Last Day to Order: 31 Gifts!!

For those of you interested, today is the last day to order from my 31 Gifts party!!

Here's the link:

https://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E2843956&from=DIRECTLINK

She asked, and I said YES!!!

One of my best buddies is getting married in June, and I never thought in a million years I would be asked to be in her wedding! We work opposite schedules and usually meet up at random times, so I didn't think much about it when she asked me yesterday to meet up with her this afternoon... 

She pulled out the sweetest, most creative card I've ever seen!! I thought something was wrong because she was so emotional about it!! I kept asking her "What's wrong?!" Lol!

I was completely shocked to say the least!! I said "So you want me to be a bridesmaid in your wedding?!!" And she said yes, but that I still needed to open the card...

So I open the card, and I see this... 

I was stunned!! We both teared up and had all the giddy talk that girls do :)

I'm so excited about this adventure with my buddy!! She is one of the sweetest, kindest, goofiest girl I know and I love her dearly!  I can't wait for all the FUN we are going to have planning this wedding!!! Most of all, I am so appreciative and grateful that I will get to stand by her when she marries her future husband!! I can't wait for June 8th!!!

Love you Whit!!!

PAINT IT!! {Linky Party}

 If there's anything that makes me happy about my house, it's my paint colors!! I would like to think that I have a unique color scheme, which consists of orange, green, blue, and brown! Sounds not-so-cute, right? I'll let you decide...

When we bought our first house, I really wanted to incorporate some of my husband's favorite colors as well as some of mine! His favorite color is orange, which I was terrified to put it on the wall. I decided to go for it, and we have loved it since!

 I found this burnt orange color by Eddie Bauer called "Bear Claw". I purchased a rug and a few multi-colored pillows to break up the color! Pics below...

We loved the orange so much in our old house that we decided to use a similar color in our new house!! I chose a different shade of orange that has more of a red tint to it. This paint color is called "Mulling Spices".

We used the orange paint as an accent wall only. It really warms up the living room since it is on the same wall as the fireplace. It  also creates a great focal point! I love how it turned out!!

Sweet Hershey Kisses

Tonight, me and my hubby had a wonderful date night at Copeland's cajun restaurant! We generally don't have date nights during the week, but the appraiser came out to our "old house" tonight, so we couldn't be home while he was there. 

When we left the restaurant, we saw the most beautiful chocolate lab wandering around the parking lot. He was a little wet and it was super cold out, so we put him in the back of my car while we tried to contact the owner.

He had a tag on him with his vet's number and ID, and were able to get him back with his owner. Apparently, sweet "Hershey" is quite the escapist :) He was locked in a kennel in the back of his owner's truck, and somehow he managed to open the door and jump out!! Smart lil thing he is!! We enjoyed meeting this old boy, and so glad we found him before he got hurt!!

Here's a pic of my sweet kiss from Hershey...

I <3 geriatric labs!! Precious!!

A Sweet Surprise

For Valentine's Day this year, my sweet hubby went above and beyond the call of husbandry duty :) We usually keep Valentine's pretty low key, maybe go out for dinner, that type of thing.

I asked him that day before Valentine's day what his plans were, but he would not tell me. So of course I was thinking that he hadn't planned anything. 

When I got home from work he had dinner ready and packed (homemade eggplant parmesan- my fav!)!! He then informed me that we were going to have dinner at another location, but would not tell me where!

 We got in the car and he started driving us to our new house- (side note- we are scheduled to close on next weekend!!), and I turn on the lights and see this...

Sweet man had a table set up with a candle, card, and flowers!! It was so romantic! We are NOT at all usually the romantic type, so this was really sweet of him! And I know it took him a little preparation :)

Here's a picture of our dinner and cupcakes! Note the paper plates... this makes me smile because all of our kitchen stuff is in storage so we only have random dishes and a few silverware pieces :)

It was fun to hang out in our new house and get a taste of what it will be like when we FINALLY get to move in! We are sooo excited and pray that everything will go smoothly, and we will get to move in next weekend as planned!! 

Here's a pic of the beautiful roses he sent me to work! I told him not to send me flowers this year (he always does), since we are trying to save for our new house! But he sent them anyway! He knows I love me some roses :) Such a sweet hubby, that boy!

Spring is Near and Outdoor Projects!!

