Hello All!

Enough with the fake comebacks,  my heart has been heavy with so many things , so  I am choosing to be open and vulnerable with this post, whether it is ready by one or many. 

 I hit rock bottom. Sounds cliche , I know. But real.ly...I hit rock bottom with myself. I have " hit " this bottom before; or so I thought but that appears to have just been the sub floor. 

I had many moments of tears and depression and anxiety because of my weight. I often found excuses or reasons to justify why I was this way and that it's okay. In actuality it's not. 

Ive tried the fad diets, weight watchers and none of it stuck. Why?? I am not exactly sure but I assume I will figure it out along this journey. I have read so many inspirational books & blogs that would get me motivated but none of it stuck with me. 

My rock bottom my real rock bottom was in september . We were out with friends and I thought I looked good. I even went with the "slimming black" skinny Jeans, black blouse and black pumps, hair slicked up. It was a fabulous dinner even felt good enough to take some selflies with a friend. 

My husband told me I looked beautiful which is fabulous confirmation.

It wasn't until we went for drinks following dinner that I hit rock bottom. Go , figure, rock bottom in a bar. Before you go pointing fingers, it wasn't that kind of "BAR."

A friend, a very slim friend friend & I  stood there kind of swaying and bouncing with the beat of the music from a half decent dj, when her fiancé came up and just touched her on her waist   held her and I could actually see the attraction he had to his significant other. I could literally serve the attraction on a plate as it was that palatable. I stood there and continued to sway dance while my husband sat a bit distant.

Him sitting doesn't completely shock me. While everyone says he looks like Mr. Robin thicke , he does not move like robin thinke. But he wasn't even looking or acknowledging me, which I found odd. 

 My husband always affirms me and reminds me of my beauty . But is that beauty enough?  I mean is it for you? 

MAY Wedding!

In May, I had the honor of standing beside one of my Best Friends, who also happens to be my daughters God Mother. 

( Sorry about the POOR quality of my phone pic ) 

She is an Amazing woman of God, she is constantly challenging me to be a better woman everyday. I am not sure that she even knows that . ( She does now, Love you V!) 

Victoria and I experienced , what we will call the "rough" days of high school together. You know… the days where you thought you knew everything there was to know about life… the days when popularity & image were absolutely everything. I won't share a testimony today. I will save that for another day.

However the experiences we endured together, have so much to do with the way I live my life now & my relationship with Christ. 

Standing beside her on her day This lovely couple's day was such an honor! It was amazing to see what type of woman God has made her and what type wife he has molded her to be.  

The wedding was AMAZING, hands down one of the best weddings I have ever been too. I met some of the most amazing people and developed new relationships that I hope to maintain ( I get busy :) ) Busted some fab dance moves, ate some incredible food & yummy cake pops too!

I Can't forget to mention that Aria did a FABULOUS  job on the flights! We even had Layovers ! She handled the flights like the champ that she is! 

I am going to try to keep these post short & Sweet So I can get  y'all updated! 

Hello Again!

Hello LOVELIES!

I know, I know.. It has been far too long! I am so sorry for neglecting by little space online. Life has been wonderful, but wonderfully busy! I have had so many things happen I will be sharing them this week, with you all!   My princess Turned one, one of my best friends got married, another one engaged, new house, 4 year anniversary and mini vacays! Goodness! I have so much to catch y'all up on!!

We will be chatting soon!

Sponsor Spotlight!

This Lovely lady I am bringing to you today, isn't simply a sponsor .. she's simply beautiful, simply charming, simply funny, simply talented and Simply Clarke.

Marquis had me at "God your love is enough. I will follow you." a simple quote on her blog as she tells you about her self. I am enjoying getting to know her through her blog post and such!

I asked Marquis to tell me some things about herself...

 

(1) I am addicted to blogging!

(2) I'm a Diet Coke-aholic :) I just love them. &I have the biggest sweet tooth. Literally, after every meal, I crave something sweet.

(3) I can say the ABC's backwards really fast

(4) Hula-Hooping is my hidden talent {i can go for like over an hour- with tricks and all} #uselesstalent

(5) I love Shopping!

Doesn't she sound like a long lost BFF!

Currently , Marquis is having and OH SO FAB giveaway on her blog!

She and some other FAB ladies are giving away an IPad Mini! Enter Here!

Happy Valentines Day!

