Life After I "Dew"

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we were searching for a church home.  This past Sunday started our journey and I wish I had a more positive experience to report.

Back story:  I've never belonged to a church.  Growing up my family was Catholic, I was baptized Catholic and that was pretty much the end of it. We went to church here and there, for holidays sometimes, but never religiously {hehe}.  It never bothered me, in fact there was a point in my life I would say I was agnostic. I wasn't informed therefore it was hard for me to believe.  That is, until I met my husband.

When I met Jimmy I was in a dark, dark place {I've talked about this before} and when I met him, and fell in love, I knew there was a God.  My life started to turn around for the good and at that point I knew there was a higher power. I went to church with his family that Easter, a Christian church, and I cried.  No one knew it but me but I just felt so emotional in that moment and I felt like I belonged there.  It was a more contemporary church {very unlike the Catholic churches I had attended} and for the first time in my life I understood what the pastor was saying and I could relate.  The only thing with that church is it was so far from where we lived, and even further from where we live now.  When we bought this house we talked about finding a church and, well, now we've been here over two years and still don't have a church home.

Present day:  I blame all the chaos that has entered our lives lately but recently I've been really feeling the need for church in our lives.  I just feel with all the negative that has entered our lives recently we need something good to outweigh it.  Something to give us hope and, most of all, faith.  I want Kendall {and future babies} to grow up in a church surrounded by faith and knowing God.  I was {and still am} very uneducated when it comes to faith and religion, so much so that I've had to have my husband explain A LOT to me throughout this process.  I don't want Kendall to question her faith the way I did.  That is another reason why this journey has become so important as of late, none of us are getting any younger.

This week we attended our first church service as a family {well Kendall went to the toddler room} and it was not for us.  I don't want to go into the details of why it was not for us because I don't want to offend those who attend a church similar to this one.  With that being said it was just not what we were looking for and while we did like parts of it the parts that we didn't like definitely outweigh the parts we did like.  It was just a feeling, an uneasy feeling, we got throughout most of the service.  It just didn't feel right in many ways.

This Sunday we are attending another church and this one is even closer to our house! I have a really good feeling about this one {but I said that about last weeks too}.  My mother-in-law had attended this one when they lived closer and she thinks we'll like it too.  But?  If we don't I'm OK with that.

This journey is about finding the perfect church home for us and if that means we visit a different church every week for the next 2 months, so be it.  I'm OK with that because I know when we do find the one we will know it.  We will feel it.  I know it will be worth the wait and I'm ready for it.

Then:  I wouldn't have left the house without a touch of lip gloss.
Now:  I am lucky if I shower before I hit up Target.  Baseball hat, anyone?

Then:  I couldn't finish a cup of coffee, ever.
Now:  It is my lifeline. Some days even require afternoon coffee.

Then:  I couldn't imagine life without dogs.
Now:  I look forward to the day.

Then:  I thought for sure I only wanted one child, ever.
Now:  I can't wait to see those two pink lines again.

Then:  I watched Saved by the Bell at 6 am, while getting ready for school.
Now:  I watch Saved by the Bell at noon while my child naps.

Then:  I thought skinny jeans with flats looked ridiculous and made your feet look huge.
Now:  It's my fall wardrobe staple.

Then:  I'd never go to Target without finding at least something in the clothing department.
Now:  I didn't even look in it's direction yesterday.

Then:  I'd wake up at 4:45 to hit the gym by 5.
Now:  I'm lucky to walk on the treadmill 3 days a week.

Then:  I'd chat for hours upon hours on the phone.
Now:  Text me, please.  Or HeyTell, yes, HeyTell.

Then:  I always paid in cash, always.
Now:  I never have cash on me.  Drives Jimmy batty.

Then:  I hated being alone.
Now:  I cherish each silent moment with myself.

Then:  I'd only read chick-lit {Shopaholic, Bergdorf Blondes, etc}.
Now:  Snozefest.  I need something with more substance.

Then:  I'd pay $145 for designer jeans.
Now:  I cringe if I pay more than $30 for Old Navy jeans.

Then:  I'd wear printed jeans because I was in 5th grade.
Now:  I wouldn't be caught dead in them.  No matter who tells me they're "in".

Then:  I'd wear Uggs as a fashion statement.
Now:  I wear them out of necessity.

