Interested

Anyone interested in sponsor swapping (you'll get a sponsor spot and a spotlight)? E-mail me: missabbya@gmail.com.

Much love, Abby (and Harps)

That Harper Girl

That Harper girl (or as I like to call her, my Harper girl) is so cute. I thought I'd do a bit of a Harper lately post. It's been a while since I filled you in on my main girl (note: the words in parenthesis are not, in fact, typos. They are Harperisms. I wanted to share them with you because Harper words are so much cuter than regular words) so here goes...

• Obviously, Harper is still against hairstyling of any kind. Most days, I'm lucky if I get the chance to run a comb through it or wash the strawberry jam (see next bullet) out of it. It's a good thing that Harper has those adorable Colty curls because they look good pretty much no matter what. 
• Right now, Harper's favorite food is toast with strawberry jam. She eats at least two pieces of it a day and I just love when she says, "Mama, I have toast ("chos")?"
• Harper also loves pickles, popsicles, edamame, fruit snacks, raisins, turkey hot dogs (cold from the fridge... I'll pause while you gag...), cup-o-noodles (she got that one from me- I could eat them daily), and fries (whenever we pass a drive-through of any kind, Harper claps and yells "FIES!").
• Harper continues with her refusal to wear pants. However, we have made a little headway in the warm clothing department: Harper will now wear leggings underneath her skirts ("kurts") and dresses ("treshes").
• Harper is a dog lover. Every time we see a dog, she gets really excited. She especially loves Hazel ("zazel"), Tucker ("kucker") and Zowie ("zozo"). Harper has come a long way with our dogs and surprisingly enough, they actually like her now. Hazel loves to give her kisses and Tucker loves to chase her around our house. Even Zowie tolerates her quite well. 
• Harper is a really active kid. She loves to dance, run ("race!"), do arm circles, and practice for her gymnastics class ("cwass"). She also loves to sing and has her own playlist on my iPhone. Right now, her favorite songs are Just Around the Riverbend and Winnie the Pooh (the Zooey D. version, of course).
• Harper loves all of her family members and gets super excited when we go to Grandma Carrie's house.
• Harper's shyness (or at least her pretension thereof) has worn off and she is now comfortable around our friends and even strangers (I'm still not used to her talking to random people when we are in public). Family aside, Harper's favorite person is Colt's friend Tyson ("Tys"). When he's here, she only has eyes for him (first crush? maybe). 
• Harper loves to dress up and I'm pretty sure that Santa is going to be bringing some new princess costumes to our house come Christmas eve. I don't know what else he should bring, though. Any suggestions for presents for the world's cutest little Harper Jane ever?
• Harper is learning all about Christmas right now. She loves talking about Santa (she calls him "Snow") and looking at decorations. Our neighbors have lighted candy canes on their walkway. Harper has been asking for "a bite" of them since she first saw them. Two nights ago, I let her satisfy her curiosity. She has stopped asking for bites.

(Harper loves playing with my new camera but wants no help whatsoever.)

I think that's just about it. Harper is one cute two-year-old and I think that it's obvious that she is as awesome as ever. 

A Little Tree and a Lot of Magic

We didn't have a Christmas tree last year for a variety of reasons (space, Tucker, the daycare, and plans to buy a really nice one once we settled in our house) and it just didn't feel right. Once we move into our house (which, baring any complications, should be within the next six months!), I'm going to invest in a big tree. I can't wait. My mother has always had such beautiful Christmas decorations and, like many, some of my most cherished childhood memories are of us putting them up together (to holiday music, of course... our favorites were Willie Nelson, Barbara Streisand, and Dolly Parton... who am I kidding? These are still my favorites!).

I couldn't go without one this year, though, especially since Harper is all grown-upish and knows about Santa and the "prizes" he brings and all that jazz. We purchased a small tree and set it up on my desk last night. It has red balls and a few ornaments on it. We've been purchasing one for Harper each year (a tradition Colt's mom started for him). She had a classic Pooh ornament for her first Christmas (to match her nursery theme) and a cupcake last year (in celebration of her first birthday). Can you guess what her 2011 ornament will be? Leave me a comment with your ideas (I already know but want to see just how well ya'll have been paying attention).

