Riley's OOTD: Bee Sassy

     I have been searching everywhere and I'm not exaggerating, everywhere for the perfect hair bow. I just didn't like any that I have ever saw. They were either too small or they looked horrible. I came across Bee & Binx one day on Facebook and it was instant love! They were exactly what I have been searching endlessly for. I quickly ordered her first Bee & Binx bow. I couldn't wait until I received it in the mail. I have never ordered a hair bow online before, and I was a little worried it would come in smashed. To my surprise, it was not smashed at all! In fact, it was in perfect shape. The ladies at Bee & Binx packaged it to perfection so that it would not be messed up! I quickly put it on my daughter and fell in love instantly. I love the fact that these bows are double layered. I have never seen anything like it before. They are the perfect hair bow for any outfit! The owners, Chelsea and Mandi, are two of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. They work all day at their jobs, and go home to create the perfect hair bows for your little one. If you send them photos of your little one's outfit, they will work their hardest to find the perfect color ribbon to match her outfit! I could just go on and on bragging on this wonderful hair bow boutique!

     If you haven't heard of Sew Sassy Boutique then you are truly missing out on the perfect additions to your little girl's outfit! My daughter is wearing their black icing top and plum icing bottoms. These ruffled outfit pieces are the perfect touch! I love layering her dresses by putting an icing top under her dress and icing bottoms under! And may I had how amazing they look with Matilda Jane, SweetHoney, and other boutique brands. Seriously, its like they were made together by the same company that's how well they match. I am completely obsessed with their icings! Every Thursday night at 7:30c, Sew Sassy releases new products. They do have a few items on their site now, but their most popular are the icings that release on Thursday nights. Each Thursday night is a different release, and they switch out different products such as their famous Icing bottoms, Icing tops, and Harper dresses. Like other famous boutique brands, when these items release on Thursday night at 7:30c you want to be at your computer ready to cart. They are so popular that they sell out in under  2 minutes. Their pieces are made with the softest material. Believe me, your little one will beg you to wear themjust ask fellow Sew Sassy lovers! Their daughters will beg them to wear their icing bottoms everywhere they go. The owners of Sew Sassy Boutique, Anna, Kelsie, and Khristie, are the hardest working boutique owners I have ever came across. They will stay up all night on Thursdays until Friday mornings working on orders making sure they go out within the next day or two. They are amazing at what they do! Click Here to be added to the Sew Sassy Facebook Group!

Headband and Hair Bow- Bee & Binx

Scarf- Groopdealz

Icing top- Sew Sassy

Icing bottom- Sew Sassy

Shoes- Target

Family Fall Pictures 2015

       Y'all, I'm completely obsessed with how amazing our fall family pictures came out with Erika Mason Photography! She is truly talented! I first saw her work a while back and completely fell in love! I knew from that moment I wanted her to be our family photographer. I was completely thrilled when she told us she was able to fit us in her busy schedule. We planned to have our pictures taken two weeks ago, but it was cloudy and humid. We decided to cancel and I am so glad we did! We rescheduled for last week, and the weather was perfect. She knew just how to position us so that the sun can shine through giving us a perfect background. She was so patient with our little Riley who did not want to smile. I can not wait to have many more sessions with Erika in the future! Her work will take your breath away!

Jordan:

 Sweater- Old Navy

 Jeans- American Eagle

Myself:
 Dress- Groopdealz
 Scarf- Wetseal (last year)

Riley:
 Bow & Headband- Bee & Binx
 Dress- Carter's
 Vest- Old Navy
 Icings(Ruffle bottom leggings)- Sew Sassy

Dry Brushing Your Way to Glowing Skin

 

    I've recently heard about dry body brushing through Pinterest (you know that website all us women are addicted too)! I thought to myself, how can brushing my skin really make such a big difference and make it glow? I began researching the different benefits and how it actually works. The more I read the more I wanted to give it a try. So I did, and I can't even begin to describe how different I feel. The first benefit of dry skin brushing (and probably my favorite) is it could possibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Dry skin brushing increases circulation to the skin that in return would reduce the appearance of cellulite. People spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to remove cellulite. This process is much cheaper and includes health benefits as well. Dry brushing also helps to get rid of nasty skin cells that are sitting on top of your skin revealing brighter, more beautiful skin. Dry body brushing also helps blood circulation and cleaning your lymphatic system allowing your body to detox in a healthy, natural way.

     Convinced yet? I'm pretty sure your feeling the same way I was. Now your thinking, what do I do? It's very easy! I prefer dry brushing in the morning because it rejuvenates me and helps me to feel better throughout the day. To dry brush, your skin must be completely dry. Start at the feet and move upward in long strokes towards the heart. Keep brushing upward until you reach your heart. For your arms, you will start at the hands and work your way to the heart as well. I'm a visual learner and no matter how many times I read the directions, I needed to watch a video to understand. Luckily, YouTube has a video for everything! Click here for the video. 

