It’s Been Fun – Bloguary Day 15

Man these 4am wake up calls are good for the blog!
Next year it looks like all I need to do is set my alarm for 4am then I’ll totally nail Bloguary!

I didn’t do great with my Bloguary goal this year but I did okay and due to the little change in plans for our family I think it’s okay that I slacked towards the end.

Seeing how it’s the last day of the month I thought we could end Bloguary with a little round up of some of my faves from the month; favorite photos, favorite post, things of that nature!

I’ll include a full Bloguary link listing at the bottom of this post just in case you missed a few post and want to check them out.

This is hands down my favorite photo that was shared during Bloguary! I can’t help but look at it and big fat cheesy smile. It’s from the post “Documenting Family”

 

I enjoyed putting together our Christmas Post! It’s full precious photos from Christmas morning and time with family. My favorites are the photos of my dad playing with Weston but this Santa photo heheheh totally needs a mention too! I can’t believe next year we’ll have 2 little boys sitting on Santa’s lap! 

 

Carson’s Nursery Plans post was not too exciting but I really enjoyed typing all the plans out and I’ve LOVED having this style board to reference while I’ve been shopping and gathering things for his nursery. I’ve pulled it up on my phone several times and held fabric or rugs up to it. It’s really helped make a few decisions I’ve been stuck on.

It’s time for a mini nursery design update because we now have the crib, his crib bumper, crib sheets, the glider (same as below) has been ordered. I went to order the AWESOME tree stump end table and it’s SOLD OUT. Sold out big time as in I spent hours trying to find another distributor and everyone that carries it is sold out. Made me so mad! I think it totally pulls the look of the room together and I’ve yet to find another one I like as much as this one. Besides the print you see below I’ve purchased a couple of additional prints for his wall, thrifted a few frames, and an awesome wooden mini log cabin kit that I have plans for! We’ve painted his chalkboard wall eeek!  Still looking for just the right rug. The rug hunt is going to take some time.

All very exciting! Oh how I love to decorate nurseries. I love to decorate in general but there’s something about pulling a nursery together that really puts a smile in my heart.

For now everything is all kind of messily piled in his room but once things start to come together I’ll do an update post and share a few photos of the progress!

My favorite post from Bloguary has to be the Day in the Life post. I really need to do these more often. There’s just something so special about capturing life. Nothing fancy just us hanging at home doing what we typically do. I tried to not get hung up on exposure, lighting, and messes around the house. I wanted to just shoot what was real in the moment.

Oh and boy did I capture Weston and his “Mama hold me phase” It was a massive melt down day and honestly that’s typical for us in this season with our 16.5 month old. He would be happy if he could be attached to my hip most hours of the day. I know I’ll enjoy having this one to look back on.

I have a few photographer friends that have challenged themselves to do a Day in the Life series once a month. I may join in. That sounds totally doable.

My favorite vlogs that were shared were………..

 

Mainly because I got a lot of interaction on this one and it was fun to chat with you about your thoughts and hear some of your stories. I always love interaction with you!  I was worried to share this one. I totally thought I was going to get ripped a new one but y’all were kind to me!

 

One the many thrift store hauls. I have 2 more I have yet to share buuuuut this one was a good one! I found a new thrift store and totally hit the jackpot!

 

And the post that took the most time to create was………

My cloth diaper post! Between shooting and editing the photos, filming and editing the Q&A part as well as creating the post itself. This one was a doozy but I’m glad I finally got it all together! If you missed this one and are curious about Cloth Diapering be sure to check it out!

 

You have 2 more days to enter the wet bag giveway! I pick an winner on Monday. Only a small handful have entered so far so your odds are looking good. All info on how to enter is listed on the corresponding cloth Diaper post!

 

Thank you so much to those who have followed along during Bloguary this year! Whether you interacted, commented, or just blog stalked I’m glad that you stopped by! I hope to do it again next year but we shall see how things paly out!

