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