#abettermein2018

Before the new year, I sat down and thought a lot about my family, friendships and my future.  For a long time I have been in a "rut" unsure of who I was, what I should do with my life, where my marriage was headed etc. etc. In 2016 & 2017 life threw several curve balls my way and after sometime I had slowly reclused into someone that I did not know and did not like.  There were lots of compensating factors for this, I had developed unhealthy friendships and routines, my marriage was on the brink of divorce and a very close friend passed away 4 days before his 39th birthday.  I knew that I needed a change but really didn't know where to start. 

So Bob and I started discussing how I could ease back into the workforce and still take care of my responsibilities with the kiddos.  I didn't want to go back to a 9-5 job with a boss and considering my kids are still young I also didn't want to miss out on participating in their school events.  Quickly we came to the conclusion that Real Estate would be a great fit for me.  I love meeting new people, I am great at finding solutions to problems and I get to be my own boss.  If you know me well then you know I have always had a passion for real estate and all things beauty related.  I consistently stay on top of new developments in the area and all the newest trends.  Starting a career in the real estate business just made sense and would be an extension of something I am already doing on an ongoing basis.  At the end of January I enrolled in Real Estate School and started taking classes online.  I quickly learned that if I wanted to be successful in this business I need to get in the classroom and get some hands on experience. 

By the end of February, I was taking weekend classes while the hubby took care of the kiddos.  This was such a nice trade off from being a SAHM for the last 6 1/2 years.  Don't get me wrong I love my children but I had put so much focus on them and taking care of the home, I wasn't taking care of myself properly.  This also developed a new-found thankfulness and grateful attitude for my husband, considering he had to be mom and dad on the weekends while I was in class.  Things really started changing for the better, everyone was actually excited to see and be around mom. I had gotten rid of the toxic people in my life, I started eating better and working out again.  My kids praised the fact that mom was going to school and that they were very proud of me.  This is my motivation and words can not describe how thankful I am for making these changes to my life.  

Fast Forward to today, my marriage is back on track.  I have started a new career. My husband and children appreciate me more (well sometimes).  Most of all, I am staying focused on those goals I set at the beginning of the year.  It is not easy but I want to set a good example for my children and strive to be a better person each day.  This morning I was at a networking event on how to build your brand and I received my approval letter from the Texas Real Estate Commission to take my test to become licensed.  So FREAKING EXCITED!!!! My plan is getting even closer to coming to life and I cant believe it is happening so fast.  One of my goals this year is to do more blogging about my family, my career and of course all things beauty related. Thanks for checking out my page and stay tuned for more of #abettermein2018

Top 10 Beauty Must Haves

Here a few of my favs trending right now - Especially with summer around the corner!

1. CeraVe - I use the face wash, moisturizer and eye cream.  As far as $$ goes I think its the best bang for your buck.  I have tried all types from cheap to expensive and I find myself always going back to these products for my skin care. 

CeraVe can be found at your local drug store, Target, Walmart etc....

2. E.L.F. Eyebrow kit - these days i draw mine in for a more chiseled look and i am in love with this little kit. Pretty sure I got this at Target for like $3.00. 

3. Burts Bees Lip Balm 

4. Tanwise Self Tanner - Summer is just around the corner and I am ready for the sunshine but until it gets a little nicer I use this tanner. The moose goes on super easy with a glove and doesn't turn me orange and I like the face gel to!

I get this from Sally Beauty Supply or you can click here

5. Tinted Moisturizer - Right now I really love this one from Benefit but I also use Laura Mercier and Pur Minerals

These can all be found at Sephora or Ulta - Tinited Moisturizers are great for your skin and they can add a little color and conceal without feeling like you have a ton of makeup on! 

6. Primal Pit Paste - Order here!

I really really love this deodorant.  I find that it lasts longer than anything you can buy OTC and I recommend to start with the unscented or light.  I had an irritation to this product when I first started using it under my under arms but after trying several products to fit my needs.  I have been in love.

7. NYX Lip Color - They are great dupes for Mac without the price tag!! Target now carries NYX and ELF!

Istanbul is my fav.  Add a little concealer to your lips and that helps the color go on smoother and last longer! 

8. Kirklands Face Wipes - $11.99 and they last forever! 

9. Laura Geller Glam Lash Mascara - $24

can be found at Ulta & Sephora

10. Express Smile Atlanta- At home teeth whitening kit!  Come with trays you can mold to fit your teeth, two whitening gel tubes and a small uv light to activate.  Super easy to use

You can order here! 

Best $35 buck spent lately and once you enter your email information you get a 15% coupon!

Playing Catchup

Wow. Its been a long time since I have been on here!  Thats okay all good things grow better with time or something like that. lol.

There are so many AMAZING things going on in my life right now and I feel like the clock has sped up times ten.  Could be the fact that Stella turned 3 months 2 days ago or the fact that its already March or that Sam is 3 1/2 and I will be 33 next month....etc....you see where I am going with this.  Like I said there is so much going on so fast that if I don't sit down and take a min to write about it, Im afraid I'm not going to remember it.  Any the thought of that just kills me because I am enjoying being a mom right now so much that I could cry you a bucket of tears on the spot.  Not Kidding.

