November 28, 2020

A little hello (again)...

This year has been full of chaos, as we all know... and I'll be completely real with you all, I haven't handled it well. 

I've had breakdowns, I've cried til I couldn't shed another tear, I've worried myself sick, and I've focused my energy differently than I ever have before and manifested all kinds of crazy events.. and I'm sure I'm not alone in any of this. 2020 has been a "helluva" year. I'd like to think December will be perfect, but as we all know - that's unlikely this year.

One thing I didn't do in 2020, that I was really aiming to do before the pandemic came ashore, was stay consistent and involved with my blog. I partially stopped updating as much because I felt paralyzed trying to write, I had the ultimate case of writer's block and well, I think it shows. It was hard to come up with anything to say with so much facing us. I shared my opinions and stance on major events on social media, but I honestly didn't feel I had a voice in anything happening in 2020. From the virus to race riots, that's not my expertise. I listened, I learned, and I occasionally reposted on social...but felt I had no right to share too much information here.

Beyond not knowing what to write, I also devoted ALL of my creative energy into my bow business - kind of by accident. Each week I've started having a ready-to-ship release and that's been a total time suck. Amazing, so much fun, and helpful financially, but writing is my passion - hence, why I started a blog and why I'm here writing for you now.

As I sat terrified over the last few months, not knowing what to write, it was easy for me to take a pair of scissors to my materials and create whatever felt right. It was therapeutic in some ways to step away from sharing so much here and just create "art", but then again, boxing everything in and not sharing was hard and obviously didn't do me much good. So, here I am, sharing the most honest post I've shared in 2020.

It's been a hard year. I've had my heart shattered, I've been let down, I've felt a complete lack of control - but I'm still here and I'm actually feeling more ready to share with you guys than ever. This year hasn't shut me up, it just taught me to choose the life I want, to create the life I want, and that's why I'm back - I want to encourage you to create your dream life while I create mine alongside you.

So, to summarize, I'm back and feeling better than ever about sharing here on the blog. Now is the time to create the life you want and I can't wait to help you do just that, by creating the life I want and sharing it here!

Let me just go ahead and say "hello" (again)!






September 12, 2020

How I'm Taking Care of Me with a Little Self Care #FallForSelfCareBBxx

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.



Lately, I'm learning that taking care of myself is just as important as taking care of those around me. From making sure I feel beautiful, to renewing my soul, I'm really working on ME lately and reminding myself who I am, knowing that this makes me a better mom, wife, and friend to all. It's funny because I was so invested in my family for so long, I almost forgot what a good day of self-care looked like... then Babbleboxx sent over this box of goodies for me to test out and it changed the way I take care of myself for the better.


The first big change for me was subtle BUT so revitalizing, I changed my hair color for the better and I'm so thankful to eSalon for making the best color I've possibly ever had. It came in a kit, with instructions prepared just for me so it was easy as pie to use and I think the results were incredible.


Before using their dye, I was starting to notice grey hair (thanks to parenting during covid, I'm sure LOL)... Luckily, they know that no two people are the same, our hair is ALL different and eSalon matches your hair with a formula made specifically for you. I asked for a shade with red violet in it and they sent over a BEAUTIFUL mahogany shade that matches my complexion so well, it looks like my natural color.


As you can see, it was a small change but the greys being gone and a luxurious, natural looking color literally have changed the way I view myself and my appearance. I'm proud to wear my hair down, I've been styling it more and loving the way I look!


Another thing I've been loving while I have a minute of alone time, is the book they sent over... A Fool's Paradise by Author Robyn Williams is a great read and a good escape. Before I had my daughter I loved to read, but I've done less of it the older she gets - not using her as an excuse, but my brain is tired after being her playmate all day long. Ha. I'm sure other mamas can relate... but this book is perfect to pick up and read during nap time and good way to renew my mind with a little escape. If you're looking for something you don't want to put down, then I suggest grabbing a copy of A Fool's Paradise.


