Welcome Home Wednesday Linky Party #96


Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays number 96!!! I absolutely adore looking through your projects every single week and this week is no exception! We've been hanging out with y'all and sharing and loving all the goodies shared here!! Thank you ALL for coming back week after week!! We APPRECIATE y'all!!

Let's get started! Each week our little party gets even bigger... and we're so glad you're here to party with us! So bring your friends and link up something awesome... we love to see your amazing work around here! Don't forget to leave us a comment to let us know you stopped by and we'll do the same when we visit your link! The party will start each Wednesday at 7am CST... and we'll be here bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready to party! Stop by and share your fabulous posts... we would love to read them and share them with our friends!

a>

 

Meet your Fabulous Hosts!

Happily Ever After, Etc. @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Five Kids, a Dog & a Blog @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Suburban Simplicity @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Peaches & Willow @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram

 

The Spotlight! That's right... Features!

These people were extra cool last week... so we're featuring them this week! That means they get a little time in the spotlight...and a cameo on our social media accounts (if you've ever wanted to hangout on my facebook page this is your chance!) Sounds awesome huh?! For your chance to be featured make sure to follow all of your hosts on social media... and leave us a little note so we know you're following!! Just pop over and leave a comment on Facebook (or Twitter, or Instagram... whichever one is your jam!) We look at every single link so we don't miss a beat!







Image Map


 

The Rules are there ain't no Rules!

We ain't your Mama... so we don't have a strict rules list. View this more as party etiquette! 1. Be kind! Read and comment on your fellow party goers links! 2. We like to think we're super fancy... we want our guests to feel fancy too so no link-party or affiliate links please! 3. If you want to be featured please follow your hosts on social media... then link back to the party with a text link... or our fabulous button! 4. Link to a specific post... not your home page! We want to see what you've been up to this week! 5. Our mama's taught us to share... that includes the limelight! No more than 3 links per person please! 6. That's it! Have fun and link up your best stuff! We can't wait to see it! 7. Please note that by sharing at Welcome Home Wednesdays, you are giving permission for your projects to be shared on social media and in round up posts on any of the cohosts sites  

4 Gals, 4 Blogs & 1 Great Party! Link up once to appear on 4 Amazing Blogs!

Want to come back next week? We'll send you a reminder... just put your email in the box!

Thanks so much for Stopping by!

Like any good hosts we're sitting right by the present table waiting until our guests leave so we can go through the loot... the loot being your links! We can't wait to check out what you've left for us. Trust me there will be a lot of pinning, tweeting and facebook sharing going on in the near future... we can't wait to show off what you've left!
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Welcome Home Wednesdays Linky Party #95


Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays number 95!!! I absolutely adore looking through your projects every single week and this week is no exception! We've been hanging out with y'all and sharing and loving all the goodies shared here!! Thank you ALL for coming back week after week!! We APPRECIATE y'all!!

Let's get started! Each week our little party gets even bigger... and we're so glad you're here to party with us! So bring your friends and link up something awesome... we love to see your amazing work around here! Don't forget to leave us a comment to let us know you stopped by and we'll do the same when we visit your link! The party will start each Wednesday at 7am CST... and we'll be here bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready to party! Stop by and share your fabulous posts... we would love to read them and share them with our friends!

a>

 

Meet your Fabulous Hosts!

Happily Ever After, Etc. @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Five Kids, a Dog & a Blog @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Suburban Simplicity @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Peaches & Willow @ Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram

 

The Spotlight! That's right... Features!

These people were extra cool last week... so we're featuring them this week! That means they get a little time in the spotlight...and a cameo on our social media accounts (if you've ever wanted to hangout on my facebook page this is your chance!) Sounds awesome huh?! For your chance to be featured make sure to follow all of your hosts on social media... and leave us a little note so we know you're following!! Just pop over and leave a comment on Facebook (or Twitter, or Instagram... whichever one is your jam!) We look at every single link so we don't miss a beat!







