How Nature Celebrates...

It's almost Friday. Yay. Oh. Wait. I'm a Mom. I don't get days off from my job. I still look forward to the weekends though. With my husband home I can truly relax a little. Before the weekend gets started I like to enjoy some quiet time with kids.

One of our favorite things to do is roll out a blanket and create some sidewalk art with chalk. I'm pretty sure Savannah could do this all day. Too bad it gets too hot here to be out all day. In the mornings we enjoy outside time. I can sit and relax while she plays. It's refreshing and a nice way to wind down before the weekend. 

The little guy hangs out in a carrier as usual. I love all of the trees that are on base here. I might not enjoy all the squirrels that are a little too socialized for my taste but I do think the trees are lovely.

When we're done with the sidewalk chalk we take a walk over to the runway to watch the jets take off. Savannah loves doing this. I was able to get one on camera taking off. I wish we could get closer but the runway is a restricted area. This is literally one street over from my house...

Every Friday, Deer Park® Nature's Blends™ Fruit Flavored Beverages is sharing beautiful ways that nature celebrates with a reminder to treat yourself to a celebration, too. Head over to the Deer Park® Facebook page every Friday for inspiration to celebrate naturally and share your own story on their page.

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Steam Up Your Me Time with Yes to Body Wash

One of the things I know we all have in common is loving that time in the shower. When it's just you and the peace and quiet of your thoughts. My time in the shower is slowly becoming one of my favorite times of the day. It's right up there with when both of my kids fall asleep. 

Since my morning shower is truly the only time I'm alone during the day I like to listen to music. I put on my Jill Scott or Toni Braxton Pandora station (because both of those will hit me with some good ballads to belt out). I know it's going to be a good day if I'm lucky enough to sing Toni's "Love Shoulda Brought You Home", haha!! Every time I hear that song I remember the scene from Boomerang where Halle Berry loses it on Eddie Murphy. Classic movie.

Back to discussing my morning...

Lately I've been using the Yes to Grapefruit Rejuvenating body wash. Talk about a wake me up. Y'all know I'm having some sleepless nights. This body wash is the best wake me up a girl can get. Since I've only been getting about three to four hours of sleep a night I NEED some rejuvenation in the morning. It smells so good. Get yourself a bottle and I promise a better start to your mornings.

I'm not a coffee drinker so in the mornings after my shower I like to make a glass of iced green tea and I start making breakfast. Sometimes I continue listening to Jill or Toni and some mornings I decide to get a good word from Joel Osteen. The rest of my day goes by pretty quickly and before I know it it's time for bed. That's when I switch it up and opt to shower with Yes to Blueberries. 

The lavender in this goodie by Yes to puts me right in that perfect drowsy state. That feeling you get when you know your body is ready to call it a night. I am in serious love with this stuff. My husband has been using the Yes to Carrots and he really likes it. I've been letting Sav take bubble baths in the soothing Yes to Cucumbers (the Yes to Cucumbers is safe for her sensitive skin).  It's been putting her out like a champ! Now if only I could get her to stay that way all night...

Now that I've told you all about how my family is loving all of the goodness that Yes to is offering get some for yourself. Yes to is offering my readers an exclusive Buy One Get One 50% off body wash offer. Use the code Y2LINQ during your checkout. 

Oh. And did I mention that Yes to products are over 95% natural? It keeps getting better...

How do you get ready for the day? Do you sing in the shower or have a special drink that get's you started?  Share your morning rituals with me in the comments!

feeding one baby & preparing one for a bath...multitasking at its finest

no babies were harmed in the snapping of this pic

*I have received compensation and product for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Thing About Parenting That Surprised Me The Most...

*I have received product or compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I wanted to take some time to reflect on what surprises me the most about being a Mom. All your life you hear these stories about parenting. You might hear a parent with a new baby talk about the sleepless nights. You might hear a Mom or Dad talk about having to drive around the block all night to get their little one to sleep. Since I grew up with a baby in my home I was pretty familiar with babies. 

What I wanted to talk about today were the little things that have surprised me. The stuff I didn't grow up hearing about. The stories that don't necessarily get told all that often. For starters, I am very surprised at how selfless you become once you become a parent. I've heard this before but no one ever made the degree of selflessness that clear to me. I remember when there was a day when I'd shop and shop and shop. Ever since I became a parent I don't have the desire to buy things the way I did before. Of course I still love trend watching and treating myself to something every now and then but I have to make a conscious effort to shop for myself. I want to do things for myself and take time out for myself but the truth is whenever I do have free time I use it to do something fun with my kids. Being selfless goes far beyond these two examples but you get where I'm going...