Then:  I'd turn up my nose to the mention of venison.
Now:  It's all I cook with {except chicken, of course}.

Then:  I'd look for any reason to go shopping.
Now:  I do 90% of my shopping online {hello Ebates!}.

Then:  I could barely write a 2 page paper.
Now:  I write daily and love it.

Then:  I hated beer, with a passion.
Now:  I find it quite tasty, especially fall beers.

Then:  I was obsessed with UsWeekly, People, Life & Style, etc.
Now:  I can barely get through an issue of Glamour once a month.

Then:  I wanted my own reality show.
Now:  I'll stick to watching them.

Funny, I was making this list thinking, "eh I won't be able to come up with much because I'm still the same person I was 10 years ago".  And while that's true, for the most part, a lot of me has changed.  Most of it for the better {who really needs $150 jeans?}.  But some of them made me realize that I am such a grown-up now.  Gone are the days of cashing my paycheck and spending it on the latest trends.  Now I get excited when I find a really great deal on toys online.  I no longer dread being alone {yay!} but I'd prefer a brief text conversation over a drawn out phone call.  I realize that while I've come a long way from that boy-haircut sporting, wide leg pants wearing, girly girl hidden in a tomboy's clothes, deep down in my heart I am still the same baby loving, gossip magazine reading, friendship cherish-er, ice-cream lover I've always been.  Some days I hate being a grown up but other days it's pretty awesome.

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

• I got mad at Jim-bo for not ordering his $100 boots through Ebates!  We could have gotten 5% cash back!  UGH!
• I didn't post yesterday.  We all need those "off" days. 
• I am extremely irritated by our new UPS schedule. We used to get deliveries at 10 am and here we are, going on 6:30 {I write the night before, yes} and still no packages that are "out for delivery".  Irritating.
• Kendall has been sporting blinds that are too short for her window for about a week due to an epic Pinterest fail {more on that Monday}.
• I still need to do my Challenge Your Closet for this week.  Maybe tomorrow?
• Every morning I have an internal conversation with myself over whether I'm going to shower before KP gets up or during nap time.
• I moved some of KP's toys down to the man-cave {sorry Jimmy} because she has just been loving it down there lately but all she has to do is stack Jimmy's Star Wars books.
• I always overeat when it comes to macaroni and cheese.  Always.
• Kendall has been sitting on a giant cookbook at the dinner table because I'm too cheap to buy her a booster seat and she loves sitting at "de big teeble {table}" now.
• Kendall calls my phone a "little teebee {TV}".
• I quit using Twitter and now Instagram has turned into my new Twitter.
• I still go to bed at 9{ish} even though I don't have to get up at 5 to go to work anymore.  Mama likes her sleep.
• Every week I am amazed by how many of you link-up to this bitch-fest of a meme.  I love you for it.  No, seriously, THANKS!

Today I want you to say "Hi!" to April!  She's my newest Scentsy sponsor and she couldn't have come on board at a better time!  Why, you ask?  It's fall and they just launched their fall/winter scents!  My favorite?  Pumpkin Marshmallow, hands down.  I got some last fall and I was sold upon first warm.  Jimmy is a BIG fan too.  Go get some, now!  I promise you won't regret it.  I'm also getting excited for some of the Christmas scents, mainly Silver Bells!  It sounds heavenly and yummy and it just screams Christmas-time to me!  Oh, and for all you fake tree girls out there, they have Iced Pine so you too can smell like you have a fresh-cut tree in your house this year!

Tell me about you!
I am a Coastie wife and SAHM! When I am not knitting, playing photographer or chasing my kids, I am selling Scentsy. I love having my home smell nice and with two littles and a brain that never works on full power, no flame makes it perfect for me. I have so much fun sharing Scentsy with others and getting a little time out of the house in the process. Scentsy warmers come in a variety of styles that will surely match everyone's home.

Three words that describe yourself.  Just 3 because 5 is too many and one is weird.

How many things do you have pinned to your Pinterest account?  If you're anything like me you have 2,104 pins scattered over 28 boards.  It's like a more organized, electronic version of hoarding if you think about it.  Yes, it is, you know it is.  Think about it.

That's where Project Pinterest comes in.  The goal is to actually do something with all of these pins so you don't end up on the next episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive.  Leave it to Miss AP to get us off of our pinning butts and create the things we spend hours upon hours lusting over.  Be it food, home decor, the latest fall fashions, the point is to take one idea each week and bring it to life.  Your life.

