Allergies: How to Help This Halloween

Allison's Jumpsuit Allison's Shoes *dupe Allergy-Free Yard Sign

Sloan's Dress Sloan's Shoes Sloan's Teal Bucket

Our minds have a way of blocking out information that doesn't necessarily pertain to us. For example, I never really pay attention to types of cars until I'm the one driving the same kind of car. Suddenly, it seems like everyone is driving my same kind of car! We know those things are there, but we don't think about them until it's necessary or until it becomes a part of your own life.

I had that experience recently, and now I live with it on a daily basis. 

Allergies. More specifically-food allergies. Even more specifically-food allergies in my baby/almost toddler. 

Sure, people have allergies. I knew that. I knew that kids had allergies. What I didn't realize was the constant fear one with allergies may face everywhere he/she goes. This is my reality. This will be my daughter Sloan's reality for (likely) the rest of her life. 

One evening several months ago, as a mom of two after a long day, I figured nothing would be less tiring for me or make the kids more happy than if I made them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I tore off a tiny piece of sandwich to give to Sloan. It was her THIRD exposure to peanuts. My four year old devoured his faster than you can say Cat Boy speed. However, Sloan had a bite and became extremely fussy and asked to get down from her high chair. She barely ate, but if you have kids, you know that sometimes they just don't eat and you go about your day. 

The symptoms of an allergic reaction are nothing like what I expected. Not even two minutes after she took a teeny bite of sandwich did she start acting funky. Scratching her ears and hives (what I thought were ant bites, at first) on her fingers. I took a picture to send to my husband who was working on the other side of town. I stripped her down and put her in the bath. Panic began to set in as she got more and more puffy. I was in complete denial. Is she really having a reaction? Benadryl? Of course, I didn't have any because allergies were never a thing I dealt with myself or with my first child. 

I packed up the kids as quickly as I could to head to a close CVS; Clark barefoot and Sloan in a diaper only. The adrenaline rush I felt was nothing short of miraculous. Not giving a hoot about anyone in my way, I quickly found Children's Benadryl. With only one hand semi-free I tore the package open with my teeth (I went into full-on mama bear mode) and gave Sloan a quick lesson in drinking from a medicine cup rather than a syringe. I threw some cash at the cashier and ran out. Enter John who got into his car and sped to me as soon as he heard my panicked and likely nonsensical voicemail.

We all arrived at a pediatric urgent care within 5 minutes. It was rainy. It was trafficky. Don't care. Just get there. Thankfully, the staff took one look at Sloan and immediately rushed her to a room. Two epinephrine shots, one steroid shot, and an anti-inflammatory later and they finally cleared her safe.

The adrenaline wore off, the word "ok" was spoken, and I broke the eff down in the waiting room.

Clark, on the other hand, was my super rockstar. He knew Sloan was in trouble, therefore, he handed me bandages at CVS, constantly asked if I was ok, if Sloan was ok, and was extra compliant. The nurses at the urgent care made sure he received a popsicle and his choice of cartoons on the tv in a nearby room. "Can we go to the doctor again tomorrow?" he asked as we were leaving. "Um, no. But thanks for being the coolest kids ever." I responded.

The night slowly turned back to "normal" as we arrived back home and placed Sloan down in her crib for some much needed rest.

Since this time, we've taken two trips to the family allergist. So far, Sloan's list of no-no's include: peanuts, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. Birthday parties, new foods, and restaurants have all been interesting experiences, to say the least. When I ask the parents of the birthday kid where the cake is from, some moms get it, and some moms give me a puzzled look. I can't blame the latter parents. It's an out of sight, out of mind mentality. Heck, I was there less than a year ago. We take no chances when it comes to allergies.

This Halloween, I'm asking all of my friends, family, and anyone else who may read this post to participate in the teal pumpkin Halloween initiative. By placing a teal pumpkin in front of your house, you're declaring that you will offer allergy-free options for trick-or-treaters.

Here's my plan for this Halloween: I have a bowl full of candy (and going totally nut-free). And a totally separate bowl of non-candy treats. I have stickers, glow-in-the-dark sticks, erasers, pencils, spider rings, etc. Think Dollar Store or cheaper. As long as it's food-free, you'll have some happy kids; and more importantly-happy parents.