I'm also way more cautious than I've ever been in my whole life. I've never been so aware of how to prevent something from happening. Before I had kids I don't remember using sunscreen unless I was at the beach. Now I'm rubbing everyone down before we leave the house and then spraying everyone every two hours while we're out. Since babies have sensitive skin I've already started thinking about rubbing a little diaper rash ointment on Baby M's bottom at night to prevent diaper rash. I would hate for him to have any discomfort. I plan to use Dr. Smith's diaper rash ointment for long car rides and overnight sleeping. We'll be going to the beach in September and I've already started gathering things for water safety and researching baby tents for the beach. These are some of the little things that surprise me about parenting. There are so many little things you'll do just to prevent something else from happening. From choosing the right car seat to finding the perfect beach tent I'm so much more cautious then I ever thought I would be.

Another thing that surprises me about parenting is how much it has made me appreciate my own parents. Before I became a Mom I don't think I ever really thought about how hard it must have been for my parents to raise my brothers and I. I had a great childhood but I'm sure it came with some sacrifice. I think about my parents in a completely different way now. I am so much more understanding. Now I know for sure that everything they did for me (whether I liked it or not) was done out of love and in consideration of my well being. I am so much more appreciative of every time they told me no or changed my curfew. For every Christmas and family vacation. I can definitely get where they were coming from. 

What has surprised you the most about parenting?

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Guest Post: Cheaper by the Family

Cheaper by the family

One vs many 

Having a family to pay for isn’t always as expensive as you might initially presume. If you really think about it, there’s a huge amount of discount available if you aren’t going at it alone. Carrying the full burden of a mortgage, holidays and bills all adds up and single people spend more than  £250,000 over the course of their life than those who are a couple or family. 

In fact, there are heaps of occasions to note that charge more for singles than the 2 point 4 children package. Think about food; buy one get one free and bulk-buying etc are all specifically catered for a larger household. If you are the only one in your house, these offers would generally leave you with too much produce that you struggle to consume before the best by date. 

Holiday for, more than one...

This theory translates to the holiday option too. As many people are opting to stay on our own soil for their vacation getaways, there is an infinite amount of money to be saved, if you’re not going alone... 

There are the obvious savings like shared petrol expenses, kids go, or eat free options that are cropping up everywhere, family railcards and bulk ticket buying for all those activities, admissions and adventures. In fact, in this day and age, having a family is almost a money saving incentive! At least parents are being helped by the public, if from nowhere else. 

Here’s to having a family

As one of the top British holiday destinations, Blackpool has so much to offer for families of all ages. There’s Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Tower Dungeons, The Pleasure Beach, The Illuminations, Sea Life and much, much more. As even more of an incentive to go on holiday and save a fortune with your family, the AN in Blackpool as of the 2^nd May 2013 have just launched Blackpool Resort Passes specifically designed for families to give discount access to some of  Blackpool’s top attractions. There’s heaps of add on options to enable you and your family the best catered package for the activities, travel and entertainment you require. 

You may be thinking what’s the catch and what about accommodation, that’s always expensive right? Wrong. You’re not going to believe your luck when we tell you that you even save money by having a family to bed and board. There are very cheap hotels in Blackpool from Travelodge which have family rooms for the same price as a double, unbelievable right!

 It’s definitely not looking good for all the singles out there, but it’s starting to sound like the universe is taking the side of the more the merrier and congratulating you for your family, enabling you to have and enjoy the cheap summer holiday that you all deserve. Who would have thought that having a family would actually save you money and allow you to go on holiday for a bargain and a half.

Chic Style: eShakti's Spring Collection for Mother's Day

Happy Friday!! I for one am very happy it's the weekend. This is our first day of the week being home and I am not complaining. I'll be spending this unusually chilly San Antonio day hanging out with my mini me and of course doing some things around the house. I start my speaking appearances with the HEB Little Texans tour on Sunday. With a full week ahead of me I thought it would be a good idea to get my outfits together for the week.

I need an outfit for Sav's recital tomorrow, three outfits for my speaking engagements and something for Mother's Day. Can you believe it's Mother's Day already? I can't. This year is literally flying by. I plan to wear a dress that I was given at no cost from eShakti's Spring collection. I am such a huge fan of this customizable clothing boutique. I chose a very pretty maxi style dress and had it altered to knee length. It killed me to do it but part of our agreement this time was to actually customize something instead of ordering an item as is. The print on the dress is gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it. 

It's not too late to get your Mother's Day look. eShakti is having a great sale right now! There are so many amazing designs to choose from. If you're planning a wedding right now check out their Bridesmaid dresses. The prices are great and you can send in the exact measurements for your wedding party. I'll be instagramming all my looks for this coming week so please be sure to follow me there! Have a great weekend!

