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May 28, 2015

J'Adore

 Because French just sounds prettier today :)!
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... the cool feeling in the air after a big summer thunderstorm.

... fresh flowers all around the house.

... snuggling up in bed for an extra few minutes with Le Husband before work.

... the Brady sisters secret language. It's fun having something special and secret with the sissys.

... anything and everything ballet, especially documentaries.

... a glass of crisp sangria with tapas shared with friends.

... when Le Husband does the laundry and unloads the dishwasher.

... driving with the sunroof [or convertible] open with country tunes blasting into the wind.

... mastering a new skill, whether it's athletic, creative or tool oriented, learning something new is invigorating.

... sleepy morning kisses goodbye.

... walks around the block after dinner.

... ice cream. Gimme all the ice cream.

... puppy and baby cuddles. 

... clean sheets fresh out the dryer and right on the bed.

... a great hair and make up day when you have to be somewhere important.

... eating popcorn [with darkchocolatem&ms] on the couch, cuddled up with Le Husband while we watch our favorite show. One of my favorite evening pastimes and one I hope that never changes.

What do you love?!? < 3

 Linking up with *megan* *kristin* and *annie*

May 27, 2015

Beach Dreaming

Summer time is finally here and I couldn't be more excited. I love everything about summer; the heat, the food, the long summer nights, the cookouts, the lake trips and of course, the beach. Growing up my family wasn't really a beach family -- we did more on the lake -- but as I've grown up trips to the beach have become a bit more frequent.

Everyone has their own beach style and I'd have to say mine borders between sporty/sensible or chic/feminine. Right now I am loving all things blush and gold [shocking] and so I put together this beach dreaming board. Now does anyone know how I can get ahold of the closet fairy? Pinky wants to buy some new stuff ;)!
What is on your beach list this year? What are the trends I'm missing?

linking up *here*, *here*, *here* *here* and *here*.

May 26, 2015

C U R R E N T L Y


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Reading - Just finished "Boys in the Boat" by Daniel Brown. It was an amazing tale of our 1936 gold medal rowing crew that edged German at the Berlin Olympics. The boys were all college kids from Washington and possibly one of the greatest crews to ever row. I highly recommend this book y'all, it's a great one.
Anticipating - a trip to visit Le Husband's family. We haven't been there since March and it will be nice to see everyone again. Bring on the new baby [yay nephew], pool party, family dinners and toddler fun.
Buying - groceries and plane tickets. #tripsontripsontrips
Praying -  for the family that was murdered in DC last week. Such a heartbreaking story, at least they have the subject in custody now. And for our government as ISIS continues to gain power in the Middle East. They need to be stopped!
Listening - Summertime by good ol Kenny Chesney. It's the best with the windows down and sun roof open.
Watching - RHONY, Royals, NCIS {all three}, Elementary and of course the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Devouring - avocados and sweet potatoes, get in my belly.
Loving - the heat of summer. I love walking around it booty shorts [haha] and tank tops at 8pm, it's the best right?
Hating - a new system that was put in at work at the beginning of the month. It has made my team's job 100% harder and it's frustrating.
Wanting - cupcakes to not count as calories, is that too much to ask?
Hoping - all of my clean eating and workouts the past two months will show up at the pool this year. 
Feeling - content and restless at the exact same time. Life is good and I'm happy but I am ready for the next phase in life. We have our plans and ideas and are working to execute them soon. #staytuned
Wishing - I was more flexible. I'm doing yoga, ballet and trying to stretch every night but these tight hips don't lie... flexibility is not something that comes naturally to me. 

May 25, 2015

Twenty Three Notes

The TRUE meaning of Memorial Day Weekend.






"Day is done, gone the sun

From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
 
All is well, safely rest
 
God is nigh."


**brief history ::here::**

May 22, 2015

To Whom It May Concern {Faves}

Hello and happy Friday, bunnies. I know y'all are excited for a three day weekend, right? I am for sure.  I feel like I've been moving at a Mach bazillion pace and could really use an extra no work day. Hopefully your week hasn't been too crazy and y'all have something exciting and memorable planned for this weekend. Let's jump right into some faves and letters, kay?

