tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49673753918251774012020-05-07T02:58:27.336-06:00House of SmithsHome decorating, DIY projects, crafting ideas, recipes and lifestyle posts! House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.comBlogger886125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-32548134755634334702019-03-06T11:09:00.001-07:002019-03-06T11:14:16.216-07:00Creamy Queso with a Kick!<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creamy Queso with a Kick!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6dZtYGfP60/XIANJriDhRI/AAAAAAAA-fI/kdNm3QmnOywdYKdpNQX4gDVwvuy1uybQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Creamy%2BQueso%2BRecipe%2B-%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="610" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6dZtYGfP60/XIANJriDhRI/AAAAAAAA-fI/kdNm3QmnOywdYKdpNQX4gDVwvuy1uybQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Creamy%2BQueso%2BRecipe%2B-%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">12 oz evaporated milk (one can)</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">1/2 pound American cheese, cut into small cubes (you might need to find this behind the deli counter)</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">4 oz shredded sharp white cheddar</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">2 T canned jalapeños (or add more to give it a little extra kick!)</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">1/2 t chili powder (if you want it a bit smokier, add in chipotle chili powder instead)</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">1/2 t red pepper flakes</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">1/4 t salt</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">1/4 t black pepper</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">Sliced jalapeño & fresh cilantro for garnish</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">1. Slowly heat evaporated milk over low/medium heat in a medium sauce pan.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">2. Once milk is simmering, reduce heat to low, being careful not to let the milk boil or burn.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">3. Whisk continually while adding in the cheese a little bit at a time, allowing it to melt before adding more.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">4. Once the cheese is completely melted, add in spices and jalapeños </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Then top with sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and a salsa of your choosing!!</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Enjoy!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-17839136637749676802018-12-31T18:13:00.002-07:002018-12-31T18:16:58.959-07:00Thoughts for the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve8SFhqPhlM/XCq-XpSyw3I/AAAAAAAA-Rk/johZnFUqxE8MVDAdB60lL3xizMuSxHTFwCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="500" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve8SFhqPhlM/XCq-XpSyw3I/AAAAAAAA-Rk/johZnFUqxE8MVDAdB60lL3xizMuSxHTFwCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>When you go through really tough stuff, loss, extreme sadness or grief, you feel like the pain is never going to stop. You can’t imagine a day where it won’t hurt.<br /><br />But then... after what seems like forever, you start to forget a little bit how raw and hard it all felt. Either because something else has finally filled that void up, or because time, and day to day life have happened and numbed some of it out.<br /><br />I think that’s “Time’s job”.<br />To help soften the pain of the past, and also to remind you that today is all you may have, and to REALLY cherish it.<br /><br />I remember feeling so inadequate as a young mother.<br />Overwhelmed, isolated, tired, sometimes empty and yet still happy at the same time.<br />Now as a newly single Momma of pre-teens, I feel even more scared and unsure - but find that my “emotional happiness cup of motherhood” is overflowing in this season of my life. It’s filled to the top and bursting at the seams.<br /><br />I tap into that feeling over and over again when I am struggling with the anger of my divorce or the debilitating fear of not knowing what my future will bring, now that I’m on my own.<br />I don’t think the irony of these two polar opposite feelings crossing paths at the same time in this moment of my life... actually has anything to do with irony at all.<br />I truly believe that God has a plan for each of us, and that he wants us to be REALLY happy - <strike>even when</strike> ESPECIALLY when times feel impossible, hopeless or too hard.<br /><br />I don’t KNOW much of anything <i>(especially about God or religion)</i> - I’ll admit that. But I DO know THIS with every fiber of my being, because I feel it to my core... God wants us to win.<br />He wants us to find happiness through life’s sometimes uncontrollable circumstances and outcomes.<br />He wants us to WANT help, so he can give it - but sometimes it takes falling to rock bottom <i>(emotionally, spiritually, physically or mentally)</i> to finally call on him for comfort.<br /><br />I don’t think I’ve prayed harder in my entire life, than I have this last month.<br />For people I don’t even know, for members of my social media family here, everyday life friends, for my own family, for myself... and the list goes on.<br /><br />My heart has been hurt and mended more than a few times in my 36 years here on earth... but after my separation, I honestly never thought I would be able to pick up the catastrophic mess that was left around me.<br /><br />...turns out, I was wrong.<br /><br />And over the last couple years, the more I step back and look in at it... I think I’ve decided that that’s what life is totally all about.<br />Seeing what we do with the pieces of our heart and life, that break and scatter.<br />Figuring out how to rearrange the mess, into something... ANYTHING that makes us feel remotely whole again.<br />There’s no time limit on that kind of work.<br />And I want to tell you<i> (and maybe this is more for just myself)</i> that IT’S OKAY to take it slow.<br />Don’t let anyone rush you, especially yourself.<br />Bottling and burying only work for so long before you can’t dig any deeper or push things down any further.<br />If <i>new</i> resolutions are being made tonight, simply to cover up others that are still lingering and begging for attention... I say look inward and try again.<br />Not because you failed, but because you refuse to stop fighting for yourself.<br />You’re stronger than you think.<br />You deserve more peace.<br />Life’s momentary circumstances don’t define you.<br />Give yourself some grace.<br />You’re doing SO good.<br />You ARE enough.<br />And there’s no rush.<br />Life really IS about the journey - and sometimes you just need to stop and FEEL it all, to properly start to HEAL it all.<br />Happy New Year you guys - it’s gonna be a good one.💗<div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-22297517638123015322018-12-06T11:39:00.000-07:002018-12-16T11:02:23.289-07:00Tween Girl Gift Guide <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You asked, so I delivered - The Ultimate Tween Girl Gift Guide! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know that not all tween girls are going to be into the same stuff, so I tried adding lots of different kinds of things that my kids already have, want for Christmas or that their friends love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully you can get some good ideas off of the things I have listed here, and snag some great gifts for the tween girl in your life. Happy Shopping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m82TB0FSAIE/XAbF1RvPgzI/AAAAAAAA-MY/rSsCkLbiEb4mNmMio3XrE1P7nkv1b87cwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tween%2BGirl%2BGift%2BGuide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m82TB0FSAIE/XAbF1RvPgzI/AAAAAAAA-MY/rSsCkLbiEb4mNmMio3XrE1P7nkv1b87cwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tween%2BGirl%2BGift%2BGuide.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>1. <a href="https://amzn.to/2QxK7mO" target="_blank">BFF Q&A's; A Journal</a></u></b> - This is SO cute! Perfect for sisters or best friends! There are questions on each page with cues to draw or write back to each other with your thoughts and feelings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>2. <a href="https://amzn.to/2PjRmKz" target="_blank">Colorful Super Soft Fluffy Slime</a></u></b> - My girls are STILL obsessed with slime, so this seemed perfectly appropriate! Lots of colors and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>3. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KUa4Yn" target="_blank">Jumbo Panda Squishy Toy</a></u></b> - I'll be honest, I don't get it. That being said, Aubrielle is OBSESSED with them. These squishy little toys are all the rage, and she can't get enough of them. This time she specifically asked for a panda. <i>lol. (shrug)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>4. <a href="https://amzn.to/2StAliR" target="_blank">Animal Cable Bites</a></u></b> - My girls asked for these a few months ago. I had NO idea what they were talking about. I finally found them a few and they're pretty dang cute. Plus they help keep their phone cords from bending and then fraying over time. Cute stocking stuffer eh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>5. <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ee22cn" target="_blank">Bopit Handheld Game</a></u></b> - The girls play this with their cousins for HOURS when at my Mom and Dad's house. It's hilarious to watch them try to beat each other on leveling up. Plus it's an interactive game, which I love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b>6. <a href="https://amzn.to/2EbwGDr" target="_blank">Clear Jewelry Holder</a></b></u> - Matches any room decor and holds up to 30 necklaces/bracelets, plus it has a little tray for earrings and rings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>7. <a href="https://amzn.to/2UcerSW" target="_blank">Sound Activated Disco Ball Party Light Pack</a></u></b> - These are just freakin' fun! The remote makes changing the lighting effects easy, and you'll be surprised with how much effect these two little lights give off in a large space. Awesome for dance parties, birthdays, etc!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>8. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KWvhRA" target="_blank">Vegan, Essential Oil, Natural, Fizzy Bath Bombs</a></u></b> - organic, luxury bath bombs with shea and cocoa butter to help soften your skin. These are also great, because they don't leave gross residue in the tub afterwards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>9. <a href="https://amzn.to/2QagDvX" target="_blank">Hey Girl Hey Mini Dish</a></u></b> - Our signature saying on a cute ceramic dish! Great for jewelry or a drop zone for spare change.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>10. <a href="https://amzn.to/2EgRysE" target="_blank">Five Crowns Score Sheet Book</a></u></b> - Must-have partner for the Five Crowns card game that I promise your kids are going to fall in love with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>11. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KUzjtL" target="_blank">Five Crowns Card Game</a></u></b> - A super easy to learn, rummy style-type card game for ages 8+. It's really addicting and fun to play! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>12. