Firmoo (Review)

My eyesight is something everyone knows about me... well, the lack of.  I remember being a small child and not being able to see things like everyone else could and feeling embarrassed to admit such things.

While on vacation one year, my mom realized just how much I couldn't see and from that day forward I started my lifelong mission to not only see, but to be fashionable at the same time.

Glasses haven't always been in the variety of style as they are today.  When I was growing up, glasses were still the "uncool" thing to have.  Now, you see people wearing them simply for a fashion statement.

Firmoo is an online website that offers a variety of stylish frames to fit every want and need.  

Firmoo was kind enough to let me choose a style and order them for my own use in exchange for a review on the blog.  I was so thrilled with the case that came along with my glasses.  It's fun and not the same boring black like most cases.

The cleaning cloth was also included inside my case.  It's thin enough to remain tucked in your case all while being there for your cleaning needs when they arise.  These glasses are a great fit on my face and make seeing FUN! 
Firmoo offers are a wide variety of eye wear, including sunglasses.  Go take a look and find what fits your style! 
Thank you, Firmoo, for your time and the great product!

Anjolee: The Art of Jewelry (Review)

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!  Can I first just tell you all how much I have MISSED you and the blogging community?! I've recently changed jobs (same company) but it has left me with hardly any left over "free time" that I wasn't just ready to shower and crash in the bed! But, really I have quite a treat for you today.  A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Anolee Jewelry and offered to review one of their products.  This was honestly one of my favorite reviews to date. The moment I clicked on their website to view their products, I was in love.   I chose to review the EB1007 ETERNITY band for today's post.  I fell in love with it's simple, yet timeless look.                                  I had been looking for awhile for a simple band to wear on my right hand.  This ring has made its self a permanent home and I've received so many compliments.   The ring arrived in a beautiful wooden box with it's on back-light to show off it's beauty.   If you are in the market for a wedding ring set, I encourage you to check out Anjolee jewelry.  Please, take a moment and browse their website. I bet you can even find a great Christmas gift!  Thank you, Anjolee, for allowing me to review your product.

Skinny Spinach Lasanga

Hello, ladies!!  I am so happy to be joining you today with another great recipe link up.  In case you missed it, last month Kenzie and I did our first healthy recipe link-up.  We both had so much that we decided to schedule another post.  And here we are!
This month, unfortunately, the recipe isn't mine.  In fact, it's not even one that I've tried yet.  But the name alone just makes my mouth water.  
Allow me to introduce you to Skinny Spinach Lasagna.  
  
I need this in my life.  Soon. So soon.   :)
That's all folks, back to the real world for me.  Again, thank you for all the support during this SUPER  busy time in my life.  I can't wait to get back into blogging full time!  

Eco Friendly Rug Pads // Review

Disclaimer: I was sent Eco Friendly Rug Pads in exchange for my review. A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Rug Pad Corner to review their rug pads for use in my home.  I was so excited because Brian and I had recently added two new rugs to our living room decor.  

First, we got this great rug on sale at Lowe's in our hometown.  The rug was originally $140.00, but we got it on a super sale for $40!!  I was skeptical of it at first because it was out of my "normal" style. However, the price was amazing, so we bought the rug and brought it home.  After a couple days, I knew the rug was staying right where it was at.  

The second rug we added on vacation this year.  I ran across the beauty at TJ Maxx and even though I didn't know where I wanted the rug to be, I knew I wanted it in my home.  I proudly brought it home, loved the look of it, and then the trouble began.

These pads have made my rug-life so much more enjoyable.  Before the pads, the dogs would move the rugs around as they ran across them.  But now, they can run, roll, jump, etc and there are no movements.

I can only imagine how helpful these will be once we start having kids and there is even more movement in the living room.



And today, you can get a deal for yourself.  Rug Pad Corner is allowing my readers to use the promo code REVIEW15 for a 15% discount off your entire order.  Isn't that fantastic?

Thank you, Rug Pad Corner, for the wonderful high quality rug pad.  I would recommend the company as a great purchase.

Changes.

