Blogging about it

As I mentioned before, I love to read/research and explore. What better place to find stuff than on the web - blogs in particular! Here are some awesome blogs/bloggers who have inspired me to go forth with my own blog. I read these as often as they post:

Little Baby Garvin - Nothing better than a straight to the point, no nonsense, hilarious woman who also happens to be the Momma to a beautiful girl, Harper. You will find beautiful pictures, reviews on products, product suggestions, recipes (mmmm, iced coffee), and chalkboard art here. Take a moment and admire her free hand chalkboards, then go to her Etsy site and buy a print! And if you want to become best friends with Jessica after reading her blog, then you'll have to get in line with everyone else!

Live A Little Wilder - Another creative Momma to follow here! She's a hands on crafting Momma of one sweet boy. If you like Pinterest, you'll love looking here for step by step projects and recipes. Sarah crafts items beautifully, then even shows you where she put it up in her house, or how to decorate with it. Also, look here for book reviews and suggestions. 

Raddest Mom - Lisa is truly a rad mom! I love all of her tips on handmade, organic, healthy items for body, baby, and dinner. She also gives great suggestions for toys, books and other homeopathic ways of living. Lisa has helped me expand my views on essential oils and Coconut oil.

Kendi Everyday - Clothes, fashion, shopping, reviews and suggestions here. As well as straight up inspiration to use what you already have in your own closet. Kendi mixes it up quite literally. I think I've only ever see her wear the same outfit once, and that's only because she posted it. I've been inspired by her previous monthly challenges of grabbing a few staple items from your closet and only using them for 30 days; making a new outfit daily. Try it out if you're up for the challenge, if not, peep all of her items online and buy them. She so kindly tells you where each piece is from. 

Under The Sycamore - Ever wonder what a super Momma looks like? Wonder no more; her name is Ashley Ann!  She is a mother of five children; four of her own, one recently adopted. I started following Ashley Ann a few months ago when my friend was going through the adoption process. It was so wonderful to read about the process, and how excited her family was.  She is also a great photographer and craft inspiration-ist (I know it's not a word!)

Pioneer Woman - Food and humor; a winning combo! I've made many recipes from Ree that were absolutely delicious. Word to the wise: most of her recipes are comfort food. Eat and enjoy!

I'm sure you can see a theme here - food Mommas!
Is refreshing to read that you're not alone in some of the obstacles you hit as an adult, a Momma, and an amature chef.
Leave me a comment with your favorite blogs so I can become a fan as well.

-A

A Mother of a deal!

Bargain hunters, deal seekers, penny pinchers, coupon queens:

This post is for you!

I love a deal! Who doesn't? I have my own personal agenda when I hit up my local Target. Shop for the things I need, then roam past all the back end caps in each section to see what's on clearance! (Tip: look at the right upper corner of the orange clearance sticker and it will tell you what percentage off the item is!) So, I thought I'd put together a list of my favorite sites with daily deals for all to see. Sometimes the items sell out quickly and I've been left empty handed (carted?) as I contemplated my purchase. 

I've worked really hard to convince my husband, E, that if it's on clearance and it's a good deal, it's a buy it now or lose it situation. How many times have you gone to TJ Maxx or Marshall's, found something you loved and decided to wait on it, then return even a few days later and it's gone? How disappointing! 

Check these out:

Zulily - I've ordered many items from this website; from baby items, a skirt, artwork and even a rug. They have great customer service as well. 

P.S. I Adore You - Think of this as a daily deal Etsy site. I have not ordered from here yet.

Brickyard Buffalo - Similar as above with more items. Some are handmade, some are from popular companies. I have not ordered from here yet. 

Groop Dealz  - Also similar as above, with double the items. Some items come directly from Etsy sellers/shops. I have not ordered from here yet. 

Baby Steals - this website offers one to three items from a company that is pretty popular. This is one of the sites that sells out quickly! Also check their sister sites (at the top of the page) for other deals.

Let me know what you think, if you find a good deal, or have an even better site for me to check out!

-A

I forgot...

...about this blog.

Okay, not really. But sort of. Life got busy. I've been blessed with a beautiful new house that I've been slowly but surely decorating. Piece by piece this will all come together soon! I'm quite proud of what I've put together so far.

                         

Here she is sans grass

Here's a glimpse at the master bedroom. I ordered this bed from a local furniture company. I ordered it in November. It was delivered in March. Huge fight for it; never ordering from them again. Nonetheless, it's beautiful!

My sanctuary

Anyways, I've thankfully discovered Ikea. Yeah, I knew about it before but didn't have any reason to go there. Now with a little one who has oodles of toys and books I needed some place to shove all that crap. Please do yourself a favor and spend the $89.99 (I think it just went up by $20 bucks!).

                  

     - Image source: ikea.com -

 I fit a huge amount of books in/on this thing. I'm going back for another one soon for the playroom. The picture shows the bookshelf upright, but I've laid mine down on its side. You can also buy baskets to fit in the cubby-holes!

Word to the wise: it (as well as most items from Ikea) comes in one large box that is heavy as hell. I didn't put it together either; my husband did. Apparently it's not a desirable to do list item. 

Happy shopping!

-A