Tinsley & Robyn's photo shoot

This is Tinsley and her bff Robyn. It has already been decided, they will be best friends forever :)

Mommy Necklaces

Ronnie made this for me to hang on the wall in our bedroom, to hold all my Mommy Necklaces. I picked out the stain and paint, it's so perfect. I love it!

How to Grow Out a Short Haircut

Don't wash your hair everyday, only heat style occasionally, always use salon quality products (Moroccan Oil!), only have your hair colored by a professional!

Nutella Cupcakes

I love Nutella. I usually have it on toast or an English muffin with peanut butter. I found this recipe this morning and just had to try it. These cupcakes are so good and don't even need frosting!

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 tablespoons Nutella

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325^oF
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Place the sugar and butter in your KithenAid mixer, beat the butter and sugar together. Just keep beating until the mixture is light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
5. Add the flour mixture and mix. Keep mixing until smooth.
6. Stir in the vanilla.
7. Line the muffin pan with paper cups. Fill the cups until about 3/4 full.
8. Top with a heaping teaspoonful of Nutella. Take a toothpick, dip into the unbaked cupcake until the tip hits the bottom of the pan and slightly swirl Nutella into batter.
9. Bake 20 minutes.



Crazy.

I am going crazy. I desperatly need some alone time. Ronnie has been off since May. He is talking right now and he won't stop. That's all he does all day, talk to me. I want to scream. Lawn mowers, goats, fences, fishing, boats. I am about to take a very long trip to the grocery store.

Mommy Mail

Best mommy mail in a while!! I am so excited. Will post pics as soon as I can get Ronnie out of the house :)

1. July Glam bag!
2. Mommy Necklace Chic strand in light and dark purple shimmer at 20.5 inches
3. Custom made cell phone, matching wristlet and a surprise coin purse by YogaBee Vintage
4. Petunia Pickle Bottom Raspberry Cream Cake Cameo Clutch!!! Finally!
5. American Apparel V neck t shirt in Teal

It was a very exciting day for me! I love everything I got.

Seriously.

You know what makes me feel like an adult? Using coasters. Really. And I got these last week. Aren't they cute!? Tristin already knows to put his sippy cup on one. Ronnie doesn't seem to know what they are for though lol.

Just a little shopping

Ronnie, Tristin, Tinsley & I did a little shopping today. It started with a quick trip to Lowe's to pick up some supplies for the jewelry box/frame Ronnie is making me. Then we had lunch at Fuddrucker's, which just so happens to be in the same parking lot as Target!! Uh oh. I have been avoiding that place for a while. I pretended not to see it but as we were leaving the restaurant I said "Just drop me off at Target, I only need 10 minutes." Bad (or good) idea...

 Well 30 minutes later I was done. A black & cream polka dot dress (I 'need' for a wedding this weekend), 2 short sleeve wrap shirts in solid black and a coral print, a blue & white print sleeveless top, a cobalt blue cardigan with a pair of matching shoes.

Ronnie and I are finishing the evening with wine, beer and Jim Beam shots (yes, gross I know.) 

Tristin's Muffin Cake

I made blueberry banana bread for breakfast. It was great and so easy thanks to my new mixer. Tristin use to always call my Keurig a 'Muffin Caker' instead of 'Coffee Maker', in the last month or so he has figured out how to say it right. He now calls anything baked in a loaf a 'Muffin Cake'. He says he loves his muffin cake always with butter.

Gel Nail Update

2 weeks ago

Violet & Aqua color block, with coordinating glitter + silver chunky glitter

This week

Ocean blue with blue & rainbow glitter + silver chunky glitter

Too Much Excitement!

I now have a full size washer and dryer. I caught up on 2 weeks worth of laundry in one day! I'm amazed lol. That apartment size one was awful. This one feels huge to me lol.

I finally open my KitchenAid Mixer!! I am in love. We made peanut butter oatmeal cookies last night and it was so much easier. This is the Professional HD 5-Quart Stand Mixer, it is different from any KitchenAid Mixer I have used before and will take some getting use to. The head is stationary instead of tilting back, and the bowl can be raised and lowered.

Finally

I am finally geting out of the house past 10pm for the first time in 3 months! Kimberly and I are going to the movies. No kids, no husband. It's only 9:00 and I'm already tired though lol. I'm sure tomorrow will be rough.

Exhausted.

We are still moving. I am exhausted. The kids are driving me crazy and Ronnie is off for the next 3 weeks. I need a break. Soon.

Traitor

Timi & Leslie Dawn Convertible Diaper Bag in Cloud Blue. I may or may not be considering buying a diaper bag that is not Petunia Pickle Bottom. Yes I know, I am a traitor. I feel bad about it, but this bag is just so cute! And it comes with all the accessories too! I think Tinsley will like his color, she loves blue<3

Moving

I hate moving. At this point, I have 2 homes. One has all of our furniture and no electricity or water. The other has electricity, a tv, food, water and my 'nap pad'. I am not happy right now. I am debating going to the new house to sleep in my bed but I'm sure it will be too hot. So I guess Tinsley and I will just lay here on the floor and take our nap.

