Logan Can – Page 83 – A Lifestyle Blog about Marriage, Parenting, Fashion and Fitness

Book Review: The Rosie Project

March 4, 2015

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

June, 2014 Simon and Schuster

Pages: 320

Synopsis from Goodreads: An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical–most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent–and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don’s Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie–and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

“The Rosie Project” is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.

My Thoughts: Although I am a psych nerd, this book just didn’t click with me. Sure, parts of it were interesting, but I just don’t think I have the right sense of humor for this book. I found it to be a bit slow and boring most of the time. It was better towards the end, but even so, it became predictable and held little surprise. I can’t really decide if I want to read the sequel – The Rosie Effect – now. I gave this book 3 stars.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Check out my list of 15 must read books this year!

St. Patrick’s Day

March 3, 2015

When is St. Patrick’s Day? March 17th. What is St. Patrick’s Day? It is a day that celebrates the arrival of the Christian church in Ireland as well as Ireland as a country. I am a Christian and part Irish and therefore, I love this holiday. Really, I love all holidays, but this one includes my favorite color – green and celebrates part of my heritage which makes it even more fun. I can’t wait to celebrate this year with Hampton and teach him a few traditions I grew up with.

Here are a few ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your kiddos:

– Wear green so you don’t get pinched

-Leave your shoes outside your bedroom door the night before so the leprechauns can fill them with candy.

-Drink a green Shamrock Shake from McDonalds

-Look for a lucky 4 leaf clover.

-Go to a parade.

-Bake some (green) M&M cookies and add green food coloring to make them extra lucky.

Are you Irish? Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Baby Girl’s Nursery Decor // Blockaholic Boutique

March 2, 2015

Blocks c/o Blockaholic Boutique here

Eiffel Tower: Hobby Lobby

Shelf: Target

We are officially 2 months (or sooner) away from meeting our baby girl! I have finally organized Hampton’s new room and Baby Girl’s closet, and I have officially started decorating! I know I know, it’s about time. With all the adorable nursery ideas on Pinterest, I just couldn’t decide what to choose. With less than 9 weeks until she arrives, I still have a lot to do around here. It’s times like these that I am very thankful for Etsy. I was so exited to find these adorable baby blocks from Blockaholic Boutique. They are so adorable and GREAT quality. I am loving these blocks for a baby boy. Are they not the cutest? They are real wood, painted and personalized. They can be customized to your specifications. Since we didn’t know our baby girl’s name until just recently – yes, we FINALLY have a name!! – I ordered the blocks to say “bebe Cantrell” instead!

Since we have waited so late to decide on a name, we are going to wait to announce it until she is born, however, you will get a sneak peek at her initials later this week! I’ve got to keep you guessing! 🙂

I’m so thankful to have finally started decorating her nursery. Luckily, I don’t have much more to do. I have one more shelf to decorate and I need to find something to put over her crib. Other than that, we are all set! I can’t wait to share more details of her nursery with you as I complete it!

Be sure to check out Blockaholic Boutique on Etsy! They have the cutest blocks and nursery decor around!

Yoga During Pregnancy

February 27, 2015

This post is sponsored by Stayfree and Sverve, but opinions are 100% my own.

Staying fit while pregnant is anything but easy. During the first part of pregnancy, you are dealing with morning sickness, soreness, and tiredness. During the last part of pregnancy, many of those symptoms come back to haunt you, on top of a lot of discomfort from your body stretching and changing to accommodate that sweet baby you’re carrying. Staying motivated to work out during all of this can be tough.

During my first pregnancy, I didn’t exercise all that much, and I felt it. My hips and back were sore all the time and I just felt bad. I didn’t feel like myself. This time around I have really relied on pregnancy safe exercises – my favorite being yoga since I have had to quit running. Yoga has kept me flexible, strong and feeling more energized this time around. It also gives me a nice break from walking outside. Some days, it is just too cold, and lately it has been raining a lot, so staying indoors has been a nice alternative.

I recently discovered an exciting collaboration between Stayfree and Gaiam T.V. that I mentioned in this post. I ran to Target to grab some Stayfree Ultra Thin pads (because I will need them in a few weeks anyway) and I uploaded my receipt to Stayfree’s website and received a free 30 day trial of My Yoga videos. I have really been enjoying learning and brushing up on all of these basic moves and practicing them during Hampton’s nap time. I love these pads and will definitely be needing them in a few weeks after I have my baby. No leaks for this mama, thank you! Be sure to check out this deal now through March 12th!

