Friday Favorites: Fall Edition

Click the pic to join the fun!

Cadence loved the countdown that was left on her door by Mickey & Minnie. Each morning she tears a new chain off and when all done we're headed to Disney! Although Disney isn't necessary Fall related like my title ensues, we're travelling their in the fall so that counts, right?

Tinkerbell is officially gone now...the days are passing quickly.
Cadence says that Snow White is the next to go. 

We also got our luggage tags in the mail yesterday (insert Vicki Woo-Hoo here!) And I got the email this morning that our Magic Bands have shipped!

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Football and Fall kinda go hand in hand. They each start around the same time and here in the South when the first games start, Fall starts along with it, even if it is still 90 degrees outside.

My husband and I are Gamecock fans, hell all of my family are Gamecock fans. Did we lose last night? Yes we did. Did we play well? Absolutely not. Do we have a lot of learning to do on that field? You bet your ass we do. However, I'm not a fair-weather fan. Just because my team is playing like crap doesn't mean I'm going to just all of a sudden quit cheering them on and root for another one.

FaceBook was filled last night with snarky comments from Clemson fans. My news feed was loaded with comments like, "how about them Gamecocks tonight?" and "there's always next year."

There's always next year!??  

It was the very first game of the season. South Carolina is known to play amazing one game and play the complete opposite the next. How can someone base the entire season off of one game, and a Clemson fan at that, when they haven't even played yet?!

I rarely comment or post on social media regarding football. I keep to myself because at the end of the day it's just a game and I don't win or lose anything from it. It just pisses me off when fans of a rival team talk shit but when it's their turn to get some heat when their team loses, they can't take it.

You know what momma says y'all, if you can dish it out, you better be able to take it!   

I'm a Gamecock fan. Win or lose. I wear my garnet proudly and get chills whenever we have the opportunity to head to Williams Brice. I am also from South Carolina, where Clemson is based out of. They are a South Carolina team. If they do well this year, I would be proud to say that they are out of SC, that's the difference between a fan and a sore loser though. A sore loser will hate a rival, regardless. They will be ignorant about it. I support SC the state. If SC the football team isn't playing I want to see Clemson do well, because they are a South Carolina team.

Just my opinion...

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Once again, not necessarily Fall, but it's my blog, so...

How cute are these screenshots of my loves I took yesterday. Cadence loves Frozen blueberries, and she loves when they make an "Olaf"!

It's not often us women like a picture of ourselves. Let's be honest.

Tarl has swore off Nos Energy drinks, I haven't and I love them, as bad for you as they may be.

Yesterday morning I picked one up and snapped a pic to send to him to be jealous and realized I didn't look half bad, in fact I actually liked this pic of me. Let's face it, it's a rare occasion!

Being silly before school this morning.

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 I don't care if it's still 90 degrees, the fall boots have officially came out and got dusted off this morning. 

Love love love 'em!

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This weekend I will be making my pumpkin bread. It's absolutely delicious and involves only two ingredients. One can pumpkin and one box spice cake mix. Mix and bake at 350 for 30 minutes in a loaf pan, or cake pan if you don't have a loaf pan. #delish

I'm off early today and off Monday. I will also be taking a blogging break for the long weekend.

Have a happy, safe and Blessed labor day folks!

Sweet T

When you first start dating every thing is perfect. Each time you see one another the butterflies build up in your tummy and a smile is instantly spread across your faces.

As the days pass and the two of you steady grow closer, the typical questions arise from family members and friends, "When are you two going to get married?"

As the years pass and that magical day arrives new questions come with it, "When are you going to start a family?"

Before you know it you're peeing on sticks, have an ever growing bump on your belly along with swelling face, feet and every other imaginable body part. A room in  your house turns into a plethora of pink or blue and before you know it, it's no longer just the two of you.

Babies are the most precious gift from God. However, it's also one of the most stressful times in a marriage. The routine that the two of you have built over several years has all of a sudden changed, drastically. You no longer intertwine your feet in the bed because even though you swore up and down your little one would sleep in their crib, somehow they always manage to find their way in between the two of you.

Date nights are minimal and your finances dwindle faster than they ever have before. Between formula, diapers, snacks, clothes and the other 1000 items you need stress is another addition to the family.

If you are one of the lucky ones though, you get through it and it makes you stronger than you once were.

Marriage, along with parenthood is not easy, but it sure is a journey worth taking.

