Life After I "Dew"

Fashion Friday

2012-02-24T06:35:00.000-05:00

My friend, and new sponsor, LC is hosting a Fashion Friday link up and I thought, "I love it when people link up with me so it's time to return the favor!" You should too.

Today it's all about the purse! Lots of girls have done this, I did it a long time, and like 4 purses, ago so I thought it was time for an update.

The purse of the moment?

I don't really love this purse. To be honest I'd much rather carry my Old Navy cross body but it's just not big enough right now. When we are just going on a quick trip I can just toss a sippy, diaper, pack of wipes in this bad boy and go, no diaper bag necessary. So right now I'm on the hunt for the perfect cross body and I think I found it.

Now, what's in my bag? Sure thing.

1. misc papers,coupons, receipts

2. a Christmas ornament/laptop that KP loves to play with*

3. coffee creamer, yeah I love it THAT much**

4. mace***

5. pens & notepad

6. hair ties

7. tissues

8. makeup bag full of lip gloss

9. binky for the cry baby

10. Vera Bradly turn lock wallet****

11. Coach wristlet full of girly necessities {tampons and birth control}

*This item actually doesn't even work, the batteries fell out in Kroger yesterday and I didn't bother to pick them up, sorry KP.

**Be thankful it's not mayo. I used to carry mayo packets in my purse.

***You never know.

****Best wallet you will ever own. Has so many card slots I don't even know what to do with myself.

Reverse Q & A Part II

2012-02-23T06:34:00.000-05:00

A while back I did a reverse q&a session, ~~being nosy~~ trying to get to know a little more about my peeps! I want to keep that going, it was fun right? Today I want to know....If you could only shop at ONE store for the rest of your life, which would it be? And grocery shopping is not included so don't worry! I'm talking about just frivolous shopping for "stuff" for you,your husband, the babes, fur babies, whoever. One store!

Mine would be Target, duh. I freaking love that store just as much as the next girl. I know that I can always find something stylish to wear from accessories down to shoes and everything in between. Best part is they have great prices so I wouldn't break the bank like I would at say...Nordstrom {my old stomping ground}. Plus I could pick up some things for Jimmy & Kendall too, if I really wanted to be nice.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-02-22T05:59:00.002-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT! if...

I haven't been tracking my calories for...a...while...The way I see it, I can tell I'm eating a lot less now that I'm not at work all day. Crazy but true. At work we had potlucks every 3 days {kidding, kinda} and even when there wasn't one there was ALWAY food around and I always found myself mindlessly eating.
I'm super excited to introduce the March sponsors of L.A.I.D. Some of you may have sneaked a peek since I've already posted some of the buttons in my side bar but I promise you there's more where that came from. Also there's still time to sign up and let me expose your blog and/or business. Get at me for deets!
I went to the Blake Shelton concert on Saturday and was super annoyed by the scantily clad dressed ladies behind us that shrieked any time Blake said "ya'll". I know it's a concert and that's to be expected but COME ON! I had such a headache when we left.
I was doing so good with my shopping ban until I posted my birthday list yesterday. Now I've fully convinced myself that I need every item on there. Like, now!
I hate that Chanel barks so much but hate that Casey barks so little.
Kendall woke up at 5 yesterday and I refused to go get her. She stayed awake for about an hour and went back to sleep for a good hour and half. See! Mama knows best girl!

The Birthday Post

2012-02-21T06:46:00.002-05:00

In case you've been living under a rock, my birthday is coming up on the 28th. I'll be ringing in the last year in my 20s this year. Damn I'm getting old. It's almost slipped my mind, almost, that my birthday is coming up. Normally my birthday is a national holiday, plans are made at least a month in advance and wishlists have been made on various websites. This year? Not so much. The plans have been made but that's only thanks to my fab BFF. I was just going to say, "get me gift cards" but I thought, "Nah, a list is so much more entertaining".

I love that my birthday falls right when the spring fashions are coming out, love that. I pretty much just ask for clothes every year because of that. This year is no different. This year it's out of "necessity" since most of the clothes from last summer probably won't fit this year, in a good way!

So without further ado, here's what I'm eyeing....

via

via {actually don't need all the accessories, just the clothes}

via

And I think that should get me started.

Lash On With Yo Badself

2012-02-20T16:46:00.000-05:00

OK I just HAD to share this with you and NO it couldn't wait.

So I have been on the hunt for the perfect mascara since 2009, you can even read about it here. I've pretty much tried every kind there is out there, joking {kind of}. So when I started selling Avon I was bound to try every one they had till I found one that was PERFECT! Why not? I get to test out product so I can report back to customers and I get it at a GREAT price.

Well the first one I tried I didn't really care for. It seemed like I had to use a lot to achieve the look I was going for and even then I wasn't pleased with the results. I sucked it up and used the rest of the tube but {thankfully} I ran out last week. YAY I get to try another product!!! This time I went for the ExtraLasting Mascara. The description said it would give flutter lashes, sounds good. And the price? $4.99 so it was cheaper than any drug store mascara out there! Sold!

