Let’s talk about make-up and facials todayFebruary 21st, 2007 @ 7:01 am
I’ve got a few things I want to talk about today. Some of which require you to leave suggestions in the comments.
What, I’m asking for advice?
Yes.
And not only am I asking, I’m begging. I can’t do this without you, dear internet.
- I was blessed with a generous gift certificate to a local spa. One that I’ve never been to, so I don’t know what to expect. My problem is that I have no idea what I should get. So do I get the “signature facial” or a 60 minute Swedish massage? Or what about a pedicure? Amalah sure talked them up on this week’s Advice Smackdown. I’ve never had a facial and I hear they are awesome.
- I did a little freelance photography job over the weekend and made some extra cash. (Not a lot, mind you, but some.) The King suggested I use it to go crazy at Sephora. You don’t have to tell me twice. Okay, so what do I buy? Do I splurge and get some fancy lip gloss? Or try a new kind of make up? I have been thinking about giving up my Lancome stand-by powder foundation. Should I try a new brand? And if so, what brand? Do you suggest I go in for a make-over, or are they not all they are cracked up to be? I don’t want to be pressured into buying something. I want to enjoy it.
- And last, but by no means least, how in the hell do I stop my 10 month old from waking up at 1:00 am, 3:00 am, and 5:00 am? What am I doing wrong? Why does he enjoy the boob so much? Why, why, why? I got online yesterday and read up on a bunch of different things to try. I tried them last night and it was a little better. I mean, he still woke up, but I felt more prepared. The King even told me this morning that he slept much better last night. Of course you did, I took Babboo out in the front room so at least one of us could get some sleep!!! (Updated to add: Since we are living in a one bedroom apartment while we build our new house, Babboo sleeps in his crib in our room. So leaving him in his crib to “cry it out” really won’t work. And we can’t move him into another room. That isn’t an option. So basically, we have no options. AHHHH!)
Excuse me, I’m just tired today.
(But seriously, I need your suggestions. I welcome your suggestions. But it doesn’t mean I promise to do what you suggest. Thanks for playing.)
Me
Stephanie
said,
February 21, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Wow…I’m jealous. I did just do my taxes and I’m getting a pretty good refund, so I’m going to splurge a little.
Okay, now for my recommendations…
1) Facial - best thing ever! It makes such a difference in my skin. I actually get one once a month at the beauty school. It’s half the price of a salon and they have the instructors watching everything they do. Usually, you get a little neck and arm massage while they have the mask on your face.
2) Splurge on some really fun lip gloss. My other recommendation, if you don’t already use it, is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Amalah has recommended it numerous times and I tried it…now I can’t live without it.
3) I don’t personally have kids, but I seem to remember several of my friends that have children state that their kids went through a similar phase. He might need some rice cereal in the evening. That’s all I got on that one.
Good Luck!
Liza
said,
February 21, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I’m unqualified for questions 1 & 2 — all I have is thoughts on #3.
It was about 10 months when we totally lost our shit with getting up to nurse umpteen times per night. If you haven’t yet, search Ask Moxie (http://moxie.blogs.com/askmoxie/) for “10 month olds & sleep regression” — you will get interesting results that hopefully will help.
Personally, after reading 3 or 4 different sleep books, I realized that I needed to take drastic action. Babboo wakes up to eat because he can. But he can also learn to stay asleep, and learn to comfort himself and fall back asleep.
We went the hardcore approach. After I nurse Noah to sleep, I don’t go in again before 5 am. The first night was horribly hard. The second night was hard. The third night was fine. There’ve been maybe 2 more hardish nights since then, ~6 weeks ago.
The only exception so far was last night — Noah is teething and obviously in horrible pain from that. When he woke up shrieking and hysterical, he got both tylenol and me. (And according to Moxie, Noah is also right on track for the 55 week sleep regression. Ugh.)
Britt
said,
February 21, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I’ve never had a massage, but I have had pedicures and facials. I totally recommend a facial. Your face is the part of your body that is seen the most, so pamper it! Facials rock! My second choice would be the massage. Pedicures are great, but not as “gift certificate worthy” as a massage or a facial.
Sorry about the sleep issues. We’re having sleep issues at my house too. Callaway is going through a stage where he won’t stop eating. Maybe a growth spurt? Who knows.
Desiree
said,
February 21, 2007 at 5:19 pm
1. I have never had a facial so I cannot give an opinion though I can say I lurve massages. However, if you are looking for one of those real good, intense, deep massages, sweedish is not the way to go. Sweedish is more superficial skin rubbing and not mashing into the muscles, which I prefer. But I carry my stress in my shoulders and back so I need a hearty rub down.
