This ain't your mommas detergent

When we first moved to California, I decided to change it up with the detergent. I looked around and sniffed alot of different kinds, but made no decisions. I saw a commercial for lavender Downey and I knew instantly that it was THE one. I bought it, started using it, LOVED it.

Fast forward 3 months

My in laws came to visit. My MIL couldn't get over how good the sheets on the bed smelled. I told her what kind of detergent I was using, how she had to get some, and even showed her the bottle.

Fast forward to when she got back home

She calls me while in Target looking for the detergent. She couldn't find it, and wanted me to remind her what the name was. I went and grabbed the bottle so I could tell her. Then, in that moment, I realized my grave error.

I had been washing my laundry in fabric softener for 3 MONTHS.

{Please don't let this make you doubt my awesomeness.}

Totally forgot about this until I bought some the other day to actually use as fabric softener. Hopefully I have gotten better at label reading since then.

Something exciting is a comin'!

I am really excited about an offer I just got. Like you don't even know. If you are super curious, it has something to do with nursery decor. Yep. Go on and check it out. I'll wait.

As you know, I'm moving in 4 days (eek!) and this little somethin, somethin, is going to be JUST the thing to make the nursery perfecto! Keep your eyes peeled!

Black {Fashion} Friday - What not to Wear

I am one of those "crazies" headed out at 4am tomorrow. Are you? Honestly, I don't buy much, but I love the crowds. Its tradition in my family anyway. I have been doing it since I was about 10 with my mom and sisters, and I don't think I'll ever stop!

These things will make your shopping extravaganza much better.

A watch. You gotta keep track of the time so you get everywhere before noon.
Snacks. There is no time for stopping to get food. I repeat. NO TIME. (Starbucks is exempt!) Throw a water bottle, granola bars, trail mix, and CHOCOLATE in your purse. While you are in lines for forevas, you can snack! Keep some extras in the car so you can refill your purse in between stores.
Sunnies. It will be dark when you leave the house, but once the sun comes out and everyone can see the bags under your eyes, you will be ever so grateful for them.

Now on to the fashion. I'm posting FF a day early today to get you girls ready for tomorrow! It will be ever so tempting to roll out of bed, put on your fav sweat suit and tennis shoes and go. BUT, you have other options. Here are my black Friday tips.

Layer

It may be cold when you run to the car, but you are going to work up a sweat when you start throwing punches over the last $3 appliance at Target.

Just say no to tennis shoes

They may be comfy, but they are a real pain to get on and off. Go with flats that you can walk all day in. Comfort, Comfort, Comfort

Leggings are the most comfortable choice, in my opinion. Your pants have to allow you to do the happy dance when you find great deals!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Shopping!

Go see Summer for more Fashion!

You got questions? I got answers.

You guys asked me tons of questions and I love it! Ready for tons of answers??

Mmmkay. Let's go!

Lindsey @ Mommywonderland asked: What kind of perfume do you own? I'm looking for a new scent and could use some "options?"

My favorite is Kenneth Cole Black. I also still love Clear Water, like 10 years after I started wearing it. Hehe.

Alison @ Brown Eyed Girl asked: Where do you go after you get all dressed up for Fashion Friday???

I usually take Fashion Friday pics on Wednesday or Thursday. Or maybe the weekend before when we went out for dinner or something. Usually though, I am headed to playgroup, Target, or Joann's. You know, the usual. I was dressing all comfy when I first had Cooper, then suddenly I got really tired of never wearing any of my clothes. It isn't much harder to get dressed up, and I just generally feel better when I do. Besides, leggings are just as, if not more, comfortable than sweats!

Ashley @ For the Love of Shoes....and a baby too asked: How did you and your hubs meet?

Lacey at Lacey in Love asked: You & The Hubs... tell us how it all started!

I was 17 and my dad was a children's pastor in FL. There was a couple (Mark and CA) that were going to ministry school and working with him there. CA's brother came from NY to visit them, and they told him they had a girl for him to meet. He joked that he could be my dad, I was underage, robbing the cradle, and on and on. Whatevs. One look at me and he was hooked. Teehehe. That was April 2002, we officially started dating in November, (long distance) he gave me some shiny diamonds in July, then we got married December 3, 2005. Oh, yeah, by then, I was 21.

Sergio @ PorkStar asked: How did you guys come up with the name for the baby?