Last week I told Jimmy I was craving something with pumpkin, other than Dogfish Head Punkin Ale {which is thee best fall beer, ever}.  To Pinterest I go.  I found the perfect thing, pumpkin muffins.  {Right after I had Kendall my best friend made us pumpkin muffins and I hadn't had them since.}The best thing about these pumpkin muffins?  They require two ingredients, TWO!  Needless to say this is easier than baking in your Easy Bake Oven.  I was sold.  Obviously.

What you need:

• Box of cake mix 
• 15 oz. can of pumpkin
That's it, people!  Now I will add that I cheated.  I read the reviews and comments beforehand and saw where someone had suggested using the spice cake versus the originally pictured yellow cake and then someone else said that adding mini chocolate chips was the way to go.  They also suggest a dusting of powered sugar on top.  Done. Done.  And done.

It was just what I needed, what we needed.  Yesterday I had a day to myself and after the week from hell it was just what the doctor ordered.  My mother-in-law will never know how much I appreciate the gift she gave me.  The gift of sanity.
It's no joke that we are struggling around here.  Financially, emotionally, mentally we are spent.  Jimmy has been working 60+ hours a week since we got back from vacation and I have been dealing with The Terrible Twos and a sick dog and I just needed a break.  That break came in the form of a day to get my hair cut, go to the mall, drink Starbucks and catch up with my best friend.  Perfect day in my book.
I know what you're thinking, "wow that sounds like an expensive day!".  Well, my friends, I didn't spend a dime.  I have earned, yes earned, so many "stars" via my Starbucks app to qualify me for a free drink {for inquiring minds I tried a PSL again and didn't hate it as much but I still prefer my SCM}.  Score!  I had something that needed returned to H&M and came home with some {f}Uggs for Kendall in exchange.  Score!  I got a gift card for the salon for my birthday that still had money left on it, just enough for a cut.  Score!  The only downside of this day was the "wine headache" I had from the night before.
I got to snuggle a sweet 3-month-old while giving her mama a break to eat lunch.  That may have been the highlight of my day.  Yes it was either that or the fact that I had 2 hours of friend conversations that weren't interrupted by "Kendall don't touch that", "I love you, you love me", or "be gentle with baby Norah".  Yes, I think the conversation won the day for me. It was so refreshing to sit with my friend, outside, on a gorgeous fall afternoon and shoot the breeze.  I don't know if she knows how badly I needed that.
On my way home I drove in silence. Why?  Because it's not often that I'm in my car where I get to chose the sound.  {For the past week I've been driving to Choo-Choo-Soul on repeat, if I hear "I like chocolate sauce on chocolate ice cream" one more time I may need a 12 step program.}  It was glorious.  The sun was shining and it was as if God was telling me, "it'll be alright".  And it will.
God doesn't give us more than we can handle, I truly believe that.  The thing is I needed this "break" to remember that.  He knew I needed that break and He sent my mother-in-law in to rescue me.
As I was driving home I felt refreshed.  I felt rejuvenated.  I felt like I could be a good mom and happy wife again, two things I feel like I've been failing at this past week.  Jimmy has come home to a over-stressed wife and Kendall has heard me yell more times than acceptable but after my MDO {mom's day out} I feel like I'm back in business.
Truth be told my problems aren't worth it.  At the end of the day God has provided for us and he will take care of us.  I don't know how but that's not for me to know, He knows.  I need to remember that, trust in Him and know that we will be taken care of.
I'm thankful for yesterday. Thankful to my mother-in-law for keeping Kendall.  Thankful to my stylist for giving me a relaxing morning.  Thankful for the weather for being so damn gorgeous.  Thankful to my best friend for inviting me over to chat.  Thankful.  I am thankful.

