over my face and wake up with soft and glowy skin every morning. If you're thinking about trying out Beauty Pie, I'd definitely recommend this as one of your first purchases! A bottle probably lasts close to a whole year - I've been using it since August, and have barely made a dent in the bottle.

Ole Henriksen's Scrub // as a girl who grew up with St. Ive's apricot scrub, but also someone who has read enough posts about skincare to know that we shouldn't use abrasive scrubs, I can't help but really enjoy this scrub. I stopped using my retinol cream during pregnancy, and since restarting it after delivering Penny, my skin is going back through a bit of a shedding period while my skin gets re-used to the retinol. I find using this scrub just once a week, using very light circular motions rather than hard scrubbing it into my skin, gets rid of all the dead skin without causing a bunch of trauma to my skin. This would especially be great for anyone dealing with a lot of flakiness during the colder months! Again this will probably last quite a long time since you only need a little bit once or twice a week.

Kat Von D's eyeshadow palette // I've enjoyed KvD's eyeshadow palettes for years now, but this one has become a true staple for me. I am definitely not a make-up guru, I do basically the same thing every day, and have for basically a decade now, but this palette gives me everything I need from lighter every day looks to having a few darker colors to play with. The middle of the palette is what I use the most, from the base color to the highlight to the black for "smudging" my liquid eyeliner. And it's currently on sale (on top of the sale!), so you can get it for a steal.

Tarte's mascara // I'm forever looking for my holy grail mascara - I tend to use one kind for a few tubes, and then move on to the next. I prefer the brush mascaras (versus the plastic wands), and have found what I now believe is my favorite mascara to date. It just elongates, thickens, and isn't clumpy -it's like the holy trinity of mascaras! I always wear an eyelash primer under my mascaras, which helps, but am just such a fan of this mascara that I purchased several more during a recent Tarte sale!

Sephora's sale is currently going on, and ends on 11/11. If you're doing some early holiday shopping, one of my favorite items to gift is this perfume set - it comes with nine deluxe samples of perfumes, as well as a gift card for the full size version of one of them. You get 9 cute little bottles plus the full size version, which is great for any fragrance lover (especially since they can pick out their favorite in the end - I find it so tricky to gift fragrances!).

beauty tuesday: ole henriksen power peel review

I have gotten two facials in my life, and both times, my skin felt amazing afterwards. Unfortunately, I can't really afford to get a facial too regularly, so I try to make up my own routines at home. My own mini facial routine is typically Glam Glow's mud mask, followed by a sheet mask, and then possibly a sleep-in mask as well (I currently am using Origin's, and really enjoy it!).

Recently, I ran across Ole Henriksen's Power Peel while perusing Sephora's skincare section, as one does. The reviews were amazing - brighter skin, smaller pores, more evenly toned - the list went on and on. I really liked the idea of the "facial at home" aspect, so I ordered a two pack to try out.

what it is:

It's basically three masks, laid out for you to follow in order. The first is an almond scrub, the second is a lemon peel, and the third is a calming chamomile mask.

beauty tuesday: first aid beauty ultra repair hydrating serum

A few weeks ago on my Fresh face oil review, one of my readers Musja mentioned that an oil may not give me the moisture my skin needs, and to try a serum instead. I didn't really know where to start when it came to looking for a serum, so I went to my go-to beautypedia to see what they recommended. The highest rated item was the Hydrating Serum from First Aid Beauty, and after reading a few other reviews, I quickly ordered myself a bottle. I generally like to wait several weeks before doing a skincare review, but I have had such great results so far that I felt I needed to share, especially since the winter weather is just starting to really hit a lot of us!

what it promises:
Formulated for all skin types, this hydrating gel instantly infuses skin with optimal hydration to plump and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid—a moisture-locking agent that stores up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water—helps hydrate, hydrate, plump, and nourish. Antiaging peptides help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while collagen helps increase firmness and elasticity, restore texture, and replenish skin. Ultra Repair’s signature ingredient, colloidal oatmeal, along with aloe leaf juice calm and soothe irritated skin for an allover healthy-looking complexion. This water-based gel penetrates immediately into the skin leaving behind an invisible shield that seals in hydration. Its lightweight texture makes it perfect for layering under your favorite AM and PM moisturizers. 

how I use it:
In the morning, after I've washed my face and applied the Paula's Choice Exfoliant to problem areas, I use about half of a squirt on the dry areas of my face, which is typically around my mouth, the apples of my cheeks, and between my eyebrows. Once dry, I follow up with my CeraVe moisturizer.

what I like:
If the Fresh face oil was helping my dryness by 25%, the First Aid serum is helping it by 85%. From the first day I used it, I noticed a huge decrease in the flakiness of my skin. This has been a HUGE change for me - my face has been so dry and peeling the weeks before that that I really noticed a change. I used to have to go into the bathroom several times a day just to scarp the flakes off - and since starting to use the serum, I haven't had to do that once. I have been using the serum for 10 days now, and haven't had a single horrible flaky day yet. 

