BEYONCÉ: My Thoughts & Funny Reactions

    (source)

Well. I'm sure you are all aware by now that Beyonce has released an album. I woke up Thursday morning to nurse a crying baby and figure out why my phone was blowing up. A friend of mine was informing me that Beyonce had released an album super sleuth style while I was getting my beauty rest.

Once I finished feeding babyM I pulled up iTunes and started checking out snippets of the songs and videos. Being the big Bey fan that I am I was beyond excited. After downloading the album and giving it a good listen (all day) I have to say that I love it. I love the unapologetic, raunchy and grown-up lyrics on this album. You can tell she really is more confident in who she is and I am here for it. All of it.

I have always enjoyed music that called for a little booty tooching, she gives you that. I have always enjoyed music that makes you feel or think about something, she gives you that. And lastly, I have always enjoyed learning about my favorite artists through each album. Done. 

Now. I completely understand that many people are not here for her music. Many people don't like it or they simply don't get her. That's fine. This post isn't for you. All I can say is that I am happy to have new music from her and if she offers a another tour date in a Texas city near me my behind will be there. I don't care if I have to go with a baby strapped to my chest, LOL! I'm in there! 

Another great thing about her album release was the internet reaction. Here is a (long) round-up of the memes that made me laugh, enjoy!

 

Did y'all like these? I thought they were hilarious and sadly some of them are probably true, LOL!! I know my friends and I can relate to the Shanaynay meme. Anytime I hear someone say they don't like her I'm like, "Wait, what?" Very funny! Anyone else get the album? What were your thoughts? I think the album comes out in stores on December 21. I'll be getting a copy for my car too!

Beyonce's Surprise Album Trending Towards No. 1 on Billboard 200 | Billboard

Glade and Ziploc Holiday Collection

We are so close to the true start of the holiday season. In my opinion, the holiday season doesn't truly kick off until after Thanksgiving. We've been talking a lot about Thanksgiving here. I wanted to share some very fun and inexpensive ways to add that extra touch to your home this season. I am so excited to share the Glade® Winter Collection and the Ziploc® Holiday Collection. 

One of my favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit is by filling my home with yummy smells. I'm currently burning the Pure Vanilla Joy™ Glade® candle. It smells like a fresh batch of frosted sugar cookies. Yum! The collection also offers Sparkling Spruce™ if you prefer the scent of fresh cut pine and Apple Cinnamon Cheer™ if red apples and spice is more your style. My family will be trying Frosted Berry Kiss™ next because it's a mix of red berries and fresh green garlands, love! Perfect for Christmas, especially if you're like us and you opt for a not-so-live tree.

I always decorate our kitchen for the holiday season. This year I'm happy to have a little extra Christmas flair with the Ziploc® Holiday Collection. All of my Thanksgiving leftovers and desserts for friends are going to look so festive in these storage bags and containers.

We got the red and green containers. Since there were coupons in the paper for this collection I grabbed a few extras. You know these types of items tend to leave your home and not come back around this time of year. I'm happy that I was able to score some to have extras on hand for to-go plates.

These would also come in handy for hostess and teacher's gifts. Visit Kmart.com for over $12 in savings on Glade® and Ziploc® holiday collection products. 

So what do you think? Are you as excited as I am about the approaching holiday season?

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NICHE PARENT NETWORK. I AM A KMART SC JOHNSON BLOGGER, THOUGH ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Chic Gadget: The Fitbit One

Whew. First let's talk about smack down beat down tired I am. As you know I've been trying to workout and get in shape by my Flirty 30 (that's how I'll be referring to my birthday from here on out). Between the lack of sleep at night and living my life during the day this Mama is beat down. 

Anyway. You might recall that I had the opportunity to review the Fitbit One. (I spoke briefly about it in this YouTube vlog) The Fitbit tracks your steps, distance, stairs climbed and calories burned. It also tracks your sleep. You can sync to your computer or smartphone using BlueTooth. What I loved most about the Fitbit is that you can use the free app to track your meals, goals, weigh loss and water intake. You can even connect with friends. 

I absolutely loved it for tracking my activity and calories burned. It was also pretty cool to see how many calories I had consumed and how much water I was REALLY drinking in a day.

Now.