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

• I really like Katie Couric's new show.  Like, a lot.  I think it's a good fit for her.
• I'm playing around with new layout ideas for my posts.  Sorry if it drives you crazy in the process.
• I'm looking forward to my hair cut tomorrow more than any other time in my life before.  I need this. And it's not just the hair cut, I need the time to myself.  
• I am intrigued by Breaking Amish.  Completely intrigued.
• I don't agree that imitation is the biggest form of flattery.  I think it's just being a copy-cat.
• I drove 30 minutes to my parents on Monday just to take a shower and get ready in peace and quiet. Oh and Kendall got to see her Mimi & Popaw.
• I have no idea what Kendall will be for Halloween.
• I'm really excited that fall TV has started but we are so addicted to Dexter {on Netflix} that we haven't watched a lick of it.
• I have no idea who I'm going to vote for in this presidential election.  I have no interest in politics whatsoever. 
• I said I wasn't doing a Challenge Your Closet this week and I did anyway.  My blog, I do what I want.
• Jimmy and I already have tentative baby names for Baby Dew #2.
• Kendall eats pretty much the same thing every day.  I know what she likes, she clearly knows what she likes, so I feed her just that.
• I got excited when I saw how many of you signed up for Ebates last week!  I mean you guys are going to be so excited every time you earn money for doing what you do best, shopping!
• Jessica Simpson and Hilary Duff haven't lost all of their baby weight already.  They are proving that they are real women and I love both of them even more for that.
• Vacuuming has been on my to-do list for almost a week and I still have yet to do it.
• I think Here Comes Honey Boo Boo is a sad excuse for reality TV.  That's coming from a self-proclaimed reality TV whore.

This week it's all about the maxi.  I love maxi dresses and skirts and I think they are the perfect fall "look".  They're a great transition piece because when it's chilly in the mornings and evenings you can throw a jacket or cardigan over it but then wear it without when it still gets up into the high 70s/low 80s during the day time.   I love the simplicity of a maxi too.  I mean there's really nothing easier than throwing one on and walking out the door.  I find they require minimal accessories and just flip flops work most of the time {unless it's a fancier dress/occasion}.  And, let's not forget, they are pretty much the next best thing to pajamas when it comes to comfort. The best part of this week, for me, was finding outfits I'm really excited to wear this fall.  I've had most of these pieces in my wardrobe for a long time {some even from high school} but never thought about mixing and matching a lot of them.  Now I've come up with 4 new outfits that I can't wait to wear.  Now, if I could only come up with a reason to get dressed 4 days this week...does Story Time count?  Maybe not but we have a couple of birthday parties coming up.
Outfit 1 Top: H&M  Belt: Target  Skirt: Target    I think this is my favorite of all the looks.  You've seen this top in week 2 with the red skinnies and I can assure you it will probably make an appearance once a week.  I just love denim and I love how versatile this shirt is. I know when I first got it I wasn't sure I'd wear it much {because I didn't know how to wear it} but I've definitely gotten my $20 out of it.  I've got a lot of outfits pinned to Pinterest with chambray tops as the star so expect a lot more chambray top outfits in future weeks on CYC.  The skinny belt is the same way.  It came with another dress {also from Target} and I mix it with almost everything. I love it.  I need to find a black one just like it.  I had flip-flops on {not pictured}but I can totally see wearing this outfit with boots once it gets a tad bit cooler outside.  Yes, I love this look. Outfit 2 Jacket: Old Navy Dress:  Kohl's Jean jackets are pretty much a staple in my fall, heck all seasons, wardrobe.  They are like my version of a cardigan. I love love love them and I currently own three, one dating all the way back to high school {one being maternity, see how much I love them? I even needed a maternity version for the 2.5 seconds I wore it when I was pregnant}.  Wearing them with a dress is pretty much my favorite.  This dress is a strapless little number that I got last summer and I know they say horizontal stripes aren't flattering {especially when you have curves, like me} but I think this dress is one of the most flattering I own.  They had it in navy too and now I'm kicking myself for not getting it too.  I'd even like this outfit with a pop of color in the accessories.  Must get fun, bright, colorful accessories, one day.  In the meantime, you get the idea.
Outfit 3 Dress: Target Cardigan: Francesca's Collection Necklace: NY & Co. I love this navy and coral combo.  But, do people still wear cardigans like this?  I mean I feel a little silly/1990s {anyone remember shrugs?} with it tied up like this but at the same time it looked sloppy untied.  I actually wore this to my best friends baby shower back in early spring and I got loads of compliments on it.  Only then I wore sky-high wedges and nearly broke my leg because this maxi dress is too long for my 5'3" frame.  Does anyone else have that problem when it comes to maxi dresses/skirts?  Maybe I am just too damn short. Does this necklace look familiar?  It should, I wore it in week 1 with another navy dress.  See how this whole challenge is coming full circle already?  This is exactly the kind of revelation I hoped to have when I started this challenge.   Outfit 4 Dress:  Old Navy Cardigan:  NY & Co. Earrings:  American Eagle OK, so I'm going to let you in on a little secret, this dress is maternity.  I know, the horror.  I actually wore this dress to MY baby shower, it looks much different now.  I cringe every time I wear it but then I think it's a really pretty dress and I love the pattern and so I'm ok with it.  It doesn't look maternity anyway.  It is the one piece of maternity clothing I still own {this and the maternity jean jacket}.   I gave everything else away, dumb move considering we're trying for Baby Dew #2 now. This dress is actually the perfect length for me too, imagine that.  I know one thing is for sure, maternity or not, I love this dress and I'm going to wear it for a long time.  At least until the print is out of style.  Or maybe it already is.


