In light of the recent tragedy with Kate Spade, I am finally pushing myself to publish a piece on a topic that I’ve went back and forth on since we started blogging. A glimpse into my normal life with anxiety.

I’ll start by saying that life is hard. It doesn’t matter the amount of money, friends, or fancy things you surround yourself with. With social media and pretty filters, it’s easy to feel like everyone around you is living a better life.

See this picture right here…this is the picture of a happy mom, who has a great family, amazing friends, the best job, more things than I could ever want. You know what you can’t see is I also have anxiety and panic attacks.

Every blonde knows that you need a few extra hair care products to keep you hair looking fresh and keeping the prefect blonde. I have pulled out everything in my bathroom to share my favorite products.

I do not think there is one product you should live and die by I like to swap between a few in each category. Also, I think you should always buy from a legit re-seller so you know what you are getting and the condition it is in. Some items you can snag via Amazon IF the seller is the manufacturer (then Amazon is just warehousing and shipping)

There’s this little thing called mom guilt that I’ve carried with me since my first son was born, and I am finally putting it aside!  I have been fortunate enough to work part-time since my first baby was born.  My mother had watched my littles until they went to preschool at age 2.  They now go to preschool 3 days a week and are home with me the other two.  Their preschool requires your child to go full time one year prior to entering kindergarten.

I had thought about pulling them out and finding somewhere else that allows part-time until kindergarten.  My thoughts at first were this is ridiculous- how can any 4 year old be tolerable when he’s in school all day.  Then it dawned on me, I’d FINALLY have some time to myself that I hadn’t had in over 4 years!  I talked it over with the hubby, and he too was on board with sending my oldest full time!  Done deal- my oldest child will attend preschool 5 days a week even on the days I stay at home.

As everyone promised my boys are growing up way too quickly and the transition to a toddler bed is breaking this mommas heart. ( How many time can I google how to transition to a toddler bed – then crying and saying no! ) Seriously, cannot believe that we are already remodeling our toddler boys room, taking away all the things that really made this room a nursery. Cameron actually never tried to climb to of his crib, but at almost three it was time for the BIG boy bed!

These special shoes were hand painted with his initials – I can’t believe how tiny they are! 

Yes- I am saying it- a vacation without kids

you deserve this – your children will survive- you will have a good time

It started this post months ago right before taking a trip with my husband and a few friends. I went back and forth on this because I can hear the nay-sayers backlash on this topic. Sorry nay- sayers I hope this post pushes one mama to get online and book a vacation without kids!

Today I am sharing all the Botox basics that one person needs to know!  As we all know, aging is a natural process that can’t be stopped, but why not try and slow it down 🙂

Doctors have been using Botox for years to successfully treat wrinkles, excessive sweating, migraines, etc.  The reason why Lindsay and I use it is to hopefully stay/look young forever.  By starting these types of treatments at a young age, we hope that the benefits will pay off in the long run.  Now you ask, how?

Botox injections temporarily relax – not freeze – the facial muscles that underline and cause wrinkles. So by continuing to do treatments, overtime the repeated muscle contractions will forget what they use to do!

Botox Basic Q & A’s

What is Botox?

It’s the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to sever frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults.

How much will I need?

One of the hardest things about being a mom is seeing your kids sick. When sickness hits our house usually both boys get it. We are snuggled up for a few days till they feel better.  I know as soon as my kids start acting sick I call my mom, text my girlfriends, check google, then call the Dr. to get us in right away. Our pediatrician is always amazing about seeing the boys and fitting them in right away, then a quick trip to the pharmacy and we are good to go. Minus now- I have to get two rambunctious sick boys to take their medicine- the hard part.

We are book obsessed and had to round up our all time favorite best books!

Every birthday, shower, and celebration you think, “What can I buy that they do NOT already have?”  The answer: MORE books! Save your money on cards and give a book instead. Write a note inside to make it extra special! Fill holidays with book – Easter, Valentine- more books please! Less candy to make my kids wild!

My boys love reading together every night before bed.  It’s a great chance for us to sit together and wind down before the end of the night.

Yes, you can start reading to your little ones at any age.

Where is Baby’s Belly Button? -This book is a quick read with big easy flips that my sons loved. Karen Kratz has a few other similar books that are so cute too!

Peekaboo Sophie- I have yet to meet a child that doesn’t own a Sophie or like to play peekaboo!  Why not read about it.  This book allows babies to lift fun flaps and reveal what’s behind.

Love You Forever- This book.  Amazing and a classic but don’t attempt to read without tissues close at hand.

Everything is Mama Even if we bought the dada version- Your Babys First Words Will be Dadda– first this one is going on our list!  Its just as funny and by Jimmy Fallon!

Maternity session time. Ladies I was totally on the fence about if I should get maternity pictures.  Trust me momma you should and will be so happy you did. You might not feel like Heidi Klum at the moment -but it really is a time to try and embrace the bump!

We ended up with a slightly gloomy spring day luckily the flowers couldn’t have been more beautiful!

Today I am going to share with you how I stay sane during the LONG cold winter months.  We’ve all been there- stressed, tired, overbooked, and anxiously awaiting warmer weather and sunshine! If you’re anything like me, I crave warm weather and outdoor adventures.  Unfortunately during the winter months it’s not that easy.  Especially if you’re a mom with kiddos who seem to be climbing the walls each and every day!  Being a mom is so rewarding and exhausting all at the same time.  Between potty training, colds, dirty laundry and constant meltdowns it’s hard to find time for yourself.   Trust me, I’ve battled with this for many years (more on that later).  The guilt of taking care of myself when I should be taking care of my children but the truth is, if mama ain’t happy, no one is!