Best Christmas Gift of 2016

When I get the chance to go home and visit I am always wishing it would slow down. Family time doesn't happen often and my little nephew is  growing so fast I feel like I'm missing everything. 

If you've been living under a rock for the last few month you haven't seen/heard of this new "hot" item kids and parents are laughing about. 

I'm here to tell ya, it's worth every penny. 

Simple concept really and it brings an enormous about of fun with the family. 

I originally planned on only buying Eli one gift this year, which fell threw immediately. I gave him one gift early so we all would be able to enjoy it because our Christmas day is too hectic.  

14 Things I Do Every December

We made it.

We finally made it to Friday! Has this been an exhausting 7 days for anyone else? Christmas is in two days and I'm beginning to panic....But who has a stress free December anyways?  I have already made my new years resolution for 2017. Have you?

Mine includes never leave the house for the entire month of December. Everyone and their third cousin comes out of the cracks and behind the trees and fill the parking lots and store. It doesn't help that we live in a "me me me" society and people are angry drivers and even angry shoppers. It's like people have forgot what the 25h is really about.

But I can't be the only one to ever say that. 

I have simply decided to do my shopping throughout the year so come December 1st, this lady isn't a great ball of fire when she gets in her car. Heck I spend more time traveling to the store and waiting in line, than I do actually shopping for a gift. 

Christmas Card 2016

This month has been everything but calm. I have been all over the placed emotionally and physically. I'm ready for a fresh start in 2017. But first, what a year it has been.

Christmas Decorating on a Budget?

The time is finally here, I can decorate for Christmas! I have been itching all year for December. Mainly because I bought a big chunk of my decor last year when it all went n sale and it's just been sitting in my attic. I even "accidentally" put up my christmas tree before Thanksgiving... Am I alone here?

I just couldn't help myself.

Last year we pretty much had a Christmas doormat and one tree in the living. That's it.

One?

Yea, this year we have 2. Maybe 3 within the coming weeks. I wouldn't put it past me.

Turkey Run State Park

Last weekend my sweet sweet Dennis, got me the GoPro Hero 5 for my birthday. We like to hike and explore and what better way than to start documenting our adventure with this camera! We had high hopes for this camera and were so excited to video and take picture this weekend on our hike. Although we weren't too thrilled about the outcome of the quality of the videos and photos, below are some of my favorite that turned out ok! 

Turkey Run State Park was by far one for the books this weekend. Neither of us had been here before and this might have become our favorite spot. And after our poor experience with the GoPro we will certainly have to go back to get getting quality photos! Turkey Run is about an hour and a half West, from Indianapolis. This is a typical driving distance from he city to really get in the heart of nature and explore its beauty. 

If you are bring a pet these trails are very doable, just make sure you look at the map first and avoid the trails with ladders. Our pup is large so carrying him up wooden ladders would not be enjoyable. For us or the dog. We did see one lady carrying her four legged friend in a chest baby carrier. Whatever gets you out of the house, right! Newman did really well and this was one of the easier hikes we have taken him on. He loves running through leaves so taking him here during the fall was thrilling for him. 

This trail was moderate with some tight areas along cliffs, but if you watch your step you'll be good to go. 

Depending on the weather I would dress appropriate, but there was no tall brush to walk through so long pants and tall socks weren't needed. The trails were fairly wide and even are shared in some areas with horses. Our hound dog, found plenty of scents along the way. You did have to walk through... or jump over a few streams down in the covers, so I would recommend closed toe shoes. 

Our Farmhouse Shutters: How To

Ever since we purchased our home in September 2015, I have been itching to work on our curb appeal. Our home is beautiful but it just needs a little updating and charter. Last month, once again my parents made our vision come to life. We finally were able to add our dream shutter to our house and I was surprised how inexpensive and quick this process took. 

