what's up wednesday?!

Linking up with my favorite blogger Shay Shull  and her girlies for "what's up wednesday!?"

What We're Eating?!?!-

Well actually I got a $40 gift card for Hello Fresh which is a box subscriptions service for healthy food and they give you the ingredients, send you the recipe and you make it. It's been such a blast! I made a few and a few Tripp and I made together...some of the recipes were great and some were...interesting! 

 Citrus Shrimp with Potatoes, Peppers, Etc [This one has been our fav!]

 Lemon Roasted Tilapia

Wasabi-Glazed Steak [This was the interesting one]

 Pan-Seared Lemon Chicken 

It's a lot of fun for me because I'm not the best cook and this is pretty much dummy friendly. They are normally $69 for a box of three full meals but you can find $40 off coupons everywhere online so it makes it $29 for three which is not toooo shabby. 

What I'm Reminiscing About?!- 

Tripp and I have had some "just us" time here lately and I'm really trying to enjoy it and remember that it may not always be like this so cherish it! It's brings me back a lot to this time last year when we were trying to plan a wedding, deal with Micah's death, Tripp got let go at his job so find him a job, deal with people's opinions of every decision we were making and etc. I am so glad to be done with that, honestly it was such a hard time and I am so thankful that Tripp has a job HE TRULY LOVES and that our wedding is over. Our engagement was the hardest time in our relationship so far and I could not be happier that it is over and we are done with weddings. 

Us at my bridal shower last June....did we look as tired as we felt?!

What I'm Loving?!-

One of my favorite couple things to do is work on our house together. Of course that normally means Tripp working outside and I'm doing the inside but it is just fun to work on making something that is ours better. This week I worked on our guest bedroom...it isn't completed yet but from a previous post I showed the travel theme that inspired me so I did some things with that. Still lacking a few touches but when it is done, I will post pictures. While I was doing that Tripp worked his tushy off on our outside, he pressured washed the house, the sidewalk, the driveway and did some landscaping. We actually have a huge yard so it takes so much work and it's always impressive to me that he can make it look so great! 

Here is a sneak peak of the dresser that I painted black/gold-dipped..

 What I've Been Up To?!?- 

Well like I said, working on the house [pictures soon!], trying to figure out how to cook [no easy task!], oh and taking care of our newly arthritic dog [yes, toby that's you].

We had to take Toby to the Dog ER [yes that is a real thing] to only find out that he has a horrible back and was put on 4 different prescriptions.

 Tobes after shots....high as a kite, feelinnnn gooood! [said in a Ross Gellar voice]

Yes, he does have a heat pad on...shush! he is one of our children for now.

ALSO BIG NEWS! I am SELLING MY WEDDING DRESS! Yes, you heard right?! I mean when am I going to wear it again and I think it's beautiful so someone else may as well! [DETAILS- It is cream with lace overlay. Size 6. Maggie Sottero. Lace up corset back. Sweetheart neckline.] $500 OBO  make offer! [contact me at 205 329 4534 with any questions]

What I'm Working On?!-

Guest bedroom at our house and our patio is next! I have so many ideas and the color scheme I want is neon [tripp is not on board at all, but I shall sway him!] 

Inspiration for the patio:::

Love the color schemes. 

 Also as I've mentioned before that it is graduation time at work which is always hectic and I'm doing some other future career projects [stay tuned!]. 

What I'm Watching?!-

This one is always fun for me to answer! My dad is a tv junkie and so I was raised to know and love good television [not even ashamed]. Just as my brother and I used to talk non stop about sports, my dad and I are the same with tv. Right now I am into:

Reality Tv: Dancing with the stars [#teamschway], Botched [I can't look away!], Southern Charm [Cameran is my spirit animal!] 

Drama: Always catching up on Revenge, Nashville [I think everything else is on hiatus.] right now I am watching SUITS on amazon prime and LOVE LOVE LOVE [Harvey Spector is everything!]

Comedy: Younger [LOVE it!]

What I'm Listening To?!-

LANY- ILYSB

What I'm Wearing?!-

So I've been really wanting to change my style and beachy pieces have been just giving me life lately. I am tired of work out clothes everyday because I am uncomfortable with my body so I think the more I work on it, the more my style will come back and right now I am just living for these pieces...

 

What I'm Doing This Weekend?!-

Tripp has spring training for football so that has been deciding our nights for most of this week. I think saturday we have plans with the ever-so lovely Moore's [I adore them and their soon-to-be little miss [[can't wait]]] but other than that I hope to get in some barre and yoga classes and spend time with my booooo. 

