Spring is Here + Win a $100 Visa Gift Card! #BEGREATER #SK


FLONASE® compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.

Spring has officially sprung y’all.  It is the time when flowers are in bloom and the skies are more blue. It is also when our family loves to spend time outdoors. 

All three people under our roof are currently suffering from severe allergies and so we take precaution It stinks. We are all literally just walking around like zombies because something just hit our area. In Texas I can normally tell when my allergies flare up because I get a runny nose and itchy eyes.

I love being outdoors during this time of year because the weather is so wonderful! Connor just started soccer and Terence and I look forward to Saturdays and watching our kiddo play on his new team.

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The only thing I dread is being out in the “wilderness” where my allergies can flare up anytime.  I’ve tried everything under the sun to contain my allergy flare ups.  One of the best things I’ve tried and have used over the past couple of years is Flonase® Allergy Relief. I carry it in my purse and use it once a day when needed.  FLONASE is over the counter now and I personally can tell a difference within 24 hours of using it which may be different for some of you. The nasal spray provides relief from allergies but its most effective with regular, once-a-day use. Use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily the first week. Then you can use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril as needed to treat symptoms for up to 6 months. After 6 months of daily use – ask your doctor if you can keep using.

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Also, can I just say that Flonase smells awesome?  It smells so good!  Ha!  

The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary (source). So when Connor has a flair up we often give him the children’s version of Flonase to help him.  It’s worth every penny because I get to sit back and take in the moments instead of sneezing through them.

Like Connor’s first goal kick:

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Here are some things to know about Flonase if you are suffering from allergies this season:

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(I am not a Doctor or a Nurse, this is just something that works for me so I want to share the knowledge!)

Flonase outperforms the #1 non-drowsy allergy pill*, it helps block six allergic substances, not just one**, it’s the only over the counter nasal spray indicated to relieve both nasal congestion & itchy water eyes, it’s full prescription strength.

*Total nasal symptom relief vs. 10 mg single ingredient loratadine.

**Mechanism vs. most OTC allergy pills. Flonase® acts on multiple inflammatory substances (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, tryptases, chemokines, and leukotrienes). The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown.

Can I get an AMEN???

Thank the Heavens above for great allergy relief!  If you don’t suffer from allergies then I seriously envy you, but for the rest of us cotton ball heads….spring is here.

I want to enjoy these precious moments and not be congested.  Thankfully I can and I will 🙂

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You can earn points whenever you purchase FLONASE® Allergy Relief, watch videos and read articles, complete surveys, complete your member profile, and share content with friends.

Join today and you’ll immediately earn points and save up to $4 with a FLONASE® coupon

Keep up with Flonase news on FacebookTwitterInstagram, & YouTube.

Now to enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, tell me in the comments below, how do you like to spend time with your kids outside? 

 

Entry Instructions:

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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/26/2016 – 6/30/2016

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Because…Coffee… + Tweet to Win! #CoffeeConfessions

I spoke with you all about the Overnight Coffee Challenge that ends TODAY!  Y’all hurry your tushies and start Tweeting ASAP using hashtag #CoffeeConfessions to @Thermos.

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In case you didn’t know yet, or you didn’t get the hint from the name of my blog…I’m kinda obsessed with coffee!  I love this Thermos mug that can keep my beverages super cold or super hot.  DSC_1140

Thermos will randomly select 25 people to award coffee to.  Also, Five lucky fans who tweet @Thermos sharing their #CoffeeConfessions hashtag will be randomly selected to win a Thermos brand product and a bag of Thermos brand’s exclusive coffee blend from Dark Matter Coffee!

For Heaven’s sake I don’t know what I would do without my coffee!  We are like BFF.  No, like we really are.

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What is your favorite coffee?

I like a bold blend myself, the darker the better!

Tell us on Twitter at @Thermos #coffeeconfessions

Sprucing up the Apartment with Fathead! #PeelStickDone

This post is sponsored by Fathead, but my love for their wall decals is all my own!

I know I’ve talked about our living situation on the blog and things have just been pure CRAZINESS!  We signed a 6 month lease at our apartment over a year ago thinking we would find a house in no time…and over 15 home offers later….nothing.

We are trying to keep our heads up and know that God is in control and just be patient.  We’ve met so many new friends in our apartment complex, and honestly it has been a lot of fun!  People we would have never crossed paths with have become a big part of our lives due to us moving.  AND it’s been a blessing!

The one thing I miss about having a home is being able to personalize things and make them your own.  We recently spruced up Connor’s room with some starbursts from Fathead.  They are so cute and he loves them!  They brighten up the space, and best of all they come right off!

His room is so much more kid friendly and these starbursts from Fathead give it a whimsical touch.

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Just #peelstickdone
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In the dining/living room area I added this Fathead monogram to personalize the space.  I just love it!  It’s my favorite color green too 🙂

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What are some ways you spruce up small spaces in your home?

Colorful Baby Transportation with #CYBEXDesign #IC

This post was sponsored by CYBEX as part of a Blog Blast Activation for Influence Central.

Gosh things have changed for babies in the past six years since I had Connor.  Check out these cool, colorful car seats and strollers by Cybex Gold Line available at BuyBuy Baby.

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These look super cool and stylish.  My favorite colors are of course the “coffee bean” and the “Hawaii”.  There is NOTHING I wouldn’t do to keep my baby safe.  If you are a Mom-to-be our a new Mom…please for goodness sakes don’t skimp on your baby’s car seat and stroller, they will be in these two items SO much.  Safety is so important, do your research, and a good investment can last you years!

Check out all the styles and features HERE.