Image Map


The Rules are there ain't no Rules!

We ain't your Mama... so we don't have a strict rules list. View this more as party etiquette! 1. Be kind! Read and comment on your fellow party goers links! 2. We like to think we're super fancy... we want our guests to feel fancy too so no link-party or affiliate links please! 3. If you want to be featured please follow your hosts on social media... then link back to the party with a text link... or our fabulous button! 4. Link to a specific post... not your home page! We want to see what you've been up to this week! 5. Our mama's taught us to share... that includes the limelight! No more than 3 links per person please! 6. That's it! Have fun and link up your best stuff! We can't wait to see it! 7. Please note that by sharing at Welcome Home Wednesdays, you are giving permission for your projects to be shared on social media and in round up posts on any of the cohosts sites  

4 Gals, 4 Blogs & 1 Great Party! Link up once to appear on 4 Amazing Blogs!

Want to come back next week? We'll send you a reminder... just put your email in the box!

Thanks so much for Stopping by!

Like any good hosts we're sitting right by the present table waiting until our guests leave so we can go through the loot... the loot being your links! We can't wait to check out what you've left for us. Trust me there will be a lot of pinning, tweeting and facebook sharing going on in the near future... we can't wait to show off what you've left!
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Blue Sky Tag:Blogging Challenge



Y'all, last week when my sweet friend Alix from A Pint Sized Life nominated me for the Blue Sky Challenge I was so excited. I admit I'd never heard of the Blue Sky Challenge before but I knew it was something I loved once I read her post.

This challenge is really fun. The person who was nominated has to answer 11 questions (given by the person who nominated them) then they have to nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 questions.

Thank you Alix for nominating me.

So let's get this party started

Why blogging?
I started blogging as a way to document mine and my son's lives several years ago. I also wanted our family out of state to be able to keep up with what was going on in our lives. I had no intentions of making it public much less of having sponsors and collaborating with big brands and other bloggers. Now blogging is my creative outlet. It's a place for me to voice the things that mean the most to me. I like to think this space is a peak inside my heart and soul. I love the friendships it's brought me and the chance to keep learning new things that I never would learn otherwise. My hope is that someone reads the words I type and finds inspiration and happiness. I want to inspire people to choose happiness and chase their dreams.

What’s the last thing you ate?
Peanut butter granola cups with a cup of coffee.

What’s your go-to outfit?
Lately it's been a loose fitting tank top and my favorite denim shorts because it's so hot here in Georgia.

Who’s you’re favorite band/singer?
Hands down, without a doubt it's Pink.

Hot or cold coffee/tea?
I believe in hot coffee and cold tea.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Southern Charm on Bravo. It's like watching a hot southern train wreck but I can't stop.
I also love old movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, etc.
Christmas time is my favorite time for all the vintage movies. I never get tired of White Christmas.

Snapchat or Insta-stories?
I'm all about InstaStories these days. I just love having everything on one app.
I'm usually watching InstaStories while I do my hair and make up. I'm kinda obsessed.

What’s your zodiac sign?
Aquarius. A water sign, which is no surprise if you know me at all!
See, I really am a mermaid!

Name your biggest accomplishment (so far)
Raising my son. There was a time in life when I started losing (and cutting out) friends in my life because of him. I was a single mom for 10 years of his life so I really feel a strong bond with him because of that. He's my why for everything I do.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Kauai, Hawaii. No joke, y'all. This place is heaven on Earth. When my husband & I went there on our honeymoon I might not of come home if it's wasn't for our son.

What’s your favorite quote?
I am a collector of quotes. Sometimes I feel like I could narrate my life in them so there are so many that I love but the two that are probably among my favorites are:

"Fairytales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know dragons exist. Fairytales tell children that dragons can be slayed."
AND
"This morning, with her, having coffee." Johnny Cash when asked for his description of paradise.


