Monday, June 29, 2015

Our Honey Bee is One!

I know I’ve mentioned it a few times on social media and posted a few pictures, but our baby boy is one!!!!
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN??!?!?!?!?!
All year I have said that time is going by too fast. 
It is.
It’s going to fast. 
But a year?! Where did the year go?!
I promise, sometimes, I still can’t believe we conceived.  I’m still in the mental state of shock: “We’re pregnant?!” Yes we were pregnant, then he was born, and now he is a year old.  I think I’m in complete denial.  No, I’ve taken up residence in denial.  No, I’m becoming a hoarder in denial…..
It took me for-ev-er to admit that his birthday was coming and that I really needed to get started planning his first birthday party.  I just wanted something fun but simple, that celebrated Dutch and all of the people that have prayed for him.  I settled on a bee theme and thought a BBQ in the backyard would be great.  The Mr. spent weeks getting the backyard ready (trees removed, new doors installed, shed repainted, etc.)  I ordered tons of lawn games and a huge bouncy castle.  Then Houston had a huge flood……
Back up plan?
Get creative, and have the tables and chairs set up in the garage and leave the bouncy house in the rain. lol
It wasn’t a Pinterest-worthy party, but we didn’t care.  Our focus remained on our relationships and those that love on Dutch and pray for him.  My sister came to town to celebrate with us and I’m SOOOO glad that she did.  She totally pulled the party off for us.  And thanks to her we have pictures of the party.  She took every single one of these pictures!  Thank you Kellyn! 
Tips for mamas…..GIVE YOUR CAMERA TO SOMEONE ELSE  and ask them to capture the party for you so that you can see everything that you missed while you tried to host!  This way you get to enjoy the party and still have pictures for memories.
We had about 40 adults and children at the house and the Mr. smoked a brisket, pork shoulder, and some sausage.  I made typical BBQ sides.  It was perfect and easy and a great way to celebrate our special honey bee. 
 
I made this invitation for the party, and clearly had too much fun with the bee theme.Invitation- 4DSC_0013DSC_0016DSC_0017DSC_0023
 
I made my Lemon-Honey Beehive Cake and served it with some summer berries and some cupcakes. 
Dutch’s “smash cake” was just a cupcake.DSC_0018We selected a new verse to pray over Dutch this year.  Through pregnancy and his first year it was Pslam 91:4, and this year we will pray Joshua 1:9 over him.  The frame is sitting on his nightstand now, and the previous frame is on the wall.Joshua 1-9For the polka dot garland, I just used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out black and yellow circles and then I sewed them together (tutorial here) and my sister strung them on the island and from the mantle.  Simple and easy decorations.DSC_0024The monthly pictures I took of Dutch were initially very fun, but as he got more and more mobile I began to dread picture day.  The pictures were so challenging to take, but I’m glad we stuck with it and had them to look back at his growth for the past year at the party.  We actually still have this hanging in the dining room.  It’s still his birthday month, so it’s okay, right?DSC_0021DSC_0031DSC_0094DSC_0103DSC_0106DSC_0111DSC_0118DSC_0135DSC_0137DSC_0153DSC_0154Dutch loved his cupcake, but he really didn’t get very messy.  I was expecting to have to strip him down and hose him off afterwards, but all I had to do was wipe off his hands and mouth.  The party was great but Dutch was so exhausted that presents had to wait until after church the next day.  And boy, was this little boy completely spoiled!DSC_0207DSC_0209DSC_0213DSC_0219DSC_0225DSC_0227DSC_0230DSC_0241DSC_0249
 
We are still celebrating this little boy’s birthday, since it is still his birthday month.  The party turned out so much better than I could have imagined, despite all of the rain.  I’m glad it was a simple party that focused on the people.  No rushing around and just fun.
Happy birthday to my Little Peep :-)
xoxo Darby

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Whipped Grapefruit & Mint Body Scrub