Whether I am outside enjoying nature or in my living room, yoga has been the best way for me to de-stress, take some time for myself and stay healthy during my second pregnancy.

Some other changes that have made my pregnancy healthier and easier:

-Drinking more water
-Resting as much as possible
-Exercising every day
-Stretching/Yoga
-Eating healthier

What are some ways you stayed healthy during your pregnancy?

Washington D.C.

February 26, 2015

This post is sponsored by Vimbly but opinions are 100% my own.

Ryan travels to Washington D.C. several times a year with his job. Although I have been to the city before, I have never been with him. I’m determined to go with him after the baby is born. I have been so excited about visiting our nation’s capitol again that I am already planning our trip. Of course, I would like to visit the monuments and museums, but I really want to spend more time touring the city itself. Vimbly is one of the websites I have been using to find things to do and places to see and it has shown me that there is much more to DC than the typical tourist stops.

I thought the monument tour looked really great and being the chocolate lover that I am, I’d love to go on the chocolate tour. As far as food is concerned, the possibilities are endless! Did you know you can go on a Gelato factory tour? Yes, it may be the pregnancy cravings talking, but yum. I don’t turn down gelato.

If we go during the summer, I would love to go kyaking or paddle boarding! There are so many options for fun activities that we don’t get to do here very often. From dance classes to BYOB Wine and Painting, this city has so much more to offer than I ever realized.

Vimbly has made it extremely easy to plan our entire trip to D.C. They operate in 18 major cities across the U.S. and are expecting to establish a national presence this year. It has helped me tremendously in finding great restaurants and date ideas. Be sure to check out all of the incredible classes, food, tours and more going on in your city!

Stayfree with My Yoga

February 25, 2015

This post is sponsored by Stayfree and Sverve, but opinions are 100% my own.

I have fallen in love with yoga since quitting dance 3 years ago. It has kept me flexible and centered and gives me a lot of the same gratification dance did. It has filled a big void in a way. I also love yoga because it has been so nice to do while pregnant. I have felt more myself on days that I stay active and flexible. I had less back and hip pain this time around and I am so thankful for that.

I recently heard about a collaboration between Stayfree and Gaiam TV that excited me! Now through March 12th you can purchase any Stayfree product and receive a free 30 day membership to My Yoga on Gaiam TV!

Yoga keeps me calm and definitely de-stresses me after a long day. After hearing about this recent collaboration between Stayfree and Gaiam TV, I rushed right out to Target and purchased some pads (because know I will need them anyway after the baby comes) and I uploaded my receipt right to Stayfree’s site!

I can’t wait to receive the videos and get started right away. Best part? I don’t even have to leave my house! I can do it outside on a warmer day, or right in my living room. Convenience is everything when you have a sixteen month old!

Be sure to take advantage of this deal by March 12th!

Color Block

February 25, 2015

Top: c/o Pink Blush here

Earrings:: c/o Laguna Pearl here

Jeans: Motherhood

Boots: Shoe Station (old)

I am officially 30 weeks pregnant (and 4 days). I’ll be honest, most days, I just want to stay in sweat pants all day, and working from home makes it very easy to do that, but I always feel a million times better if I make myself get dressed for the day. There is just something about getting dressed that is an instant mood booster. I feel more confident and ready to tackle the day ahead. This top is perfect because it is cute and acceptable to wear while running errands but also extremely comfortable. I love the color block look, but the colors are what really caught my attention. I love that it is still neutral but has a little added pink. It’s simple and feminine.

I am totally obsessed with these earrings from Laguna Pearl. They can be easily dressed up or down. The dark color was the perfect contrast with this outfit. I am not a huge fan of flashy jewelry. I love simple and elegant pieces. I love these studs because they are a funky twist on an old classic that will never go out of style.

I am definitely feeling a lot more pregnant this week. My energy hasn’t been quite what it has been and my workouts have been really tough. I’m starting to have a harder time fitting in my pre-pregnancy tops, so I am very thankful for the few maternity items I have acquired. I’ve also been feeling a lot of pressure and I’m pretty sure baby #2 has started moving down a bit. I’m going to the doctor this morning, so I am really excited to check up on baby girl!

What is your go-to clothing item that is stylish but comfortable? Do you wear flashy or simple jewelry?

