5 Things I Am Missing During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a blessing, and I am so grateful to be finally having this experience. However, there is a long list of things you must not do for those nine months. A lot of those things, like eating sushi, I didn't do to begin with, but there are a few that I am missing particularly more than others.


1. Caffeine.
While we were trying to make this baby, I somehow got myself adjusted to Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper. I have cut down on the amount of tea I drink, as a southern girl you must understand how hard it is to give up sweet tea. The biggest sacrifice has been my Starbucks habit. Granted, I only went on days I had class, which was normally 2 days a week. This session, however, I am going four days a week. The horrors. *insert dramatic faint here*


2. Wine
Oh man do I miss wine. I've taken to drinking juices out of a wine glass and pretending really really hard. But a relaxing bath just isn't the same without a glass of cool white wine to chug sip.


3. Energy
First trimester fatigue is very real. I have absolutely no energy or motivation to do things most days. At least its becoming more acceptable to wear yoga pants and leggings as pants these days, so I can just put on a decent shirt and shoes, throw my hair up in a messy bun and run errands or go to class with minimal effort. #pregnancywin


4. Clear Sinuses
I can't be the only one who has had a near constant overload of mucus stopping up my nostrils, preventing normal breathing. Not only am I limited to sleeping positions that keep me awake, now I have to fight to breathe at night. I saw a post about this the other day on one of the pregnancy groups I joined on Facebook and I don't feel so alone in this now. I think what sucks the most about this, is that you are limited on what medications you can take while pregnant, and you are encouraged to try not to take any at all.


5. Teeth Whitening
All those sodas, wine, and coffee we drink (or have give up for good reasons) can cause stains on your teeth, and we remedy this by whitening them. Before I got my two pink lines, I had partnered with Smile Brilliant to try out their at home whitening kit that features custom fitted whitening trays. Smile Brilliant sends you everything you need to get started. The molds for the custom trays were simple to make, and I got the finished trays fairly quickly after I sent the molds in. It was slow going at first due to my super sensitive teeth (I had no idea! I've never had problems before) even with the nifty desensitizing gel step included with the custom whitening tray kit. My consultant was amazing though, and helped me along with different tips and techniques. I was seeing some great results, even with the few treatments I was able to manage. Then I got my positive test, and had to stop the treatments all together, cutting my whitening experience off before I was done. Therefore I don't have adequate before and after photos (boo). But, you can check out some of the other reviews for Smile Brilliant and THIS video about how the custom whitening trays are made and how the two types of gels work.

Even though I can't whiten right now, doesn't mean you can't (as long as you aren't expecting as well!), so I'll be giving away a custom whitening tray kit. Just enter your information below. Can't wait two weeks for the giveaway results? You can use the code "knockonwoodblog" for $20 off your own set of trays during the duration of the giveaway. Happy Whitening!

ENTER GIVEAWAY

What did you miss most during your pregnancy?



  Whitening Teeth At Home

14 Things You're Supposed to Stop Doing After 30, But I'm Doing Them Anyway

Ok. So now that I'm thirty there are lists upon lists out there of things people, more specifically women, are supposed to stop doing once they turn the big three-oh. Yeah, some of those things are a great big basket of "DUH", somethings I've already stopped doing even before this dreaded birthday, but some of the things on these lists... yeah, no. I don't agree, and I'm going to do them anyway.

1. Stop Eating Fast Food (#16 on this list AND #11 on this list)

Seriously? I know it's not the best choice of foods, but sometimes you just NEED a good burger from Burger King or a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-a, amiright?

2. Stop Wearing "Ugly" Underwear (#5 on this list)

Ok. Their definition of "ugly" in this particular list was "granny panties" and the like. Well, sorry folks. They. Are. Comfy. Plus you just need more coverage during shark week. 

3. Don't Have a full on Birthday Week (#31 on this list)

Ok. So maybe I don't do this myself, but who am I to tell someone how to celebrate the day/week they entered the world? Do you, girl. Do. You.

4. Stop Letting Your Laundry Pile up (#34 on this list)

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

5. Don't Have a Stuffed Animal on the Bed (#5 on this list AND #16 on this list)

Confession time. I still sleep with a stuffed bear named Scott. I've tried sleeping without him, and it's HARD. But honestly, no one goes in our bedroom to see him sitting there on the bed. Keep that stuffed llama that your granny gave you when you were six, or that giraffe your best friend gave your for your twenty-first birthday as a joke. Stuffed animals hold memories.