I hope y'all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed filling it out. I absolutely love these kinds of posts. They're a refreshing way to learn a little more about the blogger behind the blog.

I nominate:

1.Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas
2.Polished and Bubbly
3.Hall Around Texas
4.Eat Drink & Be Mary
5.Always, Al
6.Dream Big & Buy The Shoes
7.Showered with Design
8.HappilyEverAfterEtc
9.Mon Fig
10.Baby Ridley Bump
11.Vintage Simply Love


Here are my questions:

1.Where do you find inspiration for creating new content?
2.What are your top 3 songs at the moment?
3.What is your favorite beauty/make up product?
4.What is the last thing you splurged on?
5.What's your favorite thing to do in your free time, when you aren't working?
6.What's your favorite way to pamper or treat yourself?
7.If you could meet one inspiring person who would it be and why?
8.What is the first thing you do in the morning?
9.How do you get through creative blocks?
10.What are 3 posts that readers should read to get to know you better?
11.What is your "go to" coffee order?


Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Answer your 11 questions.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers.
4. Think of 11 questions for them to answer.


I hope y'all have as much fun with this as I did! I can't wait to see your answers.











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Coffee Chat + Weekly Goals



Hi Loves! Happy Monday. I hope you awakened today feeling refreshed and ready to take on a new week. I'm learning to love Mondays because they mean it's a fresh start. Why wait for a New Year to set new goals and start over, right? That's what Mondays are starting to mean to me. Of course, for us, it's summer break so there's no real hurry on Monday mornings and I love that. Right now it gives me the chance to take this series live on Facebook in the mornings and have real life coffee chats with my friends. It's the true perfect start to the week. So grab a mug of coffee, your favorite blanket, get cozy and stay a while.



If you and I were on a coffee date...


I would tell you that we had another near perfect weekend. Friday evening my husband and I had date night outside. We watched the new Beauty and the Beast on the back porch. I was absolutely mesmerized the entire time. Saturday we spent the day with my parents, cleaning and doing yard work then we cooked out. Sunday was spent getting things prepared for the week ahead and packing away more of our stuff in boxes for moving. My hubby did make me coffee and a nice breakfast, which is always a special treat. We ended the night snuggled up watching Fear the Walking Dead.

Spending Sundays preparing for the week ahead has become a lifesaver to me. I love my mornings, coffee in hand, while I make to do lists and decorate my planner then fill it with all the blog post ideas and important dates. It helps me feel ready for a new week and able to accomplish so much more. I'm in love with my Coffee + Goals group that was born out of last week's Coffee Chat live. My girlfriends started talking about needing a place to inspire them and to share their goals. A place where we can support each other, encourage each other and keep each other accountable. The group is still small but it's an intimate place that just feels like girlfriends hanging out, talking and cheering each other on. It's where my heart is and I didn't even know I had a need for it.

I would tell you that I have a love of throwing things away. Not good things but things that no longer serve a purpose for me. Simplifying is something that really makes my heart happy. That's the season of life i'm in, especially since we are moving very soon. It's so satisfying to let go of the things that clutter my heart, my house and my mind. I'm on a detox here; a life detox. If it doesn't serve a purpose or if i'm not in love with it, it's gotta go and I kinda do a little happy dance when that happens.

I've also enjoyed working on some collaborations for this little space lately. Last week I revived my Happy List series with Alix from A Pint Sized Life. From this series, she created a new hashtag for Instagram. You can read all about that on her post-What Makes you Happy then join us on Instagram using #TheHappyGrams.

I've also got more sponsored products + a collaboration with my sweet friends Alix A Pint Sized Life and Mistle Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas coming at the end of the month.
Here's a sneak peak

I also found a new obsession-Arnold Palmers. I posted this hack on Instagram.
Sweet tea + Lemon Bai water makes an awesome Arnold Palmer.


