Friday Five: Things I Would Purchase Again (and things I would not)

Greetings Friends!  We made it to another Friday.  I can't believe we are already half way through February.  We got our baseball schedule this past week- so there's that.  It is going to be a busy spring.  I am happy to report that I seeing a big, yellow ball in the sky!  I had forgotten what the sunshine looked like! I am happy to see it!

Our week started out with more snow.  Another 6 inches to be exact.  Luckily, the kids only missed one day of school and the rain quickly melted it away.  I am so over the snow!

For my Friday Five, I am linking up with April and Erika for five things I would purchase again and five things I would not.

Let me preface this by saying I am not good at graphics and bloggy stuff.  I basically grouped my five together and took a pic with my iPhone and will link the products to Amazon.

First up, things I would definitely buy again!

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste I have been a Crest girl for quite some time but I felt like it wasn't working for me anymore.  I do drink coffee and tea so I needed a good whitening toothpaste.  So far, I am loving it!  It doesn't get as "sudsy" (is that a word?) as the Crest but I do feel like I get my pearly whites good and clean.

Proactiv+ Deep Cleansing Wash I have been a Proactiv User for a couple of years.  I love it but felt like my face was still oily and dirty after using the regular soap.  I added the micellar water (more on that in a minute) thinking that would help but it didn't.  I got on my proactiv page and read some discussions about the deep cleansing wash.  It is supposed to be a body wash but it has been a game changer for my face!  I use it only at night after I take my makeup off.  My face finally feels clean!

Redken Diamond Oil I think I have found the holy grail for my hair!  This stuff is the bomb.com!  I REALLY wanted to try the Moroccan oil that everyone raves about but the last time  Jamie colored my hair she used this stuff and I was HOOKED. This is the lightest oil on the market.  I need a light oil since my hair tends to be on the oily side (and I am not washing it daily). Can we just talk about the beautiful glass bottle? I hope I don't break it!  This stuff is pricey.  I bought a travel size bottle to start with to make sure I still loved it and went to Ulta yesterday and stocked up on some things and this ended up in my bag.  Redken products were buy two get one free so I got shampoo and conditioner and the Diamond Oil.  My hairdresser said this stuff would probably last me a year- a total justification for spending $32 on it!

Loreal Sleek It Heatspray I have used several different heat protectants and have decided I like this best.  I do love the Chi heat protectant but it is pricey for no more than you get.  The only thing I don't like about this stuff is the trigger spray.  The first day I used it, I dropped the bottle and broke the trigger so I had to buy another bottle.  Oops!

Sally Hanson Miracle Gel Top Coat  I polish my nails frequently in the winter.  My hands get so dry and I had read online that if you polish your nails, you trap moisture in under the nail bed.  I can tell a difference.  The Sally Hanson stuff is a game changer because it doesn't chip the polish.  Before I used this, my at home mani MIGHT last a day- now I can go four or five days!

And five things I wouldn't purchase again....

I am not saying these products aren't good products- they just weren't for me.

The Wet Comb Santa left these in mine and Caylee's stockings and within a week, both combs were broken.  It was poorly designed.  I emailed the company and told them I wasn't happy and they sent me two new ones!  I must admit, I don't use it daily but I have learned to be super careful when I do use it.

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray This stuff feels super heavy for my hair.  I love the concept of it, but it is too much for my hair.

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Shampoo  Again, I wish I could love it, but I don't.  I talked about this in another post.  It doesn't make suds well (I don't think it is supposed to).  I just didn't feel like I got my hair clean.  I am going to keep it and use it on Caylee's hair.

Micellar Cleansing Water The jury is still out on this one.  Again, I love the concept- just not sure it is for me.  I use it and my face feels oily even though it says it is oil free.  Nothing stands up to coconut oil for taking off eye makeup!  I will keep using it for eye makeup removal but not for the rest of my face.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream  This stuff is HEAVY for my hair.  I wanted something to lock in my beach waves after using my hair wand (which I FINALLY mastered) but this isn't it.  It feels like glue in my hair.  No thank you.  Again, I wish I could love it, but don't.

What have you bought lately that you loved?  Or not loved?

Friday Five: The Love Edition

You know what today is and you know what I am going to do!


Linking up with Erika and April!