Long, Blonde & Wavy

I only brush my hair once a week :)

L'Oreal Consumer Testing = Free Mommy Mail

Last month I was finally chosen (after waiting over a year) to participate in a cosmetic home study by L'Oreal USA. L'Oreal owns well over half of the mainstream cosmetic, hair & skin care companies. I was so excited to be picked for one. I was sent 2 unmarked bottles of foundation and had to use each for a week and answer questions to compare them.  Since the test ended I have been waiting on my participation gift. It came today!

1. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes mascara in 'So Black!' Their newest mascara, $26 value
2. Lancome Pure Focus scrub. Also new and already sold out online, $26 value.

Tinsley's new Tie Chair came in today also. It is a tie-on high chair replacement for traveling. It's so cute, I can't wait until she is old enough to use it!

Pink Hair? Maybe.

I have had pink in my hair several time over the last 10 years, but never anything like this. I am so in love with this picture. I think I need this!

Mommy Mail

I always love to see the hot pink foil envelope every month. It's my Glam Bag. A monthly beauty subscription for $10 each month. Always includes a cosmetic bag and 4-5 products.

1. Gold glitter fold over makeup bag
2. NYX Round Lipstick in Eucalyptus
3. Philosophy 'Take a Deep Breath' Moisturizer
4. Living Proof frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
5. Marbella Premanent Eyeliner Pen in Black

*Obsessions*

My Costa del Mar Islamorada Sunglasses. Amazing.

Costa's are best polarized sunglasses ever made, these have the high definition 580 lenses, which are unparalleled in their ability to cut glare and enhance your view of the outdoors. The frames are made of lightweight Nylon and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, making them extremely comfortable. Love these, I wear them everyday.

I want these next. They sold out the first day they were available though so I will have so search around.

Limited Edition Switchfoot Kenny Chesney

Possibly better than Raspberry Cream Cake?

Petunia Pickle Bottom Raspberry Cream Cameo Clutch

I have been wanting this clutch for almost a year. I haven't seen it in real life but I know it is gorgeous! Back in March I bought the Society Satchel in this print and fell in love with the color (I have since sold that bag because it is not a good style for me.) Seeing the color made me want the clutch even more! I have bid on it in Ebay auctions several times but never won. Each time the clutch ended up selling for almost $100 over retail!

So, I have decided that this bag is overrated.




Molly Pepper from Yogabee Vintage made me a beautiful black & cream makeup bag that I had Ronnie get me for Mother's Day. I am having a custom makeup clutch made from a fabric that is almost an exact match to the Raspberry Cream Cake print (seen here on top of the bag.) It will have a convertable wristlet to shoulder strap and matching coin purse. I am so excited, I can't wait to get it!!

I am done obsessing over the Cake clutch and looking forward to a beautiful custom handmade one at less than half the price!

Busy day at Nicasio's

I had a long busy day full of visiting with my best friends and coloring their hair! I was having a great morning getting a manicure and having coffee before work. I had some of my favorite things you can see here... Midnight Blackberry Cake clutch, Island Coconut coffee, 2 Twilight Mommy Necklaces, glittery new gel nails, a braid in my hair and my Brazilettes bracelets.

Mommy Mail

Today's "mommy mail" :)

 

1. Petunia Pickle Bottom Wistful Weekender in Misted Marseille. I have been wanting this bag forever, so glad I finally got it! Much larger than most diaper bags, perfect for over night trips. It's water resistant slate, silver and chartreuse glazed cotton canvas with hand-embroidered detailing. This is from the new 2012 spring collection, I bought it from Nordstrom's during a pricing error and got an amazing deal on it!
2. Petunia Pickle Bottom Change It Up Clutch in Passage to Persia. How cute is this! Can be used as a purse for me or a diaper clutch for quick trips. The strap is detachable and can be worn on the shoulder or as a wristlet. It is glazed also, in shades of  plum, lavender and lime. Also from Nordtrom's, and was 33% off.
3. 15% Glycolic Serum &  99% Hyluronic Acid Serum by Makeup Artist's Choice. I ordered these in travel sizes from favorite skin care line during a sale last weekend.
4. Mommy Necklaces Dangling Donut Strand in Sunkissed at 28".  Has peach shimmer, yelow shimmer and rose crystal beads. So bright and summery, I wore it today.
5. Mommy Necklaces Tri Oval Choker and Chic Strand set in Twilight. Has black solid, lapis swirl, smokey blue and dark blue crystal beads. Love this set, will be perfect with jeans.

Babies!

Tinsley is almost 4 months old!

Since she was born we have been back to the hospital to meet some of her new friends. Dilan Suarez was born on April 23rd and  Robyn Elizabeth Brown was born May 15th. Yesterday Tinsley and I spent the day at the hospital waiting for Kamden Barrett! Tinsley loves him already...

And we will be back up there any day now to meet Brileigh Jenae Phillips!

Vintage Pyrex

How can you not love vintage Pyrex?!? Tiera and I went to the antique store this morning and I found these bowls. This is one of my favorite prints, Gooseberry Pink. I have been looking for a few specific pieces in Butterprint Blue but it's been HTF lately. I ended up not getting these today, hope I don't regret it!