 What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month?!-

Getting graduation over with for all of mom's seniors/K5 graduates this year [PS. I did find a dress! No pictures yet but I LOVE IT and it is very different from previous years!] and getting things started for the next school year, working on my side work project, Tripp finishing up this school year and getting good news from his job for the next year [prayers, fingers crossed, everything!] Hopefully selling my wedding dress! One month closer to the beach [July 18th!!] Celebrating our Mama's! Continuing my beach body goals!! 

What Else Is New?!- 

Not much this week! If you check out any of the things I posted about [Hello Fresh, any of the tv shows, etc] let me know what you thought about it/them! 

 And just like the end of my yoga classes, I leave you with namas'cray..err..I mean..NAMASTE 

  

 

    

 

 

 

 

recommendations. beauty. health. skin.

After a somewhat busy weekend, I was forced (my monthly women's issue..you're welcome male readers..also if you're male and reading this...well this may not be the post for you check back next time and if you are male and dig this post..well, no judging) to stay in yesterday. It was nice, I have to say. I worked out 7 days in a row last week so I enjoyed my forced break. My body is still responding really well to yoga/pure barre. I haven't lost any weight yet (of course, my diet blows so) but I just feel overall better and happier. I read a lot of beauty posts from different blogs and I like to see the products that women rely on and try them myself to see if they can change my regime. Very few items have come into my life and rocked it for the better, but I thought I would share them with you guys. Also, some items I have just started using so stay tuned on any results. 
 
Hair- 

• John Frieda Daily Nourishing - Leave In Conditioner. 

This item TRULY changed my life. I have used it since I was 17 and I try to go periods of time without (simply due to laziness) and my hair turns to crap. So I am now admitting that it is a NEED, if I was on a deserted island this would be one of my 3 items (mascara and chap-stick would be the other two..FYI). My hair is naturally oily so for all of you girls that relate, it does not, I repeat it DOES NOT make your hair any more oily. It keeps it soft and healthy looking and will CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER. 

• FAVE4 Texture Takeover- 

 For all of you girls that love some body to your hair, especially if your hair is naturally flat and straight like mine this will be your BFF. Since I hit my twenties, I am becoming more like my mom in the hair aspect as I age. I need some fluff, long gone are the days where my hair sticks straight to my head. This is perfect for straight or curly hair and you can put it on when your hair is wet or dry or use for both. I heard about the FAVE4 company from a makeup artist on instagram, @jesssouthern. I also recommend you follow her and envy everything she posts. ...that's what I do anyway. 

Like I said above ^^^^ I am always trying different things on my hair but those two are my constant staples. At the end of the post, I'll add items I just started using so I'll post soon with results...good/bad.

Face-

• Too Faced Amazing Face Foundation Powder-

Now I am constantly changing my makeup routine to find what better works but this has been my foundation powder since I was in high-school and besides the color change I will always use this for a matte coverage. My skin is acne prone and oily so I need full coverage and this gives just that. I sometimes add a little liquid foundation under it and always a primer. It leaves my oily face with a matte and smooth finish. LOVE love. I've tried to change but I always come back. My current color- Warm Vanilla (I.SO.PALE)

• Arbonne It's A Long Story Mascara-

I have short eyelashes, God did NOT bless me in this department and while I am trying to get past that fact I have tried over a 100 different mascaras (okay..maybe a little dramatic). I recently tried Younique and unfortunately I just could not get it to work for me like in all the pictures so I found Arbonne. One of my good friends sells it and while she has long lashes naturally, this mascara works for both of us. It gives me length, I am not a huge fan of volume (too clumpy) and this is a perfect fit for me. I am also a BIG fan of Maybelinne Falsies, if you need a cheaper version.  I also use black so before you get on my case about how blondes should wear brown or blue-eyes should wear brown...save it. I love BLACK MASCARA and I am not ashamed. Lashes are my favvvv.



Accessories-

I love jewelry that matters and that is cute, my two favorite things :) these are items I am wearing on the daily here lately...besides my wedding rings of course ;) you can't copy those. 

• Lily and Laura Bracelets- the colors are amazing and beautiful and they literally have them in all combinations of colors. I have the ones pictured, I am going to add some color to my arm but currently these are the ones I have. The best part? $10 each! 

• Lokai bracelet- I love everything this bracelet represents. If you don't know about this company look them up. mylokai.com   

• All The Wire- If you are needing personalized jewelry, these are the BEST. I got my mom and I both personalized necklaces after my brother passed and I was not disappointed. They do bracelets, necklaces, etc.  Not bad prices either.