For the most part marriage is a piece of cake, for me it is anyway. I can honestly say werarely have an argument that lasts over 10 minutes, and when we do making up is always fun ;)

I'm a sucker for love. I always had a boyfriend, even if they weren't a gentleman, I was the type of girl who never wanted to be alone. I liked snuggles and kisses and special treats on my birthday. (*Sidenote - I once got broke up with on my birthday...what a present, right!?) Moving on...I'm a firm believe in soul mates. I think that God does have that special one just for you. I'm lucky enough to have found mine at 15 years old.

Tarl and I have been together for 12+ years now. He amazes me daily. He not only provides financially for our family, but he still looks at me like he did when we first met 12 years ago.

Now that Cadence is older (and sleeps in her own bed) the snuggling has found it's way back into our lives.

We are always making each other laugh in some way or another, even if not on purpose.

He is simply amazing. He is always surprising me with something, something that I didn't deserve.

As cliche as it sounds he truly treats me like a princess and I am so blessed to have such a loving, supportive, family man in my life.

I love the family we have made together and I love the fact that our relationship is more stronger now than it ever has been before. He is my rock and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

 I love that even after all these years the butterflies still flutter. I love that we are the epitome of "high school sweethearts" having met in 10th grade. I love that God chose him, just for me.

I love you Sweet T, always.

weekend

Monday already!

But what a fun weekend. On Friday we kept it low key and had Mexican with the in-laws. It was delicious. 

We bought Season 1 of Game of Thrones because we heard it was the shit and it was!

Finished it this weekend and now am feening for Season 2! Great show!

On Saturday we headed to beautiful Beaufort. Tarl is in the process of building Cadence a swingset so he had to get some things, Cadence helped.

Afterwards we got some Bruster's ice cream, yummy!

Right across the street from Brusters is a small pond with dozens of geese, we loved watching them.

On Saturday afternoon we beat the heat by swimming in the pool with friends. So fun and so refreshing on such a hot day!

We woke up this morning to 70 degree weather and although it's still hot outside there is no humidity and it feels wonderful!

Our Disney countdown is at 31 days and I'm off to make these countdown hanging decorations for Cadence's bedroom door. We cut off a chain each day down. 

via

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Wish me luck! If all turns out well I'll post pics. 

Heading off to College? This post is for you!

Whether you're a freshmen starting out at college or a Senior returning for their final year you should know about CampusBookRentals.com

Campus Book Rentals is great for any college student because not only is it convenient, but it's more affordable than buying all of those college books that are required.

You can save up to 80% off of standard book store prices, you get free shipping both ways, you can highlight in the books as if they were your own, and the best part? Campus Book Rentals donates to Operation Smile with every book rented. Want to learn more? The video explains it all :)

The fact that Campus Book Rentals donates to Operation Smile with each book rented is just
icing on top of the cake.

Operation Smile is a children's charity which performs and repairs cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities for children around the world. My nephew Tristan was born with both a cleft lip and palate, so to bring awareness to this cause hits very close to home. 

I worked with Campus Book Rentals last semester and was honored to do so again so I could bring more awareness to something not a lot of people know about. To learn more about Operation Smile or to donate, please click the link above.

Rent Back is a new program offered by Campus Book Rentals. Rent Back is easy and the best part is you make 2 - 4 times more money than you would if you sold your old books back to a book store.

I know the picture is small, but you can click the Rent Back link above to see a bigger image.

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. You send your books to Rent Back, they rent them out to other students who need the book and you get paid. Holla!

This video explains it all:

To learn more, click any of the links below and Happy Semester!

Friday Favorites

Join the fun here, here, and here.

Per usual I am beyond happy that Friday is here!
Here are some of my favorites today!

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My sister-in-law (soon to be, I hope) let me borrow a book a while back. I took it to work with me and it sat in my drawer until the internet went out yesterday. I had completely forgotten about the book and thank goodness I got bored due to the internet and opened my drawer to do some cleaning. I saw the book and thought, "what the hell". It was fantastic!

The Program by Suzanne Young

The Program is a 405 page book that I read in under 3 hours, that's how good it was. It's crazy good and I was so upset when I finished reading, only to find out that Mrs. Young came out with book #2, The Treatment, which I just purchased onto my Kindle and will start later on this afternoon. 

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Fall is coming! I said Fall is coming! As of today, we are officially one month away from the official start of Autumn. If you're a new reader you should know that Fall is my favorite time of the year. Crisp air, the smell of apples and cinnamon and all things pumpkin and burlap consume my house, including food.

These Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls look amazing.

Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls via Back to Her Roots

I think Cadence and I may start on the fall goodies this weekend!

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Today completes my baby's first full week in Kindergarten. I am so proud of her. She has done tremendously well interacting with others, playing, learning and being well behaved. She loves school and can't wait for it to start. I'm so happy that she is enjoying it and day by day it's getting easier on me. 

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It's Friday sweet friends, have a great weekend!

P.S. Vacation countdown - 35 days, let's here a Vicki Woo-Hoo!

Loving!

Wet Brush

So apparently this has been around for a while. Why am I just now finding out about it?! I had my hair appointment last week and I hate brushing my hair when it's wet. It's tangled and just plain hurts, but when my stylist pulled this bad boy out, wow! Obsessed! I have a five year old daughter with long, sensitive hair and this is perfect because she doesn't even feel when I brush the tangles out. It's basically magic. Run, don't walk and get one, it will save your tangled hair.

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I cannot wait for Falls arrival and have been obsessing over all things pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon. I've been eyeing tall boots, skinny jeans and chunky scarves for the past week and have even mentioned to my local baker to start early with the pumpkin cheesecakes :)

A fresh manicure with darker, more neutral hues is also on my list and Essie is on point with their 2014 Fall collection. Have you seen it yet? Love.

You can view the entire collection here, but I'm going to share with you my favorites.

Essie's Dress to Kilt

Essie's Take it Outside

Style Cartel

It's a tough choice between all three to be honest. I definitely see my manicure future being filled with all three of these juicy colors. Essie, in my opinion, is always on point. I love the simple yet chic packaging and the colors never cease to amaze me. As long as I top with a good top coat, the color is set for days.

Good job Essie, good job! *claps hands*

xo

Vacation Choices - What should you choose?

Preface: The reason for this rant post is simple. Once I booked our trip to Disney I followed every single FB page that is involved around planning Disney trips. I did this because although I have been to Disney several times, I have never planned, organized, made dining reservations, nothing. We've strictly gone to ride rides. Once you have a child who loves all things revolving around princesses, pirates and parades, you have to plan, otherwise you're going to miss out on a lot of special things and the "magic" of Disney.

I haven't been that involved with those Disney pages now that our trip is planned in it's entirety, however I still see the posts on my news feed and today someone posted about how they are now not excited about their trip due to the planning, the dining reservations they had to make, their ride selections, etc.

Are you kidding me?! 

I restrained myself from commenting because I don't know this person from Adam, and to be honest, there were hundreds of other people giving this person grief about their post that I didn't need to add to my opinions. However I felt the need to voice it here, after all it is my blog.

My blog stats show that my travel posts are some of my most read. So I felt the need to rant about it here because although I've given this advice before I'll give it again, and add some emphasis to it, here goes...

Disney is for everyone.

It doesn't matter if you have children or not, Disney is a blast. Tarl and I have gone three times since we have known each other. We went once when we were dating. Once after Cadence was first born and our most recent trip was two years ago with Cadence as a weekend trip. Our 2nd trip we had planned to go to Universal, but once we got to Florida we decided on the mouse instead and am so glad we did. 

This past March we went to Universal. It was fun. I'm glad we went, but we both agree'd, it ain't Disney!

Disney isn't the Beach!

If you're going for a weekend trip to getaway and ride some rides, have fun! Get a hotel, make your FastPass+ selections (gets you on the rides quicker) and go enjoy yourself. However, if you are going for more than a weekend, you need to plan. It's a necessity. Are you planning on eating in the parks? There are hundreds of restaurants, several of which are adult oriented and elite if it's just the two of you. If you have children planning is a must! Does your little boy love Mickey, then make sure you wake up at 180 days out to reserve Chef Mickey's where you eat and meet Mickey, Minnie and the gang. Reservations book fast and you have to plan. Disney isn't the beach. You don't go to relax, you go to have fun and ensure your kids experience the magic of Disney. Parades, fireworks, food, and fun. This doesn't mean you don't have fun because we have a blast, but it also doesn't mean you're relaxing on white sand with a cocktail in hand. If you're going for a week, then I suggest reserving one day of your trip as a "rest day". Ours is Tuesday of our trip. We will hang out at our resort pool and let Cadence play on the water slide. We will relax on the man made beach with hammocks. We will eat ice cream at the Beach Club and enjoy the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon. Just because you're going to Disney doesn't mean you don't get to relax, but it also doesn't mean you don't have to plan, because you do.

