LiFe {unscripted}

Currently: 02-22-2018

time: 4:33PM

location: Home. 

watching: nothing at the moment...it's actually quiet and I can hear the birds chirping a bit outside. I can also hear Ellis in the kitchen doing her chore...I assigned her the duty of rinsing out sugar cookie icing squeezy bottles that have been soaking in warm soapy water in the sink.  She is rinsing them out and placing them on a drying towel.  Amen and hallelujah that she is old enough for chores!!!

Working: Party Decor, but also party decor for a baby shower I am co-hosting coming up in late March.  Designing the shower invite.  Ellis and I also made cute paper Lady Bugs on a Leaf projects (thanks to this Facebook page, The Best Ideas for Kids, for the idea!), and glitter slime before lunch.  I am the type of mom that would 99% much more enjoy doing an activity like making something or playing a game, than playing Barbies or dolls.  I am not sure why.  I used to love dolls when I was little, but it's hard for me as a mom.  When it's my choice I choose an activity or game, hands down.  When it's her choice, I oblige most of the time.

drinking: water.  Lots of water.  I feel like am always thirsty lately.

Eating: Just had a slice of warm banana bread straight from the oven with extra butter.  What?  You didn't know banana bread is the latest "pre-workout?!"  For me, it is today!  Today it has been a slow and easy day of inside activities.  I feel like some days I have my phone always documenting things and events.  Other days, I just forget.  Today, I made an effort to document a little snippet in the form of Instagram story.  It's not much, but when I do feel like "documenting" I almost always use IG stories, then I save them to my phone so I have the video clips to keep forever. 

Today's thus far:

 

Wednesday For the Love of EOs: Quick and Easy

Hey y'all! 

Today's for the love of essential oils comes to you from the Lemon Drop Spot! 

A quick and easy way to freshen up your bathroom (or let's face it, your man's bathroom!)  I used one drop of Citrus fresh and one drop of Purification.  Fresh and clean and super simple. 

Sidenote: Did you know that when you sign up for your premium starter kit under me, for a small yearly fee, you will have access to some amazing Lemon Drop educational graphics complete with your oil biz info on the bottom?  These graphics are always so clean and classy and contain great info on oils, but the cool part is, once you download, you are welcome to post them on your social media to help promote your business (if you choose to do the business side)!

If you want more info on that, email me or comment here and I would be happy to help.

 

 

Tuesday Tales from Motherhood: Soccer Mom.

Summer of 2016, a friend of ours called Adam and asked if Ellis would like to play soccer in the fall. 

Adam and I were both like, "um, well, o-k?!"

We had both planned on her playing sports at some point, but for first time parents, this kind of snuck up on us.  She was only 3. 5, so we kinda thought that she was still a little too young.  

But when the call came, we decided quickly to jump on it and say yes!

The first season was a doosie.  It was our running joke that a game went really well if no one cried.  We wondered if she was gonna "get it."  All the while, her sweet and encouraging coaches would tell us over and over not to worry, it was going to stick eventually.  It would get better. 

It did.  I has. Just one season later, it was amazing to see how much the girls learned and grew. 

I can speak for both Adam and I, that we are so very glad we said yes.  We are so grateful for the opportunity for her to play with such a great group of girls.  So grateful for the amazing coaches we truly feel we lucked out with.  And man, I am just so grateful to watch her grow in her abilities, but even more, grow in her relationships with her teammates who she might not have gotten to know in this part of her life, if it weren't for playing soccer. 

Now, we are four seasons in and practicing twice a week.  Yesterday as we rushed from me teaching class at the gym to her practice, it dawned on me.  This is the "soccer mom shuffle" I always heard about.  We are four seasons in and it just dawned on me.  I know, I know: "a little late to the realization party, Beck!" 

I guess I always kinda dreaded the "shuffle" in my mind because I knew it would be difficult to make it happen.  BUT, what I think is so cool is that I we have been doing this for three seasons already and it's never once seemed "difficult" or "dreaded."  We have just made it happen.  And it's been really fun.  I love it.  She loves it.  Yes, she is still in the age where she loves it mostly because she gets to see her friends, but she loves it every practice and every game.  And she does love making goals, too!