Harper's "First Christmas" booties are on our tree as well and they are so tiny (aka tear-inducing) that I can barely stand it.

Harper loves our little tree and I love watching Harper love it. I'm once again reminded of how stupid I was for thinking that I wanted a life without children. Christmas is magical when you have a little one around.

Speaking of Christmas... 

Some of it came early at the Adams house. My parents gave us our Christmas money early so we could take advantage of the Thanksgiving weekend specials. He got a gun (boring) and I got this little toy (not boring)...

It arrived this morning and I felt like cheering. I've been wanting an SLR for just about forever. Too bad I have no idea how to use it... yet :).

The Beauty Aisle: I'm Thankful For...

This post is a little bit late, I know. Thanksgiving weekend was so busy and fun that I didn't even touch a computer (isn't that wonderful?). I spent the entire weekend (minus one rabbit hunting expedition- for Colt- and a couple of naps- for me) with Colty and it was wonderful. We visited with friends and family alike and couldn't have asked for a better holiday.  

Anyway, here are some products that I'm thankful for right now...

1.2.

3.4.

5.6.

1. Pureology Shinemax: This serum is my favorite post-shampoo product. I use it every single time I wash my hair. It cuts back on breakage and fly-aways and keeps hair shiny, even after heated styling. 

2. Yes To Carrots Hand Cream: This is probably my favorite hand cream ever. It is really moisturizing and doesn't have a very strong smell, which is good for me (I'm not a big scent person- I prefer to smell clean). My favorite thing about this hand cream is that it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy feeling like so many other hand creams/body butters. I love it and I keep a tube of it with me at all times.

3. Nivea Skin Firming Moisturizer with Q10: I love this stuff. I've used it for years and it is my favorite body lotion, hands down. 

4. Dove Gentle Exfoliating Bar Soap: This has been a nice change from my regular Dove. I love the way it smells and think that the little exfoliating beads feel really nice, especially since it's winter and my skin is a little on the dry side. 

5. Rockaholic Dirty Little Secret from TIGI: This dry shampoo is a little bit heavier than Batiste. I love it, though, especially as a texturizer. It's really gritty and works as sort of a pre-style hair spray. When I use Dirty Little Secret, my curls/waves stay in much better. 

6. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip Gloss: I love this stuff. I'm really into dramatic eyes right now and so I've sort of put my lipsticks/lip stains aside. These lip glosses (I have three colors) are great for understated lips. 

I'm also really obsessed with leg warmers right now. They provide the perfect amount of comfort and warmth (especially for me- I hate socks). I've been wearing them with leggings, tights, and even bare legs. I just love how cozy they are. 

[photo via pinterest]

What products are you most thankful for?

Do you have any fun products on your Christmas list this year?

Thanksgiving, Instagram- Style

Happy Black Friday, my dears.

Is anyone shopping today?

I did a little online shopping but don't plan on hitting any stores.

I sort of wanted to, since I've never been Black Friday shopping before.

Then I remembered that I dislike crowds AND traffic.

So I'm home today, resting and relaxing with my sweets.

As you can see, we had a good day yesterday.

I'll be back tomorrow with the official photos.

Much love.

Oh and p.s. I bought a camera (a fancy one) yesterday.

I'm so excited.

So Many Things

I have so many things to be thankful for (and really, don't we all?). I think that the abundance of blessings in my life is the reason that I feel like I have no choice but to be happy- to practice Diligent Joy. There are days, it's true, when it's harder to see the blessings and even harder to appreciate them but for the most part, I can't help but feel overwhelmed at the beauty in my life.

