tippy jane

High Protein Overnight Oats

2026-04-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats

Cookies and Cream Oats Recipe:

1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

1 Cup Milk of Choice (I used Oat Milk)

1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt

1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1 Tbsp Crushed Cookies (Oreos or Similar)

1 Tbsp Chia Seeds

Banana Bread Oats Recipe:

1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

1 Cup Milk of Choice (I used Oat Milk)

1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt

1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 Ripe Mashed Banana

1Tbsp Chia Seeds

French Toast Breakfast Casserole

2026-02-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

French Toast Casserole

6-8 Croissants

2 Cups milk

4 Large eggs

1/2 Cup sugar

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Nutmeg

1 tsp Vanilla extract

Break apart croissants and line the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

Mix together all other ingredients in a large bowl and pour on top of the croissants.

Pat down to ensure croissants are covered in the liquid.

Cover and refrigerate overnight and then bake on 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Serve plain or with syrup, fruit or powdered sugar!

Double Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Protein Muffins

2026-01-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Protein Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese (small or medium curd; puree if you dislike curds)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup (80 ml) neutral oil (melted coconut oil) or 6 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar or coconut sugar (packed)
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (optional — adjust sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (50 g) protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (dairy or plant based)
3/4 cup (120 g) dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease wells.
Puree cottage cheese 10–20 seconds until smooth to avoid visible curds.
In a large bowl, whisk cottage cheese, eggs, oil (or butter), sugars, and vanilla until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, protein powder, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet in two additions, folding gently after each. If batter seems thick/stiff, add up to 1/4 cup milk.
Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a handful for topping.
Fill muffin cups about ¾ full.
Bake 18–22 minutes, until tops spring back and a toothpick comes out mostly clean

I hope you guys enjoy!!

Home Office Design

2021-06-22T09:27:00.004-07:00

Home Office Design

I can't believe we finally finished one room in the new house! I couldn't be more proud of how my dream home office turned out. We looked at so many houses when making this move to Birmingham and I remember one home that was actually a "model home" for our neighborhood had the most stunning office with a fun accent wall and I told my hubs, that is what I want!! A few months later and I can't believe this is my workspace!

I'll explain the process and link everything below :)

First: I knew I wanted a dark green accent wall. I felt like it was a good transition from my normal blush tones that I like to go for and I also figured it could work for a male or female office if we ever decided to sell this house.

The Color: The paint color I chose was Sherwin Williams Jasper.

The Design: I knew I didn't want any specific pattern, so I found a few guides on Pinterest and then after measuring the wall and marking our studs, we started from one corner and just created our own. You will find it's hard to follow an exact pattern, but my tip is to secure your longest boards first and then you can play around with where you want the smaller ones.

Supplies:

We used 10 1X2's

12in Carpenter Square

(this carpenter square is a must or your angles won't match up)

We started by painting the wall first and then marked our studs. You will want to make sure you are hitting a stud, we tried this a few times and if you don't your boards will start to bow outward.

Next, you can use your tape to play around with the design. After you figure out where you want your longest boards to go, start measuring and cutting! Once these are in place the others and the design plan will start to fall into place.

The last step is painting your boards the same color as the wall and replacing your wall plates. If you already have the tools and are just buying boards and paint, you can make this for under $100!

We also updated the old light fixture with a new modern gold one that ties in nicely with the green wall! Changing light fixtures is a cheap and easy way to give a space a mini makeover!

The finished product and all the links to decor are below.

Thank you for reading and following along! More home projects to come!

Luna Method Hair Extensions

2020-12-21T15:37:00.003-08:00

Luna Method Hair Extensions

Hello Friends!

It's been a minute but sometimes mom life takes over and I don't get to do some of the things that I love like sharing all my new favorites with you guys! I recently met with Courtney at Wolfe and Mane and she transformed my hair with a new method of hand-tied extensions called The Luna Method.

If you've been following me for a while you know that I have had tape in extensions for almost 8 years! Before that I used clip-ins, I mean I was basically the poster child for if you can't grow your hair buy it!

I recently showed you guys my results on Instagram and you all had so many questions so I wanted to put those all in one place for you to reference!

Obviously, the #1 Question I got was COST!

This is a tough one to answer because this method isn't a one size fits all type approach. Courtney takes the time to customize each experience to make sure you get exactly what you are looking to get from your extensions. If you want a customized quote specific to your hair you can use the survey below!

https://www.jotform.com/form/83438897570170

How do these extensions compare to tape-ins?

Since I've had tape in extensions for so long I feel like I am well equipped to answer this. Tape-ins were always my go-to option because honestly, I didn't know any other types of extensions existed. I typically wore 2 packs of Hair Talk brand extensions and with purchase, color and install it was around $750. These extensions need to be moved up every 6-8 weeks depending on how quick your hair grew and last anywhere from 6-12 months depending on how "rough" you are on them. I can say I've definitely gotten 12 months out of mine before!

