simply complicated

When I was younger, my mom was apart of this amazing little treasure called the Disney Book Club.

Every month they sent her a new Disney book.

And y'all, I got all of them when Bennett was born. 

(insert squealing and jumping for joy!)

Well, a couple of weeks ago it was brought to my attention that there is a Disney Movie Club! 

I immediately went online and signed up!

Nathan and I have been married for almost 6 years and ever since we got married we have been collecting Disney movies when they are released from the vault.

We have gotten some good ones...

Aladdin, Jungle Book, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Lion King, and a few more.

Well, guess what?! Disney Movie Club has all those! 

Let me tell you a little about the "rules".

1. Sign up! 

I signed up online, but you can also sign up by mail. 

When I signed up online, I got the opportunity to buy 4 movies for $1! 

Yes, that's right...4 Blu-ray movies for $1 total. No shipping or handling.

AMAZING!

Here are the 4 I chose:

Y'all, this was so hard for me to choose! 

There are SO many good titles to choose from. But I decided to go with ones that I knew were super colorful that might hold Bennett's attention.

2. Featured Title

Every 4 weeks or so, you will receive an email telling you what the Featured Title is. You can either accept the Feature Title, or decline it. 

3. Membership Agreement 

As a member you have to purchase a minimum number or movies at what they call "club prices".  Those are $19.95 for regular DVD to $29.95 for a Blu-ray. You may be thrown off by that, but we were buying DVD's from Target or Amazon anyway when they came out, so why not just get them on our club account and benefit from the other perks? The prices aren't any higher than those other places!

4. Club Exclusives

Okay this is my favorite part.

Its probably because I'm a Disney junkie, but whatever. 

There are so many GREAT movies on there for discounted! 

A few of my oldie but goodie favorites that I have found: 

Homeward Bound, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (please tell me you've seen this!), 

Angel's in the Outfield, A Bug's Life, Mary Poppins, Cool Runnings, Pollyanna, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!

But there are also super new ones on there too.

Such as:

Frozen, Saving Mr. Banks, Cinderella (live-action one), and many others. 

Soooo many classics too!

There are lot of other perks besides movies. They apparently send stickers, tattoos and more throughout the year.

There is a ton of stuff on their website for discounted also! 

Disney Movie Club is not paying or compensating me in anyway to post this. 

I am just so excited about it that I thought I'd share. 

If you want to sign up, click HERE to get even better deals!  

Now girls...I'm not talking about the extra few that we I have added on in preparing surviving till the end of the school year. 

No no...I am talking about the laying by the pool/on the beach with a drink that requires an umbrella and a really good fluffy girly book.

I specialize in these books.

Several times in my life I have been asked if I would ever go back to school and get my masters. And I always reply with "No, I never want to write another paper again. Plus there is nothing that I want to be the master of."

But the truth is, I would love to be the master of "chick-lit".
Maybe I already am?
Because that's all I read. ;)

So what are my top 5 favorite "summer fluff" books? 

Here ya go.

1. Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews

I read this book a couple of years ago when Nathan and I went to Destin. I just happened to pick it up at the book store there because I finished the other books I had brought. It was so good that I read it in one afternoon...oops! #sorrynotsorry

I have now read most of her books and have liked them all! 

 2. See Me by Nicholas Sparks

How do you talk about summer fluff and chick-lit without including Nicholas Sparks? 

I think that would be a sin!

This was unlike any other book of his that I have ever read. It was so intense! Normally a lot of his books are all about the romance and how the boy gets the girl...don't get me wrong, there is that too. But not in the same way that it normally is in his books - this one is full of suspense also. Loved this one!

3. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I am not going to lie...I tried to read this a few years ago and couldn't get into it. But while I was on maternity leave, I needed something to read on my iPad while I was nursing Bennett in the middle of the night so I tried this one again. I don't know if it was the post-pregnancy hormones or what, but man it was good. Cried like a baby. Then a couple of months after I finished it, the trailer for the movie came out. I would definitely recommend reading the book first. Sometimes the movies ruin it for me, but I'm going to give it my best shot! 

There is a sequel to the book, but I couldn't get into it. I haven't tried any of her other books, but I hear they're great too! 

4. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah 

This is definitely one of my favorite books of all time! 

Such a fun, easy read. Not going to lie though...when I first read it, I've cried like I've never cried before at the end. I am now reading it a second time (I usually never read books twice) and love it just as much! Such a sweet story of two friends who grow up together and their journey through life. I learned recently that there is a sequel to this book called Fly Away which I plan to read next! 

5. Popular by Tindell Baldwin

 I believe with every part of my being that every girl needs to read this book. From as young as junior high all the way to adults. It is such a good book that talks about thing, that I believe, all girls struggle with. Tindell tells her story about life and not feeling like she fits in and how she overcame the struggle of trying to be "popular". Please girls...read it. 