Time for a Change

Last week I decided I was tired of feeling exhausted by noon and wanting to go to bed by 5. I was tired of having to rely on Starbucks iced coffees to get my going in the morning.( My poor wallet)

I was tired of skipping meals and then stuffing myself when I became too hungry, make me feel bloated and even more tired than I was before I ate. 

I was finally tired of all the excuses of not making it to the gym. Last week something flipped, and I wasn't letting anyone tell me no. 

Fall Favorites

When fall season arrives, everyone freaks out with excitement and I feel like I'm the total opposite over here.  I'm all about the hot hot hot weather. Give me high 80's and I'm a happy camper. I love the summer days when I can throw on a tank and shorts and sit outside and sweat it all out. Something about knowing the snow is coming is starting to put me down and make me anxious. After all, Christmas is in only 2 months!! I haven't even began to think about Christmas shopping. Oh the lines and the traffic!!! 

I've never been good in the cold weather, even the brush of a cold breeze against my skin makes we want to put three scarves on and hide under a blanket. It doesn't help that this Indiana weather can't make up it's mind, so you are prepared for a blizzard in the morning, but by noon it's time to throw on some sunscreen and put on your denim shorts and flip-flops. Am I the only one that feels this way? Do you live somewhere where the weather can't make up it's mind? 

When winter finally comes I always turn into a bear and hide inside until Spring arrives. I always have high hopes for myself and try to set goals and always come up with a plan to correct this problem, but who are we kidding, that why they invented Netflix right? I stopped watching TWD around season 4 and have been thinking about picking it back up... but hearing the spoiler alerts this week I think I might pass. Thoughts?

Fall fashion is being talked about everywhere you look. It's in magazines, on TV, in stores and on your phones....all over your phone.  We eat and breathe fall fashion as soon as the first leaf starts to turn. Despite the weather changes and how I truly feel about these next four months. We can all agree that fall is the best time to expand the wardrobe! Target is my go-to shop of everything fall fashion, well basically my place for everything. Wether it's for the kitchen, closet, or home decor. Target is the place you should always turn to first.

Pinecone and Acorn Garland // Ruana // Energy Cookbook // Gather Pillow // Pumpkin Pillow // Floppy Hat //

My Fall Bucket List

It's officially fall, and it has been for weeks now but the weather here in Indiana isn't sure what it wants to do. This week we were in the 80 and next week the low 60's. So far we have gone to 0 pumpkin patches, 0 hikes, and had 0 pumpkin spiced lattes. We are serious slackers this year, but I'll tell you I'm no fan of the PSL. Does that make me crazy? Trust me, I love my Starbuck, so much in fact that I go every morning bright and early, but I can't even stand the smell of them. They are too sugary and not enough coffee. This year I decided to make a mini wish list of a few things I would like to accomplish this season, before the winter comes and we are stuck inside till March.  I know half them won't even be attempted, but like most things in my life, I dream big and set goals high. Wishful thinking is one of my strong suits. 

1.Carve Pumpkins. Dennis and I carved pumpkins about three years ago, and there is a reason we haven't attempted this again. But this year I'm feeling brave and I think we can conquer pumpkin carving without giving up mid carve. 

2.Jump in a pile of leaves

3.Scary movie night. I'm such a wuss, so I need some suggestions of movie that won't make me sleep with the lights on. 

4.Stock up on cozy blankets! 

5.Tailgate at a college football game

6. Make an apple pie. Please tell me I'm not the only one that doesn't like pumpkin pie? In fact anything flavored pumpkin?

7.Take Newman on long walks while the sun is going down. 

8. Go hiking and see all the pretty leaves changing colors. 

9. Take cute "family" pictures outside wit Newman

10.Be home to pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters 

Hopefully I can tackle all of these tasks before Thanksgiving! 

It's Friday, Beer Me

My parents are coming in town and I'm a nervous wreck. I have the day off to relax and get the house ready for everyone to visit. But scratch the relax part out of my day. They don't make me nervous, but there is just so much to get done before they all get here it's overwhelming. We have been living in our house for a little over a year and we STILL don't have things hanging on the wall. Besides our bedroom, you can see here how we decorated it.