Changes are necessary in life. But that doesn't mean they aren't scary at times.  I'm not immune to the feeling of uneasiness when it comes to big life changes, but I am in the middle of one right now.
A few of my readers know, but I work in a bank in my hometown. We are in the middle of a merger with another bank, and my hours are getting longer right now.  This is one of those life changes that isn't a bad thing, it's just a new adjustment for me and my schedule.  
Unfortunately, my blog is one of the things that is seeing a lot of changes.  I don't have spare time to read your blogs on a daily basis anymore.  I do still read them, I'm just a few days behind now! And it goes without saying, my posts are getting fewer and farther between. 
I know this isn't a permanent thing because blogging is my passion and a big part of my life.  I love the friendships that have grown out of our community and the opportunities that I've been blessed to receive.  
I just wanted to be upfront and honest with my readers.  I don't want anyone to think I am neglecting my comments or e-mails.  I love my readers and consider you all real friends.  I just am personally drained these days and need some more "down time" than I once needed.  
And this isn't an announcement that I'm giving up blogging.  I'm NOT leaving.  I'm simply spacing my life out a little more.  At the end of the day, I do still have a husband that I owe my time as well. I know you all can understand that and relate.  These are just some of the things we bloggers face from time to time in life.  
So, please, take a little time and say a prayer for me.  Changes are scary, but this change is GOOD for me and my family.  I will find the balance again.  I will be back full-time soon.  I will not leave this wonderful community. I will serve the Lord and let Him handle my life and commitments right now.  
A big THANK YOU for understanding! 

Easy Slow Cooker // Banana Nut Oatmeal

Today, I am pairing blog spaces with the beautiful Kenzie from Life in the Sunshine to bring you some really great recipes.  But, here is the best part of this trade- They are healthy! Finding a healthy balance starts with a good healthy meal.  

When I was deciding what kind of recipe I wanted to share, I knew it was breakfast.  A lot of people think by "skipping" a meal, then they are not consuming more fatty foods.  But the real truth is that avoiding breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for you body and health. By not eating enough, you will leave your body feeling tired and therefore when you do eat, you experience hunger much faster.  Also, eating when you wake up triggers your body to break the "fast" that it's been in during sleep. This is a great opportunity for you to get some vitamins. Another common excuse is "I don't have time" for breakfast between getting kids to school, husbands lunches packed, and not to mention your own string of to do items.  I have the solution for that too.

Original Source

I wish I could say I can take credit for this recipe, but I cannot.  The Lemon Bowl is the owner of this yummy start to the day. 
I, personally, love oatmeal.  It is such a filling, easy, meal.  And the possibilities are endless on all the combinations you can put together.  But this is a good, healthy, boost for the body.  
Besides, you can make this the night before and have an even less stressful morning! Win, Win!
What is one of your go-to healthy meals?

365 Down.

Yesterday, we celebrated.  
Yesterday, we laughed.
Yesterday, we cried. 
Yesterday, we made it to our One Year Anniversary.

  This man has no idea how much I love and care for him.  He rescued me from my own demons.  He breathed life back into my heart.  He loves me unconditionally and stands up for our family.  He works hard for our life and our needs.  He puts everyone above himself.

He shows me what being a real man is all about.  He compliments me, even when I feel ugly.  He hugs me when I need it the most.  He laughs at my stupid jokes.

He brings out the best in me.  He is my best friend.  He is my soul mate.  He is my life.  

He is my happily ever after.  Happy first anniversary, baby! 

Corner Collection

It's launch day at Warby Parker.  Today they introduced us to their newest Corner Collection. 
Here is what Warby Parker had to say about the new line.

A good frame is all about the shape.

The Corner Collection gets its name from our seasonal preoccupation with silhouettes and angles. This time around, we’re experimenting with traditional shapes; think crisp keyhole bridges, sloping brow lines, sharp temples, and straight-edged brow bars in a handsome mix of horn-inspired acetate and stainless steel. Our five new frames—Hutton, Topper, Goodney, Teddy, and Quentin—are totally distinctive and a little bit irreverent.

We didn’t forget color, either. Two new hues, Rhubarb and Quartz, round out an intense palette of autumnal and icy shades, terrific for indoorsy cozy times and leaf-crunching rambles alike. (Even when the temps rise again, they’re still good to go.)

These are three of my favorite designs, but don't take my word for it.  Go check out the collection and pick your own favorites! Be sure and check out their eyeglasses collection, as well as their sunglasses collection.

Give those eyes something to show off! 

