Friday | Coffee, Secrets & More

Happy Friday! I have typed this intro about a dozen times now and erased it because it all involved my secret and I'm not quite ready to spill so I'll just get right into my Friday Favorites. :)

{ONE}

Coffee is an all time favorite! I've been out of my favorite K-Cup for a while now (Green Mountain Caramel Vanilla Cream) so I've been just drinking regular coffee with french vanilla creamer. I reallllly need my K-cups back, however as long as it tastes good and does it's job I'll take it. I love my coffee time. It's my alone time before anybody else wakes up. 

And check out my new (hand-me-down) cups! There originally belonged to my aunt, then my mom, then my sister, and now me! They all decided they wouldn't use them but, hello? Leopard print to add to my coffee. Yes, please!

{TWO}

Bell peppers are favorites here. I use them to cook quite frequently and we are actually having my Pepper Tacos for dinner tonight. Growing up we had a garden with lots of good things: squash, watermelon, cucumbers, and okra just to name a few. I can't say I always wanted to help in the garden, but it is one of my favorite memories with my dad and not to mention the feeling of taking a big bite of that watermelon you grew, pure bliss! Now that Brylee is starting to want to try new things, I thought a small garden would be fun for us. Since we are only renting it hasn't been able to happen (I'm still searching pinterest for ways to make it work). My mom told me to try some of the 'seeds in a cup' things so that's just what we did. I started with the bell pepper to see how we'd do. For anybody curious, I got it at Target. 

 I'll keep you guys posted on how well it's doing. Oh, and you see that ivy next to it? Fun fact: it's 25 years old! My aunt sent it to my mom the day I was born and miraculously it's still alive. How cool? :)

{THREE}

With Brylee loving to try new things, she has also developed a love to cook! She has 'pretend' cooked in her kitchen for a while now, but now she wants to help me all the time. I don't have pictures of her helping me cook, but check out her awesome gear! She wears it when she helps me cook. My aunt got it for her for her birthday. It was the last one left and they ran out of the girls ones. No worries though, Brylee loves it. She calls her apron a cooking vest. Ha! Cooking is a favorite of mine and I'm loving seeing her so eager to help. 

{FOUR}

FroYo is always a favorite! This was the wonderful day I had earlier this week. This was definitely the best part of that day. 

and now......

{FIVE}

Secret reveal... we are moving back to West Texas! Not Odessa, but not far from it! I'll wait to go into detail once the contract is signed, but Tate accepted a job as the Assistant Head Coach and I'm so excited for him. I'm so proud of the accomplishments he has made in just a few years of coaching. I can't wait to see what these next few years have for us. I've been searching all week for houses, a job, and a school for Brylee. We leave Wednesday to go sign his contract and hopefully start looking at houses. Oh the joys of moving. I will give y'all this much... 

How pretty is that?!

Linking up with my Friday Gals!

Friday Favorites: Andrea | Erika

5 On Friday: April | Natasha | Christina | Darci

Wish us luck house hunting! Hope y'all have a great weekend.

-Leah :)

Hello Blog {and Friday, too}!

It's been an entire month since I last posted on here! I've just been super busy and had a lot going on. We'll get to all that good stuff later. Happy Friday, and boy am I glad today is here! 

I'll get right to it!

{One | Favorite Person Today}

Happy Birthday to my sweet Jackson (or mainly referred to as Jack-Jack). I gave him that nickname before he was even born and one day he may hate it but I hope it sticks forever! :) I remember the day my sister came over to tell me she was pregnant (I was about 3 months prego) and I was super excited! Although we hoped for a girl because my cousin (who was 6 months prego) and I were both having a girl, we all knew it would be a boy and oh we love him so! 

 He's super sweet and such a little stinker all at the same time and has no issues being bossed around by Brylee (yet, ha!). He's a go with the flow kinda guy and I love it. 

Just for the cuteness, here are all 3 babes! They are going to be such good friends and trouble makers! Jackson (March 2013), Brylee (Dec 2012), Aspen (Sep 2012)

{Two | Favorite Moments}

This week I have been sick. Starting Monday night up until about noon today I've felt like crud. Sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, slight fever, body aches/chills, ya know, the works! My head felt like a balloon.  I'm not sure if it was a sinus infection, allergies, a cold or a good ol' combination of all of them but because I felt terrible I got lots of cuddle time with Brylee. I rarely get that anymore so it was wonderful. 

When she wasn't cuddled up with me on the bed or couch she was being oddly good and content with Playdoh and puzzles! It's like she knew I didn't feel well.

{Three | Favorite Purchases}

First and foremost, my medicine! I went through soooo many different kinds this week but these three plus some TheraFlu definitely made my week more doable.

My MateFit 28 Day Detox! I love this stuff so much! I do this same detox every 3 months or so to recharge my body. If you're looking for a good detox and you like hot tea, I do recommend this stuff. The metabolic boost tea tastes great and I could drink it all the time. The detox tea definitely needs some lemon or it's super bitter but is drinkable without (while making super awesome faces :{ )!

Then there's these lovely beauty products! I finally jumped on board and picked up a Wet Brush from Target. I loved it so much that I went a got a mini one for B the very next day! I use it on my hair wet and dry and it works wonders on tangles and doesn't add static. Also, since Brylee has curly hair, it doesn't make her hair frizzy and helps soften her curls when her hair is dry. I, also, finally ordered my Clarisonic Mia 2 , technically 2 weeks ago but who's counting? I could have just gone to Ulta or Sephora and bought one, but for the same price (including shipping), I ordered this one because, LEOPARD! Anyone that knows me knows I fancy some leopard print. Love, love, love it so far! I've been looking for a pretty light pink nail polish and finally found it at Target! This is 'At Least I Pink So' by Nicole by OPI. I wish I had a picture of my nails with it on because it is just sooo pretty! Definitely a color I will wear often. And last but not least, that mascara! Guys! I have tried sooooo many mascaras and this one is by far my favorite. I may even become a mascara snob over it. For years I used Benefits They're Real and swore by it but it got to where it was so hard to get off and my eyelashes were breaking. I've been on a search for a good 6 months now and thankfully April at A. Liz Adventures posted about this one and I decided I had nothing to lose. I love it! It's not waterproof (my eyes water like crazy) but it doesn't budge and it comes off easy with my cleansing wipes.  Whew, that was a good little review! Ha!

