Welcome Home Wednesday Linky Party #105

Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays number 104!!! 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!

Guys Behind The Blog

Guys Behind The Blog is back, y'all! We missed all summer because we were busy but my hubby has been asking me if he had any questions so here we are. His answers are always simple but I love seeing if the answers I think he'd give are the same ones he actually does. The best part is that he actually enjoys doing these posts and having a little feature on my blog.

So here are his answers for August.

Coffee Chat + Goals

Happy Monday, Dolls. Monday has such a bad rep, don't you think? After all, it's the day that forces us to get off our cozy spots on the couch and trade sweats and pajamas for real clothes. It's the day that makes us trade endless Netflix binges for work and turn our alarms back on. It's always been my least favorite day of the week, too but I'm on a mission to make Mondays loved so throw your hair in a messy bun, grab your favorite mug of coffee and get ready for a coffee date.

Peaches and Willow Refresh

Hi Sweet Friends. Welcome back to my little slice of the internet. This little place has been my refuge for so long. It's been my happy place and the place where I come to type all the feelings out as I cry myself clean. It's a place where friendships have been born and other friendships have been renewed.

Welcome Home Wednesday Linky Party #104

Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays number 104!!! 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!

In Case You Didn't Know...

Hi Loves! Happy Day. Today's post is a fun way to get to know me a little better so I hope y'all enjoy.

Lipsense Review

*This post contains products that were gifted to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Hi Lovies! I am so excited to share today's post with you because i've been on the hunt for that perfect lipstick that stays put through all life's brunches, cups of coffee and kisses and I finally found it! LipSense is long lasting, water proof and does not budge or smear. They offer a huge variety of colors and glosses that are buttery smooth, y'all and Ooops Remover for when you want to take it off.

Coffee Chat + Goals

Hey Sweet Friends! Happy Monday. It's been a while since i've done a coffee chat + goals post because i've had several other posts to fill the space of Mondays. I have missed y'all and our cozy coffee chats though so throw your hair in a top knot, grab your favorite mug filled with coffee and a blanket and let's chat about all the things on our hearts and share our goals for this week.

Loving Lately-Summer to Fall Style

Hi Loves! Happy day sweet friends. I hope you are all enjoying a happy, cozy day today celebrating this Fri-YAY! It's the the end of our first week of school and i'm proud to say we've survived! This is my son's first year of high school but he's handling it like a champ, not that this mama is surprised but let's just say this-mornings are neither of our thing but we're holding tight, working together and making it work.

Welcome Home Wednesday Linky Party #103

Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays number 103!!! 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!

 

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!




 

data:text/mce-internal,content,%3Cimg%20class%3D%22size-full%20wp-image-6130%20alignleft%22%20src%3D%22http%3A//www.fivekidsadogandablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lyns-Pick-1.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20width%3D%22255%22%20height%3D%22359%22%20/%3E<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilyeverafteretc.com" rel="nofollow" title="Welcome Home Wednesdays"><img src="http://happilyeverafteretc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/featured-small.jpg" alt="Welcome Home Wednesdays" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilyeverafteretc.com" rel="nofollow" title="Welcome Home Wednesdays"><img src="http://happilyeverafteretc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/button-5.jpg" alt="Welcome Home Wednesdays" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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

An InLinkz Link-up

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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{Shop Small} Soap On and So Forth

Hello Naomi. Welcome to my sweet little corner of the blog world. Let's pour a glass of sweet tea, kick off our shoes, get comfy and share some girl chat about your amazing business, Soap On and So Forth.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm 28 years old. Originally from and still live in Temple, Georgia. I am an entrepreneur/soap maker by trade and mother to a sweet little kitty named Fluff Fluff.


How did you pick your shop name?
I've always been a fan of puns and found the perfect opportunity to incorporate one into my business name, therefore I did. I just thought it was hilarious and other people enjoyed it, so I guess it just stuck.


