God Doesn't Make Mistakes

My kids may not have understood my need to play this song in the car! Ha Ha! I'm experiencing life as a single mom to 3 little ones for 5 days. Oddly enough I've had two other friends who had two nights alone and they have been in contact about the struggle being REAL.

I will say so far I'm very impressed with how I'm doing but I will say it is lonely. It is weird. I think if you are used to it then it is your normal but I've never even been away from Patrick for 5 days and we have been married 7 years this month.

So lets all take a moment to bow down to the single moms and dads and all those who have husbands in service. I literally praise you. I get the comment a lot...oh you are a supermom...I will say I'm striving for my A game because it is my personality but I am far from a super mom. I make mistakes daily but I do hold myself and children to high standards. But we can make mistakes, God doesn't.

We made it out the door, in the cold, to church this morning. We even started the morning with fun foods. I used to always document my fun foods for the kids and I did this morning and even started an album of ones I've done. Here is this mornings and a few of my favorites.

I clearly enjoy this and I hope it is something my kids will always remember from their childhood.

So we got a little bit of a disappointing snow storm yesterday but nonetheless we got to get out and play in it and I even braved taking my three to a Winthrop Basketball game. My hubby is having a grand time at the Clemson National Championship Game in Tampa. I hope he loves me for this lol. I'm SO happy for him but I just can't wait to kiss him all over. We need him!!

This morning at church was nice to have some quiet time and the sermon was great. Rev Rett talked about baptisms. We as Methodist believe in all baptisms. My three children were baptized very early on as infants...usually within 4-8 weeks old. I personally would prefer my child to baptized as early as possible in case of death (I know that is difficult to talk about.).

I, however, was 9 years old and I went (my little shy self) right up to the Preacher (Baptist) and told him I was ready to be baptized. It was my decision and I recall it very vividly. But today, we discussed how a baptism isn't a DECISION. It is God's and all God's. I may have RECOGNIZED that I was God's but my baptism was all His. Regardless if you are baptized as an infant or an adult, God does NOT make mistakes. You are His and you are surrendering to the Lord. Now, the time that you DECIDE and ACCEPT that is up to you. It can be in your confirmation or dedication to fulfill your duties as a child of God. I believe as a parent, I also baptize my child after birth to yet again illustrate this is GOD'S CHILD and God simply blessed me with the child to care for on Earth.

I'm sure my words are not perfect in describing this for all of the Methodist church but it is where my thoughts are right now. I just enjoyed listening to Rett because it is a topic that comes up at times for those who don't quite understand how you can believe in infant baptisms and also recognize adult baptisms. Some think a person should DECIDE to be baptized. You don't decide. You are God's so you aren't all of a sudden deciding to be His. The most important fact is that you are baptized before the end of your life. You are God's child and the only thing you can DECIDE is if you will be a disciple of Christ and walk the path he has paved for you.

I guess I needed some adult conversations and thoughts apart from kid stuff.

Anyways, my Harris Teeter fast lane groceries are being worked on and it might be a jammies and movie kind of night before we start another week.

Hope everyone has a fun week! Go Tigers!! I have a good feeling they are going to bring it home!

Love,
Dana

New Year, New Me, New Last Name!

As we all look forward to a new year I can't help but look back on the last 12 months and how busy of a year it was! I moved twice within my own city, met the love of my life and best friend, took on two senior living communities in my job, got certified in LSVT BIG, traveled to Austin, TX/Florida and MANY mountain weekends, got engaged, came out OK from hurricane Matthew and somehow have made a good dent in wedding planning all while attempting to keep up with all the other things in life ;) There are a few things that come to mind looking forward that I would like to do more of/or better for this upcoming year!
1. Read more! I have so many books I've started or wanted to start and just don't make time for myself on a daily basis to do this. I get busy with work or wedding planning or really anything and this hobby tends to come last!
2. Paint/distress furniture. I got an Annie Sloan starter kit for my birthday and LOVE the look of distressed furniture even bought a few project pieces.....now if I could dedicate some time to explore this new hobby I am certain I will LOVE it.
3. Manage stress better. This is a BIG one for me! I tend to be a perfectionist and get upset when things do not work out right. Shockingly so far I have not felt this way about wedding planning though there is a lot of time left not to mention the day of. I want to start thinking more positively and less worrisome and learn to go with the flow just a little more. I know I am not alone on this one but gosh its so frustrating when you work so hard and plans dont work out lol! I want to get back into using exercise as my stress reliever because I truly feel better afterwards.

