Image Map

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Blgouary Day 30: Surviving Teething *Update*

 

                       20140128_162750       20140128_162807

Hey friends!

I’ve fallen off the bloguary bandwagon a little this week. Things have been a nuts in the Huie house. My little sweet pea has decided to scream like a banshee at night. This of course started happening the day after I filmed the vlog below where I said “Thank goodness he’s still sleeping through the night.”

The last time he did this he had 2 little pearly whites to show for it so I’m guessing we’re in the early stages of teething…….again! My poor little chunk. I can’t even image how much pain sprouting teeth must be. I feel awful for him and a little for me too.

20140128_161804

In today’s vlog I give ya an update on where we’re at with the whole teething debatable. What we’ve done for pain relief. My thoughts on the amber necklace. Infant centers to help with a fussy busy baby. Mommy groups, and a little about the Happiness Project. 

Grab a hot beverage and come back and hangout with me for today’s vlog!  

 

Today is the last day to register for the Valentine Box Swap. Registration closes tonight! 

 

instagram

Monday, January 27, 2014

Bloguary Day 27: Hanging with the Huie’s 2

Juicing, signing, and hanging in the kitchen!

No I’m not planning on becoming a vlogger and leaving the blog behind. I’ve always enjoyed recording little clips here and there. I just haven’t always shared our youtube clips on the blog. If you visit our Youtube channel you’ll see what I’m talking about. I have clips on there from a couple years ago…….all random stuff of course!

I do however think it’s nice to mix vlogging and blogging! Sometimes it’s easier for me to press record and just have a chat ya know? Kind of like the Breastfeeding and Surviving Teething vlogs I shared. Sometimes it flows a little more naturally for me when I tell a story verses type it out.

In other news I posted info about our Valentine’s Box Swap! If you would like to join in you can find all the info you need HERE!

 

instagram

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Valentines Box Swap

Back by popular demand it’s time for our annual Valentine’s Box Swap!

All the info you need to participate is below! 

To keep shipping cost fair you must reside in the US. If you would like to participate but live outside the US let me know. If I have others interested that live in your area I’ll match you up!

Step 1 Register:  Let me know you want in through one of the options below. Be sure to include your email address if you register via social media or I won’t be able to get in touch with you.

Ways to register:

-Shoot me an email at: domesticprincessintraining@gmail.com

-Leave a comment under this post (include your email address)

-Let me know via Instagram: Kendra_Huie or Facebook (include your email address)

Sign up closes Midnight cst on January 30, 2014. Once registration is closed, it’s closed!

Step 2 Spread the Word: Blog, Instagram, Tweet, Facebook, chi-chat with your gal pals. However you choose to share. I would love your help spreading the word! The more people that join in the more fun it will be! When sharing via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter be sure to use #valentinesboxswap so we can find each other!

Step 3 Who's Your Buddy: On Saturday, February 2, 2014 I will email the name and address of your Snail Mail Love exchange buddy. You will not actually be swapping back and forth with the same person you're assigned. You'll be sending to the person you're assigned and a different person will be sending you a package. This is great because you'll be able to meet to 2 new friends instead of one. Once you have your buddies info get started on your card and Valentine’s package!


Step 4 Document The Journey: Take photos while you’re getting your craft on, shopping for your Valentine’s buddy, or even while you’re mailing your package and share them!!! Get creative and share the journey with us! Seeing the process is all part of the fun and a great way to connect with others that are participating! Share your photos via instagram or on my Facebook wall. I will pull some of my favorite photos to share on a later blog post. Don't forget to use #valentinesboxswap so I can find your photos when posting!   

 

Step 5 Send Your Valentine’s Box: On or before Saturday, February 8th mail your package! This means your package should be on its way NO LATER THAN Saturday, February 8th! We want them on their way no later than the 8th so your buddy will have it by Valentine’s Day! If you can get your box out before the 8th even better!

 

Step 6 Receive & Document: Blog, Instagram, Tweet, Fcebook all about your Snail Mail Love package and your adventure with the swap. Sharing about your box and your experience participating in the Valentine’s Box Swap is part of the fun. Be sure and use #valentinesboxswap on Instagram and Twitter so we can all find each other! I’ll be selecting a few of my favorite photos to share in a blog post!


