{Fun Fix} Friday's Fave 5

Who doesn't love Vaseline? 
I love it, and when I found this tiny little bottle of Vaseline, I had to have it.
My lips are gonna be on point this winter.

1. Vaseline Lip therapy.


2. Drinks with my Girls will always be one of my faves!!

3. My new scarf.

The weather has been so nice around here.  We here in the Pacific NW are not so used to having "short sleeve" weather in late September.

4. Sunny Fall Days

Beep Beep!

 This little guy got a new hair cut yesterday.  I was sad to see his mohawk gone, but he still looks so adorable.

5. My baby boy and his new haircut.

 

{Fun Fix} Tropical Bridal Shower

I'm so totally late on this post but what-evs.

By now you've seen the pics from my girl's wedding in St. Croix.  If you want to check them out again click here.

Anywhoo, before the wedding, her mom and I threw her a bridal shower and I wanted to share some pics of the decor and details.

We went with a Tropical theme to go with the wedding's tropical location.


I covered a cardboard "E" with crepe paper flowers and hung it on the front door with a sign.
I got the "E" idea from this tutorial found on Made During Naptime.



Some of the decorations were store bought, like the paper fans and poms but I added the "E"'s for that personal touch.  I also made the banners.
One said, "Soon To Be Mrs. E" and the other said "Eat Drink Love"
In addition to the fans and poms I made heart garlands to hang in the trees.

I dressed up some address labels with a pretty stamp in the theme colors to use as name labels for the cups.  Having a name label on your drink is not only for kiddos, it's also a great way for grown ups to keep up with their drinks.



This punch was so so good.


On a separate table I set up a camera and note cards with a framed note that read
 "Snap a picture of yourself & fill out a card with words of advice and encouragement for D'Nika the bride to be"

Once I get all my pictures from the shower and wedding printed, I will fill a photo album using the pics and notes.

 

On the same table, I set up the game prizes.
They were all "shower/bath" related including 2 of the sugar scrubs I made in this post.
I wrapped them in brown paper bags tied with tulle and twine finished with a stamped tag.
I thought they looked really pretty on the table.

 

 Lastly, I made party favors of bath fizzies.  I'm hoping to post a tutorial on the fizzies in the next few days or so.
Each of them were tied with a cute little tag I designed to match the theme that said
"From My Shower to Yours, Thank You"

 

 So much fun.  I love party planning, esp. making the decorations.

{Fun Fix} Friday's Fave 5

Well football season has officially begun.  No, football is not one of my fave things, never.  I did however marry a huge football fan and a very loyal San Fran 49ers fan.  So, I made my sweet baby girl a 49er hair bow that she can wear while she watches the game with Daddy.

1. Wynter wearing her 49er bow.


I love a cute pair of earrings, and I rarely leave home with bare ears. My latest obsession is studs.

2. My new black heart studs.

3. Watching my boys enjoy the rides at the fair.

 4. I have dusted off my Crock Pot and it has quickly become one of my new favorite things.



5. Wynter has a new favorite thing too, clapping.

 

 

{Love Fix} BFF's Wedding in St. Croix

I know I've been MIA, but with good reason.  I was on vacay in St. Croix for my girl's wedding. 
(Yes, it's ok to be jells, I understand)

Of course there were lots of pictures being snapped and it just wouldn't be right not to share.

Getting the bride ready for her big moment.

Smile girls.

The Hubs and Wynnie.

 

Family shot.

Eat Cake.

Details.

 

Another attempt at a family shot, Wynter wasn't havin it.

 

Love this.

 

Wynnie was killin that chicken bone, until she lost it under her chin.

 

Me with the Newlyweds.

 

The cutest flower girl who slept through the ceremony but was ready for the reception.

 

 We had a great time. 
The wedding was beautiful, the couple was happy, the weather was perfect, the food was delish and the drinks were chilled.

Congrats Nika and Jamal!
Love you.

 

 

{Fun Fix} Back to School Shopping

If you are anything like me, then you too dread seeing the "Back to School" commercials, store aisles, and coupon mailers.  It seems like every year they come earlier and earlier.  It's like the moment school lets out we parents are bombarded with the thought of preparing for the next school year.  I just want a moment to breath the fresh air, feel the sun on my face and relax without thinking about school supplies and backpacks.