Okay now, let's talk about the differences. The photo on the left is my tape-in extensions grown out. As you can see they are very noticeable when pulling your hair up. One of the things I didn't like about tape-ins is the fact that I couldn't wear my hair up or in a braid without my extensions showing. This brings me to one of my first pros regarding the Luna Method. You can get these positioned so you can wear a ponytail or your hair half up! I also love that I don't feel insecure about people being able to see my tracks from the back of my head because they are so well hidden! EVERY piece of hair is custom colored to match the your hair to ensure the most seamless blend possible. If you want to go out on a windy day... No problem, no one will notice your extensions.

How Long Do Luna Method Extensions Last?

The hand-tied hair they use can be died to match your hair and is another reason they are so blendable. These extensions can last from 6-12 months depending on the care, heat and number of washes. Again I am a beliver in getting the most out of your money so I always get 9-12 months out of my hair before having to buy new hair.

How Often Do You Get Them Moved Up?

Depending on how fast your hair grows every 6 weeks is recommended. After your initial appointment having them installed your move-up appointment should only take 2 hours max.

Will This Method Damage My Hair?

Absolutely Not! The method is fast, comfortable and extremely gentle on the hair and uses no heat, glue or tape. All points of contact are concealed and you will have no visible beads.

Can You Wash, Brush, and Blowdry Your Hair?

Yes! This is another pro vs. tape-ins. Tape-ins sometimes get loose if you brush them while wet so you want to make sure they are always dried after washing. With the Luna Method you can let your hair air dry or blow-dry and style and also brush away! These will not pull loose as long as you are using a flexible bristle brush (think wet brush).

Why is Luna Different Than Other Hand Tied Methods?

It has 8-20 points of contact for each guest. It is seamless with no beads exposed and no discomfort. It is wonderful for all types of textures and densities! This is crucial for guests with fine hair because no matter how you flip up fine hair things show and when there are no beads exposed it becomes seamless with the hair.

Where Are These Placed?

This all depends on the guest's hairline. head shape, and density. Each guest receives a slightly different placement, as well as their desired result specified before placement. The perfect placement will hide the rows and create maximum coverage for the guest.

Mommy & Me Photoshoot

2020-09-09T18:29:00.002-07:00

Mommy & Me Photoshoot By

Shannon Renee Photo

I can't believe how big my girl is getting as we are about to reach the 9-month mark!! I am so happy I found Shannon to capture these sweet moments with Elle since time is flying by and I know she won't be little for long. I definitely regretted not getting newborn photos taken of her the first few weeks after she was born but honestly, I was going through a very painful recovery and didn't even feel myself until around week 5 postpartum so taking pictures was the last thing on my mind.

Shannon was the absolute sweetest to work with and she even made my little Cranky Franky smile a few times which is rare! She was able to get so many different shots in such a short timeframe with is so important when you are shooting with a newborn with a short attention span!

If you are local in the Denver area definitely check her out for your family or maternity photos, she specializes in natural light photography and has tons of package options.

Below are a few of my favorite shots from our shoot that I will cherish forever!

Memorial Day Sales 2020

2020-05-23T15:11:00.003-07:00

Memorial Day Sales 2020

*will update as more sales are posted!

ADIDAS Up to 50% off entire site!
Abercrombie 40-60% off entire store, Additional 15% off select styles
Aerie-Buy one get one free swimwear
American Eagle 25-60% off everything, 50% off all shorts!
Anthropologie Extra 50% off sale, 25% off clothing, accessories, and shoes
Banana Republic Up to 75% off everything
Bauble Bar Sale up to 70% off
Boohoo 60% off everything
Brooks Brothers Flash sale up to 70% off
Carters-50-70% Off
Express 40-50% off sitewide
Forever 21 20-40% Off
Francesca’s 40% off select items
H&M 20% off sitewide
Janie & Jack-Extra 20% Off Sale
L*SPACE Sale up to 40% off
Loft 70% Off with code FLASH
Nordstrom Clearance sale up to 60% off
Nordstrom Rack Clearance up to 70$ off
Old Navy Tees, shorts, tanks, swim all 50% off
RedDress Boutique-Markdowns up to 50% off
Sam Edelman 20% off sitewide MEMORIAL20 5/18 5/26
Ulta New daily beauty steals 50% off
Urban Outfitters Take an extra 30% off sale styles

Target BOGO Swim + Sandals

2020-05-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Target Swim and Sandals Buy One Get One FREE!

Old Navy Baby Sale!

2020-04-30T10:26:00.001-07:00

Old Navy Baby Sale

Extra 30% off at Checkout!!

Valentines Day Outfit Inspo From Asos

2020-02-07T14:12:00.001-08:00

Last Minute Valentine's Day Outfits from Asos!

Must Have Baby Products

2020-01-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Favorite Baby Products

Hello Friends!

I'm on week 6 of motherhood and definitely feeling sleep deprived, let me just say, being a mom is hard! I have a new respect for stay at home moms for sure! I haven't had much time to blog lately because Elle requires lots of attention, but while she's napping I wanted to share some products that have helped me through this newborn stage so far.

