Weekly Startup

Hey y’all! Happy Monday! This is the first “Weekly Startup/Motivational Monday” post and my hope is to get your week started on a good note, which means it’s going to be some motivation, some humor, some quotes, some items that I’m loving, maybe a tip or two, and basically just a beginning of the week random round-up.

I’m currently standing at our kitchen counter, flamingo pose, (who else stands like this?) eating candy corn and drinking a Mountain Dew (classy, I know) and waiting on Krew to wake up because we all know babies decide to marathon nap when we need to go somewhere. But we’re just going to the grocery store, so it can wait! Krew is finally feeling better and we’re praising the Lord for that because it was about three weeks of him not feeling too hot and being sick and we are all ready to be done with it! We went to the pumpkin patch this weekend, had apple cider, and sat by a fire so it was a dang good Fall weekend. Also, KREW IS OFFICIALLY WALKING, and I definitely don’t know how to feel about it. I love watching him learn new things but oh man, my mama heart needs a pause button. I am enjoying making new traditions with my little family! What are some of your favorite family traditions for Fall?

Anyways, let’s jump right into this Motivational Monday and kick this week’s booty!

Some quotes to get you through the week:

• “Appreciate where you are in your journey, even if it’s not where you want to be. Every season serves a purpose.” // This quote speaks to me so hard because we always get caught up in not being where we want to be or feel like we should be, when we need to just step back and see that every situation or season is so temporary in this big life. Think about enjoying exactly where you are at the moment, because it’s probably a stepping stone to where you want to be or where God’s working on you to be.

• “Fall is my second favorite f-word, food being the first.” // I came across this quote and I laughed way too hard not to share, especially with Fall in the air.

• “Make it happen. Shock everyone.” // This is one of those quotes that just hits you in the gut and makes you want to get it together. Wanna start a new chapter? Do it. It’s short, and to the point, but the message is so dang powerful.

Random Thoughts & Tips

Okay, so I know all of us moms heat up our coffee a bajillion times a day, so here’s a complete duh tip but I’m gonna throw it out there anyways. Put your coffee in a thermos style cup with a lid to keep it hot way longer. I actually do this sometimes but to be 100% honest, I do love my morning coffee out of an actual coffee mug, so I’ll probably just keep on heating up my coffee mug every morning time after time. So the weather is starting to break and turn into Fall here and there, so if you’re having trouble deciding what to wear because of funky weather, pop on a lightweight flannel, shorts/jeans and some booties to create some Fall vibes even if your weather isn’t on board yet. Also, if you get hot, tie your flannel around your waist for a cute look. I posted a blog post about my favorite Fall lip colors linked here, but I’ve also been playing around without other makeup for Fall. Try using a dark plum or brown eyeshadow as your eyeliner on the top and bottom for a softer eyeliner look. I’ve been doing this and loving it, especially with the Fall shadow colors. There are three things I’ve been doing when I wake up to start my day off right

1. Daily devotional (linked here)
2. Speak out or write down things I’m thankful for (no matter how small, starting my day with a grateful heart is the best)
3. Drink a bottle of water

Workout

Here’s a quick circuit style workout for anywhere- living room, bedroom, garage, outside.

Warm up:

• 15 jump squats

• 10 burpees

• 25 jumping jacks

Circuit 1

• 15 (each leg) Reverse lunges

• 8-10 pushups

• 20 wide bridges
• 3 rounds

Circuit 2

• 10 (each leg) Bulgarian split squats

• Side planks 30 seconds each side

• 15 Sumo squats
• 2 rounds

Circuit 3

• 20 leg lifts

• 50 Russian twist

• 25 crunchy frog
• 2-3 rounds

Here’s to cooler weather, hot coffee, good food, quick workouts, house chores, family time, good sales/finds, tips and tricks, laughs, and a productive week! I hope you all have a great Monday and a fantastic week ahead of you!

I’m just a mama sending out good vibes for your Monday.

Favorite Fall Lip Colors

The leaves are turning, the air is getting crisp (hopefully), pumpkins are everywhere, and it’s time to pop on your Fall outfit and finish the look with a Fall lip color. I’ve pulled together a mini roundup of some of my favorite lip colors for Fall.