I didn't use the Fitbit to track my sleep. I'm pretty sure that feature is incredible but with a newborn in the house I knew the Fitbit would tell me that I suck at getting rest. No need to kick me when I'm down so I opted not to use it to track my sleep. Other than that I have nothing but love for this device. It's a great motivator. It's small enough to snap on to a bra or tank top strap. It also comes with an arm band if that's your thing. Has anyone tried the Fitbit?

*I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own.

Chic Obsessions: Pregnancy Survival Kit

It's a thunderstorm rainy day here in San Antonio. I for one am glad to see some rain and cooler temps. We went to dance this morning and then out to run a couple errands before coming home. Savannah's dance class will be dancing to a song from the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack. They will be dressed as little Piglets. That should be cute. Once we were home I tossed some chicken breasts, beer and BBQ sauce in the crock pot for dinner. Super easy and fast. We'll have pulled chicken sandwiches with roasted mustard potatoes. I saw the recipe on Mimi's blog,  Lipgloss and Binky, and thought I would try it. 

Anyway. I digress. Last night I was thinking about how fast this pregnancy has seemed to fly by. I have exactly twelve weeks left. So exciting. I thought this would be a nice time to share some of the products that I have used during this pregnancy to help with some of the common pregnancy issues. This post is not sponsored and I have not been compensated to share these products. I just wanted to share what works for me in the hope that it would work for you as well. We're girls, right? If I'd recommend it to my bestie I'd recommend it to you too! Here we go... 

Lemon Heads. A morning sickness lifesaver.

Remember how bad my morning sickness was? It lasted forever it seems.

Everyone's body responds to pregnancy differently. I know stretch marks are said to be hereditary and that there's nothing you can do about them. When I was pregnant with Savannah I thought I would try to beat my odds and lather up twice a day. I read somewhere that keeping your skin moisturized helps. I used the the Palmer's Cocoa Butter line during both pregnancies and loved it. So far no stretch marks, but I do notice that I'm getting cellulite so trust me I'm not getting off that easy. :-)

photo credit

Love this lotion by Neutrogena too.

photo credit

My skin went through a lot of different changes during this pregnancy. It went from being extremely dry to acne prone. My acne is finally starting to clear up again. I found two different skin care lines to treat my issues. During the dry stages I used the Burt's Bees Intense Hydration line and Mary Kay's Velocity line for my acne. They both have worked wonders. 

photo credit

photo credit

This BB cream has an SPF and it provides a slight bit of coverage. It makes getting ready to go so much easier. A little BB cream, mascara and blush or bronzer and I am done!

photo credit

 I discovered the Be Band during my first pregnancy when my pants no longer buttoned. This was a great way to still wear some of my jeans before investing in maternity clothes. 

photo credit

Those are all of the items I could think of for now. I also thought it would be fun to share some of the meals I've eaten recently. I live for grits, eggs and bacon for breakfast. A yummy "kitchen sink" salad covered in Thousand Island dressing is always good and the last pic is of our Easter dinner, delicious!!

Mac n Cheese, Mustard Greens, Rice and Ribs

What"s in your pregnancy survival kit? 

Chic Obsessions: Baby Essentials with Guest Blogger Baby Teems

Classic Muslin Swaddle Blankets by aden + anais® 

So you finally got your swaddle down? You're on to your last wrap and tuck but don't have enough cloth. Rats! Now you have to start all over again. LOL, Well, the classic muslin blankets by aden + anais solved all of my problems. No more fighting with odd-shapped blankets. The muslins are large, perfectly square, and get softer with every wash. You will find the cost easy to justify with its versatility. During the summer months I have also used these blankets as a car seat cover and a receiving blanket.

Easy Expression™ Bustier By Medela 

Even though I am a SAHM, I pump. If you haven't discovered yet...pumping can be annoying. Once you get the hang, there is little need to monitor your flow. Instead of being bored, why not make the best of the next 10-20 minutes? I suggest you go hands-free and watch some tv, tweet, text, or update your Facebook status. You might not want to tell the world what you're doing though. LOL, Hands-free pumping will be your little secret to productivity. I already own a Medela pump so the this bustier was the perfect compliment. 