2. Buy fun, wacky things that are still practical. That tewnty five dollar tub of amazing green eyeshadow? Yeah, it pops, but you will never touch it again. Look into cream blushes that make your cheeks look dewey and eye creams that brighten the whole area and mascaras that you will use forever. Or don’t. It’s your money, have fun with it.
3. No idea. If he is genuinely hungry then he has hit a growing spurt, it not, then it is time to let him learn to fall back asleep alone. Of course, I would probably resort to threats like “you’re lucky you ain’t a spears baby because you’d be accidentally traded for coke” or “If you don’t quiet down I’m gonna show you some Anna Nicole high in clown makeup footage”. I probably shouldn’t be a mother any time soon.
Hilary
said,
February 21, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Oh how I love participation blogging!
First, let me just state that it must be a full moon or something because all of the men in the world are acting dumb. What, is it in the cards that the week after V-Day they must act like a donkey to make up for the thoughtful present or what? Sorry, I’m a little bitter myself over here and just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. (Jason, as in Amalah’s Jason, has also been affected (effected, never know) by the moon.)
Now, to YOU:
1) I would say pedicure or facial. Pedicures are heaven on earth. I can say that since I’ve had one. I’ve never had a facial but would love to have my face feeling like I’ve been drinking water all my life. Nice and fresh.
2) CLINIQUE CLINIQUE CLINIQUE! We don’t have Sephora here so I actually had to go look and see if they offered Clinique and they do. I swear by their powder. It’s all I put on my face. No base, no nothing. Just this powder. I use the “stay-matte sheer pressed powder oil-free.” (Congrats on the freelance job!)
3) Dude, Babboo, what’s up? Maybe he is going through a growth spurt? Have you tried letting him cry for five minutes and see if he goes back to sleep on his own without the boob? He might. Just be sure to look at the clock and time the five minutes. If you don’t it will seem like forever and you will go in there after 30 seconds and not give him a chance to go back to sleep. Not that I’ve ever done that.
Jezer
said,
February 21, 2007 at 5:56 pm
OK, I’ve had massages, facials, pedicures, and really? You can’t go wrong with any of them. I’m partial to facials and massages because with a little skill, an at-home pedicure CAN be just as good as a store(spa)-bought version, just not quite as relaxing.
I’m a fan of glycolic facials. They’re a little tingly/burny, but the result is FANTASTIC. And a massage, no matter what kind you get, will be awesome, too. So, it’s just about what you’re in the mood for, I guess.
And, it sounds like Babboo and Al have been hanging out. Al started the same thing around 9 months, and well, he’s still doing it (I KNOW! I’m sorry). It’s hard to distinguish between hunger and the need for comfort. We began taking a bottle to bed (yes, still co-sleeping) so if he woke up fussing for “Juice!” we gave him a bottle. That taught him that in the middle of the night, he could eat, but the all-night Mommy Pacifier had gone “night-night.” That works fine until he drinks the whole bottle at 1am, and we still have 3am and 5am to go…
I wish I had some more helpful comments.
Frema
said,
February 21, 2007 at 6:05 pm
I use the same powder foundation from Clinique as Hilary (when I remember to put make-up on, which these days isn’t often) and I also love it. I also agree on fun blushes. I love blushes!
In regards to the spa: I’ve never had a facial, but if your skin is sensitive, be careful. Pedicures are wonderful, and since you already take great care of your hands, I think the pedicure is the way to go.
Good luck with Babboo!
P.S. When are you going to the spa? Can you take me with you?
whoorl
said,
February 21, 2007 at 6:27 pm
This IS Talk About Makeup Day! I have some lip gloss suggestions over at my site…
frannie
said,
February 21, 2007 at 6:33 pm
I can’t help with the makeup stuff except to say do something you wouldn’t normally do.. that makes it more fun. Like buy really trampy lip gloss or something.
Jai is the same way. He still gets up every 1.5 - 2 hours to nurse. If he sleeps for 3 hours straight, it is heaven! And he refuses solids, or bottles or anything that isn’t coming out of my ninnies. We talked about it at the doctor’s yesterday and she said not to worry. but I seriously have not slept for more than 3 hours straight in almost 7 months. really. I’m not kidding. Not one time. Ever. Jai sleeps with us, so it’s easier to feed him. Hell, sometimes I even just roll over and shove it in his mouth and go back to sleep myself. which is totally the wrong thing to do— I’m not advising that. Jai won’t take a pacifier… have you tried that with little Babboo.
