Summer in the Fast Lane

Summer in the fastlane people.  That’s how I would describe the last few weeks.  It’s been “CRAY CRAY”!!!

So, I will start off with a great occasion…we celebrated my Nannie’s 80th birthday in Arkansas.  She is the light in our family and I hope someday I can be just a small piece of what she is.  It was so fun to reunite with relatives we hadn’t seen in a long while.

We had a huge buffet, cake, and some great music!  We also had a wonderful ham from Petit Jean Meats. It was sooooo delish!

If I look even HALF this good at 80 I’ll be just fine with that 🙂

My sweet family

My Mom worked so hard on the party planning and all the food.  She made timeline boards with each decade of Nannie’s life and they were great.  (See that’s why you should always take photos…you never know!)

It’s so hot in Texas right now you could fry and egg on the pavement.  We had a great 4th of July with family.  We swam in the pool and BBQ’d.  Connor is enjoying his camp this summer.  I can’t believe school is starting up again so soon!  I’ve gotten so many back to school catalogs in the mail this week Ahhhhhh!!!!

Although I am secretly excited for fall weather.  That is my “season” y’all.  I’m headed to the Megaphone conference with friends in Arkansas soon.  It’s a great conference if you are a blogger or want to learn anything about social media.  You will also meet some great friends too!

I’ve been really busy with photo shoots lately and I’m on a summer reading kick.  I’ll link to some of my favorite summer reads so far. *If you don’t enjoy drama or romance- this ain’t for you*

Don’t forget to follow us on the daily on INSTAGRAM!  xoxo Becky

The Top DFW Bloggers You’ll Want to Know…

 

A Cowboy’s Life Blog

Chastity Beene

A Cowboy’s Life is dedicated to creating and sharing family friendly content that includes recipes, parenting tips, crafts, local events and travel throughout Texas. Chastity can be reached at acowboyslife@outlook.com and followed on FacebookTwitterInstagram and Pinterest.

 

Busy Mom’s Helper

Danielle Reeves

Danielle is the crazy momma of 4 behind Busy Mom’s Helper, where she shares all her adventures. Married to her best friend & fellow nerd. Totally addicted to Dr. Pepper and chocolate. Staying home with the kiddos keeps her busy, but she loves squeezing in time to create through the ups & downs of life . Now, if she could just figure out how to eat a candy bar without having to share, life would be even more fabulous! Be sure to join the fun at BusyMomsHelper.com.  Check her out on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Dallas Bloggers Carrie ElleCarrie Elle

Carrie Lindsey

Carrie is a Dallas mom who blogs about parenting, “mom life,” and family-friendly activities in the Dallas area at Carrie Elle. From simple crafts to easy recipes to meal planning (and everything in between!), Carrie blogs for the busy mom. She also offers blog coaching for new bloggers and sells Meal Planners in her Etsy shop.  

Daily Momtivity  

Shannon Gauger

Shannon blogs everything kid friendly and helpful to Moms at Daily Momtivity. She has been blogging for almost 3 years and lives in the north Dallas area with her family.  She is a preschool teacher by day and blogger by night 🙂  Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

 

Dian Farmer and Grocery Shop For FREE

Dian Farmer

Dian is a Dallas empty nester Mom who is passionate about sharing resources & solutions for real life issues:  finance. home. tips. travel …Life  

She is also the owner and author at Grocery Shop For FREE where she works to share the best deals and tips to keep a busy family on top of their budget in day to day purchases. Don’t miss out on her daily tips to save at her blog.  You will find the best deals, FREEbies and info on how to Grocery Shop For FREE!!

DFW Dad

Ben

Ben is a native DFW millennial blogger who shares life with his wife Gena from Ginger Casa and their three sons.  They love the Dallas Mavericks, playing outside, biking, and more.  He is a youth minister by day and blogs about parenting, Dallas events and locations, faith, and more.  Catch him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook where you can sometimes catch a fun Facebook Live!

