I Made It!! | #BEDM Day 31

Yay everyone, I have offically made it!! Made it through what some of you are wondering, I made it through BEDM (Blog Everyday in May Challenge)!

Let me start by saying this, the word challenge is an understatement! haha :P Yes, it was truly a challenge. At first, I was off to a great start, getting my posts out at a reasonable time and nothing really going wrong. Then bam, I got hit with the stress train! Not only did I have tons and tons of things to do for work, I was trying to complete quality posts at a reasonable time. One goal I had for myself (other than finish this challenge) was to get the posts out before 10 am. I am late bird, because I work a mid-afternoon to late night job. So I am up late and have tons of time before work to get posts done. Okay, maybe that wasn't a good idea if I was going to complete the post the day before. I quickly realize that wasn't quite reasonable. So at that moment, maybe midway through the challenge, I found myself questioning whether I should call it quits. I am not one to quit anything and this challenge was no exception. Once I started feeling overwhelmed, I really wanted to just say its okay, I can  try it again next time. No, I told myself, that is not going to happen.

Viola! I didn't quit! Thankful I didn't and thankful I found some advice that really started working for me. I quickly turned the my blogging communities and asked some wonderful ladies (that are much much more experienced than I am) for some well needed advice. Most of these women are mommies, work jobs, and blog regularly. So the advice these lovely ladies gave me were taken very seriously.

The number one advice I got was scheduling. OMG, I thought to myself, I have done the scheduling before but for a post I knew I wasn't going to be home at the time I wanted it go out. So why didn't I think of that, I'm not sure. Let me tell any of you struggling with staying on a regular posting schedule, scheduling is key! Also, working on posts little by little when I have time and not focusing on one for hours and hours for one night was another important piece of advice I recieved. These two combined had released all my worries and stress.

I found them to work the best for me because of my schedule. Some times I have tons of time and would be able to complete a post in one night. Other times I have hardly any time at all and is possible to be that way for days. I started to take advantage of the times I had plenty of down time and knocking posts out and scheduling them for days I needed them to go out. The other times when I had hardly any spare time, I just worked on posts little at a time. Boy oh boy this worked wonders. I was able to keep my posts going and had them coming out at the same time every morning. It was completely wonderful and felt so great. And did I mention it was a total relief and weight off my shoulders. I no longer worried about having to quitting. =D

After trying out my first challenge and really getting a real taste of how it can be, I realized how much harder blogging can really be. I give props to all the bloggers out there that work, are mommies, go to school, and blog! I am grateful this challenge ends right before my classes start, because I would probably start stressing again. Lol ;)

I hope you all enjoyed my Blog Everyday in May posts! If there is any topic you thought was amazing and would love to read more on, let me know in the comments below. Any feedback is very much welcomed!

Memories | New York City | #BEDM Day 30

Continuation of our New Jersey Vacation...
(If you haven't checked out my New Jersey post, click here)

Another major point in our trip was our weekend in New York City, we both have never been before and were quite excited to make our own experiences. We got to experience the train, the subways, the crazy taxi drivers, New York only food, Christmas in NYC, and the extra long New York City blocks. We were only able to visit a small portion of NYC (due to our limited time), but what we did see was awesome! 

 

 

We rode the train from New Jersey to New York City, which let me tell you is its own experience. We arrived at the well known train station, Penn Station. We were able to tell when we were getting really close to NYC because the closer we got, the more "Santa Clauses" showed up! It wasn't until we were on our way to NYC that we found out the Santa Claus Convention was going on. Every where we walked Saturday, we saw them. It was quite interesting to see how many people dressed up, which seemed to be more than not.

 

Wishlist | #BEDM Day 29

I have to be honest when I read the subject for today's BEDM post I was stumped. There isn't much I wish for in this world. A lot of things I can get one way or another, sometimes easily and sometimes it takes a little more work. So I was completely at a loss for a post on this one. 

Then it hit me, it doesn't have to be a wish list for objects. It could be a wishlist for bigger things or simply for people around you. Once I looked at the bigger picture, I couldn't stop thinking of different things. 

So this post is going to be about my wishlist, but not an object wishlist, but my true personal within in my heart wishlist. Somethings are completely out of my control and others at some point in my life they can happen if I set my heart to it completely. 

