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April
Marriage advice brought to you from the other side of ten beautiful years!
To celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary ala blogger style, I organized a sunset photo shoot while we were on our little getaway to Santa Barbara. I wanted to do something special to capture the love we still share after 10 years of marriage. I will cherish these photos forever as our photographer, Lauren MaeveMarriage advice brought t, did a wonderful job and they turned out beautifully. So today on CCG, I wanted to not only share our amazing sunset Santa Barbara pictures but also talk a little bit about what I have learned over the last decade being married and share with you some marriage advice and valuable things that I have learned over time.
This is a sponsored post for Simpson House Inn, Santa Barbara. However, all opinions are my own.
Two weeks ago, Neil and I spent our 10 year wedding anniversary away for 4 glorious days! We hadn’t been away from the kids for that long since my surgeries and I’d been looking forward to this little vacation for months. Needless to say, it was an amazing time and I am so excited to share all about it with you. After two days in Ojai, we made our way down to Santa Barbara; where we spent 2 wonderful nights at the Simpson House Santa Barbara celebrating our anniversary and exploring the wonderful surrounding areas.
This is a sponsored post for MBK on their MBK Eye Rejuvenator, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I feel a little like a naughty child for not posting in 2 weeks. Neil and I went on our 10 year wedding anniversary vacation and then it’s been a struggle to get back into the swing of things again, especially with all the kids sports games and activities. It’s back to the grind, that’s for SURE. Anyhoo……one skin care product I have actually been dying to tell you about is the MBK Eye Rejuvenator. I came across the brand Methode Brigitte Kettner on Instagram and scooped up this amazing little tool to try and help these poor under eyes of mine. I have used it for two weeks and wanted to share with you all the details! So, today on CCG, let’s talk about skincare and this awesome MBK eye rejuvenator!
I am hardly an expert when it comes to self-care. I’m not a psychology major and I didn’t take courses on the subject of taking care of yourself, but I’ve had some pretty big life experiences that have definitely been stressful and anxiety-inducing causing me to find ways to cope.
I have spent a large amount of time looking into new ways that can help alleviate stress because let’s face it, us moms definitely have our hands full. Couple that with work, deadlines, difficult situations and everything else you have piled up, and you have the perfect recipe for stress! I think everyone deals with this differently and for that reason, I have put together my favorite 10 self-care ideas that I have used to help me combat stress and anxiety for Monday Motivation. I hope you find something here that resonates with you and that you try it yourself!
Getting the table #christmasready Have to wake up early for my MRI and then hit the grocery store for some odds and ends. Then wrap all the Santa presents for 4 kids. 🥴🤣 Wish me luck. 🙈
“Keep the change ya filthy animal” This Home Alone sweater/hat set is a staple come #holidaytime
Comment KEVIN below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/50D6k #ltkseasonal #ltkholiday #ltksalealert #sweaterweather #uglysweater #kevinmcallister #homealone
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This was a big hit last year so I wanted to share it again! These brie and cranberry puff pastry bites are SO EASY to make and a crowd pleaser for that Holiday gathering.
•mini muffin pan
•store bought puff pastry
•brie cheese
•cranberry sauce
•fresh rosemary
Preheat your oven to 425. Do not put these in until your oven is preheated! Place squares of puff pastry into the muffin pan, followed by cubes of brie cheese and a scoop of cranberry sauce. Bake for 10 min and add rosemary sprigs for garnish. It’s that easy!!! #easyrecipes #holidayrecipes
Brrrr it’s a cold one today! #holidayoutfit
Comment FAIRISLE below for the info to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4ZWKS #ltkholiday #ltkfindsunder50 #ltkseasonal #holidaysweater
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! Super easy and fun to make with the kids, these Puff Pastry and Nutella Gingerbread men are the perfect easy holiday treat!
•1 pack of store bought puff pastry
•Nutella
•powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 400. Roll out the puff pastry, spread a thin later of Nutella and add the second piece on top. Don’t forget to use the rolling pin to thin out the puff pastry. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the shapes and bake for 15 min. Sprinkle powdered sugar to the top.
#ad #WalmartPartner I LOVE the holidays! I especially love sharing my home with overnight guests and making them feel as welcome as possible! So that means, shopping at my favorite holiday go-to @Walmart 🙌🏻 This @Zinus mattress pops right out of the box and is SO comfortable. I’ve had so many compliments on how well guests have slept on it!! I use @Snuggle Blue Sparkle Fabric Softener on my sheets to give it that extra cozy flair, with 3x freshness ingredients & longer lasting softness*! Have overnight guests this Holiday season? Head over to #Walmart and snag everything you need to make your guests feel at home this Holiday season.
*vs next leading value detergent alone
SAVE AND SHARE THIS HOLIDAY RECIPE! I’m sharing this one again because it was a hit last year! My Fig and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are the PERFECT appetizer.