Sorry you can't see my shoes in any of these pics but the good news is, I'm just wearing cheap, rubber, silver, Old Navy flip flops with all of these looks.  But that's kinda the great thing about maxi dresses, you don't really see your feet so flip flops are totally acceptable.  Am I right?   Like I said, this week has been my favorite, so far.  I really love each of these outfits and cannot wait to find a place {besides playgroups} to wear them. Bonus, they are all super comfortable!   I'm starting to get a little bit more comfortable taking these pictures even if I don't look like it {hand on the hip= skinny arms}.  How are you doing with the challenge? Do you like it?  Have you caved and bought something new?   Next week I'll be doing a couple of my favorite {p}inspired looks.  Stay tuned.

First things first, I'm sorry for the way I left things last week. I hate ending my blog week on a sour note.  Truth be told, I was in a sour mood pretty much the rest of the week, into the weekend, it's not been pleasant around here. But stepping back and taking care of things at home is most important and that's what I've been doing.  I needed a few days of no emails, no updating Facebook and/or Twitter, no reading blog comments, just to unplug.  It's definitely helped my stress level, a little.  But I love this blog, I love this community, so I couldn't stay away too long.  So here's an update of sorts.

-Chanel is doing better.  She had her uterus removed and the vet told me that it was huge.  OK, gross.  He said it was so "infected" that she probably lost weight just by removing it.   Poor girl.  Saturday I started to get worried about her because she hadn't eaten much or drank anything since being home and, good Lord, that's all I needed was a dehydrated, malnourished dog.  So Saturday morning I loaded her and Kendall into the car and back to the vet we went.  Do you know how hard it is to do that alone when the toddler wants to run away, into traffic and your dog isn't allowed jumping into the car by herself?  It's hard.   Really hard. And stressful.  Luckily she checked out just fine and came home with a couple of new meds and a clean shaven behind.  I can honestly tell she's feeling better today and has even managed to get some food and water in her.  Looks like she's on the mend, I hope.

-There will be no Challenge Your Closet today.  Maybe not even this week.  We'll see.  With all that's gone on this week I didn't make into the shower a few days, let alone get all dolled up in something blog worthy.  I could share "how to go in public without taking a shower and not completely scaring strangers" but that wouldn't help anyone.

-We found a church, after only leaving here for 2.5 years {::insert eye roll::}.  We're pathetic. Jimmy had plans already set in stone this Sunday so we didn't get to go this week {he didn't want me and Kendall going for the first time without him}but next week we'll be there.  I cannot wait.  I've been feeling the need for this in my life and I'm happy with our decision.  The church looks like it will be perfect for us and has all the "things" we were looking for so here's hoping.

-I wanted to take a minute and address why I have sponsors.  Back when I started blogging {almost 4 years ago} there were no such thing as sponsors {that I know of}.  No way to help the newbies get exposure, no partnership to help promote your blog/business.  Now there is and if I can help get the word out about someone else I'm happy to do it.  I do not take my job on this blog lightly and truly hope that all who have sponsored me {past and current} can attest to that.  Sure it makes me a little money on the side and for that I'm truly grateful.  There have been months where that extra has put gas in my car or saved our checking from being overdrawn.  So thank you.  Truly.