6. Stop Crushing on Justin Bieber (#13 on this list)

Nope. Nope. Nope. He may be a bit of a A-hole sometimes, but that boy has talent and a ripped body. 

7. Stop Calling your Father "Daddy"(or Mother "Mommy") (#15 on this list)

I'm sorry. WHAT? My mom will always be Mommy and my dad will always be Daddy. 

8. Stop Wearing Oversized Sunglasses (#18 on this list AND #1 on this list)

These are the only kind that look good on my face, and they provide great coverage and protection from the harmful UV rays. 

9. Stop adding tattoos to your body (#15 on this list)

Dude. No. I love my tattoos and I want more. I am on board with the whole not getting them in dumb places like on your face, but it's MY body and I'll do what I want with it.

10. Stop Wearing Leggings (#17 on this list)

Leggings and Yoga Pants are too damn comfortable to erase them from my wardrobe. I think that as long as they are not too tight and you wear a shirt or cardigan long enough to cover your bum, you're good to go!

11. Don't Own CDs From Your Teenage Years (#26 on this list) 

Really? I still have a CD book full of Backstreet Boys, N*Sync, Hanson, Britney Spears, and Mariah Carey. Here's the kicker, I keep it in my car to listen to when I'm feeling nostalgic. 

12. Stop Wearing Screen Printed Tees (#24 on this list AND #7 on this list)

Ok. Most of the time screen printed tees are not appropriate for anyone over 25 anyways, but there are some that you just can't pass up. And, if worn creatively, they can be a great addition to your casual wardrobe. 

13. Stop Wearing Glitter Nail Polish (#31 on this list)

Glitter can be done in a very classy way now, I'm just saying.

14. Don't Own Personal Gaming Systems (#21 on this list)

Ok. Ok. I get not playing them for days at a time, we all have way better things to do, but gaming is how my husband and I met. It's still something we like to do together sometimes, and I'm not giving it up.

What are some things you're not "supposed" to do at your age, but you do anyway?

What To Pack (and not to pack) For A Cruise

The awesome thing about cruises is that you can enjoy the summer weather at any time of year. Unless you're doing an Alaskan cruise, or something similar, which are chillier. Anywho, after our first cruise this past December, and while we were more than prepared, there were still a few things I wished we had brought and a bunch of things I wished we had left at home. So, I am going to pass along my newfound knowledge to you, my lovely readers.

Things you might not have thought about taking:

1. Flushable Wet Wipes - Your butt will thank you. We use them at home, and the thought of going without them for a week was not a nice one.

2. Wrinkle Release - HUGE help. Shirts and dresses can get wrinkled so easy in your suitcase. Bonus if it has a nice scent to freshen your clothes.

3. Cheap Sunglasses - We brought our normal ones as well as a cheap pair we didn't care about losing. You never know what will happen when you get off the ship.

5. Light Sweater or Cardigan - Yes, I'm serious. Sometimes the dining rooms can be a little chilly, and the temperature can drop at night out on the decks as well.

6. Support Braces - If you sometimes need a wrist, knee, or ankle brace bring it. Lord knows what I would have done without my ankle brace. You do A LOT of walking.

7. Waterproof bag/case for Important Items - Like your phone. You don't want that stuff to get wet and ruined when you leave the ship or go up to the pool deck.

8. Nail Polish Remover - I am so glad we stopped and got some before we boarded. I love painting my nails, but all the exposure to water and sand did them in more quickly than usual. So glad I was able to re-do them and not have to walk around with yucky chipped polish all week.

9. Selfie Stick - Best. Thing. Ever. You don't have to hand off your camera or phone to a stranger if you want to get a picture of everyone you're traveling with.

10. Clothes Pins - Usually in the shower there is a pull out clothes line so you can hang up bathing suits and other things to dry. Very handy.

11. Extension Cord - Yep. There is only ONE regular outlet in your room. ONE. We were so glad to have the extra plugs for phone chargers.