In an additional plus over the face oil, it doesn't leave any slickness to my skin at all. With the oil I always knew if I used even one drop too many that my skin could stay oily (and still flaky) for the whole day. This hasn't happened at all with the serum/gel since it absorbs right into the skin.

That is my personal experience with the serum - here is the beautypedia review that goes a bit into the ingredients and why it works (backed by published scientific research). Many of you have recommended finding a product with hyaluronic acid in it, which this serum has, and you guys were so right - it really does help with keeping my skin calm and moisturized!

what I don't like:
Like I said, I would say this is making my skin 85% better - I don't think any one product will really get me to 100% perfect dewy skin (is that even attainable? who knows). I wouldn't say that the product is sticky or leaves a residue by any means, but it definitely doesn't feel as luxurious and smooth as face oils do. Besides the price ($36 for 1 oz), those are really the only "downsides" I have found with this product. 

would I buy this again? 
Based on results, I would definitely buy the First Aid Hydrating Serum again. Since this is my first experience with serums and hyaluronic acid, I may test out a few other products once this bottle is done, but I see no reason other than that not to buy another bottle in the future. 

some of my absolute clinique favorites ( + a bomb gift with purchase!)

I very specifically remember buying my first Clinique moisturizer, because it was the first high end beauty product I ever purchased for myself. It was basically love at first sight with that moisturizer, which is why I've owned at least ten bottles of it over the years. I eventually branched out in the brand, trying everything from other skin care products to make-up to fragrances. When Macy's reached out to ask if I wanted to share my experiences about my favorite Clinique items, I was definitely more than happy to since I've been such a fan of the brand for the better part of the last decade. One of my favorite things about purchasing Clinique from Macy's is that they have so many great "Gift with Purchases" items that come along with you order. When I put in my recent order, I receive the bag about (full of make up remover, eye shadow, mascara, perfume, lipstick, and moisturizer) AND a body moisturizer and a full lip gloss... for free. You can receive the same if you order by the end of today (10/17!). 

Skincare

Like I mentioned above, I was a very loyal Dramatically Different moisturizer user for years. Then in recent years, my skin became even drier, so I switched to using the Moisture Surge moisturizer. Instead of a cream, it's a gel - I use it mostly at night, and it definitely has helped combat the dryness that my tretinoin cream causes. The scrub cream is a new purchase for me, but one that has quickly become a big part of my daily skin care routine - it's a gentle exfoliator that I use as an evening scrub. It's definitely one of those scrubs that you can use every day because of how gentle is, but at the same time, it really does get the job done. A little also goes a long way - I use less than a dime sized amount, and it removes all the little flakies. Definitely one of my favorite daily exfoliators I've found!

Make-up

Over the years, I've used a bunch of different Clinique make-up products - I love them because they just give you a really natural look while still looking like you...just better, you know? Their Even Better foundation is amazing - it's a medium coverage that feels like a BB or CC cream, but helps cover up your blemishes and discoloration. I had them match me the last time I was in Macy's, and switched from the ivory to the cream chamois color. You guys know I'm all about eyelash primer right now - it really helps build up your eyelashes, and it keeps the mascara on your eyes (I know some of you have problems with mascara flaking, and trust me, an eyelash primer will solve all of your problems). The other item is one I've been using for months now - it's the Lash Power mascara, which I use on my bottom lashes. I always smudge my mascara if I use a bigger brush on my lower lashes, and the smaller brush on this mascara prevents that. 

Lips

Clinique's lip products are ones I've mentioned over and over again - I felt like for a while there, I had a new favorite lip product from them every month! The thing I love about their products is that they cover all bases - from the moisturizing lip balm to an every day color to the more pigmented colors for nights out. On the moisturizing side is the Superbalm Lip Treatment - I keep this little guy in my fleece I wear at work, and it is a life saver since hospital air totally dries out my lips. The Almost Lipstick is exactly what it sounds like - it's basically your lips, but with a bit more color and shine. I have it in the dark honey color and am obsessed. The next two are variations from the same Pop Lip Color- you may remember my video from a few months ago where I struggled just a little with that name (go to 7:24 to watch it in all its glory)! Anyway, I have been using the Fab Pop Color lipsticks for months now, and recently added Sweet Pop to the collection as well. These lipsticks go on so smooth, actually feel like they are moisturizing your lips, and have a great color pay off. The last lipstick is definitely a new one for me, and something I've wanted to try for a long time - red lipstick. I've mentioned before that I'm still slowly getting into the whole lipstick thing, so this was a big move for me! I went with the Long Last Soft Matte version in Crimson. I love that this isn't a shiny red lipstick but it doesn't have the drying effect that a liquid lipstick has - it's just a matte lipstick that goes on, stays on, and really has amazing color pay off. This is one I'll definitely be playing around more in the future - not for every day, that's for sure, but something I hope to grab for more often.

