Sandra Hudson

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March 11, 2020 by Sandra

9 Easy Makeup Hacks That Accentuate Your Eyes

Easy Makeup Hacks That Accentuate Your Eyes

 

easy makeup hacks to accentuate your eyes

They say that your eyes are the window to your soul…….so that puts a lot of pressure on you to master your eye makeup. But have no fear, I have been researching and playing around with different techniques so that I can share them with you. These eye makeup hacks will not only enhance your inner beauty, but they will for sure accentuate your eyes too. If your smokey eye turns into Beetlejuice, you are going to want to know this info. We will start from the beginning with the perfect base and continue on throughout applying mascara to top off your look. You are going to want to keep these 9 easy makeup hacks that accentuate your eyes in your repertoire for sure.

 


 

Use an Eyeshadow Primer

So many people skip this step, and it makes the biggest difference in long-lasting eyeshadow. When creating a look, use a specially formulated eyeshadow primer to create a base for blending. It will also help your shadow colors stand out and last all day long. In a pinch, dab a little concealer on your lids before applying your eye shadow. This Eyeshadow Primer is my absolute favorite. It provides a smooth and silky finish, prevents your shadows from smearing, and even color corrects. If you struggle with dark eyelids or veiny lids, this primer will be your new BFF. Some makeup-free days, I still wear the primer only to give me a brightened look. Even when you’re going for a natural look sans eye shadow, applying a primer to your eyelids will open up and brighten your eyes.

eyeshadow primer Farmasi mac paint pot

 

Apply concealer in a triangle shape.

Speaking of bright eyes, dark undereye circles can hinder that youthful, “I got my eight hours of sleep” glow. Instead of applying your Concealer directly on your under-eye circles, apply it in an upside-down triangle shape with the base beginning at your lash line and the tip ending at the bottom of your cheek. This shape will brighten up your whole face! Check out this picture below, can you tell a difference in the finished photo using these two different techniques? The triangle of light always wins!!

 

concealer triangle under eye

 

Use a spoon to wing it out.

If you love the winged liner look, but need a little more guidance, use a spoon! Begin lining your upper lash line regularly, then, when it’s time for that pesky wing, press the rounded side of the spoon against your eyelid and use it to trace the perfect wing! Our Farmasi Ink Eye Liner pen is smooth and precise, and totally perfect for all your winged liner needs.

 

Farmasi Ink Eye Liner

 

 

Swap in eye shadow for eyeliner.

Even if you aren’t going for a cat-eye, regular eye lining can be intimidating. Try using a dark shadow and a very thin brush instead – it will give you the emphasizing effect of eyeliner without all the struggle. For a slightly sharper look, wet the brush before swiping it in shadow. Our Mono Eyeshadows are perfect. I use the shade black tied or coffee brown for this technique.

 

Farmasi eye shadow

 

Get lifted lashes that last.

Yes, you can have lifted lashes without spending money on lash extensions. Lifted lashes create a natural, wide-eyed effect. Heat up your eyelash curler with a quick blast from your hairdryer before curling your lashes to keep your lashes lifted and curled all day long. Just be sure to check the temperature on your hand before applying to your eyes! No one wants burnt eyelashes!!!

 

De-clump mascara by warming it up.

There is nothing worse than going to apply mascara and finding that it’s clumpy. Sometimes all it needs it a little warmth! First, try sticking it in your pocket, under your arm, or even in your bra while you apply the rest of your eye makeup. This will heat up and loosen the formula, making it easier to swipe through your lashes. Try our 3D Effect Mascara, designed to give your lashes length, volume, and a 3-dimensional look!

 

Farmasi 3D Effect Mascara

 

Revive your mascara with a few drops of saline.

If your mascara is still a little clumpy after heating, add a drop or two of saline solution to your tube. The saline will loosen up the mascara and remove any globs. Be sure to swirl the wand around, and do not pump. Pumping can cause the mascara to dry out even further. While these mascara hacks are great to use once or twice, we still recommend replacing your mascara every month or two to make sure your eyes stay healthy!

 

 

Frame your eyes with highlighted brows.

Good brows are just as important for enhancing your beautiful eyes as long lashes. Accentuate your brow shape by highlighting under and above your brow. Apply highlighter or a light champagne shadow to the brow bone and inner corners of your eyes to create a brightening and lifting effect. We have a lot of highlight products that can be used for this technique. Comment below or email me at thesandrahudson@gmail.com for a personal consultation.