List and list of crossed out names, X's over every name in the "10,000 Baby Names Book", and arm wrestling. It was literally the ONLY boy name we agreed on, along with one girl name. After we decided, we found out it was a name on my mom's side of the family, so we were really happy. His middle name is the same as the hubs middle name.

Rachel @ The McMommy Diaries asked: What is the update on the thyroid and are you/can you run anymore?

The thyroid is finally back to normal! Whoot! I take meds every day, but I have a whole year on this dose before I have to go back for another check-up! I haven't run regularly since the roid rage. I really want to get back into it, but the timing is just crappy with moving. After next week, my jogger will be out from under a pile of boxes, and we're taking off!

Also, if Alabama goes to the National Championship in Pasadena, we are going, how far away are you? and would you want to meet up? :)

I am about 4 hours away, but...YES, YES, YES!!

Oh... do you have a favorite pair of shoes?

Um, how about multiple favs? Right now it's my black booties. Or new brown boots (that match yours!).

What does Hubs do? He's a sales manager for an appliance company.

Nicoolmama at What a long strange trip it's been asked: What do you do to stay in such great shape or are you one of those people that it comes easily to?

Amber @ A Glimpse into my Thoughts asked: How do you stay adorable and skinny after having a baby? I know that may seem silly but you still look 21 and freaking skinny! I'm SO freaked out to have kids because I'm terrified of losing my body.

Well, girls, lets just say clothes hide alot! Ha! I ran before I was pregnant and until I felt like the baby was going to fall out on the sidewalk. I really believe that helped me get back to my pre-baby body. My hubby and I have been doing P90X and it's amazing. I would MUCH rather work out than watch what I eat, so I really try to work out. My eating habits are non-awesome!

Katy @ Crazy Mommy asked: What is your favorite funny movie?

Old School or more recently, Four Christmas'. Can ya tell I LOVE Vince Vaughn?

Becky @ Becky's Photography asked: I need help putting together an outfit to wear to court for the divorce...What would you suggest? Please take into consideration I have very little curves and cannot afford a suit and don't like to wear pantyhose.

Becky! I love ya. Wear a black dress or black skirt and top. You can totally wear heels without pantyhose, get you some long pearls from Forever 21, and RED lips! Classy, and sexy!

Ashley @ Ashley Amazing asked: What are your go-to shoes when not given the option to wear stilettos? Include pictures!

These were my go to shoes all summer.

All my favs for the winter so far are heels, like these!

I am a southern gal, though, and love me some flip flops! The hubs has 13'' on me so heels are usually my thang!

Angie @ Seven Clown Circus asked: What aspect of motherhood was/is most surprising to you?

The constant need of such a little person! It is a more than a full time job, but more fulfilling than I ever dreamed. I didn't know I had so much love to give!

Jessica @ Mommy Needs Coffee! asked: What are the top few things you can't live with out on the daily basis?

Coffee!! 2-3 cups every morning. My blackberry, NickJr, and mascara.

Kara @ His, Hers and Ours asked: How big of a family would you and hubs like to have?

Given the complete disagreement on baby names, we're screwed if we have more! Kidding. I don't know the answer to that. We thought we wanted 2-3, but are finding ourselves completely content with our 1 right now.

Well, there you have it! Thanks for your fun questions. Love you all!

Fashion Friday - Change it up!

A lady at playgroup last week told me that she only ever sees me in gray and purple anymore. Well, they ARE the HOT colors of the season, purple is my color (according to my daddy), and I am loving both my gray and plum leggings right now. Nonetheless, I am mixing it up.

Boots, how I love you.

I could just stare at you all day.You make me a happy girl.
Yay, me! No grey or purple in this outfit!

Deets:

Jeans - Levi's

T-shirt - Forever 21

Khaki Sweater - Target

Brown and gold Bangle - Thrifted

Boots - Macy's. Want the story? Mmkay, if you insist.

I searched all over last weekend with my parents for new brown boots with no luck. I was again at the mall on Wednesday and noticed the gigantic crowds and "One Day Sale" signs at Macy's.

