Happiness Boutique

Necklace: Happiness Boutique

The Happiness Boutique recently reached out to me, and asked if I would like to collaborate with them. After reviewing their website, I couldn't say no. I LOVE their stuff! The Happiness Boutique carries a variety of beautiful statement necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and clothing such as dresses, skirts, tops, playsuits and accessories. They also offer FREE SHIPPING and has a fabulous customer award program.  

Their philosophy is: "We aspire to spread happiness and good vibes...We think of our [clothes & jewelry] as happy tokens, that you can touch and feel and that will remind you of beautiful things to appreciate."I decided to pick the Opalescent Statement Necklace. I love everything about this gorgeous statement necklace. I love how it shines especially in the sun, the quality is great and even though it looks heavy, its actually the perfect weight. I paired it with just a plain black top to make it really stand out. I am definitely going to be wearing this necklace all the time. Thank you Happiness Boutique!!

Birth Story: Olivia Mae

Hello my lovely readers! I think I have finally found a little bit of time to write my birth story. I have been going back and forth about sharing my birth story on this little space of mine or to just keep it private, but have had so many people wanting to know, so I have decided to fill you in.

Hmmmm....where should I start? 

Let me take you back a few months prior to her birth. I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and was put on bed rest, while being monitored twice a week by a high risk doctor. Don't get me wrong, being on bed rest was pretty great for the first week or so, but then after that I got a little stir crazy. 

My due date was July 18th, but because of my condition I was scheduled to be induced about a month earlier. So we marked it on our calendars and starting planning for that date. Well...lets just say that God had different plans. On Sunday, June 7th around 10:00pm, my heart started to race a little bit. I laid down and tried to relax and ended up falling asleep. Around 1:30am, I woke up to my heart racing so fast that I thought my heart was literally going to come out of my chest. I sat up and took my blood pressure. 170/100

I got a strong feeling like I needed to go to the hospital. I woke up Josh and our little girl and we were headed out the door within less than 10 minutes. 

When we arrived at the hospital, they put an IV in me, put straps around my belly to monitor baby and placed a cuff around my arm to keep an eye on my blood pressure. The nurse told me that she was so glad that I made the decision to come to the hospital. For the next several hours, I just laid there wide awake talking to my Mom and Josh just wondering what to expect and what was going to happen next. Around 1:30pm, a doctor came in with news I was not expecting at all. He gave me two options. To try for a vaginal birth which might risk my health and baby's health because of my condition or have a c-section (say what?!?!) Funny thing is, just that Friday before when I had an ultrasound, she was head down ready to go. Well..over the weekend, she decided it would be fun to flip so she was breach. The doctor told me they could try to do an aversion to see if they could get her to flip, but it would be a 50/50 chance and I would just continue to run the risk of my health and hers. He told me he would give me some time to think about what I wanted to do and discuss it with Josh. I didn't know what to do or think. I was so scared and confused. 

After talking to Josh, my Mom, my nurse who had two c-sections and praying about it, I finally came to the decision that I was going to choose to have the c-section. After choosing that decision, I remember just having a great feeling of peace about it and just knew it was the right decision for me and my baby.

The time is now 2:00pm. I told my nurse that I was going to have the c-section. She scheduled it for 6:45pm. This is when the real anxiety and fear started kicking in. I was so nervous and scared. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Oh yeah!! I forgot to tell you that on this SAME day was Kaelyn's adoption at 3:00pm! Josh had to call the courthouse to see if there was anyway that he could attend and have me conference in. They told him that normally they don't do that and have never done that before, but would make an exception. God is so good! Josh left around 2:30 to make it there just in time. I called in on a conference call and the Judge starting laughing because he and the entire courtroom of friends and family could hear the baby's heartbeat over the speaker phone. He said in all his time in doing adoptions, he has never had to do an adoption over the phone while the Mother was a the hospital ready to have a baby. The call took a little over ten minutes and she was finally ours forever. Tears started streaming down my face. I couldn't believe (and still can't believe) that all of this happened on the same exact day!

Now can you imagine at this point how I must be feeling?? I had so many mixed emotions. Excited, nervous, scared, grateful...you name it I was feeling it. 

The time is now 6:45pm. My nurse comes into my room and tells me its time. As they wheeled me down the hall, I prayed and prayed and prayed to God to calm my nerves. As I entered the surgery room I saw all the "tools" on the table that they were going to use and doctors and nurses running all over talking and yelling out stuff to one another. I took a deep breath and said to myself "okay..lets do this"

They made me straddle the surgical bed, face the one of the nurses and hold her hands tight as they put a shot in my spine. They then laid me down and my entire bottom half of my bottom was completely numb. Then then brought Josh in so he could sit right by my side. The sheet went up. One of the doctors confirmed to make sure that I couldn't feel anything at all. They told me I would feel a lot of pressure and tugging. It was just that. It seemed as if time flashed right before my eyes. All of the sudden I hear the cries of our sweet baby girl and Josh and I burst into tears. Olivia Mae born at 7:34 weighing 4 pounds 7 ounces and 17 inches long. As they brought her around so we could see her, I experienced a feeling like nothing I have before. Its completely indescribable and amazing. With her being 6 weeks early they immediately had to rush her to the NICU and Josh went with them as they switched me to a different bed and took me to the recovery room. 