     I hope you enjoy the wonderful benefits of dry body brushing just like I have!

Riley's OOTD: Vogue & an Aztec Kimono

              

                You will soon learn that I am seriously OBSESSED with headwraps! They are so cute and can tie in many different ways making it so versatile for whatever style your looking for! I personally love the bow and rose knot. @sophiamiaandme is one of the many different shops that I love to purchase Riley's headwraps from. The owner is the sweetest! She worked with me to get the exact headwrap I wanted for my daughter. I love the way hers are made. They are made of a very soft fabric. It isn't rough or hard to tie. 

               Kimonos have become a very popular fashion statement in the last few months. When you look at many brand reps on Instagram, about 70% of them will have a kimono on! It is the cutest accessory for your little one! This mint Aztec kimono is Riley's first and just happens to be from one of our favorite shops, @baby_jaybowtique. It is made of the best quality fabric which is perfect when your little one on the move anything can happen. Valerie, the owner, is one of the sweetest you will ever meet. She is there to help you in any way you need and will pretty much create almost anything for you! She also makes the cutest crop tops!

                Her onesie says it all! She sure does have "more issues than vogue." I am so in love with her gold glitter onesie from @sbc_madeby_becca. I have known her for years since we worked together 4 years ago, and she is so talented. She will work with you to get exactly what you are looking for. She also makes personalized adult clothing and products. If your looking for some sports tshirts for your child's games, she does an outstanding job!

               Another big item making its fashion statement this year are moccs! Ahh! currently my favorite shoes! They look so perfect on your little! These white bow moccs are from @butterfly_ur_world. As mentioned, these are the bow knots, but @butterfly_ur_world has tons of different styles! My other favorite is the gladiator style. Right now, she has some super cute Halloween themed moccs! They are sure to complete any outfit! They are made of real leather and are so comfortable on their feet. I find  her prices amazing considering how great they are made and are real leather. Use code FLYBUTTERFLY for Buy one Get one 50% off regular priced items.

All these amazing shops can be found on Instagram! For more of Riley's outfits from instagram shops please follow @riley_grace_

Crest® 3D White™ Brilliance Daily Cleansing & Whitening System

Before

After-only used half of the bottle!

            I was so grateful to be one of the lucky ones who received Crest 3D White Brilliance Daily Cleansing & Whitening System for free from BzzAgent to give my honest, unbiased review. Crest has by far been my favorite company when it comes to whitening products. I would only use their whitening strips. I couldn't wait until I tried this new system! I knew it had to be great and it is! I absolutely love this product! It is so much more than I ever expected. It really has made a difference in my teeth. Just take a look at my before and after photos! When I took the after photos, it was only half way through the bottles! The first step is to really deep clean your teeth. The texture is grainy which is great for a really deep cleaning. It works just like exfoliating your skin would but for your teeth! It doesn't have a fresh breath taste and smell. The second step is the whitening system. I love this step! It really leaves your mouth feeling fresh! It has a great minty fresh smell and taste. I have noticed a big difference in the whiteness of my teeth!

        Here is my comparison between Crest Whitestrips and Crest 3D White Brilliance Daily Cleansing and Whitening System:

• Crest Whitestrips will leave your teeth much white than the Brilliance Daily Cleansing and Whitening System. If you are looking for a daily whitening this system is the best! 
• If you have sensitive teeth like me, this system will be perfect for you! It will not leave your teeth in pain from sensitivity.
• Crest 3D White Brilliance Daily Cleansing and Whitening System is also great to help keep up your white smile after using Crest White strips. 

       I hate yellow teeth! Anytime I notice they are yellowing, I use Crest White strips. This new Crest 3D White system is now my favorite! It is perfect for everydat use without the sensitivity!

Click Here to Purchase!

Click Here for Printable Coupon

Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs



                 Hello lovelies! I don't know about y'all, but I dread the summer! Not just because of the torturous heat, but of the lucky ones who get that gorgeous summer tan. It's just not fair for us pasty whites who can't tan for nothing! I always feel so out of place. I've tried tanning in the tanning bed and outside, and all I do is burn with no tan. Plus, tanning is so unhealthy and can cause skin cancer. Because of the many summers I spent everyday trying to get a tan, I ended up having to have two areas of my skin removed because of skin cancer cells. It just ended up being too dangerous to continue especially with no results. I've always wanted to try a fake tanner lotion/cream, but I was so worried I would turn orange. I didn't want to be "the one" that everyone stares at because I look like a walking carrot. That is just not cute! I never wanted to take the chance so I never purchased any. When Influenster sent me Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs, I decided that it was time to take the self tanner plunge and give it a try! Let me just say, this product is seriously life changing! See for yourself!