What inspired you to open your shop?
Working in retail is something i've been doing since I was 15 years old. I always knew I wanted to have some kind of store of my own someday but never dreamed it would be filled with products that I had created myself. When I found my niche and received such a positive response from my peers and customers, I just knew that I wasn't going to stop working towards my goal and dream of being a shop owner.

What's your biggest inspiration for creating new products?
My biggest inspiration thus far has been nature. I see the beauty in God's creations all around me.
I love recreating images like sunsets and rainbows in my products, as well as scents like peaches and kudzu.


How do you fight through creative blocks?
I don't think i've ever experienced a creative block thanks to my wonderful friends and family, who always have ideas and suggestions for new designs. Of course, when all else fails, take a bath!


What makes you most excited about owning your shop?
Being able to freely express myself creatively and see the joy my products bring to other people are probably the best parts about owning my shop.


What's your favorite thing to do in your free time, when you aren't working?
Lounging on my couch and watching a good movie or being lost in a great book are my favorite pastimes when i'm not working.


What does a day in your life look like?
A day in the life of Naomi is very colorful, aromatic, and hectic; feeling constantly dirty while being sparkly clean and finding glitter in places you didn't know existed until now.


What is your favorite item you currently offer?
My favorite item has been and always will be the bubble bars. I'm a sucker for a bubble bath, so anytime I get a chance I break a piece off of a bubble bar and hop in a hot, relaxing bath.


What is your best selling item?
Rock Star bath bombs have been a number one seller for about a year now. Not only online but at our retail locations, too.
It almost smells like pixi sticks and makes swirls of blues, pinks and purples in the tub with a hint of sparkle.

Can you share any sneak peaks of items coming soon?
Currently I have been working on jelly soaps. If you've never heard of them, they are pretty awesome. It's literally soap in the form of jello. It's super fun and jiggly and has amazing lather with moisturizing properties. They will make their debut at the Grand Opening of our first brick and mortar location on August 4th. (Yay, Yall!!! Naomi already has her first brick and mortar store open!)


Do you have any special promotions currently?
At this moment we do not have any special promotions going on but check back with us frequently because we often run sales and have giveaways!


Where can my readers find you?
You can find us on social media at:
Facebook/SoapingOn
Instagram/SoapOn_SoForth
soaponsoforth

Our products are also available at Cover Me Southern Boutique in Villa Rica, Ga and at our new brick and mortar location at 111 Wedowee St. Bowden, Ga 30108 which is open now!!!!

Thank you, Naomi, for sharing all your inspiring answers with us. Your job sounds like every girl's dream come true and I know from experience that your products are amazing. They're bright, colorful, fun and unique and the packaging is seriously pretty enough to display in my bathroom. Your products make bath time the bomb!

Weekly Grocery List + Meal Plan

Hi Friends. Happy Saturday. I don't usually do weekend posts but my house is quiet; everyone is asleep including the dog and cat so I have a few minutes to hop on and talk to y'all this morning. Last Friday I wrote How To Have An Inspired and Productive Week where one of my tips was to meal plan and grocery shop.

For me, having a meal plan in place and all the ingredients on hand takes a huge stress off me during the week. I don't necessarily plan that Monday we'll eat steaks with baked potatoes, Tuesday we'll eat italian beef sandwiches but I do plan out 5-6 meals and write them on a magnetic notepad and stick it to the side of my refrigerator that way, every morning, I can look at my meal plan for the week and decide what I want that night. I usually begin preparations around 11 in the morning so that everything is thawed and I can place anything in the crock pot that needs to be in there to slow cook for a couple hours.

You might be wondering why I only plan 5-6 meals a week?
Because one night we eat out and another night is usually left overs night and some nights we eat with my parents.

Let's talk about meal planning and grocery shopping.

This looks like a tornado hit for me. I sit down with my lap top, pen, and two pads or pieces of paper to make two lists; one is my meal plan and the other is my shopping list. I tend to need space to work this magic. Haha. I'll scroll on Pinterest for recipes that I want to make and I pin them to a board called Dinner At Leslie's. This board changes regularly so if you follow me, just a little FYI. (I do post our favorite Pinterest recipes to Yum-O:Soto Family Approved though).

