Why I Started Blogging

/ 1 Comment

Back in 2011 I went from working a full time teaching job that was about a 45 minute commute to and from my home, to staying home as a housewife.  I absolutely loved my job teaching English 7-12, but the stress of the commute and literally feeling like I NEVER saw my husband took a toll on us.  When Joe suggested I stay home and not go back to work, I thought he was kidding…turns out it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

While I was super happy and confident in my decision to stay home, I longed for some connection of other women who too were happily married and lived a not so average life.  I had always wanted to start a blog, but never found the time to figure out how to get it up and running.  Finally one day I just sat down and figured it out, thus launching Bliss to Bean.  Reading and writing have always been a passion of mine and as soon as I figured out Blogger, it was go time.  With the ease of our cell phones snapping photos and quickly uploading, I was sharing my heart on here in no time at all.

I immediately found a bunch of amazing girls, younger and older, who shared similar values or simply just loved sharing their lives on the internet.  I’ve learned so much and made some really amazing inter-web friends! It was super fun to post daily back in 2011/2012 and once I found out I was pregnant, it was a great way to share my journey.

I also have family who lives far away, so I knew that this online space would be a great way for them to see what we are up to and then of course once I had kids, it was nice to create a family diary of sorts.  I’ve waffled back and forth on whether to quit blogging all together.  I’ve taken breaks.  I have changed my content here and there…

But the reason I always come back is that I feel like I have something to say.  There have been a few times where people have reached out to me and thanked me for my honesty.  They tell me that they don’t feel so alone, or that I inspired them to have a better day.  I absolutely love this!!  I can only hope that more women feel connected to my writing, even if I don’t hear from them.

I’ve always been as honest and true here on my blogs, as much as I feel comfortable being.  There are some topics (like potty training) I feel are off limits.

I never try to come off as perfect or having it all together.  I share what works for me, what doesn’t, and honestly my main goal in life is to just be happy.  There are a ton of obstacles life throws at us, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you and you alone to create your happiness.

Some people think I should be making money off my blog and heck, if I could I would!! I just personally don’t want to turn into a sponsored ad every day.  If I find something that I love, I share it! If I find something that isn’t working, I may just share that too.  I also don’t want it to feel like a burden; I love finding the joy in blogging.  It’s no fun when it becomes tedious and work-like.

While the blogging community has changed A LOT over the last 6 years, I still smile when I see the “OG” girls that I used to really connect with… a lot of them are on instagram, but most do not blog any more.  There were real friendships made and during hard times and good, it was nice to have uplifting ladies in my life.

I set my brand new blog up in January of 2018 and had no idea what I was doing.  If I’m being honest I am still trying to figure out WordPress!  I just wanted to own my site and ensure that my words were safe.

I am not entirely sure where my blogging journey will take me, but writing makes me so happy and this #blogtober challenge has been so good for my soul!

If you’re ever feeling compelled to blog, just do it!! You never know what can happen until you just try.

Happy Friday friends!

You may also enjoy:

Prompts for Blogtober

/ Leave a comment

IMG_8689

I’m so pumped to blog every day in October!  I feel like this will rejuvenate me in so many ways and I have been receiving so much positive feedback about going for this.

My friend Nikki will be blogging, be sure to stop over and say hi!  She has two adorable daughters and is so real.  Her blog My Life to Our Life is full of fun family activities, #momlife talk, fitness, essential oils & other fabulousness!!

I’m going to link up with Loving Every Day Life most days, but I did come up with a few topics I felt like sharing and delving into a little bit further.

Here is my list!

