Sunday, October 27, 2013

DIY Halloween Treat

If you are looking for an easy last minute Halloween treat I have you covered.

All I used was some clear candy tubes,washi tape and filled each tube up with some Halloween sixlets candy! 


Friday, October 25, 2013

Pear Tree Greetings Holiday Card Giveaway

I have been asked to review some holidays cards from Pear Tree Greetings this holiday season. To see more of my favorites head on over to The Little Style File where you can see some of my favorite cards but also have a chance at winning a $80 credit to spend on holiday cards! To see rules and how to enter please visit The Little Style File.




Thursday, October 17, 2013

Witches Brew - Cheers to Friday

I'm a sucker for gummy worms so I think I just found my perfect drink for the weekend!

Cheers to a great weekend! My sister and oldest niece are flying into town today and I can't wait for our fun weekend here in Austin.


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Wednesday Words

via 

PS: Thank you for all the sweet emails and tex messages from yesterday.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Loss and Gratitude

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. I never knew much about this day until last year and it's one that is really on my mind. For one, I know too many deserving friends who are or have struggled with pregnancy and even infant/child loss. It is something that is not spoken of, nor is it something you will really understand unless it's your reality, and even then there are days that you find yourself asking, "Why?"

Having gone thru two miscarriages, one before my daughter was born and one last summer, my Doctor wanted to do some medical testing. Turns out my body has low progesterone. Having low progesterone is one of the top reasons why women are not able to get pregnant or sustain a pregnancy. For most women, the answer is going on progesterone, either orally or by taking shots. I did the oral route for 8 months. I was told I should be pregnant within 3 months. After, getting my levels checked several times throughout the 8 months it was always determined my levels were too low and the side effects I was starting to have were impacting my overall health.

Other options were discussed including exploring other medications. These medications are not only very expensive but birth defect risks increase.  Honestly in my heart (as hard as it was to admit to myself) I know I didn't want to be on medicine to have another baby. I went 8 months not feeling like myself and wondering how a baby would be affected by something my own body is not comfortable with.

Growing up we dream about what its like to be an adult. I remember playing the board game Payday, and would always think how fun it was going to be having to pay real bills.  We spend countless hours dreaming about our lives. Even when we are little we get asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up, where do you want to go to college, where do you want to live?" The thing I am learning about this "plan" is that I can dream all I want but in the end I'm living God's plan. This plan we are living brings a lot of joy and happiness. It also brings a great deal of sadness and confusion especially when it's not the "plan" we envisioned for ourselves.

Sometimes I wonder what God is saying to my heart. But then I remember God is bigger than our hearts for he knows everything. Looking back on my motherhood journey, if I only got to experience pregnancy once I couldn't have asked for a better way. I got to be pregnant during the same time as a very close friend.  Our due dates ended up being one day apart, I had a very easy pregnancy. In fact, I enjoyed every moment of it. I found out I was having a baby girl on what would have been my mom's 62nd birthday.  Not only did I give birth on a rainy day in Arizona (of all places) but I was able to name my little girl in honor of my mom.

What has been the hardest of all of this is finding the acceptance in a plan that my husband and I never thought we would experience. As a mom my main goal is to make sure my daughter has a wonderful life. Not through material possessions or a nice home to live in, but to just see her experience life and be happy. I hope she has friends that are like sisters to her.  I hope she knows just how proud she makes me and I hope she knows wherever she goes she is loved.

What I do know as a mom is that I will always be the "Mac N' Cheese" and cupcake kinda mom of the house.  I will always have hair bows of all colors scattered around my home and my car.  I have a little girl whose giggle can always make me smile.  I get some of the best hugs and kisses everyday.  I get to hear the words"momma luv you.  Most of all, sometimes you only need one blessing in your life to get the title of motherhood.

*For the courageous ladies that have shared your stories on this topic and for a dear friend who also encouraged me share my story thank you for inspiring me to share mine.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Riding Boots- My Fall Wish List Complete

My search for new riding boots is finally over. After having my eye on a pair of  Frye Paige Riding boots for the past year the dream of owning them came to a crash when the sales guy told me that they made me look "thick". Excuse me..."Thick". I had to think for a moment what he meant and then he also went on to say they hit me all wrong at the knee, and this was not a good look for me. What ever happened to simply saying, "Sorry, these boots are not flattering on you". Good thing I wasn't terribly offended. I appreciated the honesty and if I am going to make an investment in something I want the truth but how about with some tack. Plus,  I was disappointed with how they looked on me. Very baggy in the ankle and overall looked sloppy. So, the search continued until my husband found a pair for me online. 
Say hello to the Madewell Archive Riding Boot


They are really comfortable and for being a pull on boot  my heel did not slip near as much like it did in the Frye boot. With a zip up boot you will not have the issue of your heel slipping. These are made in Italy and are very simple. I am not one for a lot of zippers or buckles. 
If you are looking for a classic yet simple pair of riding boots I do recommend the Archive Boot. Plus, right now they are 30% off online with free shipping or 20% off in stores. The stores will even match the online price but only if you mention it. 
PS: online it says to order down 1.2 a size for a good fit. I think they fit true to size not big. I wear an 8 and I bought an 8. I tried them on with boot socks along with jeggings and I had no issues with being bulking or feeling too tight.

I also snagged these jeggings which fit really nicely and are not at all bulky with these boots. This is a new wash (sort of a faded, vintage blue) for me so not sure what to think of the color. Thoughts? I loved how they fit. I have tried on more pairs of jeans in the last few weeks and I have to say the fit and cut on these jeggings is really nice.

So thank you Madewell for completing my fall wardrobe.

here are few more items from Madewell I love.


What is on your fall wish list?