Saying Goodbye

A couple weekends ago, we said goodbye to my sister and brother in law as they packed up all of their belongings and headed for South Carolina.  Brad completed his education and will now start practicing dentistry in South Carolina and Alicia will continue teaching, at a new school, while finishing her final year towards a graduate degree.  

They're renting a beautiful brick home in downtown Greenville, a community that serves their interests {biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, etc.} perfectly.  I am so anxious to go visit them!  But while we're all excited to see their dreams come true, it's also bittersweet as they're the first to 'leave the nest' if you will.  I completely underestimated how difficult it is to tell your baby sister goodbye.   I know she'll love it and it's the best move for her and Brad, but she's also the most sentimental person in our family, so I know this is incredibly hard on her.  As soon as I got home, I hoped on Etsy in search of the perfect gift for her.  Something that would remind her of home just when she needs it most. I came across Salvaged Studio's personalized heart maps and knew this was exactly what I wanted!  Our hometown is on the left and her new home is on the right...so fun!  I chose the 'close together or far apart, my family is always in my heart' quote, but you can pick whatever you want!

The best part is that Rachael is offering a discount when you use promo code 'MMAMA10' you'll receive 10% off any order from her Etsy site from now through August 31st.

Weight

A while back, Beet Blu contacted me asking if I was interested in reviewing the Beets Blu Smart Scale.  At first I was like 'No Thanks' because my weight has not been in my favor this past year. {your welcome that I used my children's weight and now my own for this post!}  However, after I looked at the scale, I changed my tune.  Until this point, I was assuming it was like every other scale, however, it's not.  It's sleek, with glossy black, metal, with a blue digital reading.  I love the simple, digital display, and total bonus that it replaced our very inconsistent scale that would show you 3 different weights within a minute of stepping off the scale.  

However, the coolest thing about this scale is that it links an app on your phone that allows you to customize your profile {age, gender, height, build} and set your weight goals {lose, maintain, gain}.  When you weigh yourself, it beeps to signal the information was send to your phone.  From your phone, you can see muscle, fat, water, bmi, lean body mass, & bones by day, week, month, etc. to see your trends.  The green arrow shows when you make good changes and red for negative ones.  The best part is that anyone that downloads the app can have their own profile, with the same scale.  

It should also be noted that you can use the scale for an accurate weight check without the app if you prefer.

You can purchase this scale on Amazon.com | Retail Price $74.95. 

*DISCLAIMER*  This post was written and edited by me, based on my own opinion of the product.  No additional compensation was received for this blog post. 

Chatbooks | Print your IG photos!

I'd seen several people mention Chatbooks {mainly on IG} but didn't really consider them until I saw my friend Alison order them.  

Chatbooks links to your Instagram account and autoplaces your photos {one on each page} into 60 page books.  The books are softcover, about 4"x4" & ship for free.  

You can customize them quite a bit {date, text, etc.} or leave them be.  I like to keep in simple, so I don't customize them much.  {read::I need quick & easy--I don't have time or energy for anything else!}  I just deleted a few photos I didn't want to include.  

Since I have almost 2000 Instagram photos {& hadn't printed one!}, I chose the option where they automatically send me 5 books each month until I catch up {instead of sending 20 books at one time!}--I now have 15 books.

They cost $6 and they're worth every cent!  {especially since so many of our 'daily life' photos are on Instagram and I hadn't printed one!  I would have cried if I had 'lost' them!}  I keep them at the lakehouse and people {friends, family, clients} are constantly browsing through them}.

If you want to try them out and get your first one free, use this code 2GHXF44Z.
This will also give me a $1 credit each time someone signs up, so thank you!

I was not compensated for this post

I've been keeping something from you guys...

I can't believe I'm about to put this in writing, but if all goes as planned, I'll be running a marathon this summer!  I haven't officially signed up yet, but you may have noticed I've bumped up my running schedule and started my training again.  

Sports Bra c/o Onzie :: Leggings c/o Onzie
Sorry for the terrible lighting.  I resorted to iPhone timer photos. :(
As for the terrible hair/face--these were 3 minutes post 8 mile run.

For timing reasons, I've decided the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN would be the best fit for me right now.  I would love {love, love!} to run the Chicago Marathon this fall, but as most of you know Fall is busy season for photographers, and I just don't think I would have the time dedicated to running.  

So stay tuned, because I'm sure you guys will be hearing lots more about this! :)

Huge thanks to Onzie for sending me these new leggings that are so incredibly comfortable and sports bra.  I must admit, the sports bra is a bit thin, but it held my barely there/non existent girls just fine! #MomProblems  I can't wait to add to my workout collection with some of their adorably patterned pieces! :) 

{417 Designs} GIVEAWAY!

I have some exciting news...

 My sister & her husband opened an Etsy shop & started selling adorable crafts!  

CUSTOMIZED Name Blocks

 We always joke about how much of a perfectionist they are, but seriously it's perfect for their business.  Everything is super high quality and nothing is over $50.  If you're looking for a personalized, quality, affordable, gift I encourage you to talk to her.  Most of the work they do is custom listings.