Dear Neighborhood Pet Store,

Today I felt like the biggest piece of sh*#. Raising a dog is much harder than it looks and sometimes I just feel like I'm doing it all wrong. Today I feel broken and confused. I'm not sure if this is normal, I'm not even sure how to fully process what has happened today. Or I might just be over reacting and taking it too personally.... Which is likely.  Is this how it feel to be a parent? I can't fathom how I'm going to feel when I raise a tiny human.

Dennis and I both work full time so Newman is home all day by himself for the most part. So our weekends are great to wear him out and play all day with him. This week he has chewed on my favorite throw pillow, and chewed a hole in our brand new rug... That we didn't even have it for a full 48 hours until he got ahold of it. With the start of the week already in shambles, I'm not surprise what was to follow.

Newman is wonderful at home with just the two of us(and the cats), but when we get in public he cannot contain his excitement. I swear he's a different dog. once we leave the house I'm a nervous wreck. 

So here I am Pet Supplies plus, apologizing.  I want to say sorry for the mess I left in your store and the sceen that occurred. Newman is only a puppy I am a new doggy mom and we are still learning how to behave in public. I understand we looked like a hot mess together, but I promise you we are working on our behavior every day. Newman does not get the privilege to go in stores and outings often, and I'm sure you understand why after we left.

I want to thank you for having such a wonderful toy isle. Newman seemed to approve when he had to pick up every ball in sight and throw down on the floor, causing them to bounce throughout the store. Oh and the stuffed toys, those were great too. He managed to get slobber on one in result making me have to buy it. It of course had a squeaker... we try to stay away from those, because I can't think straight when Newman chews on one all night.

After we somewhat composed ourselves we headed for the checkout lane.... I just needed out of there.  With parents hiding their children from the tiny lady trying to keep her dog on all fours was a no-brainer. I don't blame them. 

Back in the car I lost it. How could something/someone I have such a bond with completely ignore me and disrespect me in public? I was humiliated.

This must be how it feels for parents when their children throw a tantrum in the candy isle at Target. But at least your child is small enough to pick up and carry out of the store without everyone watching.  I can't carry my 55 lb pup with a bag of kitty litter in one hand.

Once I got home and let out a far share of tears I managed to forgive my turd of a dog and go on with my day. This experience, in the long run opened my eyes to let me know that he needs more training and how to act in public places. And it just doesn't happen over night.  We are working on this and will conquer it one day. We promise.

It just might take us a couple weeks.

Adore Me and the Truth About Feeling Sexy

Last week I was asked to participate in the #sexysummerlingerie by Adore Me, and at first I thought no way, me...sexy? They must have emailed the wrong gal. As I was gathering my items, taking a picture, and even right now-typing I'm still unsure about how I feel 100% sexy and comfortable in my own skin. I am very confident in my own skin, but I have also came to the conclusion I'm no VS model. While I was going through my drawers, looking and searching I kept thinking how "unsexy" I am and how nothing that I own fits this category, but then I found the items I go to bed in almost every night.

Heres the thing. I'm the definition of awkward. I hold my body terribly and slouch when I shouldn't. I never know what to do with my hands when I take a picture and they always end up looking scary and large. Half the time I forget to put mascara on both eyes. I bite my nails more than I should and don't wear nail polish because of it. I hate everything about wearing pants, so the first moment I can find they come flying off, and sometimes I forget to pull the curtains so god bless my neighbors that pass by. I apologize.

Although I am extremely weird and awkward, I do have a few things that make me feel good. Gardening, more so planting new flowers than pulling weeds, starting my day off with a cup of iced coffee with peppermint, dreaming about owning a flock of chickens, yoga pants and my sunglasses. My hair can go from 0 to 10 in less than a second with the added sunglass headband look...Which I tend to rock more than I should. At the end of the day I love to curl into bed in my pink silky nightgown with my makeup all off, face scrubbed, and fresh moisturizer on my face. (You're never too young to fight wrinkles), my hair still wet from the shower and my body covered in lotion. The thought of rough skin makes me feel uncountable so when I get into bed with silky smooth skin I sleep like a baby. I feel my most sexy when my face is bare and I can just be me.

