You Win Some...You Lose Some

And we lost this one. The court granted my daughter's biological mom 50% custody. The judge also granted a school transfer. It breaks my heart to see her cry. It makes me so sad to hear her pray at night that she won't have to say goodby to us. I know that the Lord has a plan. I wish I knew what it was. I know how much He loves us and our baby girl. I know if will be ok.

On a happier note my oldest son got accepted to an amazing charter school. We meet with his teacher tomorrow. He will be working from home on most days and having group instruction as well with a co-op group. This is truly a Godsend since my daughters new school is about 30 miles away. In everything, God is good.

We are spending the day at Seal Beach. The kids are surfing or body boarding. Life is indeed good.

Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts. We have felt them an appreciated them so much.

Love,

E.

Correction: Today's The Day....I hope!

The judge was not able to rule yesterday. There were several cases before ours and he basically ran out of time. I truly believe that the Lord's timing is perfect. I wanted an answer so badly yesterday. It would have been great to know how we are to proceed. I also know that when I try to make things happen and try to take back control instead of giving everything to the Lord things don't work out quite as well.

So, again today I am surrendering my family to the Lord. No matter what happens today, it is well with my soul.

Please continue to pray for myself and my family. If you have a prayer request please email me or leave a comment here.

Have a great day!

Love,

Elyse

Today's The Day...

Morning!

We find out today what the judges ruling is. I'm nervous. I didn't sleep well. I've been praying a lot.

I'll let you know what the outcome is as soon as I can.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Love,
E.

Monday, Monday

We heard late yesterday that the judge will rule on Monday. I would be completely lying to you if I said that I wasn't a bit nervous. I mean, if she gets sent to a different school, I don't have a way to get her there or pick her up. I'd have to be in two different places at the same exact time.

I'm praying....a lot. We have a lot of people praying for us. The Lord will do as he see fits on Monday and I know that everything will work out. It always does. I hope with all that is in me that school doesn't change. That is my prayer and at the same time I know that I don't see the long view. The Lord does so at the end of the day, whatever happens, happens and we are trusting in the Lord. We are surrendering to Him. We will praise Him!

Still waiting....

What a week! It's been full of ups and downs. Through it all, I am so thankful for my husband and good friends. I am so grateful for people who have been praying for us. I really think that everyone's prayers are the reason why I am not having panic attacks everyday.

We still have not been able to receive a ruling from the judge. Both the attorneys have been in trial on other cases. We may be able to get in this afternoon. Although I would like an answer, I'm ok with waiting. It's not my most favorite thing to do but I am learning that the Lord's time is perfect. We also found out yesterday that our attorney would like to withdraw from the case. My husband is supposed to speak with our attorney today to find out why. We received a referral to another attorney who is supposed to be good. Hopefully, our attorney can stay on board until this is all said and done.

On a happier note, my oldest son Jason turns 9 on Monday!!! I can't wait to celebrate with him. I love that kid!

Please keep us in your prayers!

Love,

Elyse

No news...is Good News?

Well, we didn't receive a ruling yesterday. The judge decided that he needed time to review some reports. He had the opportunity to rule with one hour notice so that we could reconvene but that didn't happen. It was very hard to see my husband so visibly upset. We both tried to act normal in front of the kids. We pulled it off but it was very hard.

Our attorney was able to speak with the court clerk who said that we might be able to get a ruling today. We continue to wait and pray. Thank you so much for praying for our family. We have such a sense of peace. We dot know how things will play out but we know that God's way is the right way and we trust in Him knowing that it is for a reason.

Please continue to pray for us. I will keep you all posted.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

Life's Ups and Downs

The last few days have been so, so, so hard!  We go back to court today.  For those of you who don't know my story, I have been raising my daughter (step) from the time she was 15 months old.  He mom continues to take my husband and I to court for custody and she now wants to change the school that she has been attending.  It breaks my heart to continue to go through these things.  All I can do is pray and wait.  I pray for the judge, I pray for our attorney, I pray for my husband.  It seems that lately all I do is pray.  I pray that my little family will stay together.