Digital Mom Blog 

Molly Thornberg

Digital Mom Blog is the intersection of parenting in the digital age and technology.  Follow on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Everyday Best

Shannon Schmid

Shannon traded in her sensible NYC Television producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots! Shannon blogs about many subjects including Travel, Recipes, Technology & Events. Shannon is PR friendly, and also the author of American and Irish. Find her: Twitter, Facebook, & YouTube among other places. everydaybest.com@gmail.com

FDallas Bloggers Family eGuideamily eGuide

Valerie Preston

Family eGuide is an online guide to affordable family-friendly events, activities, and services in the northern suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth. A “Best of Denton County” business for four years in a row!  Winner of “Best Publication” in Denton County 2014!  Contact Us about promoting your event or business. You can also find us on Facebook,  Twitter,  Pinterest &  Instagram!  

Finding Debra

Debra Muccio

Debra Muccio is a lifestyle and travel blogger in the Dallas area focusing on family, food, travel, health, and entertainment. Debra traded in high-powered suits and high-heeled shoes for a role as mommy – crayon enthusiast, storyteller, and kisser of boo-boos. From walking the red carpet in Hollywood, to visiting the set of Sesame Street, or kayaking the creeks in Florida, Debra is always on the go. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or send an email to afrugalfriend@gmail.com.

Forever Green Mom

Kim Croisant

Forever Green Mom is an uplifting health and wellness blog that offers moms easy solutions for their families to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.  Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

GGiggles Galoreiggles Galore

Mariah Leeson

With a passion for celebrating, Mariah created Giggles Galore, a lifestyle blog that focuses on creative parties, DIY crafts, recipes and tip and hints for making the ordinary extraordinary one creative project at a time. Mariah loves collaborating with brands and can be reached at mariah@gigglesgalore.net or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 Ginger Casa

Gena 

Gena is a thirty something lifestyle blogger, mom of three boys, and married to DFW Dad.  On Ginger Casa, she blogs about cooking delicious recipes, DIY, crafts, parenting, and enjoying the great outdoors with her family. Follow Ginger Casa on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram or send an email to gena@gingercasa.com.  

Hustle Mom Repeat

Dawn Monroe

Dawn Monroe is a digital influencer, Texas lifestyle blogger and mother of four children. Dawn blogs at Hustle Mom Repeat, sharing stories of food, travel, Disney and family fun.  Dawn can be found on TwitterFacebook and Instagram, or emailed at hustlemomrepeat@gmail.com

InDFWFamily

Roselle Pliego

Roselle Pliego is a Dallas mommy blogger at InDFWFamily.  She loves blogging about family fun in DFW, whether that be foodie recommendations or events going on around the Metroplex. She is also a lifestyle blogger and shares her ideas on traveling with kids and their camping adventures in and around Texas.  Find her on Instagram and Twitter.

Jenn’s RAQ

Jenn Land

Jenn is a homeschooling mom to 5 kids in Fort Worth, Texas. Whether she’s blogging about her kids, the latest homeschool curriculum, food, crafts, or about local Dallas / Fort Worth events, she’s keeping it Real And Quirky! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

 

JDallas Bloggers Julie is Coco and Cocoaulie Measures

Julie 

Julie is a mom, crafter, and food enthusiast. She loves to share delicious recipes and original knit and crochet patterns. Julie is a mom to three boys, twin teenagers and her littlest who is in elementary school. Julie is passionate about everything handmade and is proud to call Dallas/Fort Worth home. Follow Julie Measures on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, or email her at juliemeasuresblog @ gmail.com.

Mainly Homemade

Dallas Bloggers Pounds 4 Pennies

Amy Greene

Amy Greene lives in the Dallas area with her husband and three children. She enjoys sharing DIY crafts and homemade recipes anyone can make at Mainly Homemade. Amy writes about how easy it can be to have a simple, healthy lifestyle. She provides easy tips and tricks for everyone to save money to be healthy and green. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest  

MDallas Bloggers MamaChallengeamaChallenge

Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect), Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL MOMS. From things to do, eat, wear and buy, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! See what challenge she is taking on today on Twitter or Instagram or email her at autumn (@) mamachallenge.com.  

