Oh Baby. Q&A

Hey Friends! If you've been around Peaches & Willow for a while then you know that things were quieter for about 6 months here. I stopped posting 3-4x's a week and went radio silent. I've been back with three new posts since August though and if you missed the post that explained why I was silent for so long you can read it here. Long story short; we will be welcoming a new member to the Soto tribe in November and we could not be more excited. I thought it would be fun to up-date you all with a Q&A post on my pregnancy and all things baby related so far. Since I haven't been blogging much there's a lot to cover but i'll try to keep it brief.

So get cozy and let's talk all things baby.

Oh Baby.

Hi Friends! You may have noticed that this little corner of my internet world hasn't been getting the love it deserves lately and that's because, well, I've been busy growing another human. Yes, we are expecting a baby girl in November. I am officially 25 weeks now and we are over the moon. The first trimester hit me hard, I didn't have the energy to keep my eyes open much less write posts and edit photos but I have missed this little space and all of you, too.

Currently + Instagram Inspiration

Hi Friends! Happy Monday. It has been such a long time since i've done a currently post so I thought I would share one today along with some of my favorite Instagram posts from the last couple months so get pour yourself a cup of coffee and get cozy while I share what i've been up to lately.

Coffee Chat

Happy Monday Dolls. I'm so happy you're here with me this morning. I know Mondays aren't our favorite days; today is particularly hard for me because it's the first day back to school and reality after a long Thanksgiving break. I've enjoyed sleeping in and long mornings on the couch drinking coffee and watching Christmas Hallmark movies and three long days of cooking and cleaning, preparing to host our first holiday in our new home. I'm not quiet ready to give that up yet but it makes it a little easier to bear with friends so grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with me and let's chat.

*Bonus if you are in pajamas or sweats with your hair in a messy bun because that's what I want this space to feel like; cozy dates with girlfriends in sweats and messy buns while we spill open the inner most parts of our hearts.*

So grab a mug and join me for a coffee date.

My Blogging Why

If you've been around Peaches and Willow lately then you likely know i've been on a path to change this sweet little space of mine. I want to make it more personal and more relatable. I feel like i'm a pretty open book but sometimes being vulnerable is scary and when it gets scary, I get quiet. It's not that i'm hiding from said scary thing but sometimes I have the need to check out and just "be"; just live life without finding the perfect Instagram picture or thinking whether or not it'll make for good blogging content.

Peaches & Willow Refresh

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.

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.

Fill in the Blank: Q&As

Hi Loves! I've been MIA a little bit lately, during my time away i've really started to think about this space and what I can do to keep it fresh and fun. I'm an open book, if you've been around a while then you know that but I want to do more personal posts and what better way than with a fun Q&A session, fill in the blank style?

I'd love to know your answers in the comments below so I can see how alike and how different we are so feel free to play along and have some fun.

First thing I do in the morning is...
say a little prayer for God to protect my family and our loved ones, for Him to keep my husband safe on the road and have a wonderful work day. I also pray for the safety and happiness of our loved ones then I roll over and snuggle with Chance; my cat and Willow pup.

My coffee of choice is...
Donut Shop Original with Coldstone Sweet Cream creamer.

My mornings look like this...
prayers, snuggles, coffee, open the blinds, then I grab my laptop and get cozy on the couch while I read my She Reads Truth devotional, chat with my former neighbor and forever friend on Pinterest and scroll Facebook or publish and work on blog posts.

If I could do anything for a living, I would...
work with the Make A Wish foundation and have my own bakery that would also sell local, handmade products. So basically a bakery/boutique.

If I'm watching t.v. i'll be watching...
Fixer Upper, Southern Charm, or American Housewife.
Sunday nights are all about The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead.

My guilty pleasure is...
ice cream sandwiches and Etsy.

I'm addicted to...
Instagram, small boutiques, planner supplies, discount stores, and The Lady Gang Facebook group.

I have a weird obsession with...
watching cake decorating on Instagram. Oh, and storms. You'll almost always find me outside right before it storms. I love watching the sky change and feeling the wind blow and the smell of rain. It's truly weird, I know. I told you.

