SOCIAL MEDIA

What Are the Different Types of Wedding Dresses That Exist Today?

December 31, 2021

 Preparing for your big day may seem like more of an ordeal than you realized. Most little girls spend their entire lives daydreaming of what it will look like. Once you have that ring on your finger, it's time to make that daydream a reality. 


You may not have realized it, but there are many different types of wedding dresses. With so many different types how do you make that big decision? Which wedding dress styles are the best options for your body shape? 


Before you walk into that dress shop it's time to take a moment. Let's take a look at the different wedding dress styles that are best for you. 


The Mermaid Dress

A mermaid dress is one of the most dramatic options. This dress emphasizes the curves you have. It is fitted through the top and lets out into a ballgown shape at the hips. 

This style would be great for someone who has a petite figure. The dress gives off the hourglass shape for the wearer. 


Trumpet Is the Way to Go

The trumpet style is a unique one. This dress is fitted through the bust and hips until it lets out in a flair by the knees. The trumpet shows off all of those beautiful curves. 

Brides who still want to be able to dance and move should try a trumpet dress. 


Sheath Is Simple

All of the tiny figures out there should at least try on a sheath dress. The sheath dress can be made of many different fabrics. One of those fabrics most favored is lace. 

This form-fitting dress is quite a favorite of those who like to be able to move during their big day. Wedding dresses are a big decision for just a single day. 


A-Line Is Always Safe

The A-line is one of the most popular choices for a wedding dress. If you're looking for a simple, yet, traditional the A-line is what you're looking for. Nearly every body shape will benefit from an A-line. 

If you're a fan of dancing you will have no problem on your big day. Of the wedding dress types, this is one of the most popular choices.  


Ball Gown Is Classic

The classic princess dress is a ball gown. A ball gown is a glove fit on the upper body and then lets out into a full skirt. The bottom of the skirt can be made of however many layers the bride wants. 

The traditional princess gown is the perfect dress for anyone who wants to look like a classic bride. A ball gown can show off the beautiful couple on the big day. 


Different Types of Wedding Dresses Can Be Overwhelming

There is no need for you to be overwhelmed during this process. There are plenty of different types of wedding dresses for every body type. It's all about finding the dress that makes you feel the most beautiful. 


After all, the most important thing on your wedding day is getting married to the one you love. 


For more wedding tips and ideas we're here to help you. Keep looking through our blogs for answers to those burning questions. We might just have what you've been looking for. 


Read More
at

We Wish You a Muggy Christmas

December 17, 2021

 Christmas is happening whether I've caught up to that fact or not. 


Base that off of a half lite tree that is missing many ornaments and I can't even bring myself to figure out what has been stolen by the dog. I think that tree/dog/toddler combo is what is making me not wrap gifts.


The problem really lies in the fact that we are doing our family Christmas this Saturday and yet not a thing is wrapped. If they didn't adore unwrapping I would probably leave it all out displayed cute that morning. 



Harrison had his Kindergarten Christmas Chapel this week, super adorable, but I was honestly most impressed that he was able to stay on stage and not get nervous with the crowd. 


However, sending a sensory sensitive kid to school with pom pom balls glued to a shirt with felt glue was highly annoying to wear all day. So I was told by the child. 



I took the boys to the youth group Christmas party. There aren't many youth activities I let them attend, but on occasion they get to come. Since they wouldn't be in the way or pose a distraction they were able to follow along. Turns out Elliot's new life goal is to get into a colorfully lighted pool at night. He was obsessed with the two backyards he got to see (we missed the third - it got close to bedtime and he was done) 

The pic above is when we were traveling from house #1 to house #2 - the early darkness got to him. 


A few weeks ago Jeremy's mother was in town visiting and we took her along on our Christmas tradition of Acadian Village. As I expected... Harrison was all about Santa and Elliot acted like we were sending him to visit a murderer. 

The fact that he needs his hair cut is really distracting from the fact that he was in sheer terror. 

They really should have taken the phot as I was trying to set him down in the fake snow and he was hollering and clinging to me like a koala. 

