*Disclosure: This compensated partnership is between Nakturnal and my blog. TMC also uses affiliate links for compensation. All opinions are 100% my own. V & E through the years. Remembering When One year ago last month I had the honor to stand alongside my best friend, Erika, as she pledged her love in a sunny vineyard wedding ceremony. The scene was a Southern California winery. Guests traveled from all over the country, including Alaska where the bride and groom reside. I, myself, came from clear across the country to spend a few days helping her and the groom. I look back on those memories now fondly. It was a time spent with wonderful people and in many different parts of Southern California. A whirlwind but a great one. It made me realize that travel is the gift … [Read more...]
News, Notes, & 1950s Fashion
What's new with all you quarantina's this week? Still staying cozy, baking, and zooming? Me either. I'm done. I am so officially done. I'm not complaining because I do actually like not driving my kids ninety-bazillion places each day and barely taking time to eat or read a book or talk with my spouse. I like our quiet evenings at home where we aren't in a rush for showers and mid-week fire pits are now a thing. However, I'm so over my roots, missing my friends, and not seeing family. That part blows. News Then this happened this past weekend. This has not sucked. It has been a ray of hope and sunshine and grace. Not going to lie, it's also a nice distraction for the kids right about now. Meet Gracie. Everyone needs a little grace. So far as Gracie comes out of her … [Read more...]
Mustangs & Movies
Hot off the heels of the Ford Mustang’s 56th birthday last month and amidst the current stay-at-home environment we are all living in right now, Ford looked back at the dozens of top films featuring the world’s best-selling sports car. Here's a look at the top 10 films for Mustangs. Why Mustangs & Movies? Because many Mustang fans are eagerly awaiting the return of nice weather and auto shows. So until life goes back to the way it was (how many of us really want that old way? Show of hands?) fans can get their Mustang fix from the comfort of their homes Here are some picks for the top 10 movies starring the iconic pony car and where they can be streamed tonight. You needed new viewing content anyway, right? Bullitt (watch on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Google … [Read more...]
My 4 Favorite Nail Polish Colors for Spring
Hello! Who is ready for some bright, shiny color to add to their days? Is anyone else not feeling all the neutral WAH comfy, cozy outfits anymore? Same same. I'm ready for bold color. I'm ready for warm weather and being able to spend time outside even if it is still with just the people that reside within my four walls. In the meantime, before we are all back out in the world on the regular, I'm leaning into some gorgeously fun nail polish shades for this spring. They make me happy. Enough said. Playing with bold, joyful colors is something Kirsty Meakin has long celebrated, inspiring nail lovers to express their mood and creativity through polish. Living Coral by Butter London This color gives me life! It's sheer and peachy and works well on all skin tones. I love … [Read more...]
How Does Drunk Driving Affect the Communities it Occurs in
Drunk driving is a serious issue that communities need to address as the consumption of alcohol is more prevalent than ever before and encouraged by society. Alcohol-related crashes kill a significant amount of people every year and can cost residents thousands of dollars in property damage. There were 379 fatal crashes in 2017 just in Ohio alone and at least 2,000 fatalities across the nation last year. The effects of impaired driving can be devastating for communities. If you or a loved one are facing legal consequences due to impaired driving, seeking guidance from DUI Lawyers West Palm Beach can help navigate the legal process and protect your rights. Here’s how drunk driving affects the communities it occurs in. Road Safety Drivers need to be vigilantly alert while they are … [Read more...]
News, Notes & Favorite Earth Day Things
How is everyone doing right now? I mean, really, how are you doing? For my family here in Virginia, we have been in quarantine for over a month. We are in our second week of distance learning for our kids despite them being out since Friday, the 13th. It's been a challenge. However, we now realize that the slower pace suits us in a lot of ways. Still, we miss our friends. We miss their faces. We miss our church family. Truthfully, I'm in a full Lymes flare up the likes of which I haven't experienced since 2018 when I was in full treatment mode. I've been put on new drugs and anti-anxiety meds and I'm breaking out like a hormonal teen but I'm weeks away from turning 44. I feel so pretty! Sigh. Some days I don't know if I have got a handle on things or not. Some days I am barely … [Read more...]
Parenting Children During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Tips for Parents
@priscilladupreez (unsplash) This is an unprecedented time in our world and, understandably, there are many questions and concerns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The shut down of schools, business establishments, and restaurants combined with social distancing, and self-quarantine have resulted in major changes to how we navigate our daily lives. Families with children of all ages are impacted by these changes. Parents are creatively looking to adapt to new routines to support their children while seeking to establish responsibility, peace, and joy in the household. The balancing act can bring both rewards and challenges. Staying at home and following the directives from government officials is important. We all need to find safe and meaningful ways to support our children, one … [Read more...]
Shop the Shopbop Spring Event
The Shopbop Spring Event is here! I don't know about you, but I get super excited about it each and every year. It's the perfect time to see the latest styles for the spring season and stock up on necessities and closet staples too. I like to pick up a few items already marked down from the winter that I can use now and again next fall too. It's a total win-win situation. In years past I have found everything from gorgeous sandals, Havianas, spring and summer dresses, the perfect t-shirt, and accessories and bags beyond compare. It's super fun to browse through all the categories and look at items by color too. That's where I really begin to break down what I want because I typically have an idea in mind of what I want for the season. Last summer it was a green bathing suit. This … [Read more...]
February Finds
The month of February is winding down and before we know it Spring will be here! Who else is excited for that? I know that I am! Sales are coming our way too, including a very big one next week, so before we close .out this month I wanted to share my February finds. Snakeskin I haven't fully climbed on board this spring trend yet but I'm getting real close. I have a pair of snakeskin flats that are begging for warmer weather. This pair of snakeskin activewear pants are on top of my list. Onzie High Basic Midi Leggings Crochet Now, this trend has been popping up here and there for a while now, but this spring it is everywhere. I tend to add one piece from a trend, like a t-shirt with crochet, that can highlight the style but not dive in. This shirt is bold but … [Read more...]
One Fast Healthy Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast
This breakfast recipe I'm about to show you is one of my favorite healthy breakfast options. It is one of the first steps I take daily to ensure that I am building a healthy body both inside and outside. I want to keep my body as strong and clean as possible to ward off flare-ups from my chronic Lyme disease. Clean eating and anti-inflammatory diet help a lot. Long Ago in a Galaxy Far Away... Actually, it was December 2017 and my Lyme doctor told me to eliminate all sugar (unless it was natural), dairy, alcohol, and gluten. Dreadful news to hear during a holiday season. I needed to clean up my food to reduce the level of inflammation in my body and help eliminate the massive amount of full-body pain and fatigue I was dealing with daily. Lyme disease is a great imitator and it loves … [Read more...]