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 :)

Limbo...

First, I don't do well with change. I like the same, the normal, the predictable. Second, I don't like not knowing what is coming, or not having a date attached. Third, I'm ready to finish one chapter in our lives, and start another. 

That being said ..... We had an open house this past weekend. I knew it was okay to be disappointed, when my realtor was ALSO disappointed. Blah. I know this process of moving is just that -- a process. In my/our own (and extremely humble opinion!) we have a beautiful, well-maintained home in a great location. The only downfall of our place is there is no basement, crawlspace, yes, but no basement. (Maybe I should post some photos of the pond that happens next to us when we have crazy amounts of rain... and THAT'S why there is no basement.) However, there is a TON of storage elsewhere. Why in the world do I feel the need to justify my own home? Blah. 

We have some interest, but no offers. We have placed offers, but I am so curious to know what it feels like to read and receive an offer. We know what it's like to be disappointed with a counter offer... but we haven't had the opportunity to make a counter, or flat out accept an offer. 

I'll be honest - I'm frustrated. I thought this was going to be easier. A dear friend reminded me that the right family may not be looking just yet, or just haven't made an appointment to see our home. I'm being selfish and expecting this to happen in MY time. Hey, Bran --- it's not going to.. 

God.. May all things work together and fit together so perfectly that we know it's from You. Place the perfect family into our path and show us the perfect next home for our family. For the billionth time, or so it seems to me, I give this to You. I just realized how impatient I can be, Lord.. I have in my heart that I hope to have the process complete by the time Audrey goes to Kindergarten... it's not even summer yet. Spring is still blooming - as are Your blessings and provisions for us. Thank You for that reminder. As the trees bud, and flowers start to blossom, I am reminded that You are in control. It was the spring time we let go of getting pregnant and now we have the blessing of Landon in our lives and home. I thank You for the opportunities we have been blessed with. Thank You. Your perfect timing, Lord, not our impatient timing. Amen.

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!

Holy cow. Been busy!

So, I just realized it's been almost a month since my last blog. Needless to say, things have been busy! My part time barista job is going well! I enjoy being able to get out of the house for a little bit, make money for our family... Plus, it also gives me, and my kiddos, a break from one another. I love them, but we certainly do appreciate each other when we are apart. I'm feeling much more comfortable completing the tasks at hand which is good! Still learning, and slow, but I think I'm doing well...?? Hopefully!

House --- We've had some interest, nothing uber serious, yet... I feel like we are in a hurry up and wait phase of selling. There is an interested family that is also selling their home, so we will see. We have seen quite a few homes in our new area that we can cross off our list of potential future homes. But, as of right now, it's okay. We don't have any time restrictions to force us into a place. We have had quite a bit of interest in the past month.. We are just waiting for an offer to begin seriously looking for our next place.

My blessings

Kiddos. Oh dear. They are ridiculous :) Audrey has a date for Kindergarten registration (seriously, when did THAT happen?!) and I know she will do amazing. If she is able to focus on the task at hand. She's doing very well in preschool and she loves it. This girl loves her toys. And she loves to line things up and have elaborate stories.  However, she doesn't always clean up as she should. So, every item I have picked up goes into a bin and she can earn as many back in a day as she wants through picking a task, helping out around the house, being kind, or because she's just been a good kid for that moment.

Did I mention she turned 5!?

Her task - clean under the couch. She took it up a notch and vacuumed almost 2 rooms.

Landon. OMG. This boy. He's a hoot. And, if he could, I think he would be able to eat his sister under the table. He is learning and using signs! It's been amazing watching and hearing his vocabulary grow. He can sign please, more, thank you... He loves 'ba' <-- banana and will eat an entire one to himself. He has no interest in walking, but he can crawl in a hurry to get what he wants!

Bath Time!

Digging in the girly toys

Did this yesterday. I am sore today! LOVE IT!

The other thing I have picked up, again, is working out. Jeans I bought a few months ago are tight, and I hate it. I hate feeling limited in my clothes that I am comfortable wearing. I want to wear the trendy, cute items. So, I have joined Planet Fitness and I am also trying to be more aware of what I am eating, what I give my kiddos to eat, and how much water I drink. I follow other moms who have lost crazy amounts of weight and realize there is NO REASON why I can't do it too. That being said, my first goal is to loose 25 pounds by June 1. I want to be at least 50 pounds lighter by the time another baby comes into our lives. A dear friend has started a support group on facebook and it's been so encouraging to hear how others are DOING IT. Making a change, eating well, seeing differences in their bodies. I really do need to take some dreaded before photos, and measurements, so I can see where I was and how far I have come. (Note to self. Add that to the To Do list!)

Black sparkly headband

In all this chaos, I still make time for yarn. Love my yarn time. A chance for me to relax and unwind.. I seem to be on a bit of an animal streak -- snake scarf, monkey hat, frog hat.. I just realized that! HA!! But, I've also made headbands, fingerless mittens, and working on a blanket for Landon. And, yes, that blanket may end up being huge because IT'S THAT SOFT AND I WANT IT! We'll see. It may happen. 

Snake scarf

Monkey hat.

Gloves I almost kept for myself! :)

Gray headband with flower pin

Uhm, yeah, January box....

