Cheers to New Challenges

One thing I've always enjoyed doing, is taking pictures. I love capturing moments and being able to bring emotions and memories onto film. I never find myself with enough time to do it as often as I would like. It's really no secret that I adore taking Hunter's monthly photos, I just like being behind a lens. 

I'm going to start trying to make more time for the things I'm passionate about. I have friends who are having babies or getting married and I have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in this hobby and maybe one day earn money from it. I'm going to put myself out there and start learning more about editing, posing, lighting, how to use my camera better, asking to capture special events free of charge, shadowing other photographers, etc. Here is to new challenges and doing what I love! 

[Home Dream Board] Master Bathroom

Oh, bathrooms. There is just something about them that I love. That sounds kind of weird considering you, well you know. Decorating them is fun because you can go with so many color schemes. What color shower curtain should I have? Towels with patterns or not? Will this cabinet make the room look smaller? Who knew there could be so many factors to a bathroom. Here are some of my favorite master bathroom ideas!

I've taken all these pictures from various places off pinterest. I don't claim to own any of them. If you see a picture that you own, PLEASE tell me in the comments so I can give you proper credit. Thank you. 

I much prefer two sinks but I love the color combo here. It's got all shades here from
light to dark! And love the tiled wall.

It may be totally redundant of me, but I love ocean themed bathrooms.
That floor is also to die for!

The center vanity, tiled wall, fresh flowers, in-wall faucet, framed mirrors,
is there anything more perfect!?

Again with the light and dark, I love it. I also love the lights in the shelving,
and the storage baskets. 

So fresh and clean looking. I think framed mirrors are the best kind of mirrors.

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Beauty Wish List

I failed again to post yesterday. I don't have any excuse besides the fact that I was exhausted and just went to sleep when Hunter did.

Today I would like to share with you my beauty wish list. These are things I want so badly, but really don't have the money to spend on them, or in reality my husband would kill me if I spent $40 on a highlight... So let's begin with that.

Champagne Pop
$38

Champagne pop. I want this in my life so bad. This is Jaclyn Hill's creation with Becca Cosmetics. It is so beautiful. If you've seen any photos, snaps (yes I follow her on snapchat), or videos with her wearing this, you see where I'm coming from. It's beautiful. It's justifiable to spend the money because it's limited edition, right?

Urban Decay Naked Smoky
$54

I have a love affair with smoky eyes. They are my favorite thing ever. I think they really make your eyes look so intensified. I would die for this palette. I have the original Naked, and have wanted to try the others. But now that this is out, I have to have it. HAVE TO. Thank my lucky stars this isn't limited edition, I'll be asking for it for my b-day. T-Minus 4 months...

Lush's Ocean Salt
$21.95-35.95

I've only tried a couple Lush products. A couple bath bombs, a face mask, and a sample size of shaving cream. I've heard so many people love Ocean Salt and I want to try it really bad. I love a good scrub that leaves my skin feeling smooth. I think a Lush gift card may also be a birthday request? 

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse
$44

I'm a total white girl. I'm actually as pale as a ghost, no joke. I rarely go out in the sun because I burn really easily, and very badly. Plus I'm terrified to get skin cancer. So I'm thinking self-tanner is my best bet to ever being a glowing golden goddess. I've heard people rave about this stuff and would love to give it a try. 

Sephora Pink Brush Set
$68

Last but not least, I would love a new set of brushes. My kabuki brush literally fell out of the handle today. I've had them for so many years, and I would love a new set. I mostly want these brushes because, hello, they're pink and adorable. But, I also want them because they are high quality and a good price for the set. 

Anybody have a spare $250 they wanna share?!

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Summer Polish

I'm kind of disappointed in myself. I did not blog yesterday, but I guess for good reason. I get home at 7:30 every night after work, so I'm home late. I sometimes have to force open my laptop. Yesterday on the other hand, I had a horrible eye migraine. Yes, an eye migraine. I was blind. Everything was blurry. I couldn't read anything, I couldn't see anything, so naturally I couldn't write anything either. I get those occasionally and they are really annoying. Anyway, I apologize for the lack of post, and I hope it won't happen again this month.

