Pharr Away

Pharr Family Values

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Last year, Mario and I talked about the values we wanted for our family and some thoughts, lessons, sayings, etc. we'd like to instill within our children. After some thought, we came up with the following values that we'll be sharing with our girls for years to come.

As they grow, and our lives change, these values may change too. But, I've got a pretty good feeling that most of them will stick!

Pharr Family Values

Seek, serve and honor God.
Love your family. Love yourself.
Be considerate.
Give back.
Be respectful.
Stand up for yourself.
Be courteous & mind your manners.
Be confident (& careful not to be arrogant).
Be adventurous.
Think critically.
Dream big. Always!
Never say, "I can't".
It's okay to make mistakes, learn from them.
"Don't give up, don't ever give up."
Set goals and be determined.
Practice patience.
We are blessed, be grateful.
Live fully, and enjoy life.
Finish Well.
Keep moving forward.

Parental Motto: Love. Nurture. Thrive.

Want to make a list like this for your family? Think about the following:

What words best describe our family?
What's most important to us?
What are some of our favorite sayings?
What are our strengths as a family?
What areas do we have the potential to show weakness and what are the words we should use to overcome?

Photos by Natasha N. Smith Photography

---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Mini Doughnuts (or is it Donuts?!)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Hey, hey, hey!! Before I go on a much-needed health kick/Beyonce diet, I figured I'd share a yummy recipe with you all. If you're in the know, then you've heard all the buzz about Beyonce's Homecoming documentary on Netflix and the infamous diet she went on for eight months in preparation for her performance at #Beychella. Sis' didn't eat any dairy, carbs, alcohol, meat/fish or sugar during the rehearsal, periodt!, and she was snatched by the time of the performance. We all know it works, but no. I highly commend her discipline though! Not just in her diet, but in her work ethic -- as a Black woman and a mother. The film and the representation she showcased for the culture was incredible to see and it was so incredibly inspiring. But enough with my ramblings about my love for the queen. Let's talk about me a bit, shall we?!

I started eating poorly late last year and although I had plans to clean my act up at the start of this year, I never did. I've been using emotional eating as a coping mechanism for my stress for months and it's time I get off this train to poor health and get back to Zumba and eating right. But before cutting the carbs and sugar, let's give these mini doughnuts a try, mmkay!

By the way, is it doughnuts or donuts in your book? I know they're both correct, technically, but which is your preference?

Ingredients:
1 Cup milk, warm
2 Eggs
1 Stick of butter, melted
1 Package dry yeast
4 Cups flour
⅓ Cup sugar

Directions:

In a bowl combine the warm milk with the yeast. Let sit until foamy.
In another bowl beat the butter with the eggs. Add the sugar and continue beating until everything is well incorporated. Add the milk mixture.
Add half of the flour and mix in.
Take to a floured surface and add the rest of the flour. Knead while incorporating the flour.
Knead for 5 minutes or until smooth. Take to a bowl and let it rise, covered, for 1 hour.
Take to a floured surface and roll until ½ inch thick. Cut small circles and let them rise again for 1 hour.
Heat oil in a pot. Add the doughnut bites and fry them, a few at a time.
Remove from the oil, tap lightly with a paper towel and cover them in powdered sugar.

I promise you these homemade doughnuts are melt in your mouth good and so easy to make. Be sure to use fresh yeast so that they'll rise properly. These are also good when stuffed with your favorite strawberry jam or chocolate or caramel. Oh my!

I've got the rest of April to eat yummy treats like this then I'm done. Pray my strength since I've waited until the final hour to get my summer body ready :).

Enjoy,

---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Madison - Age 7

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 17:23:00 +0000

Madison turned 7 years old last month. We celebrated with balloons, a few gifts, lots of candy and a trip to the skating rink with her best friend. It was enough to get a "best day EVER" comment out of her, so I count the day a success! She truly isn't hard to please, and it's one of the many things I love about her.

She's grown so much over this past year and I'm loving the maturity that comes with this age. We get to talk about so many different things now that she can truly articulate how she feels and what she thinks about any given subject. I imagine we'll be the best of friends as she continues to age, similarly as I was with my mom, and not in the way that's too comfortable or crosses parent/child boundaries, but in a way that allows for us to be close and allows for her to feel safe coming to me to talk about anything.

It's such an exciting age and I wanted to share what I shared about her on social media here, for the sake of posterity...

"Madison is the type of girl who’s almost too smart for her own good, because she’s clever, funny and snarky, and I LOVE that about her so much.

She’s the type of girl who makes friends wherever she goes and loves being surrounded by people, especially ones she loves.
She’s the type of girl you’ll find with her nose stuck in a book 📚 ; sneaking to read them in bed at night when she’s supposed to be sleep.
The type of girl who has a wild imagination and writes 📝 vivid short stories that leave me in awe of her, and her potential.
The kind of little girl who’s sensitive and kind, and can feel when something is wrong and somehow knows what to do or say to lift your spirits.
The type of girl who’s confident and carefree, who believes in unicorns and magic, and already knows she can do anything (and thinks she knows everything, lol).

She’s the type of girl that makes parenting feel easy, and we’re beyond blessed to call her our girl! Wishing our sweet, beautiful girl the happiest 7th birthday. You’re our everything, and we love you more than anything 💗!!"

---

As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Five Areas of Focus to Help Repair Your Credit with the Support of Lexington Law Firm

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 04:37:00 +0000

Thank you Lexington Law Firm for sponsoring this post.
A high service partner and consumer advocate that will help you fight for the credit you deserve!

Last year, my husband and I talked a lot about what would be required for us to feel like we were financially free and we made a huge commitment to do what was necessary to reach our financial goals over the course of the next few years. We budget and have financial meetings to discuss where things stand, we use the envelope system for items that could easily get out of hand, and we have an emergency fund for unexpected things that may come our way. We talk this constantly, all to ensure that we are able to provide our two beautiful girls with a better life than what we had. They certainly keep us motivated.

So, as we continue on our journey to becoming financially free we are now specifically and personally focused on taking care of the following:

Repairing our credit,
Paying down our mortgage quickly (15 yrs vs. 30 yrs), and
Paying off student loans and medical bills.

The plan was for us to spend 2018 working on the 1st item, and to shift our focus to the 2nd item in 2019. But we’ve had some bumps along the way, so we’ve reviewed, adjusted and will continue to work on repairing our credit during the first half of this year. To repair our credit my main focus has been on understanding what items and habits were causing our credit score to not be where we’d like for it to be. We then determined that we needed to manage the five areas below better if we wanted to increase our credit scores:

Credit Card Usage (i.e., Credit Utilization)

The amount of credit you use compared to the amount of your credit limit defines your credit card usage. If you divide the balance on a card by the card's limit and multiply by 100 you’ll find the percentage of your credit utilization.

In our case, we were maxed out on a few of our credit cards so our utilization was in the area of 80% to 90% for some cards. In order to repair our credit, it was critical for us to reduce all cards, one by one, to below 30% utilization as soon as possible, with our ultimate goal being to reduce our utilization to less than 10%. So for instance, if a card's limit was $1000 we would have a balance of $800 - $900 and would have to work to get the balance below $300 then eventually below $100. But think larger limits in our case, so we’ve really had to be disciplined and strategic about how to get each card down, and not use them again when emergencies strike.

Payment History

When it comes to payment history, it's all about paying your bills on time, which really starts with budgeting. Although we've been pretty good about budgeting and managing on-time payment for years, we still reviewed each credit card we had to ensure that they were all set to be auto-drafted and that more than the minimum balance would be paid. It may not seem like a big deal to have a late payment or derogatory mark from a creditor on your report here and there, but it does have an impact and can have long-standing effects since some items can remain on your report for seven years.

So paying on time is key. It’s also critical that you ensure any items that have gone into collections are being taken care of. In this case, I suggest working with a firm like Lexington Law Firm so that you can get a full view of what is included in your report and to get help developing a strategy to ensure all items (e.g., loans, collections, inquiries, errors, etc.) are being addressed (e.g., paid, corrected, removed, etc.). Lexington Law Firm makes it easy since they have a propriety app, designed with the consumer’s needs in mind, to give you real-time solutions to help repair your credit.

Credit Errors

Sometimes, there are items on your credit report that don’t belong. It could be something small that you think doesn’t matter but everything on your report has an impact. So this is an area where I believe it’s best to seek out a partner like Lexington Law Firm to help advocate for you and work to get errors corrected and removed from your report. Errors as simple as having an address listed that doesn’t belong to you, and accounts/collections that you did not open should be addressed as soon as possible.

Trying to work with each credit bureau to fix errors can be difficult and time-consuming when done on your own. Lexington Law Firm provides free personalized credit consultation, free credit report review and recommended solutions. They believe that you have a right to a fair and substantiated credit report and have the knowledge needed to help you fight for your rights to good credit. This is the one area where I refuse to work on my credit repair alone as there is only so much I can gather from books and the internet about credit repair and the various laws associated with ensuring my report is accurate.

Hard Inquiries

We create a hard inquiry on our credit reports when lenders must review our credit to obtain loans, credit cards, cars, mortgages, and various other items that require financing. Hard inquiries have the potential to reduce your credit score, so we’ve opted to not apply for any credit for the next couple of years up until we’re ready to purchase our next home.

We specifically have to ensure that we aren’t tempted by department store credit cards (my personal issue) or the need to purchase new vehicles (since our cars are fairly old). These are our weak areas. It’s important to know where your weak areas are so that you can put measures in place to avoid pitfalls.