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KULNl5" target="_blank">Ultimate Slime DIY Recipe Book</a></u></b> - If your kids are into the slime tutorials so they can make their own?... this book is awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>13. <a href="https://amzn.to/2Poor8c" target="_blank">Galaxy Putty Slime</a></u></b> - Just some cool lookin' slime that will be perfect inside stockings this year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>14. <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=873375&u=674247&m=66017&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Pura Vida Bracelets</a></u></b> - Waterproof, colorful and can be sized to fit any wrist. There are TONS of options to choose from!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b>15. <a href="https://amzn.to/2QcT0D2" target="_blank">Dohm Sound Machine</a></b></u> - We have one in each of our rooms. They're the best, most soothing sound machines. They drown out everything and don't collect dust like a fan would. If you have a baby or toddler, this is also the magical machine that will keep them sleeping longer, PROMISE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b>16. <a href="https://amzn.to/2Pk6Fml" target="_blank">DOSS Touch Wireless Bluetooth V4.0 Portable Speaker</a> </b></u>- The perfect wireless, portable speaker with over 10,000 reviews on Amazon and an almost 5-star rating! Great for setting in the bathroom while getting ready each morning! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>17. <a href="https://bathpack.us/discount/HouseOfSmiths" target="_blank">Bathpack Detangling Brush</a></u></b><a href="https://bathpack.us/discount/HouseOfSmiths" target="_blank"> </a><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Use code "houseofsmiths" for free shipping over $10)</span></i> </b>- The best $5 you'll ever spend on your hair. It's bristles are longer and closer together than a Wet Brush, and the bottom plastic cushion doesn't collapse as easily - which means it's great for thick hair too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>18. <a href="https://amzn.to/2QeYNbc" target="_blank">Chameleon Deluxe Marker Set</a></u></b> - The twins asked for this as part of their "big present" this year. They're both REALLY into drawing and coloring, and they've seen these Chameleon markers everywhere and are dying to get their hands on them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>19. <a href="https://brooklynandbaileyshop.com/collections/scrunchies?afmc=1j&utm_campaign=1j&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate" target="_blank">Brooklyn & Bailey Scrunchies</a></u></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Use code "HOS10" for 10% off!)</span></b></i>- In their hair, on their wrists... scrunchies are the old school, hot, new trend for tweens. We have every color, and they're a MUST HAVE accessory for my girlies! These scrunchies also come apart so you can choose to wear them plain or with the cute little bunny ear bow feature!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>20. <a href="https://brooklynandbaileyshop.com/products/lash-next-door-mascara?afmc=1m&utm_campaign=1m&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate" target="_blank">Brooklyn & Bailey Girl Next Door Mascara</a></u></b> <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Use code "HOS10" for 10% off!)</span></i></b>- My girls swear by this mascara. They LOVE it, and it definitely lengthens their natural lash! Plus it lasts quite a while before I have to buy more.</div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-76601151202937458542018-12-05T10:33:00.003-07:002018-12-05T11:53:29.731-07:00Favorite Things 2018It's been WAY too long since I posted a favorites thing post - so I've been working hard for the past two days to get this new one up, just in time for you to forward it to all of the people who will be showering you with gifts this Christmas😜<br>Enjoy!!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYr5k2RyukQ/XAbu0zyNz2I/AAAAAAAA-Mk/AJQgQwSWSeY_qQZ3KW7Qll0OKqaAlbjQACLcBGAs/s1600/Beauty%2BFavorites%2BHOFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYr5k2RyukQ/XAbu0zyNz2I/AAAAAAAA-Mk/AJQgQwSWSeY_qQZ3KW7Qll0OKqaAlbjQACLcBGAs/s640/Beauty%2BFavorites%2BHOFS.jpg" width="494"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>1. <a href="https://shinecosmetics.com/collections/accessories/products/makeup-removing-cloth?afmc=2v3" target="_blank">Shine Makeup Removing Cloths</a> </u><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Use code "HOFS10" for 10% off! Plus free shipping the entire month of December!)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are magical, and they've saved me from using twice as much cleanser! <i>(that's money in the BANK!)</i> I used to wash my face 2 times every night. Once to get the makeup off, and then another time to REALLY get the makeup off and to actually let all the good skincare properties that my cleanser offered, work into my skin. Now?... I just wet one of these reusable makeup cloths in warm water, wipe it across my face, and the makeup literally melts away!!! I was shocked. It got off my super long-wear lipsticks, waterproof bottom lash mascara, and ALL my full coverage makeup. This is my new, absolute favorite, sensitive skin, non-chemical, eco-friendly skincare find of the year. And you better believe I have my tweens using them too. Because even if they're too lazy to wash, tone and lotion up... at least they can wipe all their makeup off at the end of the day to help alleviate breakouts! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>2. <a href="https://shinecosmetics.com/collections/brows/products/fiber-brow?variant=5268812136484&afmc=wr" target="_blank">Shine Fiber Brow</a></u> <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Use code "HOFS10" for 10% off + free shipping!)</span></i></b>- I've talked about this product a LOT on Instagram, because it's my must-have brow finishing gel. I use it alone when I'm going for a tamed, yet natural brow look. And on top of any other brow pencils or powders when I'm wanting everything to look a tad more dramatic or defined. Either way, this product leaves you with beautiful filled brows that STAY in place all day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>3. <a href="https://shinecosmetics.com/collections/eyes/products/eyeliner?variant=5268811251748&afmc=2v4" target="_blank">Shine Long Wear Eyeliner</a></u></b><a href="https://shinecosmetics.com/collections/eyes/products/eyeliner?variant=5268811251748&afmc=2v4" target="_blank"> </a><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Use code "HOFS10" for 10% off + free shipping!)</span></i></b>- My go-to, buttery soft eyeliner that actually stays put in my waterline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>4. <a href="https://rstyle.me/~aJgpl" target="_blank">Tightline Waterproof Black Mascara Primer</a></u></b><a href="https://rstyle.me/~aJgpl" target="_blank"> </a>- An everyday makeup essential that works wonders on my thin, <i>(basically non-existent)</i> bottom lashes. The formula is waterproof, and the applicator is teeny-tiny, so you can really get to those individual bottom lashes, without making a mess on your skin with those other bulky mascara wands. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>5. <a href="https://rstyle.me/~aHiYT" target="_blank">MAC Fix+ Spray</a></u></b> - The perfect skin refresher and powdery makeup melter. I use this spray after all of my powders are on my face, to help "melt" everything beautifully together so that I have a more skin-like finish, instead of a cakey, powdery mess! It works WONDERS and smells AWESOME.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>6. <a href="https://rstyle.me/~asBhw" target="_blank">Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray</a></u></b> - My holy grail makeup setting spray. If you wear makeup, you NEED a makeup setting spray. A spray of this on your face after ALL of your makeup is on, seals EVERYTHING into place and helps your look you worked so hard on, last ALL DAY. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>7. </u><a href="https://www.marykay.com/houseofsmiths/en-us/products/all/mary-kay-oilfree-eye-makeup-remover-180101" style="text-decoration-line: underline;" target="_blank">MaryKay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover</a><u> </u><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">(free shipping on orders over $25)</span></i></b> - I have THEE most sensitive eyes, and I could honestly squirt this stuff directly into my eye, and it wouldn't irritate it. <i>(I don't recommend that... I'm just sayin')</i>. If you have itchy, dry or sensitive skin around your eyes - THIS is the makeup remover for you. It's contact wearer friendly, it doesn't leave a gross oily residue behind, and it gets EVERYTHING off! Just soak a cotton pad with a little solution, hold it over your closed eye for a few seconds, and you can swipe away any kind of pesky makeup. I especially love this product for my waterline eyeliner. Because I can get all up in my eye with this solution, and never have a problem with stinging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">8.<a href="https://www.marykay.com/houseofsmiths/en-us/products/body-and-sun/product-type/set/fragrancefree-satin-hands-pampering-set-300530" target="_blank"> MaryKay Satin Hands Set</a> </b>- This makes an awesome gift, and it works perfectly on dry hands. The trio includes a super hydrating emollient cream, a gentle scrub and a rich finishing lotion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>9. <a href="https://www.marykay.com/houseofsmiths/en-us/products/all/satin-lips-set-300484" target="_blank">MaryKay Satin Lips Duo</a></u></b><a href="https://www.marykay.com/houseofsmiths/en-us/products/all/satin-lips-set-300484" target="_blank"> </a>- It's like the Satin Hands, but for you LIPS! I searched high and low a few months ago for the perfect lip scrub, that didn't feel like sandpaper. THIS is it. It's super fine and gentle on my lips, but totally does the job of scrubbing off any dry skin. Then the thick, creamy lip balm after?... SO GOOD. I use the scrub once a week and keep the lip balm in my purse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>10.<a href="https://rstyle.me/~cz-aEsyA" target="_blank"> Dose of Color Matte Lipstick</a></u></b><a href="https://rstyle.me/~cz-aEsyA" target="_blank"> </a>- No crumbly, dry lips here. Just really beautiful, soft matte lip color that does a pretty great job in the long-wear department too. They have really great muted, neutral tones as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>11. <a href="https://www.boxycharm.com/refer/Shelley-BCEBSDOR" target="_blank">BoxyCharm Beauty Subscription Box</a></u></b> - My one and only beauty subscription box <i>(so far) </i>that I think is worth the money; and I'm LOVING it. Full sized items with a complete rundown of what they are and how they work best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>12. <a href="https://www.ulta.com/ulta/giftcards/giftCard.jsp?categoryId=cat120341" target="_blank">Ulta Gift Card</a></u></b> - Always a good gift to ask for, or give!!! Satisfaction guaranteed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7r-nTnIgFk/XAXFnRz3DZI/AAAAAAAA-ME/nGguc56yKrgSuMguNIE7wjUDEtp0XE8YQCLcBGAs/s1600/Home%2BFavorites%2B2018%2BHOFS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7r-nTnIgFk/XAXFnRz3DZI/AAAAAAAA-ME/nGguc56yKrgSuMguNIE7wjUDEtp0XE8YQCLcBGAs/s640/Home%2BFavorites%2B2018%2BHOFS.jpg" width="494"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/12/favorite-things-2018.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-34060449962823169802018-05-30T23:05:00.002-06:002018-12-05T10:34:11.679-07:00I Found It for You - the Best Pest Control Company! Spiders, mice, snails... and pretty much any other creepy, crawly or furry critter - is a big NO NO in my book. ESPECIALLY when they're IN my house.