My hope is that ALL homes decide to partake in this kind of Halloween. With peanut and nut allergies on the rise, it only makes sense. Let's keep the fun in Halloween, but also stay safe.

For more information on teal pumpkins, ideas on allergy-safe treats, and other generic information, please go to: www.Tealpumpkin.org

Have a happy, spooky, and safe Halloween!!

Allergy Free Yard Sign

My Favorite Netflix Shows

Top / Joggers

The question of, "What do you watch on Netflix?" seems to be more than a common small-talk question these days.

"Yes, the weather has been exceptionally hot."

"What do you do for a living?"

"WHAT DO YOU WATCH ON NETFLIX?"

I'm definitely one of those people who could spend an entire evening scrolling through Netflix and watching all of the previews looking for THE perfect show to fit my mood for the evening. Thankfully, I've landed on a few favorites (even some not-so favorites; but we won't talk about those today).

In the Dark
I stumbled upon this one randomly. It follows a drunk blind girl (yep) named Murphy who becomes obsessed with finding out who killed her friend. Her friend's whereabouts are questionable and so are the actions of Murphy's life. It's a good mix of drama, dark comedy, and mystery.

Last Chance U
Every year, before college football season, it has become a tradition for John and I to watch a show or movie about football. We always have landed on this one for the past few seasons. This documentary follows the football team of a small Junior College. The coaches featured alone could make the documentary. They're um...animated, to say the least. Plus, you are ROOTING for these college students who are on their "second chance." Most of the time these football players started out at Division 1 (think University of Florida, University of Georgia, Texas Tech, etc.) schools, maybe made some bad decisions (drug use, bad grades, etc.) and transferred to Junior college (or JUCO for short). The reason they do this is important for those trying to make it to a D1 school. The NCAA allows for players to keep playing and not have to sit out for a season once they're able to enter a D1 school. Some players decide to go right into a JUCO to gain attention from D1 recruiters. There's a lot of other factors that can go into why someone play for a JUCO, but the bottom line is that this show is so entertaining. Plus, it's fun to see some players grow and accomplish their dreams; some even entering into professional football. This series has heart, soul, drive, and a few giggles.


Working Moms
Switching gears, here! For those of you whose eyes glazed over at the idea of football...
This show is for my mamas! It's for the SAHM, the corporate-world mama, the mom with post-partum depression, or the mommy who is crunchier than a Butterfinger. Be prepared to laugh out loud, nod your head yes, and maybe even get teary-eyed. Working Moms, you're the real MVP!

Russian Dolls
Natasha Lyonne will always be the sex guru from American Pie to me, (really showing my age here, guys) but she is just as oddly funny in this series. Think Groundhog Day with Bill Murray in a modernized way. Lyonne's character Nadia keeps reliving her strange birthday evening. You're not sure whether to root for her to live or to keep dying. Ha! Funny, engaging, binge-worthy. Oh, and it's created by Amy Poehler. Bonus!

The Haunting of Hill House
This freaking scary show came out in October of last year. Season 2 is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2020. Not only is the story line mind-boggling, but it may just be the best horror mixed with drama show I've ever seen. The cinematography is brilliant as well. There's one episode that appears to be all one take. It's as if you're a part of the family drama that is going down at a funeral. Creepy! Be prepared to think about this show as you're trying to fall asleep-fair warning. Sleep well. Feel all the feels; jump out of your chair; (literally happened to my husband and to me TWICE) sleep with the lights on.


Mad Men
It's likely you've heard about this series.  It aired on AMC from 2007-2015. It holds near and dear to my heart because I watched the entire series while on maternity leave with Clark-my now 4 year-old. Being that I'm a Communications major, I LOVED the focus on the marketing/advertising world that the main character-Don Draper was obsessed with. The added drama surrounding sexism, affairs, and the 1950's modern woman and man added the extra oomph for those who may be less interested in the journalism world.