Dutch only goes to school for about 10 hours a week but when it was time for Teacher Appreciation Week we wanted to do something special for his precious teachers.  So we made them a handmade body scrub for the loving hands that work so hard everyday.  Don’t tell, but I made a small jar for myself and it smells delicious, and I want to share the recipe with you. Another super fast and easy DIY :-)
Whipped Grapefruit & Mint Body ScrubIngredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbs fresh grapefruit juice
10 drops peppermint essential oil (The oils & resources I recommend)
25 drops grapefruit essential oil

Directions:
1. With coconut oil in its solid consistency, mix with sugar in a mixer on a low speed until a paste has formed.
2. Add in grapefruit juice and all essential oils and whip together until fluffy.
3. Store in an air-tight container (like a mason jar), and enjoy!
xoxo Darby

Monday, June 22, 2015

Currently…

So yeah, remember that time when I was like, "I'm going to get back to blogging" and then I vanished for a week? Ha!  I wish I didn't lie to y'all, but I have been ill folks!  So sick! Like staying in bed for 16 hours a day for a week ill! I'm praying that this week is better.  It has to be better, right? Right? Usually, when I'm sick I pray Pslam 30:5 "Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning." But it has been a week, so I'm praying that joy has to come this WEEK!  Okay, so let me catch you up on some of the things I've been doing lately:

Loving: We had Dutch’s one year pictures taken a couple weeks ago and I’m sorry but I can’t help but stare at how awesome these pictures are.  I stare at them multiple times a day.  It makes me feel vain because I stare at them so long lol Here are the proofs that we’ve received and I just love them.  I adore Grace Hill Photography and her work…..stand out folks!11393290_708142112648155_5185831768731210143_o11406124_708161375979562_7579728759223082020_o
 
Reading: Uhhhhh not much.  I have been rereading Bringing up Bebe again.  But I only get about 3 pages in before I pass out.  But I do love the book and see the value in rereading it because it refreshes my desires to teach Dutch certain characteristics.Bringing-Up-Bebe

Eating/Cooking: Summer produce is my jam! (Oh my gosh did I actually just write that?!?!?!?!!?!?) We’ve been eating tons and tons of summer produce and it’s delicious!  Corn, tomatoes, succatash, brussel sprouts, cucumbers, squash, strawberries, peaches, kale slaw, oh and did I say corn yet? yummmmmmm!
11328340_636617466475185_1310778144_n11358246_1439652713009050_1507168126_n11324280_1608686256010992_1931171556_n11374688_594920103983386_371173384_n
Watching: I’m noticing a trend and this might be a summer time thing for me, but I love me some Grey’s Anatomy reruns on Lifetime.  I love them!129340_GROUP2013r3
Doing: We’ve been having an awesome summer.  Lot of walks, playing outside, going to the zoo, the berry farm, the children's museum, the library, gardening,  play dates, shopping too many times at Target, visiting with out of town family, had Dutch’s 1 year dr appt, and one year birthday party (actually we are still celebrating it the entire month of June hehe), and so many other fun things.  Daddy has taken several vacation days from work so that we can have staycations and explore even more of this city that we love so much already.  We really have been enjoying this summer.11243838_437078753133429_1107026176_n11244030_647115852100092_1422413595_n11296722_1603484036579250_1331244937_n11334559_932361063454100_1752861190_n11348390_898772540183802_1633707119_n11372312_426576187502900_305940850_n11373631_370533843155526_1924348683_n11378966_1458013691158192_1555167246_n11385120_420782781464898_1804231034_n11428108_835426643208787_1928907946_n

Okay, so tell me about your summer so far!  What have you been doing? Reading? Eating? Watching?

xoxo Darby

Monday, June 15, 2015

JoyBound Apparel

JoyBound ApparelHave you heard of the new and exciting brand JoyBound?!?!?! 
If you haven't, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! 
I have known the gorgeous Mia Eliza for, well I guess years now, and she is ah-maz-ing!  Not only is she simply stunning but she has two fabulous little boys, a love for family, and one incredible sense of style! 

