September 21, 2015 by Stephanie

It’s Not “Mom” Hair

I don’t really understand the phenomenon of “mom” hair. I have had long hair for a couple years now, with the last time I really cut it being in 2013.

I know a lot of mom’s who cut it immediately after the kid is born, which I guess started the phrase “mom” hair. I had so many people ask me if I was going to cut it to be mom length.

Wait what? Just because I am a mom it has to either be in a bun or short? Will they take my kid away if my hair isn’t short?

No. No. No.

I seriously don’t think that the hair is what qualifies me as a mom or is the “uniform” we all have to have. Just saying…

I am still me with my same tastes in hairstyles. Just because I am a mom doesn’t mean that I have to fall into some box. I also shake my fist at the notion that all I am these days is a mom. While I love my role as a mom, I have so many other identities that I am proud of as well. I am just happy being me, and being a mom is part of that. It just doesn’t define all of me, and neither should my hair.

I may be in the minority but I think short hair is more work than long which is partially why this first year I wanted to keep it long. Yes George pulled on it all the time, but it also made it easier to just tie it back. It was more practical for me to have longer hair. With short hair, I feel like I always have to have it styled instead of a braid which is my go to hair do in a pinch. I was never able to perfect the top knot, which has also been lovingly coined as the mom bun. Again, not really sure why.

Can’t it just be a hairdo?

I am all on board with moms who cut their hair to feel good about themselves or to have a big change in their appearance after their little one arrives. I think self-care and feeling good about how you look is really important, especially when your hormones are all out of whack. And if cutting your hair does that for you, get out those shears. But you don’t have to label it as “mom” hair. Be yourself. Your mom label isn’t all that you are.

Enough of my randomness about the dislike of the name “mom” hair.

This weekend I did make a drastic change and cut off 9 inches. I do it every couple years to donate it. I have been doing it since I was sixteen, and I have lost count how many times I have donated now. This was really the biggest reason why I didn’t cut it right after George was born. It’s just my thing.

After two years of growing it, it can be pretty intense to cut it all off at once.

I already had some moments of mourning not having the length. Trying to wash my face at night when it all won’t stay up in a ponytail brings a little regret of the cut. And I already wasted shampoo and conditioner.

However, there is a lot of fun that goes with it.

Seeing the reactions to the drastic change just leave me tickled. Yes I cut my hairs. Yes I meant to cut off that much.

I have a new stylist (who is a friend of ours) who did an amazing job! AND she showed me how to actually style short hair. Every time before, I only knew how to straighten it as a pretty basic bob. So I may actually keep it longer than I normally do because I am in LOVE with it.

These pictures were taken only a couple days apart. Nine inches gone. I would seriously curl my hair every day if I wasn’t lazy. I just love my hair curly. Anyone want to come be my stylist every morning? The pay is lousy (meaning non-existent), but I would feed you any cereal you would like.

I did ok today trying to curl my short hair yesterday. It went much better than I thought. Well enough that we did our family photos in our back yard yesterday.

I am just loving this stage right now. I love my family so much, and this is the happiest I have even been in life. I don’t know how I could do life without these two men.

Just for funseys, here is a progression of our family photos over this year. I have a variety of “mom” styles because any hair that I wear is mom hair because I am a mom. Go figure. You can also just call it Stephanie’s hair style.

(Top Left) George was 2 weeks. (Top Right) George was 2 months. (Bottom Left) George was almost 8 months old. (Bottom Right) George is almost 13 months old. The first photo and last photo were taken almost a year apart. I mean seriously…he is just the best. And it looks like he grew into those ears.

Have you ever made a big hair change? Do you donate your hair?

September 17, 2015 by Stephanie

Wellness VoxBox

I did receive these products complimentary for the review from Influenster, and these thoughts are my own.

I am one of those people who will buy the same thing over and over again. I don’t do well with trying new products. My thought is, I don’t want to waste my money if I am not sure I will like it. I also don’t use a lot of products, and think of myself as pretty low maintenance. So if I find something that I like and it works, I will continue using it for a long time.

I was really excited about this box because it will allow me to try some new things and maybe fall in love with some new products that I can use daily.

So what did I think?