Don't be lazy!

It's truly not that hard or time consuming. Once Tarl and I arranged our vacations at work I officially booked the trip by putting a $200 deposit down on it. Disney is similar to a cruise because you can pay as little or as much towards the trip as long as it's paid off in full 45 days prior to your arrival. Disney will then send you a packet, along with a customized magnet to place on your fridge with "important dates": Reservation Selections, FastPass+ Selections, Online Checkin, and the big one, your arrival! If you're like me and never pay attention to your fridge, put it on your calendar or set an alarm on your phone. I was so excited that I had the dates memorized, but some people call me crazy, so there's that too :)

The most important one, and most time consuming is the dining reservations. This is only if you purchased the dining plan. If you have kids and are staying for more than 3 days than I strongly advise you to get it. This allows you to have character breakfast, lunches and dinners and allows these meals to be paid in full in advance, so all you have to do is show up. 

You can make dining reservations at 6am on your 180 day mark. If you want any of the "prominent" restaurants, than you better do what I did, set your alarm for 5:30, brew some coffee, get out the credit card (just to confirm your reservation, they do not charge your card) and get ready. We are staying for 6 days/6 nights and here is our final dining itinerary:

Saturday - Hollywood & Vine - Lunch - MGM - Sophia the First/Doc McStuffins/Jake (Neverland Pirates)

Sunday - Akershus - Breakfast - Epcot - The Princesses

Sunday - Ohana - Dinner - Polynesian Resort

Monday - Cinderella's Royal Table - Dinner - Castle at Magic Kingdom - The Princesses

Tuesday - 1900 Park Fare - Dinner - Grand Floridian - Prince Charming/Cinderella/Stepmom & Sisters

Wednesday - Rainforest Cafe - Downtown Disney

Thursday - Chef Mickey's - Contemporary Resort - Mickey & the Gang

All of the above are hard to get into. All of the above book at 180 days, so wake your ass up and make those reservations. All in all it took me 10 minutes to do it online. Not that much time, you just have to wake up early. I have a friend going at a similar time. She waited until she got off work that night to make hers and the castle was completely booked for dinner. 

Also remember, just because it isn't a character dinner, doesn't mean it doesn't book quickly. Ohana is located in the Polynesian Resort. They serve dinner family style, bring it to your table and it's quite a feast. It's one of the hardest reservations to make, along with Chef Mickey's and Be Our Guest (we're doing Be Our Guest for lunch) so don't be lazy. Wake up and make em'. This was the most difficult planning part of the trip, and it wasn't even that hard to do. You just have to wake up early and who wants to do that?!

FastPass+ reservations are a breeze. I waited until I got to work to do that and you can periodically change those even up to the day, so no worries on that aspect. 

The biggest thing to remember is Disney is a vacation where you have to plan. I learned about Disney, read several articles, pins on Pinterest and FB pages. I did the work because I know Cadence is going to have a great time, as will Tarl and I. It's worth the 10 minutes making reservations and waking up early.

Just remember, if you want a quiet, relaxing getaway, Disney is not it. Don't bitch about it. Disney is a blast and you go non-stop while there but it's an experience you will never forget!

Look what I found!

When I first saw the idea of reading a book each night through December leading up to Christmas I was sold! I'm all about the holidays, Christmas in particular, so any new tradition that involves family has me hooked. I loved the idea of Cadence unwrapping one gift beginning December 1st - Christmas Eve. One book for each day. I wanted to do it last year but time got the best of me, but today I started my collection.

Let me start off by saying that books can be very expensive. Children's books in particular. They get you with their colorful colors. Thick hard back covers and of course wildly illustrated pages, but look for the bargains! I had to go to Staples for work today and there in a sea of books were two large, colorful hard back kids books, on sale for just $3.99. Each book is normally $19.99. I couldn't grab them fast enough.

What can I say, books make me happy. I love reading them and Cadence and Tarl love listening as I do. I'm that person who has a voice for each character. Yep, that's me! The Gingerbread Man is perfect for the Christmas season and of course we had to add a Disney princess in the mix.

It's all about finding bargains. I refuse to pay $5+ on a book knowing I have 24 to buy. The Dollar Tree where each book is a $1 also has a lot of options. Also, check with your local library. Sometimes they offer book sales where they sale books starting at $.025. Can't beat a quarter for a book!

