Beauty and The Boys

What I Wore

August 5, 2015 - Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support our family and this blog.

{My sister in law and my Hubby}

{My future sister in law and one of my brother in laws}

Last weekend we celebrated my sister in law’s birthday! I wasn’t feeling very good, but I decided to get dressed up and go visit with her and my in-laws for about half an hour until I felt bad enough that I had to go home. I adore my sister in law. I’ve known her since we were in high school together, we are the same age, and we’ve always been close! I loved that I wound up marrying her brother and we got to be family! I happen to be on lucky girl when it comes to my in-laws because, I love them all. We all get along and they are so laid back. I’m so happy I’ve been in their family for almost ten years!

Dress : I got from a garage sale for a freaking $1! I couldn’t believe it. // Earrings: Kohl’s {Similar ones here} // Lipstick is one from this post; the Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick 530D Dark Pink Frost

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Dear J. Raymond

August 4, 2015 - Leave a Comment

It’s very rare that I come across an author on Instagram that I instantly fall in love with the writers words. Being a writer myself, I know what draws me in and what doesn’t. I believe I came across one of your poems on pinterest one day and it resonated with me so much, that I had to look you up on IG to see if you were sharing your words there. I was beyond happy when I found your instagram. I spent the rest of that evening, scrolling all the way down to your very first post, and reading from bottom to top. I’ve never found a writer than I connected with their words over and over and over again. I just never thought it was possible, until I came across your words. Your writing sucked me in and when I finally caught up on all of your Instagram posts, I couldn’t wait to see what you would share next. I think it’s beautiful when a writer can share their words with the world, that’s something I still struggle with myself, and yet you do it time and time again. I’ve seen people praise you for what you say and I’ve seen people disagree with some of the things you post. That’s life though isn’t it, not everyone is going to agree with everything. You embrace that though, don’t you? I think that’s one of the things I like about you, is that you are real and raw about who you are and what you like. You believe in yourself and there is a confidence in your writing that so many poets lack.

I connect so deeply with your poems. They’ve made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, pierced straight to my heart, and sunk into my soul. They’ve made me feel alive and that my friend, takes talent. Especially for someone like me, if an authors words can make me feel alive than to me, they are one damn special writer. I reached out to you a couple of times via Instagram to thank you for a certain poem and I was blown away when you messaged me back. You are humble and that is something I hope you always hold onto. When I bought your book Spades, I was thrilled that I could send it to you to have you autograph it for me. When I got it in the mail the other day, I did a freaking happy dance. You are the first author that has ever autographed a book for me. I can’t wait to read more of your work, purchase more of your books, and continue to watch you succeed via social media.

You have a true talent Mr. Raymond. I love when writers make me feel, anything and everything, and that’s what you do. I hope you never stop writing because you were definitely born for this.

Thank you for sharing your work with the world and thank you for taking the time to interact with your fans and thank you for autographing my book!

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I like pretty lips and I can not lie

August 3, 2015 - 14 Comments

{This post contains affiliate links}

A few weeks ago I shared five of my favorite Wet N Wild Lipsticks and yesterday I shared my new love of the Younique Lucrative Lethal Red Lip Gloss {plus there is a giveaway at the end of that post}. Today, I wanted to share a few more of my other favorite lipsticks! I told you I was addicted to pretty lips, you can’t say I didn’t warn you! 😉

1. NEW Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Gloss 921A Red My Mind I absolutely love this shade of red. It’s beautiful and bold. If you are really wanting to make a statement, this is the color you need!

2. Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss, Sinless 578 This shade of pink is a very bright pale pink. I think with the right outfit, this would be the perfect color to rock!

3. I got this gorgeous shade of lip crayon in my June Ipsy Bag! I have worn it sooo many times. It is just so damn gorgeous and makes your lips look gorgeous!

4. e.l.f. Pout Perfecter, Glow, 0.31 Ounce I love this gorgeous shade called glow. I don’t normally rock a gold/brown color lipstick, but this one is so shimmery and subtle, that I love it.

5. Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick 11 Matte Caliente I have only worn this shade of red twice because, I have a couple of others that I love more, but this is another gorgeous one that is perfect for a girls night out or a fierce look at the office.

6. Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick 06 Matte Adorable This is another gorgeous shade of pink. I love wearing this soft pink with a black shirt or little black dress. It just blends sooo well!

Tell me, which one is your favorite out of these ones?!

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Simple Saturday #2

August 2, 2015 - Leave a Comment

I know it’s pretty much Sunday, but I thought better late than never, right?! If you are new to Simple Saturday. This is a post blog that you will see every Saturday, it’s a post that I want to keep things simple. Favorite posts from the week, small life update, old or recent favorite posts of mine, favorite pix, favorite things from around the blog world, my shopping wish list; all in one simple post! Lets get started!

I shared the twins eight month update on the blog! They are growing up so incredibly fast.

I shared a cleaning schedule that works so perfect for us, I love it so much that I decided to share free printables with y’all!

Now that I’m working, I decided to bring back What I Wore post so, be prepared to see some more cute outfits on the blog in the coming weeks! I opened up and shared a few things on my heart about what I hope/want the boys to know. Last, but not least, I shared my new favorite shade of red lips + an awesome Younique giveaway!

I like to glance and recent and old posts every once in awhile. Here are a couple of my favorites that I wrote, that I still love.

1. I shared five of my favorite Wet N’ Wild lipsticks! You definitely have to try them!

2.There are seven things that help me get through the day and I had to share them with you because, my life would be crazy without these things.

3. I wrote a little letter about how I love my husband even more. It’s mushy and true and filled with love.

1. It’s been a few weeks and I’m still loving my hair cut. I need to re-color it, something fun like this, and it needs a little trim, but I definitively want to keep it this way!

2. Kage got his favorite blanky wrapped around him and I couldn’t help but giggle and snap a picture before I untangled him. It just looked too cute + funny.

3. A few of my favorite finds from Target this weekend. Loooovvveee them all!

4. My new favorite necklace from Target. I want to wear it alllll the time. Wouldn’t you?! 😉

5. I’m pretty sure I’m in love with J.Raymond and I was finally able to buy his first book. I sent it to his house, he autographed it, and sent it back to me. I did a major happy dance!

This part of the post contains affiliate links.

1. I soooo want this Baby Einstein Caterpillar and Friends Play Gym for the twins! I’m hoping to get it in a couple of weeks. I think they would absolutely love it!

2. I’ve been eyeing this Graco DuoGlider Folding Double Baby Stroller w/ 2 Car Seats Travel Set|Dragonfly for awhile now and I think it’s about time I get it. I really want to start taking walks with the boys + the twins in the evenings!

3. I think this TRURENDI Trees Branches Birds White Wall Art Sticker Removable Vinyl Decal Mural Quote Home Decor DIY would be absolutely perfect in our room over our bed!!

4. The boys have bunk beds and I think they would LOVE having Marvel Spiderman Slash Comforter, Twin set on their beds! What is your little one into for bedding?

5. This Santin Art- the Cloud Tree-Modern Abstract Painting High Q. Wall Decor Landscape Paintings on Canvas 12x16inch 3pcs/set Stretched and Framed Ready to Hang is so absolutely stunning, I seriously need it hanging somewhere it my house asap!!

1. I love turning a bathroom from drab to fab, especially when it comes to organizing. I love that Kendra shows us how to do just that!

2. Are you a breastfeeding momma or do you plan on becoming one when your little one is born? Stephanie put together the perfect breastfeeding mom’s survival kit!

3. This star wars birthday party by Sarah is absolute perfection! I’m going to have to show it to my boys to see if one of them wants a star wars birthday! it’s just so cute!

Life has been pretty good and steadily busy! Working a four hour job, Monday through Friday has been a bit of a chance, but we are all adjusting nicely. It’s always making me really enjoy our weekends and making me truly cherish every second I get with my husband and kids!

How has life been for you?!

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The perfect shade of red lips + a giveaway

August 1, 2015 - 1 Comment

I was provided this lip gloss in exchange for an honest review!

