July already?

Movie Stars

So, yeah, it's been a while! Ha. I'll be honest - the birchboxes I have received lately haven't really thrilled me.. Anxious to see what will be in this month's box. It may be a good time for an update and Brown happenings. 

My boys.

Shannon - He and a group of wonderful friends replaced our front door and it looks awesome. I'm so pleased with how much more privacy we have in the house and how amazing it looks. It may have taken us a while but this place is becoming ours. I love it. He takes pride in the exterior of our home and he has done a beautiful job. There are a lot of projects we want to tackle -- one at a time.

 New door - Old door.

New private front door installed!

Audrey - She has been attending a day camp this summer and she loves it! Every week they have gone on a field trip somewhere - a walk, a lake, a baseball game, a movie... tons of fun. If she could go everyday, even the weekends, she would be there. She finished TBall in June and had another great year! She is learning more about the game, and it's a great way to bond with her daddy (who also coached her team this year). She has lost 2 teeth since May and has more wiggly ones to come out. Growing up so fast! 

TBall!

 

Last day of Kindergarten

Character Counts Awards

First tooth lost!

Keeping busy

Landon - This kid is crazy. He's funny, ornery, a snuggle bug, sweet, smart... The way he has changed in the past few months is crazy to me. He is talking more, putting sentences together, and it's fun to see his brain work. He loves all things superhero. He loves to snuggle with almost anyone he knows. There are days I feel it's necessary for me to work so we have some extra money for food. He keeps us on our toes, and when it's too quiet it's usually a bad thing. 

Superhero Landon

My very own Chicken Little

And, me - I have been busy, but let me break it down for ya:

-Loosing weight is awful. Let's be honest. I've been trying to get to the gym 2-4 times per week. I have started to see a difference in my arms and legs... anxious to see some changes in my midsection. It's been good discipline for me (and Shannon! Who I can see a difference in his midsection. Blah) to make the time to go to the gym. I want to be a good example for my kiddos. 

-This year we finally have a garden. I'm so happy! We planted cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes, cilantro, basil, cucumbers, zucchini, green peppers, banana peppers and jalapeno peppers. Most of our plants have done very well. It's been fun to see it grow from this tiny plants to having produce in our home. I love it! 

Garden Planted

Progress!

Basil

Banana Peppers

Zucchini and a tomato

-My yarn :) I love my yarn. I love being able to make something from a ball of yarn. Recently I have made quite a few wash cloths - gifts for Audrey's teacher and bus driver, as well as to fill a few orders. I also made a shawl for Audrey. Since it's been finished she's been wearing it. I love seeing her love something I made for her. I have also purchased some larger beautiful Knit Picks Needles. Gosh. I just love them. So beautiful. I have also turned slightly snobby about my yarn. I love to work with quality yarn. I have so many projects I'd like to work on, and I'll get to them.

Shawl for Audrey

Detail of stitches

Who wouldn't want to wash dishes with this!?

Pretty stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washcloth Progress

February Happenings

February. The month of love. And for me this year, way too much snow. My poor kid has had a delay or cancellation way too often this year. Between the ice, snow, and just cold weather, I am so ready for some warm, spring weather. I'll be honest - I am not totally sure what my backyard looks like. I may have forgotten what the landscaping is like. Oops. I'm also ready for my dogs to stop using the patio instead of the yard for their business. Ugh.
So, here is what we have been doing recently:
Shannon and Audrey have 9 days between their birthdays. We celebrate each person two times in that week and a half span. It's weird to think that there are days I can't remember yesterday, but I can remember a lot about the day she was born (or the day I gave birth to her, depending on who I want to give the credit to. Let's be honest, I did the work. She was the product of said work. I guess it would be like asking what came first -- the chicken or the egg?? Don't ask Siri.)

Landon has started going to a day care and it's been amazing! He wasn't much of a fan, but now he loves going to play with his little friends and I really like his day care provider. It's a small place on my way to work (YAY!!!!!) and it's been a blessing. Plus, since he is in day care 2 days a week, that gives me little excuses to go to the gym those two days. But, it's been good to burn those calories, work out stress, and sweat. It's been cheap therapy for me. Plus, I have been sleeping more soundly at night, and have more energy during the day to complete the tasks I need to check off my list.

On to that list -- it's opinion time! :) (Because my March box came in the mail today! HA!)

 W3LL People Multi color stick is amazing. I feel weird about using the same product for my eyes, lips, and cheeks, but I LOVED it on my lips! Very soft color, not drying, and it wasn't sticky. I hate it when my hair gets stuck on my lips because of the product. Ew. This one, I like and would recommend.