I also spent Saturday morning re-vamping all my social media handles. This probably means nothing to most of you who aren't bloggers but having cohesive social media handles is a pretty big deal in the blogging world. It makes it easier for readers and potential collaborators as well as sponsors to find you and connect. All of my handles are now Peaches_Willow. Facebook was the only one who wouldn't get on board with it so that one's just PeachesWillow.

Another social media milestone was hitting 114 likes on an Instagram photo. My top is 79 so 114 is a huge deal and it was all about my struggle with trying to find a new social media profile pic.

I just went through all these selfies to try to find a new profile pic for all of social media. Guess which one I picked? Yep! The one I had in the first place. 🤦🏻‍♀️ All my social media handles are about to change & a new e-mail address will follow so I can make everything easy and co-hesive for blogging's sake so please bear with me. If you have my current e-mail address please message me so I can give you the new one! Happy Saturday loves!!! #abmhappylife #abeautifulmess #abmlifeissweet #abmlifeisbeautiful #blogger #bppdiary #blogfuel #bloggerlife #bloggervibes #thebloglife101 #gablogger #georgiablogger #instagood #instagirl #instadaily #inspiredaily #instamoments #o#petitejoys #peachykeen #peachykeen32 #syblbloggers #thatslovely #thehappynow #theeverygirl #thegramgang #TheHappyGrams

A post shared by {Leslie Soto} (@peaches_willow) on



I would also tell you that next week is going to be crazy busy and exciting. We're closing on our new house on Friday then Saturday our family from Illinois gets here for an entire week. There will be lots of family fun/pool days/crafting/cooking out/ moving/ celebrating life going on so stay tuned to InstaStories for all our shenanigans. I'll also be taking a blogging break next week so I can soak up all the time with my family.

What would you share if we were on a coffee date?


Monday Mantra




Goals

I've been setting weekly goals for almost a month now and I can say that it's been a game changer. I get so much more done and feel so much more accomplished. I actually look forward to Mondays because I have new goals to work on and my pretty planner all decorated and ready to go for the week ahead. My Coffee + Goals group really helps, too!

How'd I do with last week's goals?

+Replace my sugary drinks with water. I'll allow myself only one cup of coffee + one cup of tea a day.
I did pretty good with this goal. I did discover Arnold Palmers this week though, so that's been a downfall but for the most part I had one cup of coffee in the mornings and one glass of tea at night.

+Get my newsletter ready to go live.
This is still in the works. I didn't realize how much time it takes to actually set up a newsletter. I did take Jenna Kutcher's The Creative's How to Guide to e-mail lists and learned a few things so at least that's a step in the right direction.

+Spend the evenings completely un-plugged from social media.
This one was way easier to check off on the weekends because we were occupied with other things. It still requires some work though.

+Make one new recipe for my family.
Check this one off! I made BBQ Nachos for my family on Monday and they were a huge hit!

+Pack up my desk space.
Fail but we did pack up my husband's closet and dresser so it's a compromise. Something got packed, at least.



This week's goals

+Start doing yoga 5 days a week again.

+Keep replacing sugary drinks with water.

+Pack away nightstand and Living Room Decor.

+Fulfill my tee shirt orders and my hubby's request for vinyl flags.

+Stay sane.
Y'all, the struggle is real with this one. With closing coming on Friday and family getting here Saturday, i'm getting more nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time but I'm also trying to squeeze in 4,550 things this week. So i'm going to try not to be crazy stressed and just do what I can and remember the rest will be there when I get to it.

What are some goals you'd like to achieve this week?


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The Happy List-Alix {A Pint Sized Life}



Hey Loves! I'm so excited about today's post because I have one of my sweet blogging friends with us to share her Happy List. So let's welcome Alix from A Pint Sized Life. When we're done here skip over to her page and check out her swoon worthy lifestyle blog but first grab a mug of coffee, kick up your feet and get cozy while Alix shares what's making her so happy.