Ladies I was NOT disappointed this time! No sir! I was pleased beyond words. In fact I should just let the pictures do the talking.

Pretty good, right? I haven't even been using it for a week and I've already been asked if I'm wearing extensions or if I've been using Latisse or if I am naturally blessed. As you can see from the photos, I am not naturally blessed, this mascara is just THAT good.

So ok, what are you waiting for!? Go getcha some! Oh and if you do, holler because I'll hook it up with free shipping too. You're welcome.

Mom Fail{s}

2012-02-20T06:21:00.007-05:00

I hope to never give the perception that I know what I'm doing 100% of the time with this whole mommy business. I like to think I'm a good mommy but I also know that I am not perfect. I yell, I get frustrated, I want to give up {sometimes}, I am human after all. I know that everyone has those days, at least I hope so, so I thought I'd share some of my "finer" moments.

Remember that time I let Kendall eat a delicious breakfast of strawberries, blueberries, banana and a cereal bar topped of with a fresh glass of organic milk all while I had a cream with coffee and a bowl of vanilla pudding with wafer cookies and banana. The banana part totally makes up for the cookies part, right?
What about when I let Kendall watch MMC while she eats?
Then there was the time where I had said, "Stop! Eating! Dog! Food!" one too many times and just let her eat it, you know so she could see how bad it really tastes. It backfired big time because she seemed to like it.
I have also been known to fill up Kendall's snack cup only to have her feed said snacks to the dogs and I let it happen because she LOVES it and giggles the whole time.
When I can tell that KP is thisclose to falling asleep in the car but we are about to pull into the driveway, I circle around and take the "long way" home until she does fall asleep so that I don't have to fight nap time.
Kendall has eaten animal crackers for breakfast before, a time or two.
If Kendall is in the playroom and being very quite I get nervous to go in there. Not because I'm afraid of what she might be doing in there {that room is totally child proof} but because I'm afraid of disrupting her and making her want ME to come play too.

So there you have it. My nitty-gritty, dirty, little mom ~~fails~~ secrets. And that's The Monday Real.

p.s. if you are craving more L.A.I.D. today you can pop on over to I Love You More Than Carrots, where I'm guest posting about my favorite thing in the world, box wine.

Get Into The Groove

2012-02-17T07:15:00.000-05:00

To say that this week has been easy and that me and KP fell into a routine right away would be a lie. A big fat lie. This week has been tough and challenging. It's had it's ups and it's had it's downs. I think our biggest struggle is time management on my part. I want to do it all. I want to have time for myself, time for Kendall, time to go do an activity, time to do it all. What can I say I want it all.

By about Tuesday night I realized that having and doing it all is not an option. Sacrifices have to be made and they have to be made so that they don't affect Kendall negatively. So what did that mean for me? That meant that I woke up at 6:15, when Jimmy went to work, to have some me time before KP woke up. I sat in bed, drank coffee by the glow of the bedside light and caught up on some ~~trash~~ reality TV. It was glorious. This will most likely be the way I spend my mornings from here on out. It also meant I turned off Twitter, Facebook and emails as much as possible while she was awake. I have also realized how much time I put into blogging every day. It's a lot people. I'm used to writing and/or scheduling blog posts from my desk and answering reader emails during slow times at work to make the time go by faster. Now I have actually set aside time in my evenings to answer emails, write blog posts {like this one}, work on sponsorship stuff, etc. But you know what? I love it. I love this dedicated hour or two or three that I can give to blogging now because now? it has my undivided attention. I've also had to become ok with the fact that I may not be able to run 5K everyday like I did before. Even if I just get in 2 miles during nap it's better than nothing.

As for Kendall? She seems to be adjusting pretty decently. Although we did go over to my MIL's for a couple hours yesterday and holy crying fit when we left, ouch KP! I'm trying to keep her busy, active each day. My goal is to eventually get the days set up where we have scheduled times for eating, napping, learning, play time and even the occasional Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, ideally. This week we've done a pretty good job with all of those. Monday we went to the mall and made a Valentine's Day craft for daddy.

{I'm sure you could all tell that that is a heart made out of her two footprints, obviously}

And then later that night I thought we'd work on some learning. I drew 4 shapes one a sheet of paper and literally after 10 minutes of working with her we had this.

She's a regular baby genius, I know.

Tuesday I turned to Pinterest, obviously, and tried the ole put paint in a Ziploc and tape it to the sliding glass door trick. I had been wanting to try that since I first saw it and seeing as my child HATES paints on her fingers {hence the reason the Valentine's day craft was done with the feet} I thought this would be PERFECT! And I was right.

Wednesday we did our first every story time at the library and it.was.adorable. Seriously. Kendall is always a little shy and timid when she's in new situations and this was no different. The "teacher" was playing guitar when we went in and she's used to Jimmy doing that so that was fine but it was all the kids who knew what they were doing and she was just the newbie. But by the end of class she was moving and shaking with the best of them and my mommy heart was full. We'll be making that our weekly thing. Also we will be stopping at Starbucks after every time. Chai latte for me, cake pop for the girl.

