Happy Friday Everyone!
Well, St. Louis has reopened as of May 18 and life is slowllly returning to whatever normal will be now. What is happening where you are at? Has your state or metro area reopened and have you ventured out to do anything you ‘used’ to do (besides a grocery run, of course!)? I’d love to hear in the comments! Now, let’s get started with this Friday Five!
One – Tru Candle + GIVEAWAY!
Currently I am hosting an Instagram Giveaway HERE and I would love for you to enter! Tru Candle Studio, a local St. Louis soy candle business in my hometown of St. Louis reached out to me to host this fabulous giveaway. She sent me several candles from her studio and I’m telling you… these candles SMELL AH-MAZING! My absolute favorite candle she sent (and it is their #1 seller) is the Avocado Sea Salt.
The giveaway includes a gift box with 4 candles and a wick trimmer, similar to what is shown in the photo above.
The motto at Tru Candle Studio is: Soy wax, cotton wicks, incredible scents, and always “by hand” — which just shows that each of these candles is made with love and attention to detail. Enter the giveaway to win 4 free candles and a wick trimmer HERE.
Two – Questions for Hubby
Awhile back, Andrea from Living on Cloud Nine had a fun post where she asked her husband questions to see how well he knew her. I thought I’d play along, let’s see how my husband answered these:
What is something I say a lot? –
Brian can you plllease get me a Starbucks? (Although, less lately since I’ve cut back to once a week. I’ve tried to get my own Starbucks when he’s home, but he won’t let me! Lol! He’s too sweet.)
How tall am I? –
5’6 (Yep!)
What do I do when I’m not with you? –
I take blog photos, or I’m shopping at Target or Hobby Lobby. (Don’t forget to add HomeGoods!)
What is my favorite movie? –
It’s a Wonderful Life (at Christmas) and Notebook. (Yes, some of my faves!)
If I could go anywhere, where would I go? –
Paris (Yep! Brian proposed to me in Paris.)
How do I annoy you? –
When I bug you over and over to do something. (Ha… yeah. What wife doesn’t do that?!)
What is my favorite tv show? –
Ally McNeal and Sex and the City. (Yes!)
Who is my celebrity crush? –
Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Jackman and Eddie Redmayne. (This is what he thinks, but maybe he’s right. :))
You get a phone call that I am in trouble, who am I with? –
Becky (Becky is a friend from H.S.)
What do I hate? –
Nuts/peanut M&M’s. (Uhh. Yeah.)
What is something I love to eat? What is my favorite drink? –
Cadybury eggs, Nutella, Hostess cupcakes, Venti blonde vanilla latte with whip (my fave Starbucks drink) and Pinot Noir. (YASSS!)
What gets my temper going the most? –
Not having a schedule or anything last minute. (Yes!)
What’s my shoe size? –
8 (Yup!)
Three words to describe me. –
Carrie’s are so very. Sweet, caring, devoted. (Aww!)
Three – Nathan is the 2020 Valedictorian for his School! And, Nathan’s Birthday.
I just wanted to give my sweet son Nathan a call out on here. WHAT a year it has been… 2020 was not what I had expected. Nathan’s in 8th grade and he’s missed out on so many things… but, the school is still planning on having a small, outdoor graduation in person for the intermediate family of these kids (my kids go to a private school, so the class size is not huge like some schools) and then they’ll broadcast it live for most people that will not be able to attend. Nathan was awarded valedictorian of his class! I’m so, so proud of him. He’s worked so hard. I’m glad he’ll be able to deliver the speech in person (of course, unless more crazy happens before then with this entire virus!). He just turned 14! I can’t believe he’s 14… and will be in high school next year! I’m such a proud mom of my sweet boy that is growing up WAY too fast! This photo is from Mother’s Day, if you haven’t already seen it on my Instagram page.
Four – Latest Books & Shows
I haven’t been able to finish a ton of books during the whole sheltering in place… the online school, lunch preparing, having the kids here 24/7, etc. made me even more busy. BUT, ALAS!! My kids are done with online school, they finished on May 14! Hallelujah! But, I did finish reading one book and listening to one book on audio recently:
Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris
This is the second book to The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. This is a book written about a character in the Tattooist, Cilka. This book is about Cilka’s journey after she is in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. She is thrown in the Siberian prison camp after they accuse her for sleeping with the enemy, when in fact she was being raped. Her beauty helps her to survive, but in terrible conditions. She builds herself up to being a nurse in the camp and finally finds a reason to live beyond just survival. Such a good book!
Get Out of Your Own Way: A Skeptic’s Guide to Growth and Fulfillment by Dave Hollis
I loved this book so much that as soon as I finished it, I listened to it (on audio) again. This book has so many realistic stories in it that I could nod along with and relate to parts of my life. There were many refreshing ideas in it, creative and new ways for me to handle or think about certain situations (whether they be past, present or future). I’ve read both of Rachel’s books and I love the guy take that Dave shares in this book… sometimes it is interesting to hear about how a guy processes his thoughts or feelings versus a woman. Dave really wasn’t afraid to share it all with us in this book, things he was proud of and things he wasn’t so proud of… and how he grew from them. I think that is what makes this book so great and one that I’ll reference to many months and years later! I really hope Dave writes more books in the future!
And, as for shows…
Mrs. Maisel
We finally finished the third season of Mrs. Maisel It was so, so good. This show is humorous and I love her personality. I’m excited to hear that there should be a fourth season! I think my favorite episode from this show was when her ex met up with her in Las Vegas, what a wild and funny night… until the next morning that is!
The Handmaid’s Tale
My friend Lauren from Mom Home Guide suggested we watch Handmaid’s Tale. I haven’t read the book, but the show is really good… and a little weird, but a good weird. 🙂 It’s about how only a handful of women can still get pregnant, so married couples are assigned a handmaid to get their husband pregnant. Yes, a little creepy, right? There is a lot more to it, but this is the main gist of it.
Five – RISE Together Virtual Conference
I am obsessed with Rachel and Dave Hollis and if you don’t know who they are, you are missing out! I first read Rachel’s book, ‘Girl Wash Her Face‘ and then I started listening to their couples podcast, ‘RISE Together’. Rachel had another book come out and Dave just released his first book, ‘Get Out of Your Own Way‘ right before this whole virus came about here. I was wanting to attend their conference in London this August on my birthday week… but, that is so not happening now. I was SO excited when a few weeks ago they announced that they were doing a Live Conference! I spent 8 hours on that Saturday enjoying the lineup of speakers they had (Jen Hatmaker, John Maxwell and lots more!), including Jen herself and her husband Dave. It was such a great way to spend a Saturday, learning about Courage and then some while in the comfort of my own home.
Bonus – An AH-Mazing Pixi Haul!
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Once again, Pixi has not disappointed me by sending me this adorable floral makeup/body product storage hanger (for whenever I get to travel again!) and some of their product from their Retinol & Jasmine collection, such as the Retinol Jasmine Cleanser, Retinol Tonic, AM: Jasmine Oil Blend, PM: Overnight Retinol Oil, Retinol Jasmine Lotion and Retinol Eye Cream. These products help to renew and rejuvenate your skin, so you have a smoother, replenished and refined complexion.
Well, I hope everyone has a nice and relaxing weekend!
