Birthday Giveaway

It is Friday AND it is my Birthday.....Whoop Whoop!!!!

What do I have planned....two things....relaxing and retailing which are kind of the same thing in my world but I will still count it as two things.

In honor of my birthday and you being awesome I am giving away

TWO $50 gift cards to TJ Maxx/Homegoods/Marshalls

So, yes, the gift cards are printed as TJ Maxx but you can also use them at Marshalls or at Homegoods.

There will be two winners randomly selected.

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment here on the blog.  For additional entries hop over to my Instagram page and leave a comment there too.

Since the gift card can be used in 3 different stores tell me in which of the stores you would spend it if you won it.

I love all three stores and when I have time enjoy hitting all three on the same day.

I will accept comments until noon C.S.T. on Sunday and then select the two winners.

Thanks for reading here with me. 

Have a great weekend!

Vacation Recap

When we decide to go on a trip and we are searching the Internet for properties to rent, I always think.... I wish I knew someone who has stayed there.  Look, I have rented the most gorgeous property according to Internet photos only to get there and think.....forget the vacation, I need to meet whoever worked magic photographing this place and making it look nice.....cause this place is a dump!

Has that ever happened to you?

Well I am here for you, girls.  I am going to show you the place we booked so if you are interested you will KNOW someone who stayed there and see some real photos....not magic photos.

We spent last week at the beach and stayed in Watercolor.  The actual house we rented is this one

It is super cute and beautifully decorated.  It is a larger home.  There were twelve of us.....and there could have been more.  But with four moms and 8 girls we decided the moms all deserved a bedroom of their own.  It was a good call.  Sometimes moms need a vacation within the vacation.... a.k.a go to your room for some alone time.

Let's take a little tour shall we

Check out the front porch

We all loved the swing!!!

Here are a few of the gorgeous bedrooms

Downstairs there was a large Bedroom with its own bath and another Bedroom with a Queen Bed.

Upstairs there was another King bedroom, 2 more Queen Bedrooms, a 4 bunk room and a loft area with a Queen pull out sofa.

I somehow managed to not get a picture of the bedroom I stayed in.....I guess when I went in there I was having some alone mom time and zoned out.

There was a beautiful balcony off the master upstairs bedroom

Oh and a cute little sun room

The living area and kitchen were so spacious and perfect for everyone to gather

The girls really enjoyed our very own pool

The address is 12 Pine Lily Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

It really was a beautiful house, super clean, lots of towels and fully stocked with lovely dishware and kitchen items.  The house also came with a 6 person golf cart.  Unfortunately it was out of order the week we were there but the property called to let us know and gave us a generous refund for the inconvenience.

It was also close to the Publix grocery store and several restaurants.

We were not close enough to pop in and out to the beach so we did have to load up the cars, take a five minute drive, park and then walk out to the beach.  So it wasn't terrible. But I like my beach in small doses....like two hours at a time.  But we pretty much loaded up and went and stayed all day.

The area is really nice.  I did not have a bad meal the whole week.

Well there you go.....now you know.

If you find a good place to vacation, be sure and let me know.

See you back here on Friday.......there may be a give away so don't miss it.

Nordstrom half-yearly sale!!!!!

It is time for the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale.  There are over 19,000 items in the women's category alone.  Don't worry, I searched through them and found these to highlight for you today.  I hope you are thinking of all the birthdays, Father's Day and of course Christmas presents you still have to buy this year.  Maybe these ideas will be of help to you.

1. This UGG Driving slipper is a great pickup for you or as a gift idea.   You cannot go wrong with these.  They come in this gray (pictured) or a tan or a black.  The fur lining does give them a tighter fit.  But we buy our regular size and after a couple of wears the lining adjusts to your foot and they are super comfortable.  They are only in whole sizes so if you need a 1/2 size, you should probably size up.

UGG Driving slipper

2. Loving these hoop earrings.  They come in blush, blue and gray

BaubleBar Hoop Earrings

There are lots of good items by Baublebar in the sale.  Click here to see them all.