Dear favorite picture of the week:
You are exquisite. You are American. You are our country.
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Dear favorite recipe of the week,
Okay, you're not really a recipe per say, you're more of a thrown together food with seasoning. But, man are you delicious. I don't know WHAT it is, but I can't get enough of sweet potatoes this week. I am jonesing for em baked, as a hash brown or just cut into bite sized and baked with EVOO, salt and garlic powder. So easy, Whole30 okayed and sooooo delicious!
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Dear favorite video of the week,
You are so incredibly movie, I really don't think words do you justice. A lil boy wanted to pay tribute to those who died on Omaha beach and I can't think of a better tribute for Memorial Weekend. I was pretty teary through the whole video, but, oh my word, the moment at the 5:00 mark had me sobbing. Project Vigil is a testament to the heart of Americans and I am so thankful such children exist. #taps #tearsstreaming #thankyou


Dear fallen college friend,
Oh Shane, Memorial Day is so hard. So very hard. I miss you every day, but I really miss you this weekend. You were such an amazing man, such a kind and generous soul and the world is a lot dimmer without your gregarious personality and smile. I know your family misses you so much and I know your grave will receive a lot of love this weekend. I promise to see you in the next few weeks, it's been awhile since I came to visit. Thank you, Shane! Thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for your courage and thank you for serving our country. You will never be forgotten! < 3
KIA October 2006
Dear favorite Americans,
Happy three day weekend, y'all. I hope that the weather cooperates with you this weekend and gives you a good time. Be safe with the activities, wear sunscreen, don't drink too much alcohol and drink lots of water. And please, take a moment to remember what this weekend was created to celebrate. This weekend isn't about the beach, the pool, the right outfit, the perfect cookout food or drinks, but rather it's about those who have served our country and are no longer with us. We take time to remember those that put the call of their country ahead of the call of themselves and we say thankful for helping make this country so great. I wish y'all the best weekend! < 3
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**linking up here, here hereherehere and here this week**

May 21, 2015

No Place I'd Rather Be

You know the song, right? The line 'No Place I'd Rather Be' always struck a cord with me whenever I listened to the song. Something about it made me sit back and think, no matter where I was when I heard the music.

In the normal hubbub of the day, sometimes I get so stuck thinking about the past and worrying about the future that I miss the present moment right in front of me. I let the craziness of the world envelope me and forget to take stock in who I am and what I have in my life. So today I'm celebrating me, in this moment.

I'm a believer of Christ.

I'm a daughter.

I'm a sister.

I'm an aunt.

I'm a daughter in law. 

I'm a WIFE!

I'm a kickball player.

I'm a loyal friend. 

I'm a fitness fiend. 

I'm a blogger.

I'm athletic, lovable, stubborn, crazy, supportive and a lil bit loud. 

I have big dreams and big aspirations. 

I am read to face the world and make my mark. I'm excited for my future and the goals that have been set. But, I'm alyso content in who I am and where I am right now. I have the love of a wonderful family and the support of amazing friends. I have a roof over my head and a job that brings in money. And I have an amazing husband that helps provide for our small family of two, who loves me unconditionally, who does the lil things I never see to make life easier, who makes me laugh constantly, who supports me in his own way and who is my best friend. 

In this moment, on the couch with the TV playing one of our favorite shows and my husband's hand on my knee, I am immersed in a sense of joy and thanksgiving. Life is wonderfully good and there's definitely no place I'd rather be.

***I mentioned yesterday that I was guest posting on Candace's blog, but it did't go live until the afternoon. I figured I'd promote it one more time today, just because :)!***

inspiration found *here*

 Linking up with *megan* *kristin* and *annie*

May 20, 2015

I've Never

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// completed a double pirouette.

// broken a bone.

// eaten liver and onions.

// played  lacrosse.

// understood unnecessary drama.

// done drugs or smoked a cigarette/cigar.

// been to Africa.

// loved my job.

// enjoyed spicy food.

// owned a house.

// turned down the chance to watch a Disney movie.

// had to pay student loans.

// driven a manual truck [car yes, truck no].

// successfully attempted a reverse dive or flip off the diving board.

// watched Saving Private Ryan, The Shining, Silence of the Lambs, or any of the Godfathers.

// bungee jumped or gone sky diving.

