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Growing up, my mother always went all out decorating for every holiday, birthday and season. She loves to decorate and is so creative. I like to think I got a tiny bit of her talent, although I think my sister inherited most of it. When I think back on my childhood, I immediately think about the holidays. They have always been so special. I come from a big family. All of my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents get together for holidays/birthdays and other times throughout the year. We are so blessed to all have close relationships. This time of year makes me so nostalgic and all I can think is, I want my kids to have that.

I am determined to carry on the tradition of baking holiday treats, making crafts and decorating the house for the seasons. I want my children to have just as special childhood as I had. I want them to remember how much fun we have during the holidays and I want us to create traditions together. One tradition I grew up with was decorating the mantel. While my mother does the majority of the decorating, I always enjoyed “helping” – even if that meant handing her the scissors or holding the ladder. I love seeing several pieces come together to make a beautiful focal point. The end presentation is always so perfect, not because we have top of the line decorations, but because we created it together.

This past week, I decided it was time for my big fall mantel makeover. I went to Walmart and purchased a small pumpkin and American Home™ by Yankee Candle® brand in “Shades of Fall,” “Fresh Apple” and “Pumpkin.” I loved the traditional fall colors of these candles, but most of all I loved their fragrances. They are heavenly. I have been burning them round the clock in our home. 

I also grabbed a few other decorations from around the house that I thought would be a good fit for my fall mantel. I grabbed an old window that I bought at a flea market a few years ago for $10, a DIY fall wreath that I made two years ago (and is still holding up great), a leafy candle ring, vase, a fall sign, a leaf banner that I scored on the dollar rack at a local department store and my new candles and pumpkin! 

I always like to play around with the heights. My mom taught me that having differing heights throughout your decor really helps the aesthetic and layout.  Here is how I created my mantel:

1. I put my window in the center of the mantel and attached the leaf banner to the top of it.


2. I placed my wreath off to one side of my window because I liked the way it looked more than when it was centered. It was almost too perfect that way. You can play around with it and see what suits you.


3. I placed two shorter objects off of the window – my pumpkin on one side and my American Home™ by Yankee Candle® brand with the leafy candle ring around it. 


4. On the ends, I put taller items to keep with the differing heights. I put a vase I had laying around on one side with flowers and my fall sign on the other. If you don’t have a fall sign, think about printing a Fall print out and putting it in an 8×10 frame.

It was very simple but I love the way it looks in our home and my son is obsessed with the little pumpkin. I’m thinking the holidays are going to be really fun with him this year! I am so happy that my home is now holiday-ready for all of our entertaining and family.


I shared how I made over my mantel with American Home™ by Yankee Candle® brand from Walmart. Now tell me how you prepare your home for Fall!

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 pound of boneless chicken breast chopped up into cubes
1 teaspoon of salt and pepper
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of water
2 cups of penne pasta
1/4 cup of lemon juice
3/4 cup of shredded parmesan
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil over medium high and brown your chicken breasts. lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for one minute with the chicken. Add the chicken broth, water and uncooked pasta to your mixture. Bring to a boil and then cover and turn down the heat to low. Cook covered for 15 minutes and then cook uncovered for five to seven minutes. Add lemon juice, basil and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix it well. Add a little pepper to taste and garnish with fresh cut lemons if desired.

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I follow a lot of blogs. The ones that I read daily are mostly those who have been blogging since I started 3 years ago. They are my daily reads because I fell in love with them a long time ago and I feel like I’ve been right by their side since my beginning. I enjoy reading them because while they do fabulous fashion, make-up, and  how-to posts, they are also real and honest. They share their lives and their opinions. As much as I love reading a great recipe or DIY, I really enjoy reading posts that allow me to get to know the person behind the blog. I want to feel like I know them if I’m going to read their blog regularly. Blogging is about relationships. It is a growing community and can be very overwhelming when you throw yourself into it. When you find a group that you connect with, you follow them. Learn from them. Grow with them. But most importantly, you build a relationship with them.

1. I am a little O.C.D. about my house. I have to clean the kitchen, fold the laundry and clean off all the surfaces in my home before bedtime. However, I am terrible about cleaning the shower. That is the one chore I hate doing and rarely do.

2. I am an introverted extrovert. Until I started my psychology classes in college, I didn’t even realize you can be both, but you can, and I am. I scored almost 50% introvert and 50% extrovert on the scale of the test I took in my psych assessments class. Which reminds me, I have a degree in psychology from Auburn (in Montgomery) and I am seriously considering going back for my masters and maybe doctorate? The only thing holding me back is that thesis. Blah. And two little ankle biters. Speaking of…

3. I have 2 kids, but I would love to have 4. I’ve always said I want to have three and adopt one. I’ve wanted to adopt for as long as I can remember, and seeing more and more people doing it now has really encouraged me to do so. It is something I pray about every day. I’m having faith that God will lead the way if we are supposed to go down that path.

