Another year has come & gone....so crazy to me how fast 2015 flew by! (And how few posts I wrote).
2015 was a year of learning for me. I learned my breaking points....how much I can handle....but I also learned that when I really focus on something, I can achieve it. I did have a few let downs in 2015, which have caused me to reevaluate where my focus will lie in 2016....what direction to take.
I am able to multitask, WELL. It really is a strongpoint. BUT as of late, I have been doing it WAY too much. I need to be intentional. I need to be FOCUSED on the task at hand. Whether it's work, whether it's cleaning, whether it's spending time with MattyB or my boys. I need to FOCUS.
Big giveaway for you - so be sure to scroll through this entire post!!! Hope you win!
We recently drove over to Orlando for a little weekend getaway for my birthday. Travelling with 2 kids, under 4, driving just seems to be easier these days (luckily it's only about an hour drive to Orlando!) We attended the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot.....so good, but SO HOT!
I don't know about you, but now is the best time of year for my family & I to travel. As much as I love, love, LOVE being at home for the holidays, it makes sense for us to travel over the holidays. We have a family business, so vacations as a family are hard to come by since one of us is always required to be present. However with the holidays, and the office being closed in observance, it helps!
Now the next hurdle to bypass is travelling with 2 kids under 4 :)
Regardless, let's chat about what HYATT has to offer YOU! Check out some of their Winter Savings HERE
From the sunny beaches of Playa del Carmen to the towering Colorado Rockies, you’ll find picture-perfect surroundings, impeccable service and exceptional savings this season at participating locations.
Enjoy 20% off stays of 2 nights or more and 25% off stays of 3 nights or more at the following Hyatt Hotel locations! Use Code: WSALEA
How fun is that!?
So of course, here are my top choices of where I would go to take advantage of this amazing offer:
1. Hyatt House Cypress/Anaheim-
Hyatt House Cypress/Anaheim
It's newly renovated & conveniently located near Disneyland & Knott's Berry Farm. I love California, and have not been to Anaheim in years, so this is probably top on my list! This would definitely have to be a family vacation!
Hyatt House Cypress/Anaheim
2. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek -
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
for a kidless vacation, this place looks AMAZING! I was terrible at skiing the first time I went...I'm a true Floridian, what can I say? And I'm super clumsy, but that's beside the fact ;) Regardless, this place looks like a winter oasis! Hit up the spa & the slopes, all in the same day! The rooms come with private balconies, how romantic.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
3. Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa -
Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa
Another kidless vacation, this place looks like another stunning vacation spot! I have been itching to go to a vineyard, do some wine tasting, and have a relaxing get away. How alluring does this sound: Immerse yourself in the quintessential Sonoma Valley Wine Country experience at Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa. Stroll among the hotel’s aromatic gardens, and admire a 12-foot water wall and fine art, or sip some wine beside our courtyard fire pit. From a relaxing spa day at the Le Carré Spa to local wine tastings, this Sonoma Valley hotel beckons to the heart and soul, while satisfying every modern need for cutting-edge amenities. Enjoy the spirit and essence of Sonoma Wine Country.
Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa
Sign me up! Who else needs a getaway!? Book the “Snow on Sale” package at Hyatt.com and Earn a Free Night Stay at participating mountain resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada! Offer available through April 7 , 2016 Click HERE for details & to book! (Terms and Conditions apply. See landing page for details.) Remember to book directly at Hyatt.com because of the following features: Best Rate Guarantee for bookings made at Hyatt.com, free Wifi at all Hyatt Hotels, fantastic locations, family friendly programs and rooms, multiple brands at various price points, Camp Hyatt program at Hyatt Resorts in US and Caribbean; Now it's time for you to win a $500 Hyatt Digital Gift Card! Enter to win through the Rafflecopter below! a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a post regarding She Reads Truth & their collab with Lifeway.
Well, here is a quick video on what is to come....
I am so excited to share more with you! I hope that if you are new to studying the Word of God, you'll consider starting this study. It officially launches November 2nd.....but of course, I'm going to share with you info as I learn it :)
A photo posted by nicole brinson (@fashionablyniki) on
So, I thought it was only fitting to share the details of the day & his arrival!
It was a Thursday morning, and I had just been to the doctor the day before. Let me rewind....the week before was my last full week of work in the office. The week of Brooks' birth, Matt had assigned my mother to the task of "babysitting" me. He apparently was concerned of something happening....
Anyways, Wednesday (the day before Brooks was born) mom & I headed to IKEA to walk out the baby. Later that day I went to the doctor because stuff was starting to feel like "something was happening"....but alas, it was not. I was only 4cm (TMI???) and they advised I go home and "rest".
