new stuff for the new week

It's Sunday, the beginning of the week, so of course I have new stuff going on!

I have a new blog crush.

I have a new inspirational quote for the week.

And I have a new challenge for the day.

Also, Julie from Brown Eyed Belle tagged me in this lil photo thing....

and since I have the cutest picture to show, I figured why the heck not???

Instructions:

Go to the first folder, find the 10th picture, and then tell the story behind it.

Little Tay eating his first strawberry.

Ahhh, those were the good ol' days before the NON STOP talking.

Good times.

Happy Sunday loves.

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

update on 21 days to a better you (me)

I thought I would write a little update on the first week of the challenge...

cause, um, it's been quite the week!

I've always said that anybody who chooses to set lofty goals for themselves,

better be careful....

because life just has a way of testing those goals in every single way.

I had the pleasure of experiencing that myself this last week.

Call it PMS,

call it a test of my goals....

Whatever it was, I was not a fan.

But then again, once I stopped and tried to see the lesson,

maybe it wasn't all that bad after all.

See?

I'm growing already.

Here's what I learned about myself in the first week of the challenges:

~ Eating sweets is like a hug on an emotional day....

and when I'm having one and am not allowing sweets, beware of tears.

Lots of them.

~ I have an unhealthy addiction to my phone.

And when it decides to die for good a month after the toilet drop,

I can quickly turn from a "positive look at my blessings" girl, to a big ol grumpy bratty girl.

~ Speaking of brat, I can be one quite often.

Huh.

~ I am extremely hard on myself, and expect perfection at all times.

And when I fail,

because, brace yourself, I do...

I will get really down on myself and feel like a total failure.

~ I'm not one for Twittering much,

except on the day I'm not supposed to Twitter.

And then all of a sudden, I have a million things to tweet.

~ That I kinda LOVE the blessings journal, and I think I'm going to start making a daily habit of that.

It just made SUCH a difference in my day and my mood.

Um, until my phone broke.

{details, details.}

But the biggest thing I learned?

That this challenge...

or any attempt to better myself...

is not about perfection.

It's about doing my best.

It's about allowing the same grace and mercy I have no problem extending to others,

to myself on the days I don't quite measure up.

And then picking myself up in the next day,

the next hour,

or even the next minute,

and trying my best once again.

It was a rough week,

but that's usually when we see the most growth, isn't it?

I thought I would grow from accomplishing the challenges....

instead I grew from falling short.

Hopefully though...

next week will bring some of it's own mercy and grace

so I can take a moment and catch my breath!

Also,

I have to say.

My biggest blessing of all,

was every single one of you guys that have followed along and joined in.

Reading about your own journey and progress has been amazing!

Just another reason, that I LOVE this little community on le blog.

Enjoy your weekend loves,

and don't forget to check today's challenge!

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

fashion friday ~ eye candy

I thought it was about time you guys got to see the man behind the lens on these Fashion Fridays.

So, instead of dolling myself up today, I decided to grab my man as he walked in the door and put him to work.

And now,

for your viewing pleasure....

I present....

Fashion Friday Eye Candy:

{le outfit: all courtesy of Ross & Marshalls. gotta love a man that looks this hot on a budget!}

I know, what a good sport, huh?

He told me later he was channeling his inner Brad Pitt.

You can totally tell, right?

~~~~~~~

{If you're following along with the 21 days to a better you challenge,

today's challenge is up!

And don't forget to link up if you're doing it too!}

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

peeling the onion, one layer at a time

{via}

Ever heard something so profound that out of nowhere a light switch goes on,

and you suddenly can see the past, present, and even the future differently?

Someone recently brought to light something that seems so simple, so obvious...

and even something that has been stated to me in another way before...

and yet it took hearing her words to make me see.

And now I kinda get why I did some of the things I've done.

Why I choose to do some of the things I do.

And why I have dreams of my future being a certain way.

I kinda get it.

Just kinda.

And yet, it's just one layer being peeled away.

Ouch.

Just one???

I know there's more.

And while it stings ever so slightly to see the truth,

I can see that there underneath it all lies a clearer path.

A lighter heart.

A happier soul.

And so I'll take this pain.

I'll cry these tears.

Because I want better.

So, peel away.

