Once Upon Amanda

KIDS OR UFC FIGHTERS

2019-07-10T11:07:00.002-07:00

Seriously, sometimes I really wonder if I'm raising kids or ufc fighters! I mean today alone I have broken up countless fights... As I type this I have my littlest next to me because she was just attacked by her sister for taking her "spot" on the FLOOR! Yeah you read that right... They are fighting over a spot on the floor, you know you can totally insert an eyeball here...

Summer has been busy and fun and full of activities. We've had two play dates already this week and it's only Wednesday. Here we are though two out of three kids in time out no matter how much you do for them... Guys the coffee is not strong enough today that's for sure... I would even treat myself to a starbs run right now if it wasn't for the fact I'd have to load them all up in the car..

On top of all this I'm over here trying to get my life together and eat right all while still MOVING!
I'm 99% sure the house will never be done.. I mean not to go down this rabbit hole but it is super tough right now to get back to keto and my body hates me for it... I guess in that way I'm kinda like my kids.. They know if they fight they get in trouble and they don't get rewarded, there's no fun things but they still fight anyway... I'm over here knowing full well keto is the main thing that keeps my PCOS in check and makes me feel great and gives me enough energy to keep up with these little crazies but here I am with all the self sabotage...

Hmmm you see this is why I like blogging, so much perspective when you write things down....

So I guess the real question here is not whether or not I'm raising trained cage fighters but rather why we as humans do things we know we shouldn't?

Wow, I told you the coffee isn't strong enough today and I surely am not at the capacity for that question... Defiantly shouldn't have went there, I was feeling so much better venting about my ungrateful, fighting kids...

Whateves I'm a stay at home mom so if this isn't something I feel justified in venting over give me like .05 secs and I find something else...

What fights have you had to break up this week? Let me know if it tops fighting over a specific spot on the living room floor...! I'd love to share in the comical momming with you!!!

-XOXO

GIVEAWAY

2019-06-14T09:43:00.004-07:00

Ohhhh friends!! I am so incredibly excited about today's post!! I have partnered with Lexi from LexiLuCreativeFinds you can check out her etsy shop here.

Seriously this whole boho vibe that we have going on this season is really working for me! All the fringe has really caught my eye so when I was shopping Etsy which is a norm for me I came across her shop and I saw she had MACRAME DIFFUSER KEYCHAINS seriously guys insert the excited emoji here. You know I love my snake oils so the idea of having a differed on my keychain was like, ummm yes please and all the hand raises!

Guys seeing something on the internet and seeing it in real life is so different, I mean you know that by now! I saw these keychains and I loves them but I thought they were small, I had no real idea of the intricacy at work here... I gotta tell ya, I'm blown away! I also got the small dream catcher with is amazing for a car diffuser in case you were wondering.

Guys this, this is why I shop small.. I could NEVER walk into a store and get this, a cheap imposter maybe and probably for more money too!

Another thing I have to give to Lexi is her packaging, this is not your typical shop small packaging. She clearly puts her heart into every single detail here right down to the fact that she actually sent me a mailer to use for this giveaway so everything would be top notch...

I am so excited that we are collating on this and I know you are going to love it just as much as I do!

So how do you enter? Well hop on over to Easy (linked above) and give her store a follow and then you can find me on instagram here for the instructions which is basically to follow both Lexi and myself and you can earn extra entries by sharing our post and tagging your friends!

On top of this amazing diffuser keychain I will be sending you a roller ball of one of my favs and a small dram of oil for you to add to the lava beads on your new diffuser!

Catch ya later on the gram!

-XOXO

Self Doubt

2019-06-11T11:51:00.003-07:00

I've been on a self growth journey lately. I have been reading a lot and doing a lot of self evaluating. This has helped me so much on my journey with depression. It's never easy to look at your self specifically and pick out your faults but it must be done. There's no way to get past our problems unless we face them.

I have found that reading (for me) is a huge help with keeping my mind right. I have alot of self doubt, I mean who doesn't right? Right now I'm reading the 5 second rule and I'm starting to figure out that alot of my self doubt comes from over thinking. I'm really trying to give this whole 5,4,3,2,1 GO a try. When I really think about it though, because I am, after all a habitual over thinker; I realize the things I'm really good at I don't think about at all, I just do it!

Where does this self doubt come from in the first place? I believe alot of times it comes from comparison. I whole heartedly believe that comparison is the theif of joy.
We all do it though, she's a better mom then me, she's smaller then me, she can buy whatever she wants, she's a better leader, she was promoted so fast....

The definition of self doubt is the lack of confidence in ones own abilities... Anyone struggling there?
I remember when I hit Silver for the first time with Young Living, I was like no way. This isn't me, I don't deserve this. What happens when my team realizes I'm not really a silver leader... Guess what? I started acting like I wasn't a silver leader... Then guess what? I didn't hit silver that second month. It's basically imposter syndrome, yes it's a real thing... I'd rather call it self sabotage though!

I'm basically a pro at self sabotage too. It's like the minute I make a plan or goal, I inevitably self sabotage... This is also something I am working on... 2019 this is my year of growth I'm telling ya...

To me self sabotage along with self doubt can also have alot to do with what you feel your self worth is. It's almost like you have deemed yourself unworthy or the rank or the promotion or loosing the wait so you just prove all your fears right and either give up or never actually try. You won't admit this though right? Like, to others it's all like ahhh I'm reaching out and nobody writes me back or I'm eating really good I don't know what's wrong?!?! All while you are probably scrolling FB and liking peoples posts or doing that hide in the corner of your room with your oreos so you don't have to share with your kids...

