April's Stitch Fix!!

Hey hey blog reading friends.  I apologize for the extended absence, my life got crazy....well crazier....for a minute!!

Well April's Stitch Fix arrived and there were some good pieces this time!  I think I am getting them trained now ha :).  Here is what I got:

This dress was $78 and fit well.  But the colors were so plain, I am looking for more of a bright color scheme to update my wardrobe.  Also, it just wasn't my style, the color block thing just didn't work for me here.  I returned it.

This $48 top was cut so cute, but it was a pale yellow color.  I'm never a super tan gal, so this looked horrible on me!  I returned it and altered my style profile: No pasty yellow please :)

I almost kept these!  They were a black pant with a black polk-a-dot with NO zipper or buttons!  My friend got some of these and I just loved the comfort and ease of them!!  BUT, they were black....and $98....and too long.  I just don't need another pair of black pants.  I did include a note telling them how much I loved the style though!!  Seriously comfortable.

This was, again, a color issue for me.  It was a soft material and a nice flowy cut, but for $48, I just didn't need another cardigan.  I have a bazillion, because I went through a phase where all I bought were cardigans!  So this was another return.

I loved this skirt and this was my only keep.  It was $38, and after some of my credits came off, it ended up only costing me $8!  Yeah!  It is navy, and so soft and just long enough to wear to work oh, and the best part is, it has pockets!  I.  Loved. It.

Here are those styling guides I love love love!

And the bill :)

Overall this wasn't a huge miss.  I asked for spring, and I got spring, just not exactly my style!  But I feel like we are making progress!  My next shipment is for May, and I've asked specifically for bright colors, and I think I specifically asked for bright pink, so we will see.  I also updated my style profile a little, so hopefully that will help.  I need some neon in my life people.....not navy, neon!

Stay beautiful my friends!

Celebrations

I absolutely love celebrations!  Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  I love enjoying special days with my friends and family!  I enjoy planning these things too; the colors and the food.  Where will the venue be?  What kind of cake will we have?  I ESPECIALLY enjoy celebrations when I get to surprise someone!  Those are so much fun!  (My only stipulation is celebrating my stuff, I am NOT a fan of that!)  I think I can find just about anything to turn into a party!

My family and friends have had a lot to celebrate lately.  We've had engagements, lots of birthdays, new jobs, and many other successes!  I am so proud of my loved ones and appreciate them sharing their life with me.

It has really hit me lately that I need to make sure that I thank HIM for these opportunities to celebrate.  We would not have any of this life without our Heavenly Father.  Every moment we have breath, and can spend another day with our loved ones, is deserving of celebration.  

You know, life is never perfect and it isn't always easy.  But isn't that part of the beauty of life?  Doesn't that make the successes even more sweet?  What a beautiful, amazing life we live!

I encourage you to live, to love, and to celebrate!

Sun and Sand...maybe?

Excuse my language, but Tennessee weather has just SUCKED lately.  We've had a ton of ice and now a week of rain.  I hate to be a whiney butt, but I am sick and tired of being cold and wet.  I am just not fond of any of it!  I want sandals, skirts, tanks and WARMTH!!

The hubby and I have been trying to decide, for a while now, what to do for a family vacation this year.  I run a summer camp program, so I can't be gone any longer than a week and we are on a tight budget (come on, I'm always on a tight budget, I have 3 daughters!).  As much as I want some sand in my life at the moment, I'm just not sure what to do with the family.  

I just want us to play, relax and reconnect after a CRAZY year!

I don't want a full, busy schedule.  I want peace and fun and food!!  I'm honestly open for anything: mountains, sand, historical, etc.

So, bloggers, what would you suggest?  Where can my family go for an AWESOME, but relaxing vacation this year?

The subject of "Mommy-Time".

I am at a point in my life where I cherish the quiet moments, my seconds of "alone-time". This is time where I can scroll through Facebook and Instagram, get my nails done, watch HGTV or blog without anyone trying to talk to me.  Yet, I feel guilty taking the time for me. Like I am taking too much MORE time away from my family. Why do mommies feel like this when we need this time to refresh?