 

 

Master the brow fade.

Natural brows are not all one shade. They start a bit lighter at their inner corner and darken as they get to the end. To achieve this look with a brow pencil, I always start in the middle of the brow and work my way up and out. Use light strokes to create natural-looking hairs.  Our Eyebrow Pencil comes in 3 shades, perfect for mastering the brow fade. It glides on easily and has a creamy consistency. This is perfect for those who are new to filling in your brows. I recommend finishing off your brows by brushing them out with a spoolie to help you evenly blend and tame hairs.

Farmasi eyebrow pencil

 

If you want more info. about the products I mentioned above, and want to know how you can get them at a 50% discount, you should definitely check out this article that tells you all about it.


 

I hope you find all of the tips helpful. I know that these makeup hacks will help enhance your amazing eyes and give you a little extra confidence to master those harder looks.

Have you tried any of these or similar tips?

Tell us about your go-to eye makeup hacks in the comments!

 

 

XOXO-

Sandra

March 6, 2020 by Sandra

A Letter to my Son

“A Letter to my Son (while he is a preteen)

letter to my preteen son

 


This blog post will be a little different than the norm. This is a letter to my son while he is currently a preteen.

 

Once upon a time 11 years ago, I became a mom. At this time in my life, I had no idea that I even wanted children……..but then he happened. My life has been upside down ever since, and I would not trade it for anything in the world. As we prepare to celebrate your 11th birthday, this mama is having a hard time. I am not ready for independence, even though, as parents this is what we are preparing you for. I am not ready for the broken hearts, because I always want to see you happy and loved. Lastly, I am not ready for you to grow into becoming an adult because frankly, it means I won’t be needed as much.

Growing up is inevitable though. So as you are transitioning from that spunky little boy to a handsome young man, I wanted to write you a letter full of life lessons that you can keep and cherish forever.

 


letter to my son

 

A Letter to My Son and What I want Him to Know

 

Always Be true to yourself. There is no one else like you in the entire world, so allow your uniqueness to shine through. You never need to change who you are for someone else. You are amazing exactly as you are.

 

 

Live your own dreams. Try lots of things, and figure out what makes you happy. Then, pursue it. Follow a path of your own choosing – not mine, not your dad’s or anyone else’s. Your fulfillment is what I want, and it will come from following your dreams and living a life that has meaning and purpose for YOU.

 

Don’t take life too seriously. Have fun. Laugh at yourself when you make mistakes. Don’t worry about things you cannot control. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You are only given one life, so make the best of it, and enjoy it to the fullest.

 

Love and accept yourself unconditionally. You will always have yourself even when friends come and go, so make it your best relationship. The way you treat yourself will show others how to treat you, so treat yourself like you would your own best friend. Be kind, respectful, and loving to yourself no matter what. Your words matter, especially the words you say to yourself.

 

 

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Take big, bold risks! You can accomplish great things by taking risks. Living life too cautiously, and always keeping the status quo will leave you with regrets. Get outside of your comfort zone and watch as that comfort zone expands. The more risks you take, the easier it becomes.

(read more about children and failure here.)

 

 

Find your soulmate. You will meet someone one day with whom you fall head over heels in love and want to spend the rest of your life. Their gender, race, religion, and culture are irrelevant to me. As long as you are loved, respected, and treated well, I will always be happy with your choice.

And, last but certainly not least,

 

Know that I love you and I will always be there for you. No matter what life throws at you, I will always have your back. You are my son and you always will be. I adore you, and there is nothing you could possibly do to change that. There may be many times when we don’t agree, but those moments will never devalue the love that I have for you.

This letter to my son is written with love and admiration. I am so very thankful to be your mother. 

 

 

 

“You is smart. You is kind. You is important.” Mommy, and Daddy, and Stella love you very, very much.

  • Adapted from the movie, “The Help.”
Big Bear Lake

Family Trip to Big Bear Lake

 

In Closing

Parker, you are amazing in so many ways. I think you are capable of doing something amazing with your life and as sad as it is for me, I can not wait to watch it unfold. You are that special.