<br><br>I legitimately have anxiety about seeing a mouse in my house, and LOATH killing spiders.<br>Even though I'm trying SO HARD to be brave about it now as a single-parent <i>(aka: the only resident critter killer in this house, because my girls won't do it)</i>... I still, may or may not have made the neighbor boy come over a handful of times to kill the bugs for me that are bigger than a pencil eraser.<br><span style="font-size: large;">😬</span><br>That being said, I've only hired out pest control once before, and let's just say I wasn't impressed - BUT, as a newly single parent, solo critter killer and homeowner... I decided that I needed to ACTUALLY have someone come preemptively take care of things for me <i>(mostly so I didn't have to bug the poor neighbor kid so often).</i><br><span style="font-size: large;">Enter <a href="https://www.moxieservices.com/" target="_blank">Moxie Pest Control</a>!!</span><br><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>(pssst... mention just seeing this, and they'll give you $100 off)</b> </i><span style="font-size: medium;">🙌</span></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cry34fH709Q/WwdswMsSfaI/AAAAAAAA9XU/380SYMeZP0UUqlep9gm6Drn6DNzMqIcZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Moxie%2BPest%2BControl%2B4%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cry34fH709Q/WwdswMsSfaI/AAAAAAAA9XU/380SYMeZP0UUqlep9gm6Drn6DNzMqIcZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Moxie%2BPest%2BControl%2B4%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg"></a></div>I met the cute husband and wife duo who run <a href="https://www.moxieservices.com/" target="_blank">Moxie</a> here in Utah at an event I was attending, and LOVED them immediately. They were so nice, honest about what they could help me with, and promised me the best customer service and pest control treatments EVER.<br><i>(plus I found out, they have more 5 star reviews than any other pest control company in Utah)</i><br>🙋- sign me up!<br><br><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/05/moxie-best-pest-control-company.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-61062552703338970642018-05-21T14:47:00.003-06:002018-05-21T21:20:31.307-06:00Self-Care, Microneedling + Before & Afters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past year I've been focusing a lot on self-care. I made a list of things that I could do for myself that would help me feel better emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. Some are really small and simple, and others are bigger things that will take........ maybe a lifetime to achieve and master. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I liked this definition of self-care the best:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>"Self-care is any activity or act that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others. Self-care is something that refuels us, rather than takes from us."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've noticed that when I allow myself specific time to focus on JUST me, and improving something about myself... it's easier to then concentrate on other things and/or people afterward. Think about your insecurities. Just the word alone... "IN-securities" promotes a secluded, alone type feeling to me. Think about how long and often you dwell on your insecurities during a given day, and obsess over them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we're only focused INward, we don't take the time to serve/help others, or even enjoy the little things in life... that lead to the big things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Insecurities = Selfishness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Selfishness = Seclusion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now think about if you were to actually allot time for yourself to hyper focus in on one of those insecurities - with the intent to improve and repair. THAT'S where for ME, self-care starts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I allow myself specific time to hone in on improving the parts of me that I feel insecure about, for the sole purpose to eventually NOT have to stress or worry about it as much anymore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Self-Care = Healing/Recharging</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Healing = Happiness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Story Time:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I worshiped the sun as a teenager and 20-something year old. I would literally sunbathe for hours, and paid little to no attention to whether or not I had the right type of skincare or sun protection in my routine and arsenal. I've been overweight my entire life, and frankly... I just knew that tan chub looked better than white, pasty chub😝... so I always wanted to have nice, golden-brown skin! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>(let's go ahead and mention that GOOD self-tanning lotions weren't really a "thing" back then).</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fast forward 10-15 years later, and boy, am I regretting not properly protecting my skin... especially my face - because an army of age and sun spots were now the outcome at age 36. Couple that with a sudden divorce, now being alone and the stress of single motherhood?... and well... looking haggard and tired beyond my years was an understatement <i>(in my opinion)</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That all being said... I LOATHED going out in public without makeup, and it made me incredibly self conscious - but nobody wants to wear makeup to the gym or pool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Around age 32 I really started looking into good creams, brightening serums and treatments that could help me improve my skins tone and texture. After a couple of years, I noticed small differences, but not the kind of result I was hoping for - and last year I decided that I'd probably need to ask <a href="https://www.aquaspa-inc.com/" target="_blank">Heather from Aqua Spa</a> <i>(my esthetician for the past 6+ years)</i> what kind of more extensive, professional procedure-type-options were available for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She suggested I do a series of microneedling treatments and chemical peels to help with not only evening out my skins tone, but texture as well - because I have scarring from cystic acne and am also needing to boost the collagen in my skin to help with the beginning signs of wrinkles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew this commitment wasn't a one-time quick fix... <i>SPOILER ALERT: most of my bigger "self-care" undertakings aren't.</i> But I was hopeful, so I decided to dedicate myself to 6 microneedling procedures to really get the best results.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As of this week, I just finished session #5... and I have to honestly tell you, I've been so happy with the results!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is a before and after of my skin after 3 microneedling treatments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykHGEW6g2co/WvJULyRhi1I/AAAAAAAA9Q0/f_cXcT2Hcggi-ovEycunkhfqGGZQP_TBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Microneedling%2BBefore%2Band%2BAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="610" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykHGEW6g2co/WvJULyRhi1I/AAAAAAAA9Q0/f_cXcT2Hcggi-ovEycunkhfqGGZQP_TBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Microneedling%2BBefore%2Band%2BAfter.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/05/self-care-microneedling-before-afters.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-53087082106157073462018-04-26T14:25:00.001-06:002018-04-26T14:25:21.224-06:00Nectar Mattress Review and Comparison <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's here, it's here, it's here!...... <i>finally, sheesh. </i>All of my thoughts about the <a href="https://www.nectarsleep.com/mattress" target="_blank">Nectar mattress</a> and how it compares to <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2015/02/where-magic-happens-thanks-to-tuft-and_22.html" target="_blank">others that I've tried</a>. First I'll show you the process of setting up a mattress like this, and then I'll give you the quick, most important<i> (to me anyway)</i> pros and cons of everything towards the bottom of this post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRZXEl4jfP8/WuEaVwYHjrI/AAAAAAAA9NI/ynUwmKUE-Vk3lxuSX5zuQ7HCGCabP2fewCLcBGAs/s1600/Nectar%2BMattress%2BReview%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRZXEl4jfP8/WuEaVwYHjrI/AAAAAAAA9NI/ynUwmKUE-Vk3lxuSX5zuQ7HCGCabP2fewCLcBGAs/s1600/Nectar%2BMattress%2BReview%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYdo8F_Wf7U/Wtazz3NGcgI/AAAAAAAA9L4/lsgqjFXziWAqSAv8amjR5hMOK822oV3agCLcBGAs/s1600/Nectar%2BMattress%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYdo8F_Wf7U/Wtazz3NGcgI/AAAAAAAA9L4/lsgqjFXziWAqSAv8amjR5hMOK822oV3agCLcBGAs/s1600/Nectar%2BMattress%2B1.jpg"></a></div>Okay, first of all, in complete transparency<i> (because that's how I roll)</i>, I was contacted by the <a href="https://www.nectarsleep.com/mattress" target="_blank">Nectar</a> team to see if I'd review one of their mattresses and then share my honest thoughts and opinions on it.<br>#1. Uhhh, yes please #free<br>#2. My twins needed a bigger bed, because they're obsessed with sleeping together even though they have their own bedrooms and beds <i>(shrug)</i> #itsatwinthing<br>#3. I was super anxious to see how it <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2015/02/where-magic-happens-thanks-to-tuft-and_22.html" target="_blank">compared to other mattresses</a>.<br><br>Initially I was going to put the <a href="https://www.nectarsleep.com/mattress" target="_blank">Nectar mattress</a> in with the twins, but I wanted to see first-hand how it compared to my <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2015/02/where-magic-happens-thanks-to-tuft-and_22.html" target="_blank">Tuft & Needle mattress</a> that I'd been sleeping on. So I decided to give the <a href="https://www.nectarsleep.com/mattress" target="_blank">Nectar</a> a go for myself.<br><br><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/04/nectar-mattress-review.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-64491731187098277472018-04-23T18:54:00.000-06:002018-04-23T18:54:12.247-06:00How to Green Up your Grass + Destroy Weeds & Kill Grubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Friggin' Lawns.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's what I was going to title my post, but then I decided that if anyone ever REALLY needed some "white-suburban-girl-lawn-know-how"... that I'd better make my post title a bit more google friendly😁</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started an insta-story on my lawn journey, thinking nobody would give a flyin-flip... but then was surprised to learn that not everyone thought it was the most boring topic in the entire world <i>(like I probably would of)</i>. So... here ya go - all of my lawn knowledge in an easy to reference post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#yourewelcome #dontexpectmuch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turns out, yards are a lot of work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also turns out... I hate getting sweaty, dirty and working outside in temperatures over 72 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh! and bending over constantly is something I'm not a huge fan of either #weeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Soooo as you can imagine, my yard was a challenge for me this Summer, but I was DETERMINED to keep it alive, thriving and green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because it just looks so pretty when it is!