But the truth is, the summer is only so long and the first day of school is quickly approaching.  And let's face it, as much as I dread seeing the "Back to School" ads, I love to shop more, especially at a great sale.

One of my first stops when school shopping is Old Navy.  I can always find great deals on the essentials and trends at ON.  Which is important, because sending a kid off to school is not cheap especially with the mile-long school supply list that is required.

Jaelyn has been developing his own style lately so I'm sure he will have a lot to say about what clothes I buy.  He's really into graphic tee's and hoodies.  So while he will be searching to find the perfect skull tee, I will be on the look out for a sturdy fall jacket and a great pair of jeans, all at the right price of course.

It's so hard for me to believe that my baby boy will be going into the first grade.  He's growing so fast. (tear)

Love this kid!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

{Food Fix} Breaky, Lunch and Park

Got inspired to eat some pancakes for breakfast after seeing some on Healthy Dreaming. I used a box mix and added some oats to bulk it up a bit. (gotta get that extra fiber)

I like to eat mine with jam and a touch of syrup.

 

For lunch I shared a snack plate with Mr. A.

Carrots
String cheese
TJ's Chicken and Cilantro frozen won tons (so good)
Pretzels

Then took advantage of the sunshine and fresh air and headed to the park with the babies.

Mista loves the swings... what kid doesn't?

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 28

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

This is me 1 year ago.  Just had my second baby boy.  Happy and proud but also very anxious.  Anxious about the days ahead as a Mother of two.  Not knowing what to expect. 

I had this unsettled feeling inside me.  Holding my newborn, I just wanted to speed up time and pass the infancy stage.  It sounds strange, but I just wanted to get to a point where he wasn't so fragile.

Sleep deprived, for sure.

9.2010

This is me a couple weeks ago.  Settled into our family routine.  Got the Mother of 2 thing down, only to be shaken up by the upcoming arrival of a new baby.  Still sleep deprived, but not only due to mommy duties but also because I'm now a college student for the second time. 

At times I definitely still feel a bit anxious about what my future means, but for the most part I'm comfortable with whatever is to come.  

9.2011

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Days 22-25

Well, I guess since this is my 2nd time trying to play catch up on my blogging challenge, that means technically, I've failed the challenge?

Life, has a way of interrupting plans, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. 

With that said, I still want to finish the challenge, better late than never.

*****

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

This is a great question.  One that I don't think I can answer fully.  I'm really not much different from anyone else.  I try to live with integrity, I want the best for myself and my family, I have hopes and dreams.  All things that I believe I have in common with many people. 

I guess the only thing that really makes me any different from anyone else, is my life traveled thus far.  I am the only one who has lived my life, walked in my shoes, shed my tears and enjoyed my happiness.

*****

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

I'm pregnant.  I crave everything I see.  Like, a Snickers would be really nice right now.

*****

Day 24- A letter to your parents


Dear Mum and Pops,

Thank You.

The lessons you've taught me over the years are the foundation of my life. Most importantly, you've showed me what real courage is and how to pick up your boot straps and fight the good fight. 

Your love and support has meant the world to me. 

Your Daughter,
DaMora

*****

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

Well, since I have a 13month old attached to my hip, my purse is in the closet collecting dust and has been replaced by a diaper bag.

What's in there besides diapers?

• baby wipes
• hand sanitizer & lotion
• booty cream
• my wallet
• random baby toys
• one sock
• a crayon
• Kashi bar (for me)
• fruit snacks (for J)
• Ziploc of Cheerios (for A) ... gotta have our snacks
• about 10 different receipts and old tissues

Oh, the life of a Mommy!

 

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge Day - 21

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

I'm fortunate enough to say that I have a lot of things to be happy for.  I've got a big close family, an amazing husbad, the best kids, supportive friends, great health, and lots of love.

One of the things I in my life that makes me happy is my dog Hennessy aka Henn Dogg aka Diggity.

I've had Hennessy for almost 7 years and he has been so much love from day one.  I call him my first born.  He can drive me crazy at times, but makes up for it when he's being sweet and wants to cuddle.   There is no other dog like him.