The cycle has to stop somewhere guys, you have to decide you are worth it, because you are! You have to decide to change and act on it, because you can!

I highly recommend the 5,4,3,2,1... GO mindset for anyone struggling with self doubt and the seemed inability to do the little things!

You got this friends! I am rooting for you!!!

-XOXO

Motherhood Unplugged #kindergarden

2019-05-31T11:50:00.005-07:00

Soooo I have to get on here and share my feelings guys! My baby, my mini, she starts kindergarten in a few short months and we just went to tour the school... I was like, ok been there, done that! This will be no biggie right?! Nope!!! This is my baby guys...

This is how I see her!

Momma'a I gotta tell you I was so close to loosing it! I was holding back tears, I'm not even joking! This is my third round of this, what is my problem? Well, simply put, she's my last baby! I don't have another one at home to keep me busy. She does everything with me, she goes everywhere with me. She's like a little broke best friend! I mean I will save some money, that is for sure but it's not going to be easy!

She's always been very independent, she marches to the beat of her own drum and she is most defiantly a boss! I actually shouldn't worry about it that much, I will probably be in the principals office three times a week.. When I look at it that way it makes it a little more easy to swallow... Joking... kinda!

She's already let me know she will never forget me... I mean how sweet right? She's always been that kid that doesn't need others to validate her, seriously she's who I want to be when I grow up. A natural born leader, unapologetic, herself always! I remember I took her to the park, she was four and this kid keeps coming over to her trying to play... She was entertaining herself though, she didn't need him to play with her! So when he was like hey lets go do this, she's like "nah, I'm going in this tunnel right now, you can follow me though if you want" My jaw about hit the floor. My other two are not like that! They want to be liked and make friends and Scarlett's all like, I'm not here for friends, I'm gonna do me!

How many of you have babies about to start kindergarten? I think we need some sort of support group!!!

-XOXO

giveaway

2019-05-25T18:57:00.003-07:00

Hey loves, I have something special today, I will be doing a review and a GIVEAWAY!!! I love giveaways and I love being able to offer giveaways to you as well!!!

Ok, so here goes, I found Jamie on the magical world of ETSY and I fell IN LOVE with her designs! I was googly eyes over her chenille fabrics and I knew I needed one in my life #baglady.

You see guys, I love ETSY, I love to shop small and support other small businesses! I reached out to her to see if she would like to collab with me and she was so sweet and btw an extremely fast shipper!!!

Go check out her shop here if you find a bag that is calling your name use code AMANDA15 and treat yo self to 15% OFF!!!

Seriously how cute! I know what you are thinking though, with something so cute how does it feel? Will it hold up? The answer friends, YES! She puts her heart into her work and you can seriously tell, the craftsmanship is amazing on these.

There eight compartments for oils and they will hold both 5ml and 15ml bottles with plenty of extra room for your hand sanitizer, thieves spray, savvy or even your keys!!!! Check out this awesome interior!

This bag is amazing and I'm so excited it's mine!!! Now I know you are so ready to see the one we are giving away!! This one is equally amazing and with its thick canvas type fabric I know whoever wins it is going to love it!!!

I love it guys! black and gold???? Yes please!!! So how do you get this bad boy? Make sure you are following both myself at onceuponamanda and pinevalleymarkethandmade on instagram! comment on the giveaway post and tag two friends who would love to win! Thats it!!

The code AMANDA15 will be live until June the 8th so make sure you stock up on some treasures!

-XOXO

Young Living Powergize

2019-05-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hey loves! Since I had a great response from the cortistop video you can find that here and don't forget to subscribe!

I decided I would do another on like that with another one of my other supplement loves from young living!

This video is about Powergize and it's a must have for basically anyone but especially those of us that feel as though we need a caffeine IV on the reg!

Hope you enjoy guys! Let me know if you have tried any of these and what you think of them!

-XOXO

Mean Mom's Unite

2019-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Guy's today I was a mean mommy or so thinks my five year old... I mean it all started when I said good morning! Apparently unbeknownst to me she hadn't slept all night! The snores that rang out of her nose like a small trucker, they weren't real... She was adamant that she hadn't slept at all. I mean really this isn't all that different from most mornings when she denies sleep. She's done that now since she was about three, when she told me she doesn't sleep at night time anymore.

This morning though, this morning me greeting her with a cheerful good morning about set her over the edge. Has anyone else been there? I know this can't just be me right? I mean its cute at first but when even the bribe of her beloved jelly toast for breakfast didn't work I knew it was going to be a nap kinda day...

I should probably tell you that she's my mini and such a sweet little love (most of the time)! Then there are some days where I'm like why do you have to be so much like me? #thatattitudethough
So when the unavoidable nap time of the day came, she was really over me for the day, I mean I didn't love her anymore, and I was pretty much her least favorite human... Let's cut to about two hours later, she was a completely different child!

Sometimes I wish it was that easy for me! If only I could be made to take a two hour nap and all my problems attitude and other, would melt away!

This isn't her norm, usually I'm her very favorite person at all times of the day and even when she denies sleep she's a joy. I know when I look back at these days it will be comical that a simple good morning could send her spiraling at least that's what I'm telling myself...

This is five and I'm going to soak in every minute before she off for school next year and leaving me in the dust!

How your day going with your kids? Let me know if saying good morning sets your mini off!!

That's all for today!

-XOXO

Young Living Cortistop

2019-05-12T13:54:00.005-07:00

Hey friends, so today is a little different I have a video for you! I had to tell you about Young Living's cortistop and how you absolutely need it in your life! I hope you enjoy!!!