1. My dog

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll see a number of posts that feature my shih tzu Oreo. Well, Oreo HATES the camera and has like a 6th sense to stop what he’s doing and be dull when I get my phone out. He relaxes, calms, and makes me smile. P.S. I do catch him doing something funny sometimes and it usually goes on my Snapchat.




2. When I take/find a picture that fits with my Insta theme


A lot of Instagram things on here! I recently settled on a consistent Instagram theme and I couldn’t be happier with it. I love all things girly, bright and floral so that’s what I post. Although it is tricky and sometimes frustrating to figure out a theme, it is soooo rewarding to see it when it’s complete.



3. A good manicure

Yes, I know-cliche. There’s something about manicured nails that makes me handle things differently (I don’t know how to explain this feeling). A good manicure makes me feel put together and fancy. Plus finding the PERFECT color gets me waaaaay too excited. They also make a great Insta shot prop i.e. holding your coffee.



4. A new episodes alert on my favorite Netflix show

When I see the new episode alert a little part of me (or my whole being) gets ready for a night (or two or three) of binge watching. JSYK- my favorite show has 20 seasons. And counting!



5. Putting together an outfit

When I see a dress, shirt or really any item of clothing I start styling and putting together an outfit; the accessories, the hair, the makeup etc. In fact sometimes styling in my head is better than shopping, but only sometimes.



6. An Arnold Palmer

An Arnold Palmer= half tea and half lemonade. I drank them my entire life so I don’t know why I’m OBSESSED with them this summer. If you need me, I’ll be on out on the porch drinking an Arnold Palmer. It’s a southern thing.



That’s it for now! Thanks for reading this, find me on Instagram (I’m obsessed), Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook! You can also find me on Tumblr. And last, but certainly not least, visit my blog, stay a while and sign up for the resource library filled with freebies, graphics and playlists and I’ll add you to my private Facebook group.

Also use the hashtag #TheHappyGram on any Instagram post that (wait for it…) makes you happy! Food, clothes, your pet(s), family, friends whatever frosts your cupcake. See you on Insta! Read the full #TheHappyGram post here.

Thank you Alix for sharing your Happy List with us. I absolutely loved it. There is something very happy and satisfying about putting together the perfect outfit. Netflix, good manicures and sweet puppies always make me happy, too and because of you, I am now hooked on Arnold Palmers! I had never had one until the other day but I thought, my sweet friend Alix loves them, they must be really good and they ARE!

Share with us what's making you happy lately and be sure to follow Alix on all her social media accounts. You'll love her, I promise.



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On Wednesdays We Confess



Hi Loves! Guess who's back. Back again. It's been a while since i've done an On Wednesdays We Confess post with my sweet friend, Mistle from Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas but today I'm taking a break from Welcome Home Wednesdays because our two fabulous ladies who organize and host it are on vacation in Disney World. Jealous?!? Yeah, me too but that's okay. It's time for some confessions.


I Confess my hubby is working from home this morning and I kinda like it. We're both set up in the living room, drinking coffee in our pajamas. This is the way every weekday morning should start. It's a huge plus that he made my morning coffee today, too. He makes it better than I do but because he gets up at 4:30 in the morning M-F, coffee made by him is a weekend treat.

I Confess I would be the worst celebrity ever because I would be the one leaking my own stories, not for money, just because I can't keep exciting news to myself! I've been saying I had big news to share with y'all but that I wasn't quiet ready to but i've been leaking the news anyway. The Sotos are on the move! We close on a new house in just over a week, ya'll and I'm so excited but that's all I'm sharing right now. Stay tuned for more info, coming soon.

I Confess I took a huge leap and conquered one of my fears earlier this week. I did a video on Facebook Live. It was pretty much a hot mess. I was still in my pajamas with my hair up in a messy bun and no make up on. I couldn't get my camera to work on my Mac so I used my iPad. The dog knocked my iPad over once during filming and I knocked it over another time, taking out my bottle of water on the way down but it was raw, it was real and it was un-edited. It was true me in all of my glory.