Start now, that way when December arrives you have the books ready to wrap. It's something that your child will look forward to each night before bed, plus it will add to their growing book collection.

Two down, 22 more to go.

I'm so ready for Christmas!

P.S. I have some blog posts you don't want to miss to finish off this week. Including the perfect fall colors for your nails and the best hair brush, ever!

Letting Go

When I found out I was first pregnant with Cadence I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom, but finances wouldn't allow it. So of course, the number one question was, babysitter?!

Fortunately my sister is a stay at home mom and I trust her with my life, and obviously my child's life, because she watched Cadence for me for a few months until my mom started watching her. My mom has watched her every day since. 

To say starting school was/is a huge transition is an understatement. It's a transition that everyone has been going through. My mom has missed Cadence SO MUCH throughout the day. She went from keeping her all day to now just two hours. I miss the comfort of being able to call my mom and talk to Cadence on the phone or just check up on her, it's not like I can call the school and say, "hey let me talk to my kid for a second." 

Cadence seems to be taking it the best, which I'm so happy for. She looks forward to school every morning. This morning at 6:30 I walked to her room and she was already awake, underneath the covers with a flashlight and her drawing pad giggling. I'd much rather have her be happy about it than hate it.

On the first day Tarl and I both walked her into her class room. We stayed for a brief second and then left. I cried in his arms and we were both late for work. Now that full time school is started and is now on a regular daily schedule I drop her off each morning due to Tarl's work schedule and let me tell you, it's just as hard these two days as it was on the first day.

Yesterday I walked her into her classroom. She is only five and is not embarrassed or shy about it and I am most certainly not the only mom who does it. But there are plenty of moms who also just drop their kids off at the steps and they walk in by themselves. Nothing wrong with that either. I vowed yesterday morning after I walked her into ween off of me walking in with her. 

This morning I dropped her off at the entrance instead of her classroom. I watched her with her bookbag and lunchbox in tow walk into her classroom all by herself. Just typing it breaks my heart. 

I know that kids must go to school. I know it's a great experience for her. I know she will make (and already has made) tons of friends. She loves learning, playing and the social interaction that school provides. I too love that she is now in school and having new experiences but that does not mean it's easy. In fact it's the opposite, it's hard as hell!

Letting go is not fun. It's not easy. It's a huge transition. Does it get easier?!

So many changes are going on in my family. My oldest nephew, who is like my little brother since we are close in age, just left for college. He is a few hours away but somehow it seems like a lifetime. Granted he is grown and we don't talk daily like we used to, it's still hard knowing he's not just a few miles down the road. My other nephew is a senior in high school. This coming May he will embark on his own journey and start his college education an hour away, then another nephew the following year. 

Where does the time go? How do you let them go?

Weekends & Dry Sockets

This weekend was another great one in the books other than my tooth.

If you're just now a follower of my blog let me catch you up. I had an oral surgery to have a tooth removed on Tuesday, however the pain kept getting worse and worse.

I made an appointment for this morning on Friday afternoon which means I suffered all weekend with horrible pain. I was throwing back Ibuprofen like they were M&M's, literally!

Anyways, on Friday night we ventured off to Hilton Head and ate at Carabba's, then we headed to get some ice cream and a walk on the beach. The weather was beautiful and you actually needed a light jacket because of the water and wind. I loved it!

Saturday morning we vowed to do something different so we headed off to Savannah and visited the UGA aquarium. It's a small little aquarium out on Skidaway Island, but the views and aquarium itself were well worth the trip! We all loved it and then we saw the walking trails. At first we were dreading the walk in the heat, but with all the mossy oaks and overcast skies it was perfect, we didn't even break a sweat.

Oh, and just for kicks, remember those pictures I was telling you about. The family pics that we attempted to take in 100+ degree weather, (what a joke!) here they are!

Y'all, it was so hot and we attempted a fall look with jeans...never again!

We ran inside and took this with the pets...

Gotta love that the whole family is in it, Hector & Rosie included. Tarl and I died laughing at the fact that Rosie is loving taking the picture and Hector is looking up at him like, really dude, you're going to make me take a damn picture?!

On another note, a dry socket is no joke. I had a post op appointment with the dentist today and turns out that's what is causing all the pain. Essentially bone fragments are supposed to come out and they never did so it has turned into a raging infection. He put on a new prescription and gave me some heavy pain meds. I hope this clears it. Tooth aches and ear aches are the worst!

Happy Monday friends, whose ready for the weekend already?!

Me!