ModMomTV

Natalie Reid

Former broadcasters turned bloggers, Natalie Reid and Laura Thornquist would much rather be in front of a camera and a microphone than sitting behind a keyboard! That means you’ll find plenty of videos to keep you engaged and entertained as they live REAL LIFE…UNFILTERED at ModMomTV.com. From tips on how to save money, to ways to talk to your kids about the birds and the bees {EEK}. Never miss a “real” moment by following them on FacebookTwitter and YouTube.

 

Modern Mom Life

Michelle Hancock 

Modern Mom Life is where moms come to play. The blog is written by Michelle Hancock, a Dallas Lifestyle blogger. Modern Mom Life shares tips to make parenting less chaotic and more fun – from one modern mom to another. Michelle can be reached at michelle@modernmomlife.com or follow her on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter

 

Momma DJane

Dwan Perrin

Dwan Perrin writes a lifestyle parenting blog where she shares easy crafts, simple recipes and fun entertainment for families.You can find her daily tweets @MommaDJane ,see her photo snapshots on Instagram @MommaDjane and connect on Facebook. She shares her passion for travel on Oh, The Places We Travel!, where you can find tips and advice for planning vacations. For travel inspiration follow her on Instagram @PlacesWeTravelig. Dwan encourages fellow DFW bloggers to connect and support one another at DFWBloggers

Mommy Upgrade

Trista Perot

Mommy Upgrade is a lifestyle blog that features great DIY, shopping, eats, and travel. Authored by lifestyle expert, Trista Perot, a type-A Dallas working mom of an only who’s on a never ending quest to squeeze 28 hours into every day. She is passionate about STEM education, charitable causes and getting more sleep.  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

 

MDallas Bloggers My Crazy SavingsyCRAZYSavings

Courtney Solstad

Mommy to four kids, I love the flexible schedule that blogging has allotted me. I live in North Dallas and proudly serve as a Deal Pro with Savings.com, Pampers Baby Board Member, Collective Bias Advisory Team, and Sea World Wildside Blogger. I love connecting with brands and sharing ways to live well for less with my readers. I am passionate about being debt free and enriching the lives around me.  

My Sugar Free Journey

Aarn Farmer

Aarn is here to help people lose weight and get healthy by cutting sugar out of their lives by doing it himself for the world to see!

Stephanie Drenka

Stephanie Drenka

Stephanie is a minimalist blogger and camera-happy tech geek with a severe case of wanderlust and monochromatic wardrobe.

Dallas Socials

The Dallas Socials

Betsy Segars

Millennial Dallas Lifestyle Blogger, Betsy Segars is always on the go whether it’s finding fun places to travel, exploring hot spots in Dallas, cooking delicious meals in her kitchen or working on one of her many brands.  Betsy lives on social media, so tweet with her, say hello on Facebook or email her direct – Betsy@thedallassocials.com!  

The Java Mama 

Becky Branch

Becky Branch is a “30-ish” wife, mom, photographer, coffee junkie, and blogger for over 11 years.  She also works as a Finance Manager during the day for two Dental offices in the DFW area. Originally from Arkansas, they now call Grapevine, TX home.  Follow her life unfiltered over at www.thejavamama.com   Becky’s motto is “Without caffeine I would have no personality whatsoever!” Becky has been married for 16 years to her best friend Terence & together they have a 7-year-old son Connor.  Check out all of her ramblings on InstagramTwitterPinterest, Facebook, and Snapchat.

TDallas Bloggers The Nerds Wifehe Nerd’s Wife

Arena Blake

Arena is the wife of a Nerd and mom of a toddler who loves his Star Wars blankie a little too much. She is passionate about showcasing brands through creative crafts, recipes, and tutorials on her Dallas mom blog. She lives in the suburbs north of Dallas with her family. You can email her at thenerdswife@gmail.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  

They Call Me T

Tapanga Perrin

Tapanga Perrin shares her experiences as a young female in the United States Army, as a college student with a love for photography, travel, and culinary arts on her lifestyle blog TheyCallMeT  You can connect with her on twitter @TheyCallMeT and Instagram @TheyCallMeT

 TDallas Bloggers Three Different Directionshree Different Directions

Tammy Litke

Three Different Directions is a lifestyle blog about home & family, recipes, travel, electronics & other things we enjoy in life. Tammy likes to hear from PR and companies to collaborate with brands and can be reached at, tammy@threedifferentdirections.com. Find her on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.  