Left-without Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs          Right-with Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs

                 

                    I'm sure your reaction is as surprised as mine was! It truly looks like I just came from tanning! Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs looks so natural. Unlike other self tanners, Sally Hanson did not leave any orange spots. I was worried that maybe it may look a little flaky and unsmooth on my knees, but it didn't! It never caked up! Before applying any self tanners, it is highly recommended and important that you always exfoliate to get all the dead skin off. I absolute do not recommend this because everyone is different, but I did apply this product without exfoliating. It still left my skin looking flawless without any cakey areas! It is so easy to apply! There are two different types you can purchase: the cream or spray. I was sent the cream so I can not vouch for how the spray works. I can definitely guarantee the cream is amazing. For the cream, just apply a small amount about the size of a quarter and rub evenly onto skin. It's that simple and does not take much at all! It is very important that you rub it in completely and evenly! Below are the links to purchase from Amazon if you would like! I just know you will love this product just as much as I have!

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Click Here to Purchase!

Our Lives Forever Changed



                   There are times in your life where you feel like you are incomplete. You feel as if a part of you is missing. My husband and I know the feeling all too well. Up until January 6, 2015, my husband and I felt as if our family was incomplete like we were missing a part of us. Our sweet little Riley Grace changed just that. We have found our missing piece to our puzzle, and now our family feels complete.

                    I remember it like is was just yesterday. That weekend I found myself bouncing on the workout ball all day hoping the doctor would put me in the hospital on Monday, January 5. My cousin and her family came to visit, and we did everything possible to try to make Riley come: ride down the bumpiest road, walk, and ate way too much jalapeño pizza. I wasn't due until the Thursday, but I was so ready to have her. I was anxious, exhausted, and miserable. On Monday I went to my checkup in hopes that we would have some progress. The doctor checked me, and I still was not dilated and only softened some. I was so disappointed. I mean come on I tried all weekend! I thought to myself she's never going to come! The doctor decided to put me into the hospital around 5pm that day and would give me medicine that would help me dilate. So after my appointment I took a nice relaxing bath then left for the hospital. My husband had to finish working so he met me there later on. As I checked in the hospital, everything starting feeling so real. I was getting nervous and anxious! Around 7pm, the doctor came in and gave me the medicine to help dilate. He explained to me that it probably won't be until late the next day that I would deliver. My husband and I were surrounded by our families, and we were so excited waiting for our girl. It wasn't until 3am that I started feeling contractions. They weren't too bad, but I have a very low pain tolerance so they gave me some pain medicine, and started the Pitocin. I was only dilated to 2cm! I woke up around 4:30am with more intense contractions. I was at 4cm! The nurse asked if I wanted the epidural then. I told her no thinking I can handle this just breathe through it. Well, 30 minutes later, I literally thought I was dying. I can't handle pain! I had no idea I had to have another bag of fluids before I can begin the epidural. I probably buzzed the nurse every 10 minutes asking if it was time yet. Once they gave me the epidural, it was a breeze from there!

                      Around 8am, I was dilated to 6cm. My labor was progressing much faster than the doctor anticipated. It didn't take long before I reached 8cm, and they broke my water. The doctor became a little worried because when the broke my water there was meconium. By 11am, I reached 10cm! I was so excited and ready to push when the nurses informed me her head was not down enough. I began to panic that I would have to have a C-section, my biggest fear. They reassured me that would be the very last resort, and her head should come down. At 12:30, her head was down, and I was able to start pushing! You can imagine just how excited my husband and I were. We were finally about to meet our little girl that we have waited what seems like eternity for. Pushing went so easy for me. At one point when the doctor told me to push, in the middle of a contraction, I heard someone else sounding like they were pushing. I turned to my husband to find he was pushing too! I stopped in the middle of a contraction, busted out laughing asking him if he was pushing too! We had everyone in the room including the doctor and nurses laughing! Our little girl made her appearance at 1:19! She weighed 7lbs 5oz and 19.5 in long with a head full of dark brown hair! Because of the meconium, I wasn't able to hold her right away. The nicu nurses had to check her first. While the doctor was continuing to work on me, I heard him tell the nurse to call his office and reschedule appointments for the day I will be in here a couple hours. My heart sank. I began to worry I quickly asked him what was wrong. He began to tell me I had a severe tear that went into my body. I barely tore on the outside, but I tore completely through the inside. He continued to tell me he rarely sees a tear like this only happens every couple months. He finally finished stitching me, and I was able to hold our sweet girl. We were overjoyed, so excited. Words cannot express how Jordan and I felt when we both held our little girl. From the moment she was born, she had us completely wrapped around our fingers. The sweetest moment was when she was laying in the incubator. She was crying and the moment her daddy began talking to her she quit crying and just stared at him. She was worth every pain, everything I went through she was worth it. If I knew what I would go through, I would do it all over again just for her.