How is it that you can wave and be so excited in line and then lose it when you get within touching distance to Santa? 


What's that disgusting looing nonsense? Well friends, I finally got to go fully hippie 

I got my hands on a kombucha scoby. My first batch is on it's second ferment this week and we shall see what it tastes like come Monday. I decided to flavor it with Ambrosia apples, I added a touch of apple juice to a few to see what it did. 

Let's not even talk about the sourdough starter that was looking like a dream until the temps dropped on day three of making it and it died... real real hard. I can't even begin to imagine how it has shrunk to the extent that it did. 


Read More
at

Meal Planning Tuesday... because I never have my life together.

December 14, 2021

 It's the Tuesday before Christmas break. Will we make it out alive? 


Highly unlikely. 


I also decided I was making Christmas candy this year. I must have hit my head getting out of bed when I made that decision. 



Thursday | Everyone fended for themselves while I went to a play. 


Friday |   Youth Group Christmas Party


Saturday | Another Christmas Party


Sunday | Left everyone to figure their lives out yet again. (how y'all liking this week's menu lol) 


Monday | Low Carb Beef Stew 


Tuesday | leftovers


Wednesday | Sam's Chick-fil-a knock off nuggets and fries (the kids fav and my fav on single mom night) 


Lunch - Taco Salad for low carb days and Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for Regular Carb

Read More
at

A Bit of a Life Update

December 6, 2021

 It's been a long time, nearly 6 years since I posted any sort of update on the blog about Dad and his cancer. 


Over the summer we were told that his cancer had moved to bone cancer as well. The cancer of a long time smoker had a habit of starting in your mouth, venturing to your lungs, and after a long while either hitting bones or going to your brain. We got bones in cancer roulette. 


With his latest scan they said his lungs are in bad shape and covered with cancer, not to mention he has COPD to only make his breathing more troublesome. There's a spot on his head, that's a bit of a sore and is in fact the cancer coming up to the skin there. In non-cancer news he has a torn meniscus that they are unable to operate on since his O2 is steading a struggle. 


It's not the news we wanted, but he's been losing weight and noting doing well since this spring. 


With that type of news you'll probably see more Emily Blogging Circa 2009. Back when people just journaled their thoughts and feelings. If I write it down I tend to release it, if I don't it stays circling in my head continually.  


Cancer isn't linear. So often we see people go into treatment, get some chemo and radiation, ring a bell, and go on home. Check, they're done. But more often than not cancer is treatment, a few good months or weeks of more hope, then a bad scan, a dip in that hope, another treatment tweak, and some more hope yet again. You go from mentally prepping yourself for the worst, to everything being totally fine and cancer just being part of life. 


What? You mean your father doesn't have a chemo port permanently in this collar bone area? (joking) 


You often know that after a nice peak, that another valley is just around the corner. In a sort of morbid way... we always half expect the valley and enjoy the peaks. We continue on with life as much as we can. As normal as we can. 


Since Dad started chemo in 2014 we've been on what we jokingly called his "Make A Wish" trip to Puerto Rico to see where our family is from, we went camping as an entire family, and took all the boys to the beach. I know there are other items in there, but those three stick out the most. I mean who on earth pauses chemo to fly to Puerto Rico? Us I guess. 


So if you see me or talk to me in the coming months and think "dang she's moody, or abrasive, or out of character" just remember that there's more under the surface. I'm one that doesn't lean into emotions well. I can do happy and joking, but serious or sad isn't exactly something I'm good at. I mean, I don't even like to watch shows or read books that attempt to elicit those emotions from the viewer. 


Be in prayer for us as a family and for Dad, pray for the pain to be controlled as much as possible, and for his breathing (dang if lung conditions aren't scary), for peace and comfort for us all. It's an odd time when the family goofball doesn't feel like himself. 

Read More
at

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || December Box

December 1, 2021

 One of my favorite things to do with essential oils is diffuser blends. Plain Jane, but it replaces the issues that candles cause me. 