The above photos were taken at our last game in the fall.  Memaw and Papa Trump were able to come down to watch and she was over the moon happy about that!

Saturday is our first game for this spring season, and I can't wait to get to watch and cheer them on. 

I am a soccer mom (insert heart eyes).

Hot Spurs, YOU KNOW IT!

This video is from October 2016.  They were all so little - more heart eyes, please!

 

Make It Monday: Sewn Confetti Banner

So this week and next week, I will be in deep party planning mode. Talking to my sister today, I came to the realization that I am getting down to the wire.  So today without having much time to blog, I decided to blog about what I will will start working on today for her party this year. 

This paper confetti banner in the photo. 

I did not keep the last one, because that was a couple birthday's ago.  I am planning on keeping the color scheme more simple this time. 

To make this, I use:

American Crafts Cardstock.  When you buy the paper in sets like these, you can pretty much know that you will have more than enough sheets in each color.  If I remember correctly, I used about 2 and a half sheets per stand/color.

A variety of paper punches like this square one, this circle one, but I also just used my metal ruler and xacto knife to cut strips and rectangles.  The triangle pieces were punched using a square punch, and then I cut the squares in half diagonally.

And lastly, the part that makes this banner come together super fast, is my sewing machine with white thread.  I feed the shapes through the sewing machine and tack them all together!  It really does go fast once the pieces are cut out.

 

The tricky part of this whole thing comes in the storage of it.  I carefully wrapped each strand around a thick piece of chipboard so that it does not tangle up together.  Gently tape it down with washi tape so it does not tear when I remove it to start hanging it.  

I think it makes a beautiful back drop for photos, but also just to fill up a blank wall.  I intend to try to use this in Ellis' room once her party is over.  That is, if I get it completed. 

Off I go to work.

 

 

 

Friday Favorites

1.  This beautiful "Embrace the journey" cuff one of my best friends gave me for Galentine's!  The message means so much to me, and I absolutely love the story behind the start of this company, Rustic Cuff.  It's so inspiring!

2. I've been meaning to post about this shirt for a while. 

The black gingham button down I am wearing here.  I searched for one at all my go-to places like Old Navy, Gap, etc. and could not find one that I liked.  Those places either had ruffle sleeves or some sort of embroidery patch on the chest.  That wasn't what I wanted.  I wanted just a simple black gingham button down. 

Should have known, I could find one on Amazon.  Yup, right here, and it comes in several different colors.  The reviews were good and I took the advice of those reviews and definitely ordered several sizes up - I normally wear a medium in Old Navy button downs...I ordered a 2XL in this shirt from Amazon.  It was worth it - it fit just like I like button downs to fit.  Not too snug in the bust area, but close fitting enough to not look baggy.  Also, did I mention that it was less than twenty-five bucks and ships with Prime?! Well it does.  Win, win, win. 

I keep meaning to order other colors but I'm waiting for spring.

3. Adam and I started this show, Imposters, on Netflix on Monday this week.  It's killing me to not watch ahead, but it's the first show in a while that we have found that we both enjoy! 

4.  Rockin Green Active Wear Detergent.

I first saw their ad on Facebook and was kinda skeptical.  Okay, very skeptical.  I have thrown away several sports bras and even my favorite black shorty shorts because after wearing them multiple times, they just never smelled "fresh" again.  I've tried lots of detergents from the store.  I've tried fabric softeners, and even just straight up baking soda.  I eventually started rinsing out my workout clothes in the shower with me after I wear them.  That helped, but then I immediately had to start the washing machine or they would still not smell super fresh. 

So I was completely skeptical but curious. 

I read the reviews, visited their website, and then I found that you could purchase it from Amazon.  So I tried it.  I mean, Prime shipping, am I right?.

Y'all.  IT WORKS. 

I even went back and pulled out some already clean "washed" work-out gear and re-washed it with this stuff - GAME CHANGER.  And I am not talking about it smells fresh until you wear them and start sweating again and then the "odor" comes back.  I am talking, smells as fresh as the day I pulled the tags off it -  throughout my whole sweat sesh.  And those of you who know me, know that I don't "delicately" sweat.  Especially in the spring and summer months, I sweat like a man.  Probably more than some men, even. 