 

 

Love Always,

Mom

March 4, 2020 by Sandra

Mystery Blogger Award 2020 & My Nominations

MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD 2020 & MY NOMINATIONS

 

Mystery Blogger Award

 

I am so honored and very grateful to have been nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award by Sharon Green. Sharon is the author and creator of thesharongreen.com blog. I am so very grateful to Sharon for her nomination of me and my growing blog for this award.

Sharon blogs about healthy living, mental health, life as a grandparent and travel, just to name a few.   She has a unique way of sharing her own experiences along with research, and I truly love reading her words.

I recently joined an online blogging community and met Sharon there. Sharon has been extremely friendly, helpful and very encouraging. Connections like this are one of the reasons why I love to blog so much.

 

WHAT IS THE MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD?

This award was created by Okoto Enigma. It was created as a way for blogs that haven’t been discovered to gain recognition.

“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging, and they do it with so much love and passion.
– Okoto Enigma

MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD RULES

  1. Put the award logo/image on your blog
  2. List the rules.
  3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
  5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
  6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
  7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
  8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
  9. Share a link to your best post(s)

 

3 FACTS ABOUT MYSELF

  • I am a beauty influencer/blogger and I absolutely love that I can take my interests and passions and turn it into something beautiful in order to make other women feel more empowered and beautiful also.
  • I was born as a Southern Belle and was raised in Alabama. Our family moved to Los Angeles, CA almost 2 years ago for my husband’s career. Before that, I have never made it past Texas. As you can imagine, this has been quite a change for our family.
  • I am a huge reader and will literally research things to death. I love to learn all about things that interest me and then teach those subjects to others. I also love to read for fun and get lost in pages of books!

 

SHARON’S QUESTIONS FOR ME

  1. What is your favorite word in the vocabulary and why? (If not in English vocabulary please give definition) {this is my weird question} My favorite word would be lackadaisical. It’s a fun word to say and it’s something that I strive not to be.
  2. What is one thing you hope to accomplish with your blog? I blog because I love to inspire other women. Life is so hard, and I feel that it is important to use your special gifts and talents to give back and make the world a brighter place. If my words can be helpful or bring a smile to your face, I feel accomplished at the end of the day.
  3. Where (or from whom) do you find your inspiration for your writing/blogging? When I started my blog, I was going through a dark time. Our family had moved across the country, and I was homesick and lonely. Writing has always been very therapeutic for me, so I took the words that were on my heart and just started typing.
  4. What brings you peace during the stressful days/times? Sometimes I just need to remind myself to step outside in the fresh air and take deep breaths. I can get worked up pretty easily, but nature always makes me feel more zen.
  5. What is your favorite song and by what artist? My favorite song has always been “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey. The lyrics are amazing, and I dare you not to dance when you hear the beat of the music!

 

MY NOMINEES

  1. Valerie Giacinto for Self Care Chat blog
  2. Rachel Hewitt for Linin’ Up Ducks vlog.
  3. Toni-Ann for Real Happy Mom blog
  4. Melissa Ortiz for the Learning is a Way of Life blog.
  5. Sam Kluth for Mommy Feels Pretty blog.
  6. Ricci Bester-Adams for Common Sense Mommy blog.
  7. Kimberli Wilson for Life with Kimberli blog.
  8. Jessica Rollin-Hoobler for Momma Herbs Love  blog.
  9. Jorrie Varney for Close to Classy blog.
  10. Casey Huff for Bouncing Forward blog.
  11. Jess for Wonderoak blog.
  12. Ariana Dagan for the Ariana Dagan blog.
  13. Lauren Holloway for The Pretty Pink Passport blog.
  14. Vivian Tant for Living as Vivian blog.

 

MY QUESTIONS FOR MY NOMINEES

  1. As a content creator, how do you find time to write and combat burnout?
  2. What is one thing you hope to accomplish with your blog?
  3. Do you have any hidden talents?
  4. What is your favorite quote?
  5. What inspired you to start your blog?

If you think your blog is amazing and would love to spread it to the world, please contact me for nomination for the Mystery Blogger Award. Thank you!

 

Mystery Blogger Award

MY FAVORITE POST

I received so many messages, comments and feedback in regard to the post I did on Life is Too Short for Small Talk and Fake Friends. This is one of those posts where I poured my heart into the page. As mentioned earlier, I was in a dark place when we moved away from the only home I have ever know. It really helped me write my feelings, and I hope you can relate to it as well.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

XOXO- Sandra

February 27, 2020 by Sandra

The Best Frugal Living Tips to Impact Your Family’s Budget

Frugal Living for Your Family’s Budget

Frugal living tips for your family

Frugal Living doesn’t just happen overnight. You have to be willing to sacrifice and make adjustments if you want to impact your family budget.  Not every household has someone bringing in a six-figure income. Living well on a modest salary can be a challenge, but it certainly isn’t impossible.