-Have I mentioned how wonderful my mother-in-law is?  She's offered to keep Kendall for me a few hours each week so that I can have some me time.  Last week we skipped out because her dog had puppies but this week she's going to keep her so that I can go get my hair cut, finally.  I cannot express my gratitude for this woman.  I know I will be soaking up each and every minute of my head/neck/back massage while I'm at the salon on Thursday.

-I want to talk about our TTC journey with Baby Dew #2 but I feel like I can't.  I know there are so many women out there that have trouble TTC and that if I post about being disappointed that this month wasn't our month I look like I'm being greedy.  Truth is we've only really been trying for one month and that's nothing compared to people who have been trying for years.  But it's still disappointing and I'm allowed to be bummed.  So we'll see where that goes.

-Thanks for your patience while I go through this rough spot in life.  I'm hoping that that is all this is and that soon, very soon, we'll be on the upswing again.  I promise not all posts will be as depressing/boring/lame as the past few have been.

So here's the thing...the saying goes, "when life hands you lemons make lemonade".  Well that's all fine and dandy.  Lemons, I don't care for but they're tolerable and lemonade is just plain delicious.  What happens when life hands you a load of shit?  Shit sandwich?  That's what I thought.
That's exactly what I feel like right now.  As if a big load of cow dung has been unloaded on us.  You know how much that stinks?  Literally and figuratively.
I know that God will not give us more than we can handle but at this point I feel like He is testing our limits. And I know I shouldn't question God's plan because, after all, his plans are greater than what is happening in this minute of this day. I need to remember that and remember that, at the end of the day I have what I need.
Since Friday Chanel has seemed...off.  Just kinda lazy, not very active, just kinda blah.  I didn't think much of it till we went on 4 days of this behavior.  I had started to worry when I remembered that Kendall had accidentally "hugged" Chanel and by hugged I mean sat on.  Jimmy and I started to worry that maybe something inside of Chanel was damaged.  A broken rib?  Ruptured organ?  Broken tail? were all thoughts that crossed our minds.  Until Tuesday night.  I was laying on the couch with Chanel, watching our daily dose of Dexter when I noticed she seemed to be "leaking", if you will.  I flipped her over on her back to take a look at her lady bits and she was bleeding.  Everywhere.  Long story short she needed an emergency hysterectomy.  To the tune of $1,300.  $1,300 that we don't have.
Which brings me to complaint #2.  I can barely put food on the table, no seriously, let alone shell out $1,300 for a dog surgery.  Which leaves me with no choice but to charge it.  Seriously?  I'm charging my vet bill.  The interest rate is astronomical, the monthly payment will most likely be something outside of our non-existent budget and will swallow us alive.  I'm almost certain of it.  Just like every other bill that we have.
If you learn anything from this blog, learn this, credit cards are the devil.  They really are.  When I was young, single, and dumb I thought nothing of it.  I needed those Citizen jeans, Ugg boots, and Coach sunnies, obviously.  Never did I picture myself, almost 30-years-old with credit card debt that will still be lingering when my child enters high school.  Ridiculous.  Completely irresponsible.
I know what you are thinking, I should just go back to work.  Trust me, the thought has crossed my mind and the words have come out of my mouth more times than JLo's been married.  It seems easy, right?  But then there's Kendall.  Daycare is expensive, yo.  I will not find a job that will pay enough to cover daycare and then bring home anything.  It's true.  I'm contemplating doing a 3rd shift gig just so that Jimmy can be home with Kendall in the evenings.  The trade-off there is then Jimmy and I have no time together.  Selfish, yes but my marriage is important to me.
All the extra money from blogging and Avon was going to go towards a new bedroom set that we so desperately need but instead we got a notice from the government that one of us didn't have enough school district taxes taken out so now we owe $560.  Sweet.  Awesome.  That's just what we needed to hear.  Oh and we're still making up for that week of no-pay from when we were in Ocean Isle.
Oh and let's not forget about the fact that I want to have another baby.  I mean, am I crazy?  How on earth are we going to bring another baby into the world when we can barely take care of ourselves.  I hate that finances are making the decision of whether we expand our family, but it's true.  It's sad, it really is.
OK, I guess I'll stop my whining now and instead start wine-ing.  It's 5 o'clock somewhere.