Today I have a post about nail polish. Because, I'm one of those people that have to have my nails painted 24/7. I do not like naked nails. I got my nails professionally done for almost 3 years straight, but they really aren't the best investment, so I decided to save the money and just paint my nails instead. I can't do anything fancy, but that's okay. I've recently found a nail polish that I'm obsessed with. Everybody who is anybody knows it and loves it. Mint candy apple ring a bell anyone?  That's right, Essie. I'm not being sponsored or paid to write this post, I literally just love this brand of polish.


I apologize for the horrible quality of images below. They were taken with my phone camera and at 9 o'clock at night. AKA no sunlight or quality. Boo. 

Someday, I hope to have every color. Not even joking! Here are some of my favorite colors for this summer! Starting from left to right.

a cut above: This is a chunky pink glitter. I love it over the top of Blanc or Muchi Muchi.

play date: A really nice purple shade. Nice for a night look because it's a little darker, but still a summer shade.

bikini so teeny: Isn't that name adorable!? This has been one of my go-to shades lately. It's a light blue, and super beautiful on fair or dark skin tones!

mint candy apple: I love this shade, I'm not sure why the hype is SO big on it, but it's still a great color!

enuf is enuf: I actually accidentally bought two of this color... So it goes to show how much I was drawn to it! Even though it shows up orange in the pictures it's actually a dark coral.

muchi muchi: A pale pink that is so girly and nice! I love love love this shade.

blanc: I recently picked up this white polish, and I have to say, I LOVE IT. I think white polish makes a very pale person (me...) look tanner.

gel setter topcoat: I absolutely love this stuff. It makes any polish gel, without using a light. At first I wasn't convinced but when I tried it I was literally able to peel the polish off like gel polish!

sinful colors queen of beauty: Obviously not Essie brand, but I love this glitter. It's perfect for a glitter ombre nail. I can't get enough glitter, I always wear it. I may have a problem.

What are your favorite Essie colors? Let me know! I may just have to get them!

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Blogging Goals: 2015

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I have had this little 'ol blog of mine for a couple years, and it's time I start taking it a little more seriously. I have put together a few obtainable goals that I would like to accomplish in the last half of the year.

• Increase readership: In order to do this, I have to put myself out there. I need to spend time visiting other blogs, commenting, sharing, and doing other things to increase visitors to my page. I'm not looking to be a 'popular' blogger, I'm really just looking for an online community for myself. 
• Comment more: I want to spend at least an hour a week reading other people's blogs and commenting on posts. This can be one night where I sit for an hour, or ten minutes for six days, whatever is necessary in my busy schedule. I want to connect with people and make friendships! Plus, it's a good way to get noticed and increase traffic like I'm wanting!
• Complete 'Julog' and post at least 4 times a week after: I have a hard time coming up with ideas, but I think the more I write, the easier it will be to get in a groove. I'm 14 days into 'Julog' (blogging everyday in July) and I have to say I'm fairly proud of myself. I'm half way through the month almost! 
• Try vlogging: I love watching vlogs/videos on youtube. I think it would be a lot of fun to do those as well. I'm challenging myself to do my July favorites in a video. This will also be fun for me to play around with iMovie and editing! 
• Get 100 followers on bloglovin: I know it doesn't seem like much to most, but it would make me so happy! This will be the most challenging for me since it's something I can't control myself. I can't make someone click follow. I just have to do my part and hope that people like what I have to say, and want to follow along! 

Those are my five 2015 blogging goals. I'm going to try my hardest to accomplish them! If you need a guest post any time or have any tips for my ultimate goal (100 followers) then let me know in the comments! 

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Dear Hunter // Six Months

You're a half a year old. I can't even believe how fast it has gone. It honestly feels like just yesterday that you were being handed to me by your daddy in the hospital, and now I already have some of your first birthday planned. I was looking at you today and I can't even imagine you being that small anymore. It's safe to say that you light up everyone's world. Everyone who meets you, you put a smile on their face. Hunter, you're such a special little boy, and loved so deeply by everyone who knows you. Everyday your personality develops more and more.

You've learned to roll both ways now and you're far too mobile for my liking. I have to keep a constant eye on you. You are back crawling like crazy, pretty soon you'll be cruising in the right direction. You roll, scoot, and push yourself all over the place. It's so fun to watch, yet so bittersweet. On the 4th of July you cut your first tooth, and I think we're in for a second one here soon since you've been ever so cranky these passed couple days.