Snail Mail Love FAQs:


1. Do I need to have a blog to participate?

Nope everyone within the US blogger or not is invited to join in! If you live outside of the US read below
**I don't live within the US can I  still participate?**
To keep shipping cost fair to everyone it's best if you live within he US. With that being said I really hate leaving folks out. Here's the fix! If you outside of the US but would like to participate shoot me an e-mail to let me know you want in and where you live. If we have another buddy enter that lives in your area I will match you up. I know there are several followers in Australia as well as UK and Canada sooooo it's worth a try! If I'm able to find a match for you I will be in touch to let you know!


2. How much should I spend?

Let’s cap it at $20 which should include shipping cost. If you get creative you can put together an awesome package for very little! $20.00 is the cap but not a required amount to spend.

3. What should I Include in my Valentine’s Box?

This is up to you! The only thing that's required is a crafted or purchased Valentine card and a few goodies to complete your Valentine’s Box. You can stalk (friendly stalk not cray-cray scary stalk) your buddy and see if they're into anything in particular. Ideas:  chocolate, crafting supplies if your buddy is a crafter, a small candle, funky Valentines socks, coffee/tea/hot chocolate mix, funky mug, dish towel, vintage coolness, handcrafted goods, stationary, accessories, some of your favorite inexpensive items like chapstick or a small bottle of your favorite hand lotion. The possibilities are endless BUT be sure to keep shipping cost in mind!  Have fun with your Valentine card and putting together your package. I'm giving you plenty of time to get creative (if you choose) so be sure to start ASAP so it's a fun experience and not something you have to rush through!

4. Is it a secret?

No, yes, nah,  ummm kind of? I want you to share, document,  and talk all about your journey. You just might not want to directly tag your buddy with a picture of their package saying something like "Hey So-and-So this is your gift."  that way they are surprised when they open their box. 

5. Is their an age limit?

Yes, you most be at least 21 to participate.

6. What if I don't receive my assignment.

When you let me know you want in I will reply to confirm and ask for your mailing address. I’ll also send you a little mini questionnaire to fill out that will be passed onto your swap buddy.

If you do not hear back from me by 1/30 that means I did NOT receive your email,comment, or you did not include an email address for me to reach you at. Be sure to follow up. I wan to make sure that everyone that wants to participate gets in before the deadline!

Eeekkkk I know that's a lot of info but aren't you excited? I know I am! 

Here's the Cliffs Notes Version:

Sign Up by 1/30 Once registration closes it’s closed!

Spread the word Blog, Fb, Instagram, Tweet, don't forget to use #valentinesboxswap on your photos so we can find each other!

Receive your box swap buddy’s info on 2/1
Start gathering your goodies for your package and working on your card.
Have FUN and document the process!

Send your Valentine’s box on or before 2/8, the earlier the better!

Instagram, Blog, Fb, Tweet all about your journey! Be sure to use #valentinesboxswap so we can all enjoy your photos!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Bloguary Day 24: How I’m Dealing with my Perfectionism

No photos today. I want to to focus to be on my journey and what I’ve learned. If you struggle with perfectionism, this post is for you.

 

Perfectionism is the mother of procrastination. – Michael Hyatt

 

I thought long and hard about what I wanted my New Year’s resolutions to be this year. In fact I’m still nailing them down. It’s turning more into a whole “Happiness Project” (which is the book I’m currently reading).

One word that continued to stick out as I thought about things I wanted to work on was perfectionism. Just four months ago Pre-Weston (an era I’ve coined) I loved my perfectionism ways and was proud of them. If I committed myself to a task it was going to be done right and tied up with a pretty bow. If I couldn’t give a task my all I wouldn’t start it. See where the issue is coming in? I’m an all or nothing kind of gal.

My longing for the perfect outcome stifles my creativity, holds me back, keeps me from enjoying the process, and makes it hard to really be happy with a finished task. My perfectionism runs deep and by deep I mean deeeeeep. I always find ways I could improve on something or in retrospect think of another way I should have gone. Then the mulling starts.

