If you’re going to have a motto might as well be a good positive one right? I’m all about and super happy for the mamas that can juggle it all and look so put together while mastering it. But let’s just say I’m not that mom, wife, friend or daughter…. I mean I try but I’m more of a hot mess gypsy soul type.

I have 2 kiddos and they are my world but do they still make me insane some days? yes yes they do….

I had a fun little photo shoot in mind for my daughter made a cute shirt “Pick flowers, not fights” paired it with more cuteness and hit up the local greenhouse. In my town everyone knows everyone and the owner didn’t mind a bit. He actually left me a key for after-hours.

Little did I know after our fun shoot that I would keep going back to that saying over and over! it’s so true I mean think about it at any given time picking flowers would be SO MUCH better than fighting!!

So…. I now have one of these pictures as my screen saver and try to remember to lighten up, pick my battles and think so what if the husband wants to go hunting 3 days a week, sometimes a cookie before supper is OK!, Yes, go play in the rain and love every minute I will clean up the grassy muddy mess you track in….it’s all good.

We are healthy, happy and about 60% of the time not super dysfunctional. I make my kids mind we have a routine but life is too short to be so uptight!

Do you have a motto or saying that kind of makes you stop and think hey woman chill out!? Tell me what they are they might help me too! so far this has been by far my fave!!

PICK FLOWERS NOT FIGHTS

We live in north GA and got some pretty bad after effects of IRMA and we didn’t have power for 4 days so you can only imagine how many flowers I was actually picking in my head. 

A Few other of my FAVE quotes/get me back to reality sayings.

• Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.
• BE the reason someone smiles today.
• Being happy never goes out of style.
• Don’t stop until you’re proud.
• Don’t count the days make the days count.
• She dreams more often than she sleeps.
• If it’s still in your mind it’s worth taking the risk.

Hey ya’ll!!! Sorry I’ve been MIA for a while but be glad because there are tons of amazing things coming to the blog!!! New places I’ve been, tons of new fun colorful recipes & fun packed family stuff! 1 st I wanted to share my new obsession… FUN PICTURES AROUND THE WATER!!! the more I get to play and create these pictures the more I want to and think of new fun stuff! I have funky Flamingo shoot planned next. (so duh! check back!) Below you will find what my MUST HAVE items are what I use and how I create these fun images!

What all do you have planned this summer? Trips, Camp, sleep overs, movie nights? All of those are amazing and scream summer nights!! Along with all those fun things try something new this summer I promise you will be hooked! Underwater Photography not only is it so cool the kids love how much I’m in the water with them so it’s a family bonding win-win!

MUST HAVES:

GoPro (or any underwater camera)

Dome (this is for the cool split image look)

Filters for the GoPro (not a must just fun to play with)

Kleenex Go-Anywhere Pack (#1 must)

• These are a MUST! as much as we go underwater and stay underwater we get so snotty!! and they are perfect for drying off my equipment! The waterproof pouch can’t be beat!
• I hook the pack to my pool/beach bag and never have to worry about not having them with me.
• Perfect size they don’t take up  a lot of space.
• The new Kleenex Go Anywhere Packs can be attached anywhere for easy access.
• Convenient.
• Pick them up @ Walmart.

“Visit you local Walmart and stock up on the Kleenex Go Anywhere Packs for all of your summer fun.

Save $.50 Now! on NEW! Kleenex Go Anywhere Packs at Walmart!”

WHERE:

Pool

Lake

Ocean

River

Bathtub

TIPS:

• Get fun bright colored goggles.
• Go under while shooting you can see so much better.
• Some cameras have a burst mode use it.
• Try not to get to close it makes it harder @ 1st.
• Find a fun mermaid fin.
• Have Fun.

I edit my shots in Lightroom just to get the feel I want but even when I don’t they still looks amazing so don’t worry if you don’t wanna edit who cares have fun and create anyway!!

There is no right or wrong way to get these cool shots just get in have fun and play!!!

