Natural Hair Pixie Cut For the Win

One of the best decisions I made in 2015 was getting my haircut. I didn't know how much energy I was putting into thinking about my hair until it wasn't there anymore.

When I mean to tell you that my haircut has changed my life I'm not kidding.

I was literally living in a ponytail...

I couldn't even find pictures for this post of me with my hair out. All of the pics on my computer have me rocking braids (which I love) or a ponytail. Sad. In 2015 I went back and forth with the idea of cutting my hair. I really didn't want to get a perm so finding a stylist that could cut and style natural hair was very important to me.

After a long search (it seriously took me all year) I found a stylist that I love. She's professional. She doesn't double book and she's very talented. 

It has made a world of a difference for me to no longer be worried about, "What am I going to do with my hair....". When my hair is straight I roll the top in rollers and I wrap the back in a silk scarf at night to sleep. It stays straight until it gets wet. 

I haven't worn my hair naturally curly since getting it cut until yesterday. My birthday is next week so I pushed my hair appointment back to have fresh birthday hair. I washed my hair using Cantu's shampoo and I used Savannah's Just For Me styling products. The results were incredible...

Gosh this post was full of selfies. Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, cutting my hair has been one of the best things I could have ever done for myself. I don't have much time these days to pull myself together and a haircut has made me look & feel pulled together without much effort.

Now if I could just make it to the gym I might be on my way to shutting 2016 all the way down...

Have you made any changes lately that have improved your quality of life? 

40 Ways to Recharge Solo

Have you ever just needed to recharge? I'm not talking about a girl's night out or a vacation. I'm talking about a couple hours alone to just breathe and think, recharge.

In the past I have confused this need to recharge with the need to have some good girlfriend time. I would maybe meet a friend for lunch or go shopping and we would have a great time but...

When our little outing was over I'd get back in my car and still not feel recharged. Even though I would have had a blast with my friend I'd still feel like I could use a couple hours completely unplugged. As I have gotten older I have embraced the beauty that is alone time.

Being a military wife has made very comfortable with doing things solo too. Whenever we relocate I do lots of things by myself while I'm getting adjusted to our new surroundings. I thought I would share some of my ideas with you here...

1. Have lunch at a restaurant you have always wanted to try.
2. Visit a makeup counter and have a new look created for you.
3. Find a new fragrance.
4. Volunteer at a local pet shelter. (WARNING: This may result in a new furry family member!)
5. Try a new fitness class.
6. Take a dance class.
8. Paint a picture.
9. Attend a cooking class or demonstration. (Williams Sonoma offers some great free classes.)
10. Go to the movies.
11. Learn a new craft or hobby. (Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics offer classes)
12. Enjoy a mani pedi at a place nicer than your normal nail salon.
13. Get a massage.
14. Do some reading at your local library or favorite book store.
15. Get a haircut.
16. Carelessly wander the aisles of Target or Home Goods.
17. Have some coffee and dessert at a mom and pop diner.
18. Get fitted for a new bra.
19. Go for a walk.
20. Visit an esthetician and get a facial.
21. Check out a new gallery in a museum.
22. Watch the sunrise.
23. Meditate.
24. Clean out your email inbox at Starbucks. Grab a snack and take advantage of that free wi-fi.
25. Shop for swimsuits if it's that time of the year...
26. Or shop for shoes instead.
27. Go thrifting.
28. Pop up at a couple open houses or visit some model homes for interior design inspiration.
29. Visit a local winery...
30. Or buy a few bottles of wine you haven't tried and do a tasting after the kids are in bed.
31. Shop for antiques at a flea market.
32. Take a nap. At a hotel. With room service.
33. Go for a swim.
34. Volunteer at a food bank.
35. Visit a botanical garden and take instagram worthy pics with your 'real' camera.
36. Get behind the wheel of a car that you love during a test drive.
37. Grab one of those coloring books for adults, put on some music and get creative.
38. Play solitaire.
39. Order Chinese and catch up on your DVR.
40. Go for a bike ride.

It is a beautiful thing when you can spend time alone and enjoy it. Treat yourself to some alone time when you can. It is so refreshing to be able to hear yourself think or enjoy something uninterrupted. There's nothing wrong with taking a little time for yourself. See anything on this list that speaks to you? What are some of your favorite ways to spend time alone?

How I Handle the Stress of Being a Mother

Lately I have been so busy. I literally run from one task or baby to the next all day long. It can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting trying to keep up with everything. I don't know about you but when I recognize myself falling into a place where I have no balance I start practicing some pretty bad habits.

