LUSH...

This is a company that I heard about, you guessed it... on YouTube.

Lush.

They are a company who makes handmade soaps, body treatments, hair products, and all sorts of things!  They are so neat.

I had seen so much about them and wanted to order something.  So I found out what the "best selling" bath things were (things that I thought I might like) and ordered a few.

The first thing I wanted to try was this soap.... Honey I Washed the Kids.  Everyone claims this is the best soap.  And it smells kind of like a caramel honeycomb.  I used a little on my hands, and I couldn't stop smelling them the rest of the day!  :) 

The next is called Happy Blooming... it's a bath melt.  You break off a piece and let it dissolve in your water.  Makes your skin feel nice and refreshed and smelling LOVELY!.  They say it smells like cherries...  I don't know if I'd describe it as that, but it is great.

And the last thing is the one I'm most excited about... The Comforter bubble bar.  This one is HUGE.  But it's also more expensive.  But I heard rave reviews so I had to try it.  You break it into chunks.  I would think you could probably get 5 or 6 baths out of it... depending on the size of your tub and how many bubbles you want.  I was told it makes THE BEST bubbles ever.  And they were right.  CRAZY bubbles.  The description is fruity blackcurrants.  I can't describe it.... except to say that it's "comforting." :)  And it makes your bath water pretty and pink.  And you can even skip the lotion after your bath, b/c it leaves your skin feeling nice and soft.... and smelling good!!

Yes, these products are kind of on the expensive side for bath stuff, but I think they are worth it.  There are only a few stores in the U.S.... places like L.A. and Atlanta.  Not anywhere near Bama.  So you'll have to order online.  However, their shipping is extra fast and my products arrived all in one piece.  They also included 2 sample soaps to try!

Here's the link... you can check them out.

LUSH USA

I would love to try some of their hair stuff and skin care products... but they are a little on the pricey side.  Maybe one day. :)

Temporary Home...

Today's inspiring post comes from one of my favorite singers... Carrie Underwood.

One day this week, I was blogging away while GAC was playing music videos in the background.  While I was waiting on photos to upload, her song came on.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard this song... and considering I sang it last year in our church's Great Ole Opry performance, I wore it out on my IPod while practicing. :)

I've always thought it was a great song, but you know.... sometimes you hear something so many times, you forget to stop and think about the lyrics.

Well, I stopped and watched the video this time.  If you haven't seen it, at the end, she walks into her grandfather's hospital room... he's about to pass away.  She is heartbroken, but so glad she was able to tell him goodbye.  Everytime I hear that verse, I think about my grandfather.  He passed away several years ago.  I think about him often.

I am so glad I was able to be there when he passed away.  I really feel in my heart that he knew we were all there with him, holding his hand.  

And now I think, "I hope he's proud of me."  He is one person who was IN LOVE with his grandchildren.  He would've done anything for us.

I hope that he's watching down on me... and I hope he's proud.

I wish he could've met Jase.  But then again, I know he's got a front row seat from Heaven.  

One day, I'll get to see him again.  And that makes me happy. :)

This day, I couldn't help but cry... it felt as though he was sitting on the couch beside me.  So comforting to know that we have our loved ones watching over us.

Guess what I got???

Some of you probably won't care, but I recently bought myself some things I've been DYING to get my hands on.

The first is makeup related, of course.  After watching YouTube beauty gurus, I found out about this company who makes makeup palettes called Z Palettes.  They are magnetic cases that hold eyeshadows, blushes, and other types of "pan" inserts.

I couldn't want to get one.  I have TONS of separate little eyeshadow duos, trios, and quads.  They were taking over my makeup station.  And honestly, I couldn't remember what all I had, since some were tucked away at the bottom of the pile.  So I knew I had to get one of these!

 

 

Aren't they cute???

Here's the link if you want to check them out!

Z Palette

I have another post coming soon about another exciting purchase...

Cruisin'

We finally decided.  

We'll be taking our first vacation (without Jase) since he was born.... 3 years ago.

I'm very sad that he won't be joining us, and I'll probably have to do some major therapy sessions before then, but I'm excited.

Come March, we'll be cruisin' to Cozumel! :)

Hikes for Tikes...

Last Saturday, my mother took me and Jase out for the day.

She had found this little group called "Hikes for Tikes" that meets on Saturdays @ the Botanical Gardens here in Birmingham.  We thought it looked like so much fun, so we decided to find out!

We thought it was going to be like a little 45 minute walk and story time.... it turned into much more than that.  There were lots of kids that showed up.  Jase, however, was NOT interested. :)

The story/hike was all about finding "fairies."  Jase would've much rather just dug in the dirt.