I. Love. This. Time. 

Please don't misunderstand, I adore my family. They are hilarious and we have so much fun together. But my life at the moment is crazy. I work almost full time, go to school almost full time, have 3 kids with their activities, plus I have cheer to mess with. Oh and there is a hubby I have to fit in there somewhere. Did I mention my sister is getting married IN TWO WEEKS?

So when I have moments of quiet, I cherish them! I am not very good at making this time happen for myself. But because of the stress I've been under lately, I have just realized that I need this me time. Should I have spent the money in getting a pedicure this week? Probably not, but I just needed me time. I needed to feel pretty and pampered. I left feeling so rejuvenated and happy. 

I have decided I am going to stop feeling guilty about taking time for me. It is important that we take care of ourselves mamas. When mama is happy, the family is happy. Take care of yourself. 

You are  beautiful,

Girl Drama

Today's thoughts come from my oldest daughter.  I have a tween, and she has been experiencing a tremendous amount of girl drama this year.  I have really struggled with how to handle this with her because I am torn.  Part of me wants her to learn to deal with it because there (unfortunately) ALWAYS going to be mean people out there.  But the other part of me wants for her to learn to be compassionate and love, even though some people are just harder to love.

Recently, we've been dealing with a friend who does not want to be my daughters friend anymore.  Hey, that is ok, friends change constantly when you are young.  But it is REALLY bothering my girl.  Sometimes this other girl says things that are mean, or gets other classmates involved in private disputes.  It is tough to stay out of it and it is tough for my girl to come home every day and have another issue she has dealt with. 

Growing up is very....HARD.

I try to talk with my girl about these things and we pray for this friend.  I want to be honest with my daughter, and comfort her.  I want her to know that what she is experiencing is very normal.  But it saddens me to no end that the girls in her class/grade aren't building each other up, they are tearing each other down.  I have encouraged my daughter to take a step back from this friend.  Not to ignore, but to love this friend from afar, and hopefully, things will settle down.

Do you have daughters dealing with this kind of drama?  How do you encourage and build up your daughter without tearing down others?

Stitch Fix - Shipment 2

I just received my second Stitch Fix!  Haven't heard of Stitch Fix?  You are missing out sister!  As a busy mom, wife, student, etc. finding the time to keep myself up, is just...well...not existent!  Meet Stitch Fix!  You fill out a profile and they send you super cute clothes.  You pay for what you keep and you're done!  It's like Christmas once a month (or however often you decide to have it shipped).  It's so much fun!  

You can check them out by going here: Stitch Fix

Now, that being said, this Fix wasn't my favorite.  My sister is getting married and I had asked for a cute top for a girls night out and maybe a dress to wear to the rehearsal dinner.  My grand total for everything was $396.00 ($302.00 if I bought everything).  But I'm sending it all back, here is what I got and why:

I just love this box!!

I adore how it is all wrapped up, like a present!

And the style guide is a must!!  Such a wonderful tool.  They even suggested some ways to pull in pieces I got last time that would coordinate with  items from this time.

This shirt is beautiful, the color is gorgeous, and the fabric was so soft.  It was $58.00.  I am not keeping it because of the pleating down the front.  It's hard to see in the photo, but it fit big and the pleating added volume to my mid section.

This top was precious and was $44.00.  I loved the high-low look to the top and it was so soft.  But, as you can see below, it came with a big hole in the side.

Bummer :(

These jeans were my favorite and were $88.00.  They were stretchy and soft, oh I so wanted to keep them!!  BUT, I don't wear jeans.  I can't for work, and since I already have two pairs that I adore, I'm returning these, beautiful jeans.

 This was my least favorite item, and the most expensive at $138.00.  You can't tell in the photo but it is a black Eyelet Dress.  It was very....matronly, and while I want to be conservative, I also want to be cute.  This just didn't cover it for me.