#KleenexGoAnywhere

It’s time to hit the water! Visit your local Walmart now stock up on the essentials and Kleenex Go Anywhere Packs for water fun. Save Save $.50 on your purchase too.

Are you looking to do something fun with the kids that doubles as a snack AND a craft? They will have so much fun making this Valentine Snack Craft! I will be doing this  fun activity for my daughters classroom Valentine’s Day party! She’s in 1st grade and I try to help out and do fun things as much as possible they will love it!! And it’s so cute to see them all.

Every winter I have my sisters and the kids over for a hot chocolate bar party and we have so much fun! I’m thinking I’m going to start this little treat as a fun tradition also. I like being the cool fun aunt and this will add a cute touch.

This awesome fun treat only has 4 items which makes my mom heart sing! Easy and simple to clean up yes please!! you can’t go wrong here! and I didn’t have a ton extra so no guilt about bundling it up and tossing it!

This was so easy as you can tell from the set up above! and while we were making these it gave me the idea I can do this same type of treat for every holiday just change it up a bit. Like for St. Patrick’s day I want to use green icing and lucky charms.

If you decide to do this fro a classroom party all these items can be purchased very cheap at your local dollar store that’s where all this came from. 

Let me know if you have any questions at all about this neat treat!! I love to see ya’ll try my creations show me if you do!! have fun! thanks so much for coming by! makes my day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

[mpprecipe-recipe:54]

Around the holidays I’m always in the kitchen making and trying new creations. Well, my 7 & 3 year old beg to help and I normally don’t mind. But I finally found something that is just for them & this time they didn’t have to ask I asked them they were so excited!!! Told them it was a cooking day for them! I mean even if you’re not perfect with these they still come out super cute!!

These make the perfect holiday treat, but you could also use them for Birthday Parties, end of the School Year Party, Baby Shower, or you could make them in your favorite team colors for a Sports Party. The ideas are endless, and don’t limit yourself to Jolly Ranchers {of course, we love them} but any hard candy will work

These were so fun and turned out so well that we will be taking these to my daughter’s class and even some to the daycare! extra + they get to say they helped.

Have Fun with this!!! Merry Christmas!!

All my recipes are super easy to follow and print out see below: 

[mpprecipe-recipe:51]

Happy getting closer to Friday friends! Its almost the weekend, which is always a reason to celebrate! These pudding sugar cookie cups are the perfect quick and easy dessert. They are great for a celebration or for any occasion because they are simple and delicious! You can create for any occasion these are Christmas themed.

Sugar cookies are so very versatile!  Not only can they be basic rolled out dough, but the dough can be transformed into these cute little cups.  Just waiting for the perfect filling.  I chose some cute red and green fun!!

The cookie cups baked until just golden so they remain super soft, melt-in-your-mouth chewy.

These were a definite win in our house.  The fun of making cookies with the kids, super cute, and not as much time spent on decorating them.  Plus there’s still the fun of adding sprinkles & getting them EVERYWHERE!!

 Seeing as how we’re exactly less than 2 weeks away from Christmas (crazy!!), I think it’s time that I start inundating you with holiday recipes. It is my favorite baking season after all! I have so many recipe ideas that I don’t think I’ll have time to get through them all, but you can bet I’m going to try!

[mpprecipe-recipe:50]

I hope you enjoy the recipe!  You can follow along with me and never miss a recipe by signing up for my newsletter.  Follow me on Instagram and tag #sequinsinthesouth so I can see all the creations you make.

Some of my friends make chocolate rum balls every year for their holiday parties, and these sweet little bites are always the first things to go. Maybe that says more about my friends who always reach for the boozy treats first, but I can’t blame them.

These rum balls are as easy to make as they are to eat. They’re the best boozy no-bake treat!

This easy rum balls recipe will not disappoint. “A proper rum ball must be dense but moist, and ideally a little gooey. It must sing with booze but shouldn’t be too sweet,”

Something else to play around with: the choice of alcohol in your rum balls! Any rum will work, so use your favorite. (Malibu coconut rum is great if you also plan to coat your rum balls with shredded coconut.) You can even mix things up with tequila, bourbon, or whiskey!