October Goals

I am so excited that it is October.  This is my favorite month of the year, and of course, my anniversary month.  I am truly happy to see what God has in store for me during this month.  


o  Create the mandatory sappy wedding anniversary post.
o  Pumpkin patch
o  Decorate the home for Fall
o  Spend more time off the social media wagon.  Life comes first. 


What's on your list this month? I'd love to hear! 

Gone Girl Parody // Book Review

It's no secret that I love books.  I even consider myself a book nerd, so when I was approached by Luke Young to read and review his Gone Girl Parody.

    Since I read and reviewed the original Gone Girl, I was definitely interested in this offer.  But let me warn you, this book is not for the weak at heart or those opposed to a lot of curse words.  Normally, I try to steer away from these type of things in books, but I figured I would give it a shot in order to give an honest review for Mr. Young.    

This was the first parody I've read in awhile, so it took me a few pages to get into the feel of the book.  However, I think Mr. Young did a fantastic job of keeping with the storyline, yet changing what needed to be changed. 

 

There were many parts that I giggled in and some I just sat with my jaw on the floor.  Mr. Young kept the beat alive throughout the book, and it was definitely a page-turner.

 

I want to say thank you to Mr. Young for allowing me to review your book. 

 

You can find Gone Girl Parody: So Far Gone, Girl on Amazon.  You may also find more information about Luke Young on his page.

       

BLOGGER MEN TELL ALL // Vol. 1

 

I'm so excited to be linking up for today's Blogger Men Tell All post.  I love my husband more than anything and I am always thankful that he supports my blogging time.  He has gotten used to my laptop being a obligatory part of our nights.  He even asks me if I'm okay if my blog doesn't show a new post in a few days. 

 

 

He is easily my biggest fan.  I thank God each and every day for bringing this man into my life.

 

 

So, for today's post it's all about him, the Mississippi Mr., answering in his own words.

 

1.  If you had a blog, what would the name be and what would you blog about?
DA MANS CAVE.... and it would be about the things I love to do.   Aka, a lot of talk about videogames/tools/football/etc.

 

2.  If you could live inside any videogame, which would it be?
If I had to "live" inside a video game, it would probably be some kind of sports or hunting game because those are the things I like to do when I can, even though my favorite is Call of Duty.   I do most of the killing there.

Wow, just wow.

 

3. Who is your best player on your fantasy football team this season?
Peyton Manning

 

4. If you could play for any professional sports team, which would it be?
St. Louis Cardinals

 

5. What do you typically do with an hour of free time?
That depends on when and where the time is.  I'm usually watching TV or playing Call of Duty, or sleeping, just like the rest of the guys in the world.

He's right.

Now, wasn't that fun? I love doing blogs that involve Brian.  He's my other half, so he needs to be more present around here.  I'm thinkingwe need to vlog, right ladies?

 

I wore..Maternity Shorts.

NO, I AM NOT PREGNANT.   I wore them because my other shorts were just plain too small.  Sometimes in blog land, bloggers tend to keep a dark shadow over the truth.  And then there's me.  I'm reality.  So, yes, I wore maternity shorts because I have gotten too fat for my regular shorts.  And it's time I do something about it.  

I've always been one of the bigger girls.  I wasn't fat by any means, but I was never, ever skinny.  I don't want to be "skinny" now.  I want to be healthy.  To accomplish this goal, I have to change some things in my life.  I need more exercise, less late night eating, and lots more will power to get all this done.

 

All my life, I've had something going on that helped keep the weight off, even up until last year when I was preparing for my wedding day.  But now, I'm past all that and into my 30's and I think nature is just settling in.  But that's not an excuse. 

 

I want to have children one day and be there for a long time for those children.  I want to be the wife that can actively be at her husband's side helping him instead of coming up with excuses and staying indoors in the air.

 

So, today, I'm changing.  In fact, by the time this posts I will have already gotten out of bed and exercised.  I've figured out that during the day/evening just isn't going to work for me.  I get really lazy once I'm home from work.  That only leaves mornings. 

 

Am I thrilled to start getting up early and walk/run? Heck no.  But my body will thank me.

 

 

So, ladies, cheer me on.  Pray for me.  Encourage me, if you will.  It's time for a life changing moment. 

Oh, hey Friday!

Top 5 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

 

o Anniversary pictures next week.  I can't believe that Brian and I have been married almost a year! Married life is even more special than I dreamed and prayed it would be for us.  I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in all the coming years. 

