Low-Cal Oreo Milkshake #SweetNLowStars

I made my Sweet’N Low milkshake as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #SweetNLowStars. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

I know summer is just about over (Yay fall!), but I love my milkshakes all year long. I’m not a big plain ice cream in a bowl eater but hand me a milkshake and watch me go HAM! Milkshakes at restaurants don’t have my best interests or waistline at heart. I was challenged with the task of making my own low-cal milkshake that will satisfy cravings and save my closet at the same time. Using Sweet’N Low, I created the guilt free Oreo milkshake!

September Issue Fashion Inspiration

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, InStyle, Vogue and Elle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #inspirefallfashion  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

September is the month of fashion finals.  New York Fashion Week is going on and the September mags hit the stands.  In late July, I start to fiend for the September issues.  September issues provide so much inspiration for the upcoming fall and winter season.  If I miss the September issues, I won't be ready for fall.  After studying my September issues of InStyle, Vogue and Elle Magazine, I was inspired to put together this fall look.

Low-Cal Strawberry Amaretto Freeze #SweetNLowStars

This week I made my Sweet’N Low Strawberry Amaretto Freeze as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #SweetNLowStars.

I may be on journey to loose a few several pounds but I won’t be giving up my “mommy” drinks for nobody.  I conveniently forget that the most delicious cocktails are packed with sugar.  My so-called solution is drink water all day and save my calories for cocktails.  That sounded like a plan but I was still consuming way too much sugar.  I knew there was a better way.  I created my first guilt-free, low carb drink using Sweet’NLow.

My Motivation for Grinding #McCafeGrind

This post is brought to you by McDonald’s®. I have partnered with them to spread the word about McCafé® Coffee.

People don’t grind for no reason at all.  No one just wakes up and say, I’m going to “Go hard today” with no motivation behind it.  Yeah, we got bills to pay, gotta keep the lights on and eat.  But what is the real motivation?  I could easily say Peyton motivates me to keep grinding.  She does motivate me to a certain extent, because I want her to have the best life possible.  But person that motivates me the most is my Mom. 

Welcome to Spring #AladdinParty

Regardless of the weather, Spring is here!  Before you know it, it will be summer, than back to school.  Work and events can get in the way of connecting with friends.  I was happy to take the time out to host a Welcome to spring party with a few of my girlfriends featuring the new Aladdin Mason collection.  

Beach Ready Without Working Out #TENways

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think it’s safe to say that spring has arrived.  I’m about to head to the beach and I’m not ready!  I need at least 30 days to get my life together, eat better and work out.  I was doing well with my weight loss plan earlier this year.  I lost weight but the snow storms came, stores were closed and I ate whatever I could get my hands on.  

Don't laugh at my big bathing suit bottom. 

Peyton’s Favorite Snacks: The Good Bad & Ugly

I’m amazed by how picky and opinionated kids can be about what they eat.   When I introduce a new healthy snack, I feel like I’m walking into my boss’s office to ask for a raise.  Not really, but almost.  It’s either yay or nay with this little one.  Mostly nay.   When I was a kid, I was happy to get any snack offered to me. 

Daddy Shopaholic: Hanes for Him

Healthy Living with Simply Balanced

Listening to the news and watching the Doctor shows, you don’t know what is safe to eat any more.  I want to make sure Peyton is on the right track to healthy living but who can keep up.  I also need for the foods that we eat to be simple to prepare.  Target has just made eating healthier very simple! Target recently introduced Simply Balanced, a wellness grocery brand.  

Tips for Snacking on the Go with Mott's

You never think about how important it is to have snacks readily available until you have a child.   Leaving the house with out snack is the main ingredient for a disastrous outing.  Ever been at the mall a little longer than expected right before lunch or dinner? Or, attend a birthday party where they only serve cake?  When this happens you end up feeding your child fast food options.  I would rather save that option for emergency (or lazy) situations. 

#BagLadiesLive at #Blogalicious5

Today kicks off the 5th annual Blogalicious Conference!  This year the conference is being held in Atlanta!  WooHoo!  I didn't have to travel ($$$)!  This isn't my first Blogalicious rodeo!  I went two years ago when the conference was held in DC.  I wasn't even a year into blogging when I went but I made some of my greatest connections there.  One of the connections I made was with Bag Ladies Radio creator and producer, Erin.  Since meeting Erin two years ago, I'm now one of her co-host for the Bag Ladies Radio show.  Meeting Erin, led to me meeting my bloggy BFF Danielle from The Style and Beauty Doctor, who was co-hosting the show when I came on as a guest.  See how Gawd works?  I'm telling you guys this story to say that Bag Ladies Radio will be LIVE at Blogalicious 5!