You’ve scaled back a few of your expenses like other blogs or books have told you to do, but after a month or two, you start realizing that your frugal living efforts are not making a big impact on your finances. Despite all your efforts and sacrifices, you’re still struggling to make ends meet and now you begin to ask yourself if this lifestyle change is still worth it…

I know, it can be frustrating but don’t give up just yet!

I want to show you how to incorporate more frugal living tips into your life and save money without having to count pennies every day.

These frugal living tips you’ll find here will help you save a lot of money each year while still enjoying life. Use these frugal living tips to beef up your emergency fund, pay off debt or pay for your dream vacation and more!

 

Try these frugal living tips for living well, regardless of the size of your income or bank account:

  • You do not Have to Keep up with the Joneses. The social world can be a highly competitive sport, and it’s completely normal to strive to maintain appearances with the neighbors.
    • When a neighbor purchases a new car or remodels her kitchen, the urge to start making comparisons can be strong. Take control of your life and resist the temptation to compete with others. After all, relationships are what is most important, and not more stuff!
    • Focus on the real necessities and set aside the extras you’d like to have in a perfect world. It takes practice, but anyone can rise above this type of thinking. This simple exercise will make you happier and more grateful for the things you already have.

less stuff more space

  • Think smaller. Everyone seems to be under the impression that bigger is better. However, by making a conscious decision to live in a smaller home, more money will be available to spend on more meaningful purchases.
    • Many families have already made this decision, as evidenced by the trend in new construction. For the first time, the average square footage of new residential properties has decreased.
    • Others are living successfully in apartments, condos, or even tiny houses. Perhaps you could downsize a little and focus on being happy and content.
  • Cook at home. Eating out is one of the quickest ways to ruin your budget. Cooking at home can be just as good, but it does take some practice. Consider purchasing a good cookbook and experimenting with some new recipes.
    • Groceries are always going to be cheaper than eating out.
    • Instead of meeting friends out for dinner, invite them over. You can even request they bring a dish or dessert to share. We love hosting friends at our home. It’s an easier way to get to know them and have deeper conversations when you are not in a crowded restaurant under time constraints.
    • At-home dinner parties are a great way to be more social and keep some money in your bank account. Be creative with it ad switch up themes with your menu.
  • Shop in the classifieds and at thrift stores. Stay out of the department stores and malls as much as possible. In many instances, secondhand items are 99% as good as new and they’re a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye out for great deals.
    • If you’re not in a hurry, you’re likely to find exactly what you need and save a ton of money in the process. Nobody else needs to know where you purchased your furniture, car, or clothing.

 

  • Check out the local library. Instead of purchasing movies or books that you’re likely to only use once, try borrowing them from the local library for free.
    • Some smaller libraries may have a limited selection, but most libraries are part of an interlibrary loan program with other area libraries. You might find that even your small local branch can find just about anything for you.

 

  • Go outside. Many outdoor activities are free or inexpensive. Take a trip to the local beach or park. Go hiking. Nearly every area has its own type of natural beauty. Kids love to get outside and explore new places. For the cost of little gasoline and a few sandwiches, your family can have a great day. How can you beat that?

Frugal living doesn’t have to mean being miserable. Although it might require extra thought and planning, it can be very simple to live well on a modest income.

 


Frugal Living Tips on the Next Level

If you are really ready to take it up a notch, check out my friend, Rachel’s vlog. She is a pro at budgeting and I have learned so much from her. I am not on her level yet, but you can get some really great value and tips by checking out this Youtube video.  

You can also find her page Linin’ up Ducks here.  Be sure to give her a follow! Rachel talks a lot about minimalism, budgeting, cleaning & organizing, and Intentional Living. I think she is pretty much an amazing human.

Frugal Changes for Your Home

Thank you Linin’ Up Ducks

 


Add an Extra Stream of Income

Another tip that makes a big impact on your family’s budget is adding an extra stream of income. This is one of my favorite things I love about side-hustles, especially for moms. I can be a work-from-home mom and still contribute to my family’s budget with the income I receive from my side hustle.

