Good Things Come to Those That Hustle

Tomorrow starts a crazy busy week for me, like insane.  So in honor of my fab hustle I framed this little gem for my desk. Just for work I have five meetings in three days. Great for business, not so good for my eating and sleeping habits. Plus I have two doctors appointments, a play date for BK, S has big project at work and will likely be pulling a 70 hour work week, a family beach day, the Cox cable guy is coming so we will finally have reliable internet and a Pure Barre workshop. Needless to say I am needing to micromanage about every second of this week, so I treated myself to a super fun little planner. I'm super excited about it, and really isnt it adorable?

Since we knew that our week was going to be pretty wild we wanted to really enjoy our weekend. And that we did. There was a long family walk and along the way BK fell asleep in her little car.

There was a girl's night out for me on Friday. Though we aren't sharing any photos from that night for plausible deniability. There was a date night for the hubs and I, which included the movies + shopping + fantastic sushi + too many drinks with friends we havent seen in far too long + possibly getting kicked out asked very nicely to leave an establishment due to dancing on tables.

And at the end of it all we got home and someone woke up to eat some cheesy fiesta potatoes with mama and dada before an amazing snuggle session. 

Now I have to straighten the house because I know I wont be doing much of it the next few days, cook some yummy salmon for dinner, and relax with a good book while the baby finishes her nap. 

How do y'all survive and unwind from a super busy week? 

Check out my amazing sponsor:

As You Wish...

Monday was an amazing day. Hands down one of my favorite days as of recent. I got to go to D.C. for work, my new job, my dream job, my job as a wedding and event coordinator. It was SO amazing to go and be surrounded by like-minded individuals that are as passionate about the same topic as you are. I felt like I was walking on air the whole time, and I think I took one million pages of notes. I cannot wait to share and implement what I learned.

I have been working for As You Wish but I just haven't felt fully comfortable discussing it until now. I literally landed my dream job, and honestly I have been afraid someone would pinch me and I would wake up. I have the opportunity to learn and grown under the most amazing woman {she is phenomenal at what she does y'all, not to mention balancing a family (did I mention she has three children, two of which are twins) and a social life}. She is super woman and she has the most pure heart. I am so blessed to have fallen into this situation. We have had a very, very busy summer, and things are just going to pick up to for fall. I also have my first blog post going up for the company tomorrow, so I would love some support!.

I am beyond excited. I mean I have been lucky enough to have my dreams come true three fold now, Stephen + Brooklyn + this amazing job with Julie.

Also, it is August?! Whattttt?

Don't forget to enter to win $50 to Walgreens and some amazing products by Dr. Smith's. 

Check out my amazing sponsor:

Dinner Party Details

Tonight is a very exciting night... We're having our first party of the summer. Yes I realize that summer is almost over, but S was gone for most of May and June so July has really been summer for us. It is also going to be my very first night away from BK {say some prayers that this mama can make it}. I thought in honor of our dinner party I would share my five favorite things. 

dinner party basis

1}. Mason Jars. I'm loving them right now. They're not only the perfect party cup, but you can also use them as vases and candle holders. Tonight we're using them as water jars and popping in fancy paper straws.
2} Burlap. It's e.v.e.r.y.where! I picked up some polka dot printed burlap and made a table runner and napkin rings. Inexpensive and super fun.
3} Color on your tablescape is a MUST. Tonight we have pink, navy, and orange. Its very boho chic and I'm really liking it.
4} Cocktails. Every good party has a good mix. I picked up a few bottles of Traders Joes brand two buck chuck and of course we have a hearty mix of beers.
5} Lighting. I love finding creative ways to bring in lighting. We transformed BK's playroom into our dinner party room and there are christmas lights all over the ceiling. It's so fun, and I think they'll stay forever.

What are your dinner party tips and tricks? I'd love to hear.




Check out my amazing sponsor:

It's All About the Balance

Hey, hey, hey! I am ashamed at my lack of blogging lately, but I am also not going to lie I have been thoroughly enjoying our summer. S is finally back from all of his work travel, I got myself a little part-time j.o.b. {that I love}, we got family pictures taken, BK is walking all over and a 100% toddler that is into everything, we took a mini trip to the OBX, and it is hot as hades here. We spend most of our days at the beach, meals are usually cooked outside, the inside of our home often looks like a tornado hit it, and we have just been making the most of our time together.