So, things have been busy. (See previous posts about moving, changes, etc.) I have spent a good bit of my free time painting, boxing extra things we don't use right now and prepping as much as possible for our impending move. That being said --- my January box has been slightly neglected. I still haven't used everything and my February box is hanging out in my bathroom. So, to the things I have used (for time sake, I'm going to lump as many products in one post as possible).

JAN BOX

The Balm Cheek Color--- love this cheek color! And the packaging is way cute. It's a great flushed tone of pink. I really like it. A lot. Plus, it's a magnetic sample. Great sized sample actually.

Skinny Chic Perfume -- I liked this one. It was sweet, citrus, young, fresh scent. I would consider purchasing this one for myself. Or if anyone wants to get it for me as a gift... ;)

FEB BOX

Balm eye color --- love this. It's a great shade, some shimmer, but it's a great all over shade or base. It's a keeper for me! Same packaging as the balm cheek color. Love it! I'm a sucker for cute packaging :) 

Dr. Jart+ BB Cream --- OMG. LOVE! This gives me a nice matte finish for an everyday look. I really like BB creams for the multi-purpose aspect of them, but this one just takes it a step further. Seriously, wish I could have gotten this in a full sized sample :) 

Okay folks, more opinions to come!

Ramblings..

Ever have a day when you really aren't sure what to think or feel? I feel like I've been in a thought bubble.. and those thoughts may have become clear. Maybe. If not, life is about learning, making one better, challenging self, and loving others. 

Church on Sunday we were challenged to meet our literal neighbors and LOVE OTHERS. We have a for sale sign in our home. Makes it a little awkward to make a connection and leave. However, I realized I don't know my neighbors. Some of them I know them as the color of their home, not their name. Mondo fail. We have lived here for almost 10 years. However, I do believe that I can make an impact in other's lives. I am starting to learn more about the people I work with instead of just making drinks and sandwiches (By the way, an espresso machine is a totally welcome gift now!). One girl has 4 siblings, another married a man who had 8 children. A job isn't just about the task at hand, it's also about the people you/I work with. It's the atmosphere you help to create --- or tear apart. 

I try, it's not always easy, but I TRY to be the positive influence. I try to help others as much as I can. I try to see the good things that COULD happen with change. Even the title of this blog - Dancing in the Rain. Life is not easy by any means, but dance. Love. Laugh. Take time to enjoy the small things that really do matter. The rain comes, and the rain goes -- but the rain, oh the smell of sweet rain. The smell of the flowers after the rain. The look of a tree or grass glistening in the remaining water drops. The sound of a soothing spring shower. It's almost magical. 

Today is Fat Tuesday. Man, I could eat a donut ... (I may swap for red velvet whoopie pies!) but it almost makes me think of the next season -- Lent. A time to reflect, give up, penance, pray. For me and my family, I think it's perfect. We are entering a season of change, but change can be good. Ya know, Sheryl Crow -- a change can do ya good... ;) Focus. Change. Something different. Getting out of a rut. Carving a new path. It can be scary, but so rewarding in the end. 

On another slightly coherent thought --- I recently started to follow Donald Miller on twitter (@donaldmiller). Wow. I have never actually read any of his books, that we own, but his words are so real ... raw ... spot on. Yesterday he blogged about worrying. And, really, there is no point in worrying. (Reminds me of this song --- Three Little Birds.) Worrying is exhausting. It will all work out, eventually. Here is a link to his blog about worrying. I really liked it. Donald Miller - worry. I enjoy the post from today too ... written by his dog, Lucy :) 

Right now, we all have the present. The past has made us who and what we are. The future -- it's scary, but also not guaranteed. I'm learning that I want to live in the present. Be present. Be there for my kiddos (even as I shush my eldest) and my husband. I leave this blog with a challenge -- live in the present, with a hope for the future. Love others while you are able to do so, and have that love reciprocated.

So, here's what's going on...

1. We are planning to move. We are planning to make a move about 30 minutes away from our current location. It will be closer to my husband's job. I feel weird putting we are moving to THIS town on my blog.. so if you really want to know, email me. 
2. Our home has signage, a listing, and ready to be viewed by potential buyers. It's weird seeing our home with photos of our stuff for others to see. I know it's a good thing for us as a family, but it's been an emotional week for me. I feel like the sign in our front yard is staring at me. If you know someone looking for a home, let me know. It may be a match!
3. I have picked up a part time job. I'm a barista. Never thought I would say those words!!! It's been an experience learning how to use an espresso machine, but I may have to buy one now. Slightly addicted to it. That may go on my Christmas list this year. Or, I'll put back money and buy it for myself.
4. We have found a home we L-O-V-E. It's in a new development, price is negotiable, and it has a lot of what we would want or need to have the potential to stay as our kiddos grow up. We could see ourselves there. And it felt like home. Very similar feeling we got when we saw our current home almost 10 years ago.
5. And now, we wait. We are, who am I kidding, SHANNON, is talking to lenders about a loan. I'm waiting to get the call about potential buyers and scoop up everyone and get out for a bit. In my spare time (I know, laugh. Spare time, what's that?) I am trying to finish up our painting, and box up the items we probably won't be using the next couple of months. Granted, some of those items may be getting boxed up and going to GoodWill, but it's going to be a process. 

This has been an emotional change for us. This home is where Shannon and I started our marriage, became a family, and then grew as a family. We really do love it here, but we both feel like it's the right thing to do for our family.