Jesse and I believe that if you put good things out into the world, you'll get good things in return. We try to teach the kids to do random acts of kindness. Just yesterday, we had the kids bring up the neighbors trash cans from the curb.
"Why?" Jackson asked.
"Because it's okay to do nice things for others just to be nice".
This is the first blog I'm writing in real time because of what happened to me today. Don't worry.... it wasn't anything tragic; just an unfortunate series of events.
I honestly hadn't planned on leaving the house today, but the twins had been couped up inside all day, so I decided to run to the bank, and then we'd grab a quick bite to eat. When I started the van this morning, it was a little sluggish, but it got us to the bank and to Panera, so I didn't think anything of it. When it was time to leave Panera, the van wouldn't start. I didn't panic, but I did have a dilemma. I decided to call AAA, but they said it could take up to two hours for the tow truck to arrive. AAA was my plan A, but I needed a plan B. (Always have a plan B). I figured, I could just get a jump. Although I had jumper cables in the back, I was parked between two cars with a curb in front of me, so I wouldn't be able to get jumped unless it was by one of those two cars. So the twins and I waited, hoping one of the owners would come out. Well, today was the hottest day of the year, and that plan didn't last long. I went inside and talked to a couple employees to see if they knew who the cars belonged to. No one was really that helpful. Then I saw a lady come from the back and I got a glimpse of "manager" on her name tag. I explained my problem and she was very sympathetic. She knew it wasn't one of the regular customers, so she basically went around to every table and asked if they drove a blue F-150. When she found the guy, we had to wait for him to finish a phone call, but she gave the twins cups of water and offered one to me. She even offered to stay with the twins while the guy helped me get the van started.
I wish that was the end of the story. The jump didn't work. I went inside to check on the kids, and by the time I came out, the tow truck arrived. I thanked the Panera manager, scooped up the kids, thanked the guy who tried to help, and figured he would get the van started, right?
Wrong. He says it's the starter. Really, dude? He says he has to tow me. Where? I don't know what's around here. Once he and I decide where to go, he tells me the tow truck can't carry the car seats. "Not enough room". I tell him to just go ahead and tow the van and I'll work on a ride.
Keep in mind, I haven't called my husband because I don't want to bother him at work. But now I feel obligated to let him know what's going on. He insists on driving down to pick us up. I say no because I still need transportation. I tell him I have this handled and I'll call him back in a bit. So where do we end up? Back inside Panera. I looked for that same manager, but I felt terrible because she was on her lunch break. I asked her if she could watch the twins while I haul out all the car seats and "gear" we need from the van. She happily agrees. Once I got back, she brought markers and paper for the twins to color on and even helped me look up rent a car places on her phone. I know I thanked her a million times and she kept saying it was no problem.
The rest isn't exciting. Went to the Nissan dealership (and had an interesting talk with the driver about God and marriage), got a Quest, and came home. Turns out, we just needed a new battery for the van.
I'm telling this whole long story just to say this: don't underestimate the kindness of strangers. Ms. Tony didn't have to help me. She didn't have to go the extra mile talking to all those customers and bringing us water and giving the kids the markers and watching the kids when I was outside. But she made the choice to go above and beyond to help me. I was so grateful.
That's my story. Be kind. Be a good person. Make someone's day.
If you happened to visit the Panera in St. Augustine on 312, be sure to say hi to Tony :)
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Fashion Friday 04.25.14
Hey, hey, hey! New Fashion Fri-day! This week's outfit is easy peasy breezy! Jeans, white T, scarf and nude heels. Let's get right to it...
The think I bought the tee shirt from Sears a while back and they still sell it. Less than $6! White T. Almost any white t-shirt could work with this outfit.
The jeans are from Old Navy and they are regularly $37. ON runs specials all the time, so you catch them on sale. Right now, they are $20. I tried the Flirt and Diva style of jeans and they weren't my favorite. I tried on the Sweetheart style and I'm in love. The waist is higher and they aren't super stretchy. Jeans.
