Eye of the Beholder

I wanted to give this new Bachelorette a try! I was interested to see what type of guy she would be interested in this season. Her first rose went to a guy named Bryan who is a doctor and spoke to her in a foreign language upon meeting her.

They basically had their tongues down each others’ throats right away!! Slow your roll!!

It got me thinking about what makes us be most attracted to someone. Obviously we are visual creatures and our first instinct is to judge appearance before knowing someone. All of those interpretations definitely change for the better or worse after getting to know that person’s personality. I’ve made a very scientific (I’m telling you!!) observation that people tend to marry someone who looks very similar to their facial features.

It is startling when you really pay attention to it. I can usually determine if the couple will last according to their looks and I’m usually not far off base. I guess you tend to be drawn to someone similar to you.

I don’t think Rachel, the bachelorette, will choose Bryan but he is definitely a cutie!

Attraction comes from so much more than appearance, though. For me personally, confidence is key and voice is very important. I was talking with a friend the other day who said a guy was so cute and then he opened his mouth to speak and she said “ooooohhhh okay!”. I definitely feel that a voice can change your opinion quickly before you even listen to the words that they say to you.

                                     

(YES!!!!!)

Confidence is sexy. A quiet confidence. I am instantly turned off by men and women (as friends) if they feel a need to brag to me (if you need to say it then who you trying to convince?) and if they put themselves down to me as well.

I’m not sure what Rachel will want in a mate but I’d imagine someone independent and successful like she is being a lawyer and single lady. I always find passion very attractive in a person. My husband hears often after an interview that he is SO passionate about his job. He definitely is and I love hearing him talk about things he cares a lot about. Passion shows drive and if that person is a go-getter then they will strive to also make their mate happy!

We have a long season so hopefully Rachel will stay true to herself and not get caught up in the easy part of it all but really dig deeper with the guys she has to date. Wouldn’t it be fun and nerve wracking to be in her shoes?

Let me know your thoughts. I REFUSE each year to look at the final pick but I’m going to say that I believe she will choose…

 or

either Eric or Peter…strictly due to my research of the face. I say the high cheek bones and the space between the teeth due to me not knowing much about their personalities yet. Who does she chose? Who do you like? I might change my mind on that prediction next week but I’m sticking to it for now.

AND my  husband shaved his head last night (well we both shaved his head)…but I wanted him to. He was losing his hair and made it a few weeks shy of 30. Of course he blames me for the hair loss but he knew what he was getting into with a girl like me. Or it could just be due to us having 3 small children! Some days it is crazy, ya’ll! But regardless I think he looks super handsome.  I LOVE rubbing the shaved head. Love is in the eye of the beholder :)

Have an awesome weekend!
Xoxo,

DBH

Summer Kick-Off

It didn't hit me until Monday that it is officially summer time. My two littlest ones are out and my oldest will have completed kindergarten next week.

Cecilia was happy to throw up her deuces to pre-school and excited to hang with me for a few months before she starts kindergarten.

We enjoyed our neighborhood pool this weekend but also got a taste of reality. We have had a family emergency and a life or death situation in our close family. Thankfully things are improving and I won't go into detail on it but it certainly puts things into perspective. You only get one life so we have to express our love to those around us and be thankful for each other and for this life.

We are supposed to be going to our family beach house next weekend for our beach week but that may be cancelled. We have two other beach trips planned, though. Patrick and I will be at the beach alone from a Wednesday to a Sunday and I really can't believe it. I can't believe I will be able to have an actual vacay with no little people to watch. AWESOME!

We also always go on vacation with my parents and have SO much fun. My parents are a lot of fun and they are very hands on with our kiddos so that will be something to look forward to in July.

Patrick and I both turn 30 soon and we are thinking that our gift will be a trip to Texas to visit our close friends. We have not booked our flights because we are still trying to sell our home. We just need to do one thing at a time. Our life is so busy so we do try to take things slow. We have had great feedback and lots of showings. I think God's timing is just not our timing and we are just being patient that he has a greater plan for us and the family that will get this awesome house.

The children have a few summer camps and vacation bible school. Patrick and I will aim to teach a class during VBS together.

We will have many carowinds, park, pool, and cookouts to enjoy over the next two to three months.

So thankful for this time with my littles.

Have a great week! I usually leave a fun song so I will add that below ;)

xoxo,

Dana

Things I'm loving lately...

Hi friends! It's been a bit since I've posted so I apologize. It's been a bit crazy. I feel like our summer just teeming with events and trips and I couldn't be more excited!! And, I turn T H I R T Y this summer. Woah. The year just started, and I feel like in a blink we'll be back at Christmas. Anyways, here is some things I have been loving lately.

{source}

O N E
I have been loving this cleanser. It literally just melts off your make up. And it is fragrance free and also free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. I also picked up this serum to help calm this skin of mine.

T W O
Has anyone started watching "Anne with an E" on Netflix? It is so cute. It is about Anne of Green Gables. I am on episode 3, and it has made me laugh so much. Also, if any of the readers here are Bloodline followers... the final season comes back NEXT weekend!!! It's going to be crazy for sure.