Which happens to be a super runny nose and sneezing, that I caused myself last night because I was determined to light this fall candle against my better judgement. 




This month's Simply Earth theme... Diffuser Blends and Scents.


Like I said, right up my alley. 


Let's dive into what's included in this month's box. 





December Box Oils: 

Vanilla Woods (blend): holiday aroma 

Pregnancy, kids 10+, and pet safe

Bay (single): uplifts and mood

Kid safe 10+

Lemon Eucalyptus (single): calms and deodorizes 

Kid Safe 2+, Pregnancy & dog safe

Bergamot (single): refreshes and soothes

Kid safe 2+, Pregnancy and dog safe




Extras: 

Wooden beads

Macramé Rope 

PET containers (safe to use with essential oils and you can reuse them later) 


Recipes: 

Christmas Grove Room Spray

Macramé Ornament

Bright Winter Day Diffuser Blend 

Tassel Diffuser 

Holiday Dinner Support Roll-On

Relax Massage Oil 




If you still have a few gifts to give out, these recipes would make wonderful small presents. Especially if you've got a teen girl in your life, the ornament and tassel would be great! 


I won't lie, I gifted myself a really cool diffuser for Christmas, my old one was on it's last leg, and I can't wait to use these diffuser blends in it. Also, use the room spray recipe as a diffuser blend! 




So why should you buy from Simply Earth and not somewhere else? 1st off, you get an amazing quality at a much more affordable price point. The box alone is valued at $110.52 and sells for only $39. That is the price compared to big expensive companies... 


You'll also receive access to the Essential Oil Hero Course where you will learn how to use essential oils confidently and with clarity. Not to mention every recipe box teaches you how to use essential oils in a different way. 


Now my favorite oil from this month's box, you probably don't have to guess because y'all know I love a blend, but it's the Vanilla Woods. It's quickly become another favorite of the winter blends from Simply Earth (that's including Winter Spice and Candy Cane). 




As always, Simply Earth donates 13% to end Human Trafficking. This month you are making a difference in the lives of women and children of Honduras through Jericho Ministries.


Be sure to head over to Simply Earth to order your JUNE box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 giftcard/credit towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 

Read More
at

Meal Planning Monday || Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

November 22, 2021

Read More
at

The Old House On Oak || Recent Updates

November 12, 2021

The interesting thing about buying an older home, after owning newer homes, is that your desire to makes changes in greater. 


You want paint to be updated colors. 


Amenities are necessary to your way of life.  


And every time you stick your hands into something else you're quickly reminded that 80 years ago people didn't have the same wants and needs that we do now. 




So far we've painted the exterior and the guest room. Sherman Williams Morning Fog as the exterior, and the interior room we painted is in Sea Salt. The lighter shade of green on the dresser is Privilege Green, while the front door is Fresh Balsam, all SW. 


This past week we updated the fridge (we drink too much water to not have water and ice in the door) and found our there was no water line... so a line was run. 


In true "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" fashion, it didn't end there. 


Hot water has been an issue from day one. After the plumber looked at it yesterday he said what we've got is a 30 gallon tank from 1999 that was not even new at this house, it was previously in a motor home and was made for a motor home... not something on the cusp of 2,000 square feet. Add on top of that the galvanized pipes of old City Park and it's likely 1/3 full of sediment. 


Hence, we never have enough water. 


So, and this is a big so that is half exciting and half terrifying... after much more discussion the entire water system is being replaced. All new pipes and we are going tankless. 


But we won't be able to live in the house for an entire week. 


The projects don't end there, but at the moment everything is else is on the "when we have a free weekend" timer and those are few and far between at the moment. So the next free weekend will include: 

1. German Smear to the front steps (to white it out)

2. Building shutters, and painting them black

3. Wrapping the iron supports in the front of the house to make them look like wood. 

4. Saving up for new living room furniture and eventually getting on the decorating train. 

5. Way down the line... painting our bed and bath. 


And probably painting all the spots around the house were any damage to the new paint is done while the pipes are being changed out. 


