What a fun, fun day it is when your best friend's son turns 1!
We had such a fun afternoon celebrating Russell and his upcoming first birthday (that has now already passed on the 17th--LOL!) and look at how precious these decorations were that Melissa planned. It was perfect!
Russell was precious with his smash cake and he definitely put on a show. It was the cutest thing!
Three generations right here and I'll be the first to say...Aunt life is the best thing, ever!
It's crazy to think that it's been a full year since Russell was born. I will never forget face timing with Melissa shortly after he was born (of course, I was at the beach---just like I was this year when he started walking!) and how excited we all were. He was healthy, ten fingers, ten toes, and a head full of BLEACH BLONDE HAIR and none of that has changed--other than his hair getting a little longer--LOL! It has been so much fun watching him hit milestones, developing his little personality, watching him walk like a cute, little wobbly toddler this past Sunday, and all the things in between. The sweetest of all has been seeing my best friends transition into parenthood and taking in all that comes with that. As Melissa said at Russell's party, "it takes a village" and I am so, so thankful that Jason and I get to be a part of this one.
For those of you that have been following along for a while, you know that I signed up for Influenster which is a website where you can earn free, full size products in exchange for an honest review and a few postings about the product. I think it's been a lot of fun and I've been able to try a lot of neat products through this program. If you want to sign up, anyone can, just click this link here and give it a go!
These are the two most recent boxes I've received.
I was so, so excited about this DevaCurl product. I've used their shampoo and conditioner many times and it does wonders for my hair. It's a little pricy, which is why I only buy it for myself at Christmas time. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I received the email saying I was getting this product! If you have curly hair, this wash day wonder...well, it works wonders. You use it in the shower before shampooing and it allows you to easily brush out the knots. I loved the smell of it and it did just what it said it would. Made detangling so much easier and, my hair was much less frizzy when I used it as well. All in all, something I will definitely use again.
This second box was something else. All four of these products were full size (which still blows my mind) and they smelled so, so good. Unfortunately, Jason can't use products that are scented so I wasn't able to get his opinion on them. But, I did pass them along to my brother-in-law and he said overall, the scent wasn't his favorite but, that he liked the products. Even with little participation in this one, I think it's pretty awesome they sent four, full size items. I was impressed.
These last two boxes have been awesome, makes me excited for the next!
My 4th time to attend the Annual Father's Day trip to Ship Island to celebrate our Coco with Jason's side of our family. It was a beautiful day and we had perfect weather.
Even though some of us got too much sun, It always makes for a fun day when we can get together and visit, relax, laugh, eat together and enjoy.
It was indeed a Happy Father's Day and as always, I am thankful I get to be a part of this tradition and this family.
I am so, so behind in keeping up with what's been going on! I'm sorry but, life has been happening and I've been living it. Time has finally slowed down enough for me to sit down and update you with a few posts of what's been going on/the fun things I've been getting to do.
In June, some of my very best friends and I decided to have a girls night, dress up in our best 90's attire and go to the "I love the 90's Tour" that was at the new amphitheater in Brandon.
... We had THE BEST TIME! The music was so much fun, the atmosphere was awesome, it was such a fun night. Honestly though, who better to go to the "I love the 90's Tour" than with your best friends from the 90's. It was a blast.
We were able to get front row, center as we listened/danced the night away to Salt-n-Peppa, Coolio, Tone Loc, and Young MC
It is no secret that I absolutely love this movie.
If you haven't seen "The Greatest Showman" stop right this very second and go watch it--if you don't like it--well, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore ;)
The whole message of inclusion and bringing together people who were considered outcasts from society and making a safe place for them, a family for them, a place that highlights their strengths--it made me cry while simultaneously plastering a huge smile across my face.
For as many times as I've watched the movie, I've listened to the album double that many times. The music is just SO GOOD and it's so moving. I mean, read the lyrics to "A Million Dreams", "Come Alive", "This Is Me", and "From Now On"--those are some powerful songs. Then, if you really want your mind blown, actually watch the scenes where those songs are performed and I'll come over so I can pick your jaw up off the floor for you (I'm crazy obsessed, I know)--those lyrics with the dancing, the bright colors, the people, it's just magical.
Yesterday, I was taking a walk and listening to this album and per usual, this song is just...everything and it hit me--something about this song makes me think about little splashes of Heaven, here on earth.
Hear me out.
If you haven't seen the movie, you've got to watch this scene before you move forward:
(sorry, literally the only version with the movie clip I could find had those subtitles on it)
Here we have these...oddities, as they are called in the movie...they've been shunned by society most all of their lives and since ole P.T. walked into their lives, they began building friendships, family, a common thread between them all that tied them together and made them stronger.
P.T. has put them on the back burner, their livelihood has just been taken from them by fire and quite honestly, they have every right to be mad and I think that's exactly why I love this song so much. I love how they take him back after he left them, chasing after “truer, bigger, and better” things.
But, above all else, I love the spiritual parallel of coming back home, to our true home, the place we were made to be. On this side of Heaven, we have bright lights, big ideas and many worldly "attractions" that take us away and make us lose focus and we forget that we can always come back home. We are marching towards THE home that we were made for.
That's what this song makes me think about.
So I'll leave you with just a few words from the song:
I am a month late in posting this---but, life (ya know?)
