35th Birthday

I am a week into being 35.  The day after I got pulled over and got a speeding ticket- I hate this city we live in!  It’s notorious for cops and the ENTIRE city is 30 mph.  UGH.  Bye bye birthday money…. $$$ RIP.

For some reason I feel like an old fart.  Like, 30 didn’t seem too terrible, but for some reason 35 seems like I’m officially crossing the border of being “old”.  35 is half way to 40 aka a mid life crisis and you are now “high risk” if you ever want any more babies….I keep telling Terence this is IT….the door is closing and if you want more kids you better speak up!  I’m not even playing.  I think about it a lot and wonder if someday I’ll look back and wish we had more kids- and I probably will. So torn!

It all comes down to finances, lifestyle, and doing what we can for Connor….and we are incredibly indecisive.

I got to spend my 35th with none other than my other half and “womb mate” Bonnie 🙂

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Connor and I got to take our trip to Arkansas in this fabulous Mazda CX-5.  #drivemazda @mazdausa

I LOVED this car!  I’ve never really considered an SUV or a crossover before, but I like to be higher up off the road.  This car was perfect– including the in dash navigation system (because Lord knows I get lost finding my own socks), the lane sensors (every time I would get out of line it would buzz me and that was super cool.)  The security features were awesome too- like the backup camera and the cruise control speed sensor.   I felt incredibly safe while driving this car.  I felt like it protected ME!

I really WANT this car now 🙂

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My Mom, Dad, Nannie, Lindsey, and Aunt Karli came to my sister’s house and we all got to eat cake and visit.  I miss my family so much and get to see them way too little…..so these times are extra precious.  Of course Jarrett and Connor just adore seeing each other too!

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Thank you to my beloved family for the birthday celebration and to Mazda for getting us there safe and sound.  We had a great time and I’m counting down the days until our next visit.

What’s For Dinner with #DoorDashDFW

This post is sponsored my DoorDash.  All opinions are my own.

If there is one thing I hate doing every single day it’s trying to figure out “What’s for dinner?”

I avoid that question like the plague.  We’ve all had busy a busy day and of course my boys always want to know what we are having for dinner every night.  Well, girlfriend I got to take a night off and it was FABULOUS!

I ordered a French dinner from DoorDash.  You can use DoorDash by ordering from your computer, or downloading the DoorDash app on your phone.  It was super easy and in less than an hour I had dinner at my door from one of my favorite restaurants.

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I promptly got a confirmation on my phone that my dinner was on it’s way 🙂

 

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At DoorDash there is a selection of  80 restaurants in the DFW area. Simply choose a restaurant, choose the dishes you want and then sit back and relax – their system will route the order to the merchant and then select the most efficient driver to get you the food as quickly as possible.

With every purchase you can also collect DoorDash credits for your next meal. doordash1

Thank you DoorDash for making this Mama’s night and I was quite happy I didn’t have to worry about dinner and it was so EASY!

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I got a $2 reward towards my next purchase too 🙂 Holla!giftgrap

Use code: JAVAMAMA

for $5 off a $15 order, for first-time customers within the DFW delivery areas.

DoorDash Availability in Dallas-Fort Worth

  • Downtown Fort worth
  • Arlington Heights
  • Edgecliff Village
  • Everman & Kennedale
  • TCU Area
  • Western Hills / Ridglea
  • White Settlement
  • All of Arlington south of Hwy 30

DoorDash also serves Southlake and Colleyville, Flower Mound and Coppell, and Frisco and The Colony

TAZO® Chai Lattes at Home

This post was sponsored by Starbucks as part of an Influencer Activation. I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review. #SweetMeetsSpicy #ChaiLatte #KCup #ad #IC

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You all know I love my coffee…like I live for it.  When I was asked to try the new TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® I didn’t bat an eye.  OBVIOUSLY!   The new Sweet Meets Spicy Collection makes brewing your very own Chai Latte a breeze with your Keurig®.

I love TAZO® teas, it’s been so rainy and crazy this summer.  Nothing sounds better on a rainy day than a TAZO® Chai Latte.  The warm spices and a good book are all I need to make my day brighter 🙂

To make your own TAZO® Chai Latte using K-Cup® pods there are two steps:

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Step One:  Add the Vanilla Caramel Latte packet.

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Step Two:  Place the TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pod in your Keurig® and brew.

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I didn’t think it was possible to have a Chai Latte unless I visited the coffee shop.  Now I can enjoy the yummy taste of Chai in the comfort of my own home!  TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pods are made with milk, tea leaves and spices – including a creamy blend of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and vanilla flavor.

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Steeped in 5,000 years of Indian history, chai is a black tea blend that’s part sweet, part spicy, and totally unexpected.

TAZO® has partnered with New York Times Bestselling author and host Padma Lakshmi to celebrate the release of the new K-Cup® pods. Learn more at HERE.  Padma Lakshmi also developed recipes that pair with a cup of chai and you can find them by visiting HERE.

Find where to buy TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pods HERE.

Follow the TAZO® journey on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

I’m super excited about this and I’m kinda obsessed with my new Chai y’all!  What is your favorite way to unwind on a rainy day?  I can’t wait to curl up with another book and enjoy a Chai Latte.

Road Trippin with #PeterandtheWolfApp

This post is sponsored by MomSelect.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Connor and I just got home from a long road trip (short but sweet) to Arkansas and back! I turned 35 yesterday and my twin sister and I always enjoy spending our birthday together 🙂

I had the opportunity to drive a new Mazda CX-5 for my trip and y’all I am so in love with that car.  All the security features and bells and whistles made it so fun to road trip this time!  Thank you Drive Shop sooooo very much!  10314769_10154090831865125_3760512328367706791_n

If there is one thing that keeps me sane during a road trip it’s the iPad.  I know…I know…but seriously y’all.  Connor has such a better trip when he’s entertained and has something to do!  We downloaded the new Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood app and it was super cute! Connor really enjoyed it.  It was easy to follow along and he was very entertained!  I’d much rather him be listening to a book than playing a video game.  He’s learning how to read right now and loved following along with this story. This new, immersive storybook is available for iPhone and iPad.

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Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood is a revival of the classic Peter and the Wolf tale brought to you by acclaimed production company, Giants Are Small. This version brings Peter to Hollywood to meet his hippie grandfather while bringing classical music elements to life. Peter, along with all of the characters in the movie book, are narrated and brought to life by Rock n’ Roll legend, Alice Cooper. 

You can download the app HERE. You can follow along on  Facebook and Twitter too!

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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & 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:

No duplicate comments.

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

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

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4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

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

Be sure to visit the FLONASE® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by FLONASE® or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

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

Thermos Coffee #CoffeeConfessions

National Thermos Brand Day was May 19th and I got an exciting package in the mail.  I received a HUGE Thermos with piping hot coffee in the mail as part of the Overnight Coffee Challenge.

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CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

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Genuine Thermos Brand makes several products that keep coffee hot for hours. My coffee was still hot straight out of the mail!  Craziness I know…  Right now you can head to Twitter and share your #CoffeeConfessions stories. 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.

 

My Thermos kept my coffee fresh for 24 hours.  That’s hard to imagine, but it’s true!  I am the kind of person that walks in a room and I forget what I walked in there for.  Yeah…that’s me.   I’m glad my coffee stays warm and fresh, at least I don’t have to worry about my coffee getting cold.

This coffee is super fresh too.  It was packaged on 5/11 and sent out right away.  This is way fresher than you would get in the grocery store.

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So, what are you waiting for?  Share your #coffeecoffessions on Twitter today!