Living at 1...2...3

Product of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:46:00 +0000

This little gem has changed my skin! boscia Make-up Break-up Cleansing Oil is the ultimate in clean skin. I have combination skin that is very prone to breakouts and I was worried to even test this product. Boy, am I glad I did. Yes, when you apply it to your skin (dry skin) it is an oil. I massage the oil into my skin for about a minute or so and then rinse with warm water. As you rinse the oil turns white and rinses completely clean. It is so weird how your skin isn't oily at all. Afterwards, I was with an acne wash, but there is no need to. This oil removes even the toughest waterproof make-up and leaves skin so cleansed and balanced!

Linking up with Tiffanie @ Pineapples and Pickles

Ink Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm totally in love with tattoos! They are intensely personal and I always love to hear the stories behind them. I have one tattoo on my foot and one day I will share it with you soon.

I'm sharing some of my favorite tattoo pins this week. I love each of these, the placement and the meaning, and would get any one of them.

Pinned Here

Linking up with Michelle @ The Vintage Apple

10 Things

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:23:00 +0000

10 things you probably don't know about me...

1. I love to mark things off a list. An actual list, not a list on my phone.

2. I also, do not like digital calendars. I am the old fashioned paper calendar planner type of gal.

3. I am very particular with the type of pens I use. Bic Crystal pens (blue or black) and Papermate fine tip felt markers (multi colored pack).

4. I am obsessed with Peach Cobbler. It is my favorite dessert!

5. I will only eat medium buffalo flavored wings. They are called Buffalo Wings, not lemon pepper wings or jalapeno jack wings!

6. I occasionally cheat on Words With Friends-Yes it is true. We all get stuck sometimes.

7. I'm a total facebook stalker. Don't judge! You do it too!

8.If I'm at the beach/pool/lake I have to read a paperback book. No hardcovers or electronic books here.There is just something about curling the cover backwards.

9. I talk to my parents EVERY DAY!

10. I enjoy killing weeds. I get great satisfaction our of spraying weed killer and watching them turn brown over the next day or two.

Hope you know me just a little better now.

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

It Happened

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Yes, it finally happened. At first I was petrified and then when I realized what had happened... I was THRILLED!

Although it means time is passing and sometimes too quickly, I still can't believe we have hit this milestone so early.

Want to know what happened???

BEN SLEPT THROUGH THE WHOLE NIGHT!

Yes, he did. Every night since Thursday.

Friday morning I was jolted from bed at 5:00am paniced that something was wrong. I rush into Ben's room to find him sleeping so soundly. I almost cried he looked so perfect.

Saturday and Sunday mornings were much the same.

So I hope you have a well rested week!

Enjoy!

Totally Turquoise Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:04:00 +0000

I am completely obsessed with the color Turquoise right now.

You can find all my pins HERE. Don't forget to follow me!

Linking with Michelle @ the vintage apple

I'm Going to Miss This Face!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:48:00 +0000

I have enjoyed the last two weeks with Ben. I took a break from blogging and only did the minimum at home to savor my last 2 full weeks home with my little man. They were great! He is growing so much, sleeping longer at night, responding to our voices and silly faces.

So today is bittersweet. While I enjoy working, what I do and the awesome people I work with, I am going to miss this face.

Have a MARVELOUS MONDAY!

Product of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:39:00 +0000

As you know by now I love coffee. It is my drink of choice in the morning and the worst part of making coffee in the morning is that I haven't had a cup yet to help me.

I'm usually a grind my beans and brew kind of girl. Fresh ground coffee is like no other. I won't use one of the single cup brewers because WHO JUST HAS A SINGLE CUP IN THE MORNING????

When I work I greatly enjoy an afternoon cup around 3:00. Not for the pick me up, but 1. I love coffee and there is nothing better than a fresh cup! 2. Meeting up with all of my wonderful co-workers and chatting while it brews.

I usually enjoy my up of Joe with a little half and half and sugar, but thanks to my wonderful sister-in-law I have found this amazing creamer!!!!

This has the perfect creaminess and sweetness without being too much. I don't even need sugar!

I have been pairing it with Starbucks' new Blonde roast.

They have two different blends, Willow and Veranda. Both are amazing! I prefer the beans that I can grind, but it comes already ground. Target usually has it at a great price ($7.99 a bag).