👇</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1C_Qw5nrUU/WcGxBR-1i5I/AAAAAAAA8WU/niHfMh-JEOILYISC_netumnZspCKjJE2ACLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Bgreen%2Bup%2Byour%2Blawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1C_Qw5nrUU/WcGxBR-1i5I/AAAAAAAA8WU/niHfMh-JEOILYISC_netumnZspCKjJE2ACLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Bgreen%2Bup%2Byour%2Blawn.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realize that this post is coming at a weird time... seeing that most of us are heading into winter soon... but hey, a girl had to live and learn - and I needed the entire Summer for that. So stash this little bit of spotty, ill-explained yard knowledge in your back pocket, and use it for next year :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alright, here's how my lawn started out. Spotty, yellow-ish and just all around kinda sad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgG540RV6Hc/WcHJpGvo2OI/AAAAAAAA8Wk/hFRjZcCDQygmcD5SqnMUJuBANJPyu5RrwCLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Btake%2Bcare%2Bof%2Ba%2Blawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgG540RV6Hc/WcHJpGvo2OI/AAAAAAAA8Wk/hFRjZcCDQygmcD5SqnMUJuBANJPyu5RrwCLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Btake%2Bcare%2Bof%2Ba%2Blawn.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/04/How-to-green-up-your-grass-and-kill-weeds.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-85893528597260572062018-04-06T09:23:00.003-06:002018-04-06T13:28:18.141-06:00Hydrating Concealers with Awesome Coverage!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a dry skin sufferer, I think I've realized that mostly anything in the makeup world that states that it's "illuminating" or "hydrating" tends to really mean... <i><b>"I'm gonna look and feel awesome when you initially put me on, but then after a little while I'll probably crease, wear off or break up in weird patches wherever you applied me." </b>uggggh.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I've decided that you can't trust what the bottle or tube says and to just give almost everything a go! And out of all of my concealer testing, <i>(most claiming to be matte)</i> that these are my current favorite, more hydrating formulas for my super dry, sensitive, acne prone skin - #1 being my favorite for it's formula and cost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That being said, I think a few of these would work amazingly on all skin types! I'd LOVE to hear your favorite concealer suggestions for dry, oily OR combination skin, in the comments below. That way everyone can get an idea of what works for others - since I'm only one of many different skin tones, textures and finishes.😊</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X780v0rJl4o/WsbCl3cE7aI/AAAAAAAA9J8/i-yHgWuBtHALEXFYc3zblZgrEaQhRKqMwCLcBGAs/s1600/Best%2BHydrating%2BFull%2BCoverage%2BConcealers1%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X780v0rJl4o/WsbCl3cE7aI/AAAAAAAA9J8/i-yHgWuBtHALEXFYc3zblZgrEaQhRKqMwCLcBGAs/s1600/Best%2BHydrating%2BFull%2BCoverage%2BConcealers1%2Bcopy.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/04/best-hydrating-concealers.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-26700253585826889962018-03-19T16:56:00.000-06:002018-03-19T18:52:20.968-06:00When You Realize Kids Are People Too - Raising and Connecting with TweensFirst of all, I wanted to give a massive and tearful thank you to all of you who read, commented and gave me tons of love and support on <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/03/house-of-smiths-divorce-grief.html" target="_blank">my last post about divorce</a>. It was definitely THE hardest thing I'd ever had to write about in the 11 years I've been blogging - but I can now confidently say that I'm so glad I did.<br>I shared this photo, along with some thoughts on Instagram recently, and wanted to make sure they were seen here as well.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-by8sTRV8bps/WrAYJXKy6FI/AAAAAAAA9Bs/JmYOOA5FBTs4jaUp72lL38gIC2QDzaHBQCLcBGAs/s1600/wonder%2Bwoman%2Bbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-by8sTRV8bps/WrAYJXKy6FI/AAAAAAAA9Bs/JmYOOA5FBTs4jaUp72lL38gIC2QDzaHBQCLcBGAs/s1600/wonder%2Bwoman%2Bbracelet.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"There are no right words for the amount of love and support I received yesterday. Thank you, from every part of my heart... really, thank you</i>😢💗<i>. I will continue to work through the comments and emails this week, but I just have to say that the stories, advice and uplifting words I’ve read so far have given me more comfort and hope than I can even start to describe.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for lifting me up. Thank you for making me feel stronger. All of you women are so amazing, inspiring and kind. I am incredibly proud to call you my friends <span style="font-size: x-small;">(may sound a little presumptuous, but that’s truly how I feel)</span>. THIS is what social media is about for me. THIS feeling of connection and support with other amazing humans <span style="font-size: x-small;">(that I probably would never have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise)</span> is why I am here. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love and appreciate each of you💗</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PS: A friend from my church dropped off this perfect bracelet to me today, and it’s definitely helping me hold my head up just a little higher. #sograteful #womenneedwomen #vulnerabilityequalsconnection"</span></i></div><br>Moving along...<br><br>Recently I've gotten lots of questions about being a Mom to tweens, and daughters in general. It's kind of funny, because never in a million years did I think ANYONE would ever ask ME for "Mom advice".<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6d9CLjeGbE/WrAEHWSQITI/AAAAAAAA9Ac/ZxLiaLMSQlM42yModCIWyggGZuDRVuI6wCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths%2B-%2BShelley%2BSmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6d9CLjeGbE/WrAEHWSQITI/AAAAAAAA9Ac/ZxLiaLMSQlM42yModCIWyggGZuDRVuI6wCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths%2B-%2BShelley%2BSmith.jpg"></a></div><br>I've opened up before about <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/08/because-i-wish-someone-would-have.html" target="_blank">being a toddler Mom</a>, and how it seemed like a very different experience for me than for my other Mom friends. There were SO MANY of you that could relate, and it was really nice to know that I wasn't alone in those feelings.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPAznnsZGy0/WrANNNa5ODI/AAAAAAAA9As/roAiHipf4hguWvNa56nVPPbQ1F110pkTwCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2Bbabies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPAznnsZGy0/WrANNNa5ODI/AAAAAAAA9As/roAiHipf4hguWvNa56nVPPbQ1F110pkTwCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2Bbabies.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsKgJiCnwec/WrAOTCYqznI/AAAAAAAA9BA/vWx1yKVlYGIUG0re8qxVX035EQR7HTe-QCLcBGAs/s1600/holiday%2Bvinyl%2B053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsKgJiCnwec/WrAOTCYqznI/AAAAAAAA9BA/vWx1yKVlYGIUG0re8qxVX035EQR7HTe-QCLcBGAs/s1600/holiday%2Bvinyl%2B053.JPG"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64AILxTzxIE/WrANZsaXiqI/AAAAAAAA9Aw/SDYIBPi3i9k1gwoMOpGORww9hSzoCDBAACLcBGAs/s1600/toilet%2Bpaper%2Btowels%2Band%2Bsuch%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64AILxTzxIE/WrANZsaXiqI/AAAAAAAA9Aw/SDYIBPi3i9k1gwoMOpGORww9hSzoCDBAACLcBGAs/s1600/toilet%2Bpaper%2Btowels%2Band%2Bsuch%2B001.JPG"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fast forward 7-9 years later, and here I am - 35 years old and completely in the thick of tween Mommin' it every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCoIm6PgYTY/WrAOJcO8fYI/AAAAAAAA9A8/APV3Hi6BV1U_4Mw2f1aLvxRaQffE3N8oQCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2B-%2BFamily1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCoIm6PgYTY/WrAOJcO8fYI/AAAAAAAA9A8/APV3Hi6BV1U_4Mw2f1aLvxRaQffE3N8oQCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2B-%2BFamily1.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Disclaimer: I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING. <i>(do any Moms really?</i>😁<i>)</i></b></div>But I DO know that THIS stage of life with my kids is SO fun, and SO much more rewarding than EVER, for me as a Mother.<br>In no way, shape or form do I feel like an expert or pro in the tween Mom category, but I DO have thoughts, experiences and moments where I've realized... <i>"HEY! That totally paid off! I AM doing okay at this Mom gig!?" lol</i><br>So, I wanted to share some thoughts with you. Maybe they will help, maybe they won't. Maybe you have suggestions of your own and want to share them in the comments<i> (which I'd LOVE!)</i>, but either way... we're all doing this Mom thing together the best we can - so why not share helpful suggestions and ideas that may work for us, with others!?<br><br>Alright, so here are a couple examples of questions that I've gotten, that have triggered my thoughts for today's post.<br><br><b><i>“Hi Shelley! I have a question and I even feel terrible for admitting it! #worstmomever I have three girls as well, oldest being 10. And lately I've had a hard time connecting to her, (my oldest) I find I let her get on my nerves, or I find her annoying, again WORST MOM! Have you ever felt this way? You and your girls have such a great relationship! I love the way you all are towards each other, and having a house hold of girls myself I want to create that friendship. Just wondering if you had any tips to create that great friendship? Thanks so much!”</i></b><br><b><i><br></i></b><b><i>"I love that you actually have fun with your girls. I feel like they "LIKE" you. I feel like such a drag all the time. I don't laugh with my kids, joke around or have fun with mine - even though I LOVE all of those things - or I used to, I think. Being a Mom has put that kind of me on the back burner. My kids are 4, 7 and 9. How do you start doing stuff like this? I almost feel like it's too late and I should of started earlier. Any advice on how to step out of "just being the rule enforcing Mom" role, and into the "let's have fun too" role?"</i></b><br><br>First of all, you are NOT a bad mom. I can almost promise that anyone who's reading this right now... is NOT a bad Mom.<br><b><span style="font-size: large;">GOT IT!?</span></b><br>Good.<br>So stop. Don't say that anymore. It's not fair to yourself.<br>You're just... a Mom.<br>And more importantly?... A PERSON!<br>Just because you birth, adopt, foster or take care of a child <i>(just like you are their own mother),</i> and you lose your crap on them from time to time or don't think that they're someone you want to snuggle, love on, dote over, play with on the ground or hang out with at Target and be next to 24/7... YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM!<br><br>Have you ever met a 9 year old who picks up baby talk from school?<br>Or an 11 year old who brings the ever-snotty-sounding, <i>"fine, whatever!"</i> into their vocabulary?<br>How about screeching?<br>Booger eating?<br>Whining?<br>Odd new ways of laughing that they picked up from another kid that make you want to rip your ears off?<br>Or maybe the stage where they say <i>"Mom!, Mommy!" </i>or<i> "Hey Mom!"</i> TEN GAZILLION times, even when there's NO ONE else around and you are LITERALLY the only one walking right next to them!?!?!?