Glasses USA Review and Discount Code

May 17, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

How many of you wear glasses? I am happy to say that while I don’t anymore, I DID for a LONG LONG TIME. In fact, I was the very first person in my grade school to ever GET glasses. Weird, right? Eyeglasses have definitely come a long way since I started wearing them in second grade.

(I totally had these same exact glasses as a kid. image from here.)

Glasses USA might just change the way you choose and buy online glasses. In addition to offering prescription glasses at discounted prices, they also have prescription sunglasses too! They also offer a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a generous refer-a-friend program.

The worst part about getting glasses when I was little was taking the time out to go to the eye doctor, get the exam, then having to choose a pair pretty much on the spot. I hated having to choose! I liked them ALL. They had walls upon walls of glasses- different styles, shapes- I loved looking, but hated narrowing it down. The coolest part about Glasses USA is that they have a virtual mirror where you can try on styles before you buy glasses!

 

It’s pretty awesome! That way, you have a pretty good idea of what you are actually getting before you buy. I think it’s genius! You can stay up to date with Glasses USA through their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa) and on Twitter (@GlassesUSA).

Glasses USA has generously offered up an awesome discount for my readers!
Take 50% off any pair of prescription eyeglasses/sunglass frames, plus free shipping. Code:SPRING50FS
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

I was compensated for this post but the content is my own. 

 

Filed Under: sponsored ·

It’s Monday…

May 14, 2012 by · 1 Comment

…that’s about all I got. It’s Monday! :)


image via here

  • Brayden had his last Kindermusik class of the semester today. It was filled with everyone’s favorite things and we had so much fun. It has been so great for him, although I am not sure if we will be back in the fall. With Kenley being around the 1 year mark by then, I would have to do separate classes for each and I am not sure if an hour drive plus finding someone to keep the other every week would be a good idea.
  • Our weekend was pretty great. I got a sweet card from the hubs for Mother’s Day and I got to grocery shop alone! The weather was beautiful so we enjoyed some outdoor time as well.
  • The beautiful weather makes me wish I would have NEVER agreed to this clothing challenge. I need skirts/shorts- I am hot already and it has only been like 80* here. *sigh*
  • My running endeavor isn’t going as well as I had hoped, but I am not discouraged yet! I have been stretching daily so I don’t hurt myself and I am hoping to go a few evenings this week. I knew it would take time, so I can’t give up just yet!
  • This gorgeous weather is just a floating reminder that I am nowhere near bikini ready- and my goal is to wear a bikini on our vacation in January. Fingers crossed!

How was your Monday?

Filed Under: about me, random ·

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 13, 2012 by · 1 Comment

To all you mom’s out there– Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you are enjoying yourself with whatever you decide to do today, and that maybe some much deserved rest is involved!

What amazes me most about being a mother is simply the love that exudes out of my children. I am so blessed and thankful that these two beautiful kiddos call me mom.

It’s not the easiest job, but it IS the most rewarding. And now that I am a mother, I am SO incredible thankful to have my mom. I never realized all she did when we were kids- but it’s tough. I love her for it. She’s an awesome grandma to my kids, too- we love her!

 

Filed Under: about me ·

Just what I needed…

May 1, 2012 by · 2 Comments

I must say, unplugging from the blog world was very good for me. Brandon and I got A TON of stuff done around the house over the weekend (think spring cleaning stuff!) and I am feeling more on track. The house was cleaned up, we had lots of family time together, and even a date! WITHOUT THE KIDS! FOR THE FIRST TIME!

I was excited.

And I feel refreshed. So that’s a good thing!

Lots of things have been going on here…most of which will get their own posts in the very near future…

  • Kenley went over 10 hours without nursing today. Sadness, but glad that the transition is going well. I am in quite a bit of pain currently, but ibuprofen is helping.
  • Brayden is done with speech therapy!
  • My new fridge and freezer are up and running.
  • Brandon killed a mouse in our closet in the wee hours of the morning.
  • Kenley will be 7 months old this week!
  • I went to IKEA.

All awesome things, for the most part. So stay tuned for some elaboration on most of those!

How was your weekend?