ATTITUDE Shampoo & Body Wash: Tom and I both used this. I was impressed. Generally with more natural shampoos you get less suds. This one still had sufficient suds! I am very particular about my shampoos and the ingredients in them, and this one was great. I will definitely be looking to purchase this product again. ATTITUDE has a great deal going on! Right now you can get 40% off of your first order on ATTITUDEliving.com using the code FIRSTFREE40.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer: This was ok. I am pretty vigilant about putting on lotion when I get out of the shower, so this wasn’t anything extra special to me. I felt like I had to use a lot to get the coverage though. The bottle is almost empty after a couple weeks of use. I was also worried about it leaving my hands greasy, but it never did. My legs were greasier than just using normal lotion, but the rest of my body was fine though and not greasy. I don’t think this saved me any time like the commercials say, but again, I am on it about my lotion after the shower anyway. I do not think I will buy this again solely because I can buy a bottle of lotion cheaper and it lasts much longer than a month.

Olay Active Botanicals: I really like this face wash. I have shared that I have some weird acne prone skin, so this is the one product that I do experiment on to try to find one that works. This is a gel cleanser, so it is thick when you are scrubbing your face. It left my skin feeling squeaky clean, but a little more on the drier side. I probably wouldn’t use this in the winter, but it would be a great summer wash. It is in my travel suitcase because I like to be minimal on my trips and this I feel gets all the dirt off that I need on those short trips. I will be looking more into this line for a possible purchase again.

Colgate Enamel Health mouthwash: We loved this mouthwash. It does not have a harsh taste, and my teeth feel clean afterwards. I also like that it focuses on protecting your enamel because I eat a LOT of fruits and veggies which can be harmful to your teeth in large quantities because of the acidity. We will add this to our mouthwash list to buy in the future.

ATTITUDE dish-washing liquid: This is another ATTITUDE product. I did some research, and they have a wide range of day to day products including pet products. I have been using this specifically for George’s sippy cups. I think it works great! It doesn’t leave a residue and gets them clean, which is obviously important. Again, I will be looking into these products because they seem to be more intentional about what is going in the bottles.

There were two products that I did not use. There was a free download of Yaye which is a social fitness app. I didn’t think it was something I would use nor would I know anyone to socialize with my workouts. And the second is the Urgent RX fast powders. We generally don’t take a lot of medicine in our household, and I haven’t had any pains that warranted taking medication. I am not just going to take the powder to take it. I think that defeats the purpose of trying it out for it’s intended use.

This was a great box that introduced me to some new products I would not have picked up otherwise.

If you are interested in getting an Influenster box (you don’t have to be a blogger), just let me know, and I can send you an invite. They are a fun surprise! The community is also really easy to navigate. The more you interact, the more they will be able to find boxes that fit your style and needs. It is really versatile, and you can use it a lot or hardly at all. I have really enjoyed it so far!

Have you tried these products? Are you particular about your hair products?

September 16, 2015 by Stephanie

Fit for Me 37/52

What I did last week:

Thursday-30 minutes on a bike. Keeping it light before my race.

Sunday-I completed the Plaza 10k in Kansas City. This was a great race, and I actually got a PR by 20 seconds.

Tuesday-30 minutes on a bike. Keeping it light after my race.

Impressed by:

I definitely do not feel as in shape as I was a couple years ago when I ran my last 10K, but I still managed to knockout a PR this weekend. This was a great race to do so because there were minimal hills, and the weather was perfect! And I love running through my hometown.

Struggled with:

I did struggle with an IT band issue Sunday, but I managed to work through it during the run.

Did I meet my goal from last week?

I DID! I am still not sure how I did it, but I did. At the 5K split, I was shocked by my time and thought, “hey I could actually do this.” So I really really pushed myself those last three miles. I may have only beat it by about 20 seconds, but I still did!

What is my goal for next week?

I just want to do three workouts this week.

Fitness Thoughts:

Race thoughts are fun, so here was what I was thinking during my race during each mile.

Before the Start: It is freezing, but I don’t want to have my jacket when I inevitably get hot later. Let’s just awkwardly walk through the crowds alone trying to keep warm. I really need to find people to run these with me.

In the corrals: Watching the sunrise is beautiful but so is sleep. Although it is not every day that I get to watch the sunrise over KC. It’s too bad the Royals weren’t playing this weekend.

Start: Alright self, your training was mediocre, but you pushed a baby out so you can do this. Stay with those girls, they seem entertaining.

