Dear Friday

 Friday’s Letters

Dear Friday,

So we meet again.  I’m so happy to see you because you mean that tomorrow is almost here, and although I can’t say much about it, tomorrow is a pretty big deal for me. Tomorrow I’m going to possibly have one of the best opportunities that a communications major living in Charlotte during the DNC could possibly have.  So Friday, please don’t take it personal that I’ll be excited to see you go.

Dear Suzuki,

I was pleasantly surprised at the great customer service that you guys provided me with. I’ve never been a fan of taking my car in to get worked on, but the fact that you guys gave me an oil change, a tire rotation, a windshield wiper replacement and fixed my oil leak free of charge is pretty awesome.

Dear Pembroke/ Lumberton

You have made me angry for the last time. I have tried being kind and understanding because you guys are a smaller town and aren’t exactly known for your stellar educational system. However, this recent development is unacceptable. Once the DNC is over, and I have time to deal with you, I’m going to drive to South Eastern hospital and pitch a fit of the likes that no one in that town has seen. And should you continue to attempt to screw me over (which I would highly advise against) I will take my fuss to the newspapers, the radio, and the internet. This is your forewarning that a storm is heading your way. And her name is Reese.

Photo creds: 1)funnywallphotos.com 2) suzukiauto.com 3)  lolimage.com

XOXO Reese

Days Like Today

I don't have to remind you guys that life can be tough. Sometimes we can get lost in the enormity of it all. We can let it overcome us. We've all seen people who have decided to do that. They're the ones we see on the side of the road, holding up signs and asking for money. The ones we see who just look angry at the world. Who commit crimes and then blame it on their circumstance.

Some days it would be so easy for me to give up and become one of them. To blame the world for all of my failures. To just give up and take the easy way out. I think I've done pretty well for myself so far. I graduated from high school. I've got my 2-year degree, with honors. I've held management positions. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, if I just took a break for a while.

On days that I feel like this, my daughter waddles up to me, and looks at me and reminds me that I have no reason to complain. I have no reason to give up. I've just got to push a little bit harder for a little while longer. She doesn't need words. She just looks at me with those imploring eyes. Eyes that speak louder than any word could ever manage.

Six more classes. That's what it all boils down to. Six more classes and then I can graduate and really start living. I can be that woman that I always envied. The beautiful, intelligent woman who successfully balances her career and her family.The beautiful intelligent woman who looks at other women like me today, and reminds us that we can overcome our current situation. That obstacles are always temporary.

So, I'll keep pushing a little harder for a litter while longer. Because one day, my daughter is going to need my gentle reassurance that no matter what the circumstances, she is capable. She'll need me to firmly and wisely tell her what Helen Keller once said.  "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." 

Despite having days like today, when the time comes for me to remind her, I'll be ready.

XOXO Reese

Style Profile: Tempting Teal

Happy Monday Ladies!!

I hope your weekend was fabulous. Mine got off to a bit of a rocky start, but I'm still breathing, my daughter's still terrorizing the apartment, and James and I haven't tossed in the towel yet, so I have quite a bit to be thankful for.

 I've decided to switch gears a bit and kick off this wonderful week with some shots of my favorite outfit this weekend. As you guys can tell by my layout, I have a thing for bright colors. I like to know that when I walk into a room, I get noticed. This weekend I got noticed quite a bit. Here's some shots of my favorite ensemble for the weekend. Enjoy!

                               

                                

                                             

 Get The Look

Top: Cato- $14.99

Pants: Old Navy- $21.99

Accessories- Icings- $12.99

$150.00 Paypal Giveaway: Great Blogger Opportunity!

 

 

 

Here is another FREE event for bloggers worldwide!

Participate in I Heart Giveaways and The Coffee Chic's upcoming $150 Paypal Cash Giveaway.

One winner will get a chance to win $150 Cash sponsored by Giveaway Scoop!

All you need to do is to make an announcement about the FREE sign-up on your blog. 

This is a good way to gain more followers on your Facebook page. Co-hosting spots are also available! Click here or on the banner above to sign-up.