Side note: why the HADES do they tell you to "rest"??? Being 9 months pregnant with a toddler, there was no "resting". I was lucky to get a solid hour of sleep.
So back to that Thursday....
Our pattern for this particular week was we drop off Beau at his preschool & then Matt drops me to my mom's house, afterwards he then heads in to the office. I was in a foul mood. I was hungry & nauseous...and so annoyed over yesterday's appointment & no progress. We ended up hitting McDonalds up for a breakfast sandwich....the infamous "last meal". We got to my mom's & my mood was going even further down hill - if that was even possible! This was about 8:30am.
Around 10am I am having killer back pains & have tried everything from going to the bathroom to laying on the couch, to try & relieve them. I took a few business phonecalls, fighting through this pain. I finally looked at my mom & said "let's just go to the doctor & see what's going on". On the way, remember I was in a foul mood, she was trying to carry on a conversation with me....I finally looked at her & said "mom, I love you, but don't talk please".
I love my mom.
10:30am We get to the doctor's....of course we have to wait....and of course I can not sit down. Too much pain to sit.
I get taken to the back & this proper British midwife they have is the one to check me. All the doctors are out. It's just her. And she's wearing Stella & Dot!!! I guess it was a sign.
She checks me....and then LEAVES THE ROOM.
And then a nurse walks in, saying "she told me to come in & sit with you".
Um, what?
So, the proper British midwife comes back and excitedly exclaims that I am 9cm and she has called me an ambulance.
Um, what!?
Actually my exact words were "SHUT UP!" followed by sobbing. Like bawling my eyes out. Scared & wanting drugs. So I did what any pregnant near delivery woman would do, asked for the drugs!
In her most proper British accent "No, I'm sorry. We don't have those."
Um, what!?
She then preceded to tell me again that she had called me an ambulance. Cue more crying.
"But why?? Mom can drive me!"
In her British accent "Do you really want your mum delivering baby on the side of the road?"
Cue the sirens.
So the fire rescue were the first to arrive. Oh yes, a fire truck AND an ambulance arrived at my doctor's office! Well if this isn't the royal treatment I don't know what is!
The EMT's from the fire truck came in, of course all men. So I asked the nice man for "the drugs" - - he said they don't carry those, but he'd be happy to get me ready for the IV. Oh, yay. He then said "don't worry, you're good!"
Oh I'm sorry, you had a baby when? (Pretty sure he got an earful of sheer sarcasm.)
He then let me know he would not be taking me....that I would need to go on the ambulance. I then asked if I could just walk on the ambulance...I mean do I really have to be hoisted up on the gurney? Yes, you do....it's protocol.
So now the nausea set in even more. They handed me a barf bag & my papers for the hospital & away I wheeled.
I never screamed. Not once. Even though the pain was utterly debilitating....I just clenched my jaw & told everyone to HUSH.
Like, literally....HUSH.
Mom followed the ambulance.
AND BEAT THE AMBULANCE. Moot point, I guess.
11:25am We get to the hospital, everyone moving at a snail's pace. "Do they not realize I need drugs! I'm nearing 10cm! This baby is coming now.....MOVE IT PEOPLE!"
Nope I bit my tongue....no lashing out. But why the heck people wanted to keep talking to me was BEYOND me.
We took TWO WRONG TURNS. Between the nurse man that met us at the ambulance drop area & the EMT from the ambulance...2 wrong turns later & an awkward elevator ride, we FINALLY ARRIVED to labor & delivery.
Oh yay, we can party now! DRUGS PLEASE!
Yes, I asked for drugs right away. While stripping in front of 5 nurses in to the hospital gown. Is it awkward one of them complimented my bra? I thought so too.
Alas, in walks mom...proclaiming she had called Matt on the way here.
"Oh good! He should be here, huh? He did get me in to this mess, huh?" Apparently sarcasm is my spiritual gift.
The sweet nurses then go through their MILLION questions. Now I'm hooked up to the contractions monitor & the sweet gal is now watching it & still wanting to ask me about the placenta...and then abruptly stops & says "Oh, I'll let you get through this contraction".....hey thanks, pumpkin!
In walks a doctor. One I have not seen before from my doctor's group.
Oh yay, a new doctor? It surely is my lucky day!
She then tells me I am 10cm and that she can go ahead & break my water & get this baby out!
Um, what?!
No thanks! I'd like drugs please :)
STAT!
It felt like an eternity but in walks Mr. Anesthesiologist with the liquid gold.
Oh & in walks Matt at 12:20pm Thanks for showing up!
Now, Mister Liquid Gold man is getting my back prepped....and has started to "do what needs to be done"....uh oh, bad contraction.....just bear down, BREATHE....bury your head in to Matt's chest since he is standing in front of you telling you "it's okay"....annnnnnnddddd
BURST!