We snuck away from the group after about an hour and headed to our next destination... LUNCH!

We had a lovely lunch on P.F. Chang's patio.  Then, YOGURT MOUNTAIN.  Such a wonderful day!

After our fun day on the town, we came home to Daddy.  He was busy working in the yard, so Jase joined him as his "little helper."  So cute. :)

It's FINISHED!!!

My first, self-titled album is finished.  I've worked so hard to get this ready.

Last week, I got the covers printed (twice - after finding a misprint), cd's burned (only to find out that half of them were ruined), and got the cases put together.

It's been a long journey and cost me more money than I expected, but I'm SO proud of it!

It's not professional quality or anything, but I think it's pretty good for a first experience.

I hope to make another one in the future.  More contemporary.

In the meantime, if you'd like a copy, just let me know!  Donations would be greatly appreciated. :)

Photo shoot inspiration...

My hubby is off work on Mondays right now.  This past Monday (Valentine's Day) he spent the WHOLE DAY with me and Jase.  Usually, he does "guy things" and goes fishing or hunting.  So we were so happy he decided to spend the day with us!  And it WAS Valentine's Day, so that made it even more special.

Sunday, we went four-wheeling around his parents' house.  We found some GREAT SPOTS to take pictures.  Neither of us are photographers, but we love playing around with the camera.

It just so happened that I have been needing a current picture of myself for my "upcoming album." :)

I was so inspired by the scenery on Sunday, I forced him into taking back there on Monday... he snapped some GREAT shots.  We had a lot of fun and it made for a great afternoon on that special day... with perfect weather!  It was nice to relax, skip rocks, and enjoy God's creation.  He is awesome.

Here's some of the shots we got!

Isn't it gorgeous?!?!?

Saturday fun...

I'm looking forward to Saturday.

My mother emailed me with a fun little activity that we're planning to do this weekend!

Here in Birmingham, the Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit.  Also a GREAT place to take pictures.  On Saturdays, they have what is called "Hikes for Tikes Story-Telling."  

You and your child go on a nature walk and a special guest reads a story and sings songs with the kids.

Looks like so much fun... especially since the weather this weekend is supposed to be divine!

We are so excited and I'll be sure to blog about it later.  

Click Here if you want to visit their facebook page.

AHHHHHH!!!!!!

I hate making decisions.

We're trying to plan a trip... just my hubby and me.  

Although, I'm 99.9% against it.  I don't wanna leave my baby. :(

But we are forced to go somewhere, since we've never been anywhere alone since Jase was born.

So, we're thinking cruise.  

Mobile or Jacksonville???

Mexico or Bahamas???

5 hour drive or 8 hour drive???

4 days away from Jase or almost 6 days away from Jase???

OH MY.  So many things to think about.

I'm anxious already.  Maybe a trip isn't such a good idea after all.

Let me just tell you....

... about my experience with potty training last week.

For so long now, we've been pee-peeing in the potty.  It's become second nature.  Poo-pooing is a whole other story.  He just will not do it in the potty, UNLESS you catch him right when it's coming out.  (Gross, I know.)  But that's only happened a handful of times.

So I got the bright idea (after hearing several people say it was successful) to just put him in real underwear one day.  I felt certain that he was ready and would keep them dry.

SO NOT THE CASE!!!

Tuesday was hell on earth in the potty department.  I cleaned the floor 3 TIMES.  Pee and poop.   MAJOR YUCK.  And it was almost as if it were a game to him.  He KNOWS better, but he just wanted to see what I'd do.

So after the 3rd mopping of the hardwoods, I gave up.  Went straight back to the Pull Ups.

Now, after receiving some great encouragement on Facebook, I decided I was being too hard on myself, as well as Jase.  (I hate to admit it, but after the 3rd "accident" I even sat him in time out - which didn't even phase him.)

Jason knew what a terrible day it had been and even he assured me that it was okay.  He's usually the one to get really stern with Jase about using the potty.  But he even realized that he MIGHT JUST NOT BE READY.  That's hard to admit.  He's almost 3!!!  And he's so smart.  I just know he's capable.  And I'm SO TIRED of cleaning dirty diapers. :(

So today, I went back to normal with Jase.  No stressing, just casually talking about the potty.  And pee-peeing every hour or so (which seems to work for him).  I want to get to the point where he TELLS ME when he needs to go.  So I went with this method:

I also bought several little dollar item toys at Dollar General to wrap and keep in a box.  When he fills up the sections, he gets a prize.  

Here's to crossing my fingers and PRAYING this works. :)

14 Reasons...

My husband is always asking me, "Why do you love me?"