Waterfall Braid

Isn't this gorgeous?!! My new fav style...

Called a waterfall or cascade style braid. It really is so easy and I always get lots of complements!

Steps

1. This style works best on straight or loose waves. Brush out all the knots with a wide tooth comb. Part your hair how you normally would, and begin your braid on the right side of your part. Grab the top section and divide into three strands.
2. Braid your strands regularly three times, beginning from the right strand. When you get to the left strand (the part closest to the middle of the scalp), add more hair to it like a French braid and fold that strand to the center.
3. This is where it gets tricky. After you've French braided your left strand (now center), drop the right strand and let it fall down. Pick up another small section of hair next to where your original strand fell—that's your new right strand.
4. Repeat this process—French braid the left strand, drop the right strand, and pick up an adjacent new piece. Gradually cascade the style towards the middle of your head.
5. Once you've reached a comfortable point to stop your braid, secure it to your scalp with bobby pins.

*Obsessions*

LORAC Multiplex Lip Gloss in 4D. This is the PERFECT summer color! It's hot pink, glittery & shiny :)

This lip gloss is actually an innovative formula that combines a liquid lipstick with a gloss AND holographic pigments to make your lips reflect light and shimmer like nothing I've ever seen.It's silky and long-lasting and just beautiful.

Fifty Shades... of tea?

Words cannot express how much I LOVE my alone time. During the summer I don't get much. Tiera is out of school, Ronnie only works a couple hours for a few weeks, and Tinsley is pretty much with me 24/7. Tristin is the only one I get a break from(which is essential during the terrible two's!)
So I am finally alone, kids are in bed asleep and Ronnie is working for a couple hours. I was about to spend some time with Mr. Christian Grey on the couch with my kindle when I thought coffee sounds like a great idea. I go in the kitchen to turn my Keurig back on when I see something I picked up while grocery shopping yesterday...

Yes, this will go perfectly with Fifty Shades Darker. And I must say Miss Anastasia Steele has great taste.

~Tinsley's day~

Today Tinsley and I spent the day at Uptown Kidz, a new boutique in town owned by my bff Kimberly. We played dress up with Baylee and took some pics of the store. Tinsley napped while mommy and Kim worked on setting up the store website!

Tinsley is Uptown Kidz first model and has already done one phoot shoot for the store.

Today Tinsley wore a one piece ruffled floral romper by Carter's, a skinny hot pink lace headband with a yellow flower made by me. She had little white eyelet shoes with tiny yellow bows on them. A hot pink minky bib(she drools nonstop!) from Bebe Bella. We used the Petunia Pickle Bottom Lemon Ginger Touring Tote to carry her necessities.

(Notice my new Mommy Necklace!)

Iced Coffee

I love coffee, I can't live without it. I have 3 to 4 cups a day. In the summer I love to have iced coffee in the afternoons. A couple weeks ago I downloaded a new book, "Iced Coffee: 20 Best Recipes" I have really enjoyed this book and want to share the basic cold brew method I have been using...

Ingredients

• 1 cup ground coffee, I like Starbucks Iced Blend but any dark or bold roast will work
• 2 cups water
• half & half or whole milk
• sugar or sweetened condensed milk
• flavored syrup, I like vanilla and/or hazelnut

Directions

1. In a pitcher, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit either refrigerated or room temperature for 8 to 12 hours. I usually leave it overnight.
2. Line a fine mesh strainer(I use a metal filter from an old coffee maker) with a paper towel and set over an other pitcher. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.
3. Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool.
4. To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid.
5. Add splash of half & half or whole milk.
6. Add 2-3 teaspoons sugar, flavored syrup or sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half & half and/or sugar as needed.

*Obsessions*

I am in love with gel manicures, particularly with glitter and/or rhinestones. Pretty nails make me happy!

~Mommy Mail~

I want to share today's "mommy mail" I LOVE getting mail and I am always ordering things online.

1. Petunia Pickle Bottom Midnight Blackberry Cake Cameo Clutch. Isn't it just gorgeous? I bought it used from another mommy on a PPB B/S/T group on Facebook. I love the print, it is different from any of my other Cake bags!
2. Mommy Necklaces Dangling Donut Strand in Grace at 28". This is my 4th Mommy Necklace from the new Spring 2012 collection. I used my first rewards point gift card to buy this! It includes blue topaz pearl, mossy green solid and light blue crystal beads. This necklace is so pretty, I can't wait to wear it!
3. My Bebe Bella order! For Tinsley, a large fuchsia paisley blanket, a medium black & cream paisley blanket(matches the Cake!) and 2 pink paisley bibs. For Landon, a blankee and burp cloth in light blue & brown paisley. I am having his name embroidered on them! Bebe Bella has the best minky baby accessories.

How to make pink sugar

For my first post I am going to keep it simple and try to figure this all out.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 drops any color liquid food color

Directions

Place sugar into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Drip the food coloring onto a tooth pick and put in the sugar, close the lid, and shake vigorously for about 1 minute. Adjust color with additional food coloring and repeat if the color is too light.