Holiday Blocks

And for the locals she's on Facebook with a few other gifts...like wine racks!  {I got one for Christmas and love it!}

REVERSIBLE Holiday Blocks

Now the giveaway part--They're giving away a $25 credit to the Etsy store for anything you want!

Personalized Baby Stats

Winner will be chosen March 1st.  See below for entries

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, any local people can meet them at this craft fair next weekend...

J'Adore VoxBox by Influenster {product review}

This was my first ever box, so I was extremely excited to hear that I have been picked to receive one of the Influenster VoxBox boxes! This one was the J’Adore VoxBox and was packed with Valentine’s treats from Influenster!

Influenster is a community of trendsetters, social media masterminds, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences. They invite members to sample their 'VoxBox' programs, totally free of charge in exchange for sharing honest opinions in via reviews and on special media.  Anyone can sign-up!

I got the notification that I had been selected for this last week, then they sent me a confirmation code, and the box was delivered to me on Valentine’s Day!  I was so excited {because this was my first, but also because I LOVE getting fun mail!} :)

You fill out a quiz when theypre-select you, which gives you an idea of what kind of products {chocolate, lotion, tea, etc.} in the box.  But you don’t know the brands until it comes.

VoxBox sends an information card with the details of each product.  You are required to take a survey on your box and can blog, instagram  etc. about it to help you earn more points, but again, only the quiz is necessary!  Here is what the Influenster J’adore VoxBox included this month....

Boots Botanics Shine Away Iconic Clay Mask [$9.39] I used this once so far and liked it. I am trying to get better about taking care of myself {washing my face each night, flossing each day, etc.} so I was excited to try this out.  My face felt so smooth after this.  Loved it! :)

Hershey’s KISSES Milk Chocolates [$5.29] I'm assuming we've all had Hershey's Kisses, so I won't go into detail, but let's just say these were a WELCOMED treat since we have quit buying all sweets in an attempt to lose some of this baby weight! :)

Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray [$9.99] Now that my hair is getting longer I'm reminded just how wavy {note: I didn't say curly, because that would actually be pretty!} it really is.  I used this flat iron spray and loved it!  For less than $10 a bottle, it's going to be my new go-to.

KISS Looks So Natural Lashes [$3.99]  Little known fact::I love false eyelashes!  I wear them when we go on fancy date nights {like last weekend} so I can't wait to compare them to my usual go-to lashes. 

Red Rose Simple Indulgent Teas [$0.90] I'm not a tea drinker, so I look these to the lakehouse since we often have guests and we like to keep things like tea and coffee available for them.  The individual serving work perfect for this!

Vaseline Men Spray Lotion [$7.99] Adam was excited about this, and me too because he is forever asking me to rub lotion on his back {ugh!}.  Spray lotion?  Yes please!

Have you ever gotten an Influenster VoxBox?  I’m not sure if there is a wait to sign up right now, but if you want an invite leave your e-mail here and I will send you an invite!  There’s no guarantee if / when you will get a VoxBox, but it’s totally worth a shot!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for review purposes

Easy Canvas Prints {review}

I was given the opportunity to review a canvas from Easy Canvas Prints, which was a no brainer since I've used them in the past.  Not only do that have amazing rates and customer service, but they ship fast!  

If you need a fun canvas, be sure to check out Easy Canvas Prints, you'll love it!

To get your canvas with 50% off plus free shipping, visit here.

If you need a more custom print option consider www.buildasign.com or www.alliedshirts.com.

Thanksgiving Shirts {Under $10}

Happy Turkey Day!  

I hope you're all taking some time to celebrate everything we have to be thankful for with some of the ones you love.  I hope to be back with photos of the kiddos from our Thanksgiving weekend.  Until then, check out the adorable outfits I got for them this year…

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A few weeks ago, on a Friday, I set out to find the outfits for the kids for the holidays--Thanksgiving, Christmas, Christmas Eve church service, Jammies for Christmas Eve, etc.  Do you know how hard it is to find coordinating outfits for a boy and a girl, one baby and one toddler?  Let me tell you…impossible.  My four hour shopping trip with children proved that.  And don't even get me started on the price of the outfits I was looking at.  

So, I gave up on my quest.  I went home and regrouped.  And then it hit me.  Where do you go for all things adorable?  Etsy of course.  And then I found Rachel from ScrapendipityDesigns.  She offers all kinds of custom, iron-ons {downloadable, or mailed to you for a small fee} for any occasion you can imagine.  When I saw I could get both of the kids' outfits for way less than one in the store?  I jumped on it.  So simple.  I had white shirts at home, so I ordered, ironed, and we're all set for Thanksgiving.  Quick. Easy. Cheap.

Guess what we're doing for Christmas outfits?!  :)

Paper Garland {for the Playroom}

If you follow me on Instagram you already saw that I added Paper Garland to the playroom {slash guest bedroom!} :)  

SofiasHouse

If you're searching for an inexpensive way to spruce up a room, this is your best bet!  The book pages are my favorite, and I think this garland ties the fun playroom colors and the little reading nook we have all together.  This Etsy shop {SofiasHouse} made my vision a reality.  If you're looking to purchase one in the future, make sure you email Julie, her customer service is unbeatable!  :)