10 Years of Blogging: Then vs. Now

September 13, 2016

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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!!!

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Home Remodeling…and other Stuff

September 7, 2016

So, let’s play catch up shall we? A lot has been going on and I want to remember these things when I’m an old gray mare….so I shall blog about them 🙂

We closed on our house!!! Whoop! Whoop! It only took almost a year and a half, but it was worth the wait 🙂 The market here in DFW is crazy, so we feel like we won the house jackpot and the best part is Connor still gets to stay at his wonderful schools.

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We found a new ice cream place that freezes the ice cream on a hibachi type slab and rolls them up. It was fun to watch and Connor loved it! 14206046_856553344445349_8222023181738132229_o

My first friend in the new house, my bff Kelly 🙂 (Ignore the plastic EVERYWHERE!) 14207821_857193031048047_7843104448549306073_o

This was one of the funniest things I read all week. It’s sad but true, our generation has lost all sense of conversationalism. Something I truly enjoy, but am also guilty of being on my phone. If I’m alone, almost always on my phone…it’s a serious crutch. raqj636g9e69

We’ve got a bunch of remodeling going on at the new house and we are super excited to get moved in. It will be fun to share all the details with everyone as we go through the design process.

Here’s an example of what we are trying to do right now:

LIVING ROOM

And the chaos that ensues:

The entry way already looks a ton better with the faux brick gone. We are getting all new lighting from Savoy House. Lighting makes SUCH a big difference! I can’t wait to show you all the after photos!

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Connor had his first swim in the new pool. I posted some videos and things as we go through the remodel process on Facebook and Instagram if you want to follow!

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All the wood will be painted white.

The kitchen currently…

The dining room will be a very pretty dark grey from floor to ceiling. The color we chose is called “Peppercorn” from Sherwin Williams. We are changing out all the lighting to fit more to our liking. The former homeowners had a more “Tuscan” style.

Connor playing Legos in my new office. I’m so excited about this space! I really want a chalkboard wall…

The hall bathroom

Anyway, so that’s a bit of what has been going on. We are so thankful that God has provided us with the perfect home after a long year of searching! So so thankful. Connor boy started soccer again and seems to be enjoying the first grade. Except he brought home a book about snakes this week and I can hardly stand to open it! Yuck!

I’ll be attending the Megaphone conference next week and I’ll be sure to document all that fun too! I can’t wait to hang out with all my Arkansas peeps and one of my favorite bloggy friends Michelle 🙂 Yippee!

So, yeah a lot going on and some days I feel like this…but you know what it’s FALL and I’m ready to scarf it up and throw on some boots!

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Hang in there…the best is yet to come!

What’s Your Wrinkle Rating? #RoCWrinkleRanking

September 6, 2016

This post is sponsored by RoC® Skincare as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

Aging…it happens to the best of us. It happens to EVERYONE! No one is immune to the effects the environment has on our skin. Skin is the human body’s largest organ, that’s crazy right?

I want to do everything I can to protect my skin, because I only have one set of skin. When I was younger I used to tan in tanning beds and lay out in the sun religiously. You know what they say “I should have listened to my parents” or “I should have started taking care of my skin at a younger age”.

I turned 35 in May and I certainly don’t feel like a spring chicken anymore, but I know my skin still has a fighting chance. Thanks to a great skincare regimen including RoC^® RETINOL CORREXION products. RoC^® has been a leading French skincare brand for more than 50 years, devoted to developing anti-aging products that guarantee visible and lasting results for healthier skin.

Here is a look at the 2016 RoC^® Wrinkle Ranking. Fort Worth-Arlington is my area and we come in at #34 on the list. Not too shabby. Where do you see your city on the list? Is your wrinkle radar correct?

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So, I’ve been using the RoC^® RETINOL CORREXION products for a couple of weeks now and I have noticed my skin is smoother and softer.

I know that getting older is a gift and a blessing, but like I always say…nobody wants to see that blessing all over your face honey 🙂

My areas of concern (Raw and honest here- and makeup free!) :

In between my eyes…don’t think to hard or frown too much! Ha!

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The corners of my eyes aka “crows feet”

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The smile zone. I love to smile, but I don’t want a permanent crease where my smile belongs. Don’t forget about your neck either, so many people forget about their neck & it ages too!