This has become my go to cup of coffee in the mornings. I'm sure when I head back to work in a week I'll miss it in my afternoon cup I am sure to have.

Grab a bag and a bottle and enjoy every last drop!

Linking with Tiffanie @ Pineapples and Pickles

Pinterest Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:39:00 +0000

It's Wednesday and that means sharing my Pinterest Pins with you.

Here they are...

Pinned HERE.

Linking with Michelle @ The Vintage Apple

Book Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:47:00 +0000

I'm back! Yes, I now have a working computer and my beloved laptop will be returned to me tomorrow. Even better news is my hard drive was not damaged so all my graphic and photography work is safe! No more backing up once a week.

Ok, now on to what I missed on Monday. Heather @ Blonde...Undercover Blonde hosted another book swap. I entered and was paired with Jennie @ Well Shut The Fron Door (who is so hilarious and has an amazing blog you MUST check out!).

Jennie and I have quite the same taste in books and she sent me two great pics.

She always wanted to belong...just not to a dysfunctional pirate crew

Juli has trouble fitting in, though she'd prefer to keep the reasons to herself. But when she mistakenly stows away on a ship of misfit corporate castoffs, her own secrets become the least of her concerns.

He knows plotting a diamond heist may be considered unusual behavior...

But Alex isn't feeling very normal when his unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb. Meeting Juli doesn't do much to restore normalcy to Alex's life either, but it sure is exhilarating!

As Alex and Juli bare their secrets-and a whole lot more-they find that while normal is nice, weird can be wonderful.

via

This book made me laugh so hard and was a quick read. Very entertaining and a must read for the summer!

Yes, my swap partner was that awesome that I received a second book.

The fast lane is much too slow for Rachel Walsh. And Manhattan is the perfect place for a young Irish female to overdo everything. But Rachel's love of a good time is about to land her in the emergency room. It will also cost her a job and the boyfriend she adores.

When her loving family hustles her back home and checks her into Ireland's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic, Rachel is hopeful. Perhaps it will be lovely -- spa treatments, celebrities, that kind of thing. Instead, she finds a lot of group therapy, which leads her, against her will, to some important self-knowledge. She will also find something that all women like herself fear: a man who might actually be good for her.

via

Thanks to Heather for hosting and Jennie for being a great partner!

I'm not missing!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:47:00 +0000

I know it has been FOREVER since I posted. Just a quick update...

The motherboard on our computer crashed. My lifeline to the Internet and blogging has been taken away and sent to be revived and will hopefully return shortly. In the meantime my AMAZING husband has taken an old desktop to a computer repair man to be spruced up so I can be reconnected to y'all while my laptop is gone (approximately 2-3 weeks). I should be up and running in a day or two. I'm not a phone blogger. Too time consuming and while I'm pecking away at the keyboard I often forget what I want to say.

Until then...

Pinterest Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:47:00 +0000

Sorry this is late. I'm still without a computer and attempting this on my phone.

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

Sponsor Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

My two sponsors this weeks are great blogs you should definitely check out!!

First up is Lindsay @ Every Day Life

Hey guys I'm Lindsay from Every Day Life! I'm a college student studying Mass Communications with a heart for the Lord. I'm into everything I can possibly be in and I stay active and busy all the time. I had a beautiful family and fabulous friends. God has placed so many blessings in my life and I thank Him daily for all this He is doing for me and will continue to do. I love life and remember that each day that I have I can never get back so I better take all the chances and opportunities that I have.

Every Day Life is a place for me to share my thoughts, ideas, and sometimes craziness! I post about DIY craft projects, makeup, fashion, clothes, hair, and everything that could possibly be in between. I like to keep it fresh and new and down to earth. I love sharing my ideas with others and hearing about theirs as well. Every Day Life would love to have you come over and take a peek, even become a follower if you're up to it :) I promise you won't be disapointed!

Next up is Elizabeth @ Fearless & Frugal

{About Me} Hey everyone! My name is Elizabeth and I’m a 20-somethingsenior college student. I’m new to blogging, so I’m still getting the hang ofthis…but I love writing, trying new things and saving money (who doesn’t,right?) I’m obsessed with organizing, drinking coffee and listening to countrymusic. I have a newfound love for the outdoors, old movies, crafting andcooking. I’m a yoga enthusiast and have just recently started Pilates (which Ilove!).