1. Storage Cubes-These drawer cubes have been a lifesaver with keeping all her tiny baby products organized! Trust me, when you have a newborn screaming, the last thing you want to be doing is searching for her bib, or diaper cream!

2. Barefoot Dreams Blanket-I'm well aware this blanket is expensive, BUT I took the plunge and purchased one and I am obsessed with wrapping her up in this cozy soft blanket. I also love that it doesn't shed and doesn't collect dog hair!

3. Hatch Noise Machine-If you've read any baby book you know that white noise is your new best friend! This Hatch machine has been such a lifesaver with getting her to sleep. You can control it from your phone and there are tons of sounds and it can also be used as a nightlight.

4. Zipper Onesies-BUY THEM! Trust me, I didn't realize how many wardrobe changes babies go through daily. With all the spit up and blow outs you change them a lot and nobody has the patience to mess around with snaps when your kid is kicking and screaming! Buy all the zipper onesies you can!

5. Velcro Bibs-I never realized how messy babies were, but if Elle doesn't have a bib on her outift is ruined by the time she finishes her bottle. Velcro bibs have been a lifesaver because they are much easier to put on than fooling around with snaps!

6. Wipe Warmer- This is something my husband insisted we had after day 1 of having our baby home and I will tell you I couldn't imagine not having it. You will spend half your day changing diapers and nobody wants to use cold wipes...trust me your baby prefers the warm ones!

7. Puj Bathtub-This has been the best infant bathtub for us. It fits perfectly in our sink and is so easy to store!

8. SnuggleMe-I use this snuggle me organic lounger everyday! Elle's naps in hers daily and the size is perfect because it keeps her snug so she feels like she is still being held. I highly recommend getting one of these!

9. Swaddles-Using a swaddle is a must if you want to get some sleep! We use the Swaddle Me brand, they are super affordable and have velcro which helps us keep her nice and tightly wrapped.

10. Boppy Pillow-Even if you've never been a mom before I'm sure you've probably heard of the Boppy brand. This pillow has been a lifesaver for feeding and nursing...you don't realize how heavy babies can get!

Being a first time mom is definitely challenging, so don't forget we are all in this together! I hope these tips help and as always feel free to share more products that have been lifesavers for you on Instagram or in the comments below!

Elle Janes Birth Story

2019-12-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Elle Janes Birth Story

I love that every woman's pregnancy experience is different and unique in its own way. I've been very open about how much I've struggled through my pregnancy and my delivery experience was no different. Before I go into my delivery I first want to say I am beyond blessed to be able to get pregnant because I know so many women out there who can't or who have struggled with miscarriages. I am by no means comparing my experience to theirs. I simply want to share my experience not to scare anyone away from getting pregnant or the delivery process because it truly is magical what our bodies are capable of; but to let people know that no matter what you have planned for your delivery, it's ultimately up to God what happens and just know that you CAN make it through it.

As most of you know if you follow me on Instagram, I was sick with a bad cold leading up to my delivery. I worked from home the week before she arrived and for some reason I knew she would be coming early so I put my maternity leave notice in 3 weeks ahead of her due date (trust your instinct and your body, you will know when it's time). I was nervous starting my leave that early but sure enough day two of my leave my water broke and I went into labor. That Tuesday I woke up feeling miserable (this was normal) and when I put my feet on the floor to go to get out of bed, I felt a gush. I went to the bathroom and noticed that this did not look like the normal mucus that I was used to seeing and this definitely looked more like water. I woke up my husband and told him I thought my water broke but I wasn't really experiencing contractions so I wasn't sure what to do. Almost everything you read online says that contractions follow this process and that some hospitals won't admit you until you are in active labor so I decided to go back to sleep.

I woke up later that day and felt another gush and that's when I decided to call my doctor. After getting the green light from the doctor that I needed to head to the hospital, I called my husband and told him to head home from work and that it was TIME! We got to the hospital around 3:30 and they confirmed I was in active labor and dilated at 3cm. I couldn't believe that it was all happening so fast but I was so ready for it. Once I was in my room it felt like time flew by. I started feeling the contractions and couldn't breath my way through the pain I asked for an epidural and that's when things got real. I remember being at 8cm, and then 10 and ready to push. After getting the rundown from my girlfriends who had given birth I felt ready for the pushing process, but I had no idea what was about to happen.

