Guest Room Makeover

My bestie is coming into town in four weeks! They will surely be the longest four weeks ever, but I am going to utilize every single second to prepare... My liver the guest room. I've wanted to make it over for a while now, but this is finally giving me the push that I need. Ideally I would paint the room, but S might murder me if I ask him to repaint, so I'm just going to have do some furniture and bedding changes. I want to the make the room super warm and inviting.

In a perfect world I would be able to replace the actual bed in there. I want this one from Ikea

But if that isn't in the cards then I at least plan on doing this

guest bedroom makeover by tinymrsh on Polyvore

I'm super excited for Kay to get here, but I'm thankful to have a project to tackle and keep me occupied until it's time.
What do you think is important in a guest room? What makes you feel most comfortable when you visit someone?



Check out my amazing sponsor:

The Nitty Gritty

I'm linking up with the super fabulous Erin from Living in Yellow. She asked some real humdingers, but these questions might give you a little more insight to the "real" me.

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be? I would have to say college. I slacked off, dropped courses, and took wayyy too long to graduate. If I could go back I would buckle down and get it done.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Content. I suffer from severe wanderlust, in all areas of my life, so I'm hoping to have a few things figured out by then. Mainly career wise, but I wouldn't be opposed to our family relocating either.

3. Do you honestly want kids? Considering we have BK I think that answer is obvious. She is the light of our lives, and we are thankful for every second we've gotten with her. Do we want to give her a sibling? Yes. But if God doesn't have that in store for us, I would be completely happy with just her.

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far? The day that Brooklyn was born. After we had visitors, after things had calmed down. It was quiet in our room. The lights were dim. BK was softly coo'ing. Stephen was holding her and the look on his face is one I'll never forget. It is my perfection.

5. What is your life theme song? Hmm, I'm a big music lover so this is hard. I would have to say She Talks to Angels or Meet Virginia.

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die? Find my career niche. I'm still working on that one. And travel to Europe. I need to cross that off my bucket list.

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be? My heart. I'm a giver and a nurturer by nature, I hope other people see that. I want people to say "she had the kindest heart."

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc), what would it be? Hop on a plane and take the trip of a lifetime. Italy, Greece, Turkey, Fiji. Ooo and Africa.

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life? Probably when my parents divorced. It was a really hard time for me.

10. Summarize yourself in one word. Exciting. I'm pretty much down for any adventure, I love to have fun and I embrace change. I try to always have a good time. And if not exciting, then Devoted. I am 1000% devoted to my family and friends and would do absolutely anything I could fo them.

So that's that. Tomorrow is Friday, woo hoo! And this mama is getting a dirty martini!

 

Check out my amazing sponsor:

 

Posted with Blogsy

How to survive with children

Yesterday I thought I was dying. For real. I just knew that at any moment my head was going to split right open. I haven't had a migraine like that in years, well since before I got pregnant with BK. Life has changed a bit and now I have a toddler on my hands, I can't exactly sleep the day away. So needless to say I had to get a little creative on nursing myself back to health. Here are my migraine survival tools {though these would also work fabulously if you're nursing a hangover}.

survival by tinymrsh featuring henri bendel

1. An eye mask. This a must. I didnt want to completely freak BK out and have the room pitch black so this was a life saver. This particular mask is baller in that you can just use it regular or with the ice pack.
2. Cartoons. I'm not a huge advocate for plopping your baby in front of a television for long periods of time, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. Doc McStuffins most certainly helped in nursing me back to health yesterday.
3. Sick pillow. At least that's what we always called it in my family. Growing up we had a special pillow and blanket that my mama pulled out when you were sick. I loved the tradition so much that I adopted it into our family.
4. Caffeine. For me this is coca cola. Ok so maybe I drink one every day anyways, but with a migraine it is extra delicious.
5. New toys. BK has really gotten into coloring thanks to her bath crayons, so yesterday I busted out a coloring book and some crayolas that I had stashed away. She though it was so neat, and it kept her entertained for quite a while. Well until she tried to color my eye mask, then Doc McStuffins got turned back on.

A helpful husband was also super wonderful. Love you honey. Do y'all get migraines? How do you cure them?

