I want it delivered.

Did you know that you can have just about anything delivered to your door? Even better, you can have monthly subscriptions to have things delivered?! I think its amazing. As you know, I am apart of a few such websites. However, there are so many. I can't afford to be apart of them all at this point, but I feel like sharing. Below is just a few that are super cool that I have found.

Grab Bag Love. Delivers grab bags of all sorts of things! I mean really?! I want one. Around $25 each
Julep. Delivers trendy nail polish and other skin related products. Approximately $20 a month
Love With Food. Delivers gourmet samples. Approximately $10 a month
Citrus Lane. Delivers children's items based on age. Starting at $21 a month
Mynt Box. Delivers fashion costume jewelry. Prices range but you can get two pieces for $20 a month.
Ipsy. Delivers 4-5 full or travel size samples a month in a makeup bag. I am a part of this one and love it! Only $10 a month.
Gwynnie Bee- Like Netflicks for plus size clothing. If you are a size 10 plus, you must check it out. Try it for 30 days free!

These are just a few. You can order all sorts of other things online too. From diapers to shampoo! Have you found anything interesting you can have delivered? If I could have (or afford) my way, I'd get something awesome on the mail daily!

Thank you to my new followers from the Bloggy Moms July Blog Hop! I look forward to more visiting and visits!

All week my oldest son is in VBS, so I get home late. I apologize for late or lacking posts! I will do my best to keep up.

Be sure to check out my giveaway! Its easy... just do it!

100th Post!

How lucky is this?! My 100th post falls in my birthday month! I'm so excited that I am not even sure how we should celebrate this fact. I'd have a party and invite you all, but that's a little impossible. So here is what I did do today! I used something from my recently arrived Glam Bag to pretty up my tootsies!

Speaking of the Glam Bag, if you are interested in joining in on the beauty product fun, you can join on ipsy. For ten bucks a month you get 4-5 awesome beauty products in a cool little makeup bag. They are usually full or travel size. I promise its worth it. I LOVE getting stuff in the mail. Here is what my recent selection looked like.

I love the lip crayon and nail polish. They are such fun colors! I have also used the COOLA sunblock as well. It was great as well. I look forward to giving the eyeshadow and hairspray a try!

Other than looking glam-tastic today with my new products, I also got to show off some Gwynnie Bee over the past few days. Here is a little glimpse!

 I'm sure you are very aware by now how much I love this company. They have spectacular costumer service and they keep new clothes coming in all the time! Let's just say I have over 90 things in my virtual closet at this point. I will have to be with Gwynnie Bee for a lifetime and I would still not get to try everything I love.

 If you are size 10 plus, I would highly recommend it. Still on the fence? The first 30 days are completely FREE. However, once you try, you will get hooked!




Now, on to how we shall celebrate this 100th post. I'm up for ideas. This is the week of the hundredth post, so lets make it a week of celebration and fun. I mean, its still my birthday month too! Let's party!

My husband suggested I do a GIVEAWAY! I think that is a fabulous idea! How would you like to receive lip gloss from one of my all-time favorite brands for lip-balm? Soft Lips now has a pearl gloss. It still has the same great 10 spf, but it has lovely, pink, sheer coverage. Here is how to grab it!

1. Follow my blog. If you already do, you have a head start! Comment below that have. (1 entry)
2. Like me on Facebook. Comment below that you have. (1 entry)
3. Come up with one creative way you think we can celebrate my birthday month and/or 100th post and tell me in a comment. (1 entry) If I use your idea you get 2 entries!

Good luck everyone! Remember to include your email address so I can notify the winner. This giveaway will be randomly drawn on Sunday, July 21! Have fun!

Spoiled with a Wish List

Truly my husband has spoiled me for my birthday this year. He allowed me to continue my subscription to Gwynnie Bee, he got me new shoes, a new scarf, and allowed me to pick something special up with my Lane Bryant birthday discount. So, today I went shopping with my sister and got to spending. Actually, my sister should get a prize. She had gift cards she didn't even realize and ended up only spending $0.25. Not bad! Anyway, today I want to cover some recent outfits and my top 5 favorite things off my WISH LIST (Want it!) on Pinterest.

My Outfits

  Both these lovely dresses are thanks to Gwynnie Bee. However my favorite part of either or them is my awesome handbag! I found it through Lane Bryant on sonsi! The colors, the shape, everything... it is so unique and fun.

My Wish List

Since July is my birthday month and this week is my birthday week... there is no better time to take a peek into my Want it! list on Pinterest. Everything I really love I put on there for future reference. So, I thought it would be fun to review my list and attempt to pick my favorite five items off it. I'll make it easier on myself and pick five realistic items (no cars, motorcycles, trips to foreign countries, etc). They are not practical at this point, so they are better left where they are right now.