If you would, please say a prayer for us today.  We sure do need it!

Love,

Elyse

Thursday Thoughts

I have had so much on my mind these last couple of days.  Life around our house has been....rough.

We had a rough weekend.  My husband and I decided to cancel our vow renewal because we had to pay an absurd amount of money to his attorney.  We have been raising his daughter (whom I do call my own) since she was 15 months old.  Since her mom came back into the picture a couple of years ago, we have been in and out of court.  The situation is completely heart-breaking.  I have an ex-husband and we get along really well.  It is hard for me to understand why some of the issues that come up between them arise, but I have to keep reminding myself that there IS good in this and that the Lord will work everything out.  I know how much I love my little girl and I can't even begin to imagine how much He loves her.

Back to the vow renewal - canceling was the right thing to do.  It made me sad to have to do it, but it was the only way we could afford to pay the huge attorney bill and not have to dip into our savings account.  You have no idea how much I was looking forward to it.  Everything was purchased and booked so to have to say goodbye to that dream gutted me!  Then Monday came and my husbands amazing boss offered to loan us the attorney money so that we could still have the vow renewal.  WHAT?!?!?!  That was all I could say when my hubby called to tell me.  Yes, doing the right thing is hard.  The reward is soooooo good.  The vow renewal is back on and I can't wait to show you the pictures!

Through this week I was blown away at how much I am loved.  When I needed a friend to cry with because I was so nervous about court the support I needed arrived immediately.  When I texted a couple of my friends that the vow renewal was off 3 girls planned a rustic-themed vow renewal at one of the local parks.  I am so blessed.  I lose sight of that everyday.  Ups and downs come all the time and I let them sway me and affect me way too much!  I just have to trust and have faith that all will be as it should be in this moment and in the future.  I don't know about you, but I am so tired of wasting my life worrying about tomorrow that I don't give today a chance.

If you're going through a hard time, let me know.  I'd love to be able to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  I'm linking to the song that got me through a few rough days and I hope that it touches you too!

Love,

Elyse

SHMILY Method | iMOM

My husband and I have been going through a rough patch...just a few bumps in the road....more on that later.  I read the article below and it made me realized that there always is a bigger picture.  If you have a few minutes read the article....you won't be sorry!

XO,

Elyse

SHMILY Method | iMOM

April 2012 Birchbox Reveal

My April Birchbox arrived!  Hip Hip Hooray!  The theme this month is Natural Wonders.  I love it!  Come along for the reveal!

Here it is...just out of the pretty pink wrapping!

Natural Wonders!  I've been waiting for this!

Right away I feel in love!  I love PUR and most of the Yes To line.

In the little package were more treats for me!

Here is what came in my Birchbox:

Benta Berry G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser - A creamy exfoliator, which has finely ground apricot seeds to sweep away dead cells.

Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil - 100% organic Moroccan oil that moisturizes dry hair or skin.  It can be mixed with the facial lotion listed below to create a mega-hydrator.

Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion - Inspired by Moroccan beauty rituals, this skin-loving cream uses organic shea butter to nourish your complexion.

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer - A four-in-one moisturizer, primer, foundation, and SPF 20 which covers blemishes while infusing skin with moisturizing botanicals.

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

Yes To Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes - Wipes that remove all signs of makeup and grime. Plus, they refresh the skin with a fruity blend of apple, blueberry, and lemon peel extracts.

So far, I really, really, really like this months box!  I feel like the $10 I spend every month to be a part of the program pays for itself over and over.  I am most excited about the Pur 4-in-1 and the facial towelettes.  I generally tend to use everything in my box over time and it is fun to get the goodies in the mail.  I will let you know if anything stands or or really stinks!

XO,

Elyse

Paper Issues: Washi Washi! Giveaway!

My most favorite store Paper Issues is having a washi tape giveaway!  It is so super cool and you wont want to miss out on it!  If you are not sure what washi tape is....well, its basically decorated paper tape and it adds so much to projects across the board.  I LOVE it!