Dear Friday

Friday’s Letters

Dear Jasmine,

You and your daddy don’t know this, but sometimes I still sneak into your bedroom at night to check on you.

Dear Fall,

I’m anxiously awaiting your arrival. I bought the cutest boots and a ton of new scarves last season and I can’t wait to wear them.

Dear new neighbors,

While I enjoy music, I’m not too fond of rap. Especially when it’s being blasted at 12:00 a.m. while we’re trying to sleep. I would appreciate it (and by appreciate I mean won’t call the cops) if you can do like most civilized people and keep it down to a reasonable volume.

No annoying neighbors here

Dear readers,

Thank you guys so much for your support. A while back I’d given up on blogging, but then one of you sent me an email saying that she missed my posts.  I’m still trying to find my way in the blog-o-sphere, and you guys have been so welcoming.

On that note, I'm signing off for the weekend. I'll see you guys next week! 

Photo creds: 1) fashionistatrends.com 2) nature-wallpapers.co.uk

XOXO Reese

Mom Leaves 10-week Old Baby Home To Go On Vacation

As mothers, we are all aware of how demanding motherhood is. It's intense. It's nonstop. It's unpaid. But it's also one of the best feelings in the world. Which is why when another mom does something that's so obviously detrimental to her child's well-being, angry mobs of mothers everywhere are quick to light the torches and grab the pitchforks.

Now typically I try to be the mediator. I try to recognize that all mothers make mistakes. As much as we hate to admit it, we're not superwomen. And that's okay. But most of the time we don't brazenly inform the entire blogging community when were getting ready to do something that makes us mothers cringe. At least most of us don't...

In case you missed it, a few days ago, this mother (who is now the target of a lot of pissed off mommies toting pitchforks and suffering from severe sleep deprivation), decided to up and ditch her 10-week old baby and take a much needed vacation with her fiance. To Mexico. Thousands of miles away from her brand spankin' new, tiny little infant. No bueno. Which in case you don't speak Spanish, means "huh?"
 
Ironically enough I had just finished posting about the Skooki diaper changing incident. However, unlike Snooki, this mother was telling the truth (which is a comparison I never thought I ever make). She saw absolutely nothing wrong with leaving her 10-week old newborn behind while she hung out by the poolside sipping a Mojito. I think the funniest thing out of the whole situation, is that she is a fellow mommy blogger. Check out what she had to say:

"My fiancé runs a charity golf tournament every summer in Mexico. I will be tagging along, not to golf, but to lie around, read, visit the spa, and eat a lot of guacamole. I’m super excited for this trip. To be blunt, it is a vacation for me. And to be blunt, I will be leaving my 10-week old baby behind."

"Yes, I’m ditching my baby, which makes me a little anxious. But, mostly, I don’t have a problem leaving my baby behind since I have wonderful backup. My fiancé’s mother is moving into my house for the week and I have a wonderful nanny as well. It’s not that I’m not going to miss him, because I am dearly. But since I can’t read the mind of a two-month-old baby, I’m not sure he’s really going to miss me. All I know is when he wants to eat, needs to burp, needs a diaper change, or a cuddle and that’s only because he cries."

Read more: http://mommyish.com/stuff/vacation-without-baby/#ixzz24PqqSjc0

I'm almost 99.9% positive that posting that on your blog in a community composed entirely of other mommy bloggers is not such a hot idea. In fact, it's pretty much guaranteed to backfire. Hard. More to the point, I'm not sure I know too many mothers that are willing to just up and ditch their newborn babies to fly thousands of miles away to soak up some sun. But then again, I'm relatively new to this whole "mommy thing." Maybe I missed something?

Anyhow, I'm going to let you all tell me what you think about this. Do you think 10 weeks is too soon to leave your babies to go on vacay? Sound off in the comment section below.

Photo creds: lionsdenu.com

XOXO Reese

September Ad Special: All Ads 50% Off

My First Bloggy Award: Versatile Blogger

Well, my day has just taken an awesome turn. Apparently I have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award! This is my absolute first bloggy award, so I'm stoked. (Do people still use that expression?) Anyhow, I'd like to give a huge shout out, and an even bigger thank you to Jess over at The Redheaded Princess, for the award. It truly means so much to me! BTW, be sure to check her out, she's really great!!!