It was such a gorgeous day today!! I enjoyed my first run in our new neighborhood today and it was so beautiful!! Temp was about 55 degrees... Wish it would stay like this every day!

Here's a picture that I took Monday morning on my way to work! The sunrise was stunning!!

Speaking of Spring, we LOVE grilling and hanging out on our deck this time of the year! Our new house will have a covered patio and fenced-in backyard. I have been pinning ideas of some outdoor projects I'd like to try! Here's the link to my Pinterest board if you'd like to follow:

http://pinterest.com/lindsay_brett/outdoor-home-gardening/

I like this idea of using a wooden post as a sign hanger! Would be really neat to change out signs with seasons and holidays!

This is a DIY planter water fountain! Would go great in corner next to a chaise lounger!! This just screams "Read a book. Drink a glass of wine". Yes please!!

This is absolutely a MUST for our patio!! Love, love, LOVE, it!!!

I am totally digging all of the dark brown woven patio furniture that is coming out this year! I really like this look, which is a little contemporary with some funky colors and fabrics!! 

I also want to try to arrange some different plant combo's that are unique and colorful!!

I have seen more people pinning these really cool raised garden beds, and it looks like something I'd like to try! We have dogs, so I'm not exactly sure it's such a great idea... 

But definitely something I'm interested in! 

We cook with a lot of peppers each week, so it would be nice to have some fresh veggies!

And last, I am in love with this wood pallet walkway!! I think this would be super cheap and easy by just using leftover wood scraps!!

The Scary Black Hole.

For whatever reason, I am having trouble falling asleep tonight, and can't stop thinking about the big black hole... That's what it looked like. The day we found out. No embryo, just a big, black, empty sack. A site I wish I could forget.

I gave myself time to grieve, which I did. I usually do not dwell on things, and certainly have tried not to dwell on this, but sometimes you just gotta let go, and let God. So that's tonight. 

One of the reasons that I started this blog was to connect with other sunshine baby momma's (as I call them). Although miscarriage happens about 25% of the time in early pregnancy (according to my OB/GYN), I feel sometimes as if we're alone in this sad memory. Even though I know we are not alone and have not been alone, it truly is something that no one can understand unless you have been there. And each person's situation is totally different.

I have had so many women share their stories... women who I did not even realize had something so tragic happen to them. Women who miscarried early, women who delivered full-term, women who experienced every type of loss you can imagine. It truly breaks my heart that I did not know what was happening or comfort them as much as I should have during their time of loss. 

I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people who have done nothing but support us, love us, and lift us up. 

I am especially grateful for my wonderful husband, my bestie, my jokester. I truly believe that we were put on earth together for a purpose. I am so lucky God chose him for me. He was so strong for me when I couldn't be. I'll never forget having to send him to Walgreens to get the medicine to start the process, and he came home with tons of goodies to make it easier for me. I was so grateful. He even called the doctor in the middle of the night to make sure what was happening was normal, and she reassured him. What can I say, I love that man.

I'm going to finish this post with a few verses that have helped me along the way. Feel free to comment or leave a Scripture verse that has helped you, and maybe it will touch someone's heart as well.

“He will make everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
(This scripture was posted on http://therowefam.blogspot.com/p/reeses-story.html)
It is a beautiful story about sweet baby Reese, who is also a Sunshine baby.

"Don't be afraid for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10).

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us". (Romans 8:18)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because, when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3

"May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What's In My Bag

For those of you who know me well, you know I am a makeup-aholic!! Thanks to my very good friend and near sister, Brooke, I have had the privilege of trying out all kinds of makeup! She has introduced me to some very unique brands and items that I would have never thought to try on my own! 

Unfortunately, my pocket doesn't always agree! I don't use the same things all at the same time (that can get VERY expensive!)... Instead, I like to get a FEW of my favorite things, and mix them with some of the less inexpensive pieces.

I like to refer to these products as my little "investments." :) I mean, a girl's gotta look right, right?! 

Here's the Lineup!!! Hope you enjoy!!!