The Crown
Apparently, I'm not the only one who is obsessed with the history of the royal British families. Season 3 is scheduled to start streaming on Nov 17th. Soon! It follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (the current queen in England, if you're unfamiliar; odd, I wonder how the Queen feels about this!). It starts in the early days from 1947-1963; how she became queen, marrying Prince Phillip, the scandalous secrets both politically and personally. It's all very dramatic. Season 3 will pick up much later with the focus on 1964-1976 with a whole new cast including the ever-so-entertaining Helena Bonham Carter who you may know from the Harry Potter series. This is another series I hold near and dear to my heart. I binge-watched the series while on maternity leave with Sloan. I may or may not have worn my own crown while watching.

GLOW
Get out your spandex, hairspray, and blue eye shadow for this 80's dramedy. Glow stars Alison Brie as an out-of-work actress who is the definition of hot mess express. She randomly finds herself starring in a low-budget all girls wrestling show. Brie's character gets in her own way effing things up naturally and making you laugh and cringe at the same time. Two totally rad seasons are streaming now. 

When all else fails, you can't go wrong with with watching Friends. Even after 25 years, (like, what? How's it been that long?) there are still scenes that make me LOL. I even know what's coming! The fact that it's on Netflix has really brought in the younger millenials into watching it too. And that makes me happy. Let's spread all of the Friends love!

Favorite series ever, guilty pleasure, watch with friends, watch alone, watch with your puppy, binge-watch, or take your time shows-it's now culturally acceptable to zone out in front of the boob tube every once in a while (or every lot in a while too!) and tell your pals that they have to watch it. Pour the wine and get out your comfy pants. It's always Netflix season.

All Of The Sales! Labor Day Shopping 2019!

Usually, when I think of Labor Day, I think of pool parties and barbeques. Being that I'm in Florida, with Hurricane Dorian approaching, I'm thinking online sales shopping. Please hook my generator up to my laptop because this mama is getting her deals on!

Let's talk shop.

Target has just about everything on sale. Look for 20% off select furniture, Up to 30% on bed and bath items. Indoor/outdoor rugs are 30% off. Now is the time to decorate your house in all the fall things. Stock up for next year because clothes/shoes for the family are up to 30% off.

Wayfair: Their whole site is all about Labor Day Sales and that couldn't make me more happy! 75% off select living room, bedroom, and furniture and 65% off outdoor furniture. I'm currently in the market for a new sleeper couch because we don't have a guest bedroom thanks to all of the kiddos occupying those. I like this one. Thoughts?

Macy's: Use promo code WKND to get 10-20% off select items. It ends on Labor Day. One of their biggest sale items is luggage. You can get 50% off this Samsonite set.

I'm a Nike girl all the way. Use code SAVE20 for 20% off sale items. I'm currently digging their Nike Free Metcon 2 kicks for UNDER $100. I hear so many people complaining of foot/ankle pain while they work out. It's because he/she is not wearing the proper shoe! Love these for metabolic training.

Pottery Barn Kids: You can get up to 60% off plus an extra 30%  off on clearance items using code SAVEMORE. I shop for Xmas year-round. My eye went directly to the toys/gifts section. Everything to swoon over: dollhouses/dolls, dress-up items, play kitchen items, puzzles, plush toys (there's a sloth family for crying out loud!) and monogrammed totes.

Amazon: Apple Watch Series 3...$150 off.  You can always get bands super cheap too. This leopard band is a best-seller.  Here's a more neutral band as well.

LOFT: use code LONGWEEKEND 40-60% off sale items and 40% off regular-priced items. These are my fav items. Prices are ON POINT!

They say not to eat all of the hurricane snacks, but really, my concern is more like don't spend all of the money on Labor Day sales. 🤣

Happy Shopping!

Where've You Been?

Top / Skirt

When I first started this blog, my life was busy. So busy that I wondered why I started the blog in the first place. Things got busier. I wondered when I would ever find the time to make a pretty blog post ever again. I would type, edit, read, repeat and then not post because I didn't have approximately 800 beautiful pictures like the other bloggers do to go along with it. However, after a lot of overthinking, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to write a blog; not have pretty pictures on every post to make people read it. So, here's a blog post. With one picture. I'm peachy. Just peachy. So, for those asking and for those wondering, this is what I've been up to. Sit back, grab a glass of wine, and just read. 

My life is busy. Whose isn't? If you're an adult over the age of 22, your life is probably busy. I'm not here to dictate whether your life is busier that mine or not. We all have our own crap that we're dealing with and working towards...you know, total adult crap. Being that I chose to put my life "out there" online for the world to see, I have been getting a lot of "where've you been?" contact with friends, and even strangers. 