<br>It's like, why do you have to start EVERY sentence with MOM first!? I know you're addressing me, I'm the only one here remotely in ear-shot - JUST START TALKING!... and then the best part... when you finally say... <i>"Yes?"</i> or <i>"What?"</i> they go into <i>"Ummm"</i> or <i>"Hmmm", </i>and after about 10 seconds of that they eventually pipe up with... <i>"Oh, I can't remember - I forgot."</i><br><span style="font-size: x-large;">😳</span><br><i>**Cue deep breathing, eyes slowly closing and therapeutic neck rolling. #serenitynowserenitynow**</i><br><br>We have ALL felt annoyed, bugged, frustrated or just OVER our kids at some points. And just because you are HUMAN, and some things grate on your nerves worse than others... it does NOT make you a bad Mom. In fact, I'd like to venture out and say, that if your child(ren) isn't (aren't) starving on purpose, is (are) clothed in some sort of way, and even remotely healthy!?... you're a GREAT Mom!!! - and don't let yourself or anyone else tell you differently.<br><br>Maybe I should just stop there... because really, I'm pretty sure that the fact I have almost always thought like that⬆, is the main reason I convince myself that I'm killin' it at this Mom thing most days😝.<br><b><br></b><b>Set low enough expectations for yourself as a mother ⤏⤏⤏ You'll exceed them every time!</b><br><br>Okay, okay, I'm sort of kidding - but honestly, if you're only worried about YOUR kids, and aren't wasting your time comparing yourself to any self-help book, other Mother, child, or a friggin' beautifully staged Instagram account?... then you're already doing better than you know.<br><br><b>So kuddos Momma. Keep on keepin' on. </b><br><br>Okay, so that being said, here's a little more insight on how things have worked for me.<br>Take it or leave it.<br><br><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/03/raising-and-connecting-with-tweens.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-81445097391024305122018-03-11T23:24:00.000-06:002018-03-12T05:07:26.428-06:00Divorce: Working Through Grief, Letting Go & Leaning InThis post has been in the works for over a year now. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read it, tweaked it and sobbed over it. I try to convince myself each time I sit in front of it, that it's too raw. Too vulnerable. TOO real <i>(yes, that’s a thing)</i>. Will anyone honestly even care that I want and need to scream MY OWN feelings from one corner of the internet to the other? Or are they content hearing versions from others perspectives or people who think they know my life - or who have decide to google it, and believe everything they read?<br>Have I been quiet too long?<br><br><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Elevation Sometimes Requires Isolation."</span></b><br><br>Funny thing about the internet is - once you put something out there… it’s ALWAYS going to be there. For your future employers, family, friends, children and even grandchildren to read. And for the longest time I had an internal battle with myself trying to decide what was MOST important for me to feel COMPLETELY HEARD on.<br>What would REALLY matter later on in life?<br>What could I say to help someone never feel as alone as I have in my grief, and hopeful?<br>What is relevant enough, that people who take their time to read what I write will feel value out of reading it?<br>Most importantly... what will my sweet girls learn from me one day, as I try to lead by example?<br><br>In a nutshell...<br><br>- Be patient with yourself.<br>- Stand strong.<br>- Know it's okay to cry - don't bottle things up.<br>- Remember who you are - even <i>(especially) </i>when life feels impossible.<br>- Stay classy.<br>- Don't sweat the small stuff.<br>- Try your hardest to let the big stuff go - and don't give up.<br>- Tell the people you love how special they are to you, every opportunity you have.<br>- Life is too short.<br>- Things are just things.<br>- Time spent with someone = Love.<br>- Attention given = Respect earned.<br>- And no matter what... <b>Always Strive to Be Kinder Than Necessary. </b><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8ERGSHAEh8/Wl4xeWjpsxI/AAAAAAAA8vY/hW8vLDHFSjkUqfigv3IlpeIqbzmAz30ygCEwYBhgL/s1600/You-will-never-regret-being-kind..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="562" height="333" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8ERGSHAEh8/Wl4xeWjpsxI/AAAAAAAA8vY/hW8vLDHFSjkUqfigv3IlpeIqbzmAz30ygCEwYBhgL/s400/You-will-never-regret-being-kind..jpg" width="400"></a></div><b><u>MOVING THROUGH GREIF</u></b><br><b><u><br></u></b>It's 4am, another sleepless night and I can't stop thinking about something my bishop and friend Randy once told me while sitting on my couch.<br><i>"Eventually you'll start telling people little by little... and one day it won't hurt so bad. Try people you trust at first, then close friends, move to acquaintances, then someone you don't even know. See what happens and how you feel. It will get easier.”</i><br><br>I never thought those words would ring true for me. I never thought in the depths of my incredible sadness, that telling anyone anything about how I felt during the worst moments of my life, would be something that would heal me, make things easier, or by any means make me feel better.<br><br>I was wrong. He was right. He was right more than I’d like to admit. I miss Randy horribly. He passed away just a year ago, and I can’t write this post without mentioning the huge role he played in being supportive, understanding and nonjudgemental through the absolute hardest part of my life so far. He would pull me out of my head and back down to the ground over and over again at the beginning.<br><br>...And now I can only pray that he knows how many times that saved me.<br><br><i>*sigh*</i><br><br>The problem with telling people, is that it’s always hard, painful, awkward and heartbreaking for me to say it out loud. But then after it’s out… no matter what the response is from the opposite party… there is an instant feeling of relief. No more dodging. No more acting like things aren’t what they are.<br>Now we can talk. Really just talk.<br>And then… the best part… <b><u>NOT</u></b> having to talk about it anymore.<br>That’s the part I work towards. That’s the moment that is worth all the super awful, anxiety filled ones before it. The part where I just get to try and be <b>ME</b> again, and not the girl who’s defined by her husband's choices and life's now MANY uncontrollable circumstances.<br><br>That being said, after a massive amount of thought, prayer and many sleepless nights wondering what should and shouldn't make up this blog post - I have decided that the best thing to do is to only share my own experience, grief and truth.<br>Even though we all thrive on the nitty gritty details of what could possibly force marriages to end and people to be so incredibly sad... it is not all my story to tell. And no matter how painful things feel for me right now... I want to work hard at trying to be the kind of person who continues to give respect to others - whether or not I feel it's deserved.<br><br>--------<br><br>I’m sick of not fully being me. Even if that “me” has changed so much, that others don’t like or understand the "new me”.<br>It's a risk I’m willing to take.<br><br>So here we go...<br><br><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/03/house-of-smiths-divorce-grief.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com214tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-75959689095636246682018-02-27T15:35:00.000-07:002018-02-27T15:35:49.229-07:00Easy Oven Baked Sheet Pan Eggs - Breakfast for the Whole Week!So, it's basically a giant oven omelet that you can cut into squares and make breakfast sandwiches with, or eat all on it's own.<br><div>It's super simple, makes a ton, and bonus... you can say you totally "meal prep" #lifewin.</div><div><br></div><div><b><u>SHEET PAN OVEN EGGS</u></b></div><div>15 eggs</div><div>1/3 cup milk</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div>Cheese</div><div>Bacon</div><div>... really, just anything else you like. Veggies are great in this too. </div><div><br></div><div>- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div>- Generously coat a sheet pan with nonstick spray.</div><div>- Mix all of your ingredients together.</div><div>- Pour them onto the sheet pan. </div><div>- Bake for 18-25 minutes <i>(they are done when the center no longer wiggles)</i></div><div>- Let cool.</div><div>- Cut into squares and package in individual portions for easy reheating.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0lIUI8K59E/WpXcVxMx1LI/AAAAAAAA86U/4ay87Nm_n5kN_nYBnQLIPlWvDbMkZU7PgCLcBGAs/s1600/Easy%2BSheet%2BPan%2BEggs%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0lIUI8K59E/WpXcVxMx1LI/AAAAAAAA86U/4ay87Nm_n5kN_nYBnQLIPlWvDbMkZU7PgCLcBGAs/s1600/Easy%2BSheet%2BPan%2BEggs%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmdLvTHihEc/WpXRBwvv4BI/AAAAAAAA85s/2xFButTeC3ICjAdsMq-p0xzVxKwwl9cgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sheet%2BPan%2BEggs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmdLvTHihEc/WpXRBwvv4BI/AAAAAAAA85s/2xFButTeC3ICjAdsMq-p0xzVxKwwl9cgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sheet%2BPan%2BEggs1.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUDEvDPYDuE/WpXRB4AmY3I/AAAAAAAA85w/u4HWJKWtni8VfxNjJ-knooP4HvogYVhgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sheet%2BPan%2BEggs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUDEvDPYDuE/WpXRB4AmY3I/AAAAAAAA85w/u4HWJKWtni8VfxNjJ-knooP4HvogYVhgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sheet%2BPan%2BEggs2.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/02/easy-oven-baked-sheet-pan-eggs.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-84896155449435887222018-01-31T18:07:00.000-07:002018-01-31T18:17:24.006-07:00Hot Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Dip & MORE - Simple Super Bowl Food!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>🎤 When I dip, you dip, we dip!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've spend most of my day in the kitchen with the bestie, cooking up my favorite party-time appetizers so you could get some yummy food ideas for your next get together, or to enjoy on the Super Bowl this coming Sunday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVq9ryb4Gt8/WnJdTRa_90I/AAAAAAAA80w/ICMQ0eXEzBAPQ62eTZ4e0-Tdoe3wzHNlQCLcBGAs/s1600/hot%2Bcheesy%2Bbacon%2Bjalapeno%2Bdip%2B-%2BSuper%2BBowl%2BFood%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="610" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVq9ryb4Gt8/WnJdTRa_90I/AAAAAAAA80w/ICMQ0eXEzBAPQ62eTZ4e0-Tdoe3wzHNlQCLcBGAs/s1600/hot%2Bcheesy%2Bbacon%2Bjalapeno%2Bdip%2B-%2BSuper%2BBowl%2BFood%2Bcopy.jpg"></a></div>Ooooooh myyyyyy goooosh you guys have to try this ASAP. It's like all of my favorite foods had a pool party and then dove into a sour cream, mayo and cream cheese mixture.<br><div>GET IN MY LIFE! </div><div></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2018/01/hot-cheesy-bacon-jalapeno-dip.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-14359693510891229352017-12-16T20:27:00.000-07:002017-12-16T20:27:57.007-07:00Whimsical White and Pink Christmas Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year the girls and I decided to decorate as pink as possible with our Christmas decor, and I'm seriously loving EVERY bit of it! All of the clean, bright colors and sparkle are such a good mood lifter - I'm seriously debating on why I should ever take all of this down! <i>lol</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KF3o3CnvcNc/WjNwx5b3UOI/AAAAAAAA8po/2Zc2wM6N55ACG5txVswDtiiSykB23LBQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Pink%2Band%2BWhite%2BChristmas%2BDecor%2B4%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KF3o3CnvcNc/WjNwx5b3UOI/AAAAAAAA8po/2Zc2wM6N55ACG5txVswDtiiSykB23LBQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Pink%2Band%2BWhite%2BChristmas%2BDecor%2B4%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year I did a last minute collaboration with <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/" target="_blank">Balsam Hill</a>, and couldn't be happier with their amazing products and decorating selections. Everything was SO beautiful, and came in perfect condition right to my door.