midwest bronde

Category: Midwest Musings

  • The Skincare Edit

    2025 is the year I got serious about my skincare. Consistency has always been a little difficult for me (thank you, AuDHD) so I won’t hesitate to say that I’ve fallen off the wagon many a time, but managed to get back on just as well.

    During the Winter 2024, while dealing with the usual dryness and flaky skin that comes with colder weather, I decided that there was a world where I could be happy with my skin and I was going to find it. I got a facial from a local med-spa and the esthetician recommended a full AM / PM routine to address my concerns, but when I began researching, I found that not only were most of the products $$$, but many were also produced by companies that test on animals. I decided that I would create my own AM / PM product line-up with comparable products that would benefit my skin and wouldn’t be harmful to animals.

    I researched for 3-4 weeks, looking into every brand I could from cosmetic grade to full medical-grade skincare. I wanted something that worked, but didn’t break the bank and also contained ethical & efficacious ingredients. I discovered Medik8 (and a few coupon codes online) and decided to give it a try.

    Medik8 is a B-Corp Certified, British dermatological skincare brand that is known for producing age-defying results without compromise. Medik8 does not test on animals, nor does it request or require any other company or supplier to test on its behalf. Being that the EU has much stricter regulations on the ingredients that are allowed in their products, Medik8 seemed like a safe bet to try………..so naturally, I ordered a whole line-up to try!

    Friends, when I tell you that investing in your skin makes such a difference, I mean it. The combination of quality products + consistent monthly facials with my esthetician (anything from hydrafacials, dermaplane, or custom blend based upon the needs of my skin) have allowed me to go without makeup shamelessly and not stress about my skin.

    The Medik8 products in my lineup are linked here –

    Morning Routine

    Medik8 Gentle Cleanse | Medik8 Super C Ferulic | Medik8 Illuminating Eye Balm | Medik8 C-Tetra Day Cream | Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

    Evening Routine

    Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil | Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Serum | Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide Cream

    Let me know if you’ve tried Medik8 or if you have a favorite brand I should check out!

  • Saturdays.

    Lack of routine used to make my nervous system itchy. It still does, at times, but I can definitely say that as I’ve aged (and through years of therapy) I have become more adaptable. Maybe having more babies than I have hands made me realize that I simply just cannot control every action and circumstance around me? I’m not sure, and I’m really not sure that it matters, to be quite honest… I do know, though, that Saturdays are easier for me these days.

    Depending on the season, a Saturday morning can look a little slower – snuggles in bed with my littlest guy followed by a hot cup of black coffee and a candle in the kitchen. Other Saturdays are very much hit-the-ground-running, preparing for sports of some kind or traveling hours away to games. I like to have a good idea of what my weekend entails (mainly to ensure that uniforms are clean and snacks are packed) but all in all, flexibility comes more naturally to me than it did when I was younger.

    Now that soccer season has ended for Cyan and we’re rolling into t-ball for Luca, my Saturdays are shaped by home reno tasks + garden inspiration. Chances are, you’ll find me at Lowe’s at least once during the weekend. Sometimes my trunk is filled with plants, and other days it’s full of lumber or a luxe appliance I found on sale. Either way, it’s fulfilling.

    Those who know me know I’m a sucker for a design opportunity – whether it be interior design at home or designing t-shirts for work, the creative outlet does something for my soul. We’ve been in the midst of a living renovation for about five years now – not consistently working, by any means, as life happens + three kids and two full-time jobs = a lot – but over the past few months, we’ve really made some progress. (I’ll be sure to post details over on Home & Haven) Our latest updates have taken place in the kitchen! We’re finally to a point where we need to hang a range hood, pick out a light for the dining room, and finalize handles for the cabinets.

    I’ve also, somehow, acquired a green thumb after thirty-two years or so. A couple of years ago, I shuddered at the idea of plants. I did a great job of keeping kids alive, but even something as low-maintenance as a succulent would meet its demise in my care. Out of nowhere though, I found a passion for growing things early this spring… What started as a wild little cottage-garden on one side of my house turned into raised garden beds and plants on every corner outside. Flowers, fruits, and vegetables are all beginning to thrive, and this, too, does something for my soul.

    Needless to say, I’m open to whatever adventures my Saturdays entail these days – be it a Lowe’s trip, a day of soccer, or a load of laundry and movies on the couch with the fam.