The last thing I splurged on was...
two Lula Roe shirts but really my hubby bought them for me.

My last phone call was...
from my mama.

My last text was...
my sweet friend, Gabriella. We're obsessed with these travel mugs from Sweetwater Decor and have been talking about them for days.

I would describe myself as...
a bubbly introvert. I enjoy being around people but I'm also completely satisfied just to be at home.
Big crowds make me feel anxious and often times just going out alone makes me feel anxious.
#truthbomb because not many people knew that about me.

Last time I cried was...
yesterday to my husband on the phone because my Jeep wouldn't start and I had errands to run.
My exact words to him were "you bought me this Jeep so this wouldn't happen anymore."
* Side note* My hubby bought me my Jeep in January because my Solara kept breaking down.
He thought my crying over this was funny.

Last fear I conquered....
driving my husband's Jeep Wrangler yesterday. It's not that I couldn't drive it but in the 4 years he's had it, I only drove it one other time and I never went above 40mph. It used to scare me because it handled differently than my Solara and because I would have felt awful if something happened to it while I was driving it. Yesterday, I put those fears aside and drove it because I had to register our son for high school and we needed groceries. Now i'm really wanting my own Wrangler.

I really want to conquer this fear...
doing a yoga or barre class.

My favorite wine is...
Cupcake Angel Food.

My biggest dream in life is...
to have a house full of babies. Okay, maybe just one or two more.

One things I really want to do is...
inspire people and create a movement of some kind.

I spend the most money on...
food or make up. Probably food though.

My favorite Insta Girls are...
@sweetteaandhydrangeas @verbalgoldblog @kylajicha @hertastylife @keltieknight @nellemonaco

I feel most accomplished when...
I've knocked out my to do list for the day and can relax with my husband in the evenings.

My favorite time of day is...
at night when i'm snuggled in bed with my hubby, our puppy and our cat.

My favorite way to indulge and spend time doing self care is...
doing my hair and make up while listening to one of my favorite podcasts.
I do my hair and make up daily, even if I'm not planning on leaving the house because it makes me feel so much better and ready to take on the day.

Now it's your turn! Leave me a comment with your answers.

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?

Coffee Chat

Happy Monday Loves. I know, Mondays are no fun but I think Mondays would be so much better if we started the day off with coffee and a girlfriend or two. So won't you join me for a coffee date this morning?


If you and I were on a coffee date i'd be drinking a White Chocolate Mocha and eating a French Cruller Donut. They're so light and fluffy; they're definitely my favorites. I'd ask you how you've been and what's new in your life? I love pictures so i'd happily look at any pictures you have of your kids, pets and anything else that is important, beautiful and inspiring to you. I'd show you a few of my family and life lately.

I'd tell you that weekends like the one we just had are the kind that my heart needs more of. Friday we ended up hanging out with one of the young guys up the road. He really opened up to us and took comfort in my family and our home. Saturday we had a late Easter dinner with my parents, grandma, brother, sister in law and nephew. I got lots of sweet cuddles from my nephew (he's only 7 months old). I even got to be a part of bath time and got lots of time to talk with my brother and sister in law. That did my heart so good. They always have a way of putting things into perspective. Sunday was spent running errands and cleaning house with my hubby. It all made one amazing weekend that I'm ready to do again soon.

I would tell you that the sponsored posts i've been doing lately are the only things keeping my blog a float. If you were curious, i'd tell you how sponsorships work and how they've inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought i'd do; like sharing outfit posts and talks about self confidence.

Lately my head and my heart have been all over the place with the potential of building a new home and our son starting high school next year, i've been a mess. I haven't really felt like myself and it's been showing but I am thankful for my parents and my husband for being my support. My husband is truly the best; sometimes I'm not sure what I did to deserve him but I'm happy I got him.