That's such a broad question.  There are so many answers.  I usually just give him the same answer... "because you're my best friend."

A few weeks ago, I began thinking about what I could do for him for Valentine's Day.  We usually don't buy gifts (except for something like chocolate - which is FINE by me).  But I wanted to do something a little special for him.

I wrote him a letter... just simple.

I thought I'd share it with you.  :) 

________________________________________________________

14 Reasons why I Love You…

You know me like the back of your hand.  Always have… always will.

You spend everyday working to support me.  You never complain.

You’re my right-hand man… Always there when I need you.

You forgive me when I mess up… And I DO mess up.

You fix my mistakes… You can fix ANYTHING.

You do everything I ask (maybe not right then, but eventually).

You always tell me you love me, even when you may not feel like it.

You are my favorite bed buddy. (You don’t poke your feet in my side.)

You clean the shower…. And you do a much better job.

You’re tough, but not too tough.  I like your sensitive side.

You would risk your life for me and Jase… in a heartbeat.

You are ALREADY a great Daddy… and you’ve only had 2 ½ years of practice.

Your silliness makes my day better.  I love to see you dance in your underwear.

You gave me the 2 best gifts I could ever ask for… love and a perfect little family.

That’s why I love you.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Stuck out...

Last Sunday, our Pastor preached a wonderful, encouraging, and powerful word.  One verse stuck out in my head like a soar thumb.

I thought I'd share it with you... along with some of the thoughts I've had this week.

The particular verse he spoke about was Matthew 12:36.  There was a word in that text that jumped off the page.  However, I'm going to start with verse 33.  It's just as meaningful.

33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad.  34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?  For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."

36 "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for EVERY idle word they have spoken.  37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

The word that spoke to me was IDLE.  

Idle: careless, lacking substance or value, vain.

Lord, help me to speak encouraging words.

A friend's facebook status this week hit me... 

"If you surround yourself with trash, you'll begin to smell like garbage."

Don't let trash come out of your mouth... you'll be held accountable one day.

Little Beauties...

This past weekend was Sumiton Christian's beauty pageant.  I LOVE doing pageant makeup - and any makeup in general.  So a friend asked me to do her 2 girls' makeup for that special day.

I was so excited.  It's been a while since I've gotten the opportunity to play dressup!

Here they are... aren't the dolls??

(I made sure with their Mommy that it was okay to post their pictures!)

And I'm so excited because I'm doing 2 more little girls in a few weeks!  

Hair and makeup = fun times!!!

Planning, Planning, Planning!

I am definitely a planner.  And actually, I think one of my new year's "GOALS" was to STOP being so precise, planned, and in order.  But I just can't help myself.  I'm a calendar girl. :)

So even though it's not until April, I've already begun planning Jase's 3rd Birthday Bash... :(

I'll share with you how SAD I am later.  For now, back to the plans.

Last year, we had Jase's bday party at my Grandmother's house.  She has a HUGE, flat, front yard.  And we had her house ready as a back up.  But the weather was PERFECT!!  We set up a couple of tents, tables and chairs, and just had a grand ol' time.

This year, we're going for the same idea.  Fun, easy, and cheap. :)

I'm thinking (if we're still living in this DAD-GUM HOUSE - which is so cute, by the way - we'd LOVE for you to buy it, please) we're just going to have the party here.  My husband is not too fond of the idea, but I think it'll be fine.  As long as the weather cooperates.

We have a covered carport that will be perfect for the tables and food.  Our backyard is also pretty shaded, so that'll be the perfect place for the kiddies.  And then, the inside will be available to any grannies and papas that want to get out of the heat.  IF it's hot.  Last year was just perfect.  So we'll start praying for 75 and sunny NOW.  (His 1st bday was a nightmare.  Perfect weather all week until the day of... it turned cloudy and COLD!!!  Almost turned me off completely to outside parties that time of year, but since we had great luck last year, we'll try again... only with a back-up plan.)

So we're going with a TRAIN theme.  Lots of bright colors, balloons, banners, and train decorations (we have several little train sets that he got for Christmas, so they'll make perfect table toppers).

I designed his invitation last week (getting a head start, I know) which is something I've done every year.  I just love "trying" to be creative. :)

And I'm going to attempt to make his cake.  I did last year and it turned out SUPER cute... especially for a first-timer.

I went to Hobby Lobby last week to get some inspiration.  Here it is.

I bought this little wooden train thinking I could use it as decoration on the cake (like driving down a little track).  However, when I went to my Mom's to pick Jase up and showed her, I could see the hamster running 90-to-nothing in his wheel.  This was her idea:

 

Make sense???