Are you looking for an opportunity to earn extra money while still maintaining your time freedom? I have the answer that has worked for me, and you can read all about How to Become a Farmasi Beauty Influencer from this post.  Please comment or email any questions about this and I will be glad to talk it through with you.

 


Consider how you can incorporate these tips into your current lifestyle. You might just find that you can live an even better life than you are now – on less money!

 

If you have been thinking about creating a less is more type of lifestyle, I encourage you to also check out this blog post!

February 20, 2020 by Sandra

How to Organize Your Home When You Are Unorganized

How to Organize Your Home for the Unorganized

How to Organize Your Home When You Are Unorganized

Being unorganized can make your life so much harder. Unorganized chaos in your home can cause an unending, overall sense of added stress because you’re lacking a certain amount of order in your life. It also causes unsightly clutter and makes it hard to find things.

The good news is that with some easy, home organization tips, you can have your home whipped into shape in no time. It may seem like an impossible task right now, but when broken down into smaller projects, organization is inevitable.

Try these simple organization tips:

Unorganized Home Tips

1. Get rid of your clutter. There is no use in organizing items that you’re not going to keep. Get rid of those items first will cut down on your organization time. It’s best to live by the rule that if you haven’t used an item in over a year and it doesn’t hold sentimental value, you should consider letting go of it.
 (And might I add, that I am the world’s worst at doing this!)

* Make piles for trash, donations, and things to sell. You can use websites like eBay or Facebook garage sale pages t to sell unwanted items for extra cash. Also, a super-easy way to get rid of your nicer clothes and earn some extra cash is to consign at a local consignment store, or create a Poshmark account and list your clothes there. I use Poshmark all the time because they literally do everything for you. You only have to post pictures, a description, and then print and ship the provided label when someone makes a purchase!!! Sign up using my invite code to get $10 in your Poshmark account here.  Use code SLHUDSON16 to get your $10 added to your account.

2. Start small. It’s important to set small goals for yourself, room by room, throughout your house. When you focus on everything as a whole it can get so crazy and overwhelming that it might seem like a lost cause. Start small and keep it simple!

* Try starting in your bathroom, or better yet, just start by going through the cabinet underneath your bathroom sink. Throw out old items and organize the rest. Afterward, you can call it a day and then work on another small project the next time.

* As you move to new rooms, maintain the organization of the rooms you’ve already done. You don’t want to complete a few rooms only to find out that your bathroom cabinets are disorganized again.

3. Learn how to store things. Just because you have removed your things out of sight, it doesn’t mean that you have an organizational method. Plan a strategy to store similar things together in marked storage bins.

* Once you follow through on your storage strategy, then you’ll know where things are. You can also benefit from learning how to store things in sight. Make good use of shelves, baskets, or furniture with built-in storage space to keep things neat and where you’re likely to need them.

4. Create a cleaning schedule. Once you have your home in order, it’s all about the maintenance mode. You’ll need to find a way to keep things in order. Make a schedule to keep track of what chores are done and when. You can even schedule a time to deal with clutter to get everything back into its proper place.

* Dividing up the cleaning tasks throughout the week will make it easier to maintain the order you worked so hard to achieve. This limits “chore time” into short increments of time. Instead of spending an entire Saturday cleaning, clean a room each day, and then you can have fun on the weekend while your home is still neat and tidy.

* Establish the habit of picking up as you go. If you have children, this is a great way to get them involved with the process also. When you take something out of its place to use it, put it back when you’re done.

 

If you really want to change your life, you can do it. Even if you have been unorganized forever, use these tips to help you turn things around and enjoy that lovely home that you have worked so hard to create.

Do you have any organizational tips that you use in your home? If so, I would love to know in the comments below.

 

Happy Organizing,

Sandra

February 17, 2020 by Sandra

Do You Remember Her?

Remember her?

Do You Remember Her?

Do you remember her? I have seen this photo posted before and it always takes me back and makes me think. Somewhere inside of you, there is someone who is fierce and ready to take on the world. I see myself in my daughter, Stella, and sometimes wonder where I went wrong. It’s so easy to always take the safe choice, but Stella inspires me! She is so strong, independent and completely full of life. If anything, she is teaching me in the midst of raising her.

 

Remember When?