O-N-E

Unless you have been living under a rock (or haven't stepped foot into a grocery store this AM like I did), you know this weekend is Valentine's Day.  I have said it before and I will say it again: Valentine's Day is overrated.    I mean, why do we have to have a holiday to tell people we love them?  We should say AND SHOW IT daily {speaking to myself here}.  When I think of Valentine's Day, I am reminded of two of my high school classmates who were killed in a car wreck on Valentine's night our Junior year.  My mind drifts back to the hours and days following their wreck.  Our community came together and showed lots of love to the family and to us as a class.  

As far as how we celebrate now, we don't really make a big deal of it.  Most years, I will get the kids something small, and something small for Chad.  This year, I am behind and have purchased NOTHING.  I need to get busy.  

T-W-O

Chad has been gone all week and is supposed to be home tonight; however, he is bringing snow with him.  There is a snowstorm coming and he will be driving into it.  I am ready for him to be home so that I can get a good night's rest.  I don't sleep well when he isn't home (most nights) and Elmer was my alarm clock at 4:30AM this morning.  

I am getting better with the whole solo parent thing but this week was crazy!  On Monday, Tank had to go back to the vet.

We interrupt this blog post for a Tank update!!!!!!!

Tank had been having some sinus congestion again so I took him back to the vet on Monday for a recheck.  Dr. Cherry took a look at the tumor in his mouth AND IT IS ALMOST GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Praise the Lord!  We still don't know if it is cancer or not but we will take the good news!  Before Christmas, the tumor was so big that Dr. Cherry could have stuck his thumb in it; and now, he has shrunk significantly!  He is being treated with a different antibiotic for the sinus infection and is doing much better!

The kids were out of school on Tuesday for snow.  Caylee had a dentist appointment that I ended up keeping.  She had been complaining about a place in her gums.  I am not one to rush to the doctor/dentist at every complaint but when I looked at the place, it looked like a tooth was trying to come through with nowhere to go.  My assessment was right and they ended up pulling two teeth.  Wednesday, Elmer had to go to the vet (I need our own room there), I had a doctor's appointment, and Carson fought World War III with his contacts!  Needless to say, I am ready for some downtime!

T-H-R-E-E

Hopping back on the Valentine's topic, one overachieving child had Valentine's ready a week ago AND her box crafted, one waited until 8PM to do Valentine's and asked his sister to make his box!  These are accurate descriptions of the personalities of my kiddos!  Caylee chose to handout StarWars tattoos and Carson bought FunDip (sorry, teachers).  Caylee and Chad's mom got a kit at Michael's several weeks ago and made hers together.  I thought it turned out super cute!

Caylee loves to bake so this was perfect!  How cute are the dishtowels hanging on the side?!

My oldest child will hand out Valentine's for the last time, and I am ok with that because the next time he gives Valentine's, it will be to one girl. (Ella Kate, maybe?  I hope Andrea is ok with that!)  ;)  I got a cup yesterday from St. Jude and it came in a white box so Carson asked Caylee to turn the box into a baseball.  This is what my eight year old came up with....

If I were the Pinterest Mother of the Year, I really could have gussied it up, but I am not.  Caylee, on the other hand, will be THAT MOM when she is grown, and I am ok with that.  ;) It was a little odd walking into school and seeing all types of boxes- some CLEARLY done by someone else and some done by the student.  We were on both ends of the spectrum.  HA!

F-O-U-R

I had the pleasure of meeting a representative from St. Jude yesterday for lunch.  After the half last year and asking Sarah alot of questions about their time there, God placed in on my heart to get involved on a deeper level with St. Jude- both fundraising and volunteering.  I was able to get connected with my new friend Rebecca and I am going to be helping to plan the St. Jude Run/Walk in September for my area!!  So exciting!  She also gave me ideas on raising money as a St. Jude Hero too.  St. Jude forever has a special place in my heart!

F-I-V-E

Three of the four of us were happy after the Super Bowl!  I am afraid Carson is turning into a bandwagon fan- he likes whoever is popular.  I must say that I am not impressed with Cam Newton's behavior at the press conference.  I know I shouldn't judge because I wasn't there and didn't hear the questions and comments being thrown out at him, but I don't think a Peyton or Eli Manning would leave a presser.  I hope Peyton retires and comes back to Tennessee in some capacity!  

The kids were dismissed from early for snow today so we are all basically being lazy, and I am ok with that!

Have a wonderful love filled weekend!