 

 

o Cozy sweaters.  All during the summer, I've been cleaning out Kohl's clearance racks of sweaters.  They were all $5/each and I could not let a deal like that pass.  Now with the temps starting to cool down, I'm anxiously awaiting wearing them!

 

o Coffee.  Anyone who knows me a little, knows I adore a cup of coffee.  Going right along with those big comfortable sweaters is a great cup of coffee and a book.  Fall brings out so many new flavors to try in your coffee.  And don't kill me for this, but a Pumpkin Spice Latte is NOT on my order list.  I'm not a fan of pumpkin.  Sorry.

 

o Good Books sometimes get made into movies.  Earlier, I reviewed Gone Girl and loved it.  Coming to theaters on October 3 is the movie release.  Normally, a movie cannot light a fire to the book, but Ben Affleck is starring in this film.  That's a win, win for me!

 

I'm also going to participate in my sweet blog friend's #OperationReadYourShelves challenge.  Go visit Lauren's blog, 34 Magnolia Street, for more information.

 

 

 o Booties.  Lately, I've been eyeing some totally cute booties for the upcoming fall/winter.  I can't wait to finally wear the one's I've let slip into my shopping bag! ;)  Are you going to be wearing booties these year?! I would love to hear your opinion! I am thinking I will wear them with leggings, dresses, and skinny jeans. 

HAPPY FRIDAY!

 

   

Wednesday Word // Encouragement.



What has God taught you about encouraging others in the blog world / real world?
 



Whew! Can I start with that?!  First, let me address the "What has God taught you" portion of the sentence.  God has taught me SO many things, but and foremost God has taught me to trust Him in every situation.  Lately, I've found myself in the dark on so many decisions / events in life and I've left my full trust in His care.  And I feel wonderful.  I feel encouraged. 

 

 

So, what has He taught me about encouraging others?  It is vital.  It is as necessary as taking the next breath of life.  Without Him, we are dying and going to hell.  Living a good life doesn't give you that automatic pass into Heaven's gates.  We have to earn our keep and God is there pushing us the entire way.
 

o "It's scary."  You are dang right it's scary.  Don't you think God knows you are scared and shy to stand up for Him?  He is challenging you, friend.

 

 

o "I don't know what to say."  None of us do.  God will provide the words, you provide the source.

 

 

o "I don't know enough to tell anyone else."  Honestly, this is the one that gets me the most.  For a long time I feared that I didn't have all the answers for a lost soul.  And then God smacked me in the face and I realized I'll never have ALL the answers.  That's why he wants all His children to come to Him.  He is our safe-house. 

 

 

STOP making excuses.  Get out there and tell a friend / family member about God's love for you and I.  We are His children.  And I for one want all my loved ones with me one day when we are walking into those pearly gates. 

 

 

So, to answer the prompt, God has taught me to be ME.  He has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and not feel ashamed by it.  He has taught me that He is my Father and will be there for me and you in every situation in life.  He has taught me to pray, and pray hard, for our world and our brothers. 
 

God has taught me encouragement and He has shown me encouragement.

 

 

What has He taught you? 

I Am...

Boo! I'm traveling in blog-land today.  Come check over at Kelli's blog and see what I have to say... :)  

Fall Fashion List

Fall is approaching.  That means that it's time to dust off your boots and pull out your big slouchy sweaters!  My entire life I've been dedicated to Summer being my favorite season; however, the last few years have completely changed my mind.  Bring on Fall! 

With that said, that meas I get to wear my dark skinny jeans, riding boots, and large comfy sweaters and it's totally cute and acceptable!  Win, Win! 

With any good outfit in my book, that means pairing it with some type of leopard and one of my Michael Kors bags. 

What's on your Fashion Fall must have list?

Garage Sale Friday!

Hi, I'm Kayla, and as you read this I am currently probably digging in boxes looking for a good deal.  I'm cool like that.  Why? You ask... Well because today is...

COUNTRYWOOD YARD SALE!!!!!

This is what it looks like in there, seriously.

So, therefore, I'm in Memphis today and I'm finding steals (at least I hope I am!)  I'll be back next week, loves! 

PS. If you are going to be here too, look me up! Let's junk crawl together!

 

Today is....

...what I still like to call our anniversary.  

Happy "dating" anniversary, love!  The real one isn't far off now!