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tree I chose to decorate was the <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/saratoga-spruce-artificial-%20christmas-tree" target="_blank">7ft Saratoga Spruce Pre-Lit Tree with Clear Lights</a>. It was incredibly easy to put together the three simple pieces of the tree, connect the lighting cords and fluff the branches out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy5wQkrivdE/WjF4lp7mMKI/AAAAAAAA8nQ/1WvxPpndUJssmcbn7UHFta3Cj9ujneqQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy5wQkrivdE/WjF4lp7mMKI/AAAAAAAA8nQ/1WvxPpndUJssmcbn7UHFta3Cj9ujneqQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZKRNnNAUz4/WjF4ltp4TVI/AAAAAAAA8nM/06Rzf-ZpNowowQgFCXFL5_elxcTTVFVAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZKRNnNAUz4/WjF4ltp4TVI/AAAAAAAA8nM/06Rzf-ZpNowowQgFCXFL5_elxcTTVFVAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree%2B1.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVJjaSUC2o8/WjF4lpHeiBI/AAAAAAAA8nU/cNhkE8TBbfcKgsoh1RDwRdvg3zaDenyAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVJjaSUC2o8/WjF4lpHeiBI/AAAAAAAA8nU/cNhkE8TBbfcKgsoh1RDwRdvg3zaDenyAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree2.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bORL0fakswc/WjF4mbm3jTI/AAAAAAAA8nY/KXs_HY9SwdUvI9q7KOM-FamZvSr-XrihwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bORL0fakswc/WjF4mbm3jTI/AAAAAAAA8nY/KXs_HY9SwdUvI9q7KOM-FamZvSr-XrihwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree3.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tree we chose had two-toned needles, so it gave the tree a more realistic look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the tree was assembled, I added two spools of <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/christmas-tree-ribbon" target="_blank">Silver Stretch Net Ribbon</a>, a bunch of the gorgeous <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/coastal-elegance-picks" target="_blank">Glitter Coral Spray Picks</a>, and then scattered a couple sets of the <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/coastal-elegance-ornament-set" target="_blank">Coastal Elegance Ornaments</a>, along with the <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/bh-essentials-metallic-ornament-%20set" target="_blank">BH Essentials Small White Glossy Ornaments</a> around the tree!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also added the <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/mongolian-faux-fur-hexagon-%20tree-skirt" target="_blank">72" Mongolian Faux Fur Hexagon Tree Skirt</a> and the <a href="https://www.balsamhill.com/p/capiz-snowflake-lighted-tree-%20topper" target="_blank">10" Capiz Snowflake Lighted Tree Topper</a>, to give everything an even more whimsical look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jB07Rd6UZJE/WjF6Do_EVQI/AAAAAAAA8n4/fCLKG7P3yqYs8iLuAp9ozoeBfyZEGVIFACLcBGAs/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths%2BPink%2Band%2BWhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jB07Rd6UZJE/WjF6Do_EVQI/AAAAAAAA8n4/fCLKG7P3yqYs8iLuAp9ozoeBfyZEGVIFACLcBGAs/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree%2BHouse%2Bof%2BSmiths%2BPink%2Band%2BWhite.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpNw8WkH0wk/WjF6KD_TBiI/AAAAAAAA8n8/CXAD1te-mkYjMosG91Cy_dQLSfSBoB3TQCLcBGAs/s1600/Balsam%2BHill%2BTree%2B-%2BPink%2Band%2BWhite%2BDecor%2B-%2Bthehouseofsmiths.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/12/whimsical-white-and-pink-christmas-decor.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-58711040740053095222017-11-09T10:48:00.000-07:002017-11-09T10:48:21.631-07:00After School Snack Ideas!If you follow along on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofsmiths/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram stories</a>, then you know I like to share my after school snack ideas almost everyday. I started doing this little series as a way to share yummy, quick snacks with other mommas out there who struggle with ideas on what to feed their "<i>staaaarving</i>" kiddos after a long day at school. And of course, they're obviously adult friendly too.<br><br>I also started a tradition a while back, where I greet each of my girls with the same saying <i>(in a loud, cheesy, happy voice)</i> as they walk through the door.<br><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Hey girl, heeeey!"</i></span></b><span style="font-size: large;">😆</span><br><br>A little while ago I explained a bit more on Instagram why I think a good after school snack, having any sort of routine, and happily greeting your kids each day <i>(if possible)</i> is so important to me. I worked out of the house for a couple years and wasn't always able to be home for my girls, but now that I'm mostly working from home, I've been able to see the difference it can make.<br><br><u>FROM MY <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYWo39mlZlr/?taken-by=houseofsmiths" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM POST</a>: </u><br><b>"My kids' emotions are typically high after school. Do you have kids like this? I feel like there is a ton of overstimulation at school, and a LOT of being seen but not heard and obeying other people's standards. Hyper, tired, frustrated, ornery, chatty...whatever it may be, I've found that a simple big hug, telling them how much I missed them, and FOOD... of ANY kind, immediately can help my kids shift into a better frame of mind. </b><br><b>It takes some effort on my part, but it's SO worth it. Less rummaging through my pantry, making messes, overeating... and theres something mentally that feels really good about hearing you were missed. </b><br><b>I also don't push too many questions right away and allow them to completely check out for about an hour. iPad, phone, book, nap, tv, FaceTime with a friend...whatever. I try to remember how I felt when I was a kid, and I don't recall much, but I definitely remember always feeling tired and hungry - especially as a teenager. Sometimes my girls will talk my ears off, other times they disappear and decompress for the entire hour alone in their rooms. But I find, either way, allowing them to shake off the day however they need to, makes it way easier to get homework done and help later with chores." </b><br><br>As you know, Instagram stories disappear after 24 hours, so I promised you guys who asked that I'd jot down my after school snack ideas in a post on the blog, so it's easier to reference!<br><br>Nothing is fancy, the snacks are made with normal ingredients <i>(usually pretty healthy... sometimes not so much</i>😬<i>)</i> and they're ALWAYS served on a paper plate - duh... easy clean up<span style="font-size: large;">🙌.</span><br><br><b>Side Notes:</b><br>- My pictures are pretty crappy. Most are screenshots from my Insta-story sharing, but just like I tell my kids... "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit" 😝<br>- I make my girls a pretty good sized snack each day. They all eat lunch at school around 11ish, get home by 3:00 and then we don't have dinner until about 6ish.<br>- I'm well aware that these snacks aren't anything "that special" or out of the ordinary. But sometimes it's nice to get OTHER peoples ideas, to see what THEY love and feed their families. You know... it's like going to a friends house and rummaging through their pantry/fridge and being excited because they have totally different food than what you would typically buy.<i> (Come on, you know what I'm talkin' about)</i><br><br>Okay, so here we go!<br>I'm going to post a few picture collages and then list under them, what each after school snack idea is!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el3Mtr30514/We9i9U7Ba9I/AAAAAAAA8iE/1w2ljd9AALEDuvg5WvIV1BYE6X5s9d2ogCLcBGAs/s1600/After%2BSchool%2BSnack%2BIdeas%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el3Mtr30514/We9i9U7Ba9I/AAAAAAAA8iE/1w2ljd9AALEDuvg5WvIV1BYE6X5s9d2ogCLcBGAs/s1600/After%2BSchool%2BSnack%2BIdeas%2B1.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/11/after-school-snack-ideas.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-41338384751821465572017-11-06T08:59:00.005-07:002017-11-06T08:59:56.388-07:00Easy Chipotle Cream Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This chipotle cream sauce is SOOOOO good, and super simple! My bestie introduced me to it a few months ago, and it's the yummiest compliment to any kind of Mexican food! I've had this chipotle cream sauce on chicken tacos, burrito bowls, taquitos, tostadas and even drizzle it over grilled meat, if I need a kick of flavor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The recipe is really simple. Everything just gets thrown in a blender <i>(I used my magic bullet)</i> together, you blend it up really well, and you're DONE! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxfGZvugCJ8/WfiJHdRgA-I/AAAAAAAA8ig/8PIUkWRJuToPa2qb0Bsw5zIqPUUtF9q_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Chipotle%2BCream%2BSauce%2BRecipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxfGZvugCJ8/WfiJHdRgA-I/AAAAAAAA8ig/8PIUkWRJuToPa2qb0Bsw5zIqPUUtF9q_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Chipotle%2BCream%2BSauce%2BRecipe.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/11/easy-chipotle-cream-sauce.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-30301927455847619942017-10-23T14:33:00.001-06:002017-10-29T16:51:47.753-06:00The Best, Easiest Pumpkin Muffins w/ Brown Sugar & Butter Crumble!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oooooh baby, these pumpkin muffins with a brown sugar and butter crumble topping are SO GOOD, only really have 3 main ingredients and are super quick to make!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Booyah!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scroll down to the bottom for the easy instructions and recipe! 😘</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa3WuzAcFlo/Wez2fj0wG4I/AAAAAAAA8hI/qSffE6n4YAY-XsnNrvCGYldYN8lgo--RQCLcBGAs/s1600/Easy%2BPumpkin%2BMuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="610" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa3WuzAcFlo/Wez2fj0wG4I/AAAAAAAA8hI/qSffE6n4YAY-XsnNrvCGYldYN8lgo--RQCLcBGAs/s1600/Easy%2BPumpkin%2BMuffins.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kan8kV8uDag/We5S0qpPV2I/AAAAAAAA8h0/WeTjcimHd1knZnyltLvh3yZcGLv979jSgCLcBGAs/s1600/easy%2Bpumpkin%2Bdessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kan8kV8uDag/We5S0qpPV2I/AAAAAAAA8h0/WeTjcimHd1knZnyltLvh3yZcGLv979jSgCLcBGAs/s1600/easy%2Bpumpkin%2Bdessert.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>QUICK TIP:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I HATE using cupcake liners for muffins, because I always feel like they stick no matter what I do. So I just sprayed <i>(with PAM)</i> my muffin tin, and then dropped a tiny bit of flour into each cup and jiggled it around over the sink to coat everything, so that the muffins would come out nice and perfect in the end🙌</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuaZaoTYVdw/Wez2oNHCBDI/AAAAAAAA8hM/tbzlHUTN0VcaoynjfH5tJniOqbRJlwT8gCLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bpumpkin%2Bmuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuaZaoTYVdw/Wez2oNHCBDI/AAAAAAAA8hM/tbzlHUTN0VcaoynjfH5tJniOqbRJlwT8gCLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bpumpkin%2Bmuffins.