My last blog post was several weeks ago. I made the commitment to blog once a week, but sadly, I put the good ole blog on the back burner after that last post. Why? Well, this is the post that'll tell you what's been going on. 

I have a full-time job. It isn't the blog or posting on Instagram (despite what you may think!). I'm an Account Manager for an urgent care company in which I've been a part of since I graduated from college. That's right! I know it's unheard of coming from a millennial, but I've been with the same company for multiple years. A great mission, a great boss, some great co-workers, some tears, some late nights, some traveling, some extensive brain cells, and a whole lotta grit has made me stick with this company. What do I do there? Well, I spend a whole lotta time talking about urine. And people falling out of chairs. And crunching numbers. And typing. It's a complicated role. What you need to know is that this job helps pay for bills and provides health insurance for my family. Um, we need me to have this job. Is it the dream job I dreamed about as a young 18 year old entering my freshman year of college? Ha, nope. I didn't even know this job existed. However, this job takes priority out of all of my monetary jobs. You'd think it's boring. I find it fascinating. However, I'll spare you.

I am a wife. I have been married for seven years. I met my husband when I was 17. We did NOT date until much later in life, (despite what my mama thinks, even after all this time. I swear, Ma, nothing happened!) but I truly believe that a cosmic, yet religious force brought us together. We are NOT perfect, but we are perfect together. That means that sometimes we will fight until we are blue in the face. But, it always means we will fight for our marriage no matter the circumstances and the hardships we may or have already faced. This also means that we make a point to respect, compliment, love, live with, teamwork, and date each other on a regular basis. We budget for date nights out, we plan date nights in, we work around each others' schedules, we pray together, we get mad at each other, we make up together, we parent together, and we MAKE. IT. WORK. TOGETHER. This in and of itself feels like a part time, hell, even sometimes a full-time job. But, it's totally worth it. Marriage is hard, y'all. 

I am a mom. My sweet babies take up a lot of my time. Duh.

Clark is 4. He is sweet. He makes me laugh. He tests my patience. God bless him.

Sloan is 19 months. She's a little princess. She's inquisitive. She's a diva. God bless her.

My kids are in daycare full-time. I say this in all seriousness...this makes me a better mom. I enjoy working and my kids enjoy going to school. Whether you're a SAHM, a single mom, a mom with grown children, a mom who works full-time, any mama reading this can attest to these things:

When they're not with me, I miss them. And they're always in the forefront of my mind. Their well-being, wondering if I'm effing them up, wondering if their sunscreen is toxic, wondering how much Mac-n-Cheese is too much, wondering if my son will remember and be scarred that he saw me naked this morning while exiting the shower, wondering if they drank enough water, or wondering if they will grow up to be serial killers. C'mon. The thought has crossed your mind.

This alone makes it hard being a parent.

Not to mention, managing their schedules. T-ball, soccer, dance, playdates. It's an art, really.

They test your patience. You end up with poo under your fingernails. You countdown the hours until bedtime.

At the same time you also want to freeze time. You want to remember the exact moment when they say "Mama" for the first time. You want to hang onto the most beloved newborn outfit. You sleep stalk examing every inch of their resting bodies. You think about quitting your job so that you can be a part of every single moment of their young lives. Thinking, "Do we really need health insurance?...Oh, shit, yes we do."

SNAP BACK TO REALITY.

Plus, that health insurance that is covered by my full-time job has been especially important with all of the doctor appointments we have had. Oh, all of the doc appointments! In Sloan's 19 months of life, from DAY ONE...no for real, ever since I peed on a stick...she has been put (and put the family) through the wringer. I blogged about my rare and crazy pregnancy here. Most recently, an allergy to peanuts and an allergy to sunflower seeds were discovered the hard way.

Sometimes you think that that SuperMom instinct and adrenaline isn't real, (remember that "myth" of the Mom who lifted a car to save her child underneath it?) but then you have moments like the one that I had during a scary moment of crisis during an allergic reaction, and then you become a believer. If being a SuperMom was an Olympic sport, I'd have a few :::bites on a gold medal::: gold medals. Oh, speaking of biting things...Sloan also chipped her front tooth. Cool.