1. Bobbi Brown Art Stick // shade: bare
2. Merle Norman Lip Pencil Plus // shade: cocoa buff
3. NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner // shade: softspoken
4. Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip Velvet Matte // shade: double bare
5. Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gel // shade: dark nude
6. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink // shade: dancer

Okay, all of these colors are in the pinky, dark nude family (except for the last one because it’s a red (which I feel like everyone should rotate every now and then, especially in these cooler months). What I love about all of these lip colors is how easy they all apply and work together or separate. They are good by themselves, or combined.

I love the Merle Norman Pencil because it has a liner on one side and a color on the other, and then if you still wanted to run a gloss over top, the Sephora gloss is a great gloss to put over any of these (except the red). I wear the Bobbi Brown Art Stick by itself sometimes or as a liner, and same for the NYX liner. The Bobbi Brown Art Stick as a liner paired with the Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip is one of my favorite combos on the list. It is the most gorgeous nude with an slight undertone of pink that goes well with any outfit for any Fall occasion. Plus, I must add that it STAYS PUT without drying out. The Maybelline Superstay does a really good job at this too. I said it before, but I feel like everyone needs a good red lip and this one takes the cake for me. PRO TIP: DO NOT PUT THIS LIP COLOR ON STRAIGHT OUT OF THE TUBE. WIPE THE WAND A LITTLE SO YOU DON’T HAVE AS MUCH ‘WET’ PRODUCT. This keeps it from being too heavy or globby. I learned this one the hard way, oops.

Each season is such a fun time to try new makeup colors, outfit options, and trends. Some of these lip colors are ones I’ve used for a while now and a few of them are new in my rotation, but these are truly my favorite Fall lip products! Let me know if you have a Fall lip color you swear by and of course let me know if you try any of these!

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

I’m just a mama who likes a good Fall lip color.

Honest Review of the Billie Razor

The hype is real.

I started by saying that because, this razor has had a whole lot of hype, and I finally jumped on the bandwagon to give this baby a go….and I fell in love with it! I can’t say enough good things about this razor.

Okay, so to get started with Billie, it’s only $9 and no shipping. Are you kidding?! That was enough reason to sign me up! You choose your color, tell them how often you shave (so they know when to send replacement blades automatically) and you’re set up! Can you say convenient?? I don’t know about you but I have never spent $9 or less for a nice razor plus an extra blade and cute shower hanger. Also, replacement blades automatically sent to you is music to my ears. I would usually forget that kind of stuff, but with Billie, you don’t have to worry about it!

Alright, next is the fact that it felt like butter as I shaved. Yes, you heard me, butter. I actually enjoyed shaving because I could barely feel it and it gave me such a close shave! If we’re being completely honest, I usually have a little bit of stubble by nighttime if I’ve shaved that day. I have no stubble tonight, no shadow under my arms, nothing. And that is a freakin’ dream for any woman.

I’m not sure how much razor storage matters to y’all, but I used to pull my razor out of the shower every time I was finished so it could dry and not touch anything. Now, I have a cute hanging magnet piece that I can pop my razor onto when I finished and it isn’t touching anything and dries perfectly! Also, it’s so dang cute! Major win!

So, if you’re considering a Billie razor, I promise you it is 110% worth it. Cute, convenient, and super effective. I’m just a mama who love a good razor.

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

Cinnamon Sugar Toast

What You Need

• Bread (I put this stuff on toast, English muffins, bagels, literally anything “bready” that you like
• 1 stick butter, softened (I’ve made this with salted and unsalted and they both gave me the same results!)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make It

Smush and mash the softened butter a little with a fork, then dump in sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir and mix to combine. Okay y’all side note: Seriously how much more simple can it get?! Y’all know that I’m always down for the simple stuff in life, especially when it comes to cooking. Can I get an amen?

I mix and keep my butter in a plastic container with a lid and leave it out on the counter, so anything will work as long as it has a lid! Whenever you’re ready to enjoy some of this yumminess, slather a good bit on your bread of choice and pop that bad boy into a toaster oven on a pan for a few minutes until you see it bubble. Make sure you watch it because it can burn fast, trust me. Let it cool a little so it can get caramelized when you take it out. (If you don’t have a toaster, just use your regular oven at 350 degrees and broil it.)

This is a hit in the house no matter when I make it, and Krew likes it which is a whole other win in my book! Even though it is an all season favorite, it literally tastes like Fall heaven. I love it as a quick breakfast or small snack if you’re having a sweet tooth. Let me know if y’all try it!