Mint-Lemon Pound Cake

Y'all I am back. Last week I took a little sabbatical to just enjoy life. I ate up the little moments. BK's new smile, the 3 new words she started saying, dinners with my husband, pretty afternoons sunbathing in the backyard. It was wonderful and it was much needed. 

I spent a day on blog organization and flow. I've decided that my week will look like this:

Monday - Recipes

Tuesday - BK + Motherhood

Wednesday - Lifestyle

Thursday - Lifestyle

Friday - Fashion / DIY / Randoms

Hopefully those are all things that will interest you. My advertising spots got a makeover and I'm pretty excited about them. Take a look, this week you can get 30% off using code REVAMP. 

I also made a super delicious Mint-Lemon Pound Cake that I am super excited to share the recipe... 

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 package lemon pudding mix 

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1/2 cup milk

8 oz. sour cream

6 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (it took me 3 lemons)

1/4 cup fresh mint + more for garnish

Icing:

2.5 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice 

1 - 2 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease your pan. Mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, and milk. Add mint, oil, sour cream, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add mint mixture to cake mixture. Pour into pan. Bake on middle rack for 35-40 minutes or until knife comes out of cake clean. Run butter knife around the edge of pan for easier removal. Let cake cool for ten minutes.

For glaze add all icing ingredients together until preferred consistency. Pour glaze over cake. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and add mint for garnish. 

{Mine didnt have a very strong mint taste coming through so feel free to add more if you want a stronger taste}

Enjoy!

Catching Up

This week has been filled with anniversaries, perfect temperatures, beach days, and lots of use of our grill so please pardon the silence that occurred on this little blog o' mine. Starting next week I have a really awesome "blog flow" setup that I'm going to start using, and I think that it will help give my blog a good consistency and give me a little more organization for regular posts {Shout out Meagan for the inspiring ideas. So be excited for next week! My new sponsor spots will finally be up too.

Here are some fabulous posts that I almost missed out on during my sebatacle:

-The recipe for this amazing Grilled Mac N Cheese that I am totally making on my diet cheat day next week
-Katy is fundraising for a second trip to Africa, and she reflected back on her last trip
-I got to learn a little more about this super funny lady
-And today is the last day to enter the Carmex give away here. I know I always have bad chapped lips in the summer

And now for some Friday Letters

 

 

Dear Hubs- I can't believe it's already been two years of wedded bliss! I love you so much. Lets renew our vows soon k?

Dear BK- Walking?!? Really? How are you so grown? You consume so much of my heart I cant even stand it.

Dear warm weather- Thank you so much for finally showing up! Please stick around

Dear allergies- Booo you whore

Dear Salt- I am super excited for you to open! I cant wait to attend Friends and Family night tonight. So excited for my friend Ashley and her husband on this new venture!

Dear Lauran- Lets get to planning on that fab dinner party!

Dear Ashley- I just love you so much! We didnt get to talk much this week and I miss you. Can't wait to finally hang out this summer. 

 

Two Years

Yesterday was my two year wedding anniversary. It marked two years since we had said "I Do". Two years since we were in paradise surrounded by wonderful fantastic people. Two years that sparked the beginning of the rest of my beautiful, very blessed life.

In all honesty I dont feel that whole lot changed when we got married. We lived together before, so that wasnt new. But our feelings, our relationship, most definitely intensified. My love grew a little deeper, my desire for S a little stronger, and my appreciation exploded ten fold. A lot has changed in the past two years though, it has been quite the ride. And I have had the time of my life experiencing this journey with my incredible man.

A few times while we were on trip other guests at the resort would make comments about us getting married, things like "dont do it" and "it's not too late". At first I thought those people were so, so rude. Then my heart ached for them. How horrible to not believe in everlasting love, I pray that they find it. How terrible to never find the other match for your heart. The one youre meant to walk through life with, to grow old next to. Love is such a wonderful, and specatular, life changing occurence. I can't imagine my life without it.

I found the one whom my soul seeks. I found my true better half. The man that balances me out. The man that can always put a smile on my face. The man that I laugh harder and deeper with than I ever have before. The man that is the hardest working, most intelligent man that I have ever met. The man that can make me weak in the knees with a single look, the one still gives me butterflies with every touch and every kiss. The man that gave me the greatest gift ever, our daughter. And my goodness is he an amazing father. He is polite, talented, funny, strong, incredibly smart, and he is so kind to every single person he meets. He might have stinky shoes and corny jokes, but he is all mine and I wouldnt have it any other way.

