Tuesday, January 31, 2017

January Book Review


Happy Tuesday!! 

I'm a day late on blogging this week because of an adventurous Sunday/Monday.  Sunday afternoon my iPhone started freaking out.  Apps kept crashing and I could barely get the screen to light up by pressing the home buttons.  Within an hour I had a white screen with an apple logo and that was the status quo until late yesterday afternoon.  I was up all night Sunday working with Apple support trying to get it fixed and trying all the tricks I know to no avail.  Yesterday morning, I had to go ahead and go into work and several hours later I was cleared for a replacement phone that would take several days in the mail.  This is frustrating for anyone.  This was extra frustrating for me because I have to run our businesses off my cell and that's how I manage all my blog and social media content too!  

A conversation with my husband and Apple again led to an appointment scheduled at the closest Apple store (2 hours away), a vacation hour taken and a Monday night road trip!  Thanks to my amazing husband and a great group of Apple techs we arrived back home around 10 last night with a new functioning phone!  Our relaxing night at home turned into an adventure but I'm glad we were able to handle it together!  I hate it that we're so dependent on technology but it is what it is!  I'm excited to be connected with the world again and here with you all today :)

On to my January book review, I read 2 books this month!  My goal is to read at least 2 books each month so I'm glad I met my goal.  I am a member of our public library which I love because I have access to lots of books and I love being able to reserve all the new ones coming out!  Be sure to check out your local public library if you haven't yet.

Are we friends on Goodreads?  Add me as a friend and see what I'm reading here!

There are very few books that I would classify as life-changing but this one deserves it.  Different books have different effects on people and this one had a huge one on me.   So many themes in this book spoke to my heart and the decisions we're having to make in our business and lives in general!  Their commitment to trust God and their faith in each step they took to get where they are today was something I needed to experience through their words.  I laughed, I cried, I related.  I highly recommend this book!  I loved it so much that I'm going to buy it to add to my personal collection so that I can read it anytime I want.


I wanted to love this book.  I really did.  So many of you have loved this book but I just struggled with it from a faith perspective.  In case you are way behind like me and haven't read it yet, I'm not going to ruin it.  I don't think I'm going to give the sequel a read like I originally planned and move on to a new one!

I'm currently reading the Power of a Praying Wife!  Any recommendations of books I should be reading?  I'm in a positive/uplifting/relatable book mood so if you have any suggestions, please share!


Friday, January 27, 2017

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday lovelies!!


I'm so thankful it's Friday!  I'm keeping it real with you all today.   I'm exhausted.  For some reason my body decided about a week ago that it can't sleep more than a couple hours a night and I.am.so.tired.  This has been great for binge watching on Netflix but not so great for my mentality, alertness and productivity.  I have been keeping up with my healthy eating for the most part but I have not worked out at all.  Here's to hoping for some extra z's this weekend and lots of energy next week!




First things first, I love The Vampire Diaries! Yes, I know it's a teeny bopper show but I don't care.  I started watching it years ago and still love it.  The series finale is coming up and Nina Dobrev just announced that she will be returning for it!  So pumped!  I am currently binge watching the first 7 seasons again while I work which makes me even more excited to watch the final episodes!




I mentioned once before that I was cutting down to 4 days a week in my office at my full-time job.  While this has made my 4 days busier and more hectic, it has been totally worth it!  It's so nice having a day in our home office each week to work on our personal businesses, take care of things like prepping taxes and more!  I just finished redesigning our website which you can see here!  If I didn't have this time there is no way that would be finished yet.  You will also see an increase in better posts, photos and topics around here because I dedicate a little time that day to working on this space too!




Ignore the circles (#teamnosleep).  I'm loving my Shakeology shakes for breakfast even more this week because my tired brain can make them quickly and get out the door for work.




Be sure to check out yesterday's post where I showed you which watch I recently gifted my brother with & why!  It was definitely a favorite to be able to give him this gift & there's a giveaway opportunity at the bottom of the post!