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/10/the-best-easiest-pumpkin-muffins-w.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-83840944051647141122017-10-16T15:54:00.002-06:002017-10-16T16:25:46.435-06:00Chafing Cream on Yo' Face!? - YUP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promise you I haven't gone crazy, and if you're like my friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dearlizzy/?hl=en" target="_blank">Liz</a> then I also need to say... no, this isn't a joke. <i>lol.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3IDyAplSvc/WeT5f7qcBiI/AAAAAAAA8gU/vKgV2RfAjysaRSJljpt2_-WTEp9cjqdIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Smashbox%2BPrimer%2Bdupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="250" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3IDyAplSvc/WeT5f7qcBiI/AAAAAAAA8gU/vKgV2RfAjysaRSJljpt2_-WTEp9cjqdIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Smashbox%2BPrimer%2Bdupe.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You read it right. I am 100% recommending that you put crotch cream on yo' face.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, it's not REALLY crotch cream, but it's from Monistat, and you know when you hear that brand the first thing you think of is anything that has to do with issues going on down in your lady town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So even though this <a href="http://amzn.to/2yMNuOd" target="_blank">chafing relief powder gel</a> can really go anywhere on your body to prevent rashes or irritation from daily skin friction... it still screams "crotch cream" to me😬 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div>Okay, good, we're on the same page - so let me blow your mind by telling you that this <a href="http://amzn.to/2yMNuOd" target="_blank">Monistat Chafing Powder Gel</a> is now here to replace my favorite <i>(expensive)</i> Smashbox face primer, FOREVER.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's why...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W-f4gK0jjo/WeTym4aK2hI/AAAAAAAA8gI/z5FFSeNyAxcYVZqCBY1z0Ccc0ZC2XRFEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Smashbox%2BPrimer%2Bvs%2BMonistat%2BCream.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/10/chafing-cream-on-yo-face-yup.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-47346603601190470762017-10-05T13:54:00.006-06:002017-10-05T13:54:47.766-06:00Snicker, Caramel Apple & PB Bites "Salad" Recipe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After I shared my beloved PB Bites for an after school snack on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofsmiths/" target="_blank">Instagram stories,</a> I promised I'd show you how I used them in a recipe too... so here it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Snicker, Caramel Apple & PB Bites "Salad"😝</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's out of this world delicious, SUPER easy, and perfect for this time of year. The tartness from the Granny Smith apples, cool texture of the smooth pudding and salty/sweetness from all the candy?... PERFECTION. You've gotta try this one out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4g9gh08a8zk/WdaH8fcCgMI/AAAAAAAA8cA/AHgdhlkath4wdjijeeGbufpHmVXms0CswCLcBGAs/s1600/Snicker%2BApple%2BSalad%2Bwith%2BPB%2BBites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4g9gh08a8zk/WdaH8fcCgMI/AAAAAAAA8cA/AHgdhlkath4wdjijeeGbufpHmVXms0CswCLcBGAs/s1600/Snicker%2BApple%2BSalad%2Bwith%2BPB%2BBites.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7U6CAIVBGE/WdaICqzTz3I/AAAAAAAA8cI/giPPwI9Ou_cT6UOd3xGcRZkKVmE1e2AiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Snicker%2BApple%2BSalad%2Bwith%2BPeanut%2BButter%2BBites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7U6CAIVBGE/WdaICqzTz3I/AAAAAAAA8cI/giPPwI9Ou_cT6UOd3xGcRZkKVmE1e2AiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Snicker%2BApple%2BSalad%2Bwith%2BPeanut%2BButter%2BBites.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/10/snicker-caramel-apple-pb-bites-salad.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-75079720738559240802017-09-24T20:03:00.001-06:002017-10-16T15:57:09.166-06:00Long Lasting Drugstore Lipstick I Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a sea of LipSense <i>(which is so great, but doesn't really work well with my skin)</i>, I'm just a makeup-lovin' girl trying to find a really awesome, non-drying, non-crumbly, long-lasting lipstick! There are TONS of options, and I've tried lots, so I'll keep you posted on which ones I find along the way that I love <i>(and ones I don't)</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently I've had lots of questions specifically about the <a href="https://www.maybelline.com/lip-makeup/lipstick/superstay-matte-ink-liquid-lipstick/romantic" target="_blank">Super Stay Matte Ink from Maybelline</a> that I tested out and chatted about a few weeks ago on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofsmiths/" target="_blank">Insta stories</a>. So I wanted to share my thoughts and some color swatches with you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First off, there are 10 colors in this line, so not a huge range...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUOJyfJh_Gs/WchOcpmZerI/AAAAAAAA8aY/IOFusMUi4f0u4dVXGa8_oSiaxNQERfkmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-24%2Bat%2B6.22.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="634" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUOJyfJh_Gs/WchOcpmZerI/AAAAAAAA8aY/IOFusMUi4f0u4dVXGa8_oSiaxNQERfkmwCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-24%2Bat%2B6.22.35%2BPM.png" width="331"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the 4 below that I've purchased and tried are all REALLY pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfVMP49y7CM/WcLHra5WP1I/AAAAAAAA8YQ/jQYOTDGc2iMrcJmSuaZD7jRK9SMq3SRkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Super%2BStay%2BMatte%2BInk%2BMaybelline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfVMP49y7CM/WcLHra5WP1I/AAAAAAAA8YQ/jQYOTDGc2iMrcJmSuaZD7jRK9SMq3SRkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Super%2BStay%2BMatte%2BInk%2BMaybelline.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Pro's:</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- I LOVE how saturated the colors are. You don't need a ton of coats for great coverage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- The applicator tip is nice and pointed, so it's a lot easier to get a crisp outer edge on your lip line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- It's not SO matte that it dries out your lips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- There is no dry crumbly mess as the color wears throughout the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- It lasts a LONG time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/09/long-lasting-drugstore-lipstick-i-love.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-90899544376936663192017-09-20T08:36:00.002-06:002017-09-20T08:36:36.690-06:00How to Green Up your Grass + Destroy Weeds & Kill Grubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Friggin' Lawns.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's what I was going to title my post, but then I decided that if anyone ever REALLY needed some "white-suburban-girl-lawn-know-how"... that I'd better make my post title a bit more google friendly😁</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started an insta-story on my lawn journey, thinking nobody would give a flyin-flip... but then was surprised to learn that not everyone thought it was the most boring topic in the entire world <i>(like I probably would of)</i>. So... here ya go - all of my lawn knowledge in an easy to reference post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#yourewelcome #dontexpectmuch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turns out, yards are a lot of work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also turns out... I hate getting sweaty, dirty and working outside in temperatures over 72 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh! and bending over constantly is something I'm not a huge fan of either #weeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Soooo as you can imagine, my yard was a challenge for me this Summer, but I was DETERMINED to keep it alive, thriving and green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because it just looks so pretty when it is!👇</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1C_Qw5nrUU/WcGxBR-1i5I/AAAAAAAA8WU/niHfMh-JEOILYISC_netumnZspCKjJE2ACLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Bgreen%2Bup%2Byour%2Blawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1C_Qw5nrUU/WcGxBR-1i5I/AAAAAAAA8WU/niHfMh-JEOILYISC_netumnZspCKjJE2ACLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Bgreen%2Bup%2Byour%2Blawn.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realize that this post is coming at a weird time... seeing that most of us are heading into winter soon... but hey, a girl had to live and learn - and I needed the entire Summer for that. So stash this little bit of spotty, ill-explained yard knowledge in your back pocket, and use it for next year :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alright, here's how my lawn started out. Spotty, yellow-ish and just all around kinda sad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgG540RV6Hc/WcHJpGvo2OI/AAAAAAAA8Wk/hFRjZcCDQygmcD5SqnMUJuBANJPyu5RrwCLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Btake%2Bcare%2Bof%2Ba%2Blawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgG540RV6Hc/WcHJpGvo2OI/AAAAAAAA8Wk/hFRjZcCDQygmcD5SqnMUJuBANJPyu5RrwCLcBGAs/s1600/How%2Bto%2Btake%2Bcare%2Bof%2Ba%2Blawn.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/09/how-to-green-up-your-grass-destroy.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-31378528917303518542017-09-01T15:01:00.001-06:002017-10-16T15:57:22.183-06:00Everything Colourpop! - because affordable, good quality makeup...duh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OC6ueETF3cM/Wam3waYSJ2I/AAAAAAAA8Tw/7yZA3J80XdQDeXdDcemmDh72I6aUU67FgCLcBGAs/s1600/COLOURPOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OC6ueETF3cM/Wam3waYSJ2I/AAAAAAAA8Tw/7yZA3J80XdQDeXdDcemmDh72I6aUU67FgCLcBGAs/s1600/COLOURPOP.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's done! I did it! A complete guild to <a href="https://colourpop.com/" target="_blank">Colourpop Cosmetics</a>! What you guys on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofsmiths/" target="_blank">insta-stories</a> have been asking for over and over again - see!? I deliver!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, before we get into the "nitty-gritty" (<i>name that movie)</i>, I want to chat super quick about a couple of things. Especially for those of you who are wondering what the heck Colourpop even is. <i>lol</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1. </b>The TOP reason I love Colourpop so much, is because it's crazy affordable, and the quality of the makeup is actually really good! I LOVE makeup, but I hate that it can cost you an arm and a leg to try something new. This is NOT the case here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2.</b> There is always <b>FREE SHIPPING</b> on orders over $30.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3.