As I laid there in pain, all I could think about was just how good God really is. Two huge blessings all on the same day. What a sweet special bond my babies with have with one another. Just thinking about it now, how everything happened and felt so perfectly into place brings tears to my eyes. I sure am one lucky Mama! 


 

Little Black Hat

If you know me, you would know that I am a huge fan of hats. I wear hats year round and think that they add so much to any outfit. I was so excited when I was sent this Scala Collezione hat. This hat is well made, comfortable, adjustable and comes in 18 different colors. The brim can be worn rolled up for a fashionable look or down for a casual bucket hat look. I will definitely be packing this hat for our trip to California this November. 

If you are a fan of this hat too, click here and get FREE shipping.

20 WAYS TO ADD COLOR TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Now that we are in the peak summer months, you have likely been spending quite a bit of time outside, especially in your own backyard. If you find yourself getting a little bored with the decor you currently have, it may be time for a little update. This doesn’t have to mean anything big or expensive - simply a splash of color to liven up your outdoor space.

Here are 20 great ways you can easily add some color and enjoy spending time outside that much more.

1. Throw Pillows and Ottomans: Don’t underestimate the power of adding a bright new set of pillows or change the ottomans on your current outdoor furniture.

2. Colorful Furniture: Consider buying new outdoor furniture or painting your current furniture a great new color.

3. Patio Hardware: As mentioned in this article, you can add a little color by focusing on the patio hardware rather than any big item. Powder coat deck railings or door hardware with little hassle.

4. Flowers: Of course, the plants in your yard can make for an easy and natural way to add color. You can still add some flowers in late summer such as alyssum, morning glory, salvia, or cleome as they love the warm weather.

5. Colorful Yard Decorations: Whether you have a great new windvane or a fun-loving gnome, your yard decorations can certainly add to the look of your backyard.

6. Planters: Mix up the colors and styles of the planters in your yard. As long as there is another one like it somewhere close it will all look like it ties together.

7. Outdoor Lamps: Did you know they make lamps for the outside too? If you have a space where it will be protected from weather, add an outdoor lamp with a great lampshade.

8. Linens and Placemats: Use your patio table layout to add some sassy patterns for your outdoor dining linens and placemats.

9. Mealtime Colors: Colorful plates, bowls, cups and utensils are great for when you eat outside - aka every day in the summer.

10. Colorful Light Fixtures: Exchange your current light fixture or simply paint your current ones happy new colors.

11. Doors: Whether it is your back door, your front door or the garage door, you can add a little color to the outside of your home by giving the door a new coat of paint. Think bright!

12. Birdhouse or Bird Feeders: A great, festive birdhouse or a brightly colored bird feeder will not only add color themselves, but they will draw birds to your hard that may bring their own unique color combinations.

13. Wreaths: Placed on either a door or even on the wall, a wreath can add a new level of color and festivity to your outdoor space.

14. Patio Umbrella: Adding a great umbrella not only gives you the benefit of shade, but it is an easy way to add some color without going too crazy.

15. Hang Art: A great painting or framed poster does not need to stay inside the house. Change it up by adding a piece of art to your patio wall.

16. Draperies: Giving you a way to block the sun, feel more enclosed, or to give your outdoor space more of a resort feel, drapery can do a lot to add some character to the outside of your house.

17. Outdoor Rugs: Adding an outdoor rug to your patio area not only feels cozy, but also brightens up boring cement or stone.

18. Arbor: Consider adding an arbor for a great and colorful entrance to your yard that will return each year.

19. Potting Bench: Store all your gardening necessities in a brightly colored potting bench and use it for extra counter space for social events hosted in your backyard.

20. Wall Planter: Purchase some flat backed planters or pots and mount them to the wall. These may already come in fun colors or you can paint them yourself.

Especially if you are spending the majority of your evenings and weekends enjoying the lovely summer weather in your own yard, you should enjoy it and be proud of its appearance. When it comes to a bright pop of color, a little goes a long way, so choose just a couple of these suggestions and you will be pleased with how easily it improves your home’s outdoor space!

OLIVIA | ONE MONTH OLD

Dear Olivia,

Happy one month of life little one! I can't believe you are one month old already. It literally seems like you were born yesterday and now here we are just one month later. You making your debut into this world was one of the most precious and best days of my life.

When Daddy and I were choosing your name, I had a whole list of girls names that I have always loved, but none of them really felt right. One day when I was at the store, I heard a Mommy say "Olivia, we are going to get that today" and my first thought was wow, I absolutely LOVE that name. It's perfect.