  1. Introduction
  2. Boone Plantation
  3. Do you have a favorite season? List 3 things that you love about it.
  4. Why I don’t watch TV Shows
  5. An old photo, explain it.
  6. Do you have a book you can read over and over?
  7. Most loved ways to relax?
  8. Favorite YouTubers?
  9. Joe’s birthday!
  10. Charleston, SC
  11. Go to Fall recipe?
  12. Day in the Life
  13. CBD Oil.  What is it? Benefits?
  14. Beauty Must Haves
  15. Why did you start blogging?
  16. Favorite Quote
  17. StepBet Thoughts
  18. What is your go to perfume or scent?
  19. Share a #tbt
  20. Do you have any hobbies?
  21. Favorite Song?
  22. SAHM Thoughts
  23. Weight/Diet–Real Talk
  24. What’s one place you’d love to visit?
  25. Seven Instagram Accounts to follow now!
  26. Fashion Friday #ootd
  27. What are you currently reading?
  28. What made you smile today?
  29. Motivation, Inspiration, Encouragement
  30. 10 Facts about you
  31. What does Halloween mean to you?

You may also enjoy:

March Favorites

/ 2 Comments

Here we are in the beginning of April, so I figured I’d share a few my favorite things from last month!!  March is typically one of my least favorite months.  It’s SUPER long. STILL cold and just overall crazy!  This past March didn’t seem to stray too much from that!

#1 Favorite–

I would say the biggest favorite of the month of March was getting our puppy Bailey.  She is also the biggest adjustment and so much work!  She completes our crazy little family in ways I almost had forgotten about.  When we got Holly, we had Sadie.  For the last 3 years Holly has been an only dog, and honestly I haven’t been the best dog mom.  With two kids, 4 and under, life was nuts!  We are nuts for getting another fur ball, but we love her so much.  My husband and I laugh at how we will look back at these times and just shake our heads.  I need to make sure I keep blogging about all of this beautiful, messy, chaotic life of ours.

Accessories–

LOVE these Rose Chandeliers. Obsessed.  I think because it’s still freezing and grey outside, any pop of color helps beat these Winter blues.  I am all about the statement earring trend these days.  Toss on a black shirt, add a fun pair of earrings & bronzer and go!

Booties-

I ordered a pair from Jane.com but they did not fit.  My friend Shelby swore these pretties from Target were comfy and a must have! She was on the money.  I normally am a solid size 9, but she suggested I go down half a size and I did. 8.5 fits perfectly without any socks.  Score a pair here.

Drink:

This was even more amazing than I anticipated. Joe gave me this for my birthday and I was saving it for a celebration. We had a particular house that was, well, tricky to say the least, with our company, 585 Rent to Own.  I said back in the Summer, that when we sold said house, we’d pop this bottle. I’m not sure if it was the taste of sweet success, or just really good champs.  I’ll sip to both!

Hair:

Two things–One, a high pony.  If I’ve curled my hair (or even if not) I am loving throwing it up in a high pony tail.  I think it still looks chic, but effortless!

Dry Shampoo–

This is THE BOMB.  Seriously, I didn’t understand why girls swore by dry shampoo. I had tried a few different kinds and nothing really did much for me.  My friend Stephanie is a mama whose hair is gorgeous.  I had been wanting to try Monat for awhile and I am so glad I did! The scent of this alone is to die for.  I can go 3 days comfortably…I workout and I hate my hair smelling weird or funky, so I can’t go much over 3 days, unless I wear a hat! I will definitely be ordering more of this no doubt.

Quote:

My phone screen for the month.   I try to stay motivated/inspired and this quote stuck with me.  I find that if I change up my phone screen it helps! It’s not always easy to stay positive.  I had a goal this month for my S&D biz and I knew it wouldn’t happen by itself. I have to wake up and make efforts every single day, if I want my dreams to come true.

Podcast:

I love audiobooks, but sometimes I like a quick little something something to listen to.  I’ve been trying out different podcasts and THIS one speaks to my heart.  I could barely get through my workout because I was SO motivated. I wanted to get right down to work on our Rent to Own Real Estate business when I listened to her the other day.

Day:

As I mentioned, March tends to be a tricky month.  Since we were doing a whole lot of work and not a whole lot of playing, I pulled the plug on the last Friday of the month and made us go to the spa.  We got a couples massage and it was SO beneficial.  As much as we are all about the hustle, man you just need to pump the breaks a bit.  If you don’t take the time to step back, relax, rejuvenate and unwind, you’ll burn out and go crazy. During our quiet massages, we BOTH had experiences where we learned something.  Sometimes the best thing to do is sit in silence and let it work its way out. Running multiple businesses, raising kids, getting a new puppy & Joe working full time doesn’t really allow for much “quiet” time other than us passing out from exhaustion! This is something I will make us do more than once a year.