Rachel
said,
February 21, 2007 at 7:00 pm
I’ve never had a facial or a massage so I wouldn’t know which is better. But, with the lack of sleep, I bet your muscles are stiff and achy and a massage would probably give you some good relaxation!
As far as Babboo is concerned, I guess your options really are very limited at this point. Have you tried using white noise in your bedroom, like a small fan? What about perhaps a small snack a little closer to bedtime so he’s not waking up hungry.
Really I think it is that he knows you are there in the room and until that changes you are going to have a hard time with his sleeping habits.
I wish you luck, I know what it’s like.
Margarita
said,
February 21, 2007 at 7:08 pm
1. I was recently faced with the same dilemma when my step-mother sent me an email asking me if I’d like to join her at a “great little spa” down the street from their fabulous St. Petersburg, Florida condo (that I will be flying to in approximately 7 days)for a facial or a massage. MY CHOICE! HER TREAT! I’m not a big fan of a buncha crap on my face, so I chose the massage. Go with the massage. Especially if you have sensitive skin. (Did I mention that I’ll be flying to FL in 7 days???)
2. I love love love me some lip gloss. Get something bold and funky! (7 days…ME! In FLORIDA!)
3. At Big Belly Bella’s 6 month check-up, my pediatrician (the most wonderful man in the universe) told me to get ready for changes in her sleeping pattern in months 8-12. He said that for some crazy reason, babies that have slept through the night from day one, suddenly begin waking up for no reason.
I got no solutions, but maybe you’ll feel better knowing you’re not alone?? No? Okay…I tried.
Oh….and in case I forgot to mention it??
I’M FLYING TO FL IN 7 DAYS!! eeeeeeeee!!!!!!
Erika
said,
February 21, 2007 at 7:57 pm
FACIAL FACIAL FACIAL. I had a facial and a massage, and they were both heavenly, but the facial was much more RELAXING and my skin looked fantastic afterwards. I’ve asked for a facial every birthday (Jun) and Christmas. Mom and I get regular pedicures at the $20 place in the shopping center (which includes paraffin wax and hot towels) so those don’t seem quite as special/luxurious to me but they are a treat!
Jennifer
said,
February 21, 2007 at 8:07 pm
OK, I can only give recommendations for #1 since I don’t do makeup and I don’t have babies. I had my first facial a few months ago when Joel got me a spa certificate, and I was not impressed. In fact, I did not like it. It was a lot of poking (painful poking!) and scraping of my face, it took FOREVER, and I was just wishing the whole time that I was somewhere else. I could not see any difference in my skin the next day, either. NONE. At all.
I also had my first real, professional, hour-long massage that day, and it was possibly the best hour of my life. Go for the massage! Pedicures are also awesome, but I still dream about that massage.
So this Sephora place sells makeup? I guess I should check it out some time or something.
-R-
said,
February 21, 2007 at 8:26 pm
I have had manicures before, and I have had a total of one massage and one pedicure. With that disclaimer, I would recommend the pedicure. It was amazing.
I use Bare Escentuals and would recommend that starter kit. But I am also not against your other options.
In summary, I have no clue.
Molly
said,
February 21, 2007 at 10:23 pm
I dunno.
I dunno.
I dunno.
Seriously, I got a pedicure once, and it was heaven. But that’s all of the spa I know. Ok, and a massage one time too but it was at a massage school where the student massage girl would not STOP. TALKING. TO. ME. about her issues.
As for Babboo, I can tell you that in the last four months Jack has gone from getting up three times a night down to none (it’s been two nights of good sleep - I’m trying not to get too excited.) (MY BABY SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT WAAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!) (Trying.) They go through so many phases, I guess all I can offer is sympathy. Try to ride it out as best you can. And wake the King for SOMETHING at least. Haha
Jenni
said,
February 21, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Well, I can’t offer any advice on problem #3, as I do not have any kids…but I can offer advice on #’s 1 & 2.
1. Go for the facial! I recently had a gift card to a spa that sat unused for over a year and I finally used it to get a mani & pedi (thinking that because it was a nice salon I wouldn’t have to worry at all about unsanitary conditions…like some of those other places). I also expected this to be the BEST mani & pedi I would ever get (the total was $80!)…I was highly disappointed. They didn’t even have one of those massage pedicure chairs. I was forced to sit in an uncomfortable OFFICE chair for my 45 minute pedicure…and then roll it over to a table for my nails. I wished that I would’ve gone for the facial.
2. As for what to purchase at Sephora…I highly recommend anything from Bare Escentuals. If you have never used their products, you may want to consider the bareMinerals starter kit. It’s only $60 and includes everything you need for a flawless face…and not only that, but it’s actually good for your skin.