(Seriously, people, they ALWAYS have one day sales.)
I went in anyway, and almost instantly spotted these beauties from across the store. I used the stroller as an assault weapon and busted my way through the crowds. When I got over, I realized they were 50% off, so I had to act fast. I dove right into the pile of women on the floor to get my size. Got them I did. Those prim and proper ladies didn't know what hit 'um.
Then there were the lines. Bleh...they went around the whole freakin store! While I was waiting, I saw pretty much everyone had a $10 off coupon, which I DIDN'T have, so I totally should have been able to cut to the front. Oh, well. I'm a happy boot wearin' gal, and I still got a great deal. Did I mention that you can unfold that flap and they are OTK's?? Oh, yeah.

Oh, and I'm wearing those boots tonight when I go with some friends to Carlos Santana's new Mexican Restaurant, Maria Maria. Yummay!

Happy Friday!!

Fashion Friday brought to you by Summer!

Wordful Wednesday - Beauty Rest and Question Time!

I am FINALLY getting healthy. I can breathe at night, I'm not shivering cold all the time, and my desire to eat chocolate every minute of the day is back badder than ever.

(Badder doesn't feel like it should be a word.)

I think part of the reason I was sick for so long was that I couldn't stop, sleep and watch soap operas all days. Being a mom kindof does that to you. This is the only way for a mom to fight sickness. Yep, what they say is true.

Sleep when the baby sleeps.

{That's my Snuggie, and I'm stickin to it}

Photo credit: The Hubs. He must be catching on to the "my wife blogs and takes pictures of everything, so I should too" thing.

In other news, I'm ready for your questions! Ask anything. Ask everything.

I might even answer them in a vlog. I am itching to do one, but have had my congested, crackly man voice for awhile now. Wouldn't that have been entertaining?

Link up your Wordful Wednesday at Angies!

Use this bathroom, and you'll be sorry.

You know I'm a planner. You know I make list. Lots of list. I like to plan ahead, so as to not be stressed at the last minute. That is why I do things like clean the bathroom 2 days ahead of guest and leave this note on the door:

I had a list the size of Texas of things to do the night before and day my parents got here. My uber relaxed hubs doesn't quite see things the same way I do. He was thoroughly aware of when they got here, but is completely convinced that a person can clean the bathrooms, do laundry, make the beds, dust, vacuum, move all the boxes to the garage and grocery shop in 30 minutes flat.

Yeah, in my dreams.

Now I'd been sick for days so alot of this stuff would normally be done, but hours before they got here, and the entryway to my house looked like this:

{Notice the feetsies chillaxin on the couch}

I know I'm moving, so there are going to be boxes. But I can't take those boxes down 3 flights of stairs to put into the garage.
{Kudos to anyone who notices the "poop sack" as we call it on the floor.}

As I cleaned the guest bathtub with a toothbrush, (because its my MOM, goddess of all things clean) the hubs calls out, "why don't you just come sit and watch this show with me?"

I guess what they say is true. Opposites attract. Sometimes opposites make you blow steam out your ears somethin fierce.

Good thing I can do A TON of cleaning when extremely slightly irritated.

Birthday, Parents and Excuses.

There are good reasons I've been gone. Good reasons for missing Fashion Friday, for all of you who gently reminded me that I didn't do it. You made me smile, so thanks!

I was busy eating these

And basking in the loveliness of Birthday goodies. I got some good gift cards and a coat that I LOVE! (Doesn't hurt that I picked it out...I'm a thinker.)
Going to dinner at one of my favorite places, with my wonderful parents

Doing lots and lots of shopping
Looking for the perfect trifle bowl, which was eventually found at Wal-Mart of all places, and watching my dad try to rearrange the back of my car a gazillion times to fit all the shopping bags.

If all of that isn't reason enough, I'm still sick. I'm not going to the Doctor's office though, because I will totally get swine flu from all the germs up in there. My poor Dad got sick while he was here and spent the whole day yesterday in the bed while we went wine tasting. He was feeling better when it came time to get In-N-Out. Hehe. It does pretty much make everything better.

Taking my parents to the airport this morning was just plain awful. It wasn't just the fact that I had to wake up at 4:15, either. I miss my family so much, and I'm not sure when I will see them again. I'm excited to see the hubs family for Christmas, and to be in NY, but the every other year thing sucks hard. Now that we have Coop, it's just too difficult to get to NY and GA in a 2 week period. Trust me, we tried it last year and it was an awful idea. Think schedule completely ruined, sickness, and over 30 hours of airplanes and airports. Ugg, I get chills just thinking about it.