We didn’t even take the whole day ‘off’ but scheduling this time to feed our souls and physical bodies was worth every penny and moment.

Song:

We are getting ready for the disco, so naturally I am listening to that Pandora station!  It’s really hard to be in a bad mood when you’re listening to this.

img_4558

Superhero:

My son.  I was having a rough day and may have teared up a bit.  On one hand, I was mad at myself or letting him see me cry, but then the most beautiful thing happened.

“Don’t cry mommy, I am a super hero.  I can save you!”

My heart is still fluttering from hearing that; he’s a lot of work at 3, as most little tykes are.  I know that I’m doing a lot of things right when I hear and feel compassion like that.  Baby boy, your heart it so sincere.  I know you’re a tough little cookie, but your sweet heart is love. You radiate so much compassion. Stay this way always.

 

Tiny Dancer:

She marches to the beat of her own drum, this one.  It’s hard to tell her what to wear, as she has a style all her own.  She loves dance class, but does think ballet is a tad boring.  Tap is her favorite!  I told her to smile for a picture for daddy, this is what she gave me.  I can’t get over how tall she is!

Brookie, you have grown so much (and not just in height!) Since adding a puppy, you’ve shown so much patience and responsibility.  I thank God you’re so understanding and supportive.  I worry you’re a little too like mommy; I want you to have fun, be little and not try to grow up too fast! I love your creative soul and all the joy you bring to our lives.

Book—

I have read my 9th out of 52 books for 2018!  This was FANTASTIC!! I love Oprah.  It reminds me of my childhood, as my mother always watched her.  She is full of wisdom and interviews the best people; this book is life changing.  It has introduced me to new authors and I feel myself growing more spiritually and mentally.  I love that feeling.  Oprah reads it, so you’ll be soothed by her voice too!

Humor.

Laughter will get you through so much; lighten up, take risks and enjoy this crazy ride called life! It’s not always easy, in fact most days it’s downright freaking hard, but always worth it.  I just can’t choose that third row; I was born for the front row.

You may also enjoy:

Survey Time!

/ Leave a comment
February break is over and whoa…I’m seriously struggling to get back into a routine! I figured a simple survey would be a great way to ease into the new week.
My girl Nikki shared her survey last week and I totally felt like a fun mindless post! It’s always fun to learn about fellow bloggers, so I thought maybe someone would learn a thing or two about me!
1. Where was your Blog profile pic taken?
July 2017.  Joe surprised me with a gorgeous overnight at a fancy hotel for my birthday.  I was so excited to be going out and July is always my favorite month!
3. Favorite place you’ve been?
Rome.  The food, the wine, the people, the cheese, the bread, the culture…I could just go on and on.  I really love St. Martin too–totally relaxing and beautiful.
4. What’s the funniest thing you experienced this week?
Bradley popping up in his window that overlooks our living room.  He was supposed to be sleeping, but Joe caught him and Brooke hanging out in their doorways…then he went in his room and stood on a stool and made funny faces at us! We tried to discipline but he looked so funny we just laughed.  #oops
5. How late did you stay up last night?
11.  That’s late and I’m old.
6. If you could move somewhere else, where would you move to?
Some place warm. I’m really kinda over this Winter! Joe and I will definitely move to Florida or somewhere during the winter months when the kids are older.
7. Which of your Facebook friends lives the closest to you?
My hubby, Joe! We clearly share a home.
8. When was the last time you cried? 
Sunday.
9. If you could talk to ANYONE right now who would it be? 
My grandma.  I’d go over to her house, we’d bake and laugh…and talk.  I miss her so much!

11. What’s your favorite season?
SUMMER.  SummerGirl8481 was my Match.com when I met Joe.  I do love each season, but my favorite is Summer.
12. If you could have any career, what would it be?
An entrepreneur. I’d have my own office that I ran and it’d be fun, stylish and we’d all have a blast every day.  We’d own the whole building and the top floor would be ours.  There’d also be a Starbucks in the lobby.  I’d love to help people become the best versions of themselves.