</b> Colourpop is constantly launching new products, and they almost ALWAYS have deals or fun, limited time products being introduced. PLUS, you can sign up for their newsletters and get a $5 off coupon code.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4.</b> Colourpop has always only been online, until recently when they announced they were coming to Sephora. I still feel like they'll have a better selection online, so I'd say that's your best bet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. If you're not already, follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colourpopcosmetics/" target="_blank">Colourpop on Instagram</a>. They always have live swatches of their products so you can get a better idea of what everything looks like, and you'll be one of the first to know when new things hit the shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. This has nothing to do with Colourpop... but you guys... PLEASE go out of your comfort zone and try new makeup. I stuck with the same blush, mascara, mauve lipstick and brown shadow for over 6 years, and trying new colors and trends has totally boosted my confidence and makes getting ready FUN! I realize this won't be the case for everyone, but you DESERVE $30 worth of makeup you want to try... JUST because! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had<i> (and still have) </i>no idea what the crap I'm doing with half of my makeup, but it's been fun to figure it out and see what looks good and what doesn't. So take the leap ladies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ooookay, here we go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfdRYUqQFPg/WagyYz8x3EI/AAAAAAAA8Ss/_ePpV-xn5148BMAu9vHOuN81MC2h-ZC0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Concealer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfdRYUqQFPg/WagyYz8x3EI/AAAAAAAA8Ss/_ePpV-xn5148BMAu9vHOuN81MC2h-ZC0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Concealer.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrrZvEo-uao/WagnlOxGeJI/AAAAAAAA8RQ/a4mG1mGihEMY4ykFoIElnUI5zh6CKQXQwCLcBGAs/s1600/concealer_square_1_grande.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrrZvEo-uao/WagnlOxGeJI/AAAAAAAA8RQ/a4mG1mGihEMY4ykFoIElnUI5zh6CKQXQwCLcBGAs/s1600/concealer_square_1_grande.png"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="https://colourpop.com/collections/concealer?sort=manual&filter=" target="_blank">coulourpop concealer</a> is definitely a competitor in the "awesome coverage" realm. It does what it says. Crease proof, full coverage and blendable. For $6, it's definitely worth the try!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing to note with these... they oxidize on the skin after a few seconds. Meaning, they go darker than what you see in the tube and apply. Once the warmth of your skin reacts with the concealer, it darkens. So I advise you go a shade lighter than you think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u><a href="https://colourpop.com/collections/concealer?sort=manual&filter=" target="_blank">Colourpop Concealers I bought:</a></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Light 20</b> (probably could of stood to do the 15)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Medium 30 - </b>for when I was tanner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/09/everything-colourpop-because-affordable.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-12348985919966117702017-08-23T15:39:00.002-06:002017-08-23T21:10:47.499-06:00... Because I Wish Someone Would Have Written This 8 Years AgoInstagram can only hold so many words... and well, I have more to say on this back to school business. <i>lol</i>. So I'll start with echoing what I started to say on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYJY8BWlwIE/?taken-by=houseofsmiths" target="_blank">my last insta post</a>.<br>Back to school this time around is so bittersweet. Two years ago I clearly had <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/6kclUKy2dS/?hl=en&taken-by=houseofsmiths" target="_blank">very different feelings</a>😝 - and so this go around it's taking me by surprise. It's the first time I am legitimately sad about not having my 3 little spunky, sweet, giggly, chatty sidekicks to joke, dance and shop around with each day.😩💔<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wxYTi2evgc/WZ3dRl1hg_I/AAAAAAAA8Pg/0FSyVGmkF54JA-4tygodlvcYPCTtBfVGQCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2BBack%2Bto%2BSchool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wxYTi2evgc/WZ3dRl1hg_I/AAAAAAAA8Pg/0FSyVGmkF54JA-4tygodlvcYPCTtBfVGQCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2BBack%2Bto%2BSchool.jpg"></a></div>Are there moments where I'm super stoked about having more free time to do my own thing, and thrilled about my house staying clean for more than 30 minutes?... uhhh YEAH! But I just can't emphasize enough HOW FUN this preteen age has been for me. The conversations are richer, the laughs are longer, and just the fun moments in general have multiplied by a thousand this Summer.<br><br>Lately I've found myself thinking SO MUCH about motherhood, and how it's constantly evolving and changing.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE6QAIgE1XI/WZ3eKCjyitI/AAAAAAAA8Po/AKPsmQTJhcAfqMVW9SFZcMMBAYkZ9hEmwCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2BBack%2Bto%2BSchool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE6QAIgE1XI/WZ3eKCjyitI/AAAAAAAA8Po/AKPsmQTJhcAfqMVW9SFZcMMBAYkZ9hEmwCLcBGAs/s1600/House%2Bof%2BSmiths%2BBack%2Bto%2BSchool2.jpg"></a></div>Truth be told <i>(and I hope someone can relate, because this is a vulnerable thing to admit)</i>... I typically ALWAYS felt out of place, impatient and frustrated as a "toddler Mom". I never quite understood how other Moms could deal so well with everything that was being thrown at them.<br><i>(I blamed it on my incredible lack of patience</i>😬<i>)</i><br><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/08/because-i-wish-someone-would-have.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-89148972349651203452017-08-18T14:12:00.000-06:002017-08-18T14:12:05.010-06:00When you Suck at Back to School Momming...Guys... my kids start school in 4 days and as of 2 days ago nobody had backpacks, pencils, paper, or whatever else I'm suppose to GUESS they need... because to be honest? I'm not sure where the HECK to look for a list of supplies.<br /><i>Is there like an email sign-up from the school that I'm not on or something? Frick.</i><br /><br />You know when your kids start asking questions like... <i><b>"Mom? do you think we should like... maybe get ready for school, because it starts next week?"</b></i>... you've completely submitted to #summermomming, and have little to no comprehension of what time of day it is... let alone the actual day of the month <i>(insert dramatic, laid back summer shrug here).</i><br /><br />That being said... one thing you have to know about my twins, is that they are maybe the worlds most responsible 11 year old-worry warts you've ever met... but please know I mean this with complete sincerity and admiration. <i>(this picture is not a accurate portrayal of said worry warts</i>😜<i>) </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mp7hZPLxjRA/WZdHoUp1vOI/AAAAAAAA8L0/LUT4ejk2dzU24eMkDbw080i_RJW9bZ17QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="489" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mp7hZPLxjRA/WZdHoUp1vOI/AAAAAAAA8L0/LUT4ejk2dzU24eMkDbw080i_RJW9bZ17QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />So when I see the first, sure-tell signs of back to school panic in their little eyes... I know it's time to jump into action - fast!<br /><br />Sadly, this Mom was chillin' in Summer mode and didn't get to the "cute backpack" haul in time <i>(which, duh, is the most important item)</i>... so <a href="http://amzn.to/2fRPNr1" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a> to the rescue! - which is really what all this blabbing is about. Uniting with other Mom's in denial about school starting, who also missed the cute backpacks IN store... and sharing the quick-ship options I found for my girls, in case you need a little help😘<br /><br />Below are links for each backpack, and they will ship in just 2 quick days peeps!🙌<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LL-Bn9yBFmE/WZdDjlmYamI/AAAAAAAA8Lg/qrKAyVdS0TgCpGeD0jrAs_zg1pKhZgyYwCLcBGAs/s1600/cute%2Bbackpacks%2Bfor%2Bmiddle%2Bschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LL-Bn9yBFmE/WZdDjlmYamI/AAAAAAAA8Lg/qrKAyVdS0TgCpGeD0jrAs_zg1pKhZgyYwCLcBGAs/s1600/cute%2Bbackpacks%2Bfor%2Bmiddle%2Bschool.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2fTcJGg" target="_blank">Black and White Stripe Backpack</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2fRPNr1" target="_blank">Vintage Floral Backpack</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The twins are in love, and feeling less panic. Especially after I threw a few sharpened pencils, a pen and some computer paper in their backpacks that we had just hanging around here at the house😁.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...WHAT? I'm not going to spend money on a bunch of supplies they won't even need! I'm waiting until they HAVE to have something, and then I'll make my Walmart/Target run💁... right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-sAgkeHA1U/WZdEY4PK-KI/AAAAAAAA8Lo/3GiMusLSygE3nZ7NYrggXqq6FkdeCcKwQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cute%2Bbackpacks%2Bfor%2Bschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-sAgkeHA1U/WZdEY4PK-KI/AAAAAAAA8Lo/3GiMusLSygE3nZ7NYrggXqq6FkdeCcKwQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cute%2Bbackpacks%2Bfor%2Bschool.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Oh! And because Aubrie was feeling left out, here is <a href="http://www.shopjustice.com/initial-polka-dot-backpack/prd-7416202" target="_blank">her backpack</a> that she's using this year. I hesitate to share it because it says it's out of stock, but maybe if you really wanted to you could track one down.<br /><br />Happy back to schooling Mommas and thank the heavens for Prime shipping #amiright!? <i>lol</i><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967375391825177401.post-66667579586732346442017-08-04T09:22:00.002-06:002017-08-04T09:22:38.403-06:00Slime all the Time - Our Favorite Slime Recipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are anyone else's kids like... SOOOOOO into making slime this summer?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mine are obsessed! I've never run out of school glue so freaking fast😅</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've tried TONS of different slime recipes, but keep coming back to the same ones, so I thought I'd share them. Plus, an affordable tip on how we store all that stretchy, fluffy, shiny goo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQz5R_DccI/WWwRo93IbgI/AAAAAAAA724/u3xjWreSPsUovrvh1EN43Xm0IOLcsBaPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Easy%2BDIY%2BSlime%2BRecipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQz5R_DccI/WWwRo93IbgI/AAAAAAAA724/u3xjWreSPsUovrvh1EN43Xm0IOLcsBaPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Easy%2BDIY%2BSlime%2BRecipes.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bnYbMJ1hFs/WWwRpCMflLI/AAAAAAAA73A/Nx3Vhxr2QsIvHdP4stV05WrSF0IbJv6EwCLcBGAs/s1600/Slime%2BRecipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bnYbMJ1hFs/WWwRpCMflLI/AAAAAAAA73A/Nx3Vhxr2QsIvHdP4stV05WrSF0IbJv6EwCLcBGAs/s1600/Slime%2BRecipe.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2017/08/slime-all-time-our-favorite-slime.html#more">READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***</div>House of Smithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12099675945654977574noreply@blogger.com0