Southern and Sea

My friends, Carly and Kendra have recently started an online clothing shop, called Southern and Sea. I've purchased quite a few items from them and so far I've been so pleased with how versatile they are and how they fit! I love that I'm supporting my friends and how completely satisfied I am with the things they are selling. It's a win win if you ask me!😉 

Here are a few items that I've worn lately and absolutely love.

http://southernandsea.com

Cute stuff, right? 

If you haven't checked them out yet, I strongly suggest you doing so!

Xoxoxo,

SM

Summer weekend recap

I'm not sure about you, but we live for the weekends in our family! We thoroughly enjoy spending time together. We are fortunate to have family and friends that have fun places to go and visit. 

This past weekend started out on Friday with a nice lunch with my grandfather, SIL and nephew. From there we walked over to the pool for a long and big swim! From there we went home for showers and put on our jammies, ordered Chinese food, and had family movie night. AND after the Mr. And I got the kids to bed we had an (at home) date night with cocktails, chats, movies and all! 

Friday:

Saturday we went to a bday party for one of my old fiends daughter! It was Alamo gymnastics, which if I may say so myself, truly is one of the easiest and fun places to have a bday party; it's very affordable as well!! I have to share with you what we got J... She was turning 5 so we needed to step up our gift from the Melissa and Doug wooden cake and book to a little more mature gift. So we got her a gymnastic outfit and put it in a doughnut sparkly mini backpack! Instead of a book as her card we made a homemade card. JF loves crafts and especially got a kick out of makin J's bday card! I think it's a fun, inexpensive way to present a gift and my kids were involved which makes it extra special!! 

Saturday:

 

Then from the birthday party we headed out to Hondo to stay at a friends ranch for the night! It is absolutely beautiful and is literally a hop, skip, and a jump away! We got there and went straight to the pool! 

We all sat around the dining table to enjoy a wonderful meal that Linds made and Tom said the blessing! How many of you bless your food before you eat? We do, but I have to admit there are times that we get in such a hurry to sit down to eat and skip the prayer. There is something so simple and powerful about thanking Jesus for our food. It is a blessing to be able to serve your family dinner and it is something we should all be thankful for! You know, as I get older I'm starting to realize, it really is in the little things that go far with yourself, others and Jesus! So thank you lord for the food that we are able to eat and nourish our bodies with and thank you for friends who pray for and with us!

The next day we woke up for coffee, breakfast, swimming at the pool and an unbelievable creek (mini lake is what I liked to call it)! I love the great outdoors and all that it has to offer. Whether it's the lake, beach, ranch, farm, or mountains, I just love it! After our time at the creek we came back cleaned/packed up & headed out! Thank you, Tom and Linds for the invite an our time at your place! We enjoyed every second of it! 

Sunday: 

What did y'all do this weekend? Were you able to get out and enjoy the great outdoors somewhere?  

I'd love to hear from you!! Comment below and follow me on Instagram @theblueeyedgemini 

Xoxo,

SM

Bright and Bold

Lips, lips, lips...

One of my favorite accessories is lipstick!! Is anyone with me?? With #nationallipstickday (last week) I want to share some of my favorite lipsticks and believe it or not they are not expensive in face the exact opposite!

I really love bright and bold lipsticks through out the whole year! Don't get me wrong I love a good nude or matte lip, but to me a bright or bold lip is a statement in itself. Really all you have to add is mascara and call it a day! 

Last summer I was obsessed with hot pink!! This particular one was by, one of my favorites, Maybelline it's called 'Pink Pop' (#860). It's kind of a Barbie pink and may be really obnoxious for some but not for me!😉💋 I know I have non pink lovers out there but this girl loves pink and color and I'm not afraid to branch out when it comes to my hair or make up!! In fact I really like to change things up that way! Anyway, that was my favorite go to all Summer last year! 

But this summer I have lead to more purplish/pink lip colors! 