As I mentioned above, I'm a huge Clinique fan, and am so excited to collaborate with Macy's to tell you more about my favorite products from their line. Don't forget that if you want to try out any of these items, if you spend $27, you'll get $70 worth of product for free. Half the products are ones that are already my favorites, so I definitely think it's an amazing gift with purchase. 

Thank you to Clinique at Macy's and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! 

beauty tuesday: glossier milky jelly cleanser review

As I've mentioned before, I'm pretty loyal to use my Paula's Choice cleanser at night - I have found that it's the perfect cleanser for removing my coconut oil make-up remover and cleaning my face without drying it out. I never had a good option for the morning though, so when Glossier came out with "the world's best cleanser" I kind of felt I had to try it!

what it promises:

This is the ultimate daily face wash: use on dry skin to dissolve away makeup and grime, or on wet skin as you start your day. The pH-balanced, creamy gel formula is made with a blend of five skin conditioners so your face is left feeling healthy and soft, never tight. Its cleansing power comes from the same gentle cleaning agents you’d find in contact lens solution, so it’s tough on impurities and still safe to use on your eyes.

how I use it:

Although it's marketed toward both AM and PM cleansing, I use it in the morning. I wet my face, use one squirt of cleanser, and...wash my face. Groundbreaking!

I have used it on days I wear minimal makeup to remove my makeup, and to remove my make-up I use one squirt on dry skin on my eyes, and then will use another half a squirt once my face is wet.

what I like:

I have never had a cleanser actually completely remove my eye makeup, so I was pleasantly surprised when it actually did remove it without irritating my eyes! That was definitely a big plus for me, and will be a big reason why I will take this with me when I travel for rotations. The cleanser has poloxamer in it, which apparently is the same cleaning product used in contact solution, so it makes sense that it is not irritating to the eyes. It has rosewater in it, so it's both soothing and also has a really pleasant soft rose smell.

The biggest thing for me is that really is gentle on my skin. My skin feels soft and clean without being super squeaky and dried out. Using it in the morning makes it that I start my day (and makeup!) with a clean and moisturized face.  I have tried the Cetaphil cleanser, as it has a similar consistency, but I always felt like it left a layer of film on my face and never completely cleaned my skin.

And a superficial comment is that it comes in really fun packaging - it comes in pretty pink packaging with stickers, which is a fun way to get skincare in the mail ;)

what I don't like:

There really aren't any things I don't like about this. It does what it claims, it feels good on my skin, the bottle is good for traveling, and bonus: it looks nice on the shelf. The fact that is removes eye make up without irritating my eyes is great.

But maybe the name...milky jelly cleanser is an accurate description but kind of a weird name.

would I buy this again? 

Absolutely. The Milky Jelly cleanser lives up to its description, and delivers on its promises.

top three [10.30.2016]

FALL! 

medicine

• If for one reason or another a patient only has one fallopian tube but still has an ovary on that side (for example, they had an ectopic pregnancy where the tube had to be removed), and that ovary is the one that ovulates in a given month, there is a 4% chance that the egg will be picked up by the fallopian tube on the other side. This is called ovum transmigration. 
• I don't often mention dermatology facts because I don't have any experience in that field. Check out Elyse's recent Day in the Life post to hear about some of the very interesting medical conditions she sees on a daily basis. I learned a ton from her post - so many conditions they don't teach us in core dermatology during our pre-clinical years!
• I recently stumbled across a PBS documentary that follows 7 Harvard medical students from their first year of medical school through the next twenty years of their life. The year they started medical school was the year that I was born, but 25 years later (to when I started school), it looks like nothing has changed besides the fact that we now have better hair, more professional clothing, and no longer use chalkboards for lectures. The time restraints, the not taking care of ourselves the way we should, the anxiety, the doubt, the happiness, the sadness, the big life moments - it's all the same. If you have two hours to spare, here's the first hour and here's the second. Sometimes I feel like I'm documenting something similar, from the day I got accepted, to my first day of school, to taking the boards, about the relationships you lose and gain, through all the rotations I've gone through, to now going though the matching process, to hopefully still being able to document parts of residency. In parts, my experience is very similar to all the students in my year, and the decades of students before me like the students in that documentary, but parts are also all mine, so I'm glad I've documented it, even just for myself. 