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

• I can't stop looking at my new blog design. Seriously love it!
• Kendall went down for a nap at 11 yesterday.  We had Toddler Tantrum Tuesday.  It was necessary.
• I'm so happy Story Time has started again.  We need that guaranteed weekly out of the house activity.
• I just took down the fiesta banner from Kendall's party, yesterday.
• I only shop with stores that I can use ebates with.  I've even got Jimmy trained to do the same.  Seriously though, if you are going to shop, why not get paid?  Duh!
• I ate nachos with cheese for lunch yesterday.  It was an instant mood booster.  I needed it.
• I made my cider recipe last night and I'm hoping it's the last time I enjoy it's deliciousness this year.
• I don't really like Pumpkin Spice Lattes. 

So...it's Tuesday, obviously.  Congratulations on making it through Monday and living to tell about it. Mondays are always the hardest.  Monday for us meant Monday Meltdowns. Like the most epic one to date. I blame The Terrible Twos. It was a beautiful fall{ish} day.  Just when I had decided it would be fine to just stay home and play in the yard I thought, "Nah!  Let's get out!  That'll be fun!" Mistake #1, we should have just stayed home, or at least stayed in our PJs. You see, I'm not sure if it's because Kendall is used to wearing less-restricting shorts and tanks or if it was just her mood yesterday but girlfriend downright refused to get dressed. I'm talking snot-flying, foaming at the mouth, kicking one leg out just as I got the other leg in, tantrum.  It was one for the books.  It was so bad that after we finally got her dressed she put herself in time-out.  That bad. But, being the brave soldier I am, I decided we were still going to get out of the house and enjoy the nice, beautiful, fall-like morning.  I would say Mistake #2 but, really, it was just that.  I loaded my non-makeup wearing, hat dotting self and my slippers for shoes wearing toddler up and off we went.
We stopped at Tim Horton's {coffee for me, obviously, TimBit for the toddler} and honestly it was smooth sailing from there.  She was an angel throughout all of our stops and she even managed to snag a pack of Dora big girl panties.  Which brings me to "T" #4. Sunday night when I was giving Kendall her bath she said, with certainty, "I poop mommy!  I poop!".  I'm no dummy and she's pooped in the tub more times than I have fingers so I plucked her right out and sat her on her potty.  No dice.  Back in the tub to finish washing and some play time and the next thing I know Kendall is crouched down, about to let it go.  Again, I plucked her out of the tub faster than my box pours wine.  This time, it was the money shot, so to speak.   I was so proud of her.  I screamed, I hugged, I praised, I clapped, I did a little jig, I gave her stickers, and I'm pretty sure Kendall was thinking, "umm...mom?"  Her response to the situation?  "It look {like} a monkey!"...umm...   So yeah.  The adventures in potty-training shall continue at a later date though.  We came home with the Dora panties, I was certain that would be the potty-training ticket but, she put them on on proudly sported them for a whole 30 minutes before soiling them.  You know how they say, "oh they won't pee in their pants because they don't like the wet feeling!"?  Well they are liars.  Kendall did not care one iota that she was wearing pee-pee panties, not one.  Truth be told, had I not seen it coming Sunday night she would have never gone in the potty the first time. She's not ready.  It's ok.  I have never been the one to push anything with her and potty-training will be no different.  She'll let me know when she's ready. And when that day comes I'll be ready with my book full of stickers, potty-dance, and iPhone ready for an embarrassing photo op.  

***

In other "T" news, THANK YOU to Jenn at Munchkin Land Designs for my new blog makeover.  Isn't it the cutest?  I mean, really? Isn't it? Jenn was so easy to work with and truly brought my vision to life!  

Ok, Ok, so I know this totally doesn't go with my "shopping ban" that I've imposed on myself but, in my defense, I seriously lack in the accessories department!
You see, Stella & Dot has been on my radar for some time now. They are super stylish but yet totally affordable.  I've always looked but never bought but now is the time because there is a pretty great deal going on right now*. Pretty great deal right? Stella & Dot has all the latest styles too, bib necklaces anyone?
And I'm not usually a ring-wearer, besides my wedding set, but do you see that gorgeous turquoise cocktail ring?  I can totally picture it with my leopard accessories!  Such a fun, bright, pop.
And don't even get me started on these bracelets.  Doesn't the black one in the middle just scream Hemes?! Yes, yes it does.

Just because I can’t have you all into my living room, does not mean that I don’t want to share amazing style and fun with you! I have the opportunity to bring you fabulous style with Stella & Dot, right from this blog.