Here's (my) Summer (2015) go to favorites:

1. Revlon Color Stay Overtime called 'All night Fuchsia'... AND may I tell you that my beautiful and very sassy grandmother wore this color, so it means a lot to me to wear this! As if I don't always think of her I'm constantly reminded when I put this on!

2. Maybelline 'Mesmerizing Magenta' Matte (#680) this color to me is the perfect combination of the first and last (All night fuchsia and vibrant violet) lip color. 

3. Maybelline 'Vibrant Violet' Matte (#681) 

So this one may be too brave or out there for you but if done right it really is pretty!! Like I've said before I keep the rest of my makeup very basic and fresh then slap on this with mascara and voila you're ready to go! 

So ALL of these can be purchased at Target, Wal-Mart or any drug store! I love they way they go on and stay. They leave kind of a stain to your lip so it truly is with you all day... Love!!! 

To my pink and non pink lovers... Have I made you want to try something new? Have I made you branch out?😉👍 If so, let me know by commenting below or by following me on Instagram @theblueeyedgemini I'd love to hear from you all!😘💋

XOXO,

SM

Pearl Salon and Boutique

Have you ever been to this beautiful place; Pearl Salon and Boutique? When you walk in, the first thing you notice or recognize is how delicious it smells and how beautiful and peaceful it is. It's not chaotic or loud like some salons I've been to. Immediately you are greeted with a drink of your choice. 

My friend and owner of the salon has done a beautiful job with this place and has come so far from when we first met at beauty school. I'm so proud of her and truly admire her and what she has accomplished. 

If you're in the area (Boerne, TX) you should really stop by for a treatment, haircut, color or even eye lash extensions. 

I recently went in for some color and a good haircut. My hair is dried and fried from all the bleach I've been using on it. So now it's time to get it healthy and string again. 

I'm so thankful for Amber for her skills, honesty, and her knowledge. She really is exceptional, friends!! Oh and can I just say that she runs on time!!! Yep, you heard me right a hairstylist that runs on time and is quick but thorough!! What a concept, right? I love it and her!!!

Here I am loving on her son, Jack while I was getting my hair done!! 

All finished and ready to go!!

Xoxo,

SM

Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast? Yes y'all that's what I said! These cookies are delicious and are filled with protein and fiber AND low in sugar. Let me just say these are a big hit at my house! 

Recipe:

1 1/2 cups of Oatmeal. 

1/2 tsp of salt 

1/3 cup of honey

2 T coconut oil, melted 

1/4 cup of apple sauce 

1/4 cup of nuts (of your choice or opt out)

1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips 

1/4 cup of sunflower seeds 

1/4 cup of craisins

1/4 cup of peanut butter 

1/4 sunflower seeds 

Mix the the dry ingredients together and and the soft ingredients together in another bowl then mix the toe together. 

Set the oven to 325 

Bake for 12-15 mins

Note: you can modify or substitute ingredients to your like it. I've made this recipe quite a few times and have changed it up a few of the times and all times they still turned out delicious! 

Enjoy!!

Xoxo,

SM

No sonic?

We just moved to an area that has no Sonic, but that's ok with us, because this Mama loves to take original drinks and food recipes make them into my own on top of turning them into being healthy! In fact I really enjoy cooking that way!! 

One of my favorite takes on the "limeaids" from Sonic is this one right here!!

First (in a blender) I blend up one whole apple (sliced), a half of a cup of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries add some ice then blend it up... I then add some coconut oil just about a teaspoon. I love the coconut flavor that it adds! 

Then pour (about 1/3 of a cup) the mixture into whatever cup you choose, add ice, pour (I use la croix) sparkling water to the top and then squeeze with limes... Voila you've got yourself a "berry limeaid"! Now go and make this and tell me that you don't need a Sonic around to have you some lime maids. ;)

Enjoy!! 

Xoxo,

SM

Tiny Dancer

We have a tiny dancer on our hands! JF has joined dance. She loves it and when I say love I mean acts like she's been doing this her whole life and she's only 3!! 