See! It is simply amazing! I love it. 

{Four | Favorite Outfits}

Monday, when I still felt well, I got out and about wearing this. I loved it and will definitely be putting it on repeat this spring/summer. It also made me decide I needed some more skirts. :) The shirt I got from Old Navy and the skirt I got from a boutique in NYC a few years ago.

The one time I did have to get up and get ready this week I wanted something comfy. Y'all, I love these pants! How freakin cute. And, even better, I got them at Target! 

{Five | Favorite Workout} 

Last, but not least, I wanted to give Briana at Bikini Body Mommy a shoutout for her amazing 90 Day Challenge before this round is over. This week was the only time I skipped workouts, rightfully so! This is the 4th time I've done one of her challenges and I love them. I got my mom and sister on board too. They are short, easy yet challenging, and she makes everything REAL! No gym required, it's all done at home. Perfect with little ones, too. Brylee has been known to do some mountain climbers, burpees and downward facing dog poses a time or two. I cannot wait to see what great madness she comes up with next. :)

Linking up with all these gals!

 Andrea | Erika

April | Christina | Natasha | Darci

That's my Friday for ya! Have a great weekend blog friends. 

-Leah

A Hot Random Friday Mess

Before I lay into my Friday Favorites, I'd like to wish my mom a Happy Birthday! She is the greatest person in the world in my eyes and is the reason I am the woman I am today. I'm truly blessed to call her mom. Nobody ever says moving 9 hours away from your mom is easy. I walked into Macy's yesterday and there was a lady working at the Clinique counter wearing Raffinee (what my mom wears) and I nearly teared up talking to her. Such a familiar smell that you don't smell everywhere. Not a day goes by that I just want to load up B and go visit. Thank goodness for FaceTime! I could go on and on about my mom and turn this into a full on sappy post, but I'll save the tears and show some pictures instead! Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you!

 MercyMe Concert

Mother/Daughter Vacation

 Colorado Vacation 2009

 Josh Turner Concert

 Isn't she beautiful?

Even with just a cap on! ;)

I guess she could have been Favorite thing #1 since she is one of my favorite people. Now, Hooray for Friday! Did y'all happen to see the Llama drama in Arizona? Ha! I was cracking up. Seriously, go watch it! I have this weird obsession with llamas so I absolutely love it. I had tears in my eyes and Tate thought I was upset crying on the phone talking about it. Speaking of Llamas and Friday.....

And another internet sensation last night, were you black and blue or white and gold? I was blue and gold.. so does that mean I am strong with both sides of my brain? I'm going to go ahead and say yes. If you don't know what I'm talking about here's the dress and the meaning behind it.

On to the favorites:

{One}

I have a new favorite photographer, y'all! She weighs in at about 22 lbs, stands at 33" and has a brilliant imagination. You guessed it, Brylee! I'll show you some of her greatest work at a later time. I just wanted to get that out there.

tiara, heels, 2 purses and athletic wear. I couldn't pull it off. ha!

{Two}

My favorite text of the week. Now, Tate always sends me cute texts and quotes throughout the week so those will always be the best, but planning a weekend with my cousin and sister..I should add the Llama 'uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh' in again but I won't. :) I was ecstatic when my cousin Amber text me! Lets get to planning, gals!

{Three}

I saw these swim suits on pinterest and knew I had to have them because, just look at them! How cute! I have an extremely hard time finding a tankini that I really like and that's long enough for my torso and I think these just might do the trick. I would have already have ordered one but I just can't decide on the color. I love them both! Find them here.

{Four}

Favorite outfit of the week.. coral and orange top with some turquoise jewelry and my most comfy wedges ever! I got so many compliments on my ensemble that I decided to share with y'all!

Top: Old Navy (old) - I couldn't find a similar one but they have some super cute tunics in this style.

 Jeans: American Eagle - Hi-Rise Skinny . For the Price, these rock!  

Wedges: Jessica Simpson (Old)- Similar 

{Five}

And of course, it's always a favorite getting to go eat and shop with my girl! Three separate times this week, too. Sunday to Corner Bakery for breakfast than a little shopping at the mall, Tuesday to Target and today to the mall, Old Navy and Target; I'm so ready for spring. Our weatherman says today is our last freeze before spring. Hallelujah! I know all you people up north are rolling your eyes, but this girl has turned into a wannabe beach bum and I'm hating this 50-60 degree weather. Enough about weather, on to pictures: 

 Chocolate chip pancakes and bacon! She's a happy girl.

 Taking the lead.

 Cool evening trip to Target. She dressed herself and I went with it. Ha!

Lunch at the food court. 'Mom take a picture of my macaroni!'

 Mall shopping wears a little girl out!

 Sweet Green Tea Lemonade. She's hooked.

 And of course, can't go to Target without her popcorn. And check out her little pink hat we found in the dollar section. We got the white one too. :)

Happy Friday, Friends!

Leah

5 On Friday: A. Liz Adventures | Carolina Charm | Hello! Happiness | The Good Life Blog

Friday Favorites: A Little Bit of Everything Blog | Momfessionals