EASY STREET
Making Mom Life Easier
MICROBLADING FOR MOMS
I’ve said this on multiple occasions that mothers have limited time to pull themselves together. I even had beauty expert, pageant title holder, and mom Shakeira E-Banks provide MomLifeManual.com with a 10-minute Mommy Face (view below posts). I’m kicking it up a notch and on my quest to locate ways to expedite the time it takes me to get ready in the morning I came across microblading.
I know some of you are saying. “What is microblading?” Microblading is a practice where an artist uses a tattooing like method to draw hair strokes mimicking the natural shapes of individual’s eyebrows. You can go swimming, rub your eyes, and microblading is a smudge proof solution to keeping your eyebrows on point. This means no more money or more importantly, time spent drawing in eyebrows. You could literally, “woke up like this” and go.
I know some of you are saying. “What is microblading?” Microblading is a practice where an artist uses a tattooing like method to draw hair strokes mimicking the natural shapes of individual’s eyebrows. You can go swimming, rub your eyes, and microblading is a smudge proof solution to keeping your eyebrows on point. This means no more money or more importantly, time spent drawing in eyebrows. You could literally, “woke up like this” and go.
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There are variations in Microblading. Individuals can elect to have the simple hand Microblading or an Ombre Powder Brow. Hand Microblading is more of a natural result of strokes, whereas Ombre Powder Brows provide a more makeup filled look using shading.
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The next step is determining the shape of your semi-permanent eyebrows. I included a chart of standard eyebrow shapes. If you trust your Microblanding Artist, you can request a coutured shape based upon your natural eyebrows.
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Finally, you will need to select the perfect color. Just like tattoo ink, there are several colors you can choose from. Keep in mind that black fades to blue, so ask your specialist to recommend the best shade for you.
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- Your artist should start by measuring your eyebrows. The measurements are to ensure a symmetrical shape. Through measurement, your stylist can determine deficiencies and develop a better outline.
- An outline is then created using a wax pencil. The outline is used as a guideline for your Microblanding Artist. Your artist will confirm with you to certify that you like the shape. The outline will give you a glimpse into what your result will look like.
- Little incisions are made, and anaesthetization cream is applied. I will say that this was the most uncomfortable part of the process. My eyes watered followed by some sneezing. I was glad my Microblanding Artist took the time to properly numb the area to provide comfort through this hour-long process.
- Strokes are then made with the specialized tools, ink is applied, and made to set for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, excess ink is wiped off, more incisions are made, and the process is repeated until the desired look is achieved. My session took about an hour.
Below are typical results from Microblading if done correctly. Notice the outcome is natural and healing is similar to getting tattooed. There is no recovery time but expect not to get your freshly microbladed eyebrows wet for approximately 7 days. Itching does occur and a little discomfort, but in my book, this procedure was well worth it!
Please remember a touchup is required approximately 3 months after your 1st session.
Please remember a touchup is required approximately 3 months after your 1st session.
Cost: $50 Deposit, $400 1st session, and $150 for the touch up. Grand total: $600 not including her well deserved tips!
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Discounted Locations to Feed the SeedI love doing activities with my little guy especially going out to eat. What I don’t enjoy is purchasing meals that aren't eaten for the sake of making sure he feels included. After going to several restaurants, I noticed that there are locations that offer great deals to feed your child. Some offer discounts, while others go the extra mile and provide FREE meals for children. The below list are some chain restaurants that extend the opportunity to give your pockets a break while filling your kid's bellies.
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The day of the week depends upon location, but children can eat FREE here on a specific day of the week.
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Free meals on Tuesday’s 5:30-7:30 p.m (adult meal required). Other locations may charge a $0.99 fee.
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Children under the age of three can eat here daily for FREE.
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FREE frozen custard with the purchase of a meal daily for kids 12 and under.
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Two children eat free at Denny's on Tuesdays from 4-10 p.m for every paying adult. *Saturdays
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12 and under eat free all day on Mondays or Tuesdays. Some locations may charge $0.99 for kids meals.
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Kids eat free all day on Wednesdays. One free kids' meal for each adult combo meal purchased.
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Sundays children eat free from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Children eat free promotion with the purchase of an adult entree.
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Some locations kids eat free on Tuesdays.
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Children eat free on Tuesdays.
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Children under 10 eat free on Mondays.
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Swipe that EBT & SNAP with pride because when you’re a member, you have privileges.