2017 is going to be a big year around here! Four short months and not only will we be 1/3 through the new year but I will have a new last name and on my new adventure as MRS. O'BARR. I am so looking forward to not only the big day in April but spending time with all my closest girlfriends in March to do some celebrating! So here's to a new year, a less stressed me, more hobbies, and a new last name!

Improvements

2016 was a very busy year (shock!). I feel as my boys get older they just get busier :) Can I get an amen?

I was fortunate enough to have a few weeks off of work during Christmas. My husband was also off of work during that time (yeah!!) and it really was nice to have us ALL home. (For those of you who know this is pretty rare) We were even able to get out on a few dates! Other than a very unfortunate timing stomach bug we all enjoyed some much needed down time filled with movies, popcorn, Christmas lights, parades, baking, time with family, and play dates with friends. Here are a few pics :)

Time with cousins! Aren't my nieces the cutest?

Christmas Eve Church Service

Happy New Year!

As I reflect on 2016 I remain in awe and humbled by the unnumbered blessings we have. We had a great year filled with lots of laughs, some tears, and lots of fun! We did have a fun year, but there are still several things I want to work on. I don't really like the word "resolutions". I don't know why it just seems to hold a negative connotation for me. Instead, I like to have "improvements" or a few things in my life to improve. Below is my list:

Read the Bible more: I know there are a lot of really good devotions out there but I sometimes get overwhelmed with the choices and so I decided to just spend time in the WORD to really help enrich my bible knowledge.

Learn to cut hair: Now...I know what you're thinking and no, I'm not enrolling in cosmetology school but....I am going to teach myself to cut my boys hair. Does anyone else have trouble finding the right place/person to cut your kids hair? I have gone to countless places and nobody really cuts it just the way I like it. I said to myself, "Self...why are you paying all this $ on haircuts you don't even like?" So...I went out and purchased some nice shears and clippers and am going to teach myself. I know it will take a few botched haircuts to get the hang of it but...let's face it...they're boys...they don't care :) Does anyone have any good youtube videos I can check out? Wish me luck on this one!

Focus on ME! One thing I came out of 2016 thinking was that I spent a lot of my time focusing on a lot of different things...the main things being my husband, my children, work, family, etc (not in any particular order). You know the one thing missing on that list...ME :) Now don't get me wrong I LOVE my family and LOVE being a wife, mom and homemaker and all that it entails but I found that I was starting to lose myself in it all. We just didn't stop...constantly busy and constantly focusing on making others happy. As selfish as it sounds I'm going to really work towards focusing more time on me and doing things that make me happy. It will be a delicate balance but am really going to try and make the effort.

Cut the SNACKS! Ya'll....what is it about snacking? Ugh...it gets me everyday! Especially at night! #struggleisreal I'm really going to work towards cutting out unhealthy snacks and try to either replace them with healthy ones or cut completely and replace with water. This will be a big struggle (pray for me!) Any tips?

Happy New Year!

xoxo
Katherine

Getting Back on Track

If you're like everyone else out there, we are all trying to start the new year off right eating healthy and exercising. We will see how long it lasts in our house :) Nick did drag me out yesterday for a 3 mile run and I'm already feeling it. Its a start though. 

