Year in Review + Top 5 Posts of 2018

2018 was one for the books! I can't even begin to tell you just how f u l l it was for our Family. If you've been around these parts for any amount of time you may actual know how busy we were! Which 'busy' really isn't my thing so it's pretty much laid me bare and exhausted, ha. I will take a new year so I can get back to slow. Who is with me?! 

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Our first Christmas in NWA is in the books. It was a bittersweet celebration as we make our own traditions here in Arkansas away from our California Family but I have to keep reminding myself new and different isn't bad and to enjoy the process.

I mean <3 Just look at his face!

Cookie Exchange // chocolate cherry shortbread {recipe}

This past weekend we enjoyed our very first Cookie Exchange! Now, I've been part of a virtual party before, but let me tell you, a real one is so much tastier! I'm still savoring the last ones and rationing them out, ha! 

Sleep in heavenly peace // four ways to promote childhood sleep + giveaway

This post is sponsored by Acutee but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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December is here! Break out the hot cocoa! Play those Holiday movies on repeat. Blast those Christmas carols like no one is listening. I'm counting down the days for Christmas (with a chocolate advent calendar, no less) and joining Anne for her Currently link up. If you haven't done so yet now is the month to participate!

Sending Christmas cheer // Our Christmas cards 2018

This post is sponsored by Shutterfly but all opinions as always are my own.

I made myself a hard and fast promise this year. After all the hecticness of a summer move; the acclimation to a new state; the start of a new school year; and all the ensuing feels of celebrating our first holidays without our California families, I committed to sending out Christmas cards BY December 1st. With Shutterfly, I have met my goal and surpassed my own expectations. Hashtag winning.

The beginning of Christmas traditions

The advent season is so short that we like to start celebrating the day after Thanksgiving, which I lovingly refer to as “Christmas Friday”. As my kids are get older keeping the Christmas spirit alive has become a personal goal. Here are a few things we do in our home during December. This post is sponsored by Package from Santa. All opinions are my own.

gather round

Happy Thanksgiving

Stitch Fix #6 {the five piecer}

I enjoyed my sixth Fix over the weekend and it was the box I've been dreaming about. I easily could have kept all five pieces- that has never happened to me before! Not one to be frivolous though I kept myself in check and if you're curious about what I got, just keep scrolling! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Five Reasons why NOW is the time to try Stitch Fix

I have been a member of Stitch Fix for over two years now. Granted, I only average one box for every three to six months, but I feel like the company has come leaps and bounds over the last few months and if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, I'm here to tell you why now is the time to do so.

Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

source

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Apparently this link up was my only planned post in October! Suffice it to say, it has been busy around here! Anyone else?! Joining Anne to share how November is shaping up.

About last month...

My word. Time sure got away from me. I didn't realize its been a whole month since my last post, I apologize! 

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October is h e r e! I have (along with every other basic girl) an affinity for this lovely month. With the cool air brings the promises of the holiday season and all the fun fall things. Joining Anne for her Currently link up.

The {September} Book Report

I’m coming upon that time of year where life gets busier so my reading starts to slow down, but its not something that bothers me since the last 3 months of the year hold their own magic (whose with me on that?!) below are my four books of September. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible {a review}

I received this book for review purposes but all opinions are my own. Thanks to ZonderKidz for sponsoring this post.

Growing up Clark // 12 month {ONE YEAR} edit

This is a week overdue but it's been busy over here celebrating (and there may be still some denial) about this first 365 days with our Clarkie. This past year has gone by so incredibly fast; he has grown and changed and has become his own person apart from the tiny being that began forming within my own body. To say I am overcome by emotions is an understatement. To say I am blessed is an understatement.

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Though I'm a day late posting, I've actually been working on this for a month (that sounds more negative than positive, sigh) but what I mean by it is, I am trying to get back into the swing of things on this here blog; baby steps. Joining Anne, as always.

The Summer Book Report

Have I been a busy bookworm this summer! I figured I'd give you a BIG book drop and start the fall off to a once a month post (back to business as usual!) I hope you find one you love, some of these are extraordinary! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth // Practicing self care with Smile Brilliant + giveaway!

Self care has been a buzz word lately, hasn't it? I usually would roll my eyes at this notion but since becoming a mom of three(!!), I've come to value its importance. I don't get much "me time" these days so carving out little bits of time to recharge is something I'm working on. And making myself look and feel pretty has slowly become a priority (eye bags for daysss over here) so when presented with the offer to whiten my teeth with Smile Brilliant I was all over it! This post is sponsored by Smile Brilliant. All opinions are my own.