From this FB Live, came my new group Coffee + Goals. I had no intentions of starting this group up but when I started talking about setting my 5 weekly goals my girlfriends started talking about wanting a place to share their goals and bounce ideas off of each other and i'm all about encouraging and helping fellow lady bosses out so my Coffee+Goals group was born. If you'd like to join, click the link and join us!

I Confess I've found out how to make the Starbucks pink drink at home. That blog post is coming next week.

I Confess I can't wait for next weekend! We'll be going to closing for our house on Friday then our family from Illinois will be here for an entire week!!! {All the happy squeals.} My Aunt and I are scheming up some ideas for both of our small businesses. She sells jewelry on her Etsy shop; Mobsession and I, of course have the blog with an Etsy shop coming soon so stay tuned to my InstaStories and Facebook for all the fun pictures and videos.

I Confess i've finally found something I love doing, besides blogging! I love helping other entrepreneurs work on and start up their businesses. In the last two weeks i've had girlfriends come to me with ideas and ask how to get started so we're in the works for big things for them and I can not tell you how excited that makes me.

I Confess Urban Decay is trying to take all my money. I'm swooning over this, this and this

I Confess i'm in the works with some pretty amazing collaborations with my sweet friends Mistle from Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas and Alix from A Pint Sized Life. So stay tuned to see what fun we're up to!

I Confess that despite my best efforts to plan my week out and be organized it just took me 4.5 hours to write this post out.

And that's a wrap loves.
What would you like to confess today?











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Coffee Chat + Weekly Goals


I know it's that dreaded day that comes every week, it's our least favorite M word; Monday but it's also time to snuggle up and have a coffee date and talk goals. So grab a mug of coffee, your favorite blanket, get cozy and stay a while.

If you and I were on a coffee date...

I would tell you that our weekend was the perfect mix of relaxing and knocking stuff off our "to do" list. Saturday my hubby & I cleaned out our basement. Not much makes me happier than throwing things away and simplifying our lives. I love a good, clean space. I'll be honest, it's not a space I visit often but just knowing it's cleaner makes me happier. Sunday my hubby & I were without our kid so we went to Waffle House for lunch (where apparently Cam Newton had just left) then made a run to Marshall's to look at rugs for our new soon-to-be house. My hubby bought me a pretty, fluffy blanket with adorable wedding images on it then we spent Sunday night snuggled up watching Fear the Walking Dead.

Most of the weekend was rainy, which was okay with me. I enjoy the rain from time to time but we're hoping it stops soon so we can spend time outside in the pool.

I also spent some time talking with fellow blogger friends about some fun new collaborations. We're so excited about these, y'all, so keep an eye out for announcements soon!

I would tell you that my blog has really been on my heart lately. I love this little place but I realized that most of my real life friends aren't active here. It's not that big of a deal for me, I do this because I love it, not for fame or money but I do want my blog to be relatable for everyone so I took to Facebook yesterday and asked what kinds of posts everyone would like to see. I got some really good feedback but I also learned that most of my friends don't even see my posts so I'm on a mission to change that and make this blog space a place where my girlfriends and I gather to kick off our shoes, drink coffee, wine and sweet tea and share what's on our hearts. I also realize this means being even more comfortable and transparent. This means doing more Live videos. We're about to go Live on Facebook for the first time in just an hour!

It's been on my heart lately to live a more intentional life, too. Less trying to be "perfect" and more being present in the moment. Right now every room in my house is a mess. Normally I would be rushing around trying to clean it up but in this current moment I'm sitting here on the couch, finishing this post and getting ready for a Facebook Live event. I'm not one of those people who will ever have a Southern Living house but I hope to be one of those people who have a comfy house that makes everyone who enters feel loved, safe and welcomed. If I can do that then I will have succeeded. I would ask you what being intentional means to you?

