Six months

THE BITCH IS BACK..well, kind of.

It's been over six months since I've written on my blog. I guess you could say I have been busy. Okay, you can say I 've been busy and I have no intention on slowing down...which is why I say, I'm kind of back. I really miss writing and documenting all of the fun things we do.

But tbh, this shit is time consuming.

But I'm writing today because Bella has strep and we're stuck at home.

She's watching some UK show on Netflix and drinking tea while I'm...here,

 updating my life to complete strangers.

Six months is quite a bit of time to play catch up. But I'll do my best.

Devon and I broke up. I'm still crushed just typing it.

 But don't fret.

We still talk every single day. We even hang out.

We went to dinner just the two of us and the waitress asked if it was our first date

 because of how we were acting toward each other. ha 

We both know we'll get back together sometime but right now separation is best.

 For both of us.

 We're taking this time to grow individually. Being with someone from age 16-22 kind of makes it difficult to figure out who you are. Who you're supposed to be. Throw in a child and you've got a recipe for "Who the eff am I?"

I knew I was a mother and girlfriend. But I also knew I was more.

I just couldn't figure it out. I also knew I wanted more.

 Not just materialistically but personally.

And now here I am.

I even bought a car! I start school this week. Bella is in PRE-K and loving it.
And Dev is working his tush off. We're all doing really well.

Minus the whole Strep thing.

Festive Friday Five

Valentine's day is next week and whether you're pro-vday or against, I've got a few fun favorites for everyone.

Favorite Hair

Not sure if I have the balls to do this but it's totally cute for a little one.   

source

 

Favorite Valentine's Cards 

JulieAnnArt is always the first (for me, the only) option for holiday cards.

Favorite Anti-Valentine Quote

Because, duh.

 

 Favorite Make Up Combo

These shades are perfect for Valentine's Day.

Favorite Desserts

source 

Whether you're baking for yourself or others, it's always nice to have dessert options. 

It's Valentine's Day and we deserve our chocolate in as many shapes and forms as possible.

Hope you have a great weekend! We've got a busy one ahead.

My man's birthday is tomorrow so we're prepping for that and Bella is going to her first pajama party tonight! It's at my mom's church but she has friends there and she's so excited. I'm so happy for her.

As for me, I'M OFF TOMORROW. YAAAAAS HUNNY.

Monthly Interview with Bella

In my recent post, I spontaneously came up with the idea to interview Bella once a month to see how she changes. I went over to smallfryblog and found some questions I thought would be fun to ask every month. Heads up, these are unedited. I'm just writing what comes out of her mouth. I have a feeling that her answers won't make sense and be short of the truth. This should be interesting.

STATS:

Height:

 38 inches

 Feet:

 6.5 inches

Clothing sizes:

4/5 KIDS

QUESTIONS:

What is your favorite food?

 bread and butter and bananas

What food do you not like?

 bananas and blueberries

Favorite color:

blue

What is your favorite toy?

My giraffe and drum

What is your favorite animal?

 A zebra

What is your favorite thing to do?

Play outside in the snow

What's your favorite thing to do with Mommy?

 Play with games

What's your favorite thing to do with Daddy?

 hmm...watch tv and eat dinner

What is your favorite book?

The Cat and the Hat

What is your favorite thing to wear?

My princess gown!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Reach the steering wheel.

I can relate to that last one, babe. Ha, anyway, there's the first interview! I love hearing her answers

and what she thinks.

M.I.A

Finally, some time to blog. Actually I'm lying. Time really isn't an excuse. 

I haven't made my blog a priority. 

No Friday Fives in like two weeks. No posts since....who knows. 

Can you blame me? I'm working stupid crazy hours and what time I do have, I'd rather spend with my family. Which I have been doing. Not that I wasn't before. BUT we have been so busy with birthdays (three birthdays each a week apart), SNOW DAYS, events and bullshit that in reality, who wants to sit, write and "edit"? You guessed it, not me. I didn't want to make up stuff just to have posts. So I didn't. I haven't had weekly favorites because I haven't been paying attention to what I like. I've been spending time with people I like. And sincerely enjoying it.

Hopefully I'll pull my head out of my ass because I actually love documenting our lives and what we go through and how we handle situations. A few weeks ago, I read through my whole blog and I must say I am impressed. Please don't think I'm a narcissist but I loved seeing what we've done in the past year. Plus, it's fun seeing how Bella is changed and grew up. Maybe I'll do a monthly interview with Bella. Just to see how much and how often she changes. You don't realize how much a child grows. It'd be fun to watch.

Random Side Note: Did any of you watch the Superbowl?  

I don't usually watch football, but when I do it's the worst game in NFL history.

My luck.

Happy Monday!

 

2014 Grammys

I literally cannot catch my breath from last night's award show.