As Aria's Momma, I ......{As A Mom, I... Link up }

This post is called As a mom, I...  because I am a mom. I know... WHAT?! It applies to dads too!!!

Hey lovelies!

Being a new mom, I am amazed by all of the little things my munchkin does, whether she's standing, crawling , sneezing  or coughing.

Stumbled on this new link up by the fab Samantha of Hooah & Hiccups! 

This  NEW link-up. Gives me the opputunity to brag! ( AGAIN!) Melissa (from After We Tied The Knott) and Samantha  are hosting this fab Link up! !

I love my munchkins laugh, absoultely love it! She get's so tickled she falls over!

Please indulge in the all of the awesomeness of Aria's laugh!
( Sorry it's sideways :) )

Sleep at Last , Thank God Almighty Sleep at Last!

Okay so , I have probably just jinxed this however Miss Aria has decided to sleep through the night the past few nights. We have been on an uphill climb with her sleeping patterns & Teething. I read a fabulous qoute and felt it described teething to a tee!

"dealing with a teething baby is the equivalent of playing badminton with firecrackers.
– Jenna von Oy

That Evil Little tooth fairy has decided to give my princess a break from the intense teething she has endured. Sometimes… I hate teeth, just hate them. No that madame tooth fairy is laying off a bit. I have energy!

I completely forgot what I was capable of doing  when I actually had 8 hours of sleep.

I must toot my own horn and say that My house is clean! ( The crowd goes wild!!!!)

Don’t Judge me, but it’s tough being a working mom and finding energy to clean your home to the standards you are used to. My house wasn’t a mess, but It wasn’t clean!  I even dusted guys, seriously. I think the last time I dusted was during my psychotic nesting phase at the end of my pregnancy. My definition of “Bed Rest” was cleaning baseboards.

 Not only is my house clean, but I cooked dinner for last night ( Dessert too!-From scratch might I add!-Recipes on the blog soon!) AND for tnights !  I deserve a pat on the back and some new shoes for all of that!

In the midst of all of this , I have also managed to start obsessing over pinterest and etsy for Aria’s First Birthday party. I have a theme and I am running with it.

I also was able to take Aria’s picture for her Valentine’s Day( sneak peek below!)!

 I will hopefully actually send these cards out. Somehow, my wedding Thank You’d never made it  and nor did all of Aria’s Birth Announcement, Nor did all of our Christmas Cards. I had good intention I swear.. it just didn’t pan out!

Fine, go ahead and judge me!

Well my Loves, I am going to go “pin” some more to plan My Princess’s Birthday !

Welcome to my first edition of Snuggle Saturday even though I work saturdays!

Today, we talk Superbowl!

Rules:

Follow the hosts. Sarah and Natalie and share the button on your post!

1. Do you watch the actual game or only watch for commercials and half time?

Well, I wouldn't say watch. I mean I am in the room when the TV is on and my husband is watching it. I will probably be on my laptop, eating and looking up to observe the new commercials. OH and i watch the half time show. ( That's what the Super Bowl is for , right? )

2. Which team did you want to make it to the Superbowl?

 In all honesty, I really don't care. I would have liked to see the Bronco's in it though!

3. Which team will you root for? The Ravens or the 49ers?

The Ravens, their Jersey's are prettier :)

 

 

Have a great weekend y'all!

 

 

Baby Girls Room Tour!

Hello Lovely People!
It is time to tour one special room in my home... The princess's room.
I don't claim to be an interior decorator but I do think I have an eye for what goes well together.

I cannot remimber for the life of where we found the tree decal but I know it was on etsy.

Hubby and I Argued while I was 7 months pregnant and big as a house during the installation of this decal. For as long as we stay in this house, this little girl has no choice but to love these freaking butterflies.  :)  

Aria has a bow in her hair at all times. Excessive. I know. Call it what you want, but I made a "Bow Holder" out of an old frame and some ribbon I had laying around. I need to make a bigger one, so there will be a DIJ coming soon!

A picture of my mom when she was a little girl was a staple!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

We Are...

pas·sion

/ˈpaSHən/

Noun Strong and barely controllable emotion. A state or outburst of such emotion.