Credit Age

One’s credit age is the average amount of time your accounts have been open. Creditors want to see that you have been able to manage credit and do so well over a long period of time. This is one of those areas that is hard to control since your history starts whenever you first started obtaining credit. However, you can ensure that your average age stays high by not constantly opening new accounts (which create a hard inquiry that you wouldn't want anyway). My husband and I have a credit age of about 14 years, so it’s the one area we haven’t had to worry too much about outside of making sure we don’t lower the average with new accounts.

We’ve worked diligently throughout 2018 to repair our credit and we’ve made some great strides, and have slowly been increasing our score, 10, 20 and sometimes 40 points at a times. It has been exciting to see the rewards of our efforts over time. And, it’s key to remember that it does take time. I think it’s also important to note that we spent time reading and researching, followed by months of trying to repair our credit on our own.

There’s so much information available to help you do the same. But, once you’ve accessed your situation I also recommend having the professionals at Lexington Law Firm review your reports to help create a strategy specific to your needs. They have packages available starting at $24.95 per month and can provide a monthly analysis of your score that includes guidance and tips to help you raise your credit score more quickly than if you were to attempt to do so alone. So buy yourself some time by investing in this firm. Then ensure you’re ready to be disciplined and committed to doing whatever it takes to repair your credit for good.

I believe being financially free can open up so many doors for us to do the things we really want to do including spending more time with our family and friends, traveling and doing things we’re passionate about versus constantly feeling like we’re just working to pay bills and debt. We still have a full year ahead to work towards our financial goals, and get a step closer to making financial freedom a reality. I’m confident that with the right support, we can do this, and so can you!

---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Small Batch Peanut Butter Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Christmas is right around the corner, and traditionally we bake cookies with the kids each year on Christmas Eve. We don't necessarily do this for Santa since we don't really teach about Saint Nick. We do it more so for fun and because the girls are still young enough to know of Santa and the whole cookie, chimney, presents thing thanks to their friends, school, etc. So, we bake with them and just have some fun with it.

Since the hubs and I are the ones eating these cookies every year, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try something a little different; to make a sweet treat that's just as good, and the perfect portion size for just us two. A small batch of brownies! *squeals*

If you're looking to make ~~yourself~~ Santa something different this year,too, then I suggest you give these a try.

Ingredients:
6 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp butter
1/4 Cup flour
1 Egg
1/2 Tsp baking powder
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp peanut butter + More for swirls

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a baking pan (a 4x8 inch loaf pan will work great) and set aside.

Meanwhile, cream the butter and the peanut butter. Add the vanilla and both sugars and mix until incorporated. Mix in the egg and with the help of a spatula incorporate it. In another bowl combine the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder then add to the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, swirl in some peanut butter. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!
---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

25 Days | Christmas Bible Verses

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 04:49:00 +0000

Since 2014 we've been doing Elf on the Shelf. Last year I created a list of daily positions for our elf, Whon** (pronounced "One") because we struggled with finding places to put him each night. Having a list all set and ready to go made things so much easier going forward.

Now, I also want to ensure that we start tying Jesus into what we are doing during the Christmas season even more as Madison gets older. She's six and reads well for her age, so I've started leaving little notes for her to read from the elf about his adventures with wrapping presents and keeping up with whether or not she's on the nice list or not.

This year, I've also started leaving verses from the Bible about the Christmas story with the elf for her to read as well. I've created a PDF of the verses I'm using below. I love how we are starting to have more conversations about Jesus and morals, and what it means to be a good person and treat people well. It's been so much fun to talk to her about these things; to teach her, to learn from her, and to train her up.

I'd love to hear about how you're teaching your child(ren) that Jesus is the reason for the season!

**Funny Story: We're working to rename our elf this year, but still haven't come up with a new name. Madison was only two when she named him and insisted on naming him "one" at the time, I spelled it differently for fun. Next year, I also want to get them a Black, girl elf. I didn't know there were different options at the time. Oh, what a learning experience this has been!

If you're interested in using this PDF of Bible verses with your kids as well,

please subscribe to my email list to get your free download!

Regards,

---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Slow Cooker Cheddar Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 05:37:00 +0000

It's officially soup season! Okay, that's not a thing. But, the temperatures in NC have definitely dropped this week, and all I've wanted to do is stay snuggled up in the house and eat comfort food. So today I'm sharing a quick and easy crockpot recipe for you to make this weekend and it includes just a handful of ingredients. Since it's a crockpot meal you get to set it and forget it, then come back to a heavenly aroma once it's ready! Plus, it's sure to be a kid-pleaser since it's packed with milk and cheese.

Besides, I know you're eyeing all of that bacon. So what are you waiting for? Fry up that bacon and get this in the 'pot...right...now!

Ingredients:
2 Diced onions
3 1/2 Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Cup milk
1 1/2 Cup evaporated milk
2 Cups cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Bacon as a topping

Directions:
Place all the ingredients except for the cheese in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add the cheddar cheese and cook for 1 more hour.
Place the soup in a blender and pulse for 30 seconds or until everything is well incorporated. Add the salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and top with some crispy bacon.

Enjoy!

ALSO TRY: Baked Cinnamon Spice Donuts

---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disney | Dining Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 04:16:00 +0000

During our trip to Disney we visited three of the four parks. Each park was so unique and offered something different in terms of activities and that was also the case when it came to food. We ate good throughout our time at Disney so I wanted to share some of our favorite dining experiences.

ALSO READ: Disney | A Day in the Parks

While in Magic Kingdom, we really enjoyed the character meals that we had there. The first day we visited the castle to attend Cinderella's Royal Table and celebrate Madison's 5th birthday. While at this event we enjoyed the Pan-Seared Chicken, Beef & Shrimp, and Mac & Chz with fruit for the girls.

While in Magic Kingdom, I also suggest visiting Gaston's Tavern to taste LeFou's Brew coupled with a warm cinnamon roll. Also, the Crystal Palace has the best buffet at Disney. We did a character breakfast there with Winnie-the-Pooh and friends on our last day. Between the all-you-can eat breakfast including omelets, pastries, fruits and an assortment of meat, plus a fun-filled dance line with the characters during the meal, it's a must-do!

Her Golden Jubilee

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

When I received a few birthday photos from my aunt back in June of this year, I immediately began to cry when I got to this one. If you knew my mother, you'd know that this is simply an image of her in the form of me. Today my mother would have been 50 years old. She died from Hodgkins Lymphoma about a month shy of her 43rd birthday.

I'd gotten to a point, where the thought of her and her passing didn't sting as much. A point where I could think of her and feel her love or smile or infectious laughter and be warmed by it instead of feeling down. But, I often still ponder how much she and the girls would have completely adored and obsessed over each other because I know from experience how special grandparents are. So the thought of their relationship, that will never be, and the lack of the ability to share my parenting experience with her, are some of the only things I still get pretty upset about at times. Otherwise, I was truly starting to cope with life without her in a more peaceful, settled way.

But this year, her golden jubilee birthday year, I couldn't help but lament as I've thought for months about how I would have celebrated with her and would have attempted to give and show her the world. And, as proud as I know I've continued to make her over the years, I also feel that I've deeply disappointed her due to my failure to protect her baby - although I fully understand that my brother's death six month's ago is not at all mine to own.

I'm not sure if the sting of those I've lost this past decade will ever start to fade again over time, as it once did. So, my prayer throughout this year has constantly been for strength; strength to get through these moments, birthdays, anniversaries of their passing, and holidays, and the strength to continue to get up each day and live a full life that honors God and represents them well.

I know that God is with me to guide me through all that I have faced, and I trust in the promises of His word. Therefore, I know that I am covered in this. But, I ask that you pray for me anyway. Seriously and fervently. Especially on today, and for the months and years of grief-stricken moments to come.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." -Matthew 5:4

---

As always, Live Fully

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disney | A Day in the Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 05:48:00 +0000

If you're planning a trip to Disney, there are so many options to consider depending on when you'd like to go, the age of the children you're taking, how much money you'd like to spend and more. More than anything, I wanted us to just enjoy ourselves, have as much fun as possible and fit in as much as we could. With that said, I planned it so that we'd visit one park per day, and try to hit some of the popular attractions.

Day 1 | Magic Kingdom

We spent the first day in Magic Kingdom celebrating Madison’s 5th birthday. You can read all the details about that day here; Disney | Celebrating a Milestone Birthday.

Day 2 | Epcot

This was my husband’s favorite park. It’s definitely a park designed with adults in mind, but there is plenty of fun to be had by kids there as well.

