Don't forget that today is...

ONLY 55 Days until Christmas!!!!

Source: flickr.com via Arielle on Pinterest

What???

Did you think I was going to say something else???

Phi Mu Family Weekend!

This was going to be my {Semi} Wordless Wednesday with Daphne @ Flip Flops & Pearls post but for some reason Blogger was not cooperating with me yesterday so I guess it will be and odd ball Picture Filled Thursday!

Last weekend we traveled to DD's college to celebrate the Phi Mu Family Weekend. The girls always do a great job planning and hosting the Family Weekend events. It is a fun time and we love meeting here "sisters" and getting a little taste of the fun they share.

I think the little man misses his sister!

Only 61 more days......

Source: google.com via Emily on Pinterest

               Are ya ready?

Frugal Friday!

I haven't done a Frugal Friday post in I don't know how long, and I think it is high time I bring it back!  Remember, the definition of Frugal is:

economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful:   Synonyms: thrifty, chary, provident, careful, prudent, penny-wise,. 

From that definition I draw the point that Frugal doesn't mean  being cheap or skimping on quality but rather being careful to get the best out of life in the most "prudent and not wasteful" way.  To me frugal doesn't refer to someone who is so tight fisted that they miss out on life, but rather someone who cares enough to shop wisely. Frugal means making carful choices about spending so that you can spend money where you most want to.  I know I would love to be thought of as someone who is "thrifty, provident, careful, prudent and penny-wise."

Today Frugal Friday comes from the beauty section. We all know how expensive cosmetics can be (even drugstore brands!)  Most of the time they cost so much I hesitate about "trying things out" and stick to tried and true; but now I have found a brand that makes me want to try out all the new looks for a price I can stomach.   I have been using Elf Cosmetics for the last few weeks and I have been very, very pleased with the quality and especially the price....starting at $1.00!!!!  I picked mine up at Target on a whim, since each product was anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00 I thought why not.  I didn't truly expect to get great quality at that price point....boy, was I wrong!

Source

This has become my go-to eyeshadow (in Butternut.) 

It brightens my eyes and is long wearing and perfect for every day at only $1.00!

Source

I bought this a few days ago just to try it.  I haven't ever used an eyeliner pen before (only pencils). Once I got the hang of application, I have decided it is wonderful and haven't gotten any dark smudges under my eyes as the day wears on.  Again...only $1.00!

Source

This is my new favorite tool!  This is the Total Face Brush
 and it is amazing!  I use it to apply powder and it is the softest
 and lightest brush I have ever used.  LOVE IT!  
Not to mention...it was only (you guessed it) a $1.00!!!

So, Frugalistas,  have you found any great buys in the beauty section lately? 

Check back next week when I share about my experiences in grocery shopping at ALDI!

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Can it be that 20 years have passed?  I can't believe my baby girl turns 20 today.  It is strange to think she is an adult.  She has grown into a wonderful young lady, one that I am so proud to call my daughter.  I cherish this girl!

A daughter is the happy memories of the past,

the joyful moments of the present,

and the hope and promise of the future.

  ~Author Unknown

Fall Has Arrived!

The temps may still be climbing into the high 80s most days

 and the leaves may not be changing, but Fall has arrived!

 Mums and pansies always make me feel like Fall is here!

 Not to mention, I really love pumpkins.

 Welcome!

 I love sweet pansy faces and how they smile all winter.

This is my wreath this year. 

I decided I wanted a new one and this is what I came up with. 



Are you Addicted...to Pinterest?

Oh boy am I!  It took me a little while to figure it out, but now I am a pinning fool.  There are just too many good ideas! It is full of great recipes, unique crafts, gorgeous florals, beautiful interiors...not to mention the clothes! 

If you would like to partake in the Pinterest fun leave your email and I will get you an invite! 

Now, off to pin....

Contemplating a Change...

When you think you want to shake things up a bit, does it take you a while to decide when and where you should start shaking?  It does for me! 

As I have mentioned in numerous posts,  I am in a season of transition and my tastes in home decor, fashion and just about everything seems in flux.  Why???  Who knows?  All I know is I seem to be search for my niche all around. 

So that brings me to my blog.  I have loved my blog design for many years and haven't felt the need to change it up because it was unique and frankly, I was pretty attached and comfortable with it.  But...lately I have felt it was time to change it up, get a new look, bring some spark...what ever you want to call it.  I think it is time for a new look and to get some excitement back into my blog life!

I would love to get suggestions on great blog designers that aren't too expensive (THAT is a HUGE point) and one can help me get my groove back in blog land!  Also, what do you like best about blogs you read.  Blogging has come a long way from when I started this blog, and I am open to suggestions on what you think works best, looks best and makes for an enjoyable blog reading experience.  So come on, y'all share...

Monday Mommy Musings...Fashion Struggles

NY & Company

The last year, or so, has found me at an age where at times I find myself struggling a bit with adjusting to this new season of life - you know the one that seems to arrive after that 40th birthday .  Some of the struggles have been pretty easy to adjust to when I realized that, hey....it is better on this side of the fence (see this post: Looking Backwards.)