As I pin a recipe I want to make, I also write it down on my meal plan list then I look at the ingredients and write a grocery list of the things I know I need for that recipe. If there's something i'm not sure if I have then I write it off to the side to check on. I always start with my main course then go back and add sides in because some sides go better with some main courses than others. Once i've completed that process, I check my pantry and refrigerator for that list of things I wasn't sure if I had and mark them off or add them to the grocery list. After I do that I like to take my lists and re-do them. Organization at it's finest, y'all. I take my meal plan and pair my main course with a couple sides (I'll share my meal plan in a minute). I also take my grocery list and organize it by where things are located in the store. This is a little harder as my husband and I just moved and we're shopping at a different grocery store where the lay out is totally different than the one we used to shop at, so i'm still learning the layout of this store but I still know that all the dairy products are together, etc. After that i'm ready to head out the door with my grocery list in hand.

Grocery List

This week's list is not as big as some because i'm not having to do the bulk shopping (detergents, paper goods, etc) this week BUT not everything on my list pertains to the meal plan either because i'm a believer in getting all my shopping done at once and with a husband, a teenager, a cat and a dog we all need different things.

Here's whats on this week's grocery list:
+ steaks
+ roast
+ ground beef
+ chicken
+ lemonade
+ water
+ yogurt
+ eggs
+ paper plates
+ ziplocks
+ cat litter
+ dry cat food
+ oats
+ sugar
+ sesame oil
+ coconut oil
+ olive oil
+ buns
+ mayo
+ vinegar
+ italian dressing
+ fresh produce (this varies depending on what looks good)

Meal Plan
+ Steaks with baked potatoes and mixed veggies
+ Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans
+ Italian beef sandwiches
+ Sausage, chicken, sweet potato and green bean foil packets
+ Chicken 'n Dumplins


That's how I plan my meals and grocery list. Do you have any tips?
That reminds me: Always eat before you go to the grocery store or you'll end up grabbing all the junk things. I know I make really bad decisions when i'm hungry at the grocery store.

I'm hopping off here to go eat and get ready to go get my grocery shopping done now but don't forget to share your tips.

Oh Hey, Friday!

Hey Y'all. So it's been a little bit since I've done an Oh Hey, Friday post. If you're new here let me catch you up on what's been going on. We've been on summer break for two of the shortest months ever and we bought a new house. That's pretty much it. Usually this time of year you'll find me hanging on to every last bit of summer but this year, i'm over it. I'm burning fall candles, wearing new plaid shirts, begging fall to show up. Sure, it's still almost 90 degrees everyday but who says I can't turn the air up in my house and pretend it's fall? While we dream of fall, let's get cozy and talk about Good Week/Bad Week, Instagram Goodness, Coffee & Blogs Posts and my favorite internet finds from the week.

Oh Hey, Friday!


Good Week/Bad Week
Good Week-I tried Lipsense for the first time and holy everything! I'm addicted now. I need all the colors, please.


Bad Week-School starts back on Monday. While i'm ready for fall, I am not ready for early mornings getting my teenager motivated to get moving. Please, no.




Favorite Insta Post

A post shared by {Leslie Soto} (@peaches_willow) on Aug 3, 2017 at 2:14pm PDT

Blog Posts & Coffee

Why Dogs Are The Best Friend You'll Ever Have
Inspiration Q&As with Lisa {Showered with Design}
Welcome Home Wednesday Linky Party #102



Blogger Loves & Inspiration

5 KeyItems You Need to Create A Perfectly Styled Shelf Lisa's Design Life
Desk Accessories That Make Working At Home Easier A Blissful Haven
Beat The Afternoon Slump The Southern Thing
Inspiring Girl Boss Series:July Roundup Sophisticated Gal
5 Things To Try This MonthFemale Entrepreneur Association


Favorite Friday Finds





Happy Friday Loves!

Welcome Home Wednesday Linky Party #102

Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays number 102!!! 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!

 

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!