I'm thankful for everything from Colt's job to my Subaru to my bed (lately, my bed HAS been one of my greatest blessings). I understand that, when compared with many people in the world, I'm spoiled rotten. I know that I write a lot about beauty products and my fear of aging and all sorts of silly things. Please don't ever think that I believe these things to be of great importance. I like makeup and pretty purses and heaven knows that I'm a bit of a shopper but at the end of the day, I know what matters. I know that, when compared with the big things (the things I'm really, truly thankful for), nail polish and shampoo really are nothing but silliness.

I'm thankful for Colt and for his love and support. In some ways, he is the only normal relationship I've ever had. His confidence in me has made all the difference and I'll be forever grateful for that.

I'm thankful for Harper- for her laugh and her love. I'm thankful for the fact that she is happy and healthy (at a recent doctor's visit, she weighed in at a solid 32.8 pound and measured 37 inches). Everyday- every single day,  I'm thankful for the miracle that is her life.

I'm thankful for my job. I love what I do and I love being able to spend every day with Harper. I am a person that really was meant to be self employed. I appreciate the free-spiritedness of my days and I'm thankful that I get to spend them with sweet (well, most of the time at least) little ones instead of adult co-workers.

I'm thankful for Hazel. She is often the sweetest (and easiest) part of my day and I can't imagine going to sleep without her furry little body snuggled up against me. When I was pregnant, people would tell me that my feelings for Hazel would change when my baby was born. Those people were wrong. Hazel is the cutest little Grinch ever and I love every inch of her.

I'm thankful for Tucker. He is a great big ball of craziness and keeps us on our toes but we love him nonetheless. I love having him as a running partner (aka rapist repellent).

I'm thankful for Colt's family and for my parents and for the unwavering love and support they offer us. I'm also thankful for Colt's grandparents (one of his grandmas is battling breast cancer right now, bless her soul, and we- Harper and I- are praying for her every day). We are surrounded by a wonderful family and really, I don't know how we would live without it.

I'm thankful for Calli and Kenzie. Colt's sisters have become my sisters and I love them. They have showed me what it's like to have siblings and I talk to both of them almost daily. They really understand me and even though we are about as different as three girls could be, we have a good time together and I love that.

I'm thankful for good books and inspiring music. For as long as I can remember, books and music have been a part of my life and I can't imagine a day without them. Right now I'm reading Wuthering Heights (a favorite fall treat) and I'm playing/singing Christmas music (before Thanksgiving and that's okay).

I'm working on one more Thanksgiving post (products I'm thankful for) for you. It should be up later today.

In the meantime, let me wish you a most Happy Thanksgiving. Life is beautiful and there is much to be grateful for. If you're traveling, be safe. If you're staying home, be cozy. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. It's going to be a good day, I just know it.

Hello Monday...

Happy Thanksgiving Week, my dear friends. This holiday snuck up on me, for sure, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless. We are having Thanksgiving with Colt's mom's family this year and it's going to be so fun. Kenzie (my little sister-in-law) and I are so excited that we are having a sleepover Wednesday night.

I'm also looking forward to a few days of rest. I was sick again (are you surprised? Me neither) over the weekend. I think my body needs some time to chill. I'm planning on giving it lots of healthy food, water, and sleep over the long weekend. At some point, my body is going to tire of being sick, I just know it. Heaven knows that I'm due for a healthy spell (a long one).

Sickness aside, we managed to have a little fun over this past weekend. On Friday night, I took Harper out for some shopping (she and I were both a bit stir crazy after a week at home with the daycare). We went to Kohl's for some new Harper duds (and came home with another Ariel doll, of course).

On Saturday, I got my nails done. I've never been a big fan of acrylic nails (I think it's the pianist in me) but I'm willing to try anything because my nail biting has been out of control lately. I'm giving acrylic nails (really short ones) a try. I didn't like them at first (I thought they were tacky) but they are growing on me and I must admit they're cute (pale pink with one black nail... ballerina colors!). Hopefully they do their job and curb my biting a bit.

On Saturday night, we hit Porcupine with some friends/family. The nachos were, as usual, amazing. So was the company (love you, Kenz).