When we walked in sweet Daddy
was in there waiting for us! He totally surprised her and was able to plan his work day around her dance class. Yay for that!😍😍🙌👍 After we saw Daddy, I took her to get dressed and then we waited patiently until it was her turn to go in!😄

Mark got to watch for a bit then he and JD were off, because JD was tired and had a rough day. Before he left he and I were both beaming from ear to ear! Very proud parents, very proud moment. 

Sure is amazing how things have changed (for the better)! I'll go into this on another post but let me just say...  motherhood is the best. It's truly done me good!  

I watched her the whole time (of course) in awe! It took me back to when I was 3 and doing dance with "Toots Johnson". Lots of great memories I had with that woman. 

JF- I loved how eager and happy you were to learn and how you followed every instruction with a smile. I was watching with pride and a giddy heart.you seemed like such a natural and very mature. I'm so proud of you. I love you, my tiny dancer... JF! 

Look at this girl!!

Xoxo,

SM

Gap Sale

The kids and I ran to the mall to use my $25 coupon at Loft and I look down as my son is getting out of the stroller to see poop! Yes, poop!! Ahhh! I immediately put him back in the stroller and off to Gap we went! If this was going to happen it happened on the right day because they are having 50% off their sale right now!! Phew- thanks Gap! 

I not only got JD something to change into but got him some things for next summer too! I only spent $40 for 10 items! What a steal, right? 

Here's JD in his new outfit from Gap! 

Hope y'all are having a great Wednesday and are staying clear of poop😉 if not go to Gap!👍

Xoxo,

SM

Birthday present for my girls

Good morning friends! I have been wanting to share my go to gift for my friends since I posted the toddler (go to) gift! I am so blessed with very special friends. These three in particular know and love me  very well. 

Have y'all seen this Kendra Scott bracelet? I'm sure you have!! They are so pretty by itself or with other bracelets and a watch! 

These three friends of mine have one in all different colors. I picked these colors because I just love them. 

Next time you know a special someone that has a birthday coming up I strongly suggest these bracelets. They've been a big hit for my friends! 

Xoxo,

SM

Summer Drink

Favorite Summer Drink: 

1 whole watermelon (remove the rhined) 

5 whole (squeezed)

Blend it up in a blender with ice 

Get your mason jar (or cup of your choice) with ice then pour it over ice and add la croix! 

To spice it up or make it into a "mommy" drink add a little vodka or tequila! That's what I did tonight... Turned it into a watermelon margarita! I have to say its delicious!😋👌

Hope you enjoy!!

Xoxo,

SM

Jeans into Cutoffs

I have a favorite pair of rag and bone jeans that I've been wearing for the last few (almost 4) years. One day I noticed how thin they were getting in some areas and well before I knew it they (the thin areas that I was talking about) had turned into holes. 

You know what I did instead of throwing them out?? I turned them into cutoff shorts! 

The hole was pretty high up my leg so I went a bit shorter than I would've naturally gone, but hey, they work! Not only do they work, but they are comfortable! 

Not sure if cut off shorts ever really went out of style here in Texas, but they've been around a while! 

Anyway, I love to pair my cut offs with boots (short or tall), heels, flip flops, wedges, and converse and with an appropriate shirt/top with whichever shoe I chose to wear that day! 

So, before you get rid of your old jeans, see about turning them into cut off shorts and continue to wear them for years!☺️😉

Here's a picture of mine 

AND a picture of JF's

I love rocking the "mama and me" look or we can go ahead and just call it matching but I'm not going to lie... I kind of like it!😁😆😄👍

Now everyone start posting pics of your #cutoffs I want to see them!😍😍

Xoxo,

SM

PS: does anyone have any thoughts on how long cut off jeans have been around??? Without having to google it!😉☺️

Toddler Birthday Present

I want to let y'all in on a little secret, I have found a favorite "go to" birthday present that's fun and gender neutral! 

It's the Melissa and Doug wooden birthday cake! It's bright, an array of colors (no pink or purple), and allows kids to make/build their very own birthday cake! Note: I have no problem with the color pink or purple but I like that it  doesn't have those colors on it so it makes it gender neutral. Instead of a card I opt for a "Golden book" that relates to the theme of their birthday party or something that they like or have interest in at that time/age. Then I write a little note in it for the special birthday boy or girl! 