Ergo Baby Carrier

Baby wearing helps my son feel secure and in the mix while letting me be hands-free. I actually prefer grocery shopping with my carrier. There is only one cart to push and more room. Although I love wrap carriers, my Ergo is a fave because its durable, quick to put on, yet manly enough for my husband. I also love having pockets and the option to wear it on our back. There are many chic colors to choose from!

Chicco KeyFit Caddy

 When my husband and I made our fancy stroller purchase, people suggested we get one strictly for the infant car seat. I was dead set against it due to cost and storage. However, in less than 4 weeks we gave in and bought the KeyFit Caddy. Everyone was right. It is quick, light, and super convenient. This was a much better purchase for the earlier months. Although my stroller has an adaptor for the car seat, it's just not as easy to pull up to a table or maneuver through small stores like the caddy. I love the cup holders and large storage below. There is also a little hidden compartment up top. I use that for hand sanitizer which is good to have before you pick up the baby in public. 

Pronto! Changing Station by Skip Hop

  

This changing pad is by far my favorite item ever! The Skip Hop Changing Station is affordable, sleek, and stylish. It is designed like wristlet/clutch- so perfect for a chic mom! In fact, I use it so much that I tend to keep my baby bag in the car. I am no longer afraid to change my son in public. I even use this on top of changing stations in the restroom. It is easy to clean and makes me feel a little more sanitary. One of the best buys you could ever make.

Thanks for letting me share my top 5 chic obsessions for the first 5 months. I hope you enjoyed it! 

Feel free to stop by Baby Teems where my expectations meet experience in a candid journey through motherhood. 

Chic Obsessions: The Food Edition

I thought I would do another edition of my chic obsessions. This time I thought it would be fun to do a round up of my favorite meals, snacks and kitchen gadgets. I am a big food person. I love cooking and eating. No lie. I could probably watch the Food Network all day if given the opportunity. I live for Top Chef and Around the World in 80 Plates had me at hello. Here is a list of my must haves in the kitchen. Oh. And that salad from Instagram that everyone was excited about made the list! Eat your heart out!

Super Chic Salad

I could probably eat a salad every day. It's absolutely one of my most favorite meals. Here is the fastest best salad you will ever make. Keep these items in your fridge and pantry and you will never be lost for lunch or dinner. Remember, if you take your salad to lunch do not pre toss the salad in dressing or you'll end up with a limp bed of spinach. And no one likes a limp bed, of well, anything really.

- Spinach (or your green of choice) Arugula is good too.
- Almond slices
- Craisins (Dried Cranberries)
- Boiled Egg
-Avocado
-Bacon Bits
-Feta or Bleu Cheese
-Red Onion
-Mushrooms
-Protein of choice (Sometimes I skip the meat and it's just as good and filling.)
-Dressing (I use Ken's Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette.)

On the Go Snack
I love Sargento Pepper Jack cheese sticks. They are amazing.

Things every Kitchenista needs...
As I said I love cooking. The one thing I have learned about the kitchen is that if you have the right tools for your job you can things done much faster. I know these tools may seem like your every day kitchen gadgets but I know there's someone out there who just needs to know the chic basics. Here they are...

- Decent Knives. Notice I didn't say good or expensive. Get the best knives your money can buy. Anything is a step up from what most people currently use.

- Blender. If you get a good blender you can do just about anything with it. You can make cocktails, salsa and I even made Savannah's baby food with mine.

-Chopper. This thing is a lifesaver when you need a fine chop.

What are some of your chic obsessions when it comes to food and kitchen gadgets?

Chic Obsessions

Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet Polish - Target $2

I am absolutely loving this polish. I get so many compliments whenever I'm wearing it. It looks especially good when I'm wearing something black. This polish dries super fast and it is on the thicker side so you don't have to do more than one coat.

Target Gold Bar Sandals - Target $19.99
These amazing little sandals are perfect. They have a urban edgy feel to them that I love.

Maybelline Red Revival Lipstick - Any drugstore, $6
There's not really much to say about red lipstick. It's fabulous. I wear mine all the time, even when I don't have on any other makeup. As you've heard your entire life it's a great way to look pulled together. They key is finding one that looks good on your skin tone. I love this shade. I normally mix it with a little gloss for an extra POP.

These pics look familiar? If you're following me on Instagram you've seen them! Check out my pics and click to join my Instagram party @chicsahm.