1. A jewelry subscription to Mynt Box to with my Gwynnie Bee clothing.

2. Monogrammed Derby hat to go with my summer style.

3. Asian clutch and change purse off Etsy.

4. A "Diamond" candle because its such a cool idea!

 

5. Satin Nightgowns because they make me feel pretty.

So that's it. I had so many more I was going to put on here, but the were GONE! It forced me to remove them from my Want it! board and move on with life. It looks like I need to do that again very soon. Until tomorrow, smile!

Day Four: The Last Days

Of school I mean! Monday is my final day of "work" before summer break. I look forward to focusing on my family and my other job for Growing Up in the Valley. I find myself constantly on the look out for fun summer ideas. Yesterday we went to the store and purchased a few things from the dollar store to put in a box for summer days without plans. I plan on calling it "Fun Box" or something simple. Ideas anyone? Anyway, here is a few things I have in it so far if you are interested in doing the same.

1. Puzzles
2. Chalk
3. Bubbles
4. Bug repellent wristbands
5. Water splash balls

Other things I intend on putting in it are:

1. Snacks/candy
2. Crafts
3. books

What would you put in a summer box of fun? I want to have somewhere to go on rainy days and boring times. I wont have another summer of high hopes and failing plans. I did that last year, I'm ready to do it right!

I also considered theming each week to help organize the weeks and keep Benjamin (my 2 year old) interested. I'm not really sure what kind of themes to go with. Things I considered range from colors and letters to vacation locales. Again, another good place for thoughts!

My Outfit

Since I didn't get online last night, I didn't share my outfit with you either. I was so excited about this Gwynnie Bee send, that I have to share it!

This eloquii embellished shoulder dress was so much cuter in person! I call it the navy version of a perfect LBD. It was comfortable and flattering. I wanted so much purchase it. However, when I went on eloquii to find it, it was already gone. -heart broken- I also got several compliments on my jewelry yesterday as well. Although I cant remember where I purchased it, I'm almost positive it was Old Navy (back when the sold jewelry). I've come to really enjoy Gwynnie Bee. My only sadness comes from having to send pieces I love back. I cant buy everything!

Looking Forward

Summer is quickly approaching. Staying calm and collected on this Rhino challenge will be more difficult when I am home more. I don't want to fail this summer! I want to make this a great summer, especially since we can really afford to go on vacation this year. I will also be trying a new summer style: boho. That will be an adventure of its own. On June 11th I will be able to start sharing more adventures that my kids and I have. We shall see how this goes!

Day 2: Monsoon Season

My husband jokingly stated today that "when it rains it pours and it seems we are in monsoon season!" Truer words have never been spoken. As we both try to work on our goal of not yelling, we have life hitting us hard in the face. Today my husband's car broke down! We had to have it towed and we are waiting for news we don't want to get. This change of plans lead to fits from the kids who were looking forward to the playground. I'm sure you can guess where we did NOT go today! Ah, it seems that God chooses the times of our lives to teach and train us in things we didn't even know we needed to learn.

Today's goal for Orange Rhino was to come up with a support group. So, I ask you today... will you keep me in check? Will you help me keep my cool? Distract me. Comfort me. Whatever... just remind me that I want to be the best parent I can be.

My Outfit

I haven't had many outfits to share recently. Gwynnie Bee helped me look lovely today. I really like black on black. Its slimming and fashionable. I also enjoy using my accessories to add color. What is your favorite way to add color when you wear black?

I did learn something today. I will never purchase a sequin shirt (again). This shirt, although lovely, cut my arms up from the elbow down. I have battle scars! I have now labeled this shirt, "plus size sequin torture". If you love sparkle as much as I do, you would understand how sad this makes me. I will have to find other ways to shine!

Looking Forward

Starting on the 11th of June, I will be home for the summer. This will start the first day of my summer fashion and my fun planned weeks with the family. I look forward to both very much. I hope to find many more affordable and exciting things to do with them as I go. As far as fashion goes, I may find a few photos to try to attempt to copy in style. I think I have settled into boho for the summer. Its a style I have never attempted. I think people who typically wear it have a natural gift for pulling it off. I may fail just because I am "trying" to make it work. We will have to see!

Happy June!

I am happy to say, Summer is near! Since I work at a school, I get the summers off. I am beyond excited because that means more time with my kiddos! Speaking of them, I would like to introduce the theme for the month: Adventures in Parenting! Since I will be home so much, I thought it would be a good time to focus on my babies. I have so many things I would like to cover. From fun things to do to dealing with bad behavior. I'm overflowing, I almost want to bombard you with it all now, but I wont.