We slept in after having a full day in Magic Kingdom the previous day.
Got dressed and headed to Epcot for lunch at the Coral Reef Restaurant. The food was so yummy! I’ll share details about all things food in a separate post.
We then headed to The Seas with Nemo and Friends to stop by the aquarium and exhibits in the area. We let the kids play a bit, look at all the fish, and take a picture with a shark!
Stopped by the Epcot Character Spot to meet with Mickey and pals to get autographs and photos.
Then we passed by Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6 because the cast from Inside Out was across from them and Madison was too excited to get to Joy and Sadness. Joy was a hoot, and I loved how Sadness was so into character yet somehow made us all laugh with her sad antics.
Afterwards, we left Future World and made our way to visit the different countries in Epcot's world showcase that are positioned in a full circle, making up a large portion of the park. The circle is about 2.78 miles long. The first stop along the way yielded a hug from Pluto! The hubs had to have a picture with him as well. Ha!
We then took a trip through the base of an Aztec Pyramid via a Gran Fiesta tour and saw the Saludos Amigos show with Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros.
We passed by the performance of the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats on our way to Karamell-Kücheo to get a few sweet treats.
We then made our way back to the Frozen ride (which was broken down when we first went to get on)! At the time it was one of the more popular rides. Even the FastPass line was packed, but they got us through quickly. The setup for this ride was amazing and so much fun. Definitely one of my favorite rides at Disney.
We eventually made our way to an ice cream shop, L'Artisan des Glaces, so that we could sit and take a break.
We passed by Alice in Wonderland as we continued on our journey around the circle.
Finally, we came full circle and before we left we went to see a short film festival in 4D. We watched a history of Pixar shorts and a few Disney classics.

By the time all of the above was done, it was night time and Day 2 was complete. We stopped by a souvenir shop to grab a few items to remember the park by, then headed back to the resort to rest up for the next day.

Day 3 | Pool Day + Hollywood Studios

After two full days of fun and walking, we needed a bit of downtime, so we started this day at the pool, followed by a short trip to Hollywood Studios. This park is the place to go see some great shows, of course. It was a fun, laid-back day which was just what we all needed.

Another day of sleeping in, because vacation!
We got up, grabbed lunch and went to the resort's pool area. It was so beautiful, with a wading pool, sprinklers, playground area, and the set up of the space was like a scene out of Finding Nemo; so pretty and full of color.
We took our time at the pool, then got changed to head to the park.
We got to Hollywood Studios around 3pm.
First stop was a visit with Olaf! Followed by a visit in Animation Courtyard to see Disney Junior Pals, Sophia the First, Jack from the Netherland Pirates and Doc McStuffins.
We then went to a show, Disney Junior - Live on Stage! I loved how interactive the show was with bubbles and confetti raining down, as they switched out the stage seamlessly to go from one Disney show set to another.
Afterward, we went to see Voyage of The Little Mermaid live. This show was so good and interactive as well. You could feel the water at times, and I just loved how they brought some of the characters to life in this show.
Lastly, we went to see For the First Time in Forever - A Frozen Sing-a-Long Celebration. It was truly like a comedy show, so funny and good.
On the way out of the park, we stopped by a souvenir shop and grabbed an electric bubble maker to take home with us. This is one of the kids’ favorite toys to date!

Day 4 | Magic Kingdom

This was our very last day in the park and the last day before we headed home.

We got up bright and early to make the most of it!
We had a character breakfast in the park at the Crystal Palace. I loved the buffet here and it was so much fun having the characters from Winnie the Pooh stop by. They did a fun dance line during the breakfast and Madison was absolutely giddy with excitement.
Once we were done with breakfast, we made our way to see Princess Tiana and Rapunzel, two of Madison’s favorites.
We then took a Jungle Cruise, which was a good sit down, tongue-in-cheek adventure for our tired feet.
Mario and Madison road a few rides and went on a few adventures without me, while I took Morgan to a Baby Nursing station for a break.
We met back up at the castle then made our way to the Mad Tea Party's spinning teapots.
Eventually, we made our way to see the Festival of Fantasy Parade and found us a sweet spot to view the procession of floats full of all of our favorite characters.
Mario rode on Space Mountain with Madison and I later rode on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with her. She admitted she didn't enjoy either, lol. Hopefully, she'll start to enjoy rollercoasters as she ages.
We road several other rides, including Under the Sea ~ The Little Mermaid ride, again and again.
As it got dark, we headed to dance in Tomorrowland at the Incredibles Super Dance Party.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without seeing the famous fireworks show, An Evening of Fairytales, in which some of our favorite Disney movies were projected over the palace as Disney character's graced the castle stage.

So there you have it. We all definitely had the time of our lives at each park. Completely tired and incredibly happy after all was said and done.

Things to Consider

FastPass

This was our friend. Without FastPass we could not have ridden on as many rides as we did each day. I highly, highly, highly recommend doing your research on this and MaxPass to determine how to fully utilize this feature to maximize your time in the parks.

Hollywood Studios - Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land was added this year (2018) and I'm looking forward to seeing what this area is all about. I love the Toy Story trilogy and I can only imagine how fun they've made this space. Can't wait to check it out!

Animal Kingdom

As some may have noticed, I skipped out on visiting the fourth Disney Park, Animal Kingdom, and I totally regret it. When I was planning, I kept thinking it would be like visiting a zoo and since we've had the zoo experience a time or two I didn't think it was worth our time. Boy, was I wrong (so I've heard). The more and more I talk to Disney moms and research further, the more I regret missing out on this park. It'll be one of the first parks we visit when we head back to Disney, and I'm looking forward to visiting the Pandora (Avatar) area and going on a safari ride while there.

I hope you've found this play-by-play of our days in the parks helfpul. As you can see, there's so much that can be packed into each day, and each park offers so, so much more than what I've shared here. We've only scratched the surface of the adventures to be had at Disney. This is why families are able to visit again and again, year after year.

Our next trip to Disney can't happen soon enough!

ALSO READ: Disney | Dining Experiences

---

As always, Live Fully

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disney | Celebrating a Milestone Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:42:00 +0000

One of the greatest things about celebrating a birthday at Disney was how special Madison was treated throughout her day. I knew just being in the park on the day of her birthday would be enough, but there were a few things that made the day so much more fun for her and I'm so glad we chose to celebrate in this way.

ALSO READ: Disney | Planning & Costs

Happy Birthday Button

When we checked into the resort the receptionist immediately took note of the fact that we were there for Madison's birthday. She gave her a button to wear the next day and got her all hyped up about her birthday. Wearing the button on one's birthday is a must because it gets you next level treatment all throughout the park; including freebies, like sweet treats and drinks, at certain places.

Birthday Shout-Out

We spent her birthday in Magic Kingdom. She was stoked from the moment we arrived! She requested a balloon as we walked towards the castle, then she was completely in awe as she got to the castle, and Mickey and friends came out for the Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play it! Street Party!

She had an absolute blast dancing in the middle of the street with characters she'd seen on TV. Then at one point, someone on a float shouted out Happy Birthday, Madison, because Disney is just that awesome. She was totally stoked, and so was I!! Disney keeps up with everything, and finds ways to make everything so magical and special. That's why it's the perfect place to spend a milestone birthday, or any birthday for that matter.

Cinderella's Royal Table

We rode on a few rides following the street party, then headed to the big castle for lunch. As soon as we entered the castle, Madison was able to have a meet-and-greet with Cinderella herself. Before we entered the castle, I bought her a photo-autograph book from a gift shop. Everywhere we went from that point forward we collected autographs and I took photos of her with each character so that we could fill up her book with photos after the trip (I absolutely could not wait to print them all).

In the castle, we had an amazing lunch. But the highlight of the character dinner was the characters, of course! Cinderella's Royal Table consisted of Disney princesses; Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, and Aurora (this isn't always the line-up each time). The princesses filtered in throughout the lunch going from table to table, taking photos, telling stories, answering questions and just being a load of fun for the kids.

Did I mention we were in a castle?! It was majestic, to say the least, and the entire event was...you guessed it....magical! Madison was way too excited when her fav', Ariel, came out. You can tell by her crazy smile below! She and Morgan also received a wand, that she still plays with to this day, and a wishing star as well.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Later in the day, she was able to "perform" with another one of her favorite characters, Belle, in Enchanted Tales w/ Belle. Since Belle is my absolute favorite too, I may have been more excited than she was. How they incorporated the kids into the show was so, so cool. And, oh my, how real they made the wardrobe seem that we saw when we entered the hall. Take a look via the video below.

The Little Mermaid

Lastly, we were able to visit her absolute favorite character's grotto, and thanks to FastPass we were able to ride this ride multiple times. She loved it every single time.

Listen, I can't tell you how many rides we rode that day all over the park. By the end of it, she was completely exhausted (and so were we), but she was happy. Absolutely happy. In her own words, "this was the best day ever!" (picture me squealing*). My heart was completely full!

We don't make a big deal out of birthdays except for ones I consider to be milestone birthdays, so it was so much fun making this day special for her. I couldn't ask for a better 5th birthday for her; fun, sweet, and prayerfully, memorable. I've got plenty of photos and videos to jog her memory either way!

ALSO READ: Disney | A Day in the Parks
---

As always, Live Fully

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disney | Planning & Costs

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 04:38:00 +0000

Last year, we celebrated Madison's 5th birthday at the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World. It was our first really big trip as a family of four. I started planning for the trip about a year in advance, which is something I try to do with all of the big trips we take. We had such an incredible time each day that we were there and I've been meaning to share all things related to our trip and what I did to prepare every since we got back. I've finally buckled down to bring you a four-part series on the trip. So if you're looking to take a trip to Disney within the next year or so this is a must read. I'm sharing all about the planning and costs involved below.

ALSO READ: Our Travel Expenses | Paris + London

Tickets/Dates: Sat. - Thu. (6 days, 5 nights, 4 Tickets)

Cost: $ 904.52

Madison's 5th Birthday was on a Sunday, so I wanted to get there the day before and wake up the next day to celebrate in the park. We bought four day-tickets with admission to one (1) park per day. I opted to do one park per day since it was our first trip to Disney and because our children were young (Ages 5yo and 8mo). I felt it would have been too taxing to try to visit multiple parks per day considering those things and I highly recommend this plan of action if this is the case for you as well. We were beyond exhausted at the end of each day after visiting just one park.