3. This is a great size and color bag from Madewell.  It is under $100 during the sale.

D-Ring Saddle Bag

If you want to see all the Madewell items in the sale click here.

4. There are lots of Zella items in the sale.  I am a big fan of these leggings

pocket 7/8 legging

And this jacket for the guys

Zella Jacket

If you want to see all the Zella women's products click here.

All the men's Zella products are here.


5. There are lots of good home items too.  Like this throw is super soft and comes in pretty colors

Kennebunk Throw

There are also lots of Anthropologie home items in the sale including some great pillows.  Click here for all the Anthro Home stuff.


Tory Burch has lots of items in the sale.  I am a Tory fan, but even on sale she is a bit of a splurge item.  But if you are in the splurging mood, check out all her sale items here.

Some good Barefoot Dreams items can be found here.

Click away, girls.  I have got to go recharge my computer......it takes a long time to scroll through a whole sale.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Stock Up!

Super quick today but I wanted to drop in and tell you that today is a really good day to get to Bath and Body Works.....or order online.

Shower Gels and Lotions are $4.95 each.....there is a limit of 15

Think Father's Day, Christmas, your own shower......

Over 60 scents are available for her and him.

Here are the codes you will need

They have some really good new scents

 and of course some of the old tried and true.

It is funny, I get bored using the same shower gel for too long and will often switch to a different scent mid-bottle.  I always go back and finish up the other one.  At this price we can treat ourselves.

You will be mighty glad to have these to slide into a stocking in a few months. And if you give gift cards, you sometimes want just a little something to put with that gift card.  Well here you go!

Talk to you on Friday!!!!

Circle of Friends

There are a lot of things we all feel like we can't live without.  Things that we would actually describe as needs.  No, not things critical to being alive like oxygen and water.  No, I am talking about things like our cell phones......see you agree, right? We NEED our phones.  Raise your hand if you would say  you need your vehicle.....its reliability and comfort. And don't even let the air conditioning go out....y'all, people change when they are hot.  They are grumpy, frowning, short on patience and conversation.

So, yes, I agree.  We've all come to really desire and want these things.....and a few of these we might even say we have a slight addiction to.  If you disagree, go put your phone in a dresser drawer and don't pick it back up for 3 days while not using your air conditioner.....disaster, distress, dismay!!!

But here is what I would tell my younger self to make sure I had in life - a Circle of Friends.  This is what you are really going to need in life.  Now quantity here is not an issue.  You do not need a bunch of friends.  Quality is what we are talking.  Good friends.  Reliable friends. True friends.

People use all kinds of measures of what makes a good friend.  I will tell you a couple of my measures and you can take them for what they are worth.

A good friend anticipates your needs. For example,  your friend shows up with a whole box of Cheezits when your are in distress.  That is a good friend.

A good friend doesn't call to tell you about a sale.  They just buy everything in your size and let you return what you don't want.

A good friend celebrates for you.

A good friend prays for you and your family without you even asking.
But when you do ask, they pray all the more.

And I do think it is true.....you have to be a good friend to get a good friend.  Find your circle and nurture the relationships.  Pay attention to your friends.  Be for them the friend you need.  Now pay attention to who appreciates this and who takes advantage of it.  Who steps up and matches the friendship you are dishing out....and who just takes more from you and gives less.

I have heard Melanie Shankle speak.  I have read several of her books.  Here is her one on friendship

Nobody's Cuter than You

It is super quick, fun and easy read.  Get one for yourself and your good friend.

Circle up, ladies.  You are going to need some good friends.

Thanks to all my friends out there.  So grateful for each of you!!!