I do need to be better though, I need to allow a little more time that is just about me. I miss writing, writing is such an escape for me and it truly brings me so much joy. So I'm determined to find the balance.

How do y'all do it? When is your designated "blogging time"?


And because no post should go without pictures...

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?

Need to be a little bit stronger

Last night I was super lame. I passed up a chance to go out and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some of my favorite people in favor of pajamas and reruns on tv. I realized I was being lame the second I made the decision, but I'm one of those people that makes a decision and is super stubborn and sticks to it {even if they realize it was the wrong decision}. The horrible part was that I knew instantly that S was super bummed, even though he did get to enjoy a night out he had to do it sans me. See, every since we had BK I have had a really hard time leaving her. I have found myself bailing on plans last minute, or coming up with excuses, or just not making plans at all. And the time has come for change.

See I realized that not only am I preventing myself from having fun, but I'm also preventing BK from learning independence from me. I'm not allowing BK the opportunity to gain independence in forming relationships with others. Don't get me wrong, she interacts with others , just not without me standing by.  Brooklyn Grace is a very independent little girl, but I want her to be confident in herself in forming relationships as well. I want her to realize that other people see just how funny + smart + sweet she is, it's not just mama's rose colored glasses.

I'm also putting a damper on my marriage. While my love with S is stronger now than ever before I am definitely not as fun as before. I used to be the life of the party, or at least a piece of it. I used to keep my husband on his toes. I used to be adventurous. I want to get all of that back. Most of all I never want my husband to feel as if the baby is my only priority. Our blissful marriage and fun nights are what got us BK in the first place.

So I need to work on balance. I need to be better at being mama, friend, wife, daughter, and sister. I know that it won't come extremely quickly, and probably not extremely easily, but I need to make more of a conscious effort. So here's to hoping that I get better. Here's to hoping that a little bit of the old me will make a come back. Wish me luck.

Time to Start...

drinking green sh*t, and jogging.

So True

Fact. I didn't even know that tomorrow was St. Patrick's Day, until my husband informed me yesterday.

Bigger Fact. I am a lame mom now.

Right about now I would usually be whipping up the jello shots and prepping some pigs in a blanket for the shenanigans that ensue, but it's supposed to rain tomorrow. Rain = do I really wanna get a babysitter and drive 30 minutes to only be able to have one drink so that I can drive home a few hours later?!? Instead I think I"m going to whip up some drinks, rent a movie, and hang out with my two main squeezes. Just to prove that I'm not like grandma lame, I am going to share a super delicious adult beverage recipe.

Lucky Shamrocks
1 part sour apple liquor
1 part vodka
1 part sprite

Mix & enjoy.

Do you have big plans for St. Patrick's day?

Are you following me on Bloglovin?

puppy love

I have a broken heart y'all. My sweet puppy, Daisymae, is missing since last night. To be completely honest I'm not sure exactly what happened. I took her with me to 7-11 to grab some sprite for my mother in law who wasnt feeling well and then I lost her. I can say I just wasnt paying attention and thought she came in the house before me, or I can say that I was distracted by getting back to the baby and my family, but either way it boils down to it being my fault. The guilt that I feel is unbearable.

This is the dog that drove 1600 miles with me from Texas to Virginia, while riding in a laundry basket. The puppy I bought on a whim in college before heading to a basketball game. She's flown with me to Texas more times than I count, and always accompanies us on vacation. She's been dressed up for every holiday her whole life, and sometimes just because. It never fails that she sneaks chocolate out of our Easter baskets. She usually unwraps at least one present at Christmas. She's been with me through heart ache, joy, moves, a marriage, the birth of our first baby. Brooklyn Grace wakes up every morning up every.single.morning and the first words out of her mouth are "Daizzy kiss, daizzy kiss". She snuggles S after long days at work and keeps him company when he does work around the house. The dog that has slept by my side for over 6 years. She loves beach days, riding in the front seat with her head out the window, sleeping under the covers, and getting BK's dropped food. She is not a dog. She's family.