Eating healthy definitely requires some work. I'm not going to pretend its easy. But its worth it. You feel better and there is no better feeling than fitting into your skinny jeans. Nick and I like to follow the Whole30 diet (as a general guideline). We don't do everything in that diet but I believe cutting out dairy and unnecessary chemicals is key to becoming the best you. If you can't pronounce the ingredient, you probably shouldn't be eating it. Stick to that and you will be on your way to healthy. I've complied tons of recipes that are Whole30 approved here on my Pinterest board. 

Here are a couple of things I do on a weekly basis to stay on track:

1. Meal Planning

Every week after the kids have gone to bed or during nap time, I will sit down with a piece of paper and write out the days of the week and start filling in what I'm going to make each day. I use Pinterest for most of my recipes. I also use the Skinnytaste cookbook for a lot (minus the dairy). 

2. Online Grocery Shopping

If you're not grocery shopping online, you're seriously missing out! I use both Walmart online grocery and Harris Teeter here in Charleston. Walmart online grocery is free and is great for staple products like paper towels, toilet paper, cereals, etc. I use Harris Teeter to get our produce. 

3. Snack Prep

If there is one thing that drags me off course is when I get hungry and grab the kids snacks. Its so hard to not eat their food. I've even gone so far as to put all their food on one shelf and thats the NO NO shelf. hahaha But seriously, grab some zip lock bags and cut up carrots, celery, cucumbers, & sugar snap peas to have on hand. If you're a dip person, check out this amazing Ranch dip from the Whole30 diet. You will wonder why you ever ate the full fat stuff in the first place. 

These are just a few things that help keep us on track. I am in no means a health expert and absolutely have my ups and downs. We don't follow this diet to a T and when I'm craving a burger I let myself have it. You have to live a little! 

Since its in the mid 70s today here in Charleston I thought I'd leave you with one of my favorite Gazpacho recipes for warmer weather. This recipe is from The South Beach Diet and its so delicious you will seriously be craving it no matter if its warm or cold outside. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Rachel 

Guest Post: Life Between Lunch Breaks

Hi there! I’m April from Life Between Lunch Breaks where I occasionally rarely  blog from time to time about being a working mom. I’m a wife to my college sweetheart, a mom to a 2.5-year-old independent little lady and the sweetest 1-year-old little man you ever did meet. I’m a marketing professional who loves Jesus, enjoys binge watching TV shows, party planning and a good hard cider. The lovely ladies from The Dainty Details asked me to guest blog today and I was happy to oblige!

With the New Year holiday and celebrations this upcoming weekend I’ve been thinking about 2016 as whole--- this past year has been a growing year for me as a wife and mother. Here are a few gems I’ve learned over the past year:

1.     You think you’re tired and that one kid is such a handful until number two comes along. When we had our daughter, I had this notion that I couldn’t do ANTYHING unless she was napping or sleeping that all my attention should be focused on her. I also thought that one child was such a handful, that my time was stretched so thin between mom duties, being a wife, household chores, etc. that I couldn’t be more tired and then we had the Coop man. Two kids are literally life-changing my friends. You don’t know busy, sleep deprived or the easiness of one child until you have two kids but you don’t know it until it actually happens.

2.     The sheer volume of stuff I can get done now that I’m a parent is insane. I had a conversation with some friends a few weeks ago about how it used to take all weekend to just clean the house and now I can get the house in working order, fold a load of laundry and load the dishwasher all during one nap time frame. I think I {and all other women} became wonder-woman when that tiny human exited your body.

3.     As a working mom, leave the office at the office. Now I know that being a stay at home mom is a full time job, it’s a job I’ve experienced since I’ve always been a working mother and I probably never will. What I do know is that I work two full time jobs, one is as a marketing professional by day and the other is as a homemaker and wife to my husband and mom to two tiny humans. My husband wonders where my brain is all the time, it’s going in about 50 different directions thinking about: my clients, am I getting a bonus, dinner, what groceries we need, taking the bottles away from Cooper because he’s one now, did I handle that client situation incorrectly earlier today, plans that weekend, when is nap time, who needs laundry done, did the dog get fed, is Cree going through a growth spurt will she need new clothes.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the craziness and I wouldn’t trade it for anything but it can be very tiring at times and I’ve had to learn to balance it. Leave work thoughts behind when I’m home and focus on what matter most, my role as wife and mom.