Anyone else having heart palpitations? Just me. 

Read More
at

Meal Planning... Tuesday

November 9, 2021

 Am I organized lately... nope. 


I'm crossing my fingers that now that we've closed on our house my brain will free up space to function properly. 


Thursday | Breaking my one a week rule - eating out


Friday |   Blackened Fish with Rice and Salad (again, memory problems, I don't know what fish I bought) 


Saturday | Eat Out 


Sunday | Mongolian Beef and Sesame Noodles  (with gluten free pasta) 


Monday | Spiced Pork Butt in the Instant Pot with Coleslaw


Tuesday | leftover 


Wednesday | Sam's Chick-fil-a knock off nuggets and fries (the kids fav and my fav on single mom night) 


Lunch - Taco Salad with shredded chicken (It's day two and I'm already sick of eating it this week) 

Read More
at

Elliot Turned 3!

November 7, 2021

Our little blonde wild toddler turned 3 last week!


He was on my case for an entire month about having a Halloween Sprinkle Cake, so I delivered (except that I let the ganache cool too much before pouring it over so it didn't drip well) 



Would y'all believe me if I told you he never ate a bite of this cake? He was really just here to have people sing to him. 

I'll post more about the cake in a later post and share what ganache recipe I used, but I might be retiring this for our official birthday cake. Having baked in three different ovens since I originally made this, I just can't get same cake texture I did the first several times. Maybe I need to make it again and work on the oven time. 

 


For his birthday we replaced their little Power Wheels that had died with one that was made well for driving on grass. He was a tad beside himself with the crazy. His partner in crime was down for the adventure. He cracks me up with how he interacts with our friend's daughter. They don't play at all together and then when we are leaving they are madly in love and talk about each other when we've left. 

Just last night he hugged her and said "Come here Mia! I love you!" 


After cake we headed out to the worst Halloween parade in human history. Walking there with all the kids was fun, but it started an house late, moved insanely slow, and was majority dance lines. 

I heard that there was a medical emergency, so I get that, but it was rough with small people who were sick of the police sirens and lack of candy. 



To show you just how wore out they were, and we left the parade early... this is how they rode home. 

Read More
at

A Ghost, a Cockapoo, and Spiderman Go Trick-R-Treating

November 6, 2021

Notice the photo bomber in the door? 


Dill fully believes he has to be with the boys at all times. 

 


Harrison changed masks, I can't exactly blame him. The Spiderman costume had one of those that were tight around your head instead of a mask. 




Also, if this shows you have not together I am since the move (things are slowly coming together)... my pumpkin buckets seem to have vanished. So next best thing, Easter buckets. 














And that wraps another year of Halloween. Which, by the way, I'm considering a huge success because Elliot wore a costume. 
Read More
at

How to Start Your Family Life Off Well

November 2, 2021

Family life can be difficult, and the transition between your life as a couple and your life with children is often overwhelming. However, there are many steps that you can take to ensure that your family life can start off well and that you have ample time to spend with your family and watch it grow without feeling like you’re missing out. So then, here are some of the best ways that you can make sure that your family life runs smoothly within its first couple of years. 


Photo by Jimmy Dean on Unsplash

Go Self-Employed

One of the reasons that many parents struggle to maintain jobs that have a lot of responsibility attached to them because they need to juggle both their work and their kids. Then, you should consider going self-employed once you decide to go back to work. Self-employment will give you the flexibility you want and deserve and ensure that you only need to take on the jobs you believe you have time for. For instance, the delivery driver jobs that can be found on load boards like Shiply allow you to bid for certain tasks, and, by doing this, you will be able to opt only for the jobs that you want to do, around other commitments like your children. 


Find Childcare 

Whatever you do, it is impossible to be with your children 24/7, and this is not always the best option for them, anyway. So then, you should try to find an excellent childminder as soon as you possibly can. This will allow you to relax in the knowledge that your child will be cared for and looked after if you want to go on a night out or simply enjoy a little bit of time away from your child. To find excellent childcare options, you should ask for recommendations from other parents or ask your family and friends whether they would be up for looking after your baby for you. 