Bloguary Links:
Day 1- Documenting Family
Day 2- Planner Organization
Day 3- The Christmas Post 
Day 4- Consignment Haul
Day 5- I’m Tired Love THE Rambler 
Day 6- Carson’s Nursery Plans 
Day 7- 3rd Annual Valentine’s Box Swap
Day 8- Valentine’s Box Swap and Organizing Vlogs
Day 9- Day in the Life
Day 10- I Was Attacked By A Mary Kay Lady 
Day 11- Thrifting Haul
Day 12- Family Update & Where I’ve Been
Day 13- Cloth Diaper Storage and Q&A
Day 14- 4am Ramble

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4am Ramble – Bloguary Day 14

Hello 4am!
A kicking baby and a snoring hubby brought me here. I fought it for a good 30mins then decided to give in. It started off a little something like this………

“I’ll get up and clean, fold some laundry, maybe wash some dishes.”
“Well if I do all that my coffee will get cold.”
“I really need to buy some maternity clothes. Some online shopping?” NO you just spent a small fortune at the chiropractor and getting your hair done. You’ll need to squeeze into what you have for a while longer.” Sorry leggings inner Kendra is a cheapo!
How about a blog post? YEP! That sounds like just the right coffee drinking procrastinating task I’m looking for.

And here we are!

I have nothing prepared to chat about so you know the drill……..

Kendra is my name and random is my game. Here’s something that’s been on my mind lately. Enter at your own risk.

My in-laws leave today. Did you watch our Family update vlog? I explain everything there. 
We had dinner with them last night and it took everything in me not to throw myself at my mother-in-law and sob. They’re not ones to outwardly show emotion. I’m pretty sure it would have freaked them out so I played it cool and kept it together.

I kept thinking about how much Weston is going to grow and change over the next 2 months while they’re gone. How big my belly is going to get. How when they come back we’ll have 1 month ONE MONTH until we meet Carson. Whoops and here come the tears. It just seems like we’re entering such a panicle point in our family life……Kent, Weston, and I.

I told Kent yesterday that I really want to focus on enjoying these next few months. He replied with a chuckle. To which I asked why that was funny.

He said “Yeah well I don’t think these next few months are going to be fun. More like stressful.” Yes I can see that but they can also be fun/precious, if that’s what we focus on.

Yes Weston is a wild man. He’s fussy and clingy, often. He wants mama and only mama most of the time. He’s SUPER active and loves to destroy everything he touches. He’s a handful but he’s also precious.

I know there will be a time when I’ll look back on these days and miss my mama’s boy. I’ll miss hearing him call out for me. Seeing him light up the second he sees me. Knowing just how much he loves me by looking at his sweet chubby face. He’s my Velcro and while it’s not always easy this time is so very very precious. 

Soon things are going to change.

I’ll be nursing a newborn. Attention and focus will be shifted. Life will change for all of us. Weston will soon be a big brother! Don’t get me started I’ll sobbing aging. He’ll have to share his mama. I’ll have to share my Weston and while I’m so excited for this new chapter we’re quickly approaching I’m also a little anxious about the shift.

So I really want to enjoy these next few months. Yes we have tons of projects in the house we need to complete. Yes I’m behind on laundry and many things actually but if the opportunity arises for us to do something fun as a family. A family if 3. We should do it! Forgot about the “To Do List”. Okay not totally because that would just freak me out but make sure we’re taking advantage of those little moments we have………just the 3 of us.

Enjoy Weston as an only child. Take time to pause and mediate on Carson’s sweet kicks (I know just how much I’ll miss those after he’s born). Enjoy the journey of preparing the nursery and getting the house in order. It’s special, all of it. Even the things we think are going to be hard.

I’m so grateful for this time with him. These last few months of “just us”. Not having to worry about work or deadlines. Being able to worry about not getting house work done. Worrying about a son who flips the second I leave the room. Yes he totally does. I’ll have to tell y’all how the gym nursery has been going. Different post on another day. It’s a gift to be able to focus/worry about those things fully without throwing in the stresses of a job. I see the gift in it all and I’m so very grateful.

So to the hubs I said……….

“Yes it may be a little hard at times and yes I’m going to be tired. My back may be acting up and you’ll have to help out around the house a little more than you would like to but let’s enjoy it. It’s a precious time that we’ll look back on and miss one day.”