Synonyms rage - ardour - ardor - anger - love Acts 2:41-47 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about 3000 souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continung daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."   I recently watched an incredible documentary about Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. What an AWESOME story and so inspiring. Talk about trying to spread the love of Jesus Christ to all, or carrying out a vision God has given to you , or something just as simple as being the light, the light of the world and spreading the love of Jesus to all that you come in contact with.   Are YOU carrying  out the vision or assignment God has given you? Are YOU winning souls? Are YOU passionate as the early church was about serving God? Be the light....   Matthew 5:14-16  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

It's that time again!

This week we are celebratingthe birthday of  Samantha over at Hooah & Hiccups by doing a fab giveaway!

I've teamed up with 28 other amazing girls to bring you one of our favorite things.

If there's one thing I CAN'T live without, it's my Keurig. Ask my husband, if I don't have my coffee in the morning, it's not pretty. So now one of YOU will be winning one! 

I haven't tried the new Starbucks Verismo but if you would like to choose that instead, your wish is my command.

Not only can you drink coffee with these babies, but you can drink tea, hot chocolate, etc. So even if you're not a coffee junkie, there's something for everyone!

Still not interested? How about winning the CASH instead? Excited now?!

Just enter the rafflecopter below and cross your fingers! Contest will remain open until Friday, February 1st at 12:00 a.m. EST and the winner will be announced once all entries are verified. 

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Wedding Bliss!

Since my blog is in it's infancy, and everyone is still getting to know me, i wanted to share one of the happiest days of my life!

The day I married my awesome Hubby!

My Wedding day was truly magical!

1. 

One of my Favorite Moments!

Cousins are like built in best Friends!

Simplicity is beautiful

Photo Credit to Marina Lower of Creative Photography

That's an expensive Brave face!

I have a wonderful marriage and a wonderful life, but who is to say I dont have my moments. My moments where I get unsure.

Bad Habits & A Giveaway!

This week, I am guest blogging for Heather at Lawless Life on her lovely space on the I-net! Thanks so much for having me Heather! And  I'm giving away a SEPHORA GIFT GARD! !  ( enter after the post! Now Sit down , relax, grab some sweet tea and stay awhile! Let's Chat about...

Bad Habits.....Come on we all have the! You know nail biting, leaving drawers open, and what my husband is infamous for, taking out the trash but not putting a new trash bag in the trash can ( I'm not bitter at all :) )

My bad habit is being too controling, I am a pshychotic about control. I have that " It wont get done unless, I do it myself "attitude, I prefer not to delegate because I find satisfaction in doing it all and knowing it is done correctly and they way I would likfe it to be done.

Now in reality and in "my over thinking about overthinging" mind this is perfectly normal. Reality then decides to backhand me in the face( baby poweder and all) . It isn't possible for me to do everything. I really struggle & have a hard time delegating. When the house isnt clean, laundry isnt done, food isn't on the table, diaper bag isnt packed, bills paid ,car washed It falls on me , simply beause I cant let my AMAZING husband step in. ( I mean he does it anyway) , but it's typically not done the way I would like it to be done , which isnt a problem is you arent me.

This "control habit" I have is bad, seriously. Sometimes, I even tell my mother how to take care of my child, I mean I think it's okay to be particular about certain things. BUT Geez , I need to CHILL, she did raise 3 kids. We came out Normal ...well for the most part :)

Instead of being appreciative like normals wives or daughters , I re-do or critisize what he or she has done, and tell myself that I should have done it  to begin with.

I am so thankful to have a husband by my side who is a God Fearing,Kind hearted, Strong man  who doesnt mind doing Laundy ( even though he can't fold to save his life- Love You Honey)  or waking up in the middle of the night when Aria thinks it's playtime , so I can get some more rest.

My challenge is to let go a little bit, delegate better so I can be a better mom & wife!

Oh Goodness Pray for me ya'll!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post:Trouble with Friends!

Hello Lovely Readers!

 

 Jody, thanks so much for letting me share this!

I have been stalking reading this wonderful blog, Keeping up with Kennedy, I have loved getting to know Jody through her heartfelt yet quirky post! She also has an adorable little munchkin named Kennedy!

The subject of friendship , is a post( life issue)  I  have been struggling with, it's been in my drafts for about a week now. This piece is honest and transparent.... here it is!

Every once in awhile I like to get a little serious on here. And well today is one of those times.

I actually have been wanting to write this post for awhile now but just never really knew what to write. I have a bunch of thoughts that go through my head but it is all kind of jumbled together and wouldn't make sense typed out. With that I am going to try to do my best.