Growing up Clark // eleven month edit

Eleven months old. Sigh. We got here quick, didn't we? Babies DO NOT keep.

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I have been super bad at sharing the little things due to the general chaos that goes with uprooting your whole life to move across the country. I'm excited to be back at it and joining Anne for this month's Currently.

My first thredUP Goody Box

A couple of weeks ago I got an email from thredUP about a new Goody Box initiative they were implementing. The premise is easy, fill out a quick questionnaire and receive 8-10 pieces of clothing sent directly to your door. You get a week to try on and decide and what you don't want send back with a prepaid label. Intriguing, right?

Travel Diary // CA to AR {24 hours}

I don't even know where to start. I'm still a little fuzzy on details as I was awake for 24 hours straight with very little shut eye so I'll just start from the beginning of the longest day of my life.

Summer Fun with Montem {plus a Giveaway!}

Having true summer weather has lent itself to many days spent outside (but only during morning/evening times. We're not crazy! ;) enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. I'm not sure if it's just me, but I swear the sky feels bigger and closer here. It is truly a wonder. This post is sponsored by Montem. As always all opinions are my own.

Growing up Clark // ten month edit

Just look at this man-child!!! If I'm not kissing on him, I'm ever-so-gently pinching his cheeks or petting his hair. I'm in awe of his very being every day and feel so blessed that he is mine. Only two more months until he is one year old. Just staahpp already.

Greetings from Arkansas!

Doesn't that title just conjure up images of old post cards sold on boardwalk piers and at tourist destinations? No? Just me?

Home is

Where ever I am with you

Growing up Clark // nine month edit

I had my first shell-shock experience of fumbling for Clark’s age when asked recently. 9 months is so old and it happened entirely too fast. 

The {May} Book Report

With all the end of the school year activities going on around here reading has slowed down a touch but here are the three books I enjoyed this month (and only a few days late!)  Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Farewell, First Grade

Kinsey has her last day of First Grade tomorrow and it feels like just yesterday I posted about her first week! 

Getting clean with Dr Jacobs Naturals

I have been making my health a priority this year and that has extended to my beauty products. Avoiding questionable ingredients and fragrances has made shopping a little more mindful but I feel good about the things getting slathered onto my body and hair. Thank you to Dr Jacobs Naturals for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Simple living Lifestyle podcasts // Listen

I'm back with another roundup of some of my favorite podcasts these have inspired me to embrace living a simple life with less stuff and more experiences, cherishing my people over worldly belongings; you know, the basics :)

Growing up Clark // eight month edit

I feel like Clark has made a huge leap from seven to eight months; he's so active, will not (can not) sit still, is crawling all over creation, and is starting to pull himself up on all the things. It takes my all to supervise the kid. He literally keeps me on my toes! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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May! How is it MAY? This year is practically halfway over. I guess when you're busy living, life goes by fast.

Mother's Day memoirs

Have you ever heard the quote, Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans? Well, I say "motherhood is happening between the diaper changes, getting the billionth snack and kissing the imaginary booboo." It may even be defined by those things. 

The {April} Book Report

Another productive reading month! Rain in the first half of April set the pace but with the sun comes more outdoor time so I suspect a slower reading season is upon us. Let’s dive right in, shall we? A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Loving lately

These spring days have really revived my spirit, its amazing how much sunshine and fresh air really do a person good! (And let me tell you, I need as much reviving as I can get because little man is cutting a tooth and trying to crawl so sleep has suffered.) Here's what I've been loving lately: A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Switching to safer beauty products {Natural Deodorants}

Breast cancer scares me. As the granddaughter of a breast cancer survivor I think I'm justified. I also tend to be paranoid (another “thanks” to aforementioned gramma, ha) so it shouldn't be that surprising that I have been researching natural deodorants for a year now.  A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Purging & Cleaning

I had a comment asking about how I got started on my purging and cleaning journey so I figured I’d shed some light on it!

Growing up Clark // seven month edit

And here we are, another month older.

Currently 004 // April

Anyone else feel like April just snuck right on in? Having Easter right at the beginning of the month seriously threw my off my game. Joining Anne for her Currently link up. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Spring Break

Spring break was...

March Book Report

All I can say is the rainy March weather fared well for my reading life.

Growing up Clark // six month edit

Half a year has never gone by so fast!