He smiled at me and said. “Yeah okay.”

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Cloth Diaper Storage and Q&A – Bloguary Day 13

THE CLOTH DIAPER POST

You asked for it and it only took me a year to deliver! Today’s post is all about……….

Our cloth diaper storage
Things we use along with our cloth diapers
A round of Q&A where I answer your questions about cloth diapering
And a GIVEAWAY!

Let’s jump right in shall we?

Weston’s dresser doubles as his changing table and works out great for us!

The old wire baskets were a flea market score. I knew they would be perfect for his diapers!

The top basket holds our all in one Happy Flute diapers which I like to use in the mornings and when we’re hanging at home. The bottom bin holds some of our pocket Sun Baby diapers. I’ve tried many a brand of cloth diaper. Even took a little break from cloth diapering so that we could test a few out before I made my mind up. Most that I tried were more expensive than Sun Baby cloth but for us these were the winners! It’s different for everyone though so you really need to test a few out before you deiced what you want build your stash with.

The wooden box on top of the dress is used to store coconut oil, diaper liners, cloth diaper safe diaper rash cream and a few other odds and ends.

I mean really y’all how cute, right? Yes I cloth diaper for cost and environmental reasons buuuuuut I’m not going to lie the cute factor is a major perk as well.

Now that Weston’s older he likes to pick out which diaper he wears. He enjoys the fun prints just as much as I do! The thing that’s not so great is when he runs up to a little buddy points to his diaper area and says “Giraffe!” then starts to pull his waist band down to show off his giraffe print diaper. Ha!

A few things we use with our cloth diapers……
*Diaper Liners: I’ll talk more about the liners in my video below. We use them with each diaper change.
*Coconut Oil: We all know about the many, many, maaaaaany uses of coconut oil. It’s also safe for cloth diapers. I’ll use it to moisturize his bum from time to time. It’s also great for diaper rashes and to butter between those sweet baby rolls when they’re little.
*CJs BUTTer: Cloth diaper safe diaper rash cream. Thankfully he’s never had a full blown diaper rash but if I ever see his little tush start to look the slightest pink I use this.

Random Tip: Not related to diapers but Weston’s face gets super dry in the winter. Every night we rub some CJs BUTTer around his nose and on his cheeks. It’s very thick so it stays on his skin throughout the night and has done wonders for his chapped cheeks. Yep it’s all natural and safe to use on other areas besides the bum!

I hung an over the door shoe organizer to store the diapers that don’t fit in the wire baskets. Once the baskets start to get low I pull a few from the closet organizer and fill the baskets back up, easy peasy!

I have a designated drawer in his dresser that holds inserts for our pocket diapers. Usually I’m able to wash, stuff (if need be), then put away diapers in either the baskets or his closet organizer but I have some extra inserts I can add to his diaper if I want them to have a little more absorbency than normal. We’re also in the middle of switching from microfiber blend inserts over to a cotton blend insert so I have quite a few microfiber inserts that I keep stored in the designated drawer. I’ll be saving the microfiber inserts for Carson’s diapers (baby #2). They’re great for babies that aren’t wetting as much as a toddler but we need something with a little more absorbency these days. The inserts we use are also from Sun Baby! 

Next to the dresser is our Ubbi diaper pail. LOVE that thing! We usually have a 2nd smaller diaper pail next to the Ubbi for disposable diapers. It started to hold smell so I’m currently disinfecting and airing it out. One of the many reasons why I love the Ubbi pail. It’s made of coated steel which keeps it from absorbing and holding onto stink. They are not cheap but I’m glad we bought it and I’ll be buying a 2nd one for Carson’s room. 

When I’m ready to do diaper laundry I open the pail and grab the Ubbi cloth bag which is like a large wet bag and take it down to the washer and dump everything including the bag inside.

The top drawer right under the changing pad holds our disposable night time diapers and wipes. Yep we use disposables as well! I’ll talk more about it in the video below.

Time for the Q&A part! Be sure to make it to the end so you can see me make a fool out of myself. That’s always fun (I’ve included a few bloopers)

Links I mentioned in the clip:
Saving $ With Cloth
How Much Do You Save

Thanks to everyone who left a cloth diaper question on Instagram! I always get SUPER nervous to ask for questions so I appreciate you taking the tome to play along!

Want to win this cute wet bag? They’re not just for diapers. TONS of uses for wet bags. I even have one in my gym bag for sweaty gym clothes! We take one to the pool for wet swimsuits. The list goes on.

Details on how to win below! 

HOW TO WIN:
1 Entry: Leave a comment on this post letting me know what you would use your wet bag for. Do keep in mind that I have my comments set up to need approval before they post.
Please make sure that you have an email linked to your account so I can reach out to you if you win!
2 Entries: Like our Instagram page (Kendra.Pryor) and leave a comment under the corresponding Cloth Diaper post photo letting me know that you’re a new or current IG friend and that you would like to win the giveaway.
3 Entries: Tag 3 friends under the corresponding IG Cloth Diaper post that you think would enjoy our IG feed or would be interested in this giveway.

>>>>The giveaway opens 1/26 and closes 2/2

>>>>A winner will be picked at random and announced on 2/3!
If I’m unable to get in touch with you by 2/4 I will be selecting a different winner.

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Changes, A Family Update & Where I’ve Been – Bloguary Day 12

Hey there! Did ya notice I’ve been MIA for the last few days?

Things are about to change for our family! Eeek I’m scared!!!!
Why I’ve missed a few days of Bloguary??????
What does this mean for Bloguary?!?!?!
And exciting changes plans coming to the blog!!!!!!

Are all in today’s chit-chat vlog!

Grab your self some coffee or tea. Press play and let’s have some girl time or guy time if you so happen to be a gentleman following along!

 

 

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Thrifting Haul - Bloguary Day 12

I’ll be getting my thrift on A. LOT. over the next few weeks. So expect to see several “Thrift Store” hauls.

You’ve been warned!

In fact since recording this one I’ve recorded 2 others! I have a pretty big list of “Things to Thrift”  as we set up Carson’s nursery, a play room for the boys, and I decorate my office. All of which I hope to do with mostly thrifted items. I’m also working on getting Weston’s summer wardrobe built up and hope to find a few things I can wear while I’m trying to drop the baby weight! See a pretty big list and I don’t hate having things to hunt for!

I found some AWESOME goodies this trip and the prices were sweet! Can’t wait for you to see the adorable matching brother overalls!

See good stuff huh? Aren’t those prices awesome?

Since recording this Weston has broken in  his new Jacket, Oshkosh rust pants, and overalls. Ohhh overalls. I’d say a little boy in overalls rates right up there with my love for baby feet and chubby baby bums!

 

And here’s Brady with his new chew toy that I mentioned in the haul. He totally doesn’t look guilty. Honestly though I probably should thank him. I’ve always been on the fence about the shoes. They could be super ugly or adorable if you style them right but I mainly held onto them because they are so dang comfy. Kent hates them! I kind of see his point.

PS…..Yes my tree and Christmas décor has been taken down since I recorded this! Don’t fret my pet!

 

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Bloguary Day 10 – I Was Attacked By A Mary Kay Lady

Okay I may be over exaggerating just a smidge but not much. I certainly felt as though I had been attacked minus the bruises and cuts. No, no punches were thrown but my goodness this was a doozy!

I was so angry after all this went down I did what any good vlogger/blogger would do…….grabbed my camera sat down and shared the craziness! I also chat about my views on the massive amount of newtwork marking. Why I don’t want to be pushed into buying something and why I’ve cut back on facebook.

Today’s post is dedicated to the Target Mary Kay Lady! Because of her I had something to blog about. So thank you May Kay lady! May your business be prosperous and may you find a better sales tactic!

 

 

Ps….Friendly reminder! If you’re participating in this year’s Valentine’s Box Swap your questionnaire is due tonight. If I don’t receive it by 12am you will be dropped from the swap.

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Day in the Life – Bloguary Day 9

A few years back I started off our Project Life album with a day in the life spread. To this day it’s my most favorite spread to look back on. Us in our jammies being lazy cuddled up eating black eyed peas all day. Those were the pre baby days.

Things have changed.

We still spend a lot of time in our jammies on New Year’s day but we have a new member to our Pj club so I thought it was time for another round of “Day in the Life”.

Documenting our New Year’s day was different this time around.
Melt downs, a funny dog, tons of rushing as we tried to get ready for my niece’s wedding (I know right, getting married on New Year’s Day so very sweet). It was different yes, but there were still cuddles, black eyed peas, and of course jammies!

Let’s welcome our new New Year’s day Pj Club member and see how the day played out………..

 

My favorite part of the morning is getting Weston out of bed. He’s usually chipper happy to see his mama and his best buddy Brady! We were greeted with a “Maaaamaaaaa” (the sweetest sound in the world) and a “Brady-Brady” oh gosh and The. Best. Bed head!  It’s different every morning so that’s always exciting! Some folk get excited for their 1st cup of coffee in the morning. I get excited to see what’s going on with Weston’s hair, okay that and coffee.

So as you can see I really have a lot going for me in the mornings!

It was all squishy cuteness and then………..
The melt downs started.

I think he was nervous about his 1st big Day in the Life documentation. I mean it’s a lot of pressure to know your day will forever be frozen. Not to mention that photos of you will start our new 2015 Project Life album. 2015 if a big year for us. I don’t blame you buddy.

Brady’s face CRACKS. ME. UP. in these photos!
His expressions totally tells the story………
“Dude chill out.”
“What the freak!?! Why are you on the floor now?”

I’ve looked at these photos so many times and I still crack up each time I see them. Yes I am mean.

Mama hold me meltdowns are typical in our house and so is the funny dog that’s always right in the middle of everything.

We made some progress.
Our bedroom to the hallway. When I asked him if he wanted to go downstairs for breakfast that  set him off again. The pressure I tell ya! 1st the whole Day in the Life thing now he needed to walk down the stairs. It’s all too much. 

In all honesty we’re trying to get this guy ready to share his mama and not need to be carried/attached to me at all times. It’s precious and I love my mama’s boy of course but it’s time for “Prepare for Baby Brother Boot Camp”. As you can see it's really working out well!

I’m thinking it may be easier for me to just grown another set of arms. One set for each boy…..yes! Oh wait when they get older and don’t need me anymore I’ll look really odd walking around with 4 arms. Or maybe I’ll look like a genius! I’ll have a hand for coffee, my phone, my purse, annnnnnd a free hand for miscellaneous stuff. Yes growing another set of arms plan still in action!

A train magnet and a snack cup full of grapes to the rescue!

Just look at that face. Does he not melt you? It’s the face of “I’m sorry I screamed and cried about nothing for the last 15min but look how cute I can be. I own you lady.” And yes he does. 

An almond latte to mama’s rescue!

Ps…My new Nespresso needs a whole post dedicated solely to its awesomeness.

He ran out of grapes.

Kent woke up and join in on the fun. Can’t you just see the fun in the photo?

I on the other hand had my latte to sip and backup to help with Mr. Meltdown so I was having a blast.

Another one of those “I own you moments”

Again look at Brady eyeing the turkey bacon package. Cute crying baby aside Brady totally stole the show that day. Perhaps he needs his own post too. “A Day in the Life of Brady”. Yes I can see it now!

Kenty-Pooh is the cook in the house.
He whipped up some black eye peas (got to get that luck in) and some eggs for breakfast! Me still enjoyed my latte mmmmmmm while he got his cook on.

DIAPER LAUNDRY! Yes it’s exciting! Diaper laundry is oddly enjoyable and relaxing to me. Oh and this is my most favorite print. I always grab it 1st when it’s clean. 

Carson wanted a little New Year’s Day cameo. Hi Carson!

And that’s when things got crazy and I slacked on taking photos.
We rushed to shower, make ourselves look somewhat presentable and headed out for my nieces wedding. Which was absolutely beautiful! 

So this was more a half day in the life but still special non the less. Melt downs dirty diapers and all!

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Valentine’s Box Swap–Bloguary Day 8

Registration closes tonight 1/12 at 12am sooo I think that’s technically 1/13 but you get the point.

If you’re wondering what the what I’m taking about CLICK HERE!

 

And just so I don’t leave ya hanging with a crappy Bloguary post check out this tip from one of my favorite organized mama’s…….

 

Also this one……..

 

I’ll be sharing a Day in the Life post tomorrow for Bloguary Day 9.
It’s ready to go and will be live in the morning! See ya then!

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3rd Annual Valentine’s Box Swap – Bloguary Day 7

All the info you need to participate is below!

You’re going to read everything before you commit right??????? RIGHT??????????

To keep shipping cost fair you must reside within the US.

Step 1 Register:  Let me know you want in through one of the options below. Be sure to include your email address 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.Pryor  or our Facebook page(include your email address)

Sign up closes at 12am CST on January 13, 2015. Once registration is closed, it’s closed! It takes a lot of time and organization on my end to make this happen for everyone. To stay on top of who’s participating I won’t be able to add people willy-nilly past the deadline, sorry. Buuut I’m giving you several days to get in before all the planning starts!

Step 2 Spread the Word: Blog, Instagram, Tweet, Facebook, chit-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! If your account is set to private on Instagram we will not be able to see your post in the tag feed.

Step 3 Who's Your Buddy: On Friday evening, January 16, 2014 I will email the name, address, and “About Me” form of your buddy to you. We’re changing things up this year. Instead of swapping with a different person than you send to you will be swapping back and forth with the same person. If they have you, you have them. Make sense? More the traditional swap route than what we did in past years. Once you have your buddy’s info start gathering items for their box and have FUN!

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! Be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS!!! 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! There was tons of great involvement last year and we all enjoyed seeing the photos!  Share your photos via Instagram, on my blog’s Facebook wall. I will pull some of my favorite photos to share in a later blog post. Don't forget to use #valentinesboxswap so we can find your photos when posting! Also if your Instagram account is set to private we will not see your photos in the hashtag feed.

Step 5 Send Your Valentine’s Box: On or before Monday, January 26th! This means your package should be completed on its way NO LATER THAN Monday, January 26th! This way you and your buddy will have your Valentine’s box in hand and ready to enjoy by Valentine’s, maybe even a few days before Valentine’s! DON’T NOT and I REPEAT DO NOT participate if this sounds like a time frame you can not work with. We do this annually so if you have too much on your plate at this time skip over this and join in next year. It’s not worth stressing yourself over. I really dislike having to reach out to people about boxes being late or missing due to a participant not sending on time. Seriously it’s not fun. Again this takes a lot of work on my end so when I have to put even more time in it because people are not following through with what they agreed to it gets me a little miffed. Sooooo if you’re certain you can hang with having 10 days to shop, craft (if you choose) and pack a box for your buddy come on down my friend we would love to have you participate! 

Step 6 Receive & Document: Blog, Instagram, Tweet, Facebook 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 (again if your account is set to private we will not be able to see your photos)! I’ll be selecting a few of my favorite photos to share in a Valentine’s Box Swap round up post!

Snail Mail Love FAQs:

1. Do I need to have a blog or social media account to participate?

Nope everyone within the US blogger or not is invited to join in! I will say that it makes it more for you and your buddy if you are on social media so you can connect and easily and enjoy the experience together.
**I don't live within the US can I  still participate?**
To keep shipping cost fair to everyone you must live within he US.

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?

2 things are required in this year’s box!
>>>>1.  Valentine’s card
>>>>2.  You most loved inexpensive product such as your band favorite chapstick, a candy you love, your favorite type of pen, favorite drugstore makeup (to give you a few ideas). Just something you love that you think your buddy would enjoy as well. Include a note on this item to let them know that it’s your Loved Item and why you enjoy that item.   
The rest of the goodies in the box is up to you! 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’s card and putting your package together. 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 at the last minute!