I thought it was a GENIUS idea.  She's so smart... and talented.

When I began planning this party, I had almost decided it would just be easier to let someone else make the cake.  But after Mother's awesome idea, I'm so excited!!!

I can't wait to share it with you... but you'll have to wait until April! :)

To Warm You...

... on this dreary day.

We've been having such dreary, cold and rainy weather here in Bama for the past week.

I'M READY FOR SPRINGTIME!!!

So, here's a little goody to warm you through on this day.  I do NOT claim to be a master baker, nor photographer.  But I love to cook and take pictures. :)

So here's my creation from this weekend.  

Banana Cupcakes w/ Nutella Buttercream Frosting

I'm IN LOVE with this frosting now... and so proud b/c I just totally did it on my own!  I know, I know... I found some recipes later after I googled it, but I had already made it at that point.  If only I were the FIRST person to think of it. :)

I was going to try Maple Buttercream (thinking that would go good with bananas), but then I noticed I had a half eaten jar of Nutella in the pantry.  I discovered Nutella last year (after hearing about it forever but just never trying it) and I wondered, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE!?!"

So I thought, "Why not make it into buttercream?"  MAN, am I glad I did.  I'm thinking I might use this to frost Jase's birthday cake in April (which I'll tell you about later).

My thought process was: Chocolate covered banana?  Sounds good to me!

Enjoy!

YUM-O!!!

Oh, the Blood...

If you don't already know, I'm completely inspired by music.  Several of my inspiring posts have been about songs.

I had a conversation with my Grandmother this week about how some people say they "like" a song, but they don't really know what it's about.  They are attracted to the beat, the melody, the "make you feel good" qualities.  However, they have never really stopped and listened to what the song had to say.

I am completely guilty of this.  In highschool, I had a "bad experience" with the song "I Hope You Dance" by Leann Womack.  (Some of you MIGHT even know what I'm talking about, or would remember if I told you - so I'm gonna leave it at that).  Ever since, I have not even been able to really listen to that song.  It grated on my nerves for so long.

Leave it to my Grandmother to LOVE that song.  She has asked me for YEARS to sing it for her.  I just never could bring myself to do it... always telling her that it was too high, or just not my style. :)

Recently, I recorded a couple of songs onto a CD for her.  She is one of my biggest fans and would probably drive me to Nashville today if I asked her.  (You know Grandmothers... they believe in you when no one else does.)

Anyway, I made her a CD.  The first song = "I Hope You Dance".  It made her day.  She calls me often to tell me that she listens to it OVER AND OVER again.  And I believe her. :)

As we talked this week about that song, I told her the story about why I disliked it so much.  And she told me, "I just love the meaning of the song.  The words are so powerful."  And she's right.  It is an awesome song - despite my memories of it.

So that brings me to my point - sorry for the rambling.

I find myself falling in love with music - not just because of the beat, melody or funky rhythms. :)  But the words.  Jason, for one, will wonder why I enjoy listening to certain songs (or why I chose to record some of them on my upcoming "CD", but it's because of the message.  I could listen to them time and time again, just simply because of the lyrics.  They are uplifting.  Expressive of what I want to say and how I feel.

We are learning some GREAT new music @ church of Wednesday nights. (Christway - join us if you need a place to call home!)

We listened to one this week that has just gripped me.  I CANNOT stop listening to it.  Not only is the singer amazing (Mrs. Kari Jobe), but the words are SO POWERFUL.  

Please take a minute and listen to it.  It would mean so much for you understand the message and share the joy it brings me.

Kari Jobe - "Oh, the Blood"

This is what happens...

... when your husband kills a deer and you say, "Sure, we can fit it all in our freezer."

I didn't realize it would be THIS MUCH.  Good thing it was time for a "clean out the freezer/throw away stuff that's been in there for ages" party.

Guess I can steer clear of the meat department for A WHILE!

What a day...

So, even though we had been celebrating for a week (with both sides of the family), yesterday was THE DAY - my birthday!

I had a great day... even though Jase has been sick for over a week (he's getting better, but yesterday he was not on top of his game), I enjoyed being lazy with my 2 boys.

Since it was my birthday, I had every right to:

eat oreos/milk for breakfast.

stay in my pajamas until 2 in the afternoon.

by a new curling iron, just because I wanted it (didn't really NEED it).

get all dressed up for dinner (which we haven't done in a while).

eat a basket full of chips & salsa and drink 3 glasses of coke.

spend 20 dollars on dessert... chocolate/peanut butter fondue!

and it was all worth it. :)

And for a post-celebration day, I think I'm gonna go spend some of my birthday money... I'm entitled to it.

Hope you have a great day, as well!