The shoes are Jessica Simpson patent leather heels from Dillard's and I bought them about a year or so ago. Pumps. They are surprisingly comfortable because of the platform, but it took a few "wears" to break them in.
The scarf is from my favorite place to shop, Target. Scarf. Scarves are super popular now and dress up an outfit instantly. This one has cute little poufs on the end for a bit of visual interest.
The clutch was featured in a few past blogs and it's from DSW. Clutch. I checked the website and they don't carry the white one anymore, but any neutral colored bag would work.
The sunglasses are from Forever 21 and are a steal! $5.80! What?!? Get outta town! Let's get two pair! Sunnies.
There you have it! Easy outfit for lunch with friends or a casual dinner with the hubs. Or throw on some cute flats and run errands. Let me know what you think. Leave me a note in the comments and I'll respond as soon as I can.
Have a great weekend!
always,
astreia
Monday, April 21, 2014
Spring and Easter Fun
Happy Easter
&
Happy Passover to our Jewish friends!
Yesterday, as we celebrated our Lord and Savior, I am reminded how blessed we are that we don't have to pay the price for our sins. Jesus paid it all! We celebrated by going to church and we all had a great time being in fellowship with our family and friends.
In our home, we have chosen not buy "Easter" baskets and we don't visit the "Easter" bunny. Our children are very aware that the Easter bunny is simply a character, and is not associated with the resurrection of Christ. However, we still have fun, we just don't call them "Easter" games and activities. We colored eggs and had an egg hunt a few weeks ago, but we tell our kids that those things are representative of the arrival of spring and of a new beginning. We continue to teach and preach the gospel to our children so they understand the true meaning of Easter and can rejoice knowing that Jesus is alive!
We invited two families over for the egg hunt a few weeks ago and another family for egg dyeing. The kids were so excited and I must say, I was pretty excited to dye eggs because I haven't done it since I was a kid. We had eggs and vinegar on hand, so all I needed to buy was the food coloring. Here are a few photos of our fun!
always,
astreia
 |
| Egg hunting is about to begin |
 |
| Concentrating on perfecting their colors |
 |
| Ta-dah! Beautiful colored eggs |
 |
| Easter 2014 |
Friday, April 18, 2014
Fashion Friday 04.18.14
Happy Good Friday!
Last weekend, I went out with some friends for a Mommy's Night Out and I wanted to look cute, so surfed Pinterest until I found something I could put together with items from my closet. The pieces aren't fancy, but once you get the outfit on, it really looks put together.
The blouse is from (no need to guess) Target. I went there about a month ago just to see what they had, and I was pleasantly surprised. The top isn't a color I would normally choose, but neutrals are in right now and it can go with a bunch of different outfits. The belt is also from Target and I bought it this past week. The accessories were buy one, get one 50% off. Blouse and Belt
The jeans are from Kohl's and I believe Sonoma might be a Kohl's brand. I'm not exactly a fan of skinny jeans or low rise jeans, but that seems to be all that's out there now. I am a curvy girl. I have an athletic build, my thighs are muscular, and I have a healthy backside, so I don't like jeans that fit like leggings. It's just uncomfortable. I tried so hard to find a decent pair of white jeans that didn't cost a fortune, and it was definitely a hunt. The jeans fit the bill and the price was pretty nice :) Jeans
The shoes and necklace were purchased last year when we went to see Justin Timberlake. Charlotte Russe has tons of these types of shoes, and I had to admit, I was a little intimidated. They are relatively comfortable because of the platform, but I wouldn't recommend walking around for too long in them. We had to walk a few blocks from our hotel to Amway Center for the concert and it was killer. I couldn't find them online in blue, but they are available in mint, black and nude. I was at the mall over the weekend and they are still available in store. Quite frankly, you could use any pop of color since the outfit is neutral. Here are the Shoes and a similar necklace. Forever 21 has a few different styles of necklace that could work.