I am sold.  This stuff is awesome. 

Now I am regretting throwing away my favorite black shorty shorts.  Dang.

5. This girl on Instagram.  Thegraytergood.  Her lettering is so inspiring and fun, but what I really LOVE about her is the humor and sarcasm that comes out in her projects!!! She's really funny, and so very talented.

6.  These photos from October 2017. 

This kiddo wearing an outfit she picked out for herself, playing outside, chewing a big hunk of gum, and acting way too grown up and throwing me the peace sign as I took photos of her.  I remember the light that evening was gorgeous and she just seemed so happy being at home playing outside and didn't mind me following her around with my big camera.  The top photo only took 5-10 shots to get both of us in focus, but it was worth every try.  Friday favorite.  Forever favorite.

 

Currently: 02-15-2018

time: 4:06PM

location: Home. 

watching: I am not ashamed to admit that I am currently listening to the Office again.  I have favorite episodes and seasons, but really I can watch from beginning to end and gladly admit that I've done that more times than I can count. 

Working: on party planning.  One party for my girl's 5th birthday, and one for a sweet friends baby shower.  Right now uploading photos to Persnickety Prints for the 24X36 poster I like to make each year of all the photos of Ellis from that year.  I love to display it at her party, but I also like putting them up on the wall, too!

She likes looking at them and reminiscing. 

drinking: water.

Eating: Nothing now, but Ellis and I stopped by and picked up some yummy frozen yogurt from our local pharmacy/yogurt shop, Jacob's Family Pharmacy.  It's always such a treat and hits the sweet spot!

reading: Exodus  - today's She Reads Truth devotional really hit home today.  "...one foot in front of the other, walking out his calling." I definitely recommend this study, if you are looking for one.

diffusing: Orange, Inspiration, and Stress Away.

Orange for it's uplifting and fresh scent. 

Inspiration because according to Life Science Essential Oils desk reference 7th edition,  it is "formulated to help find a calm space in our minds and bring us closer to that creative center where our higher intuition operates." I have this oil blend is not in my er order for good now - so I can always diffuse it when I am in my creative space.

And Stress Away because, one, I just love the scent, but it also helps reduce stress and nervous tension...you know the kind of tension that comes from a to-do list that is longer than one page. 

The three of these together smells really good and fresh - kind of like a citrus medley of sherbet. 

Wednesday For the Love of EOs: Thieves Spray

I know what you're thinking..."Didn't you just talk about Thieves spray last Wednesday?!"

Yes.  I did. 

But that was the Thieves Household cleaner that you mix with tap water and put in a spray bottle. 

Today, I am talking about the kind that you can make with just the bottle of Thieves essential oil that comes in the Premium Starter Kit.

Here's what you need:

• Distilled water
• 12-15 drops of Thieves essential oil
• 1 tbsp Vodka
• Amber glass spray bottle (comes with the set)
• (funnel - comes with the set of glass bottles)

I came across this recipe in the Oily Life Guide book I talked about last Friday. This book has other AWESOME recipes in here that I have not seen before and I completely suggest buying one if you are looking for a great guide to start using oils more.

How to:

1. Drop in the Thieves drops
2. Use funnel and measuring spoon to add vodka
3. Fill remainder of bottle with distilled water.
4. Screw on spray top
5. Shake a bit and spray.

I will definitely label this bottle and keep it in my car for the times when we are out and about and need to clean our hands in a pinch.

 

Tuesday Tales from Motherhood: How is this two years ago?

 

 

Tomorrow it will be Valentine's Day 2018.  This video from my phone is from Valentine's Day 2016.  This baby is going to be five in less than three weeks now.  It's gone so offensively fast.  When iphoto memories brings these up on my phone, I could just sit here and cry. 

I remember at that time that I thought she was such a great talker.  I loved the way she said "Balentime's" and "I lough You" and it makes me giggle that to this day she still says "Unc Lee!"

Her sweet understanding and comprehension - "OH!" like, now I get it!

Sometimes I get frustrated with technology and why we have so much of it these days, but when these videos are brought back to my attention from a couple years ago - I am so very thankful for my iphone and the technology that allowed me to save this little snippet of her on this day in 2016.