There have been times that you have said no when you wanted to say yes. On the flip side, there have been so many times you said yes when you wanted to give an emphatic NO!!

She wanted to buy a ticket.

She wanted to go on the trip.

She wanted to take a risk that could have opened up a whole new world of opportunity.

She wants you to remember what it feels like to run into the ocean without a care in the world and splash and laugh till you could splash no more.

She wants you to face the day without a fear in your heart and embrace every opportunity that comes.

She doesn’t understand why you don’t want to wear a bikini.

She doesn’t understand why you don’t want to eat the cake.

She doesn’t understand why you never seem to let it go.

She doesn’t understand why you seem to accept second best.

Someone inside of you is a little girl who wonders at the grown-up you have become…

She still has so many things she wants to learn and so many goals she wants to reach.

She still has many things she wants to learn and so many people she still needs to meet.
She still has food she’d like to taste and parties she wants to attend so that she can dance the night away.
She still has places she wants to visit so that she can see how big this world is.

Closing Thoughts

Life is too short to give up on your dreams. Travel to that bucket list destination, write that book, start a new business, audition for the next role…….you get it.
Remember what it was like to be this little girl full of life and hope? She’s still in there somewhere. You just have to find what drives you. I challenge you to sit alone for 10 minutes today and think about your aspirations and dreams. If your heart is still beating, you still have time to work on them. 😘

Somewhere inside you, there is a little firecracker – desperate to see more of this thing we call life. Don’t get so wrapped up in the things that don’t matter and forget to experience life. 

Go get her, she’s fun.

Do you remember her?

XOXO-

Sandra 

 

 

February 15, 2020 by Sandra

Daisy Jones & The Six Book Review

This post may include affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

 

Daisy Jones and the Six

Thank you @sams_bookshelf_ for allowing me to use your photo.

 

Daisy Jones and the Six: Book Review

Daisy Jones and the Six was one of the most popular books of the year in 2019. I’m sad that it took me this long to sit down and read it. One of my most favorite hobbies is reading a good book. I have set a lofty goal for myself this year. I figured I would share my take and book review on all of the choices that I complete. There is something about finding a great book, getting completely absorbed into the characters and storyline, and living to tell about it. When you find these incredible stories, it makes you sad to read that last page. First up for my book review is Daisy Jones and the Six.

Daisy Jones and the Six Synopsis

Love at First Line:

This book is an attempt to piece together a clear portrait of how the renowned 1970s rock band Daisy Jones & The Six rose to fame—as well as what led to their abrupt and infamous split while on tour in Chicago on July 12, 1979.

Daisy Jones is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it’s the rock and roll she loves most. By the time she’s twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Also getting noticed is The Six, a band led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she’s pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.

Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes that the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

The making of that legend is chronicled in this riveting and unforgettable novel, written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of the seventies. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a talented writer who takes her work to a new level with Daisy Jones & The Six, brilliantly capturing a place and time in an utterly distinctive voice.

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 


My Review:

At first, I questioned the short interview-style narration but quickly got used to it, and it actually is one of the things I love most about this book. There are always different perspectives on a story and I love being able to see that play out as you go.

The characters were detailed and flawed, and all had parts of this fictional story that really stood out to me. There was love, addiction, friendships, family drama, and it all played out with depth and without the stereotypical pull, you might have first expected.

Daisy Jones and the Six: Talking Points

If you loved the movie Bohemian Rhapsody then you should definitely check this out! Take it a little further and listen to the audiobook. I find that the style of writing can be hard to read because it is an oral history. The audio has a full cast and it feels like a documentary. I kept having to remind myself that this was fiction, not an actual band.

I did not grow up in the seventies but I can imagine that Taylor Jenkins Reid does a great job of portraying it. Life was wild at the time. I really loved hearing about Daisy. She sounds like the typical female rock star of the time who struggled with drugs and that crazy rocker lifestyle. However, I kept rooting for her to figure it out.

Each of the other characters has their own demons but they are mainly supporting characters. I did enjoy hearing the perspective of each one on the same events. It is crazy how different each person views and remembers the same thing.

In Closing:

The relationships were raw and Taylor Jenkins Reid is a skilled author at portraying this. She really connected you to her characters, long after you finish her books. This one will stick with me for a long time!

Daisy Jones and the Six Quotes

 

So tell me……have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? Let me know in the comments.