4. My favorite show in the entire world is Gilmore Girls. I love the fast paced verbal and the witty/sarcastic humor. Their jokes were always smart and sometimes over my head, but I loved trying to figure out what they were referring to, and often times have to google. I think it was a genius show that should have gone on for at least 3 more seasons.

5. I love fashion and my favorite types of posts to write and put together are fashion posts, although, I sometimes feel uncomfortable taking photos, fashion is something I am passionate about and I love being able to express myself in that way. I have many different styles. I love all things classy and girly, but I also love to rock the bohemian look. I am mostly casual, but I do enjoy dressing up from time to time. Growing up I wanted to be a fashion designer. I have had a love for style for as long as I can remember. By the age of ten I even had an entire “portfolio” of my designs. And yes, I still have it!

6. I am terrified of needles. I’m still pinching myself that I made it through 2 childbirths without dying of a heart attack. All I know is, I serve a big God and He definitely carried me through and gave me an enormous strength and peace through both of my experiences.

7. I have a younger brother and a younger sister, both of which started a blog recently. We are very close and I love that they have started blogs so that I can keep up with them.

8. Ryan and I love to travel. It is something we are very passionate about and would love to do more of. We have a couple of big trips planned over the next year, one to Europe next summer and another to California. We are still working out the details, but these trips have been in the works for the last 2 years now. It’s about time we go, don’t you think?

9. I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. While I love our city, i is definitely one that need a little love and TLC. We love living here because it is where we were raised and most of our family is here. It would be difficult to leave, although we have contemplated it many times.

10. I grew up dancing and through that lifestyle I grew a love and passion for fitness and exercise. I am addicted to it, but terrible when it comes to diet. I am constantly struggling to eat healthy. I don’t ever have any issues working out, but when it comes to eating a salad over pizza, I cave.

This post is sponsored by General Mills and Nature Valley Bistro Cups. All opinions are my own. 


Kate Middleton, Hillary Clinton, Lorelei Gilmore. What do these women have in common? They are all very successful. Each in their own way. I love Kate Middleton and have thoroughly enjoyed stalking watching her journey through duchess life and motherhood. She is someone I look up to. I am not a fan of Hillary Clinton, politically, but again, she is extremely successful in politics. Lorelei Gilmore…who doesn’t want to be her? To raise a child at a young age, make it from a maid to the owner of your own inn, marrying Luke? Because, in my head, they are married now. Successful people intrigue me. I like to study certain habits of certain people and have learned a few things that successful people do every morning.

Make a To-Do List – I am a listoholic. I make so many lists throughout the day. Making a general list of things I need to get done really helps me to stay focused on what needs to be done. If I don’t make a list, I tend to get way off track and don’t ever get as much done.

Eat Breakfast – It’s no secret around here that I love breakfast. Eating a little something in the mornings helps to jump start your metabolism and get your body working. I am so beyond excited about the latest thing that I found at Publix the other day! Y’all. Nature Valley makes oatmeal in bistro cups. Meaning you can literally throw it in your brewing machine and boom. Breakfast is served! It is ridiculous how excited I was when I first saw this. It’s delicious, it’s fast and it’s pure genius. Run, don’t walk to try some for yourself! Oh, and don’t forget to grab this $3 off coupon!

Exercise – I don’t do this every morning, but I try to. Sometimes, life gets in the way and I don’t get a workout in until the night, or not at all. Exercising and stretching really gets me going. I feel like I get so much more accomplished when I get up and move for a bit. Even if it’s a few minutes, a 10 minute yoga sesh can do wonders!

Quiet Time – I enjoy reading my bible and praying in the mornings. It is not something I have been consistent with, but it really helps me focus on what matters and what is important. It prepares my mind and heart for the day. It really makes the biggest difference. Having this quiet time can be a very refreshing way to start the day on a positive note. During this time I also love to sip on a cup of coffee. It is relaxing and helps me really wake up and be alert and present.

Get Dressed – Yes, that is so “duh Logan,” but I have to make a conscious effort to do this everyday. Especially now that I am not working. I can get away with wearing pajamas most days, but I choose not to because there is something about getting dressed that makes me feel more confident and ready to tackle the day. Plus, it’s not as embarrassing when your neighbor knocks on your door at 3p.m. and asks why on earth you are still in your PJs (true story).

