State Fair

I don't think we went to the fair last year, so we decided we should go this year, especially with the beautiful weather we were having, and the fact that we have FREE tickets every year.  We went last Friday because Brent was off, and man...even with the decline in attendance this year, it was super crowded. Parking seemed to be worse this year too.....either that, or this 8 month preggo was NOT feeling all the walking.  I rallied and went for the good of the family, but I wouldn't do it again:)

 

 

As soon as we walked in, we saw Rita Roo and Emma went up to hug her.

Emma was finally tall enough to do a lot of the kid rides (as opposed to 2 years ago when we took her).  She wanted the ferris wheel, but the line was too long (thank God...because I don't do heights, and I wasn't really into watching them go up that high either).  When Emma saw this bungee jump thing, she had to go.  I thought for sure she would wimp out, but she did it THREE times!!!  She loved it!!



 

 

 

She rode the merry go round twice (with Brent...nausea and going around in circles is a real thing, y'all). 

And then we headed to see the livestock and award winning pumpkins.

Emma saw some kids on this antique tractor and wanted to climb it too!

 

We were really only there for about 3 hours, but it felt like an eternity.  I was either walking or standing the whole time, and my body was over it by the walk to the car.  I almost wanted to fake labor for a ride to the car #noshame

 

It was fun to see Emma enjoy being there, and of course - I savor any time I get with Brent being off work!

 

Beautycounter faves

I've mentioned on here a few times that I am loving the Beautycounter products.  The more I learn about them, the more I like them.  But in all honesty, I just think they work for me.  I'm not one to buy and use something if it isn't right for my skin and hair.  And I'm picky too.

I love the Countertime/Rejuvenating line.  But I haven't splurged yet and used more than the sample set I had.  In winter, when I first tried the set and the Nourishing set (a lot less money), my skin was too dry and I didn't like the Nourishing.  But I've since tried the line again now that it's summer/fall, and I have had no problems with the day or night cream.

I know my skin could change a lot after delivery, but right now, it feels great - and I haven't had any breakouts (woohoo!!).  Target is a great place to try out some smaller sizes of these products...and there are still a few things left at the stores (if you check online, you can search stores to see what they have in stock).

The cleansing balm is phenomenal!!

I hate washing my face - it gets water all over the place, I hate bending over, my skin feels dry afterwards.....yada yada yada.  So I was using Oil of Olay regenerist wipes.  And I'm still ok using them, although I notice that they don't totally take all my makeup off.  The balm is super easy to use, and doesn't involved me splashing water all over myself and the bathroom.  My skin feels smooth, clear, and clean, but never dry.  

The lipsheers are awesome.  I love a lipsheer.  I like to apply my lipstick on the go without a mirror, and these are perfect.  I have currant, but am eyeing raisin.

I became a Band of Beauty Member at a social last month (it was at a discounted rate and included a cool free gift...SOLD!), and if you plan on using the products, it's a no brainer.  You get 15% back on every order.  My free gift was a whole travel set or various products, and I have been pleasantly surprised with the body and hair care.

The shampoo and conditioner are just as good, if not better, than any of the other hair products I have ever tried.  And let me tell you, I don't buy drug store brand hair products...I'm a salon girl since I color my hair.  My hair is softer, more manageable, and seems healthier since I started using these.

On my wish list....the Face Oil.  I have tried the Soothing and Hydrating, and will ask for the Hydrating for my birthday:)  I love their multiple uses - alone on skin, mixed with your moisturizer, or mixed with your tint skin.

I don't promote much, because I hate to be locked into one brand, but I really, really have loved these products.  And I do feel better knowing that what I am putting ON my body is safer.  I promise not to go totally overboard and turn into some quinoa, cleanse crazed freak....but for now, I would highly recommend Beautycounter's line.  If you need a consultant...I have 3 fabulous ladies that can help you (and of course, I am happy to answer any questions about the things I've tried too!)

Durham consultants Karen and Dana

Wilmington consultant Brandi

Mountains!!!

Wow, I am so behind on blogging....so I'll start here...our mountain trip a few weekends ago.  We went back to Valle Crucis to stay in our heavenly spot (same one from August...), and had a blast as usual (despite the rain one day!)

We got off later than I wanted, and I was in a bad mood (sorry, family).  But I cheered up with a trip to Stamey's BBQ....all I can say is thank God they didn't take credit cards when I was there in college (my dad would have killed me!)

We got there just as it was getting dark, and Brent and I discovered these *awesome* Daniel Boone hats and decided pictures were in order.

Brent told me that if I posted any of these, he would kill me....I think he meant on instagram or facebook...and the blog was fair game:)

Hurricane Matthew was coming through, and although we were far away, we were still affected with some rain Friday.  I was a bit bummed because there is not that much to do in the rain there.  We got some fishing in, went to Linville Caverns (boring, if you ask me), ate pizza in downtown Boone, and did some sight seeing from the car.

I made chili in the crock pot there and we snuggled up with a warm bowl, and then made smores before watching a movie together all in our bed:)  

Saturday was much nicer - cool, but no rain.  We decided to head to an Apple Orchard I had found about an hour away.

But only after some fishing in our princess dress...

The orchard was off the Blue Ridge Parkway, almost halfway to Asheville.  We stopped here for some pics:)

Altapass Orchard did not disappoint - very idyllic and a great day trip for kids.  We picked a peck of apples, enjoyed some amazing views, then headed into the country store for some live clogging, an apple lecture, and the best apple cobbler I've ever had.

We were worn out that night, so stayed in for some more warm chili and snuggles outside on the porch.

The next morning, we woke up to temps in the 40's and lots of wind...wowzers it was cold!!

I could barely stay out there - I love the cold, but don't like to BE cold....the wind was vicious.  After it being 90 for the past 5 months, 40 felt pretty darn chilly.

We reluctantly went home Sunday afternoon.....this was an emotional trip for me because I knew it was my last with just Emma and Brent. 

While I can't wait for Merritt to join our family, it's still a bit sad to see this family of 3 change:(

I know in 6 short weeks, I will be elated at how the FOUR of us just fit perfectly, but right now, these 2 are my world...and I am soaking up every minute.

Brent's birthday!

I really wanted to do something special for Brent's birthday this year, so I decided to throw a semi-surprise party for him this past Saturday.  I say "semi" because he did know about it, but not until the day before:)  My sweet hubby turned 36 this year...not a huge milestone, but I'm thankful for every year with him.  I am so so thankful for all our friends for helping me celebrate him.  And extremely grateful for my parents and aunt and uncle (who just happened to be visiting the right weekend!) for helping me clean up, get food, and throw the party!!

 

I knew Brent would want to watch the Heels play at 3:30, so I scrambled earlier in the week to upgrade our TWC package so we could get ESPN:) 

 

As soon as I told Brent, all he could think of was what needed to be done around the house to get ready:)  I had been stressing all week trying to get things in order and finish staining the playset, all while also in my last full week of work.  Thankfully, Brent loves projects and liked having a deadline to get some things done outside so we could have people over (but seriously, sorry honey!)

 

We had at least 20 kids over (16 of which were BOYS!), and about 25 adults.  We set the TV outside and had plenty of benches and chairs.  The kids played football and used the playset the whole afternoon.  The weather was glorious, my dad brought over a keg, and I had BBQ from Sam's Club in the crock pot.  Friends kicked in with sides and apps, and of course, I got a cake from Whole Foods:)  It was a really good time and Brent and I both felt so blessed to be around our friends.  Oh...and the Heels won in the last 4 seconds...it was awesome!!

 

 



 

Thank you, Rebekah for taking pics:)