about me

Things I Am Not Good At

I think that one of the most important things you can do for yourself is realize your flaws. You should always work at bettering yourself, but there are just simply some things others exceed at that you can’t quite figure out. That’s totally ok, because there are things that you are the best at!

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Hair – I can’t do my hair. I have super fine hair that gets stringy when it is too long, but looks ridiculous too short too. I have watched about a million YouTube videos on curling and other various styles to try, and have had my stylist show me EXACTLY how she gets me to look amazing at my appointments. I have purchased all the right products and yet….I just cant. I look a damn mess if I do anything. Don’t even get me started on kid’s hair when Zoe’s starts growing out. Please send help.

Confrontation – I am the WORST at confrontation. I hate it. I will stew and hold shit in forever. I will agree with people even though I know I am right. (Unless it is important or makes an impact, then I force myself to say something.) I have never been able to ask for a raise. When I have given notice at previous jobs, I would make myself physically ill because I hate disappointing or upsetting people. Even if said job was horrible and the person I was giving the notice to a monster.

Hiding Facial Expressions – I have the worst poker face ever! Even if I hate confrontation, you can probably tell from the look on my face that I think you are an idiot and I am just agreeing to shut you up.

Crafting/DIY – I want to be creative. I pin the shit out of DIY projects and crafts on Pinterest. I can spend hours walking through Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. I even have some crafting supplies at home. For whatever reason, even following instructions closely, 9 out of 10 projects I attempt end up in the trash. I am hoping craft weekends with Laura will force me to get better at this. Our trays turned out great! That is a good sign, right?

Gardening – I do not have a green thumb. Not even a little. I basically trashed the whole tomato/pepper garden I had growing two years ago. I try to blame it on the fact that I was pregnant and lazy so I didn’t give it proper care. But let’s be honest, I have never been able to keep a plant alive. Good thing they don’t ask you to care for a plant before you have a dog or kid.

Planners – I have tried and tried to keep a physical planner up to date. I always start out strong for about two to four weeks and then abandon it for the rest of the  year. It is a miracle I make it to any appointments or remember any link ups.

Alright, I think that is enough of my secrets. What is something you just aren’t good at?

about me, currently

Currently

Finishing:Right now I am finishing my second cup of coffee. Ha! I am also trying to finish up The Billionaire’s Unexpected Baby before the book link up next week. This is the follow up book to 69 Million Things I Hate About You which was hilarious and a must read! I am listening to Behind Closed Doors on audiobook on my commutes and OMG!!!! I knew I was going to like this one, I was like the millionth in line to get it from the library. If you are on Netgalley, B. A. Paris’s new book is available for request!!! I got it the other day and I cant wait to dive into it!

Behind Closed Doors

The Billionaire's Unexpected Baby (Winning the Billionaire, #2)

Subscribing:You guys, the amount of magazines I have piled up to read has gotten out of hand!!! Anytime I get a few extra minutes of downtime, I either reach for an actual book…or I am trying to clean the house or take a few minutes to do something for myself. Like cut my nails, put lotion on my legs, sleep. I earned all of my subscriptions from surveys I used to do and have been letting them cancel as they come due. I plan to keep a few of my favorites though, which are Martha Stewart, Real Simple and Southern Living. I may keep Women’s Health or Shape too. And that is it. The rest are gone.

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Watching:Did anyone watch the most recent episode of Grey’s??? I thought it was going a certain way, if you watched it you know what I mean. I ended up crying at the end of the episode and Chris looked over at me and was like”are you seriously crying right now???” YES! I cry over everything. Why don’t you know this yet? I am also catching new episodes of Grace and Frankie.

We need some new stuff to binge on. What are you loving?

Wishlisting: I really need some better dress pants. Why are all the ones I have so ill fitting and run down looking?? I suppose I haven’t shopped for any in a really long time. I always default to leggings or my pointe style pants. I want some really good quality ones, so I think I will hit up Ann Taylor next time they do 50% off. The Loft dress pants leave a little to be desired for me, I would rather pay a little more for Ann Taylor. The Kate fit are so perfect for me.

I also have this cardigan on my Wishlist at Nordstroms. I like the texture it adds to a plain outfit.

And I really want to grab the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye stick Au Natural and Amethyst.

Hearting: Lindsay’s post yesterday. If you haven’t read it…just go read it.

And this….

Linking up with Anne for Currently!

weekend shenanigans

Weekend Shenanigans – The One I Got Crafty & TBB ASKS

So who else wishes the halftime show never ended?!?! Gosh I love Justin Timberlake!!!! I am also thrilled that the Eagles beat the cheaters!!!! The only commercial that was memorable for me was the M&M commercial with the lucky penny. I found myself not even paying attention to them after awhile. They all kind of sucked. What was your favorite? Maybe I missed it and need to go watch it on YouTube.