4. Is it a secret?

No, yes, nah,  ummm kind of? I want you to share, document,  and talk all about your journey. This makes it that much more fun for all of us! 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. Here’s everything in it. Hope you like it"  that way they’re 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 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. You are NOT CONFIRMED in until I receive the answers to your questionnaire. Again don’t make me hunt you down for your answers. That’s right up there with not sending your box out on time. If your answers are not emailed to be by 8pm cst on 1/14 you will be dropped from the swap.

If you do not hear back from me by 1/13 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 if you don’t hear from be by 1/13. I want 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 is open and closes on 1/12. Once registration is closed, it’s closed! 

You are not confirmed as a part of the swap until you reply with your questionnaire which needs to be in no later than 1/14

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 the evening of 1/16

Start gathering your goodies for your package. It’s up to you what you include but be sure to include a card and one of your most loved inexpensive products.

Have FUN and document the process!

Send your Valentine’s box on or before 1/26, the earlier the better!

Instagram, Blog, Fb, Tweet all about your journey! You can even do an unboxing if you’re a YouTuber. I’ll be doing that again this year!  Be sure to use #valentinesboxswap so we can all enjoy your photos!

 

Fun links:
Last Year’s Valentine’s Box Swap Round Up Post Oh my gosh look at tiny Weston!
Link to last year’s YouTube Box Unboxing 

That’s it for this week’s Bloguary post. I’ll see ya back here on Monday for another week of post! 

Instagram: Kendra.Huie
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Carson’s Nursery Plans

Eeeek so excited to have another nursery to decorate. I had so much fun decorating Weston’s. Lots of great memoires turning his room into a cozy space for our wild man!

Knowing how much joy Weston’s nursery brings me I want to put just as much love into Carson’s room!

Alrighty onto the Plans………..

Above is what we have so far. Most items have been ordered a couple haven’t. Love the navy stripped glider but I want to sit on it (pun intended) for a few a bit longer before I purchase it.

We’re going with a woodland animal theme. Not really a fan of themes but if I had to pinpoint the style I’d say that’s pretty close. I want to bring our love for the mountains and outdoors to Carson’s room. My boys are going to be just as nuts about the mountains as I am! I’ll make sure of that!

The crib is a gift from Kent’s parents which is pretty special. They also gifted us Weston’s crib. Isn’t Caron’s beautiful? So far it’s my favorite thing in his room. We don’t actually have it home but it’s on its way.

Things I Need to Finalize:
-Decide on bedding
-Rug: Looking for a very specific Aztec print rug that will bring in more color (yellow, navy, touches of red and orange). I’ve seen a few I love, problem is they are expensive so the hunt is on!
-New light fixture
- Dresser/Changing Table: I would like to find something that has some age and character
- Curtains
- And random décor fluff. You know the little things that bring the room together!

Design Elements in His Room
-Painting the wall behind his crib with chalkboard paint.
-I’ll be adding a few Birchwood white wall decals to the wall behind his crib. I think they will pop and look great against the chalkboard paint.
-We have a beautiful reclaimed wood art piece that will be hung above his crib.
- I would also like to add touches of plaid; maybe a plaid throw over his rocker along with a couple prints that have plaid in them. A fancy dressed up fox with a plaid vest? We’ll see what I find on Etsy!

What We’re Working on Now
Carson’s room is our guestroom. Before his furniture arrives we need to nix the guest bed clean out his teeny-tiny closet, and paint the chalkboard wall.

They’re ya have it! I was so hush hush with the plans of Weston’s room. Here we are 16 months later and I have yet to share it with you so I thought I would be a little more open and blog the journey this time. I’ll update as I gather more elements and we complete projects. 

I have my work cut out for me but we’re off to a good start!

PS….Our 3rd annual Valentine’s Box Sawp opens tomorrow!
Tomorrow’s Bloguary post will be full of details and registration info.

Instagram: Kendra.Pryor
Facebook Page: Click Here

I’M Tired Love THE Rambler – Bloguary Day 5

 

Hey there friends!

Didn’t want to bail out on today’s post so you’re getting a random ramble post. You’re welcome It’s bound to happen a few times during Bloguary.