4.     You MUST make your spouse a priority. When you first have a baby, all you think about it is that baby and sometimes your spouse takes a backseat. You have to learn to balance it as a wife and mother. It’s taken some time for me to get this but our house is much happier when we get to have some quality time together because after all he was the priority before the kids. We try to get out of the house for a date at least once a month, go on parent-only vacations, watch our DVR shows together after the kids go to bed and give each other a break every few weeks for some alone time recharging with our friends.  We can and are better parents when we make our marriage a priority.

I don’t know about you but I don’t know normally make resolutions per say for the New Year but I do have some goals I’d like to accomplish during 2017:

1.     De-clutter our house and simplify.  I want to get rid of the excess stuff in our house, we still have a ton of baby stuff, clothes the kids have grown out of--- this is all taking up space in our house and I want to simplify our home.

2.     Blog More. I want get back into blogging more frequently as writing is a passion of mine, it’s a great stress relief outlet and I need to have more extracurricular activities other than watching tv.

3.     Volunteer at Church. Pre-Kids I volunteered at church with bringing in food for the volunteer team and I’d like to get back to doing something at church more so with Children’s church though. This kind of goes back to the things I’ve learned this year about time but I have more time and I should use it to help further the Kingdom.

I hope you have a great New Years celebration, hug the ones you love and if you’re living that #momlife go get your nails done and have a cold one because you’re doing great momma!

(If you would like to guest post on our blog then we would love that! -xoxo Dana)

2017 -- My Resolutions

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I thought I would share my resolutions for this year. I will probably detail out our Christmas time over on my personal blog this week since I have let that fall to the wayside a bit. Join me sometime if you'd like.

Dana challenged all of us girls to write our resolutions down and when you think about it, it's a great way to keep yourself accountable. So without further ado, here are mine.

O N E
Complete a daily devotional for 2017. I know that there are so many out there. What are a few of your favorites?

T W O
Work out at least 3-4 days a week. I am signed up for Camp Gladiator (& have been working out with them for a couple months), and we kick back off in January with regularly scheduled programming. The holidays were scaled back a bit. This is really a lot of weight based training which in all honesty, I crave. So let's include getting stronger in this too.

T H R E E
Lay off the sweets. Eat more healthy protein & veggies. We are not big red meat eaters in our house to begin with but more protein in general I think is needed. #gainz

F O U R
Run at least 1-2 half marathons this year. What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment.

F I V E
I have some unspoken resolutions/wishes for this year that I need not broadcast to the world. The people who know, know. And I'll keep it at that. ;)

Excuse the language, but yes! But I do think you should share to help keep you accountable and let others know to help you with your accountability.



xoxo,
Haley

2017 Better Work

The days between Christmas and New Years are always a little strange. I still don't know what day it is and what I should be doing exactly. We can't wait to get to the Farm this weekend for New Years!

We had the best Christmas!!! Here are a few photos to recap our Christmas festivities!!

Christmas Eve Service

(Cecilia is the Angel at the Bottom and Whit is the

Shepherd at the Bottom)

 (My Built in Best Friend!)

 (Our Annual Hamilton Photo)

 (Christmas Jammies & a LOT of lil Hams!)

 (Assembly 2016)

 (Handsome Hubby)

 (Christmas in Chester)

 (Christmas Bling!!)

 (3 lil Hams)

I'm sad to see Christmas go but I think the one thing that eases the disappointed is the thought of a new beginning. A New Year brings new expectations. Judging from the memes I've been seeing on Instagram (I live for the funny memes!) 2016 was a disappointing year for many. I wouldn't say disappointing but I'd say it was a different year- ha!

I tried to form my own list of things I would like to aim to accomplish or do and we shall see if I do these things.