Chic Mom Spotlight: Tiffany of Pink Pearl Couture

I am so excited to be sharing the today's blog post with Tiffany, the owner of Pink Pearl Couture online boutique and an up and coming life coach. Supporting other women and their success is very important. Tiffany is a married Mom of three who works full time during the day and builds her empire at night. My kind of girl! Please check out her boutique (her stuff is SUPER cute and affordable) and blog. I'll be featuring one of her items in a style post soon! 

How did you get the idea for Pink Pearl Couture?

When I was in college, I use to sell shoes from my car and apartment.  I was just trying to make ends meet, on the broke college budget we all know about.  I grew to love the entrepreneurship and independence I had of making my own rules, doing it on my own time, and being in charge.  I also love fashion, and “What not to Wear” is my all-time favorite show!!!! After graduation, I also graduated my business, selling both shoes and handbags, but I was still pretty much selling them from my car and apartment. Technology has changed tremendously since 2006, and the ease of making your own website, social media, and with the things I learned, I decided to start my own online boutique (and I still occasionally sell items from my car and home, lol).   I have now graduated to vendor opportunities and my own personal Pink Pearl Couture pop up shops as well as my own personal website. 

What are some of your favorite fashion trends for spring?

I love the bright colors.  Neons, Brights, Corals…LOVE THEM!!!  It seems funny for me to say this, coming from a girl who use to have an all-black section in my closet (lol)…I also love the peplum style tops.  These tops are great for moms because they hide the extra belly fat we’ve acquired from carrying children for nine months.  I have three, so my pouch is growing more and more each birth.  I also am totally in love with the flowy sheer tops.  I am a little self-conscious about my belly and these help me be stylish without having to make sure I am sucking in every 5 seconds. 

You recently started blogging about your new venture as a life coach. Tell me a little bit about that.

I currently work in social services as a social worker, which lead me to get a Master’s degree in counseling.  In May I will be graduating with a M.A degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.  Counseling happens to be the other side of me (outside of fashion) that I really connect with.  I love helping people.  I am the friend that everyone calls for advice, and for ideas, as far back as I can remember, so counseling is who I am.  There is no better way for me to express myself than to do something I truly love. 

How do you manage to balance being a wife, Mom and career woman?

At this time I am taking it one day at a time.  As a wife, I make sure I spend quality time with my husband.  As a marriage and family counselor, I know that if I make sure we are intimate (not sexually, but close, best friends), make sure we keep our romance going (this is sexual…lol), and make sure we compromise, and for those spiritual people, remember to keep God first, things will work out.  As a mom, I make sure I put my children as a top priority. I typically try to only work on “business” things if my children are asleep or in school.  My top priorities are my children, and making sure they are taken care of.  The business me is an asset I am using to make sure this priority is accomplished.  In order to keep yourself sane, you must set priorities and I decided to not allow outside distractions and other people’s expectations pull you away from what is important to you and your family. 

What advice would you give to a new Mom?

New Moms!!  I would first let you know that the first year or two are definitely the most difficult.  I have a six year old, a four year old, and an eighteen month old.  I would say try focusing on the good things about your child, when they laugh or give you that gummy smile after keeping you up all night.  And remember to breathe and take one day at a time.  Parenting is not a race or competition… so do your best, and ask God to fill in the blanks in all your shortcomings. 

Shoe Shopping tips for Little Boys

The best shoes and boots for your little boy

Kids go through shoes like nobody's business and replacing their footwear can be an expensive affair. With so much on offer, you can end up with countless pairs of shoes that your little chap is quickly going to grow out of. Shelling out to replace a full shoe wardrobe every six months isn't an option for the majority of us, so until the size of their feet stabilize, it's good to plan ahead and purchase key pairs that will cover all occasions. Here's some handy tips on what to look for when you're out to buy some shoes for your little boy:

A pair of trainers or boots for tearing about in - It's essential that you get a good pair of trainers as they offer casual comfort and are perfect to send them out to play in. Kids will love looking cool in their favourite trainers and they can really take a battering so you don't have to worry about wearing them out.  

Wellies for the wet weather - When you're sending them out into the rain or your little ones are about the embark on some muddy fun then wellies are a great choice as it means their other shoes stay pristine and that little legs won't suffer in the cold. It's no longer a challenge to get the kids to put their wellies on as there are so many designs on offer featuring their favourite cartoon characters or in fun colours. The challenge now is to actually get them back in to their smarter shoes! 

Smart shoes for school - They are an absolute essential but it used to be a real chore to find a pair of sensible shoes to send them to school in. As more and more styles seem to on offer for the boys, getting a great pair of hard-wearing school shoes has become a breeze.