The first hour went by quickly and I remember thinking man this is harder and taking longer than I thought it would. Hour two was about the same and I was then notified that Elles head was turned sideways and that's why my pushing efforts weren't working. They weren't able to turn her but my nurse kept me calm and talked me through different positions that I could do to try to turn her. At this time my epidural started wearing off and I was in so much pain. During my labor I had 4 bolsters (additional epidurals) because mine wore off. During hour 3 I tried every birthing position possible to turn her. I pushed on both sides, on my hands and knees, pulling on a towel, gripping hand bars, it was the hardest workout I've ever put my body through. I remember holding my own legs up and getting blood all over my hands and thinking, this was not what I imagined this process to be like, this is not what my friends described, why me? At this point I was screaming in pain (just like you see in the movies) and my nurse and doctor started to look worried. I remember someone taking my temperature, and then taking it again, and again and saying this can't be accurate. I had a temp of 104 and they were sure I had an infection since it had been 26 hours from the time my water broke to labor. My nurse told me I could push for a little longer if I had the strength but otherwise I needed to have a c-section to get her out quickly. I had never even thought that would be something I would have to consider during this process. I looked at my husband who had been holding my legs and cheering me on for the last 3 hours and his face looked so worried. I told the nurse if I could have another epidural that I could push for another hour because I was determined that she could come out without having a major surgery.

The last hour was all a blur, I pushed and pushed and after 4.5 hours of pushing Eleanor Jane Alsup was born at 7:52AM on Wednesday December 18th. I got to spend about 30 minutes with her before they took her to the NICU to start her on fluids. They told me since it had been 26 hours from the time my water broke to the time of delivery and with my temperature during labor she could have an infection and needed antibiotics right away. Her blood sugar was also low and we both stayed in the hospital for 3 days to be monitored. Unfortunately on day 3 her jaundice levels were too high to send her home and she had to stay an additional night in the NICU. I never thought my story would include going home without my baby on night one but I knew she had to get better and she was in good hands.

I don't think either of us slept a wink that first night home and we were back at the hospital at 6AM to sit with our girl and wait for the doctor to do her rounds. We thankfully got to take Elle home on the evening of Saturday December 21st just in time to get settled and spend Christmas together. We didn't plan on having Elle here for the holidays but her dad acted fast and made sure she had a stocking, ornament, and Christmas dress for the occasion!

It feels so good to put down in words what happened on that day. I hope that a difficult labor isn't in your future, but know if it is, YOU CAN DO IT! I never dreamed I had the strength to go through what I did on that day, but just remember that you are stronger than you think and just because your labor doesn't go according to your birth plan, it's still YOUR story!

Elle Janes Nursey Reveal

2019-12-16T16:34:00.002-08:00

Elle Janes Nursery

Baby watch has officially started! Today marks my first day of maternity leave, and even though she's not here yet I have a feeling she will arrive any day now. It feels so strange not getting up and getting ready for work but my body could definitely use a break before she gets here even if it means being a little stressed about all the work and emails I'm leaving behind.

This year has been filled with so many blessings including being able to buy our first house! I honestly thought we weren't going to be able to get moved and settled in before she came but everything had a way of working out. Not only are we settled we were able to get Elle's nursery ready and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

I've linked everything I could below, and included info on how to build your own boxwood wall, which really gave the room that extra flair!

DIY Boxwood Wall:

We used 6 panels of 58x58 cm boxwood. For the frame my husband bought 3 pieces of patterned trim which we cut down and painted white to border the boxwood. You will want to start by nailing the trim to the wall first and then proceed with filling in the frame with the greenery.We stapled the boxwood to the wall and then nailed the etsy sign through the greenery into the wall.

Etsy Sign Details:

HickoryHollowDesigns

24" Sign-Color Honey

First Name Font-"Robert" in color White

Middle Name Font-"Gregory" in color Love at First Sight

Items I couldn't link:

Monogram Sheets-Cayden Lane in the color Mauve (they are much darker in person)

Baby Monitor-Smartbeat

Wooden Toys and Blocks-Hobby Lobby

Toy Baskets-Homegoods (linked similar ones)

Holidays With Dearfoams

2019-10-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Holidays With Dearfoams

I can't believe it's already October and my due date is quickly approaching! Baby Elle will be here in a few months and it's starting to hit me that Holidays will never be the same. My husband and I have spent many years celebrating holidays together but this year we will be expanding to a family of 3 (well technically 5 if you count the pups) and we couldn't be more excited.

Traditions mean a lot to me, and I can't wait to share our Christmas morning ritual with our baby girl. We love waking up, eating breakfast, opening presents and staying in our pjs and slippers all day! I was so excited to partner with Dearfoams for this post, because trust me I live in slippers! The first thing I do when I get home everyday from work is put on slippers and sweatpants!

I'm so excited for baby girl to get to experience her first holiday and pair of slippers. I decided to show Lennon Elle's slippers and she of course thought they were the perfect chew toy. Let's hope the pups adjust quickly to their new sibling and we don't go through too many pairs being chewed up!

About Dearfoams

The story of how Dearfoams got started was so interesting to me. A woman experimenting with materials to make shoulder pads, turned her idea into footwear and became the worlds first foam-cushioned, washable slipper and now 70 plus years later they've sold over a billion slippers! These slippers are sold in so many retailers, take a look the next time your in your local Target, Walmart, DSW, etc you are sure to see them!

3 Ways to Incorporate Snake Print Into Your Wardrobe

2019-09-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

3 Ways to Wear Snakeskin

Pregnancy Hacks-Footpetals

2019-09-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about feet!