There ya have it! Now, if you're like me...I would FLY through 5 books over the summer.

So try others by the authors I have mentioned...they have some other great books as well. 

If you need more book suggestions or want to suggest me some, then go join the website called Goodreads. We can be friends and you can see what I am reading, want to read, and have read. 

You can post reviews on books and find new ones that you maybe didn't know existed. 

I use the website mostly to keep up with what I have read. 

 For some reason I always forget if I've read a certain book. So I can go back to the website/app to check and be sure. 

I also put books on my "want to read" list all the time! 

A feature that I'm trying is setting a goal for the 2016 year on how many books I can read. 

My goal is to read 20 books in 2016! Right now I have read 9, so I have a lot of catching up to do. ;)

Have any book suggestions?!

Leave me some in the comments or on goodreads! :)

 

How many of you live somewhere that is hotter than hades in the summer time??

Then this blog post is for you!

Every summer I try and find the perfect foundation, primer, toner, or serum to help with the oil and sweat that comes with hot weather. I have found things that help, but nothing that I have fallen madly in love with. 

If you are like me, you don't like to spend an arm and leg on foundation but you want the longevity that good foundation is known for. Well, here is a tip for you!

It is the oddest tip I have ever gotten, but I believe it works. 

Go the store, and buy yourself some Nivea Post Shave Balm. Yes, this a man's shaving product. Yes, it is only 5ish bucks. Yes, it is similar to an expensive primer and makes your foundation last longer..

Here is a picture for reference.

Okay so why does this work so well to make your foundation last longer? 

 

Personally, I think it's because it's slightly tacky feeling it has when applied so the foundation can grip it and stay put. I have been using this under my foundation for several days now, and have noticed a difference. I don't look near as oily at the end of the day. AND you don't need much of it to cover your face!

Side note: we usually go on a bike ride in the evening & I have to pedal Bennett behind me, so I typically break a sweat.

 

The nice thing too is that I don't feel like I have to use as much foundation to cover. So *fingers crossed* it will hopefully allow my foundation to last longer in the bottle also. 

If nothing else, give it a shot. 

It's $5 and you may have just found your new favorite summer toiletry.

Let me know if you have any other amazing tips for summer time "glistening". ;)

Since having Bennett, I feel like I'm a baby guru. 

I know I'm exaggerating a little, but I have learned so much and gotten so much wise counsel that I feel like its my civic duty to share the love.

Like, for example, Sunday in Target. I was just minding my own business and noticed a pregnant woman browsing through the nursing bras (with annoyed husband in tow) looking more confused than ever and I got to share my favorite nursing bra with her. (which is not from Target by the way...)

So...I thought...maybe I should share my top 15 things that I would FOR SURE add to my baby registry if I could do it all over again. (other than the obvious things like a crib, sheets, diapers, carseat...)

Because lets face it ladies...unless you've had a kid before, you have no idea what you will need. 

Shoot, when I registered I walked up and down every aisle like a lost puppy trying to figure out whether or not to get paci's that you can stick your finger in, or ones that have cute little sayings on them like "mute button" (as if that were true...nice try...)

So here it goes in no particular order...(I will try to add links where I can)

1. DIAPER PAIL

Listen, any diaper pail that you get is going to smell like you know what. I mean, come on...think about what you're putting inside it. Regardless, I got one that did not require special diaper pail bags, and I don't regret it for a second. It was more expensive on the front end, but I would totally forget to buy those things so mine just requires a regular 'ole trash bag. 

2. ROCK N PLAY SLEEPER

Okay, I have heard a lot of debate about this, but my kid slept in it for the first 6 weeks. A lot of people say that's a bad thing, and I'll admit that it took some adjusting for him to switch to his crib because he was suddenly lie flat, but I wouldn't take it back. If nothing else get this for your sanity. You can put it in the bathroom while you shower, bathe, get ready, cook in the kitchen...a million things. They cannot roll out of it, you can see them, and they can see you. I didn't get one that automatically rocks...mine just vibrates (which I actually didn't ever get a battery for till he was already sleeping in his crib).

3. SWADDLES

I prefer the ones that velcro, but I have heard that the zipper ones are good too. (I think they're called Woombies). Before we went to the hospital we watched the movie "Happiest Baby on the Block" which I also believe is a must see for new parents! It will change your life!! But one of the top recommendations is to swaddle your babies for sleeping or when they are crying. Think about it...that baby is used to being in a small confined area all bundled up and warm. They love it. So we did the whole "DUDU" method (just watch the video and it won't sound so weird) with those cute little muslin swaddles as seen on the video and after about 36349 tries of doing it with a very strong baby busting out every time, I said "to heck with this!" and got smart with the velcro ones. Love them!