"Just a cosmetic fix, Dr. Dentist? Then she will live with this until it falls out."

"Sorry, baby girl. You will look like a redneck for a little while." Ps, the snaggle-tooth has grown on me, and now I find it endearing. Maybe it is my own way of coping with it.

Regardless of all of the doctor appointments, my main job for my kids is to simply be their Mom. I shall throw out the to-do list and dress up like a pirate. I shall build blocks to knock them down. I will hold them while they nap and drool on my shoulder. I am their inner voice. The snugs, playfulness, and giggles zero-out all of the craziness of things that need to be done. So, I didn't blog this week...well, I did let Clark stay up late so that we could build a fort and read books under a flashlight. I consider that a win.

I am Mom, but you know what? I'm not afraid to admit that I've got a whole lot more going on that Mom Life. 

I'm a fitness instructor. This is a loaded title. I've been coaching group fitness classes for about 4 years. I coach at two different gyms. One gym is brand new, (that 1 year anniversary is coming up though!) so you can imagine all of the ups, downs, and zig-zags that have occurred there. If it wasn't for the incredible leader and women at that studio, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have had the courage to keep going with this blog thing. You ladies rock.

The fitness instructor status has snowballed into allllll kinds of certifications. It's like tattoos. Once you get one, you must get MORE! Let's get certified in a bunch of other things. Let's get certified to certify others in things. OKAY! #truestory PS. I also did get a tattoo. Crazy times, I tell ya.

You may have seen my blooper videos on some of my other pages. These blooper videos were part of a 10 week process to become a Master Trainer for a BeachbodyLive format-PiYo. This required lots of tasks/videos/studying/deadlines, etc. This was a huge time commitment. It wasn't all for nothing, because I'll be hosting my first instructor event on September 28th. Just spreading that PiYo love!

Because I didn't have enough going on, I thought it would be time to get my Personal Training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM -PT). Sure, why not?!

Something had to give. And that thing was the blog. As much joy as it brings me to type out feelings, new recipes, mom things, and any other random thing I want to share with the world, these other things became a priority.

My full-time desk gig pays the bills.
I want to remain married to John.
The snuggles are the things my babies will remember.
My part-time fitness job keeps me healthy-mentally and physically.

There will never be a time that I am not busy. I love being busy. It's the new happy. Being busy is what I do, re-prioritizing will always be necessary because of that fact. I'm almost back to blogging regularly again. Until then, folks...stay busy. Let's keep in touch.

My Favorite Amazon Deal Day Items

Y'all know I'm such an Amazon girl. Of course, I post about the cute jammies and other fun finds, but I also buy things like paper towels and dog food from there. It's just SO EASY. Amazon Prime Days are basically my Superbowl. Buy all the things AND save!

For Amazon Prime Day I put together a list of my top 10 items that I am saving $$ on and loving. Don't worry; no paper towels or dog food. Only fun things that I think every gal should own.

Here we go!

I jokingly call my husband Mr. Best Buy. He handles all of the electronics in the household. What that means is that we have an Amazon Echo and/or Echo Dot in EVERY ROOM. Think I'm kidding? Come to my house. You can't beat this price. Skip a simple manicure and get one. Ask her questions. Have her do math. Have her play some music.

Echo Dot
Regular price: $49.99
Deal Price: $22



Kids. Dogs. Being a human...my Roomba helps me out every day. Every time I leave the house, I turn it on. I'll be honest and say it doesn't take away actual cleaning, but it does help greatly with the day-to-day dusties and pet hair. The fact that you can use this one with your phone is pretty sweet too.

iRobot Roomba
Regular price: $374.99
Deal Price: $224.99



Listen. I drink way too much red wine and coffee to not need this bad boy. Sold!

Crest White Strips

Regular price: $42.89

Deal Price: $27.98

I'm going to say it. I think Dyson is a little overrated. There. I said it. I checked out the reviews for this product and was thoroughly impressed. This product works, and it's way more affordable.

Cordless Vacuum

Regular Price: $199.99

Deal Price: $139.99

I just think these are adorable. I like that they look handmade too. Plus, they're super affordable. Maybe if the plants are hanging in front of my face, I'll remember to water them!