Today’s post was supposed to be about new traditions we started this year. We added few new ones but I never got around to shooting the photos I wanted to include in the post. Sooooo maybe tomorrow! I have hope! 

I’m typing this at 6pm on Tuesday evening and I could literally go to sleep right this second but I have this sweet little love aka Weston that needs his mama’s attention. Let me tell ya being pregnant with a 15 month old is not always easy. He’s been at my Mother-in-law’s today though so I can’t really use the old “I’ve been chasing a toddler around all day” excuse.

I’m currently 24 weeks and 3 days preggers. Am I entering the “I’m so tired” phase again? Didn’t think that came back until the 3rd trimester but goodness the last 5 days I’m worth nothing once 6pm rolls around.

That means we’re eating cereal for dinner. Sorry Kent I planned on cooking dinner really I did (turkey steaks with caramelized onions served with roasted sweet potatoes and cauliflower mash). Do I get wife points for at least planning a meal? No? How about for growing a baby? Yes! Ok good!

My mother-in-law who I love dearly cut Weston’s hair this week without asking and jacked it up.  I was letting it grow out so I can have it styled in a certain cut. Months I’ve been letting it grow out. He now looks like a nerd that got a bad haircut. A cute nerd of course! His appointment is Wednesday (today). We were so close to making it but now it will be an “Umm can you fix this?” appointment. Can’t be mad at her for it because she’s an angel and I don’t know what we would do without her! She was just trying to be helpful but I did almost cry at the dinner table when I noticed it. She may be going back to China for a couple months. I’m sure I’ll cry when that day comes too! Not only is she a massive help she adds a lot of fun to our little family unit! You got to check out her hoolahoop photo on my IG account! I can only hope I’m as active and fun loving at her age!

Scene of the crime. Took selfi in a bathroom after clearing my plate still being hungry and ordering a side of toast.

The last 2 weeks it’s taken everything in me to not eat massive amounts of food which I did some days. No matter what or how much I ate I was always hungry. It was actually kind of embarrassing when eating with others. “ No no no Kendra you do not need a 3rd sandwich! Just drink some water. Try some veggies and hummus. Put that 5th sandwich down!” That was me talking to myself in case you didn’t get that.

Thankfully my linebacker appetite has subsided but now I’m freaking tried……reallllll tired! Guess my body needs to rest after consuming all those calories! Eating can be hard work! Kent and I joke on my “tired days” that I must be growing a leg. Well we’re going on day 5 of massive tiredness so let’s hope our little Carson isn’t growing his 5th leg. If you do Carson mama will still love you.

On eating a lot and being pregnant……..
I blew up with Weston. Gained 50lbs maybe more but I’m trying not to remember!

I did also grew a 9lb baby but everything else was all me. I struggled with losing weight majorly after I had him. I’m not one of the blessed that drops weight when breast feeding. Nope, my body hung onto every single ounce of fat it could. It wasn’t until we stopped breast feeding, my cycle had a couple normal months, and I hit the 9 month postpartum mark that I started to lose weight. Dropped 15lbs in a month then I got preggers with Carson. Carson if you’re reading this you were planned so don’t freak out! We just didn’t think it would happen so quickly. I still had a good 20lbs to lose when I got pregnant. I’ve been a little stressed out getting pregnant with this much extra weight on me fearing that I will blow up again……knowing how hard it is to lose those baby weight.

I’m trying to keep it in check. So far so good. I’ve gained 11lbs at this point. I’m okay with that. Although I’m sure I did some damage during those weeks appetite explosion. I’m kind of scared to get on the scale.

And well friends that concludes today’s “I’m too tried to post a typical blog so I’ll chat about random stuff post.” Hope you enjoyed!

Ps…..Let me apologize for the massive amounts of typos and grammar errors that I’m sure this post it laced with. I’m going to go back over it but I know I will miss some. Ya know tired, growing a baby, chasing a toddler and all.  

If stuff like that gets under your skin oh sister or bother this is not the blog for you.

Love ya,
Kendra

IG: Kendra.Pryor