Anyways, this weekend was pretty fun! I kicked off Friday with a Butterscotch Frappucino from Starbucks. My all time favorite drink! I am only allowing myself one of those suckers because it is like 61 grams of sugar or something insane. It was delicious and totally worth it. For lunch, I headed to Whole Foods and grabbed some Spicy Midnight Tuna. Sooooooo good!

We had some Italian Chicken Sausage with peppers, onions and potatoes for dinner that evening. Keeping it healthy.

Saturday we were up and out early to meet with with Laura and her boys at Target! We had to buy a new vacuum cleaner and clearly some wine was needed for the day! After that, Chris and B left us with the kiddos and we went to Home Depots and Michaels to gather all the supplies for our crafting day. I am proud to say that we found everything on our own in Home Depot and we managed to run through all the stores with only one minor breakdown from Zoe. She was upset that I took a piece of trash out of her hand that she picked up in line at Target. Gotta love that.How adorable are these two?

That last picture is Zoe walking around her grandparents house yesterday looking for her Memom who wasn’t home.

When we got back to my house, we got the kids fed and down for their naps. We immediately poured glasses of wine to reward ourselves for a mom win…and then set out to bake the cookies and make our marble trays! The kiddos decorated the cookies after they woke up from their nap. We made Valentine’s Day cookies and Mardi Gras ones! I think they turned out so good, and so did the trays!

We had a lot of fun crafting while listening to the 90’s pop station. That night for dinner, Chris picked up food from Landmark. I had a delicious burger, half an order of fries and I stole one of Chris’s chicken tenders. Everything was so good! As always.

Sunday we got our grocery shopping done, dropped off the computer Chris built for his dad and got home just in time for the Super Bowl. I made zucchini pizza bites for Chris, and I just snacked on some chips and salsa.

I almost forgot I already had the TBB Asks in my drafts for today. This is why keeping up with a planner would come in handy for me!

1. Kisses or Hugs?
I am a hugger.
2. Candy or Flowers?
Candy
3. Baking or Cooking?
I rarely bake at home because I don’t want the temptation all over the house. I cook at least 5-6 days per week. But I think baking is more fun!
4. Do you remember your first kiss?
Yes. It was with a boy named Mike the summer after my senior year of high school. This boy Kyle kissed me on the bus my last day of 8th grade, but I didn’t kiss him back. So it didn’t count, right?
5. Favorite color of Roses?
Pink
6. Conversation Hearts, yes or no?
YES!!! Most years I usually get one tiny box to treat myself.
7. Do you leave love notes?
I used to leave random notes in Chris’s lunch box.
8. Do you decorate for Valentine’s Day?
Some years I might stick out a little thing or two. This year we dont have anything out. I think started next year, I will decorate for more of the smaller holidays to make them fun for Zoe.
9. Red or Pink?
Pink
10. Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?
Milk and white chocolate are my favorite. I only like dark chocolate if it is filled with caramel. And even then, I prefer milk chocolate.
11.  Do you believe in love at first sight?
Not exactly. I believe in lust at first sight.
12. Do you give Humorous or Serious Valentine Cards?
To Chris, serious. To a gal pal or friend, humorous.
13. Favorite Chick Flick or Romantic Movie?
Hmm this is hard because romantic comedies are my favorite kind of movie! I really like Crazy Stupid Love, Friends With Benefits, Just Go With It, The Sweetest Thing, Ten Things I Hate About You, Drive Me Crazy…the list goes on and on and on!
14. Stay In or Go Out?
Stay in. I hate going out for Valentine’s Day. It is always so crowded and impersonal. And way over priced. I have made lasagna every year we have been together for Valentine’s Day.

We had a lot of fun this weekend! Cant believe the first one for February is already in the books. Valentine’s Day is next week! Crazy! Linking up with Biana. I hope you all had a great weekend!

favorites, friday favorites

Friday Things

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1. I had been planning my first fun lunch after Whole 30 for about two or three weeks now. I found out Melt added mac n cheese stuffed egg rolls to their menu, obviously, I had to have them! Laura and I sat down and quickly found out that they were already out of them for the day. I wanted to be like ummmm MAKE MORE!!! We settled for fried pickles instead. They seriously have the best fried pickles ever. And look at me, I was good and got a grilled chicken salad for my meal. Balance.

2. Zoe has already learned how to pack like a girl. Look at how much stuff she tries to cram into her car before I give her a ride around the house. Ummmm there is no room for you, girlfriend!