Another thing I'm highly recommending from the Babbleboxx was the Lip Plumping Gloss from Grande Cosmetics. GrandeLIP is a high gloss, volumizing plumper and it makes me feel BEAUTIFUL. My poor lips have always been super dry and this gloss changed that right up and made them look fuller and more hydrated. In just 3-5 minutes, I feel like a new woman with fuller, more beautiful and glossy lips! Want to give GrandeLIP a try? Use the code SELFCARE10 to save!

We all know hand sanitizer is a commodity these days, so when they sent over a couple of different bottles, I was so excited to be provided a little bit of peace of mind. The Born Basic sanitizer is straight shooting and to the point, no gimmicks in their branding - simple and to the point, they are a necessity and they don't fluff up their packaging which is nice. I love that I can stick a bottle in my purse and head out to run some errands without worrying about germs as much, knowing I have this non-sticky, soothing formula of sanitizer in my bag!


The last thing in my Babbleboxx was the Nail and Foot Repair products from Kerasal. It's like they knew I was dying for a pedicure and supplied me with some goodies to give myself an ultimate healing one, AT HOME!  


The Kerasal Intensive foot repair was the perfect way to soothe my feet and deeply moisturize them. I noticed a change in my heels overnight... and couldn't even believe it! I just lather it on, stick on some socks and let it soak in. Interested in getting your feet in tip-top shape? Check out Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair for yourself.


The multi-purpose intensive nail repair was just what my toes were begging me for. After years of getting my toes done, I've noticed some serious signs of "aging" and was freaking out about the way they looked. It was something only I knew about, but something I was embarassed about nonetheless. Then I tried this stuff and realized it was just what I needed! Kerasal's patented formula helps improve nail appearance by reducing discoloration, smoothes the surface hydrates and normalizes your nails - making them look beyond healthy again!



Speaking of feeling healthy again, I bet you can see why I'm feeling all the good self-care vibes after receiving this Babbleboxx. So tell me, how do you practice self-care? What's your favorite way to "treat yourself" while you are still dealing with your day-to-day routine? 


 

 

August 10, 2020

You Have to Try These Fancy Dates: Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Dates Drizzled with Delicious Maple Balsamic Reduction

We've been getting creative in the kitchen lately and this delicious dish is an even-better-than-the-original recreation of one of our favorite appetizers at a local cafe. If you love flavorful and delicious foods, this goat cheese stuffed date recipe is gonna knock your socks off... top it off by wrapping each stuffed date with bacon and add a drizzle of a homemade balsamic reduction for the most perfect flavor combination you've ever experienced. They may not look fancy, but I promise you they'll soon become a new favorite snack or side dish!



Now that we've established you NEED to try this dish, here's how it's made:


If you love flavorful and delicious foods, this goat cheese stuffed date recipe is gonna knock your socks off. Topped with bacon and sauce!


- Ingredients -
8 oz of goat cheese (log works nicely)
5 slices of applewood smoked bacon
1 package of dried pitted dates
3 tbs balsamic vinegar
2 tbs maple syrup
1/2 tbs cane sugar
1-2 tsp corn starch (Mix with a splash of cold water prior to using, making a thin paste)


Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates



Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Do your best to stuff dates with goat cheese. I used a chop stick to get in as much cheese as I could.

Then lay out bacon slices on a plate and roll a date in a slice until it is wrapped completely. Slice the bacon and repeat until all of the dates are wrapped.

Put on parchment paper covered sheet pan in oven for approximately 12 minutes or until bacon looks done to your preference.

While these are baking, add the balsamic, maple, and sugar into a sauce pan and turn burner to medium high. Let the mixture boil for a couple of minutes, then add in the corn starch paste and stir thoroughly. Turn heat down to simmer. Continue to stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Drizzle on top of dates.


Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

ENJOY!

July 13, 2020

Staying Hydrated While Finding Balance with Nestlé Pure Life+

This post is sponsored by Nestlé® Pure Life®+ but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.





Finding balance in life can be a struggle at times, especially during this crazy time in our lives.