I'm one of the freaks who lives and breathes music. This night is the one and only night that I can count on classy (looking at you MTV) and amazing performances.
I am guaranteed impressive vocals and nominees.

I live for this.

If you missed it, SHAME ON YOU!
But it's okay, you have me to give you a quick recap.

PERFORMANCES

Beyoncé and Jay started off the show with a sexy and fun performance of Drunk in Love.

Not to be a perv but I want a peak in their bedroom.

What were you doing at seventeen? Doesn't matter, Lorde just performed and won at her first Grammys. And killed it.

 Then there was Katy and Juicy J's performance of Dark Horse, one of my faves for 2013...
I couldn't look away. Who knew he cleaned up so nicely? Definitely not me.

P!nk sang and spun on ribbon. What the what? Soooo good.

John Legend. I just adore him. And not just for the fact that he looks like an

older version of my brother. Tell me I'm lying.

 Kendrick and Imagine Dragons. HOLY SHIT.
 They had my crunk af...even after working a ten hour shift.

How cute was Kacey Musgraves? It's a shame she had to go right after Kendrick and Imagine Dragons though...

Stevie, Daft Punk, Nile and Pharrell. Talk about a perfect combination.

AWARDS

First of all, is anyone else completely done with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis?

Next, how the eff did they beat the nominees for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Album?! Is your mind still recovering?

Lorde beat Justin, Katy and Sarah. Whoa.

I love how Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake won a Grammy for the song they performed

at last year's award show.

BRUNO MARS WON! What a cute and talented little man he is. swoon.
p.s. anyone else notice his date's face drop when he dedicated his award to his mom and not her?
HAHAHAHA

  

FASHION

 yes:

no:

   

RANDOM

 Taylor Swift awk dancing bahaha love that bish

Beyoncé's hair...

Cindi Lauper's accent.

 Jay-Z saying, "..Daddy got a gold sippy cup for you.." Like the bitch didn't already have one.

  The Pepsi commercial with the Fox commentators. Hey, it's Winton's dad!

Anyone else uncomfortable with Robin Thicke's ending move? Or feel that Chicago might do something rash to make a comeback?

Willie Nelson is alive?

So I guess I lied. Christmas isn't my favorite time of the year. Award seasons is.
 Surely you understand.



Friday Five

It's Friday! Let's get the weekend started with my faves.

Would you want it any other way?
Don't answer that.

 

Favorite Utensils

I know this is way beyond random but how adorable are these?

The MilkandHoney Etsy shop has a ton of different quotes to choose from...

Hello Mother's day present.

 

Favorite Flashback

Rory Gilmore is (and most likely always will be) the only girl on television

 I don't mind Bella admiring. She always had her shit in check...

except when she hooked up with Dean when he was married...

 

Favorite Sketch

 I mean...

Favorite DIY

I love making my own things. I can be creative and save money!
 I can't wait to try this green tea mask.

Favorite Skinny Meal

 

I made Skinny Stuffed Peppers this week and they turned out phenomenal.
It's low in cals, high in nutrients and absolutely delish. I also made guac and used plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Talk about YUM.

Hope you have a fun and warm weekend!



Weekend in Pictures

 This weekend was full of fun, family and friends...and a little alcohol.

That's a successful weekend in my book. :)

breakfast in bed

girl's night

 

birthday celebration

the siblangs

cupcakes!

Bella being cute, duh

We heard bold brows were a thing.
 

Babble: unplug and connect

The other day, Devon and I were talking about how people are constantly on the phone. From Instagramming, tweeting, watching videos...whatever it is, it's more important than the people around them. We thought about how annoying and pathetic it was.

I went to a concert for my birthday with Devon and Andrew. We got there pretty early so we sat and talked. The room was filling up with people but it was still pretty quiet because everyone was on their phone! It was insane. I'm sure that years ago people would have been talking to each other about the artist and which song was their favorite. I've even seen parents losing their children at the children's museum because they were on their phone not focusing on their kid.

This generation and younger are starting to lack verbal communication. It's like we can't carry a conversation in person or without being on the phone somehow. I don't feel like people even talk on the phone anymore! People think they're connected because they're always plugged in when in reality they're just... plugged in.

Think about it, you know I'm right. Next time you go to dinner, watch the people around you and see how many are actually talking to each other and not on their phone. Tell me what you see. Thankfully, Devon and I never had to say anything, we just know. Our time with each other is valuable and we refuse to be on the phone obsessing over someone or something of lesser value than our partner. My friends and family all seem to be on the same page. We never have to say, "Get off your phone and focus." When my friends come over, we hang out. When I see my family, we spend time with each other.

I know how easy it is to be consumed by what's on your gadget. There's movies, television, celebrities to keep up with, "normal famous" people you want to stalk but it's so important to engage with people in person and communicate with them properly.