I would also tell you that I had no intentions of selling the tee shirts i've been making. I had no desire to make it a business because I didn't believe in myself, y'all. RAW, HONEST Moment here but when I started posting the ones I made myself on Facebook, my friends started asking me if I was selling them. They believed in me! Y'all believed in me and it made me start believing in myself. Last week I made three shirt sales. THREE! With another two this week. This is the perfect example of how God's plans for our lives are greater than our own and how I should just step out of my own way. I think the best part about these tee shirt sales isn't that y'all made me believe in myself, it's that i've re-kindled some old friendships and am even helping one with ideas about starting up her own creative business! Love ya girl! I think this is where my heart is. It's in helping others to believe in themselves and make their dreams a reality! I can't wait to see where this takes her. Where it takes me. Where it takes us and our friendship! PS-That Etsy shop i've been talking about forever is about to become a reality.


What would you share if we were on a coffee date?



Monday Mantra



Goals

A couple weeks ago I started setting weekly goals. Last week was a complete blur and I wasn't prepared at all so I didn't set new goals. That's okay though because I'm learning to live with grace and not be so hard on myself when life doesn't go as planned. This is God's life, i'm just living it the best I can so sometimes His plans come to fruition. If i'm being honest, I wish I would be so selfless and allow His plans to always come to fruition before my own. It's a work in progress. In the meantime i'll share my goals and try to live my best life possible.

How'd I do with last week's goals?

+ Spend ZERO $. Other than on gas in my Jeep and mailing a package off.
I failed this one. I spent money on new tank tops from Old Navy (they were having 50%-60% off all tanks) and some new lotions from Bath & Body
Works (they had buy 3, get 2 free + I had several coupons I used, too) but I will say that I only spent the money I made off tee shirt sales.

+ Finish my tee shirt orders and get them delivered.
Accomplished this and I got so blessed by seeing two of my friends from high school. I ended that day feeling so inspired. I'm even helping
one of my girlfriends dream and scheme for a new project she has in mind.

+ Start putting together my newsletter.
This is in the works because I did start talking to another blogger today about what platform to use to host my newsletter.

+ Read one chapter a day in Girl Boss or Note To Self.
I did start this. I just didn't keep it up everyday.

+ Spend one evening snuggled on the couch, watching a movie with my hubby sans tech devices like we used to do when we were dating
This was a success, only we didn't spend the evening snuggled on the couch. My husband built an outdoor tv stand and we spent the night
watching a movie on the back porch. It was such a fun way to spend time together. For the record, I also spent time snuggled in the hammock
with my husband that weekend, too!


This week's goals

+ Replace my sugary drinks with water. I'll allow myself only one cup of coffee + one cup of tea a day.

+ Get my newsletter ready to go live.

+ Spend the evenings completely un-plugged from social media.

+ Make one new recipe for my family.

+ Pack up my desk space.


These goals seem easy enough but they're all things I need to practice more. I was doing so good about drinking a lot of water and cutting sugar out but then I started slipping because nothing else sounded or tasted good for a while. I know I can do it and I feel so much better when I do so it's time to get back to that. My newsletter has been a huge goal for a while but I put it off because I had no idea where to begin with it until recently. I've had a couple people ask me where they can find my newsletter or if I have a way to notify them when a new post is up. I'd love for my followers to be able to stay up to date with me and my blog. I also find myself so into social media in the evenings that I'm not spending quality time with my family. I definitely want to change that and spend even more time reading the stack of books I have waiting on me.

I've been so un-motivated to cook lately and I think it's because i'm tired of making the same things over and over so this week i'm adding BBQ nachos to the mix. I'll share the recipe if they turn out good. It's also time to pack up my desk space. Big things are about to happen for my family and it's time for us to start packing and getting ready for the exciting things to come.

What are some goals you'd like to achieve this week?



