I love doing those “Ask me Anything” prompts on IG. But I wanted to try something different and put it on the blog. My kids are (shockingly!) still sleeping this morning. So we’ll see how this goes…
Are you going to have more babies? Haha, I actually got this question three times. Even though it’s been almost one year since this post, I can still say I feel pretty much the same. I’d be thrilled if it happens, but I have to say, I love our life now.
Where are your earrings from? They are ShopLilyAnne … my cute girlfriends shop in Atlanta! She is restocking these today, so keep your eyes peeled.
What is the curling iron you use and love? I am a sucker for all Kristen Ess products, and her tutorials… so no surprise here, I love her pivoting wand curling iron.
You seem to be such a thoughtful shopper/spender. How do you stay disciplined? Thank you! I really try hard in this area of my life. I totally believe that it’s not about the $ you spend, but the thought that goes into it. I think working ahead helps a lot – buying things months in advance when you find a good deal does too. I am not an organized person in general, but I do have a gift calendar on google docs. It has who I am buying for that month, what I bought them or ideas, and how much I plan to spend/spent.
Can you post more about teaching your boys spanish?! I love it! Yes! My husband is spanish speaking and I’ve always admired how languages come so easy to him. It’s always been a desire for our children to speak spanish. So much so that I have seriously considered a spanish speaking au pair. I have a few girlfriends who are hosting spanish speaking au pairs, and they have loved the program. I get to reap the benefit of it when I’m with them (: I have seriously considered it, but I don’t think I would have the best boundaries. Plus being an introvert, I don’t know how I could sustain feeling the need to be on all of the time. Which is just who I am, when someone is staying at my house. BUT I am amazed at how the kids just seamlessly go from spanish to english, no problem. Plus, another person loving your child is always a huge bonus.
JB speaks spanish to them in the morning while he is driving to drop them off, we changed netflix to a spanish speaking kids channel, and they take spanish three times a week in school. They do take Mandarin twice a week, and I believe in first grade they pick one over the other. I also have dvds in the car, for long drives. There are lots of little pim, that’s included with Prime subscription too.
We are traveling to three spanish speaking countries this year with them. First up is Costa Rica, then Panama for spring break, and then our month in Spain in July. I think this is probably where they will learn the most. They will go to school in Spain for 3 and a half hours during the week, and the set up is half music half lessons appropriate for their ages. We are also looking into doing some surf lessons for a few afternoons for them too.
Anyway this was long winded, but I just think learning a language from a young age will be a blessing for them. I get excited thinking about how it will be a bridge for future friendships or relationships.
When decorating your home, what are the splurge categories and what are the save categories? I think the only thing we have really splurged on are the restoration hardware leather couches. We have taken our time buying things for our house, and try to focus on classic items. I like to update things with accessories if I want to bring in a trend in. I love shopping at consignment or thrift stores for unique pieces. I scour Craigslist for bigger items. That’s how I found our wrought iron crib for a steal! I’ve found a ton of great lighting at RH baby and child! Which has saved money I think.
Favorite kid friendly resort/vacation in Florida or Caribbean?
Florida: I love Boca Grande, Anna Maria Island, or Amelia Island.
Caribbean: Nevis, Turks and Caicos, and Mexico. We honeymooned in Dominican Republic, and I still think the people of the DR are the sweetest and most hospitable – I’ve been wanting to visit Casa De Campos with the kids.
What is a reasonable amount to ask people to spend for a bachelorette weekend? Oh this is so tough! Take into account flights, meals, lodging. Do you want everyone to have the opportunity to go? It also depends, are you right out of college, or can people spend more these days? I will never forget going on my bachelorette (which was to New Orleans) and ending up at our dinner reservation to realize it was pre-fixe, and each person was supposed to pay over $100. I was 25 and in grad school, and most of my friends were that age or younger. So I felt physically sick to my stomach. We did end up getting them to let us just order off the menu. But if I had to do it all over again, I would go to less fancy restaurants and go to more low key dives with my gfs. The time together with no big $ pressure for anyone is what is the best I think. We probably slept 6 to a room on this too, so hotel costs weren’t bad at all. Now? I wouldn’t sleep six to a room. Now, I’d also be up for going somewhere crazy like Marrakesh with my girlfriend. But I’d want to definitely suss out deals the whole trip. So, it’s allll relative.
I’m starting to find I’m getting wrinkles on my face. Any skincare suggestions? I am a BIG drunk elephant skincare fanatic. I just added their new Retin-A, and I’ve gone slow … just once a week for going on three weeks total. It’s the first retin-a my skin has tolerated, and it does seem to help with fine lines. Truthfully, this will most likely be the year I try botox. I will let y’all know when I do. I do not get the veil of secrecy around botox lol.
I use the same eye mask you use, do you reuse them? I have before. I just put them back in the little wrapper where the excess is, and put it in a ziploc in the fridge.
Disney birthday tips? Taking our soon to be 5 year old next week for the first time. Get a button as soon as you enter the park – at guest services. If you are staying on property you can get one on check in. Have him wear it his whole time there. Every restaurant, let them know it’s his birthday. You may get a special treat, an autographed birthday card (if dining at a character meal), or some other surprise.
What do you use to whiten your teeth? I got this a couple times from this post, and it reminded me I really need to do more crest white strips. ha. I used two the previous weekend before shans wedding. I use the gentle routine from crest.
What’s your best advice for remaining joyful? starting my day with devotionals and prayers, focusing on the bigger picture when I am discouraged. Also the question of “is this the end of the world?” and realizing “this could be SO much worse” when I’m in a tough spot is helpful. I am forever grateful for having been through a near death experience, and how that has shaped my perspective.
Outfit details? I will share this full look on the blog, but the shirt was Old Navy. (:
How is whole 30 round two going? I did 17 days, and parted ways for Shannon’s wedding. This was my plan all along. So it was more like a whole30 mini reset. But after the wedding and disney, I hopped back on. Just trying to live like that more often than not. I feel like a teen when I’m on it. Wake up feeling so ready for the day!
Favorite face moisturizer? I love protini still, and just started with supergoops new moisturizer SPF. But I don’t think I will rebuy it, feels too much like SPF to me. I prefer the unseen sunscreen.I wear the protini and the spf every day regardless of it I wear make up or not.
Should I do mickey not so scary party with a 2 year old? I didn’t take Wesley when he was two, and waited until he was three and could hang in there longer at night. I feel like for you and your child to really enjoy it 3 or 4 may be a better age to start going. Plus the added expense really adds up… especially if she/he is sleeping for a big portion of it!
potty training tips: Both boys were 2.5 when they were potty trained. I did the same thing with both boys. Here’s an old post where I went into more detail.
Health and beauty daily faves? From toothpaste to face wash. I love alternating the two DE face bars. I think this trial size lasts a long time, and its a good way to see if it is right for your skin. For toothpaste I love this organic one that also whitens your teeth naturally. I have it on my list to expand more on this in a post, and it’s coming!
What are you wearing for lipstick here? It’s Bite beauty lip crayon in Molasses. I love this brand because even though this is matte, it’s still hydrating. And I need that on my cracking lips!
… and now my kids are awake! Will have to finish another time. If you have more questions, leave them in the comments or email me!