How do you spend the holidays? How do you deal if you don't get to see your family?

Go shorty, it's my birthday!

I'm having a hard time with this birthday. 25. I know some of you are rolling your eyes at me now, but it seems like 25 was always so far away. When someone ask how old I am, my first instinct is literally to say 19. I don't think I've changed since then. Whenever I do one of those online surveys, I have to change from the 18-24 box to the 25-34 box. Crazy!

I did just get the "Babies having babies" award for being the youngest mom in our mom's club.

I'm still young, I know.

A few people think I'm awesome enough to do BIG DEAL things for my birthday.

Because, hello? I'M a big deal!

First would be Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, who rearranged their schedule so the CMA's could be on my birthday. How thoughtful, huh?

And my amazing parents who, as you read this, are on a flight from GA to CA to be with me for my birthday weekend. It is going to be jammed packed with shopping, wine tasting, sightseeing, and lots of eating food that I don't have to cook. PERFECTO! I am so excited and honored that they are coming all this way just for me!

For my celebration, I'm heading over to Sprinkles for some of these:

And I'm going to eat them along side my signature drink as of late:

The Lemon Drop Martini, which is nothing but incredible.

{source}

Then tomorrow, I am going to wake up, a 25 year old, who refuses to stop shopping at Forever 21 until I'm 90, who will always wear my heart on my sleeve and cry at the drop of a hat, who loves deeply, trust too easily, and is extremely blessed beyond measure.

Exactly the same as I was at 24.

I'm sick, but check out what's keeping me happy.

Today, I'm sick, and I've been sick since Saturday. It's the first time, actually, since becoming a mom 18 months ago, so I guess I can't complain. But, its hard. I want to take care of my little man and let him jump on me while I'm lying in a ball on the couch, but I just can't. I passed out Saturday and my head landed in a pile of damp dirty towels in the laundry room. My hair reeked, but I didn't even have energy to wash it. I stayed in my jammies for 2 days straight!

Saturday was a little easier, because the hubs was helping, but yesterday, he got sick too. Awesomeness. You all know how men are when they are sick. Worse than kids. Worse than anyone. Plain awful.

I thought today would be a good day to do a little photo searching to show you a couple studs I am crushin hard on. Now, I've never read Twilight, (don't hate me!) and I DO NOT understand the Robert Pattinson thing. Just not into him. Sorry! I can't help it! But, I am totally diggin a couple guys.

I think you all know by now about my MASSIVE crush on Taye Diggs. He has been #1 on my list for awhile now.Photo credit http://www.people.com/

I mean, seriously. Look at that hot piece of eye candy!

But, over the past couple weeks, I started cheating on him. Just a little. At first. Now I am pretty much in love with one of the new Mercy West interns on Grey's Anatomy, Dr Jackson Avery, aka, Jesse Williams.
www.nypost.com/pagesixmag

Oh, mother of all hotness.
Now, Taye, you're still my #1, but watch yourself. You've got competition.

Fashion Friday - Purple Nails

I am so feelin' the side bun right now. Literally in this pic.

Tyyyyra!
Peace yo. Actually just trying to show you my nails. Love! Nails. There, that's a little better.

This outfit was inspired by the nail polish. I got Peoples Style Trend mag in the mail this week. EEK! When I got the page saying that purple nails are ALL THE RAGE this season, I nearly killed myself trying to get my shoes and get. to. the. store.

I quickly hit up Tarjay and found some alright purple, thought I would give it a try. But wait! On the end cap was an entire display of E.L.F cosmetics in little packages for Christmas. They have a jewel tone trio of polish that you have to go get. Like yesterday. 2 coats of the purple is perfecto! Oh, and did I mention that it is $3? For 3 polishes? Oh, yeah.

According to Rachel Zoe, who knows everything and is everything fashion, nail polish is an accessory. Bold colors should be paired with neutral clothes and minimal accessories.

So there you go. I have successfully made Peoples Mag, Rachel Zoe, and Tyra happy in this post.

Deets:

Gray Leggings - Forever 21

Black Sweater - Ross

Black Booties - Charlotte Russe

Bracelet - Forever 21

Ring - Tiffany & Co

Happy Friday my lovelies! Have a wonderful weekend!

Summer is a stylist now, so you need to go visit her. NOW!

Yes. I will willing walk into that knife.