When she decided to follow her dream to launch JoyBound Apparel I was so happy for her.  Her line is comfortable, chic, and affordable.  Mia Eliza wants to encourage and strengthen women to find joy in the everyday with her apparel line.  Who doesn’t love that?!JoyBound Family

 But you don’t have to take my word for it. Check out some of my favorites:
Choisis La JoieClassic TeeClutchLook Deeper
You can shop online, follow on Instagram, or Pinterest.
JoyBound Apparel
Obligatory Blogger Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post; I just really like this brand.
xoxo Darby

Monday, June 8, 2015

Do you remember me?

Hey friends! It’s been a while. I took an unplanned hiatus from blogging.  It wasn’t intentional; it just happened.  We haven't been super busy or traveling.  In fact, it’s been pretty slow around here.  It’s been heavenly. We’ve taken time to just embrace the right now.  I’ve been really strict about saying “no” to a lot of things because I want to make sure that I’m not getting too busy.  I have a tendency to try and do everything all at once and then I end up exhausted or mad at myself because I was so busy that I missed something.  With the season of life that we’re in right now, we are trying to embrace this stage.  It really has been so awesome.

We’ve celebrated our first mothers day together, went to the zoo, chasing Dutch around the house, playing outside in the water, picking strawberries, reading lots of books, celebrated Dutch’s first birthday, gosh and so much more!  It’s been fun to just sit and embrace the right now.

However, I would be completely lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about our little space in blog land.  I have about 40, wait let me check……. excuse me, 43 drafts sitting in my box for you.  So I’ve got some good stuff coming your way.  I’m happy to be back and catch up with you.

Please stop and tell me what you’ve been doing lately.  I’ve missed you all dearly!

xoxo Darby

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Six Beauty Must-Haves

I’ve shared my favorite beauty products before, but as with most things, my favorites seem to evolve as I evolve.  Once I became a mom my beauty regimen changed drastically.  Today I want to share my 6 favorite new mama beauty products; however, while I use these as timesavers now I still fully endorse them as great products for women at every life stage.
 
ALL of these products are under $10!
ALL of these products save time! 
Who doesn’t want more time & money?!

Here are my 6 go-to beauty products:Six Beauty Must-Haves
1. Dry Shampoo- Oh my stars this is a lifesaver!  I’ve tried dry shampoo before & never really been satisfied.  Previous dry shampoos have had such a strong odor that I develop a headache throughout the day or it leaves gray streaks in my hair (seriously the last thing I need is gray hair!).  So when Chelsea at The Perfect Catch recommended this dry shampoo I was honestly skeptical, but still desperate enough to try it hahahaha.  I’m not sure Chelsea knows how much she has saved our mornings with this little tip; thank you!  This light-weight dry shampoo smells amazing, but not too strong.  The dry shampoo quickly absorbs oil while still leaving my hair soft, and keeps my hair looking fresh even on days when I don’t get to wash my hair (which as a mama with a young baby this happens often). Another tip for using dry shampoo (thank you Meg.O!), is to style your hair on day one, then on the evening of day one before going to bed apply the dry shampoo and put your hair in a top knot for bed.  The next day your hair will be gorg!

2. Shower Cap- I don’t know if you would consider this a beauty product or not, but I’m including it.  So I was using the dry shampoo for a while and I kept getting these little humidity curls around the side of my face.  When I was washing my face in the shower some of the water would wet my hair and it would totally mess up my second-day hair-do.  It took me a while to realize that I just needed to wear a shower cap in the shower on days where my hair wasn’t going to be washed (duh!).  I wash my hair every other day, and on days where I’m not washing my hair I protect it and keep it dry by wearing a shower cap in the shower.

3. E.L.F. Makeup Mist- I know that I’ve pushed this product before, but I’m still obsessed! :-) This beauty repeat offender is a great way to set your makeup.  This mist is kind of like hairspray for your face.  I can apply my makeup in the morning and no matter how much playing or cleaning I do during the day, it is still going strong at the end of the day.  You apply all of your makeup and then lightly mist your face (2-3 pumps).  The mist helps to keep your makeup in place all day long so that you don’t have to reapply for touch-ups.  Since I started using this mist my makeup is as fresh in the evening as it was when I applied it in the morning, eveeeeeeeeeeen if it was a 14 hour day or it was 90 degree Houston weather.  I’m a believer in this stuff!

4. Tea Tree Essential Oil- (also know as Melaleuca alternifolia) I’ve posted about my Miracle Skin Care System before & mentioned Tea Tree Essential Oil.  This stuff is awesome!  If you haven't jumped on the essential oil train, you should start with this one.  I’m over 30 but I still have these annoying hormonal acne flare-ups here and there (typical regions for hormonal flare-ups are on the lower cheek/jaw line and chin). To quickly, and painlessly, clear-up a break-out, I dab a little Tea Tree EO on the area of interest 2x a day.  The Tea Tree EO will clear up a break-out within 24-48 hours.

5. Big Sexy Powder Play- This product is perfect for getting volume.  It is a weightless & odorless powder that you sprinkle into your hair and then shake it in with your fingers.  A little bit goes a long long long long way; you don’t need much to get your desired effect; I don’t think you’ll ever get to the bottom of the bottle.  I sprinkle this in at the crown of my head to give me a little poof.   If you’re a hair teaser this will definitely help you get some volume.

6. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish- I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to go get a manicure and I certainly don’t have the time to wait for my nails to dry if I do them myself.  In fact, I hate to waste time even painting my nails if I know that it is going to chip off so quickly because I’m constantly washing dishes.  This polish goes on fast, dries fast, and stays on.  My favorite shades are grays and neutrals these days.
So those are my favorites these days. 
Tell me more though!
What tricks and tools do you have?
Obligatory Blogger Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post; I just really like these products.
xoxo Darby

Monday, April 6, 2015

DIY Bug Spray

Good morning and happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend; we certainly did!  The Mr. took Thursday and Friday off, so we had a 4-day weekend with daddy home.  I love weekends like that :-)

Okay today I want to share my bug spray with you.  I try my best to make sure that everything around Dutch is promoting his health as much as possible.  With the mosquitos already in full force this spring in Houston, I wanted to make sure I had a healthy bug spray option for him.  This homemade bug spray is safe and effective for adults as well as young children.  There are two ways to make this: you can either have a spray or a cream.  I made the cream last year (and I still have it because apparently I made enough for everyone in the entire state of Texas), and this year I made the spray.DIY Bug Spray
Ingredients:
Glass spray bottle OR glass mason jar
Peppermint essential oil (I use Young Living)
Purification essential oil (I use Young Living)
Distilled water (optional)
Coconut oil (optional)

Spray Directions:
1. In a spray bottle (4oz or smaller), put 5 drops of peppermint and 5 drops of purification.  Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
2. Spray!
3. Bye bye skeeters!

Cream Directions:
1. Melt 4 oz of coconut oil, and then mix in 5 drops of peppermint and 5 drops of purification.  Pour into the mason jar, and stick in the fridge to harden.
2. Apply!
3. Bye bye skeeters! DSC_0085
xoxo Darby

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

What I’m Lovin’ Wednesday: New Mugs

I don’t know about you, but I’m a firm believer in how a new mug can totally change the flavor of your morning coffee.  Right? 
I’ve always been a big fan of the mugs at Anthropologie and this past weekend I purchased two new mugs and I’m loving them.  I’m convinced they’re the reason my coffee is extra yummy this week ;-)Anthropologie Mugs 1

I’ve still got my eyes on these two heheAnthropologie Mugs 2
Do you have any mugs that I need to check out?
Happy Wednesday (and April Fool’s Day!)
Obligatory Blogger Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post; I just really like these products.
xoxo Darby
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