Gosh I miss those days!

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Photos & Coca Cola Coffees…

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #SongsToShare #CollectiveBias

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Ya’ll I’ve been so busy lately it’s craziness!  It’s senior picture season and my weekends have been filled with cap and gowns and reminiscing.  Gosh I can’t believe I graduated almost 15 years ago…I feel so old!

ANYWAY.

That’s the joy in being a photographer and doing what I do.  Making memories 🙂

I’ve been…

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And…

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Aren’t these Coca-Cola™ bottles so cute for summer?  Speaking of reminiscing, that’s what these Coca-Cola cans remind me of.  If you know me… occasionally I like to break out into song.  Ha ha!   

You can find all the new Share a Coke® and a Song bottles at your local Brookshire’s. Use your Brookshire’s Yourpoints to save 10¢ per gallon on fuel & 5% off on groceries.  Download the Shazam App, available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android and other devices to get your Coca-Cola Share a Song.

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So you can be…

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Mother’s Day is this weekend and I wanted to take some photos of my son.  I love to come up with different ideas and make photo props.  I wanted something simple and springy for Mother’s Day.

I found a bunch of these paper flowers at the craft store and simply attached them to some twine and “oila” I had a cute little garland.  So delicate and pretty for spring.

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If you want something extra fold over some washi tape to make little tassels.
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Isn’t he the cutest EVER???

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He’s pretty much…

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And to quench your thirst one of my favorite boosters in the summer time is an iced Coca Cola with a shot of espresso!  I know what you are thinking…but TRUST it’s so good!

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GULP.

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For more information and to find your own Coca Cola Sing Along Bottles visit HERE. Also, check out Brookshire’s Facebook page HERE.

Makeover Party Madness with #HummusMadeEasy

This post is sponsored by The Women Bloggers, LLC and its advertiser Kendal King Group #SoapBoxInfluence. All opinions are mine. #HummusMadeEasy

A couple of weeks ago I went to a fun makeup party with some family and friends.  If there is one thing I know from growing up with a twin sister it’s that MAKEOVERS ARE AWESOME!  I love to play with makeup, always have, and always will.  My sister and I went through a tragic phase…like most teens…until we learned to straighten our hair and conceal those pimples.  Ha!

Anyway, I digress…

Nothing brings girls together like makeup and good food am I right?

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We had the best time chatting and talking about different looks.  I love a liquid eyeliner myself (I like to channel my inner Katy Perry).

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I didn’t get a photo of my makeup darn it!  That’s what happens when you are always behind the camera, but I promise you I looked fab!BBP_8121

Oh the choices we gals have to make to look beautiful.  Actually, I think it’s quite fun to change-up your look and play with different options.  BBP_8120

Nothing makes a party like good food in my opinion.  I mean what’s better than “party food”???  To this gathering I brought some YUMMY….I mean totally DELISH Hummus.  I love me some hummus lady friends.

CHECK IT:

Someone asked me what my recipe was.  Well, I’ll tell you all three of these hummus creations took less than 15 minutes to put together.  It was incredibly easy.

I used BUSH’S® Hummus Made Easy.  It comes in three flavors:  Classic Hummus Made Easy, Southwest Black Bean Hummus Made Easy, and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Made Easy.

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TOP IT OFF:

Classic Hummus Made Easy: Topped with a bit of cracked pepper feta.

Black Bean Hummus Made Easy:  Topped with diced jalapeno peppers.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Made Easy:  Topped with paprika.
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Serve with pita chips, veggies, and pretzels.

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I know we all had a great time!  I always love get together with the girls.

Look at my beautiful sister in laws…Rebecca and Kim.  Aren’t they so pretty!!!  Love you girls!  I can’t wait until we can get together for another party!  (I’ll bring the hummus 🙂 )
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Being a Mom through the Storms #SickJustGotReal #AMomCanDream

The video and gift card have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.

The years just keep on passing by so quickly!  I just shared how Connor boy turned 6 years old.  It seems like yesterday he was an itty bitty baby and now he’s in school.  I’ve heard once they get in school time passes even quicker.

I remember those sleepless nights & Doctor visits so well 🙂

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As a first time Mom there are so many things that run through your brain.  “Am I doing this right?” “What do I do with this little human I just brought home from the hospital?”  

And the WORST feeling is when your baby gets sick.

I remember one night so vividly.  Connor was an infant and he had a super high fever and it wasn’t breaking.  I was so nervous and it was late at night.  Terence and I were pacing the house trying to figure out what to do.  We had given him medicine and a bath and tried to lower the fever…nothing was happening.  I called 911 because I was so scared and didn’t know what to do.

The lady on the phone began to yell at me and tell me “What kind of Mother lets her son get a fever that high?”  “You need to go to the ER” and she continued to tell me horrible things and judging me for something that I just wanted help with.  I felt helpless and angry after that phone call.  I just started to cry and pray that everything would be okay.

Who was she to judge me?  I was a scared first time Mom and all she did was scold me!

Obviously everything worked out, but the situation could have been so much easier if the lady would have just shown a little bit of patience with me.

As Moms we love our kids beyond all reason and there is nothing we won’t do for them.  Check out this site for tips and support, because when the sick gets real that’s exactly what you’ll need—->>> support and advice!

So they can grow up healthy, happy, and enjoy a full childhood 🙂

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Check out this super cute and funny video below.  If you’re a Mom I know you can relate!

Check out the video HERE  & follow along on the Facebook page.

Share your story…what’s your worst sick story???  

Leave a comment below & enter to win a $25 gift card from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare & Sick Just Got Real ™.