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{Shop Small} Lipsense with Carrie

Hi Sweet Friends! Today i'm sharing a beautiful lady and her business venture. She's a mom to 7, she's a bloggers, she's a Lipsense distributor. She runs this. Y'all know I love to support small businesses and their owners, add to that make up and i'm head over heels. I love cheering fellow lady bosses on so get cozy with a glass of sweet tea and get to know Carrie through her Q&A.


Hello Carrie. Welcome to my blog sweet blog.



Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm Carrie Willard. I'm a wife, mom of 7 (ages 2-19), homeschooler, blogger and SeneGence/LipSense distributor.



What inspired you to become a part of the Lipsense community and become fabulous sales lady for the company?
It was when I saw my upline, Anna Newell Jones, post about her new car! She had earned it in less than 4 months working the business part time. I am currently without a car due to a series of unfortunate events - we've literally had to donate two of our cars to charity in the last 3 months! That car got my attention.

My mom was a Tupperware lady for years, and we drove a Tupperware wagon when I was a kid. I remember going to parties with her and watching her build a team. I knew the business model worked, I had just never found a product I could get excited about until LipSense.



What does the Lipsense company stand for and what does it mean to you?
LipSense was founded by a woman who had a passion for direct sales. She was a leader in Mary Kay, but wanted to create a product line that contained botanical ingredients and that had a better compensation plan. SeneGence was the result. I love the company culture. SeneGence discourages pushiness and "salesy" tactics. Most of the distributors mirror the founder's chill, no-pressure vibe. There is also an amazing "SeneSisterhood" that exists in the company, the likes of which I've never seen. The support from other distributors, who share marketing advice, training and even graphics - though they don't benefit at all from my efforts - is amazing.



What makes you most excited about selling Lipsense?
The fact that LipSense is so awesome! It is a Wow product. When women see it, they want it! It sells so well that the company has trouble keeping any colors in stock at the moment. The company experienced 2000% percent growth in 2016. Yes, that's 2000% percent.

I have customers who only received their first product one week ago who are already buying their second, third, fourth and FIFTH color from me. Unbelievable.



If you could only use product from Lipsense for the rest of your life, which product would it be? Why?
LipSense! I'm a total lipstick addict and used to have to re-apply lipstick 6-8 times a day. I also had a bad habit of chewing my mouth and my lips were chronically chapped - so badly, that I constantly applied lip balm and had one in my pocket at all times. With LipSense, my lips are healing and I only have to apply my lip color once a day in the morning - and I can kiss my babies and teenage sons and husband and not get lipstick on them!


What is your favorite thing about the Lipsense, as a whole?
How easily it sells. I've been in direct sales before, and selling product was so hard! With LipSense demos, I easily sell $450-$650 of product in an hours.


How can all our readers see all the Lipsense products?
Join my Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lippychic


Are there any special Lipsense promotions currently?
No, but if you join my Facebook group I offer specials from time to time. Last week I had free shipping.


Do you host parties? If so can you tell our readers about how those work?
Yes. I do in-home and Facebook parties. I prefer the latter. Nobody has to clean their house or even put shoes on! And you can invite friends who live far away. The potential for more sales (and greater hostess benefits) is much better. And Facebook Live is so fun! We get the same intimate feeling without the same pressure to clean house and play hostess.

To book a party, just contact me and let's set a date. I set up the Facebook page for your party and all you do is invite people. For the days leading up to the party, I post info about LipSense, including live videos, to introduce people to the product. You come in at the party time to interact with your friends. And I do fun giveaways. Because the party page is up for several days, people can stop by and browse and order for a longer period (greater hostess freebies for you!), and they aren't limited by a set time and place. So easy!


Lastly, how can my readers get in touch with you about ordering or booking a party?
They can email me directly at help@lippychic.com or message me or leave a comment at my Facebook Page lippychic





Thank you so much Carrie, for sharing your Lipsense business with us. It's an amazing brand and she's one of the sweetest ladies I know so ladies, run over to her Facebook group and check out her products or throw a party with her. It's okay to treat yourself!
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