Paper Issues: Washi Washi! Giveaway!

April 2012 Glambag

Another month and I am still so not impressed with the Glambag from MyGlam!  I was hoping to be able to keep my Birchbox and MyGlam subscriptions, but with the quality of BirchBox being so much better I just can justify keep the MyGlam subscription.  Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be spending that money over at Paper Issues!

This month's theme was Girls' Night Out.  I received All-Belle eyelashes, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Ransom, DermStore LipQuench, a metallic pink zipper pouch, and a MyGlam All-OVer Eyeshadow Brush and lastly, a MyGlam Eyeliner Brush.

And....for some reason I couldn't get this picture to flip.  I'm sure you get the picture.  Yes, the pun was intended!

The eyelashes are just ok.  I can find a pair I prefer at any local drugstore so I wasn't too impressed by them.  I don't like the fact that they continue to send zippered pouches.  I have so many and I keep giving them away to my daughter and friends.  I don't want to start stock-piling them.  I have also received so many lip moisturizers from them.  I don't want anymore....I have one in my purse, one on my nightstand, one in the car, and one in my diaper bag.  They are all less than spectacular.  The brushes are just ok too.  The only thing I really liked was the Urban Decay 24/7 liner.  It is a pretty purple color which will serve as a nice base for a couple of spring time looks.

I'm off to cancel my subscription!

Love,

Elyse

Our Easter

I love Easter!  I absolutely love every single thing about it!  This year I particularly enjoyed being able to share the story of Easter with my children and doing a few Easter related projects like a Resurrection Garden, Resurrection Rolls, and making s'mores using Peeps as the marshmallows.

Here are some of my favorite moments from this Easter.....

 Did you notice the Hello Kitty Easter Eggs.....I've created a monster!  You know, just reliving my youth!

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

E.

Eat Like a Caveman: Nutrition Lessons from the Paleolithic Era | Wellness Times

This is a great article with a brief, but fair summary about Paleo eating.  I encourage you to check it out and if you'd like to give it a go we can do this together....and journal/SMASH about it!


Eat Like a Caveman: Nutrition Lessons from the Paleolithic Era | Wellness Times

My goodness....It's been awhile!

I am so sorry that I have been gone for awhile!  The truth is that I took some time away to just relax and re-focus on my goals and priorities.

For a very long time I have been running around like a crazy lady trying to balance the kids, home, hubby, church, and trying to save what energy I had left to craft and do some things for me.  Sometime in the past couple of years I gave up on myself.  I stopped wanting to eat well and take care of me.  Some of you might think that I'm completely mental and you may be right (insert huge grin)!  I just had nothing left to give back to myself and was too exhausted to even try.  A couple of weeks ago something changed.  I didn't have an epiphany or anything magical, but I came to the realization that by not taking care of myself and valuing myself I was clearly sending the message that it was ok for others to do the same and that my friend, is just not OK.  So....what did I decide to do?  I'm so glad you asked!  I'll tell you!

1.  I am going to blog about the things going on in my life.  My loves, likes, and dislikes.  I  really want to share on a personal level who I am and what I am going through.  Yes, some of it may get tedious but it is free therapy for me so deal!

2.  I am going to make the best effort I can to start eating as Paleo and clean as possible.  My mom passed away almost two years ago from breast cancer and my grandma was just diagnosed with it so I need to make these changes immediately.

3.  I am going to go to bed by 10:00 each night and be up by 6:00 am every morning.  I will work out first thing and shower by the time my kids get up.

4.  DRINK MORE WATER and take my vitamins.

5.  Get dressed and not in jammies.

Those are the Top 5 things I am committing to you and I am also going to complete one craft a week.  My new sewing machine should be here today so I can finally finish the blanket I made for my cousin's baby.  I hate not finishing things I start but it seems that I've gotten really good at it and my intentions just aren't cutting it anymore!