What I wish we had:

1. Waterproof Camera - Oh man! I so wish we had one when we went to Stingray City Sandbar. We have zero photos of that amazing experience.

2. A zipper or drawstring bag - We had a large canvas back, but it only had a button for closure. You want a bag that zips or pulls closed with a drawstring to take with you on your excursions. We did end up buying a super cute bag in Mexico just for this.

3. More comfy clothes - As opposed to "cute" outfits. No one cares. You'll never see these people again. Be comfortable.

4. Night Light - For the bathroom. It would have some in handy for middle of the night trips.

Do NOT Bring:

1. Beach towels - You won't need them. The ship will provide them for you, and they will just be taking up precious space in your luggage.

2. Too many clothing options - Seriously, you won't need them, or want them. Honestly we wore some of our clothes for just a few hours. You could totally wear some stuff a couple of times (not in a row, or course). As a woman, I know this is really hard, but trust me on this.

3. Every Single Beauty Item - Nope. I barely used half of it. I mostly did a very simple face, if at all. Save space. Only bing the basic essentials: moisturizer, eyeliner, mascara, sunscreen, concealer, etc.

4. Hair Dryer - None of the plugs will support one. There is one in your bathroom, it sucks, but it works.


Have you taken a cruise? What would you add to these lists?

8 Beauty Must Haves For ANY Girl

We all have have go-to products that we love. It's a girl thing. But these take the cake, at least in my world they do. I use most of these products daily or on a very regular basis. What's great about them is that they are basic, inexpensive products that can do wonders for any beauty routine.

1. Dove Dry Shampoo

Girrlll, I can't tell you how many bad hair days have been saved by this stuff. Plus it lets you be lazy on 2nd (and maybe 3rd) day hair. This product serves a dual purpose for me because it adds some much needed texture and lift to my hair. The struggle of board straight, slick, thick hair.

2. Aussie 3 min Miracle

I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been coloring my hair since high school, albeit for totally different reasons at this point. Coloring does some damage, especially to the ends, and this product totally lets me go much longer between trims without crazy breakage and split ends.

3. Mascara

Has anyone ever told you look tired when you're well rested, but just don't have any makeup on? Me too. I've tried all kinds, and quite honestly do not have a favorite. Nonetheless, mascara is so necessary in my life. The simplest thing can make such a difference.

4. Lip Balm

I'm not a super huge fan of lipsticks or lip glosses, but I do like to keep my lips healthy. My favorite brand is Maybeline BabyLips, but EOS and Chapstick come in close second and often frequent my shopping basket.

5. Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion

So much yes to this new product I found at the store about a month ago. Not only do you get to skip the lotion on your arms and legs post shower, but it leaves your skin so smooth without the greasy hands.

6. Cetaphil

I love this moisturizer because it's safe to use on your face as well as your body. It also mixed well with liquid foundation for a DIY tinted moisturizer. It's inexpensive and can last a long time.

7. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

I don't know about you, but I hate regular liquid makeup remover. The invention of these wipes has been a godsend. The wipes can also double as a cleansing wipe, which makes them perfect part of the pre-bedtime routine.

8. Water

There are so many studies and articles out there (like this one) that emphasize the beauty benefits of simply drinking water every day. So bottoms up ladies!



What are your beauty must haves?

8 Lessons We've Learned After 1 Year of Marriage

I've got a big secret about marriage. It may shock you, it may not. Brace yourselves. Here we go.

Marriage is HARD and it takes a lot of work to keep it going. It takes work to stay in sync with each other. It takes work to keep the peace. It takes work to be happy. But here's the second part of the secret, all that work is so worth it.

There are certain things that you know that will be a challenge going into a marriage. Patience, compromise, socks/shoes all over the place, finances, etc. Some of them you've been practicing since you were small, others not so much. Experiencing these things with another person is a whole different story.

Hubs and I were chatting over dinner the other day about all the things we've learned about each other and about marriage being just over a year in. His list and my list were slightly similar, but were so enlightening.

Hubs

// "Just let her do her thing."
I giggled a little when he said this, but it's been a real challenge for him. He's not as social as I am, but we've made compromises and I make sure that my social nature doesn't take away from my attentions to him.

// "Make time for a real date night."
This has helped us so much. Right now our date night is grocery night. We go out to dinner and do any shopping we need to do before we get groceries and come home.