Hanging Macramé Plants
Regular Price: $12.99
Deal Price: $9.42

As a person who works out 5-6 times a week, I can attest to Under Armour socks. They are the only socks that I will wear. Stocked up on these because they're for sure getting used. Some will get lost in sock land, (seriously, where do they go?!) so now I will have extra.

Under Armour Socks
Regular Price: $20.00
Deal Price: $13.00

A little of pine. A little of beach. Just to remind my cousin who lives in Alabama, but is from Florida, a little taste of home. Lots of other states available too. Love these for a birthday or Xmas gift. Stock up!

Homesick Candle
Regular Price: $16.75
Deal Price: $13.40

I use this stuff every day. As a face primer or even as a midday wake up, it smells good and sets your make up. It's the number one toner/astringent spray in all of Amazon land!

Facial Spray
Regular Price: $24.00
Deal Price: $14.70

With as much sweating as I do, (seriously...I've been sweating ever since I had my first kiddo) I needed a stay-put eyeliner. I specifically looked for this eyeliner and was stoked to see it as a deal! Yes!!!!!

Stila Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Regular Price: $22.00
Deal Price: $15.40


Ok, ok. This isn't actually on sale, but it is from Amazon. I hung it on my doorbell because it made me laugh. You need this. But, only if you like dogs.

Hope You Like Dogs Sign
$13.95

Enjoy and happy shopping!

What I REALLY Want for Mother's Day

What a mom wants. What a mom needs. Whatever makes Mom happy sets you free! I know all of my 80's and 90's moms just had a mini jam session. If you're here looking for actual objects to give to your mom or get some ideas for your mama self, this isn't the post. HOWEVER, this is the post that will tell you what mamas REALLY want. 

I'm a mother of two beautifully feisty kiddos. They're the apple of my eye, but also the reason I drink at night. Yeah, I said it. When the children get into the tub and scream for no reason, I just sit on the toilet next to the tub, close my eyes, and sip on a Cabernet that's been breathing for the last two hours; not because I was really letting it breathe, but because I was too busy scraping s*** from my fingernails after the last diaper change after I opened it. Ah, wine and a *manicure*.

But for real, I love my kids. My husband is an incredible father. No, really. He is. He is my sanity. Without this man, I wouldn't be able to have kids...literally and figuratively. My children are healthy. Praise the good Lord. And as much as I love the flowers, handmade cards, and snot-ridden breakfast in bed gifts that is a norm for MD, I'm here to spill the crushed grapes on what I, and what most mamas, really want. I gotchu, girlfriend!

1. A sleep-in. Like a I-didn't-even-hear-the-kids-get-up-this-morning sleep-in. If that requires a grand hotel. Well, pay-up, buttercup. Tired AF doesn't even begin to explain what the mamas experience after kids. Your ass never sleeps well after kiddos. Even when your kids are asleep and you're asleep, there's this piece of your brain that is on alert. You just KNOW when someone is going to throw up or have a nightmare. I've heard that this never goes away. Awesome.

2.  A passion-fruit, pomegranate alcoholic vodka/rum beverage with a slice of pineapple in a pretty glass Mother's Day themed drink. Totally haven't put thought into this. **wink** Give me a tropical drink so that I can pretend I don't have stretch marks under my very sexy, but very one-piece bathing suit, nor have cellulite running from my fingertips to my toes. Keep those drinks coming.

3. The ability to pause/stop/ask questions during Game of Thrones without hesitation. Listen, this is the last season. I have to pee, (remember, my pelvic floor was much stronger before I birthed two giant children) I need a refill on my tropical drink, and/or it's time to pet the dog. Let me watch it on my time. Also, I may have questions. Answer the questions, or don't be involved. 

4. A clean home complete with all laundry folded and put away; preferably completed by a unicorn.

5. Nobody ask me for a snack, where something is located, or fights over who gets to play with Catboy from PJ Masks. I want to sit, drink my mom-osa, light a fruity candle, and listen to my old NSYNC cd. Hey, this is MY day. Don't judge me.

We wipe the noses, the butts, and the tears. You make sure that the beautiful, nutritious, and well-planned meal that you put together gets cried over and tossed into the trash when the littles refuse to eat it. Even when you've just about lost it over the day's events, you would do it all again just to make your offspring happy. 