Bag Ladies Radio is the official social media partner for this years Blogalicious!  During the Blogalicious conference the Bag Ladies Radio Team will be hosting a fabulous suite sponsored by EDEN Body Works, FabKids, Lulu*s and Flat Out of Heels.  We will dishing on the fashion scene, speakers, recaps and GIVEAWAYS!  Follow us on twitter with the hashtag #BagLadiesLive and @BabyShopa, @BagLadiesRadio @StyleNBeautyDoc.

I'm looking forward to seeing "old" internet buddies and meeting new ones!  Are you heading to Blogalicious?  Make sure you stop by our suite! 



This post is sponsored by the Bag Ladies Radio suite sponsors.

Celebrate Naturally with Nature's Blends

This article is sponsored by Deer Park® Brand Nature’s Blends™ Fruit Flavored Beverages.

I don't know about you but I am so ready for this long Labor Day weekend!  This weekend I plan on taking a natural approach to celebrating!  We don't have any real plans but to spend time together as a family. 

What #UnderCoverColor Are You Wearing?

EDEN Bodyworks + #BlogHer13 + #Giveaway

I'm happy to announce that I will be heading to Chicago for BlogHer next week! *Throws glitter*. I attended BlogHer in NYC last year and had a ball!  You can check out my recaps HERE of the shenanigans that went on while I was there.  With the assistance of EDEN BodyWorks, I am ready to take on  BlogHer in my hometown Chicago, blogger style!  To celebrate, EDEN BodyWorks is giving away one full size collection of the new Coconut Shea line!

Moms Trying to do it All: Tia + Tamera

Are you a mommy trying to do it all?  *Raises Hand*

The struggle is real!  After becoming a mom I didn't know how hard it would be to work full-time, take care of Peyton, Mister & my mother as well as trying to pursue my dreams.  I'm dedicated to my job. I'm blessed to have a career that I enjoy and pays the bills.  I want to spend as much time with Peyton as possible because I work all day.

But what about doing what I love?  I pay a big price to do what I love and to have this outlet.  I run on a few hours of sleep trying to blog after Peyton goes to bed.  I'm  not able to hang out with my besties as much as I would love too because I have to save the few times that I get out of the house for hosting gigs.  Between my mom going in and out of the hospital recently and just everyday life, it has been a struggle.  Sometimes I wonder when my breaking point coming.  Don't mind me if I have a nervous breakdown : ).

Twins, Tia & Tamera what to have it all!  Season three of “Tia & Tamera” follows these new moms trying to do it all.

All You Magazine at Publix #LifeforLess

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and All You, but all my opinions are my own. #lifeforless #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

I want to introduce you to a great money saving magazine, All You! All You is the magazine that pays for itself and is now available at my favorite grocery store, Publix.  This magazine is out to help you save time and money!  Before being contacted to do this post, I was already a reader of All You.  I was amazed at the money saving tips and all the usable coupons that were in were included in All You.  Peyton and I took a trip to Publix and put some of All You magazines tips to the test. 

Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Review + #Giveaway

I used to go hard using Pantene products back in college when I had a relaxer.  It worked great on my hair and it was the only thing I could afford!  I was excited to take the new Pantene Pro V Truly Natural collection for a spin! The natural collection consist of clarifying shampoo, deep conditioner, co-wash, styling custard and argon oil.

I Heart the Verizon Blackberry Z10

I've had the new Blackberry Z10 on Verizon for a few weeks.  I had a problem with the SIM card and had to get a new one so I am a little behind on trying out the new device.  I told you guys that I was a former "crack"berry addict HERE.  I was very reluctant to let my old Blackberry go to get a new Android or Iphone.  I'm finally getting my feet fingers wet with the new Blackberry Z10.

My biggest fear of trying a new device is that it will not be user friendly.  To my surprise the Blackberry Z10 on Verizon has been very user friendly!  The phone is loaded with videos showing you how to use features.  Anything I wanted to know I could type it in the search (like a mini Google).  The Blackberry Z10 does not have a "home" button.  Everything is done with a swipe.  Swipe up if you need to get to the home screen!

Here are the main screens on the Blackberry Z10.  I love that you can see the recently used apps on one screen.  I hate having to go in and out of apps!

Disney Paint Room Update #DisneyPaintMom

I'm back with my Glidden Disney Paint room makeover update!  I shared with you guys that I would be using the new Glidden Disney Paint to update Peyton's room (HERE).  The Disney paint collection at Walmart features 115 fun colors and 5 cool finishes!  I am happy to report that we are making progress!  Peyton thinks this is a big art project so we let her take the lead! 

The Secret to Movie Night

Going out for dinner and a movie with Mister are non-existent now that we have a child.  Even if it were easy to get out to the movies, who has 2 hours to sit in a movie theater?  The last time my husband and I went to the movies I sat there thinking about clothes that needed to be washed and folded, I gotta pick up some diapers on the way home, and what emails I need to respond to.  In the words of Sweet Brown “Ain’t no body got time for that!”  LOL!