You've got this!!!

How to feel fresh and fab this summer!!

Summer is such a fun time to let loose and get inspired with fun sundresses, hats, sunglasses, and bathing suits.  But for many moms, shedding the clothes and buying bathing suits is simply dreadful.  SO, how can you enjoy the summer fashions without feeling uncomfortable?  Here's an article showcasing the most flattering beachwear for your figure.  Also, I suggest having fun with accessories....not only will this draw attention away from your trouble spots but it will be something that you can keep wearing even into the Winter months.  Here are a few ideas for you...

All of these items can be purchased by clicking here.

ALSO, I have to tell you about this cool campaign that is being run by Raise.com. If you want to save money and buy some great new summer fashion musta haves...Raise.com is a new platform where you can buy gift cards to your favorite brands at a discounted price, and sell your unused gift cards for cash!  From Forever21 to Kohl’s, they have gift cards to meet all your fashion needs. Check them out!!

God, I need you.

Today is Friday which means I should be happy about the start of the weekend but I'm just not.  This morning was really tough.  There's a lot going on with family members right now.  Sienna was whining from the time she woke up and I was not being patient with her at all. I yelled screamed at her in the car this morning and feel horrible about it.  Jacklyn has a non stop cough which probably means she will get an ear infection and I'll have to take time of work.  Money is tight...bills are coming in and life is just stressful right now.  Sienna says "Mommy, you don't love me!" while all that is going through my head is how to provide for her, how to feed her healthy food, how to discipline her effectively, how to give her a nice, clean home, how to have a career that makes sense for our family, and most importantly how to give my undivided attention when she needs it without feeling like I'm pulled in a million directions.
I know it will get better....it always does.  But when you're a single mom you just wish someone could be in the driver's seat for ONE minute.  I would pay for someone to just drive me around the block so I'm not responsible for everything.  I guess that's when my faith comes in.
God, I need you.

10 fun and affordable ideas for fourth of july

1.  FIRECRAKER POPS  

If you are a baker or really enjoy entertaining...out these awesome and yummy treats!

10 fun fourth of july ideas (recipe on link)

2.  PINWHEELS  

If you have children, you know children LOVE pinwheels!! Order these pinwheels on Amazon for only $9.94! You will be the fan favorite for sure! {Click here}

3.  TRIVIA

Q1:  How many people signed the declaration of independence on the 4th? 

Answer: 2

 Q2: Who was the only person to ACTUALLY sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776?  Answer: John Hancock. The other 55 signers did not sign til August 2nd (or after).

4.  TATTOOS  What kid doesn't LOVE tattoos???

only $5.30 on Amazon {click here}

5. What about accessories!?!?!

Kids love anything that glows on Fourth of July (or any night for that matter!)

Here are some cheap and fun glow necklaces on Amazon....

Set of 50 for $26.99 at Amazon.{click here}..seems kind of high but when you think about keeping them for next year it's not a bad idea!

6.  CUPCAKES!!  Are you a wanna be pinterest mom but don't have the time or energy to get fancy?  Here are some fake it til ya make it 

cupcake decorations you can pop right in your store bought cupcakes...

$11.25 on AMAZON

7. FUN HATS... How cool are these?

$10.06 on Amazon

8.  FUNNY JOKES

Q: Did you hear the one about the Liberty Bell?

A: Yeah, it cracked me up.

Q: Why did the British cross the Atlantic?A: To get to the other tide

Q: What did one flag say to the other flag?A: Nothing, it just waved.

Q: Why did the duck say bang?A: Because he was a firequacker

9.  CROSSWORD PUZZLES

Print these crossword puzzles or make your own!!

10.  FIREWORKS in your mouth..

***Note: all Amazon prices are with Amazon prime membership..without Amazon Prime the prices will be slightly higher.

Motivational Monday....on Tuesday

As the saying goes, a day late and a dollar short.  Well, we could all use a little motivation on Tuesdays too, right?
Well, here you go..

Last Week Features

Barb of A Life in Balance’s Picks

1. Treat boxes: DIY from party cups | Going Green Mama

2. Black Bean Quinoa Salad…Easy and Delicious! | Lucy’s Nest

Mitzi of Written Reality

3. 4th of July Marshmallow Pinwheels | Homecooking Memories

4. Ikea Stool Makeover | My Pinterventures

Lauryn of The Vintage Mom’s Picks

5. Southern Style Pepper Sauce | Living at My Farmhouse

6. 5 Tips for Running in the Summer | Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom

Toni of Tickles and Time Outs

7. 14 Things We Need To Stop Doing If We Want To Live A Better Life | Elite Daily

8. 20 Motivational Songs to put you in a Good Mood #Music #Playlist | 5 Minutes for Mom

Katie- Mom Favorites

9. Tips for a Less Stressed Mom | More Than a Mom of Three

10. Mango Avacado Smoothie | Upstate Ramblings

Marie- Normal Everyday Life

11. Berries and Ice Cream Pie | Simply Suzanne

12. Am I a Writer? | Of Every Moment

Motivation Monday Linky Party #96

Ready to join us? Choose your category and share your favorite post!

Carnival business

1. Please link directly back to this post for your readers' benefit.

2. Link to your post, not your homepage.

3. No giveaways, please. Giveaways will be deleted.

4. Posts need to be family-friendly.

By submitting a link to this party, you are giving A Life in Balance, Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom, Chockababy, Written Reality, Mom Favorites, Tickles and Time Outs, The Vintage Mom, and Normal Everyday Life permission to feature your post on their blogs and/or social media platforms and utilize your post images in order to facilitate this feature.

10 Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

It's the first day of Summer! 

HOORAY!!

1.  Create a new drink called the 'summer solstice drink' using juices and/or veggies

2.  Use chalk to outline shadows on the sidewalk

3.  Catch fireflies

4.  Learn cool facts about the summer solstice (click here)

5.  Find a cool place to watch a sunrise or sunset

6.  Draw rainbows or make them with the hose

7.  Have a bonfire

8.  Create a poem about the sun and/or summer

9.  Have a summer solstice party/celebration

10.   Try to make a cool pic (like ours above) or this one...

FASHION FRIDAY! FUN AND FLIRTY DRESSES!

It's FASHION FRIDAY!!!
Here's are some of my favorites this week...

All of these dresses are available at
EXPRESS
JCREW
JOLLYCHIC