Whether we are trying to work from home just the right amount or adjusting back to life in the office again, while trying to devote the correct amount of time to our family, and searching for a moment of relaxation, while also occasionally reminding ourselves not to overindulge, and sometimes even just searching for motivation, etc... most of us are striving to live balanced lives in one way or another, whilealso searching for ways to help us live that ideal life.


While I don't have it all figured out and I'm also still seeking balance in many aspects of my life, I have come to realize a few things that are truly important in my life and that help me live my most balanced life and I figured I'd share them with you today:



We'll start with something simple, but so important. I personally know that I never get enough water. I mean, I only drink water (for the most part) but not always the "necessary" amount that I need so it's something I'm really working on. Making sure my body is hydrated is important to me for so many reasons, I mean, we are mainly made up of water so making sure our body has enough of it is VITAL. Some days are easier than others to get enoughin and most definitely some water is better than others, and that's why I started sipping on these amazing Nestlé® Pure Life®+ water beverages-I think they are the best drinks


These refreshing little bottles have unique minerals to help you get throughthe day and they taste pretty amazing too. With specific minerals and tasty flavor, I couldn't ask for more!

The best part is there's a Nestlé Pure Life+ made to meet your every need:



  • You can get a little pick me up with the +revive with Magnesium. It is lemon flavered and helps with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.


  • The Nestlé Pure Life+ active has potassium, with a delicious orange flavor, that helps with normal muscle function. This is my favorite go to drink whenever I'm doing a little backyard "hot yoga". I mean, you can't beat a little cold water during a good stretch!

  • Feeling a little under the weather? Try Nestlé Pure Life+ protect, which comes with zinc-something we all could use to help maintain normal immune systemfunctioning and the blackberry flavor is pretty delicious too!

Not only are these beverages refreshing and delicious, I love that I'm able to stock up on all the delicious Nestlé Pure Life+ my heart desires while browsing Walmart.com. So go ahead and clickadd to carton a pack of Nestlé Pure Life+ while you are checking out with your summer essentials!



If you're wanting to try just one flavor first, I personally found an adoration for the Lemon flavor... but honestly, they all are amazing and have unique minerals for normal body functioning and each flavor is extra refreshing in it's own way, so you can't go wrong! Go ahead, add to your cart, and try Nestlé Pure Life+ today!



Beyond constantly trying to stay hydrated, I'm also constantly reminding myself that I need to try to stay present to truly find balance in my life. Playing with my daughter, on her level, and actually engaging is so important right now, to both of us. If you're a parent, I'm sure you understand how important it is to give our kiddos our undivided attention right now, more than ever. The time spent truly "playing" with our kids isn't just for fun, it helps them learn, cope, and feel at peace... and frankly, it helps me do the same.


Today we did a quick little project and I figured I'd share our results. These fun "paintings" were so easy to make and we had a blast making them! I'll be sharing the directions on how we made them tomorrow.


Another way I'm trying to achieve balance in my lifeis by intentionally practicing self-care. I've not always been the nicest to myself, I've been known to bash my looks, point out my flaws, and frankly, I've neglected what my body needs at times. But I feel like I've matured, I'm done with bashing this body, I'm taking the necessary actions to make sure I feel loved and pampered. I'm making sure I take the time to read, do yoga, design, and create, and it feels so good. I'm also finding joy in doing my makeup and just overall feeling more "me" again. It may sound simple, but this step is truly helping me find an inner balance I haven't felt in a long time.



So tell me how do you try and find balance in your life? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

July 10, 2020

Financial Health with Lexington Law

This post is sponsored by Lexington Law but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. Disclaimer from Lexington Law can be found here.




Lately I've been focusing on ways that I can better myself, in many aspects of life - from trying to better our health by buying more organic products, to learning about how I can do my part to support the fellow American, to bettering my financial health, I'm really trying to become the best version of myself I can be. It's interesting how times of struggle can really help us learn and grow... and today I want to discuss something that I'm actually currently experiencing, where I'm learning and growing.




As I mentioned, I'm trying to improve my financial health and that involves my credit, obviously.


I'll be totally honest, as a young adult I racked up too much debt. I'm ashamed to say I made all the wrong moves, from stacking up student loans to useless store credit cards - I made many missteps when I reached the legal age to get a credit card and continued to stumble through some less than stellar decisions in the following years.