Corn Casserole & Homemade Energy Bars

Alrighty guys, I haven’t cooked in a hot minute, buttttt mama’s been teaching me some of her ways while I’ve been in North Carolina! I’m super excited to share some of her recipes she’s been teaching me and holy moly they are yummy! And easy, which is always THE BEST, especially for busy schedules, mamas, family get-togethers, you name it, these recipes are perfect for it! Plus, y’all all know mama knows best.

Corn Casserole

What you need:

One 15 1/4 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

One 14 3/4 oz. can cream corn

One 8 oz. package corn muffin mix (we use Jiffy)

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

How to cook it:

Preheat your oven to 350. Stir together the two cans or corn, the corn muffin mix, sour cream, and butter in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish (we use Pam). Bake for 45-60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color!

Okay y’all, there you have it. Seriously what’s better than a recipe that you stir together and pop in the oven?! Nothing, if you ask me! Throw this with any meat or other sides and it’s perfection!

Okay, so next is the homemade energy bars. Y’all, this is a good one. My mom has made these since I was in high school, so they’re perfect for on-the-go kids, mamas, going on a trip, snacks for family coming in, and get-togethers. They are SO GOOD.

Homemade Energy Bars

What you need:

Vegetable cooking spray

1 egg white

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter

2 cups old fashioned oats

Little less than 1/4 cup pecan bits

1/3 cup (or a little more) white chocolate chips

How to cook it:

Preheat oven to 350. Spray your nonstick baking pan with vegetable cooking spray, and lay parchment paper along the pan. Let the excess paper hang over sides. Spray the parchment with the cooking spray lightly. You definitely don’t want anything sticking! Now, in a medium size bowl, beat the egg white with a hand mixer until it’s frothy (it takes about a minute). Once it’s frothy, stir in your peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey. Then after those are mixed, add the melted butter, oats, and pecans. Stir those well, then add the white chocolate chips (the best part). Spread the mixture into the baking pan with a rubber spatula and press lightly to have an even layer of goodness. Bake for about fifteen minutes (you’re looking for the edges to begin to brown). Pull them out when ready, and let sit to cool in pan for at least an hour. After they are cool, cut those bad boys up into the perfect size bar and enjoy!

Y’all, these are serious not going to disappoint. They are the bomb, and go over so well for any occasion! It also throws together easily and that’s a serious plus!

Okay, so I know you’re probably thinking that these recipes don’t go together, which they don’t, but they are two really simple recipes you can add to your meals and they are sure to please! I’ll keep posting recipes on here as I learn them from my mama, and I hope you guys enjoy them! Let me know if you try these!

I’m just a mama learning some cooking from my mama.

Beachin’ with Baby

Going to the beach before we had Krew was as simple as loading up with our chairs, some sunscreen, and some drinks (and snacks because I always need snacks). We would stay out there all day, soak up the sun, fall asleep sometimes, and had not one care in the world.

Going to the beach with a baby is a whole different ball game. I’m not going to lie, it’s a beast. But it is also so much fun. We love the beach even more than we did before (and we didn’t even think that was possible). Watching Krew play in the sand and seriously live his best life out there brings loads of joy to me and Brandon.

Okay, so I’ve told you how much we love the beach with Krew and how it’s so much better with him, but now let me dive into how the heck we prep for the beast of getting out on the beach with a baby.

Must-have items:

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen (we like to use the face stick for his face)
• All the snacks (for you and baby)
• Towels
• Beach hat for baby
• Cooler of drinks (for you) and juice (for baby)
• Toys that can be washed off easily (plastic)
• Hand/face wipes
• Small tent or umbrella for shade
• Chairs
• Beach bag to hold ALL THE THINGS
• Diapers and wipes (because blowouts still happen)

Walking down to the beach used to be a simple one trip task. Now, me and Brandon are either loaded down and struggling to get set up, or Brandon will take a load of things, then come back and we’ll both still be loaded down honestly. But the L.L. Bean camo tote has been more than a lifesaver for carrying a big load. It’s no doubt the best tote we have. Plus, it can be hosed out when we get home if it’s full of sand (which is usually is). Score!

We are mega mega thankful that Krew likes loves the sand, but I will never understand why in the world they want to put in straight to the mouth. Lord help us all. That’s where the hand/face wipes come in to try to keep the sand under control. Try being the keyword here.

We like to sunscreen Krew before we leave because it is so much easier to tackle the sunscreen while we get him dressed instead of trying to tackle it on the beach with sand involved and a baby that is very eager to play his heart out.