Thursday I wanted to go ahead and get some supplies for a few crafts I had seen on Pinterest and we went to Target bright and early. We got chalk, pipe cleaners, and more drawing paper. The pipe cleaners were a HUGE hit.

So yeah...we've been having fun.

A Disclaimer

2012-02-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

Apparently I forgot to add a disclaimer to this mornings post. So let me explain.

Bragging Rights

2012-02-16T06:44:00.001-05:00

I don't remember where or when I read this quote, hell I don't even remember the exact quote, but it went something like this, "don't write/share things to show off or make others 'jealous', write/share things because you love them, are proud of them". Or something like that.

Ever since the day I read that it has stuck with me. Like glue. Like white on rice. So true.

I often find myself reading things, blogs, tweets, posts on Facebook, and I find myself thinking, "this person can't be serious". I know I'm not alone in this. I'm sure said person{s} don't intend to come off sounding like they are bragging or showing off or trying to "prove" something, but it sure seems like it.

I think this came to the surface {again} with all the Valentine's day posts, pictures, comments, etc. I came across several "things" that just really rubbed the wrong way. That seemed very, "LOOK how sweet MY husband is" or "LOOK at what I GOT!" aka "you all should be jealous of me, my swag, my husband, & my marriage is better than yours".

But this isn't just on Valentine's day, this is something that happens every day in the Internets. Whether it's child-rearing, home decorating or fashion sense, there are some people that just like to one up everyone. I don't like one-uppers.

The things that chaps my ass is that things like these just make other people feel bad about themselves. It makes them question their {probably} perfectly fine relationship. Makes them feel like a big, fat, mom fail. Makes them feel ugly.

All this does is make me wonder, what is going on that we don't know about? I mean, to me, it seems like something must be going on behind closed doors to make them crave the approval and sort of worshiping they receive when they post such things.

I share things because they are important to me, because I love them, or because I hope it helps someone else. I hope I never come off as bragging or showy or look-at-me. If you ever feel that way about me please slap me in the face and take away my wine as punishment.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-02-15T06:40:00.000-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I still have some Christmas decorations out. Jimmy used my storage container for his "side job" and now it's dead to me. So until we venture out and get a new one we still have a village on the bookshelves.
I got asked to do two guest blog posts on two different blogs and I'm SO NERVOUS. Sure I've been blogging {almost} every day for 3 years and have my own style and following but these ladies are ones I respect as bloggers and admire. So intimidating. I just hope I can do their blogs justice.
I have no fullness sensor when it comes to pasta {and pizza for that matter}. I just eat and eat and eat until I'm so stuffed I can't breathe.
My birthday is coming up rather quickly and I haven't thought about a single thing I want.
Now that I'm a SAHM I'm realizing just how much time I put into blogging. It's a lot dudes.
We got a new laptop over the weekend but I've yet to use it. I'm still typing away on our tiny netbook.
Jimmy and I didn't really do anything for Valentine's day. We have this new financial situation on our hands so big plans just didn't fit in the budget.
I did manage to make a delicious ravioli bake for Valentine's dinner but forgot the bread sticks. I remembered the wine.

Never a Dull Moment

2012-02-14T06:54:00.001-05:00

First of all, thank you all so much for the ideas on what me and KP can get into on a daily basis! I got some really great ideas that I cannot wait to start incorporating into our daily routine. So thanks from me AND Kendall!

***

So yesterday we hit up our favorite mall for some free, germ-filled, play time. We've gone several times before and minus the time Kendall got tackled by a toddler bully we've always had a good time. The mall is super nice and it gives me an excuse to get my chai latte, win win. We normally go on Fridays so I was anxious to see what it was like on a Monday. Figuring that most people would take a Friday off rather than a Monday I thought it'd be pretty slow {read: less toddler bullying}, and I was right. It was much more calm, not nearly as crowded but was not lacking in the people watching. No sir, not at all.

***

Up first we have the breast-feeding mama. I'm totally, 100% ok with breast-feeding in public, doesn't offend me at all {just thought I should make that perfectly clear}. This mama was breast-feeding her infant while her toddler played on the giant, foam tree house, no big deal. No big deal until said toddler decides to bolt for the open entrance/exit area rendering poor mom useless? I think not. She proceeded to chase him WHILE still breast-feeding her baby. I kid you not. If that's not the definition of multitasking I don't know what is. Seriously. That mama deserves a medal or at least a box o' deliciousness.

***

Then there was the clan that looked like they just walked off the set of Sons of Anarchy. No joke. The boys were school aged {or so} and were no less accessorized, complete with mini Harley Davidson leather vest. I shit you not.

***

Up next was a tiny 3{ish}-year-old girl. She was petite and had jet-black hair, I'd venture to say she was adorable. The first time I saw her she was just wearing a t-shirt and panties. Yep, that's it. Then I saw her mom {who looked all of 16} on the floor laughing with the little girl's skirt in her hands. She had just wrangled her daughter and got her bottom half covered when that little stinker climbed up into the tree house tunnel and TOOK OFF her skirt AND panties and proceeded to squat as if she had to go potty. And to think my only concern was the fact that in 30 degree weather the little girl had on JUST a mini skirt and t-shirt {no leggings, tights, sweater}.

***

And my last sighting for the day came in the form of a seemingly single mom. The girl looked distraught from the get-go, let's be honest. She looked lonely, had a twitchy leg, and was definitely just trying to let her kid run wild to avoid having to deal with yet another problem. Clearly. Kendall kept playing right in her vicinity so I ~~was totally eavesdropping~~ couldn't help but overhear her phone conversation with someone who kept hanging up on her. It went something like this: Lady, "Why can't you bring my car to me?" ::click:: She calls the number back, "Well you are not helping the problem!" ::click:: This circle of hang ups and call backs happens at least 4 or 5 times that I "overheard".

And, to think, this was in our nice, fancy, "high-end" mall.

The Many Hats We Wear

2012-02-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

Women wear many hats, no? I know I do. I have my wife hat, first and foremost. Then there is my mommy hat, my housekeeper hat, my teacher hat, my chef hat, my dog groomer hat, my worker hat, my personal assistant hat, my social media hat, my friend hat, my daughter hat, my accountant {bill payer} hat, my chauffeur hat, my entertainer hat, my librarian hat, my police hat, the list goes on.

To say it's hard work to be a woman is an understatement.

For the most part I feel like I have all of these things under control and then other days I find myself wondering when I'm going to do it all and how. I think it's safe to say I'm not the only one that feels this way.

Being a working mom was tough. From getting up and getting out the door to bottles and baths, it's by far the toughest role I've ever taken on. Often times I had people say to me, "I don't know how you do it". Whether it was meant as a compliment or not I'm not sure, I know I always took it negatively. I have no other choice. I have to wear all these hats, that's how I do {did} it. I'm honestly hoping I can hang up that worker bee hat, at least for a little while, and focus on some of my other, ~~cuter~~ more important hats.

Above everything else is my role as a wife and mom. Jimmy and Kendall are numero uno in my book and everything else comes second. Now with my new role as SAHM I feel like they can both benefit greatly. For example, Jimmy needed some things for his side job but was having a hard time finding the time to get to the store to get them. Now that I'm home I was able to put my wife, chauffeur, and personal assistant hats on care and of that for him which was a huge weight off his shoulders and I was glad to do it.

Then there's Kendall. I would love to say that this transition is going to be smooth sailing but I'm nervous. Obviously I'm going to love being home with her, but will she love being home with me? Will my entertainer, teacher, librarian hats be used to their fullest potential? I know it's only been a few days but I'm already getting bored. It's cold out, too cold to even go play in the snow, so we are limited as to what we can do. This is where I need you girls. For the SAHM's out there, what do you do with your toddler on a day to day basis to keep yourself from getting Cabin Fever {worst movie EVER by the way}.

I plan on utilizing my {and Kendall's} friend hat by having lots of play dates. I also fully intend on wearing my chauffeur, chef, and personal assistant hats on a daily basis, that's a given. But there will be days, many days, where we will stay home, and I need ideas. Do you cut out time to wear your teacher hat and learn numbers, letters, arts & crafts? I feel like this is such a tough age to keep entertained because 1. I think she's too young to learn her alphabet and 2. she won't sit still long enough to even try. But maybe I'm wrong, first time for everything, right?

March Sponsors

2012-02-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm a stay at home mom {blogger} I figure we can take this blogging thing up a notch, no?

Would like you an ad space on L.A.I.D.? I'd love to hear from you. Since this is my first month offering sponsorship the space will be given on a first come, first serve basis. So hurry if you want prime real estate!

Ads will run March 1-31 and price will be subject to size and location.

Email shannon.r.dew {at} gmail {dot} com if you're interested! I look forward to hearing from you!

Firm Friday

2012-02-10T07:28:00.000-05:00

Another week, another Firm Friday post. I just know how much you all love hearing me go on and on and on and on and on about weight loss stuff {sarcastic blogger}. So today there will be no pictures of my still flabby belly or talks of my weight in numbers, you're welcome. Today is a more serious matter. I'm thinking of giving up the wine. Gah, the thought alone sends me into sweats and night shakes. I have a box o'delicious in the fridge now but I fear it may be my last for a while. I'm planning on giving up alcohol for at least 30 days once it's squeezed, with every ounce of life, dry. I tend to carry my weight in my tummy, always have, even before KP I had a pouch. I hear that alcohol prevents you from losing belly fat, and probably adds to it, so I'm hoping to see results pretty quickly.It's no secret that I love my wine. I drink it almost nightly {usually a glass or two, nothing crazy} and so giving it up is going to be a BIG adjustment for me. It's just like my comfort, my night cap if you will. But I know that if I see results it will be worth it. Let's face it, Mama is headed to the beach for the first time post baby and I'll be damned if I'm wearing a tankini. No way, not this mama, not this summer. I will be that mom that everyone says, "DAYYYUUUUMMMM...SHE has a baby?". Yeah, that'll be me ladies. I think I can, I think I can.

Girly Bits

2012-02-09T06:11:00.000-05:00

This post is going to contain words like birth control, vagina, sex drive, condoms, and hormones. If any of those things offend you {or if you have a penis} you may exit this conversation now. kthanksbye.