Because of this my blog and social media have taken a hit, too. I have so many ideas that I'd like to put into motion but no motivation to do them. I've been living in a bubble of my own, searching for motivation. The other day when I was in a really down mood I begrudgingly went to Target for a few things we needed and a book caught my eye; It's called Note to Self by Connor Franta. It's basically a blog within a book that is so raw and real it is inspiring. I picked it up and knew I had to have it so I bought it and spent a couple days on the porch just reading. It inspired me, not only to get back to blogging but also so to live a real, authentic, raw life so expect to see more heart moments and rawness from me. I'm also ready to take the jump and open an Etsy shop, start a Facebook group for bloggers, and possibly even start writing my own book like Note To Self.

I'd also tell you that since giving up sugar last month, it either tastes really good or really bad when I eat it now. Cake at a baby shower I attended was entirely too sweet for me and it wasn't the cake's fault. I kind of celebrate it as a win though because it means i'm really doing good at making some lifestyle and eating habit changes.

Since Spring Break is over, i'm officially done with this school year. I wish I could keep my son home starting now and enjoy sleeping in, long summer days outside by the pool, and doing nothing but relaxing.

Today starts another amazing campaign with the always sweet Ashley from The Imperfect Boss. If you don't know Ashley, you should run and join her group now! I love her sweet spirit. She's the ultimate girl boss, always cheering for everyone else, shining her light and inspiring everyone she meets. She's a doll, y'all and a real life blessing. Stay tuned to see more about this campaign. I'm excited to be a part of it and help her inspire and cheer other girl bosses on.

Last week I had the priviledge of being featured on my sweet friend, Mistle's, blog Blogger Bliss. It was truly one of my favorite posts ever. I love doing guest posts because I feel like I can pour so much heart into them. This has made me smile all week. I can not thank Mistle enough for allowing me to be a part of this series she's starting. Stay turned for more from her.


If we were on a coffee date, what would you share with me?

10 Minutes

*Sometimes life happens. Inspiration just isn't there and I simply feel overwhelmed. I've been feeling this way lately. I can't seem to find the focus to get the words out so I sat down with my lap top the other day and set a timer for 10 minutes. The words below are what came of that. They may not make sense to anyone else but that's okay. My hope is to inspire you when you feel un-inspired and overwhelmed. Sit down, write the words. Everything may be messy but that's the beauty in it. The words, the heart, the hair-it's all messy and that's okay. There's beauty in the mess. Embrace it.*


I'm a huge believer in taking time to take care of yourself. I hear women often say "I just don't have the time to take care of myself" and it makes me want to grab them and run to the nearest nail salon for mani/pedis then stop off at a coffee shop on the way home to enjoy some coffee and conversation. It's not that we don't have the time, it's that we don't make the time. Maybe it sounds silly to write "Me time" on our calendars but it's something that is necessary because how can you take care of anyone else if you are ragged and worn out? In order to do anything efficently you have to be in the best shape; mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually that you can.

We all wear many hats; we're chaueffeurs, cooks, nurses, cheerleaders-you name it, we do it and sometimes it gets exhausting. I know. I've been there many times and lately i've been there again. It's not that life isn't great, mine is honestly the best it's ever been. I'm married to my best friend, we have an amazing son, a sweet pup, a cozy home, groceries in our kitchen, air conditioning, running water. You name it, it's covered. Lately though i've been feeling a bit overwhelmed and it really has nothing to do with the things going on in my life but rather, the things that are in my mind. See, we're in the midst of building a home and our son will be starting high school next year. Those things give me anxiety, I won't lie but I still don't feel like that's to blame for my feelings lately. I feel detached. I feel un-inspired and i've been trying to figure out why then it came to me; i'm not taking care of my mind.

I'm great at taking "me time" but i'm not great at using that "me time" to empty my mind or even stop for a few minutes and let thoughts process. I feel like I have 3,000 tabs open in my brain at any given time. "What weekend did my husband say he has to work?" "Do I have everything in order for Dylan for high school?" "Did I e-mail the builder everything I needed to?" "Blog posts. Oh yeah, gotta work on blog posts." "Did I send so and so an e-mail back?" "Is everyone participating in my Birthday Cheer gift swap?" "Who has a birthday coming up?"
"What do I need to do for dinner tonight?" "Are all Alex's work clothes ironed?"