As far as snacks go, Krew usually eats a pouch on the beach and then snacks his life away with puffs and lil’ crunchies in between the play. We also keep his juice in the cooler for him to drink on the whole time.

Okay, so as far as the tent goes, Krew doesn’t nap on the beach yet because he’s always way too excited and doesn’t want to miss a beat. But, as he get’s older, our hope is that the tent will give him some shade if he does nap. For now, we try to stick him in there to play and get a break from the sun for a bit. We also use the tent for diaper changes, which has been super nice.

So, the beach before baby may have been more relaxing, but even through all the prep, it is way more fun with a baby. Watching him play cannot be beat. It’s truly priceless. That smile that he gets on the beach, is worth all the lugging of items, trying to keep sand out of his mouth, and fighting him to reapply sunscreen the whole time. It’s worth it a million times over. So even though beach with a baby is a beast to take on, we embrace the crazy and enjoy the memories we’ll hold onto forever.

I’m just a mama who loves watching her baby play in the sand.

My Everyday Makeup

I don’t know about y’all, but if I have my makeup on (or at least some form of it *cough, cough* mascara and concealer) I feel pretty put together for the most part. I’m the type of girl that can have my hair in a ball cap or a messy bun and even though it won’t be “fixed,” I can have some makeup on and feel great! Needless to say, a lot of my days I tend to put a little makeup on for the day and pop my hair into a bun and then I feel like I can take on the day. Also, my hair can be fixed for the day and it will end up in a bun or hat at some point throughout the day because Krew loves, and I mean gets SO much enjoyment from pulling or biting my hair, and we’re already dealing with some postpartum hair loss so this mama can’t afford for her sweet babe to be pulling out anymore of those precious hairs every day. Mamas, are you with me?

Anywhooooo, where I was heading with this hair and makeup talk, is that my makeup routine takes me about 10 minutes max and I’d love to share my favorite go-to products/routine! Let’s talk makeup!

To start, I don’t wear foundation/bronzer/face powder, but if you do, just incorporate that into the routine wherever you would usually apply those products! I do wear concealer and concealer powder, and recently have just switched up my routine a bit! Previously, I was doing my concealer first, but I tend to pop some shimmer eyeshadow on, and when I did, the shimmer gets under my eyes a little and then when I wipe it away, I’m having to reapply/touch-up the concealer! So…I’ve started doing my eyeshadow first. The order I do my makeup is: 

Eyeshadow & brows (I don’t do brows all the time, but when I do, I use my eyeshadow pallets in the dark brown colors)

Eyeliner 

Mascara

Concealer

Concealer powder

Blush 

Lip (I don’t always wear a lip color because I’m a tried and true chapstick/lip balm girl)

For my eyeshadow, I’ve always used my go-to Urban Decay Naked Palette, but I also incorporate some of the Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette! Recently however, I came across the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, and I’m IN LOVE with this palette! I love it alone, but I’ve also been mixing this one with the Urban Decay palette and it’s given me some of my favorite eyeshadow looks!! My go-to colors in the Urban Decay palette are ‘half baked’ and maybe mix some ‘sidecar’ for the whole lid, then I’ll pop some ‘hustle’ in the outer corners and the top outer corner of the lid. BLEND. BLEND. BLEND. Then if I need some more pop on the actual lid I’ll blend some more ‘half baked’ or ‘sidecar’ depending on the look I’m going for! I may darken my lid a little some days with ‘smog’ or ‘toasted’ as well! I always, always, always, pop ‘sin’ at the inner corner for brightness and to open up the whole eye and ‘virgin’ under my brow and to the outside of the lid! I really feel like it pulls everything together and cleans/blends things out for me. See what I mean by go-to? I use this palette in so many ways/combos, but this is my simple go-to routine! Now, for the Naked Basics Palette, I love to use these as a base for my shadows, specifically ‘commando’ or ‘instinct’ but I also love ‘lethal’ for that outer corner and ‘extra bitter’ for a Fall look. I also love ‘lockout’ for my brows, and the smaller end of this brush for this purpose too! As for the Honest Palette I’m loving the light pink as a finisher on the middle of the lid for a bright daytime Spring look, as well as the dark brown for my brows, and I’ve also started using the black as my eyeliner on the bottom! I love a product I can use for many purposes and this one serves so well as eyeshadow, brows, and eyeliner…win win!

