september favorites.

On September 26, 2019 By okaytobeshayLeave a comment

autumn has arrived and october is basically here. spooky season is well upon us.

that means it’s time to get all cozy under some fuzzy blankets and leave the windows open.

but first, let’s take a step back and reflect on what i’ve been loving these past couple of months…

i’ve used groovebook’s app for well over a year now and still have yet to be disappointed by it’s service.

simply put, it’s an app that allows you to choose up to 100 photos a month from your phone and print them in a book. they’re shipped directly to you and for only $3.99 a month.

interested in trying it out? you can find more about it here. you can use my code: GOODWIN5000 for a free book!

walmart grocery pickup

one word…genius. a mother must have invented the idea of grocery pickup service; one that was exhausted of dragging their kids though the stores and long lines.

i honestly haven’t stepped into a grocery store to do my bi-weekly grocery haul in months. what’s easier than ordering what you need online throughout the week, driving up to the store when it’s your time for pick-up, and someone loading your car with all your groceries? and for FREE!

seriously. do it. and while you’re at it, use my code: http://r.wmt.co/v/Shayla_1 to save $10 your first order.

magnetic eyeline & eyelashes

i wanted to try them out and see what the hype was all about. i’ve worn them for a few days now and have zero complaints. they stay on all day, they don’t irritate my skin, and they’re super affordable.

i found mine here on amazon and love them!

ellen tracy lipstick

need some new lipstick that is super pigmented and great for fall. get these!

a set of four for under $10, you can’t beat that!

fall favorites 2019.

On September 12, 2019 By okaytobeshayLeave a comment

the day the calendar flipped to september, i was ready to decorate for fall. this season is my absolute favorite…the crisp autumn breeze, cozy sweaters, football; how can you not love it?!

i decided to celebrate the beginning of my favorite season by sharing some of my favorite fall items with you that can all be found on amazon.

this hat has fall written all over it. it’s adjustable and comes in multiple colors. these are one of my favorite fall staples.

a chunky blanket scarf is a fall closet necessity. this one is super affordable and comes in multiple color combinations.

you can’t go wrong with fall-scented soaps and this bundle of 5 from bath and body works on amazon is a steal. the marshmallow pumpkin latte scented is one of my girls and i’s favorites.

i love fall decor, especially when you can tie in some fun buffalo check patterns. this cute table runner is a must and the best part is it’s under $10!

what’s fall without a cute blanket to snuggle into? this one’s plaid pattern will match all decor and keep you nice and warm.

what are some of your favorite fall items?

a photo journal – summer 19

On September 11, 2019 By okaytobeshayLeave a comment

the summer of 2019 is officially over for me as my girls have started back up with school. this summer had its lows, it’s highs. and everything in between. but looking back at all the pictures that i’ll be sharing in this post, it was the best summer of my life.

so many life changes occurred, so many new adventures, but i smiled more than i ever have before. this summer is one i’m definitely going to miss.

throughout this post i’m going to be sharing lots of photos from this summer and telling you all about the things i did.

that being said, this was my summer of 2019.

i brought in the very beginning of summer by turning 30. i struggled with the idea of turning thirty so much, but it truly has been the best year of my life thus far. being thirty, i see a woman who has grown and changed so significantly. i can see a shift in my confidence, my purpose, my passions. most importantly i see a woman who has learned the importance of patience, kindness, an open heart, and love. i love this chapter of thirty so much.

i got to celebrate my thirtieth at one of my favorite places with one of my favorite people. cubbies, beer, and dancing; truly my best birthday yet.

my girls got to come to my work for “bring your child to work day”. they got to see a day in the life of what i do and enjoyed it so much. i love working for a company that offers so much to their employees and their families.

i got the opportunity to travel to austin for work and made a little getaway out of it. the whole experience was amazing and if you haven’t been to austin, i’d highly recommend it. i can’t wait to go back!

i’ve never been kayak fishing and jumped at the chance to go one day this summer with my dad. we didn’t catch anything, but it surely was relaxing and memories that i’ll have forever with him.

our family reunion took place this summer in missouri. we only get together for it every five years, so it was something we were all really looking forward to. i’m already looking forward to the next one and seeing everyone together again.

we celebrated kaylei turning 11 with our closest friends and family. she enjoyed her ‘art’ party and sure got spoiled.

we spent a weekend up in minneapolis to catch a preseason game of the vikings. if you’ve never been to an nfl game, go! the whole experience was so surreal and something i already want to do again. and to set the record straight…i’m still a bear’s fan.

and lastly, i moved. new town, new adventures. and boy, am i sure excited to write this chapter.

first day of school interviews (2019).

On August 27, 2019 By okaytobeshayLeave a comment

just like every august, we’ve done everything we need to do: gathered new school supplies, spiffed up the school wardrobe… however, this year was a little different for my girls as they both started new schools in a new district. this year we ventured to roscoe; a new elementary school and dare i say it…middle school.

i think i was more nervous than they were…but they were so ready, so confident. this momma was proud of them, pulling back their hair, laughing their crazy laughs, and most importantly just being themselves on their first day at their new schools. i am so looking forward to watching more of them and the lessons that they learn – both in school and in life. Roscoe, we’re ready for you!

my girls started sixth and second grade this year. we kicked off the new year with some of our typical “first day of school photos”.

and just like previous years, we made sure to do our first day of school “interviews”.

i asked both of my girls these questions and i thought i’d share with all of you:

Kaylei

name: kaylei
age: 11
grade and teacher: 6th – mr. lovgren
what i want to be when i grow up: recruiter
favorite color: yellow
favorite movie: san andreas
favorite place to be: at starbucks
favorite food: frozen yogurt
favorite subject in school: math
what do you love: my family

Mahkena

name: mahkena
age: 7
grade and teacher: 2nd – mrs. binning
what i want to be when i grow up: a starbucks employee
favorite color: pink
favorite movie: home alone
favorite place to be: at target
favorite food: candy
favorite subject in school: art
what do you love: dogs

“say yes to one more book, one more hug, one more kiss goodnight, tuck them in and snuggle them tight. one day you will tuck them in and they’ll be grown. they will smile and tell you they can do it on their own.”

july snapshots.

On August 6, 2019August 6, 2019 By okaytobeshay1 Comment

i thought the summer was never going to get here, and now that it’s here, it’s almost already gone. summer is f l y i n g!

this month was busy with making new memories and here are just a few photos i took to capture my july.

this year’s 4th of july included lots of water fights and giggles.

time to thin out and re-pot on of mahkena’s succulents. this one she knew exactly who she wanted to give it to.

pops trusted us with his baby for a few days while he went on vacation.

the girls ended their yearly fundraiser and donated over $800! beyond proud of them.

lots of time by the blowup pools this month.

A letter to my daughter on her 11th birthday.

On July 30, 2019August 6, 2019 By okaytobeshayLeave a comment

11 years old. Wow. Time sure has flown by my little lady.

I can still picture the moment that you were born and placed in to my arms for the very first time.

I can still picture you as a toddler, that constant energy that had this mom always on her toes.

And now you’ll be heading to middle school, and that right there is so hard to fathom. But I have zero worries that you will do so great, your drive to learn and do your best is something I’ll always admire.

I have it all memorized, the curve of your nose, that sweetness in your smile. But I’ve noticed that you’ve grown; that you’ve gotten older. That ounce of teenager ready to come out from under the surface.

In the past year, my shy Kaylei-bug has morphed in to one independent, proud-to-stand-tall girl, more so than I ever would have dreamed. You are both confident and stubborn, intelligent and silly, strong and beautiful, kind and curious, but you know that there is still so much more to learn.

I’d love to think that I could place a permanent hold on who you are at this very moment….the silly giggles, the small tantrums, the hormones just beginning to debut, but I know that would be selfish and you are meant to continue growing, adventuring in to the young girl and then eventually the young woman you will become. Each little step you are taking along the way is helping you build the character that would help you embrace adulthood. I’m the luckiest to be able to witness it, to learn from you and to be there holding your hand along the way.

You have brought me immeasurable joy in the last eleven years and I can’t wait to see what this new year will bring. Eleven years ago, I held you for the very first time and began to learn who you were. I’m so incredibly proud of you Kaylei-bug.

Happy 11th birthday!

I love you. To the moon and back.

Your perfectly, imperfect mother.

amazon prime day favorites.

On July 15, 2019 By okaytobeshayLeave a comment

amazon prime day starts today…it’s like the black friday of summer.

this year it’s a two day event to shop some of amazon’s favorite products at really great prices. as long as you have an amazon prime account, you’ll be all set to save!

i threw together a quick list of some of my absolute favorite amazon finds that are participating in the amazon prime day deals below.

things go quickly, so word of advice? don’t wait.

i swear by this travel makeup case. it’s light-weight, super durable, and you can’t beat the price.

need some fun earrings? check these out. so many color options to choose from and under $10!

if you need new tennis shoes, i’d highly recommend getting these adidas running shoes. they’re super comfortable, light-weight, and come in so many color/style options.

if you’re in the market for a portable charger, for the price, you can’t go wrong with this one. i buy a lot of charging products from this brand and have had zero complaints.

this might be my favorite purchase ever. if you have kids or even just for yourself, you NEED a wet brush. this is a great deal; two for the price of one.