on the internet

• Joyce discusses the few key skincare items, backed by research, that are useful for anti-aging. Good thing I already have my Retin-A in my nightly routine! It has made a huge huge huge difference in my skin texture and pigmentation. 
• Loving this monochrome look on Nikki, as well as hearing her thoughts on blogging.
• I was saying on snapchat earlier this week that I don't really like Halloween, but a few people commented back saying they didn't either until they had kids - seeing Sydney's cute kids in all their Halloween glory makes me see how that can totally be true!

spotted

• Every year I save up money to buy myself one truly splurge item for my birthday. I'm thinking this year I'm going to go for this amazing jacket from Burberry. There are quite a few pairs on eBay that I'm watching as we speak!
• This coatigan from Gap looks so darn comfy - I'd love to pair it with some riding boots and a white tee for the perfect fall outfit. It's now 35% off!
• I love this gorgeous lace blouse from Modcloth. Wouldn't it be perfect for date nights and going out with girlfriends? 

ask me anything

• The pants from the Limited that you get, are they the skinny ankle pants? I like the way they fit snug on your ankle. Did you have to get them altered to fit like that? Most ankle pants I buy are still a bit loose in the ankle and then just make me look frumpy.
• The pants I wear all.the.time are the exact stretch skinny ankle pants in a size 12 long. I've had mine almost three years now, but I believe that I got the ankles hemmed to right where I wanted them (the regular sizing was too short but the longs were too long) and I know for sure that I had them taken in at the knee. For some reason, all dress pants are really loose at the knee on me, so I always have to have those tailored. I absolutely love these pants - they are easy to wash (I just throw them in the washer and dryer), have really held up over all this time, and fit so well. Definitely ordering a new pair in the near future!
• Tell us about your interviews! Where are you traveling to, and how is the couples match going?
• So, to be honest, I've been trying to keep this whole application stuff talk to a minimum on here and social media. The thing is, that with the match, there are no guarantees - I really hope I match into ObGyn in a location with CR, but none of that is guaranteed until I get the email in March saying we matched. So for those reasons, I'm just kind of keeping it close to the vest, as they say. BUT! In general, interviews are going well! We are at a number we feel comfortable with (although we would definitely love a few more), and are very happy with the places we get to interview at. I will be all over the eastern side of the country - I get to go home for a weekend to interview in Wisconsin, and then all over the place from there! It's definitely an exciting time for us :)
• I'm in need of sweaters that can double as work clothes. Any suggestions? 
• I have several ideas! First one is this cowl neck sweater at Modcloth - I like this because the asymmetry is fun for on the weekends, but can easily be tucked into dress pants for work. Loft currently is offering 50% off all sweaters - my favorites include this two-in-one sweater that is perfect for work but probably super comfortable. I also really like their tie sweater - it's like a blouse but in sweater material. 

on franish

• on the blog: sharing this month's budget!
• on the instagram: clinical rotation essentials (my fleece is Patagonia and this is where you can get that cuterus sticker)
• on the twitter: you couldn't pay me enough to go back to being 16.

notable sales

• Anthropologie: extra 40% off sale items
• I'm all about oversized cardigans during the colder months - I love the pattern and the shorter sleeves on this structured grey cardigan!
• The black and white pattern on their lace dress is gorgeous. Pair it with over the knee boots during these cooler months!
• I can't decide if I love the blush or white color of their macrame tee more...or the blue? All three are so pretty!
• J.Crew Factory: up to 60% off everything 
• How freaking fun is this lace hemmed tee? It's now under $25!
• Very very tempted by their forest green wool pencil skirt. It's such a great alternative to a black skirt! 
• My favorite wedges now come in a really cute suede version!
• Kate Spade: up to 75% off
• My favorite bag is my red tote - get a very similar one for more than half the original price.
• I love how a simple pretty blue cross body bag makes this entire outfit. Both of those blues are so pretty!
• Another great tote (for more than half off too!) is this cream and black version. LOVE!

at home

• This week I spent quite a bit of time with the REI doctors - they are the reproductive endocrinology and infertility doctors. I learned so much this week! I even got to do a few of the procedures, which was awesome. Infertility is such a devastating situation for all those involved, and I was honored to be able to listen to these families share their stories. I'm also so thankful that medicine has made it possible for many of these families to eventually conceive. My friend Abby from high school has recently gone through the heartache of trying to conceive and being diagnosed with PCOS, but with the help of her REI, she is now pregnant! I love seeing how much of an impact one small medication and healthy decisions can help make a family. 
• We decided we are doing the Turkey trot this year, and also thinking about signing up for a half marathon in the spring. I ran for the first time this week, and am excited to get back into it! 
• There's going to be a little exciting announcement on instagram later today - can't wait to tell you guys more!