What are some of the things YOU'VE never done?

ps.com I'm sharing my top ten blogging tips over on Candace's blog today and you'd make my day if you took a moment to go visit her blog. Feel free to share your blogging tips in the comments.

*inspiration found here* linking up with melissa*

May 19, 2015

Trendy Tuesday {Jamberry Review}

Good morning, ladies. How are y'all today? I hope everyone is doing well and finally recovered from the weekend. I was able to get to bed early last night, so I'm feeling a lot better than Monday. #sleepfixesall.

I'm so excited to be sharing an amazing review with y'all today. Jamberry has been something I've been looking into recently so I was ecstatic when Amanda contacted me about doing a review. Jamberry is an affordable and fabulous line of nail wraps that are vegan-friendly, non toxic and American made [winning]. The wraps can last up to two weeks [fingers] or four weeks [toes] and come in great, fun styles that are easy to apply which is another win win in my book.

Jamberry was created by three sisters in 2010 because they were tired of spending tons of money on manicures, only to have them chip a day or two into their existence.  Having pretty nails makes me feel polished and put together, but the work that goes into a home manicure doesn't seem worth the effort after a chipped nail one day in, am I right?

When my Jamberry package arrived I couldn't wait to open it and get started with my new wrap. It took me a while to figure out what kind of wrap to use, I really I loved the sports and holiday themed wraps [can see myself using holiday themes in the future for sure].  After some hemming and hawing,  I settled on this fun wrap called  'Out of Focus'. #totallyapinkylookright

Below is the contents of my package. It included all the necessities for a Jamberry nail party; a heater, buffer, alcohol wipes, cuticle stick, two orange sticks, a special nail file, nail scissors and clippers and of course my wrap.

Amanda also sent me this amazing application instruction sheet along with a fabulous video. I've only ever used the cheapie store bought stick on nails, so both of the instructions guides were extremely helpful. The directions are clear and concise and I found the process simple as stated.

Official Jamberry nails application video.


After reading the instructions and watching the video I felt ready to attempt my first wrap experience. Can I just say how happy I am that my nails are actually long right now? They had been splitting recently and so I've had to keep them really, really short. I know they aren't long by most people's definition, but they are long enough for me. 

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about getting the measurements correct and using the heater appropriately, but after one nail it felt like old hat. I will say that I'm not the most ambidextrous so doing my right had was a bit tricky. However I was able to figure it out pretty easy after the first nail.


Quicker than I anticipated all ten of my fingernails were covered and I think they turned out pretty well.


Since I have smaller nails I was able to keep enough for another round which I am stocked about. I love the way the wrap looks and it feels very secure on all of my nails. I have a few more kickball tournaments this month, along with some pool activities so I'm excited to test out the longevity of the wraps. Jamberry would be perfect for a special event or a long trip because of their durability.

Amanda was a gem to work with and I will definitely be ordering more wraps from her in the future. I suggest you do the same, Jamberry is a great company with a fantastic product and the fact it's American made is a huge plus in my book.

Have you tried Jamberry before? What is your favorite wrap?

***I was provided all of the Jamberry products for this review, but all opinions are my own***

May 18, 2015

A Remix Repeat {Back to Back Champs}

That's right, y'all! We won… AGAIN! Back to back champs… HOLLLLLLLLA!!!

This weekend I…

… drove down to VA Beach for a kickball tournament with the sissys. Fortunately only hit a lil bit of beach traffic {PTL} and then made really good time getting to the hotel where Le Husband was waiting.

… prepped a ton Friday night to get all clean foods for the weekend. Talk about a stocked hotel fridge. 

… woke up early and headed to the fields to do business. 

… did well in pool play and during the eliminations run. Kicked in a tieing run and moved my teammates around the bases. I was super proud of how well the sissys did, too.

… played in the championship game and had an awesome bunt, which later scored, woohoo!

… celebrated a fabulous tournament win with my teammates. #backtobackchamps #theremix
 … loved sharing the money and the championship with my sisters.

… looked like I had streaky tan lines because of the dirt. #dirtbag 

… drove home through three torrential rain storms.

… came home, showered, stretched and passed out in bed.