You are sitting up so well by yourself now and you really enjoy sitting in the bathtub and playing with your toys in there. I still have to hang on to you lightly because your balance could be better, but for the most part you've become very independent. You're starting to reach for me now when you want picked up or for me to take you. It literally makes my heart flutter seeing that. Nothing is safe around you because you're so curious and grabbing everything you see. You just want to explore everything. You love animals already and reach for the dogs all the time. We want to take you to the aquarium soon, I really think you'll enjoy that.

I've been doing some research on baby led weaning and have been considering this a good option since you reach and open your mouth for anything I am eating. It's pretty adorable, I know you won't be very picky because you like lemons! We gave you a lemon to try at dinner, and you didn't even really make a sour face!

You are absolutely growing like a little weed. You are pretty much barely squeezing in to your 9 month sleepers and shorts, we're going to have to buy you 12 month very soon! And you're wearing 9 month onsies and shirts okay, but also fit well in 12 month. It's insanity how fast you're growing out of things. For being such a fit baby, you are just big everywhere! Yet not chubby, it surely is the weirdest thing. You are wearing size 4 diapers, still drinking 7 oz every 4 hours and waking up once a night to eat. Your appointment is in a week where you'll be weighed and get your booster shots. I will update this after I know your new height and weight.

We've been co-sleeping together all this time, and I think it's time for you to move to your own bed. It is going to be just as hard for me to adjust to this since I love cuddling you and bonding with you. Sleep training will start very soon to get you to sleep in the crib in our room. You won't move into your own room until you stop waking up at night to eat and I feel comfortable enough to let you go. Which may take awhile.

LOVES // rolling over, bath time and being in the water in general, stroller rides, playing with toys, and touching faces.

HATES // being swaddled now, sleeping alone, teething, car rides when you're tired (if you have your binky in you'll usually fall asleep. Sometimes I have to hold your hand until you do).

I'm cherishing each moment with you because every day you're getting older and more independent. I love you Hunter, with all of my being. You are the apple of my eye, and the reason for my existence.

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[Home Dream Board] Kitchen

For a kitchen I can't decide on if I like dark cabinets or white cabinets better. I have the same dilemma with my master bedroom dream board but on this one, I actually can't decide! Both have such great and classic looks to them. I like the dark because it gives a kitchen a very modern feel, but at the same time, I feel like the white gives it a more "homey" feel. When I imagine my kids coming into the kitchen for breakfast, I picture a white kitchen with pops of color. So here are some of my favorite kitchen ideas. 

I've taken all these pictures from various places off pinterest. I don't claim to own any of them.

That little bookshelf on the end for cookbooks is such a good idea. 

I love the dark cabinets here with the white walls and light counter tops. 

A built in breakfast bar in the island is a total must. 

Wood floors? YES PLEASE. And, look at that back splash and sink! 

The lights are so cute, and I love all the plants. 

SO many cabinets and drawers. I love it. I would also really enjoy an oven built
into the wall like that, but would super love a double oven!

What are some of your favorite details for your dream kitchen?

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Nostalgia

I had just laid down in my bed and remembered I had not written a blog post for today. I had a discussion with myself on whether or not I really wanted to write a post. I promised myself though that I would blog everyday in July, so I pushed myself off the bed and grabbed my laptop. Then I realized I wasn't exactly sure what to write about. I was going through my Facebook pictures earlier today and I have a hidden album full of all these old pictures, so today I'm going to share with you some pictures of my young self. This post is mostly for me to look back on, but I hope you'll enjoy it too! (Now, these pictures are scans of pictures from the 90's... Don't be expecting no high quality images here people. HA!)

Me and my daddy.

My mom and dad. 

A couple days old here. YES, I was born with black hair but eventually it turned blonde.

Nappin'. 

Eating some cake. 

We L-O-V-E napping. It runs in the family obviously. Me and my sister. 

The first day we got our husky Apollo.

My mom looking like she didn't just have a 10 lb baby. Lucky. 

"I like dis hair."

Happy first birthday to me!

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5 On Friday

Yesterday I did a "5 things" post, but what they hey, I'm linking up this week for the 5 on Friday. So here we go!