{About My Blog} After the summer of 2011 I found myself with anoverwhelming number of credits to take my final year of college so I had toquit my job of 2+ years. Although I had spent my entire summer working and takingclasses, I still found time to shop, vacation and spend way too much money. Atthe end of the summer I was hit with a wake up call -- despite all the hours Ihad put in at work, my bank account was devastatingly low. I realized Icouldn't spend like I had been any longer.

Now I’m finding it moreimportant than ever to save money. I thought that by starting my blog, I couldshare my tips and tricks I've developed and learned along the way to helpothers who were living on a budget, or just trying to save a buck or two hereand there! I am by no means an expert (I'm studying history and then going onto grad school to be a teacher), but I have developed and adapted a lot oftricks that work for me. I also want to offer a few health, beauty, fitness andother tips as well! Come visit me at Fearless & Frugal and bear with mewhile I get started! :)

Pinterest Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Weekend Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:44:00 +0000

The original plan for this weekend was to head to Oklahoma to see my family. Well, Ben was sick and we spent all of Friday bouncing from doctor to doctor to imaging center to hospital. They finally figured out that the muscle that connects his esophagus to his stomach is under developed and allowing stomach acid up into his esophagus which made him overeat and then the muscle wasn't strong enough to keep the food down. Now we are on medicine to control the acid and he is back to eating normal and has stopped projectiling his food all over Momma. Thank heavens!

So instead of going home we had a peaceful Friday night giving Ben his first bath in his bathtub.

Ben isn't a fan of not having clothes on. Something Greg says will change soon, so enjoy it while it lasts. The bath went well. Ben even peed during the bath. Some of the pee even made it out of the bathtub. We laughed so hard!

Saturday morning we woke up and decided to head to the lake house for the night. So we packed our bags and headed east.

I made Greg wear green to celebrate.

And...

Ben also had green to wear. (Love this face!)

The lake house is where Greg proposed to me. So while there I wanted to photograph the spot he asked me to be his wife.

It was on that swing that Greg and I sat and had our morning coffee while he told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and he hoped I wanted the same.

Here are a few more pictures that took...

Enjoy your Monday!

lowercase letters

Sponsor Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome High Heels and Hot Deals as sponsor his month. What a great blog! Lots of deals and money saving tips. Check them out.

Hello blogger friends! We're Kait and Michele, but before we begin we'd like to give Heather a super special THANK YOU for having us on her blog!

We're the creative master-savers behind the blog High Heels and Hot Deals.

Actually, we're just two moms who are sharing with you our tips to save and information on the products your crave. Basically, we want to show you that you can save $$ on the things you buy everyday by using us as your guide - and it doesn't have to take you 124,309 hours a week nor do you have to be an extremist about it!

Plus, we want to share with you our views on super amazeball products that we think you may like (because we do!)

But who are we you ask? Well...read on friends!

I'm Kait - also known as mama, babe and Mrs. B. You know, your average full-time mommy, wife, teacher and shopaholic. I've been addicted to a good deal since my first hot purchase at Abercrombie and Fitch when I was 13. Nowadays I'm always hunting for sales on studly baby clothes, free toothpaste, paper towels and occasionally the cute frock for myself. In my spare time I'm mildly obsessed with running, reality T.V. and Kate Middleton.

Hi there, I'm Michele- I am a fairly new stay-at-home mommy trying to keep sane. I have a 14-month old and two teenage stepsons who LOVE to eat and spend money! I could spend hours browsing the racks at TJ Maxx and Home Goods. I never buy anything that isn't on sale and I get super bummed when I don't walk out of a grocery store with at least a 50% savings on my receipt. In addition to being a mommy, I spend my days as a photographer and tend to get a little crafty with my sewing machine and glue gun. :)

So check us out, follow us and be our friend! We'd love to share with you our saving goodness! :)

Facebook Twitter

And, don't forget our blog!

www.highheelsandhotdeals.com

Sponsor Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Hello readers! I’m Leigh Anne and I am fairly new to the world of blogging! I like to consider myself a jack-of-all-trades. The past 16 years of my life were spent as a serious dancer practicing nearly 24 hours a week; but when I got married and moved to Alaska this summer my journey and direction in life took a change. While being a full time PR and Communications student is great I needed another outlet for my creativity, so I began exploring the idea of blogging and here I am now. Hart to Heart blog follows my journey of crafting, cooking and creating while balancing life of being the wife of a deployed soldier, full time student, and aspiring personal trainer. Phew! Yep, it’s a bit crazy and chaotic but I’d love to share my whirlwind of a life with you! Oh and did I mention I have an Etsy shop? Come check it out : Hart to Heart Designs; handmade hair accessories and photo props. Looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you!