ToyQueen

Keriann Wilmot

Keri Wilmot from ToyQueen.com is a pediatric occupational therapist, toy expert and parent, who shares popular toy reviews, tips, lists and toy unboxings. Keri recently moved to the North Dallas area from Boston, Massachusetts with her husband, Derek and son, Gavin.  ToyQueen.com is a resource for all parents to find toys, games, attractions, events, baby products and experiences that can enhance the lives of their family.  Keri is also main content provider for the Toys site at- The Spruce.comConnect with Keri and ToyQueen.com on YouTubeTwitterFacebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Follow Derek on Twitter and Instagram. Love Star wars? Check out StormTrooperGavin on Instagram, too. Email: Keri@ToyQueen.com.

 

Trendy Mom Reviews

Trendy Mom Reviews

Daisy Tremorev

Trendy Mom is a lifestyle blog in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro that shares activities, tips, recipes, and travel posts. She enjoys sharing the latest trends with other trendy moms and working as an ambassador for several brands.Stay on top of the latest trends by visiting the Trendy Mom Reviews blog to follow along! Also follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Weekends Count

Jennifer and Tony

Weekends Count is a Texas millennial family travel travel, food, fun, & activity blog. We are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas area focused on making the MOST out of the weekend! Weekends Count provides families with travel suggestions, hotel/restaurant reviews, product reviews, & homeschool ideas from a millennial family’s perspective! For more information, please contact weekendscount@gmail.com. Remember to follow our us on YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook.

 

 

Let the Good Times Roll at the DFW Auto Show with Capital One!

Do you remember buying your first car y’all?  I do…

Well, actually I had to share my first car with my twin sister because we pretty much shared everything!  We didn’t get separate cars until college. I remember what a HUGE deal it was to get a car & there’s just something about having your own set of wheels that says “I’m all grown up”.

Well, at least we thought we were.  I’ll take you down memory lane here…check out our first car the Geo Prism.   She was a good one 🙂  Thankfully we didn’t fight too much over sharing a car because we went to school together and worked at the same place.

Now almost twenty years later our lives have taken us down different paths and we’ve learned money doesn’t grow on trees!  Having a car is a privilege, not a right.  I miss living at home & I sure do miss when we could fill up that tank for $5 dollars.

That’s the thing about growing up…you learn responsibility and how to take care of yourself.  Now Bonnie and I live in separate states.  She’s back home in Arkansas and I moved to the Dallas area.  I will say the one thing you must have in the metroplex is a reliable CAR!  You may find yourself asking questions like “How do I even start the car buying process” or “How much can I afford?”  Thanks to Capital One® Auto Navigator® you can go through the process of pre-qualifying for a Capital One Auto Loan in the comfort of your own home.

With the Capital One® Auto Navigator® website you can pre-qualify for auto financing and see their financing terms before visiting a dealer.

I recently went through the process of prequalifying using the Capital One® Auto Navigator® it took less than TWO minutes to complete the entire thing!

Look and see what cars are out there from over 12,000 participating dealers across the country, including in your area.  You are sure to find something!

Customize your options:

This process has absolutely no impact to your credit score.

You can also print out a pre-approval letter when you are ready to go to the dealership!  It’s so easy and it takes hardly any time.  I had a tougher time deciding what car to look for than filling out the Capital One® Auto Navigator® process.  You can also see your personalized APR and monthly payment on each car once you pre-qualify for financing. Then build an offer and see how your financing terms change.

DFW AUTO SHOW!!!

Capital One is a sponsor at the DFW Auto Show this year and THIS CHICK will be going for the 3rd year in a row!  I always have so much fun at the DFW Auto Show and you better believe I come home wanting a brand new car every single time!