 

data:text/mce-internal,content,%3Cimg%20class%3D%22size-full%20wp-image-6130%20alignleft%22%20src%3D%22http%3A//www.fivekidsadogandablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lyns-Pick-1.jpg%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20width%3D%22255%22%20height%3D%22359%22%20/%3E<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilyeverafteretc.com" rel="nofollow" title="Welcome Home Wednesdays"><img src="http://happilyeverafteretc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/featured-small.jpg" alt="Welcome Home Wednesdays" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.happilyeverafteretc.com" rel="nofollow" title="Welcome Home Wednesdays"><img src="http://happilyeverafteretc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/button-5.jpg" alt="Welcome Home Wednesdays" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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

An InLinkz Link-up

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!

Save

Save

Inspiration Q&As with Lisa [Showered With Design}

Hi Dolls! Welcome to a fun inspiration Q&A session with Lisa. Lisa is the most adorable, sweetest, bubbly person ever. She's owner of the shop Showered With Design. She's a mama to be and even appeared in the audience on Ellen recently. She's makes the most adorable coffee mugs and make up brush holders. She also makes aisle runners that make me want to get married all over again. If these aren't reason enough to run over to her shop and treat yourself to something pretty then keep reading.
(Even if you do run over to her shop and get yourself something pretty, please keep reading to learn more about Lisa).
So kick off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of something good and get ready to meet Lisa.

Hey Girl. Welcome back to Peaches & Willow. You've appeared here before in this Christmas Shop Small feature but i'm so happy to have you back. Life has been busy since we last talked so let's jump into questions.

What's your biggest inspiration for creating new content?
The biggest inspiration for me would be reading other peoples blogs. I start to get my creative juices flowing after reading a few. It's like it sparks up new ideas for me!

What are your top 3 songs at the moment?
My top three songs right now would be:
1.In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young
2. Artists Of Then, Now & Forever - Forever Country
3.Walker Hayes - You Broke Up with Me

How do you get through creative blocks?
This has been a toughie for me lately, mostly because my husband and I are expecting our baby girl the beginning of October, so I've been putting my creativity on the back burner lately. But I usually will take a day or two of rest and relaxation when I need to get back my creative mojo.

What's your favorite thing to do in your free time, when you aren't working?
I love going bowling, to disneyland, the beach and I love taking my two dachshunds out on walks or the dog beach too.

What's your #1 tip for anyone wanting to start a small business?
Don't get discouraged and don't compare yourself to other shops. Create your own style and niche.

If you could meet one inspiring lady boss, who would it be and why?
Lauren Conrad. I just love her! She seems so sweet, caring, and motivated.

What does a day in your life like?
Wake up, Shower, Get ready for work, feed the dogs, take them on a walk.
Head to work for 8 ish hours, head home and start working on orders/designs/etc.
I'm REALLY exciting haha.

What's one thing you are looking forward to in the next few months?
Well, for one, our baby girl. And being able to have some free time to create some new designs.

Do you have a self care routine or a favorite pampering product that helps you relax and un-wind?
I am obsessed with Lucrece skincare products, so I use the Vitamin C facial cleanser, every two days I use the pineapple facial scrub then I finish with the daily moisturizer. (I use both in the morning and at night)
My shower is my wind down time, something about the hot water is so soothing.

Are there any new products launching on your website soon?
There will be after the new year!

Where can we find you on social media?
I am on instagram: @showeredwithdesign and personal @lisa_nicole22
facebook @showeredwithdesign
twitter: @mrsfloro22

And your shop site?
You can find that here AND here

Thank you so much, Lisa, for taking a little time out of your busy schedule and sharing some inspiration with us. I loved getting to know you a little more and I can't wait to see your sweet little girl soon. You know i'll be glued to Facebook and Instagram once she's here. I'll also be on the look out for more products at the beginning of the year.

Lisa has so many fun things coming y'all so let's show her some love.
Leave her a comment telling her one thing you love in her shop and share with us what you order!

Happy Shopping y'all.

P.S.-Your husband texted and said it's okay to spend all the money.
After all, you're supporting small shops. (wink)