My water ruptured all over Matt.
Like Coneheads style. It was a true seen out of a movie.
And then my foul mood changed.
I apologized at least 10 times for that happening to him. I was apologizing to my husband during delivery!
By this point, Mister Liquid Gold man had bolted out of the room & left paper on my back. He didn't even finish the job!
They spun me around, no stir ups, just a one, two, and out pops Brooks! TMI???
A photo posted by nicole brinson (@fashionablyniki) on
Mom eventually left to go pick up Beau from preschool.
Brooks' delivery was easy, but dramatic. Super fast, but super alarming. Matt was able to arrive in time & everything happened while Beau was at school. Timing was perfect.
We have been blessed with the happiest baby! He loves to smile, he is super affectionate....and loves to EAT!
So in honor of fall's arrival, here are some fun fall FOODIE crafts to do with your toddler and of course my fabulous fall display.
Be sure to read through to the end to enter to win a Sweetworks giveaway!
I love the Sweetworks gumballs! I especially love their pearlized colors. So pretty!
Of course, I set up a Halloween display and a fall display:
Giveaway Time!!!!
25 bloggers are offering $50 giveways from Sweetworks!!! This candy giveaway includes celebration pearls, sixlets, chocolates, & gumballs. (Subsititutions are possible)
A photo posted by nicole brinson (@fashionablyniki) on
You may have seen this post yesterday on my Instagram....and it is TRUE.
I found Emily Hsu Designs via an Instagram rabbit hole. Don't you just love those? A "quick look" at Instagram turns into an hour because some how you went from looking at one feed, one hashtag to 50 million.
Back to Emily Hsu and these super cute workout pants. I am always so skeptical of ordering workout gear online. I like to feel them before purchasing! Thickness totally matters when you're bending over, lifting your leg up, & doing splits!
When I received the pants, I knew right away I was going to love them! They are thicker than some of the more popular brands that I've seen (& own)....like brands that rhyme with Sneaky & Ponzy. If I had to compare them....they are a slicker fabric version of the Splits59 for Pure Barre pants that I love. They don't feel like they are just going to roll down or slide off....they hold tight without the negative effects in front or back ;)
Go check out this fun brand & tell them I sent you!
All opinions are mine. While I would have loved compensation in the form of workout pants (because really, you can never have too many) - I forked over my own hard earned dinero & bought myself a pair. And I'm happy I did!
With the rate my 3 year old is growing, I know how frequently I have to buy new clothes for him....needless to say, SHOES! And Target has such cute & affordable gear!
Stella & Dot, with their cute engravables, is such a chic & stylish way to wear your "heart on your neck" or wrist....or whatever ;)
So the winner will have their choice of our engravable circle charm or ID tag, engraved with whatever they want!
(There are some character limitations, please be advised)
Here are some ideas:
Contest ends on September 15th
Winner will have the choice of our ID tag in silver or gold, OR our engravable disc charm in silver or gold.
LEGAL Stuff: 18 years of age or older to enter. US Only! Read Instructions carefully because rules vary from contest to contest. Make sure to provide a correct email address so we can reach you if you win. You have 48 hours to respond once contacted. Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby.In most cases, shipping of prizes is the responsibility of the the sponsors who will be sending prizes to you directly. Your prize should arrive within 30 days, let us know if it doesn’t and we will TRY TO HELP OUT! The writer of this giveaway received a sample for this review. Compensation was not provided. Opinions expressed are the blog’s own. This Giveaway is not affiliated with, associated with or promoted by Facebook. Happy Entering!
If you've been reading the blog lately, you know my focus has shifted from detailing runs & races....to detailing barre workouts. But the love for fashion has not changed.
So when Kevin over at Trusted Health Products asked me to review their Runner's Choice serum.....I was like "wellllllll" - - - but then quickly obliged ;)
The cool thing I discovered? It's not just for runners!!!!
I have used this for so many scenarios:
attending Pure Barre
all day cleaning & laundry
running
walking our local theme park
So it should really be called "Runners/Walkers/Barre-ers/Everydayer's Choice"!!!
Some things to note:
The Power to Excel The Runner’s Choice is scientifically
formulated with 100% natural botanical oils of almond, eucalyptus, eucalytol,
wintergreen, peppermint, and spearmint. Unlike many commercial creams and
lotions, the botanical oils in The Runner’s Choice are very easily received
through the pores in the skin, with simple topical application, and no rubbing.(Info taken from manufacturer)
See all those oils listed? You smell them upon application....and unless you're going barefoot, you quit smelling them when you put on your socks & kicks.
Contrary to what I thought....I was not "slipping & sliding" after application!