She doesn’t seem to mind though, she is too busy vegging out on her couch.

3. I haven’t done a recommendation post in awhile, but I have two things for you. My hands have been insanely dry this winter. The worst that I can remember, honestly. Normally I stick with my trusted Vitamin E heavy duty stuff from The Body Shop, but even that wasn’t cutting it. I picked up Working Hands at Target on a whim about a month ago, and it has made all the difference in the world! Best. Hand cream. ever. It’s on sale for $1 off right now, so go scoop it up! I also have the Healthy Feet one and love it too!

4. I never have time to take my car to be cleaned anymore. And I sure as hell don’t have time to do it myself. My number one pet peeve in cars is dust. I freaking hate it. My car is all black and it shows everything. Everything. I cleaned out my cleaning cabinet last week and realized I had an extra Swiffer 360 Duster in there. It now sits in the little compartment on my driver’s side door! Anytime I am sitting at a red light, in traffic, in the drive-thru….I just whip that sucker out and start dusting away!!! My car has never looked better!

5. I shall leave you with some funnies today! What are you making for Super Bowl eats? I haven’t decided what I am doing yet. I do know that I will be pulling for the Eagles. I freaking can’t stand Patriots.

Morning Funny Picture Dump 31 Pics

The two greatest crime-fighting mystery-solving cars of all time

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Linking up with Amanda. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

about me, currently

Currently

Loving: The Beau and The Belle is out today and available on Amazon!!! You guys, this book was SO CUTE!!! The author was kind enough to include me in the ARC, and now I am hooked on her. She seems so cool, like someone I could definitely be friends with! This book reads like a romantic comedy. I absolutely loved Beau and Lauren. It takes place in New Orleans and has me itching for a trip down there! I cant say enough good things. You can purchase it for just 99 cents on kindle here!

Reading: I am having a bit of book hangover with The Beau and The Bell to be honest. I want more of those characters! I am finishing up The Gods in Alabama right now.

Gods in Alabama

Watching: To be honest, a lot of Puppy Dog Pals and Vamparina. Zoe has shown interest in TV now, especially if there is singing involved. She drops everything the moment she hears the intro song to these two shows. She also loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Mickey and the Roadster Racers. We have been home sick, so she has been getting more screen time than usual. Judge away.

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Working: I have been slowly getting our kitchen organized. I redid the pantry, again, last week. Yesterday, I started going through a few cabinets and getting rid of miss-matched shit that we never use. I also packed up most of Zoe’s bottles. She really only takes one right before bed now, the rest of the time she drinks water out of a cup. It was bittersweet packing those up! Next I want to tackle the two random cabinets that house appliances like the toaster, waffle maker, mixer, etc.

Cooking: For breakfast, I have been back on my coconut flour muffins. I got this recipe from Kathy a few years ago, and it is sooooooo easy and quick!!! I dont have a lot of time to spend on cooking in the mornings, and this comes together and ready to eat in under five minutes.

1 egg

1 teaspoon coconut flour

1 tablespoon almond milk (could use regular or coconut)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon maple syrup (when I was on whole 30, I left this out and it still tasted good)

Whisk all that together in a bowl, grease a ramekin with coconut oil and cook in microwave for 2 minutes. BOOM! Done! I really love it with homemade apple butter spread on top too!

Planning: Laura and I have a craft day schedule for this Saturday, as long as both our kids can stay healthy. Sheesh. Planning anything when you are a parent is hard. You can’t predict when your kid is going to be riddled with nasty daycare germs…or is being a toddler with a tantrum. You know? Anyways, we have plans to craft marble trays (thanks Elle!!!!)for us, and we  have a few crafts for the kids to do for Valentine’s Day! We are also going to make sugar cookies and let them decorate. I cannot wait!!!

Life: I have been working from home the last two days with a sick Zoe. Again. You guys!!! Seriously! I just want one full week at daycare with a healthy Zoe and no snow days! I feel like I should get a refund for at least half a month with how much we are gone. Her ear infection from last week came back with a vengeance Tuesday morning. She seemed to be feeling better by the afternoon, but we didn’t go back to school until this morning. It looked like there were several other kids out as well. Oh, and I realized about 5 minutes away from daycare that I forgot to give her the medicine this morning. I had to turn around and drive the 20 minutes back home to get it and go back out. Sheesh. Have I mentioned that I am so over cold and flu season already??? I am basically behind on everything so bare with me. I got to say, I didn’t hate all the snuggles I have gotten over the last few days from my sweet sweet girl.

I am linking up with Kristen and Gretch for What’s New With You. Let me know what you have going on!