Your name "Olivia" means peace. Every time I look at you (which is often) or hold you in my arms, peace and happiness flood over my entire body and my heart skips a couple of beats. 

I know you are only just one month old, but here are a few things that I know about you already....

* You are definitely an eater, just like your big sister Kaelyn. Right now you don't eat for    very long and only eat about 2-3 ounces, but you want to eat often. Good for you-bad for Momma.

* You can sleep through most noises but at times a noise (dog barking or Dad coughing) will startle you and your little arms and legs will go nuts. I love it!

* You love to be held and look at me with your steel blue eyes. Don't worry...I am soaking it all in baby girl.

* You make the silliest and weirdest faces, especially when you know someone is watching you. 

* Smiles. Boy do I love to see you smile. Best thing ever.

* When you were born you weighed just 4 lbs. and 7 ounces

First time I held you I was a little nervous because you were so tiny and delicate. You still are so tiny and delicate. Your cute little preemie onesies could fit on one of your big sisters baby dolls. But...because you are such a great little (big) eater, you are now starting to fit into regular newborn onesies. Hooray! I am one happy Momma! 

* You're sleeping next to us in your bassinet and we normally go to bed around 10-11pm. You typically give me 3-4 hours of sleep, wake to eat, another few hours (normally only 2)....wake to eat, etc. Some nights are looooong, some nights are better. MOST of the time, you go back to sleep easily. Some nights I have to rock you in my arms until you fall asleep before I can slowly...very slowly place you back in your bassinet. Those are some of the loooong nights I was talking about.

Sweet Olivia I adore everything about you...even when you keep me up all night, pee on me, spit up on me and have green poopy smelly diapers. You are such a light, a joy and a huge blessing in our lives and I couldn't imagine life without you. God is so good! I gotta tell you and be honest that Mamahood is definitely no walk in the park, but I would sacrifice anything and everything for you. You make me want to be better and I love being your Momma.

Kushyfoot

Recently I was given the opportunity to try out some Kusyfoot products. I had never heard of the brand before but glad that I was able to try them because they are so awesome! 

Kushyfoot has been offering stylish legwear solutions while keeping the focus on comfort since 2003. Products either feature a specially designed sole with a massaging sensation or a cushioned sole to help you feel comfortable in your shoes throughout the day. Offering a wide assortment of products ranging from foot covers, socks, knee highs and tights, Kushyfoot has everything to suit your needs!

Lets take a look at what I got.....

This is such a great idea! These are perfect for your peep toe heels. They offer incredible comfort, protection and also have a support grip in the back too.

These lace top toe covers are not only pretty looking, but have a clear built in strap to hold them in place if to wear with your slingbacks. In looking through my closet, I actually have no slingbacks so I wore them with my black ballet flats instead. 
 

These foot covers with a cotton sole on the bottom are so comfy. They are literally like wearing slippers. They are perfect for this other pair of black flats that I have because the they used to be uncomfortable to just put on but now anymore...I can wear these and problem is solved!

These sport foot covers are perfect for sneakers/slip on sneakers. They worked perfectly with my Sam Edelman slip on sneakers. So comfortable and you can't even see a hint of pink!

Genius! Flats to Go. According to Kushyfoot, "Flats to Go are a girl's best friend after spending a long day in heels or uncomfortable shoes. These light and foldable ballerina shoes can be stored in your purse so they will always be in reach when your feel need it the most!" When I take my lunch at work or go out after work, the first thing I want to do is take my heels off and put something comfortable on. To be honest when I first took these out of the package, they didn't feel like they would be comfortable. Once I put them on I was really surprised. They really are comfy and because of the ridging on the bottom, when walking it feels like they are massaging your feet. I will definitely be carrying these with me everywhere. 

Be sure to visit Kusyfoot to check out all of their fabulous products. 

Right now get 20% off your order of $40 or more!

Easy BBQ Chicken Bake

This BBQ Chicken Bake makes for an easy dinner and takes literally just a few minutes to prepare. It's juicy, delicious and all the flavors really come together and taste fantastic! I served it with homemade mashed potatoes and cheesy garlic bread.

Ingredients

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4-6 tablespoons of bbq sauce
1 large onion sliced
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Spray the baking dish with non stick spray and place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
2. Spread bbq sauce on top of each chicken breast
3. Spread onions evenly over the top of each chicken breast and then top with cheese
4. Place in preheated oven at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken center is no longer pink
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

4th of July Outfit Inspiration

With Fourth of July just two days away....I have red, white and blue on my mind! I love getting dressed up and having fun with friends and family. This will be Kaelyn's second year in a row being able to celebrate the 4th with us and many more to come now that she is finally apart of our forever family. Above is some Fourth of July styling inspiration to help get you get all styled out for the Fourth.