I start looking around at what everyone else is doing, trying to figure out how I can catch up and I find myself complaining more than I should. When this happens I remind myself about three of the best rules that I live by. These three little mantras keep me centered and content in the midst of all the craziness that being a woman tends to bring.

Comparison is the thief of joy. Whenever we compare ourselves to others we fight a losing battle with ourselves. What another woman has going on in her life has absolutely nothing to do with my personal journey or God's purpose for my life. We are all on different paths for a reason. Allowing yourself to become distracted by comparing yourself to someone else is one of the biggest mistakes we can make. Therefore, I don't compare myself to anyone else.

As I am growing I have also learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy competition. As women, I think we are in situations often where we feel like we have to compete. Whether we realize it or not we feel tempted to keep up with the Joneses. We sign our kids up for all these activities or we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves so that we can 'be the best'. Or so that we can appear to be the best. Motherhood isn't a sport in the Olympics. I don't compete with other women because I recognize that we are all trying to do our best. There's no need to try to out Mom someone. It's stupid. I have learned that you'll run yourself ragged trying to prove to someone else how great you are. Either they'll see it or they won't. Their opinion of you doesn't make you any less awesome.

I think we are all guilty of complaining at some point. The occasional vent is understood but complaining all the time about everything is a slippery slope. I believe that we are the words that we speak. It is always my goal to be careful with what I give life to with my words. Sometimes it's hard when you're in your feelings not to say how you may truly feel about something or someone. It is always my goal to speak positively about whatever I'm going through. No matter what it's about. I don't complain because I have learned that in the end it gets me no where. Instead I pray about everything and complain about nothing. (this is the toughest one for me lately)

These three little mantras help me as a woman and as a mother. When the kids are acting crazy I don't compare us to another family, I don't try to force them to be like someone else's children (me competing as a Mom) and I don't let the occasional vent go too far.

What do you think about the idea of keeping these three Cs in mind when dealing with different issues? I have found that they can be applied to just about any situation.

Thought Bubbles 3/52 2016

Well. The eBook went out yesterday and I have been a nervous wreck ever since...

I am so glad that it's Friday...

I am also glad that we live in a place where it doesn't snow...

But at the same time I wish I was home...

I just threw some cookie dough in the oven. Save will be greeted by fresh baked cookies when she gets home from school...

My birthday falls on Super Bowl Sunday this year...

I need to start working out consistently but my motivation is lacking...

We're not even suppose to take selfies at my gym but I snuck this one after a late night session...

I love the way chocolate chip cookies smell when they're right out of the oven...

Why is Sesame Street on HBO?...

I need a good magazine subscription...

And a vacation...

And a pedicure...

My daily salads for lunch have been so good lately...

Sonya from Saving Everyday with Sonya K put me on to sardines and now I can't get enough...

I am considering wearing a wash n go for the first time since cutting my hair...

My stylist is amazing. She's talented and she doesn't double book. Winning....

Ready for a chill weekend....

Right after I get some cleaning done...

Mini Ebook for Mom Cover Reveal

I am so happy to finally be releasing the eBook I wrote last year. Over the last couple of weeks I have been updating the content and getting the formatting down. It has been a true labor of love and I hope everyone enjoys it.

This has been a huge learning experience for me. There is so much that goes into self publishing. I am so fortunate for all I have learned. One of my goals for this year is to complete another (much larger) eBook project. With the knowledge that I have learned from the creation process of the mini eBook I feel so much more confident about going forward with another book.

So here's the cover of the book...

I wanted it to look and feel like a book that could easily be on someone's coffee table but be small enough to fit in someone's diaper bag or purse. Over the next couple of months I am going to research getting some printed copies made.

You still have a couple days left to sign up to receive my book before it's officially released to the public. Signing up to receive the book also puts you on my mailing list for future exclusive offers like my next project and giveaways.

I know I say this often but thanks so much for all the love and support. Next month this blog turns four and I feel like I am finally starting to realize the true purpose for this space. 

Happy MLK 2016

Every year for MLK I share a craft or this video that Savannah was blessed to be apart of. I hope everyone is enjoying time with their families as we reflect on the Dr. King's dream for our country.

  264th Medical Battalion Equal Opportunity MLK Observance 2014 from JOE MUSTANG on Vimeo.

ICYMI: Face to Face Fridays 1/52

Every Friday I'll be sharing a motherhood snippet or Q&A session on Facebook. Last week three readers submitted questions about adjusting to life with three kids, our daily routine and how we chose the name Moses for our #grandfinalebaby.



If you have a question that you would like me to answer during a F2F Friday video leave it in the comments, hit me up on FB, tweet me or send me an email. We can talk about fashion, food, motherhood, pop culture - you name it!