My heart is broken. Please say a little prayer that our girl comes home.

Open letter

Today Becky prompted us to write, that was it she just said “write”. Writing is something that I have always loved; I remember being 8 years old and writing elaborate stories. I would sit behind my little typewriter and create magical lands and fabulous characters. I remember winning awards; I always thought that I would grow up to be a world famous author. My peers hated essay assignments, where I relished in them. Now I have this little piece of the internet where I can write whenever and whatever I please, so why is it that when I saw Becky’s post my mind went blank? What would I write about? Honestly I’m still pondering the topic of the post.

So I figured I would write a letter. I write to my daughter frequently, and I used to write to my husband regularly as well. Lately though I haven’t written to S, so I suppose it is high time that he gets a letter.

Stephen,
I haven’t written to you in a while, I’m sorry about that baby, in my defense life has been crazy. Your work schedule has been insane and to say that BK keeps me on my toes is a massive understatement. In short, I miss you. We haven’t had much us time lately. As soon as this project is over we definitely need to fix that. I promise to plan the perfect date night.

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you what an amazing man you are. Your work ethic is unbelievable. You have been working close to 80 hour weeks and not batting an eye. Thank you so much for the way that you provide for our family, but also the amazing example that you set as well. Our child{ren} has such a wonderful role model in you. We are truly blessed to call you our own.

Speaking of babies, can you believe that ours is about to turn one? Where has this year gone? I am proud of us. Of the parents that we have become. I am in awe of the father that you are to BK. You blew my expectations out of the water. I always knew that you would be amazing, but honey you put other men to shame. I never knew that my love for you could run any deeper. Seeing the two of you together, the love that you have for her, it makes my heart just swell.

I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us. To grow old and gray with you. To spend the rest of my life with you. You are my everything. You are truly the love of my life. Thank you for showing me just how wonderful love and life are meant to be.

I love you more than words.

xoxo,
B

The Grass is Always Greener

Today I want to talk about the one uppers. You know the bitches that always have to steal your thunder. You go into a conversation super excited about your new shoes, or the date night you just had, the two pounds you just lost, or the fact that you just stuffed your face with three slices of pizza. Then wham someone else got their shoes for free, just returned from Paris, has 2% body fat, or brought in homemade pie for the whole office.

Dont you just hate those people? I mean why do they have to 1up your story? Couldnt they have saved their tale for another day and just expressed some enthusiasm for you? Would that have killed them?

I mean that used to really bust my butt, but now I'm a mom and I shit you not it has been taken to a WHOLE new level. I'm a new mom, I brag about my kid on the regular, obvi. I truly love to hear about what other kids are doing, mainly because I have no clue what I'm doing, but I think it's just part of my new job description. Mom's need reassurance, actually all people need reassurance and affirmation, but moms really need it. What I dont need is to know how your child is some kind of Beethoven Nobel Peace Prize winning genius. Some days it's all I can do to keep my child fed and alive, please dont rub in my face that your 10 month old counted to ten in two different languages while taking their first step. I mean, I'm happy for your kid and all but sometimes I just want you to say "wow that is so cool that BK did that today."

I've been feeling that way a bit with blogging lately. I just reached 400 followers, FOUR HUNDRED y'all! And that is huge for me. I've barely been blogging for two months and I put my heart and soul on this here page. I am so thankful that you come, read, and interract with me. With that being said, I sat at 390 for like two weeks. I remember seeing some people blow up from 200 to 400 like literally over night and seeing it all over twitter and all of the congratulations those people got. Me I threw my own little party with some champs and BK shared some puffs with me, pretty good party if you ask me.

What I realized though was that I cannot compare myself to others. {Two of my favorite bloggers also wrote posts on similar topics. You can read Whitney's & TJ's.} Each of us are on our own path, we have our own story to share, and we need to embrace that. We should spend more time basking in our own joys and lifting each other up opposed to competing with one another.