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

Introducing NEW Summer Fresh Collection - Simple Stories

  I love Simple Stories!  Paper Issues has a huge pre-order for me and I can't wait to get it!  Their new line Summer Fresh is absolutely lovely and makes me long for those lazy days!  You can review the collection below.

Introducing NEW Summer Fresh Collection - Simple Stories

The Girl Creative: Custom Stamp Giveaway with PSA Essentials

Have you heard about PSA Essentials?  They are amazing stamps that are super cute AND interchangeable!  The Girl Creative is hosting a giveaway on her blog....check it out and enter!

The Girl Creative: Custom Stamp Giveaway with PSA Essentials

Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor}: Cream-Filled Carrot Cake Muffins

I wish that I could take responsibility for this delicious recipe, but Positively Splendid takes the (carrot) cake for this one!

I can't wait to make these muffins for Sunday morning breakfast!  Also, please check out her blog.  It's amazing!

Love,

E.

Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor}: Cream-Filled Carrot Cake Muffins

Thursday Thoughts...

Wow!  It has been a few days since I last posted and the time has gone by so quickly.  To be honest, I just haven't had the gumption to put my thoughts into writing.  My grandma was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma (cancer of the milk duct) and it really threw me for a loop.  It hasn't even been two years since my mom passed away from metastatic breast cancer and it definitely wasn't the news that I wanted to hear.  The good news is that it was caught very early!  Thank God for mammograms!  The doctor feels that it can be treated with a lumpectomy and in the worst case scenario a mastectomy.  He won't know until he actually goes in to remove it.

It really made me think about my own mortality.  I am so grateful to be a Christian.  I know that no matter what happens the Lord is with me and that my home is waiting for me.  I long for the day when I get to see my mom again.  As always, the Lord's timing is amazing.  I just joined an online Bible study on the book An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell which will be led by Melissa Taylor.  Melissa's mother also passed away from cancer a couple of years ago and I immediately felt like this is the study I had been searching for.  There are even online small groups through Facebook!  I am so excited!  If you click on Melissa's link you can sign up as well.  All you need is the book and a Bible!

I have also been working on my Easter wreath for our front door.  So far it looks like this:

I am really hoping that it ends up looking like my inspiration for it which can be found here but using spring colored scraps and some Robin's eggs.  I will definitely post a picture when I am done.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

Phew...what a St. Patrick's Day!

What a fantastic day today was! We just finished tucking my little Leprechauns into their bed and I am wiped out! It was quite a marathon of a day!

We started the morning with a treasure hunt. A naughty Leprechaun paid a visit to our home and messed the living room up a bit! Then Lucky Charms for breakfast. We went to pay a visit to my grandparents where they enjoyed green lunches! We had corned beef and cabbage, Leprechaun punch, and lime jello. For their bedtime snack the kiddos had shamrock cupcakes.

It's days like this that make me so very aware of how blessed I am. To be able to be with my family and hear the laughter of my children is a gift beyond measure. I am looking forward to starting a new Smash*Book and do some Spring cleaning and decorating.

Love,

Elyse

Preoduct Review: Cetaphil Oil Control Face Wash & Lotion

I was VERY hesitant to try out these products, but I was in Walmart and I just couldn't resist buying them.  I am so desperate to try out anything that will claim to help me with my oily skin.  I am so very glad I purchased them!

The face wash is a foam.  I use about three pumps and I only use it in the morning.  I use the Oil Cleansing Method in the evenings to remove my makeup.  The cleanser smells...clean and soothing.  It is not over-powering or off-putting to me.  The moisturizer is great as well!  I find that it absorbs quickly and is light and non-greasy.  I like that it contains an SPF so I don't have to worry about adding an additional step to my routine.

I have used them over the course of 2 weeks now and I can truly say that I have noticed a reduction in shininess throughout the day and my skin has remained clear.  I really like using it with the OCM.  It seems to be working for my skin.  I'm glad it has only taken me 32 years to figure out something! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Elyse

6 Family Dinner Conversation Starters | iMOM

iMom has some fantastic ideas to get conversations started with your kids, discipline ideas, and marriage topics that are great!  I love having new questions to ask my kids at dinner time and as an added bonus they get to learn some fun facts too!