Here are the rules for the Versatile Blogger Award: 

1. Add the award to your blog. 2. Thank the person who presented it to you. 3. List seven random facts about yourself. 4. List the rules. 5. Pass the award onto seven other bloggers. 6. Inform each blogger they have won by posting a comment on their blog.

Okay, so considering I'm pretty random, this shouldn't be too hard.

1. I taught myself how to play the piano. I tried to take lessons once, but once we discovered that I played    Fur Elise better than my instructor, we decided that perhaps I was a bit more advanced than the rest of the class.

2. I grew up in Germany, but somehow can hardly speak a lick of German. Which is really sad considering my best friend is German. Fail!

3. I'm training to run my first 5k in November, so I run 3-4 miles almost every day.

4. I'm actually a published  author.When I was in high school I entered into this contest amongst all the DoDDs (Department of Defense Dependents Schools) and won, both times. So my short stories were published in this book that was distributed to all the DoDDs schools. Which technically makes me a published author. Trust me, I've asked about the legitimacy of it. It's legit.

5. My daughters diaper was the first diaper I 'd ever changed. And she peed while I was changing her...twice.

6. I'm an adventure junkie (to an extent). I've been ziplining, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, indoor skydiving (too scared for the real thing) the list goes on. You name it, I've done it, or at least thought about doing it.

7.  I love smelling my baby girl. I don't know what it is, but she has this special Jasmine smell, and whenever I have her in my arms, I have to smell her. I know it's weird, but motherhood does some weird things to you.

Now the real fun part, the bloggers I would like to award are: 

Shar's Blog

The Chic Stay at Home Mom

America's Next Top Mommy

Mommy Outside the Box

Create.Craft. Love

Your Doctor's Wife

Me+ The Moon

These are all really great ladies, with awesome stories and tips to offer, so don't be shy about swinging by and checking them out! Thank you once again for the award Jess! You've just inflated my already too large ego. lol

Until Next Time

XOXO Reese

DIY Chalkboard Wine Bottles

It's no secret that I absolutely love diy projects and chalkboard paint. So it should come as no surprise that when I get the chance to combine the two, the possibilities are endless.  I've been wanting to paint something with chalkboard paint for the longest, and this weekend, I finally had the opportunity. So check out my super simple, yet completely adorable chalkboard painted wine bottle.

Isn't it just adorable!! It's great for decorating your home, or weddings, party's and things of that nature. Plus, it was super super easy to make. 

All you need is:

 A wine bottle

Chalkboard paint (you can get it at any craft store for about $1.25)

And a sponge paint brush

First just remove the label from the bottle. If you are unsure of how to do this, check out my post last week about removing labels from bottles. Then paint the bottle with one coat of chalkboard paint, and let that dry. Then finish it up with another coat, let that dry for about 5 hours, and then viola, you're done. Now you get to decorate it, and doodle until your heart is content.  Enjoy!

BTW, if you're here visiting from the hop, be sure to scroll down a few posts and enter to win a $25.00 Forever 21 Gift Card + Ad Space with me for the month of September!

Until Next Time.

XOXO Reese

Sponsor Spotlight

Hi guys! I’m super excited for you to meet my newest sponsors. Please show these lovely ladies how awesome you guys are and give them a big bloggy welcome.

Tia is the sweetheart behind the blog, The Chic Stay At Home Mom, where she documents her life as an Army wife, and a stylish momma to the most precious 2 year-old girl, Savannah.

  

Blog * Twitter * Pintrest

Tia regularly blogs about fashion (she has fabulous taste in clothing!), motherhood, and yummy recipes that will be sure to keep you coming back for more. Bonus, she a genuine people person, so when you swing by her page, be sure to leave a message, and you’ll have a true friend for life.

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Next, we have the lovely Janessa, Author of Running on Empty and a stylish southern sweetheart with a penchant for being random and a love for polka dots, stripes and anything in chevron print.