// "If she doesn't know the real balance of the bank account, she won't go crazy in Target."
Ok. This one took me by surprise, but it's true. I don't ever know what our account balance is, and I like it that way. I am an impulsive spender, Hubs is a saver. Him being in charge of the finances makes me feel secure, and I don't spend as much when I don't know how much money we have.

// "You learn what it really takes to be supportive of your spouse's goals."
This goes both ways really. But he's been nothing but supportive about school, about this blog, and about anything else I want to accomplish.

Mine

// "We speak totally different languages, but I have learned how to interpret his now."
Growing up in totally different family atmospheres, we learned to communicate very very differently. That on top of our different love languages makes for quite a hurdle. But we've learned each other's language.

// "Snoring becomes ambient background noise that actually helps you sleep."
Laugh all you want, but as long as he's snoring I know he's still breathing. When I first moved here, he didn't snore as badly, but I would notice that he'd stop breathing for several seconds and then take a big breath.

// "Sometimes it's just better to ask for forgiveness than permission."
This sorta goes with me being an impulsive spender. Also when it comes to our furkids. This rule can apply to lots of different areas of life though.

// "We are both at fault in some way when we argue about things."
I'm not perfect. Neither is he. But sometimes we have these crazy expectations of each other. Sometimes we keep score, we get defensive, we don't really listen to the other. But we always apologize, we always make up, and we always make positive steps forward. Communication is a work in progress, but at least there is progress.


How long have you been married? What lessons have you learned?

7 Things I Do That My Husband Thinks Are Weird

Ah Husbands (or boyfriends, fiancees, dads... really just men in general). The heroes of our worlds. They can do so many great things: bring home the bacon, carry ALL the grocery bags inside in one trip, mow the lawn, and do math in their heads at lightening speeds. But there are some things they really don't get, amiright? I don't know about you but my husband things some of the things I've done for nearly all my life are just down right weird, and I'm going to list them out for you today.

1. The Accent Nail
You know, the pretty pattern or glitter right finger nail. Hubs always turns his nose up when I do them and calls me a weirdo. He just doesn't understand why I can't do all my nails the same way all the time.

2. Why I Need Four Different Shades of Purple Nail Polish
Purple is purple right? WRONG! Hubs just doesn't get that darker purples are for fall and winter and lighter/brighter ones are for spring and summer.

3. Wearing a Hair Tie on Your Wrist ALL The Time
Seriously? I thought he was joking when he asked me about it one day. Nope, he doesn't get why I have to have one on me every second of the day. Men just do not understand the spontaneous need to pull your hair back in the middle of the day.

4. Eating Cereal Out of a Cup
Ok. This may just be me, but I have been doing this since I was in middle school. My mom had just bought new dishes and the bowls that came with the set were so tiny that I always had to get a second bowl of cereal in the morning. One day I just grabbed a big plastic cup and having been eating my cereal that way every since.

5. Starbucks
Nope, my hubs doesn't get why I love the coffee chain so much. Honestly, it's really a treat for me during school, because caffeine is so needed to stay focused in class. Plus, it's just really really good.

6. Use Body Wash Over Bar Soap
In his brain, bar soap is cheaper and it lasts loner. He has a point, but in my brain I don't get the exfoliation and moisture I need from a bar soap that I do from my body wash and loofa. I take pride on my skin and want to keep it looking young as long as I can.

7. Snapchat
I know he's not the only one in this boat. I didn't really get it at first either, but once I just buckled down and learned how it works I was hooked. Then I started adding bloggy friends and it got even better! If you want to give it another try, Melissa did a great tutorial!


What are some things the man/men in your life just don't get about you?

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

There are a bunch of new faces around here, so I thought I'd share a little more about myself with you. I found this wonderful post with prompts about your favorite things in life, you can find it here, and I decided that I'd take a few and fill you in. I skipped over some of the more generic ones, like favorite color, and a picked some that I haven't answered before on my blog (that I can remember anyways).

1. Favorite pet I ever had

DUH, Bear.

2. Favorite food I’ve cooked

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Wraps. You can find a recipe for those HERE.