Finally Friday!

Happy Friday loves!  I'm back with a Five on Friday linkup!

Andrea

April

O-N-E

Last weekend, Chad ran his 5th 50 mile trail race.  You read that right.  He has completed FIVE fifty mile trail races.  This doesn't include that Crazy 100 Miler he did last year, the countless marathons, and 50ks.  The kids and I drove down to Chattanooga on Saturday morning (SUPER EARLY) to watch.  It was a cold and wet day (much like today).

This is how Caylee crews a race!  We took the new car and I made them take their shoes off and attempted to keep the plastic floormats clean (didn't work!).

 Here he comes to the "finish".  These trail races are no frills.  The finish line wasn't marked.  The race director was standing near me and I asked him where the official finish line was and he said, "eh, around here somewhere!".

 Chad and his running husband, Sid.  I swear, he spends more time with Sid than he does me!  Good dude, that Sid is.

T-W-O

My boy got contacts this week.  We knew we would have to move to contacts for baseball and after meeting once with our pitching coach, we decided to go ahead and talk with our optometrist.  Carson did great pitching with his glasses but couldn't hit anything.  He can't wear his glasses and his batting helmet so contacts it is.  We spent over an hour in the contact room of the eye doctor's office (side note: they need wine in there! MERCY).  Carson had trouble getting them in and out and he had to do it himself.  I can't help.  It was hard for me not to intervene.  It was stressful for the both of us.  The lady that taught him how to put them in wasn't the best teacher in the world but he is starting to get the hang of it.  He is getting a little better at it but it will take practice.  Chad reassured me that it will get easier.  I don't have to wear glasses or contacts but Chad does.

T-H-R-E-E

I got my hair colored last week and after convos with my wonderful hairdresser and friends, I have decided I am gun ho on the whole #dirtyhair thing.  I come from the "wash your hair everyday religiously camp" but I know that isn't always healthy.  Right now, I am on day four hair and even though it is feeling gross, I am forcing myself to make it through one more day and wash tomorrow.  I don't have plans outside of the house tonight so I am good with the grease! ;)  This stuff has been a lifesaver! I am open to product suggestions and dry hair style suggestions!  I am rocking a messy bun and bangs pinned back right now!

F-O-U-R

I spent four hours this morning cleaning out my pantry. Three huge trash bags later, it is finished.  Geez!  I need to do a better job at eating what we have and not impluse buying!

F-I-V-E

I haven't mentioned Weight Watchers much lately.  I am still attending meetings and somewhat following the plan.  I am within my goal weight according to WW, but I would like to be a little lighter.  WW changed their program and I hate to admit it, but I am not really digging it.  I need to roll up my sleeves and get 100% back on track and see what happens.  

I hope you guys have a lovely weekend!  We are out of school Monday.  Our weekend plans consist of cleaning out and organizing the playroom and cleaning out Caylee's closet.  Fun times! (insert eye roll here)

Five on Friday!!!!

I sound like a broken record.  I keep saying I am going to do better by this blog and yet, I fall short.  Oh well.  I am not beating myself up over it.  We are living life and are busy.  Fall activities are in full swing.  School, homework, baseball, dance, repeat.

I want to share some five Friday favorites and to make a shameless brag about where I will be next Friday night.  I am spending part of the night with this handsome hunk.....  

#sorryChad

To say I am excited is a huge understatement, especially since I listen to his new album non stop- well, when the kids aren't around.  Some songs on there (song #3) aren't for kid ears!

Here's Five of my current favorites (Luke not included but a given):

ONE

I love fall nail polish.  I need to update my collection.  I haven't painted my nails as often as I would like.  I usually do it at night but I have been so tired after the kids go to bed, I have been turning in myself.  Here are my favorites:

From Left to Right:

OPI DS Classic

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Sally Hansen top coat gel- this is my newest purchase.  I love this!  It DEFINITELY extends the life of my painted nails!

OPI 50 Shades of Gray- I don't know the name of this polish but it was in a sample kit from the 50 Shades of Gray line.

Essie Wicked

Essie Bahama Mama

Essie Mink Muffs

TWO

In keeping with the fall theme, my favorite candles are from Bath and Body Works.  I exercise patience and wait for them to go on sale.  I recently purchased Autum and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE sweet cinnamon pumpkin!!