Simply click this link and shop my virtual trunk show.  Seriously, that’s all there is to it!  Everything will ship to your home in 3-5 business days – super quick!  The new fall collection has just launched and it’s gorgeous. 

If you have any questions at all about the products or how to order, please contact my personal stylist Liz (from over at According to L!)  She’ll be more than happy to answer any questions and walk you through the process.  The trunk show will only run through October 2^nd so don’t wait!  Happy shopping!

*To take advantage of the 50% off $50 please contact my stylist directly at accordingtol1128@gmail.com 

Welcome to week 2 of the challenge!  I hope you are all loving this as much as me!  I'm finding so many outfit combinations that I never would have come up with had I not had to get creative with my style.  Today's theme is leopard.  I have had a love of leopard that can be traced back to high school.  I had {still have} a leopard overnight suitcase that I packed with my leopard print PJs to all of my slumber parties.  My friends teased me, still do, over my love of this animal print.  It's something that I consider a neutral, a fun way to add some pizzazz to your outfit, and it's the only animal print I like.   This scarf is courtesy of my blog friend and Scentsy/ Grace Adele director, Laura.  She sent me this scarf last week and I could not wait to get my hands on it.  I immediately started pinning outfits with leopard scarfs and had visions of my own creations cooking in my head, long before it arrived.  It's SO soft, it's HUGE, and it's now my must-have fall accessory. Outfit 1 This would be my in between seasons approach to the scarf.  Maxi dress=summer but jean jacket & scarf=fall.  Perfect for the hot days that turn into cool nights.   Dress- Old Navy, Jacket- Old Navy, Scarf- Grace Adele.
Outfit 2 These are my new red jeans, what do we think?  I think I'm in love.  These were one of my new purchases for the fall and I'm glad I indulged. I have big, big plans for these jeans this year. Chambray top- H&M, jeans- Macys, black flats- Target.
Outfit 3 This outfit was pin-spired.  I have owned this sweater for a million years.  Seriously, I think I got it in college.  It's cozy, it's comfy, it screams cooler weather.  Sweater- JCrew, tank, leggings, boots- Target.  
And that's just the beginning of my leopard escapades.  
There is a printed blouse, flats, a cardi and a cute tank where that came from. Stay tuned. How are you doing with the challenge? Are you coming up with any fun outfits?  Recreated anything you've seen here or elsewhere?  Let's see it!

• My mother-in-law babysat KP for a few hours yesterday and instead of doing something awesome, like get a massage, I came home and got caught up on some chores.
• I am slowly transitioning KP's room into a big girl room.  No big girl bed but some decoration changes.  It's fun.
• Jimmy asked me what I wanted to do tonight and I said "eat soup and grilled cheese and watch a movie".  That's what a rainy day does to me.
• I need my hair trimmed so bad but am too lazy to make an appointment.  
• I attempted to organize the playroom knowing full well it'd be destroyed in 2.5 seconds.
• I still haven't washed my car from when we went on vacation. Sea salt residue galore.  It did sit out in the rain so that counts, right?
• I'm jealous of Kendall's new Sperrys.  I mean she's 2 and has a pair, I'm nearly 30 and don't.  Wahh!
• I wish the humidity would die.  I mean give it a rest already!  I want to open my windows again!
• I want to make every dessert I see on Pinterest.  Especially the fall ones.
• I tell Kendall things are sleeping when I don't want her playing with them.  Inanimate objects people!

• Play-Doh.  We're obsessed in this house.  Of course we have the Dora Play-Doh set, of course.  Keeps her busy more than any other toy/activity out there.
• Stickers.  OMG stickers!  Girlfriend is OBSESSED.  I find stickers everywhere, everywhere.  I took a bunch on vacation with us and they definitely helped in the car many times.  I've even resorted to letting her put them on the kitchen cabinets so I can have .25 seconds of peace to put the dishes away.
• Pinwheels.  They're a classic and there's a reason for that.  There's just something so intriguing about that shining, spinning, piece of dollar store junk that will mesmerize a toddler for hours.
• DVD boxes.  Yes the boxes, not the actual movies.  Kendall has been obsessed as of late.  She "build house" all day long with them.  It's really quite cute.
• Chalk. Sidewalk chalk, chalkboard chalk, it's all good.