“I could have done better.”
“I should have devoted more time.”
“If I had the funds for this then I would have been able to do it the way I wanted.”
”What was I thinking?”
”Well here it is but it’s not what I wanted.”

I am my own worst critic.

Why am I so hard on myself? Why do I not give myself the grace that I give others? Why do I make things harder than they need to be?

Here’s where Weston comes in and why all time before his birth is now referred to as the Pre-Weston era.

Before Weston I had time or maybe I should say I made time to make sure all things big or small were done in the most perfect way I could do them. “Eh I can sleep tomorrow.” often came out of my mouth. Or the complete opposite “This is going to take way too long and I just don’t have the time to do it how I want so I’ll do it another time.”  Yeah as we all know that “other time” I often plan for never comes around.

Now that nugget is here when I do have time to take care of something it’s become a this or that game. Shower or pick up the house. Laundry or blog. Return a call or eat lunch. It’s a juggling act ya know? On top of trying to juggle the last thing I have time for is perfection. This also bleeds into completion. If I know I don’t have time to finish something in the way I would like it I just don’t do it. Nope, I don’t even start. Which leads to mounds of task that need my attention and anxiety over what needs to be done as it piles up. It becomes overwhelming. I shut down and ignore it. My perfectionism is also used for bad as I’ve perfected the art of compartmentalizing things that cause any type of negative emotion and acting as if they don’t exist. Hum a whole room full of clutter? Noooo not in our house! Piles of laundry, what? This is also true when it comes to relationships that need mending but that’s a different post for a different day.

Weston is showing me that I just don’t have the time for perfection and I’m learning that what little free time I do have can be used for a any task big or small, completion or not. If I can only give a task 10 minutes so be it. Ten minutes is better than nothing and over time that 10 minutes adds up! Let’s give Weston a BIG HIGH FIVE for that! Only 4 months old and already teaching me stuff. Well more like forcing me to rework some of my hang-ups.

As I face my perfectionism head on I’m learning that unfortunately perfectionism is part of me. It’s the way I think and it leads most of my decisions. Maybe there’s a little strand in my DNA that spells out perfectionist. It’s so deeply rooted in who I am that it’s not something that I can just turn off no matter how hard I try. So how do I handle it? I thought on it. It took me several days to come to a conclusion; one that I felt would work with my personality. While I tried to find a way to handle my perfectionism a sentence continued to pop in my mind.

“Let it go.”

Such a short sentence but full of such power and meaning.

Do the best you can do with the time or means you have then……Let it go. Don’t mull over how you should have done it differently or could have done better.

When I make a decision that I feel is the best decision I can make at that time. Stick to it then…….Let it go. Don’t look back and kick yourself for not choosing a different path.

When I have 10 minutes to puts towards a task that I know will take longer. Do what I can do in 10 minutes then…….Let it go. Don’t kick myself for not finishing the task at hand. Come back to it later but for now……Let it go. 

Give yourself grace and LET. IT. GOOOOOOOO!
I know I’m starting to sound like the girl from Frozen but she’s onto something!

I can feel my shoulders relax and my breathing deepen when I tell myself to just let it go. My path to stopping perfectionism turned into a path of acceptance and grace. While I wasn’t successful at kicking out the little perfectionist living inside we’ve learned to coexist and I’m okay with that.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Bloguary Day 22: Moments from our Day

 

Just a few frozen moments from our day.

IMG_4290

IMG_4325

 

IMG_4262

IMG_4384

 

IMG_4409

 

IMG_4444

 

IMG_4429

IMG_4399

 

instagram

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Bloguary Day 21: The Day That Changed Everything

One year ago today we found out some pretty exciting news. Kent’s reaction still makes me giggle. Oh my pessimistic hubby. I love him so!  I let this little clip tell ya just what we found out…….

 

It blows my mind how much our lives have changed since that day. I still really can’t wrap my head around it.  We’re parents….what!?! I have a little baby that’s part Kent and part yours truly…...what!?! 

IMG_6419

On that very day I one year ago I found out that there was a tiny baby in my tummy. I had no idea if it was a boy or a girl, what he/she would look like, what I would look like as my belly grew or what an amazing journey we were in store for.