Mile 1: Ok so my goal is to run this full mile and see how I feel. Going alright, 11 minute pace isn’t bad. No big complaints yet.

Mile 2: Someone said there are a couple bad hills…I hope we aren’t going through THAT part of the Plaza. I think I may be able to run this whole mile too! Look at me go! Aww everyone is thanking the cops for coming out. I might cry. I ran this whole mile too!

Mile 3: WTH. I need water. Where is this water stop? I need to walk. I need water. I may be dying. I think my leg might fall off. Of course my knee is fine but my thigh is on fire. I hate this. Why do I do this to myself? WATER STOP!!!

Mile 4: That is my 5K split? Pat myself on the back! Ok so this might actually happen. Steph move your legs. Ahh that IT band is against me. Stop and stretch. There are hardly any spectators on this race. Where are all the clever signs? People have to be really rich to live down here.

Mile 5: I have so got this. WATER STOP! This is a much better race than a half marathon. I am almost done. Shoot that old grandpa is passing me. Push it, push it real good. Ugh I really need to walk, no you don’t you are almost done. There are no hills I hope there isn’t one in the last mile. Man I am sweaty. I am glad I didn’t bring my jacket.

Mile 6: Ok only one left. Thigh you better start cooperating. Lord please just give me enough energy to get to the end. Just finish this up and you can get home to your boy. Oh and BDs for lunch! I want to eat all the things!

Last 0.2: Kick it into gear. You are so close to beating your time. There is the end. RUN!!!

End: OMG! I did it! Where are the cookies? Why do they insist on making you stand still when they give you the medal. I just was consistently moving for the past hour, and now you want me to come to a complete stop so you can give me this medal. Holy MOLY that is the biggest medal EVER! Again, where are those cookies?

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I thought about a lot of other things along the race, but that was the gist of it. Mile three was the hardest mile for me, but I actually was able to run most it outside of the water stops. I ran all of miles 1, 2, 5, and 6. Well 5 had the water stop, but I can’t run and drink water, so I don’t really count that. I managed to keep between a 11-12 minute pace for most of the race. I’d say for just having a baby a year ago, moving twice, starting a new job, AND being 30, that was a job well done. Since I had George a year ago, this was a really good reminder to always push myself to take care of my health and see what my body is capable of.

I think I may do this race again next year, and try to do some more serious training. Moving really knocked that out for me. Or I may do a completely different 10k. I really like this distance! I am a little too slow to do any better on a 5k, and I don’t think my body can handle another half marathon. I know I am not fast by any means. My next goal is to get under 1:10 for my 10K time. It’s not much off this race, but maybe I could be a little more prepared for mile 3. I also think having a running buddy would push me a little more during the day.

What are your thoughts on race day? Do you know of some good 10Ks I can run?

September 10, 2015 by Stephanie

35 Before 35 in August

While this past month was a busy one with school starting and George’s birthday, I managed to get things marked off the list!

1. Crochet something else besides blankets or scarves at least once a year (~~2013~~, ~~2014~~, ~~2015~~, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

2. ~~Do a photography challenge~~

FINISHED! I am still not a perfect photographer, but I definitely know that I am made some vast improvements over the past year with getting my camera out at least once a week. An added bonus is having pictures documenting George’s first year. I managed to keep up with the challenge of taking weekly photos of him! Here are some of the last pictures that I haven’t shared yet.

I don’t think I will still get it out each week because that was somewhat of a challenge, but I think I still want to do at least once a month. I do want to challenge myself to get IN FRONT of my camera a little more this year. I have hardly any pictures of me and George.

3. ~~Visit 5 cities I have never been to before~~ (7/5)

4. ~~Tour at least one a winery, brewery, or distillery~~

5. Send at least 5 snail mail a month

6. ~~Become a “professional” photographer~~

7. Run at least 10 races (any distance) (4/10)

8. Go camping with Tom

9. ~~Pay for the car behind me in a drive through~~

10. See Tyrone Wells live as many times as possible

11. ~~Tour Fort Defiance here in Clarksville~~

12. ~~Water ski with my dad~~

We went to the lake at the beginning of August to visit my dad and step-mom at their new condo down there. I was able to get up on the skis quite a bit. It was awesome! George wasn’t as fond of the lake as I was, and I am hoping that changes since I love the water. But at least he was stinking cute!