6 Family Dinner Conversation Starters | iMOM

Love,

Elyse

Join Julep Maven for Only a Penny!

That's right....one penny!  I just received an email advising me that intro boxes are only a penny in the month of March.  You can click here to be taken to the Julep Maven site where you can sign up and use the code SHAREONMARCH for the promo price.

I love their products!  I hope that you get to check them out and that you end of loving them too!

The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking: {Giveaway} A fabulous 'Thirty-One Gifts' Organizing Utility Tote

Do you love Thirty-One bags?  I do!  Here is a great chance to win one and also please check out the blog.  It's pretty darn cool!

The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking: {Giveaway} A fabulous 'Thirty-One Gifts' Organizing Utility Tote

March Glam Bag Arrived!

My March Glam Bag from myGlam just arrived today!  As always, the goodies inside arrive in a lovely pink mailer.  I get so excited when I see it in my mail box!  The shipping info I received last week said that it wouldn't be here until the 15th.  It was a very welcome surprise!

Here is what came in it:

Classic Crease Brush & Case

Cosmetic Bag

Tons of Fun Goodies!

I received samples of Pur-lisse Pur-Protect SPF 30 Essential Dail Moisturizer, Murad Eye Lift Perfector, a $25 DermStore gift card, a Pur-Lisse Pur-Lip Comfort Daily Lip Nourisher (full-size), a sample of Kera-Color Color Enhancing Leave-In Treatment, and a myGlam exclusive Classic Crease Brush & Case that was hand-selected by Michelle Phan.  The products were inside the pretty cosmetic bag.

My overall thoughts are that March's bag is just....O.K.  I'm not excited about any of the products.  The one that I liked the best is the brush.  I'm looking forward to finding out if it is anything special.

I finally received an email to join BirchBox.  I can't wait to find out how these two companies compare.  I'll let you know what I think once I receive a package from them.

Thanks for stopping by!

Product Review: Wen Hair Products

I recently purchased 3 products from Wen through QVC.  It has taken me over a year to take the plunge and buy them.  At the time, I could never justify purchasing them because they are pricey and I couldn't even begin to wrap my head around how the heck they could do everything the QVC person said it would.

Let me begin by saying that my hair is the bane of my existence.  There was a time when I could go in weekly for a blowout and I would spend tons of money making sure I was perfectly coiffed.  Times change and now I have to do my hair myself for the most part.  What that translates to is that I don't do anything with it.  It is curly and not my friend.  I have tried EVERY single product out there and so far they have all been....meh!

I ordered the Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner, Almond Mint Styling Creme, and the Almond Mint Replenishing Treatment Mist.  I have had them now for several weeks and I LOVE them.  These products have changed my life and my outlook on my hair.  It is very different from what I was used to and the change in my hair happened after a few "washes".  My hair is soft, shiny, and manageable.  It also smells good and....wait for it....people have said that my hair is pretty!!! What?!  Yes, I now have pretty hair....thanks to Wen.

The Cleansing Conditioner is exactly what it states in the name.  It doesn't lather which took a bit of getting used to.  On days when my hair doesn't feel too dry I use one pump of it as a leave-in.  The Styling Creme is fantastic to use when I blow-dry my hair straight and the Mist is a nice pick-me-up on those curly hair days!  I usually go through a TON of shampoo and conditioner and I have found that while the Cleansing Conditioner is pricey, a little goes a long way and I don't need to use as much as it says on the bottle.

I would purchase the Cleansing Conditioner and the Styling Creme again.  I think that I can make the Treatment Mist using this tip from One Good Thing I am going to give that a go before I order another bottle.  Oh, and my OCD personality likes that all the scents are matchy!

Beautifully Rooted: Our promised land

The last couple of days have been full of ups and downs. I really needed to be reminded of the Lord's promises and His love for me and my family. This beautiful post was just the reminder I needed.