If you get the chance to attend the DFW Auto Show do it!  You can see, touch, and even sit in the cars!  Then you’ll know exactly what car you want and you can come home to see if you qualify for it.

The DFW Auto Show is one of the largest new car and truck shows in the nation – and local car enthusiasts, families and potential buyers flock to see the latest and greatest car styles, models, trends and technology.

The Show is open to the public from March 22-26, 2017

Capital One will show attendees how they’ve developed Auto Navigator and invite all of you to join them in the Capital One® Auto Navigator® Garage located in Hall F of the Show. Car enthusiasts and potential car buyers can learn more about how they can find and finance the car of their dreams with Capital One® Auto Navigator®.

On Saturday and Sunday (March 25-26), Chip Foose, a well-known automobile designer and industry innovator, will be at the Capital One® Auto Navigator® Garage to meet with fans and talk about the latest and greatest in the auto industry – including car financing.

Throughout the Show, attendees can visit the Capital One® Auto Navigator® Garage where they’ll have a chance to see Auto Navigator website demos, engage in an interactive photo booth, and see a Chip Foose-custom designed car.

For more information about the Capital One Auto Navigator Garage, visit Capital One’s Facebook page.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Seven in 2017…

I feel like I haven’t written from the heart in a while.  I have loved blogging and writing my little daily (or weekly) ramblings.  I honestly can’t believe my little part of the Internet has survived 11 years. Never in a million years did I think anyone but me would read this website.  I’ve made countless friendships, been given a ton of opportunities I would have never had outside of blogging, and it forces me to move outside of my comfort zone.

I love to read and often times you’ll find me with my head stuck in my Kindle enjoying a good romance novel.   I also enjoy drama and mystery books.  A book is a magical escape and I love watching a good story unfold.  I’m trying to teach Connor the joy of reading and how it can open up your imagination, but so far first grade has been a pretty rough year.   I get it…he’s a boy and they are downright figgity and can’t sit still.  We are working on containing our voices and body from touching others! LOL!

Speaking of reading: LOVE THIS SERIES!  If you are looking for something great to add to your Kindle check out Pepper Winter’s series Crown of Lies.  Sooooooo good!  She’s absolutely one of my favorite Authors and she can whisk you away in her books… her writing is above and beyond- an emotional journey.  Start with “Crown of Lies” & finish with the sequel “Throne of Truth”.  

My Mom and Dad came to visit this past weekend and we celebrated Connor’s 7th birthday.

I haven’t done a party, but I did tell him we could have a sleepover or something soon.  I’m sure he won’t let me forget!  I get homesick a lot, but on the other hand I don’t think I would be who I am now unless I had “flown the nest” if you will and spread my wings.  Growing up a twin it’s especially hard to break out into your own person, it’s also the best thing ever having a constant friend.

We’ve finally started really settling in our new home and had a brand new dining table delivered yesterday.  I’m so excited about it!  Almost 16 years of marriage and we finally have a legit dining table!  Holla!  I love our house….it’s not brand spanking new and there seems to be something that always needs fixing, but it’s very “homey” and I love that about it.

Here is the new table and chairs:  (For more information check out my Instagram)

Anyway….what are your plans for spring break next week?  I’m not sure what Connor and I will be doing…but right now I am just trying to soak in every sweet second.

Catcha Later 😉 xo- Becky

Learn Your Camera with the Best Buy Camera Experience-Christmas Photo Edition

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

‘Tis the season for your annual Christmas card photo.  I know because this is my busiest time of year as a photographer and my weekends are FILLED with photo shoots right now.  You all know how much I love photos.  They are my memories and I love to look back on them fondly from time to time.

For all of those who ask, I own this camera body and love it: Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body

One of my very favorite Christmas shoots this year:  Hot Cocoa Booth Pictures 

dsc_7074

This time of year I also find myself racing to the mailbox to see if we recieved any Christmas cards from friends and family.  I enjoy seeing the beautiful family photos and how kids have grown.  One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is “How do I use my DSLR camera?” or “How do I shoot in manual mode?”  Last weekend I had the opportunity to visit Best Buy and check out their new Best Buy Camera Experience Shop.  This is a great class if you are learning how to use your camera- it doesn’t matter if you shoot Nikon, Canon, Sony, or whatever…all your questions will be answered.  And the best part is the class is TOTALLY FREE PEOPLE!!!