The bangles were purchased in 2010 when I was pregnant with the twins and I can't remember where I bought them. Here ar some bangles that look similar.
The clutch was featured in last week's fashion blog, and this was the first time I used it. So roomy and oh, so cute!
There you have it! Jeans, blouse, belt, shoes and a couple of jewels. Easy peasy!
Let me know what you think! Have a great Easter weekend!
always,
astreia
Last weekend, I went out with some friends for a Mommy's Night Out and I wanted to look cute, so surfed Pinterest until I found something I could put together with items from my closet. The pieces aren't fancy, but once you get the outfit on, it really looks put together.
The blouse is from (no need to guess) Target. I went there about a month ago just to see what they had, and I was pleasantly surprised. The top isn't a color I would normally choose, but neutrals are in right now and it can go with a bunch of different outfits. The belt is also from Target and I bought it this past week. The accessories were buy one, get one 50% off. Blouse and Belt
The jeans are from Kohl's and I believe Sonoma might be a Kohl's brand. I'm not exactly a fan of skinny jeans or low rise jeans, but that seems to be all that's out there now. I am a curvy girl. I have an athletic build, my thighs are muscular, and I have a healthy backside, so I don't like jeans that fit like leggings. It's just uncomfortable. I tried so hard to find a decent pair of white jeans that didn't cost a fortune, and it was definitely a hunt. The jeans fit the bill and the price was pretty nice :) Jeans
The shoes and necklace were purchased last year when we went to see Justin Timberlake. Charlotte Russe has tons of these types of shoes, and I had to admit, I was a little intimidated. They are relatively comfortable because of the platform, but I wouldn't recommend walking around for too long in them. We had to walk a few blocks from our hotel to Amway Center for the concert and it was killer. I couldn't find them online in blue, but they are available in mint, black and nude. I was at the mall over the weekend and they are still available in store. Quite frankly, you could use any pop of color since the outfit is neutral. Here are the Shoes and a similar necklace. Forever 21 has a few different styles of necklace that could work.
The bangles were purchased in 2010 when I was pregnant with the twins and I can't remember where I bought them. Here ar some bangles that look similar.
The clutch was featured in last week's fashion blog, and this was the first time I used it. So roomy and oh, so cute!
There you have it! Jeans, blouse, belt, shoes and a couple of jewels. Easy peasy!
Let me know what you think! Have a great Easter weekend!
always,
astreia
Friday, April 11, 2014
Fashion Friday 04.11.14
Week 2: Same concept as week one, with a twist. Jean vest, white tank, red maxi.
The tank top is the same one from last week:tank
The denim vest is from Target. I couldn't find the link, but I found it in the juniors section. Here is one similar: vest
Maxi skirt is from Body Central: maxi
Same shoes last week: Sandals
The purse is from Nine West Outlet, but I bought it on clearance about year and a half ago. Here is another super cute clutch that I bought that would go perfect with this outfit. The white one reminded me more of summer, and since it's neutral, it goes with everything. Straw Clutch
It's a bit of a repeat performance, but during the week as you get busy, you need something quick and easy to throw on without having to think about it. When you know what to reach for, it saves time and looks effortless.
Something I have been struggling with lately is my hair. It's natural... no chemicals or dyes, and I'm finding it's much more tedious to take care of. I will have to explore some quick and easy hairstyles to go with these quick and easy outfits. I've just been throwing it up in a top-knot-type Afro puff with a cute scarf or headband.
As far as make up goes, I don't wear makeup unless I'm going out with my husband or having a girls night out. Typically, I wash my face with an Oil of Olay face cloth, use the old fashioned oil of Olay pink moisturizer, lip gloss and go. I've been blessed with skin that doesn't get break outs unless it's that "time of the month" so my skincare regimen is pretty simple. Perhaps that's something we can look into in the future. Yay for future projects!