~~~~~~~

{If you're following along with the 21 days to a better you challenge,

today's challenge is up!

And don't forget to link up if you're doing it too!}

dark side & tattoos

considering....

{another tattoo...something floral around the tree}

{going dark....perhaps after summer}

I dunno,

just some thoughts.

{If you're following along with the 21 days to a better you challenge,

today's challenge is up!

And don't forget to link up!}

{this has been a part of wordful wednesday}

are you doing the challenge? link here!

Are you following along in the challenge, 21 days to a better you?

If so, I just added a Mr Linky here,

so that you can add in your blog name and link,

this way we all know where to go for inspiration and accountability!

It's never too late to start, and it's never too late to link up!

I'll be leaving this page up indefinitely so that anytime, anywhere,

people can start making a change.

And remember, check back here every night for your next days challenge!

Mwa!

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

these are a few of my favorite things

It's time for yet another edition of my favorite things that you must have and love as well.

Sacred Marriage

Now this is for all you married people out there,

or even for you singles who would like to one day be married.

I kid you not, this book has changed my entire view on marriage....in a good way.

And I want EVERYONE to read it.

There will be a test.

So study up.

~~~~~~~

Organize Now!

One of my goals for this year was to finally get organized.

I do an okay job, but I needed ideas and ways to get even more efficient.

And then I found this little gem.

For just $10, I now own this adorable book, and what's great is it's broken up into a week by week guide so it's not so overwhelming!

Honestly, you will LOVE!

~~~~~~~

Rimmel London Lasting Finish (in Airy Fairy)

I did my eyes all up the other night with a smoky look and then I realized I didn't own the perfect shade of nude lipstick to go with it.

So off I ran to Target to find something worthy of my lips.

What I found, I loved, and within hours I had my sister at her nearest Walgreens to buy it as well.

It's creamy and lovely....

and most importantly,

it doesn't have that awful lipstick smell/taste.

~~~~~~~

Yes to Carrots face wash

I am super picky when it comes to face wash.

I tend to have sensitive skin,

meaning, Jr High breakouts can easily make their appearance at simply the thought of one wrong product.

But, I went to this women's show awhile back where I received a sample of this face wash,

and OMG.

Fabulous.

My skin was lit-rally glowing.

And what's better is that it doesn't break the bank!

Definitely my new go to product.

~~~~~~~

iBoss

I actually did a post a long time ago about this incredible invention that has totally made me feel safe about having Taylor (and Jimmy) on the computer when I'm not around.

No kidding, this is THE BEST thing out there.

Here's a little blurp I found on their website:

The iBoss™ Home combines the best in Internet Parental Controls with a powerful built-in Wireless-N Firewall Router to bring you the ultimate in home network protection for your family. The iBoss™ Home allows you to share your Internet connection safely at home with all of your wired and wireless computers while providing powerful Internet filtering technology that puts you in control of your Children's activities on the Internet. Flexible parental controls allow you to easily restrict access to specific categories of Internet destinations and manage your Children's time spent using online programs (online chat and messenger programs, file sharing, gaming and more). Different filtering rules can be setup for different computers. The iBoss™ Home generates detailed reports on Internet activity which can be viewed and automatically E-mailed. Unlike software solutions, one device guards an entire network and makes tampering difficult. Works with Mac, Windows and Linux. Little computer experience is needed!

Key Features Easily Block Websites by Category Same Protection Used by Fortune 500 Co. Block Chat, Gaming and more Built-In Wireless-N Firewall Router Schedule Internet Access Times 1 Unit = Protection For All Computers Monitor & Log Internet Activity Works with Wired & Wireless Computers View Detailed Reports Absolutely No Software to Install Automatic E-mail Notifications Simple User-Friendly Interface Set Rules for Different Children Plug & Play

Benefits

· Easily Control When and Where Your Children Surf · Protect Your Children from Online Predators · Monitor Your Children's Online Activity · Manage Time Spent Online · Prevent Viruses & Spyware · Share Your Internet with Multiple Computers (Wired & Wireless) · One Device Protects and Manages All Your Computers · Works with Mac, Windows, and Linux · Absolutely No Software to Install · Built-in Firewall Protects Against Online Threats · Guard Your Children from Inappropriate Content

If you decide to get it,

and you should,

there is a coupon code "family safe" that allows a 10% discount.

