I read over 100 books in 2023, and I’m sharing my favorite per month with the rating I gave each one! Read this post to add to your TBR!
LIFESTYLE
Working Overtime: The Invisible Load of Being a Working Mom
The author has written a new article for MORE Magazine titled “Working Overtime: The Invisible Load of Being a Working Mom”. The piece explores her experience of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities in her life. It includes a discussion about the concept of invisible labor and provides a glimpse into the author’s uniquely curated “Shit I Do” list, inspired by Eva Rodsky’s “Fair Play”. The author encourages readers to examine responsibility-sharing within their own families.
MY LOW BUY YEAR + 2023 GOALS
Always up for a challenge, I’m excited about doing a LOW BUY year in 2023. This post shares my goals and rules for the year.
EXPERIENCING MORE – WRITING FOR A LOCAL MAGAZINE
Brittney Mason from The Pretty Plus shares her experience writing her article “Mama Knows Money” and doing a photo shoot with Sharon Wai for MORE Magazine’s Issue V: Generations.
Dropping the Diet – Tips & Resources
“Mommy, you don’t like eating pizza with me anymore?” This question coming from my 3 year old daughter was like a stab in the heart. Now, I don’t […]
March Favorites & Big Celebrations
If you’re an OG blog lover, or an OG The Pretty Plus reader, you will know that at the PEAK of blogging, “favorites” posts were a must. They […]
Best App for 3 Year Olds – Crayola Create & Play
This post is sponsored by Red Games Co. and Crayola, but all opinions are my own. #RedGamesCo #CrayolaCreateAndPlay #Crayola #RGCOCreators Posts like these help fund Clara’s college savings. […]
33 Things That Make My Life Easier
So, my birthday was yesterday. It was an awesome day filled with my super sweet family, lots of flowers, yummy Mexican food, and plenty of love. I honestly […]
SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY CHALLENGE
I wouldn’t say I am afraid to try new things. I would just say that I’m the kinda girl to just keep doing what’s working because it’s efficient. […]
2021 MASON FAMILY UPDATES
Yesterday, in my 2022 resolutions post, I alluded to the fact that 2021 was a hot damn mess. I wish I could explain it another way. “Hot mess” […]
2022 WORD OF THE YEAR & GOALS
Farewell, 2021. I will not miss you at all. I don’t want to get into TOO MUCH detail in this post, because I have a whole post coming […]
SNACKS FOR ANYONE
The age old question I find myself asking is WHAT NEW, DIFFERENT, EXCITING SNACKS CAN I MAKE? The answer is simple. You will likely try a handful of […]
Letter to my Three Year Old Daughter
Dear Clara, Age three seems magical. I want to keep you right here like this forever. Right here like this, where you are learning just how funny you […]
QUIT SMOKING FOR GOOD
Quit smoking for good with the help of Walgreens Smoking Cessation products! Live a healthier and happier life for yourself and your family.
FREEZER MEAL TIPS & IDEAS
Check out this post for my best freezer meal tips and a master list of ideas to help you get started in your freeing journey!
WHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL FOR A NICU STAY
If you are planning to have a baby in the NICU and want to know what to bring, this is the post for you! NICU must-haves!
FREEZER COOKING – ONE FOR NOW, ONE FOR LATER
I’m teaming up with Laura’s Lean to share a “one for now, one for later” freezer cooking technique that will serve your family well!
GROUND BEEF MEAL PREP FEAT. LAURA’S LEAN
EASY PREP FOR QUICK WEEKNIGHT DINNERS FEAT. LAURA’S LEAN BEEF I was asked by Carusele to participate in the #LaurasLean campaign, sponsored by Laura’s Lean. Although I have […]
2020 NO SPEND YEAR – FINAL UPDATE
I deemed 2020 to be my year of NO SPEND. I found that I didn’t need a whole year to get into the good habits!
EXPECTING TWINS APRIL 2021
Yeah, I’m shocked too. As a matter of fact, when I found out, I was SO SHOCKED that I yelled “WHAT THE F*CK?” in the ultrasound room. I […]
HOW TO EDIT YOUR BUDGET FOR LOST INCOME
Explaining how we worked to edit our budget for lost income! It’s trying times, so hopefully these budget tips can help you too!
6 MONTH NO SPEND UPDATE & GOALS CHECK-IN
Half the year has come and gone, and I am ready to give you a (late) check in on my NO SPEND year! It’s been a wild 2020, but the updates are here!
15 MORE BOOKS | TOP 2020 BOOK SUGGESTIONS
I’ve been a reading machine in 2020. Listening to books in my car has been a good escape on my way in to work every morning. Reading during […]
FIRST 15 BOOKS | TOP 2020 BOOK SUGGESTIONS
I vowed to read more in 2020 and keep mindless internet surfing to a minimum. My goal was 20 books and by the end of June, I’ve far exceeded that goal!
MARCH, APRIL, & MAY BUDGET UPDATES
Check out this blog to see my budget review for March, April, and May as well as the progress on our Emergency Fund! *Videos included*
A WORD ON CHANGING BODIES & SHOPPING SHORTS
It’s been a while since I’ve talked fashion on my blog, but today I am chatting changing bodies, sharing online, and buying shorts!
3 MONTH NO SPEND UPDATE & PERSONAL GOALS
Update for the first quarter of my 2020 no spend year- I am sharing success, failure, and my personal goals so you can understand where I am in the process!
Easy Beef & Broccoli + Meal Prep Tips
I’ve partnered with Laura’s Lean to share an easy Beef & Broccoli recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes and some meal prep tips!