4. PAPER CHANGING SHEETS

I use these on the go and keep one in my diaper bag AT ALL TIMES. I just lay it on top of the really padded diaper pad that came with my diaper bag. Why? Because if they poop on it (which they will), I can toss it as opposed to try and figure out how to wipe off and clean the actual diaper pad that has a crying pooping baby laying on it. I already have to clean the baby, I don't want to have to clean the diaper pad too. I think Babies R Us has their own version of these that are better in price, but I have not used them so I can't say whether they are good or not. 

5. BACKPACK DIAPER BAG

I can't believe I'm about to say this...and you'll probably think the same thing about me that I thought about the person that told me to do this...but get yourself a backpack diaper bag. Its not cute, I know. But its comfortable and functional. Listen ladies...I got the cute Vera Bradley diaper bag...and while its cute, its not fun to carry when you've also got a kid to carry. (and possibly a purse) If you don't want to go with a backpack, then I definitely recommend something that can have the weight distributed across more of your body than one side. Also, I recommend something that you can get in and out of really quick. You never know when that sweet angel is going to spit up all over everything. 

6. STEAMER FOR MICROWAVE

 I got this plastic one, but you can also get this bag version (which is better for traveling). I still wash everything with soap and water, but after I steam it. I put my bottle parts, pump parts (other than the tubing), and paci's in there. It gives me a piece of mind that everything is really clean. It grosses me out to think that my sweet baby may be eating from a greasy bottle because I didn't wash it good. 

7. 2 GRASS DRYING RACKS

If you get the ones linked above, and you're going to be a working mom or someone who is strictly going to bottle feed, get TWO of the smaller grass racks. The large size is not big enough and two of the smaller size is perfect. Bennett goes through 3 bottles a day while at the sitter, plus I have 2 sets of pump parts on there and it holds it all! If you try to dry your bottles on a towel, they won't dry on the inside. Just get these. I promise its worth it. (I even have the little tree that can go on it to hold bottle nipples)

8. LOTS OF BOTTLES
Best piece of advice I got is the more bottles the better. And I couldn't agree more. Bennett is strictly breast milk so I thought I didn't need bottles, but you do. Even if you are not a "work out of the house" mom and you're just breastfeeding, you still need bottles. You may not need as many, but they are still a must. I had 10 - 4oz bottles and I have 12 - 8 oz. bottles. In hindsight I probably would have just opted for all 8 oz, but I digress.  The set linked above is a GREAT option (I preferred the Dr. Brown brand, but there are other great brands out there) because it comes with both sizes of bottles. I also recommend registering for the level 2 nipples because your baby will switch to level 2 around 3 months, and it'll be here before you know it.
Why do I have/suggest so many? Because I have found that my least favorite chore on the planet is washing bottles. Does it only take 10 minutes? Sure. But its so tedious and the last thing I want to do at the end of the day when I could be spending time with my sweet baby. So get you lots of bottles ladies so you don't have the pressure of washing them each night if you don't have time.
Side note about bottles: I don't believe that you need those fancy bottle warmers. If you want one, get one for the car, but one for the house is not necessary. If your baby is breastfeed you cannot microwave breast milk because the nutrients will no longer be in the breast milk, so what I do is put a little water in a coffee cup and heat the water for about a minute and  a half. Then put the cold bottle in the coffee cup of water and let it sit for a bit till the milk is warm enough. Voila! A free bottle warmer.   

9. BREAST PUMP BRA
I think some pumps come with one, but mine didn't (Medela pump in style advance)...doesn't really matter what brand bra you get, but I love the one I have. This makes pumping remotely close to being bearable.  You can move around hands free and still do things that you need to do. The other thing about pumping is for best results, your body needs to be super relaxed so if you can do that by not holding them to you, you will be more successful.

10. NIPPLE BALM
While we are on the subject...your nipples will thank you if you get the Boobease nipple balm linked above. Listen ladies...I HATED lanolin cream. I know everyone talks about how amazing it is... blah blah blah. But I felt like it dried them out way worse than before. Then I found this stuff, I felt like the doctors on "Botched" just fixed me. I had no more cracking, or sore nipples.
#you'rewelcome

11. HIGH CHAIR
If you're like me you're thinking, high chair? They don't sit in one for like 5 or 6 months, why would I get that now? Ummm..because when they're 5 or 6 months and they need one then you're probably out of (or almost out of) diapers that have been given to you also. So you're now spending money on diapers and then you will need to spend $100+ on a high chair too? No thanks. I would rather have someone else get it for me and keep it in the closet till I need it. :)

12. EXERSAUCER
Again, won't need it for several months, but its not something you want to have to spend your own money on. Now, this is not a necessity for your baby to live but I have that it is a necessity for my own sanity. I wish I would have gotten one like the one linked above, but oh well. The one I have doesn't allow for as much jumping which I think Bennett would like more, but anything that they can sit in and be entertained for a little while by is worth it. Some of the exersaucers that you can find around over $100...I would say that's not necessary considering babies are entertained by empty water bottles. So just get one that's colorful, will fit in the space you have, and if it can light up then that's a cherry on top.