I am helping my grandmother organize all our family photos and I found this gem of my brother and I on the farm when we were little.  We still look the exact same just taller!  We've always been country living people and always will be :)  So many great memories of growing up there! 

Hope you all have a great weekend!


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Unique JORD Watch for my Brother




Being a big sister is one of my greatest privileges!  My brother and I have been inseparable pretty much all of our lives.  From the moment he was born, I have had a built-in best friend, someone to share the bad and best times with, a travel buddy and the best support system.

We talk pretty much every day and have an unbreakable bond.  I am so proud of my brother and the man that he has become!  He is my hero.

When JORD contacted me about reviewing one of their men's watches and I saw this one, I knew it was perfect for him!  My brother is the only person I know who can be in a tux at a gala and fit in or be in camo hunting and fit perfectly there too!  This watch was a perfect mix that represented him just right!  The dark wood and green face provide a rustic feel but the watch is made so well that it has a dressy feel to it too.


I loved the presentation of the watch when it arrived!  It came with a cleaning cloth and pen which is very helpful!




The wooden box with a magnetic lid was a great benefit too!  It provides great storage for the watch while also doubling as making the watch even more impressive for gift giving.





My brother loved the unique watch I picked out for him!



See his exact watch here!




The large faces on men's watches makes such a statement with their outfit!






I love my brother so much and am so thankful he loved this cool watch!

I was very impressed by the quality of JORD watches and would recommend the men's watches (see those here) or women's watches (see those here) for anyone on your gift list!  I was so thankful to be able to select a gift for my brother that represented some of my favorite qualities of his and that he loved it and will be able to wear and enjoy it!  Being able to treat this awesome guy and remind him how much he means to me is always a great feeling!

Valentine's Day will be here soon so be sure to check these out!  A great watch would be a perfect gift for the special guy or gal in your life!


JORD is giving away a $100 credit towards a JORD watch of your choice!  Be sure to enter the giveaway here!


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

What's Up Wednesday


Today is What's Up Wednesday and I'm excited to share a little of what we've been up to with you all!  It's the beginning of the year which is always an exciting time of planning, new goals and getting our lives settled back down from the holidays.



WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...


Now that the holidays are over & we're settling back into a routine, we are all about eating at home.  It feels so good not to be eating out!  This week we're eating parmesan ranch chicken (recipe to be shared soon), chicken & brown rice skillet and cheesy chicken, potatoes & broccoli.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

Nothing right now!  If anything, just how much went on in 2016 and hoping 2017 is calmer :)

WHAT I'M LOVING...


My new buffet!! I'm almost done decorating this wall and when I am I'll share the finished product.  I searched high and low for the perfect buffet and am in love with this one!


My new Doterra Home Essentials Kit!  I'm still learning which oils to use for what so if you have any advice to share, I would love to hear it!

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...


Lots of relaxing in the post-holiday season!  We've been settling into the new year and getting our business ready for this season.  

WHAT I'M DREADING...

Nothing really!  Life is pretty good right now!

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...


Me!  I used to be so focused on health/fitness but have seriously slacked off the past 6 months!  I am trying to get in a good routine of eating clean and doing the 21 day fix workouts.  I love the 30 minute at-home workouts and the Shakeology for breakfast is a game changer for me in the mornings.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

The new year has me so excited for everything!  A new year always brings new goals, routines, etc and that makes the spring an exciting time!

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...


I just finished this book!  Late to the party, I know.  It was good but very sad and I just didn't love it.  I'll talk more about my thoughts on it in my book review!

We're watching all our shows that are back on after the holidays!  We also went to see Patriot's Day and Founder recently and both were really good!

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

The Vampire Diaries while I work :)  It's one of my favorite shows & since it's the last season, I decided to watch the series again before the series finale.  LOVE it.  

WHAT I'M WEARING...


I'm in love with my new winter coat!