I don’t know what it is about the perfect shade of lipstick that can make a girls confident fly through the roof and make her feel unstoppable, but it happens. I’ve shared my recent lipstick obsession and I now have a new ones to add to my lists. I’ve been eyeing Younique products for a little while and when a sweet friend asked me to review whatever shade I wanted, I jumped on the red train so fast, it didn’t even have time to leave the station. I couldn’t turn down the offer of reviewing a lipstick that I’ve been wanting to try since I first laid eyes on it.

It’s a gorgeous shade of red and if you’ve been following along with my lip addiction, than you know I have a thing for loud lips. This is seriously the perfect loud lips. Not only is it a gorgeous red, it’s flawless, and it actually lasts so I don’t have to sit there and re-apply it all day long! So, without further ado. I bring to you Lucrative lip gloss from Younique!

On my hand, I have the gorgeous Lucrative Lethal red lip gloss, but I totally want the other two in the picture on the left as well.

Here is a couple of other things I’ve been eyeing too!

1. Show Stopper collection.
2. Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes.
3. Splurge Cream Eye Shadow.
4. Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder. {Which comes in so many fabulous colors!}
5. Stiff Upper Lip Lip Stain.

A few rules:
* You must be 18 years old or older to enter the giveaway.
* Enter the giveaway using the rafflecopter below.
* You MUST do the mandatory entry.
* All entries will be verified.
* Once the giveaway ends – I will reach out to the winner and the winner will have 48 hours to get back to me before a new winner is chosen!
GOOD LUCK!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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What I hope they know

July 30, 2015 - 14 Comments

It’s my third week of work and I think we are finally adjusting to our new chapter of life and our new routine. While we all are adjusting pretty well, I tend to miss my boys like crazy when works slows down enough for me to really think about them. I know getting used to this schedule was a bit hard on my boys, they went from having me around all the time, to only having me around in the evenings and on the weekends. I’ve been thinking about it and there is a few things I want/hope they know.

I hope they know how I miss them. I get this ache in my heart when I slow down enough to really think about them while I’m work. When I picture all their sweet little smiles and I bring to my mind the sound of each of their beautiful laughs. I just want to grab my purse, clock out, and rush home that way I don’t have to miss another minute of missing either of those. I replay the stories they used to tell me during the day and I replay the way the twins always smile when they see. The random games of peek-a-boo, piggy back rides, coloring, and playing outside; things that I only get to enjoy for a short time after work and on the weekends. Going from being able to hear and do those things anytime of the day, to a limited time, it really takes a toll on a momma. I hope they know that I think of all of that and I can’t wait to walk through the door and see them.

I hope they know that when they see me after I’ve been gone all day, those smiles that light up all of their faces, the chorus of mommy and baby sounds washes over me, and my heart rejoices. Finally, all those hours I spent missing them and wishing for those moments, I now have the minute I walk through the door. I hope they know how much I truly cherish the time we get to spend together as family now. I can’t explain it, but it’s different than when I was always around them. Now I get it, now I get what it’s like to only have x amount of hours in a day, and you don’t find me wishing for bedtime anymore.

I hope they know that when life got hard and it was time for mommy to step up to the late to do what is best for our family I did it without a second thought. I knew this was going to be a new chapter in our lives and while their our days that I just don’t know if I can be away from them any longer, I stepped up to the plate, and I know it is the right thing to do. I hope that encourages them and that one day they understand and appreciate the sacrifice I made for our family.

I hope they know how much I love them and I hope they don’t feel like I abandoned them, especially the babies, who have been with me everyday since coming home from nicu. Kade wasn’t too happy about me working at first, I could tell in the way his attitude change, but I think he’s finally coming around that mommy isn’t gone forever, just short periods of time. I hope they know that I cherish our family swim in the evenings, our relaxing evenings, and spending as much time with them as I can.

I hope they know that I am doing this for them, no matter how bad it hurts me to be away from them, I’m doing it, and I hope one day they will respect that and look at me with a sort of awe, that mommy stepped up when our family needed her the most.