I am in love. Deep, passionate, wild love. And I am thankful for every day that I get to experience it.

All pictures are by the super fabulous Andi Grant

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

How not to fail at your guest post

I have had the honor of my sidebar holding the most wonderful ladies that choose to advertise with me. They are all truly funny and great women. Today's love is the fabulous Kiersten. And I have to say, her topic... GENIUS! Now go read and find out or yourself.

So I know what you’re thinking - who is this chick, and where’s Brandi? Well I’m Kiersten, and Brandi was sweet enough to let me take over for a day. I know, I know - you can barely contain your excitement, right? Okay, maybe not - so let me tell you why you should stick around.

First, some introductions. I blog over at Good Day Sunshine where I write about life (my own, and the general concept), my seemingly never-ending search for love, flowers (and recently, the fact that it’s springtime and where are the flowers?), and of course, The Beatles, all with a touch of what I falsely believe to be humor and whit. If you’re justdying to know more (because I know you all are), you can hop over to my about me

I’ve been blogging in this space for a little over a year, but that definitely wasn’t my first time on the merry-go-round... I started blogging back in 2009, and trust me - there have been too many blogs to count between then and now.

In all that time though, I’ve only written one guest post before this one (and trust me, you don’t want to read that train wreck, circa 2010). I think I feel out of my element - as though I’m in Russia trying to introduce myself to someone who doesn’t speak English. I feel as though everyone is going to know I don’t belong, and will resent my presence here. (Crazy, I know - you all love me, right? Right?)

So up until Brandi offered me this opportunity, I’d avoided guest-posting like the plague. I think though, that I’m beginning to feel comfortable enough in my own skin to try this party out, and I have the perfect idea too:

Kiersten’s Tried and True List of Ways to Fail at Guest Posting:

(1) Have no idea what you’re going to say. Just ramble for a bit and turn it into a 5-paragraph essay. Everyone loves those!

(2) Be a little bit neurotic. Rewrite the post about 30 times, with about 30 different concepts. And then, once you’ve mailed it off, bite your nails off worrying that you should have stuck with concept #17. Obviously, that’s the best way to write isn’t it?

(3) Wait till the last minute to write the post. You wouldn’t want to give yourself too much time to work on anything, would you? And speaking of procrastination, I have a great list of ways to do that right over here

(4) Try to write as though you are the blog-owner. I know you probably have your own “voice”, but check that at the door!

That’s all I’ve got for that, guys. But if you’re looking for more (and let’s be honest, I know you are), hop on over to my little space and read up!

<3 Kiersten

 

Posted with Blogsy

Spring Bucket List

Spring has finally sprung in Virginia and our little family is more than excited. Yesterday we spent the day at the beach, and then had a super delicious meal al fresco. It got me to thinking about what else I want to do while the weather is in the perfect phase. You know the place where it's warm but it isn't miserable outside, before all the pollen starts falling and everyone's allergies are acting up, the place where you have to drag yourself inside at the end of the day. So I created a little bucket list...

1) Have a picnic Like a legit picnic with a basket, wine, and super yummy food. 2) Coordinate a wedding I truly want to have a career in events so I am working towards that goal. 3) Visit the botanical gardens The botanical gardens in our area is gorgeous, and they have a super fabulous kids area. I plan to make full use of this gem. 4) Go on a bike ride at the beach Stephen and I used to do this all the time, but we havent gone on a beach bike ride in like 2 years. I want a new cruiser too {a pink one} and we have to order a little trailer for BK to sit in.  5) Host a dinner party A fun & fancy adult dinner party. Like bust out the china and get a sitter for BK kind of dinner party. How dreamy would it be to have one on the beach?
What do you want to do this spring? Any suggestions to add to my list? 