February 8, 2020 by Sandra

15 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentines Day Budget

15 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget? It would be nice to spend money on your loved ones without a budget, especially on a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, not everyone has the necessary financial resources to go on a spending spree. The good news is that you can have a great Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money! Retailers want you to spend your money, but there’s no reason to buy into the hype. After all, love can not be bought, right?

Try these inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas:

  • Eat dinner at home, but go out for drinks and dessert. Forget the reservations, crowded restaurants and the high cost of a meal out on the town. Cook a delicious, romantic meal at home. Head over to a nice bar for dessert.
  • Find a flower option besides roses. Roses cost a small fortune on Valentine’s Day. Find another flower your significant other loves. Many women don’t even like roses. Ask about her favorite flower. I personally love sunflowers and Gerber daisies.
  • Rent a few romantic movies and stay on the couch. It’s easy to find a list of romantic movies. You don’t even have to get dressed up. The popcorn is less expensive at home, too. You can even talk during the movie, and snuggle up under a comfy blanket. Truth be told, I would choose this option every time.
  • Go to a hotel in lieu of a trip. Save on travel expenses and visit a local hotel for the night. Consider finding one with a tub for two.
  • Have an indoor picnic. Unless you’re in the south, it’s a little cold for an outdoor picnic in February. Clear out space on the living room floor and have your picnic inside. Anything is possible. Get creative! If you’re crafty, you can even make some pretty amazing DIY decorations.
  • Look for free or inexpensive entertainment. You can find quality entertainment on the cheap. Museums, local theater companies, art galleries, and food and wine tastings can all be both entertaining and inexpensive.
  • Use a coupon. A coupon might not go over well on a first or second date. However, if you’ve been together for a while, that awkwardness no longer exists. Both parties realize the saved money could be spent on something else.
  • Deliver your own flowers. The florist is more expensive than the grocery store or the farmer’s market. Deliver them yourself and enjoy the smile you receive. Who doesn’t want to see the smile on their face when you gift it to them anyway?
  • Choose a different date. Valentine’s Day might officially fall on February 14th, but why not consider celebrating the following day, or weekend. Restaurants, flowers, and cards are all significantly less expensive. You can avoid the crowds, too.
  • Write a love letter. Everyone has a sheet of paper and a pen. Take a few minutes and put your romantic thoughts down on paper. It’s free, and you’ll score big points.
  • Give each other a massage. Pick the music and the massage oils. Light a few candles and turn on some music. Let your fingers do the talking.
  • Make your own card. There’s no law that states you have to support Hallmark by purchasing a card that costs $4.99. They usually end up in the trash anyway. Make a card this year. It will be remembered forever.
  • Go out for breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day, and the least expensive, so why not go out for breakfast instead of dinner this year? Lunch is another option.
  • Make a gift. Make a scrapbook. Create a CD of her favorite songs. It’s the thought that counts.
  • Set a budget and brainstorm. Sit down together and determine how much you’re willing to spend. See how many ideas you can list that stay within the budget constraint.

collect moments not things

Love doesn’t require money. A fun and memorable Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed on a budget. Make a list of inexpensive ideas that will thrill your significant other. Avoid letting financial challenges ruin your holiday. Be thankful you have someone to celebrate.

Tell me, how do you plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day? Will you be trying any of these budget-friendly suggestions, or do you have any you want to add to the list? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

 

XOXO,

Sandra

February 6, 2020 by Sandra

For the Woman Who Struggles with Mom Guilt

Mom Guilt

Mom Guilt is Real

Has anyone here ever struggled with mom guilt???  Being a mom is really, really HARD!!
While being a mom is the most rewarding blessing I have ever received in my life, that does not make this season of life any less difficult.
I have been a parent for 10 years now, and while I feel that I have grown and learned so much, there are still things I am trying to navigate and figure out every single day. Children constantly test your patience and boundaries.
While being a mom is a humbling experience that forces you to grow in ways I never thought possible. I spend a lot of my days refereeing Parker and Stella, disciplining, answering the never-ending questions, and being the caregiver and nurturer that they need. You really never know what your day will bring.
Did I mention that being a mom is hard…….

Do you know what makes it ten times harder?