• Half United Necklace- I love jewelry that looks tough and by purchasing this you give someone in need 7 meals. It came in my fabfitfun box, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE (my fav of all the box companies).  

Health-

• Advocare Spark Fruit Punch- Spark is amazing, it helps me drink water (so not a fan of water, I don't even try to fake it) and it helps me kick my caffeine intake down a notch. I am a self-admitted caffeine addict, it is a refreshing way to get my morning going without the horrible aftertaste of coffee...(yes. yes. coffee and I are on a break..don't worry, coffee knows). 

•  Pure Barre- As I mentioned in my last post, I started Pure Barre and Hot Yoga recently. I am on week 3 and it is continuing to rock my body and give me more energy. It is a fun way to get my work out and I have found a new love in Barre Fitness.

• Kiva Hot Yoga- It is an acquired taste but I have to admit I do love it. I have never been flexible in my whole life, not even as a child. I am already able to touch my toes and balance like I have never been able to before, and it is as calming and zen as they make yoga out to be and I love every second. My studio had Glowga this past Friday (Hot Yoga with black lights) and it was so fun! We all dressed in items that would glow and the women used glow-in-the-dark paint. Can't wait to do it again the end of April, I love the community that my yoga studio has, it reminds me of a Crossfit gym without all the weights dropping and screaming.  

Okay...now new items I am trying.

• Yestotomatoes- This is the acne prone line from the YESTO company. Just started, stay tuned. 

• Arbonne Night Repair Creme- Yes I started using aging products, it feels amazing on my skin, stay tuned.

• Mario Badescu Silver Powder- This came as a recommendation for black heads/acne, I've used it twice...stay tuned. 

• L'OREAL Paris Blow Dry Quick Dry Primer Spray- Blow drying my hair is a pain and I hate it. Hoping this really does what is says on the bottle...you know the drill, stay tuned.

PS. I am learning more about customizing my blog, etc so as the blog grows..the pictures will get better (promise) and more professional. Just bear with me and you can say you were with me way back when. I think I will start doing a recommendations check-in every Monday/every other Monday. This was fun. Hope it helps. Let me know what products you CAN'T live without.  

life lately

hi y'all! 

Trying to figure out blogger is quite the hassle, I have to admit that WordPress is so far easier to function but bear with me and we will go places on this page!

Life lately: 

Grief-
 I have really been putting a lot of energy into exercising, I bought the book "Grief Healing Techniques" a few months back and it has some helpful suggestions. I am a physical type person, so any to-do list or how-to scenario is right up my alley which is how this book is laid out. I would highly recommend it to someone experiencing grief. It talks a lot about making some changes in your life and being physically active as possible. I started back karate in December but it was a sport that I had only done with my brother which did bring up a lot of emotions constantly because I had never done it without him by my side. I decided in January to take a break, give it some space and try to come back when I was ready because karate truly is a passion of mine and I know with some time I'll be able to do it and honor my brother's legacy through karate which was a similarity we always shared.  It can get discouraging to be almost a year from his death and still struggle for periods of time but finding different outlets has been beneficial and I hope I can give some ideas to anyone in the same boat.

Fitness-
Fast forward to now....I signed up for Pure Barre (which I had previously tried) and Hot Yoga (which I had always wanted to try) and I LOVED them so currently I am doing both of those around 4-5 days a week. It truly helps to exhaust myself on something positive and allow myself to feel happiness and accomplished at the end of the day. I am already seeing results on week 3, I can now touch my toes (I have never been able to do this in my entire life! yay!) and my clothes are fitting better. I think anyway you can feel accomplished at the end of the day ultimately helps with grief.

I've never been physically active where I get to dress cute so doing these two activities have really been a treat. It sent me in search of work out clothes...so far the cutest I have found in my budget range were Old Navy and Fabletics (Kate Hudson owned, SHE'S MY LITERAL FAV). I am in love with any printed legging currently. ADORE ADORE ADORE.

Reading- 
 "Grief Healing Techniques" I am also starting the She Reads Truth "Esther" series. If you don't know about She Reads Truth it's a GREAT app (iPhone and android) for any female that is looking for a bible study. 

Events- 
We are less than a month away from the 1 year anniversary of Micah's death and this past week my mom and I decided to do something in honor of him that weekend. Micah loved the outdoors so we are looking into planning a one night camping trip...any ideas on camping or suggestions please let me know! Micah often went camping with his friends and I know he would love this idea...well he would probably say it was gay...but secretly appreciated it. :)