Store your rum balls in the refrigerator. They become even better and more deeply infused with alcohol flavor after a few days.

 Now go have yourself an adult snow fight!!

Have fun with these Merry Christmas!!!

[mpprecipe-recipe:49]

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! OK not really it’s still high 50’s in Georgia, but my kitchen sure did smell like Christmas today

Supremely moist and decadent chocolate cupcakes topped with peppermint mocha frosting, a drizzle of chocolate, and crushed candy canes. ← Can you think of a sweeter way to kick off the holiday season?

I’ve had this cupcake idea up my sleeve for months. But I wanted to wait until after Thanksgiving to make them. After our belies are filled with turkey and when Christmas music is “allowed” to be played. I’m so excited because I have my kids on board they always say “Mom find a Christmas song or Christmas movie” I have successfully succeed in the kid department!!

How can one honestly resist? Just look at all of this chocolate! Peppermint mochas are a seasonal favorite, but the combination of chocolate, mint, and coffee is on my mind all year long.

However, there is just something about this delectable combination of flavors when the snow is falling, family is playing, & presents are hiding in the closets. Nothing compares to sipping on a warm coffee drinks during Christmas time. Unless, of course, you’re eating peppermint mocha in the form of a cupcake. NOTHING compares to that.

I’m a huge fan of “Christmas flavors”. You know… the ones we look forward to indulging in all year long. Like eggnog, gingerbread, cranberry, snickerdoodle, pumpkin, and of course, peppermint mocha.

Even as an adult, I still love candy canes. I especially like to crush them up and use them to sprinkle on cookies, cupcakes and So Delicious ice cream. Oh yes, a frozen peppermint treat! so have fun with the extra!!!!

[mpprecipe-recipe:48]

The most common question I’m asked isn’t about how I became a blogger, how I met my hot husband, or even “how are you today?” it’s “how do you do your daughter’s hair?”

Ok, one of those questions may be a little more popular, but not when it comes to my blog. Biracial hair care & mixed hair care has become a hot topic. People ask me this “HOT” question in person, by E-Mail, on Facebook, Instagram literally EVERYWHERE!

What I’ve leaned from all these moms is that biracial hair – which is not a “tech” term, because let’s be honest hair is hair… not a race – it’s more than just a beauty routine. It’s more about the combo of cultures, and a deep desire to raise up happy kids with hair they love.

My #1 general answer to that is SoCozy. Yes, I strongly believe in the products I use and believe me I’ve tried TONS!

SoCozy, is a line of salon formulate products for kids between the ages of 2 and 12 years old now sold at Target. Their products are non-toxic, made without parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic color, propylene glycol and free of alcohol, gluten, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts.

 1. Get SoCozy “curl” products.

2. Use a T-shirt to “towel dry” hair it makes the curls so much softer.

3. Get a “wet” brush.

4. Want loose curls let it air dry.

5. A silk pillow case work WONDERS!

6. The SoCozy Curl products I use are amazing in the tangle department I don’t even use a detangle now.

7. The SoCozy gel I use is the 100% best on FRIZZ!!! Yes, some Frizz is to be expected but make sure your expectations are even reachable not all bi-racial hair has the same texture. But when it comes to frizz this is the go to for us.

8. Use a deep condition weekly.

9. And my last tip don’t let it STRESS you out!!! Embrace the CURLS.

It’s important to remember that it’s about the products not so much the process.

I’ve always used the same process so I’m my hands on and tried past it’s definitely the products that has made such a difference for us!

** The terms above are dead on yall!!!! & when I finally mastered them all it literally saved me ton’s of time and frustration.

Let me know what y’all think and if you have curly hair don’t miss out!!! What’s your secret weapon?

Find SoCozy @ Target Near you!