3. Teacher who changed my life, and why

Prof. Callahan taught my Public Speaking class last session. Because of him I am more confident and organized when giving presentations in all my other classes. Up until recently I was so terrified to speak in front of people, Prof. Callahan really helped me to be more confident in myself and believe that I can do this and that people do want to hear what I have to say.

4. The best paid entertainment I’ve ever seen

Cirque Du Soleil. I saw the Oovoo performance in Atlanta. If you ever get a chance to see one of their shows, do it. It's so amazing the things they can do.

5. Favorite hobby activity that makes me get lost for hours

Reading. If I didn't have so many other things to do, I could totally read all day.

6. My greatest skill (past or current)

Design. Whether it's arranging rooms in my house, crafting, or blog designs, I have always had a natural eye for it. I get it from my mom.

7. The best advice I’ve ever been given

My grandmother told me once "Amanda, you just gotta have faith. Faith in the Lord, faith in your family, but most of all, you gotta have faith in yourself." I even got a tattoo to remind me of this every single day.

8. My favorite flower – purchased

Tulips. They are the heart of spring time and sunshine, and they come in so many great colors.

9. My favorite flower or plant – personally grown

Hyacinth. We have some in our front yard and they smell so good when they bloom!

10. The most favorite gift I’ve ever gotten – what and from whom?

Bear. The best Christmas gift I could have ever received and Hubs gave him to me. My two favorite boys.

11. My most suspenseful moment

I am going through this right now. I've had some blood work done and am waiting on the results.

12. My most unexpected achievement?

This blog. I could never have imagined how much I have gained from this little space of mine. And now I don't know what I'd do without it.

13. My favorite paid employment, ever

I was a nanny for about a year to the sweetest little boy. I celebrated his first birthday, helped teach him to walk, and made the first attempts to get him talking. Now he's seven and a big brother to an adorable little sister. I still keep in touch with the family and enjoy seeing pictures of my sweet boy on Facebook.

14. The favorite dessert I’ve ever eaten

Ice cream will always reign supreme in my world. Extreme Moose Tracks from Mayfield is my absolute favorite.

15. The most scared I’ve been by a bug or critter

A few years ago, when I lived alone I was running water for a bath when I saw this HUGE bug on the wall above the shower head. It was too late at night to call anyone to come take care of it for me, so I had to woman up and take care of it myself. I went to the kitchen and got a glass and a piece of cardboard to catch it, carefully entered the bathroom, and sized up my opposition. I had to stand on the side of the tub to reach it, and when I went to trap it with the glass it jumped! I felt it touch my arm and I ran screaming into my bedroom and slammed the door. When I finally regained my composure I marched back into the bathroom and squashed that sucker with a shoe.

16. My favorite household chore

Is baking a chore? no? well.... How about changing sheets? Yeah, ok. Let's go with that, because there is nothing better than sliding into bed with fresh clean sheets.

17. Favorite item no one knows I own?

Oh gosh... This is a hard one. I don't have anything to hide (other than my unmentionables). I guess I could tell you that I still sleep with a teddy bear, but I'm pretty sure I've mentioned him here before.

18. The prettiest shiny object I’ve ever owned

My wedding rings for sure!! I have never seen anything like them before and I love them even more so because my husband picked them out all by himself without any help from me.

19. Favorite outdoor smell

Rain. I don't know why, but the rain always smells good to me, except on Bear... then not so much.

20. Favorite song I ever danced to and with whom?

Hubs and danced to All of Me by John Legend at his Christmas Party this past year. We never had a wedding reception, so it was like our "first dance".

21. The favorite place I have ever traveled to where I’d spend my whole life if I could?

I went to England back in 2008 and fell in love. I want to go back so badly, I'd live there if I could.

22. The most significant change I’ve had to go through and how it made me better

Moving away from my home and family in Georgia and coming to Missouri. It was, by far, the best decision I have every made for my life. Yes, I miss my family so very much, but I gained so much by coming here. I got to marry the love of my life, go back to school, and have this little family of my very own, in my very own house. I wouldn't trade this for the world.

23. Favorite environmental sound (rain, thunder, etc.)

Ocean waves. They are so soothing.

24. Best time I’ve had playing with a pet

Bear in the snow the other day has to top everything. He was so happy and had so much fun, it pained me to make him come inside.