Baby Registries... Our Truth

My precious BK turns 13 months old on Sunday. It is just crazy how fast time flies, I can still remember the first day that S and I went to register for all things tiny and baby. It was so fun, but it can definitely be overwhelming. There is just SO much baby stuff, and if you are a first time parent then you {like us} probably have no idea what you will actually use. Today I'm linking up with Kaitlyn and Jen for the registry week of her new series

Here is how S and I went about registering:

- Print out a baby check list and review all items
Some items will just not be practical for you and your family
- Highlight the items you think you will 100% use
Do your research here. This is where we decided to register for a jogging stroller combo opposed to your regular four wheel stroller as we are a very active family. It was one of the best decisions we made.
- Pick two stores to register at
Some people do a practical store like Babies R US and then a store for more fluff items like Pottery Barn Kids {where you can register for nursery decor or toys}. We decided on Babies R Us and Amazon {amazon because a lot of our family is spread out and they have such a big selection being online only}
- Do more than one round of registering
We went into the store first to register. We wanted to get our hands on some items, test them out, and we wanted to see what some stuff was that we weren't sure about. Then I went back online where they had a larger selection and made some changes. Don't be afraid to add or subtract items leading up to your baby shower date. It's no fun being 38 weeks pregnant and lugging a bunch of stuff to the store to make exchanges/returns.
- Save those gift cards
Whether you get gift cards as an actual gift or from returns and exchanges be sure to save them up. Each baby is different so you can never be positive if your baby will like specific things {bottles, pacifiers, etc}. So it is always nice to have saved a few gift cards, instead of picking up more super cute baby clothes, to purchase those extra items.

Things I didn't use:
-Boppy
I always ended up just using a pillow to assist in feeding BK. She was only five pounds and the boppy didn't get her high enough and close enough to me. Plus it's kind of hard. We did end up using it a few times to practice tummy time, but I don't think we used it that much. Some ladies swear by it though.
-Bottles
We registered for and received something like 15 bottles. Well BK was EBF so they just took up TONS of cabinet room. Even if you aren't breast feeding I suggest only registering for one pack. Initially they use really tiny ones from the hospital anyways, but you never know what brand/nipple they will like.
-Pacifiers
Again, they will probably be very particular and only take one brand. BK didnt start using one until she was 5 weeks old and then she gave it up cold turkey at 5 months. You dont want 100 of them lying around the house.

Items that saved me:
-Boppy lounger
It's like a big comfy baby cushion/chair. I kept it on the couch and BK napped/relaxed on it during the day when we were downstairs. She used it for like five months.
-Swing
We got the fisher price little lamb swing and that thing was a life saver. BK still tries to climb into it sometimes.
-Bouncer
We STILL use her bouncer. She looks a little large in it, but she hasnt exceeded the weight limit yet, so sometimes I plop her in there when I'm showering.

PSA
-Dont register for clothes you will get enough from friends and you are sure to shop for plenty yourself.
I know they say not to buy too many newborn sizes because you dont know how big your baby will be, but make sure that you have some on hand. I even suggest having a preemie outfit or two. BK couldnt fit any of her newborn clothes, so we had to send my mother in law to Carters before we left the hospital so that she had clothes to wear.
-Dont register for blankets, bibs, wash cloths, towels. Once again, you will get plenty.

If you have any other registering questions dont hesitate to ask!

Lightning Strikes Twice

{Written- Tuesday April 2, 2013}
Tonight was just a typical Tuesday night. We made dinner, my husband went to the gym, we read a story before bed. Everything was within our normal routines. Tonight was just a typical Tuesday night, except that it wasn't.
S got off early, so we had an extra three hours together as a family. One third of that was spent visiting the puppy store at the mall where BK screamed "dawg" every time she saw a new puppy behind the glass and then laughed hysterically. One third was spent pushing BK in her pink whip to the park. The park is our haven. She swings and is in her own personal heaven. S plays like a little kid on all of the equipment. And I, I soak in the both of them. Their smiles, their pure joy. The last *extra* hour was spent in the kitchen while I cooked dinner. BK carried around pieces of Daisy's food and giggled uncontrollably while Daisymae chased her. S sat in the kitchen while we caught up on our day and snuck kisses.
From an outsiders perspective it was nothing special. Just your typical family of three going about their evening routine. But to me, to me it was heaven. I had a permanent smile on my face. My happiness just radiated from every pore.
It got me to thinking though, as happy as I am {truly 1000% satisfied with my life, not lacking a thing}, does it get any better than this? Can lightning strike twice? Will we be so lucky to be blessed to one day expand our family and have another baby so perfect and delightful as BK? It just seems impossible. I know it isn't, I know that God's grace is SO good. I'm not saying it will happen, I'm simply saying that it could happen.
Life just doesnt seem like it could possibly get any better than it is. I am so blessed. Blessed with my true soul mate, the man that God picked specifically for me. Blessed with a beautiful, crazy intelligent, sweet, funny, perfect daughter. My family is kind and supportive. I have good friends that the Lord brought into my life for a reason. I have wonderful worldly possessions.  I am blessed.
My life was not always this way. It was not always everything I dreamt it to be. But now I wake up and I think to myself...