1. Girl's Trip in the Spring (this is already booked and we are excited for Alison's Bachelorette weekend and a reason to get away and have a great time!)
2. FINALLY completely decorate the Guest Suite. We have this terrific downstairs bedroom and huge bath that rarely gets used. I have gradually added to it but I'm taking the time to get it just right this year!
3. Bikini Fitness Competition....I already walked across a stage in a bikini and rocked that so lets just get muscles and do it all over again. So much easier said than done! Oh my!
4. More Date Nights
5. Teach kids to ride bikes with no training wheels
6. Print more photos and organize those photos
7. Grow my hair long again! (Already working on that!!!)
8. Now that Brandon is potty trained...teach him to stand up and go HAHA and Potty Train ROCCO!!!!
9. Run a Half Marathon (Haley???) I know I will at least run a race or two but maybe my first half?
10. Pray more

What is your list? Mine are super random but I came up with them quickly. I saw this tonight and thought I'd end with this!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Dana

Merry Christmas!!

It's the Monday before Christmas, can you believe it?! I hope you all have finished your Christmas shopping and the least you have left to do is wrap. And let's be honest, that can be fun right? I think so at least. I have mentally checked out even though I have 2.5 days left. We fly to North Carolina on Thursday morning. We will also get to see Daniel, Lauren, and Stella Grace on Friday in the mountains for a little visit. To say we are excited is an understatement.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! We hope you have wonderful time spent with your family. 

xoxo,
Haley

My Stash

(Here is Rocco, my boyfriend, bc he is SO dang cute! Now back to topic ha!)

Why do we have so many products and things??? Being a woman is totally ridiculous!

But here I am....

I get asked a lot about my eye make-up (don't judge the above Tired Mom photo lol). So I was going to share a few of my favorite things as of right now.

Clearly Vaseline is my thing so that is always included lol....can they just get me to promote them lol!!!

I am obsessed with cream eye liner now. I just started using it for the first time. It lasts all day and does not move!!! I use a tiny brush to brush it on. At first I'd always tell make-up artists NO, I don't have time or patience for that. Well I love it so much. I do it in black of course but I do use a copper color pencil liner on my bottom lashes and then I use a little black pencil to fill in on the top because your lashes look thicker when you fill it in. The cream eyeliner is great for a cat eye. I wish I had cute photos to show you but sometimes I can nail the cat eye. My friend Lacy and I always say we do a cat eye to look younger and bring your eyes up!!

I always do a pretty neutral eye shadow all over (I have large eyes so that means a lot of space for art!!). My new favorite color is Burgundy Chic by Merle Norman as my darker color. It is AWESOME. I'm guilty of doing 3 or 4 eyeshadows at a time but I never do when I use burgundy chic.

Anyone who knows my daughter Cecilia knows she puts the SASS IN SASSY!!! Girl gets it honest. She is getting her own vanity with a little stool and her own make-up to get ready in her closet. She is fabulous at four. Cecilia loves the Urban Decay Glitter Liners. (Expensive taste). She will do a line for a little sparkle or we will just color her whole eye with it, haha. I am sharing this because I LOVE sparkle and I do this above my cream eye liner and always notice people staring at my eyes then. Grab one ladies from Ulta!

I started trying a new mascara too! I try many mascaras. My favorite, I've said before, is Better Than Sex Mascara. But, I wanted to try Too Faced "Better Than False Lashes." It is a three step process. Nuts I know but it doesn't take long at all. I was intrigued because it has actual fibers you put on your lashes. I am still not certain it is worth $35 when I can get Better Than Sex for a little cheaper but it is pretty good so far. I've only used twice so I can't tell you yet. What's your favorite??? I'm always looking for a good one!!!

Lastly, I know it is winter and some ladies skip on shaving all the time but this girl, I can't. I have a weird thing about feeling hair anywhere on me. I can't deal. So, I shave every day. To keep my skin soft and not dry, though, I only use EOS shaving cream now. It is my favorite. I can't stand skintimate and those others now. Just thought I would share if you haven't tried that one.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! We are going to celebrate a beautiful debutante in the family so that means we get to get ALL dressed up! We can't wait to dance and enjoy a yummy dinner and drinks.