I liked this dress a lot.  It was $68.00 and a beautiful blue.  But, after having 3 kids, I don't have a tiny flat stomach, and the way this dress was cut defiantly didn't flatter me.

Well this Fix was a bummer, but I have hope for more!  My first one was wonderful!  I'm asking for spring clothing so lets see what they can do!  I love Stitch Fix!!

A lot has been going on in our world, and I've been a horrible blogger.  But I'm going to vow to change that....lets call it a late new years resolution.  I love writing, and I know it is a good way for me to connect with others who are doing/going through the same things I am!  So here we go world.....are you ready?

Wednesday, October 1st

Today was a tougher eating day gluten, dairy and egg free.  I did not sleep soundly last night and today was jam packed with busy!!  So today I wanted coffee and chocolate!  I did treat myself a little this evening and I am proud of myself for not walking over to Just Love (my local coffee place) and getting that delicious coffee I craved!

Breakfast:

• Envirokids peanut butter and chocolate bar
• Coffee

Lunch:

• Mason Jar Salad (LOVE these for on the go!)
• Lettuce
• Chicken Breast (baked)
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Orange Bell Pepper
• Broccoli
• Champagne Balsamic Vinegar
• Vans Fire Roasted Veggie Crackers 

Dinner:

• Spaghetti
• Classico Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
• Quinoa Ancient Harvest Gluten Free Rotelle

Snacks:

• Enjoy Life - Boomchocoboom Bar Dark Gluten Free Chocolate Bar (YUMMIE!!)
• Apple
• Pirate's Booty Veggie
• PB2 (I absolutely love this peanut butter, it's delicious, easy and better for you!)

Vitamins:

• Multivitamin
• D3
• DHEA
• HemeVite (Iron)
• DryE
• B12
• Progesterone

I love the ease of the app My Fitness Pal.  It is free and convenient so I can quickly keep up with what I am eating!  Also, the app Sleep Cycle is the app I use to keep up with my sleeping habits.  I don't sleep the best, so I try to keep up with what causes the sleep disturbances!

Meal September 30th

Tuesday's are my day when I am on my local college campus from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  So all of my food today was specifically made so it was easy to make/eat.  I try to stick around 1400 calories a day.  But honestly, the food I am eating is mostly so good for me, I'm not sweating it when I do go over!!

Breakfast:

• Juice: spinach, apple, grape
• Enviro Kids choco peanut butter bar
• Coffee

Lunch:

• Vans Crackers
• Pirate's Booty - Veggie
• Apple
• Chicken Salad: 1 chicken breast, vegan mayo, chopped   apple and halved grapes

Dinner:

• Baked chicken breast cooked with Tuscan olive oil
• Corn on the cob: 1 ear with coconut spread
• Green beans 
• So Delicious Cherry Amaretto coconut milk ice cream
• Chatfield's chips (dairy free)

Snacks:

• Apple

Vitamins:

• Multi-Vitamin
• HemeVite
• DHEA
• DryE
• Vitamin B12
• D3
• Progesterone

Water:

• 8 cups

Changing my life....

About a month ago I was not doing well.  I went to the doctor and had some blood work done and tests run to figure out why I was not able to keep up with my day-to-day. The test results came back two weeks ago. It turns out I am unable to process a lot of food including gluten, dairy, eggs, artificial preservatives and many other things. Also, my hormones are all out of balance, basically my body is all out of whack and full of inflammation. So I decided that day to change my life. I have three beautiful babies to keep up with and a busy schedule with working almost full-time and going to school part-time (plus my hubby, cheer, church, etc.). I need to be able to keep up with my world!!

Even though I knew it was going to be tough I decided to change my diet. I cut out the gluten, the dairy, eggs, potatoes and all of the other things that were on my list as "no"! I also started taking supplements to ensure that I was getting the nutrition and maintaining hormone balance that I needed. 