Blog Shoutouts | #BEDM Day 28

Before I started my own blog I read a lot of other's blogs. Most of them happened to be youtube gurus, who I loved to watch and then get more detail on their blogs. After starting my own and joining different communities, some in my niche and some not, I found a lot of blogs I love to read daily. I check a lot of these blogs out all the time and follow many of them on different social media platforms.

 

In this post I am going to do a blog shout out and hope some of you find some new ones! & if you have some blogs you recommend, please share them in the comments below! I am always looking for new blogs to read!

 

Lets get on with the list!

 

Anna Elise @ The Beauty Section | Anna blogs all about fashion and beauty. She has great posts on beauty and reviews! 

 

Flore @ Floor's World | Flore also blogs about fashion and beauty. Another great blog to read for reviews on items and personal opinions on products. She also has awesome tutorials!

 

Gemma Sapphire @ Lady Saphhire Blog | Another great blog for all things beauty. Gemma has amazing reviews on products and awesome make up look posts. She also has an amazing section on her blog for real life stories (which by the way has incredible stories on there) that are worth the read!

 

Kat Shepsutt @ Kat's Colourings | Kat has a great blog with all things beauty! I love her eye look posts that she has quite often. She is incredible with color.

 

Kate Lynn @ The Organized Dream | Kate's blog is all about life and home. She has amazing food posts and is very creative. Definitly recommend if you are all about home and love DIY projects.

Madame~Dreamer | She blogs about anything in her life. She has amazing posts on her blog now that pertain to things in her life currently. Her and I started blogging around the same time and are growing together in this blogging world.

 

Michelle Stanley @ The Writer-Way | If you want to read some great short stories, this is the place to go. Michelle has amazing writing skills and her stories are awesome. When she did the AtoZ Challenage I was in heaven, because I was able to read a new short story everyday. Definitely take the time to read some of her stories!

 

Natasha Peter @ Epic Mommy Adventures | I first found Natasha's blog because of her re-occuring Social Media Link Up Parties. After finding her blog and reading her post I was hooked. She blogs about all things mommy in her life and provides advice for other mommy's out there.

 

Penny Chevalley @ The Real Housewife of Caroline County | Penny blogs all about mommyhood, beauty, and anything she desires. She has posts on recipes, creative ideas, makeup, her pregnancy journey, and much much more. Love her blog and content!

 

Sam Brown @ Smart Twenties | Sam blogs about her journey in her twenties. She also shares advice and has an awesome re-occuring monthly post sharing her budget and spending for that month. I love it and find it a great way to reflect on your spending habits month by month.

 

Jen @ Twenties Chic | Jen is currently engaging in the Blog Everyday in May challenge. She too blogs about all things twenties and shares advice. Another great blog to check out!

 

Varinder Jeet @ Make Up Me and Yoyo | Another amazing blog all around beauty. Varinder has amazing posts on reviews and are totally honest. Another must!

 

Wesley Ramirez @ Working Nerd Alert | Wesley blogs all about the new person entering the work force. She provides amazing advice for work situations.

 

 

These are most of the blogs I read on a daily and I highly recommend them all. Again if you have any blogs you recommend for me to check out please leave their link in the comments below!

 

National BBQ Week | #BEDM Day 27

Alright guys and gals, it is officially National BBQ Week! So what other way is there to celebrate other than having your very own BBQ!? That's what I was thinking also, there isn't! haha ;)

 

I am going to share with you all some recipes I found that would make a perfect BBQ. I am going to incorporate meats, veggies, and even some vegetarian recipes. I am not one to eat a whole lot of meat, so of course I had to throw in some healthier type bbq. So lets get started with some of the recipes I found. =D

 

Memorial Day | #BEDM Day 26

 

First and foremost, I would like to take a moment and remember all those who have served and are currently serving for our country. I would like to take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives for this country, in order for us to live in peace. I give my greatest gratitude to all of the armed forces. Thank you for all you have done and provided.

 

I grew up in a military town for the majority of my life. My father is retired navy and I have many close friends and families I grew up with who have served or currently serving. Memorial day to me is not about the three day weekend that most get, but more about remembering. They say you know you are getting older when people you know or know of are passing away more often. I can say that I experienced this at a younger age. I use this day to remember the ones I knew who have passed fighting for our country.