Now, back to this genius breakfast in a mug, Nature Valley Bistro Cups are so easy to make! All you do is:

1. Pour the oats into a mug.
2. Put the k-cup into your brewing machine and turn it to 6oz.
3. Stir the oatmeal and let it stand for 1 minute.

Breakfast is served!

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A couple of weeks ago, I had a serious case of writer’s block. This rarely happens to me because I am always thinking of ideas for blog posts and jotting them down, but I just could not think of anything. I blame it on a certain 4 month old’s growth spurt and lack of sleep lately. I decided I had to get out of the house and try to ignite my brain somehow. I wasn’t coming up with anything by just sitting around there anyways.

I ran out to Hobby Lobby and BOOM the idea for my DIY burlap wreath tutorial (and something else that is coming soon) was formed. I was checking out at the counter when I saw a Taste of Home /magazine – hello, 3 more ideas for blog posts! Then, the idea for this post flew in my head! I see that a lot of bloggers struggle with writer’s block from time to time. I thought it would be a great idea to share some of the ways I stay inspired and gain ideas to form my own blog posts.

Look through magazines – one magazine gave me 3 instant ideas for great holiday themed blog posts. Just remember to make them your own. Add your own flavor the them. Do not ever copy anything verbatim. Plagiarism isn’t just for high-schoolers. There are also these things called copyright laws…

Go for a walk – Getting outside always inspires me. I love to be out in nature and I gain so much by being outside in the peace and quiet. It allows me to clear my head and think a little more clearly about my goals and ideas.

Grab your camera and take random photos – I have just recently started doing this. I love taking photos of random things. Sometimes they even spark a great story, tutorial or recipe idea!

Step away from your computer – This is HUGE for us bloggers! We are on our computer ALL the time. Writing, applying for sponsored posts, editing pictures, scheduling social media, participating in Facebook groups, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes, you (and definitely me) can get burned out really easily. It is healthy and smart to step away from it all sometimes.

Peruse Pinterest – I see so many great recipes, crafts, how-tos, etc on Pinterest that trigger an idea for me. Whether it is taking my own spin on How to Start a Blog, an OOTD, or a simple dinner recipe, I love checking out Pinterest regularly for inspiration.

Read a book – It is no secret that I love to read. It is my favorite form of “escaping.” Some people throw themselves into a job, some drink alcohol, I read. I love to get wrapped up in a good story. Even better? Books inspire me. They are constantly giving me ideas and keeping me focused and constantly examining my own life and keeping me on track to be where I want to be. Also, I can always type up a book review of my latest read when I need a post for a Tuesday.

Other bloggers – I will say it a million times. I love this community of bloggers. Everyone is so supportive of one another. For the most part everyone is kind and encouraging. I love feeding off of other bloggers. I also love doing round-up posts and sharing other bloggers work. Others have been so kind to share mine and I love doing the same for them. I love reading my favorite blogs and being encouraged and inspired by them. They help me set my next goals and help me succeed.

Where do you turn for inspiration? Which blogger most inspires you? Leave a link to their blog in the comments!

This post is sponsored by BOOMCHICKAPOP but the content and #BringtheBoom moment are my own.


Around 8p.m. once the kids are all tucked in bed, I have a couple of hours all to myself before hitting the sack. During this time, I typically finish up any blog tasks that I didn’t get done during the day and then its party time! Well, not really, but it feels that way to me. I am a bit of an introvert, so there is nothing I enjoy more than a quiet night in. These nights are rare, but are so rejuvenating to me. So, how do I create the perfect night in you ask?

First, late night snacks are a must! Good for you if they are healthy choices. Sometimes mine are and sometimes they aren’t (I’m talking to you, ice cream). One of my favorite snacks is popcorn. Since I was pregnant with SR, I have been on a major popcorn kick.  recently noticed these fun bright colored bags of flavored popcorn at the grocery stores, and so I had to try it out for myself. I am absolutely in love with BoomChickaPop! Best part? It is already popped, so all you have to do is sit down and enjoy it! It is also gluten free. I bought the sea salt flavor because I prefer regular popcorn to flavored, but it is definitely worth a try.

Second, I set the mood with a candle and maybe a little music. I love to have background noise on at all times. Music is so soothing and can really help me relax.

Third, pick out a good book or movie! This week, I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Kate Morton’s new book The Lake House (insert school girl giggles and bounces). I have really been enjoying diving into a once again incredible book by my favorite author! Look out for my review coming soon! There is just something about unwinding and getting hooked on a good show or book right before you go to sleep. Reading definitely helps me unwind.