The Limited went out of business so I scooped up this cute peplum top at our local store for crazy cheap!  I'm also loving my Kate Spade bow necklace my sweet brother surprised me with for Christmas!


If you like cozy, buy this robe.  It is amazing, soft, warm and every woman needs one.


If I had a uniform right now, it would be black leggings, booties & a cozy top!

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Date night in with my husband, some work around the house & church, errands and prepping for the week on Sunday!

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

Valentine's Day which happens to be my sweet husband's birthday!  Can't wait to celebrate with him :)

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...


My latest video blog on my 5 Minute Makeup Routine!

MY FAVORITE BACHELOR...

Definitely Sean Lowe!! He is a genuine, Christian, family man and I have great respect for him!

Friday, January 20, 2017

Friday Favorites



Inauguration Day!!  If you're not a fan, skip to my next favorite but let's stay friends!  I'm so excited that today is finally here!  I do not agree with everything Trump has said or done but I am excited to have the Republicans back in the majority!  Even if you're not a fan, today is historical.  All inauguration days are!  I love the ceremony, speeches and the national pride they evoke.  I will be glued to the tv in my office taking it all in!  I have great hope for this administration and am excited to see them get started!  I will be praying for them each day and hope you will too!



We went to see this movie last weekend and it was SO GOOD!  It was emotional and hard to watch at times but when it was over I felt so proud of our country and Boston!  If you're looking for a good movie to watch I would highly recommend this one!


I posted a new vlog this week!  Check out my 5 Minute Makeup Routine!   Be sure to subscribe to my channel, let me know what you think & what other video topics you would like to see!




At the end of last year, I switched vehicles and my new one doesn't have Bluetooth capability.  We missed being able to listen to music off our phones in the car so I found bought this transmitter from Amazon.  I didn't know if it would work very well but it did!  We took a 2 hour road trip without having to adjust the radio station.  Plus, it has a charging port in it too!  I highly recommend this if your car isn't Bluetooth compatible.  Check it out here!



Cozy things are my absolute favorite right now!  I put together this collage of my favorite cozy items that are all ON SALE this week.  Be sure to check it out here!

Thank you to everyone that sent me your thoughts on a switch to Word Press!  I am probably going to make the switch in the coming months and can't wait to reveal a new layout, better photos & lots of new content!  Hope you all have an amazing weekend!



Thursday, January 19, 2017

5 Minute Makeup Routine



I do not pretend to be a beauty blogger or a makeup pro but I love to see behind the scenes on how my favorite bloggers do things.  I decided to start sharing more of how I do things through video blogs!  Today I'm sharing my 5 minute makeup routine with you all!

I hate wasted time in the mornings because I like to get my workout and some housework complete before I leave.  I need my makeup routine to be as easy as possible and I have finally found the products that work for me!  Watch the video below to see my thoughts on all of them and see the links below for the specific products.  Be sure to subscribe to my channel here so you won't miss any of my videos!


(I use medium for summer/fall and light for winter/spring)

(I use High Dive)

(I use the Secrets Out)


Do you have a fast/slow makeup routine?  Any favorite products I should be using?

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Cozy on Sale

Beanie/Boots/Scarf/Sweater
Pajamas/Slippers/Blanket

In January, give me all the cozy!!  I want to wear items that are soft, warm and cuddly.  Several great cozy items are on sale right now and I wanted to share them with you!  Any of these would be great treats for yourself or gifts for other people!

I bought those boots years ago and mine are still in perfect condition.  They are so close to Uggs and are SO much cheaper!! They are still warm and super comfy and mine have held up so well.

I never understood splurging on pajamas until I bought my first pair of PJ Salvage ones.  They are so unbelievably soft and feel great on your skin!

All of these items are perfect for this time of year!  What are your favorite cozy items?  I'm still living in this robe especially when I want to curl up on the couch and read or watch a movie.  It's not on sale but it's worth every penny!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my newest video blog!  If you haven't yet, be sure to subscribe to my channel!