I haven't spent enough time getting prepared for this week so it's been exceptionally bad. I didn't make a meal plan. I didn't write my posts in my planner. I didn't add anything to my planner so when I start to think of all these things I get overwhelmed and plain exhausted. I'm not sure when it happened, or why we all feel the need to be June Cleaver meets Wonder Woman but it's not fulfilling and it certainly isn't helping anyone. So today I begrudginly went to Target (that's painful to even say) to grab toilet paper and a few other necessities that I over looked on yesterday's grocery shopping trip because without toilet paper, we'd be knocking on the neighbors door. And this morning I made a meal plan so there's no more waking up at 3 a.m. wondering what I should make for dinner that day. Yes, that's a true story.

Moral of the story, taking "me time" means so much more than running a bath with a bath bomb and a face mask or treating yourself to your favorite Starbucks drink. "Me Time" means taking care of your mind and soul, too. I started reading a book today that caught my eye at Target. I picked it up, flipped through it, sat it down, walked away and came back to it two more times before something in me said "put the lipstick back and buy the book." It's all about budgeting these days, y'all so I did what my heart (or maybe my mind) said to do and bought the book. It's a good for your soul kinda book. It inspires me and i've only read the intro. My mind needed this much more than it needed another lipstick. I need to clear my mind and focus on peace and happiness from within.

Do you practice taking care of your mind? If not, i'll share with you some of the ways i'm learning to. Read an inspiring book. Meditate, pray or do yoga. Make a fairy garden. Put together a gift basket for someone. Start an inspiration journal. Turn off the tv and listen to inspirational music. Listen to a podcast and be fully present, take notes. Grab a girlfriend for a coffee date. Lay out in the grass and watch the clouds go by. Whatever you do, take care of yourself; mind, body, soul and mind.

How to Create a Vision Board

It's the beginning of the new year, time for fresh starts and fresh goals. This year I am more determined than ever to break out of my comfort zone and work hard towards the life I want. I bought myself a new planner and got myself organized for the month of January with all the pretty stickers and pens my heart desired because there's something about seeing my goals come to life in color that really inspires me. I wrote my 2017 Goals post and January Goals post for the blog then I wrote those goals in the side column of my planner. You'd think at this point they'd be drilled into my head, right? Well, yeah but we all know the more you write, repeat and visualize your goals the more likely you are to achieve them plus one key factor was missing; actually seeing my goals in pictures.

January Goals

Happy New Year! I'm not sure I'll get tired of saying this for a while because the start of a new year brings so much inspiration for me. I love fresh starts and setting new goals. Earlier this week I shared my 2017 Goals. Today I want to share my goals for January.

Prioritize

Happy New Year.

I love beginnings. Everything is so fresh and new. Opportunities and chances are just awaiting. Everything seems so exciting. The Christmas tree and all the decorations are down and life is getting back to normal. The holidays were fun but I wasn't sad to see them go this year. I was more ready to bring on a New Year than anything.

A Record Year In Review

Hi Peachies! As I sit here in the quiet watching Gilmore Girls, sipping coffee, reading my favorite blog ladies' post, wrapped in my favorite blankets I can't help but reflect on the last year. It was a record year for The Sotos, both personally and in the blog world, too so I thought i'd share my year in review with y'all, including my most popular and favorite blog posts and my word of the year.

So snuggle in and get ready.

A Record Year In Review
Word of the Year: Perfection
Perfection

January
I won Chicfetti's Giveaway on Instagram, we celebrated my son's 13th birthday, my mom's birthday, and we had our only snowfall of the year.
I also decided to take my blog public so I rebranded and started finding my blogging tribe.