Trust me, it's worth every penny.

And no, I was not paid for this...I just love it that much.

~~~~~~~

{via}

{if you're following along with the 21 day challenge to a better you, today's challenge is up!}

© 2010 "Le Musings of Moi"

monday muse - celebrity blogger style

The moment I met Heather,

(yes, THE Heather from The Secret is in the Sauce & Mindless Junque),

we immediately felt that we had been sisters separated at birth.

Actually, we felt that way before we even met,

but the moment we ran slow motion into each other arms in Vegas,

it was definitely solidified.

True love forever.

Not only is she effing adorable, but she has THE sweetest heart, and the cutest voice you may have ever heard in your whole daggon life.

She's the complete package people.

And you guys are some lucky folks because she agreed to be your muse for this lovely Monday morning.

Listen up.

And love her.

She's family after all.

~~~~~~~

I have to begin by saying how excited I am to be here!

When Summer asked me to guest post about fashion, I had to giggle a little though because after four kids and the recent budget smackdown in my house I certainly don't feel fashionable.

Luckily, there is one fashion trend that works around my particular couture stumbling blocks.

I'm talking about the boyfriend trend.

Here we have a model wearing a sweet floral sundress.

What categorizes it into the “boyfriend” trend?

Her hat and an oversized jean jacket.

{Photo of Ralph Lauren 2010 Spring/Summer Collection courtesy fashionising.com}

That's all something we can easily do.

A cute pageboy hat is great on those unfortunate hair days.

And you'd be surprised with what you can find at Goodwill.

We could take that dress and pair it with a boyfriend blazer.

{Photo courtesy Chatelaine}

I wouldn't suggest going to the Goodwill and buying a men's suit coat here.

Stores like Forever21 are selling this look for a very reasonable price and you don't want to look like you raided your dad's closet.

The boyfriend blazer is slightly more fitted and still shows off our feminine curves (which is very important).

And don't forget about the boyfriend sweater.

{Photo courtesy JJill.com}

I love this look with a pair of jeans and ballet flats.

A scarf in a springy color or a chunky necklace would be perfect for spring.

Don't shy away from this look for spring.

Have fun with it and be creative.

How often is it cool to wear oversized clothes?

Seize the day, ladies.