I wasn’t sure if I should create this post, but I felt that it could help mothers that fall into this category. Finding interesting and inexpensive things to do with your child can be challenging when you’re on a budget. A visit to the Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona can cost you $40 for an Adult (13 + years) and $20 for children (3-12 years). If you do the math and factor in food and rides, IT IS SO EXPENSIVE!
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I was hanging out with one of my single mother friends who works hard at a job to provide for her family. We were scheduling an activities day for our children when I learned about the benefits of having an EBT card. For those of you who don’t know about this magical device, it’s to provide low-income families with a way to feed their children. Not only does it deliver a means to maintain food supply but you can receive discounts on activities! Concessions on Zoos, Aquariums, and Museum visits.
If you’re a parent that falls within this group research and see how you can make the most of your card! You can use Google to determine EBT card participants. You can create delightful experiences and memories for your children economically!
If you’re a parent that falls within this group research and see how you can make the most of your card! You can use Google to determine EBT card participants. You can create delightful experiences and memories for your children economically!
MOMAGRAPHER
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On the Celebration section of MomLifeManual.com, I had an opportunity to interview a photographer to learn how to enhance photo taking abilities. I ended up purchasing a fancy camera because what I learned on this fabulous motherhood journey is, I still really like to take pictures. I used my new camera and followed these main tips:
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The provided tips were handy, and the proof is in the pudding! On a low key Sunday, I got my camera out and proceeded to snap these dope images of my favorite male models.
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Dad Survival KitIt is off season for Tre’s Dad, so that means more Daddy Duties! I may come home to a half-naked child with food all over his person or food pouches in EVERY room, but I feel a tad more comfortable knowing that I have provided a solid foundation in which his male parent can properly Dad. Aside from setting timers on his father’s phone for every three hours to remind him to feed and change Tre, I created a Dad Survival Kit. Here are the items I included in the Dad Survival Kit I made for my little guy's father. These items will help your partner be more prepared to face parenthood!
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1. Baby Rearview Mirror
2. Blanket 3. Travel Changing Table 4. Diapers 5. Wipes with Hard Case 6. Anti Bacterial Wipes 7. Diaper Cream 8. Plastic Bags 9. Hand Sanitizer 10. Baby Soap and Lotion 11. Burp Cloths 12. Bibb 13. Sippy Cup |
14. Plastic Container
15. Spoon and Fork 16. Food Pouches 17. To Go Toddler Drink 18. Yogurt Puffs 19. Pacifiers with Clips 20. Baby Tooth Brush 21. Thermometer 22. Baby Tylenol 23. Advil 24. Hennessy 25. Energy Shot 26. Book |
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10 Minute Mommy FaceYou’re a mom which means you’re the nurse, alarm clock, cook, chauffeur, maid, and personal assistant with no sick days off so, YAY for motherhood!!! Some of us even have jobs, on jobs, on jobs, so time that you once spent to perfectly apply lipstick and getting your eyebrows on fleek is spent picking up Cheerios off the floor and convincing your child that they aren’t a car and they need to eat their vegetables (true story). I mention all of this to bring this to light… WE HAVE NO TIME.
It’s hard to find the time between all that you do to doll yourself. Contouring can take a solid 30 minutes if you’re a pro but longer if you’re me and don’t want to look like an extra from Michael Jackson’s Thriller Movie.. Looking perfect all the time is hard and now that I’m a mom, my fondness of the natural look is at an all-time high! |
Kim K has set seemly unrealistic daily perfect makeup expectations for pregnant and working mothers of clingy kids. Unless you have a nanny and a glam squad like her it can seem hopeless… Or is it? I talked to Celebrity Makeup Artist, Beauty Pageant Title Holder, and Mommy Shakeira E-Banks Lawson to learn some tricks and quick makeup tips for moms!
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Medela Breast PumpDid you know that Medela provides insured mothers with the opportunity to receive a free covered breast pump? Looking into the market for the best breast pumps I was introduced to Medela while still in the hospital with my little one. As I researched the brand I noticed how pricy the pumps were but also noticed that EdgePark extends eligible moms Medela breast pumps covered by insurance. I received my pump in 3 days after application.
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The Great Diaper DebateI recently posted on Facebook about my experience with particular diaper brand and found that this is kind of a hot topic (lol). I just wanted to take a moment to share with everyone what Mom's are saying about which brands are best.