Move to a Great Area

However, to start off your family life well, you need to make sure that you will be bringing your child up in a safe and happy environment. This might mean that you wish to move to an area with a low crime rate with many great schools and nurseries in the area when your child needs them. By moving, you will be able to ensure that you are setting your kids up for life and that they can feel comfortable when they are at home and at school. 


De-Stress

It can be difficult to avoid the inevitable stress that parenting brings. However, it is possible to enjoy the first few months of parenthood calmly. Then, you should try to de-stress by taking the time to care for yourself, even if this is simply running yourself a bubble bath or moisturizing your face. You should also make sure that you seek the support that you need, whether this is in the form of a doctor or just a friend.


Read More
at

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || November 2021

November 1, 2021

 The theme of this month's Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box is right in line with what we are all preparing for - Gift Giving. 

In the box you'll find some oldie but goodie blends along with the items you need to make adorable natural gifts for your family and friends. 

Let's dig into the box. 


This month's oils: 

Winter Spice (blend) - soothes, seasonal aroma - Pregnancy and Kid Safe for 2+

Cassia (single) - supports immunity, calms - Kid Safe 10+

Candy Cane (blend) - holiday aroma - Kid Safe 2+ and Pregnancy Safe

Lime (single) - energizes, cleans - Kid Safe 2+ and Pregnancy Safe


I loved using Winter Spice last year, and have continued to use Candy Cane throughout the entire year just because it has such a clean peppermint scent. 


Cassia is the oil I am most intrigued by this month. I've never use it before now, and it has the best buttery cinnamon roll smell. If you want the smell of cooking an amazing batch of cinnamon rolls without the work, then diffuse cassia. 



Extras: 

Paperboard Lip Balm Tubes

Lavender Buds 

Test Tubes



The recipes are all really great gift ideas this year. 

You'll get a Candy Lip Balm, Forever Thankful Roll-on, Oatmeal Cookie Sugar Scrub, Winter Joy Bath Salts, Air Dry Clay Diffuser Ornament, and Diffuser Blend that comes with directions for one diffuser how to make a master blend to give away. 




I think my favorite for giving away ware definitely the roll-on, sugar scrub, and bath salts. 


The test tubes would make great teacher gifts, and the sugar scrub and bath salts could easily be doubled and put in cute jars. 



Don't forget that recipe box subscribers get access to the Essential Oil Hero Course where you can learn how to use essential oils with confidence and clarity. I know that for myself I didn't put much thought into what was kid or dog safe before subscribing to Simply Earth. It's change how, what, and why I use essential oils in our home. 


As always, Simply Earth donates 13% to end Human Trafficking. This month 13% of profits are going to the organization Jericho Ministries in Honduras. This ministry has a children's school, children's home, and women's workshop. Their focus is to serve those who have been exploited through prostitution and sex trafficking as well as the children of those individuals. 


Head over to Simply Earth to order your JULY box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 giftcard towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 

Read More
at

Pumpkin in the Patch 2021

October 27, 2021

You know, like most other women, I love a good pumpkin patch. 


I actually think I love the photos with the kids in them more than Christmas photos. It's the colors, I adore fall colors. 



Elliot is increasingly harder to take photos of, he's hit that "on the move" age that isn't good for someone who doesn't shoot a moving object well.




Our friends and their little girl came with us this year, I loved trying to get shots of her. She just didn't love me trying to get shots lol! I got a lot of "what on earth are you doing" looks. 


But she's the only reason Elliot ever sat still, he wanted to take a picture with his "Mina" because he loves her so much. 