Photo credit here

I told the hubs awhile ago that I would quit shopping for 4 years if I could get my bubbies done. My mom said forget it. No way could I go 4 years without bringing something home. As it is already, I sneak things into the house. I love to buy stuff from Target, because "that's just the grocery bill. We have to eat and Coop has to have diapers." Seriously, dude. Stop cramping my shopping style with this crap you call a budget.

My sis agreed with my mom, as did several of my friends. I can't do it. Just. Can't. I can't generally go a week, much less 4 freakin years. That said, I still NEED new bubbies. Gotta get these girls up and outta their low lying funk! The hubs understands, and is on my side. WORD. I often say that, just FYI. Usually followed by 'to yo momma'. That's just how I roll. Not sure why this is such a big deal to me. You throw on a push up bra and move on, right? Ehhh. Pregnancy really did treat me well. That's the only thing really changed, and I just want to change 'um back to normal. Is that really too much to ask?

Now for the honesty. Should I do it? Has anyone else done it and been happy/not so happy with the results? What if by some chance, eek, I want another baby? Has anyone done it before kids? Will I end up looking like Tara Reid?

If haven't gotten your fill of fake bubbies, don't forget tonight is the premier of Real Housewives of the OC! I don't know about you, but there is gonna be an all out girly, wine, cheese, chocolate party up in here!

Wordful Wednesday - Halloween

Remember my little penguin?

He hit the streets for his first official trick or treating night. (That's an excited face, really)

Until his dad stole his candy, and I have footage to prove it!

Cooper the penguin, and his buddy, Ty, the dill pickle. Too bad I have like NO shots from the front!
This was the jackpot house. Candy on the porch!Cooper LOVED it. He rang the bell, and then tried to go into every house. Kindof started to melt down towards the end. I tried to keep him up an extra hour to compensate for the time change, but it totally didn't work. Ugg, I really hope I don't have to wake up before 6 another day...

Wordful Wednesday is brought to you by Angie at:

Tweet it, and they will come.

Today, I learned something new. I learned about twitter porn. Yes, it is alive and WELL. It all started with my tweeting this:

what to do with a sick baby? watch diego all. day. long. i'll just read my porn book.

Well, oh my at the sudden influx of followers I got. Followers promoting their websites, if ya know what I mean.

So what kind of dirty book am I reading? It's a book my friend, Maggie, has been trying to get me to read for forevers, The Bronze Horseman. This is honestly the first novel like this I've read. I've heard that reading fiction relieves stress. True dat! I started it, and I was hooked. It's a novel set in Russia during World War 2. You should see how Alexander looks in my minds eye. Move over Taye Diggs. The hubs opened it one day and quickly dubbed it my "porn book". When Rachel told me her husband calls hers "sexy books" I felt much better.

Now, this book isn't for the faint of heart or the easily offended. If you're cheeks turn red at the thought of a little lovin, read it when you're by yourself. Especially once you get to the middle of the book. The last thing you want is to be all caught up in the story, as Alexander runs his fingers over Tatiana's...then GO, DIEGO GO!

All I will say, it that your hubs will reap great benefits from you reading this. Who knows. He might even send me some chocolate. Or at least a thank you card.

All the rumors are true.

Last week, I told you we were looking at a couple houses. This week, I'll tell you, I'm lookin for boxes!! We are set to move in the first weekend in December. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be getting into a house. To not have to climb 3 flights of stairs while carrying a baby and tons of groceries. To be able to let Coop run into the backyard and not worry about him squeezing himself through the railing and down 30 feet. To not have to run down the stairs while drip drying, because my husband someone didn't go down to the garage for more toilet paper when they used it all up. Did I mention how grateful I am?

The HUGE downfall is that I have to pack. When we moved here, the hubs company moved us, and I didn't even pack my undies. 3 guys whipped through our house and everything was in the truck within 4 hours. Now that we are moving 2 miles away, the packing is up to moi. It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't a pack rat. If I couldn't admit it, it would be all sorts of wrong. But I can, and I'm totally fine with it. I like my stuff. My rock collection from when I was 12. The clothes I am saving for my daughter, because everything comes back in style. The box of stuffed animals in the garage. I have no intention of getting rid of it, so pack it up and keep hauling it from house to house!

I am suddenly regretting HAVING to have a red wall in my bedroom. Do I really have to paint over that? Bleh.