It’s officially FALL!  Bring on the Pumpkin, Apple, Cinnamon and Caramel Desserts and Treats Recipes!   Your home is going to smell Autumn-tastically amazing while these delicious autumn and winter flavors are simmering away on the stove, cooking low and slow in the crock pot and baking up perfectly in the oven.  This fun creation is perfect for your Fall parties for Thanksgiving and all Holiday Dessert tables along with your Christmas festivities and gift plates!

Every year I make fun treats for my daughters class room fro every holiday and this year around Thanksgiving it will be this treat I’m so excited!!! And so is she. It’s easy, fun and something unique.

Only 7 items to make this neat treat and you can do this on a tiny budget as well which is good in my case because I’m making so many.

Fall is my favorite time of the year so I always tend to go “overboard” with the fun stuff I mean why not? if you enjoy it like me!

[mpprecipe-recipe:44]

Have fun with this bring the kiddos in the kitchen to help out!! I’m also taking this fun treat to work for me and my co-workers.

Happy Fall Yall!

First, let me start with: I am a happy mama and I am more than excited to spend every day of my life with my 2 little munchkins.

However, in order to get up in the morning and look forward to every day, let’s admit, no matter how perfect  and well-behaved your kids are, you need those few moments to yourself. And to me, mostly not because I got tired of being a mom, but because as a human being you need to respond to your own needs of being alone and doing things that are only for you.

When I get up in the morning, the darkness always calms me. It’s like a little reward for getting up early. I almost even feel sneaky.

My real reward, though, is the quiet. Time alone. Time to think. Time to hear my own thoughts, even if it’s for 30 min.

For the past few months, I’ve tinkered with the idea of getting up early. It felt impossible.

But now that I have I can’t imagine not being about to get that quite time in.

This is HUGE for me. Since I’m not a morning person, it’s easy for me to roll over & grab my phone so I can scroll mindlessly through email and social media while I wake up. This starts me off on the wrong foot for so many reasons.

When I make the choice to scroll mindlessly through my phone or any other social media network, I allow others to affect my own energy and mood before my day has even started.

Coffee is what I look forward to in the morning; Buy your favorite brand/blend and really savor it. I also love to purchase unique coffee mugs for my coffee which makes me happy. It’s just one more thing that makes my mornings feel more special.

Joy is truly in the small details!

Everyone that knows me know I’m a 100% Coffee Junkie and I’m super Picky!

My morning Blend is: NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice instant brew see my video below on how amazing and easy it is! Not 1 coffee ground left behind I promise!!! Coffee Grounds in my coffee make me freak out!

NESCAFÉ® Taster’s Choice® also recently upgraded its individual stick packs to be made for an 8oz cup of coffee vs the previous 6oz. With most Americans drinking 8oz+ this is an improved experience! There is more coffee in each stick, and more coffee in the total carton compared to before.

These packs are pure perfection for my daily routine and when i’m on the run i always have a few in my purse!! People know to come to me for the “amazing easy coffee”

Yes Yes this is how I #crafteachday

I also used NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice to make my awesome Hazelnut Frappuccino.

#CraftEachDay
#TastersChoiceChallenge

Even if I read a few pages of a awesome inspiring book it gets my blood going in the AM. My 100% go to book right now is: It’s Called the fire starter sessions and it is dead on EVERY single time! Makes you feel like wonder woman and super mom all in one! It’s the honest truth I need! This book has the title it does for a very good reason!

The last thing I like to do is some yoga or simple stretching. There are a ton of great videos on YouTube to follow along with. I usually choose a few and do them a week @ at time.

And that’s my morning self-care routine! It takes less than an hour, and some days the kid’s interrupt m  but I still get recharged & get’s me going for the rest of the day!!

I want to hear what you are doing for your “me time”! Leave me a comment below, or find me on social media (links on main menu) and share with me any thoughts/feelings/feedback of you enjoying your “me time”!

I’m giving away TEN 1.7oz NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice House Blend sample jars to my readers. Leave me a comment on how you relate to NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice commitment.