Friday - Treat Yourself

I thought I would just do a little looking around on line for some great summer pieces.  The first thing I found was this cute little jacket

Pleione Bell Sleeve Jacket

It comes in this cute heather gray and also black.  I think it would be very versatile.  It would work with these white jeans

Articles of Society Ankle Jean

and these mules

Sam Edelman Mule

for a casual chic look.  Or if you wanted to wear that jacket to work, it would be great with these

black tapered pants

CeCe Straight Leg Pant

and these shoes

Naturalizer Thea

Or for church or a great date night you could throw it over a little black dress like this one

Madewell Tee Dress

with this little sandal

Naturalizer Espadrille

You see I told you it was a versatile jacket. In fact, you may already have some of these basics in your closet.

Hope you treat yourself to some fun new pieces for the summer.

Have a great weekend and I will meet you back here on Monday!

Summer Bucket List

I am setting some goals for the summer.  I hear myself all year saying.....I wish I had time to do this or that.  Well even though I have to still go to work.  Even though people still expect dinner every night.  Even though nothing in my life really changes that much in the summer.  It still feels like it is a little more relaxed and I should have some time to do some things.

So I am setting these goals up front.  Here are a few things I plan on doing this summer:

1) Take a chalk painting class


I've done a little with chalk paint.  I own chalk paint.  I am going to figure out some fun things to do with it.....and officially take the class.


2) Work on my hand lettering


I took a class in this.  It did not come natural to me.  But I feel like with some practice I just might be able to master it or at least be decent at it.

3) Get my closet life together (flooring, reorganizing, purging)

Not my actual closet but a good inspirational picture.  We bought new flooring for our closets a year ago.  Correct...ONE....YEAR....AGO....it is time for some installation to happen.

4) Get my storage container life together ( y'all this one cabinet - OUT OF CONTROL!!!)

Not my actual cabinet.....but close....super close.  Are plastic containers rapid procreators....what happens when I close that cabinet door?  I don't know, but some of them are going to have to go.  And the next person at my house who washes out a sour cream container to keep is going into timeout.

5) Learn how to use my serger.  Half of you are wondering what this is?  Just a magical seam finishing sewing machine.  I plan on serging some stuff this summer.


Any idea how many napkins I can make with a functioning serger.....tons....and then some.


6) I hate to even say this but - exercise


This one is last for a reason.....I don't want to do it. But I really am going to try.

Ok, I think that is enough.  Now that I have said it out loud here on this blog, I pretty much HAVE to do these now.  If you need a similar peer pressure, feel free to shout out something you want to get done this summer in the comments and this loving blog family will do our very best to shame you into getting your list done too!  See, we are here for each other.

So what's on your summer bucket list?

Let's do this!!!!

See you on Friday!

April Book Review

Welcome to this month's book review.  I read four very different books this month. I liked them all and it was sort of nice to have such a variety.


I stumbled up on this first one.  I was not familiar with the author at all.  But Amazon thought I might like it....and they were right.



Bluff by Michael Kardos. So this book starts off with a amateur magician trying to make a living doing various parties and engagements.....she decides to write a feature on how card cheats use magic to win money....which leads to a meeting of another female.....which leads to them.....well I don't want to spoil it.  But let me just say.  This one is worth the read.  For one it was a refreshing break from what everyone seems to be writing about these days....no one went missing, it wasn't a who done it... it was really a subject I had never read about.  It is engaging, well written and will keep you glued until the last page.  Maybe everyone else in the world has read this one and I am just late.  But I am surprised it is not all over social media.  Highly recommend.  It was a fun read.

Next up, a family saga



The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin. I really liked this one too.  This family is plunged into a different world when the father suddenly dies.  Every single family member assumes a new role and no matter how old they get and what transpires around them, they stay in those roles.  I can totally see how this happens.  I have totally seen this happen.  The characters are well developed and you come to love and pull for each one of them.  But life, yep life, gets the best of some of them and smiles on others.  I could see reading this on vacation.  It was not too heavy but super entertaining.

Now if there is chick-lit....there is also a such thing as bro-books.  That is what I read next



Act of Valor by Tom Clancy.  This is a great story about Navy Seals.  They are incredible, heroic, brave and admirable.  I don't have to tell you the plot....they go in they rescue, they save, they kill, they....well you get the point.  It was a good read but it is definitely a manly tale.

