Friday!

Hey ladies... long time no see! If you caught my post last week you're aware of why I've been a bit absent around these parts over the last few months. Since my last post, I had all intentions of jumping back onto the blog train but let's be real, wifing, moming, and working is a full time gig. Trying to juggle it along with Cupcakes and Confetti has been quite amusing here lately. But since today is a workday at my day job, I found a few free minutes to join in for the usual 5 on Friday. 

{One} The Magnolia Story

It's no secret Chip and Joanna Gaines are my favorite power couple. They're seriously the cutest couple ever and their designs are amazing. I mean for real, give me all of the shiplap, concrete counter tops, and mixed metals. If you love them as much as I do, then you better get to your closest Barnes and Nobles and grab their book. It's amazing and I can't put it down. I've seriously stayed up until 9:30 each night trying to read it... and for a mama going to bed at 8 each night exhausted, that's saying something (;

{Two} The Iphone Debate

I'm struggling guys. I had no intentions of upgrading my phone anytime soon because having the latest and greatest iphone really isn't that big of a deal to me anymore. However, over the last few weeks, my phone has been messing up. Anyone else find it ironic that your phone starts giving you problems when a new model comes out? It seems to happen every time. But that's a story for a different day. Anyways, back to the debate. I've been to the store several times now trying to decide on a new iphone but I'm torn between the Iphone 7 or the Iphone 7 plus. The plus seems so huge to me after having the regular 6 but the camera is amazing and considering I use my phone so often for browsing the internet, I'm kind of loving it despite it's large size. Yet, being a mom, my phone always ends up in my back pocket so I'm a little worried about it being so big. Thoughts? Who has the regular? Who has the plus? Hit me with your best shot. 
{Three} The Elves are Taking Over! I have a few pesky little elves that are taking over our house at the current moment. Our business puts together Elf Activity Kits for those cute little Elf on the Shelf elves. The kits include pre-planned antics for the elves from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas day. This year we took pre-orders for these kits in hopes of making it easier on us but they're selling left and right each day and currently, there isn't enough time in the day to keep up. So this seems to be the permanent look of my dining room these days. 

{Four} Christmas Present Problems Speaking of elves, let's talk about Christmas for a minute. Is anyone else having trouble figuring out what to get your kids for Christmas? Boston's Christmas list is done. We've purchased everything he's getting, but haven't made the first purchase for Harper doodle. We took her to Target yesterday to wander the aisles and pick out presents for Santa to bring her but other than a few little things, she didn't really want much. While on one hand my mama heart is so proud that she is a minimalist, the other is frustrated as I can't give one kid a big Christmas and not give the other. So suggestions on gifts for a three and a half year old?
{Five} Disney Countdown The countdown is officially on. We leave for Disney World in just 10 days and I am so, so, so excited. Every day Harper wakes up talking about Disney. We discuss what all she's taking, who all is going, etc. I can not wait to see her face when she arrives. I'm so excited that I may or may not have already started packing! 

On Being Content and Thankful

Good morning, ladies! I'm not sure how many of you are still around after I took a two month long break from blogging. But it's a break I was in desperate need of. You see, a few months back I stumbled across a quote that resonated with me. 

"The reason people struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel."

In the world of social media, this quote couldn't be more true.  Over the last several years, I've spent countless hours a day staring at a screen. Hours have been wasted scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest wishing I had this or looked like that. All the while never realizing I was growing more and more discontent with the things in front of me. The very things I once prayed earnestly for or wished I had. But thankfully God got a hold of me and opened my eyes so that I could see how misguided my vision had become.

Over the last few months I've taken time to step back and re-evaluate. I stopped blogging, stopped reading blogs, spent less time on social media, stopped posting as often on my own social media accounts, and tried to regain focus. I'll be honest. It wasn't easy. It's hard breaking habits you've had for years. But it was worth it.

Over the last few months, God's helped me to have a life of more contentment and taught me how to be more appreciative of the things in front of me.  I've learned to not look at my closet each morning and say, "I have nothing to wear" but instead look for ways to reinvent the outfits I do have. I've learned that I don't need to have a new home to have the home I want but instead I can renovate and redecorate the one we have to make it look more like the home I envision. I've learned to cook new recipes in an effort to save money and in turn enjoy dinners around the table with family and friends. I've learned to say no to frivolous spending and in turn invest money in things that matter like family outings and vacations. But most of all, I'm learning to love the life that God gave me. The one that isn't so picture perfect or blog worthy; the one filled with anxiety, arguments, meltdowns and chaos. The one that speaks truth and doesn't just showcase the picture perfect reality.

So from here on out ladies, this blog is about to get real...