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The RoC^®RETINOL CORREXION line utilizes retinol, that is pretty much the best ingredient for anti-aging. Retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles while improving skin tone and firmness. Because RoC^®Skincare understands that retinol is only truly effective in its purest and most stable form, all the RoC^® Brand retinol products are packaged in a special aluminum tube that protects retinol from light and air to keep it stable.

The RoC^® Retinol Correction Max Wrinkle Resurfacing System has two steps.

Anti-Wrinkle Treatment + Resurfacing Serum = happy, wrinkle free skin.

On a day to day basis keep your skin looking healthy with the RoC^® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer. I love this and use it before applying my makeup every morning along with the eye cream.

I know we can’t always control the elements around us and where we live, but we can do our best to fight against them. I’ll leave my skin in the hands of RoC^® Skincare, with over 50 years of experience, I think they know what they are doing.

Follow RoC^® Skincare on Facebook to learn more about anti-aging and what you can do to help your skin!

RoC^® Skincare products can be found at CVS & Target.

That Week I Drove a Swagger Wagon…and LOVED it!

August 29, 2016

Connor had his first week of FIRST GRADE last week people! Hold me…

To say we’ve been busy would be the understatement of the century. We are closing on our new home today!!! After a year and a half search we FINALLY found our home and I’m so excited to share with y’all. It’s going to take a lot of paint and love to make it ours, but I’m looking forward to that whole process.

Well, y’all we have definitely been riding in style lately. I got to test out the brand spanking new sparkly and shiny 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. This van definitely puts the “swag” in “swagger wagon“.

I grew up in a GMC Safari the size of the Titanic. You know the vans that looked like a tank. I wish I had a better picture of Big Blue…but this is her peeking out of the corner there 🙂

My Mom loved it because of the captain seats in the middle so my sister and I couldn’t touch each other or breath in each other’s direction…hence less fighting. She is also 6 feet tall, so she had extra leg room in the tank. Anyway….good times were had and I have to say I never saw myself owning anything related to a mini-van because they just seem so large and in charge. scn0062

Until a couple weeks ago when I drove the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Ahem…sleek, modern, and definitely not a tank.

I want to show you some of my favorite features.

Okay, so when I first got in the van I was like “How do I reverse?”

It’s on a KNOB people! No more stick shifts or gears…a beautiful little round knob that would make your iPhone jealous.

The security features, gadgets, and gizmos had me playing for a while. I absolutely love the media and radio apps.

Heated seats and a heated steering wheel to give you warm fuzzies in cold weather. We Texans thank you Chrysler for a VENTED (air-conditioned) seat option because Lord knows it’s 110 degrees outside 7 months out of the year.

There is plenty of room in here for 7 people. Let’s just take a look at the captain seats in the middle shall we? If you and your sibling can’t stand to be within 5 inches of each other there is your answer!

Ample sized cup holders for my Starbucks addiction & plenty of storage compartments. 🙂

I don’t know about you, but I’m the kind of gal that likes to know exactly how many miles I have left in my tank until I get to a gas station. Because sometimes I’m cutting it a little bit close. Also, see the lane change warning, and speedometer. Basically, the people at Chrysler care about you and want you to be SAFE!

Okay, now this is what my son freaked out over and cried about when we had to give this van back. TWO TVs. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica comes with the Uconnect^® Theater and as a Mom this is appreciated by both parties. I get to listen to my music and Connor gets to watch Star Wars to his heart’s content. It’s a win/win! Bring on the road trips!

Also, loved the hands-free power sliding doors. Because I only have two hands people!

Thank you so much Chrysler for our week in the Swagger Wagon dreams are made of, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. I would definitely be driving this van loud and proud. Let’s just say I’m quite happy the days of driving a tank are over.

I think we need more kids to fill this…

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Here is a Facebook Live video Connor and I did together. I wasn’t planning on posting it, but it does show a lot of great features. We literally JUST got this van and drove to Starbucks…so we were still exploring! Ha ha!

Looking for a new car, but have an old station wagon sitting in the garage? Check out Junk Car Medics & make some extra cash off that old set of wheels!

I hope you enjoy it or at least have fun laughing at us and my frazzled state…

It’s Pizza Night!

August 25, 2016

School began this week and that relaxed spell we were in all summer just went *poof*!

I feel like this week has been nothing but go, go, go! The last thing on my mind when I get home from work is a “What’s for dinner Mom?” Needless to say that usually falls on me anyway, and I am always looking for yummy, and easy meals to make.