I concluded with



I Found You by Lisa Jewell.  This is an interesting story about a random man being discovered on a beach.  He has no idea who he is or how he got there.  Then the story flips to a different city where a young wife is looking for her husband who has suddenly gone missing.  As you can imagine the story lines totally inter-twine....but it is definitely in a surprising way.  I didn't really figure it out so I enjoyed the story.  Another good read.

Keep the book suggestions coming.  I love knowing I am going into a great read from the start.

Mother's Day Wishes

I always struggle this time of year with what to write about Mother's Day.  It is hard because there are so many different situations resulting in so many emotions around the day.  I get it.  Some are waiting and desiring to be moms.  Some are missing a dear sweet mom.  Some are churning through laundry, dishes and disciplining as a mom.  So today I thought I would just talk about me and my mom experience.  I have said here before every woman in the world is nurturing someone.  So I always want to give a big shout out to every woman this time of year.  It takes us all.  I am so blessed by the circle of women God has given to me.

Here are some observations from me about me.....

I have not always been a patient mom.  I can remember wishing certain phases away because they were hard....because I wasn't good at them.

I can remember focusing so much on getting "things" done that I may have missed out on some of the actual fun.

I am 100% sure that I misdirected a lot of energy on details that really didn't matter.

Without question, I made a ton of mistakes and would do some things differently.

But you know what.....I am not going to focus on any of that because here is also what I know

I did the absolutely best I could at the time.

I always thought I was doing what was best for my kids and my family.

I have always been a praying mom and I know that counts for a lot.

I have loved hard and been willing to make the tough calls because that is what real love does.

I have taught my kids that God is our focus and what we do for Him is really all that matters.

So while it becomes more clear every day that I am not perfect,
while the world wants to constantly prove that to me day after day,
while I know in five years I will most likely look back on this exact time frame and see how I could have been better.......

TODAY I will love as best I know how.....
today I will try to remember that God's strength is magnified in my weaknesses.......
today I will pray and trust God to answer because He has proven worthy of my trust....
today I will be content, satisfied and grateful.

I don't know what you are wishing for this year but from me to you - a sincere wish for contentment, satisfaction and a heart that is filled with gratitude.

Keep rockin' it out, ladies!!!!

Have a great weekend.

Top 5 - YouTube videos

I found myself in a hotel room with no tv.  Ugghhh......there were storms in the area.  The hotel had Direct TV.....it went out.  It was early.  Way too early to go to sleep so I resorted to watching YouTube videos.

These are my go to videos.  I have watched them a thousand times.  I could watch them a thousand more. I may have watched each of these at least 3 times while writing this post.


I love Kelly Clarkson... I am pretty sure she is just a nice girl.  If you are not familiar with the song, she is singing, while pregnant, about her father who abandoned her when she was a child and her now husband who is being a great dad

So emotional.....love it.

Celine Dionne is my other girl, and I love this duet

I always want to learn another language after watching this video.

Oh mercy and this one.... Jennifer Hudson singing And I'm telling you

She totally sings her butt off in this one.  But here's what I like most about it......she does it in flat shoes.  You are sure 'nuff getting told off when someone is singing this hard in comfort shoes.

Here is another one I always go when I have YouTube time

and it is worth watching the intro....especially the "give me a call" line

Singing with your whole body.....yep....toes and all

I also love a good dance video and this is a classic from So You Think You Can Dance

Thank goodness for YouTube .......

Hope you enjoyed some of my favorites.

Talk to you Friday!

Surrendering - A Year of Prayer May Edition

Anyone busy and pulled in a million directions this month?  So as we enter into May I invite you to participate in this month's prayer focus.  As a reminder, here is the plan for the year.

If you want to print the prayer focus for the year, click here.

And our prayer focus for this month is Enter into Worship.  Listen, the busier we get the more focused we need to be on God.  The more tired we are, the more we need to turn to Him.  The more the world demands of us, the more we need to seek His presence.  