So, with these three footwear favourites, you'll have a shoe wardrobe designed to deal with every eventuality. There are all kinds of boys shoes out there, so whatever his style is, just pick up the pairs he prefers and avoid spending money on countless shoes that won't last for long. 

*This post was brought to you by ASDA.

Finances: Planning for the future

Have you planned for your loved ones’ later years?

Some say our golden years are the best of our life, and we all want to see our parents and grandparents living comfortable but stimulating later lives. With a bit of planning, we can rest assured knowing that our older loved ones are financially secure. For those responsible for planning their parents’ or grandparents financial future, it might be worth looking into equity release. This technique allows the elder generation to unlock a steady cash flow when they need it most, by releasing some of the money locked up in their property.

What to consider?

Many elderly homeowners find themselves property rich but cash poor. When you reach a certain age, having your money tied into a property is not ideal for your needs, and releasing this capital could allow you to spend a little money on the activities you have always wanted to try.

This could be anything from long and leisurely golf holidays to a trip to a paradise beach or regular cinema dates, dance classes and other entertainment-filled activities.

How much money is tied up in equity?

British people over the age of 50 are estimated to own over £750 million pounds of equity in various buildings. Equity release schemes are a great option for those that wish to unlock some of that hard-earned cash. Once this has been unlocked, your loved ones are free to spend it on anything they desire. It can also be a valuable option for those looking to downsize from a larger house to smaller, more secure accommodation.

There are a number of safe income plans available, many of which boast numerous benefits. It is important to aid your loved ones in choosing a system that can reduce the risk of inherent equity sums, so seek independent, qualified financial advice when making this decision.

Once the collateral has been released, the world becomes your oyster. Your parents and grandparents can concentrate on living their later years to the fullest, knowing that many years of work have finally paid off.

Helping your loved ones to follow their dreams is the best feeling; especially now that they have all of the time in world! Such a plan will allow them to reside in a comfortable home, whilst still being able to enjoy a healthy bank account.

  

*This is a post from McCarthy & Stone.

Little Woods Birthday Brownies

Next month is a huge month for our family. Not only are we moving, but we will be celebrating Savannah and the soldier's birthday. I wanted to pass along this awesome brownie recipe from my friends at Little Woods. It's a great way to make birthdays a little extra special. You know I love trying a brownie recipe so I definitely be trying this one!

Birthday Surprise
Nothing beats the smell of food fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a succulent roast
turkey on Christmas Day, or a rich fruity Simnel cake at Easter, the special moments
on our calendar are marked every year by particularly special recipes.

One of the most important days on anyone’s calendar is a loved one’s birthday.
Whether you’re celebrating another year for a child, parent or partner, this
chocolate concoction is sure to make their special day even better.
All time favourite chocolate brownies:

Ingredients

140g unsalted butter
85g plain flour
200g light muscovado sugar (this is usually available from specialty stores, but can be
substituted with brown sugar if you’re unable to find it)
200g dark chocolate
2 eggs, plus 1 additional egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Sifted cocoa powder or icing sugar, to dust
75g walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

Method

• For newer makes of oven, such as a Littlewoods Hotpoint cooker, preheat to
160°C.

• Select an 18cm square cake pan and grease and line with greaseproof paper.

• Place a bowl over simmering water (be careful not to let it get wet) and melt
the butter and chocolate.

•Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Combine by beating the vanilla, a
pinch of salt, and the sugar.

• Whisk the eggs in one at a time, taking time to beat well. Add the additional
egg yolk and flour, beating until smooth.

• Add the walnuts and spread evenly by folding. Pour the mixture into the pre-
prepared pan and smooth the surface.

• Bake for 40-45 minutes.

• If you prefer softer brownies, you can always remove them a little earlier.
Just be sure to pop a skewer into the brownie centre to check the batter is
completely cooked.

• Once the brownies have cooled, turn them onto a wire rack or clean surface
and peel away the paper lining.

• Cut into neat squares and dust with icing sugar, or cocoa for a more bitter
chocolate flavour.

• Enjoy!

Does your loved one have a particularly sweet tooth? Why not transform the classic
brownie into an even more decadent treat? Just add a few more ingredients to spoil
them rotten with Rocky Road Brownies.

Simply add to the recipe above:

•A handful of marshmallows – the more colours the better.
¼ cup of unsalted peanuts as a substitute for the walnuts.

•Brownies will keep for around three days in an airtight container, or can be frozen
for a few months. But we’re sure the family will love the brownies so much, they’ll
all be gone before you have a second to think about storage!