Blog

Janessa blogs about everything from fashion to life with her 9 year old daughter and her main squeeze. Be sure to swing by Janessa’s blog to get to know her a little better. I promise, she’s a great person to know.

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This is Lora. Lora is awesome. Besides being the sassy author of the blog Raising Steppe Sisters, Lora still manages to keep up with the most adorable twin girls since Mary Kate and Ashley in Full House. 

Blog * Twitter

Lora blogs about her everyday shenanigans, her current journey to becoming more fit, is in love with all things fitness related and is obsessed with Instagram. She’s also a newlywed, so when you swing by, make sure you tell her congrats.

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And last but certainly not least we have Jill, the lovely momma behind the blog, Create. Craft. Love.

Blog* Facebook * Twitter

A self-proclaimed lover of Hobby Lobby, M&M’s and hazelnut coffee, Jill spends her free time chasing around her son Reed and coming up with some adorable and nifty diy projects for her blog. Although she typically blogs about crafting, she like to toss a few recipes in there for her readers every once in a while. If you’re looking for inspiration, then you’ve met your girl.

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$25.00 Forever 21 Gift Card + Ad Space Giveaway!!!

Starting Monday August 20th, I'll be giving away a $25.00 Forever 21 Gift Card + Maximum Exposure Ad Space for the month of September with The Importance of Being Reese to one lucky winner. This contest will end Wednesday August 29th at midnight. The winner will be announced on my blog, twitter and facebook pages.

Be aware, I have one, simple rule.

 Make sure you are following my blog, and the others that are specified on the Rafflecopter Widget. If for some reason the links are working (I've had that happen before) they are the lovely ladies that you see in the sponsor spotlight post above this one. If you are not following, but win, we'll have to pick a new winner (I've had that happen before as well :( No bueno )

The other requests are optional, but note that the more points you gain, the better likelihood you will win. I've been checking my past giveaways, and the winners were always people who had taken the time to get all their points.

 The winner will be randomly chosen through Rafflecopter, and will be announced on my blog, facebook and twitter pages. If the winner does not respond within 48 hrs, a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck everyone :)

XOXO Reese

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

How To Remove Sticky Labels From Jars

I'm a big fan of diy projects. If I can find a way to do it myself, then I'll make it. It may take more time, but it keeps my shopping bills way down. As crafters yourselves, I'm sure most of you have seen those bottles of Goo Be Gone in the household sections of the grocery stores. But what I'm about to tell you will forever change your life, and keep you from spending $5.00 for a bottle of Goo Be Gone.

 You'll need four things

A nice size pot

A set of tongs

A few cups of water

And some vinegar

All you're going to do is put the water into the pot and bring it to a slow boil, then add the vinegar. Then, briefly submerge whatever it is that your trying to remove the label from. Using your tongs pull out your jar and place it on the counter to cool. Then pat it down and viola! No more sticky label.

 Now you're free to do whatever projects you want to. In fact I have quite a few fun little things that I've been working on for you guys. But that will follow in a later post.

The reason I like this method (which I have of course termed the Reese method.) is because the vinegar gives the jars nice clean shine, and the heat from boiling the jars dries them up pronto. So you don't have to try and squeeze your fingers into the baby jars in an attempt to dry the inside.

I'm going to have to post a list of useful things you can do with vinegar. This stuff is like liquid gold. It's awesome. Anyhow, if you've got your own personal method for removing those annoyingly stubborn sticky labels, leave me a comment. I may have to test yours out as well.

Until next time

XOXO Reese

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You!

This has been a LOOONNNGG time coming. I've finally decided to get my butt into gear and create a weekly blog hop. If anyone is interested in co-hosting, please send an email to: tasutton22@gmail.com

Thanks!

XOXO Reese

D.C. Shooting Classified as Hate Crime? Shooter Carrying 15 Chick-Fil-A Burgers

I'm not going to lie, I love Chick-Fil-A. It's a great place for me to take Jasmine on family night without being overly concerned that a fight will break out or a bunch of teen girls will be there strutting their stuff in tiny minskirts, cursing and flirting with everything that moves.  It's also a great atmosphere to meet other Christian families.  Anyhow, moving along.