Okay, moving into my eyeliner, I will put some of the Honest Palette in black under my eyes for a softer liner look, and then if I want a little more of a sleek cat eye, I use the Kat Von D tattoo liner in the color ‘trooper black.’ This liner is so easy to apply and get that sharp line, and it will not move once its on! I seriously have tried so many liquid liners and this one takes the cake!

I love, and I mean love mascara. I have tried countless mascaras and I’ve found two that I am crazy about. My 2 favorites are the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise and the Honest Beauty mascara. The L’Oreal Lash Paradise is the best dupe for Two-Faced Better Than Sex mascara you’ll find. Trust me on that. As far as the Honest Beauty mascara, it is a 2 step process, because it is primer and mascara, but I layer my mascara so this works for me! These both give my eyes that extra wow factor! Needless to say, I would use either of these mascaras in about 2-3 coats and get great results from both! I just enjoy trying new things and telling y’all about these amazing finds!

*THIS IS WHEN I WIPE THE EXCESS EYESHADOW SHIMMER FROM UNDER MY EYES.*

For my concealer and concealer powder, I am OBSESSED with the Tarte Shape Tape in the shade ‘light neutral.’ I use a damp beauty blender to apply. so nicely, doesn’t move, blends so amazing, doesn’t crease, I mean I could go on about this concealer all day y’all. It’s my favorite. I swear, Brandon probably gets sick of hearing about how much I love this concealer every day once I get it on. I brush a little bit of the Bare Minerals Powder Concealer in the shade ‘summer bisque’ over top of this concealer just for additional setting of my concealer. Both of these products blend so well and are so lightweight, I seriously don’t even feel them on my face!

I love a good blush. I have a favorite powder and liquid/cream blush. My favorite powder is Bobbi Brown Powder Blush in the shade ‘tawny.’ This sweeps on so great, and gives me that just got out of the sun look that I love! My favorite liquid/cream blush these days is Nars Liquid Blush in the shade ‘orgasm.’ This is super lightweight, has a slight shimmer without being overwhelming, when it hits light a certain way. I like to pump a bit onto my hand, warm it up rubbing it in a little, then sweeping and blending on my cheeks with a brush. Both are SO quick and easy to apply.

For lips, I already told y’all I am a chapstick girl. Chapstick is seriously MY JAM. I always have some with me, and I can’t go a day without it. Addicted, I know. That being said, I also love a good, natural color every now and then. Nars has a lip balm in the shade ‘orgasm’ that is the best of both world! It glides on and nourishes like chapstick, and gives a natural, pink nude color which is my fave! I keep this with me all the time for that bit of color while nourishing like chapstick! I’ve also been loving the NYX Butter Gloss in the shade ‘creme brulee!’ 

I will also link my brushes that I use as well! I got a pack of 10 brushes and a beauty blender on Amazon for $10. Such an amazing deal!!

Weekly Prayer Project

Y’all. I started a new devotion and you have to know about it. God has put this devotion in my life at the perfect time. He has also put it on my heart to share with y’all.

Real talk. I start these things and don’t keep up with them. I’m human. They get lost in day to day life. I’ve made it a huge goal to not give up on this one.

The Weekly Prayer Project works for me because it is WEEKLY just like it says. I have a week on one topic to really think on it, study it, write about it, listen to God through it, and this really allows me to dive in.

It has made me intentional in my time in the Bible and I truly end up opening up both the devotion and Bible EVERY DAY. What?! I go to it each day because at the beginning of the week when I have a new topic to think on, I study and write about it each day. I can build on my thoughts.

My heart feels this devotion in ways that I haven’t before. By thinking on the same topic each day for a week, I’m connecting to the Bible in different ways than just going to a verse. I’m able to understand it differently as the week goes.

This devotion has been life changing, and I have just started it. Y’all had to know about it.

I’m going to do another updated post after I get midway through, and as I finish it, but if y’all want to join me, let’s chat about it!

How is my Baby Six Months Old?

**Disclaimer: This was written when Krew was six months old, and Krew is now almost nine months old**

6 months have come and gone since September 27 2018. 

SIX. WHOLE. MONTHS. 

This time has passed so incredibly fast. Now I’m not gonna lie (because I’m human and I’m a mama) some days have felt long. But looking back, it’s all happened in this beautiful chaotic whirlwind that I long to remember for eternity. Another day has passed, and now we’re all of a sudden here….at your half birthday. 