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What I Wore

July 29, 2015 - 2 Comments

Shirt : Walmart // Jeans : Stitch Fix // Shoes : Walmart

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Cleaning Schedule + a free print

July 24, 2015 - 17 Comments

Now that I can actually clean without it killing my back, I just knew I had to come up with a cleaning schedule that worked for our family. When you have four kids, your home can get messy fast! Once I realized that I needed to stick to a semi-loose type of cleaning schedule, things started running much smoother and the house is staying clean! Now that I’m working outside of the home, that cleaning schedule is even more important than it was before. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to come home after work and pick up on cleaning where Hubby left off, and wind up feeling like I’m spending all evening cleaning instead of playing with my little guys and spending time with my husband. This schedule works for us and I hope if you implement it into your routine, that it will work for you too!

This part contains affiliate links.

I printed off one of each and then slipped them into a sheet protector. Not only is it protecting the paper from get ruined, I don’t have to print out a bunch of copies this way. I just use dry erase markers, and then wipe it off when I’m done! Here is an example of what a week of cleaning looks like using this schedule in our house! I also love that it’s not a super strict schedule to follow, that I can move things around as needed, and the big thing for me is, it doesn’t take me all day to clean. That is definitely a win for me because I would rather be doing things I enjoy like spending time with my husband, my kids, blogging, reading, browsing pinterest, etc. instead of spending all evening trying to get my house clean.

Here is a little glimpse of what one week of planning out my cleaning schedule looks like. Since it’s already Friday, I went ahead and started scheduling for next week!

Monday: Daily. Vacuum all rooms. Sweep/mop all tile/wood floors.
Tuesday: Daily. Clean windows. Clean outside doors. Clean off porches.
Wednesday: Daily. Wipe down cabinets. Clean doors inside. Vacuum all rooms. Sweep/mop all tile/wood floors.
Thursday: Daily. Deep clean nursery.
Friday: Daily. Vacuum all rooms. Sweep/mop all tile/wood floors.
Saturday: Daily. Wash sheets and blankets.
Sunday: Daily.

Since it’s helped us out so much, I knew I just had to share it with my readers! I’ve created a few different ones, and they are yours to use for personal use only, for free!

Daily cleaning list with words.
Daily cleaning list blank.
Weekly cleaning list with words.
Weekly cleaning list blank.
Monthly cleaning list with words {nursery}.
Monthly cleaning list with words {Playroom}.
Monthly cleaning list blank.

What do you think? Will you be giving this cleaning schedule a try?! If you already have a cleaning schedule, what made you decide to go by one?

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8 months old

July 20, 2015 - 3 Comments

This picture… yeah, it basically sums up how life is with twins. lol.

The twins turned eight months old on the first of this month. I’m a total slacker on doing an update on time, but better late than never. The doctor said they look perfect and are steadily growing which is good and exactly what we want! They definitely keep us busy and make us laugh. Like when Jax decided to kick Kade over while they were watching Lion King. Or when Kade decided he was going to bite {don’t worry, he doesn’t have teeth yet} Jax’s toes. Or when Jax has enough of tummy time and falls asleep right there, face down on the floor. Or when Kade face plants after a few minutes of sitting up. Lol. They are also teething at the same time. Yeah, go ahead and picture that. I bet you want to curl up into a ball and rock back n forth with your hands of your ears, doesn’t it? 😉 I just hope those teeth pop through soon! If not, you can find me in the kitchen, downing a bottle of wine, and trying to keep my sanity.

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Simple Saturday #1

July 18, 2015 - 2 Comments

Hey hey hey! I hope your weekend is starting off great! This new post on the blog is going to be something you see every Saturday, it’s a post that I want to keep things simple. Favorite posts from the week, small life update, old or recent favorite posts of mine, favorite pix, favorite things from around the blog world, my shopping wish list; all in one simple post! Lets get started!

I shared my small nail polish collection on Monday. It’s filled with glitter and fun colors!! Take a look and tell me what color or brand I should add to my list!

Since I had beauty products on the brain, I decided to share 5 of my favorite Wet N Wild lipsticks on Tuesday. They are such beautiful colors and I love wearing a new one everyday!

Yes, I wear lipstick everyday now {well, at least during the week} instead of just whenever I get dressed because I am now working. It’s been a big change around here, but I shared how it came to be and my first reaction to no longer being a stay at home momma.

I like to glance and recent and old posts every once in awhile. Here are a couple of my favorites that I wrote, that I still love.