 

This day is so near and dear to me. I grew up with a family for a huge portion of my life, all of us kids played together and grew up together. We of course all went our seperate ways as we got older, but they will always remain a part of my life now and forever.

 

One of the young men joined the Marines and spent a lot of time overseas. He added to the amazing family he already had, & brought into the world a baby boy. Sadly, in 2007 in he had passed. He was KIA (killed in action) while overseas in Iraq.

 

I cannot imagine the pain they all went through and still share til this day. I can say this, the news of his death brougth tears to my eyes. We all may not be as close as we were all were in the past, but just knowing someone I grew up with and have fond memories of, passed away still shakens me. 

 

I wanted to take the time to give this wonderful family my thoughts. Rest in peace KV.

 

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Let's celebrate the freedom we have and thank all the ones who have served for us to have this freedom.

 



Childhood | #BEDM Day 25

So recently I wrote all about my favorite thing about being an adult (If you haven't read that post yet, click here). This post is going to be all about the best things about childhood. Lets jump right in! I have three major favorites when I thought about my childhood. The three are no bills, play time, and no worries. 

I would have to say one of my favorite things about childhood, is honestly having no bills! No matter how much my parents warned me to enjoy the freedom from bills, I just couldn't wait to be a grown up. The price we all pay to live that grown up life. haha :p 

Healthy Living | #BEDM Day 24

Do you drink green tea? If not, have you heard about all the health benefits green tea can offer? I mentioned in a previous post that I love green tea and drink it on a daily basis. If you haven't heard, green tea is one of the healthiest teas to drink and has many health benefits. In this post, I am going to tell you some of the benefits that green tea provides.

Date Night | #BEDM Day 23

Do you love going on dates with your significant other? Are you finding some dates way out of budget? Are you running out of ideas? Well this post is for you! I am going to share with you all 5 affordable date night ideas! So lets get started with the ideas!

My Workspace | #BEDM Day 21

Today's post is all about my work space. I find these type posts super interesting, because I like to see what others work life is about and things like that. 

The photo above is a panoramic view of my work desk. Please ignore all the random papers everywhere. I was sitting through mail and deciding what needed to be shredded and what needed to be kept when I snapped this photo [I may have a slight attention disorder ;) ]. Anyway, this is my desk. Nothing fancy. I don't have a big oak desk all to myself, but I do have my little space. 

Let's Be Adventurous | #BEDM Day 20

I love going on adventures & I have a list of things I would love to try one day or things I like to do in my spare time. There is also some things I probably would never try because I'm too scared! Haha :P Anyway, in this post I will show you two things I love doing and will do every year, then show you two things that seem like so much fun, but I will never do because they are a little too extreme for my liking. :) 

Adulthood | #BEDM Day 19

Today's topic for the blog everyday in May challenge is to tell everyone your favorite thing about adulthood. Interestingly enough, the first thing I thought of when I heard the words adulthood and favorite thing, I instantly thought of freedom. As an adult I find the freedom to be my favorite thing about it. I am not talking about freedom from lock-up, or freedom from strict parents, I am talking about freedom to do what you please, when you please, without the questions (well most of the time, that is). We all know freedom as an adult only goes so far, but there is a lot more freedom then when you were a child.

When I was going through the motions of what my favorite part of being an adult was, I constantly thought about the bills and how that sucks. Because if you had parents like mine, they tried to warn you, but you didn't believe them. Oh how I would go back to being a kid just so I didn't have to pay bills. :P

Then I thought about the bigger picture, and that is how I came up with freedom as my favorite part. I thought about the freedom I have to decorate my own house how I want it, without having to consult my mother. Or the freedom I have to walk around my house in my under garments with out having to watch out for others (I don't do it often, but the thought that I can, is awesome, hahah :p). Those little things, contribute to why freedom is my favorite part of being an adult.

Of course as an adult we can't run ramped and cause destruction because we are adults, but just the mere fact that we don't have to answer to anyone if we don't want to, is good enough. Of course you have to respect others and treat others how you want to be treated, but it all goes full circle to those little freedom things.