We are all aware of the backlash they received after the CEO of the company came out and voiced his support for "traditional marriages." However, on Wednesday night, it went to a whole new level after a security guard for The Family Research Center (FRC) in Washington was shot by a man carrying 15 Chick-Fil- A burgers. This incident took place less than a day after The Human Rights Campaign labeled the FRC a "hate group," and mentioned that the FRC host events in Washington. Coincidence? The authorities don't seem to think so. Especially since the the shooter is part of a watchdog organization that adamantly opposes any opposition to gay rights (including gay marriage).

Bill Brown, president of the FRC is calling for the shooting to be labeled as a hate crime. "For too long national gay rights groups have intentionally marginalized and ostracized pro-marriage groups and individuals by labeling them as 'hateful' and 'bigoted' -- such harmful and dangerous labels deserve no place in our civil society, and NOM renews its call today for gay rights groups and the Southern Poverty Law Center to withdraw such incendiary rhetoric from a debate that involves millions of good Americans.”

What do you guys thing? Do you think this shooting qualifies as a hate crime? Sound off in the comment section below.

-Reese

6 Foot Ultimate Sack Bean Bag Chair Giveaway Event- Bloggers Wanted

6 Foot Ultimate Sack Bean Bag Chair giveaway event ~ Bloggers Wanted!

 

Hosted by Bella Savvy

PRIZE: One winner will receive a 6 foot Ultimate Sack bean bag chair with fur cover in the color of their choice ($280 value). It measures 6 foot wide by 3 foot high.

This bad boy seats 3 adults!

EVENT DATES: August 29, 2012 - September 12, 2102

Open To: U.S. only

This event is sponsored by Ultimate Sack!

Requirements: Participation is FREE when you post this announcement on your blog OR pay $4.00 for no post.

You will receive one free link in the rafflecopter entry form (Facebook or Twitter).

Additional links are available for $3.00 each (including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Picket Fences, Email, Rss, or StumbleUpon).

You MUST be a blog owner and your blog must be at least 6 months old. Business blogs such as It Works Wraps can participate for a fee of $1.00 per blog/site.

You MUST agree to help promote the event at least once per day (co-hosts twice per day) to help spread the word and publish the post HTML by the specified date and time of 12:01 am. EST (NO EARLIER!).

Giveaway announcement and giveaway posts (on the day of the event) require the event button/image, giveaway info, sponsor and host links and the rafflecopter code (on the actual giveaway post). Not just an event button located in your sidebar!

~ Sorry but if you joined any of our previous events and failed to post, you will not be permitted to join this event! ~

READY TO SIGN UP?

** To use the button image above, go here http://www.bellasavvy.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1344878132_ultsk-evnt-btn1-BSS.jpg, then right-click and copy the image. Save it and then paste it in your post **

Head over to the Sign Up form and submit your info!

Pampers Gifts to Grow Points *Updated*

To all of you frugal mommas out there, here's an updated list of the available Pampers Gifts to Grow Points. These points add up quickly, and if you get enough, you can win great prizes, such as a years worth of pampers diapers. Not a bad deal.

If you come across a code that's invalid, please let me know so I can remove it. Enjoy the list

FB8THXHAXTW7412 – 10 points (expires 8/19)

 FBFADX4WKHU4712 – 10 points

 CABRANDSVRJUN12 - 10 points

WELCOMEGTGPTS10 - 10 points

CONGRATS2NEWMOM - 10 points

GTGWELCOME10PTS - 10 points

2BEGINEARNING50 - 50 points

GIFTSTOGROW4MOM - 50 points

10PTSFREECODEFORU - 10 points

JOINNOW4REWARDS - 50 points

WELCOME2VILLAGE - 10 points

100 FREE POINTS FOR JOINING! 

Be sure to visit the Gifts to Grow website for more information.

                               

                           XOXO Reese            

Jenelle Evans vs Snookie

 Before I begin, let me clarity this. By no means am I a fan of Snookie or any of her lackeys from Jersey Shore. I've never even watched an episode of that show. Partially because I'm afraid my brain cells will just rapidly begin to deteriorate. However, I do find it interesting that this whole "dirty diapers" incident has gone viral.