Having Stella has made me feel whole and she is such a blessing for our family.  Sammy is very smitten with her, almost to much at times, but very attentive.  He will go and get a diaper and wipes to help me out when she has a dirty diaper. If she is crying or needs her binky he is the first one to pipe up "Babys cryin".  And well Bobby loves coming home to kiss his girls.  He says all the time how he is dying for her to be a little bit bigger so that he can interact with her more and cant wait to do lots of daddy/daughter stuff with her.  Me on the other hand.  Im enjoying every min with this little girl and I want it to SLOW DOWN!

Stella at 3 months (can't find my dang monthly stickers :/ )

I know I biased but isn't she just the most beautiful baby girl you've ever seen!! She is smiling and cooing and stealing my heart all at once. 23 inches long and a whooping 10 lbs 3 oz.  She raises her head and shoulders when on her tummy and responds well to bright colors, sounds and lights.  She loves to be held but will also be content in the Mommaroo for any given length of time. mostly.

I would say she sleeps about 7:30pm-7am waking twice a night at 2am & 5am. I'm not gonna complain with Sam i barely got any sleep at night till he was about 9 months! Naptime with her is not bad: one early morning nap, a late morning, after lunch, late afternoon then bedtime between 7-8. Pretty sweet!

Checking herself out in the mirror

Here she is month 1 & 2!

Sammy is knee deep in the middle of his three-nager year.  Testing every boundary constantly which is completely exhausting and drives me crazy.  There have been more frequent not-so-proud parent moments in the past couple of months but we are all learning and most days I think things are pretty good.  He sure has blossomed into this little talking inquisitive precocious little boy.  Always smiling,     asking questions about his surroundings.  No matter what we are doing it is so funny to watch him take over a crowd of people and be the complete center of attention.  My dad always tells me how much he is like me. Thanks Dad, if you are referring to my teenage years as a drama major and performing plays in front of an audience for applause then awesome and if not oh well. :) You have been telling me this all my life and it has been true of Sammy "From the day you started walking I have been chasing you every since!" This quote makes me smile and on the other hand scares me to no end.  I remember me as a child which means Im in for it and should throw the towel in now while I'm ahead. lol. jk. I hope.

This weekend is Sam's First soccer game, should be pretty interesting considering during practices there has been more complaining, stick fighting and crying than soccer.  But hey they are 3. His cousin Bryson and Sammy are on the same team so we are looking forward to it!  Go Yellow Jackets!

Other than that, Bobby and I are doing well.  I started back at the gym this week and all was good there.  I am going to be very strict this time. Meal prep & planning, special training, whatever it takes! I want to set a good example for my kids by being healthy and also wear a two piece bikini with confidence. Maybe thats a little much for this summer but you catch my drift!

Here are a few more pics from the last couple weeks!

We took dad to Steak & Shake and Legoland for his birthday!

me and sis hanging while the guys play

my sweet babies

A little stockyards action with papa for spring break

And then yesterday we hung with Jess, Hunter and Harper! 

Time for a change

Big changes coming tmrw!  Cant wait to launch my new blog and hope to keep it going as long as I can!

This is for the birds

2weeks ago today my husband, Sam and i woke up with a cold by the following Friday bob was at the doc. Sam and i were mild stuffy noses no biggie. I had a nasty cough. And such i will leave out the gross part.
Now for bob, Which if you know Bob it means he feels like he is going to die before he will ever consider going to the doc. He never takes pills for headaches or muscle pain....nothing! So this was a big deal. He had not been sleeping and was a snoty mess! Yuck...he got some strong meds and such.
Then a day or so goes by and I am sicker. Go figure. We survive the weekend only to all be snot faces by Wednesday things were looking good. I went to help my mom with her job wed afternoon and the plan for all day Thursday and then pick up Sam from my dads thursday evening. thursday morning, My dad calls to say Sam cut his ear and they r taking him to urgent care for a couple of stitches. He is doing fine, i left my moms in granbury to pick him up early in Southlake. Which by the way are 74 miles apart, REALLY? By the time I get him home he is ready to play. Such a trooper.
This little boy is growing so fast!! I guess he is either going to be a clumsy like his momma or a rough and tough little boy! Oh my gaaaa.

So, Can this week get any worse? Yes it can! Friday bob and i wake up sicker than dogs, i went to doc while bob stayed home and then he went to doc and then we all slept all day and watched movies! so sick of being sick. well, By Sunday we r back to urgent care because Sam was running 103-104 temp and was so miserable. Poor baby. He tested positive for the flu and has been a sick little man ever since. I feel so bad for him, his little face is so red cause of wiping his nose so much and he just can't get comfy anywhere except for on mommas lap! Which has been ok with me. I feel terrible for him and would take away his pain if I could but I sure am enjoying this cuddle time. Plus it snowed today and its been nice to be indoors and relax and play with my son!! These days I am lucky I stay at home with my baby. As he will not always be a baby but will always be my baby!!! ;).