One of our favorite things to make is a homemade pizza. It’s so easy, and usually takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook. Connor usually helps me pick toppings and it’s something we can do together after school on a weeknight.

Here’s our favorite pizza:

We use Mezzetta Authentic Pizza Sauce. The sauce is light and fresh, and is a great base for our pizza. When it comes to Mezzetta’s Marinara, they know the best tomatoes are grown in the sun-drenched soils of the San Marzano region of Italy – so that is where they source every single tomato for their ultra-premium Marinaras.

This fall, Mezzetta is celebrating their food sourcing adventures: They’ll tell you the stories of their sauces – how they source ingredients from California to Europe, how they create the sauces (hint: incredible ingredients from truffles to chilies!), and all the ways anyone can experiment with the sauces in the kitchen.

Add the Mezzetta pizza sauce:

Add your toppings and enjoy!

Mezzetta wants you to Discover Italy and is giving away their biggest prize yet!

An all-expenses paid trip: Insight Vacation’s Country Roads Puglia & Neapolitan Riviera Tour – a 10 day tour PLUS a bonus day for touring a tomato farm in San Marzano. This Italian adventure includes round-trip coach air transportation for 2, hotel accommodations, a cooking class, and the farm tour.

ENTER HERE

About the Mezzetta’s Explore Italy Sweepstakes: One (1) Grand Prize Winning Entry will be selected. The Grand Prize consists of a trip for Winner and one (1) Guest to attend culinary experiences (cooking class and farm tour) in the San Marzano region of Italy and explore other cities of Italy. The Grand Prize trip consists of the round trip coach air transportation between the major commercial airport nearest winner’s residence and Rome, Italy, the culinary experience and tour of Italy.

School Lunch with Pearls Olives-To-Go

August 22, 2016

This post is sponsored by Pearl’s Olives to Go. All opinions are my own.

Oh my gosh school starts TOMORROW people!

I’m over here like…

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I pack Connor’s lunch for school every single day. He’s gotten a lot better since Kindergarten, but he has always been a picky eater. Then again, sometimes I’m surprised what he likes. A lot of days it’s the same thing over and over again…so we like to switch up our routine with something different every now and then.

Last year we tried Pearls Olives-To-Go and they are soooooo great for school lunches people! There is no pitting, stuffing, or chopping. That adds extra time to my mornings and allows me to spend time on more important things. (Like maybe an extra 5 minutes of sleep! Ha ha!)

There are four different Pearls Olives-To-Go varieties to choose from.

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Packing lunches is so easy & I know Connor is getting a fresh fruit in his lunch!

We are so excited for first grade tomorrow and thank you for a yummy lunch Pearls Olives-To-Go!

Enter to win the Pearls Facebook sweepstakes:

#BetterWithPearls Mini Moments, where you can enter to win a weekly prize pack or the grand prize, a Mega Moment prize pack valued at $1,000. The sweepstakes runs from 8/15-9/9/16.

ENTER HERE

Our Week with Zippy #DriveMazda

August 19, 2016

We had another opportunity to try out a car a couple of weeks ago. It was the Mazda CX-3 in a sparkly blue finish. She was a beauty and I named her “Zippy”! It’s fun to name cars… because honestly I talk to mine all the time! Ha ha! 13975498_842811609152856_8465715733679036090_o

I had a blast driving Zippy around for a week. She had all the latest and greatest gadgets. I was able to fit all of my camera gear in there and all in all it was just a FUN car!

The interior was decked out with all the safety features and let me just say it was super stylish. I loved the leather and trim.

This pop-up navigation and satellite control radio feature was probably my favorite. I have decided I need a backup camera in my life. When I got back into my normal car I missed it so much! Also, the center armrest was a great feature because I like to rest my arm while driving. So comfy!

Plenty of room for Connor in the back and all of my stuff too! Zippy, aka my Mazda CX-3, was so easy to park and get in and out of places because the size is just perfect.

Thank you #DriveMazda for a fun week with Zippy! I would HIGHLY recommend this vehicle if you are off to college- in my mind this would be perfect for a college student and would fit all their stuff. It has awesome gas mileage and is just an all-over reliable car.

Terence and I drove the CX-3 on our 15 year anniversary date to dinner and the movies. 🙂

Aren’t these flowers so pretty that my honey sent me? I love you babe, and thank you for 15 beautiful years. And thank you to DriveShop for making our weekend extra special!