I can go on and on about being an adult and try not to think about all the warnings my parents gave me, but I won't. I will spare you the the long read and the none sense talk.

I am interested to see what you all find to be your favorite part of being an adult. Please share in the comments below. I would love to see what you all come up with!

Until Next Time,

Avie T.



Museum Day | #BEDM Day 18

 

I have gone to my fair share of museums in the past and I loved each and every one of them for their own reasons. I mainly like going to museums for the history. I love learning about history, but I don't like history class. Hahah ;P All seriousness thought, I really love learning about history when it is visual more so than reading.

 

The most recent museum visit I have been to was in New York City with my husband, brother-n-law, and BNL's girlfriend. It was called The National Museum of the American Indian. We stumbled upon this museum on accident and didn't now it was there. I am glad we did though, because it has so much to offer with all the collections available there.

 

In this post I am going to share with you all a few of the photos I took while at the museum. Keep in mind only a portion of the museum was open for photos, while a large portion of it you were not allowed to take any photos in. The reason for that is a lot of the collections the museum had were private collections, so you were not allowed to photograph them because they did not belong to the museum themselves. They were just on display there for the public to see.

 

The ceiling of the building the museum is in, is truly beautiful. It had paintings along the top and the top portion is glass. I could stare at it all day!

Favorite Decade | #BEDM Day 17

 

If you are anything like me and love to look back at fashion trends from different decades, this post is most definetly for you! We are going to take a look at the fashion going around in the 1920s, when the "Flapper girl" style was becoming really popular. I find this decade for fashion one of my favorites. It was the time when fashion for women broke out of the "concealed" statements and the majority of the clothing were super frilly and blingy.

 

 

 

I guess you can say that movie The Great Gatsby helped renew my love for 1920s. The movie made the "flapper girl" style and all the hit parties seem so appealing. Another thing I like about the 20s is the form fitting dresses. They are form fitting but not overly tight. They shape well to a women's curves, but aren't overly tight where it's unappealing.

Day In The Life | #BEDM Day 16

If you are some one like me, just completely curious about other's days, this post is made for you. We are going to take a look at my day. It was suppose to be an hour by hour photage, but I was not able to take a photo every hour. Some reasons why would be, I pretty much forgot for most of the day, and I was at work for 8+ hours, so I didn't want to take a photo of the same work station I was at. haha :) Keep in mind this post was written last night. I didn't want to do the Day in the Life photos the day the post was suppose to go live, because it wouldn't be completely ready until late late late. So I hope you enjoy the little portion of my life I was able to capture. :P

#BEDM | Blog Everyday In May Day 15

Topic: Share your blogging tips or fave blogging experiences

Well since I haven't been blogging that long, I am going to share my favorite blogging experiences so far. I must admit my all time favorite part about blogging is meeting new people, especially ones who share the same interest as you. I would have to say that is my favorite experience so far. Just meeting new people. As a new blogger, I haven't experienced much in the blogging world, but I have met quite a few blogger friends. It's nice to share some interest with others and get tips for things you may not know. Another experience that would have to be fave, is doing my very first review. I did a review on Jamberry Nails (If you haven't checked it out, Click Here). It was fun to do, because I got to try a new product, and give my full honest opinion about it, without any interruptions. I also realized just how much work really goes into those reviews (Props go out to all the bloggers who do a lot of reviews). 

Home Sweet Home | #BEDM Day 14

I have lived many places (mainly due to the military), but I've grown to realize what home really is. I feel like home isn't based one where you live but more about where you have built something for yourself. Whether it is buying a house, starting a career, or starting your own family, where you built it, is where your home is. I can honestly say, home is where my husband is. If he wanted to move to another state for a job, I would go with him in a heart beat. Of course there would be the normal talk throughs, but if it felt right, I wouldn't hesitate. 

I call MS my home now more than any other state I've lived in. We've made a home and a name for ourselves here and it feels wonderful. We have built something for ourselves here without the help of others and that is why it is now our home sweet home. 

We bought our first home here at the end of last year, an accomplishment we have been planning for for years. Now we are planning for a second home and growth in both our careers. 

I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us! :) 

What do you consider home sweet home & why? I would love to hear all of your thoughts. Leave a comment below so we can have discussions! :) 

 

Until Next Time,

Avie T.