Read More
at

Meal Planning Monday

October 25, 2021



Thursday | Chili Lime Shrimp Skillet  - serve over rice with salsa and avocado (and cheese if dairy doesn't bother you) 


Friday | Chicken and Dumplings 


Saturday | Eat Out 


Sunday | Mongolian Beef and Sesame Noodles  (with gluten free pasta) 


Monday | Chicken Piccata and Keto Spaghetti Squash Alfredo 


Tuesday | leftover 


Wednesday | Sam's Chick-fil-a knock off nuggets and fries (the kids fav and my fav on single mom night) 


Lunch - Taco Salad (low carb) and over Rice for (regular macro) 

Read More
at

Talk Turkey to Me

October 23, 2021

 I know y'all have gotten your Amazon gift catalog in the mail at this point. 


Elliot keeps asking us to read him a book and hands us that Amazon catalog.




While the weather was great last weekend we headed to the zoo like half of Acadiana. 




Elliot started having a big fit and the turkeys became interested. Next thing I knew they were standing in front of him in what appeared to be having a little chat about his fit. Like taking turns squawking at him! 




Also, Jet Coffee is by far the best in town. 



Dill has been about as toddler behaving as Elliot is. He also figured out how to get on furniture, so that's a whole new battle. 


Someone also explain the conundrum to me of him wanting to be all in the kids business but wanting the kids to not be in his. They've got a love/hate relationship depending on which of the three isn't behaving. 



Last but not least - the house was painted last weekened! Shermin Williams Morning Fog is the color, now more yellow. Whoop! 

Read More
at

Sharing is Caring

October 14, 2021

We've hit that time of year, sometimes you can go out and it's beautiful. Other's you'd swear we were all in mid August in such thick humidity that we are all doomed to a life of sweating constantly. 

Glistening might be a pretty word for it. 

But this far south... nothing glistens. It pours. 


Don't look too closely at the rosemary in the corner of the photo above... two straight weeks of rain nearly murdered the poor dear. Hopefully a cool snap (anything below 90) and a few dry days will do her some good. 


Now for the boys that are going to be the reason I have white hair by 40. 


In the photo they were sitting outside nicely, eating popsicles... at first glance. But as I opened the door to snap a pic of their sweet demeanor Harrison announced "Elliot is being so nice, he's sharing with our puppy!" 


Aww sweet, that dog really needed a Rocket Pop. And Elliot really needed some dog spit. 


I wish I had a photo or video of their antics last night, but Halloween really gets them going. Harrison was stomping around growling, pretending to be a werewolf while I was trying to dress them for bed. Elliot was happily causing mischief as usual and suddenly Harrison bit Elliot. (not hard, but it made his point playing) 


Elliot stood up from the floor, faces the window, and starts howling at the moon. 


You know, because his brother turned him into a werewolf and all. It's real. Seriously, it's just that no one believes Harrison (except Elliot, who really believes Harrison). 



In the name of Halloween/birthday decorating I broke down and ordered the wall bats that everyone has loved since last Halloween.


This weekend I need to finish up my décor and start filling balloons for his arch and take out (find) the birthday banner. 


My plan for this year was to really decorate for each holiday, but now that we are right back in the moving/selling phase for a hot second that is being postponed to next year. Rumor has it we are finally closing this month. 


The other thing keeping me back from holiday decorating is that I want to decorate the house. Painting begins this weekend, and hopefully we will also start to tackle the guest room painting as well. 


The current to list is a touch steep: 
gutters
a new fridge and microwave (ours was lost in the first buyer's contract and they fell through, leaving our microwave in Alabama) 
couch and chairs for the living room (still using the "we sold everything we own stand in furniture from the apartment that has been through too much) 
curtains
eventually painting and decorating our bedroom


But living room furniture is high on the list, that Facebook Marketplace couch went through two moves in the rain and is the strangest shade of tan yellow anyway. Then there's the chair I intended to recover and have lost the will to recover it. It is just going to go. 



Homecoming was last week. 

We were rolled.... 7 times. 

SEVEN. 

Jeremy tried to give them out pandemic toilet paper that is clearly regenerating in the closet, but they refused. They used the good stuff. 


I am never getting rid of these last few rolls of Scott. Note to self... never buy thin paper when you're desperate. Just buy a bidet. 
Read More
at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)