I really don't know where I'm going with this it's just been on my mind for a while now and needed a place to vent.

Friday Five

We shivered our way to Friday but we made it nonetheless! 

I'm not too sure why but IT'S FREEZING in Atlanta. "The coldest it's been in twenty years." 

WTF?! 

I thought we left New York to escape the frigid winters! Silly us.

 

Other than my fluffy blanket to keep me warm, here are some more of my favorites.

 Favorite Winter Wear 

I need these. Asap.

Favorite Moment  

Wait, he's only twelve?!

 Favorite Reminder

 Don't forget to enjoy life!

  Favorite Combo 
 

This is easily my favorite mug and I just bought this detox tea that is divine.

It has a nice spice to it and warms you up more than just the heat. 

Favorite Space 

Where is this and how can I get everything in this room?

Happy Friday!

Grocery Shopping Tips

We, as college kids/young adults (or in my case, young parents), live busy lives.

There’s school, work, internships, homework, families, extracurricular shit, and parties to attend…

We don’t have much time to look through coupons trying to save money.

We don’t have time to whip up gourmet meals and we sure as hell can’t be expected to stay healthy!

WRONG!

You can save money, eat (kind of) healthy and cook really good food.

All while living busy lives.

You can even save some money without having to use coupons!

Although, you will definitely save more if you do.

I’ve come up with a few basic tips that will help save money as well as eating somewhat healthy.

1.   Make a realistic budget

There technically isn’t a right or wrong answer. Just make sure

 you know what YOU are allowed to spend. If necessary, have a test month. 

Follow the tips below, save all of your grocery receipts and at the 

of the month see what your realistic budget should be.

 

2.      Look through ads

Go to websites like southernsavers.com that basically do everything but

 buy the newspaper and cut coupons for you. 

They have lists of major grocery stores, especially in the south like Publix, Kroger, Harvey’s, etc. 

The website also mentions major drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid. 

If your store isn’t listed, go to their website and see their weekly sales.

 

3.       Plan your meals

Once you’ve peeped the ads, you can see what’s on sale and work around them. 

For me, this week chicken legs are on sale. I will plan at least two of my meals around chicken legs. 

When you plan your meals, it’s easy to know what you have so you don’t have to keep running to the store. You’ll probably buy more than what you initially went to get and use more gas
which means you’re losing mulah. Plus, it’s a pain in the ass.

4.       Stretch everything

A)Like I stated above, I will use the chicken for at least two meals. If you didn’t know, meat is expensive and you should really try to use as much as you can for as little.
My recipes will probably be slow cooker Asian chicken and roasted chicken and veggies.

B) Try not to make your meat the KimK of the meal. It really isn’t that fabulous anyway. Instead of burgers, make tacos or spaghetti with Bolognese sauce. It’ll go further.

5.       Stick to your list

This is probably the biggest reasons for over spending. #guilty

Yes, sometimes you’ll forget milk or eggs but I’m talking about the chocolate chip
 mint ice cream that you’re suddenly craving. Stick to your plan and save that money!

6.       Compare bulk prices to coupon prices

Plot twist. Buying in bulk isn’t always cheaper. You can buy three jars of peanut butter,
 have (3) $1 coupons and it could cost less than buying one big jar for $5.
It might be annoying at first but check the ounces per cent and compare.

7.       Buy produce in season

I know someone who would always buy oranges because everyone in the house loved them.
The thing is, oranges aren’t always in season. She’d spend so much money on them when apples were literally half the price. Check this page to see what produce is seasonal.
Plus, it’ll totally help the environment and local farmers.

8.       Stock up on your faves and toiletries.

I’ll state the obvious. You’re always going to need toilet paper, toothpaste and if you’re a lady,
feminine products. Why pay more when you run out? Stock up on these items!
I would hate running out of toilet paper and having to buy it at FULL PRICE.
When these products go on sale, always buy more than one. Always.

9.       Make it yourself

There are so many things you can make from scratch to save money. Taco seasoning is one of them. Go to Aldi and grab all the spices needed. It may seem like a lot at first but those spices stretch. You can use them for other mixes like the perfect chicken seasoning. Try making cupcakes and cakes from scratch. It’s just as easy as buying the packet. Plus, you have the advantage of knowing what’s in it!

10.   Consider off brands

Stores like Aldi are becoming more popular. They have almost no brand name items in the store but their products still measure up. Milk, ice cream, baking items, yogurts and most especially produce are way cheaper than the bigger stores. Another thing, if you don’t like whatever you bought, you can take it back to the store and get your money back! Guaranteed!

Just remember to bring your own bags because that shit gets embarrassing quickly.