Here is  CIRCA 2007 of my husband, Patrick, and I as he presented me as a debutante. I know the dresses these days are going to be way more fabulous!! I'm excited!!!

Kisses,

Dana

Santa baby...

One thing I've noticed that we haven't covered yet this Christmas season is what's on OUR list. It's always fun to make your Christmas list. Honestly, this year, I could care less because I am just excited to spend Christmas with my parents, grandparents, sister & brother in law...in the MOUNTAINS. Hoping for a white Christmas! Anyways, I thought I'd share what's on my list this year.

{1} Sephora & Nordstrom gift cards? Yes. This is easy and makes me HAPPY.

{2} This shampoo & conditioner combo is AWESOME. They use this on me at my salon & it smells so good. They also make a smoothing oil that you can use wet or dry. I am almost out so a repurchase is necessary. These are on the pricey end but would be great gifts if it's not something you would normally spend on yourself. Oh, and Davines products smell AWESOME!

{3} I think every blogger in the history of blogging has one of these. I haven't gotten one yet but would like one. I have been using a similar one by Olay but I am ready to upgrade.

{4} This hat. Total splurge! But I tried it on in Nordstrom a while back and now I'm obsessed!!

{5} I have been eying some Beats by Dre. These gold and white Bluetooth headphones are awesome (and so pretty) but quite a splurge. In reality, the Bluetooth ear buds are more practical. I always stop and listen with these when we are in Target or Best Buy. I think they have great sound. The headphones are SUPER comfy too.

{6} Lastly, this is mainly for both me and my husband. We LOVE coffee & it is one of our favorite things to do here in Austin on the weekends. We love to go try different coffee shops and compare lattes/cappuccinos/etc. This is a pretty likely purchase for us with those after Christmas sales.

So what's on your list this year? I like hearing about others' Christmas lists and how they differ so much from person to person. I always love getting the texts too, "What did you get?!" I hope y'all have a great Monday. Be sure to let us know what's on your list.

xoxo,
Haley

End of a Chapter

         I'm so thankful for my babies. When I was in college, I went to the doctor because I was having some pain standing up at the USC football games. She told me that it would be very difficult for me to have children. I was taken back. Children weren't even on my mind. I was 19 years old and knew I wanted quite a few but I was only worried about my classes and the next party I would attend. After getting married, Patrick understood I wanted to try early on in the case that it would take awhile since I have PCOS. I got pregnant quickly with the help of some medicine. I then had a miscarriage early on and feared that would be our future. I was so determined that I ignored the doctors wishes and didn't wait three months to try again. We tried right away and I was pregnant again the next month with Whit!

I thought about all of that today as I packed up the diapers that I no longer need because my third and final baby is potty trained. That is also quite amazing!! I'm excited to end my chapter of late nights, breastfeeding, changing diapers, high chairs, and all that goes along with the younger tots. I'm unbelievably thankful for my sweet Brandon and his determination to master this skill quickly. I never for once take my babies for granted but I'm excited for the next stage of them getting a little more independent and being able to observe their growth. Whit is starting to take showers and told me the other day he is going to marry a little girl named Abby in his class and they will have babies and I will be the grandmother. I'm not quite ready for that chapter son!!!

Christmas is only 20 days away and after that will be the big 2017 and everyone sets goals or expectations for the next year. Our family always has a theme. In the past we had 'Year of Change', 'Year of Fun', 'Year of Simplicity'....I'm not sure what this year was...maybe we forgot to title it, ha ha!

I'm thinking this year may be the 'Year of Health.' That can mean so much. My new girlfriend Sherri, what a sweet heart, has committed to a fitness competition with me in the Fall. I have NO IDEA if I will be ready for that but we are committed to holding each other accountable. Even if I don't get that "look",  it is a great goal for any mom. Patrick is also more committed to his fitness too. He is enjoying working out but it is SO hard because he has to work all day and then come home to all of us! But I think 'health' means more than working out and eating right but focusing on your mental health and happiness. This weekend was the perfect example of that when we could breath in the fresh air and enjoy each other with little distraction.