Mommy loves you Digs.

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Days 17-20

I am so happy it is Friday!

This week has been a hectic one.  I started classes on Monday so I've been trying to figure out the kinks in our schedules and to mix it up even more, Jaelyn has been home from school for over a week due to a teachers strike.  Luckily, the strike ended and they went back to school today.  Hooray!

So needless to say, I haven't really had a chance to blog about anything including keeping up with my 30 day challenge. 

So while I have the chance, I'm going to play catch up.

*****

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Naturally, my first thought was to pick someone rich and famous.  Why wouldn't I want to experience a day of extreme wealth, pampering, glam, jet setting, signing  autographs, posing for pics and just being fabulous?

But then after I really considered the question, I would prefer to switch lives with someone with more meaning to me.

So, I chose this guy,


Jaelyn - My first born, sweet little man.

I would love to see the world through his fresh 5 yr old eyes.
He is living in a world that is so different than when I was 5.  Digital Technology, Sexuality on radio and TV, and National Security are all completely different now.  I don't even think he has experienced any significant discrimination, like I had by the age of 5.

It would also be interesting to see how he sees me as his mom. 

*****
 
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have

Hmm?
Besides, being a great wife and mother, my main current goal is to finish school.  The plan is to finish the Diagnostic Sonography program within the next 3 years and begin my career once all the kiddies are in school. 
As far as dreams, I have a bucket list, that seems to always get longer.  A few things on my bucket list are travel (of course), write a children's book and learn a second language.

*****

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them

My first nickname was Morapiggy.
From what I've been told, I got that nickname b/c I was a pretty, pink, chubby baby girl and I resembled Ms. Piggy from the Muppets.

The name stuck and since has been shortened to just Pig.

*****

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

Well, this one is easy, since I'm already married.

07.02.2005

*****

 

Now, that I'm a bit caught up, it's off to my pile of homework.

 

*****

 

Don't forget to enter my giveaways, here and here.

 

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 16

Day 16- Another picture of yourself

Since I have to post another picture of myself, I'm going to take this opportunity to announce the gender of our baby.

We are so excited to finally be having a girl.  She will be the perfect addition to our family.

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 15

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

OK, so I'm lame and don't have an iPod, never have.  The Hubs has one, but he took it with him this morning to San Fransisco, so I can't use his.  I do have an iPad, but I don't have any music saved to it b/c I listen to Pandora on it.

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 14

Day 14- A picture of you and your family



Wesley, DaMora, Sharif, Nichelle

You all have seen plenty of pictures of The Hubs and I with our two boys, so I wanted to mix it up and post a picture of me with my brothers and Sister.  This pic was taken at a cousins wedding a couple years ago, but it's one of the few nice pictures of the 4 of us all together.  Coincidentally, we are posed in order by age starting from the left.

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 13

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

To The Person Who Knows Me Like No Other,

I am writing to tell you, I'm tired.  I'm tired of feeling second best.  I'm tired of feeling not good enough.  I'm tired of being your last priority.  I'm tired of not being taken care of. 

I'm not taking the bull shit any more and I now demand things change.  If a change is not made, I don't know how long I will last.  I need to be treated better, like a princess Queen.  And I won't take anything less.

Sincerely,
DaMora

{Fun Fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 12

Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one

I have been reading blogs for years now.  Not all of them were hosted by Blogger but when I decided to start by own blog, I chose Blogger after asking around about ease of use.
This little blog of mine has really laid a foundation for my healthy(ish) lifestyle.  Having a place to share my triumphs as well as struggles has allowed me to release, learn, and move forward.  Being a part of the blogging community has had nothing but a positive impact on my growth.  The connections I've made, inspirational stories I've read, tips and tricks I've learned and feedback I've received all have made my journey to balance and healthy living more enjoyable. 

A "Big Shot Out" to all of my faithful readers who continue to support me!! 

Thanks!

{Fun fix} 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 11

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends

This pic is of family, but really most of my friends are my family.

Sissy Nichelle, The Hubs, Myself, SIL Chantal and Big Brother Wesley