Book Review: First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

February 24, 2015

First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Pages: 291

Synopsis from Goodreads: From the New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells comes a story of the Waverley family, in a novel as sparkling as the first dusting of frost on new-fallen leaves…

It’s October in Bascom, North Carolina, and autumn will not go quietly. As temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn, the Waverley women are made restless by the whims of their mischievous apple tree… and all the magic that swirls around it. But this year, first frost has much more in store.

Claire Waverley has started a successful new venture, Waverley’s Candies. Though her handcrafted confections—rose to recall lost love, lavender to promote happiness and lemon verbena to soothe throats and minds—are singularly effective, the business of selling them is costing her the everyday joys of her family, and her belief in her own precious gifts.

Sydney Waverley, too, is losing her balance. With each passing day she longs more for a baby— a namesake for her wonderful Henry. Yet the longer she tries, the more her desire becomes an unquenchable thirst, stealing the pleasure out of the life she already has.

Sydney’s daughter, Bay, has lost her heart to the boy she knows it belongs to…if only he could see it, too. But how can he, when he is so far outside her grasp that he appears to her as little more than a puff of smoke?

When a mysterious stranger shows up and challenges the very heart of their family, each of them must make choices they have never confronted before. And through it all, the Waverley sisters must search for a way to hold their family together through their troublesome season of change, waiting for that extraordinary event that is First Frost.

Lose yourself in Sarah Addison Allen’s enchanting world and fall for her charmed characters in this captivating story that proves that a happily-ever-after is never the real ending to a story. It’s where the real story begins.

My Thoughts: It’s no secret to you that I love Sarah Addison Allen novels and that Garden Spells was my favorite. Well, the Waverley’s are back along with their magic and mystery. I loved reading about grown up Bay and the sisters as they are getting older and switching roles a bit. I really hope SAA writes more novels in this series. I loved First Frost and gave it 5 stars.

My First Niece

February 23, 2015

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed the most adorable baby girl blowing up your feed. That would be my adorable new niece! My first niece. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law decided to keep the gender a surprise, but she really felt like she was having a boy the entire pregnancy. I felt like it was a girl, and I am thrilled that it is! Our little girls will be just over 2 months apart and I know they will be best little buddies. I’m so happy they will have each other.

Meet beautiful baby Kena:

Isn’t she perfect? I mean, those cheeks!

How was your weekend? Did anything exciting happen in your life?

30 Week Pregnancy Update + Giveaway

February 20, 2015

How Far Along: 30 weeks…as in 3/4 of the way there! I. Can’t. Believe. It.

Size of Baby: 3 lbs. She will be gaining half a pound a week from here on!

Gender: Our baby girl!

Movement: All the time. She is getting so strong and is constantly jabbing me in the ribs. It isn’t always pleasant, but I love feeling her moving.

Sleep: Not so great. Hello pregnancy insomnia.

Workouts: This week, I only walked 4 miles and did cardio one other day, but I did do my TIU routines every day. Definitely did a lot more strength than cardio, but it has been way too cold to walk outside, y’all.

Maternity Clothes: Mostly leggings, although my jeans have been nice to have this week because…brr.

Symptoms: I’ve had horrible Braxton Hicks this week. I think I over did it a couple of days with the exercising/cleaning/organizing/moving furniture around. Yeah, I learned my lesson. I haven’t had them the last couple of days, thank goodness.

Cravings/Aversions: Just sweets every now and then. My cravings haven’t been all that strong this time around, and for that I’m very thankful.

Missing Most: Sleep. Pregnancy insomnia hit me hard this week. It’s not been pleasant.

Nursery: I have officially washed all of baby girl’s clothes, and organized her closet. I just have a few more decorations to order and put together and we will be all set. As far as Hampton’s room, it is all ready to go minus the crib. Once it comes in, we will go ahead and move him into his new big boy room so that he can get used to it before baby arrives! 🙂

And now onto the giveaway!

#LuckOfTheIrishGiveaway

“May your pockets be heavy….”

with MONEY

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ENTER TO WIN!

*Three winners of $500 each

A HUGE thank you to the 84 amazing blogger friends of

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Please be sure and thank the team of amazing bloggers who joined me to offer this phenomenal cash prize! I encourage you to hop over and take a peek into their paradise!

May good luck pursue you each day and night! Happy St. Patricks Day from all of us to you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open worldwide to participants with a verified PayPal account.

Three entries will be drawn for $500 PayPal Cash to each of the three winners.

All entries will be verified. In the event an entry can not be verified participant chooses to forfeit that entry and another winner will be chosen.

Winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email.

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