And there's Bella begging me not to go. Sweet mama girl. 💕🐾💕 #wilkiepets #bellalove #goldenretrieversofinstagram

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Jan 26, 2016 at 6:52am PST

February
We adopted our sweet Willow pup, celebrated my birthday, Valentine's Day and my hubby's birthday.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Feb 28, 2016 at 2:12pm PST

March
was pretty un-eventful. I did get to have a girl's day with my mom and grandma. The weather was stunning so we spent a lot of time outside soaking up the sun and admiring all the pretty flowers and we did celebrate Easter with a lunch at Mom & Dad's.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Mar 28, 2016 at 12:27pm PDT

April
After feeling so defeated by my "to do" list I came up with the idea of a "have done" list. It's such a breath of fresh air to focus on all that you have done instead of all that you haven't done. We went to the Georgia Renaissance Festival. It was so fun to get dressed up, walk around eating turkey legs and shopping at local vendors.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Apr 18, 2016 at 12:42pm PDT

May
my first ever peony bloomed into a huge bright pink blossom. I have zero green thumb so walking outside and seeing that beautiful flower really made me so happy everyday. I went to a Cupcake Festival at the town next to ours. It was filled with Cupcakes and vendors selling handmade items {my favorite}. I came home with a dozen cupcakes and a variety of amazing bath products.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on May 11, 2016 at 2:01pm PDT

June
It was officially hot and the pool was open so there was a lot of time spent soaking up the sun. We also bought some land to start building our dream home on and I also started re-vamping my jewelry making.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on May 24, 2016 at 1:53pm PDT

July
My Aunt, Uncle, and cousins came down from Illinois to spend a week with us. It was the most fun week of the summer. We spent the 4th of July with a movie in the backyard and making smores on the grill. We also celebrated my brother's birthday.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Jul 5, 2016 at 12:59pm PDT

August
I had a girl's day with my cousin and one of my sweetest friends ever. It involved a trial run of wedding hair, wine, and lots of girl talk.
I also gave my blog a face lift. I also celebrated National Planner Day. Who knew it even existed but it is a day worth celebrating in my blog lovin' heart. My sweet boy started 8th grade and my hubby and I attended a wedding for a friend of his and my cousin's wedding, too. I also attended my sister in law's baby shower.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Aug 5, 2016 at 7:03pm PDT

September
Our nephew was born and we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. My hubby surprised me with a dinner to The Melting Pot.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Sep 26, 2016 at 1:57pm PDT

October
was Halloween. We really had a low key night and enjoyed it. I also hosted a Sunshine Snail Mail gift exchange and re-connected with one of my best friends from high school. my hubby made an appearance on my blog in Men Behind the Blog and he loved it.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Oct 20, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

November
I won another Instagram contest full of make up goodies. We celebrated my Dad's birthday and we celebrated our Willow pup's first birthday.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Nov 11, 2016 at 12:36pm PST

December
I participated in a mug swap with some sweet blog friends. We also celebrated the season filled with love and happiness with family and friends.

A photo posted by {Leslie Soto} (@georgiapeachy31) on Dec 16, 2016 at 6:19pm PST

Blog Posts in Review

13 Things I've Learned as a Mom//Meet Willow//Aloha from Hawaii//10 Things {Dear Self}//Grace Upon Grace+Confessions//Always Stay Humble & Kind//Blogging Wisdom//Letting Go of Perfection//How to Host a Snail Mail Gift Exchange//How to Put Together a Gift Basket//Life Lessons Learned//In the Quiet Moments//Stress Relief//Hey Shabby Me//Life Lately

On Wednesdays We Confess

Hi Peachies. Cheers to the last Wednesday of 2016. This time of year usually leaves me feeling so bittersweet. I'll miss the glow of the holiday lights and the pretty Christmas decorations everywhere but I'm so excited to bring in 2017. It's going to be the year of this #girlboss. Lots of exciting plans coming in 2017 but I won't reveal them all yet.

Since it's the last Wednesday of the month, it's my last On Wednesdays We Confess of the year. So here's what I confess.

I Confess i'll never get tired of lazy mornings, snuggling on the couch, watching Netflix, with candles lit.

I ConfessI've had no motivation to leave the house this week. I've been enjoying equal amounts of time snuggling on the couch watching Gilmore Girls and cleaning.

I Confess I got a Cricut vinyl machine for Christmas and I am obsessed. I want to monogram everything now.

I Confess I just finished season 1 of Gilmore Girls. It's safe to say i'm hooked. I've never binge watched anything in my life before.