After gaining access to my credit report and realizing I had made some big mistakes, I've been trying to make the right choices for a while now, but my credit still needed some help... and that's where Lexington Law comes into play.


Lexington Law is a great source for credit repair. They are a law firm that has actual lawyers who assist you in the credit repair process and sometimes they even intervene when the need arises.




How do they help repair your credit?


They help with the process of identifying and addressing unfair, inaccurate, or unsubstantiated negative items on your credit report, especially if the negative item is a result of identity theft, divorce, medical debt, student debt, or military leave. Their process has worked for thousands of people and they continue to help repair credit for many people every year.


How can you start to work on your credit? Simply connect with Lexington Law.


When you call in, Lexington Law's credit advisors will help you by looking at your credit report from all three credit bureaus, then they help you gain access to your TransUnion Summary Report and also your FICO Score. While they can't promise they can fix everything, they do help you analyze and identify anything questionable that could be affecting your score. Then they address those negative items with all three credit reporting bureaus and their creditors monthly and they also accelerate the process and help you reach your goal quicker. They basically act as your advocate and do their best to insure you get results.


They don't just help you with credit repair though, they have several other ways to continue to better your finances. From identity theft insurance, up to $1 million, to inquiry tools to assist you when challenging hard inquiries on your credit, they truly are the company to trust when trying to repair your credit. Call now for a FREE credit report consultation and get the details on how they can help you live your best life.


Other steps I'm taking to repair my financial health and credit include:


Regularly Monitoring my current accounts - If you aren't taking advantage of online banking and apps used for monthly bills yet, you should be now. Sign up for every service that offers online banking and/or bill pay and check these accounts regularly. From utilities to car notes, almost every service now offers access to your account online so you should totally be keeping an eye on everything, for your benefit and to make sure nothing mysterious pops up!


Paying bills ASAP - On the same note of monitoring your accounts, pay attention to when things are due when you log in. I'm simply jotting down each bill's amount, when the statements come out, and the first date it can be paid for each billing period, and once those dates approach I log in and get it paid immediately. More often than not, our car note, our electric bill, our water bill, and others are paid before the statement is sent to my email or the paper bills even come in. I'd rather be on top of it, then forget to pay by the due date after making that mistake too many times in the past. Plus, it feels good to know everything is paid.


Signing up for account alerts with your bank and credit card companies - Beyond making sure the bills are paid and keeping your eye on your account, sign up for account alerts wherever you can. It may seem redundant, but it's a good safety net in case you manage to miss a bill or if something terrible like identity theft happens. I do this mainly so I can see every charge that goes through on my account,  it's helped alert me in the past when I had some unauthorized activity happening. I think we all can agree, safety is best when it comes to our finances so being vigilant and keeping a super close eye on expenses is important.



Paying off debt with side gigs - While keeping an eye on expenses is super important, making sure income is flowing is equally as important. I'm constantly working, a bit of an over-achiever in that department since I'm working multiple gigs and managing them all on my own as well. BUT... that means I'm completely in charge of income as well. So I've been working extra hard at what I consider my side gigs - my art and my felt flowers, to help increase our income and keep our bills paid. If you have a talent, turn it into a profit, sell on an online platform or even just locally and boost your flow of income to help make sure everything is paid in full as quickly as possible!


Cutting back on spending - This step in bettering my finances may have been the hardest for me yet... but budgeting and monitoring my expenses vs income really put my shopping habits into perspective. It's hard to stomach, for us shopaholics, but cutting back is a sure-fire way to make your money situation better. I simply stepped back from online shopping for my daughter's clothing as much and our finances are already increasing. It's as easy as questioning "why" you need something, then asking yourself if it is a necessity. If you need it for something useful, then I say go ahead and buy it... but I think you, like me, will realize that a lot of purchases aren't necessarily must-haves.





So tell me, how do you feel about your current financial situation? Does your credit need some assistance? Don't forget to look into Lexington Law to help you live your best life!