I am getting better at saying no to things and I think we have become a little more selfish with our time and who we will allow to truly be in our lives. I don't know if that is what we will decide as the "theme" but that is definitely my focus.

I will leave you with a photo we had on our Christmas Card!! I'm already thinking of fun ideas for next year and Prince Rocco can join in!

Make it a great week!

Love,
Dana

Happiness is extra dessert.

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Holiday happenings are getting into full swing around here. Just counting down the days until I get to see my momma & daddy on the 22nd. We had B's Christmas party this weekend and it was of course so much fun. In Texas, when men dress up, It usually consists of their boots, dark jeans, collared shirt and blazer. Y'all, let me just tell you something...ANY man can pull that off and LAWD HAVE MERCY!!!! Sorry, my husband was looking good & you would have thought he was a Texas boy all his life. It just looks so manly I think. I don't know. Super attractive to me. Ok, I'll stop. I opted for leather pants & a blouse this year because it was rainy and COLD. Of course, I had green earrings to bring in the festiveness. This picture was obviously BEFORE the Marozas' tore up the dance floor. We just can't help it. 

We decided with our neighbors to have a tacky Christmas sweater/holiday baking day that we will do in about 2 weeks. I am so excited because baking really is my favorite. So, I wanted to get some ideas from y'all. We can all scour Pinterest and find desserts but I love to hear about traditional family desserts (if you can share them...some are secret I know.) Do y'all have baking days with your family or kids? I seriously cannot wait because sweets are my #1 weakness. Please share your recipes or just holiday traditions in general if you don't mind.

Hope y'all have a great week!

With love from Texas,
Haley

Confessions

Who else has been INSANELY busy during the Thanksgiving Holiday and with the Christmas season underway!?!

I have almost addressed all our Christmas cards and I just need to decorate the outside of our home.

We made our big announcement.....We have a new member of the family!!!

Meet Rocco (Brandon calls him Roc Roc)

To be completely honest, I don't even like animals that much (don't judge me...I'm being honest! These are my confessions). But I knew I would bond with him and I feel every kid deserves a pet. He is great and really tiny. He is a Yorkie and will be at max 5 lbs. I bought him some doggy cologne and he has some clothes. Fun little guy!

Patrick and I got to enjoy a fun adult night at his cousin's wedding this past weekend. It was fabulous and the band was AMAZING!!!!!!! A band will make or break a wedding. Our band was called U-Neek Flavur and they were INCREDIBLE. It is what I remember most about our wedding.

It was quite special to have a night away from all the kids and dance the night away with my love. Patrick loves me way more than I deserve!

But I know what everyone needs to stop loving....those colorful, patterned leggings with the big shirt over it! Haley, who I consider one of my most fashionable friends, agrees this has got to STOP! I think it is a big thing for Rock Hill ladies. Well, back in my day I was voted best dressed in high school so I think that gives me some fashion credit and I say make it stop. I know it is just a trend that will eventually fade and I can't jump on the bandwagon. Sorry to those of you who love it. Our differences make the world go round.

Lastly, I will confess that we have about 4 opportunities to be in our local parade this Friday night and declined them all. We couldn't decide so we are doing what we love (We are not huge fans of parades!!!). We are packing up early to head to our family Farm Friday and riding 4-wheelers, the mule, making a big fire, roasting marshmallows, sipping wine/whiskey, and enjoying family time. I would definitely rather do that than most things. It is cuddle weather that makes you want to enjoy those you love the most.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Love xo,

Dana

I be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness. -Fergie

Happy Cyber Monday folks! Anybody do any Black Friday shopping or have done some shopping this morning for Cyber Monday? I picked up a few presents. Can't believe December will be here Thursday!! Who ate obnoxiously for Thanksgiving?? I am raising my hand. Thanksgiving day I ate a total of 3 pieces of pie. OWNING IT, y'all. I excused it since we ran the Turkey Trot (5 miles) here in in Austin Thanksgiving morning. SO many people but it was really cool running downtown.