One // Meet Ziggy, our newest addition to the family. For someone who rolls my eyes at people for having fish in bowls, I am a walking contradictory with this guy. I have him in a vase with a piece of bamboo. But, he's making a bubble nest, so he's finding it satisfactory enough. Have you ever read about these little guys? Betta fish are pretty amazing. They are native to Southeast Asia. They are a labyrinth fish, so basically they can breathe both actual air and through their gills in the water. That's what makes them so adaptable to living in small spaces. As long as they stay wet they will live. They can essentially survive in a shallow puddle. A lot of people complain that these guys will try and jump out of bowls and that's because in their natural habitat they will jump out of puddles and flop to the next one in order to survive and find bigger water. Sorry for nerding out but these guys are so cool! And, it's also a myth that they cannot be mixed with other fish. If you have a large tank (we're talking 15+ gallons here) they usually get along with other small community fish. Male bettas just do not get along with their own species and will fight. Female bettas on the other hand can be put in with other female bettas. They call it a sorority. How cute! 

Two // We are currently trying to crib train our little man. We are slowly introducing him to his pack n play we have in the master bedroom and then once he stops waking up at night and is okay with being alone, we will move him to his own room. It's going to be hard on both me and him because I've grown to love the bonding time we have cuddling at night. I am a sucker for sweet babe cuddles. 

Three // This stuff is to die for! Oh my goodness. They had so many different kinds of jelly too. They had Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Rootbeer jelly. WHAT!? This jelly is seriously my favorite jelly ever. It's delicious on toast and the best thing to do with it is put it on cream cheese and eat with crackers. Be still, my (artery clogged) beating heart. 

Four // Hunter just cut his first tooth this passed week! He was such a grump and we could feel a tiny part of the tooth but now you can actually see the whole dang thing! It's surreal how fast he's grown. I can't even believe it. And, the crazy thing is, I think he has another tooth coming in... SLOW DOWN PLEASE. 

Five // Speaking of how fast he's growing, he'll be six months old on Monday. SIX. MONTHS. OLD.  It is so bittersweet. He's become so so fun these passed few weeks. He's so interactive, and loves animals (seen above when Sarge was playing with baby during bath time), and his personality is developing so much. I love it. Is it too soon to be planning his first birthday? I think not.. I've already started to pin so many things for it. It will be Monsters Inc./University themed. I'm far too excited for it. 

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5 DIY's I Want To Do

I love everything DIY. I wish I had a crafty bone in my body, but I literally have not one ounce of creativity in me. So I rely on other people's ideas usually and go off of them. There are some DIY's I've definitely had my eye on really wanting to do. Anything mason jar and/or pallets are on my to do list. But, here are 5 things I hope to accomplish in the near future.

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(this can be purchased from the etsy store listed, although this would be easy to make!)

 How pretty is this sign!? I think it would add a touch of rustic feel to any living space. I love the yellow with the dark stained wood, but you could always do the heart to match whatever color scheme you have going on in the room of your choosing. Definitely a piece that adds a ton of character and could be easily duplicated.

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 I am seriously in LOVE with this headboard. I've convinced Tom that we need to build our own headboard, and I'm definitely thinking I want this one! It is so cute and charming. The reading lights above are so adorable. With the color of the wood, you could do so many different colors too. Really anything would look good. I'm definitely thinking an olive color or yellow (like the pillow pictured) would be beautiful!

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 This is something I've told Tom I really want to do. My idea would be to stain the glass or paint and instead of using the pump the soap bottle comes with, purchase a much nicer one to put on top. And, of course make a toothbrush holder, drinking cup, cotton ball cup, q-tip cup, flower vase, the list could go on and on. A matching bathroom set is pretty much what I'm going for here! It will happen!

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 This would be such a fun and cost effective DIY. Instead of buying a tv stand that are now-a-days going for hundreds of dollars, you can make your own! Go to a thrift store and find an old dresser with tons of potential, paint that sucker, and slap some new knobs on there! And, just like that you've got a one-of-a-kind tv stand with lots of room for movies, game consoles, and more!

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How beautiful are these pillows!? I would LOVE to do this in the spring time to add some freshness to a living room couch. I'm thinking when we buy a house, I would love to have a grey couch, and these would definitely spice up the neutral! Plus, they would be a lot of fun to make. 

So there are 5 DIY's I want to do! What are some DIY's you would love to do or that you have done and loved?! Let me know in the comments below.