Love the life you live.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

No not really, but I am going to talk about a sisterhood today. My biffle Ashley talked about part of her college experience yesterday and I wanted to write a "sister" post if you will. When I was in college I was a sorority girl, a Zeta Tau Alpha to be exact.

 

Right now I'm sure you are either lumping me with the Sorority girl stereotype or you were a greek life member yourself so you're probably reminiscing back on your days. I dont blame you, most people view greek life in one way... party people. Yes we color coordinated for parties. Yes sometimes we did "obnoxious" chants at bars. And I wont lie I did my fair share of partying, I probably did some of my best table dancing in this time, but it wasnt at the fault of my sorority. To be honest I was much more tame due to Zeta. We had designated drivers available on the weekends, a home to go to on campus, and there was always someone watching my back. But we were way more than party girls.

We did community service every month. We had a philanthropy that worked with very actively, and breast cancer awareness is still very dear to my heart. Our grades were held to high standards, and we were required to be in the library a certain number of hours a week. I would honestly say that my active semesters were the ones were my grades were the best.

The best thing that I took away from my Zeta days were the friendships. I have been friends with some of these fabulous ladies for over eight years now. They were bridesmaids and attendants of my wedding {in Mexico}, they were at my baby shower, they call to check on me when I'm sick. I'm even lucky enough to have a few that are mamas like myself, and we have play dates with our girls.

I've even been blessed to connect with other Zetas through blogging, like Ashley & Samantha. If the worst I got from my sorority days is some massive hangovers and people judging me then I didnt make out to bad. So I'm proud I'm a sorority girl, I'm especially proud that I'm a Zeta Tau Alpha.

 

And to be quite honest I see a lot of similarities in sorority sisterhoods and the blogging community. Maybe that's why I love it so much and feel so at home.

 

*Disclaimer- My college computer died so I lost most of the photo of my "glory days" including my sorority photos. I'm sure my child(ren) will thank me later that they never have to stumble upon these photos*

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

back to school, back to school.... to prove to dad that I'm not a fool

I'm not sure if y'all remember, but my focus for the month of January is work. This month I've done a lot of thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life, because as much as I love getting to spend every.single.minute. with BK I know that it cannot last forever. While I cannot say that I have made any monumental decisions {yet}, one thing that has crossed my mind more than once is going back to school.
There are so many pros to going back.
-getting a degree in something that I actually want to use forever
-setting a great example for my child{ren}
-a better future aka more money

The main problem with going back is that it is quite expensive! I mean tuition, childcare for BK, and books. Oh the books! They're so expensive. That is where CampusBookRentals.com comes in. They are here to help make school a little less of a hit. Some of the perks of their program are:
-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
-free shipping both ways
-can highlight in the textbooks
-flexible renting periods
-we donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented

I mean how great is that? Plus you dont have to fight the bookstore crowds. It's always a nightmare that first week of classes.

And they just started a new venture that is truly so cool. It's called Rent Back. RentBack is a new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options. Dont you absolutely HATE it when you go to sell your books back at the end of the semester and they offer you pennies? I mean sometimes I want to lash out at the clerk. Oh you'll give me $13 for a book I paid $134 just three months ago?!? That makes perfect sense, not. So here is a new way for you to actually get your cash back! I might just go look for some old books from my college days. You never know right?!?

I'm still not 100% sure what I want to do, but knowing that I have options like this makes me way more optimistic.



{I was compensated for this post, but the opinions are all my own}

The Lost World

Today I am feeling discouraged. I'm sure it is normal. I'm sure all bloggers face it at one time or another. But it sucks.

Over the past week or so I've lost a few readers, and to be honest I'm not sure why.

Is it my poor grammar?

Is it my content?

Is it a lack of giveaways lately?

See I think I'm pretty witty. Most of the time I think I write quality content that can appeal to a pretty diverse audience. I post on the regular.

I dont want people here simply for the giveaways, I want you here because you can relate to what I have to say. I want to interact with you, get to know you. This blog is real and it's raw. It's honest. So I take it personally when that number on the sidebar drops. Probably a little too much, I've always been a sensitive soul. But I want this blog to grow. I want to open new doors and opportunities. Not just for me but for you guys as well.