Note: We didn't have to pay for tickets for Morgan since she was under the age of 3.

Resort: Art of Animation

Cost: $858.40

At the time, The Little Mermaid was Madison's favorite movie and character, so choosing the Art of Animation resort was a no-brainer for us. The resort as a whole is perfect for kids; from the characters throughout to the amazing pool area to the many options in the cafeteria. My only qualm with the room would be the size/space because it felt a bit cramped, but since we only spent time in the room to rest and sleep, this wasn't truly an issue. The highlight of this resort was the pool area which we enjoyed so much.

Also, when you stay in a Disney resort, you get "extra magic hours" in the parks which basically allows for you to enjoy select attractions either before or after the park officially opens/closes. We definitely took advantage of this during our last night in Magic Kingdom.

ALSO READ: Travel Plans + Budgets + Discipline

Food: Character Dinners & Regular Meals

Cost: $645.00

We chose two character meals; Cinderella's Royal Castle ($220) for Madison's birthday lunch and a breakfast at the Crystal Palace ($125) on our last day in the park. We decided not to do a meal plan but spent about $300 on all other meals over the course of the trip. We ate breakfast at the resort in the morning and had lunch and dinner at any given restaurant in the parks. We brought our own water and snacks into the park each day, but we did splurge on a couple of sweets here and there.

Miscellaneous Items

Cost: $474.90

We drove from NC to FL for this trip, so we had to factor in the cost of gas ($150). Choosing to drive this time around definitely cut down on costs but that also meant we had to make various stops for bathroom breaks and just to get the kids up and out of the car. I love that we had this experience, but I'm not so sure that we'll drive this far again.

We also rented a stroller ($74.90) from a local vendor in Florida, Kingdom Stroller, and it was ready for us at the resort when we arrived. A stroller was a must for Morgan, of course, but I rented a double (instead of just bringing Morgan's and crowding up our car) because I knew that the parks would be a lot for a five-year-old to traverse all day for multiple days. Madison definitely did her share of walking, but she also appreciated having the stroller to ride in, especially as each day progressed. The cost of the rental was minimal and worth it!

Lastly, we bought a few items that Madison wanted as well as some things I thought would be nice to have to commemorate our trip. The girls are still playing with some of the toys we bought, like the bubble maker we got Madison at Hollywood Studios, so it was totally worth it to buy a few things to bring back with us while we were there.

Total Cost(s): $2,882.82

Things to Consider

Dining Plan

I'd like for us to try the dining plan the next time we visit Disney. During this visit, I wanted to see what it would be like to do the meal thing on our own as I felt it would help us to save. But considering the final costs, I think we might fair about the same with a meal plan so we'll see if that's the case during our next trip.
Also, character meals are very expensive but I highly recommend doing at least one. Of course, if you're trying to save on costs then skip them altogether. We chose to do the character meals as a part of Madison's birthday celebration and because it was our first time experiencing Disney.

Driving vs. Flying

As I mentioned above, we chose to drive which saved quite a bit of money. But this was a 11+ hour drive for us, including stops. I'd prefer not to take such a long drive with the kids going forward. So I'd like to fly the next time we go to Disney and that will add about an extra $850 to the cost of the trip for 4 passenger tickets. I can hear my husband saying no to this already!

Photos

Since I have my own DSLR camera, I chose not to purchase Disney's Memory Maker PhotoPass ($169). All throughout each park, there are Disney photographers at your beck and call to snap photos for you. Your magic band is scanned when this is done so that all photos that are taken of you and your family are added to an album throughout your trip. It's such a great benefit that the park has. But, all of the photographers are also willing to take a photo with a camera you hand to them so I used this option just a handful of times when I needed a family shot with me included. Otherwise, I chose to take all of our photos during the trip in order to save in this area.
Also, Disney MaxPass debuted in July 2017 so it wasn't available to use during our trip. However, from what I've heard it sounds like a great paid option that allows you to pay $10 per person/ticket, per day. You can then download all photos taken that day and you can also reserve all Fastpasses throughout the day using the app. Here's a great article explaining How to Take Disney MaxPass to the Max.

Activities

There are a TON of fun, unique activities (i.e., events, tours, character experiences, etc.) that you can do at the different parks, some of which that can be purchased in advance. Be sure to do some research before you go so that you can pay ahead, plan ahead and maximize your time. Next time we visit, I definitely want the girls to do the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

Travel Agent

We utilized Be Our Guest Vacations travel agency to help with purchasing our tickets, booking the resort, letting me know when character meals could be purchased (which can't be done until 180 days prior to trip) and when Fast Passes could be selected. All of this definitely could have been done on my own, and I'm sure there was a fee on the backend in some way (although they say they are paid by the parks directly). But, I liked this option because I was able to make a $200 deposit then pay on the trip gradually over the course of a few months.

So there you have it, my friends. A fun-filled trip to Disney for less than $3000. That's quite a bit of money in my book, but it was totally, totally worth it! I've shared more than enough for one post, yet there is so much more to come. Next week I'll be talking a bit about why celebrating a birthday at Disney was such a special experience.

ALSO READ: Disney | Celebrating a Milestone Birthday
---

As always, Live Fully

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

#AskAysa | Get Answers to Your Skin Condition(s)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 04:35:00 +0000

Thank you, Aysa, for sponsoring this post. By simply scanning a picture of the infected area of the skin and answering a few questions, Aysa can help you narrow down the possible condition. Visit www.askaysa.com to see how it works and to download the app.

Both of my girls have sensitive skin, and when I say sensitive skin, I mean s-e-n-s-i-t-i-v-e skin. They have the type of skin that kept us from using the type of baby wash that makes babies have that sweet, baby smell that we all love so much. Instead, we started using an oatmeal based body wash and lotion on each of them soon after birth. Detergents used for cleaning their clothes has to be hypoallergenic and we've been treating eczema for as long as I can remember as well. With that said, we keep a close eye on their skin and any changes that may occur.

This week, Madison developed several raised, itchy patches of skin in different areas of her body; mainly her arms and legs. It was unlike any rash we'd seen before and initially, I felt unprepared. But, then I remembered we could just ask Aysa. Aysa is a system checker app that can be used to assist in identifying more than 200 skin conditions with the click of a button.

The process is incredibly simple:

Take a photo.
Answer questions.
Set up your profile.
Review results.
Take action.

Aysa helped to narrow down the possible condition then provided options to help us decide what the next step in care should be. This app certainly came in handy when our child was itchy and we needed answers sooner rather than later in order to get her some relief right away. We were able to determine that she had poison ivy and treated her with Benadryl and a topical cream to control the itch. After visiting the doctor and verifying the poison ivy diagnosis, Madison was prescribed a stronger topical cream, and she is now feeling much better.

I highly recommend downloading the app just to have on hand for any skin condition you or your child may face. It draws on the experience of more than 47,000 physicians and nurses, and more than 137,000,000 health searches, so you can feel confident in the advice it provides. It's the perfect on-the-go tool to help you address various skin concerns. So, head over to the app store to download it now (currently only available on the IOS platform)!

This post is sponsored by Aysa. I received compensation for this post; however, all opinions stated are my own.

---

As always, Live Fully

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Three Ways to Gear Up for the School Year

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:04:00 +0000

Thank you, Scotties Facial Tissue, for sponsoring this post.

Take a look at their wide selection of designs, including a new, kid-friendly design,

to get your little ones geared up for school.

Little kids grow up so fast and in the blink of an eye, your newborn is in grade school. Seriously! Take my oldest child, Madison, for instance. She's practically a little lady now and just had her first week of 1st grade. It just hit me how quickly our first summer has passed us by. Now, it's back-to-school season and back to routine. And, if you're a parent or guardian, you know I'm eager for the routine part of things.

But, there's some preparation that goes into wrapping up the summer routine, getting back into the school routine and getting your child excited about the school year. Below are three ways I'm helping us gear up for a successful year ahead:

Develop a Reading Plan

A huge part of a child's success in school, especially at Madison's age, is how well they are able to read. To foster a love for reading and to help your child read well, you need to:

Choose good, interesting books.
Read very often; at least one or two books per day.
Ask comprehension questions about what's being read.
Be patient as they work to increase their reading level.

To ward off the summer slump, we set a goal for Madison to read at least one book per day. We faltered here and there, but for the most part, we were able to stick with this routine. Now the plan is to carry that routine into the school year and stay consistent throughout. We've picked out several fun, interesting and empowering books to get us started and I'm looking forward to some fun discussions with her.

Shop for School Supplies:

We make a big deal out of shopping for school supplies. Madison and I went shopping twice to stock up on the things she needed, but more importantly, to pick out the things she wanted. Making this feel like an event really helped her get excited about school and the coloring, cutting, gluing, drawing, and writing ahead.

Each year a request for tissue is always on the school's list, and this year we were able to fancy it up with stylish and affordable, Scotties Facial Tissue. It's a go-to tissue for three main reasons:

It's gentle, yet strong -- It has such a soft feel on the skin, yet it's strong enough to handle tough colds.
It's hypoallergenic -- It's perfect for sensitive noses, big or small.
It's cool and stylish -- It comes in a variety of designs that can fit in any room of your home, or corner of the class.

Choosing neat, fun supplies, especially ones with a message, is key!