Leigh Anne

Product of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:33:00 +0000

I had planned on reviewing my special Vichy Birchbox, but I'm a little upset with Birchbox right now since I have yet to receive my March Birchbox and my tracking number shows my box traveling all over the US. By the time it gets to me April will be here and my box will have hit all 48 contingent states. So, I'm holding off. Plus this product has a coupon code that will run out soon.

When you get pregnant the hunt for the best products is on. Everyone has a favorite and you can spend a lot of money on needless items.

Well, while pregnant I found a coupon code for a carseat cover. I know these are important, especially on windy days. So I go check out this carseat cover that I can get for free. FREE! I was a little skeptical, but when I arrived at THIS PAGE I was pleasantly surprised at how awesomely cute and practical these gems are. The coupon code even worked to take $50 off their Whole Caboodle set. So I ordered it.

This is the Carseat Canopy. It straps to the handle of the carseat so there is no slippage happening and a blanket falling off.

BUT...

When I saw this, I had to pay the extra and get the whole caboodle.

The whole caboodle comes with a cover for the actual carseat, an umbrella replacement, headrest, and a matching blanket, along with the canopy above. At the time they had a special going on where the whole caboodle was $79.95 and they honored the coupon code for $50. So I paid $29.95 for the $135 whole caboodle. I wasn't sure the quality, but I knew I was willing to waste the $30 to find out.

It came in the mail the day of my last baby shower, and I immediately stopped getting ready to put it on the carseat. WOW! I was amazed at how completely awesome this is. The soft minky is perfect for Ben's delicate baby skin and I always use the blanket since it is still kind of cool. It was easy to assemble (comes with instructions) and was put on the carseat in a matter of 10 mins. (You do have to undo the straps on the back of the carset to thread them through the cover and you will have to take off your umbrella to put the new one on. However, the umbrella snaps off and I saved it for when/if we ever decide not to use the cover anymore.)

I love the canopy that covers Ben in the carseat. It is thick so the wind doesn't go through it.

The bad thing? People do ask me this question when I have the canopy down (which is often when we are in a store to discourage dirty hands from finding their way to my baby)

"Is there a baby in there?"

Ummmmm.... No, I'm just a weird, freaky person that carries around a carseat without having a baby.

REALLY??!!

Ok, here is the best part. They have brought back the coupon code and sale!!

Right now the whole caboodles are $79.95 and there is a $50 coupon code.

Use FAMILY2012

I'm not sure when the code runs out. Sorry about that. It is usually good for about 2 weeks or so.

This is great if you are expecting or would be one awesome gift!!! You would the hit of any shower and new mommy!

Have a great Thursday! (Friday is so close!!)

Oh, so sorry! Linking with Tiffanie @ Pineapples & Pickles

My favorites from the week

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Here is what I'm loving this week from Pinterest.

1. This is me on occasions.

2. Or zumba...

3. I've had to stop myself a few times!

4. Hehehehe

5. We all did it if you are old enough!

8. This is really awesome!

9. Being 4ft 10in I LOVE these shoes!

10. 5 moves to tone your post-prego belly. When the Dr lets you do them.

and #10 will get me into this...

11. Totally swooning over this little gem!

Find all my these pins HERE

Linking with

Michelle @ The Vintage Apple

Jamie @ This Kind of Love

I've escaped for 29 years

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Before I get started, check out Lindsay @ Trail By Sapphire She has a great blog and you are missing out if you don't go see for yourself!

Hi there! I’m Lindsay, and I’m thelady behind Trial By Sapphire. At Trial By Sapphire, I document things that I find beautiful, fall in love with, learn about, laughat, and am infinitely thankful for. Itsounds like a lot of everything… and it is! My sister got almost all of my mom’s domestic goddess gene, but thatdoesn’t stop me from trying new things. I just call it “experi-crafting”. Other than readingblogs, I like yoga, Pilates, Skype, tea, singing, musical theatre, servicework, and learning about veg/veganism and green living. I would love for you to visit sometime!