Best Buy offers the Best Buy Camera Experience Shop on the first Saturday of every month.  There are three in the Dallas area.  Find your classes HERE.

I have been using a DSLR camera for around 6-7 years now, but I will tell you this…I’m constantly learning something NEW!  So I was excited to attend this class with a couple of my friends and talk about one of my favorite subjects- PHOTOGRAPHY!

15000172_10157654801355125_3107593760675488353_o

Our instructor, Kenneth, did a great job and really engaged with each person.  After the class the employees were very helpful at answering all our questions.

20161105_091936

You will be given a workbook so you can follow along with your instructor.  This is great so you can take it home and refer to it while shooting later on.

camera-workshop

After the instructor finishes talking about the material you will break up into small groups, depending on what kind of camera you have.  There you will get to ask questions to your heart’s content.  It was fun to discuss photos and ideas, no matter what level photographer you are.

dsc_7743

Best Buy also offers a wide variety of cameras and accessories.  I’m constantly losing my lens caps…ha! dsc_7744

From filters, batteries, lens caps, tripods, cleaning kits, and all your camera needs…Best Buy’s got you covered.dsc_7747

I’m super excited for those Christmas cards to start rolling in 🙂  You’ll never regret taking too many photos.  That’s my philosophy anyway.  If you have a DSLR that’s been sitting on the shelf, dust that sucker off and get to Best Buy so you can start making those amazing memories!

10 Years of Blogging: Then vs. Now

7f6bc1b50b1a36e1142175f2f4585aeb

My blog is a little over 10 years old this year.  That blows my mind!  When I first started my blog I remember people asking “What is a BLOG?”  I remember my first post, it was basically nothing.  I started blogging about my favorite books, or shows I watched, things I did randomly during the day.  It was real and authentic and exactly why I started to blog because it was more of a journal than anything else.

I got comments (yes actual COMMENTS) on posts that I wrote.  Over the years comments have trickled off and people would rather communicate via Instagram,Twitter, or Facebook.  Some of my very favorite bloggers have quit and I understand life changes and we go through seasons.  I miss the interaction I first had as a blogger – that authentic communication.  I met some of my best friends through blogging.

I know at times I’m goofy.  I’m not the best writer by any means.  Does anyone remember the Starbucks wall of shame that used to be on my site?  Ha!  I know not everything I write about is Earth shattering…but it’s real.

I’ve tried to stick with it.  I know a lot of my post have become “sponsored” or I get items for free to review.  Let’s face it…it’s hard to turn down free stuff right?  Especially when some of the things are really cool things you couldn’t afford on your own.  There is some judgement behind that…but I still try to remain true to myself, while I’m not going to lie the income really helps my family.  Especially when you are going through a house remodel that seems to be bleeding you dry right now!  Eeeek!

There is a fine balance between having all sponsored content and remaining true to your audience.  I’m not sure I’ve found my perfect middle yet, but I’m working on it.  I miss the kinship I found with other bloggers.  I’m not saying I’m going to stop doing sponsored content because I really do enjoy it, I just want to find the right middle ground.

Ten years ago it wasn’t about “look what opportunity I got!” or “I made this much $$$ on this post” or “I got to go to a special event because obviously…I’m special!”  Uhm…no.

Nobody wants to hear that stuff and it doesn’t create authentic and real relationships.  We should support each other, comment on actual content – not just a photo, don’t rub things in other bloggers faces.  Support-Connect-SHARE-Love one another!!!

Be PROUD that you have what you have and OWN IT.  Don’t sit there wishing you were someone else because you are YOU and that’s what matters.