I Confess I want to live in Stars Hollow.

I Confess I want to get someone to start taking blog pics for me. I'd love to go to squares in local towns and find fun backdrops to use.

I Confess I bought the Project365 planner for 2017. I'm obsessed. Maybe i'll do a review on Snapchat.

I Confess I also am loving the Juniperberry & Pine candle lately.

I Confess as much as I enjoyed Christmas, i'm a little relieved that it's over. I'm ready to have my house back to normal now.

I Confess I have over 100 e-mails in my in-box. I blame the holidays.

I Confess

What do you want to confess today?

On Wednesdays We Confess

Hi Peachies! Happy Wednesday! We're one day away from Thanksgiving y'all and I could not be happier! I'm ready for Thanksgiving morning coffee and snuggles with my sweet hubby and endless food and sweets all day long. You know what else makes me happy? On Wednesdays We Confess with my sweet friend Mistle from Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas.

This week I'm confessing...

I Confess not having to wake up to an alarm clock is the most glorious feeling in the world.
Give me all the puppy snuggles in bed, under a mountain of blankets all morning long!

I Confess I'm already making an apple pie and an oreo cheesecake for Thanksgiving but I'm worried that I won't get any pecan pie at our second Thanksgiving dinner.
Would it be wrong to make a third pie; a pecan pie so I can have it all? #caloriesdontscountonthanksgiving

I Confess tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm ready to bring on the stretch pants and gobble til I wobble.

I Confess I'm trying to find the Bubble & Charm line of body products that Target sells.
Our Target put it all on clearance and now it's gone. I found it on Amazon but the prices are ridiculous.

I Confess I'm feeling like a #girlboss for getting three blog posts for the week done on Sunday.

I Confess I'm obsessed with Monday's Ladies Stocking Stuffers post.

I Confess we went to my brother and sister in laws house on Saturday and my brother gave my son a ton of clothes. That made this mama of an ever growing teenage boy super happy!

I Confess I finally watched Finding Dory with my sister in law on Saturday and it was everything I thought it would be and so much more. It's my new favorite movie. #obsessed

I Confess I can't get the song "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas" out of my head.

I Confess I'm obsessed with Pinterest again. I've joined a couple group boards and am really loving networking this way.

I Confess I'm so ready to take the pumpkin decor down and put up my Christmas decorations.
I've already been watching Hallmark Christmas movies and listening to Kacey Musgrave's A Very Kacey Christmas album.

I Confess I'm loving my NYX Love in Paris eyeshadow palette from my Mug Swap partner.

I Confess I'm obsessed with blankets. I pretty much collect/hoard them. My new favorite is my $15 Dollar General find. I'm not too proud y'all!

I Confess Lady Gaga's new album, Joanne, is pretty much my jam lately.

I Confess i'm also obsessed with the Lady Gang podcast. Go check them out and be prepared for laughter and endless me too moments!


So those are my confessions. Share yours in the comments and have a Happy Wednesday loves!

What I've Learned As A Newlywed.

Oh you guys, today is supposed to be my Oh Hey, Friday! post but I just need to clear my heart and mind instead. I've always said that I won't share marriage advice on my blog, I thought it was pretty lame to talk about a subject i'm not experienced in, after all, I've only been married a year and two months but my aim is to always be true to myself and my readers so I decided to share every raw and real moment with you.

Oh, Hey Friday!

Hi Peachies! Can we all pour a glass of wine and cheers to Friday? I'm so ready for some chillaxin' and blog planning but first it's time for Oh Hey Friday! with the sweet and bubbly Karli from September Farm.

I haven't participated in this link up in so long y'all so I have some super fun things to share.

On Wednesdays We Confess

Hi Peachies! Happy day after the election. I hope you all survived and are holding up after yesterday.
It's the coldest day we've had here so far so i'm snuggled up, blogging and binge watching mindless tv and I could't be happier about that.
These days are my favorites. I crave these days to soothe my soul and recharge.

You know what else soothes my soul and makes me happy? On Wednesdays We Confess with my sweet friend Mistle from Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas.