Image by Allison Kuhn Photography
I’ve been a little MIA lately! To be completely honest, 2017 was a blur year for me. I worked – a lot, managed a growing team (doubled in size since 2016), clients, doing the backend of the business (payroll, contracts, bookkeeping) and tried my hardest to raise two children and give my husband the attention that he needed. I put a lot of what makes me on the back-burner (somewhat expected!), including my health, working out (which has always been a big part of what makes me happy) and my blog. What I regret the most about last year was how I didn’t live in the moment. Which, I get it, it’s hard to soak up every moment and be present… it’s part of life; it’s part of motherhood, it’s part of having a career. I feel as though I failed in so many ways though. I was overwhelmed.
These are all GOOD “problems” to have, but at times… it shook me to the core.
I sat down on January 1st to write a recap about 2017 and what my goals were (are!) as we moved into the new 2018 year! I never hit publish. While I always share my pure, raw, honest feelings, I had a hard time releasing that post in fear that it was too much. As many beautiful moments 2017 blessed our family with; there were still some hard times, some learning curves and challenges along the way. My “grey areas” are probably insignificant in today’s world and compared to the battles that others are facing.
My word that I’ve committed to in 2018 is “presence.” I’m trying my best to live in the present moment. Saying “yes” to things that bring my family, the business and my life joy. More joy, less hustle, less always being connected.
Anyways, that explains the little break that I took in blog-land. While I love this small outlet of mine, I’ve been extremely busy with engagement booking season, a workshop that I hosted with two amazing ladies, wrapping up the business side of things for 2017 and the kiddos… which left me little to no time to blog.
Many of you reached out to me through Instagram and said that you always look forward to my yearly recaps and my goals for the new year. I really appreciate your kind words.
Just to catch you up… here’s a LONG life lately post – picture heavy and a little boring! Xo.
I ordered this adorable jumpsuit (under $40) and sneakers from Old Navy and LOVE them! I’m wearing a size Small. I wore it the other day with this denim jacket since it’s still chilly. I also ordered this chambray jumpsuit.
Here are some additional items that I’m loving and a few that I ordered.
Here’s another view of my jumpsuit at Sarah Catherine’s gorgeous studio!
Our kitchen table has been converted to Henry’s puzzle table. This child will sit at the table for hours putting the pieces together of a puzzle. I love watching his little mind work.
Olive made a little appearance in the Bella Tunno catalog and they’re offering 15% off to all of my readers. Code: LOVEBEPRETTY15 – included in that promotion is the Boss Bag Tote (my diaper bag).
Thankful that the viruses have been out of our home for two weeks. It was a rough stretch there with sick kiddos.
Green Goddess salad dressing from Trader Joes is LIFE! Healthy and vegan too… 20 calories, 1 carb and 0 sugars. I hate avocado, but love this dressing. I’ve been using it to dip my raw veggies in. I also added it over chicken and zoodles.
My sweet girl! Growing by the second and my heart can’t handle it… I want another… but the thought of three kiddos scares the life out of me, so I’ll stick with two.
Llama Rocker | Roman Shades | Window Panels | Rug (sim.) | Dresser | Palm Print | Hummingbird Print
Products that are on REPEAT in my makeup bag! If you follow me on Instagram, under my highlight reel I’ve saved a full makeup tutorial using these products.
Powder | Shadow Palette | Gloss Color Kanani | Blending Brush $7 | Contour Stick
I go to Trader Joes every two weeks to stock up on the essentials and when I’m there I always get fresh flowers. Their spray roses are $4.99 a bunch (shown is an entire bunch) and they’ll last me FOREVER!
Last month we hosted our first series of business growth courses. It was a project that has been in the works for months, so it was pretty amazing to watch it come to life. More to come on this topic… 😉
These two. He drives her CRAZY, but they love each other hard. And it’s my favorite thing to witness.
Doing beauty for the gorgeous owner of Lily Greenthumbs!
Loving the Buxom lip glosses/ plumper at the moment!
From left – Color: Gabby | Color: Kanani
What life in our house looks like… puzzles and roller skates.
New obsession – Fit Atelier!
Almost two months late… but I had their well-checks last week. Eight shots later, btw!
I posted this image on Instagram last week… after his four year old shots, he just needed mommy time, but I had to work. Here’s what the caption read:
“Motherhood has taught me a lot about dry shampoo, coffee, unconditional love, the importance of a root touch up every six weeks because – GREY, patience, that stains happen and #shovethatshiz. It’s taught me to listen to my own advice, that there is no right way, and sometimes messiness means you’re doing just fine! Today, motherhood taught me to embrace a little interruption in the workday, and it was pretty darn sweet. Best assistant I’ve ever had!”
During our car drive home, Henry asked if he could come to my “work” everyday. “Your work is so cool, Mommy.” – Henry.
He also fell madly in love with our gorgeous model.
It’s not often that my sidekick isn’t in a costume! Age four has been game changer for us and I heard that it would be. I love hanging out with him!
I posted this image this week to Instagram Stories saying that I’m not ready to give up the bottle snuggles just yet. Olive is now 13 months and I’m still giving her a bottle (6oz) twice a day. With Henry, I went by the “books” for everything. The bottle was out the window the night before he turned one… I’ll never forget rocking him that night and sobbing my eyes out.
Knowing that Olive is our last, I’m prolonging a few things… like the bottle. We’ll be off of it soon and the majority of the time, she’s not interested in drinking too much of the milk from it… but I selfishly am not ready to box the bottles up.
Our favorite sleep sack (they have cute boy patterns too). I’ve been talking about this one for awhile now and she started in it around 6 months. Keeps her nice and cozy. Is there anything cuter than a sleeping babe?
Hair Before
Hair After
I’ve been sharing several makeup and hair tutorials in my Instagram Stories. If you visit my Instagram profile, I’ve saved them all under my highlight reel.
Here are the hair products that I’m loving at the moment.
I refer to this little “hold” as the rag doll!
Another day, another hour, another costume! Oh, and these are the BEST toy baskets. I have two under our coffee table, but just ordered a third.
I took this picture of Olive yesterday morning… I couldn’t get over what a big girl she looked like.
We celebrated my sisters birthday a few weekends ago and Henry (and mommy) made a cake. I asked Henry what kind of cake he wanted to make Aunt Lex and he just said purple… shrugged his shoulders and went on with his little Henry self.
A few days later when we started the baking process he explained to me that it was going to be the perfect Princess Poppy cake (Trolls)… he then submerged his troll into he middle of the cake. LITTLE PEOPLE! So funny!
I created a Be Pretty Instagram page and would love to have you follow our team along! 🙂 We post all things beauty related! @beprettycharlotte
Today’s weather was perfect for a late afternoon park date!
My emotional hubby cries all.the.time with Olive… it’s sweet, but I also want to insert the emoji with the girl and her hand on her forehead. You get my point 😉
These two… growing up so fast! Seriously, what will I post about once they’re grown?!
A few weeks ago I shared a Friday introduction on Instagram… if you’re new to my space, you can learn a little bit more about me here. Photo by: Paige Winn Photo
Gosh your babies are beautiful! And so are you!!! I miss you!