Pregnancy is definitely starting to take its toll on my body and I'm finding it hard to be on my feet for long periods of time. So far I've gained about 13 pounds but it feels like 30! I'm starting to adapt to my new found body and limitations that come with it but I've always been on the go, so slowing down is not something I am used to. I am finding there are little hacks that I can incorporate like changing up my shoe routine that can help make a difference. I'm so excited to partner with Footpetals, one of the most well known shoe solutions for any foot problem you might encounter. I'm sure my ladies will agree, fashionable shoes aren't always comfortable but with products like arch support, insoles, heel covers and more, you won't have to sacrifice your shoe game!

I was able to try out a variety of their products and incorporate them into my daily routine and I'm sharing my experience with each item below.

One of Footpetals very first products was the "Tip Toes" which is the perfect solution when you plan on wearing your favorite pair of heels or stilettos. These offer an ultra soft cushion that gives the balls of your feet a break and provides extra stability to keep your feet from sliding forward.

Another amazing solution I've found are these odor fighting insoles. I've been living in flats and sneakers since getting pregnant and as we all know these type of shoes can get pretty smelly especially when you don't wear socks. These insoles not only keep my shoes fresh, but they also give me an extra padded support and are machine washable so they can be reused!

Footpetals not only has products that help keep my feet comfortable but they also offer solutions like these sneaker wipes and deodorizing balls that are perfect for giving my worn out gym shoes a refresh!

I may have saved my favorite product till the end, but Fall is right around the corner and I've started prepping all my boots with this Shoe Water Repellent Spray. I've been in Denver for two years now and I know how quickly our weather changes from Fall leaves to Winter snow so saving my boots from the wet weather is a must. This spray also helps prevent cracking and drying and acts as an extra protective layer against dirt and stains.

If you are ready to change up your shoe game or just want to give your feet a break from uncomfortable shoes, you can shop their full line of products at www.footpetals.com

2019 Labor Day Sales

2019-09-01T08:12:00.003-07:00

Labor Day Sales

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

We spent the first half of our long weekend celebrating our 4 year wedding anniversary in Vail! I love that my hubs put together a relaxing weekend for us both, after 12 years together he knows the way to my heart: Massage, Shopping, Lots of Food, Dessert, In Bed By 9:30! It was the perfect little getaway and just what I needed. I did miss my fur babies and we are all cuddled up on the couch right now while I write this, because of course there is no sleeping in or personal space for me when they are around.

Let's talk sales!

I've rounded up my favorite labor day sales happening NOW and I'm also including some baby and maternity finds for my mommy followers as well! You can easily shop by clicking the links below which will take you to the retailers page.

Happy Shopping!

2019 Labor Day Sales:

Abercrombie-50% off sitewide (online only)

American Eagle-25-60% off everything (online only)

Aerie-40% off Aerie Collection + 50% off bras

Asos-40% off new arrivals + up to 70% off sale

Banana Republic- 40% off your purchase

Bath and Body Works-20% off with code HappyFall, $10 off candles, buy 3 get 3 body care items

Forever21-30% off everything + 60% off sale with code Laborslay

Goodnight Macaroon-40% off sitewide with code LABOR19

H&M-Up to 30% off with code 3418

JCrew-50% off sale + 40% off regular items with code SUNSET

JCrew Factory-50% off everything

Loft-40-60% off with code LONGWEEKEND

Macy's-20-50% off + extra 10-20% off with code WKND.

Nordstromrack-Clear the rack-extra 25% off clearance

Old Navy-50% off all dresses, jeans and tees

Pink Lilly Boutique-25% off sitewide with code PARTY25

Red Dress Boutique-20% off sitewide with code OMG20

Target-20-50% off home, 30% off womens clothing, 30% off sandals

Ulta-up to 50% off beauty products

Mommas and Baby:

Motherhood Maternity-50-80% off sitewide

Hanna Andersson-40% off everything

Carters-50-70% off sitewide

The Childrens Place-50-60% off sitewide

Boden-20-25% off

Janie and Jack-20% off all sale

Littleoneshopco-everything $15 and under

Poshpeanut-25% off sale with code LABORDAY19

Pinkblush Maternity-30-50% off with code LABORDAY

T-Shirt Dresses Under $30

2019-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

T-Shirt Dresses Under $30

Confession: T-shirt dresses are my weakness right now! I have been living in different variations of these stretchy dresses, because this bump is not the easiest to dress. A good t-shirt dress is a definite closet staple that every girl needs! I'm sharing some of my favorites below and the best part is they are all under $30!

Happy Shopping!

Baby A's Name Is...

2019-08-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Baby A has a name and we are finally ready to tell the world...and by world I mean anyone who decides to read this! We thought long and hard about our little girls name and knew we wanted it to be something that was special to both of us. We've had two boy names picked out since college, but when we found out we were having a girl, we had to really think hard about what we could envision calling her. I always knew I wanted my daughter to carry on my middle name of "Jane" and hopefully help me turn tippyjane into whatever God has planned for the future, but I had never really thought about what her first name would be.