How cute is this? The beauty of this gift is it's very loved, practical, and cost effecient. 

The Melissa and Doug is $19.99 plus tax. Then a Golden book is usually around $3. 

Here's one more secret: I bought three birthday presents today for three different birthday boys from "Toy Zone". Walked out of there spending $77.88 and the man (owner) of this particular location (I10 across from Dominion) wrapped it for me at no additional cost! 

Well now that my secret is out... What is your birthday present secret (idea)? You know the thing that is your "go to" gift, the one that everyone wants and loves! 

Xoxo,

SM

PS: don't forget to follow (and like my posts) on Instagram @theblueeyedgemini and @somannyblessings 

I appreciate your love and support! 

Mexican Dresses

Ok, I have to confess... I have a serious obsession with Mexican dresses! I love the embroidery work, colors, uniqueness of each one and mostly how easy they are to just throw on, especially in the summer! 

It's something that I'll wear while we're down at the beach; to wear around the house or go out (to dinner, run errands, or hang around) in. 

My husband really doesn't like them one bit, but y'all I can't quit them.☺️

My latest and favorites for this summer are from a local store (Amano) in Port Aransas, TX! All three of them are very different but oh-so pretty! Oh and did I mention that these can fit just about anyone's body type.

Thanks to my sweet, Mama for being a model for me! 

Does anyone love Mexican dresses as much as I do? If so, where do you go to get yours? Please share!!😍

Xoxo, 

SM

Skin care

So, I've been really struggling with my skin care as of lately. As much as I LOVE Dove (bar) soap I decided to swap out the bar to these four (magical) products. 

First, I wash my face with the Obagi foaming cleanser, towel (pat) dry, then I go on to using the Obagi toner. After I've done those two steps I put on my retinol; starting by applying it to my problem areas on my face first. Then I put the elta md skincare sunscreen on. My dermatologist suggest I use this since I've been struggling with break outs and sunscreen can lead to trouble your skin. 

I haven't been on a skin care regimen since I was in high school. So, I just started this last Wednesday and so far it's doing what it's supposed to be doing. Clearing my skin. 

I did wake up this am with a little bit of dry patches aroun my mouth and tiny bit of redness on top of my cheeks but know this is just a process that my skin is going to go through to get the results I'm wanting. 

Let me know if you have any skincare regimes that's worth sharing. I'd love to hear from you all! 

Xoxo, 

SOM

To splurge or not to splurge? That is the question!

I say not! I've been cotimplating on getting a wildfox couture Fourth of July tank for our beach weekend and I'm so glad I didn't because not only is it something that I'm not going to wear every day but they are expensive for just a "tee". After my run this morning I thought I would shop local (in Port Aransas) for a Texas, fun, festive, and patriotic tank! I came across this tank that was just what I was looking for. Can you tell I'm excited and get really cheesy about holidays?:) I'd love to here/see your thoughts and opinions on whether "to splurge or not to splurge". 

Here's the 'Texas stars and Stipes' tank by O'neil for $25 vs. the 'Lady Liberty Chad' tank by Wildfox Couture for $58

The Blue Eyed Gemini

Fourth of July weekend - Day 1

Anyone ready for the long 4th of July weekend? We are! The kids and I made it to my moms beach house (#happyoursbeachhouse) today and let's just say we are all so happy to be here. Something about this place and Port Aransas, TX just gets us all chilled out and rejuvenated. Had to share a fun and inexpensive Fourth of July flair that my Mama got for all of us for the weekend, these awesome and very comfy sandals from Payless! Yep, that's what I said Payless! Super fun, comfy and very affordable! Y'all will notice what a cheese ball I am when it comes to holidays big or small! Looking forward to starting this journey with you all. Please leave comments below. Thanks!

Ps: happy fourth y'all! Take care and be safe!! 

Xoxo,

Sarah