Right now, you can share how you bring the BOOM on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram using the hashtag #BringTheBoom for a chance to win three Halloween kits, a $50 Target gift card and free BOOMCHICKAPOP products! They will choose the winners and mail prizes out the week before Halloween. Be sure to share share share!

How do you enjoy your alone time? Do you prefer a night in or out on the town?

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Grand Central Publishing April 2015

Pages: 454

Synopsis from Goodreads: American Rebecca Porter was never one for fairy tales. Her twin sister, Lacey, has always been the romantic who fantasized about glamour and royalty, fame and fortune. Yet it’s Bex who seeks adventure at Oxford and finds herself living down the hall from Prince Nicholas, Great Britain’s future king. And when Bex can’t resist falling for Nick, the person behind the prince, it propels her into a world she did not expect to inhabit, under a spotlight she is not prepared to face.

Dating Nick immerses Bex in ritzy society, dazzling ski trips, and dinners at Kensington Palace with him and his charming, troublesome brother, Freddie. But the relationship also comes with unimaginable baggage: hysterical tabloids, Nick’s sparkling and far more suitable ex-girlfriends, and a royal family whose private life is much thornier and more tragic than anyone on the outside knows. The pressures are almost too much to bear, as Bex struggles to reconcile the man she loves with the monarch he’s fated to become.

Which is how she gets into trouble.

Now, on the eve of the wedding of the century, Bex is faced with whether everything she’s sacrificed for love-her career, her home, her family, maybe even herself-will have been for nothing. 

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This post is sponsored by General Mills. Opinions are my own.


Fall is my favorite time of year and Halloween is my favorite Holiday. Growing up, my mom went all out for every holiday, but we had extra fun with Halloween. Some of my favorite memories as a child are from Halloween nights. Whether it was hiding in the bushes and scaring handing out hotdog weenies to our neighbors or winning the best Halloween costume contest at our family’s Halloween party (okay, so normally that’s my brother, not me), we are always having so much fun this time of year. I decorated my mantel the last week of August (too soon?) and have already been brainstorming ideas for our trunk-or-treat decor. I am really getting into the spirit which brings me to this:

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This post is sponsored by Gazelle but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.


Traveling is something that Ryan and I are very passionate about. We met in Gatlinburg, Tennessee while traveling, we traveled a lot throughout our dating years, we started off our marriage by traveling to London and Paris and just last month we went to the Bahamas. Since having children, we haven’t been able to travel as often (for fun, anyways). We are currently planning a big trip to Europe for next summer and are growing more and more excited. We were laughing the other night about how every time we travel, something crazy happens. It never fails, we can’t ever just have a normal trip. To name a few:

My son brakes his leg – He broke his ankle a few days before we left for our cruise. Talk about bad timing.

We lose a phone – this has happened a couple of times. Luckily, we ended up finding it both times, but if we had not, thank goodness for Gazelle!

We drive off with the iPad on the hood of our car…and then run over it. – Yes, this happened. Even worse? A few other cars ran over it as well. Bye bye iPad. Very painful memory.

Ryan loses his tube pass in London – luckily this happened our last full day there, so we just opted to buy tickets every time we rode the tube (subway) for the rest of the stay. It was an expensive mistake.

I don’t know that we will ever pay full price for our iPhones or iPads again. Buying used through websites like Gazelle are so ideal! They are extremely affordable and you are always getting great quality with Apple.

With kids heading back to school and the holidays fast approaching, it is time to start thinking about an affordable phone for them that won’t make you absolutely sick if something happens to it. Gazelle offers great cell phone options for kids and even has them filed under age appropriateness. If you sign up for their emails, you can stay in the know on all of the latest offers, tips and promotions! If you are ready to buy, you can get $10 off your first purchase!

Has anything crazy ever happened to you on your vacation? Have you ever broken or lost a phone?

My friends, family, husband and wallet know how much I am obsessed in love with boots. Tall boots, ankle boots, open toes, pointy toes, cowgirl boots, rain boots, I love them all. After buying 2 pair of booties this summer when I already have a closet full of them, I noticed I had a little problem. Awesome problem? Sure. But a problem nonetheless. Here are the symptoms to diagnose whether or not you are a bootaholic.

1. You have a closet full of boots but you continue to buy more.

2. It’s the middle of summer, everyone is going to the beach and you are thinking about fall so that you can wear your favorite shoes.

3. Yes, you have brown boots, but you don’t have brown boots with fringe. New boots.

4. You feel like a good pair of boots are a necessity and not a frivolous expenditure.

5. You find a pair of boots that you love and you buy them in every color.

B. A. Meetings every Monday night at 9p.m.

So, Are you a bootaholic?