I hope you will join in as we collectively pray for all of us to have a worshipful spirit. 

Here is our inspirational verse for the month:

If you want to print this month's verse, click here.

Thanks for joining in prayer with our blog family.

I hope you have a great week!

Expert Advice for this time of Year - Style Edition

We are wrapping up the series on great ideas for weddings and Mother's Day

Click here if you missed the Kitchen Edition

Click here if you missed the Home Edition

Today I am pleased to welcome Kimberly Wright

Kimberly has a unique sense of style.  She always looks so put together and because she has extensive experience in putting on weddings I thought she would be perfect for this blog series.

Remember you may want to shop for some of these items as gifts.....or for yourself.

First up Kim recommends we all own a fun summer jumpsuit

Chambray Jumpsuit

This one is under $50 and in a full range of sizes.  This one would certainly be appropriate for outdoor graduations, wedding showers and good old hanging out with the girls.

This next one could be perfect for an afternoon wedding or shower

Maxi Dress

Kim calls these a no brainer for taller girls.  They are easy to wear for many types of events.  If mom is petite, look for petite maxis (below 5’5) because a regular length dress will be too long. This season look for v-neck and wrap styles, which are universally flattering.

Check out this next flattering find for under $15

Floral Maxi

Get this.....it is from Wal Mart.  Make sure and check it out.

Kim also highly recommends a great pair of white pants

Wide leg pant

Mom’s closet needs a pair of white cropped wide-leg pants.  

*Can be dressed up with a blazer, cardigan or blouse.

*Wear them with a T-shirt and sandals or a cute colorful sneaker.  

I totally agree, Kim, nothing is more versatile in our summer wardrobe than a good pair of white pants.

Last but not least a summer denim jacket.  The fall/winter one is too heavy.  Everyone needs a lightweight denim jacket to add to your jumpsuit, maxi, or white pants. 

This is a great item to wear over sleeveless tops when going to the movies, dinner, or  an evening outdoor event.  

White (of course), blue, or black denim

She recommends this great white one

White Denim Jacket

Or Black

Black Denim Jacket

Now in addition to finding these great things for us.  Kim gave the following tips for selecting wedding attire:

Wedding guest attire varies depending on time of day, location, and theme of wedding.  When in doubt, ask the bride but please don’t bother her with questions about your outfit the week of her wedding. 

Wedding Category 1 - Casual 

Keep it cool in a dress that you’ll want to wear again and again. For a warm spring and summer casual wedding, opt to wear a short dress.  I get cold very quickly, so I like to wear sleeves.  Long bell sleeves and an off-the shoulder neckline is a perfect spring combination that’s fashionable but not overdressed.  A simple maxi dress with pretty accessories is another great look and very comfortable.  This style wedding would usually be a daytime event.  Heels not necessary but skip the flip flops.

Wedding Category 2 - Semi-formal

Semi-formal attire is the most difficult dress code.  Where’s the line between casual and formal?  Think about the fabric as much as the style.  You can choose formal fabrics like silk, satin, tulle, chiffon for a semi-formal wedding.  The dress can be a normal dress length or tea length.  A semi-formal dress would have more detail and/or more bold accessories (rhinestone belt, lace, high low hemline, etc.).  This would be a late afternoon to evening wedding.

Wedding Category 3 - Formal

If the term Black tie is used, a long gown is a must but doesn’t have to be black. A formal wedding means bring your A-game.  First, choose a silhouette that works best with your body.  The empire silhouette is great for camouflaging the tummy area.  It has a raised waistline which sits just below the bust from which the rest of the dress flows down.  A ball gown is the true “princess” dress.  It has a fitted bodice and a full skirt.  Great for most body types but can be too much dress on a petite frame.  The A-line dress is slightly more flowy than a ball gown.  A-lines have a fitted bodice through the waist and flows towards the ground resembling an uppercase “A”. This style is ideal for all body types.  Next there is the trumpet/fit and flare style.  This is a great style for someone with a small waist.  Think hourglass figures and petites.  If you have curves, the mermaid is right for you.  It’s sleek and fitted. 