I have recently started a new workout routine and that is with Camp Gladiator here in Austin. I was a bit skeptical at first and kept turning down my friend to go with her. I finally went one Saturday morning and was really impressed with the workouts. First, they are outside which I LOVE. Second, they are all over the city. Third, it is a group setting and you get to meet others ranging in all different fitness levels. Currently they are in Texas, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina. For the workouts, all you need is a mat, set of weights, and a water bottle. I have been going in the mornings & evenings a few times. I will tell you a 4:50am alarm is NOT fun but when your workout is done by 6:30am...that feels awesome. We all have the same 24hrs & we are ALL busy. #NoExcuses

We always start out with a good warm up which when working out by myself I am HORRIBLE about. Each week varies on what you are doing. Last week was endurance and agility (think speed work, quick feet, quick changes in direction....almost felt like a football camp but it was FUN). This week is HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). I can tell you that this workout group has made me do more burpees & push ups that I would ever care to do butttttt it hurts so good as I like to say.  I am not good when it comes to weight training because I don't know what I am doing half the time but this is a great way to get those weights in. I can do cardio on my own anytime.

Speaking of cardio (running), I am considering another half in January. I have the itch and it gives me such an adrenaline rush...just ask my husband, Rachel, or Alison....I BAWLED across the finish line for my first half. The emotions will take over, and you absolutely cannot control them. Maybe it was because it was my first?? Who cares! But boy do you feel good!

I also figured I would share some of my favorite workout clothes. One thing I know is that if I do not feel comfortable & unrestricted in my work out clothes then there is probably a 90% chance I will NOT work out. I swear by the Champion C9 high rise workout legging & capri. They come up high...like belly button high. But if I am going to be running around, doing burpees, or lifting my arms over my head, I want everything covered & sucked in. They are by far my FAVE pants. And then in the summer, Nike Tempos are my go to!!

And one last thing, our workout leader told me about this app called WaterMinder. If you have issues with getting your water intake in during the day...download it. It's $1.99. You add in all your criteria and it calculates how much you should be drinking. And it sends reminders to drink water if it has been awhile. 

Get active y'all! November & December are the worst months for caloric intake. Walk around your neighborhood, go up and down the stairs several of times to work up a sweat, jog, walk the dog, whatever feels comfortable. As Elle Woods once said, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy."

Have a great week, y'all!!

xoxo,
Haley

The Derma Roller

Happy Monday! Have any of y'all heard of a derma roller? It apparently has been around for a little while. The idea behind the derma roller is that it is a handheld micro-needling device that helps with the stimulation of collagen growth. It is a little roller with tiny needles that you roll across a clean & sterilized face. It is important you are sterilizing your face and your roller (especially your roller afterwards) as it is making itty bitty holes in your skin and if it's not clean...girlfriend you WILL get an infection.

I tried it for the first time Saturday night. It really didn't hurt but afterwards when I put on my vitamin C serum, it was a bit uncomfortable. On Sunday morning when I got up, it felt okay. Honestly, it felt like my skin was tight like I had a sunburn but my skin felt VERY soft. Once you micro-needle and you add your serum/moisturizer, it allows for better penetration into your skin.

It also helps with any acne, scars, or fine lines you may have. The needles come in varying sizes. I started with a 0.25mm. If you roll different areas of your body, you can use bigger needles on the roller but it is important to start out small, especially for delicate skin on the face. I am anxious to see the effects it has on my face. Maybe if I'm brave I'll post before & afters sans make up? Mayyyybe.

I purchased mine on Amazon. I love that place; it has everything. Have any of you used a derma roller? I think R&F has one out now. Do you think I'm crazy? I probably am. Pain is beauty. But really it's not that bad!!

Hope y'all have a fabulous week!!

xoxo,
Haley