Where I’ve Been Lately…

I really have been meaning to write. I’ve had this determination to not fall off the wagon with blogging because it really alleviates so much stress for me. With that being said, I’ve clearly been gone for a while…

So here’s the gist:

We’re EXPECTING again 😍😍😍 so I’ve been laying low and tackling projects around my home (which I plan to write about soon). Baby #2 is due mid July 2018 and we couldn’t be happier. More updates to come, but so happy to share this one with you all ☺️.

Gift Ideas for the Men in Your Life *Hipster Edition 

Ok so the title says “men” because obviously we buy presents for men other than our husbands or significant others from time to time. However, this particular go around I was buying for my husband. So here goes… 

Our 4th wedding anniversary is coming up on Thanksgiving this year! Usually I always order something he sends me a specific link for, but I’m a little tired of always giving the cheaper/less original gift. He’s really a very picky individual that collects very specific objects. For example, he collects high quality knives. All kinds. They’re freaking everywhere at my house! He also smokes a tobacco pipe. So now we have that collection clutter on my shelves. He also likes hats and John Muir quotes. 

Clearly, I’m married to a “hipster” lol. It’s cool, he’s honestly a pretty rad dude and I love him dearly (most days). So I really wanted to go above and beyond my usual Amazon order. So here’s a short list of the ideas I brainstormed. 

  • A new pipe and collection of new tobacco
  • A beard grooming gift set
  • Concert tickets
  • Rocking chair (for front porch sittin’) 
  • Stranger Things collectibles 
  • Suspenders and a few outfits to go with them
  • Record player and some vinyls

Okay so this isn’t the most extensive list but you have to know my guy. I really just wanted to give you a scaffold of ideas to branch off of when you’re doing your own shopping. I went with the record player and a Chris Stapleton vinyl by the way. First time EVER that I have his gift before he has mine. I think that means I win this year lol. I ended up with a Crosley Cruiser from Target (yes, I scored this on a Target run lol). They have Vinyl now so I picked that up at Target also. Right now they have the black Crosley for $59.99! I spent about $80 total and I know it’s a gift he’ll use time and time again. Also, the helpful guy in electronics let me know that there wasn’t a huge difference between the Cruiser and the more expensive options so snaps for him and thank you little buddy! 👏🏼🙌🏼 If you’ve managed to scroll to the end, thanks for reading! I’ll be sure to check in and let you know what he thinks and where we score some amazing new records. 

Confessions of a Mom Entering the Toddler Years…

Okay so I recently had the discussion with my husband that our sweet girl is now a toddler and will probably start behaving like one (she already does 😳). He obviously only sees her as the sweet angel she was when we brought her home. Of course she’s still the sweetest and I love her immensely, but Jesus she has become a sass master.

Let’s just say this girl is fierce and I see her conquering the world one day. For now, she reacts with vengeance when she’s told “no” and we’re working on that lol. So here are my little confessions since embarking on this terror train. 

  1. I don’t like her sometimes. 🙁 Now, I always LOVE my child unconditionally but I don’t like her all the time. She just now walked up to me and clawed my face. Hence me not liking her for a second. 
  2. When my husband leaves it all to me to deal with, I plot what household object I’d like to knock him out with. Fellas, be better. All around just be there for fuck’s sake. 
  3. I see my temper in her and it scares the shit out of me. I hope I can teach her better coping skills than I have. 
  4. I’m honestly terrified that I’m screwing her up. I’m trying my best to discipline in a constructive, science-backed manner but it’s freaking hard. 
  5. I don’t like being a stay at home mom. I hate saying that because I wanted that for so long. This is probably an unpopular opinion but I feel like I’m wasting my education and it seriously devastates me. My husband doesn’t see me as the accomplished woman I am anymore and that pisses me off more than it makes me sad. I’m still wrestling with this and it’s okay. 

Okay, rant over and if you made it through that, snaps for you! 😉 

Mom Dating is Hard

So I’ve come to the conclusion that finding your best friend soul mate is a million times harder than dating and finding a mate. Don’t get me wrong, I have several close friendships I established and continue to care for from high school and my hometown. However, when you move away it can be daunting to find a new “tribe”. 

I’m extremely introverted and I struggle with small talk. I’ve tried to socialize in Facebook groups and it never goes anywhere. I live in the Deep South and I’m not especially religious sooooo obviously that’s a huge hurdle. 

Now I’m not saying I’m not a believer in Christianity. What I am saying is that I do not want to come to church three times, two potlucks, and six women’s studies groups to make a friend. The struggle is real people! 🤷🏼‍♀️

Buy guys….. I found the mom equivalent of Tinder and it is AH-mazing! It’s called Peanut and you swipe up or down based on hobbies and the ages of your children to find a good match. It’s so easy and cuts down on the first awkward “what do you like to do for fun” convo. 

As an incredibly shy person, I’m stoked to say I’ve officially made 3 friends from this app!!! They are my people and I haven’t felt this fulfilled in such a long time 😍 

Listen mommas, give this one a try, especially if you’re struggling to find your village. 

Also, I started a Facebook page for my blog so follow this link and like it please! 

https://m.facebook.com/Daily-Struggle-Bus-1247521345354332/

INFLUENSTER 🙌🏼

So guys I did a thing…I signed up for Influenster and received complimentary hair products. I hear you. I was skeptical at first too. 

This is legit though. I didn’t just receive sample sizes, I received full size products to review and post about! 

Afterwards, all I had to do was post a review and share on social media. The more “reach” you have on social media, the more likely you are to receive a box (“VoxBox”). It was seriously so simple and I’m looking forward to being selected for a new box. 

Influenster also has a home page to read others’ reviews which is really helpful when shopping around. Guys, don’t hesitate. Sign yourselves up to get some goodies! 🙌🏼❤️⭐️
*also let me give you my quick review of the Garnier products. I love the smell, texture, and price of these! They’ve been a staple in my hair care for a long time so I was t surprised when I used them 😊