Come on people. Without ever having had to subject myself to watching an episode of Jersey Shore, I know (and y'all do to) that she didn't say all that mess about refusing to change dirty diapers. In case you guys haven't seen/heard about the incident, here's a shot of what she "allegedly" said.

 

Now, I understand that the youth of today is under the misguided impression that reality television is, in fact, reality, but most adults realize, that there is actually a supreme amount of acting, that goes on during the shows. So that's why I almost feel bad that after taking a glance at the photo above, Jenelle Evans from Teen Mom (another show I've never watched), felt the need to take it upon herself and put Snookie on blast by tweeting ""omg, no offense... but yu call ME a bad mother... but look what @snooki said about her baby... thats straight (insert expletive here) UP." 

Wow, seriously? And the gullible of the year award goes to... You don't think it's possible that perhaps someone doctored the image above to make it appear as if she said that? Geeze. When I was growing up the worst role models we had were Mike Tyson and Snoop Dogg. My poor daughter is growing up in a generation of Teen Moms and Snookies.

What the heck is a Snookie anyway?

I'm obviously so exhausted that I've been reduced to blogging about this mindless drabble. Good night ladies. Catch you in the a.m.

But before I go...

Photo creds: 1) blogs.babycenter.com  2) hotmetalstreet.tumbler.com

XOXO Reese

Keep Calm Ochocinco Fans

So I made this for all the Ochocinco lovers out there who are dissapointed with his "departure" from the Patriots. Maybe he'll have better luck with another team this season...

 

XOXO Reese

Want to Be Featured on My Blog??

The Color of Love

I saw something the other day that made me smile. Something that I’ve started to notice is becoming a lot more prevalent lately. I saw the two most adorable couples out on a double date. Both of the ladies were black, and both of the gentlemen were white. It was beautiful. Coming from someone who’s in an interracial relationship it’s comforting to know that we’re not alone, or an oddity anymore.

Back when I was going to school in Lumberton, NC, with a population of 152, whenever James would come to visit, we were almost too afraid to leave the apartment. To say that they towns folk were unwelcoming would be a bit of an understatement. It was bad. So bad that it played a huge part in my decision to transfer to UNCC. However, living in Charlotte has been a completely different experience for us. The people here don’t glare angrily at us, or refuse to serve us food; they smile, engage us in polite conversation, and above all else, recognize that love knows no specific color. 

I’m not saying every small town is horrible, but I have noticed a difference when we travel. For instance, last summer, James, Jasmine, his parents and I went camping in the mountains. We decided to stay overnight in a tiny town called Hope Springs. Big mistake. Our neighbors were delighted to speak with James and his father, until his mother and I stepped out of the RV. Then it was total silence. Followed by nervous glances and obvious excuses as to why they suddenly had to take off. Right…

I feel sorry for them. People like that are never happy. I, on the other hand, am extremely happy.  James is happy, and as long as she’s fed, has her diaper changed and has been chased around the apartment at least three times that day, Jasmine is pretty happy.  I’d like to believe that one day, more people will start to understand that we are all humans first, race is just something that makes us all a bit more unique.

So here's your chance to sound off. How do you feel about interracial relationships? What do you think can be done to make people understand that love is not based on skin color?

 Photo creds: 1) cheezburger.com

 XOXO Reese

August Ad Specials

Hello lovelies, 

I've got some awesome news concerning my ad space. For the month of August, all adverting on my blog is 50% off!!! This means you can purchase a MAXIMUM EXPOSURE ad for $5.00. These 3 sponsor's will be mentioned in my monthly sponsor spotlight and each have the opportunity to participate in the group sponsor giveaway. Social media shoutouts are also included. 

Keep in mind, I'm gearing up for a big giveaway, so if you purchase this ad, you will receive tons of new followers as a requirement for entry into my giveaways. Visit my sponsors page for more information regarding prices.

Get in while you still can!!