So my form of birth control these days is the pill. I wanted the IUD but my insurance ~~sucks ass~~ doesn't cover it and that shiz is 'spensive. Obviously Jimmy wasn't hoping on the condom train. The shot makes you get fat{ter}. The ring freaks me out. And the patch? Yeah I don't get how that is even 1% effective. So the pill was pretty much my only choice. Plus I had been on the pill for XX years before and it worked just fine {except for that time right before our wedding when I had my period for 2 months}. So the pill it was.

And then I started having irregular periods. I would start, have it for a week, stop for 2-3 days and then start again for 2-3 days. Annoying much? Indeed. And then I started not wanting sex, like ever. Like I could go the rest of my life without it, literally. And when we did get our freak on, YEOUCH! I even went as far as to ask Jimmy if he had been taking any sort of "enhancement products". Yeah, that.

So I made an appointment with my OB/GYN. It was literally like a therapy session, I went in there on the verge of tears. The nurse jotted down some of the details and as soon as my doctor walked in he said, "birth control, birth control, birth control". My husband was right {first time for everything}.

I'll spare you the details but basically birth control pills do all sorts of fucked up shit to your body. From the hormones to the weight gain to the changes in your anatomy, the stuff is not good long term. My doctor also made me feel less crazy by telling me that NO woman with a 17 month old wants it, she's just playing "good wife". Thaks doc.

I had to tell Jimmy the unfortunate pecker poncho news, but he knew that if it meant more boom boom time it was worth it.

That was 2 weeks ago.

I stopped taking the pills THAT day, scary thought for a self-proclaimed only child mama. But you know what? Mama's got her mojo back and it feels good. Now let's just pray to the only child Gods that mama doesn't get what the rest of the Internet's got and wind up with a baby bump.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-02-08T06:27:00.000-05:00

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I was on the verge of tears over this whole blog situation. BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC, kiss-on-the-mouth THANKS to Jess for figuring this all out for me. Seriously she is a God send. A blogging dream come true. And she's got the damn cutest blog designs out there. Seriously! Check her out!
I only ran 2.10 miles last night instead of 3.10. I had to get this SWW post up ~~and watch another episode of Sons of Anarchy~~
.I keep alternating between a center alignment and left justified. I just can't figure out what looks best on this ~~not so new~~ new layout.
I've been a total slacker at work all week. Knowing the end is near does not make for a very motivated employee.
I am trying to figure out if I need to order anything before my last day. You know, while I still get a 40% discount and all...
I fed my family Hamburger Helper for dinner last night. It was hot and required little effort on my part {see bullet 2}. It's so not my norm and I don't condone such behavior but sometimes it's damn necessary.
I'd chose Adam Levine over David Beckham {even though Becks H&M super bowl ad was HOTT}. But let's face it, I'd let either of them eat crackers in the bed.

@!#$%^& Tuesday

2012-02-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

I am so damn pissed off about my domain name, you have no idea. So pissed that I didn't even sign into blogger once yesterday. So pissed that I almost want to stop blogging altogether. It seems as though no one wants to help. Not Blue Host and certainly not Blogger. It's annoying and frustrating. I am back to using my blogspot address {www.butterfliesandheaveneyes.blogspot.com} for the time being {hopefully not permanently}. The thing is my posts are only showing up for about half of my audience. Annoying. So I apologize. I will continue to update my Facebook page and Twitter and hope that helps keep you in the loop. Until then just know I'm crabby.
I have been tossing around a few job ideas but I just don't know what is worth the risk and what is just not possible. I would love to do something from home. I wish that my Avon stuff would take off and I could make a career out of it but I just don't see that happening. {p.s. I have a free shipping code for first time customers so leave me a comment if you want to place an order. Please? With a cherry on top?} So I have to try other avenues and hope that something works out.
Jimmy and I have been addicted to Sons of Anarchy this past week. We literally watch an episode or two every single night after Kendall goes to bed. I'm not 100% sure what's going on all the time but I do know that Jax is hot and I dream about the day that he cuts his hair. Also Peg Bundy is amazing on that show, love her.
I know August is a long way away but I cannot help dream about our family vacation to the beach. I have visions of what this trip will be and it's nothing short of glorious. Also? I'm getting up and running on the beach during sunrise if it kills me. It's something I've always wanted to do and even talked about doing {but never did} the last time we were at the beach. I will do it, even if it's just once, this time.
We ate pizza twice this weekend, don't judge, and Kendall calls it "pee-pee". Yep. So that's fun. Also? She saw me getting dressed this week and now knows "boobies" and can say it clearer than any other word in her vocabulary. Great. She can also count to 3 {kinda} and hearing her say "two" is beyond the cutest thing ever. She's got this little southern {sort of} accent and says "teeew". So cute. Melts my heart.
Don't forget to go and place an order with Kodi. Thirty-One has some great products this time around and you get the chance to get a free URU Thermal Tote just for placing an order!
Speaking of shopping, Little Laws Prints is back from a mini vaca and offering a 10% discount now through Sunday {code: bemyvalentine12}. Just in time for your Valentine's day goodies!!!
Oh and did I mention I have poison ivy? Yeah. I bet you are saying, "How? It's winter! You can't get poison ivy in the winter!" And I am here, my friends, to tell you yes you can. I have it BAD on the backs of both my thighs to the point that it looks like a flesh eating disease. How's that for a visual? Got any home remedies? I've already been pouring bleach on it and using anti itch creams.