We had the fun privilege of being in New Orleans the same weekend we got engaged 5 years ago now! We always have so much fun being in New Orleans, walking the square, going to "our spot" where my hunky husband got down on one knee and proposed to me...even though I didn't realize he was doing it--(embarrassing)--LOL. If you want to read the whole story of our engagement, check it out here. This time around, we were with friends and family and made the trip to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Saenger Theater. It was AMAZING--one of my all-time favorites.
Did you even go to New Orleans if you didn't get a croissant from Croissant D'or?
Love this theater--it's so stunning.
We had the best time and I know we won't always be able to be in New Orleans to celebrate our Engagement-aversary so, I am quite thankful for the times that we can.
I dropped the ball big time on posting about Ann Hatten's Birthday
But, time has flown and here we are, almost 3 months later!
She has gotten so big, even cuter, and we all love her so darn much.
Since I didn't get all of the photos from the day she was born--here's just a biiiiiiiig ole picture dump of some of my favorites over the last (almost) 3 months!
Can you tell I'm a bit excited?
Mom & I, listening for her first little cries.
annnnnd, here she is!
the first time meeting her Uncle Jason
Finally getting my hands on her that first day! The sweetest little bundle.
Christmas time
My favorite newborn picture--looks so sweet and cozy.
The tiniest little speck in her crib
Ringing in the 1st day of the New Year
Big 1 month old girl
Smiling at her Mimi
Her first girls trip for her Mama's Birthday
The longest little 2 month old there is
Her first Sunday to church in a sweet little dress that both Mary Claire and I have worn before.
Big girl holding up her head
and such a snoozer--LOL
and hanging with her Auntie
The sweetest thing that has happened thus far was the day of her Baptism.
Our Grando (Dad's Dad) was able to baptize all of us and now, Ann Hatten's Grando baptized her just a few Sundays ago. It was such a sweet moment and such a picture of Mary Claire & Grant's commitment to raising Ann Hatten & trusting The Lord with her.
Another thing that made it so special is that Ann Hatten's Mimi made her gown. The tatting on the dress is from her great, great, great (maybe even one more great) Grandmother. It is a stunning dress and Mom did such a fantastic job with it--something to be treasured for many years to come.
I think it's safe to say that I am loving this side of Aunt life and our family loves little Ann Hatten so, so, so very much!
We had snow day round 2 just last week and that called for soup...warm, hearty soup.
A friend of mine posted a photo of the most delicious looking sweet potato chowder and shared the recipe with me-- it originally comes from: here.
Now, to share it with you!
Sweet Potato Chowder
What you need:
5-6 slices bacon (we used sausage instead)
2 tbsp butter or ghee (or coconut oil for completely dairy free)
1/2 onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups of homemade broth (we used store bought broth)
2 medium/large sweet potatoes, diced small (about 4 cups)
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp dried dill
2 cups thinly sliced kale, tough ribs removed (I made the mistake of purchasing the baby kale in a container--it would have been MUCH easier to cut buying it whole)
1 cup full fat coconut milk
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish
We doubled this recipe and it made enough for dinner, lunch, another lunch, and some to share.
It also freezes/reheats well. We froze some of the extra and had it for lunch a few days later.
What you do:
Cook bacon (or sausage) in a large skillet until well done and crispy. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of fat of choice (butter/ghee/coconut oil) in a large pot.
Add onions and cook until translucent and beginning to brown.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Add broth, sweet potato, bay leaf, thyme, and dill.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer (covered) until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes (I did more like 20-25 because of doubling it--wanted to make sure the potatoes soft).
Stir in sliced kale and cook until wilted and bright green.
Add in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped crispy bacon (or sausage) and parsley.
It was such a good soup--and, as far as soups go, it was super filling.
Jason's already asked me to make it again next week--so, I have a feeling this one will become a regular in our winter food arsenal.
I actually ended up getting these things pretty close together--like, within a month of each other--which has never happened before so, I'm going to share both of them!
First up, we have the Maybelline Python Metallic Lip Kit.
Yes, I know what you're thinking--and yes, I was thinking it too.
Metallic lips--on a grown up--what the heck?
They sent me the red duo and let me be honest with you--it wasn't all that metallic and I actually liked it. Once I saw how...tame it really was, I had fun with it. The metallic--lets call it, powder--was pretty mild and just gave the deep red a bit of a shimmer. I ended up wearing it out for New Years Eve and no one was craning their neck to take a look at my "metallic lips" so for me, that was a win. I most likely won't buy myself another kit once I'm out but, I am definitely going to use this one that I received for free.
Now, this next one I was SUPER pumped about.
A full size, free bottle of Bare Minerals Made-2-Fit "fresh faced liquid foundation"...WITH MY NAME ON IT! Yes, personalized just for me...for free ($50 value).
I don't use liquid foundation. I found the powder I liked when I was in 7th grade and I've never used anything else--LOL. But, when Influenster offered this, I had to snag it.
First off, you use an app on your phone to literally scan your face (skin tone) and they make a foundation color to match you.
I didn't have high hopes that it would be an exact match because, come on, you're scanning your face using your phone. But, I was pleasantly surprised when mine came in. It was not the perfect match but it was pretty darn close.
Also, giving the benefit of the doubt here, because I don't have the right tools to apply liquid foundation--I just use my fingers/hands. Now that I know I like this stuff--you guys need to share with me what type of applicator tool I should use!
As always, if you're interested in hopping on the Influenster train and getting some free stuff check our their website here.