I have so much to catch you up on since I have been without my own computer for about a week. You have missed some interesting outfits, fun moments with my kids, and other crazy events. I will try to speedily catch you up so we can move on.

Play Day

 We have taken a liking to visiting the local school's playground. Its so close and convenient. Plus, they have so much wonderful equipment. Benjamin is loving the regular opportunity to run around.

Memorial Day

 We did a few itty-bitty fireworks on Memorial day. They were so small the only personal truly interested was Henry. (Ohhhh, pretty bright light) Benjamin didn't find them very entertaining, notice the fact he is looking away from the whole situation.

My Outfits

All three of the outfits I have above are thanks to Gwynnie Bee. The middle dress is my favorite of them all. The color was so nice and the detail was just perfectly done. I know I've mentioned before how much I love Gwynnie Bee, but I need to say it again. If you are a size 10+, you need to at least try their free month. You will love it!

Looking Foward

Another big focus I wanted to make this month is on being a better parent. One of the ways I intend on doing this is by doing the "30 Days to Yelling Less Project" with The Orange Rhino Challenge. It starts Monday, June 3rd. If you want to join in make sure you sign up sometime today or tomorrow! I hope this will be the start of whole Orange Rhino Challenge for me. (That's 365 days of no yelling) Keep me in your prayers because having a two year old is hard! I also have a big collection of free and affordable summer ideas for kids I plan to share. I have collected these ideas from around the web and word of mouth. I know everyone can use some free entertainment this summer. If you want an early look at some of my plans you can check out my board on Pinterest.


So, how did you feel about last month? Are you looking forward to our theme this month? Is there anything you'd like to see this month? Let me know!

Congratulations and Happy New Year!

Andrew and I got married on January 2nd of 2010. So we started our new life together in a brand new year as well. We kept with the New Year's theme for our wedding and planned a big, balloon filled party for our reception. My entire family is from the north, so we planned with them in mind. We had a full dinner, cocktails, and plenty of dancing. To this day we have people telling us that they have never been to a party so good. I had a very large wedding party, including a dear friend from overseas, family, and several gentleman. That was all on MY side. Rather than having a maid of honor, I had a man of honor. My little brother filled that role well.

I really enjoyed planning our wedding. I think I have a taste for party planning (and for feeling like a princess).  Here is a small look at our nuptials.

The ceremony

I apologize for being a missing for a few days. I've been overly tired. My children have been refusing to sleep. I will be happy the day when they do so again. Here is some of what you missed...

My Outfits

 All of these lovely outfits were made possible by Gwynnie Bee. Both dresses and the blouse were deliveries I have throughly enjoyed! I do think that the peplum dress is my favorite. I wish I had the extra money to purchase that one!

Since choosing the topic of marriage for this month, we have never struggled more. It saddens me sometimes when I think about how much we let life get in the way of our romance. I think this is true for all relationships, I only wish I had a way to repair it. All my years of research, books, movies, etc, have done me little good when I actually have to live it out. It reminds me that marriage is a two person job. Yes, marriage is a job. Its a choice and its work. Totally worth it, but still hard just the same. Love is a choice, and I plan to choose it for the rest of my life.

Hourglass Romance

Making time for love has proven most difficult for my husband and I as of late. With children and schedules and stress, it seems that romance is the last thing on our mind. Many time we struggle to get good quality family time in with the kids. However, I know of another great blogger who discusses this issue (along with many others). Check out Engaged Marriage. He talks about dealing with busy lives, money, sex, and communication. I found him last year when my New Year's resolution was to make it the most romantic year of our life. I won't lie, I failed, but I learned so much!

What do you do to fit in romance in your own life? Do you have any tips for us (stressed out parents!)? Please feel free to share.

Yesterday was a very busy day with my family. We went to a local festival and a family birthday party. We missed naps, had on to run meals, and did a little bit of shopping. My kids had a good time, but both also had their moments of crying their eyes out. That's life, and I want to share it with you!

Saturday Fun

Shopping Finds!

Well we were out and about all day yesterday, I made several great purchases. Discounts abounded. Plus, you know how much I love to buy jewelry and accessories at festivals and craft shows!

 I got some great vintage and homemade costume jewelry at a museum gift shop. At $2 a piece I couldn't resist. On top is a bamboo bangle. I had to get it when it fit over my large hands. The large white pendant was so unique and fun or a vintage necklace. I also got the purple, homemade paper bead necklace to add to my purple collection. The other two necklaces (colorful and wood) are to help my wardrobe if I end up doing boho style this summer.