T H R E E
I got this sunscreen in an Influenster box for review. It is AWESOME. I have been singing its praises. It goes on nicely and actually dries. It's not the least bit greasy and doesn't even smell like sunscreen. It is PERFECT for under make up or even out at the pool/beach. I'm obsessed.

F O U R
I'll be in the office in Spartanburg next week. I recently picked up a few things from Loft and can't wait to wear work clothes. Don't get me wrong; I love working from home, but I miss getting dressed up everyday.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of their week and awesome weekend.

xoxo,
Haley 

Ain't No HOOD like MotherHOOD

At the young age of 23 I found myself expecting my first little one. I lost that baby. I wanted to be a wife and mother my whole life and knew I would be at a young age. Looking back now, I was too young. I pray my daughter will not have kids that soon.



Being a mom is tough. It is amazing. It is fun. It is the circle of life and I am beyond blessed and thankful for three precious, healthy little ones.



But real talk, I have my days when I wonder what other paths would be like and then I take one glimpse into those big blue, big green, or big brown eyes and I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be!!



I've learned a lot in a short amount of time. I can tell you one thing....mothering one child, even two is ENTIRELY different than mothering 3. Mothering 4 kids....I don't even know what to tell you besides I hope you have some good help sister!



I always think I'm not like regular moms...I'm a cool mom (what movie?). I think the fact that I'm more laid back helps out a lot. I definitely recommend to all my new mothers to find outlets. I'm not just talking about people. People can listen but you have to learn to express yourself outside of those little people who you absolutely adore.



I love to blog. I love to write. I love to be creative so I am currently typing this with a crown & sprite (brought to me by PDaddy) and listening to my favorite songs. It's my thing and I love to workout and run. That is my other escape. My mood differs when I don't let out that energy and it is in a way my therapy.



One of my biggest complaints about mothers is that they don't take time for themselves. For Mother's Day, I asked for a girls' night. I am heading to the Pump House Restaurant with two friends for a nice dinner tonight. Besides a little time away, I am just thankful for some handmade school cards which were hilarious. Did you know I am 155 years old?



I hope all the mother's have a blessed holiday! You only get one Mama and you should cherish her. If you have a mom who isn't the greatest then I would say that there must be a woman in your life who possesses the qualities you admire and she is your woman this holiday.



I'm thankful for my woman, little Debbie Cake. I'm thankful God has entrusted me at a young age with three children all very close in age. He clearly has more faith and trust in me than I do. I am thankful for Patrick being a great Dad because it takes a village to raise children.



If you aren't a mother yet then I say enjoy your free time and know that there is no HOOD like that of MotherHOOD!!!!!



Love,

Dana



Enjoy the song below! One of my FAVORITES!!!!!

May, Really?

Time escapes me. How is it May? In a matter of weeks my kids will all be out of school for summer and we will be busy with pool days, summer camps, beach trips, and a lot of outdoor meals!

We had the absolute best time with our crew in Charleston last weekend!!

I've met a lot of people after college and some I've kept around and can see the long term but they are few and far between. You have to be selective and find your ride or dies like these good folks, ha. I think as you mature you just really like quality and try to avoid the social climbers!

Speaking of climbing...I had my first camping outdoors experience. It wasn't anything to brag about. I think the fall would be better. But, look at me and CC doing our country girl thang!!

We've been busy w/ the kids a lot lately. Whit was terrific kid for the month of May!

These kids. They have been keeping me on my toes lately! They are STAGE FIVE CLINGERS. One of these gals on the blog was saying yesterday how hard it is to stay home with the kids. It definitely can be like that. I always think "Mama said there'd be days like these!" Not every day can be awesome. Some days are just days and some days you might want to lock yourself in your room.

I did get to have a very fun day yesterday! I got to meet the REAL DEAL Evander Holyfield and go to a Gala for the Boys & Girl's Club!

 My sweet MAMA

I never shared which long dress I chose. I went with Lavender....I can do black any time even though the black was killer. The lavender needed no alterations and us short girls almost always have to get alterations! Fit like a glove! I also saw a celebrity who had this AMAZING handbag. It was blinged out and had her married name on it. I looked it up and it was $4,000!!!! I knew I wanted a little silver bag and needed one in general. I did a lot of research and literally told myself I had to spend only $25! Well that is HARD! I found an adorable silver with a tassel from target and got it shipped for $14 and got my name on it! See below!

I thought I did pretty good for a quick find! She can have her $4,000 bag! Even if I could get a bag that costly, I would never do it. I'd feel too guilty. There are way more important things I could do with that money and PLENTY of people you could help instead of a bag. I always feel that I'd be that celebrity in the bargain dresses to help out my regular sisters but you'd read about my charities. At least I'd hope I'd be that way!

I ramble. I need to go get a few things done! Everyone have a blessed week!!!

xoxo,

dana