My Adore Me flatlay might not be perfect, but it perfectly fits me and how I feel sexy.  I challenge you to play along with the #sexysummerlingerie. Adore Me has a fun new line of lingerie sets. I think I will be purchasing this Kelsey silky robe to go with my silly nightgown.  Don't forget to head on over to their Pinterest page to checkout the other #sexysummerlingerie flatly that have been created.



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My Very Own Dream Bedroom

My vision has finally come to life and I'm so happy to share with you the outcome of our new master bedroom! We have been in our home for a little over a year now and we finally have a bedroom that fits our needs and our "family." Yes all 5 of us. For the last year we have been sleeping on my grandmothers old mattress.... I know, gross and I have been using a stool as a nightstand and it's been every bit of a nightmare. So to say the least, it was long over due to pick out a bedroom set.

When we first moved into our home we made sure to stick with basic neutral wall colors, because my tastes are constantly evolving and we decided this was the only time we are painting. For the bedroom I went in a complete opposite direction, I wanted to pick out a color that was warm, bold, and romantic. Navy instantly stuck out to me. It's the perfect mainly color with a plenty of options to add a feminine touch. Few months past and I was starting to regret going so dark and bold, I was starting to feel like it did not fit in with the  farmhouse theme we have going on throughout the house. But thanks to Ashley Furniture for helping us find the perfect bedroom set that I had in mind from the beginning. I'm so happy we made such a bold decision with our color scheme and can't wait to get started on the rest of the house. 

Girls Night In: Painting Party

Finally the boys are out of our hair so the ladies can get together and get wild.... or just stay in and drink wine, snack on some cheese and grapes, and simply catch up on whats new. Thats exactly what we did this weekend and it was lonnnnng over due. 

Last weekend I decided to put a fun spin on a "girls night in" with some diy painting. I see ladies all the time going out with their friends to Wine and Canvas, all painting the same picture with an instructors help. Well, I decided I wanted to do something similar, but with a little twist. In fact a little fall twist. Thursday  marks the first official day of fall so what better way to celebrate than to paint pumpkins! 

But with this painting session we are painting with no instructor, 100% on our own and some of the ladies struggled with this, but thats what made it fun! With us all having different skill levels made it fun to help each other when we were stuck. I like this idea better than having a professional instructor tell you what to do. Personal preference. 

I'm pretty sure my home is a walking talking Hobby Lobby and Target commercial. Check out my IG page and you would agree too. Everything decorative is from one or the other stores. It's a problem I know, and I'm fully aware.... I just don't plan on fixing this issue in the near further.

Unlike the Wine and Canvas classes, here I wanted us to paint something different, but within the pumpkin theme. I had the gals pick out their picture and I went to Fedex and printed them off. If you are a student they give you discounts and sometime if you're only printing off a couple copies they don't charge you. Sometime. The staff there have been nothing but fantastic overtime I visit. Getting these printed was a more decorative reason, but also to help us look at something while we attempted to paint.  

I still can't decide if I bought these beauties for a center piece or because I was treating myself. I'm a sucker for flowers and I can't remember the last time I've been blessed with a bouquet... until now. 

Pinterest is the best place to find inspiration for any new project. The ladies and I searched for the perfect pumpkin painting that we thought we would love to have hanging in our homes.

These lovely plates are from the Fall Spirt collection at Target and they are adorable for any fall party. These perfect grey and gold tones make the table so inviting and festive. I'm in love. 

Coming up with an excuse to see these ladies is easy, but finding the time with our busy schedules is a little challenging. I'm so happy we were able to do something new and even though some of ours didn't turn out like we hoped, it was a blast painting together.