See? Easy. No clipping coupons!
 If you have any tips, let me know! I love to save money ;)

Good luck!

Do you ever just...

...stop, stare at your kid and think, "damn, you've gotten big"?!

You see your child everyday so you don't notice the small, gradual changes.

You just see the grand finale, the big bang, which is why I don't when this
 growing up thing happened. 

Just look at this beauty.

She's not my little baby Bella anymore. 

She draws perfect faces, writes her name with ease, has impeccable style, and has become

 literally the sweetest little person ever. 

She is incredibly smart. She has this puzzle, where the pieces are all the same 

but the colors are written on them and that's how you match them. 

She does it perfectly every single time. She doesn't read yet but she can do that?!

Time is cruel to us. 

She's just growing up right before our eyes, I don't even realize it and when I do 

there's nothing to do but roll with it.

Maybe this will be another resolution. 

To attempt accept the fact that my baby is growing up and to just embrace it. 

She's growing up to be silly, smart and sweet which a perfect combo for anyone. 

So what am I afraid of?

Babble: cars or lack there of.

I'm twenty two and without a car. Not really ideal for someone my age. And it really sucks. If I want to go somewhere when Devon isn't home, I have to ask for a ride. Talk about embarrassing. And irritating.


Having a car given to you really sets you up. Most of the cars my friends and family have/had really helped them get to where they are. Literally. They were able to get to meetings, interviews, and even college.
Could you imagine getting accepted into a great school and you couldn't drive to it? I was supposed to have help buying my car in high school but I got pregnant. So maybe it's my fault?

I mean, I had a car last year before we moved to New York but it totally wasn't worth my driving or towing. Plus, I didn't have a job so I wouldn't be able to finish paying for it.

So basically, a car is another reason I really need to save this year. It's been really hard because there is this cruel cycle where it's like you need a car. You need money. You need a job to get money. You need a car to get to job. You have no car... So you really need a car. You need money,..etc..

See? f-ing frustrating. I'm really trying to be patient but if you know me, I'm not a patient person. I will be that stereotypical 20-something who spends majority of her money when she gets her tax return. hahaha.

So there's that. Whew, I feel so much better letting it all out. Because I am constantly frustrated.

Friday Five

It’s a new year and most of us have resolutions or at least things we would like

 to accomplish this year. 

 

If you don’t, you should. Having goals sets us up for success…or so I’ve heard.

Although my main goal is to make money and save up, I do have additional things in mind for the new year.

 

Favorite Pick up

list of books

I neeeeed to start reading again. I love television and Insta but I’m so sick of it. 

I want to find books that inspire, encourage and entertain. 

 

Favorite mantra

Sure, Kanye is an ass but this is a valid point. I would love to be confident and proud of myself.

 

Favorite Prediction

I know this is silly but it’s so fun to consider.

Favorite Inspo

I don’t live my life for other people but it doesn’t hurt to make someone’s day. I work in a hospital where serious shit happens all day. My attitude can make or break someone and I need to stay in check. I want to talk to more people, listen and learn. 

Favorite New Hobby

 

DIY flower pots

I want to get involved in gardening. How convenient would it be to grow your own food? 

I’m going tostart with herbs and a lemon tree, then transition into more complicated plants. 

Wait, does that even make sense? Complicated plants?

I sincerely hope this year brings you everything you work for. 

Tomorrow is the first Saturday I have off since I started working and I can't wait to 

spend time with my family. We're thinking of going to SkyZone. 

Bella loves it there. Who am I kidding? We all love it there. 

Hope you enjoy your weekend as much as I will enjoy mine :)

Happy 201314?

Happy New Year! I know that most people have this idea that each new calendar year will bring us new happiness, love, or money, Maybe all of the above ;) But when you really think about it, it's just another day of the week. Clubs closed the same time as normal because it was still a Tuesday night.

In past years, I would be ready for a new year. I would think that I could suddenly change who I was. I could be different. When in reality, time would do that anyways. Without my consent no less.


For me, I think 2014 will be an extension of 2013. Like my friend said, "I'll do things in 2014 that I didn't get around to doing in 2013." Hahaha. My thoughts exactly.

For us, this year is all about the grind. It's not really money over everything. But it's money over everything. We want to make as much as we can and save as much as we can. We don't want to be stereotypical young parents. We want more for our family. And we know that we can get more. We're thinking that 2015 will be our year. Devon and I are planning on buying a house, I want to move up at my job, Bella will be starting kindergarten and Devon will have hopefully finished college.

Don't get me wrong, we will take time to be together and absolutely enjoy this year. Although I'm considering it passing time, it's still time to enjoy. We want to travel, eat good food, have a healthy and fun environment and well, just be happy.

So far so good.


Happy 201314! The world is our oyster and no one can take it away from us.