Beautifully Rooted: Our promised land

March Julep Maven Just Arrived!

My March Julep Maven box just arrived and I really like it!  This is what it looked like upon receipt:

My profile is Bombshell and every month my goodies are tailored to fit my style profile.  The really neat thing about Julep Maven is that you have the ability to choose a different style, skip a month, or you can gift a month to someone else.  My box included an awesome nail file, a 1 oz. bottle of ELIXIR which is organic Moroccan Argan oil a beautiful orange nail polish called Natasha and a gorgeous sheer green nail polish called Sofia.  I am really excited to try Sofia because it also has aqua glitter sparkles.

 

This is what it looks like when you open it!

Close up view of the products....LOVE!

Overall, I am extremely happy with the March Julep Maven box.  I can't wait to try them out.  The colors definitely remind me of Spring.  If you are interested in joining please click here

Have a great day and thank you for stopping by!

Just a couple of Walmart Goodies!

I love Walmart...and I hate it at the same time. I don't like going there with my husband at all. He absolutely can't stand going in and rushes me. I like to take my time and peruse the isles while I pick up the items in my list. It always seems that I can't just stick to what I came there to buy!

While I was there, I saw these wax cubes that look to be really similar to the Scentsy ones. They were only $2 and smell so good! I picked up Oatmeal Cookie and Vanilla Bean. I can't wait to try them out and see how they compare to Scentsy. It would be great to save some money and still have a yummy smelling house! I also picked up a Cinnamon Roll candle from the Better Homes and Garden line and it is amazing.

They are perfect for this rainy and cold SoCal afternoon!

February MyGlam Bag

I finally opened the February MyGlam package I received!  There has been so much going on that I stuck it in my craft closet and forgot about it until a couple of days ago when I cam across it while looking for ribbon. 

This is what it looked like once I took it out of the package.  I really like that it comes in a pretty pink bubble wrap mailer!  The bag that all my goodies were in was super cute too!  I love the red with black hearts!

Here is what was in the February MyGlam package:

X-Out Shine Control - This is an oil-free moisturizer that has mattifying properties.  I am excited to try this since I have super oily skin!

NYX Roll On Shimmer - The one I received is in RES10 Blue.  I was super excited to see this in my bag so I swatched it right away.  I'm not impressed!  I was very streaky and it rubbed off with a gentle rub of my finger.

Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask - I haven't tried it out yet, but it contains life-enhancing minerals from Dead Sea waters.  I'll let you know how it enhances my life.

NuMe Professional Styling Tools and Hair Extensions $100 Gift Card - So looking forward to using this!  I need a new blowdryer - STAT!

Freeman Facial Mask Sachet in Goji Berry - This is a hydrating mask that I am actually looking forward to trying out!  Although my skin is oily, it has felt a little tight because of the cold weather and the heater being on. 

There was also a cute little Ghirardelli Chocolate sample that I promptly ate.  I was yummy!

Overall, I am not in love with this months MyGlam Bag.  Last month's seemed to be a lot better.  Hopefully, the one I receive in March will be awesome.  I am still waiting for BirchBox to allow me to join.  I am curious as to how they compare to each other.

Have a great Sunday!

Letter Photo Art for Christmas!

I am so very excited to try this! I am definitely going to give it a go and let you all know what my results are. I think that these look so pretty, but are pricey. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to find this!

Letter Photo Art for Christmas!

DIY Printed Scarf

I saw this on Pinterest and I am dying to make it! It looks absolutely lovely!

DIY Printed Scarf

21 Creative Consequences | iMOM

21 Creative Consequences | iMOM

Here are some great ideas when you've run out of your own. In my case, I may have to be committed soon. Just kidding.....maybe!

Mother vs. Step-Mom

Hello everyone! I was recently advised by my step-daughter's school that I was no longer to come and volunteer on Mondays and to stay away from special events. Apparently, my husbands ex-wife called a meeting without advising my husband about it and made these requests. What the heck? How am I supposed to try and get along with someone who continually tries to do sneaky and underhanded things. She could have spoken to me or to my husband about it instead of getting the school involved. Ugh!

