midwest bronde

Author: midwestbronde

  • 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!

  • Protein-rich Chicken Parm in a Bowl

    If there’s anything about me, I’m a sucker for an easy, delicious meal. I’ve got a hubby that’s usually at sports practice with 1 or 2 of the kiddos, so my energy levels generally dictate how ‘gourmet’ our meals are, lol. An easy fan-fave at our house is Chicken Parm in a Bowl. It’s packed with protein, requires simple ingredients, and takes very minimal effort to prepare – not to mention, it’s delish.

    Chicken Parm in a Bowl

    Ingredients
    Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties
    Pasta / Tomato Sauce
    Cottage Cheese (we use the non-fat, but any will do)
    Italian Seasoning (premade or DIY)
    Garlic Powder
    Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
    Shredded or Flaked Parmesan Cheese

    How To Make
    1) Bake or airfry frozen chicken patties based upon instructions on bag.

    2) Remove cooked chicken patties from oven, dice into bite-sized pieces.

    3) In a bowl, add 1/2 to 1 cup of cottage cheese; top with desired amount of pasta sauce, diced chicken patty, and 3 tbsp of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place in microwave for 1 minute.

    4) Carefully remove bowl from microwave. Sprinkle Garlic Powder, Italian seasoning, and desired amount of shredded parmesan cheese. Stir to mix and enjoy!

    Now hear me out – I’m not a professional recipe girlie yet. I know my formatting is cringe-worthy for pro-recipe-istas or chefs or whatever. I hope you can look past the recipe format & take the opportunity to make this super easy + delicious meal. Drop a comment and let me know if you try it!

  • And So It Goes –

    Well friends, I wondered when it would happen, and the time has finally come – I am officially in my Sourdough Era.

    A nod to Taylor, I suppose. That’s another thing to know about me, I’ve enjoyed her music since probably my Freshman year of high school, but I’ve never referred to myself as a Swiftie until she released TTPD. That album did something for me that is really just beyond explanation. It like…..escorted me into and out of a depression, all at once, and I couldn’t have appreciated it more. Now that she’s all in with TK and the love story is end-game, my heart couldn’t be happier for her or them. The New Heights podcast launch of her new album news was nothing short of everything, and hearing her go on and on about her own sourdough creations seemingly escorted me into my own…

    I have had friends share their sourdough creations with me, and I’ve smelled & squished & purchased many a loaf from the local farmer’s market, but I never really felt the call to grow and feed something of my own. After all, I’ve grown & continue to feed three children (LOL) But just like it did this Spring when I gave in to the yearning for a garden, my heart said, ‘the time is now,’ so I listened.

    I could have probably chosen a more sustainable route, but Amazon offered a ‘starter kit’ with all the essentials (measuring jar, whisks, stamp-thingy, rattan bowls for proofing, cheese cloth) so I clicked the easy-button and had it shipped to me within 24 hours. A cup of whole-wheat flour and some water later, I had created my first sourdough starter. We’re officially……..22 hours in, so we’ll see how this pans out. My hope is to fill this page with recipes & the joy that comes from creating things for the ones I love – more to come later.

    If you’re a sourdough fan or artist yourself, drop your favorite recipe or creation in the comments! I have high hopes for this.

    xo

  • 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.