-XOXO

Motherhood Unplugged

2019-05-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Momma! .... I see you!!!

I know you've seen the meme...

"My well behaved first born gave me the confidence to be a good mom. My wild child second kid taught me not to judge other moms."

Now we won't even get started on my third #bossbaby....

Anyway I love that meme but it really got me thinking... Why do we judge other mom's in the first place? I mean really, we've all been there right? We've been standing in line and have had to either leave our cart or wait it out and deal with the silent judgment because of a screaming child... If you haven't been there yet, just wait, it's coming.....

I mean stay at home moms tend to judge working moms and working moms will judge stay at home moms. It's not always this way but it happens more then not...
It kinda goes back to, you always want what you don't have right? Listen guys we're all just trying to do whats best for our families at the end of the day right?

I've done both, and now I'm doing work at home mom and I gotta tell you, it's all rough. Motherhood in general is the hardest yet most rewarding job. When I worked I was so sad I was missing so much time with my baby and his firsts and it wasn't fair. Then when I was non stop at home I was overwhelmed! I feel like everyone looks at me like it's such a blessing and I shouldn't complain. Listen it is such a blessing but ladies, it's non stop, its hard!

I miss them as soon as they are asleep or I go somewhere alone but during the day I mostly fantasize about bedtime.. It's the most ridiculous thing, if you're reading this though you already get that because you have those same feelings.... right?

I just got done reading "girl code" and while that book is a lot about entrepreneurship it's also a lot about women supporting women. Honestly it opened my eyes to a lot of things and I defiantly recommend it.

So I started thinking yes women in business should be raising each other up but what about moms? What if we were to say screw you mom guilt? I mean, when we judge others it mostly comes from a place of jealousy right? It maybe makes us feel a little bit better about our own parenting if we point out her faults....?

Guys I'm sick of this, I don't need to judge or gossip about anyone to validate my parenting skills. I have no place to! Just last week I literally was wishing I could time travel and go back to the sixth grade for a day to make this little boy that's been picking on my son cry! Yep I'm owning that! Bullying is a story for a different day though. ~~Some~~ most days I go to target with Scarlett and her outfit is on point and I look like a hobo, sometimes she literally wants to fight to the death for me to put a brush to her hair and she's the hobo... Then there's the rare occasion that were both fly, in which case she inevitably eats something that she finds in the back of the car and uses her shirt for a napkin... Or maybe it's a marker, I detest markers... Insert eye roll here but guys I'm telling you this because you have probably been there at some point and if not, well maybe send me some parenting tips!

My point is we all have our own things we are dealing with, we're all doing our best (most days) for our kids. So let's start a movement, lets be moms supporting moms! We're a few days from mother's day so what better time to start right?

So here's what I'm going to do, a weekly post about motherhood. The good, the bad, the dirty! If you have stories, I'd love to hear them!!

Let me know what you think of this idea! Is that something you'd like to hear about? We're going to build a mom community that's so supportive that everyone wants to join us, K!

That's all I have for today ladies! I hope you have a very Happy Mother's Day!!!!

-XOXO

April Favorites

2019-04-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hey loves!! Hope everyone had a good Easter, spring break and all that jazz!!! Who all went to see Avengers?? Did you love it??? I haven't seen it yet so no spoilers!

Anyway let's do an April favorites post!!

So I'm still obsessing over all things peach which is super killing my keto life!!! I'm not even joking guys peach lemonade... Do yourself a fav and don't even try it, if you do though omg try the one from Wendy's!!! It's legit soooo delish!!!

Ok so then, there's this little shop that makes my absolute favorite oily bags... If you follow me on insta you may have heard me talk about them a lot... #obsessed This one quite literally screams summer and beach and poolside parties to me and I'm here for it!!!

Ok so obvi, game of thrones came back this month and guys... I'm obsessed, truly I am!! If you haven't started this show yet do yourself a favor.... Ugh it's so so good and leave me some love below and let me know if you're a fan too!!

Lastly I'm super loving kimonos, I've kinda stayed away from them in the past because I'm like do they really look good on a curvy figure....? The answer is yes! Also the answer is stop hating your figure and start loving it for all the great things it's done for you. This is a tough one for me and I struggle with it a lot but I am trying... Any I got this super cute Kimono from torrid for Easter and I think I'm in love!!!

Also I actually have an amazon store front now of a lot of my loves!! Check it out here it is an affiliate link so it helps support this blog!!

-XOXO

Negative Self Talk

2019-04-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

I know you've heard this before if you have ever listened to a self love podcast or even read a self help book... STOP THE NEGATIVE SELF TALK... Why do we talk about or to ourselves in a way that we wouldn't even think about talking to others...

Our words become our thoughts, our thoughts become our beliefs and our beliefs become our actions..... We've all heard it, tale as old as time right? #realtalk As many times as I've heard it though, it's almost like I don't know how to stop...
I know your probably thinking hello!!! You are supposed to be telling us how to stop this, not that you do it too... Yes, that's true but for the sake of transparency I'm going to tell you, EVERYONE struggles with this! The best thing we can do it take it day by day. We need to retrain our brains. It can be done, I know it can be done!! I know that while I still struggle I have come a looonnngggg way!