MOM GUILT

 


Mom Guilt Confessions

If I am being honest, that feeling of mom guilt has been a major struggle of mine lately. I feel like I am short-tempered and I am way too hard on my kids sometimes. I struggle with feeling guilty if I take time for myself when I should be reading them a story or cleaning the house. Oh, do I feel the mom guilt when I forget a school event, or when I was supposed to bring something to the class party and forgot.  (Please tell me I am not the only one who does this.)
Or what about when you are giving it your 100% effort and you still get those judgmental eye rolls from strangers in the grocery store because they don’t like the way you are parenting.
Being a mom is hard and judgment is everywhere.

 

Mom Guilt and Feeling Less Than

I have been thinking about the mom guilt a lot lately and I spend the majority of my day feeling guilty for something I did or did not do. In other words, I spend the majority of my day feeling – LESS THAN. Ouch!!
That sounds harsh as I type those words, but even more so when you say them out loud.
Sometimes just purely being present, loving your child, being imperfectly you and offering your hand in their journey in life is?
Could it be that your affection is enough and your presence as they sit on your lap while you watch tv or work on your laptop is enough? Maybe the way you smell, the sound of your voice and your loving touch are enough?
What if the gift of YOU as their mom with all your imperfection is ENOUGH?
If you are struggling with the mom guilt, know that you are not alone. You are not less than and your children were hand-picked by our Creator to have YOU mother them as no one else could do. I am going to do my best to stop these negative thoughts when they happen and focus on something positive in the situation. Life is too short to live it feeling less than.
Give yourself some grace, mama. You are doing an amazing job!
While I can’t promise you that we will never face Mom Guilt again, I can share with you 10 affirmations I have been trying to say to myself when these feelings come up. I hope they help you too.

You are enough

Affirmations to Fight Mom Guilt

  1. Your presence matters.
  2. My love is enough.
  3. My best differs each day.
  4. Perfection is not needed, just persistence to love and teach those little ones.
  5. My “doing” is not required to be a good mom.
  6. If I’m not quitting, I’m succeeding.
  7. Mistakes are for learning and growing.
  8. Me-time makes their-time even better.
  9. I’m not guilty.
  10. Just breathe.

From my heart to yours,

Sandra

If you enjoyed this post, please consider joining our Facebook community group called Inspiring Beauty in the Mess. I find that surrounding myself with more supportive and encouraging women is amazing for my soul. Hope to see you there!

February 5, 2020 by Sandra

Zuppa Toscana Soup – Whole30 Approved

Zuppa Tuscana Whole30 approved soup

 

Zuppa Toscana Soup Whole30 Approved

Zuppa Toscana Soup Whole30 approved is one of my most favorite soups. It is rich, creamy and full of flavor. You’ll love this filling, Whole30 soup anytime, but especially during the cold, wintery months. Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, this is one of the best Whole30 soups out there.

 

Whole30 is a great reboot of the body. My husband and I try to incorporate one of these each year to reset our body and strive to be healthier. You can read all about the benefits of the Whole30 lifestyle by visiting Whole30.com.

 

If you are trying to eat healthier or add something new into the rotation during your Whole30, I highly suggest this recipe. It is perfect for a crowd. Also, if you make a big enough pot, you are sure to have leftover to eat on throughout the week.

Eat Your Veggies

One thing I have loved lately is adding in kale to my soups and recipes. It is such a great way to add more veggies to your diet without noticing it. Even my picky ten-year-old tried it and liked it, so that’s a HUGE WIN!!

 

Want more healthy recipes that are yummy too? Check out this one.

Whole30 Zuppa Toscana Soup

A rich, and filling Zuppa Toscana that's healthy and Whole30. With tender potatoes, kale, sausage, and bacon, this Whole30 soup recipe is loaded with flavor and the perfect one-pot meal when you're craving comfort food.

  • 4 4 slices Whole30-compliant bacon cut into about 1/2" pieces
  • 1 lb. 1 pound Italian or breakfast sausage 
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 Medium potatoes cubed (makes about 1 cup)
  • 1 Medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • salt & pepper to taste
  1. In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed medium pot over medium heat, add sausage and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over. Use a spoon to break up the pieces. When browned and cooked through, drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the bacon pieces in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 5-10 minutes. Remove the crisp bacon and set aside – don't get rid of the bacon fat! Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the onions and garlic, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork-tender, about 10-20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the coconut milk and the cooked sausage; heat through. Add the bacon and the kale into the soup just before serving and cook 'til the kale is bright green and softened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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