… woke up bright and went to church, bought groceries, finally bought new wipers and got them installed all before 1030am. #whoami #productive #ijustwantedtosleep.

… made breakfast, did laundry, cleaned the apartment and prepped food for the week.

… finally made time for a lil nappypoo.

… slept through most of 101 Dalmatians. #kidatheart

… woke up, ate dinner then headed out to the ballet. The studio I attend had their spring recital and also did scenes from Coppelia so Babyspice, my mom and I attended the performance. It was super cute and  the older girls in the company had some beautiful lines. #dancingisbeautifulbutexpensive

… kicked tail in our soccer game after the ballet. #onegoaltwoassists #sistergoalwhatwhat

… came home, soaked in a Epsom Salt bath and used one of my most favorite masks. I loved this mask in high school but Biore stopped making it once I went to college. I was so ecstatic when I saw this on the shelf and my skin felt so smooth afterwards.

… finished dinner then tried to wait up for Le Husband to get home.

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

Linking up with these beautiful ladies whoop < 3

May 15, 2015

Here We Go Friday, Here We Go!

YAY, it's Friday! Can I get a whoop whoop [whoop whoop]! Hooray for the end of the week and for a wonderful weekend ahead. And now it's hooooooray for Friday Favorites!

Favorite Quote of the Week: Because… the shoes!
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Favorite Appointment of the Week: I scheduled a massage for yesterday and it was glorious. I was a bit nervous because it was with a different masseuse than normal and I'm kind of high maintenance. Since I'm petite most don't apply enough pressure so I'm not always the most relaxed when I leave. But, the stand-in did an amazing job and I left all noodley which is what I needed.
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Favorite Delivery of the Week: I've heard incredible things about Blue Apron but have been hesitant to try it for one reason or another. Well, one of best friends gifted me a free meal and we received it earlier this week. Sportyspice and I cooked the burgers last night and they were delicious. The instructions are super easy to follow and the meals are pretty delicious, I just wish the portion sizes were bigger. I'm not 100% sure if I'll sign up for a membership or not in the future, but I did enjoy the change up of meals.

Favorite Funnies of the Week: Get your laugh on!
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From a friends personal Facebook…hilarious right?

Favorite links of the week:

+ People watching the Kardashians for the first time.


+ Happy 15 anniversary Center Stage.

+ One of the most incredible proposals ever. 

+ A wonderful story about a 911 operator that helped out a needy 81 year old cancer survivor.

+ 47 Wedding dresses that are gorgeous from the back. So many swoon worthy looks.

+ Yes, the first 10 minutes of running will always suck.

+ Sweetest story when a QB makes good on his promise to a childhood friend.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend, dear friends < 3!!!!

**linking up here, here hereherehere and here this week**

May 14, 2015

Thoughts on a Thursday

It's been awhile since I've done a true 'Thoughts on a Thursday" post. I try to keep it fresh and switch things up every week, but I thought today I'd bring back the random thoughts. Because we all like to ramble on every now and then, right?

+ My fitness program has changed a bit since being on Whole30, as I've gone back to hitting the heavy weights with Le Husband. I'm still doing my twice a week BodyPump classes at lunch [when work allows] and have consistently been hitting up CXWORX once a week too. I lost a decent amount of strength while on Whole30 due to not lifting heavy, but I'm slowly gaining back ground. Which means I'm slowly starting to see progress in my body which is incredibly encouraging. My arms are slowly getting more lean and cut and I am STOKED. Hopefully I'll feel happy with my body this bathing suit season.

+ The past few weeks have been a bit looney tunes for me personally. It's been a bit crazy with travel and such, and work has been a zoo. But, life wasn't just stress related, it was lost related. In the span of a month I've lost my Kindle and my cleats [stolen] which was infuriating and frustrating enough but on Sunday I realized I couldn't find my checkbook. Not just it was miss-placed, literally could not find it anywhere. I searched my purse twice [literally dumped it out], went through all of my sports bags, my gym bag, and my dirty clothes basket [eww, I now]. When that didn't work out I went to every lost and found around the last place I had it to no avail. I felt like I was losing my mind and couldn't understand what was happening. I finally decided I need to go to the bank to change my accounts and wouldn't you know I found my checkbook right in front of my face. Y'all I cried when I found it because I felt so vindicated that it wasn't lost. #hollaatamessofagirl #losingmymind #nonotbabyrelated

+ Weather here in NOVA has been a bit strange. We went straight from winter to summer with very little spring in between. Now, I'm not complaining, you know I only complain about the cold, but I've had to skip a lot of my mid-season wardrobe because of the heat. Wednesday finally brought around some springish temps and I was super excited to throw on one my favorite outfits.