It hasn't been easy. I have to make just about everything that I eat. I can no longer go to sonic or McDonald's and grab and go. I have to carefully plan out each meal to make sure that I'm not getting anything that's gonna make me sick. This past weekend we went to Whole Foods and Publix and picked up a bunch of wonderful things. On Sunday my husband and I spent two hours just preparing meals for the week. 

I will say over the past two weeks that I have felt better than I have in a long time. My energy and my focus is returning this past week I lost 2 1/2 pounds without even trying. I am on the right track. ButIt's not easy living this way; it's not easy to feed children who also have food restrictions. But this is our life and we are going to be healthy. So each day I'm going to write in and tell you how I'm feeling and give you some food ideas as to what I'm eating and maybe it will help someone who is dealing with the same things that I am. It is extremely overwhelming to get a diagnosis like this. But slowly step-by-step you get through it!  Until tomorrow....

Reflection - 21st Century Teacher & Classroom

I did not grow up in a world where everyone had a Facebook page or smart phone.  Those things didn't come until I was an adult.  So it is interesting to see how...bold and open people are on their social media pages.  It is so important to always remember that you never know who is looking through your pictures, or reading your blog!  But most importantly, you have to be aware that whatever you put "out there", is probably going to stay "out there" forever!  Recently, I went back over my social media pages and made sure my pictures and posts were secure.  I also googled myself.  If you haven't done that, I would highly recommend it.  Apparently there is a very good Dermatologist with the same name, who knew!?!  I think it is important to be aware of what is on the internet about you and what people have access to.  It is ALWAYS better to be safe, than sorry!

When I am working with children and technology I hope they learn what I mentioned above. I also want them to know that when they go to college or to apply for a job, one of the first things checked is social media pages.  I'm the Director of a program at my school and you better believe I am going to look you up before I hire you to work with our children!  I hope my students also know that people will pre-judge them before even meeting them, just based by what is online.  You are "branding" yourself, positively or negatively, based on what you put out.  This is crucial for teachers because those parents are going to be checking in on you!  When e-mailing, using social media pages, etc. what is most important is that you treat others how you want to be treated.  And I hope my students learn to READ before they SEND!!

Overall, everyone needs to just be careful when it comes to using social media.  It is a wonderful tool, but when used inappropriately, it can come back to haunt you!

I hope to gain clarity from my Digital Learning course.  I am very familiar with technology, and using technology in and for my classroom.  However, I would like to gain confidence and a sense of ease when using this technology.  Basically, I want to be able to use it better and faster.

I did not have to create a new blog for this class.  This blog was created as an outlet several years ago, but I haven't written on it since 2011, I believe.  I do not remember it being overly difficult to set up the blog.  With the information that is available today, I was able to quickly set up this blog by using directions I found online.  I was also able to make my blog personalized by doing a quick search on Google for backgrounds/templates.

Blogging is a wonderful tool teachers can use to keep in touch with parents.  I love the idea of weekly blogging about the class and its adventures.  It would be a useful way for the parents to feel more involved and an easy way for the teacher to help everyone stay connected.  Also, I can see a blog being a great way for parents to quickly check class assignments, dates, trips, etc.  Also, the teacher can easily post pictures to share!  I know on this type of blog, Blogger, you can set the blog to private and only those you invite via e-mail can have access.

It has been years since I've posted to this blog.  A busy life has gotten in the way of writing.  I will be posting more often this summer however.  I've returned to school (FINALLY!) and will be posting on here for one of my classes.  It is a Digital Learning class and I will post reflections and thoughts after assignments.

Maybe this will spur my writing again!

Here's to a wonderful summer!!

~Leslie

Tip of the Week!

One of the BEST things I have discovered since I've changed the way we spend money, is FREE SAMPLES!  Almost daily, I get a gift in the mail!  And they aren't small "sample" sizes!  Nothing is better than free toilet paper, granola bars and yes even laundry detergent!  Awesome!  I use the following two sites to help me locate my freebies: www.allyou.com and www.hip2save.com.  All You has a daily free sample, and Hip2Save posts when new samples become available several times during the day, she even has a "freebie" section!  Love them!