Unlike many commercial creams and lotions,
which require rubbing in, the botanical oils in The Runner’s Choice are most
effective with gentle topical application, and no rubbing. The body recognizes
the natural properties of these botanicals, and receives them very well as they
gently soak through the pore openings in the outer layer (epidermis) of the
skin.
So of course, the company wants YOU to try it out!!! Check out the Rafflecopter below!
Giveaway ends 9/4/15 and there are THREE WINNERS!!!! (US & Canada only!)
Incase you don't win the giveaway..... For a limited time, the manufacturer is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have our readers try out The Runner’s Choice and agreed to send one bottle FREE if our readers would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge. This is a one-time only offer! Click here to get your FREE bottle now!
Weekly Want: The Freya Fringe Necklace Way too gorgeous once you try it on. This statement necklace is comprised of mixed metal featherlight fringe that catches the light and moves along with you! Check it out HERE
If you've been reading the blog lately, or following me on Instagram, you know I'm an avid Pure Barre-er.....today, I hit the mother load. I hit the 100 class mark!
When I purchased the Pure Barre Groupon back in September of 2014, while pregnant with Brooks....getting my pre-baby body back was on the forefront of my mind. (Seriously, what is wrong with me!? Why wouldn't I be wondering about the getting baby out part, or lack of sleep, etc....). I had dabbled with barre workouts before...even have a barre at my house; but there was a certain allure to physically attending a barre class, rather than working out to dvd's at home.
Once the baby arrived in October, I had some time to re-evaluate my purchase. I tried working out at home...especially since I have all the tools I need....but it wasn't as successful as I had hoped. I had been through this before, so I thought that working off the baby weight from the second baby would be a walk in the park. I didn't stop to consider that I would now have TWO children to tend with: a toddler & a newborn. So in December, I figured I would use this Groupon that was almost near expiration & see what the big difference is between dvd's at home & attending a class.
I will never forget my first class. I rocked an oversized tee from Victoria's Secret PINK and some yoga pants....trying to mask the 2 month post baby belly. I went in with a mixture of fear & confidence....knowing the moves were not totally unfamiliar, yet having so much doubt in myself that I could bounce back to prebaby size, needless to say even do this workout in a studio with people watching. From the moment class started until class ended, I was dripping in sweat, cursing my thighs, and yet wanting MORE. It was the week of Christmas, so the classes were not full since most people were travelling / gearing up for the holidays. (Not that the 5:30am class is ever jam packed.) I went 3 times that week and knew I had developed an addiction to something other than shopping.
My husband didn't understand at first when I told him how I wanted to jump in with a membership when my Groupon expired. He has always supported my fitness endeavors....especially when I would run ridiculous amounts on my treadmill & be the worst grump if I didn't hit my mileage for the week. And even buying me my own barre for home use 2 years ago when I first fell in love with barre workouts. But this endeavor he didn't understand since I "have what I need at home to workout". While I do have the equipment I don't have the push, the drive, or the escape that the studio provides. (MattyB fully supports me & my health, in case you are wondering. You can read about his support HERE when he took the Bring On the Men class!)
The 5:30am class has been an absolute joy these past 7 months. The encouragement, push, & kudos during class are what I need at this point in my life. I need to leave my house for a workout in order to get it done! I love my boys, but the time away allows me 55 minutes to focus on just me. No distractions, no phones, no demanding toddlers, just me. No, I don't enjoy waking up at 4:40am. There is nothing cute about 4:40am...I have never been a morning person! But I do it for the love of the workout & how it jump starts my day...plus it's the only time of day that works for my family & I without disruptions. (Unless Brooks is wanting to party at 2am....then it becomes a matter of dragging myself to class!).
So today was a HUGE mile marker in my Pure Barre journey. I completed 100 classes and go to sign THE bar. The bar that I see every time I'm at the studio...with the sign "100 club".
As my husband would say: "So what does that mean???"
It means I got to sign THE bar:
It means I have lift, toned, & burned 100 times.....and lived to tell about it. It means I have lost 11 pounds since I started in December. It means I have lost 13 inches combined from my waist, hips, & chest.
It means I can hold a plank for 90 seconds. It means I now have this elite gear to add to my workout wardrobe:
It means I have developed some awesome friendships with some ladies I would have otherwise not met. It means that I have come to realize I need to be healthy in order to raise healthy boys. It means I have developed an obsession for barre gear (sticky socks, leggings, and cute tops saying something like "see you at the barre"). It means that I have overcome lots of self doubt & tried something new. It means I have realized the number on the scale is not how strong I am, how good of a mother / wife I am, or what to base my value on.
To anyone on the fence about trying out Pure Barre, do it!
Be sure to check out my intro post to Pure Barre!
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