Is anyone else out there experiencing anything like this? I'd love to hear about it of you are.

I seriously can't sleep and I haven't been able to for a while now.  My asthma is driving me crazy!  It seems that if I am not using my puffer, I am using the nebulizer.  I haven't been able to find any relief in the treatments that have worked for me in the past and I just don't know what to do.  There is so much to do around the house and not to mention things that we had planned for the weekend.  I am exhausted from lack of sleep and oxygen.  Does anyone out there have any ideas as to what can help>

Two New Things I'm Trying...

I am so excited about a couple of things that I just subscribed to and I am really looking forward to receiving.  I signed up for MyGlam Bag and for Julep Maven.  They are both monthly subscription services that you receive in the mail.  I had to take profile quizzes for both of them and based on the results you receive a package every month with beauty goodies from MyGlam and nail products from Julep.  I will definitely let you know what my thoughts are once I receive them.  The MyGlam subscription is $10 per month and the Julep subscription is $19.95.  I used a couple for Julep and got the price knocked down to $9.99.  I believe that it was a one-time coupon though.  The code is WELCOME5.

I am so sorry for the rant about the concert last night. I totally know that I sounded like a spoiled little princess. I hate when I do that! I felt terrible about being such a shiny baby to the best husband in the whole world! I had to apologize to him as well. Once Angels and Airwaves took the stage everything was so worth it. They were incredible! I was a little bummed that they didn't preform Breathe which is my alltimefavorite song by the but it was stills meaning. They sounded great and their energy was tangible! I forgot to mention that my handsome husband took me to Napa Rose which is an amazing restaurant inside the Grand Californian Hotel. It is soooo delicious! I highly recommend going their if you ever get the chance. It is very pricey so we only go there very special occasions. The chocolate pâté is to die for! As I was laying in bed cuddling with my little boy who spiked a fever at 12:30 this morning I was overwhelmed with so much gratitude for my life. The Lord has truly blessed me and I am so grateful. I sure don't deserve His lovely blessings, but I am so very happy and humbled that He has. XO, Elyse

Worst concert experience ever!!!

So....you know how excited I was to see Angels and Airwaves? I'm here and I would LOVE to go home!!! They still haven't taken the stage and their opening band is very stinky!!!! And to top it all off it's super hot and all the seats are taken! I know I'm being super whiny and I apologize in advance but seriously this is terrible! I'll let you know if it gets any better! I sure hope it does!

Lazy Sunday Morning

I am very much looking forward to today and tonight!  We have been spending Sunday morning in s lazy fashion!  I made waffles in my daughter's Hello Kitty cupcake maker and my hubby made the most perfect, crispiest bacon ever!  I happen to love bacon!  There is a great recipe for coconut flour waffles in Make it Paleo which is one of my favorite Paleo cookbooks.  You can click here for more information about the book and the Paleo lifestyle in general.  As far as tonight goes my husband got tickets to the Angels and Airwaves concert for this evening at the House of Blues in Anaheim!  I'm so excited!  It will be very nice to get dressed up and have an evening to just relax with my husband and enjoy each others company and some great music!

The only thing I am not too happy about is that my daughter (step, technically) has a 48 hour visit with her mother.  She has had a tummy bug the last couple of days and I will be a little worried about her.  She leaves at noon today and returns on Tuesday at 10:00 am.  I will be looking forward to seeing her again!

I hope that you are having a great day!

XO,
Elyse

A Little Bit More About...ME!!!

Hello! Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my blog! I am so happy you did! Let me tell you a little bit about myself....at the time of writing I am 32 years old and have three children. I have an 8 year old son, 5 year old step-daughter, and a 2 year old son. We are a Paleo household and I am a stay at home mom. My 8 year old son is on the Austism Spectrum and my husband's ex-wife is quite a handful!

I hope to share life's ups and downs with you and just share from the bottom of my heart what my life is all about and....before I forget, my name is Elyse.