OK, now on to what I have escaped for the last 29 years. I have always felt completely lucky that one of these has never made its way to me. While I knew one day I would be called, I hoped it would be one day when I was older, retired, and honestly looked forward to doing this. But now?! No way. I neither feel honored, called, or even obligated to to adhere to what this little card is telling me I should.

What is it I'm talking about?

Well, just last Friday I was feeling on cloud 9. You see I had just realized that Spring Break was upon us and for the last 7 years I loved this time and dreaded it all at the same time. It meant a break from work for a week, but also meant upcoming high-stakes testing. So for the first time in 7 years I had no stress of work on me. No highly anticipated break with the dread of it being over in 7 days. I was on Cloud 9!

Then I walked out to the mailbox, opened it to find many goodies awaiting me, and began to go through all the junk that comes. While filing the junk to the back of the pile I came across this. I quickly started to put it in the back of the pile with the junk (I mean a bright yellow postcard had to be junk) when I saw this in bright red at the top.

That's right I've been called to Jury Duty only 3 short weeks after having my baby. Well, of course my cloud 9 I was floating on quickly became fog as I floated back down to Earth.

So what shall I do? Well I marked the box that stated I was the sole care taker of a child under 12. Ben is too young to send to daycare and my MIL will be working at the family business the day I have been summonsed. I put a stamp on it (yes I had to provide the stamp for a piece of mail I was required to to return) and mailed it right back to them.

Cloud 9 restored!

Hope you have a Terrific Tuesday!

Our 1st Year

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:53:00 +0000

1 year ago I said "I Do" to my best friend.

Little did I know how great it was going to be. I thought I loved him so much then, but every day there is something about Greg I appreciate more and fall even more in love with. I prayed and told God exactly what I wanted for my life and in a husband. The list was quite detailed and I'm sure that is why I was 28 before Greg walked into my life. We have been together every day since we met 21 months ago.

Here are 21 things I adore about my husband.

1. He is hard working. He stays until the job is done and never puts off until tomorrow what can be done today.

2. People love him. He has a gift with helping others and reading them. He is very in tune with others feelings and emotions.

3. He is so handsome!

4. He loves my dogs as much I do! Continues to insist they love hangers.

5. He kisses me every day, on his own. I know by those kisses that he thought about me all day.

6. We both have the same sense of humor. (Yes, that is 2 donkeys fighting over a piece of carpet.)

7. He also understands my need of taking goofy pictures and poses for them.

8. He is a great sport and takes practical jokes so well.

9. He laughs when I laugh! (This was when I forgot his wedding ring and we had to stop and send someone to go get it.)

10. He allows me to hold my fish close to the camera so they appear bigger than they are.

11. He embraces my need for self portraits.

12. He always puts my needs first.

13. He understands my Love Language is Quality Time, not gifts or words.

14. He is the spiritual leader of our home.

15. He is always working to make our lives easier and better.

16. He is understanding of my OCD and my sometimes neurotic thinking.

17. He hold me every night as we fall asleep.

18. He doesn't get upset at my inability to watch movies. (even though it is one of his favorite things to do.)

19. He gave me this precious gift.

20. He is an amazing father that is just as in love with this little person we made as I am.

21. And...while no one is perfect in this world, he is perfect for me. The best part of my home is truly who I share it with.

The road to Greg wasn't easy, but I would walk it all over again to be his wife!

Sponsor Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Meet some more of my March Sponsors.

Aubrey @ The Kinch Life

1. I am married. To the most amazing man out there, Andrew. We promised our forever to each other October 1, 2010 and have enjoyed all the choas of our life together so far.

2. I am a Christian. God is beautiful and he is good, always.

3. I have a 6 year old step-son, Drake. He is the biggest blessing and I love him more then words can explain.

4. I am a daddy's girl; we danced to I Loved Her First at my wedding and we both cried a lot; the ugly sobbing though so no pictures will ever be seen. ;)

5. I am addicted to EOS [looks like an egg] chapstick.

6. I have multiple tattoos and am no where near finished getting them. Most have flowers and bible verses.

7. I sang the National Anthem for a basketball game in middle school, once. Was too scared to ever do it again.

8. I used to love school. Now, I hate it. I went for Elementary Education and stopped when I started planning our wedding. Will I go back?? Eventually but probably for Nursing.