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Gadgets and tools that make being a mom simpler.
Baby Formula MakerSay goodbye to the time and hassle of manually preparing baby’s bottles. Introducing Formula Pro, the revolutionary new way of preparing your baby’s formula bottles. The Formula Pro uses patented technology to measure, dispense and mix water and powdered formula to the perfect temperature and consistency. With the push of a button, you can prepare a bottle within seconds that has no air bubbles.
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MonitorOwlet is the only monitor to give you one less thing to worry about. It’s also the only monitor to use hospital technology called pulse oximetry. Owlet is designed to alert you if your baby stops breathing. We’re silently watching over your little one to give you peace of mind, and maybe even a full night’s sleep.
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RockerThe 4moms mamaRoo infant seat bounces up and down and sways from side to side, just like parents do when comforting their babies.
The mamaRoo features five unique motions and five speed options. Soothe your baby with one of the four built-in sounds, or connect any MP3 device to the mamaRoo. The mamaRoo seat offers full recline to allow baby to lie back and relax or sit up and play. |
MonitorNever miss a smile with the high-resolution, 2.8-inch color LCD screen. Watch as your little one moves about. The camera pans up to 270 degrees side-to-side and tilts as many as 124 degrees up and down. Need more detail? The camera zooms up to 2x.Two infrared LEDs and a low-lux camera automatically detect dim light, providing clear video even in dark rooms.Comfort your infant from any room with the built-in intercom on the portable parent unit.
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Sleep, Play, & ChangeThe Baby Trend Go-Lite ELX nursery center includes a portable bassinet unit and can be converted into a rocker that will keep your little one entertained. The Baby Trend Go-Lite play yard comes complete with a deluxe mattress pad, a bassinet feature for smaller children, a flip away diaper changer, and a wipes/diaper organizer. The play yard comes with a electronic pod with music, sounds & a night light. The Baby Trend play yard in Drip Drop Blue is completely portable, large casters with brakes provide convenient mobility.
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Forehead and Ear ThermometerInnovo (INV-DC200) Dual mode infrared thermometer was designed to measure the body temperature via the subject's ear and/or forehead (recommended for all ages). Using the latest infra-red scanning technology, the Innovo DC-200 has proven to be extremely reliable and accurate during clinical trials.
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SeatingThe Bumbo Floor Seat is a parenting essential and the perfect first seat for babies. The Bumbo Floor Seat should only be used when your baby can support his or her head. With the Bumbo Floor Seat, parents can engage with their child during key developmental milestones from playtime to feeding time and give baby a chance to see his or her surroundings from a new perspective.
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Nursery MaintenanceA clean nursery is a happy nursery! Keep your nursery smelling fresh by controlling odors with the Diaper Genie® Essentials. The Diaper Genie®Essentials Pail prevents odors unlike an ordinary pail and plastic bag. Odor is no match for the Diaper Genie® Essential’s AIR-TITE® system. Rest assured that every time you drop a baby diaper into the pail, the Push-N-Lock clamp helps seal in odors.
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Bath TimeClean and pamper your baby with The Lil’ Luxuries, Whirlpool Bubbling Spa and Shower in a luxurious spa experience at home. With a calming whirlpool and massaging bubbles, keeping your little one entertained and soothed during bath time has never been easier!
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Born in France 1961, Sophie the Giraffe has a long history of helping teething babies. Appealing vanilla lightly flavors a supersoft teether made of natural rubber with food-grade paint. The size and shape are just right for little hands to hold, while the variety of textures helps sooth painful gums.
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Dr. Brown's 3 pack feeding bottles have a patented, internal vent system made for your baby's comfort. This positive-pressure feeding system directs the air to the back of the bottle through the nipple collar to prevent collapse while drinking. These BPA-free, microwave, and dishwasher safe for ease of use. All baby bottles come with level 1 silicone nipples and a cleaning brush. These baby feeding bottles can be used for newborns and babies up to the age of 6 months at level 1.
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Baby K’tan® ORIGINAL Baby Carrier is a wrap-style carrier without all of the wrapping. Patented double-loop design is a blend of a sling, wrap, and carrier all in one. Individually sized to fit either mom or dad the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier slips on easily like a t-shirt to comfortably carry baby from newborn to toddlerhood (8-35 lbs.). It is lightweight and compact like a sling, yet supportive like a structured carrier. Made of 100% soft natural cotton.
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