Then there are other areas where I don't quite know where I fit.  Fashion is a major one.  I do NOT want to be one of those Moms who dresses (or tries to dress) like a 20 year old.  For the record, my 14 year old son calls those the "fancy Moms" and not in a flattering "fancy" kind of way...  Yes, I can still get into most of the 20 year old wear but, frankly, that look just doesn't quite fly anymore.  On the other hand, I am not ready for geriatric wear either.  The thing I find most frustrating when shopping is that most petite departments seem to think if you are not a Junior, but are petite, you want to dress like you are 90!  WHAT is that about???

Also, (like it or not)  I can't seem to wear the heels I used to wear daily.  This has been a big source of stress!!!  For what ever reason, the balls of my feet and one of my knees seem to launch all kinds of complaints when I try to pull that off.  So this year I have bought several pairs of flats. I do like them and have tried to make sure they were really cute...but I still struggle with not wearing heels.  That little voice in my heads seems to taunt me with "I thought YOU would always wear heels...blah...blah...blah."  I don't want to be condemned to the land of ugly, prison guard shoes.

So, if you are looking for me at the mall you may find me wandering around with a vague look on my face trying to find something to wear that falls somewhere between the low rider jeans, duck embroidered sweatshirts and yoga pants.....

 Linking with Amanda's Weekend Bloggy Reading Party!

In High Cotton...

My little man (DS2) and I visited a cotton field last week and had some cotton pickin' fun!

I grew up in the South, but not any where cotton was grown. Actually, the South I grew up in wasn't terribley agricultural at all, other than individual gardens. My grandparents always had big gardens but it was in no way farming so living in a part of the South where people still make their livings by farming is quite interesting for us. I am pretty fascinated by the crops and the big, monster machinery used for harvests, and so is my little man.  DS2 picking a huge bag of cotton and I practically had to drag him away.

TV Tuesday... SuperNanny to the Rescue!

Yes, apparently after not writing about TV in over 5 years of blogging, I have now decided to write about it two weeks in a row!  I am just afraid to even consider what that may mean about my reality these days. 

Do you ever watch SuperNanny?  I do and for a really self serving reason; when I watch the show it makes me feel a whole lot better about my own kiddos. AND when we watch as a family my kids always tell me they are glad I am their Mom...isn't that reason enough to watch???  Is that mean?  Probably.  Though, I really like Jo and her no nonsense approach to family life and that she seems to call out parents on their lack of parenting and how they are responsible for the atmosphere and climate of their own home.  Often, on the show, Jo touches on more than child behavior and addresses the adults in the situation even more than the children and she isn't afraid to call it as she sees it.  I imagine her help goes a lot farther than just making the kids get into bed on time. 

Anyway, I read today that SuperNanny is now casting for families in America! Do you know of anyone who could benefit from a little SuperNanny love and guidance? 

If you or a friend or family would like to be considered contact ShedMedia here for an application:  Be on SuperNanny!

Wonder if they take anonymous nominations???  heheheh...



83 Days Until....

Christmas!  Yes, I am counting down. 

Yesterday, though, someone asked me, "Why are counting down the days until Christmas already?" It was asked not entirely in a rude way, but asked in an almost accusatory tone, as if I had violated some terms of service of which I was unaware.  Instead of being taken aback by the delivery of the question, it actually got me to thinking clearly about why I like to count down, not just to Christmas, but the entire holiday season. 

I have learned that if I want to fully enjoy the season (from Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas) I have to be organized ahead of time. I love everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas - except the stress and busyness.  My solution is to do as much as possible before the season begins.  I want my decorating done early and most, if not all, of my shopping done and wrapped early.  I like menus planned and parties scheduled.

Doing much of the prep. ahead of time, frees me to enjoy the best part of the season...the people and the celebration of Jesus' birth. 

I want to be free to share special times with my family... baking, doing crafts, watching Christmas movies or reading Christmas stories... without feeling a to-do list a mile long weighing on my shoulders.  Taking care of the holiday stresses BEFORE the holiday arrives, frees us to have friends over, go to parties, attend Christmas concerts or just head out simply to drive around and enjoy the sights of the season. All the preplanning and organizing actually allows us to be spontaneous during the holidays because there is no pressure to get this or that done.  We are free to savor the fleeting moments of this special time.  I don't want my children's memories of the holiday season to revolve around a cranky Mom who seems frazzled and stressed out and ready to get Christmas over and done with. 

So, it may seem bizarre to some that I start thinking and planning so far in advance, but it makes our Christmas less stressful and we make more memories with our friends and family.

And the winner of the Betty Crocker prize pack is....

Amy Lauren!!!!

Amy, you win a great prize pack from Betty Crocker!

I hope you enjoy those yummy Molasses Cookies!

Thanks so much to My Blog Spark and Betty Crocker for a great giveaway.

Contact me via comments (I won't publish your info!) or

email at BellaMichelleSC@gmail.com