Being sick is for the birds. I am ready to be a healthy happy household again!

Stroller Strides White Elephant Party

Last night I hosted a White Elephant Christmas Party for my stroller stride group.  It was potluck style and we had such a blast!!  Love these ladies!!  Check it out!!


First I will start with the best one of all!
Jennifer Manley insisted we take a prom staircase photo.........NICE right!!

We played Partini....which is such an awesome game. Thanks Chelsea for letting me borrow it, to best describe the game it's like a small version of Minute to Win It!

This is my favorite photo, Lindsay & Stacy getting ready to go heads up in a challenge.  

Heather humming a song to win the game!!

Then we did the White Elephant Exchange

Jennifer's face cracks me up

So Bethany opens a gift with a Thirty One thermal tote and Twilight Woods BBW smell goods

Awesome gift, Thanks Valarie

Nicole steals it 

Bethany grabs another one, coffee mug & starbucks gift card

And Anna steals that 

And this is Bethany's reaction........priceless!!

Good times......

Reminder

There has been so much going on lately with Sam.  He is walking, talking....well babbling, climbing, we have been celebrating holidays and spending lots of time with family and friends.  I wish I had the time to sit and share with everyone.  I will..........maybe tonight.  So this is my reminder to myself to get my butt in gear!

Trip to Colorado 9/19 - 9/24

My older sister, Andi, has been asking us to visit her in Colorado for sometime now so back in July Donna and I planned a trip with Sam.  We were to visit her in Colorado Springs and then drive to Aspen to see the leaves change and stay for a couple of days.  I have always wanted to go to CO, I mean who wouldn't...........80 degree weather, nice breeze, no humidity and besides it is supposed to be one the most beautiful places on Earth.  Well it was!!  I was a little nervous traveling with Sam since he is such a busy body now that he is 11 months old. But thankfully Donna was there to help distract him on the 2 hour plane ride.....I dont know that I could have done it by myself.  But he did fine both there and back on the plane a little fussy towards the end on each ride but no biggie.  Andi picked us up from the airport and we went to lunch and then back to her place so Sam could take a nap.  While he was napping I took a few shots outside.

Here is a picture of Pikes Peak from Andi's backyard!

While in Colorado Springs we went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  It was perhaps the coolest zoo I have ever been too.  It is built up the side of the mountain and the animals are so close to you, you can almost reach out and touch them.  In fact you can touch some of the animals like the giraffe's.  This to me was probably my favorite thing we did on our trip.  I have been to the zoo plenty of times and never have I seen this many giraffe's in one area.  You may see 3 or 4 at a normal zoo but they had to have at least 20 or more.  You could feed them lettuce or these giant wheat thin like cookies right out of your hand.  Sam didnt seem to think that was as cool as i did.  LOL! And their enclosure was huge not small and sort of sad looking like you usually see.  We also got to see some grizzly bears feed which was a pretty cool and this one Orangutan made kissy faces at my sister for about 20 minutes.  Here are some of the photos!

Noah & Sam feeding the Giraffe

Me, Sam, Andi, Donna & Noah

View from the top of the zoo!!

I would think this would be a danger considering its a ZOO...but deer just roam freely throughout! Really cool!!

Andi's new puppy at 9 weeks old

Friday, we jumped in the car and headed to Aspen.  

Donna, me and my sister Andi

Very beautiful but Loooonnggg road trip....especially with an 11 month old.  But he did pretty good considering it was a 5+ drive. We stopped in this neat town for breakfast and Sam's first time to eat eggs!  

Andi, Chad, Noah, Sam, Donna and I 

I love this little guy!

Please excuse the photos out of the car window but Sam was napping and there was no stopping.  Lol

Chad and Noah on the Harley

Finally arriving in Aspen, it was such a beautiful drive!! Our condo looked out on to downtown from one side and up a beautiful mountain on the other. 

to the right

 to the left (stunning)

Thanks Andi and Chad!

Downtown Aspen was amazing and yet not quite what I expected. One of the things that surprised me the most was how family friendly it was.  The middle of the square had huge water fountains for the kids to run and play through, stroller access, lots of outside dinning and a huge park for families to run and play.  I would have liked to go out and experience the night life but maybe another time. 

These streams seem to go through out the down town area and some are really decorated nicely!!

Saturday there was a local farmers market set up in the streets that we went to, it was nice to just walk around and hang out. I got the best sorbet ever!!

Later that evening the girls and Sam went out for wine, dinner and smores crepes!  They were amazing!!! The stand had a cool fire pit with glass beads that kept Sam pretty entertained as you can see.

ps. I dont like the way i look in the photo but Sam and Donna are cute!! 

We had a fun time visiting Aunt Andi and seeing Colorado!  Sam also turned 11 months while we were gone. I think I said this earlier......but I would totally move there! I know it gets cold but all the more reason to have warm boots!!  Anyway here are a couple shots of us leaving Aspen! :)  And if you hung in there with me with this long but pretty post.......than thanks and please go follow us....im just getting started!!!!