THREE

Have you heard this song?  SWOON.  I knew this song was coming out about a month ago.  Mom and I saw Thomas at the Grand Ole Opry and he sang this song.  He wrote it to his wife.  It is the sweetest thing.  He and his cute little wife are adorable!  

FOUR

I love this picture of my boy and his field crew buddies.  They are in the equipment room before the game praying.  If this doesn't tell you that Jesus isn't present, I don't know what does!  

FIVE

This is a new favorite picture of mine.  She is something else!  

One more thing before I go....

GO VOLS!  BEAT FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!!

This picture is circa 2006..  Carson had these foam letters for the bathtub so we made a sign.  It is TIME for the Vols to beat the Gators!

Carson has a baseball tournament this weekend and has to play his toughest opponent (long story there) an hour before the UT game kicks off- which means we will be watching the stressful baseball AND the UT game at the same time.  Two huge rivalry games!  I am taking my iPad and Chad's hotspot to the ball field so I can watch both.  Crazy?  Nope!

Five Favorites on Friday

I'm back with another Five on Friday post!  Today's post is brought to you by Friendship Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

I really don't have a sponsor for this post.  I am currently sitting at a jeep dealership in another town waiting on them to fix all the screw ups that the other dealership made.  What stinks is that I am stuck here for the day.  I came armed with my laptop, my Nook, and a Redbox movie!  

Let's get to the good stuff!!!

O-N-E

My favorite moment of the week was watching Caylee in her Tennessee History museum.  Every year, the second graders complete an in depth study of Tennessee History.  Part of their study was researching a famous Tennessean.  Their teacher assigned them a famous Tennesseean and they had to learn as much about them as they could, write a report, and prepare a speech.  The culminating activity was a Wax Museum.  The kids "became" their person in this museum.  They were lined up along the hallways of the school and sat "frozen" until a museum guest (parents, teachers, students, staff, etc) touched their hand.  They came to life and said their little speech.  It was the sweetest thing ever!  We had Minnie Pearl, Peyton Manning, Pat Summit, Al Gore, Andrew Jackson, Alvin York, Tina Turner, and Grace Moore. Caylee was Anne Dallas Dudley.  She was a leader in the movement for women's rights.  I didn't know how she was until I googled her and had a hard time coming up with an outfit.  Our awesome friends, the Goods, came through for me and let us borrow this dress.  We chose it because in all of the pictures of Anne, she was wearing a dress with this neckline.

I present to you, Anne Dallas Dudley (or Fancy Nancy! )....

She did a great job.  She, like most of her classmates, had memorized their little speech.  I was so proud.  She said she got many compliments!  

T-W-O

My TimeHop is depressing me right now.  It was around this time four and five years ago that Chad ran the Boston Marathon.  That city forever has my heart.  I fell in love with the city because of the marathon and I became a RedSox fan.  I think the city of Boston fell in love with me too because of my accent!  ;)  

The 2011 trip was the last big trip Chad and I took together without the kids.  Kinda sad, but such is life.  We had ambitions of taking trips together every year but life (and lack of funds) gets in the way.  My biggest fear is that when our kids are grown and leave our home, we won't know who each other is anymore.  I would love to go with him when he travels for business just to get away- even if it is sitting in the hotel room reading a book- but it isn't worth messing up everyone's apple carts and asking others to step in and take care of the kids.  We are fortunate to take trips with the kids and I enjoy that time very much.  The kids went to Boston for his first race then he and I went the second time he ran it.  

T-H-R-E-E

The ACMs are this weekend.  I bet you can't guess who I am voting for DAILY for Entertainer of the Year!!!!!  My favorite....

Mercy!  I hope he wins but I am afraid Garth or Miranda will get it.  I am so excited for new music from Luke.  I know he has a new album coming out this year. I don't know how it will top Crash My Party.  

F-O-U-R

I put myself on a No Spend Diet the rest of this month (and maybe part of next month).  This is not a "favorite" but it needs to happen.   I spent one whole afternoon this week reworking our budget and was disgusted at what we spend.  What blows my mind is that Chad makes more now than we both did put together when I worked AND we paid daycare, diapers, formula, etc. and it seems as though we had more "disposable" income then than we do know.  What the heck?  The bad news is Caylee and I both need clothes.  Since losing my weight, my closet has become bare.  Plus, since I am going to work for Weight Watchers, I will need clothes appropriate for work.  I am going to need a couple of bathing suits too.  I am not going to shop for them until May though.  

F-I-V-E

My favorite quote this week was something I said to my mother in law.  With our crazy schedules and Chad's travel, we eat out a lot (maybe that is part of the problem in number 4!).  I told her, "If it weren't for Pal Barger and Truett Cathy, we would starve!"  Pal Barger owns Pal's, our favorite local fast food restaurant; and, of course, Truett Cathy founded Chick Fil A.  

Well, that is a peek into my brain!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I am working the Bristol race this weekend as a fundraiser for the baseball team!

It's Bristol Baby!

Friday Brain Dump

Hello!!! It is a Friday Brain Dump!

Linking up with:

Andrea | April | Karli

FIRST:
I feel like I say all of my weeks are crazy and I am crazy- I say this all the time and I am convinced that I am.  Chad was gone this week for work- hence the crazy.  As you have probably figured out by now, something always happens when he is gone.  This week was no different.  I thought I was taking the bull by the horns when I visited the liquor store (our grocery stores don't sell wine... yet) on Monday afternoon before kid pickup.  I decided that I was going to be prepared for whatever came my way.

Things were going great until we got home from school on Monday.  I backed the Grand Cherokee in the garage as always (we have to back it in so Elmer won't chew on my wiring harness anymore- a whole other story for another day) but apparently I didn't back it in  far enough.   I went inside and got a phone call saying our propane company was coming to fill up the tank and they asked me to get the dogs in.  They were literally two minutes away so I got the dogs in the garage and put the door down. The hinge of the door put a big ole scratch on my bumper.

Chad was in Nashville so I called him and told him.  We thought we could just clean it good and put a tag over it but no.  I filed a claim with insurance and it will be fixed on Tuesday. Speaking of the GC, we THINK the 4WD and cruise control will be fixed Monday.  The part is in.  YAHOO!!!

SECOND:
I made oatmeal in the crock pot for breakfast this week.  It was SO GOOD.  Carson liked it because I put a big scoop of peanut butter in his bowl.

I got the recipe from my Arkansas friend, Jenna.

1 cup steel cut oats

3 cups water

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter

Toppings:

brown sugar

fruit

peanut butter

Spray crock pot with cooking spray.  Dump ingredients minus toppings.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  

Yields: 4 servings 

1/3 cup= 4 WW+ points

THIRD:

I started a deep clean/purge of Caylee's room.  I was just asking for punishment!  She is such a hoarder!  I love starting with a blank slate.  I sang me some Taylor Swift as I was cleaning out her room.  "I've got a Blank Space, baby.  And I'll write your name."

 All of her stuff had to go somewhere.
#godhelpusall
#somestuffisstillout

My problem is I can't work in there when she is home.  If I dare throw something away and she sees it, she will dig it out of the trash and put back.  UGH!

FOURTH:

The kids missed school yesterday due to a small ice storm.  I am officially sick of snow days.  I am sick of snow days when Chad is out of town.  I decided last night that we needed a change of scenery for the day.  The kids were already scheduled to be out of school today for teacher inservice so I made the executive decision to take them to Knoxville for the day.  We went to Steak n Shake for lunch.  Funny Carson story- we walk into Steak 'n Shake and he said, "this reminds me of a diner back in the old days- like the 90s." 

After lunch, we ran into an outfitters store and I bought both kids Chacos.  I love mine and Caylee had been begging for a pair.  I ended up getting Carson some too for Dollywood and Splash Country. After the shopping, we went to JumpJam, an indoor trampoline park.  My sole item on my agenda today was for them to exhaust themselves!

 Mission accomplished!

Our last two stops were to Trader Joe's and to get icees from Weigels.  A Knoxville tradition!  ;)

This is my Trader Joe's loot.  I love the white cheddar puffs!  I only had a small handful.

FIFTH:

I finally broke down and ordered a real waffle iron.  We have a Mickey Waffle iron but it basically makes Mickey pancakes.  The iron came in the mail this week so on our snow day, I made real waffles!  They were AWESOME!  

Four thumbs up for great waffles!

FINALLY:

I have slacked on my Weight Watchers post.  Heck, I have slacked in weight watchers this week.  I will do a WW post this weekend.  Someone needs to come kick my butt and get me back on track- THANK GOD I don't have to weigh in!  

Happy Weekend!