•puff pastry cut into squares
•fig jam
•goat cheese (cream cheese if you aren’t a goat cheese fan)
•walnut pieces
•mini muffin pan
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non stick spray and place one puff pastry square in each muffin area and push down. Add a teaspoon of goat cheese and add the fig jam on top. Sprinkle walnut prices on top and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!!! Happy Holidays! #appetizerideas #holidayrecipes
My FAVORITE Holiday sweaters and flannel dresses are 25% off today 🙌🏻 #holidayoutfit
Comment SWEATER below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4Z1Ve #ltkcyberweek #ltkholiday #ltksalealert #sweaterweather
SAVE THIS RECIPE POST! It’s another #puffpastry #recipe for the win 🙌🏻 Check out this SUPER EASY appetizer that’s perfect for Holiday party or football game coming up! You really only need TWO INGREDIENTS!
•Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake 12-15 min)
•Puff pastry
•pesto (I love the Costco pesto!)
•egg for egg wash over the twists
Make sure to put a good amount of pesto on the puff pastry. Twist and put on a non stick pan. Brush egg over the top to give it that golden color and bake for 12-15 min. Serve with marinara sauce and voilè you have yourself a crowd pleasing #holidayappetizers Enjoy! #holidayrecipes
Having a plaid moment! #holidayoutfit
Comment PLAID below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4YjUe #ltksalealert #ltkparties #ltkholiday #tartan
#ad I just LOVE the Holidays! #GladePartner Not only do I go to town decorating the home, I also want it smelling amazing too! I stocked up on my favorite @glade products from Sam’s Club 🙌🏻 This year I snagged the Glade Limited Edition Automatic Spray Holiday Variety Pack! It comes with three scents: Twinkling Pine & Cedar, Sparkling Pear and First Frost. You’ll have your house smelling like the holidays in no time! Make sure to pick up this variety pack, available exclusively at Sam’s Club!
Comment DRESS for the info! Love a good #fitandflare and this flannel one is a must! I have this dress in 8 different patterns and I LOVE THEM ALL. Plus, it has pockets! #thanksgivingoutfit
Comment DRESS below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4XEr3 #ltkholiday #ltkseasonal #flannel #flanneldress
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This festive #holidayappetizers is soooooo easy to make and so cute too! Take your Holiday party to the next level with this simple and fun brie recipe!
•store bought frozen roll dough (thaw and let rise for 3 hours)
•8 oz of brie
•1/2 stick of melted butter
•1 tsp minced garlic
•1 tbsp Italian seasoning
•fresh rosemary sprigs
•fresh cranberries
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. On a piece to parchment paper and a cookie sheet, set your brie in the middle. Place the roll dough balls around your brie. Slather the rolls and Brie in the melted butter (mixed with the minced garlic). Sprinkle seasoning on top and bake for approx. 20 min. Add rose mark and cranberries as garnish once out to the oven. This is such a crowd pleaser and quick to make. We’ve also used fresh dough made by my hubby (he’s the bread baker 🤣) and that works amazing too! Let me know how you like it! Enjoy! #recipereel #holidayrecipes
You guys….it actually rained here today! And it’s cold! I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR. It doesn’t exasperate my #potssyndrome 🙌🏻 Today, all 4 kids were home from school and we all played Fortnite together with our neighbors. I love days like today. I didn’t run errands, I didn’t clean anything. It’s been marvelous! Tomorrow will be back to business with family photo session editing, brand jobs and getting my ballet school ready for next months shows. But today, today, I did nothing. 🤣 #mondaymood
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This one’s a MUST TRY! I love pumpkin, I love puff pastry and I love me some cheese!
•one package store bought puff pastry
•mini brie
•pumpkin butter
•egg for egg wash
•cooking twine
•cinnamon sticks
Preheat oven to 375. These will bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Cut #puffpastry into 10 equal squares, scoop a teaspoon of pumpkin butter on the puff pastry and add a mini brie on top. Close up the dough and use cooking twine to secure it. I tie it around 3-4 times. Brush egg wash over them and bake them for 20-25 min. Use cinnamon sticks for a stem! I have also used cream cheese and goat cheese instead of the Brie! Enjoy! #holidayappetizers #recipereel
#ad #WalmartPartner I’m getting my home ready this Fall for all my overnight Thanksgiving guests with @walmart 🙌🏻 Through this holiday season, I want to make my guests feel at home and as comfy as possible. I have the @zinus 8 inch Cooling Mattress for ultimate coziness. It’s super easy and convenient to set up and feels amazing. Plus, I use @snuggle_bear Blue Sparkle Fabric Softener on my linens to give it that added touch! It’s formulated for longer lasting freshness* #Walmart is my Holiday go-to this season! #IYWYK
(*vs previous formula)
#happyhalloween from #freddiemercury and #edwardscissorhands Nicky’s chest hair is my favorite part. 🤣 #halloween2024
Comment JACKET and I’ll send you the details via DM to shop! I have this utility jacket in two colors. Such a great lightweight staple for #Fall 🙌🏻 #fallfashion #falljacket
https://liketk.it/4VcqV
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! Super easy and oh soooo good! These #pumpkinpie granola bites store perfectly in the fridge for an easy snack or treat! My kids LOVE them!
•3 cups quick oats
•3/4 cup pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
•3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
•1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
•1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
•3/4 cup Grade A pure maple syrup
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Using your hands, firmly roll balls together. Then, put them in the refrigerator for 30 min to set. I’m telling you these are AMAZING. Try them and let me know! #recipereels #easyrecipes
SO happy it’s not 100 degrees this week and we’re actually having cooler mornings. It’s Finally Fall! #sweaterweather