 

[P.S] I apologize for the late posts lately. I've been struggling with time management. If you have any tips, please help a girl out! hehe =]

 

Beauty | Jamberry Nails Review | #BEDM Day 13

Has there ever been a time in your life you were fed up with chipping nails? Or just having to constantly re-do them every week? I know how it can be dealing with nail polish and finding that perfect combo to make your polish last longer without having to pay the cost of a professional (we all know that can get costly). What if I told you there is a way to get around the annoying nail routine? 

I am a real big nail polish lover. I love doing my nails and getting manicures when possible. The only thing I can't stand about doing my own nails is the lasting power, other than that, I love everything about it (okay maybe not everything, the smell can be harsh sometimes).

Well I was challenged to try these nail wraps called Jamberry Nails. I have never heard of them before I was presented with them and I have to admit I was skeptical. Drugstore nail wraps have been around for a while, but haven't had the best reputation for lasting power. So I just had to try these nail wraps. 

One sheet runs for $15 for 18 individual nail wraps in different size ranges. One nail wrap covers two nails. Example: If you use one wrap, your cut it in half and use it on the other coinciding nail. Each wrap has a lasting power of 2 weeks. Yes, I said 2 weeks. There has been reports of them last longer then that. 

Each sheet has 18 individual nail wraps. So you get 2-3 manicures and 2 pedicures. That is a steal, if you think about the cost. Going to the salon can run you anywhere between $25-$45. Yes salon manicures and pedicures have a long life span, but they can get costly. 

So onto the challenge: I was challenged to try a single wrap on one of my nails (on each hand) and to paint the rest with my normal polish routine. So my polish routine consists of a rubberized base, nail polish, & a quick dry top coat.

 I was supposed to wear this nail combo for 7 days total & at the end of the 7 days, I was supposed to compare my nail polish to the Jamberry Nails. This challenge was designed to show the lasting power of the Jamberry Nails versus your normal nail polish routine. 

#BEDM | Blog Everyday in May Challenge Day 12 | How to De-Stress While Driving

Today's post was supposed to be about walking to work. Since I have never walked to work because I live over 25 miles away from my current job, I thought I would write about ways to DE-stress during a long drive to or from work.

I'm sure many of us have experienced that road rage driver and/or have been one. It is never fun being in front of that person or just being that person period. It is vital to remain stress free while driving (stress free for everything period for that matter, hehe). 

Here are a few tips and tricks to staying stress free while driving:

1. Leave Earlier: Doing this will keep you from worrying about time. I am one of those people who stress over time. If I feel like I am running late (& I happen to be 10 mins early, haha) I get really anxious and stressed out. So leaving early prevents me from feeling that way and makes for a calmer drive to work.
2. Listen to Music: I find listening to music while driving makes driving to work a little less stressful. When I am enjoying the music I tend to relax more and not worry about too much while driving. If music isn't your thing, try listening to your audiobook during your commute.
3. Drive Defensively: I believe when I am driving aggressively, I am more stressed out and worried about everything a lot more. When I am driving defensively, my drive to work is much calmer and more relaxing. 
4. Carpooling: If this an option for you, carpool. Not only does this help the Earth, it helps with a less stressed drive (as long as the driver isn't a crazy driver, hehe). Keeping each other company helps to bring some of the focus on the conversation and not so much on the long commute.
5. Aromatherapy: Lavender happens to be a relaxing scent. So grabbing a lavender scented air freshener or putting a couple drops of lavender essential oil on a cloth, helps to keep the stress levels lower. Also using peppermint essential oils can help to keep your senses while driving heightened. 

So I challenge you all to try these tips to make your drive to work a little less stressful and become those happy drivers. :) 

 Share with me in the comments below any tips you have to make your commute stress free. 

Until Next Time, 
Avie T. 

Happy Mother's Day | #BEDM Day 11

Happy Mother's Day !! 

Today's topic for #BEDM is suppose to be all about British Sandwich Week. Since I don't know much about British Sandwiches I thought I would make this post all about Mom. While today is mother's day, I wanted to dedicate this post to my mother. One of the people who has been there for me through thick and thin. She has never given up on me even when I was at my worst. So I am dedicating this post to her and sharing some memorable photos. Love you Mama! <3