13. What was the last book you read?
Little Fires Everywhere.  I’m currently reading An American Marriage.

14. You’re a World Traveler, where would be your next destination?
England. Bucket List!!
15. Are you a good influence?
Yes, even if I’m not.
16. Does pineapple belong on a pizza?
No.  They belong in fruity drinks with splashes of rum!
17. You have the remote, what channel will you choose? 
Food Network or HGTV
18. Favorite Cocktail?
Wine.  If there is no wine, I’ll leave.  Just kidding! I do like fruity mixed drinks; I’ll take a cosmopolitan any day.
19. Last concert you attended?
My daughter’s holiday pre-k concert? LOL
We did go to Luke Bryan a few years back.
20. Favorite type of food?
Sushi, Mexican, Italian…I love food. Like, really love it.  I love eating all different types of foods in different countries. I love raw oysters, fried chicken and filet mignon with a side of lobster risotto.  I enjoy baking and cooking; food is my love language. In every way!

You may also enjoy:

Valentine’s Day Guest Post

/ Leave a comment

I’m so excited to have a good friend of mine Nikki, guest post for me today!! She put together a beautiful post about faith, love and marriage. She is a fantastic mama of two little girls and married to an amazing guy.  She’s definitely one of my faves and we lean on each other for mama support all the time!! Check her blog out over at My Life to Our Life.

Happy Valentine’s Day Friends!

Being today is Valentine’s Day I thought it would be fun to talk about marriage and what it means to Mr. Big Truck and myself.

Marriage is putting God first and our marriage second. I know that sounds off to some but it works for us. It means putting the other before our own needs just as Christ put the church before himself.

Ephesians 5:25-33 says  “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, …”

I means not letting anyone come between us.

Mark 10:9 says “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Marriage mens love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Marriage

1. the formal union of a man and woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become man and wife.

2. a combination or mixture of two or more elements.

To me marriage is a partnership for life. Marriage is work. Marriage is two people committing themselves to each other. But marriage also means being yourself. It means putting the dating walls down and not being afraid to show your spouse your “bad” side. It means unconditional love. It means showing your partner you’re not perfect and letting your partner accept your imperfections as they are. Marriage is trust. Marriage is having a partner in crime that is always going to have your back no matter what. It means having my best friend by my side through all of life’s ups and downs. Marriage means I know I am going home to the one persona who will always be happy to see me. Marriage means learning to say “I’m sorry.” It means learning to let go of control and letting someone else take the lead. It means pushing your spouse to be the best version of them self because its best for them. It means putting someone else’s needs before your own. It means supporting your spouse in whatever endeavors they choose to explore. It is nurturing a family. It means being faithful to the one you vowed to be with. Marriage means love and commitment.

Marriage is complicated, raw, tender long and giddy. It’s scary, exhausting, broken yet whole. In all marriage is amazing and one thing I know for sure I know I am so so happy to experience this with my love, Mr. Big Truck.

I also asked Mr. Big Truck what marriage means to him and this is what he had to say…

What does marriage mean to me? I’ve got so many thoughts and ideas on what it means to myself. Unfortunately I am not all that great at putting my thoughts into words, but what type of man would I be if I didn’t try? So I will give y’all a quick little rundown on what it means to me.
It means that I have found the woman I want to dedicate my life too. The woman who means the world to me. Two people who are able and willing to live for each other. Love each other through thick and thin. Walk the same path in life. Unconditional love. Two people who have the utmost respect for each other. Two best friends living a life of joy and love for one another. Growing old and building memories that will last a life time, not just for each other but for their family.  Being faithful and true to one another from the day you married to the end of time.
Ok so there you have a quick run down of some of the thoughts I have on what marriage means to me. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinion on what they think it means. But like I said, these are just a few of my own.
And because I thought it would be fun here is a little throwback to our wedding shoot on the beach in Cabo!

You may also enjoy: