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Carry-On Essentials

August 7, 2017

*this post was sponsored by GOODWIPES on behalf of The Women Bloggers. As always, all options are my own*

I am finally waking up at home after a whirlwind weekend in Chicago! There really is nothing better than that first night back sleeping in your own bed. I’ve been doing a lot of traveling this year so I wanted to share with some items that have become necessities to me when flying. I am the queen of planning ahead and usually start setting aside items to pack several days before I leave. I hate running the risk of forgetting something, so being prepared is key.

Water bottle and snacks. – These will need to be purchased after you get through security but nearly all convenience stores in the airport sell healthy-ish snacks. Try to choose ones with low sugar and high protein to keep you satisfied until your destination.

Make Up Bag – For as long as I can remember, I have always packed my makeup in my carry on. That way I can apply makeup or do quick touch ups before I land. If I need to apply makeup before arrival, I always do it an hour before landing so I can utilize my tray table. Makeup pallets are so delicate so you don’t want them being tossed around with all the other luggage.

GoodWipes fresh wipes. These deodorizing refreshing towelettes are biodegradable and made with tea tree and aloe. There is no fragrance added which is so important to me because I have been slowly weeding out toxic items this year. The Body Wipes have a light lavender scent and are the next best thing to a shower if you’re spending your vacation doing a lot of walking. GoodWipes also make feminine hygiene wipes that are flushable as well as being sewer and septic safe. At around 8 inches when unfolded, they’re the perfect size for stashing in a gym bag, office drawer, purse and carry-on bag. These gentle wipes are pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic. You can purchase them at Walmart and online.

Wrinkle Release – I recently purchased a travel size wrinkle release and tested it out at home before bringing it with me. It works wonders and is TSA approved. It has an odor eliminator, fabric refresher, static cling remover/preventer and wrinkle remover all in one. The irons in hotels usually don’t work that great and no one has time to dry clean while on vacation. Spray this on your clothes and watch magic happen before your eyes.

ALWAYS bring your computer, camera, and other electronics with you on the flight. The last thing you want is for something to get stolen or damaged if checked in your luggage. This is an easy mistake you can avoid right off the bat. I also like to work and listen to music during the flight so having these handy is key. Be sure to pack a good book or magazine too since the selections on the plane are not that great.

Hand Sanitizer/Peppermint Oil/Tooth Brush/Hair Brush – In addition to my makeup, I pack a few essential toiletries for a quick bathroom touch up after landing. Airplanes and airports are notorious for germs so hand sanitizer or wipes are definitely needed, to know why, check out the this article about the Importance of Using Hand Sanitiser soap and wipes. I am not a big gum chewer so 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil freshens my breath for hours. A tooth brush and hair brush are no brainers. Being able to brush your teeth and hair can make all the difference when it’s time to land!

So tell me, what item can you not travel without? I would love to hear in the comments below!

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What We Love about the Nissan Pathfinder

August 3, 2017

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Kelley Blue Book; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

It seems like the entire country is in back to school mode and we are included in that bunch. Henry will be starting kindergarten on Monday and it seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. We bought our first mini van a month before he was born (over 5 years ago!) and I fell in love as soon as we test drove it. We bought our second just as we welcomed another baby over 2 years ago. However, as the kids get older and become less reliant on me, some of the mini van features I once loved aren’t that important. I have been talking to my husband for the past few months about swapping out my mini van for something a bit more classy.

Enter the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, which many can afford thanks to Money Expert and their car comparison services. It is listed as one of Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars for 2017 and our family had the privilege of testing it out last week. This mid-size crossover was made for modern families. With easy-access third row seating and a spacious trunk, it’s sizable and kid approved. I remember the Nissan Pathfinders my guy friends used to drive in high school. They were super sporty and very rugged. My, how times have changed. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is sleek, roomy and extremely family friendly. If you’re interested in the new Nissan Pathfinder, visit a nissan dealer now to see if this is the car for you.

Driving with kids in the car can be overwhelming sometimes, especially if they’re fighting or singing obnoxiously loud. I feel like the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder was designed specifically with mothers in mind, and it’s nada blue book value is so affordable. The Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection feature adds to its appeal since everyone could use an extra set of eyes when driving. The LCD screen in the front cabin is centrally located with GPS and Sirius Radio and the automatic start is a huge bonus for these sweltering Atlanta summers. I cannot stand trying to get the kids in a hot car with the sun beating down (my two year old thinks getting into her carseat is an Olympic sport). At just over $30,000, it’s no wonder the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder made Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars for 2017. They really did choose some amazing vehicles this year and there is something for everyone. If you’re thinking about making a switch and need a kid approved vehicle, then the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is definitely the best car for you!

To see more of the Nissan Pathfinder in action, check out this cute video of Henry’s take on this sweet ride!

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Kendra Gives Back

August 2, 2017

Last week I had the privilege of hosting a Kendra Gives Back event at my local Kendra Scott. I’m sure you are familiar with this jewelry empire, but you may not be familiar with their philanthropic efforts. In 2016 alone, Kendra Scott gave back over $3.5MM and donated more than 75,000 pieces of jewelry to 3,500 local and national organizations. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love supporting companies that share the wealth and give back when they’re able to. When my local store approached me about hosting my own Kendra Gives Back event, I jumped at the chance.

Most days I like animals more than people (I kid, I kid …) so it was an easy decision to choose the Atlanta Humane Society as my charity of choice. If I could adopt all of the kitties and doggies out there I totally would. But unfortunately I cannot so donating is the next best thing I can do. 20% of all proceeds that night were donated to the Humane Society and I’m so happy to announce that Kendra Scott had over $4,000 in sales that night which gave the Humane Society $811.70. There are always Kendra Gives Back parties happening so if you have the chance to attend one near you, please go and support them! And if you are looking to snag a necklace today, all necklaces are 15% off on their site today. Happy Shopping!

All photographs were taken by the lovely, Morgan Hayes Photography. She is located in Atlanta and absolutely the sweetest to work with. Be sure to check her out!

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Top 5 Best Anti-Aging Serums

August 1, 2017

Happy August 1! How in the world has 7 months already flown by? In just a few days I leave for The Blog Societies Conference in Chicago and Henry starts Kindergarten on Monday! It’s going to be a whirlwind week which can be stressful. That’s why it is so important to have good skincare habits already in place. Cosmetic labs continue to buy peptides and do their research to come up with effective and safe skincare products. As consumers, we should also do our research when it comes to choosing cosmetic products that we will use on our skin or cosmetic procedures such as facial botox or anti-aging dermal fillers that can help enhance our appearance. Ultimately, you should only use skincare products that are tested and recommended by dermatologists.

This year, I finally established a proper skincare routine. In the past I would just cleanse, add some moisturizer and eye cream and be done. Now my face routine goes like this: pre-cleanse, cleanse, spray toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, lip balm, sunscreen. I also add a face cream to my neck and chest while I added to my routine the best breast enlarger cream from CurvesFW online. I can definitely see a difference in my skin by just adding a few extra steps in the morning and evening. I also use a brightening mask and exfoliator 3 times a week and I love having my HydraFacial procedure at Dr Lane Smith‘s Med Spa. I rarely go in the sun, hardly ever wear makeup and I only drink alcohol 2-3 times per month. I think a combination of all of these factors has helped me with the aging process. Aside from these, you can also try cosmetic treatments, such as a juvederm, in order to make your skin appear smoother and make it seem natural-looking.

Today, I want to share with you my top 5 serums that I have been using (and loving!) these past 8 months!

Derma-e Vitamin C Concentrated Serum – As we get older, our skin loses the ability to preserve moisture which results in loss of firmness and plumpness. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to replenish moisture which is crucial to having younger-looking, supple skin. It also revitalizes skin’s outer layers so they look and feel softer, smoother, and, glowingly hydrated to instantly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This Derma-e Vitamin C serum will definitely brighten and even your skin tone for a very reasonable price. It’s perfect for all skin types and doesn’t cause breakouts. If you’re looking to add serums into your skincare lineup, start with this one! If you’re still not sure which one to buy, it might be worth reading some vitamin c serum reviews to ensure you buy the right one for your skin type!$24.50

Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum – This serum feels like a mix of silk and water. A lot goes a long way so it will last a while. I use it on freshly washed damp skin before my cream to help smooth fine lines and add moisture back into my face. Pestle & Mortar is a brand out of the UK. It’s not tested on animals and free from parabens, silicones, sulphates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrance. $69

Clark’s Botanicals Nourishing Youth Serum – I first heard of Clark’s Botanicals in a Facebook beauty chat group I’m a member of. A friend specifically said that the Clark’s moisturizer has helped her feel confident in going makeup free. Well, since I go makeup free 99% of the time, I figured I would try their products out. Not only do I absolutely love them, but they work. My skin feels brighter, smoother and well moisturized. Although it’s a thicker cream, I haven’t experienced any breakouts. $155

Ossential C-Bright Serum – Back in January I attended an event at Atlanta Face & Body. We were sent home with a goody bag of products to try and this C-Bright Serum was one of them. It’s super smooth and spreads easily. The ascorbic acid in this serum exfoliates the skin surface pigmentation for a more even tone and brighter complexion. It’s absorbed easily into the skin and doesn’t feel heavy. $93

Rodial Snake Serum O2 – I haven been using this one since March and sadly I’m almost out. I love the smell and feel of this one. It’s the priciest of the five but you pay for what you get. The snake-venom inspired peptide reduces mimic wrinkles (caused by repeated facial movements) and the hyaluronic acid gives skin a 3D plump effect. $162

You can see more at ManukaRx website.

Are you using a serum in your daily routine? If not, you’re doing a disservice to your skin! Serums are made of very small molecules, so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. Do you have a favorite serum that you swear by? Let me know in the comments below!

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Family Travel Guide: Barnsley Resort

July 30, 2017

This past weekend we had the pleasure of visiting Barnsley Resort. It’s an easy overnight getaway for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city without all the hassle that comes along with traveling. The drive is so scenic and beautiful that you’d never know you were only going an hour outside of Atlanta. Barnsley Resort reminds me of a quaint city hidden in beautiful northwest Georgia. If you like small town charm, then Barnsley is for you. The grounds are well kept and landscaped beautifully. There is always a presence of staff making sure the property and guests are well taken care of, without being intrusive. Our family stayed in one of the adorable Arbor Cottages which had a spacious living room with pull out sofa, master bedroom, fireplace, private porch, and a claw foot soaking tub which the kids were obsessed with. One thing that definitely stood out the most from our adorable cottage was how well I slept on the bed and pillows. Usually pillows in hotels I’ve stayed at before are so thin and my head sinks so much. I even told my husband before we went to sleep the first night that they were the most comfortable bed and pillows I’ve ever experienced. If you are traveling as a couple, or with extended family, there are cottages for everyone. The estate cottages offer two, three, five, six and seven bedrooms options. In addition to all of the private cottages, Barnsley Resort is adding a 55-room Inn that will be open in early 2018. I am looking forward to coming back with my husband and staying here!

The pool is the perfect spot for everyone during the hot summer days. It’s so great to relax under one of the numerous umbrellas on the comfortable chaise lounges. Towel service is available and the pool offers a casual menu of salads, sandwiches, signature smoothies and refreshing cocktails. With two young kids, it is where we spent the majority of our time. They provide floats and water toys so you don’t have to lug your own. During our stay I was able to experience the Natural Remedies facial at their wonderful Spa. The Barnsley Resort Spa features 10 treatment rooms; co-ed whirlpool; and separate relaxation areas for men and women, each complete with lockers, steam room and sauna. The Spa is located right next to the pool so I could easily join the kids and my husband after getting pampered a little. My esthetician Shelly was incredible and so sweet. Requesting her is an absolute must if you visit.

Barnsley Resort is much more than just a beautiful destination tucked in the outskirts of Atlanta. There is so much rich history that draws you in and is fascinating. I highly recommend scheduling a brief tour with resident historian, Clent Coker. He is a charming older man with deep roots and connections to Barnsley. You will hear first hand stories of how it became what it is today. You can also tour all the grounds on your own or call the concierge and a staff member will come pick you up from your cottage on a golf cart and take you where you need to go. Have I mentioned how friendly everyone is? They go out of their way to make you feel at home. Be sure to check out the Barnsley Barnyard for fun animal encounters with miniature horses, donkeys, and baby goats. I may or may not have tried to take on with me …

The kids absolutely loved the games on the lawn in the middle of cottages (bocce, horseshoe and disc golf). It was perfect for those witching hours when they needed to let off steam before bed. There are fire pits located through the villages in case you have a hankering for s’mores roasting. We dined at The Woodlands Grill the majority of our time there and they did not disappoint. From a breakfast buffet that resembles a feast fit for a king to in room dining, The Woodlands Grill is the social hub of the resort. The food is top notch with playful renditions on Southern regional comfort food. If you get a chance, be sure to sit out on the screened in porch overlooking the picturesque golf course. Other restaurants include the Beer Garden which has more than 30 craft beer selections and Rice House, which is perfect for those dining without small children. Barnsley Resort also offers Private Dining for two at memorable locations throughout the resort. Another must-do on our couples only visit next time!

Barnsley is great for couples, families and kids of all ages. With over 3,000 acres to explore, there is no shortage of activities. From clay target shooting and lawn games to biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, golfing, fly fishing, horse-back riding, swimming, spa services, paintball with full equipment from propaintball.com, etc. There really is something for everyone. My husband had the pleasure of playing golf on their PGA Fazio Course. The course occupies 378 acres of Barnsley and my husband said it was the most beautiful course he’d ever played on. Guests of Barnsley are also allowed to explore the gardens and ruins at their leisure. If you come to Barnsley for anything, seeing the grand mansion in person is breathtaking. It has withstood so many trials over the past 150+ years and standing inside the remaining walls was simply incredible. Words cannot describe how impressive the structure is. A huge thank you to Barnsley Resort for hosting us and for the amazing Southern hospitality! We had the best time and cannot wait to come back for a visit. Our overall experience was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for a better getaway before summer ended. For more information on pricing, location, activities and services, please visit them here.

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A New Way to Sleep

July 30, 2017

Let me tell you, I spend a good chunk of my day dreaming about the time when I can fall into my bed and relax in the evening. I’ve always been a big “bedroom” fan. It’s where I like to watch tv, get work done, and veg out. Our natural mattress was in desperate need of an upgrade. We had been sleeping on it for nearly 7 years. It kept me going through 2 pregnancies in which I slept a ton. The Better Sleep Council suggests that you replace your mattress every 7 – 10 years. After this time, the mattress get lumpy, heavy, discolored and uncomfortable.

It can end up causing more pain than a good nights sleep. A lot of people had told us to try this deal on mattresses, yet we had just continued to sleep on our old, worn out mattress. A new mattress can improve your sleep and health, help with allergies, and relieve back pain due to sleeping on a mattress gone bad; this is why so many people head to Mattress Battle in search of the ideal replacement. We spend about one-third of our life sleeping, so why not enjoy it? We were recently given a Tuft & Needle mattress to review and I knew I would love it since we have one in our guest bedroom already. As soon as you lie down on a Tuft & Needle mattress you can feel the difference right away. I would go as far as saying it’s life changing. I also love that I didn’t need to “break in” the Tuft & Needle mattress. I’ve slept amazing since the first night. The thin cover on all Tuft & Needle mattresses are designed to allow better breathability and cooling (perfect for those sweltering Atlanta summers!) Each mattress comes conveniently compressed within a compact box. It is so much easier to bring into your home than other awkward and bulky mattresses. After taking it out of the box, you lie it on your bed frame, cut the plastic, roll it out and let it expand. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes. Tuft & Needle has a 100 day no-risk return period Free shipping, 100-night sleep trial, 10-year no hassle warranty, and returns are donated to local charities and non-profits across the country. Everything that goes into a Tuft & Needle mattress is sourced and made in the United States. If you’re not happy with your mattress, you don’t have to stress about returning it! Prices start at just $375 and I dare you to sleep on this and not get the best sleep of your life. For more information about their sizing and FAQ, be sure to check them out! Sweet Dreams!

*I received a king mattress from Tuft & Needle in order to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own*

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These are the Days

July 28, 2017

There are only 9 more days left before Henry starts Kindergarten and these two won’t be able to cause trouble together. I’m also going to be putting Evelyn in a part time preschool program so my days will look a whole lot different. As much as I am looking forward to some time to myself so I can work and not break up fights every 10 minutes, it will be sad that my “new normal” is changing yet again. I’ve gotten so used to the kids being home, the house being messy, driving to play dates and camps and the pool that everything around me will be so different. One of the hardest things parents have to do is send their children off on their own, to a new place, with new people and not be there to protect them. I have to put my faith in their schools, teachers and peers and hope that I’ve been doing a good job teaching them how to be good humans. Fingers crossed for a great school year!

A sure sign that summer is nearing its end in Atlanta is when the sunflowers start to bloom. One way I wanted to treasure this last summer before both kids entered school was to go to the amazing sunflower farm near us. This session has definitely produced some of my favorite photographs of these two kiddos. I chose their adorable outfits from Janie and Jack because I knew the white would pop beautifully against all the flowers. I love Janie and Jack for several reasons: the pieces are classic and timeless, they wash well and last forever, and you can mix and match nearly everything. I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of the clothing. Here’s to the last week of summer vacation for us! Happy Friday!