Okay, serious mom life reality coming at ya…I started writing this on Krew’s six months, which was Thursday, March 27th. Today is Tuesday, April 3rd and I’m just now coming back to this to finish writing out my crazy thoughts. But the beauty in all this, in these past few days, where I haven’t had the time to get back to writing this, my family and I have been to the beach twice, had breakfast out together, have went to the playground and watched Krew have so much fun on the swing, had tons of laughs, got to promote Brandon as a family, and just sat back to watch how much Krew is learning and changing every day. That’s the thing about watching our babies do this growing up thing, we have to stop and SOAK IT IN. It goes by in a flash. 

Krew has absolutely rocked my world since the day he was born, in the absolute best way. Before he was born, I didn’t know what it was like for my heart to live outside of my body. I didn’t understand what is was like for someone to need and depend on me for literally every little thing. I didn’t know what the heck I was doing as a first time mom, but I did know that I loved this little boy more than anything imaginable and that I would do anything and everything I could to make sure he was always taken care of and given the best life possible. 

These past six months have been quite different from any other time in my life. Before Krew was born, I slept more, worked out more, ate more regular, (and probably a little better, honestly) got my hair/nails done more often, you know did more things for myself because I had the extra time. But really, now I sit and wonder what the heck I did with my time before Krew because I can now get fully ready in 20 minutes or less, I do home workouts that take about 30 minutes, I eat whenever I can and sometimes that means eating a sandwich driving down the road or popping a toaster strudel in the toaster oven before I go get him from his nap (and almost forgetting about it), but hey it gets the job done. Now, the cries of hunger or needing comfort in the middle of the night wake me, and I couldn’t be happier that I get to calm them and get the sweetest of snuggles at the same time. I know those snuggles won’t last forever and they’re going to be gone in a blink of an eye, so any time he cries, I will always be there and run to his rescue. So I mentioned that I got my hair/nails done more often, but since Krew has been born, I would rather spend the time I could use for my hair or nails with him, or spend the extra money on him because let’s be real mamas, we want stuff for our babies over ourselves any day. What I’m getting at in all this, is that even though my life looks totally different than it did six months ago, I wouldn’t trade a single moment, bottle, snuggle, diaper change, cry, kiss, or any single bit of my journey through motherhood thus far. Krew has made me a mama and I am extremely blessed to be his mama day in and day out. 

These moments are precious. Priceless. Wonderful. Blessings. In these six months of Krew’s life, he has already blown my mind, amazed me more times than I can count, learned so much, moved across the country (and adapted like a champ), and filled our world with so much love. Like I said, I didn’t know this type of love existed. Krew is such a beautiful blessing and I would re-live these six months over and over again if I could, but on the flip side, I’ve enjoyed watching him grow and can’t wait to watch him continue to blossom in his life.

I’m just a mama who loves her six month old baby and is torn between loving watching him grow and learn, and wanting him to stay little forever.

A Long Time Coming

I want to start a blog. No, let me rephrase that. I FREAKING WANT TO START A BLOG. I’ve been back and forth with this idea for what feels like years. I have a secret guilty pleasure of writing. The problem is, I do it for a little bit, then stop and think “nobody is ever going to care to read what I have to say” and it stops me. 

Not this time. 

I am not letting this fire die out this time. This fire is reignited and I want to write. I want to tell all about my life, the good and the bad. I want to share this. For once, I’m doing this for me. This is something I’ve been wanting to do and I’m making this dream happen. 

I want this to be a place to share all things beauty, fun, mom life, my family, military life, product reviews, fitness, happy thoughts, the not so happy thoughts and bad days, faith, love, and literally all the things that run through this noggin’ of mine. 

I’ve been writing a few things and I actually shared them with Brandon for the first time ever since we’ve been together. I know, crazy right?! I’ve NEVER shared my love of writing or anything I’ve written with him! This in itself was a big step, and him being my hubby I wanted the real, raw feedback I knew he would give me. I gave him my first piece of writing to read, and went to workout. He comes out to the garage in our home gym and looks at me. I give him that “what?” look. He says, (with laptop in hand) “You have to get this out there. This is REALLY good.” Needless to say, he didn’t know I had this passion. My mom and sister said the things along the same lines. They are definitely part of my driving force to actually go for it. 

Mom always said to not regret anything, and I will regret this if I don’t finally go for it. 

So, this is me going for it.

I’m just a mama with a lot of thoughts I want to share. I’d love it if you’d hang out here.