Seize the day.

~~~~~~~

{If you're following along on the 21 day challenge, make sure to check the link under my header for today's challenge!}

a personal challenge: 21 days to a better you

{via}

I love challenges.

They totally get me going and energized and ready for change.

Which is why I came up with this idea for 21 days to a better you.

I'm going to create a little 21 day challenge for myself,

where each day of the 21 days,

I will do or start something that will help and motivate me to be, do, and become better.

I am so ready.

So excited.

And I know in the end it will be a journey worth having taken.

Most of you know that for the most part, I have given up gluten and sugar for an undefined amount of time.

But, I've allowed little cheats here and there.

On this 21 day challenge, I'm giving it up the entire time.

NO CHEATS.

I just feel that for too long, I keep saying....

I'm going to....

Or, I should....

Or, one day....

Well that day is today.

Feb 21.

On this 21st begins my 21 days.

Loooooove it.

Each day I'll add a little blurp of what that days challenge will be,

{look for the link under my header that says, a personal challenge: 21 days to a better you}

just in case anyone wants to follow along or...

maybe even join in with me!

Cause you know, I would so totally be honored to have your company!

And also....

I don't have all 21 days challenges set in stone,

so if you have any suggestions,

I'd love to hear them.

today's challenge:

think of something you are willing to give up for 21 days,

and commit to it once and for all.

write it down.

tell someone so they can help to hold you accountable.

and remember,

it's just for 21 days.

you can do anything for 21 days.

it's the sound....of silence

When the kids are away,

the parents will play.

Hallelujah!

Tay & Chloe are with their Nana & Papa for the weekend and we are as free as can be.

On our to do list:

~farmers market

~nap

~look at bunk beds for if (when) our foster boy is placed here

~sleep some more

~shop for clothes, because I can and I have no kids.

~maybe sleep some more.

~read a book

I know, I know.

We're wild n crazy.

I may even eat sugar and gluten.

Because I've decided that I am never the girl to say never,

and once a week splurge will do just fine.

This weekend deserves the splurge.

Your plans?

fashion friday

{dress: A.B.S. ~ thrifted, purse: tj maxx, boots: charlotte russe, watch: la mer, bracelet: le old, necklace: wet seal,

ring: tiffany}

This dress is one my scores from my thrifting on Wednesday.

When I first saw it I was SO excited about the brand...

but then I kinda died over the drop waist and the slouchy sleeves.

It's a tad big for me, but I'll deal since it's so freaking cute.

Plus, it's the most comfy thing ever and it will be the perfect thing when I am having a "fat day."

Anyway....back to my thrifting this week...

I can't believe how much I walked away with and the best part is,

I only spent $30!!!

Got another adorable vintage dress with the most amazing buttons, like, ever.

Two pairs of pants...

one pair of black pinstripe Gap stretch ones that feel like buttah,

and the other, an adorable pair of striped denim jeans from Banana Republic.

{Looks cuter than they sound.}

Then, I scored TWO fab purses for $1.50 each,

and an adorable pair of white shoes with the most amazing cork heels ever...um brand new too.

Ooh, and then there was the way ADORABLE tunic from Coldwater Creek with the original $109 price tag still attached.

Love.

{not my usual brand to love, but still it was too cute!}

And then added to all that were a couple of other cute lil tops that needed to be mine.

I mean....

Could you die?

Now you see why I keep this place a secret.

I'll try to take more pictures of everything to show you guys later.

And this weekend I will even try to take pictures of the clothes for sale.

~~~~~~~

On a non-related note....

We got fingerprinted yesterday to start the process for fostering that little boy I mentioned.

Actually, we got to see him when we went in, and you guys...I almost broke down.

He was so sullen and quiet, and you could tell he was a little scared.

Immediately he and Tay started playing and at one point a toy broke, so Taylor told him it was okay, that maybe his dad could fix it.

And then the little guy looked at Taylor and said,

"I don't have a dad."

And Taylor replied....

"You don't? That's so sad."

Jimmy and I looked at each other and almost burst into tears right there.

Later, when we were praying before bed this was Taylor's prayer:

"Dear Jesus, I just pray that (boys name) would come and live with us,

and if he doesn't that he could live in a good home,

just like we have."

I know, tears, right?

So, I am begging for your prayers over this situation still.

It looks pretty promising that he could end up here,

though nothing is for sure...

but now that I've seen him again,

I am even more in a rush to have him here with us.

Pray for an expedited process....

I believe in the power of prayer.

And I know this little guy is COVERED.

Ya, so fashion and sad story.

How about that for a fashion friday post?

blog + twitter = blitter...& an accidental sext

~ Having the best week EVER spending three days with one of my favorite girls EVER....

Someone who should have been my BFF in high school had we not been such girls.

Anyway, she was here visiting for a few days, and I was lucky enough to get to host her here in my casa....

SO MUCH FUN!

Yesterday, I took her to my thrift store....and we SCORED.

That's how you know we're serious.

I don't just take anybody there with me.

You have to be special.

And she so totally is.

~ We started a new thing to save our sanity in the house.

It's called "quiet reading hour."

And it's the hour before Taylor's bedtime.

He now "gets" to lay in his bed and read books for 30-40 minutes before bed.

And it's lovely.

Because we get 30-40 minutes of amazing peace and quiet even BEFORE bedtime.

I highly recommend this.

~ Kind of loving my new workout so much that I'm thinking of doing another video to teach you all....if you want.

You want?

~ I really want to list my clothes on le blog.

In fact, I have them all hanging on a hook ready for pictures, and I just can't seem to take the pictures.

Lazy much?