State Positive Affirmations:

Doing well in school requires more than just putting in time, effort and practice but it's also about the child's mindset and attitude towards school. It's natural for a child to not be ready to give up the ease and leisure of summer, so providing positive points about how fun and exciting school will be is important to discuss at the start of the year with positive affirmations said throughout each semester.

The week prior to school, I expressed to Madison how much fun would be had once she started back. We talked through the exciting new things she'd get to learn and do, and the activities and play she'd get to experience with friends, both old and new. I reminded her of making positive statements like "You Can Do It" and "You Can Do Anything", which are powerful phrases to help get the day started off right.

By the way, this doesn't just work for kids, you know.

As you can see there are a few different ways to get your child ready and excited for school. It's helpful to give your child a rundown of what their day will be like so that they'll know what to expect. But, most of all keep things light and positive about the year ahead and look forward to the growth that's sure to come.

This post is sponsored by Scotties Facial Tissue. I received compensation for this post; however, all opinions stated are my own.
---
As always, Live Fully
Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Protecting Natural Hair While Swimming

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 03:40:00 +0000

Since my daughter, Madison (6yo), swims at least three times a week during the summer, I realized I needed to start to do things a bit differently during this time to protect her hair from the effects of chlorine. Here are a few tips including the products I'm currently using throughout this summer to keep her hair healthy and strong while she enjoys the water.

Protective Style

At the start of the week, I've resorted to braiding her hair for the week. If I don't have time to braid, I ensure some sort of twists, french braids, etc. is done on the days she plans to swim. This is critical to ensure her hair doesn't become tangled or knotted. I've found that if any part of her hair is left out in some way, it takes an extremely long time to detangle, more shedding occurs and more minor knots have to be cut out of her hair.

Water, Conditioner, Oil

On swim days (Monday, Wednesday & Saturday), I spray the hair with a bit of water then cover the hair lightly with conditioner and almond oil. If the hair is already saturated with these items to some extent, there is less room for chlorine to enter the shaft of the hair.

Quick Rinse

During bathtime on these days, we do a quick rinse, then condition, moisturize, and oil the hair. This is done fairly quickly and without much effort. There's only so much that can be done with the hair in braids.

Wash w/ Clarifying Shampoo

Once per week, usually on Sunday, I wash her hair with a clarifying shampoo, deep condition with a replenishing conditioner then restore moisture with a rescue & repair defining moisturizer. After the hair has air-dried, I restyle for the next week.

Deep Condition

It's very important to deep condition whenever the hair is washed used a clarifying shampoo. To do this with a child, I simply cover the hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes before rinsing. Leave-in conditioner is also used quite liberally when styling and throughout the week to cover/protect the braids.

ALSO READ: Madison's Hair Care Regimen | Age 4

Swim Cap

We don't typically use a swim cap, but using one is a good idea to attempt to protect the hair to some extent from chlorine damage. But, please note that swim caps do not keep water out completely and they aren't really designed for this specifically as they are more so meant to help swimmers with drag and keep hair out of the face.

Our youngest daughter, Morgan (2yo), isn't swimming just yet. But, we are in the beginning stages of getting her used to the water which includes submerging her in the water fully at times so that she can get used to holding her breath and having water in her face. With that said, I'm starting to braid her hair as well and following the same process above. But please note, I try to shorten things and make the process as quick as possible for her since she is so young.

So that's it, and it's quite a bit. This is the first summer where I've really put in this type of effort to protect my girl's hair against chlorine. I'm sure I'll refine this process as I learn more and more about how to care for their hair with each passing summer.

Live Fully,

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

For Dads | Preparing for Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000

We typically hear of mothers reading, preparing, nesting, etc. in order to get ready for the arrival of a new baby. However, dads are just as much a parent as mothers and need to prepare as well. Here are a few simple ways that fathers can get ready for the birth of their child:

1. Read!

There are so many parenting books available. Take time to read at least one! Learn what it is that your spouse/partner will be going through during birth and delivery -- YouTube could help with this, but don't freak yourself out (ha!). Recognize that although medicine has come a long way, birthing a child is a delicate process. Be sure to know what to expect and to be able and willing to ask appropriate questions, and even be an advocate for your spouse, if needed.

2. Visit/Help Friends with Kids

If this is your first child or even your second, try helping out a friend who has children or one who has multiple to get a feel for what you're in for.

3. Nest in Your Own Way

Help baby proof the home. Put things together that require assembling. Get carpets cleaned. You name it! Whatever you feel is necessary to prepare the home for the arrival of your child, do it. There are things your wife just can't do, doesn't think to do, or just doesn't have the time -- she's building a baby, you know. It's also okay if you're not sure what needs to be done. If that's the case, don't be afraid to ask how you can help.

4. Attend Classes

If there's something you're not sure about or just curious about, take a class to familiarize yourself with the dos/don'ts of the particular topic. Or, if there is a class that your wife wants to take be sure to make yourself available to attend. You'll be surprised at how helpful it is for you to hear the same things your wife is hearing about how to breastfeed at a breastfeeding class so that you can help reinforce some things in the event breastfeeding is a challenge those first few weeks.

5. Have a Heart-to-Heart with Your Partner

Talk through your fears, concerns and hopes and dreams for the baby. Discuss what you're looking forward to but also discuss some of your hesitations about the journey ahead. Is there something that you don't know how to do and will need guidance on? Are there things you're really excited about and can't wait to experience? Share those thoughts and feelings with your spouse, and just talk through it all.

6. Read through Birth Plan/Preferences

If a birth plan has been created, be sure to read through it multiple times. Know the expectations that your partner has for the delivery. Ask questions, and talk about any adjustments that may be needed.

7. Help Baby to Recognize Your Voice

Talk to the baby before they even get here! Whenever you and your spouse are sitting on the couch or bed, always be sure to stay close to her belly. You don't have to talk to the baby per se, although that is fun and helpful too, just being near the belly while talking to your partner about your day, plans, etc. is a plus. It gives the baby a chance to hear your voice here and there so that it's already a familiar sound. My oldest daughter always sat right up under me throughout my pregnancy talking to me about any and everything. When our littlest was born, I noticed that she would always react to Madison's voice, smiling and giggling -- because she was already so used to hearing that sound. Trust me, it makes a difference.

8. Spend One-on-one time With Your Partner

Don't forget to continue to nurture your relationship. It's so easy to get caught up in preparing for a baby and the changes they will bring. But, be sure to make time to connect with each other as much as you can before baby arrives.

Live Fully,

Photo by Natasha N. Smith Photography

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Amping Up My Skin Care with Ivory

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 11:15:00 +0000

Thank you, Ivory, for sponsoring this post and creating products

that provide a pure, gentle experience for the entire family.

Last week, I celebrated another trip around the sun making it to level thirty-three. Leading up to my birthday, I had a lot of thoughts about my life, my health, and my priorities. My grandmother also celebrated a birthday this month, her 90th, and it reminded me that I can live a long, full life, but there's some care that must take place to ensure it.

For the past six months, my focus has been on my physical health and I've made great strides. I've been working out consistently and making better choices in regards to what I eat. But, lately, I've noticed that I'm starting to have a few outbreaks on my face and quite a bit of dryness in different areas of my body so I'm starting to shift my focus to the health of my skin.

Here are a few things I've been looking into and working to incorporate into my lifestyle and routine to foster more vibrant, moisturized, healthy skin:

1. Finding a Dermatologist

I just recently found a dermatologist to start seeing to determine what steps I need to take to control my outbreaks. I kept feeling like I shouldn't still be dealing with acne at this age, but the truth of the matter is our bodies are continuously going through changes and our age doesn't make us immune to hormonal changes that can cause acne.

Morgan, our youngest daughter, just turned two this month and it's taken me this long to feel comfortable in my body again after having her. I'm sure my hormones are finally starting to come into some sort of balance, but having children has definitely impacted my skin in various ways and it's time that I work with a professional to figure out how to manage it properly. Stay tuned for more on this in the coming weeks.

2. Protection Against the Sun

As an African American, I must admit that I spent the first half of my life not considering the effects of the sun on my skin. It's not something I was taught to be concerned about but as I grew older I learned the importance of sunscreen no matter ones skin type and it's a lesson I'm teaching the girls early on. The older I get the more I've made an effort to wear sunscreen, but I really need to be more consistent in this area especially as it relates to my face. I have quite a bit of hyperpigmentation and I need to be sure that the face lotions I use have some level of SPF, and that I'm wearing hats and sunglasses when I can to protect myself from the sun.

3. Choosing More Natural Products, like Ivory soap

As you all should know by now, I'm totally into all things natural and/or organic. My friends tend to give me a hard time about my approach to choosing products and buying food; however, I believe what you put in and on your body is incredibly important. The more natural, the better.

Because of the dryness I've been dealing with, I need cleansers that are mild followed up by a great moisturizer. Ivory soap has made a huge difference for me as I've worked to incorporate products into my routine that help to nurture my skin from top to bottom. One of the things I like most about Ivory soap is that it's free of dyes, heavy perfumes and parabens, yet still manages to have such a clean, fresh, signature smell. I've found that it lathers up incredibly well to help get the job done, but it's gentle enough to be used on our eczema prone children. This is major for us because it's safe enough for them and it cuts down on the trip I was taking to a separate specialty store just to buy soap for our girls. That simplifies things a bit since I now have one less store to run to, freeing me up to focus on other things.