Blouse; Target || Pants: Red Dress Boutique [old]|| Shoes: Nine West [old] || Necklace: Target || Hair thing: BOFF

+ This weekend my women's kickball team is heading down to VA Beach to defend our title and I'm feeling the same sense of dread I had last year. The politics and player choices on the team still feels off and I still have issues with player placements. I am pretty sure this weekend will determine whether I stay with this team or quick playing all together. The drama just isn't worth it anymore.

+ The Wanderlust linkup yesterday really has me itching to book another vacation this year. Le Husband and I have a few sprinkled throughout the rest of the year and my family has a STELLAR one booked as well. But, now I want to go somewhere for a long weekend. Somewhere tropical. I'm thinking Jamaica or a Sandals resort, who has suggestions?

+ RHONY is craycray. Like insane in the membrane. Those women in the limo on Tuesday acted worse than high schoolers. I don't understand how grown women, with children can act the way they do. It's mind boggling. And lawd, don't even get me started on Sojna. She is, to quote a Project Runway winner, a 'hot tranny mess'. I would be so embarrassed if she was my mother, seriously.

What are you thinking today, friends?

 Linking up with *megan* *kristin* and *annie*

May 13, 2015

Wanderlust-ing

It's no secret that I love to travel. Le Husband and I have taken advantage of our family being 'just the two of us' and spent as much time as possible traveling throughout the US [thank you kickball]. If you've read here for awhile, you'll remember my US LIST from last week and I'm hoping to add another state or two this year.

We all have places we wish we could visit and my wanderlust is in full force thanks to this link up. My travel bucket list is very long and very ambitious, but I thought today I'd share my top five. Some are ambitious, some I've had on my list for awhile and some have just recently made it there. If we could hit one in 2016 I would be a very, very happy girl.

Santorini, Greece: I've had this location on my list for awhile and right now it's #1 on my list. Greece has so much history and Santorini is so incredibly gorgeous. I've seen a few bloggers honeymoon there and their pictures just make me swoon [can't wait to see yours Amanda]. I mean, that water, those cliffs and that sunset, le sigh.
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Napa Valley, California: I used to be a Merlot or Riesling only kind of gal. I liked what I liked and didn't really care much about other wines. Then I started going to vineyards and met Le Husband who is a Cabernet Saviguon guy so my taste buds found new flavors to enjoy. I've heard so many amazing things about Napa and would love to go on a spa and wine tour with some girlfriends.
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Italy, ANYWHERE: Yes, I know that is vague but I just want to go to Italy. Ideally, I would love to eat my way through Italy while learning from some of the best Italian restauranteurs in the country. If I had to eat one cuisine for the rest of my life I'm pretty sure it would be Italian. While an eating tour probably isn't in the cards, I would love to visit any part of the country and soak up all the history along with all the food.
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Normandy, France: I'm not sure if you know this about me, but I'm a HUGE history buff. Sometimes I wish I had majored in American history because I find it incredibly fascinating. My favorite history subjects are the Civil War, the Titanic [and the Gilded Era] and of course, World War Two. I am fascinated by the Greatest Generation and most of the battles of WW2. Normandy has been on my list since I was in high school and I was so jealous my parents were able to visit when they went to Paris last summer. Le Husband and I have it on our dream list and I hope we are able to get there one day. I really want to pay my respects to those that sacrificed so much for freedom.
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Bora Bora, Tahiti: I mean, is any list complete without Bora Bora? I have yet to find a picture that doesn't make me sigh with contentment. How gorgeous is this view? How amazing does a swim up bar on an island sound? Has anyone had a bad time in Bora Bora? I guess the travel time there isn't ideal, but hey, when that's the prize at the end of the flight I'm not complaining. EVER!
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What places are on your travel wish list? What state should I visit next?

linking up with *kate*, *emily*, and *kerri*

May 11, 2015

Busy Bees Knees Weekend

Morning and happy new week, friends. I hope you had a fabulous weekend. Mine was pretty awesome, but uber busy so I'm still rocking the tired pants today. Hopefully tonight I'l get some extra zzzzs and feel back to normal tomorrow. 

