Dear Moms

Dear Moms,  OMIGERD!! I have been swamped! Let me fill ya in: I am STILL in school full time, for my Graphic Arts Associates Degree.  I am getting the kids ready for a brand spanking new school year in an entirely new city AND state. I am getting my company: Essential Bath Elements off of the ground. I am working with the susband (soon to be husband) on both the ministry AND the cleaning company.  Oh- and did I forget to mention that I am MOVING?? AGAIN?!? Yeah, moving- once again. We have been in this house for a little under six months...but, the landlord was doing fraudulent things by renting it out during a foreclosure. Long story short, Fannie Mae purchased our home and then asked if we would like to continue renting, OR they offered us, "relocation assistance" to move. $$$$$ Cha-CHING! I was ready to pack while we were still on the phone with the broker! 👀 Am I alone?! Hands? Needless to say, I am scouting places for boxes and taking art...

Dear Moms, Great morning to you all! Here's hoping that you all had a fabtabulous Mother's Day 2018- mine wasn't the best, but it certainly wasn't the worst. 🙈🙉🙊 My apologies for bot bringing you all a Mother's Day blog to get you ready for the celebration of your moms as well as yourselves; but I am in the midst of studying to get my Associate's Degree in Graphic Arts. My time is very limited as I study, work TWO jobs and get the family's home up to par. I'm working actively on some better tome management strategies to be able to better keep up with you all... No worries! I am so happy to be back with you and giving you the "Spring Download!" This post is going to be dedicated to Spring LOOKS! These looks are not fashion based, but how to bring a bit of spring into your home- with some really great affordable items, new looks at old food faves, and also some of the hottest colors of the season. It's so great how this season brings ...

Dear Moms, Happy Spring! We have made it through to the other side of St. Patrick's Day, Spring Break and Easter. Now, it's on to the Earth Day celebrations and Summertime shenanigans!  My indoor hibernation has come to an end! Although, as I am typing this post; it's 28℉, snowing lightly and there's about a 1/2 inch of accumulation on the ground. Uggghhh..... *checking calendar one more time* Yep, it's says, "Spring." I will admit, this season has some of the most frustrating weather. It will be hot for two days, then back into the deep freeze for four; only to become the surface of the sun on the last day of the week! Pro tip: Layers make it easy to transition from cool mornings, into warm days and back into chilly evenings. Try a nice infinity scarf, accompanying a solid colored long sleeve tee under a blazer with a pair of jeans and a cute chunky heeled, low cut boot. You can swap out after work and spice it up with a sexy stiletto heeled boot; f...

Dear Moms, So every other day or so, whilst scrolling through my social media accounts (btw are YOU following me on social media? The links will be below, in case you're not!) I see #HACK videos. You know, an easier way to do something that we've been doing for ages- but some genius (and I DO often sincerely mean "genius" in these instances) has figured out how to either make it easier, cleaner, or faster! There are plenty of hacks that I use regularly, that are tried and true... Making my own Febreeze for instance; or how to make your own fabric softener are a perfect set of examples. (I LOVE THOSE two by the by. So much so that I'm sharing how to do it in those links!👆) There are also some things I'm still waiting on one of the geniuses to hack. Things like, getting rid of my under eye circles (for REALS) and actually getting some sleep as a mommy! Hold the phone! *gasp* I have found a couple of hacks to actually help you get some good sleep ...

Dear Mom's, Merry Christmas! Harambee!! Happy 2018! How the hell are ya?! I've missed you all desperately... So much has been going on and I frickin have no clue where to begin! Okay, so... let's see: 1. I MOVED to South Carolina! 2. I MOVED right the hell back to the Midwest. #Bummer (the kids were not doing well in my absence... calling in tears complaining about toothaches, headaches, boo-boos, and even head COLDS! UGH... I just wanted to get settled in! Less than month was all I got in and I was back. Luckily, I found an opportunity in Illinois and I hightailed it to Rockford! My job is a bit slow on the transfer this go 'round... But, I'm keeping the faith and "trusting the process." #WhateverTheHellTHATMeans lol 3. I have been scouring the whole wide world, AND web for great ideas for you mamas/step-mamas/those WITH a mama, etc. 4. I'm über excited to get back on track with my readers and share my thoughts and experiences with each of you in ...