So that's all I've got on this Tuesday. SO WHAT! Wednesday will resume as planned tomorrow although I'm not sure how the button is going to work out. It will be available, obviously, but it won't like right. UGH can someone help me get it figured out already!? OK I'm done whinning. Speaking of w{h}ine, I'm thinking of giving it up {but not till this blog shit gets worked out}.

Peace, with chicken grease,

Silent Sunday

2012-02-05T17:05:00.000-05:00

Decisions

2012-02-03T06:09:00.004-05:00

This week we got some pretty devastating news at work. They did a pretty significant layoff {more than I originally reported to Twitter} and we were informed that they would be closing our building. There were options. The first option was to move to our other location. It's really not that a big of deal, it's about 30-40 minutes away but so is everything else. The bummer is that it's in the exact location as my last job and is the reason I left my last job to come to this one. So that sucks. Also? There is the possibility of a shift change, meaning I could be put on 3rd shift which wouldn't be possible for me. Not to mention all the other "issues" that come along with a move like this. Then there was the option to quit with a 4 weeks severance package.
This is huge.
It's no secret that Jimmy and I struggle with money. We live paycheck to paycheck and even with two incomes we sometimes find it hard to make ends meet. I started selling Avon to make a little extra money but that doesn't seem to be taking off like I'd hoped. Jimmy has started a ~~gross~~ side job and he's been successful with it but it's not enough to make up for my loss of income. So we are definitely at a crossroads.
Part of me was willing to take the risk of the move. The possibility of a shift change. The drive. The less hours with Kendall. I was willing to take that in exchange for a paycheck. But it's not worth it. The thing is I could make this move and end up being miserable {eventually quitting} and once I make that move the severance package is off the table.
So I'm taking the severance package. I'm quitting my job. I'm going to take the 4 weeks and enjoy it with my girl. This will most likely be a temporary situation but hopefully in my time off I can really think about what I want to do and hopefully find a job that I'll actually love. Maybe we'll realize that we can survive on less and this SAHM gig will be permanent. All I know is that things really do happen for a reason and I'm truly looking at this as a blessing in disguise.
I'm nervous and scared and excited. Jimmy is behind me 100% and he's actually excited for me to be home, even if it is only for the 4 weeks. It's so nice to have his support and encouragement through this difficult transition. I know that being a SAHM is all I've talked about and now that it's a reality {maybe?} it's very nerve-wracking. I was hoping we'd have a savings established before we had to make this decision and sadly we don't, so it will be hard. Some luxuries may have to be cut out and lifestyle changes may need to be made. I know regardless this will be worth it.
Any prayers our way would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your kind words {via Twitter yesterday}, you all have been with me through so much so it only makes sense that I share this with you too.

February- A Time For Giving

2012-02-02T06:53:00.000-05:00

Did you know that February is National Self Esteem Month? It's true. Did you also know that a young girl's self esteem PEAKS at age 9*? 9! That means that from there it's all downhill because only 2% of women describe themselves as beautiful**. Sad, right? I mean maybe it's because I am a mother of a daughter that I find these statistics completely unacceptable.

I don't want Kendall growing up in a world where this is ok and most importantly I don't want her falling into these statistics. I want that 2% to get reversed. Could you imagine if that said 98% of women described themselves as beautiful? What that would mean? Pretty amazing to think about, right?

So not only is February National Self Esteem Month but it's my birthday month {yay Me!}. I always love this month too because of Valentine's day and while I'm not a big Hallmark holiday girl I still love the feeling of love in the air.

In honor of my favorite month of the year, and National Self Esteem Month, I want to do a little something. As some of you may know, I used to be in an abusive relationship. It wasn't physical but it was definitely mental and emotional. It left me feeling crazy, out of control and downright bad about myself. It was a dark time in my life and I wouldn't wish that feeling on my worst enemy. I imagine that's how those in that 98% feel. That is not a good feeling and one that I hope to never experience again.

So I am hosting a Thirty-One party courtesy of friend/coworker/blogger Kodi. Thirty-One is commited to changing the lives of women and girls accross the world. Recently Thirty-One started Thirty-One Gives, a foundation dedicated to giving back some of the blessings that they have received as a company. The foundation is set up to ONLY give to organizations that improve the quality of life for women and girls. How great is that?

So from now until the 15th you can shop my party and it's just in time because the new spring product just launched TODAY! So you will be one of the first to carry some of the fun new prints for spring! I can honestly say that this time around there is something for everyone!

For the casual cool girl {this collection is my FAVORITE}

A more sophisticated look. Very uptown chic.

And I think this is perfect for a young girl, so sweet.

And, if that's not exciting enough, I'm offering one lucky shopper the chance to win the new URU Thermal Tote. Look how cute!