We loved the idea of using a family name as we both weren't big on the name fads that go around or using a baby name book to stumble upon something that sounded good. My husband and I are pretty aligned on most things and going with a name that was authentic and that meant something to us was our number one goal. When I started to think about our last 12 years together there was one thing or person should I say that has been our constant support system and our biggest cheerleader.

I was extremely close with my own grandmother when I was little and when I lost her I never really thought I would have that bond again. When I fell in love with Anthony in high school at the ripe age of 16, I never knew how much I would also fall in love with his family, especially his grandma Eleanor. It was like God knew I needed a grandparent figure in my life and he matched me with a boy who was willing to share his with me. (I'm pretty sure I'm her favorite now, but don't tell my husband that!) Many years have passed and we have grown up right in front of her eyes and we are so lucky that she's got to be apart of our many milestones together.

This milestone might be one of my favorites to get to share with her, and we couldn't think of a better person to name our daughter after.

Eleanor "Elle" Jane Alsup you will be so loved and we can't wait to meet you soon!

Catalina Island Sailing Trip

2019-08-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Catalina Island Sailing Trip

Our sailing trip to Catalina has come and gone but I can definitely say this trip will stick with us for a lifetime. Not only did we get the experience of finding out the gender of our sweet baby A, we also got to do something that we've never done before in our 12 years together.

The Reveal

Never in a million years would I have thought I would find out the gender of my first child on a sailboat, but I guess never say never! Our sailing vacation was booked about 2 months before we ever found out we were expecting so I was extremely nervous about the timing of it all and if I would even be able to make it. My first trimester was pure hell so the though of a vacation where I would be stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean was not ideal. Thankfully the timing worked out in our favor and I turned 14 weeks and finally the ~~morning~~ all day sickness was over and I could enjoy myself on our trip!

My husband and I went back and forth on how we wanted to do our gender reveal, should we have a party? should it just be the two of us? what about the boat? Our doctor had the results a week and a half before our trip so we thought the timing was perfect to go ahead and find out what baby A was on the boat! My husband actually came up with the idea to raise a pink or blue flag on the sailboat, and I honestly had never seen that done before in all my Pinteresting so I was definitely on board! My friend Melanie had the results from our doctor and all we had to do was buy a pink and blue flag on Amazon (and of course celebration cupcakes for after) and we were set!

I've gotten a lot of questions about if we were surprised or if we wanted a boy or girl first, etc. Honestly it's hard to say, when you aren't pregnant you of course plan out how things will go and "I'm going to have 2 boys and then a girl, etc" but that's not how life works. You don't get to make those calls (well technically you can if you have $$) but you know what I mean, it's not up to us, it's up to God and he is blessing us with a little girl first and that's 100% okay with me!

The Trip

Okay enough about baby A, let's get into the trip details! This trip came about because a guy my husband and I work with, Nick has a huge sailing background and him and his wife plan a sailing trip every year with some friends. We knew we had to jump on the chance to join this year because how often are you friends with someone who is a real life boating captain on the side? Nick made everything super easy, sending us boat options, videos of what the cabins looked like, etc. We were honestly all down for whatever was the most reasonably priced and had enough cabins for 3 couples. If you are lucky enough to know someone who can sail and they agree to be your captain, the cost of a trip like this goes down significantly.

What you'll pay for on a sailing trip:

Renting the Boat-We split this among 3 couples.

Provisions-Fancy word for groceries, but I promise you will need to stock the boat with tons of liquids, lunch items and snacks, cleaning supplies, and alcohol if you aren't pregnant lol.

Food on the Island-The food was slightly overpriced, but it's what you can expect for a travel destination.

Mooring-This is a fancy term for "parking" the boat at the island.

Cabana Beach Day-Trust me you will want to do this, it was the best part of my trip!

Catalina Island

We flew into LAX and took a 15-20 minute Uber ride to Marina Del Ray. Catalina Island is about 40 miles from where we were docked at the Marina and by sailboat it took us about 5-6 hours to get there. We definitely took our time switching between using the motor and opening up the sail. I will say I am 100% a motorized boat kind of girl, it was super scary if you've never been on a sailboat how much they tip sideways. I know they are technically supposed to be like that but to a newbie who is not fond of the water, it's terrifying!

I will say the best part of my sailing adventure had to be all the dolphin encounters we had! They loved following beside the boat and jumping around, it was almost like they were putting on a show for us!

When we finally got to the island I felt like we were in another country! The architecture and colors of the buildings and not to mention all the boats, it was stunning! If you aren't a boating person there are ferries that will take you to the island and there are a few boutique hotels on the island to stay at as well. If you are looking for a weekend getaway spot, I would definitely say Catalina is the perfect place to go. It's a small island but there is just enough to do to make a fun relaxing weekend!

One of my favorite days of our trip was our "Cabana Day" at the beach club. I knew we made the right decision to book the Cabana when we were greeted with fresh strawberry smoothies and our own butler! The service, the white sandy beach and the super comfortable lounge chairs made for such a relaxing day.