13. NOSE FRIEDA
This is the most odd thing ever, but it works wonders. Nathan won't do it because the thought of literally sucking out Bennett's snot grosses him out, but like I keep telling him...why would I do it if I got a mouth full of snot? No snot ever reaches your mouth. Ever. It works SO much better than those little balloon suckers they give you at the hospital. Get some extra little blue foam filters for it too.

14. DR. SMITH'S DIAPER RASH CREAM
Target has a spray version but I have never tried it so I don't know how well it works. The cream works amazing though! Bennett has fairly sensitive skin and it doesn't bother him. I have tried AD, Desitin, and Boudreaux's, but none of those take a diaper rash away like this one. If I put it on before bed, the rash is usually gone by the next morning.

15. HUMIDIFIER
If you're not loving the one linked above, just make sure the one you get is a "cool mist" one. If you live in the south with lots of humidity, you may not need this till winter time. But if you're like me and your south doesn't have much humidity, then I definitely recommend this. Keeps moisture in the air so that sweet baby's nose can stay clear and they can breathe good. AND it helps keep their skin from getting dry.

BONUS ITEM: CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL
Clove oil naturally helps with gum health and discomfort. I mix one drop with some organic coconut oil (about the size of your point finger nail) and rub it on the top and bottom gums. Helps tremendously with those little teeth trying to come through.

Okay, hopefully I didn't completely overwhelm you. I feel like there is a lot more I could say, but I'll leave it at this.

If you have any questions over any of my other favorite products please let me know in the comments! I'd love to help you!

#we'reallinthistogether

Wow, it's been A LONG TIME. 

I have missed blogging. 

I have missed having loads of free time. ;) 

But I LOVE being a mommy.

#stillhatelaundry

It is so exhausting & fun. I just love coming home from work to that sweet smiling face who is so excited to see me! The only thing better would be getting to spend all day with that face. #almostsummer 

SO...I thought that I'd show off our little bundle of cheeks (you'll see what I mean in a sec), so you can see why I've been away.I can't believe he will 7 months old tomorrow! :(

Please enjoy. 

Oh, and Pamper's, Huggies, Luvs, Gerber or any other baby company...if you'd like my child on your products (because I know, he is the cutest, prettiest baby alive). Then please, contact me. ;)

 We love Bennett!!!

Its been a while since I've blogged! Life has been so crazy with Bennett on the way and the end of school.

Thought I would fill you in on what has been going on lately!

4. What we've been up to...

Nathan and I have been saving for a while to get a sprinkler system because our yard is so massive and we finally got it this week! Here is a panoramic pic of the yard trenched. It is going to save us so much time!!!

5. What I'm dreading...

I really need to work on my long term sub plans while I'm on maternity leave but I really just don't feel like working!!! #teacherprobz

I am loving this summer vacation WAY too much. :) And how is it almost July already?!?!

6. What I'm working on...

I have been trying to get Bennett's room together little by little. This is what we have so far. I know I want to do a gallery wall over the dress and need to get knobs for the dresser. My aunt also made him the sweetest quilt. I just love it!

7. What I'm excited about...

My cousin had her baby boy this week! They named him Cole Michael and he's the cutest little chunky monkey ever. I wish so bad I was in Houston to love on them!! 

8. What I'm watching/reading...

I am in the middle of this book...its pretty good so far! I have been reading A LOT this summer. Nathan keeps making fun of me actually because I will easily finish a book in a day. :/ 

I am just loving the summer and can't wait for our baby boy to get here!!! 

Its been awhile since I've blogged! 

A LOT has happened in the last couple of months. 

First off...I'm pregnant! 15 weeks and 5 days. :)

Second...It's a BOYYYYY!!!

I am a boy mom. I cannot believe it.

I have thought since before I knew I was pregnant that I was having a girl.

I would have bet my house on it!

We went yesterday for the gender ultrasound and when she told me it was a boy I screamed "what?!" 

I cannot believe it is a boy! 

I did not really care what the gender was...I just had a feeling it was a girl.

After the ultrasound we went to Target and just looked around at all the cute boy stuff. 

I can't wait to hold HIM!

Here are a few of his first selfies and more.

 Little nugget is just over 9 weeks in these pictures. :)

The next pictures are the most recent. Just over 15 weeks. And definitely a boy. ;)