The trouble with friends.
{now that is a loaded title}

I have many great friends in my life. And they all mean so much to me. But sometimes, just sometimes I feel like select ones could care or less about maintaining a friendship with me yet I somehow feel guilty about it.

I never go out anymore. I'm sorry. I have a family, and more specifically a 2 year old that doesn't care how late I was out or how I feel in the morning, she is going to go about her day the same. I'd prefer not to feel like crap the entire next day. Also? I don't enjoy going out and getting drunk every weekend. I am not saying I never drink anymore, but it is usually some wine, or a night out here and there. In my opinion taking care of my family and getting stuff done around the house that needs to is my priority. People count on me to get that stuff done. But because of that, I have "changed." Well you're damn right I changed. That is part of life, part of growing up and having a child.

Then, there are the people that just completely cut you out of their life because they have a new boyfriend or new friends. People that you thought of as some of your closest friends. People that you included in very special times in your life and now you never see them anymore. People that you always thought would be there. They never call. They never ask you to hang out. They never check in to see how you are. I feel like I have to hunt them down just to get a conversation out of them and when I do, they just brush off making plans to hang out. That my friends, breaks a girl's heart.

Also, there are the friends that you feel only come to you when something bad happens to them. That they only want your opinion or want to fill in a gap when other plans fall through. Or when they are having a hard time with their significant other. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being there for support for my friends. I take pride in knowing that they value my opinion enough to ask for it. But what really gets me are the ones that come to me, really just to hear someone talk. They aren't really listening. They aren't really taking anything into consideration. So why do I waste my time trying to help them when I know they aren't going to listen to a thing I say? They are still going to be mad at someone else, or they are still going to get back with that scumbag. And after they get some advice or are feeling a little better? They are gone. Just like that. I go weeks, sometimes months, without hearing a peep from them.

And lastly, there are the friends that are perfectly fine with whichever direction your friendship goes. It's really up to you because you are the one that has to put in all of the effort to keep in touch. I get it people are busy and have lives, jobs, children, families. Hello, welcome to my life.. But friendships should come easy. They should be comfortable and filled with respect, admiration and loyalty. You should be able to go through those busy times and not get to talk as much and still feel as close as ever when you do get back in touch. They should be understanding to circumstances, like you are. They should just get it. Not hold grudges or not make you feel guilty about not trying hard enough.

It is just so frustrating. That is the trouble with friends. There are so many friendships out there but really what are the ones worth keeping?? How do you decide to walk away from someone? To give up on that "friendship?" When is enough, just that?

Don't get me wrong, I do have friends that are awesome. Ones that I am super close with. That get me. That are just as invested in our friendship as I am. We are all busy, but that's ok. I love those friends. I appreciate those friends. But I am having a hard time convincing myself to hold onto the ones that bring negativity into my life. That bring stress and an overabundance of effort on my part when it really doesn't make a difference. I hate to give up on people. I believe the best in everyone. {Well except Nanny Carrie from OTH. She was a crazy bitch.}

I need to cut that out of my life. I need to accept that if my friendship isn't important to them, then I can't force it to be. I can't get back to where we used to be. I am only one side of the relationship and I can only do so much. I can't care for the both of us. And sadly at the end of the day it is what it is.

My life has changed. Theirs may not have or it did but went a different direction. And that is ok. I just need to appreciate the people in my life. I need to let it go and move forward.

With or without them in it.  

Go Visit Jody, in her lovely space on the internet!
I made it easy for ya! Click the Button Below!
 

 

ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

I belong to an incredible church home, where there message being delivered has so much substance! I'm Talkin', Steak Dinners and not the "corn flake" basic teaching. Yesterday's teaching was on the breath of God, Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit . The biggest thing that stood out to me is the The Holy Spirit is the comfort when you need it! The comfort you need in the time of loss, the comfort when you feel depressed AND COMFORT WHEN YOU ARE BEING STRETCHED!
 I know all of this is a growing process. My Pastor said something so simple and profound to me.
"God is constantly maturing you , he's the course and the source."
 
The spirit of God guides you through processes in life ,and maturity most certainly isn't a project. There are days where I want to through in the towel , as I grow & mature those days are few and far between. Growing up in the church, I've seen how a christian is suppose to "act", as I have matured enough through the years to understand that I'm not a museum , I am a construction site.I'll always be growing, changing, evolving and maturing. In order to mature you have to stay connected to your source. Stay connected to God in order to grow. Because you can quote scripture doesn't make you mature , you have a good memory . It's the Holy Spirit matures me and that makes me a better, mother , wife. It's not just the spirit in me he deals with . He deals with me !