 

Make It Monday: Galentine's Day!

Saturday I had plans with my girlfriends for an afternoon of catching up! 

Being close to Valentine's Day, I thought I could finally take advantage of "Galentine's Day" and make a small but cute gift for my girls. 

A few weeks ago, I ordered this variety set of amber glass bottles from Amazon, and I have been looking for a way to use them.  

And then Friday, I came across this blend of oils from a great Instagram feed that I follow.  She coined it as the "...make the magic happen!" roller combo.  Right there, the idea of making a roller ball of oily magic for my girlfriends was born. 

I came up with the name, "Unicorn Magic (you got this, girl!)", and decided to make easy labels to put on the roller bottles.  I created them in Photoshop (a 1.8inchX.75inch) box and added the text.  Then I just copied and pasted them onto the template downloaded from Avery Labels - I used the Avery address labes (18262) - and printed.  Obviously, I printed more than I needed, but now I have extras in case I need a cute gift in a pinch. 

Here are the oils used in the blend:

10 drops of Frankincense
10 drops of Bergamont
10 drops of Valor
10 drops of Stress Away

This is what the bottles look like once ten drops of each oil are in them. Not full, so just fill the rest up with a carrier oil.  I used cold pressed raw organic coconut oil.

Once the bottles were filled, I popped on the roller ball and screwed the lid on tightly. 

I free-hand cut the labels out and stuck them on each bottle.

I picked up these cute Valentine's socks at Walgreens - who doesn't love a good pair of socks to wear with boots?!

I created the "Happy Galentine's Day" tag in Photoshop, as well, and tied the socks and roller ball bottle with some baker's twine. 

Easy and thoughtful gift for my girls.  Obvious side note, but it must be said: All four of those oils together smell INCREDIBLE.  Just like I would imagine a Unicorn would. 

Happy Galentine's Day, girls!

 

Friday Favorites

1.  This photo of Ellis.  Taken Wednesday after school.  She was sitting at the kitchen counter eating a snack of Tomato soup and crackers and simultaneously playing with all her characters. 

This photo is more than just a representation of that day for me.  It's a representation of being intentional.  Intentionally taking the extra few minutes to grab my big camera and snap a photo or three of her.  I go through seasons with my big camera in hand a lot - and then other seasons forgetting it all together. Either way, just five minutes capturing her on this day at this exact age with tomato soup around her mouth makes me happy. 

2. I picked up these two books a week or so ago after a couple recommendations from my oily friends. 

Both books are beautifully made.  The photos that go along with the recipes and information are gorgeous.  Both are so informative for the beginner, as well as the seasoned oil user. 

Oil and Glass has is more of a recipe-type book that has awesome tried and tested DIY oil recipes.  The book has eight great sections: Health & Wellness, Body Woes, Beauty & Skincare, Babies & Children, Home & Garden, Pregnancy & Birth, Mind, Body & Spirit, and Diffuser Favorites & Supplies. 

The Oily Life Guide is a great book for folks who are just beginning their journey with oils and how to utilize their Premium Starter Kit.

Both books are available at Life Science Products and Publishing, but Oil and Glass is also available on Amazon.com. 

3. This font: Bhatoshine.  Available here, at Creative Market. 

I used this font to cut out the "Thieves" label for my spray bottle earlier this week.  And I have used it a LOT since I bought it for lots of purposes.  It's a fun hand brushed font that's bold enough for titles.  It also comes with a great all caps typeface font to pair it with. 

4. One of my favorite "punniest love quotes" thus far this month from the Letter Pixels lettering challenge.

I am trying to work a day ahead on these this month, so I finished this one last night.  I showed it to Adam and he smiled and said, "Thanks, babe!"  I'm pretty sure that counts as my Valentine to him this year.  Kidding...kind of. 

5.  Finally, another diffuser combo. 

Adam's "office" is off the kitchen.  I have been diffusing this combo in the kitchen this week because Adam has been doing a lot of hard and time consuming work at his desk this week.  I love the smell of all of them - and really all of them alone are like magical oil, so why not combine the for triple the magic?!  I called it the Grind combo because he even commented that it smelled great while he "grinded away."