Half-Up I have wanted the sock bun since I started working at the cafe and have to (GASP!) wear a hair net. It's not glamorous, but it's food service. I am still trying to figure this thing out. I like it, but my hair has so many layers to it that most seems to fall out - boo. Learning curve to figuring it out, but I think once I have it mastered I'll be golden.

 Serum So I am thankful that I don't have to remember the entire name of this thing - Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum - but I'll keep it short for you - love it! I could use this ALL over my face. Left my skin feeling balanced, moisturized, and smooth. This may be one for this 30-something to add to my bag on a daily basis. Highly recommend to help prevent and correct signs of aging.

Whish Body Butter I love having a small bottle of lotion close to me to keep my hands soft. This lotion didn't leave a greasy feel to my hands, which I hate! If I needed to open a door after applying this lotion, I could. Great smell (pomegranate) but also not overpowering. My normal go to is from Bath and Body works but this is a close second.

Tea Bags I have little opinion about tea. I'll drink it, but since it's a one time use item I don't really have an opinion. I did enjoy the taste of it, but I also prefer coffee. The tea bags didn't explode so I wasn't chewing my tea. As I said, little opinion about tea :)

And some fun family photos for your viewing enjoyment ---

My dear son trying to do shoulder presses (with a 2 pound weight). This boy keeps me on my toes. He's hilarious, sweet, and ornery all wrapped into one little body.

I can't wait to have THIS be my view most evenings.. Kids outside playing.. Me chilling, listening to some music, drinking some vino, and enjoying life. So ready for spring!!!!!

 

Happy March friends!!! 

Shaving cream and body lotion..... and some April box opinions :)

Right now, coffee has brewed, Landon is asleep, and I have 2 hours to work out and get a shower before picking up Audrey from preschool.. But this opinion blog will be short, sweet and to the point!

Whish! Shaving cream smells amazing.. Blueberry! Yum. But, I like a lather, and this didn't lather up for me. I'm also way cheap -- I would never spend $20 for shaving cream unless it was also going to eliminate body fat!

Body Lotion -- okay, ladies, let's be honest --- who does NOT have a drawer full of body lotions? I could use another bottle of lotion like I need a hole in my head. Again, it was lotion.. but I wouldn't spend $22 on it... (Unless there was a guarantee to eliminate body fat, cellulite, and the like!)


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While you are hanging around... Here is part of my April Birchbox

Macaroons -- honestly, I wouldn't buy them. Landon ate them, because he eats almost anything.

CC Cream! I use BB Creams, and I was curious to know, feel and see the difference in a CC Cream. I think I would go back and forth from one to the other. I tried it out and went to work. I ran around like a crazy person that night, and didn't feel oily. Rare, and something I appreciate in this time of the year. I think the name "Supergoop!" is just hilarious and would consider purchasing this item for the name :)

Eye Cream -- hello 30's! Yes, I have been using eye creams for a long time. And I will continue to use them! Ha. I like how this one feels, and if it wasn't $65 I would probably purchase. It would last forever, but I couldn't go to a store, spend $65 on one item and walk away. A little dab will do ya on this one... I like how this one felt, and it didn't smell. My eyes didn't have a reaction. I will use the sample dry, and debate about getting a full size item :)

March Box (and other tidbits!)

This box had its perks as well as its disappointments. Out of the 5 items - a nail file, eye primer, acne gel, body lotion, and shaving cream - I have tried 2 of the items already. Oh well. A sample size of some items will come in handy!

First, the eye primer. I love Benefit. The packaging is uber cute, and I really like how my skin feels with the products. Stay Don't Stray Primer does a great job. It's neutral for my skin tone, and it doesn't feel icky. Plus, it's also a very matte finish and my eye shadow doesn't sink into my itty bitty wrinkles. Blah. Getting older... Anyway..

A nail file. Okay. Let's be honest - a nail file, to me, is a nail file. The plus, is that it does come in a plastic sleeve so I won't file off polish, skin, etc. Nail File is pretty, so it will get use :)

This Blemish Serum couldn't have come at a better time for me!!! My chin has been broken out for a week or so and I hate it. Thirty something and still get acne. Ugh. Hormones (that could be a whole blog in and of itself ... with a LOT of tangents!) But, seriously, this serum is great. It doesn't feel like a medication, but it has also cleared up my chin. YAY!!! So, I would totally recommend... and may have to purchase for future references!!

On another note ---- I thought my pants seemed to have less of a muffin top the other day. I measured myself today on a whim to see if there really has been any change. I'm going to remeasure and weigh tomorrow to make sure, but I think I have lost an inch in my mid-section! Talk about a confidence boost! Even today I think my jeans are looking better and have less stuff coming out the top :)

With that being said --- Happy Friday, friends!