I was pretty much done for by Sunday so we spent the entire day at home, eating Cup-O-Noodles and doing a whole bunch of nothing.

Over the weekend, Harper started coming into our room early in the morning and getting in bed with us for some snuggles. We loved it even though she was a major bed hog.

It's Friday... Finally

It's Friday (isn't that awesome?) and I couldn't be happier. I'm so ready for the weekend, mainly because with it comes less of this...

(daycare mess)

and more of this...

(harper time)

Happy Friday, my dears.

Do something wonderful.

I'll Never Forget that Afternoon When...

I played hide-and-seek with Snow White.

I love playing this game with Harper (even though she peeks every time it's her turn to count) because she gets so excited to find me. I always get a big "I'm so happy I found you mommy!" hug (it's always nice to get hugs without groveling).

The Beauty Aisle: When In Doubt...

When in doubt, listen to your stylist, especially if/when your stylist is Whitney.

I had a hair appointment scheduled for last Saturday morning. A couple of days before, this super sexy Jennifer Aniston pic was making its way around Pinterest (let it be known that I've never been a J. Aniston fan- she bugs me to no end- but seriously, that girl has great hair) and I started looking at my hair and thinking that I should cut it. It had been so blah lately and I was certain that cutting it to my shoulders would be wonderful.

Thank heaven above that Whitney didn't let me go through with it.

She knows me too well. She was smart enough to see that all I needed was fresh color in order to give my hair some life. She tactfully convinced me to not cut my hair (which, as you know, I just spent nearly two years growing out) right now. Even when I forget, Whitney remembers that I love my long hair.

And that, my friends, is why Whitney is at the tippy top of my Christmas list.

I'm still rocking an ombre (and probably will for a while, since it's so low maintenance). It's just a little bit more dramatic and a little less on the reddish side. I love it (and I love Whitney for keeping me in line and not letting me do anything impulsive).

Anyway... I wanted to talk about skin care some more today and am working on a post about treating your skin from the inside out. In the meantime, here is a post about body lotion that I wrote a while back for Confessions of a Beauty Aisle Addict. I'm a body lotion fanatic. Some people don't even use body lotion and I honestly don't even know how they live (that sounds so dramatic... it's not... I promise... but really, I love body lotion) without feeling icky and dry all day. 

Oh and, just so you know.... Snow White fell asleep (and drooled, mind you) on my sofa this afternoon. 

I'm pretty sure that Santa needs to bring Harper a box of dress up fun.

P.S. Are you looking into hair extensions? Whitney (my oh so wise stylist) is running a holiday special. Go here for details. 

Morning Play

I love Harper in the morning.

The jammies, the bedhead, the sweaty baby smell... it's all delicious (and so cute). 

In this photo, Harper is mooing like a cow (the cutest cow ever).

When I listed her favorite books, I forgot to include these.

Harper loves them.

Thanks to Grandma Carrie (Colt's mom) for the darling bear jammies.

The Beauty Aisle: A Homemade Calming Mask

Did anyone try an aspiring mask last night? Kenzie, my sis-in-law, did and said her face had never been softer. 

Anyway, this calming facial mask has been all over Pinterest. It sounds amazing and I really want to try it (I need to hit the store first, however).

It originated over at College Fashion and is included in a post about homemade spa treatments. All three of the treatments (one for your face, one for your hair, and one for your body) sound amazing (and so easy to make) and I seriously wish I could have a slumber party spa night. I guess I could... if I really wanted to.

Who's in?

This Kid

This kid- she owns me, heart and soul. At night, I literally kneel at her bedside and pray that I can be better for her- that I can love her better, that I can be more patient with her, that I can be a better example to her, and that someday, God willing, I can deserve her. There are no words for how much I love my little Harper. She is the best part of me- the best part of my life- and I feel so unequal to her perfection. The sparkle in her eyes- in her young spirit- is so beautiful and I just don't know how she ever came to be mine.