9. Baking is my passion. I operate {Little Cakes} for fun.

10. I work as a full-time nanny for a beautiful toddler, Elle. It makes me want my own, soon.

11. I am obsessed with Target. I am there 4...5 times a week. Literally.

12. I am notorious for sending Christmas Cards out the day after Thanksgiving. I get a lot of crap for it but I am just wayyyyy prepared. ;)

13. I suck at math.

14. It's my dream to have a southern accent where I can say "bless your heart" and it would be accepted. Plus I love country music.

15. I "suffer" [that's what people call it but it isn't that extreme] from migraines.

16. I am a chronic organizer.

17. I ran into a wall chasing my brother when I was 5. I now have a sexy Harry Potter-like scar.

18. Elf is my favorite movie.

19. Top 5 words that describe me are: loud, bubbly [my husband says warm], loyal, passionate & a people pleaser.

20. I have a Husky/Samoyed dog, Brutus. He's huge and goofy and I love him SO much.

Crystal @ A Time 4 Everything

Hi, I'm Crystal! A 30, soon to be something, technical support manager, jewelry consultant with Premier Designs, aerobics instructor, and recently, blogger. I live in small town VA, with my two cats and my boyfriend. I like to laugh, love and just enjoy this blessing we have called life. I haven't been blogging that long but in the short amount of time that I have; I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I'm having fun writing about fashion, of course jewelry (hehe), nails, cooking, crafting, my babies (the cats), and anything cool and interesting that comes along the way. Click on over and see for yourself!

High Five Friday & A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday! It is rainy and cold here today (and the next 2 days), but I'm not complaining! Days like this fill our lakes and provide a fun summer for us!!

Here are my top 5 this week!

1. Ben gained 8 ounces in the last 10 days! WOO HOO! He is now at birth weight and eating well.

2. Look at the picture I got the other day! I just love these little feet!

3. Look at the difference 2 weeks can make. It is hard to believe that the picture on the left was just 2 hours before Ben was born. I'm down 20 pounds.

4. Finally got around to trying my extra Birchbox. I was chosen to test these products and they came the day before Ben was born. I've been using them and will review them on Thursday.

5. Hasn't happened yet, but the excitement is still on my top 5. Greg and I will celebrate our 1st anniversary on Monday. So the in-laws are keeping Ben on Saturday night (the WHOLE night) so we can celebrate! I can't believe it has already been a year!

6. Sorry I need to add one more! I'm totally excited about this book swap. If you are a reader, go check it out. Today is the last day to sign up. Click HERE for details and to sign up.

Linking with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk

Now for a little book review.

I read this book in college and I absolutely loved it. I promise you will too. It is a little deep, but such an awesome read!

Deftly written and emotionally powerful, Drowning Ruth is a stunning portrait of the ties that bind sisters together and the forces that tear them apart, of the dangers of keeping secrets and the explosive repercussions when they are exposed. A mesmerizing and achingly beautiful debut.
Winter, 1919. Amanda Starkey spends her days nursing soldiers wounded in the Great War. Finding herself suddenly overwhelmed, she flees Milwaukee and retreats to her family's farm on Nagawaukee Lake, seeking comfort with her younger sister, Mathilda, and three-year-old niece, Ruth. But very soon, Amanda comes to see that her old home is no refuge--she has carried her troubles with her. On one terrible night almost a year later, Amanda loses nearly everything that is dearest to her when her sister mysteriously disappears and is later found drowned beneath the ice that covers the lake. When Mathilda's husband comes home from the war, wounded and troubled himself, he finds that Amanda has taken charge of Ruth and the farm, assuming her responsibility with a frightening intensity. Wry and guarded, Amanda tells the story of her family in careful doses, as anxious to hide from herself as from us the secrets of her own past and of that night.
Ruth, haunted by her own memory of that fateful night, grows up under the watchful eye of her prickly and possessive aunt and gradually becomes aware of the odd events of her childhood. As she tells her own story with increasing clarity, she reveals the mounting toll that her aunt's secrets exact from her family and everyone around her, until the heartrending truth is uncovered.
Guiding us through the lives of the Starkey women, Christina Schwarz's first novel shows her compassion and a unique understanding of the American landscape and the people who live on it.

via

Linking with Heather at Blonde...Undercover Blonde

Kony 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:09:00 +0000

Sorry, no product review this week! There is something a little more pressing I MUST post about today.

