Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
To be honest I *completely* forgot today was St. Patrick’s day…. words I never thought I would say.
I have a huge roundup of random things today including a favorite cozy coat that feels like a blanket, Retinol Recommendations, Easy Eats + Instant Pot Recipe, and a new favorite skincare product I’m using.

:: TEDDY COAT ::
I snagged this coat on super sale from Nordstrom marked down to $39.50!
It runs true to size and truly feels like you’re wearing pajamas…. which is what we all want to be wearing (and probably are wearing these days!)
It’s the perfect weight for the transitional weather this time of year.
Also – these are the BEST comfy stretchy jeans that I’ve posted about before from Shop Lilyanne, such an amazing online shop with the cutest stuff!


// JACKET here and also fully stocked here // JEANS, run true to size with great stretch so if between sizes, size down //

:: RETINOL REC’S ::

Last week I asked for some Retinol recommendations for my melasma and I compiled all of your responses to share.  THANK YOU for all of your recommendations!
See below for the top responses:

#1 response : Go see a derm and get a rx – it’ll be a free or cheap to get retinol through insurane
Differin gel – over the counter now
Vitamin C Serums in general
Sunday Riley Good Genes
Ceravé retinol serum
R + F reverse (I did use this a few years ago when I had spent ALL SUMMER in the sun and it helped SO much with my dark spots)
Fraxel Laser
IPL Laser
Dark Spot Corrector Glytone
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
La Poche Rosay Mela-D
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense/ Ferulic Acid
The Ordinary Products :  Azelaic Acid / Granactive Retinoid 2% (very inexpensive!!!! Like $7 a bottle!)
Beauty Counter Overnight Serum
Admire my skin 2% Hydroquinone
Obagi 20% Vit C

Also, Ashley Spivey on instagram has an entire Highlight in her IG stories about Melasma (her skin is a million times better, but her regimen is pricey and involved! but it WORKS!) and people also recommended  Jordan Harper NP on instagram too.

Laurel at The Look By Laurel gave me some samples of Skinbbetter Retinol that I just started using to ease myself into a retinol routine.  I know that for my melasma I’m going to need some SERIOUS help from a professional like her but I am starting with baby steps!
Laurel has tons of professional skincare products on sale right now and if you are looking to start any routine she can do video calls and help tailor a program to your needs!

:: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes :: 
I’ve been staying true to my New Years Resolution and using our instant pot a few times a month.  I’ve used it TWICE this week it is so damn easy!

I made BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes and it couldn’t have been yummier or easier.  Just chicken, BBQ sauce, and sweet potatoes – so hopefully things you can get during limited access to food these days.  I served mine with some broccoli and Kip made his into a BBQ chicken sandwich.

I roasted sweet potatoes in the oven at 425 for 45-60 minutes (depending on the size) and cooked the chicken breasts in the instant pot, shredded with two forks, and topped with BBQ sauce and cheese. DONE. I didn’t have ranch but a drizzle of ranch would be a lovely finish (because duh, ranch).
For Instant Pot Chicken: depending on weight of chicken, I cook 10-15 minutes with 1 cup chicken broth and let the pressure release. Then shred. You can do this in a crock pot just as easily too if you have a little more time (3-4 hours). You’ll have chicken to use for the week for bowls, salads, you name it. If you have frozen chicken you can cook it from frozen in the instant pot, too! Just google “frozen instant pot chicken” to see the right number of minutes.

:: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid ::
I am trying to start in a BUDGET range big time for the retinol products for now because I just splurged on the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic.

I am only one week in, so obviously no change in my insane forehead melasma, but I will say that in just a week my overall skin looks so much better.  Brighter, more even, firmer.  I’m excited to see what daily use will bring in the coming weeks since I have lusted after this little potion for YEARS after seeing everyone and their mom rave about it. It has over 2,000 rave reviews on Dermstore (and Dermstore offers 15% off your first order I believe?!)

:: Social Distancing ::
If you’ve been around these parts for awhile, you know I don’t give my opinion on anything.  I like to keep light and bright and pure nonsense over here as much as possible.  On Saturday I shared this instagram post after taking the girls on a walk and disappointingly seeing that the bars and restaurants by us were completely packed.  It seems (Dear Lord I HOPE) that finally people are comprehending the importance of social distancing more in the past few days.

I hope you’re all staying SANE AND HEALTHY with everything that is going on!!!!
Feel free to comment here, message me on instagram or e-mail me with anything you’d like to see me share in the coming weeks!
I have plans to share lots of ways to stay inside whilst staying sane since I have been inside my house 90% of the time since having the twins.   Although….. I don’t know how sane I really am…….