I look back at photo from that time when I was newly pregnant and think just how precious it all is. If I could go back and tell that girl, the one you saw a flash of in the clip just what a blessing she is in store for I would talk her ears off for hours.

IMG_6642

Here are a few things I would say……….


-Enjoy every second of your pregnancy. It’s amazing and something to be cherished.
-Take a million photos of that belly and don’t be ashamed of the massive amounts of selfes. It’s beautiful!
-Keep a journal; of the handwritten kind. Write about your crazy pregnancy dreams, your cravings, your belly, hopes and dreams for your little one. Who you want to be as a mommy. Anything, everything, write it down!
-Take guilt free naps
-Invest in those who invest in you and say goodbye to those who don’t. This is difficult for you but your priorities are about to change and free time will be hard to come by. 2 fulfilling friendships are better than 20 one sided friendships. It’s time.  
-Just be, relax in the moment. Don’t worry about what’s to come. Stop, look around and breathe it all in.
-Hold onto your mom just a little tighter. Your relationship will strengthen and she will become even more of a blessing to you.
-Cut back on the chocolate chip cookies…..just a tad
-I know you’re busy and tired but continue those workouts all the way to the end. Do what you can do even if it’s just a short walk but keep it up! 
-Reach out and make new mommy friends. It will be them that you want to call after a hard day, week, month. When you just need to vent and an understanding ear to listen. You’ll want to lean on others that have been there or are going through it with ya.  
-Randomly look at your husband and let him know just how much you love and appreciate him. He’s going to take such good care of you in the next few months. It will blow your mind, I promise. Oh and just wait until you see him as a father. I can’t even go there. Just typing this is making me cry. We’ll just leave it at that.
-Get a few pairs of squishy flip flops. They will be all you can wear towards the end of your pregnancy.
-Highlight your hair before the baby comes. Pregnancy will bring on the grey hair and you will not have the time nor want to sit for long hair appointments after little bit get here.
-Reconcile broken family relationships. It never feels like a good time but do it now. Get over “I’m always the bigger person” anger and do just that….be the bigger person.
-Take time for yourself. Read a book, work on your Project Life album, go have a coffee and people watch. Just enjoy the quiet. You will miss it and me time will not feel the same after little bit gets here.
-You will need time to embrace your postpartum body.  Give your self some slack and admire what your body just achieved. It’s given you the ultimate gift and deserves to be appreciated.
-Start gathering clothing you can wear postpartum. Go up 1 or 2 sizes from what you wore before pregnancy. Flowy dresses, cute PJ sets that make you feel pretty, nursing tanks, oversized tops and cardigans. Dressing a postpartum body is not easy so start gathering items you see that may work so you don’t feel so frustrated when you need to get dresses for something.
- Stay on top of those items you want to get crossed off your pre baby list. People will tell you to not worry about getting the house clean or his room finished. That you can do it after the baby gets here. They are right but you will be so much more at ease after the baby arrives if you get that list finished. Bringing the baby home to a freshly cleaned organized house will feel awesome.
-Don’t spend tons of time stressing over your registry. It will work itself out and things will be fine.
-Reach out to other pregnant mamas and bless them as you’ve been blessed. You will be rallied around and show so much love during this journey. Pay it forward to another.
-Get ready because you’re in for a pretty amazing ride. One so amazing you won’t be able to dream it. You will be humbled. You’ll be full of love. You’ll cry tears of joy and gratitude. You’ll grow as a person. You’ll strength bonds. You’ll be happy on a whole new level. And when it comes to an end and your baby is on its way that chapter will end but something even more amazing is in store.

IMG_6308-editfoundout1.21.13ww

Yep that’s what I would tell her; the girl in the clip that just found out she’s pregnant.

 

instagram

Monday, January 20, 2014

Bloguary Day 20: Surviving Teething

Weston cut 2 teeth! Can you believe it?
He turned 4 months last Friday and already has 2 teething…….craziness!
I keep thinking I should have taken more pictures of that sweet gummy smile.  I know it’s only teeth but I feel like I’m sending him off to college. He’s just growing so stinking fast!

Last week was a rough one. Reallllllll rough!

I’ve been on the fence about sharing this vlog. To share not to share? I don’t want to come off sounding ungrateful for the amazing blessing we’ve been given. I also don’t want people to think more is going on than what actually is. I’m going to go for it and share anyway!  It was just a bad week. It’s been hard for the last 2 months but last week took it to a whole new level. Being alone with a screaming baby (oh yes he can put a 6 year old girl to shame) for hours on end wears ya down!

My poor little fella is now hoarse from all the screaming. It makes me frown and shake my head every time I hear his little hoarse squeak; so sad.

In today’s vlog I chat about what’s been going on with the teething Mr. How I’m coping with it and how I plan to tackle another week (if the teething monster comes back).

Um and as usual my thumbnail is pretty awesome.

Bring it teething! I’ m ready for ya!
What I’ve prepared to take teething DOOOOWN

-I had some free time over the weekend. I took a 3 hour nap and got a pedicure! Feeling refreshed thanks to Kent!
-I have my book audio book ready to go! I’ll be listening to “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I’ve heard great things about this book!  
-I broke down about bought some frozen meals. I went with Amy’s organic lite meals. I’m not one for processed foods but when I take a step back and look at what I have been (eating, granola bars, protein bars, random processed snacks) I might as well get a little more nutrition in. Those days when I just don’t have time to put together a healthy meal I will at least have another option besides a protein bar.
-Restocked my coffee stash. Come on you know coffee is any new moms secret weapon!
-Teething tablets and an amber necklace for the little ready to go! The teething tablets helped some. Not sure if I buy into the whole amber necklace thing but after last week I’m willing to try anything. Hopefully it proves me wrong and works!

Annnnnd my trump card. The reason that all parents keep on trucking even when it get a little tough. Look at this little love. He makes my heart go pitter patter; even when he’s screaming his head off!

20131129_131315

 

instagram

Friday, January 17, 2014

Day 17: My Log Cabin Obsession

It’s true I’m obsessed with cabins!
I love staying in them.
I LOVE photographing them.
I could eat them on a plane. I could eat them on a train. Just kidding but really I do love me a good cabin!
If it’s a log cabin even better!

 

Ponca, ArkansasIMG_7188

I think it’s the charm.
The seclusion.
The lifestyle I associate with them. 

Mountain View, ArkansasIMG_25302

They make me all warm and mushy inside.

If I lived in one would I still feel the same way?
Would I take all that I love about them for granted?
Do the people that live tucked away in the mountains all cozied up in their cabins still notice all the beauty that surrounds them? I always wonder that when we’re visiting. I see them doing their thing and living their lives and think “Do you know just how lucky you are to call this your home?”
Maybe they feel the same way about city folk? 
Probably not though.  

 

Jasper, ArkansasIMG_6910-edit

My cabin life is a dream I hold tight. Not sure that it will ever come true so for now I will day dream and look forward until the next time I get to call one my home…..
Even if it’s just for a few days!

Tiny town tucked away in the Colorado mountains. I forget the name of the city we stayed in.IMG_6312

We’re currently planning our summer trip to Colorado.
Oh yes there will be a cabin involved!

 

instagram

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Bloguary Day 16: Our Family Photos

Weston was right at 3 months when we took these. Our 1st attempt was a huge fail…..HUGE! So I called in reinforcements aka nana to help with stinkpot. She doesn’t live close so it was so nice of her to drive all the way out to help! She totally saved us! Thanks mom!

I was pretty happy with our second attempt.

Awww our 1st family photos!

IMG_2813

I’ve been taking photos for my clients for years. I’ve always know just how special it is to capture those moments but now that I have a family of my own I understand that on a whole new level.

IMG_2976

My favorite! I love those sweet cheeks!

IMG_2840 edit

IMG_2816 edit

IMG_2951-edit

Kent is so awesome about taking photos. I love him for that!

IMG_3019-edit

IMG_2972

After our photos are over I usually change outfits and snap a few headshots to use for business and social media type stuff but yeah that wasn’t happening this year. Weston hung in for the family photos then was done! I don’t blame him.  My mom took Weston to the car and we snapped a couple on our way out of the park. Got to document my post baby body ya know! That way when I get back to pre baby weight I can remember to not get so carried away with the treats the next time around. Oh yes and there will be more babies!