We stayed at Catalina for 2 nights and then on the 3rd day we sailed over to another part of the island called Two Harbors. This island was less developed and more of a laid back vibe compared to Catalina, but still very cool to explore. I would suggest if you decide to go visit Two Harbors for the day pack some comfy shoes for hiking. This place is perfect for outdoorsy people who like to explore (not so much pregnant people like me lol) The island had a local market for groceries and souvenirs and one beach club restaurant, so I wouldn't say this is a place you would want to stay for a week long vacay, but I was definitely glad we got to spend a day there to explore.

Overall this trip was one for the books that I will never forget. I got to share a special moment with my husband that I will cherish forever and I conquered my boating fears by stepping outside of my comfort zone. I highly suggest checking out these locations if you are planning your next vacation.

There is so much more I could say about this trip but It's already taken me this long to publish this post so feel free to message me with any questions!

Thanks for following along! XO

Secrets Out...Baby Alsup Coming Soon

2019-06-16T16:50:00.001-07:00

We're Having a Baby!

Well the news if finally out! If you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth for the last 2.5 months you weren't necessarily wrong! As excited as I've been since the day we found out, I've also been sick for about the same time which hasn't been exactly what I thought my experience would be like. I'm starting to realize that maybe pregnancy isn't as Insta-worthy as I thought it would be but I know it will all be worth it in the end.

I thought I would put together a post to answer a few questions and to let you guys know how we found out. Trust me I am not sugar coating any part of this process, so I hope you appreciate my honesty!

How long did you try before conceiving?

I stopped taking my birth control about a year ago and we started trying...or at least we thought we were trying. Who knew (not us clearly) that you could only get pregnant during certain times of the month? I downloaded the Flo app on my phone (not sponsored, but highly suggest it) and we were able to get pregnant in 5 months.

How did you find out you were pregnant?

Well I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I was the lady that bulk ordered pregnancy tests on Amazon and took one like every other day just to see what it would say. Somehow I knew they would be negative but the thrill of the chance it would say pregnant got me so excited. I had a few days leading up to my birthday where I felt nauseous and then my period was late a few days. I took a test and it said not pregnant again, so I figured I would wait it out. I waited 2 days and decided to take another test. We were packing for our beach vacation that night and I just wanted to check one last time before leaving town. Sure enough, that night the test said PREGNANT. Those words were so crazy to read, but I ran downstairs and showed Anthony. He was excited but also shocked and made me bring another test on our trip to confirm, thankfully after test 2 he believed me!

(we took this photo on our beach vaca, I was probably only a week or 2 pregnant, but so proud)

When is your due date?

Baby is due January 5th 2020. I will be totally happy if it decides to come early, as long as it's not on Christmas...don't take my favorite holiday from me kid!

Do you want a boy or girl?

Honestly to me it doesn't matter which comes first as long as I get one of each eventually. My husband is definitely team boy first because he likes the idea of our daughter having a big brother. I will be happy to spoil and dress up either gender!

How many kids do you want?

We used to always say we wanted 3 kids...now that I am going through the process I don't know how anyone has more than one. I might change my new max to 2 total but spaced out a few years so my body can recover.

How has morning sickness been?

If you mean all day/night sickness it's been terrible!! I've never thrown up and slept so much in my life. I will say for someone who is used to going and doing things non stop this has been the hardest thing for me to adapt to. It's taken a toll on my work, blogging, friendships, and my health. It's not even just the throwing up but the nausea that remains after and the exhaustion, I truly wish I could sleep through my first and second trimester and just wake up on the 3rd just ready to push through my last 3 months. I know that's not realistic but I'm also the worst at staying positive in times like this so if you guys could help me out, that would be great!

What will the dogs think of a baby?

I can 100% see them getting jealous but I think they will adapt quickly. I did buy "how to tell your dog your pregnant" as a prop for our photoshoot, but I have been reading it and there is some great advice in there about introducing the baby to the dogs.

Anything else you want to know? Leave me a question below and I will be sure to answer!

Thanks again for everyone's love and support through this crazy but exciting time in our life. I can't wait to go on this journey with you guys!

Spring Must Haves Under $50

2019-04-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Spring Must Haves Under $50

It was 75 and sunny this weekend in Denver so I feel like Spring is finally near! I don't think I can handle anymore snow this year, so bring on the patio weather! I've already started packing up some of my sweaters and boots, and I'm starting to incorporate more Spring staples into my closet. I've rounded up some of my favorite warm weather bargains $50 and under including this adorable polka dot wrap dress and bamboo bag!

Click on any of the images below to start shopping!

Gaylord Rockies Staycation

2019-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Gaylord Rockies Resort Staycation

Girls trips are a definite must, especially when they are located only a short 25 minute drive away! I was so excited to get to stay at the Gaylord Rockies Resort last weekend with three of my favorite blogger babes (Madison, Ally, and Laura). This place was so amazing I felt like I had traveled to a remote destination for a relaxing weekend, when in reality it was basically in my own backyard!

First up on the list was the Relache Spa for facials and mani pedis! Madison and I opted for the facials and got to change into the comfiest robes and slippers and headed back for our one hour treatment. I was so impressed with how attentive every staff member at the spa was; they made it their top priority to make sure we had the best experience possible. After our facials (which were amazing) we were escorted to the coziest room filled with a fireplace, comfy couches, and the cutest little cabanas. The staff then brought us hot towels and champagne...I literally thought I was in heaven!

After an afternoon of getting pampered we checked into our rooms to get ready for dinner! It was no surprise that the rooms were just as amazing as everything else we had already experienced. They left no detail behind with the rustic Colorado cabin feel, and the beds were super comfy!

Before dinner we headed for drinks at the Mountain Pass Sports Bar. This place is a guys dream, with comfy leather chairs and a 75-foot TV to watch sports.

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to dining, but we decided on Sushi at Monte Jade. It was such a good choice, the food and service were amazing and we even indulged ourselves and got a chocolate cake for dessert!

One of my favorite amenities at this hotel is the giant heated pool and hot tubs! Even though there was still some snow on the ground, we braved the cold for some photo ops (typical bloggers) and then dipped our feet in the pool to warm up! The water felt so amazing, and I can't wait to go back when it's warmer.

We wrapped up our blogger staycation with my favorite meal of the day...brunch! We went to Vista Montagne and loaded our plates with their express breakfast buffet, which was amazing! My favorite was the french toast and bacon! As you can see below, we are bloggers who like to eat, but we tried to balance out all the carbs with some fruit...and it helped add a little color to our plates!

I am already planning my next staycation and can't wait to bring the hubs to experience this amazing resort! If you are in Denver, or coming from out of town you should stay a night at The Gaylord, you won't regret it!

My Microbladding Experience

2019-03-10T19:25:00.002-07:00

My Microbladding Experience

Let's talk about BROWS people! l have never been someone who was lucky in the hair department. My hair is super thin so I've worn extensions for as long as I can remember, and my brows and eyelashes are in the same boat. When I first heard of microbladding a few years ago I was very hesitant about the process, price, and the maintenance of it all. I had filled in my brows for as long as I could remember so the idea of it sounded very appealing but I still had so many questions.

Consultation:

After doing some research on how the process worked I set up a consultation to see Stina at Zandi K Salon here in Denver. I honestly thought that I was getting my eyebrows done that day so I was so nervous and went in expecting to come out with new brows. I'm so glad that wasn't the case and instead we just chatted about the process, my health, what the recovery process is like, and do's and don'ts. She also found the right color for me and measured and drew on some samples of what my brows would look like when finished. I left feeling so comfortable and much more prepared for my upcoming ACTUAL appointment in a few weeks. **If you walk into a salon and they do your Microbladding same day...you probably aren't at the best place. This salon is booked for months and the amount of experience and positive reviews Stina has made me feel like I was making the right decision.

Day Of Appointment:

A few days before my appointment I received a reminder to avoid caffeine and alcohol the day of my session to prevent any possible bleeding. This was a good reminder for me because I usually always have my coffee first thing in the morning, but I decided it would be best if I listened!

The Process:

The first step is the numbing cream! If you are a wimp like me, ask for the extra strength cream and have them leave it on 15-20 minutes longer than normal so it has time to kick in. I am not going to lie when I say that Microbladding definitely hurts, so be prepared. For the first hour of the process she worked on getting the exact measurements that fit my face dimensions to make sure my brows would end up symmetrical in the end. After that the next two hours consisted of the actual blading, dying, and repeat. Yes the process is long but beauty is pain am I right?

Once my procedure was completed the after care consisted of staying out of the sun for a week and making sure I kept my brows coated with a specific anti-bacteria ointment to keep them moist and to prevent scabbing. I didn't have any pain or much redness after my first round and I was so thankful I could immediately go to work without people staring at me like I had giant scabs on my face!

Touch Up

About 4-6 weeks later I returned for my touch up appointment. This appointment ensures your brows are healing nicely and it is also a chance to fill in any spots that didn't take to the color pigment the first round. This appointment only took about an hour and after that, I walked away with much more confidence! I will 100% say this experience is worth the money and the pain because it lasts for up to a year and it cuts down my morning routine!

Check out my before and after photos below, and please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions!

Before:

After:

Nude Lipstick Favorites

2019-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Nude Lipstick Favorites

What's up babes!

I've rounded up some of my favorite nude lipsticks from Ulta to share with you guys! I am not one who goes for a super bold lip so I typically stick to my nudes and light rose colored tones when it comes to my daily lipstick routine. Below are a couple of new favorites I've found. You can click the links below to start shopping!

BECCA x Khloé Kardashian & Malika Ultimate Lipstick Love

Color: Yours Truly

Morphe Cream Lipstick

Color: Forevs

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Matte

Color: Om

NYX Soft Matte

Color: London

Kylie Lip Kit

Color: Maliboo