After you get that facial you’re going to want keep your skin glowing!
Hope that helps…good luck.
Meg
said,
February 22, 2007 at 1:01 am
I am delurking after reading for more than six months. I have no comment on #1 as I have never had a massage or a facial. As for #2, I LOVE Bare Escentuals makeup. I tried it about five years ago, and I will not wear anything else. Again, no comment on #3 as I have no kids.
MK
said,
February 22, 2007 at 3:10 am
OK, my 2 cents - do what you like….
OK, before I give my 2 cents - yeah for extra money, a good hubby and a trip to the spa! All fab things!
1 - I would do a facial if you have never done one. They are faboulous! Ok, I think most things at the spa are faboulous! My 2nd choice would be a massage. Usually I go for the massage first, but putting the facial first since it is your first.
2 - I love Mac powder! I used to use Lancome and have been so happy since I switched to Mac a few years ago.
3- I wish I could help you with the baby waking. I have been lucky taht Abbie has pretty much slept through the night. And it does make it hard because you can;t let him cry it out. Have you tried not feeding him and just rocking him?? Or maybe have K do it since he won;t smell the milk on him? Just a thought. I wish you all the luck in teh world! Abbie was up every 3 hours last night - she goes through phases! No sleep is no fun!
Christar
said,
February 22, 2007 at 5:23 am
I’ve never had any spa treatment (I know, sad) except for a wrap. Do you know what those are? Well, it was really relaxing.
Basically they put me in this room that had low lights and lovely soft music. This lady came in with the hot, damp fabric things and wrapped me in them. Then I put on this giant plastic suit, sorta like in “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Then I just layed in this tranquil room for about 20 minutes while I soaked. It was awesome. Whatever you get, I hope it’s good!
Hannah
said,
February 22, 2007 at 5:45 am
I also have a 10 month old, and she nurses at those same times at night. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in over a year (before my daughter arrived, it was the peeing). Anyway, keep us posted if you discover the secret to getting a baby to sleep!
HollowSquirrel
said,
February 22, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Hmmm I thought I commented, but maybe I just talked to you about this in my head. Ok, here goes.
1. If you haven’t had a facial, then you should try one and oh, I dunno, blog about it at your other fabulous blog.
2. I’m a foundation dunce, so please refer to the other more knowledgeable commenters! I just use Prescriptives that they mix for me.
3. Ugh I’m so sorry!! I don’t know what to tell you because everything I would offer can only sanely be done with another (sound-proof) room. I’m sorry! Would you be willing to give him a bottle of formula before putting him down for the night– that might satiate him for longer? Hugs.
alison
said,
February 22, 2007 at 3:04 pm
I think what you get at the spa depends on what you find most relaxing. Personally I really love facials. But thats becuase despite the best attempts of all spa’s to make me feel comfortable naked (beneath the sheet, with soothing music) I’m still always a little aware of my nudity with a stranger!
Christina
said,
February 22, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I had to delurk to comment on the makeup issue… I’m with Meg up there, ever since I’ve tried Bare Escentuals, I won’t use anything else. It’s fantastic! It never looks cakey, or thick, it covers ridiculously well, and you don’t have to deal with glopping it onto your face with your fingers. The $60 starter kit is an awesome deal - and it comes with two shades of foundation, which I found helpful for my summer skin (a little tan) and my winter skin (pasty white).
Amy W
said,
February 22, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I love facials, much better than a massage. But I did have a girl once who was overzealous about “working” on my blackheads…
I am so going to buy your foundation stuff, thanks for that!
My 13 month old still wakes up and my 3 1/2 year old didn’t sleep through the night until she was 18 months. I don’t think I have any advice for you…
Holly
said,
February 22, 2007 at 6:54 pm
My Ellie is just a few days younger then Sweet Babboo and she didn’t really sleep through the night until she weaned herself at 8 months. They just really like those boobies!
Also, never had a facial, but want one so bad. It always looks so fabulous in the movies or on TV. Green faces, cucumbers…ahhhhh.
alyndabear
said,
February 23, 2007 at 12:10 am
I’d go with a massage, because NOONE can do it as well as professionals can. No, not that type of massage…
And I am a freak, and a lip gloss whore. I think I’m biased about what to buy at Sephora. Plus, I don’t really wear makeup. (gasp!)
Hope Babboo settles into better (for mom) sleeping times soon!
metalia
said,
February 23, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Hi!
Definitely consider getting NARS lip gloss; it is the absolute best; I just bought Rose Birman (it’s one of their new colors; I did not purchase an actual old lady), and I am obsessed. I just wrote about it this week.