IMPERFECT PRODUCE HAUL + COUPON CODE
The combination of the popularity of grocery delivery + sustainability seems to make sense with Imperfect Foods. I’m so happy that they wanted to partner with me so […]
10×10 STYLE CHALLENGE
I’m participating in a style challenge called a 10×10 Challenge from 2/8-18! I’m excited to share what clothing favorites I’ve chosen to style for 10 days.
Affordable & Useful Valentine’s Day Gift + *Free Printable*
You’re the BALM! If you’re looking for an affordable, useful Valentine this year- look no further! I’ve partnered with Vaseline to share some DIY cards.
MY NO SPEND 2020 RULES
My decision to do a NO SPEND YEAR was one that was met with a lot of questioning looks and confusion as to what it all means! Today I am sharing my rules.
ONE YEAR OLD PRESENT IDEAS
If you’re stumped on presents for a one year old, I hope this helps you to get a gift that is meaningful or useful! BONUS: Stocking Stuffer ideas!
SWIPE UP TO SPEND YOUR LIFE’S SAVINGS – A PEP TALK
u may be asked to swipe up to buy something 10-100 times per day. I’m sharing my opinion on influence to buy and some encouragement to take a BREAK!
TACO BELL 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY
Clara’s first birthday party was a Taco Bell theme, complete with a taco smash (cake smash) photo shoot! We had a blast & our one year old was spoiled.
MCDONALD’S BREAKFAST BURRITO COPYCAT – BUDGET BULK FREEZER MEAL
Have you ever wanted to make McDonald’s Breakfast Burritos at home? Well I am sharing my copycat recipe today, which happens to be a bulk freezer recipe!
Veggie Fajitas – Quick Weeknight Dinner
Veggie Fajitas make for an awesome Meatless Monday option, and using Mazola Corn Oil & other swaps make it a healthy option too!
BABY SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Summer isn’t over yet! Check out these fun Summer items for a baby bucket list in this post! They’re all easy to check off and fun to complete!
TAKE YOUR BABY TO THE MUSEUM
If you’re looking for an enriching experience, consider taking your baby to the museum! I’m sharing all my best tips and suggestions!
FAMILY ROAD TRIP – LOEWS CHICAGO DOWNTOWN
We took the baby downtown Chicago on the second half of our Family Road Trip in collaboration with Loews Hotels. The view was AMAZING & we had a great time!
FAMILY ROAD TRIP – LOEWS CHICAGO O’HARE
Chicago is always a great choice for a family road trip! We started our weekend stay at the Loews Chicago O’hare, so check out details of our trip!
3 MONTH NO SPEND
We all over-spend and then have junk surrounding us. Instead of purging, consider doing a no spend month!
STRAIGHTEN OUT YOUR LIFE IN 2019
For this post, I have partnered with Nume to share my 5 simple resolutions to help “straighten” out your life in 2019. (See what I did there?)
5 SELF CARE TIPS- THRIVE IN YOUR 30’S
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyAgeBeautiful #CollectiveBias I feel like my 29th year on earth […]
OH, HONEY… MY BABY SHOWER
My baby shower was a few months ago now, but I really wanted to share it with you guys! I loved having my closest friends and family all […]
INDY SALT CAVE
A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to visit the Indy Salt Cave with some of my faves. (A huge thank you to Indianapolis Salt Cave for […]
SURF, TURF, & TABLESCAPE
Welcome to the second look at our weekend at Lake Wawasee: Surf, Turf, & Tablescape! If you didn’t see my Lunch at Lake Wawasee post yet, you can […]
WHY WE HAVEN’T STARTED OUR NURSERY YET
WE HAVEN’T STARTED OUR NURSERY WITH 10 WEEKS TO GO…HERE’S WHY This post is anything but glamorous. I tell you, since we have begun our debt-free journey, […]
LUNCH AT LAKE WAWASEE
Welcome to the first look at our weekend at Lake Wawasee: Lunch at the Lake! This post is in collaboration with Moody’s Butcher Shop and Caskata Tableware. Special […]
6 Things to Keep You Healthy During Pregnancy
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadePrenatalDHA #CollectiveBias When it comes to pregnancy, we are all […]
IT’S OKAY TO PRESS PAUSE – My Thoughts on Social Media
I realize that I share SO MUCH of myself online, but I haven’t yet shared my feelings on being overwhelmed by the task of posting on social media! […]
IT’S OK TO BE UN-SEXY
Ever since I could remember, I hated the word SEXY. I am not exactly sure why or where it came from, but I’ve come to terms with […]
My PCOS Pregnancy Story
If you don’t follow my social media accounts, then you may not know, but I have just announced that I AM PREGNANT! I am dying with excitement and […]
10 Ways to Cut the Crap and Maximize Your Life
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FreeandCleanLiving #CollectiveBias I’ve been working on cutting the crap in […]
HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT DAY TRIP VIBE
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FlavoredFrozenFun #Froster #CollectiveBias My choice of vacation is USUALLY a […]
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR QUALITY CLOTHING
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MembersMarkDetergent #CollectiveBias I’ve been working on switching my wardrobe […]
5 Ways to Ring in the New Year Mindset + Iced Honey Latte Recipe
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DonVictorHoney #HappyHealthyHoney #CollectiveBias While everyone around me is so sad […]
HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT COUPLES PLAYLIST
‘Tis the season for roadtrips! How many of you guys travel to see family during the holidays? Well, my husband and I travel to Cleveland, which is […]
HOLIDAY GIRL’S TRIP GIFT BASKET FEAT. POO~POURRI
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MerrySpritzmas #CollectiveBias I’m SUPER here for a girl’s trip! (See […]
HOW MUCH FOOD DO YOU REALLY NEED? – HOLIDAY HOSTING
Really, how much turkey should you have per person? How many sides, how much dessert, and HOW MANY BOTTLES OF WINE? I mean, these are all questions […]