IMG_31172

Little tip: No matter how silly you feel ask your photographer to take a few solo shots of you at your next family session. Your kids will cherish them when they’re older and so will you. I offer to do this for my clients. Sometimes it takes a little coaxing but they are always happy to have them afterwards! It’s okay to get in front of the camera sometimes!

Kendra Pryor Photography
Kendra Pryor Photography’s facebook Page

instagram

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Bloguary Day 15: Hanging with the Huie’s

Well hello there day 15! We’re halfway through Bloguary!

ABM_1389806945

Weston will be 4 months on Friday and is already cutting teeth. I can feel one little sharp guy on the bottom and another coming in right next to it. Finally some answers for all the fussiness we’ve been dealing with.  It’s been pretty crazy in our house since Christmas. Poor little pea! I knew he was teething even though the PA we saw looked at me like I was a nut when I suggested it. Sometimes mama knows best!

Yep yesterday looked a little something like this.

ABM_1389807846

I was recording a little family video last night (Weston had a couple 1st I wanted to document) and thought “Hey let’s just use this for tomorrow’s Bloguary post” I had my hands full with Mr. Fussy and didn’t have time to get a post together. This vlog is a little more natural for me! Just a clip of us hanging out on the couch with the pups and our little man chatting about random stuff.  It’s fun! I think you’ll like it.

 

In the vlog I talk about a few things and say that I’ll share a photo of in the post. Here they are……..

1st time riding big boy style in his stroller.

ABM_1389807044

 

My view looking down while we got our mall walk on!

ABM_1389806993

20140114_155037

So sad that he’s growing out of these little shoes! I bought them from someone on instagram and I forget who. The pattern they used to make them fits his foot perfectly. I’ve since bought a couple other pairs from etsy vendors but they just don’t look as cute or fit his foot as well.

The photo my mom texted me yesterday. Oh my chubbyness. Look at those cheeks! This is me fresh out of tummy.  Everyone says Weston looks exactly like Kent, he does but I see some of me too! Especially when you see this and photos of him from the hospital. We look like swollen freshly baked twins!

ABM_1389807258

 

Thanks for all the Instagram love on yesterday’s vlog. I was super nervous recording that and y’all made me smile real big!  I sure love my instagram buddies!

instagram

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Bloguary Day 14: My Breastfeeding Story

Sooooo I’m not really a sit down and stare at a little black hole type of vlogger. I’m more of a take a camera along and record random stuff type of girl so this made my boots knock a little. Yep I go off in random tangents (you know me), yes I will repeat myself but eh it’s ok! I’ll get better after I do a couple more!

My breastfeeding story has many up and downs (more downs than ups) and has an ending I didn’t foresee but that’s okay. Sometimes things don’t play out the want you want them to. Weston is doing a wonderful job of teaching me that!

If you could care less about breastfeeding you can skip to the end. Weston has a little cameo and he is so dang cute but I am his mama so I’m definitely bias! Or you can just watch to see me forget things and get stuck on my words. It’s okay to laugh!

I think this thumbnail along deserves a good chuckle

 

The “Supplement, vitamin, supplement” Winking smile I mentioned in the vlog is made by Gaia Herbs and is called Lacation Support.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Bloguary Day 13: Awkward Photo Day

Because you can’t take yourself too seriously I bring you awkward photo day!

20130609_213222

Trying to take a photo of my eye shadow. Tooootally nailed it!

20130607_105651

I posted this one on instagram awhile back and was told I look like Donkey from Shrek. Yep I see it. Good call……good call!

IMAG7177

Nose flair don’t care!

20131129_152631

Oh yes faux fur and stripes are a must!

20130508_172801

Let’s be honest here. Only 1 person looks smokin’ in this photo. I think we all know it’s me!

20130615_201512

I raise your bad hair day photo and give you this!

20131225_124436

I feel like this belongs in a awkward family photo calendar. 

20130512_111736

Because mid eye blink photos are always fun. The sleep marks just kick it up a notch!

              20130505_20103320130607_202507

The Christmas Eve hangover

20131225_170854

Even my family gets in on the awkward photo action.

20131225_171115

Sometimes the awkward random photos are my favorite!

 

instagram