I encourage you to visit the website to check out some online exclusives and read up on the 130+ year heritage of the soap. I feel certain that you'll want to make this product a staple in your home as well after giving it a try.

4. Water, Water, Water

It doesn't matter how many times this is said, the majority of us continually need a reminder to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. I've really, really fallen short in this area. I've been choosing to drink more and more coffee, frappuccinos and even juices and soda here and there, which we don't normally allow in the house, and it's starting to show. My goal going into July is to get back on track by setting a small goal for the month; to drink two bottles of water per day. The hubs suggested I carry around a gallon jug of water and do my best to fit it in throughout the day. But, sometimes I think we tend to go overboard with our lofty goals and it sets us up for failure. I think getting two bottles (i.e., four cups) of water in a day will get me off to a great start and I can work my way up from there over time.

Ultimately, I want to take care of the body I've been given and I can tell that this decade of my life, my thirties, is all about forming and setting routines that will impact me and my family for years to come. I am working to develop good habits that will not only make our lives better but extend them as well, prayerfully. It is my hope that we're able to pour into our girls in such a way that the lessons I'm learning and teaching them will become second nature and simplify their lives as they age and get to this point of reflection.

I was selected for this opportunity by Ivory and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

When the Dirt Settles

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 06:58:00 +0000

On Friday, May 4th, 2018, my brother Gregory called to let me know our younger brother, Anthony, had been shot. I could hardly understand him as he tried to speak through his despair, but he didn't have many details at the time. I just needed to get there, I told myself. But, as soon as I got off the phone with him, I immediately became hysterical and felt as if I couldn't breathe. This feeling would last for days afterward. When I arrived at the hospital Anthony was still in surgery, and although the doctors said they did all they could he did not survive.

Sadly, death isn't new to me at this point so my initial reaction during the arrangements phase is not to focus on my grief but to immediately jump into processing mode instead. My thoughts raced the first night, and I didn't fall asleep until 5am...

...I need to call the funeral home first thing in the morning.
...I'll have to ask if he can be buried close to mom.
...His favorite color is red, that'll be the main color throughout.
...I never got insurance for him. F*ck!

...I'll work with aunt Tasha and Charlotte to figure out the program details and who can serve.

...What color casket do we use when we bury our men? Why can't I remember?
...I need to remind the women in the family to go ahead and find white to wear, as per our tradition.

....Oh, God...

...My brother is gone.
...I can't believe I have to bury my baby brother...too.
...I can't believe this.
.......I can't believe this.
............I can't believe this.
..................WHY, Lord, haven't we been through enough?!

ALSO READ: Losing a Parent

The days leading up to a funeral are always so incredibly tough, and the day before and the day of are days you so desperately want to just get to and through. You become somewhat eager yet anxious to get through it so that you can get beyond the planning phase since all you really want to do is ball up somewhere, mourn, and figure out how to breathe regularly again. But the thing is, as much as you want to get beyond the funeral, the weeks and months to come are the hardest of all.

When the dirt has settled on your loved one's grave, and the checking in starts to subside, that's when grief really takes over what feels like every aspect of your being. I want to share a small portion of how that looks for me so that others can understand what space my head is in and why I might do/have done certain things (like shut people out in the past).

Understanding
Eventually, it starts to feel like the world forgets. That feeling comes just a couple of weeks after your loss and it's a painfully harsh feeling to deal with. As you continue to hurt, life moves on for everyone else and you're even forced to move on too, in a sense, because in most cases you have to continue to function in some way (i.e, manage a household, work, etc.) and this occurs pretty soon after your loss as if you're not losing it inside.

I've learned to remind myself that although this frustrates me and makes me feel like I'm alone, even when surrounded by the most caring, thoughtful people I know, I have to understand that this is just a part of the process. I have to find a way to work through what this 'feels' like, versus what is actually happening, without shutting people out along the way.

Adjusting
For me, I've noticed it takes at least six months to a year to truly adjust to the loss of a loved one. I continue to grieve, in some way, long after this. But, what I mean by adjusting is to get to a point where I'm not overwhelmingly distraught, easily irritated, somewhat depressed, ready to make rash decisions, emotionally unstable, vulnerable, etc. When I finally do adjust, I'm still in mourning, but it means I've found a new normal where I can better cope and live life without feeling like I'm going to break down or fall apart at any given moment.

Masking
I am the type to try to mask my grief. It's as if I'm wearing this armor of strength that everyone can see except me. I do my best not to cry too much in front of people, if at all, and I talk about my loss(es) as if I'm handling things fine. But, I'm not. I cry all the time; in the shower, during my commute, during bathroom breaks, when everyone else is asleep. I cry out to the Lord often as well, letting him know that this is more than I can bear. Yet and still, you'll find me fighting not to say or do things that I feel might make people uncomfortable. I'm sure this is unhealthy and I'm trying to change this behavior.

Coping
It starts with therapy for me. I realized after my grandfather died a few years ago that I can no longer get through something like this on my own if I want to not only survive it but stay sane in the process. I recognize that I need help with fear -- I constantly worry about more of my family dying too soon, especially my husband and children, guilt -- I can't stop thinking about what I could have done differently to save my brother from this fate, and anxiety/depression -- I often feel as if I can't breathe and most days I don't want to get out of bed. I need coping mechanisms for all of the above and more, so I start therapy again this week.

Sharing
As good as I am at masking my pain, I've found that it's becoming increasingly hard to be this pillar of strength after dealing with loss after loss after loss. One of the things I've tried not to do this time around is telling people that I'm fine or that I'm doing well when they ask. Again, I'm not. I want to be authentic when I share how I'm doing so that people can support me appropriately, and so that I can grieve and heal properly. I believe being honest with myself and others about how I feel will play a major part in helping me get through this, and sharing here is a step in that direction as well.

Just know that the months ahead will be another difficult valley along my journey. Don't let my smile fool you, continue to pray for me when I come to mind. Know that I am aware that I will eventually be fine in time. But for now, it is taking everything in me to get through this.

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Busy

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Fri, 04 May 2018 04:01:00 +0000

Hi, Friends!

It's been a while. As much as I've wanted and truly desired to be back in this space, it's been really hard to make time for this. But, when you love something, it stays on your mind and you find your way back to it and make time for it if it's something you truly care about. So here I am, trying to commit to sharing here once more.

I'd like to think that I could crank out at least one post per week, but if I'm honest with myself that may still prove to be difficult at this stage of my life. So let's just take it one post at a time and see how often I show up here the next few weeks. Ok?!

Let's talk about a few things that have taken over my life in this season:

Kindergarten

This being Madison's first year in school has definitely changed the flow of things and shifted our focus. Between homework, reading regularly and dance twice per week we are incredibly busy, and she's just one child. I can't imagine how things will look when Morgan and her activities are added to the mix. But, thankfully, that is years away.

Wellness

Since December of 2017, I've really stepped up my game when it comes to fitness. I now work out regularly (3-5 times/week) and I finally enjoy and look forward to it to some degree. I never thought I'd feel that way about exercise, folks. So this is a huge deal. We continue to eat fairly healthy as a family, but now I'm ~~working~~ struggling to reduce my carbs; specifically pasta, bread, etc. I've come so far but I still have a ways to go and likely won't reach my ultimate goals until the end of the year. I'm really trying to accept that; the fact that I believe it'll take a full year to really see the results I want to see. That's crazy when I think about it. But I needed to just say it because I feel it's accurate and realistic.

Promotion

When I was promoted in September 2017, I honestly didn't feel like I was ready. Thanks be to God for allowing others to see things in me that I can't see in myself. Plus, I will always and forever be my worst critic, believe that I have more growing to do before progressing to the next level and will likely always struggle to some degree with imposter syndrome. But make no mistake, I'm all the adjectives you can think of to describe a manager's favorite employee; resourceful, leader, proactive, problem-solver, critical thinker, adaptable, influencer, etc. So know that I do work really hard and that is coupled with God's favor, so it's not that I'm undeserving -- I just tend to struggle with accepting it.

I said all that to say, that now that I'm at this level, I work (or think about work-related things) almost constantly. I just want to stay on top of things, do a good job, and continuously improve. So this takes up a LOT of my time.

No New Friends
You can read all about my renewed relationships with my BFF's here. I stay talking to one or all of them every. single. day. Love those ladies!

I'm sure it's no surprise to you all that I'm busy and my life is full right now. It's always so full thought, right? Just in different ways.

I can't complain.
Life is good.

I hope in the midst of this season I can truly carve out just a little time to get back to this. I miss this form of therapy so incredibly much.

Don't Settle,

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

1. Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash, 2. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash, 3. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash, 4. Photo by EveryGirlBoss.com on Unsplash

New Year, New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 06:09:00 +0000

Dorothy (expecting), Me, Mionna & Tia, Best Friends Forever :)

Photos by CharMarie Photography

The second half of 2017 was one of the busiest for me. That's the quick and dirty version as to why I haven't written here in over five months. In that time, my oldest child, Madison, has started kindergarten and is thriving, and my youngest child, Morgan, is walking, talking and trying her best to keep up with her older sister. The big change that has kept me away is an unexpected but well-deserved promotion at work. With the added responsibility, I tend to work from home at night so anytime I used to dedicate to blogging, I either put towards working or try to get some rest in for once. I do recognize that I need to make time to do things I enjoy. So, I'll spend some time evaluating how I can accomplish that with the 24/7/365 I've been given as I take on this new year.