Guys do you realize, if we can master this, I mean how much easier would it be to lift others up if we already felt worthy.... And you are worthy, you truly are! I look at my daughter, she's five and genuinely believes she can do anything; and she can! The thing is, the negative self doubt hasn't hit her yet... I pray it never does, I pray I can teach her through example to love herself, to teach her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Even now as I write this in the back of my head I'm like will anyone ever even want to read this, WHY? The truth is, even if nobody ever reads this blog again, it's therapeutic! It helps me and you know what? I have value to add to this little corner of the web, I'm worthy! You are worthy too, the only one holding you or me back from our dreams is ourselves. I for one find it super easy to get stuck in my comfort zone. Case in point, this blog... I stopped blogging for almost two years, why? Simply put, I knew I needed to go in a different direction but I wasn't comfortable sharing my heart with you guys for fear of rejection or failure...

So what are some things we can do? Well for me anyway I have to read, self help books, leadership books, girl boss books, whatever it may be I HAVE to read. What else? Positive affirmations, I know that sounds crazy but remember....
Our words become our thoughts, our thoughts become our beliefs and our beliefs become our actions.....
I like to roll on some Valor Essential Oil (because that's my fave) and say things like...

I am worthy
I am unique
I have a lot to offer
I am a great mother
I am an amazing wife
~~I am an amazing~~ I do ok at keeping the house clean!
I can succeed
I will succeed
I will leave my comfort zone behind
I am loved
I am a truth seeker

My affirmations may look different then yours but you need to make some. Start your day with them, end your night with them. Another thing I do to get in a good head space is pray and read my Bible, I also have a prayer journal. That my friends can fix a whole lot of our problems....

That's all I have for you guys today. I'm stepping down off my soap box now I just felt like this was something I should share... Let me know if any of this helped or what you guys do to help with the negative self talk!!!

-XOXO
-Amanda

March Favorites

2019-03-27T09:08:00.002-07:00

Oh wow guys!! This year is 1/4 of the way done... Seriously!!! Seriously!!! March has been a blast I had an oil retreat which was amazing!!! Incredible I went to destin beach!!! AHHH anyway here we go on to the favs of March!!!

First up this jean jacket from old navy! To me it just screams beach in spring so here we are!! you can grab yours here

Next up this facial scrub from young living, listen guys I know I sell young living but I'd seriously use it even if I didn't!! This is called the satin mint facial scrub and it is incredible!!! If you want to try some of this goodness let me know, I got the hookup!

Ok so speaking of old navy I got these tie front shirts and I know it's black and not very springish but black is my color summer, fall, winter or spring so #dealwithit I didn't take a picture with me in it so this pic is straight from the old navy site and then one with how I'd style it paired with my super cutie tenneys from Maurices and my Kendra Scott goodness and of course AE because they have the best jeans!! You can grab it here! Bonus it's on sale right now!!

Next up, ok so you know I love oils and so the idea of a rollerball necklace was super exciting for me!! I found this girl on insta her name on there is rutilated rounds, her story is amazing and all of the jewelry that she sells is helping her fund her ivf! She's super sweet and this is her etsy give her a follow. The craftsmanship is unreal! Also you can totes make the chain longer I made it short for picture sake!!!

Lastly for my #ketofam I thought I'd share my favorite #keto chocolate. I love the lilly's milk chocolate salted almond!!! It's so very yummy!! I get mine at publix grocery store but I have seen them at the health food store and a few other grocery stores too!!

That's a wrap on March loves!!! Let me know what were some of your favorite things in March???

-XOXO

Leadership in MLM's, Network marketing, or any other home based business!!!

2019-03-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ohhh today will be fun, we are going to do a little chat about network marketing... I know, I know,if you've never done one; or more importantly you've never done the right one you think they are the worst idea ever right?

I mean scam or pyramid scheme right?!?! Nope, would you be surprised to know that I've been in one of those mlm's for over three years now? Guess what it's not? a scam! Guess what it is? work!

I really believe that's why people think they are schemes, usually their friends friend got in at the "right time" and then in 6 months they were bringing in 10k per month and now they vacation all they time and buy all the things... They make it seem so easy right? So when you jump in with both feet and two weeks pass and you aren't any richer yet you're like wth....! This is crap and probably a scam too, I should jump over here to what my best friends sister is doing she's on "the ground floor" ill have better luck there... I like to call these people serial mlmers, don't be them, seriously... You have to work for these things to work!

Oh wow I got seriously off track, whoops are you still there? Anyway we can discuss mlm's later we were supposed to be talking leadership....

Ok, let's talk about leadership...! If you have sold even one kit you are a leader. If you've sold one wrap, one mascara, one bracelet, one weight loss pill, one pan, ready or not you are a leader. You are building your team.
You friend, you have something to offer your team. There is only one of you and finding your voice is so very important... These people chose to sign up with you, to buy from you..

So what is leadership? It's an action right? The action of leading a group or individual... Is it hard? Yes!!! Is it worth it? YES! Will you have to work? Yes!

We are going to face all kinds of trials and conflicts but it's how we handle them that sets us apart as leaders... I came across this quote a while ago and its actually my screen saver

"Being positive in a negative situation is not naive. It's leadership."

Let that sink in.... I am negative by nature, it's easier right? It's easier to complain then to fix, but that's not what leaders do. Not only that but when I'm negative it hurts me, it hurts my business, it hurts my health.... It lowers my frequency level by 10.... I don't have time for that guys and neither do you...

What if we choose to take action and be positive every.single.day... How much different would our lives look? How much different would our business look? How much different would our relationships look?

Be a leader, chose to work today, chose to grow your business and make a difference in your life. You are the only one that can make you do it!

-XOXO

February Favs!!!

2019-02-28T14:06:00.002-08:00

So here we are ending out the second month of the year... I mean I know February is a short month to begin with but I think it really flew by... I thought I'd share a few things I'm loving this month...

First up... These freaking amazing shoes from nordstrom you an get them here and p.s. they are still on sale even more of a sale then when I got them! These are so freakin cute and as you can see from the pictures below on kingdom of sequins (if you don't follow her on ig you should) You can pair these with both shorts or jeans!!!

Next is Frankincense essential oil from young living. Remember the depression post? Well lets just say I'm doing a little experiment with this oil and raising my frequencies while I'm at it!!!!

Next up, these little twinkle razors. Listen I know I am a little late to the game on this one but these little things are incredible and I am sad I didn't try them sooner...

Next up obviously Rae Dunn had to make the list so here I am with my sweet heart mug because hey, it's Feb!!

Last thing (because I wanted to add something keto) these low carb tortillas. I have been loving these lately guys! I get them a little crispy and make a turkey melt or a cheese quesadilla or a quesadilla burger even! It defiantly hits the spot!

Ok loves, thats all I have for you for this month!! Can't believe that March starts tomorrow!!!!

-XOXO

Depression... The Taboo... The stigma... The community...

2019-02-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

I think we can all agree that there's a sort of taboo surrounding depression.. I mean not so much in recent years because people have been so much more vocal and I think that's incredible...

I mean it sucks that there is this stigma around it like "oh, suck it up" "it's only for the weak of mind" NO! It's real! The sad part is, some people don't even realize whats happening until it's to late and they are deep in the throws of it...

It's normal to want to stay in bed longer and snuggle, it's not however normal to not be able to get out of bed. It's not normal to have to physically force yourself to get up and get your kids to school on time...
Maybe you feel ashamed, maybe you have a really good marriage and really good kids and you feel like you have no right to be depressed... No friends, that's not how it works. Depression does not discriminate. Maybe you have this guilt that you have a really good life and fear that people will think what could you possible have to complain about.

Guys this is a really hard subject for me because if you aren't in my inner circle I probably have never told you that I struggle with depression.. You know what though it's good to be open, if I would have kept this to myself I probably would have never realized that I'm not alone.

To be honest I don't know when it started, I can't pinpoint a time... I know I didn't realize what it was up until about two years ago. I know I felt ashamed to say it... Everybody has their own problems or issues, everybody has their own struggles and pain. Just because we can't see is doesn't mean its not there or relevant.

Check on your friends that seem like that have it all together because I can almost promise you that they don't...

It also seems like when you are trying to get things together or in order that's when it can rear its ugly head... Like say, trying to restart your blog...

The point is maybe you are struggling in silence and you don't have to friend. There is a whole community out there with you, there are more of us then you know.

I'm here, and if you ever want to talk feel free to message me. In the mean time I'll be over here sniffing my valor and bergamot and reading because believe it or not for me that helps...

Sulfurzyme

2019-02-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

Guys here's something I've been wanting to share for a while, because when you find something you love you can't help but share it right?

So, one of the MANY products that I love from young living is sulferzymes! It's like little magic pills... I'm over here replacing all the things, sorry not sorry sugar bear hair vites!!!

Why do I think they are magical? I don't know, maybe it's the way my hair and skin have responded to them!!! What makes them so magical?? I'd say mainly MSM!!!

Here’s a little info, but I encourage you to GOOGLE MSM BENEFITS. I think you’ll want to add this to your diet, too...

——————————

What is Sulfurzyme?

"Sulfurzyme is a unique combination of MSM, the protein-building compound found in breast milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and Ningxia wolfberry. Together, they create a new concept in balancing the immune system and supporting almost every major function of the body. MSM has the ability to equalize water inside the cells, which is a considerable benefit for those needing joint support."

- From the Essential Oil Desk Reference, Life Science Publishing

Why should I take Sulfurzyme?

If you have skin, hair, nails, or joints (and we hope you do), you are likely not getting enough of this compound. Weak and brittle nails, hair that doesn't grow or isn't healthy, joints that are painful, and skin issues can all be giant billboard signs telling you that you need more nutrition in this area. Skin that is ultra sensitive to the topical use of oils can be another telltale sign. This one supplement can do so much to help you benefit from everything else you are doing with your oils to increase your health.

"What makes this product different from the other products is the exceptional purity of MSM we use. This pharmaceutical grade MSM in Sulfurzyme is light years away from the low-grade material imported from Asia. Unfortunately, a great deal of the MSM sold in the U.S. originates from Asia. I believe that the key ingredient that makes Sulfurzyme so effective is the Chinese Wolfberry. With over 18 amino acids and 21 minerals, the wolfberry is one of the most nutrient-dense foods known. Few people realize that in order for us and our pets to properly metabolize the sulfur in MSM, the body requires minerals like molybdenum. When these are missing, MSM does not work as well. This is why wolfberry is so important." - D. Gary Young, founder of Young Living

Want more research on MSM? Try the Miracle of MSM by Stanley Jacob:
http://tinyurl.com/y97dfxvk

Overall friends, these have defiantly shaken up my routine!!! If you have any questions at all about them let me know!!! Also feel free to go to my young living page here !!!

-XOXO

A few things I'm loving in January

2019-01-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!!!! Hope you have had an amazing month! January has been a great start to the new year. I figured I'd blog about a few things I'm loving right now!

adidas ultra boost

Ok ladies and gents, this may not be the best picture but these are the best shoes!!! Promise! Here's a little pro tip, go to the adidas outlet for these. They sell these exact ones for $180 at dicks. They were the same price at the outlets but they have 30%-50% off of all the shoes and there's an additional coupon for $25 off a $125 purchase (it's an online coupon for Simon outlets). So it the beginning of the year every one's trying to get into shape, here's your new gym/running shoes!

orange blossom face wash

photo credit @theoilyden on insta

Orange blossom face wash from young living is the end all be all to me. I have tried literally hundreds of face washes! I was an avid clinique user but guys seriously when I turned 30 my face was like whoa girl we are 15 again let's break out! This was my face's saving grace. I will never ever go back, after three years of using orange blossom I can honestly say that!

grande lash

photo cred @grandecosmetics on insta

I have a whole post devoted to this stuff it's absolutely incredible... My lashes are so much better now then before, in the past five months I have had incredible results and its something that will definitely be sticking around in my beauty arsenal. Check out my blog post review here !!!

peach bubly

Next up peach bubly, ok seriously guys... Sparkling water is how I kicked my soda addiction, I haven't had a coke in almost 3 years... Shocking I know! This helps me stay on track for real guys! This flavor is everything, EVERYTHING!!! I'm all about the peach flavor and this is much better for me then stopping by Starbs for a white citrus peach iced tea with hwc... #ketolife

I could go on and on but I said I would only go over a few things!!!

Until next time loves,

-XOXO

Grande Lash Review

2019-01-24T08:45:00.001-08:00

Hey Lovies!!! So I can't keep quiet any longer about this wonderful lash serum that I've been using...

I have had lash extensions for the past 2 years and to say that they put some strain on your natural lashes would be an understatement!!! I have always had super shot baby lashes, like 10 coats of mascara later maybe you could see a little somethin somethin...! So lash extensions obviously were calling my name until... duh duh duh... They stared looking less and less full with every fill (insert scream) so what do I do right?!?! I can't stop the lashes that's clearly not an option, I can't go back to that no lash life but something had to be done!

So when my lash lady told me about grande lash I was to say the least skeptical, I mean I had tried these things before and they never worked.... This one though, this one was safe to use with extensions so of obviously I'm all in... Now to give you an idea of my natural lashes, when I went in the first time she had to use mostly 9's but the very longest she could use on my lashes were 12's, seriously nothing longer would stay on.. Now after three months with this serum, this wonderfully amazing grande lash.. I'm happy to report she's now using 16's on my lashes with no problem.... Guys this stuff is so legit and I'm happy to report the fullness is better then ever!!!

So this was back in august when I started the serum and also right after a fill

vs today five days after a fill

OCTOBER

JANUARY

So as you can see I'm a pretty satisfied customer! I will never go back. I actually use it twice a day and it's supposed to only last three months but I still have some left in augusts bottle. You apply it just like you would apply liquid eyeliner. you can get your here directly from the grande lash website or here at sephoria!!!

Let me know if you have tried this before or if you have a different lash serum you prefer!

Until next time,

-XOXO

2019 here we come!

2019-01-22T08:18:00.004-08:00

Wow!! It's been forever.... Like two years, I'm probably talking to myself forever!!!! I mean I'm a mom so I'm pretty much used to talking to myself anyway..... LOL!

So life has been CRA-ZEEE the past few years! I mean everyone has their own things going on lets just say I'm glad it's a new year and I'm committed to making 2019 my best year yet!

I remember starting this blog simply because I liked makeup and because my son was starting kindergarten and I wanted something to distract me from sending my first baby to school...

Now this coming year my third baby is about to start school and I'm like here you go take all my kids... hahaha!!! Just kidding but stay at home moms you know what I'm saying!!

I love my kids more then anything but it's defiantly easy to get sucked into this thought sucking vortex of I'm just a mom....

FIRST OF ALL..... No you are not just a mom, we need to stop looking at ourselves as not enough because we stay home with our kids.... Now this is not at all to discredit working moms, I've done both and I can honestly say that sometimes being a stay at home mom can be a lonely place sometimes... Just like being a working mom can come with (at least it did for me) immense guilt for feeling like you are missing out on your kids lives.

So I'm going through a re-branding of sorts... I want to pick this blog up and build a community of moms and women in general that can lift each other up, support each other when the days look and feel dark...
That can support each other through the mom guilt of both having to work and wishing we had to work!

So this is me, talking from my little corner of the Internet... If you are still interested in following I will be posting about

-Motherhood
-Keto
-Makeup
-Oils
-Faith
-Community
-Depression
-Aging Backwards
-Building our empire
-Bossing Up
-Marriage
-Traveling
-Decor
-Building a House
-Chalk Painting
-Clothes/Fashion

That should pretty much cover it... I hope you guys stick around....

Until next time,

-XOXO

Bellimisa Masterful Eyes Mascara

2016-11-06T17:06:00.003-08:00

Hey loves!!! How's it going? It's only a four day work week, thank you to our Veterans!!!

So I have something to go over with you today that I'm really excited about... It's the Bellimisa Masterful eyes mascara. Guys you know I have itty bitty baby lashes and when you have those type lashes it's really easy to get that spider eye look when applying multiple layers of mascara. Guess what?!?!? This mascara was formulated with a creamy texture that is great for building layers!! UMMM, YES PLEASE!!! I have to tell you after using this for a stretch of time I'm still surprised when I wake up in the morning that I don't look like I have two black eyes! Really guys, this is one of the only mascaras that I've had success with not flaking and it has actually lived up to it water resistant claim.

This mascara is conditioning, lengthening and shaping my baby lashes and it's doing it all without the chemicals and toxins. I mean look, it's free of paragons, dea/tea, propylene, glycol & harmful preservatives.

Not only that but this stuff is jam packed with vitamin e which conditions the lash & peptide which helps restructure and help with lash growth. It's also safe for sensitive eyes and cruelty free.

It defiantly gave my lashes a volumizing effect and I love the water-resistant finish.

Now something to mention is that bellimisa has a subscription service. The reason I like the idea of getting mascara sent to me automatically is because I don't ever have to worry about it getting old and crusty and making my eyes water. Here's the details on how you can get yours.

HOW TO PURCHASE :

You can either purchase a Monthly (30 day cycle) or Bi-Monthly (60 day cycle) subscription for $16. Billed and shipped monthly, Exclusive pricing, No commitment, & Free shipping. If you do not want to commit, you can purchase a single tube of Masterful Eyes Mascara for $28 a tube. Also with the subscription service, you have the option to add on our other products - Natural Fiber Brow Gel ($14), Hydrating Silk Remover ($10) or Facial Cleansing Sponge ($4) These cannot be purchased separately.

Use code bblogger to get $2 off your monthly subscription!

I have really begun to love this mascara and see a big difference in the health of my lashes.

Do you have a favorite mascara? I'd love to hear your thoughts!!!

Bellimisa sent this to me for an honest review, all opinions on the product are my own.

-XOXO

My top pics for the Sephora ROUGE VIB sale

2016-11-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

So guys the Sephora sale is TOMORROW!! Who's excited?!?! I know I am, so I thought I would do this post to either tell you what I would repurchase or what I plan on purchasing with my 20% off...

Ok so here goes! First up, a clarisonic! Do you have a clarisonic? I have three!! You can see I really like them, right?!?! I have the mia, mia 2 and the mia fit.. All of which I love, it just so happens that sephora has a holiday kit for the mia 2 for $169 then you can add the 20% on top of that. That's an amazing deal!!

Next up the Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics I did a review on this you can fine that here . This palette would be a great addition to your collection or a great gift. The normal price is $55.00 so your saving a chunk getting it with this sale.

Have you been wanting to try out a good contour kit but didn't know which to try or if you would even be able to figure it out once you got it? Well I've got the perfect user friendly kit I always tell people if you are a beginner and not sure how to contour this kit is for you! The brush is not included but it is a MUST!! Now I'm not saying this kit is only for beginners it's my personal favorite. It's the kat von d shade & light palette, I did a review before you can find it here. The palette itself is $46.00 at sephora and the brush is $34.00.

Next up, now this is something I plan on purchasing it's the kat von d metalmatte eyeshadow palette. It's $60.00 and it looks amazing! It has both mattes and metals and it's supposed to be great for maturing eyes. I don't know if you know this or not but it's not easy to use metallics on aging eyes it just seems to pronounce all the lines. So i'm super excited to try this, also it's huge!

I have been dying to try Huda Beauty lippies, they have this cool little set for $24 so I'm defiantly scooping this up!

At this time of year bare minerals always comes out with their huge holiday sizes and while I don't need another foundation from them I might grab this super size mineral veil for $38.00.

Look how cute these glitter tweezerman tweezers are!!! They are $30 for the pair! I think I will defiantly be scooping these up...

That's about all for me, I mean I might get there and totally change my mind but for now this is what i'm thinking! Maybe I will grab a mascara too, who knows?!?!

What do you think? Is there anything you will be grabbing with this sale?? i'm so excited!!!!

-XOXO

Fall is in the air or is that pumpkin spice?!?

2016-11-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hey loves, Fall is my most favorite time of year! I'm in Florida and we basically don't get a fall... At least not the kind that I yearn for being from Maryland...! I'm here writing this to you in my hoodie, sitting in my air-conditioned house at an amazingly cool 68 degrees, so I can wear said hoodie. I'm just imagining being home and the cool crispness of the air that this time of year provides.

Now that i've went totally of topic, here's the reason for my post fall fashion...
So as per normal there's all these new amazing fall colors and boots and looks going around but I want to give you a few of my favorites.

First up the perfect fall boots, my pick and my forever go to would have to be the Sam Edelman Penny boot. I have them in both the whiskey color and in black, told ya they were my fav!

What I love about them, well first of all the quality.. The quality of these babies is beyond reproach. I've had my whiskey colored ones for the past three years and they still look so so good! I also love that they come in a wide calf. I mean they are wide calf not frye's version of wide calf which in face just makes them a normal calf these actually give you some room. Now I don't usually need wide calf in boots but I love them in these boots. I also love how high they come, they are the epitome of the perfect riding boots. I got these at Nordstrom and they were $150.00 but they sell them all over the web.

Next up, ok so camo print is super in this year and that makes me ecstatic!!! I love that perfect olive or army green color. I think it's actually one of the colors that look best on me so I'm super happy that everywhere I look I see it!!! I've picked up quite a few pieces to add to my fall wardrobe in either the camp or olive green color this year... I have a camo zip up hoodie and t both made from "white crow" and I purchased them at The Buckle. Then I have an open front sweatshirt material hoodied cardi and a utility type jacket both from Target. I've added a few more pieces to that too but these are the key pieces. I should also mention that I found an almost identical camo zip up hoodie made by "z supply" on my most recent trip to tjmaxx and it was half the price!!!

Here I am in the target jacket and mauve MK purse

Then of course we have got to talk handbags.....! I found this amazing, dusty mauve colored Michael Kors hobo from marshals and it was on clearance for $149, ummm #yesplease!!! Then I have my forever go to MK uptown astor bag in the color luggage. I would really love to get a burgundy bag too but thats just not in the budget.... yet!!!