This fun little bad came from a booth that a boutique in my area called "She's International" had on display. I loved it instantly! I was going to buy it at its steal of a price of $20 but the long straps (hidden inside) were torn so I got it for a discounted price of $15! This lovely fish purse comes from Vietnam. I love to collect things from all over Asia so this was so ME!

Glam Bag

I mentioned a while back that I signed up for a subscription to the beauty product service called ipsy. This service allows you to get what they call a "Glam Bag" every month with 4-5 full size/travel size beauty products in it for $10. And as the name states, it comes in a free makeup bag. Believe me when I tell you, it is a steal. I received my first delivery and it was definitely worth it. I have some pictures to share it with you!

 The Glam Bag comes in a bright pink envelope! So fun! Not only does it it come with several great beauty products and a makeup bag, it also has coupons! So, if you love something you can get more! I wore the perfume and lipstick today. Wonderful products!

My Outfit

Thanks to Gwynnie Bee I had something fun and new to wear today! I also got a new necklace from my mother, so I'm pretty excited!

This Lucie Lu dress was one of those chances I took since I don't have to keep it. Although it is kind of rocker, I wasn't overly fond of the dress. Don't get me wrong, it was comfortable and fun. If I had the fun rocker jewelry to go with it, maybe I would have liked it more. What's your thoughts?

Looking Forward

I'm sure you have realized that my guest post for this week hasn't happened yet. Getting two busy bloggers who also work full time together has been challenging. I do hope to get it to you soon (hopefully next week). Be on the lookout!

Randomness, Romance, and Rumblings

Romance and Rumblings

Its been a while since I've posted on my theme of Romance. I have admit that we are struggling with the theme. You would think it should be easy to focus on such an important relationship, yet we both get caught up in life. This got me thinking about our past... I'm not just talking about the major events of our story together, I'm talking about the tiny details that have seemed to disappear with three years of marriage and two children. Sometimes it breaks my heart to see how different we have become.

Today I found myself people watching at the mall while my son played in the play area. I was suddenly a little jealous of the teens walking by. I miss the days of carelessly walking through the mall, holding Andrew's hand. I miss PDA. I miss the days of making out, late night conversations (that weren't fights), and gifts for no reason.


Does three years really change people this much? Do children do it? I even kind of miss the days were Andrew stared at me with obvious lust. Even your sex life changes. We never really had a honeymoon period. We had kids before the end of our first year. I spent out honeymoon period pregnant. Obviously not a turn on. Did we miss something or is the the way it is for everyone?

Here is my question: Do thinks ever go back to that? Do they become a new, better version of romance? OR, does romance die and marriage becomes about choosing love? Tell me, what do you think. I have read MANY books. I have tried at least a hundred methods to bring back that spark. Does hard times change one's whole relationship with their spouse or is it temporary?

I deeply love Andrew. I am aware of what we have to give up for our children. Still, I believe marriage is a gift. I desire to enjoy it for my entire lifetime. Please comment your thoughts below or if you wish to keep your thoughts private you can email me by looking at my contact information- here.

Randomness

Mother's day weekend did not turn out as planned. My husband got sick so we ended up having to cut our camping trip short. I spent mother's day doing what moms do- caring for their children and their (sick) husband. I did however get plenty of fun photos over the past few days I would love to share!

Camping

Our camp site

the kids first night

playing at the family center

stone mining

Making Mother's day flowers for Nanny

Benjamin learning how to play baseball from Grandpa

Dinner Time

Ben was a hoot at dinner time today so I just had to share.

My Outfit

 Two versions of my outfit today, with and without my coat. It was chilly this morning so I wanted to show how I rocked it both ways. Thank you to Gwynnie Bee for the Eloquii dress. The belt is also from Eloquii. I LOVE the obi belt style.

Looking Fashion Forward

I have been thinking about my fashion for summer!!! I usually pick a theme so I keep my shopping to a minimum. Not too long ago I did nautical which was a lot of fun. I made the who family join me. These are the options this year:

Boho   Look 1, Look 2, Look 3
Girly    Look 1, Look 2, Look 3
Rocker Look 1, Look 2, Look 3
Beachy Look 1, Look 2, Look 3

Please check out the links beside each of these to see how I might pull off the look. On the side of my page there will be a place to vote on your favorite!

I also wanted to announce I finally found myself a bathing suit. Now, don't be disappointed... its not a fatkini. However, its super hot for a one piece! I cant wait to reveal it!