So whatever it is you want or want to do today, I hope you get it or do it. You can't pour from an empty cup. You do you, mama. Enjoy YOUR day. You've got this.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! 

What Happened After 30 Days with No Booze

Blouse 

Wedges

Welcome Y'all!

I'm writing this as I drink a glass of wine. I won't even pretend to hide this fact. I like wine. Scratch that. I LOVE wine. At the beginning of the year, I made a commitment to twelve resolutions-one for each month of the year. I was so positive on that December day of 2018. Some goals have been easier than others. No drinking during the month of March was tough. Like, really tough.

This post is all about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of March.

A little background. I've been known to throw a few drinks back from time to time. I'm also not going to try to hide this. I will gladly go out to a bar, have a few drinks, and not feel bad about taking an Uber home. I will go out to dinner and have a glass or two of wine. I'm an adult. There is nothing wrong with this (I keep telling myself). What I am NOT about is getting smashed every night, vomiting, nor drinking and driving. But, enjoying a few...yes, please! The fact that I have two young children might also explain why I like to kick back with a glass. Kids are hard. Wine makes it easier.

Now, onto the month of March. I knew this would be a challenge. What I didn't know is just how much of a challenge this would be.

The first week, I thought, "Ok. This will be easy. So far, I'm doing ok. Also, this La Croix flavor is delicious." No biggie.

By the second week, things began to shift. I was still ok, but everyone was wondering and assuming things. "I bet you're sleeping better!" (Nope.) "Are you getting up earlier?" (Nope.) "I bet you have more time to get things done." (Nope.) These things weren't happening, plus I began to wonder if I was an alcoholic. We can be real here, right? I missed my wine. I missed my dose of pure relaxation in the evening once the kids went down. I was becoming irritable because my routine felt mismanaged. Again, am I an alcoholic?

Before you close out, I promise this post ends on a positive note.

Weeks 3 and 4 were the biggest challenges. I wanted to bad to give in. I tried to justify why I should have a drink. I chatted with John about why I should give in. On bad days, I just wanted to have a glass on my couch and zone out. I watched the finale of the Bachelor completely sober. Who does that?!

I went to events where there was alcohol present. We even hosted a party at our house. Soon, it was easier to say no. Don't get me wrong; I still wanted a draaank, but I figured...I've gone this far, I might as well stick with it. My friends also knew that I was challenging myself. Plus, they were super, and I mean extra super, supportive. God bless you, friends! To those who didn't know I was doing this challenge, automatically assumed I was pregnant, or it was decided that I would be the DD for the evening, or that I was on medicine in which I wasn't allowed to drink. The assumptions were actually obnoxious. "I'm just not drinking." was not a valid excuse to some. Situations like that one made me realize that I, myself, needed to be less worried about why someone isn't consuming. The 'why' doesn't matter; and frankly, it's none of my business. Mental note taken!

Remember me talking about my super supportive friends? When the 30 days were over, we celebrated with a killer workout followed by breakfast and mimosas. This is what friends are for!

Post workout + 30 days no booze = no cup necessary

What did I learn in all of this? As you may have seen on my Instagram, I originally wrote a post about my 30 days of being sober and then deleted it. I deleted it because it sounded like a whiny sorority girl who was being punished (Ha, if you're one of my sorority girlfriends, remember when we got in so much trouble during Mallard Ball that one year? Ah, memories!).

After typing up all of these feelings, then absorbing all of that information, I had an epiphany. It was so much more than just not drinking...

This was a challenge. And a hard one for me. BUT, I was able to do it. As many times as I tried to talk myself out of it and make excuses, I stuck with it. What else can I make a habit in 30 days? Not just trivial things, but big things. At this point, I'm thinking that I can do just about anything. I can do that because I learned self-discipline. I learned to appreciate the luxury of wine. I appreciate it more. #winesnob. And, now, here's the biggie...it's not something that I feel like I HAVE to have. I have a much healthier relationship with alcohol. I fully believe that all true alcoholics don't ever make it their life mission to become one. It happens. Maybe I was on that path? Maybe not. Regardless, now I know I have the self-discipline and respect for myself to make the decision to do or not do something. I think that is HUGE.