So cute, right? And even better? $1 from every bag sold Thirty-One Gives will give to an organization that helps improve the quality of life for women and girls! Hopefully we can get that 2% up to 100%, how great would that be? It's all about changing lives.

AND?! {I feel like Oprah} For every $31 you spend you get 31% off any new spring item! I mean, I'm the queen of getting a deal and that's one heck of a deal!

So what are you waiting for? Go get your shop on!

*SOURCE: NYU Child Study Center

**SOURCE: Girl Inc (2006)

SO WHAT! Wednesday

2012-02-01T05:57:00.000-05:00

Today I'm saying SO WHAT if...

I forgot all about writing this post until 10 pm last night. After over a year of writing I forgot. Jimmy had to force me to write it too.
I drank 2 glasses of wine and then proceeded to do over 600 sit ups, crunches, side crunches, reverse crunches, etc. while watching Sons of Anarchy last night.
I am happy that it's not been very cold this winter. Yesterday it was 60! 60 in January in Ohio is unheard of and I welcome it with open arms.
I need complete peace and quiet when I'm watching my reality trash aka Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I need to make sure I don't miss one hot mess second.
I refuse to paint my toenails in the winter months. You're lucky that I took off the last bit of polish from October this week {and it was only because I had an appointment with the lady doctor}.
I went to the grocery store without a bra on this week. I had an over-sized tee and hoodie on, you couldn't even tell. See also: I was my own worst nightmare that day.
I consider my blonde hair my "roots".
I cannot stop pinning spring outfits and lusting over my spring "must haves". It's going to be so much more fun this summer dressing a skinnier body.

Recent Observations

2012-01-31T06:17:00.001-05:00

Some thoughts in my head right now:

While pursuing Pinterest the other day I noticed that people seem to be OBSESSED with trying to hide the thermostats in their houses. Call me crazy but that just doesn't bother me that much. It's in the hallway, out of the way, doesn't interfere with any decorations, so finding some "unique" way to camouflage or cover it up just seems...OCD.
I find it rather rude and super annoying when I spend a lot of time helping people pick out the perfect foundation and lip gloss with the promise of an Avon order only to be orderless some 2-3 weeks later. Thanks for wasting my time. {speaking of, my FAVORITE item, Glimmersticks, is on sale 3/$9.99 right now}
A few of my favorite bloggers have sort of turned me off lately. Or maybe it's me? Or maybe being on Twitter and seeing a more real version of the bloggers {you know because we air all our dirty laundry on Twitter} has kind of spoiled it for me. Like I kinda miss the days when I was just a reader in this big ole blog world and didn't see through all the fakeness.
I am the only mom out there that doesn't allow her child to sleep with a plethora of stuffed animals and or toys and or books. The bed is for sleeping, not playing, in my book. Kendall gets a blanket to cover up with, blankie and binky, that is it. At my mother-in-law's she gets toys, books, stuffed animals, blankets galore and it drives me cray-cray!
Along the same lines, I also think I am the only mom that dislikes smocked clothing. It's just not my thing. It seems very "old" to me. Please don't scalp me now, I still love YOU.
How is it that at the end of any season {spring, summer, fall, and winter} I always say, "wow I have a lot of spring/summer/fall/winter clothes!" But when that same season rolls around the following year? I've got "nothing". I am anxiously awaiting spring's arrival but just realized I will need LOTS more additions to the closet before I'm "ready".
I know a lot of people are eager to get their babies into their big boy/girl beds/bedrooms but I'm just not there. I dread that day. I feel like going to bed is going to be very hard when she can very easily get up and out of bed. With that being said, I am excited about the whole climbing in bed with her and snuggling part.
I thought I was so cool when I had my feather extensions this summer and now? Totally lame. I think it's because I saw too many Teen Mom's rocking them recently.
I hate it when the ONLY time someone updates their Facebook is to say, "I love being a mom to XX" or "being a mother is the greatest job in the world". It's like, who are you trying to convince?
One of the reasons I love being blonde again is because I feel like I look less horrendous with less makeup. With the dark hair I felt like my makeup, bronzer especially, had to be darker or I looked like a zombie. Now? I didn't put on a stitch of makeup yesterday and while I didn't look good I didn't look unapproachable either. I even went out in public!

Wow I feel like I probably just offended a lot of people in this post and that was not my intention so if you are one of those people, I'm sorry. Just some things I had to get off my chest. WHEW! I feel better.

Hairy Post

2012-01-30T06:58:00.000-05:00

Last Monday when I posted my MMM vlog I got tons of comments on my hair, believe it or not. I was just as shocked as you because I had my hair in a sad excuse for a messy bun and was in serious need of a dye job and bang trim. But alas, I like to give you what you want, I'm an enabler.

So there you have it. That's how to get The Shannon {not to be confused with The Rachel}.
So see, it's pretty simple. The blog I'm referring to, The Small Things, is amazing. I have to give credit where credit is due and that girl knows how to do hair. I must start incorporating more of her tips and tricks into my everyday life.
Also, while we're talking about hair I gave dry shampoo a whirl last Friday. I have been wanting to try it but have feared the results. I figured the day I got my hair done was the perfect opportunity because I don't normally wash my hair before I go anyway. Two word review, SHIT SANDWICH.