As you all probably noticed on my Instagram account I did get a great opportunity as a brand rep at Megaphone Conference.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

BUT- every.single.time I tried to authentically get to know a blogger they went into stats, opportunities, analytics, they won’t share sources because heaven forbid they have any competition or SHARE something.  It came off as a bunch of content hungry and opportunity driven women that will only write a post if the price is right.  It’s a pure and utter mind suck.  When someone thinks your only value is as good as how many followers you have.  I’m here to tell you ladies and gentlemen you CAN write content that is well written and wonderful without a price tag attached.

EXCUSE ME?

We are bloggers and we are extremely blessed to get to do what we do.  At the same time we must realize that it’s not all about the MONEY.  Most of my favorite posts are learning about someone’s family or an event that happened in their lives.

Let’s try to not step on everyone’s toes now shall we?  Support one another like the good old days.  I know I’m being very blunt in this post, but it’s something that has been on my heart for a while.

I miss all my blogger friends from years ago and secretly hope they will come back into the blogosphere.  I know it’s not the same…but hopefully we can try to uplift and support & not be so greedy at times.  If a new blogger asks you for help, please for the love of coffee…don’t sit there like you just ate a sour lemon.  Share with them, open up and connect.  Don’t feed them lines and give them ZERO actual sources or information because you are trying to hoard the legit information for yourself.   That’s crazy selfish of you!  Let’s put the heart and soul back into blogging.  It’s not all about follows and likes…everyone knows those can be bought at a price.

In the end all you really have are the memories and not the money.

Meanwhile……

RED CUP SEASON IS ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AWAY!!!  WOOHOO!!!

20141114_074013-e1473737937949-436x775

 

Foot In Mouth Syndrome

When I went home a few weeks ago to Arkansas I was out shopping with my Mom and our friend. I went to the pajama section and was promptly greeted by a sales lady who began to tell me how they just got a new shipment of maternity wear in and how great “this” and “that” would look on me.  She even held up a few tops and said how cute they would look.  I then realized the pajama section was right next to the maternity section…

UGH!

Yeah I wanted to run for the hills!  I am not freaking pregnant.  *SLAP!* I wear blousy shirts to cover my “food baby” and yes I know I have a few to lose, but dang.  That sucks and now I want to go throw up.

I know I constantly am putting my foot in my mouth.  For goodness sakes my mind is a land of run-on sentences and exclamation points!!!  Anyway, such is life.

Dear God give me the right things to say and the right time to say them.  Amen.

We’ve been super busy.  Connor started summer school/camp or whatever you want to call it.  We have put in countless offers on more homes…it’s stressful and yeah I just don’t want to talk about it.  I’ve been working and doing a lot of fun blogger programs over the summer- which I mostly post about over on my INSTAGRAM.  Let’s be friends!

I had a fun photoshoot with my BFF Sarah over at Wake Me Up Goods the other day!  Who doesn’t love glitter?  And you are NEVER too old for a tutu 🙂  Shown here is my all time favorite “Choose Your Brew” t-shirt.

DSC_1551

DSC_1523

It finally quit raining here in Texas.  There is something about rain that makes me want to burn a thousand candles and read books.  Am I right?

Have y’all tried Diamond Candles?  My sister and I are sort of addicted to them.  Her husband even proposed to her with a Diamond Candle 🙂  I have never gotten a diamond though….maybe one day!  It’s fun and they candles smell lovely.

DSC_1452

The apartment by my lil artist Connor:

DSC_1447

Pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

AND- Happy Father’s Day to the best Daddy a daughter could have and a man who would never stick his foot in his mouth.  He calls me just to tell me how pretty, smart, and amazing I am all the time for no reason at all and that means more to me than anything in the world.  I love you Daddy, you are truly the BEST man ever.  Thank you for not dropping me and Bon on a street corner and leaving us there, even though there were several times you should have.  We weren’t always the best, but you loved us through it all.

5a21b074-8d5e-42d0-9a2e-770979f23a89

Anyway….y’all I hope to be more “with it” on my little corner of the Internets & I love you bunches!

Terence and I are trying to figure out where to go this summer on an affordable vacay?  Any suggestions?

xo Becky