-Reese

My Daughter, The Genius

Although I like to pretend that I'm ultra chic and cool, in actuality, I'm truly a nerd. I'm talking Harry Potter lovin', Dr. Who watching, silently correcting people's grammar when they speak, memorized the periodic chart kinda nerd.But that's okay, because obviously James is completely smitten with me. It probably helps that he's an even bigger nerd than I am. Seriously, he's watched every episode of every series of Star Trek...twice.

I often times catch myself wondering what this means for our daughter. Every parent hopes their kid is that one in a million child that can read and understand Finnegans Wake while most kids their age are still learning how to count to three. It's normal for parents to think their children posses above average intelligence, even if they're completely normal. But still, from time to time, I can't help thinking my daughter is a genius. It's almost as if she knows a bit too much.

Like for instance the night before my birthday. She decided to stay up ALL night. By the time 5:00 am rolled around James and I were in a zombie-like trance, sitting on the couch, staring at Jasmine who was bright-eyed and bushy tailed in front of the television, sipping on her warm milk and occasionally looking over her shoulder to ensure that she still had our undivided attention. By the time his parents arrived to watch Jasmine so that we could go to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, we were both so exhausted we were trying not to fall asleep at the table. So instead of going to the movies after dinner like we had originally planned, we decided to call it an early night. At 9:30. On a Saturday. How lame.

It wasn't until the next day, after a solid 5 hrs of sleep that I realized we'd been had.

And this isn't the only time.

But she's just so stinkin' adorable you can't be mad. Which is how I know she's smart. She wields her cuteness like a weapon, using it to get herself out of trouble.

"That's it come a little bit closer. Just a little bit more.
Right about there. Now ATTACK!!!"

Like when she gets caught holding something she shouldn't be, and then throws whatever it is she was holding and runs. It's the cutest thing in the world to watch. Unless the thing she's throwing is James's phone...and it breaks. Twice. But even then she's so cute!. Besides he needed a new phone anyway. Who the heck still has a Blackberry?

Anyhow, I'm starting to think that our nerdiness is directly correlated to Jasmine's above average ability to get into trouble. I guess we might as well face the fact that our daughter is going to be that kid in chemistry class that manages to burn down the classroom because she's testing a new substance.

That's okay, I'll love her just the same. Even if she burns down the house, or combines something so lethal that the hazmat team has to come out to properly dispose of it. I'll love her through it all. Because that's what mommies and daddies do.

Until next time.

XOXO Reese

Harris Teeter Super Doubles

So as many of you may know, super doubles at Harris Teeter has arrived once again. This time though, there's a twist. Apparently they are allowing coupons to double up to $2.00. Now for all of you couponing newbies, this means that if you have a coupon for $2.00 off of an item, it will double to $4.00 off. Which is awesome!!

Hopefully you guys have been regularly checking and printing your internet coupons because this one is going to be a good one. I'll probably post a few times this week with some photos of my stash, so be sure to swing by and check it out.

I'm not sure which sites you guys use for couponing, but my favorite is Southern Savers. So far this is the most organized site I've come across. Feel free to drop me a link or two with photos of your stash. I always love seeing how amazing you guys are at couponing.

 Good luck ladies!

-Reese

Girls Night Out

I'm going out tonight for the first time in a long time... forever... longer than I'd like to admit. It's a bit embarrassing really, but, like many other women, I've discovered that once you have a child, your priorities change quite a bit.

Anyhow, one of my closest friends from high school is in town and we've spent the whole day shopping for tonight. It's going to be epic.

That is all.

- Reese

Love Your Kidneys Giveaway

Good morning ladies (and gents),

As you guys may know, I've been interning with The National Kidney Foundation Serving the Carolinas, NC Region, and one of my major projects has been getting their social media sites set up. Most recently I set up a blogger page for them and am charge of hosting our first giveaway. Three lucky winners will a pair of our Love Your Kidney's wristbands. So far only one person has joined in, so if you swing by, it could be a super easy win. Check it out:

Love Your Kidneys Giveaway

Please pass along the word. And remember, Always Love Your Kidneys.

- Reese