Filed Under: about me ·

5 Things I’m Loving Right Now-April Edition

April 1, 2012 by · 4 Comments

It’s already April? I seriously think I somehow missed March. The gorgeous weather we have been having makes it seem like June, though! I am linking up with Maegan again! :)

 


1. SLEEP. For the last 3 or 4 mornings, Kenley has slept past 8am. It is glorious. Now, I still have Brayden coming in our room around 6:30-7, but generally I can convince him to watch Little Einsteins in our bed while I get a few more minutes of sleep.

2. Wedding planning. My sister got engaged last Saturday, and is getting married Labor Day weekend! We are just beyond thrilled for her and her fiancé, Eric. Her ring is GORGEOUS, and it’s been fun planning! We actually started planning before the engagement was “official” so we are definitely on the ball. I already have the bridal shower and bachelorette party details down, we went and picked out bridesmaids dresses yesterday (a great motivator to get to the gym and put down the pop!), her dress is ordered- it’s been fun so far!

3. Shopping. Don’t worry, I am still within my rules for the Clothing Challenge, but we have 6 weddings this year I believe, and I have a closet of only maternity dresses. I ordered 2 dresses from ModCloth and I hope they fit! I ordered 2 from the Gap as well, but one I am kind of unsure how it will look on. We’ll see. I can always send them back, right? I did wear a pair of jeans from 2 years ago out the other day and they looked awful on me. THEY MADE ME LOOK 20 POUNDS HEAVIER. But hey, it’s what I have to I am just making do!

4. Kenley eating cereal. Sister LOVES her cereal and fruits/veggies and has dropped 2 nursing sessions because of it. The only real nursing she does anymore is first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. The other times? She is really distracted, just messing around, can’t decide, etc. SO frustrating. My goal was 6 months with her, and I am just about there. I think this month I am going to start weaning her to formula in a sippy cup. I want to be able to enjoy my sister’s wedding festivities without worrying about pumping, taking K with to the bachelorette party, etc and since she is so distracted anyways? It is probably for the best. When Brayden started getting that way, I forced it, and then he just up and quit and it was awful. I am not going to force it this time. I am a little bit sad about it, but I am looking forward to a REAL date night with my husband, celebrating with my sister, and getting off some more weight that breastfeeding is holding onto for me.

5. Blog opportunities. Well, you all know that I am an author over at Fancy Little Things, but you may not know that I am also going to be blogging for the Hearts at Home organization whose conference I have attended the last 2 years! It is basically a blog linkup every month that selected people participate in. Then they pick a winner each time and that winner receives a copy of a book for herself and one to give away on her blog! Awesome, right? I am definitely looking forward to my first post on balance- funny how the Lord knows what I needed to focus on in my life right now.

With these two writing opportunities, I decided to call in a professional, Aimee, to give my blog a MAJOR facelift. I will be incorporating my photography with this blog and rebranding it as Back to the Basics Photography. I want everything to be the same and I want to quit updating more than one site. I am excited about the changes, and I will let you all know when it’s done so you can check it out!

Filed Under: 5 Things I LOVE, about me ·

Saturday Photo Dump

March 24, 2012 by · 1 Comment

This nice weather is REALLY nice but it’s also REALLY screwing up my plans. I needed it to be cold and miserable a little longer so we could finish some house projects. I mean, I LOVE the weather, but I feel like everyone is going crazy since it feels like summer.

Everyone needs to chill out. It is STILL only MARCH.

Phew. SO yes, we got kind of busy and Brayden is all like “OUTSIDE” every spare second we have. My house looks like it too. K is currently napping as I type this and get caught up on a few things and Brayden is with Grandma Michelle running errands. He just wanted OUTSIDE. So, Gramma to the rescue and now I get to write in peace and clean. YAY.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

Let’s get to the photos, shall we?

Shoes I got for a few weddings.

THIS started happening. She likes the sippy!

Love her giggles.

Walks in the new stroller with Grandma

Walks at home with my boy- the helper.

It’s been a pretty eventful week! In the midst of the new sippy cup, new stroller walks, and being pushed down the driveway, Fancy Little Things launched this week, and I am so excited to be on board as the photographer author/contributor. It’s a wonderful website, and I hope you have all taken a peek at it!

Now, I must finish cleaning this place up, making my grocery list/meal plan, and getting my head on for another busy week.

Filed Under: about me, photos, random ·

Hearts at Home

March 21, 2012 by · 4 Comments

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Hearts at Home National Conference. I am LUCKY, because this conference is held at the University I went to- so it’s very close by! Hearts at Home is a weekend conference designed around mom’s- giving them a chance to regroup, get inspired, and get away! I went last year and was changed in a big, big way.

This year, the keynote speakers were Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. They are a very interesting couple to listen to. They have been criticized in the media for decisions they make for their large family, and most recently, due to the miscarriage of their 20th child, Jubilee. They are fascinating, and one thing that really hit me during their speech (and workshop following!) was that most of the time, our kids get frustrated because they don’t know what we expect from them.  As a mom to a toddler, I know how hard it can be for Brayden to communicate what he wants/needs without getting really upset. With that goes what they said about the difference in correcting your child versus training your child. They train their children a certain way so that in certain situations, they get an immediate response (such as when trying to cross the street, etc.) It was just very though provoking, and definitely changes the way I see Brayden’s response to certain things. He might not understand that I am starting to lose my patience, so it is important that I stay focused and help him learn from his mistakes and how to better communicate his needs.

One quote that founder Jill Savage said last year and this year was “It may not be well with my circumstance, but it is well with my soul.” Powerful, right? As moms, we have those days where nothing seems to be going well at all. But thanks to the Grace of God, we have another chance- and HE will carry us through to another day.

I can’t speak highly enough about this conference, and I am already SO excited to go next year. Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner from Full House) is the keynote speaker, and I can’t wait to hear her inspiring message. I am planning to take my sister with me, even though she isn’t a mom, because I think even if you aren’t a mom, you still need the chance to be inspired and recharge.

 

Filed Under: about me, life as a mom, marriage ·

Defeat

March 14, 2012 by · 2 Comments

If I could use one word to sum up my life lately, defeat would be it.

I honestly have never felt more tired, more run down, and more blah. My anxiety has been high lately, and I think the trigger is unfinished house projects. I know Brandon means well, but he usually starts like 50 different things and then mine are usually last on the list. Currently there is still a hole in the wall where my new pantry access will be, drywall dust in the house, and dishes/food in the office and counter space in the kitchen since we are in limbo with organizing the new pantry space. I know he means well, it’s just hard when I am in the space 99% of the time and he isn’t. I am getting antsy.

I don’t want to cook because I have lost counter space and everything is a mess, I am exhausted in dealing with the kids, and I totally overdid Monday and Tuesday. Totally. I have been moved to tears over little things a LOT in the last 24 hours and I am just trying to get a grip on life and myself.

Saturday I will be attending the Hearts at Home conference. After the past 2 days, I wanted to bail so badly, but my mom isn’t letting me. She’s wonderful. I am excited to have the chance to unwind, be with other moms, and jump start my attitude.

In the meantime, I DO have a couple of exciting things in the works, one of which will be revealed early next week! :) So if it’s quiet on the blog in the next few days, it’s because I am getting things ready for my new endeavor!

Filed Under: about me, anxiety ·

Monday Randoms

March 12, 2012 by · 1 Comment
  • Is the time change bothering any of you yet?
  • I have something amazing in the works and I can’t wait to share details very, very soon! Note: Not a sibling for my kiddos. Just to be clear….
  • I got to meet my friend Sheana for lunch last week. It was amazing! We definitely ate until we were stuffed to the brim. We also got to hit up Target where…
  • after receiving an amazingly generous $20 gift card from Maegan, this top came home to live with me! I got it in purple and I LOVE it. I wish I had it in every color/print it came in.

Happy Monday!

Filed Under: about me, random ·

11 Things

March 2, 2012 by · 2 Comments

I was tagged by Kristi at The Fischer Family for this post- and it’s actually pretty fun!