Went to Kroger and Publix yesterday, will post the deals that I got there later!

New Purpose of Blog!

Hey Hey bloggers!  I have been using this blog in the past just to chronicle the lives of the Cokers!  But I am changing direction.  Recently my family has gone through a difficult time financially.  I have had to change the way my family uses it's money.  And it's been a very positive change!  So I will be sharing the different things that I am doing and how I am saving money here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee!

First things first here is how we have changed our everyday life!

1.  No Eating Out!  If we do eat at a drive-thru or restaurant, we eat almost free with coupons!
2.  I COUPON and mainly purchase items that are .50 or under!  Except for essentials such as milk, diapers and meat.  But I get good deals on those as well.
3.  We BUDGET!  Every Penny has a Name!  If you aren't a listener to Dave Ramsey, you have to check him out!

Now I am no means an expert. I am just getting started on this adventure.  And I am not an extreme couponer, nor a hoarder of food.  But I am a mom, of three beautiful girls, who are in a private Christian school, and who has a lot of medical bills to pay!

So lets do this together!!

Dr's Dr's Dr's!

My life is full of doctor appointments these days!!  I'm starting to get a little frustrated.  I'm seeing my chiropractor, my general practitioner, my physical therapist AND my neurologist and no one seems to be giving me any answers as to my crazy mind!  (Yes we all know I've been a little "crazy" for a while, but this is different hehe!)

After the accident I started having trouble with different things.  I can't remember things well, my mind gets jumbled, and I can't make my brain talk to my fingers well, so my classes are a struggle (they are online).  Last semester I didn't do well at all, and I think a lot of it was because I can't get things out the way I want them.  I am getting mixed up all the time.  For example, I'll want to say, "Go put that on the table" but instead I'll say, "Go put that in the bathroom".  It makes no sense, and the girls laugh at me, but it's frustrating!  And I've always had to put things into my phone calendar so I can keep up with all of our activities.  But these days, if it isn't in my phone, I don't remember it at all!

My neurologist and my general practitioner both say that it's from the headaches and the lack of sleep.  But since I've started my new medicine (almost a month ago) I have been sleeping well.  And as long as I take the medicine as prescribed, I don't have headaches as bad.

I don't konw what to do about it.  I feel, well just overwhelmed and frustrated.  I feel like none of it should be a big deal.  The car accident I was in wasn't a terrible one, I guess.  So why is my brain so weird now!?!

I have faith it'll work itself out!  My God is an awesome God, and I know I'll be taken care of!

Until next time....

Prayer WORKS!

Hello!  Lots has changed in the Coker Household!  One of our prayers has been answered!  We've been praying for a way to payoff some extra debt so we can keep our babies in Private School (Middle TN Christian School) and that prayer was recently answered!  I've been given the most amazing opportunity to babysit my niece full time!!  I can't believe it!  I get to hang with my amazing niece (who is two weeks younger than Katy) and make a little extra money!  It's a win-win for everyone!!

Right now, I'm not able to use that extra money for our debt.  I'm having to pay all of my medical bills out of pocket.  Well I guess I never blogged about my wreck.  I was in a wreck in November and am still suffering from headaches.  I've been seeing my general doctor, my chiropractor and my neurologist and also my physical therapist.  So I'm on the road to recovery.  But we are paying for EVERYTHING out of pocket!  And it's EXPENSIVE!!!  But hey, it's ok!  I am so thankful to have the extra money to use for my treatment!!

I'm still teaching!  I adore my kiddos!  They are amazing and they are such a joy to my life!  I'm so blessed to be able to be in their lives!

Isn't God wonderful!!  I'm so thankful for my family and my friends, and our jobs and, well just everything!  Life is amazing and we are so blessed!!

I'm going to ask for prayers.  We are feeling the need to make some important changes in our lives and we need prayers for the guidance to make those changes.  We are so excited about our future and what God has in store for us!