Pictured:
* The beautiful nail color I chose thanks to Emily's post on Friday. I'm 99% a pink toes girl, but loved the coral color so I went for it on Saturday. 

* Pretty pedicured toes. We took Mama B to get a pedicure for Mother's Day and we all had a relaxing time. Cheers to pretty feet to start spring. #sorryforthefootpicture #notafanmyself.

* Our Mother's day brunch at a Korean BBQ place. It was super delicious and Mama enjoyed her meal, card and flowers. We housed a ton of beef and rice and of course, sushi. 

* Celebrated a truly amazing lady!


Not pictured:
* A long morning kickball practice on Saturday morning. We have a tournament next weekend and tried to iron out all the kinks. Hopefully we will be able to repeat this year. 

* The fun cookout at a friends house before a Cinco De Mayo party. #cheerstotieronefriends

* An empty whiskey and sangria bottle that was consumed that night.

* Both of the maxi dresses I wore this weekend. 

* A two hour nap Le Husband and I took to catch up on our sleep.

* An amazing burger and milkshake that was consumed for dinner. 

* A Sunday night soccer game. 

* Prep work for the week. 

How was your weekend? Tell me all about it! 

****I hope all my mama friends were spoiled! To all my sweet friends who have lost their mother, please know I was thinking and praying for you on Sunday. And to And, to all the women out there that are dealing with complications getting pregnant, I am sending a big virtual hug to you! I can only imagine the silent suffering Mother's day brings, but I hope one May soon, you too will be celebrating a lil bundle of joy! < 3**** 

May 8, 2015

Mama, I Love You!

Happy Friday, loves. I hope you've had a great week, mine was much better than last week PTL! We have a lot of fun things planned this weekend, bbq, mother-daughter pedicures, brunch, soccer game and hopefully some rest.

Today I'm celebrating mothers of the world, especially my mom and MIL. I'm so blessed to have such a  caring and warm-hearted mother. She has taught me so much and I'm so thankful to still have her here today to learn from as I grow older. I am also incredibly blessed to have an amazing MIL as well. Le Husband's mother is so sweet, caring and welcomed me into the family from day one. I know I'm lucky to have such a wonderful relationship with my MIL and it's one I don't take for granted.

So, cheers to all the mothers of the world. Thank you for changing the diapers, reading the books, going through labor [or c-section], for the clothes, the story times, the traditions, the parties, the presents, the discipline [even though it wasn't fun], the life lessons, the morals, the kisses on boo-boos and the kisses through the phone when we're far away from you. Thank you for all the love and joy you bring to your children. Thank you for the sleepless nights and the diaper blowouts. Your children love you so much!

And a special thank you to Mama B. Thank you for being so wonderful and kind and loving. I'm so blessed to call you Mama or MOOOOther! Dancing with you at my wedding was a moment I'll always remember. Thank you for the amazing back and the sweet dance moves! I LOVE YOU!

I hope all of my mother friends and mothers to be have a wonderful weekend and get spoiled accordingly. Know I'm sending you lots and lots of love from pink land.

And, to all the women out there that are dealing with complications getting pregnant, I am sending a big virtual hug to you! I can only imagine the silent suffering Mother's day brings, but I hope one May soon,  you too will be celebrating a lil bundle of joy! < 3


May 7, 2015

You Need To Read This

Morning, amazing women! Y'all are so fabulous, did you know that? I hope you do! I was sooooo nervous about my post yesterday especially after the drama that was my post on Tuesday. But, y'all blew me away with your comments and non-judgement and for that I thank you. I love how supportive this blogging community can be and I'm so glad I've met all of you.

I thought, as a small token of thanks, I'd post some inspiration for y'all today. Personally I find some of my favorite quotes from other bloggers when they do inspirational posts, so hopefully something here today makes you think or smile. I hope it makes your day a bit better :)!
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Linking up with *megan* *kristin* and *annie*