You have everything you ever wanted. Welcome to your happily ever after. 

I Can't Believe

I'm super excited to link up with the fabulous Robin for this week's...


First off, I can't believe  that it is already April? How are we four months into the year?!? I feel like 2013 just started.

I can't believe that I actually went through with my spray tan. I was beyond nervous. But Y'all I have to preach the fabulous ways of the Versa tan. I mean check out this "unnatural" glow I have working for me. Plus it was SOO easy.

I can't believe that mine and S's two year wedding anniversary is next Tuesday! Where has all the time gone. And can we go back to Mexico asap?

I can't believe that I am surrounded by so many talented people. My husband and baby are both on teh genius level. My bff Kay is the best writer and oh so stylish. My bff Lauren just got back from the most amazing trip has the best heart. My other bff Brea is uber talented in the photography department. My brother and sister are the cutest musical duo ever. And I could go on and on from cakes to more photography and more photography. Now if only I could find my nichè within the event planning world or someone who would give me a chance. Or better yet, lets make this writing passion of mine a full time gig!

I can't believe that I still havent been to the gym. BOOO me!

And finally, I can't believe that I am actually considering tackling a garage sale this weekend! I need to spring clean though!

DC Minication Recap

DC was absolute heaven. Relaxation and fun and exactly what we needed. After sitting in traffic we finally made it to our hotel around 4pm. Our hotel was the Rouge and to be honest I don't have a single complaint. The decor is kind of kitschy but the accommodations are new and very nice. Our room was super large and we had every amenity that we desired. Plus all of the Kimpton Hotels are super pet friendly and they were amazing with Daisymae.

We relaxed for a little while, watched some cartoons, unpacked, and then headed out to explore our area of the city.

We were in the Dupont Circle/ Logan Circle area and it's mostly residential, but they have everything that you could want for {I mean we were two blocks from Whole Foods}. So that night we grabbed dinner at Agora. It was a Mediterranean tapas style restaurant and super delicious. they were very accommodating to BK and she did fantastic all through dinner while we ate and enjoyed a beverage. 

After dinner we headed back to the hotel to hang out for a bit before I set off on my mommy adventure to DryBar. My time at DryBar was nothing short of amazing. I mean you drink champagne while watching great movies i.e. Mean Girls & Bride Wars. My stylist was not only super sweet, but amazing at what she did. The rest of the staff was so kind when I was the last one in there a few minutes past closing time thanks to my MASSIVE hair. I even met a training manager who sat down and took an active interest in me. Needless to say I will definitely be back. If you're thinking about going, just do it! For real, I promise you will not regret it. It will be the best $40 ever spent on your hair. 

 I mean my hair looked damn good y'all!

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to meet up with one my bestest friends, Brea. She took some beautiful pictures of us, we gallivanted the city, but most of all we got some quality time together. Love her. 

After Brea headed back to Maryland for a prospective client meeting, the hubs + baby + I set off to the Kite festival on the National Mall where we met up with his family. It was so beautiful to see the historic spots in the city, and we got to relax and enjoy each others company, and the weather was perfection. 

Saturday night we left Miss BK with her Gigi and Grandpa while S & I headed out to dinner with his brother and our soon to be sister in love. We had an amazing time. Some yummy dinner, lots of laughs, gelato, and we finished off the night with a few beers back in our room before we grabbed the baby for bed. Unfortunately we only have one picture, but I have to say that it's a good one. 

Sunday brought Easter baskets, bloody mary's in the hotel lobby, lunch at  2Amys, and then the road trip home. It was the perfect way to spend Easter weekend. I couldn't have asked for anything more.