YSL- Touche Eclat

If I had to pick only ONE item out of this entire list that's my absolute "go-to" item, this is it!!! It is my FAVORITE makeup piece of all time!! It is a little pricey (~$40), but a little bit goes a very long way if you use it correctly! Instead of wearing foundation, I use this concealer, which has PEARL in it, so it ILLUMINATES your skin too!!! It does a fantastic job of concealing, as well as making you look younger and more glowing :)

Arbonne Makeup Primer and Mineral Powder

Yes, I sell Arbonne, and you're probably thinking it isn't fair to put these on the list, but there IS a reason I sell this stuff, and it's because I like it :) I have to say the makeup Primer is unbeatable!! It feels like silk and it makes your makeup last ALL day, plus it makes your foundation/concealer slide on silky smooth, so you don't have to use as much! I also LOVE Arbonne's mineral powder, and have not found one from another brand that I like more! It doesn't dry out your skin like the other brands and will last 4-6 months!! 

I put the Primer on first, then YSL touch eclat, then mineral powder!! After that, we're ready for some COLOR baby!!

NARS The Multiple

I have recently started using this product, and I cannot tell you how much I like it!! Basically, the stick works as a blush or as lip color! I primarily like to use it as blush, and it gives an AMAZING glow to your skin and cheekbones!! I also really love the lip gloss!! It's very shiny and has a great coral color, that's perfect for any skin tone!!

LORAC Pro Eye Palette

LORAC Private Affair Palette

I am currently using LORAC eye palette sets, and I was pleasantly surprised at how long the eye shadow stays on! I am constantly rubbing at my eyes, and I have yet been disappointed. The color is great, and there are even some metallic colors, as well as muted colors! Each set also comes with an Eye Primer that will last longer than your shadow! 

Love it!!

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes

Hands down, this is my most loved pencil eyeliner!! Stays on all day and is easy to wash off!!

I have eyelash extensions at the time, so I don't use ANY mascara anymore!!! Whoo-hoo!!! If anyone is interested in getting some, let me know, and I can give you a discount referral card for my lady!!

Victoria's Secret Big Smooch Lip Gloss

This is also a new product for me that I LOVE!!! It has two colors, one extra shiny plumper and also a light pink plumper!! I love, love, love, it!

Arbonne RE9 Anti-Aging Skincare

Remember how I talked about my "investments"?... Well this is it ladies!! No matter how much makeup you wear, if you're skin does not look good, your makeup is not going to look good! So no matter what type of skincare you use, make sure to MOISTURIZE!!! Saggy, wrinkly skin is dehydrated!! I have been using this skincare set for almost 2 years now, and I am sold!!

That wraps it up for a few of my favorite makeup and skincare products!!

What are YOUR favorites????

Sneak peek!!

We are getting closer to our move in date... The Carlisle residence is nearly finished!!

Our builder has done a great job on everything, and we are sooo excited to move in!! I've been slowly buying things for our new house...

Like this cute little sign I found at Hobby Lobby! I love it!!

More house pics to follow later!! Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!! 

TGIF!!

Blogging for Our Peanut.

Wow!! First thoughts... what the heck have I gotten myself into?! I am thrilled to be writing my first blog post!! I have been reading blogs for years and finally talked myself into creating my OWN blog!!

Let me first of all say THANK YOU to whoever (if anyone) is reading this! I decided to do this sort of as a journal for my husband and myself. I also wanted to be able to connect with other bloggers that have had similar experiences to my own!

For those of you who do not know me, I'll start off by telling you a little about myself.. I am a cardiac RN and absolutely LOVE it!! I wouldn't trade my career for anything! It is one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done! I am married to my high-school sweetie, Adam! We have been together for ten years and married for four! We have 2 furry children- my sweet Bailey boy, and crazy little Coco. My poor husband sort of adopted my pups when we got married! Sorry babe!! He secretly loves them just as much as I do ;)

We are also very proud to have a special Sunshine baby in Heaven, that we nicknamed "Peanut", or sweet "P" for short! Every time I see a peanut it makes me smile :) I may post the full story one day, but for now I'll skim the surface... My husband and I had been trying to conceive for a few years and FINALLY found out we were pregnant last November... 2nd to be exact. However, after only a few short weeks, I knew something was wrong, and it was confirmed by the doctor that our lil sweet "P" was no longer with us. Naturally, we were devastated, but we both knew that God had a different plan for us and for Peanut. We are even MORE hopeful now and we know God will provide!!

We are blessed to have some amazing friends and family that we love dearly. I'll have to brag on them later on a longer post ;)

I guess that's it for now!! Signing off! Whew... That wasn't so bad ;)

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!