Another thing I've been spending a lot of time doing these past few months is reconnecting with my best friends from my home town. I've known Dorothy, Tia, and Mionna for 20+ years now. We've had some rough patches amongst us that caused us to drift apart, hard. But, life is short and key friendships are vital. Somehow we found our way back to each other soon after we were all forced to get along (I kid, sort of) to be a part of Mionna's wedding (she knew what she was doing :)). I'm so glad we pressed our way through the awkwardness we all certainly felt, followed by some hard conversations that lead to the formation of a group chat. We interact nearly every day now and it's been quite refreshing. It's funny how life and things work themselves out and how God gives you what you need, like a solid group of friends that know you -- like really, really know you (because history) -- right when each of you needs it the most.

The four of us hadn't hung out, just for fun, in years! But, we came together in December to prepare to welcome new life, since Dorothy is expecting. We spent the weekend showering her with love then had a ball at one of the best concerts we've ever been to, The Xscape Tour. We finished off the weekend with a fun-filled maternity shoot the three of us gifted to Dorothy because we're just so darn happy and excited for her. As you can see, we planned a few shots with her as well but the bulk of the shoot was for her and her husband, of course. I came away from that weekend so full and I'm so excited about the new life that's been breathed into our friendship. I pray that we'll continue to grow closer and closer; being there for each other now and into our old age.

Here's to a new year, here's to new life, here's to more time spent fostering relationships and doing the things that bring us joy.

Happy New Year!!

Don't Settle,

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

More Veggies, Less Meat

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 23:23:00 +0000

For the past few weeks, I've been following along as my cousin, Shamiika via JustMiik's Journey, shares about her transition to veganism. I have no desire to transition, but I found her journey to be so very interesting. At the same time, another person I follow, Tia via Tia V Fitness, recommended two plant-based cookbooks, one of which I purchased right away. Lastly, I watched the film, What the Health. I ended up hating the film, so I refuse to link to it here, because I felt the information, although some of it good was poorly presented and the studies/facts that were shared were done so without context. The only thing it did do was make me want to do my own research about meat and plant-based diets. So, I guess it was good for something.

With all of the above weighing on my mind, I realized how the majority of our meals are made with meat being the focus/highlight. So, my goal now is to get more veggies on our plates and to have at least one meatless meal per week. Again, I have no desire to be vegan, and I don't even want to be a vegetarian (b/c I love my dairy). But, "more veggies, less meat" is my go-to phrase ~~for now~~ when I'm meal planning, prepping, and grocery shopping, and it's how I'd like to play things going forward.

The book I bought recently is Thug Kitchen, Eat like You Give a F*ck by Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis. There's a lot of swearing in it, and I mean a lot. So be mindful of that if you're considering purchasing it. I really love the book's approach and the discussion around how we should think about food. And, I actually think the cursing is cleverly woven in, so it doesn't bother me a bit.

The first recipe I chose to make was the Mixed Mushroom & Spinach Lasagna. Y'all, it felt like it took forever to make. Forever, y'all. But...but...it was so good. Like, really good.

Surprisingly good!

One of the things I did before I took a single bite was remind myself this was not lasagna. At least not in the traditional sense. And, if I went into it thinking it would be similar to cheesy, meaty lasagna then I probably would have been disappointed. I believe that'll be one of the major keys to this more veggie less meat journey when trying new meals. One thing this meal did have was a ton of flavor. My husband mentioned how flavorful the dish was, right after he complained about there being too much mushroom. He doesn't like mushrooms, so I expected that. Otherwise, he thought it was good. So, I'll take it.

As I said before, I really enjoyed it. The girls ate most of it too, so I count this first go at a meatless meal a win.

A few quick thoughts about the Mixed Mushroom & Spinach Lasagna recipe in the Thug Kitchen cookbook:

It took me two hours to make this meal. Two. One to prep. One to bake the lasagna.

Prepare what you can in advance or cook this thing over the weekend.

To make this recipe, you had to use two other recipes in the book; the House Marinara recipe and the Tofu Ricotta recipe. The lasagna recipe itself included basil pesto and the mushroom spinach filling that had to be made. All of this prep work makes the making of this recipe feel like a never-ending process. But, it ends up being worth it and will last a family of four (lunch/dinner) for three days.

I was so nervous about the tofu. I've never had, used, made tofu before. But, it turned out so very well. So don't sweat it, the writers of this book know how to make things flavorful and delicious.
I added cheese to the very top of our dish (but nowhere else), b/c again, I'm no vegan or vegetarian. I think the dish would have been great without it. But, I love me some cheese and couldn't help myself (I didn't go heavy on it though).

P.S. I literally just purchased another plant-based book that Tia recommended called, 28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot: Reset Your Body, Lose Weight, Gain Energy, & Feel Great by Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez. I've been listening to their Food Heaven podcast too, thanks to Shamiika's reco as well.

So, what are your thoughts?! Have you been thinking about your eating habits lately? If so, what are you doing, reading, watching to make a change for the better?

Live Fully,

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Oui to Me | Small Moments. Big Impact.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 04:06:00 +0000

Thank you, Oui by Yoplait, for sponsoring this post.

Take time for yourself and try the all-new, French Style yogurt. It's deliciously thick with a subtly sweet, fresh taste and is made with simple, non-GMO ingredients.

Since we've been back from our anniversary trip to Paris, we've been busier than ever. We're in the thick of an extremely hot summer, several changes are occurring at work, and I'm trying to prepare my five-year-old to start kindergarten in the fall while chasing after my one-year-old who has literally learned to run these past few weeks. And, all of this while trying to keep that anniversary romance going that was sparked during our time in Paris. With everything that we have going on in our lives, it's so easy for me to give myself the short end of the stick if I'm not being mindful.

One thing therapy has taught me is I can't let my Type-A, go-getter, if it needs to be done I'm the one to do it, attitude be at the forefront at all times. I've definitely learned the importance of self-care over the past couple of years, but I've found myself always approaching it in a big way (e.g., spa day, shopping spree, a weekend away, etc.). What I've needed to really grasp is how to steal away for small me-moments throughout the week, the more the better.

So, this summer, I've really been making an effort to not only take a lunch break but to also force myself to take an afternoon break. There is a man-made water feature, over a quarter of a mile long, that flows down the center of the beautiful campus where I work. I've found the sound of it to be so very soothing. Last year, hammocks were installed not too far from the artificial river and I seem to gravitate to them each day.

I now spend small, me-moments in a hammock or at a table near the river just soaking in the sun, reading a few pages of a book or doing an easy crossword puzzle while enjoying a quick snack. I usually opt for a snack with a bit of protein as it helps to hold me over until dinner, and right now I'm loving the all-new French style yogurt, Oui (pronounced "wee" = "yes" in French) by Yoplait! How fitting after a recent trip to Paris, right?! It's thick, creamy, and delicious with just a hint of sweetness to curb my sweet tooth. I love how it's cultured in a recyclable glass pot that I can up-cycle in so many ways.

Coconut has turned out to be my favorite flavor, but there are eight single-serve flavors available, including flavors like Strawberry that have real fruit on the bottom. I picked up several jars of the yogurt from Walmart to last me through the work week.

This week, I challenge you to take a moment to yourself throughout the day. Every day, if possible. Stop by Walmart and grab a few jars of Yoplait's newest yogurt, Oui, as a reminder to say "oui to me", and do something quick and easy that you really enjoy. Color, journal, meditate, or just relax, so long as you're doing something that's independent of others. It doesn't have to take long, it doesn't have to be extravagant, it just has to be about you.

I promise you, small me-moments truly can make a big impact, especially when done consistently.

This post is sponsored by Oui by Yoplait. I received compensation for this post; however, all opinions stated are my own.

Live well,

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

International Travel | Things to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 03:26:00 +0000

*Affiliate links are included within this post. See full disclosure policy.*

During our very first international trip, Mario and I planned things out as much as we could but we discovered that there were a few things we hadn't considered. If you're planning to visit other countries please do a bit of research about where you're visiting, the people, the culture, the rules/laws, the way of living, etc.

Below are just a few things I wish we'd known before traveling abroad:

Currency

Know what type of currency is being used and what the exchange rate is for the country you're planning to visit. Determine if there are any fees that your bank will charge for pulling out money so that you'll know whether it's a good idea to pull out what you need each day or larger quantities every few days to save on costs.

I knew there was a fee to pull money from the ATM, but I didn't think about the fact that we'd be charged a fee every time we swiped our card as well. It's also a good idea to let your bank know you're traveling out of the country if you're concerned that they'll flag your charges as fraudulent.

Accommodations

Be sure to get a feel for the way people live before you travel in order to set your expectations. If you're traveling to Europe and you're using a service like Innclusive or Airbnb, you must keep in mind that the size of houses won't be the same as what you may be accustomed to, and the way they manage their water, their electricity, etc. may be different. If you go into those type of accommodations knowing what to expect then you'll appreciate what the country has to offer so much more. It's so easy to compare things to what you're used to back home, and that can lead to disappointment if you're not mindful.

Outlets

Determine if you'll need an outlet converter. We were not prepared for the outlets to be different when we traveled to Paris. Luckily, our Airbnb rental had three USB ports available that we were able to use to charge a few things, like our phones. In addition, I'd rented a portable hotspot and it came with a converter (more to come on that in another post). That converter was extremely useful so that we could charge our laptops and I could use my curling iron.