Hold old were 26 years ago?

Were you even born?

What were you scared of?

The dark?

Monsters under the bed?

Peas for dinner?

Do you have parents?

Siblings?

Children?

Do you ever waste 30 minutes day?

I was 3. Scared of monsters under my bed. I have wonderful parents, 2 sisters, and I now have an amazing son. Yes, I waste 30 minutes everyday doing something I enjoy.

Do you believe you were put on this Earth for a reason?

Are you making a difference?

What will you be remembered for?

What is your LEGACY?

How are you making things better in the world?

Take 30 minutes you would waste and watch this video!

I believe God puts people in our lives for a reason. Some to make our lives better and some to make us better people. I believe everything, positive and negative, serves a purpose in our lives. And I believe we are here to serve a purpose in others' lives.

What purpose will you serve?

How will you make a difference?

Go HERE for a way to help!

Share this everywhere! Facebook. Twitter. Blog. Email.

Pintering Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Hello Wednesday!

I want to share with you one of my wonderful sponsors before we get started on our Pins for the week.
Jessica @ Lovely Little Things.
One of my favorite blogs!! Check her out!

Hi loves! I'm Jessica & blog over at Lovely Little Things :) I’m a 20-something just living and learning as I go. I started Lovely Little Things for a couple of reasons. I needed a place where I could pour out my thoughts and organize them with no boundaries. I also wanted a place where I could reflect on things and see how much of an impact the little things in life have on me. I needed a place where I could create and share my experiences - teaching others, while at the same time learning just as much from them. I use my blog to keep creative no matter how busy I get, to appreciate my life, and to meet other bloggers who inspire me.There really is no limit to what you’ll find on my blog. I hope that by continuing with Lovely Little Things that I will discover lots of fun new things about myself (and the not so fun things, too) so that I can grow as a person, and maybe even inspire one or two people along the way! Let’s do life together!

Glad I get to share a few of my favorite pins with you this week.

1. Getting ready for Spring. Greg and I received a potted plant while we were in the hospital that would work great to create this.

2. I'm not a scary movie person, but SERIOUSLY! One day I hope someone makes a movie where the killer does respond.

3. Using this tonight for dinner. I always need new ways to make chicken breast. It gets old fast.

4. Love Italian Cream Cake!!!

5. Creme BruleeCheesecake Bars? You had me at creme brulee!!

6. We have a black front door. Love the simplicity!

7. Remember these??? Everyone boiled a toothbrush, ripped out the bristles, and bent it into a bracelet.

8. I want to build this in hubby's shop and surprise him. Bad thing? I don't know how to cut wood. Maybe have him cut it, but don't tell him why...

9. My husband is perfect!

10. I need to remember this daily!

Click HERE for pins. Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest.

Linking up today with Michelle @ The Vintage Apple.

Have Wonderful Wednesday!

Out Live Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:23:00 +0000

I'm so excited to tell you about a new study that Greg and I are doing with our small group. We host and lead a monthly Life Group at our home and chosen our newest study.

A little background information... Over the summer I attended the Women of Faith Conference in Dallas. (It is amazing if you have never gone, go at least once!!) While there I spoke with Greg about sponsoring a child and we chose to do so. We selected a child that was born on the day we married. In the packet of information you get when sponsoring was a book by Max Lucado, Out Live Your Life. I didn't pay much attention to the book until I was put on bed rest and had an abundance of free time to read. The book is amazing an I recommend everyone read it. You have something to gain from it!

So Greg and I chose to do the study for our small group.

These are difficult days in our world's history. Billions of people are poor, millions go hungry or thirsty every day. Disease claims thousands of lives daily. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. What if you lived in such a way that your death is just the beginning of your life?

Max Lucado presents four DVD sessions that follow the real-life stories of people who are making their lives count. In four DVD sessions designed for individual study or for a small group experience, Max will show you not just why but how to live intentionally so that everything in your life---your time, your skills, your passions---all add up to something bigger than you.

via

Along with the study we are also encouraging everyone to participate in The Shine Project's Pass It Forward. Click HERE for more details.

Ashley is encouraging everyone to make a difference, one act of kindness at time.

The difference? You give this card to the recipient of your act of kindness.

Then you log your act and watch how travels.

Will you make a difference today? I hope so!

Living at 1...2...3

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Out Live Your Life

I'm not missing!