Ah what a life!  It's full of craziness, and change and lots of PINK!  But I couldn't ask for any more!  Now here's the BIG IMPORTANT question!!

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?!?!

Until Next Time.....

Kindergarten

We have been in the process of testing Madelyn for the Magnet schools here in town.  It's been a little nuts!  Getting teacher evaluations, sending in applications and pictures.  Going for two testings for one school and waiting on a test date for the other school!!  But I know it'll be worth it in the end.  It's nuts that we've been thinking about where to send Maddy for Kindergarten for years and years.  And now it's here!!

We are so blessed because we have so many fabulous options between public, magnet and private schools here in Murfreesboro!  We couldn't have picked a better place to raise a family!!

And that's all for now!!

~Blessings~

You're Kidding!

It's almost Thanksgiving! I just can't believe how quickly this year has passed us by! Isn't it just awful? I have a baby who's almost 5 months, a 2 1/2 year old and a 5 year old. Geeze, I'm going to sneeze and I'll have a 32 year old, a 30 year old and a 28 year old. Gag me!

We have really been enjoying all of the Christmas Movies on ABC Family and listening to some beautiful Christmas music! I know it's early for all that stuff, but I'm excited! Hopefully we'll get our tree up this weekend!! Our neighbors have already started putting up their decorations and the girls just adore it!

We are LOVING our new house! If I forget something, I can just swing back by the house and grab it. I'm 5 minutes to two Kroger Stores and 5 minutes to two Publix Stores! Our trash gets picked up every Tuesday Morning. I can run by the post office when I need to! Maddy's school is 8 minutes down the road, Church is 8 minutes down the road. Mama and Daddy are 8 minutes away, My mother-in-law and father-in-law and also sister-in-law and brother-in-law are 15 minutes away. It's just wonderful!! Just wonderful!!

We will be submitting applications for the magnent schools here in Murfreesboro for Maddy soon. The testing will begin in January, I believe. There are two elementary schools here, we are 99% sure she'll get into at least one (one takes city kids first and the other takes county kids first, since we live in the city, we aren't sure we'll make the county school's list). We are excited for Madelyn, we know no matter which school she gets into, she's going to enjoy the snot out of it!!

It has really hit me how big Izzy is getting. She is talking so clearly and is SO funny! She loves to make us laugh, she's so super silly!! But she's a mess, she keeps us on our toes, but she's getting so big. Her hair is getting longer and her face is loosing the baby shape. Why do they have to grow up so fast!?!?

Baby Katy is doing amazing. She has a cough, and she has for a couple of weeks. But it seems to be clearing up. The peditrician has assured us it wasn't croup, that it was probably just the way her allergies were manafesting themselves. So, hopefully, we will get her 110% again. She's so cute!

That's all I've got for now!

~Blessings~

Maddy and Katy uptdate

I know, I'm a bad blogger! Life has been extremely wonderful but very busy!! We moved into our new house, which we just LOVE, but we are still not unpacked! We all started school, which is going well, and we are loving life and feeling very blessed!!

Maddy had her 5 year old appointment today. She weighed in at 43 lbs and is growing great! She is on track to be about 135 lbs and 5'6" or 5'7" as a grown 'woman'!!! So she is going to be super tall and thin! Can we say Super Model?!?! She got two shots and a finger prick and did it all by herself. She was very brave and I am so proud of her!! Not even a tear!! She goes back to the doctor in two years.

Katy also had her check-up today, her 4 month check-up. She is developing great!! Her motor skills are those of a 5-6 month old!! She's doing awesome! She's been given the clear to try fruits and veggies. But I'm not too anxious to start them. We've tried all juices and she HATES juice. She almost gags herself on it. So I'm a little apprehensive with fruits...she might like veggies. But she seems to not like sweets....and you know to think of it, when I was in my first 6 months of her pregnancy, I couldn't eat too many sweets. She got two shots and did awesome!

Izzy also got two shots and did awesome! Just a couple of tears! I'm so proud of my babies!!

Well that's it! We are doing great!!

~Blessings~