But she is mine- for now, at least- and I love that. Harper brings a light into my life that is completely indescribable. When she laughs, when she calls for me (even if it's to hand me a washcloth full of bathtub poop), or when she asks me to play or dance with her, my heart melts and I'm once again grateful that, regardless of what my selfish and immature self was saying about never having children, motherhood still found me.

Motherhood found me and made me whole.

Harper Has a Dance Party

The thing I love about Harper is that she doesn't wait for the party to come to her. Whenever she feels like it, she gets fancied up and treats herself to an old fashioned dance party (no pants required).

The Beauty Aisle: Aspirin Masks

I've had several people ask about how I keep my skin clear and the answer is... I don't know. I'm pretty sure it's just a genetic thing and has absolutely nothing to do with me or any efforts on my part.

My skin is very low maintenance, which is a good thing since I'm really lazy about washing my face and all that jazz. The main skin concern I have is anti-aging (like that's news to any of you) and so I feel pretty lucky.

That was a lame answer, I know. I'm sorry. I'll try to make it up to you. I'm devoting this week to skin concerns and will be posting (hopefully daily) about how to fix, or at least minimize, your skin issues. Leave me a comment if you have a specific question or situation (dry skin, oily skin, redness, etc.) and I'll do my best to offer you some good advice.

To get the week started, let's talk about aspirin masks. Have you ever used one? If so, leave a comment telling us about your experience.

Aspirin (a beta-hydroxy acid) is known to be quite effective in both cleaning and reducing the size of pores. Aspirin masks can help to reduce redness/swelling, minimize pimples, and exfoliate/soften your skin (more info/reviews can be found here or here or here).


Many people swear by aspirin masks and use them several times a week. Others find that they aren't overly effective and do nothing but soften the skin. I think it's definitely worth a try (or two... some say that it takes several applications to see a change). At the very least, you'll have softer skin and if an aspirin mask does wind up being effect for you, you'll have one of the easiest and most inexpensive beauty treatments at your fingertips.


There are a lot of different aspirin mask recipes out there in internetland. Here are a couple that I could make without a trip to the store. The most important thing to remember is that you must use uncoated aspirin.

Basic Aspirin Mask (from here):

Step 1: Take 6 uncoated aspirin and break each into halves. Put in a small cup.

Step 2: Add 3-4 drops of warm/hot water, and use a stick or spoon to mash and stir up the aspirin. If it’s too dry and doesn’t dissolve, add 1 drop of water at a time until it forms into a thick white paste.

Step 3: Spread thickly onto your face. Leave for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when bits of white powder start falling off your face.

STEP 4: As you wash it off with warm water, gently massage it into your skin. You’ll feel your skin to be very smooth and even.

STEP 5: Pat face gently dry. Done!

Lime and Honey Aspirin Mask:

5-6 uncoated aspirin 

Melt aspirin in one wedge of lime juice 

Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt 

Add I drop of honey 

Apply to face

Leave on for about 20 minutes

Rinse with warm water

If you try either of these (or another type of aspirin mask) this week, let me know how it goes. Leave a comment here or e-mail me at missabbya@gmail.com. 

Midnight Nacho Run

I love Colt, Harper, Hazel, and Tucker. I love my parents. I love reading and yoga. I love classical music and designer purses. 

And I love nachos- probably just as much as I love Dooney & Bourke- especially if they are from Beto's.

 Colt and I were both wishing for a Beto's fix on Saturday night so I braved the cold and made a nacho/burrito run... at midnight (which is sort of embarrassing since we weren't even drinking).

I'm pretty sure I hold the record for most nachos eaten by a pregnant person (Beto's veggie nachos were one of the only things that didn't make me sick and it's a good thing, too, since I craved them on a daily basis).

I'm also pretty sure that Harper would do anything for stickers.

Harper continues to love her gymnastics class. This week, she worked on balance. As you can see, holding an egg with a spoon while crossing the balance beam is serious business.