The Rules

  1. Post these rules
  2. You must post 11 random things about yourself
  3. Answer the questions set for you in the post you were tagged in
  4. Create 11 new questions for your tagees to answer
  5. Tag them on Twitter, Facebook or your blog

11 Random Things About Me

  1. When I get bored or the kids nap at the same time or because I just feel like it, I bake. Sometimes it just feels good to whip up a batch of cookies and savor them right out of the oven. My waistline hates me for this little random fact!
  2. I HAVE to have a written planner. After receiving my iPad, I tried keeping everything in there or on my phone- but I just write too much. Goals, lists, plans, etc. TOO much to go in my phone. I use my phone/iPad for appointments mainly. Meal planning and randomness goes in my planner.
  3. I don’t like tomatoes. I will eat tomato based everything, but raw tomatoes gross me out.
  4. I don’t try on clothes in stores. I hate doing that. Unless I need it like ASAP for something, I take it home, try it on, and then return it if I have to. I get this from my mom.
  5. I have never, ever dyed my hair. No highlights, lowlights, nothing.
  6. We have 2 full size refrigerator/freezers in our house plus an upright freezer plus another full size fridge in the garage. I seriously don’t think I would survive with just ONE.
  7. I am obsessed with the show The Office. The Jim/Dwight pranks are my favorite and who can resist John Krasinski?
  8. Brandon and I are recently obsessed with The Voice. I love the banter between the judges. And they have some seriously talented people this season.
  9. My sister and I continually text all day every day.
  10. I always wish my house was different. But truthfully, it’s HOME and that’s all that matters.
  11. I am obsessed with handbags. I seriously LOVE bags/totes/purses and love to switch things up!

Now, here are my answers for the questions Kristi asked!

11 Questions for Other People

  1. Is it soda or pop? And what is your favorite? It’s pop. And I have a Dr. Pepper problem. I am trying to quit.
  2. What is your go to outfit when you need one? Jeans, long sleeve tee in a solid color, infinity scarf, boots.
  3. Tell me what you are reading and why? I just started Bossypants by Tina Fey. IT IS HILARIOUS! I love it.
  4. Name a reality TV show you would like to go on? I would LOVE to be on Project Runway but considering I have never been within 10 feet of a sewing machine, that would never ever happen.
  5. Tell me the best blog you read that you think I should start reading. I love Marital Bless. I have been reading it since before Leah had Isaac and her writing and photography is just beautiful.
  6. If you had to move out of your current state where would you go? Somewhere WARM.
  7. Tell me one rule you had growing up that you will never impose on your own kids. No cell phone until we got a driver’s license. I realize it’s a different time now, but I am sure that Brayden will have some sort of a pay as you go phone when he gets involved with school things. I want him to be able to call me from the bus when it’s time to pick him up, etc.
  8. What is one thing you could not live without? (It can’t be a person) The Internet. I connect with so many friends, family, etc.
  9. What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Use the bathroom then go get Kenley. I am rarely up before she is.
  10. What would your final meal consist of? My mom’s homemade chicken and noodles, Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp, Artichoke dip with hot ciabatta bread, and apple pie.
  11. If you had to pick a song as the “soundtrack of your life what would it be?” Time by Hootie and the Blowfish. It goes so fast, I am constantly reminding myself to just enjoy what’s going on in front of me.

11 Questions for Others

  1. You pull up at Starbucks or another coffee place- What is your go-to order?
  2. What is your favorite meal to prepare for your family?
  3. Name your favorite book of all time.
  4. Do you keep your car super clean all the time? Or is it looking like you live in it?
  5. George Clooney or Brad Pitt?
  6. If you had $500 to spend on yourself right now, what would you buy?
  7. What would your dream profession be?
  8. Do you have a nickname? Where did it originate?
  9. Are you an oldest, middle, youngest, or only child?
  10. What is your favorite breakfast cereal?
  11. What is the worst hairstyle you ever had?

I am tagging:

Leah @ Marital Bless, Maegan @ Chesteriffic, Chrissy @ Whimsical Poppysmic, Kate @ Kate’s Online Space, Tess @ The Popejoy’s and whoever else wants to join in the fun! :) Make sure you let me know if you participate so I can see your answers!

Filed Under: about me ·
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