If there is anything you would like to see, or have questions, please enter it in the comments section below. Thank you guys so much for following me, and I hope you have a great weekend!
always,
astreia
The tank top is the same one from last week:tank
The denim vest is from Target. I couldn't find the link, but I found it in the juniors section. Here is one similar: vest
Maxi skirt is from Body Central: maxi
Same shoes last week: Sandals
The purse is from Nine West Outlet, but I bought it on clearance about year and a half ago. Here is another super cute clutch that I bought that would go perfect with this outfit. The white one reminded me more of summer, and since it's neutral, it goes with everything. Straw Clutch
It's a bit of a repeat performance, but during the week as you get busy, you need something quick and easy to throw on without having to think about it. When you know what to reach for, it saves time and looks effortless.
Something I have been struggling with lately is my hair. It's natural... no chemicals or dyes, and I'm finding it's much more tedious to take care of. I will have to explore some quick and easy hairstyles to go with these quick and easy outfits. I've just been throwing it up in a top-knot-type Afro puff with a cute scarf or headband.
As far as make up goes, I don't wear makeup unless I'm going out with my husband or having a girls night out. Typically, I wash my face with an Oil of Olay face cloth, use the old fashioned oil of Olay pink moisturizer, lip gloss and go. I've been blessed with skin that doesn't get break outs unless it's that "time of the month" so my skincare regimen is pretty simple. Perhaps that's something we can look into in the future. Yay for future projects!
If there is anything you would like to see, or have questions, please enter it in the comments section below. Thank you guys so much for following me, and I hope you have a great weekend!
always,
astreia
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Exploring the wilderness
My kids love adventures, regardless if they are real or made up. I have to admit, I love making up adventures. Whether it's a scavenger hunt in the house, or nature walks, I like coming up with creative activities to keep the kids (and myself) entertained.
Late last year, I thought about getting a tee pee for the kids. Not for any real reason other than tee pees are just fun. When I looked online, I was shocked at the prices! If you are the kind of mom that doesn't mind spending a little extra money, here are two of the tee pees I liked the most. They didn't fit in our budget at the time:
Ibiza Tee Pee
A Tee Pee to Call Your Own
We have a friend that lives down the road who is known in our neighborhood to be pretty handy. He is affectionately known as Uncle Bob. I sent him and Aunt Donna a text and asked if they could construct the frame of the tee pee and I would find fabric to cover it. Uncle Bob loves projects and he was more than happy to help. It only took him a day or so, and once he was finished, it was a beast of a tee pee! Almost 8 feet tall! It was made from scraps of wood in his garage and some twine. Genius! I was in awe, and so were the kids.
I wanted to find cute fabric with bright colors to make the cover, but because of it's size, I would have had to spend a fortune. Always looking to save a buck, I bought two $12 blankets from Wal-Mart, loaded my professional staple gun, and got to work.
The kids play for hours in that thing! I have played in it too. So comfy and safe :) I like the idea of having something cool that didn't come from a store. Custom toys without the custom price.
The tee pee currently lives upstairs. As much as I would like for the kids to play with it outside, it's tough to lug it up and down the stairs. It's nice to use it for story time before bed and sometimes at snack time.
In January when we had a few warmer days, I ventured to take the tee pee outside for a little wilderness adventure. The kids pretended to be pirate explorers searching for treasure!
The pictures are worth a thousand words. Feel free to pin these to your Pinterest boards :)
Enjoy!
always,
astreia
Late last year, I thought about getting a tee pee for the kids. Not for any real reason other than tee pees are just fun. When I looked online, I was shocked at the prices! If you are the kind of mom that doesn't mind spending a little extra money, here are two of the tee pees I liked the most. They didn't fit in our budget at the time:
Ibiza Tee Pee
A Tee Pee to Call Your Own
We have a friend that lives down the road who is known in our neighborhood to be pretty handy. He is affectionately known as Uncle Bob. I sent him and Aunt Donna a text and asked if they could construct the frame of the tee pee and I would find fabric to cover it. Uncle Bob loves projects and he was more than happy to help. It only took him a day or so, and once he was finished, it was a beast of a tee pee! Almost 8 feet tall! It was made from scraps of wood in his garage and some twine. Genius! I was in awe, and so were the kids.