Cellphones

Check to see whether your phone plan will work. We're with StraightTalk so we figured ours wouldn't and a quick call to customer service confirmed this. I immediately did a search for hotspot rentals and found an inexpensive one that I highly recommend. We had coverage in Paris and during our trip to London, and it came with a portable charger as well so we were able to keep it going from when we left at the start of our day to our return late at night.

Even if your wireless plan is covered in another country, it may still be wise to go with a hotspot. It's so easy to max out on your data plan when you're traveling, especially if you're into apps like Snapchat. So, if you think you'll be using your phone a lot while you're out and about for maps, apps, etc., then strongly consider purchasing a hotspot to use during your trip.

Packing

No matter the length of your trip, you truly don't need as many clothes, shoes, accessories, and toiletries as you think you do. I highly suggest packing in a such a way to only need a carry-on, especially if you're traveling for a week or less. If your luggage is with you at all times (versus being checked), you eliminate the risk of it getting lost in transit. It's also helpful to not have a bunch of large, bulky luggage to lug around when you're trying to get your bearings in a new place when you arrive at the airport, especially when trying to find transportation.

There are so many videos online that will show you how to make this miracle happen~~, ladies~~. And, I think travel cubes are one of the keys to maximizing how much you can fit into your bag, so look into purchasing a set. I bought my Travel Ready set from Roni, The Travel Guru. She has some great articles on how to pack for trips on her site as well.

Transportation

If where you're going has a metro or bus system, be sure to understand the rules of those systems before using them. You won't be able to get a feel for the system itself until you're actually using it, but read through a few articles and guides about the transportation system and make sure you're following all requirements. Being from another country is not an excuse for not knowing what the requirements are.

A quick story: While we were in Paris, we used the metro only. We'd buy our tickets for the day, then insert a ticket and receive it back to get through the gates. There was one instance where we did this, then realized we'd gone to the wrong stop, threw away the used ticket and tried to go a different way to go to the next stop. We were stopped by the Paris Metro Ticket Enforcement and since we couldn't produce the tickets we used to get through the gate, we were told that we would be fined. The fines are typically 45 euros or more per offender. They weren't understanding us as we tried to explain and we weren't understanding them. I was so upset and eventually begin to cry about the whole thing as they were carting us off. For some reason, one of the officers was sympathetic to my tears. They eventually just let us go. It's my understanding that they usually won't accept any excuses so this is very rare. Know. The. Rules.

With that said, please, please follow the rules in the country that you're traveling to. This goes for more than just transportation, Do a quick search for key laws taking note of things that you might consider normal in your country but are considered illegal where you're traveling. Then be cautious, aware and a law-abiding tourist so that you can enjoy your trip without a hitch.

I hope you've found these handful of tips to be helpful.

If you've traveled internationally, what are some other things people should consider? Leave your tips in the comments!

*Affiliate links are included within this post. See full disclosure policy.*

Live fully,

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Wordless Wednesday | London

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:53:00 +0000

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Paris + London Eats

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole | Pharr Away) — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 04:40:00 +0000

We spent the bulk of our trip in Paris, so the majority of the food you’ll see in this post is from our time there, but one of the best meals we had was in London. We’ll get to that in a bit.

Before I even dive into the restaurants we visited, I feel the need to throw a few disclaimers out. My experience with food while in Paris, outside of the pastries and sweets, was not the best. I'm sure a lot of that had to do with the fact that I've never left the US until now so experiencing authentic food from somewhere else was completely out of my comfort zone. I’m a very picky eater. I’m also the type of person that tries different things on the menu but I do so up until I find that one thing I really like (usually some sort of pasta), and from that point forward I get the exact same thing every single time. I’ve become more open to expanding my palate in recent years, but at my core, I don’t like very many things when it comes to food…unless it’s full of sugar, of course (sad, I know). With that said, take my thoughts about the food in Paris and London with a grain of salt.

I've listed the nine (9) restaurants we visited, and I've included my thoughts on the meals we had with a rating of my experience (using a five-star scale).

PARIS EATS
Le Cercle **

This is the first place we visited to grab food while on our trip. It was the start of my underwhelming experience with food. I wasn't happy with the way my burger was prepared including the bacon that came with it that felt undercooked. Mario wasn't impressed with his meal either.

We appreciated the host here, who spoke a bit of English for us to help us understand the menu to place our orders.

Café Gustave ****

We had brunch here before our tour of the Eiffel Tower. It was simple and inexpensive and quite delicious. The omelet and salad we had paired together really well. The special was fairly inexpensive and came with croissants, juice and coffee.

Le Champ de Mars ***

I had a pretty basic salad here with tomatoes and avocados as the highlights of the dish. It was good but I wasn’t impressed. Mario had chicken with a light gravy-like sauce that was really good, along with a side of fries.

Mario opted for a dessert here and it proved to be quite tasty! I also appreciated how the menu included a description of each item in English.

Hure’ Createur De Plaisir ****
A breakfast spot where we grabbed croissants, pastries, you name it. So, so good...and sweet. This is where I had the best macaroon I’ve ever had in my life, a pistachio macaroon.

Angelina ****

OMG, y’all. We went here specifically for the hot chocolate and it was so worth it. It was called, Chocolat Chaud "Africain", and it tasted like pure chocolate had been melted down into a smooth and creamy consistency then poured into a cup. It was so rich and delicious and almost too much to take in. We couldn’t even finish the chocolaty goodness because it was just that rich. Good. Pricey. But, again, so very worth it!

We also had eggs here that I could have done without because of the price. We ended up spending over $55 at this restaurant for breakfast on a serving of eggs and hot chocolate for each of us. Way too much for what we got. In hindsight, we should have only had the chocolate. Take note!

Boulangerie Patisserie De La Tour Eiffel ***

I got more eggs while here. I learned that I couldn’t go wrong if I ordered that, so I got an omelet and a salad for dinner, which I enjoyed. Mario had a burger, fries and a salad which I tried and thought was well-prepared too.

Before we arrived I learned that in order to get water without being charged for bottled water we should ask for a jug of water specifically. So, “une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît” was one of the few key phrases I learned before our arrival and used everywhere we went!

New-York a' Paris **

We had a really late dinner here on our last night in Paris. We just wanted to head back into the heart of the city one more time and this is the place Mario decided we should check out. The food here felt a bit larger than life, and I felt like our burgers had way too much going on. But, the flavors were good.

The atmosphere was great as well, and the host was super nice. She served us champagne on the house when she found out we were visiting Paris to celebrate our anniversary.

LONDON EATS

Café Rouge***

We had breakfast here while in London. Again, just like in Paris, I felt the bacon wasn’t cooked as well as I’d prefer. But everything else we had was pretty good, especially Mario’s French toast.

I liked the atmosphere here as well and the open windows throughout. I noticed that was the case in many restaurants we visited in Paris as well; that indoor/outdoor feel meshed together when it came to sitting down for a meal. I really liked that about being there.

Pizza Express *****

Hands down, one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. Ever. This, of course, was my favorite meal of the entire trip. Both of us really enjoyed our meal here!

Funny story: We had a really hard time deciding where to go. I mentioned this place and he brushed it off. After walking in (and out of) about three places Mario was finally fed up and agreed to go here. He was so happy we did from the moment we had the cheese bread. The dough balls were excellent as well! Good. Simple. Yummy.

The best!

I'd love to hear about your food experience in other countries. Do you tend to enjoy almost everything that's put in front of you; embracing new flavors and dishes? Or, is your palate as immature as mine?

xoxo, Nicole

Bloglovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Pharr Away

Pharr Family Values

Mini Doughnuts (or is it Donuts?!)

Madison - Age 7

Five Areas of Focus to Help Repair Your Credit with the Support of Lexington Law Firm

Credit Card Usage (i.e., Credit Utilization)

Payment History

Credit Errors

Hard Inquiries

Credit Age

Small Batch Peanut Butter Brownies

25 Days | Christmas Bible Verses

Subscribe to get your 25 Days | Christmas Bible Verses Download

Slow Cooker Cheddar Soup

Disney | Dining Experiences

Her Golden Jubilee

Disney | A Day in the Parks

Day 1 | Magic Kingdom

Day 2 | Epcot

Day 3 | Pool Day + Hollywood Studios

Day 4 | Magic Kingdom

Disney | Celebrating a Milestone Birthday

Happy Birthday Button

Birthday Shout-Out

Cinderella's Royal Table

Enchanted Tales with Belle

The Little Mermaid

Disney | Planning & Costs

Tickets/Dates: Sat. - Thu. (6 days, 5 nights, 4 Tickets)

Cost: $ 904.52

Resort: Art of Animation

Cost: $858.40

Food: Character Dinners & Regular Meals

Cost: $645.00

Miscellaneous Items

Cost: $474.90

Things to Consider

#AskAysa | Get Answers to Your Skin Condition(s)

Three Ways to Gear Up for the School Year

Develop a Reading Plan

Shop for School Supplies:

State Positive Affirmations:

Protecting Natural Hair While Swimming

For Dads | Preparing for Baby

Amping Up My Skin Care with Ivory

1. Finding a Dermatologist

2. Protection Against the Sun

3. Choosing More Natural Products, like Ivory soap

4. Water, Water, Water

When the Dirt Settles

Busy

New Year, New Life

More Veggies, Less Meat

Oui to Me | Small Moments. Big Impact.

International Travel | Things to Know

Wordless Wednesday | London

Paris + London Eats