I've got no motivation, where is my motivation....

{it went with the sugar....}

~ Really seriously considering the switch to wordpress.

I think it could be time.

The only thing holding me back is this AMAZING design that Stephanie has created for me.

I'm doing my best to see if I can work a way to keep it as CLOSE as possible and still be on wordpress.

Wish me luck.

I'm scared.

Hold me.

~ Kind of over these DANG spammers on my comments.

Not such a fan of having to moderate each and every one every single freking day.

I mean, if I have to read one more time about some guys girlfriend who cheated and how he wants to show off pictures or something to get back at her,

I may just....

um,

well, I don't know, but it won't be pretty.

Seriously, do these people actually find success in attempting these comments?

Annoyance.

~ On a lighter note....let's talk about sexting.

Can't stop laughing at another one of my sisters embarrassing stories.

{hubba hubba}

So, we had been texting back and forth about sex....

who schedules it and who doesn't....

Long story.

{Um....Awkward.}

Anyway, in between our texts I guess she was texting with a realtor guy that she works with for her staging business as well.

All of a sudden, she gets a text from him that simply says, "How?"

It didn't quite go with what they had been texting about so she looks back to see what he was responding to.

And that's when she realizes she had sent him, instead of me, the following text:

"So, how do you know if it's a sex night?"

The funny thing is,

he thought she was out of the blue telling him a sex joke,

so he texts back,

"how?"

Seriously. Hilarious.

Poor guy is texting business when my out of the blue my hot sister suddenly switches to sex chat.

I'm dying.

If you're not laughing, then....guess you had to be there.

Sorry.

But, I pee a little every time I think about it.

On that note....gotta go change my undies.

KIDDING.

ish.

{and that last blitter was a part of Mama Kat's Writers Workshop....an entertaining string of texts. Yes, I changed it up.}

she's kind of like having a dog

{our beloved dog Bradley...who has a new home where he can be the only child like he was meant to be}

I swear, Chloe is not the same kind of toddler that Taylor was.

Night and day really.

But I guess, either way, it's not all that easy.

It's just that with Chloe,

and I'm sure she'll love this when she gets older,

it's more like having a dog rather than a toddler.

For example:

Every time the door opens I have to yell:

"Close the door quick, or you're going to let the Chloe out!"

Because really, she will BOOK IT, the second she gets a chance.

And she'll only look back to flash you a devilish grin that says, see ya later suckers.

Or...

How she loves to put EVERYTHING in her mouth and then the second you go to get it out,

she runs away with a smile....as though she is playing a fun little game with you.

At times, I swear when I'm pulling whatever it may be out,

she shakes her head back and forth really fast with a little growl.

I think.

I can't be sure.

For a long time, it was shoes. She loved to bite and chew on shoes.

Not even kidding.

Also....

She started out in a high chair for meals.

But everything ended up on the floor instead of her mouth.

Not so fun for me.

Then I thought....life may be easier if I just put her seat on the ground.

So I did.

But still, she couldn't resist the urge to throw it all on the floor.

And then,

being that she's the second kid and all,

I decided to take away the seat all together and simply put the food on the floor, saving time for everyone involved.

And what do you know, she's happy as can be, and she eats every last bite.

{rough, rough}

I'm thinking of investing in some cute little leopard doggie bowls with her name on it....

but I'm not sure how much that will cost me in therapy bills down the road.

And then there's her favorite game.

I throw the ball across the room, and she runs to get it, then brings it back to me.

This can go on for quite some time...

and it is really beneficial to me in those times I want to get some writing done.

She also really loves other dogs.

If she had a tail, it would wag every time she saw one.

So you see....as long as she's a toddler, there really isn't a need for pets.

Because she's kinda like having a dog.

Chloe....I love you.

Please don't be mad at this post when you get older.

Your dad made me write it.

{this has been a part of wordful wednesday}

what is blogging costing you?

{it's all about balance.}

{via}

I've been blogging for awhile.

I've had an up and down, love/hate relationship with it....

and at times I have really really considered shutting it down.

And not in the good Rachel Zoe way.