Anyway, I've been quiet the past couple of days. It's because I have a trapped nerve in my neck.

Before pregnancy, motherhood, and daycare ownership, I was honestly never sick. I never had colds, flu bugs, kidney stones, or trapped nerves and I totally didn't appreciate it.

Now I'm sick almost every week and let me tell you something: it's making me angry. I hate not being 100% for Colt, Harper, Hazel, and Tucker. I hate not being able to run or even practice yoga. I hate feeling yucky on a regular basis.

Yesterday morning, I woke up and gave my great-nephew (who sometimes comes over for an early-morning nap) Cash a kiss and did a little morning stretch before getting out of bed and getting ready for little ones to show up at my house. I obviously did something wrong during my little morning stretch because immediately my neck was in pain- pain like someone was stabbing me with a lightning bolt pain. It was awful and I felt like crying (which I did, several times throughout the day).

Thanks to ibuprofen, I'm feeling much better this morning. My neck is still stiff and tense but it's much more bearable and I feel well enough to move about and get stuff done and it's wonderful.

And at least I'm not in this situation...

The cone wasn't cutting it so now Tucker is sporting a pair of pink boxer shorts.

Poor guy.

A Crazy Week and a Good Life

You may not know it but I'm on Pinterest. I don't craft or DIM (do it myself) and I'm pretty lazy when it comes to cooking. Still, I'm on Pinterest and I pin much the same as I blog- with a little sass and a whole lot of love. I pin at least a few things each day and have boards devoted to Harper, Colt, the daycare, and my sisters-in-law (and yes, several dedicated to myself and the clothes/shoes/beauty products that I need want). Pinterest is my favorite way to waste time these days. Find my pins here.

I am having a chaotic week- a cup of coffee and two Sugar Free Rockstars a day kind of week. I'm dealing with some work changes (and so is Harper, which means she's a hot mess most of the day) and am trying to setting into a new schedule with new children. It's crazy but it's good. My little daycare needed these changes and I'm welcoming them with open arms.

I'm also trying to soak up as much Harper as I can. I never imaged that two-year-old Harper would be such a delight. She is loving and silly and fun and imaginative. She is curious and brave and princess-obsessed every day.

She is full of questions and constantly asks, "What's that?"

She loves to play and always invites me to join her (my heart- it melts). I'm never going to be able to say no when she points to a chair and says, "You play too?"

The days are long and my house is nearly always a mess, but I'm okay with that. I'm okay with sleepiness and messiness because they come with so many good things. Every day I get to kiss/snuggle/play with Harper. Every day I get to kiss/snuggle Hazelnut and every day I get to love Colt. It's a crazy life that I'm living but it's a good life.

Over the Weekend...

We ate at Porcupine (nachos AND a veggie burger- my two favorite foods- in the same night = a food dream come true... and a tummy ache).
I wore leg warmers (sparkly pink ones... in public) and they did their job. My little ankles were cozy all night long.
We saw friends (awesome friends) two days in a row.
Harper played in the snow. So did Hazel. They both were darling little snow bunnies.
Tucker looked adorably awkward in his Cone of Shame (and he only ran into me a hundred times or so...)
I went to the library (alone, which means that nobody -as in Harper- b****-slapped me this time around, which means that nobody- neither library staff nor library patrons- stared at me with looks of disgust and pity, which means that I actually had a nice time at the library and was able to get everything I went in for).
The clothing I ordered online arrived and everything looked/felt/fit better than expected (thank you, online shopping gods, for being so very kind to me).
I took a nice long nap with Hazel (who, when it comes to snuggling, always chooses me over Colt).
We watched Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland, both of which proved to be a nice change from The Little Mermaid. Eventually even Jodi Benson gets old.
Harper gave us wonderful snuggles/kisses/hugs all weekend and didn't even scream "no no no no way!" at us when we asked for more.

In short, our weekend was awesome (and busy, which is why I didn't take even one photo with my real camera... curses to instagram for being so cheap, quick, and easy...).