Maybe my hair is just too greasy for this nonsense. I followed the directions to a T and it still looked greasy {and wet} after. No gracias.
As for that blonde hair update? Well you knew I couldn't hold out on you and make you wait for another post {see, enabler}.

I love it so much! It feels so good to be back to my "roots". And the best part? I match my girl now!

Firm Friday, It's Different

2012-01-27T06:49:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I was going back through some of my posts in my "weight loss" label, you know for good measure. Actually it's because me and Kristen were talking about getting our pre-baby abs back and what we need to do to get them there. We used to be hot lil numbers back in the day and we took that for granted, big time.

You see when I was in full on wedding mode I was also in full weight loss mode. I remember struggling to lose 2 lbs, not realizing that although the scale wasn't moving my body was changing. I had only managed to drop 10-12 lbs before our wedding but DAMN Gina, that body was tight, firm, toned, and I didn't even appreciate it. It wasn't until I was 100 months pregnant that I realized what a body I had.

Now when people see me they're all, "OMG you are TINY". My mom even threatened an intervention, stating I was "getting too thin". Part of what they say is true, a TINY part, I am "skinnier" now than I was pre-baby, but it's diferent. Sure the scale says what I would have loved it to say 3 years ago but the body isn't what it used to be. For example, the lowest weight I ever reached pre-baby was 142 and I looked like this.

And now today I fluctuate but usually am around 137, comfortably.

SEE the difference? So just goes to show you that the number on the scale means NOTHING girls, nothing.

So while I'm at a weight I haven't seen in a long time, it's different. I would KILL to be 142 and have that definition back. See after you have a baby things...change. They shift, they stretch, they sag, it's not a pretty sight. And getting back into shape post body? Totally different too. Back in the day I could just do some crunches and the elliptical for 30 minutes and see results, no diet necessary. Today it's a little more tricky and a strict 1200 calorie diet is key, for me. But, I can do it. Last year was all about losing the weight and I did it so I know I can do this too. Goal weight AND toned? Yep, that will be me.

So, to all you girls out there with no babies, enjoy, cherish, LOVE the body you have now! If you got it, flaunt it because I can promise you it's all hard work and dedication afterward.

Blog Lovin'

2012-01-26T06:42:00.002-05:00

So it's not often that I pimp out other blogs that I ~~stalk~~ love but today I wanted to give credit where credit is due. These ladies inspire me. Make me laugh. Make me think. Make me want to be a better me. Give me ideas. Give me parenting advice. These are the blogs I don't even need my Reader to check, I just check them anyway. These are the blogs:

Bower Power: I started following The Bowers about a year or so ago. They lived in a house that I just loved and if I lived closer would have contemplated buying when they put it up for sale. Katie is a decorating extraordinaire and takes amazing photos. Let's not forget to mention that her husband isn't too hard on the eyes either. They moved into a FANtastic new home and I love seeing them renovate it, just amazing transformations going on over there.

Loves of Life: My blog designer/friend Katie. She's got a way with words, this girl. She's truly got a gift for writing and I anxiously await an update from her every day. She's also truly been an inspiration to me over the past year as far as this whole weight loss/running game is concerned. She is proof that if you put your mind to something nothing can get in your way of acheiving your goal, and that's pretty damn cool.

First Name Smith: I'm sure it's no surprise that my would be lover is on this list. Just when you are all, "oh well you HAVE to say that, she's your bestie" Imma tell you this, try it, you'll like it. Girlfriend is a hoot and a half and has the pretties to boot. If you like wine, cute babies, Ryan Reynolds and the occassional F bomb, you'll love my girl.

MODG: I don't even know where to start with this one. She's just utterly funny. Like I don't even know how she comes up with this stuff. Pure hilarious brilliance going on over there. She deserves an award.

Between the Lines: Laura just makes me want to be a better person, truth city. She's just an all around sweet, wholesome girl and her kindness makes my heart smile. She's such a great motivator and truly seems to "do it all".

The Life of Susan: Susan is the epitome of "life is what you make it". After suffering a devastating break up she could have thrown in the towel but instead she did the exact opposite. She is living proof that no matter what your circumstances are, YOU are in control of your life.

The Small Things Blog: The best hair toutorial site out there. I found her via Pinterest and never looked back. Even though I don't implement these ideas into my life as much as I need to, it's good to know they're there when I need them.

Enjoying the Small Things: Having a bad day? Feeling sorry for yourself? Then go read this blog. Kelle was born to write, plain and simple. I will be ordering her book and encourage you to do the same. Truly a remarkable woman, such an inspiration.

So those are a few of my go-to blogs. I check them several times a day, go back and reread a lot of older posts, and think you should too.

I was on Twitter the other day when Nina said "Today I am challenging myself to connect with a blog/blogger I've never read before." and I thought that was such a great idea. So this is me paying it forward, hope you'll do the same and support and promote some of your favorite blogs.