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How is it March already?! Joining Anne for her Currently link up! I'm also celebrating 

F I V E years as a blogger, today in 2013, I published my very first post and began this journey. Thank you for celebrating with me :) Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Mom Life Lately

Thank you to Figure 8 Maternity for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. It has been six months since I've been a mama x3 and it tickles me when I hear, "you have your hands full" or "how do you do it?" and another favorite "I could never!" I think it comes down to perspective (yes, you could do it if they are your children) and experience (I was gifted these babies by God and try my best to be the mother they deserve. On the flip side, one of my good friends is expecting her fourth baby and I think, "how can you do it all?!" haha.) You do what you are called to do! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Practical Essential Oils

I know essential oils are everywhere these days and its almost cliche that I’m writing about them (I know you thought it! Its ok :) but I feel like there is a gap that needs to be bridged between die-hard-oil-enthusiast and just-starting-out-newbie because there is a lot of information out there and knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.

The February Book Report

I am happily crossing off book titles and am feeling good. This month I'm joining Stephanie for her What We're Reading Wednesday link up (pop over to her blog for a little interview by yours truly!) there's also a little Q&A at the end of this post with Penny and Stephanie. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Tiny Letters 2.18

Joining Kristin for one of my favorite link ups, Little Letters!

Growing up Clark // five month edit

Here we are another month older!

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As is my usual style these days I'm late joining Anne's link up party. You forgive me though, right? :) 

My Whole30 journey

I spent the month of January completing my first Whole30 diet reset. The premise is very clear cut- remove all inflammatory foods (grains, legumes/beans, sugar, dairy alcohol and additives and preservatives) eat a high fat, veggie and fruit filled diet and start to feel better inside and out. *This was actually my second time doing a Whole30 but I quit at the two week mark when I first attempted this in 2015. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

The January Book Report

I shared my reading plans for this year last week and now I'm back with the four books I finished this month!  Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

My favorite Podcasts for Moms // Listen

I only recently got into podcasts late last year and seriously wonder what the heck I was doing during my driving commutes without them! I get so much enjoyment and entertainment from listening to these lovely ladies that it almost makes me want to drive around town more (so kidding.) Here are my favorite podcasts for mamas by mamas.

Tiny Letters 1.18

I’m weeks late to Kristin’s link up (seems to be a blog trend this month, my bad!) but I’m sharing away any way!

Dear goals,

Lets stick together this year, okay?

Dear rain,

Welcome! Stay awhile, please. 

Dear Kinsey,

You make me so proud. Your love and care for Clark, your (mostly) goodwill toward Bea and sharing your toys; you're coming into your own as a big sister. Also, your reading is blowing me away! I can’t believe you’ll be turning seven in a few short weeks, sob.

for the life of me I can't get this picture to be right, so annoying.

Dear Brian,

Thank you for pitting up with me during this diet. I know I've been wacky-doodle and hard to put up with so I appreciate you giving me love and support anyway.

Dear Whole30,

Three weeks in and I’m not completely hating life. Being mindful of what I put into my mouth instead of whatever was on hand is a huge switch for me but one that was much needed. I’ll have a full report at the end of the month!

Dear Brielana,

You are one funny kid. Between your speech intonations and pronunciations to your cute little voice, you've got everyone here wrapped around your little finger.

Dear Clark,

Stop growing so fast. I’m really trying to savor these baby days and you're not cooperating. But seriously, you are such a blessed addition to our family, we love you.

Dear capsule wardrobe,

Oh how I've missed you! Being able to fit comfortably into my clothes postpartum has opened up a world of possibilities. I'm actually taking more time to get dressed in the morning because I have so many great mix and match options. It really is the little things in life.

Dear hair,

We’re at a strange place in our relationship, you're falling out on me left and right and I just don't know what to do with you. I think a new hair cut is in order (which seems a bit ironic seeing as I'm losing so much of it on the daily!) but I just don't know what style? Any suggestions?

   

   

That Book Life // Reading Plans for 2018

2017 Goodreads Reading Challenge | 18 books

Books actually read | 35

2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge | 30 

Books read in January | 3

I strongly believe reading is good for the soul. It is something I have always loved to do and making time to read in my daily life is essential to staying true to myself. I don't make lofty goals, since my season in life right now is all things baby, but keeping myself accountable makes me happy (Type A through-and-through.) A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Here are a few titles that I have currently residing on my bedside table ready to be called into action. Thank goodness I have fellow bookworm friends, a Free Little Library right next door and my local library about five minutes down the street to keep me supplied at all times.  

Loving Frank: A Novel | Running with Scissors: A Memoir| The Mothers: A Novel | The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks | Pigs in Heaven: A Novel | The Sinner | Manhattan Beach

The reading lives of other people fascinates me! So tell me, what books are you reading this year? Do you have a goal?