 

Oh for the love of Mascara!

Mascara for me, is the one thing that completes your make-up application. For ME... I feel that my eyes are lost in face without mascara so mascara for me is always A MUST! I was on facebook the other day and saw the most accurate description of the feeling you get when you buy new mascara!        

Liebster Award Nomination

Liebster Award Nomination

Thank you so much to Lauren @ Simply Free for my very first  nomination for the Liebster Award! Being a new blogger , This has made me so excited!

The Rules

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate.

5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.

6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog :)

11 {new!} Random Things About Me

• I can drink coffee at any time of the day
• I can never say no to a slice of Papa John’s pizza, yumm.
• Love Cheese ( especially with wine)
• I prefer an actual book over an “e-book” (something about actually holding the book and turning the pages)
• Things that sparkle and shimmer make me happy
• Sweet Tea and a good book make me happy
• I am passionate about changing lives and making an impact on the youth .
• I believe my faith can move mountains
• I change my hair color when I am itching for change
• I LOVE white T-Shits.
• My goal is to follow after the heart of my King as best I can!

Questions from Lovely Lauren

1. If you could travel to any country, where would it be?

Italy

2. If you had to pick one cause/movement to support, what would it be?

Decisions for Christ

3. What is the next book on your reading list?

The murderers Daughters ( Thanks Brittany)

4. What movie do you want to see in the theater currently?

Les Miserables

5. What’s your favorite outdoor activity?

Shopping doesn’t count does it….um..Going on walks with my Husband and Princess

6. What is your favorite “big” blog? {200+ followers}

House of Rose

7. What song do you have on repeat these days?

"Catch my breath” –Kelly Clarkson

8. What’s your favorite meal/recipe?

Mom’s Mac & Cheese ( She puts smoked Gouda in it, yum!)

9. What’s your favorite dessert?

Homemade banana pudding

10. What is your favorite TV show currently?

Scandal

 Questions for my Nominees

1. Do you stay up late to write blog posts?

2. How many children do you have? or how many children do  you want?

3. Does your family know about your blog? or is it a "secret"?

4. Which one do you prefer: flats or heels? Why?

5. Favorite Genre of Music

6. Favorite Music Artist

7. Most inspiring blog that you subscribe to

8. Favorite Love Story

9. Favorite Brand of Coffee

10. Why did you Start blogging?

11. Favorite Store?

Blessed to be a Blessing!

I am part of an amazing church home . For 2013 our Pastor made some declarations for the year. One of the three things we declared, stated that 2013 was the year of sowing.

When you sow seed you reap a great harvest.

A couple years ago my husband and were challenged in our giving. We tithed most of the time or when we " could afford it" or if we had extra ".

I always knew the first 10% was his ( God's), and how should I attempt to rob God. (Malachi 3:8)

We started being consistent in our giving and we never lacked! The tithe sustains.

 As we began to mature spiritually , we understood the importance of the offering and sowing.
Now, our tithes is the first check that I write.

Hubs and I sow into our church home and are now sowing into the lives of strangers.

On one of my many random shopping trips to Target. Targett has got to be one of my favorite places in this world. I go in target for toilet paper and walk out with sippy cups, onesies for Aria, white chocolate chips and bobs.

I seriously may be addicted to Target. Don't Judge me :)

I came across a woman with a set of twins and a a daughter maybe 4 or 6 years old . I asked her opinion on what sippy cups she used for her munchkins. I was having this a huge dilemma in the check out Line over Tommy Tippee or Nuby.  She was so kind, and guided my husband and I to the best decision for our munchkin.

After we paid for our items I ran over and swiped my card for her purchase .

Tears welled in her eyes as she said what a blessing it was to her.

It's a blessing to be a blessing. I Thank God , That I am in a position where I can sow into a stranger's life.

I challenge my self and challenge all of you to bless a stranger once a week. Whether its a Starbucks, Wally World ( Walmart) or even Target .

Run over and pay for someones purchase or pay for the car behind you when you go through the drive through

It's a blessing to be a blessing to someone else !

I want to hear about it!! Send me your stories to sweettealovegrace (at) gmail(dot) com

Later Lovelies,