Friends and family, thank you for your support. Some of you all did this challenge with me, sent me encouraging texts, tolerated my pictures I sent to you of me drinking water (haha!) etc. This would have been way harder without the help from you guys. Love y'all. 

I'm no expert, but if you feel any kind of relation to this post; wondering if you're an alcoholic or even if you rely on alcohol too much, know that you're not alone. I hope this post gives you some kind of insight, reassurance, or heck any kind of relatability. 

So, cheers! 

Blouse 

Wedges

Why I'm Flexing For Life

Hello!

This post is personal. It's not gross. It's not unusual. It's totally normal. Are you there, readers? It's me, that Moses girl.

This post is about periods. You get a period! She gets a period! We all get periods! Did you read this in Oprah's voice?! Ok, not all of us get periods. Some of us are men or menopausal, but I did want to make a point. The point being that it's way overdue to normalize our aches, pains, good, and bad experiences with our menstrual cycles.

If you're a dude and you're ready to close this out, well, I get it. Although, I do have a tidbit in here that may make your ears perk up like a hunting dog in prime season. But, don't worry, Dad. I'll tell you when you should stop reading.

The average woman will have 450 periods in her lifetime. That's about 450 pints of ice cream, ibuprofens, DIY heating pads, and groans. Four-hundred-and-fifty! They aren't fun, but they are a part of our lives. I will spare you my first period story, but let's just say that it took me 20 years to find MY go-to feminine hygiene product.

Do you know how far the technology has gone in the past few decades? Suspender/belt pad thingys...like, what?! Adhesive pads...fancy words for diapers. And tampons. My go-to for years. I also used a menstrual cup for a time, but I could never master the suction part, really. If you've used one, you know what I mean. Also, the rinsing...eh, not a fan.

The end all be all for me is the Flex. What the heck is it? It's not a cup. It's a flexible ring/disc with a "catch" that sits on the outside of your cervix. It catches the blood instead of absorbing (like a tampon's job) blood.

Inspired by my recent trip to the optometrist. 

I was the utmost skeptical at first. First of all, I'll keep it real. It looks intimidating. Why is it SO big? What if I can't get it in? Or worse, what if I can't get it out? Thankfully, being a Flex virgin, my first package of Flexes came in a cute box with a boatload of instructions with cute can-do and inspiring messages written everywhere. It felt like I was going through puberty for the first time. And, honestly, I was thankful for all of the encouragement from the manufacturers of this box. I can do this! I am a woman! I must do this!

So, anyway, I got it in. Mastered. First try. The teacher's pet in me beamed. Ok, here we go about our day. Another huge benefit of this ring master is that you can wear it for 12 hours. I set a reminder for exactly 12 hours on my watch because, again, teacher's pet, but also MOM BRAIN!

I normally insert a Friends reference in my blogs, but let's change it up a bit and switch to The Office. Remember that scene when Jan comes in with her baby and Dwight tests out her fancy stroller? He took that thing through the ringer! I decided to put the same theory to the test on the Flex. Ok Flex. You fancy, huh?

During the first 12 hours during the first day of my cycle:

I took a shower (no wet tampon string to deal with!).

I ran five miles. I never felt it. It never slipped out. I didn't have to reinsert it. Nothing.

Dad, if you're still here, here's where you stop reading...

I had intercourse. It didn't budge. And there was NO MESS. Also, the insert in the box states that because the Flex gently rubs on your cervix, some women reported that it made their wahoo moment extra wahoo-ish. Are you blushing? Stop. This is normal.

After the 12 hours, it was time to take it out. "Don't freak out. It can't get lost in there," the 31 year old said to the inner 12 year old in myself. Insert, pull out, and toss.

I was amazed at how easy it all was. It was then that I also realized I had no cramping at all that day. What kind of sorcery is this?! Whatever it is, I'm sold. I've been using the FLEX for four cycles. At this point, it's easier, more convenient, faster, and less messier than tampons.

Do you want to Flex with me? You can get 40% off your first order by clicking here.

PS. If you end up purchasing and trying this out, I do recommend you read the hella out of everything and use their customer support (email, text, call, etc.) if you need the assistance.

You can Flex with me!

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Periods aren't awkward. Posing with this is awkward!

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