I wanted to find cute fabric with bright colors to make the cover, but because of it's size, I would have had to spend a fortune. Always looking to save a buck, I bought two $12 blankets from Wal-Mart, loaded my professional staple gun, and got to work.
The kids play for hours in that thing! I have played in it too. So comfy and safe :) I like the idea of having something cool that didn't come from a store. Custom toys without the custom price.
The tee pee currently lives upstairs. As much as I would like for the kids to play with it outside, it's tough to lug it up and down the stairs. It's nice to use it for story time before bed and sometimes at snack time.
In January when we had a few warmer days, I ventured to take the tee pee outside for a little wilderness adventure. The kids pretended to be pirate explorers searching for treasure!
The pictures are worth a thousand words. Feel free to pin these to your Pinterest boards :)
Enjoy!
always,
astreia
the bauer tee pee
 |
| modern day compasses |
 |
| i see you, Matey! |
Friday, April 4, 2014
First Fashion Friday!
Hey ya'll! Here is the first installment of my fashion project! So here goes:
I got this idea on my last "day off" from the kids. I didn't have any major plans, just walking the mall and window shopping. When I stopped for lunch, I ate outside and people-watched. Lots of ladies were looking cute in their skinny jeans and heels, but the women with their kids was a bit of a different story. So I wondered, why don't moms take the time for themselves when they get ready to go out? I'm sure their reasons are the same reasons I have: Too tired. Not enough time. Dealing with the kids. Nothing fits. Who cares what I'm wearing?
That day, I made a decision to take some time to focus on myself and try a little harder to spruce up my wardrobe. Guess what? You get to come along on the journey! I'm not doing this for anyone else; not my husband, and not my kids. When I look good, I feel good. Regardless of the fact that I have two to three kids with me almost everywhere I go, I'm not going to use that as an excuse not to be presentable.
The first look is something I will be rocking A LOT this spring. It's so easy and you can change it up in so many different ways. Three pieces: a tank, a jacket, and a maxi skirt. Who loves a maxi skirt? This girl! Didn't have time to shave your legs? Throw on a maxi skirt. Most of them are pretty flattering and they are so popular right now. Throw on a cute necklace and you're done!
The maxi skirt is from Body Central. I don't make it a habit to shop there, but lately, I have been pleasantly surprised with their selections. In the past, I have felt that some of the clothes aren't age appropriate for me. But there are some things I'm comfortable with, like belts, tanks, maxi dresses and skirts and inexpensive jewelry Maxi Skirt
The jacket is from Old Navy, and I think I bought it about 2 years ago. And it's still kicking! I'm pretty sure I bought it on sale. Old Navy has awesome deals. Denim Jacket shoes are from DSW. These are new and oh so comfortable. The color is something I normally would have picked, but it's a cool neutral and I like how it looks with my skin tone. Shoes
The tank top is from Target. (I'm in love with Target) Tank
The necklace is from Banana Republic Outlet and I think it was $8. The bag was from Nine West Outlet and was $13. No website for them, but jewelry is so easy to find these days. My favorite stores for inexpensive jewels are Forever 21 and Body Central. It won't last forever, but it's cute for the season!
I live about 15 minutes from an outlet mall and I find a lot of great bargains for myself and the kiddos there. In an attempt to save money, I signed up for DSW rewards program. You earn points when you shop and they turn them into reward certificates. I did same thing with Old Navy.
I know this isn't exactly rocket science, but I hope I will be able to help someone who might not know what to wear or not sure what goes with what when putting an outfit together. I try to find pieces that are easy, comfortable and affordable for moms-on-the-go.
A new feature that was just added to the blog is the ability to pin anything you see to your Pinterest boards. Hover your mouse over any photo and the Pinterest logo will appear. Click to pin it!
I would love some feedback on what you see! Hope you guys have a good night and a good weekend!
always,
astreia
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)