WARNING…SOME MAY FIND THESE GRAPHIC PHOTOS DISTURBING.

It’s taken me a while to decide if I wanted to share these pics or not. But I did another poll recently on Instagram and I got an overwhelming response that you guys would like to hear about my experience with CO2 laser. I know we are supposed to be grateful for every wrinkle (we earned them, dangit!) and every day above ground is a gift. BUT I am not going down without a fight. Call me vain if you like but if I see something I don’t like and there is a way to improve it…SIGN ME UP.

I’ve been getting Botox since I was 25. But Botox can not help wrinkles UNDER the eye area (only crows feet and forehead lines really). I am also a side sleeper so am getting even more lines from having my face smashed on a pillow every night. BTW…I am aware that the lighting in all of these pictures are different. I took pictures morning, noon and night in different lighting to track my recovery/progress for myself. This is not a sponsored post nor am I promoting the Dr I paid for this procedure. But while I was researching the CO2 laser, I could only find a couple of people who treated their eye area only. So I hope this helps anyone out there who may also be considering the procedure.

The day before my treatment, I started taking antibiotics and antiviral medication to prevent infection. As soon as I arrived at the Dr’s office, numbing cream was applied all around my eyes and I was given anti-anxiety medication. Patients are sometimes given a Demerol injection for pain but because I was just doing my eye area, I decided to pass on it. I am weird about taking medication anyway so just the idea of taking a Valium was causing me anxiety! But about 10 minutes later I felt like jello and was ready to get the procedure going.

After the numbing cream took effect, the Dr came in and gave me numbing injections (I think they are called nerve blocks?) and even with the numbing cream, the shots hurt. Then I had numbing drops put in my eyes. And finally came the metal eye protecting contacts put in my eyes! I mean, it was one anxiety inducing thing after another so no wonder they give you anti-anxiety meds! The contacts make everything pitch black which was SO bizarre.

I’m not going to lie, the first laser hurt. It feels like your face is being burnt off (and well, it is). I only did my eye area and upper lids and a little above my brows. Some parts hurt more than others. And then came the 2nd laser (or maybe a different tip) that felt like my face was being pepper sprayed with shrapnel. LOL. That’s the best way I can describe it. But a tolerable pepper spray if that makes sense. Then I was slathered in laser ointment (basically aquaphor) and SPF and my hubby picked me up. Then came the burning. It feels like a really bad sunburn so all I wanted to do was fan my face. But as soon as I would stop, it would burn worse. That lasted for about an hour.

Following the procedure, I did distilled water & white vinegar soaks followed by a laser ointment application several times a day. After about a week, I could almost completely cover the redness with makeup. But my skin was SUPER sensitive to any lotions and/or creams and the redness would flare up on/off for probably close to three weeks. The healing process did not hurt at all and I never had to take any pain medication. It looks MUCH worse than it feels.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Immediately following the treatment I was AMAZED by the results. There wasn’t a wrinkle in sight…even when I smiled. Then the swelling went away and natural lines started showing up again when I smiled. BUT the permanent wrinkle I had from side sleeping is almost completely gone and a scar I’ve had under my eye since I was a child is MUCH less noticeable. Overall, I am happy with my results and glad I finally did it!

It feels like it’s been a long time since I did an outfit post just to do an outfit post! Lately I’ve been spending more time on Instagram (and I haven’t even been there that often!) than here on the ol’ blog. I keep reading that blogs are dead and that everyone wants instant gratification so Instagram is where it’s at. What do you guys think? Where are you most likely to catch one of my posts? Usually I don’t get around to sharing an #OOTD until everything is sold out. But this time pretty much everything is still available. So if you like what you see, you can shop my look below.

My romper, shoes and necklace are all from Shopbop (one of my fave online stores to shop). I sized up in the romper (for length) and I’m so glad I did. It is made of a very thin material so some of you may like it best as more of a coverup. Funny story…I ran a poll on IG asking if I should keep these sandals or not. The majority said NO! But I ended up keeping them anyway and now I can’t stop wearing them.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Yumi Kim Romper, Joseph A. Cardigan, Studio 1220 Bag (similar) w/ Jcrew Scarf inside, Chloe Sunglasses, Cross Necklace

As promised, I am back to share my fave items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with you! REMINDER that the sale is currently only open to cardholders so if you haven’t applied yet, you can do so here! The sale opens to the general public on the 20th. Things literally sell out on day one so the sooner you can get access, the better. But don’t fret if you can’t shop until then because they do restock some items throughout the sale!

I decided to keep it simple and I’m just going to share my TOP TEN picks for now. But I warn you, my post is a little heavy on the anti-aging beauty tools! There are just SO many that I’ve been dying to try! I may or may not be back with a more extensive list (maybe broken down by category) because let’s be real…I can’t stay up much later than midnight. This sale gives me serious FOMO!

1. BlankNYC No Limit Suede Moto Jacket: I have the faux leather version from last year and it is MY FAVE must-have staple jacket. I promise you will love the fit & quality.

2. Dreamers Nubby Cardigan: I am a total cardigan girl. I’ve had the teddy bear jacket for years and this cardigan version just looks so cute & cozy! A great layering piece!

3. Leith Wrap Dress: I LOVE wrap dresses (if you can’t tell by the 7643487685 others I own) and this print is so beautiful.

4. Rag & Bone Raw Hem Skinnies: GREAT basic staple. Everyone needs a perfect pair of black skinnies!

5. BP Kerry Hardwear Booties: I already have a few pairs of nude/tan/brown booties BUT I DIE for this updated style. They work year round and are oh so cute!

6. Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite Device: I read about this earlier this year and have been dying to try it!

7. Nuface: I LOVE my NuFace! I already own the mini so I am not purchasing again (although I SO want the one with attachments!) BUT it really works so if you’ve had your eye on it…now is the time to put it in the cart!

8. DermaFlash Tool: I bought the cheap tinkle razors everyone has been talking about (available on Amazon) but I can’t bring myself to shave my face. BUT I REALLY want to try this exfoliating tool!

9. Nurse Jaime Uplift Facial Trio: I admit I also purchased the jade roller everyone was using on IG (also available on Amazon) but THIS sounds much more promising. I’ve used silicone masks and have seen the results so REALLY want to give this a try also!

10. Linen Rose Gold Old Skool Vans: Everyone knows I’m a Vans girl and I don’t own any lighter styles so I am totally crushing on these!

BONUS SPLURGE PICKS: Stuart Weitzman Slouch Boots, Rag & Bone Chelsea Booties, Tom Ford Sunglasses

Somebody knew I had snacks in my backpack! I’m just lucky he didn’t get ahold of my new TWELVElittle backpack when I set it down to shut & lock the door behind me! We’ve had a busy Summer and this stunner of a backpack comes with me everywhere! It’s got a ton of room, tons of pockets, a separate padded compartment for my laptop AND it unzips in the back so I can slip it right over my roller suitcase handle!

And don’t even get me started on the CUTE factor! I am obsessed with the pale pink color and adorable cactus print! I literally had people stop me and ask where I got it! BUT…not only is it adorable…it’s super sturdy and water resistant. And for anyone concerned…it is also made without harsh chemicals such as BPA and PVC.

I NEVER would have guessed it, but this backpack is actually a diaper bag (er, backpack)! Since my baby is now 7 years old, we use it to carry all of our big kid essentials (snacks/ipads/change of clothes for swim playdates, etc.). So it will definitely fit your lifestyle well beyond those baby years!

It is also stylish enough to just wear as an accessory! As I mentioned in my last post…backpacks (and fanny packs) are making a serious comeback. There is also a mini version available so you can be twinsies with your little one! YES, please!

If pink & cactus print isn’t your thing, there are several other styles, prints and solid versions available as well. And a little birdy told me that several of their bags are going to be included in the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (WHAT?!?!)!

Diaper bags are so much cuter (and so much more functional) than when my little guy was a baby!

Disclaimer: Thank you SO much to TWELVElittle for gifting me this adorable backpack! All opinions are my own.

Have you heard the news? THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE is ALMOST here. The sale officially kicks off on July 20th but Nordstrom cardholders get early access starting July 12th. This is one of the best sales ever because NEW upcoming Fall pieces are on sale not styles that are going out of season. The prices will go back up to regular pricing when the sale ends on August 5th. You can check out some of the items included in the sale in the Anniversary Sale catalog by clicking here.

To be completely honest, I feel like this is the time to pick up basic staples that you can wear year round. Not just on-trend items. But with that being said…some of the trends I noticed were white booties, backpacks and cropped pants. I am personally happy to see that white booties are sticking around because I got a pair last year and I worried that they would only last one season. They also seemed a little too go-go dancer-ish at the time! LOL! But now they are available in a bootie style, kitten heel style, mules and even knee length. Backpacks and fanny packs are back in a BIG way too. The trend I am not super stoked on are the cropped wide leg pants. They are just NOT flattering on my body type so I avoid them at all cost.

I’ve got my eye on all of the items in the top pic but since they aren’t available yet on the Nordstrom website, I couldn’t link them for you. But I promise to share all of my faves with you when the sale goes live!

P.S. If you aren’t a Nordstrom cardholder yet, you can click here to apply.