25. The favorite picture I’ve ever taken?

I have several, but here are my top two!

What are some of your favorite things?

Feel free to copy the prompts and post your own Favorites!

9 Things You Definitely Should NOT Give Up For Lent

Lent. It's a season of the Christian Year when we focus on simple living and fasting to grow closer to God. The beginning of the season is Ash Wednesday (this year it was Feb 18th) and lasts until Easter Sunday, April 5th. 40 days. During those 40 days Christians are supposed to fast from something that distracts them from God, and using that time they would have spent on watching reality tv, for example, to pray and read scripture.

Many people chose to give up sweets, but you can fast from just about anything: soda, junk food, bread, reality tv, social media, bubble baths, makeup, etc. Some of us are still trying to decide what to give up, and while there are several posts out there giving ideas on what to give up for Lent, I thought I'd take a different route and list some things you probably should NOT give up until Easter.

1. Deodorant.
For the sake of everyone around you, please, please do not give this up. I'm pretty sure you're fresh scent antiperspirant is not distracting you from God.

2. Cleaning your house.
Sure it's distracting from a lot of things, and none of us really like to clean, but you have to stay healthy and respect your body and it's environment or you'll have a whole new set of distractions to deal with.

3. Trivia Crack.
Especially if you play with me. Please don't give this up!! You are actually learning stuff when you play, or at least I am. So expand your knowledge and keep spinning that wheel!

4. Your Job.
Well.... I wish. But the bills still have to get paid somehow.

5. Blogging.
It does take a lot of time and energy to blog, but if you are blogging about things you are passionate about and it is helping a least ONE person, then you definitely don't need to give it up. Lent is also a time for service to others, so lets post all of our recipes and DIY posts now!

6. School.
Again, I wish. Education is important, so perhaps take small breaks from studying to pray for a moment, and if you can, choose a class that is religion based for that semester/session like I did with my History of Christianity class.

7. Coffee.
If you drink the stuff every single day, lets face it, you have an addiction to caffeine. I'm not saying that bad, cause I do too, but we all know what happens when you haven't had your coffee. It's not pretty. So lets say you give up the frilly flavored creamer or make your own at home instead of stopping at Starbucks. If you drink it black... well good for you. Just don't give it up!

8. Shaving.
Seriously ladies, this is NOT the same as No Shave November for the men. I know it's winter (for most of us anyways, glaring at you Californians and Floridians) but your husband/boyfriend is not gonna wanna tap that when your legs, armpits, and other various regions are hairier than his. Just saying. And for you single gals, you know what, do what you want. #nojudgement

9. Lets just go with Hygiene as a whole.
If I need to elaborate on this for you, please email me and we'll get you the help you need.


*EDIT 2-24-15*

I am adding an honorary number 10 because Emily from Ember Grey made a very valid point. You CANNOT give up Michael Bolton for Lent!

*END EDIT*


What are you giving up for Lent?

Procrastination Station

Everyone has put something off at some point, either because you don't want to do it or you have OCD tendencies like me and can't do something without doing this other thing first so you can concentrate on the thing you should be doing. This is happening to me more frequently now that I am back in school. And because everyone loves a good list, I present to you the list of 25 things I do when I'm supposed to be studying.

1. Writing blog posts like the one you are reading now!
2. Reading and commenting on other blogs.
3. Making/Editing images to go with blog posts.
4. Browsing Twitter.
5. Browsing Instagram.
6. Staring out the window.
7. Updating my editorial calendar.
8. Updating my planner.
9. Texting my mom.
10. Taking pictures of my cats.
11. Taking Selfies.
12. Dishes.
13. Texting my husband.
14. Saving a baby bird that fell out out of it's nest.
15. Checking on said bird periodically throughout the day.
16. Thinking of blog topics.
17. Re-organizing the craft supplies and other items that get piled on our kitchen table.
18. Checking and responding to emails.
19. Texting Kathy.
20. Texting Melissa.
21. Tweaking my blog design.
22. Doing blog designs for other bloggers.
23. Playing 4pics1word on my phone.
24. Talking to my mom on the phone.
25. Absolutely nothing.

Some of those things are totally ok though right? Like the dishing have to get done and you can't ignore your mommy!! What do you do when you procrastinate on something?