13. Do a 5K with my mom

14. Take a swing dance class with Tom

15. Read at least one fun book a month and one professional development book every three months

I have a lot of books on the docket. I have been doing a good job reading at least a few pages each day.

16. Take a pottery or stained glass class

17. Do one new recipe each month

I did two this month.
Chicken Noodle Casserole-This is ok. It makes a lot, but it wasn’t our favorite recipe. Tom thought it was too spicy, which isn’t saying a lot on the scale of spicy fyi. Since he didn’t really like it though, I probably won’t make it again.
I had found a Salisbury steak recipe on Pinterest but the link is broken when I went to make it. I had already bought those ingredients so I made the actual recipe up from other salisbury steak recipes. I modeled it mostly off this one. I used 1/4 tsp of onion powder instead of an onion, and french onion soup instead of beef gravy. This was SOOOOO delicious! It is super quick and easy to make too. I am always in the search of recipes that take less than 30 minutes and aren’t pasta, so this was a huge win! So yummy! Tom and George thought it was great too!

18. See both a Clemson and UCM football game live

I don’t think it will happen this year, but I am excited that it’s back in action! I starting to teach George the cheers!

19. ~~Find a place to volunteer on a regular basis~~

20. Go hiking

21. Ride in a hot air balloon

22. ~~Go to at least 20 “new to me” restaurants.~~ (28/20)

While I was in Iowa, we went to Zombie Burger in Des Moines. Pretty delicious! I had a pretty straight forward bleu cheese burger, but they have some really creative sandwiches like one with a mac and cheese bun.

23. ~~Stay at a bed and breakfast~~

24. Spend a day without electronics (phone, t.v. and computer)

25. Do something unique and new for my birthdays

26. ~~Explore Nashville while we live here~~

27. Watch at least 10 movies that I have not seen before that won Best Picture at the Oscars and at least 20 documentaries (not necessarily Oscar winning) Movies (2/10); Documentaries (7/20)

28. Sew an item of clothing from scratch

29. Do a personal devotional/bible study on my own

30. Be a mascot for an event

31. Go on our honeymoon (preferably somewhere tropical)

Well the plan to go somewhere for our 5th anniversary next year I don’t think will work. It really isn’t practical right now to do something big and extravagant with just purchasing a house. So we have started a savings bank just for this to start putting away each month to make it more practical down the road. I’ll keep dreaming about beaches and fruity drinks in the meantime.

32. Host an annual NCAA Basketball Tournament Championship game party

33. Go on a mission trip

34. Be on a recreation volleyball team

35. ~~Become a mom~~

Little man is one! And his first word was “mama!”

August 20, 2015 by Stephanie

10 Dream (US) Destinations

Today my summer is officially over as new students start orientation today. Let’s take a second and say where did the summer go. Cliche, but true. Also how am I already starting my second year here?

So it seems appropriate to dream about vacations right when summer is dying down right?

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about different places I wanted to go around the world.

Here are some places I would love to visit right here in the United States. These are all places that I have never been to, because the place I want to go back to visit is Charleston, South Carolina. Every Day, All Day.

So where would I be going?

Montana Glacier National Park

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I have read a lot about this place. One just look at it. Amazing. Two, this is probably a vacation I could get my husband on board with because of wilderness.

Maine

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I think this would be a great early fall destination. I have never been to the Northeast really, and everything about Maine seems lovely. Also let’s talk about the food options.

Hawaii

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So if I am going to be honest, there was a small portion of me that hoped Tom would have been stationed in Hawaii. I mean look at it. I would be so relaxed on that beach! I love the ocean and sun so much. I think I was born in the wrong part of the country sometimes.

Grand Canyon

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I think most people want to go here, so I will jump on that American bandwagon. There is just something about this place that just leaves me in awe.

Yellowstone National Park

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This is another place I could convince Tom to go with me. The untouched nature would just be interesting to experience.

San Francisco, California

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This place just looks like a good time. There is just so much to see and do. It just seem like a happening place that also has some interesting flair to it that you won’t see elsewhere. This would be a great girlfriend trip someday.

Asheville, North Carolina

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I am still kicking myself for not getting to Asheville while I lived in Clemson. Oh well. I would love to see the Biltmore, but Asheville has a really eclectic culture that I would like to experience. And I have heard some of the restaurants in the area are wonderful. You also can’t beat the scenery of this area!

Antelope Canyon, Arizona