If you’re looking to try a new powder, MAC Studio Fix is phenomenal.
As for your spa quandary, while a facial is nice, I’d go with a massage. My reason? I have a baby too, and I’m going to assume that your back is killing you. If it is not, then: a) I am very jealous, and b) go for the facial.
Anth
said,
February 24, 2007 at 2:49 am
Well, gotta throw my 2 cents in.
1. No on the pedi. I had a spa pedi and it was not nearly worth what I paid. My sister got a facial, I don’t know how she felt during (she’s 14, so like, the world owes her, like, you know?) but her skin looked freaking amazing afterwards. When she promptly went over to the mirror and put on some makeup. *Sigh* Massages are fanTABulous and I love them. So if your gift certificate is enough, I recommend the massage & facial.
2. Lip gloss! Hello, like you even need to ask. Besides, I remember you said you like to stand in the elevator and admire your perfect lip gloss application (and I remember that because you’re the only other person - aside from me, of course - who admits to admiring her perfect lip gloss application.)
3. Oh, the horrors of the sleep regression. I can only send my Internet sympathies. And suggest noise-canceling headphones.
LaLa
said,
February 24, 2007 at 3:20 am
omg. Facial. Facial. Facial.
I get facials once every few months and apart from being relaxing, it makes your skin look hot too!
We don’t have Sephora here, so I can’t really comment, but all make up is great!
ramblingmuse
said,
February 24, 2007 at 4:33 am
Hi,
Am I a little late in getting my two cents in here?
Spa - Go for the massage or facial. If it’s a gift certificate, it’s not worth it to use it for a pedicure or manicure. One thing about the masssage, ‘tho. I loved them but not everyone likes the idea of having a random person rubbing their hands all over your naked body. Be careful with the facial, ‘tho if you have sensitive skin.
Babboo - Sorry to hear the lack of sleep is getting to you. I think you just have to do the Dr. Spock (the child expert, not the Vulcan from Star Trek) thing and let the baby cry it out. If you pick him up every night he wakes then you risk reinforcing his behavior.
Good luck!
Lindsey
said,
February 24, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I would get a facial or massage if I were you. I got my first pedicure over the summer and I LOVED it, but I don’t get them during the winter because no one sees my beautiful toes. Definitely get one, but wait until flip flop season!
I’ve never shopped at Sephora, but I’ve heard good things about it. Could you try out a new powder and get a lipgloss? Also, I know it’s not Sephora, but I just spent a little dough at the Clinique counter and I got a powder/foundation type compact thingy and I love it. It evens out my skin, but it’s not heavy. I don’t do the whole liquid foundation thing. I have a pretty good complexion so I don’t even really need foundation. I am guessing you are probably the same. Anyway, I forget how much it was. Maybe $20? Worth it though!
Lindsey
said,
February 24, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I would get a facial or massage if I were you. I got my first pedicure over the summer and I LOVED it, but I don’t get them during the winter because no one sees my beautiful toes. Definitely get one, but wait until flip flop season!
I’ve never shopped at Sephora, but I’ve heard good things about it. Could you try out a new powder and get a lipgloss? Also, I know it’s not Sephora, but I just spent a little dough at the Clinique counter and I got a powder/foundation type compact thingy and I love it. It evens out my skin, but it’s not heavy. I don’t do the whole liquid foundation thing. I have a pretty good complexion so I don’t even really need foundation. I am guessing you are probably the same. Anyway, I forget how much it was. Maybe $20? Worth it though! (probably the same one Hil and Frema are referring to)
Lindsey
said,
February 24, 2007 at 2:00 pm
oops, my comment wouldn’t post, so I added to it and posted again and then it posted twice. Oooopsie.
Holly
said,
February 24, 2007 at 11:45 pm
I am delurking as well. my baby Josiah was doing the same thing, although he is 4.5 mon. He was origionally getting up at 4 and 7. But then added 1. I was going nuts. So Nurse during the day time then give him a 6-8 oz bottle with Rice cereal at bedtime. If I were you I would put Baboo in the living room for a week. On Night 1 Josiah woke at 1 for about 15 min and fussed and fell asleep. He then slept till 6. Night 2 he woke for about 5 min at 1 and then slept till 6 again.. Night 3 He slept till 6… If you are consistent it should not take more then a week to do it and Just get him mighty milk drunk before he goes to sleep.
Ohhh and make sure you have some waterproof pads down in the crib as Josiah started busting through when he started sleeping through the night…
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February 27, 2007 at 1:07 am
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said,
February 28, 2007 at 3:31 pm
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