In my time here, I have seen some stuff I've been amazed by in a truly incredibly good way,

and then on the other hand,

I've seen some stuff that has shocked me to my core.

Stuff that has truly made me question if I'm meant to be a part of it all.

{You've heard the stories...people pretending to be a mom who'd lost a baby....or things kinda like that...}

Like, woah.

On one hand, my love hand...

I think...

Never in my life have I ever felt so encouraged,

so understood,

so free....

and so LOVED.

How could I ever walk away?

But on the other hand, my hate hand...

I think...

what am I giving up to be a part of this?

What was my life like before writing became a priority?

Maybe I should walk away.

And here's the real thing that divides me....

Sometimes it feels like blogging has become less about writing and connecting and relating....

and more about numbers, stats, comments, and alliances.

I'm not innocent.

I've been lost.

I've seen the glitter and wandered towards it.

I've lusted for more.

For other.

And I've often thought,

IT MUST BE MINE.

But, at what cost?

A child?

A home?

A marriage?

A relationship?

A friendship?

Would you shut it all down to save just one of those things?

After lots of prayer,

I know that for now I am not going anywhere.

I am in LOVE with the community that has been created here on my little blog.

I've been given a small garden to be faithful in,

and I will be here tending to it as best I can.

I just have to remember that it needs to be in addition to.

Not in place of.

It can't cost me life.

Or love.

Or relationships.

Or me.

So, I wonder....

where are you with your blogging journey,

{if you do blog...}

and is it costing you more than you thought?

monday muse - mama kat style

I've been doing my best to share the spotlight round here....

you know, by inviting other folks with their own kind of fashion sense to come and partake in le fashion posting.

And this week,

I've asked my beloved BSF,

Mama Kat,

to honor us all with her INCREDIBLE fashion style.

While at first she begged me for fashion advice and styling,

I encouragingly told her...

"No no, sweet lil' Mama Kat, you.

Today is the day YOU shine, my love.

You can do it.

You can!

I believe in you..."

And I think my talk worked.

Because this week, she is WORKING it.

Get out your pens and paper and take notes,

because it will take a lot of studying to look this hot.

~~~~~~~

I was extremely flattered when Summer asked me to guest post on her blog. I've always REALLY been into fashion and have considered starting my own fashion blog, but I've been reluctant to jump on the ball with that. I'd feel kind of bad blowing all the other fashion blogs out of the water and to be honest I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of attention. I've heard paparazzi can be difficult to deal with.

Anywhoooo...when it comes to fashion I like to consider myself a little "ahead of the game"..."shabby chic" if you will. Sure comfort is important, but style is too and I think the two can co-exist. The following photos are just pictures of me on an average day.

There's no reason to spend your days looking frumpy and feeling ugly, when you can sex things up a bit. This outfit is girly, form fitting, and flirtatious. I can complete my usual afternoon tasks, such as vacuuming,

blogging,

apple eating,

and thinking,

while looking trendy and feeling cozy!!

What do you wear when you eat apples and blog and vacuum at your house?

~~~~~~~

I know, I know....you want to lick her, huh?

Well get in line folks, I'm first.

i'm a love machine

{via}

I love love.

And I'm not afraid to admit that I am a sucker for Valentines Day.

This year I'm super excited to make it special for the kids,

so that they grow up knowing that this day doesn't have to be just about couples....

It can be about showing and giving love

to everyone around us....

I not only want to make it special for them,

I want it to become meaningful.

This way there will never be a year that they feel alone.

Because they'll know it's not about them,

and what they have or don't have.

It'll simply be a day that they get another chance to give their love to others.

Happy Valentines Day you guys....

I hope that this day finds you feeling loved and adored.

Because you are.

Especially by me.

Because I heart you.

You complete me.

I mean....

You had me at hello.

Mwa.

{and a special thank you to my valentines day secret pal, Kristen from Kristen's take on life. She sent me the most amazing jewelry, hair clips, and yummy yummy chocolate....which I totally ate minutes after taking it out of the box! Um, I was sick. I needed sugar to live.... But, seriously woman, I so scored. I will totally be rocking my new stuff on a fashion friday soon! Thank you a million!}