1. These Frozen Baby Food treats that I made for the twins are coming in real handy. Jax should have a tooth any day now and Kade is teething like crazy. Needless to say, cold things for their gums is what they are all about.

2. I pulled out the microphone and gave my thoughts about “Real women.” You’ll have to read it if you want to know what set me off.

3. If you missed this post and you’re a boy mom, it’s a must read. I answered a few questions/statements about having all boys.

I try to take pictures daily, wether it’s on my phone or using my camera, whether they get shared or they are just for me to see; I want to have tons of pictures to one day look back on one day. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and it’s true. One day, the pictures + memories of life will be all that’s left when I’m old and my memory is fading and I will have pictures of our life to bring those memories to the surface.

1. A few shades from my favorite eye shadow palette that I got for Christmas last year from my sister in law. I am usually always rocking a shade from this because they are all so gorgeous.

2. Jay soaking up some rays at my in-laws last weekend.

3. Kage and me cheesin!

4. Jax giving the best damn side eye ever.

5. Kade got himself stuck under the couch and yes, I’m that mom that snaps a picture {if it’s nothing serious, obviously} before I help. Are you that mom too? #assholeparentingdoneright

{This section contains affiliate links}

I love online shopping, especially on Amazon. It’s my absolute favorite! I’m always adding things I want to my wish list! Each week I’m going to share 5 things I’m really wanting!!

1. I am absolutely wanting these Red Stem Wine Glass 10oz ! Red is my favorite color and also the color in our kitchen so, they would match perfectly! I also found this colorful set Party Color Wine Glass 10 Oz – Set of 6 and now I want both!

2. I am loving this Yellow and Gray Chevron Zig Zag Fabric Memory/Memo Photo Bulletin Board by Sweet Jojo Designs ! The colors are so soft and would match our living room perfectly!

3. InterDesign Thistle Shower Curtain, 72 x 72, Gray/Blue I am really into dandylions and what they represent. This shower curtain is the colors in our master bathroom so, I want this shower curtain something fierce.

4. I love decals for the home! This Get Naked Text Black Bathroom Silhouette Macbook Symbol Iphone Apple Ipad Decal Skin Sticker Laptop would be so perfect in our bathroom!! Are you into funny decals?

5. Zevro GAT203 Indispensable Dual-Canister Dry-Food Dispenser, Red I definitely want these for our kitchen! They would look so much cuter than regular ol’ cereal boxes!

Here are a few posts that have caught my eye when I do have time to sit down and actually read posts!

1. I absolutely love these Bliss products that Chelsea at Olive & Ivy shared. I’m absolutely going to have to give them a try!!

2. This DIY wood world craft is seriously so cute!! Hop on over to Kendra’s blog to find out how to make your own!

3. I love these essentials that Carly shared on her blog!! Those tips will absolutely help you survive those first weeks and we are also a fan of the munchkin products in this house!

Life has been pretty good this week, aside from two teething babies. I really don’t know how I”m going to make it through the teething stage with two! Any tips, go ahead and throw em my way! I finished my first week of work and while I had planned on being a stay at home mom a lot longer, this is really the perfect job for me. I like the work, my co-workers, the hours, and the pay! The only thing I dislike is waking up super early and traffic! lol. The boys have been spending lots of time with their cousin. My sister and nephew finally live near us again and so, the best friend trio is complete and they are always hanging out whenever they can. Kage, Jax, and Kade had a doctor appointment this week and I’ll be sharing how that went soon! Getting used to my new schedule and our new groove has been a little bit challenging, but I know before long, we will all have it down and be used to it. Until then, we are trying and going with the flow! My husband has been doing an excellent job being Mr. Mom and he’s finally understanding why I needed “me time” when he worked and that it is not easy being a stay at home parent. I’m also understanding how he felt having to leave the house for work and being gone all day and only getting a couple of hours a day with the kids feels and it sucks. I definitely miss my kids like crazy being a working mom, but I know it’s best for our family right now!

Your turn…

– Which post of mine was your favorite this week?
– What post have you wrote or read lately that you think I should read?
– How are you and how has life been?

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