For a spring formal wedding, select soft metallics, pops of bold color, and even subtle prints.  Don’t forget to have plenty of glitz, sparkle, and glam in the fabric and/or accessories.

Category 4 - Destination

Is the ceremony at the beach?  Wear warm weather appropriate attire.  A floral print with a high low hem or a two-piece dress would feel and look great.  Leave the heels behind and wear a pair of cute sandals to avoid sinking in the sand.

Now here are a few things not to wear to a wedding out of respect for the ceremony and the couple:

1. Don’t wear white, off white, a neutral yes but not white

2. Save your sweats for the gym.  It’s better to be overdressed than under dressed

3. Barn wedding yes but leave your denim at home

4.If you want to wear pants, don’t go casual

Please RSVP, don’t bring additional guests, be on time, keep your cellphone photography until after the ceremony, and enjoy the special day.

Great tips, Kim.  Thanks so much for sharing with us today.

I hope you all enjoyed this series.  A big thanks to our three special guests who really gave us a lot of goodies,

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! See  you back here on Monday!!!

Expert Advice for this time of year - Home Edition

I am so glad you all enjoyed meeting Meg and loved all of her gift ideas.  If you missed it, just click here to catch up.

Today is all about gifts for the home.  And we have another special guest.  Today, I enlisted the help of a home decor expert.  Please meet Dionne

I can remember going to Dionne's home shortly after she married.  I remember walking around her home and thinking "oh wow this is better than Pottery Barn".  I gotta tell you she'd been married less than a month, but she had decorated and furnished their home beautifully.  I took my old married self home and tried to spruce up our place.  This girl has the best taste and I just love how she puts things together.  

I asked her to give us some Mother's Day ideas and here is what she came up with

First up, a personalized bar necklace

Personalized Bar Necklace

Isn't that cute.  Every mom loves her kiddos names on anything.  Just think this works for moms of furbabies too.

Next check out this temperature control ceramic mug

Ember Temp Control Mug

You get to set your perfect drinking temperature and enjoy the perfect beverage from first to last sip.  If you have a coffee or tea lover on your list.....here you go.

Then she recommended this lovely book

Book

This sweet book is hardcover and has 64 pages.  You simply fill it in according to the writing prompts,  honestly, what mom wouldn't love this?

Next up these beautiful napkin rings

Magnolia Market Napkin Rings

These come in this beautiful copper or a gold. They are simple and classic and would work with any decor.

And now if you have a wedding coming up, consider these ideas

CB2 Globe

First a cork globe.....yes, a cork globe.  You put the little push pins in to indicate where you have travelled.  I think it would be fun to use one color push pin for places you have been and another color for places you want to go.  I am so glad Dionne found this one for us.....too cute.

Next up,

Matching Robes

How wonderful do these look.  They are Turkish Cotton, lined in a soft terry cloth and are begging for a lazy Saturday morning. Yes, Dionne, these rock! And the color selection is really enticing.

Lastly, Dionne recommends a fun surprise for the new couple

Floating Frame

She suggest having a special photo printed on archival paper and frame it in one of these beautiful floating frames.  It is minimalistic so should go with any decor.  You can choose the brass (pictured) or a black stud finish.  It also comes in 10 different sizes.  These are just so pretty.

Well there you go some great ideas from Dionne.  A big thanks to her for sharing these fun ideas with us.  Make sure you click on some of the links and browse about.  One of my favorite things is for someone to introduce me to a new shopping site.  Dionne has led me to new territory with many of these and I am all in.  I do love a new place to click about.

Thanks, Dionne, come share with us any time you'd like.  We have loved having  you here.

Oh and if you want to find her she's on instagram at  _dwinteriors.  She does home decor and event planning and it is ALL just lovely.

Come back on Friday for the Style edition.  I have had a sneak peek and you don't want to miss it.

See you on Friday.