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25 Facts About Me

I've had a few new viewers pop in and I thought since I'm blogging everyday in July this year, I would give you some random facts about myself. Plus, I love reading about people, so I thought this would be fun to do. Even though it's been very hard for me coming up with these... 25 facts about me!

1. I have a very hard time not buying water bottles/tumbler cups every time I go to the store and see one. I'm obsessed.

2. I clean when I'm stressed or upset. 

3. I love the water and swimming, but it also really freaks me out not knowing what's underneath. 

4. I love to travel, but rarely get to. 

5. I feel guilty spending money on myself and would much rather buy my son new things. 

6. I would love to go to school to become a vet tech, and I work with animals of all kinds at my current job. Yet, I'm slightly allergic to pretty much anything with fur. 

7. Fall is my favorite season. Totally basic of me. But, I really can't stand summer, and fall is the perfect temperature.

8. Fettuccine Alfredo is my favorite food.

9. My favorite scent is pretty much apple anything. 

10. I never pictured myself being a mom. I always told other people I wanted kids but was never sure. (I really don't like other people's kids usually) Now I can't imagine my life without my son. 

11. I have zero talents. I can't sing, dance, draw, absolutely nothing. 

12. I used to hate roller coasters but now I love them.

13. I've only been to 6 other states. (8 including airplane stops)

14. Leopard is a neutral and my favorite color.

15. I prefer salty over sweet.

16. I've always wanted to dye my hair darker but am afraid I will hate it.

17. If Halloweentown was a real place I would live there. 

18. I don't get excited about my birthday like most people. My husband is the exact opposite and thinks his should be a national holiday. We celebrate it for like a week, I swear.

19. I love ALL animals. Reptiles have a special place in my heart.

20. I am 5'11''

21. I have only lived in one other state and it was for only about a year. It was Washington.

22. I got chased by a crab, stepped on a fish in the ocean, and missed the first day at a new school because we got stuck in Florida during Hurricane Charlie. 

23. The hardest year of my life was last year (2014) when my mom got diagnosed with cancer, my husband was out of a job for a couple months, I got in a bad car accident, and we got surprised by my totally unplanned pregnancy we weren't prepared for. 

24. I don't like the feel of friction on my finger tips. Basically what I mean is, it freaks me out to rub something for more than like 10 seconds because it starts to feel like my finger is going raw..(?) It literally makes me want to gag. It's really weird and hard to explain. 

25. I am VERY allergic to cats. Like itchy throat, watery eyes, THROAT CLOSES AND I CAN'T BREATHE allergic. 

If you read all of that, I'm impressed with your patience! Tell me in the comments some totally random useless facts about you like I did! Or even better, write your own 25 Facts About You and link it in the comments so I can read it. Happy Hump Day! 

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Snacks and 'Flix

Like many people I find myself obsessed with shows on Netflix. I don't have much else to do on my lunch breaks so I watch Netflix. I get too into shows, and when they end I am so emotionally involved in the characters I just about have a breakdown. Yep. I'm one of those. Here are some of my favorite shows that I'm currently watching or have watched and would highly recommend for you!

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Pretty Little Liars

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm a PLL fanatic. I started watching it on Netflix and have continued to watch the new seasons on television. (NEW EPISODE ON TONIGHT! SQUEAL) I love the suspense in it, and I admit it has gone on for a long time without finding out who 'A' is, but I still really enjoy it. I'll actually be sad when it's over. If you like the typical girly show and suspense, you'll totally be hooked on this one. 

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Grey's Anatomy

Oh the feels this show gives me. I'm just now starting the last season that got added to Netflix a couple week's ago. It has been awhile since I had watched it since I was too late in watching the latest season on tv and had to wait. This show defines drama but it is SO good. I have literally cried at more episodes than I would like to admit. 

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Private Practice

Private Practice is closely related to Grey's Anatomy. It follows the life of Dr. Shepherd's wife who moves to L.A. to a different practice. It is a really good show as well and I recommend watching it if you love anything medical and Grey's Anatomy. 

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Young and Hungry

I LOVE this show. It only has two seasons now on Netflix and they haven't signed for a third season yet, which they need to do right NOW. It's hilarious and definitely made for adults so don't watch it with your teens or anything because there can be some crude humor. It is the perfect comedy show to watch. 

That's it for this installment of 'Snacks and 'Flix'. Is there anything you guys love to watch on Netflix?  

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