I have a goal of getting to 500 readers by Brooklyn's birthday. I'm going to get there. I'm going to take these feelings and turn them into motivation.

Time to brush the haters off. ha! {I've always wanted to say that}

Extreme couponing

Do you coupon? Today was my first ever experience using a coupon, and they practically fell into my lap. True story. Apparently I am a VIP at Target because they sent me this trusty book of coupons in the mail.

 

I was super excited as I really have no understanding of extreme couponing. I mean where do you get your coupons? Do they work at all stores? How do you "double up" on coupons? Am I even using correct coupon lingo?

Really and truly I would love to learn more. Anyone care to share their tips and tricks? I'm promise I'm a good student!

Shameless reminder to please vote for me! I'm slipping a smidgen in the polls

 

Posted with Blogsy

The Celebrity List + A Sponsor Spotlight

Last night as I sat drinking my wine and having my weekly date with the Salvatore brothers I got to thinking about my "list." You know, your celebrity list. The 5 people that you could hook up with should the occasion ever arise and have absolutely no repercussions whatsoever from your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other. Stephen and I both have a list, but to be honest we are so grossly obsessed with each other that it is probably a moot point. It's funny because some of the girls on his list completely baffle me. I just don't see how he can like them and be married to me. Kim K and I both have the ghetto booty thing in common, but other than her I don't really get his choices. To each their own right? And I guess that's the whole point of the "list."

On my list is:


1. Ryan Gosling
-I mean, I don't think he really needs an explanation.
2. Ian Somerhalder
-I have a thing for bad boys. And those eyes, ooooo those eyes.
3. Channing Tatum
-Look at that body, and the boy has some serious moves. In Magic Mike he popped his body in ways that should be illegal.
4. Tyrese
-Remember the song Sweet Lady? Ya that came out in 8th grade and I fell in love. He sealed the deal in all 800 Fast and Furious movies.
5. Mark Wahlberg
-The man has aged WELL! I mean who didn't love Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch? I was only five, but still...

So apparently bad boys do it for me. But the best of them all is this man right here

Oh hubs, you just give me tingles all over!

So do you have a list? Who's on your list?

I also wanted to take a minute and introduce the fabulous ladies of my sidebar to y'all.

Meet Michaela

PreppyHouseWife is a lifestyle blog about me, my husband M, and our puppy Reese living the preppy good life in the suburbs of Boston. A lot of style, a little dreaming, and a ton of monograms.

My guilty pleasures: Mac and Cheese (could honestly eat it every day), fancy workout clothes from lululemon (nothing inspires me more to get to the gym then wearing lulu), and house porn (I am obsessed with searching real estate listings for our dream house).

Meet Tara

I blog at Faith, Hope, and Mommyhood. A corporate fitness gal turned stay at home mom/newbie blogger! Having a blast with our baby girl, Tallan Hope, and loving all the milestones I get to experience daily. I am a lover of fitness, dogs, DIY, and living the good life with my high school sweetheart hubs.

 

My 3 guilty pleasures?

* Chik Fil A cookies n cream milkshakes

* Any corny scary movie

* Vampire reading material (Sookie Stackhouse, Twilight, anything!) LOL

Meet Katie

Hi, I'm Katie! I blog over at Life with the D's. I blog about pretty much anything and everything! I have two fur babies and have been married for almost 10 years. I'm currently a stay at home wife and have a small business called Katie Bug's Custom Creations where I make Hand Stamped jewelry, name/word and picture blocks, and much more!!

My three guilty pleasures are....

MTV trash TV, A good book (wife porn :-) haha), Husband

Meet Joanna

Hi I'm Joanna, an actor and photographer trying to live a full and fashionable life. My blog is filled with daily outfits as well as the awkward and often sarcastic musings on life and the grand scheme of the universe. Don't I sound profound? Trust me, the reality is far from it, but it might make you laugh.

Three guilty pleasures:
1. Jigsaw puzzles - addicted to doing them online.
2. re-runs of BSG - best show ever!
3. Dark mint chocolate - delicious!

Be sure to check out their fabulous blogs & let them know I sent you!