Tasty Treats For Turkey Day! Dear Moms,  We all know that Thanksgiving is right around the corner and if you have been a faithful reader of the blog- you ALREADY know ya girl is always good for a recipe or THREE! Lol, luckily I am a hungry girl and I also LOVE to be in the kitchen, and even though the turkey is known to be the star of the show- I want you to get prepared to be "thankful" for these sweet tasty treats for turkey day! I am an avid fan of incorporating booze into food....so the first offering I have for you is: Bourbon Pecan Pie! Yes, BOURBON! lol Now, when you bake boozy; the alcohol cooks out and only leaves the rich flavors from the "booze used." So, no worries gals- grandma won't be tipsy and trying to fight your in-laws! Bourbon Pecan Pie www.pintrest.com Acquired: 11/14/2016 Ingredients: Piecrust (You can ALWAYS buy a pre-made crust too) 2 c. all-purpose flour ⅓ c. light brown sugar ¾ tsp. fine sea salt 1 stick unsalte...

DE-Clutter for (and DURING) the Summer! Dear Moms,  So, I may or may not have already conveyed that I have developed OCD in the years I have been a mommy...lol but, it has turned out to be something that's been more favorable in my life than not. I say that to say this: when school lets out, I begin to get into Organization Mode. That means, I remove all the winter clothes and pack and label them to be put away, and I rotate out the summer clothes. I also start purchasing school uniforms, backpacks, etc in JULY- that way, by the time school gets started again, I have missed the rush, and I am already done. We buy the last minute items, and the things the kids WANT- versus what they NEED. In the same vein, I take the summer vacation to get the house, the activities, etc all organized as well. I have the types of children that if they are not given stimulation throughout the day, they will self destruct and go off the rails! I have a very stringent schedule for their down...

Surprising Uses For Vinegar Dear Moms, Vinegar isn’t just for salad dressing anymore, folks! In fact, vinegar has many uses outside the kitchen. It’s actually a fantastic, money-saving cleaning product! So, if you have a bottle or jug of vinegar at home, you’re all set to clean and shine up your house. From disinfecting rooms to removing ink and carpet stains, vinegar is wildly versatile. Here are 5 surprising ways to use vinegar… 5. Clean your electronics- Vinegar has a well-known ability to disinfect. You can actually clean your computer, printer, fax machine and other office equipment with plain vinegar and water. First, unplug all the machines you wish to clean. Next, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket or spray bottle. Wet a cloth in the solution and wring it out well. You don’t want water to leak inside your keyboard or computer because that could cause damage. Wipe all surfaces to get them shining. Use Q-tips for those small or hard-to-reach areas, s...

Flight Faux Pas! 4 Things NOT To Do When In Flight Dear Moms, Recently, I was given this opportunity to become a blogger for egl and I was thrilled! I was even more so thrilled to see that I was given the Lifesytle/Travel category. So, needless to say I was even more thrilled to bust out some of that carry on luggage and hit the road! Well, the skies as it were. On my last excursion I can only assume it was a flight on it's way to or from an "Obnoxious Convention;" due to the behavior of those on board. I actually managed to take it in stride, with poise and politeness. That vodka didn't hurt either. The passengers of what I have now dubbed, #OBCon ran the gambit of my worst in flight pet peeves. I now feel it is my duty to help prevent you from being "that guy" on your next flight; because if you are on MY flight I cannot necessarily guarantee my politeness! The flight had not even BEGUN before the rudeness ensued. I say this to say: DO NOT rush ...