That's about all I have for you today, what's your favorite fall color? What have you picked up new this year to add to your fall wardrobe??? How did you like this fall fashion post?

-XOXO

My life CHANGING skin care routine

2016-10-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, so this is a super exciting post for me because these products have most defiantly changed my life. Ok, so if you've been here a while you already know I'm super oily ( by oily I mean essential oils). If you're new here, stick around you'll see just how oily I am... Acne has never really been a problem for my I mean I would get the occasional hormonal chin breakout but that was about as far as it went, other then when I was pregnant with my first daughter, that ish was crazy! Fast forward to me turning 30, it's like world war 3 broke out on my face.... Seriously, everyday I'd wake up and it was like I'd easily have 1-2 new breakouts, I should also mention that I have PCOS so this crap would be cystic. Like hello we gave you a break having a pretty blemish free teenage years face now we're gonna getcha!!!

When I got my young living starter kit little did I know I was entering this village of amazing people, I am a part of the Happy Oilers. #proudho It's the greatest group of people who genuinely care about you and we all share these amazing oily things that are working for us. Long story short I was in one of our groups about two months back and this wonder woman posts a picture of Young Living's Orange Blossom Face Wash and ART Skin Toner and is beaming about wearing no face makeup. She goes on to tell us how she has never had skin this great & how she get cystic acne and oh yeah, she has PCOS... I mean I'll try anything at this point and I also feel like I pretty much have tried any & everything. I mean I don't think Sephora stocks something that I haven't tried! So what the heck I'll add it to my monthly box of awesome I get from YL right?!?!

I give this a try guys, really and truly I'm so amazed! I mean this has rocked my world almost like progessance plus did! #crazytalkright I'm here to tell you in the month I have used it, I mean I'm not going to say I haven't had any new breakouts at all but I would say it's less the 1/4 of what I was getting before, much less and they also seem to heal so much faster! I can't get enough of this stuff and I will NEVER RUN OUT!!!!!! #BESTTHINGSINCESLICEDBREAD All joking aside though, if you have problem skin you need to give this a try. My member # is 2573746 if you want to order some, or if you want to grab your kit and be on your way to the oily life you can do that HERE.

So what I do is wash my face with the orange blossom once sometimes twice per day (usually only twice if i wear makeup) I love pairing it with my clarisonic then I follow that up with the ART toner. I have found that a very little goes a long way with both of these. I usually only use the toner once per day and if I do run it a second time it's only on the problem areas like my chin and jawline.

Now there's just one last thing I added to this mix... It's the young living satin mint facial scrub, I love this because of said acne...! I mean we all need a good face polish right?!?! I like to exfoliate those dull and dark spots!!! The smell and feel of this stuff is great, it's not super rough on your skin but you wouldn't even realize that if you did a before and after of your pores!! Seriously guys this stuff is next level...

If you have any questions feel free to leave me a comment or shoot me an email I would be happy to help.

-XOXO

Becca Rose Quartz Highlighter

2016-10-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!! Hope your having a great week!!! So today we are going to be talking about the new Becca Rose Quartz Highlighter, seriously guys IT'S PINK!!! Yep this beautiful pink packaged rose gold goodness is in my possession! You already know I'm a sucker for Becca's packaging!!! I feel like I use way to many exclamation points... Oh well...! Here it is...

I mean see? See how beautiful? It's amazing, beautifully amazing!

Indoor no flash

Indoor with flash

Outdoor

See what I mean? Just when you think ~~you couldn't possibly need anymore highlighters~~ WHAT? That's crazy talk, or course you need #allthehighlighters!! Wow, I don't know what just came over me!!!
This one I defiantly needed, if you think I'm crazy I have a little picture to show you...

See that glow, I mean hats off to you Becca you really outdid yourself!! I'm seriously channeling my inner J.LO!!! HAHAHA!!!

I ordered this limited edition Highlighter from Sephora and it was $38.00 and of coarse I got my rewards points. I've gotta save for that rewards buzzer!

Let me know what you think? Are you a fan of highlighters?? What's your favorite brand?

-XOXO

beauty bakerie cosmetics lip whips

2016-10-19T16:07:00.005-07:00

Hey loves, today I want to review this new liquid matte lipstick I grabbed up.... You might have heard of them by now as they are becoming instagram famous!! speaking of insta are you following me? If not you can do so here . So they call themselves the beauty bakerie and they're becoming wildly popular because of their lip whips... Being the avid liquid matte lover that I am I figured, why not?!?! I mean if they're supposed to be that good I really should get one, you know so I can review it for you guys!!!

So I ordered one #yourewelcome!!! I have to say the staying power is next level, they actually have a lip whip remover! For example as I'm writing this I can still see hints of it and I applied it almost 24 hours ago, now that's just a hint of course. I would obviously reapply if I was going out...

Lets talk about formula, its kinda sticky. It feels tacky at first and takes a while to dry, if you can live with that though you are in for a super long wearing lip...

I ordered the color Versailles, I know I know!!! What else do you expect from me! You know if they have a color similar to this, that's the one I'm going for. It's super amazing, matches my MAC whirl lip liner perfectly.
Flash

No Flash

Sunlight

There is quite a few colors that I want to scoop but I think ginger snap is the next one that I have to get. There's a bunch of funky colors too if you're into that.

These retail for $20.00 and you can get them from the beauty bakerie website.

Stay tuned loves, I have a bunch more liquid hippies to review!!!
Let me know, whats your favorite liquid lipstick brand?

-XOXO