Three Pictures

Day {28} Your Three Favorite Pictures

Favorite Photo Of Your Choice

I chose this photo because it's my People, my Family! The kids are adorable and I look good, duh!

Favorite Photo You Have Taken

I took this photo of Norah Jane last Christmas modeling her Strawberry Hill Kids dress and I've just been in love with it ever since! The dress, her hair, the bear, the tree...perfect!

Favorite Selfie

Y'all know I love me a good selfie every so often 100 times a day, so I just chose one! I like how my lips match my scarf and my Younique 3D Fiber Lashes are OOC! Holla!

I'd love to see your three favorite photos! Use the button above to go link up! 

An Ode To My Loves

Day {15} Write A Letter To An Inanimate Object

Dear iPhone:

I'm not sure I was really living until I found you! You wake me up in the mornings, you are a constant companion all day long, you keep me up to date with friends and family, you keep me on track with meeting and appointment reminders, you are the last thing I look at right before going to bed at night! You might just be my true, daily BFF and I'm totally ok with that! Ride or Die Bitches!

Dear Shakeology:

Thank you for being released in the new Strawberry flavor, I'm addicted, hardcore! You keep me full and satisfied all morning (and sometimes into the afternoon), you knock my cravings for sweet stuff and you help me GO on the regular.

Dear Makeup:

Without you I wouldn't be as confident as I am. You make me feel pretty, you hide my imperfections, you are saving me a ton of money on lots and lots of plastic surgery (although I'm still debating getting filler in my lips), if I didn't have you I don't know that I would be the woman I am today! For real!

Dear Fitbit:

I'm kind of over you currently! You only count steps and since I'm not running currently, you just make me feel like a loser day after day when I don't hit my goal, even though I'm still working out! Ugh! I'm a few days away from taking you off for awhile; just a warning!

Dear Pillo-Pedic Pillow:

I love you! I really do! Even though I feel like an 80 year old lady using her orthopedic pillow, you allow me to sleep and wake up without feeling stiff or having a headache which is AMAZING!

Dear Hot Tools:

You are the best curling iron I've ever had! You can give me tight curls or beach waves, you get SO hot and make my hair steam, but I wouldn't have it any other way because you make them curls work! My only complaint is that your on/off switch broke after like a month, but luckily it broke in the ON position so I can still use it...for now!

Dear Internet:

Thank You! That is all...

What are some of YOUR favorite inanimate objects?

Finish The Sentence

Day {14} Finish The Sentence

When I open the fridge, I always hope I find... cheese, please! 

My favorite article of clothing is... anything maxi! It can be a maxi dress, a maxi skirt...as long as it's long and flows, I'm in LOVE!

Last week I was really pissed when... I discovered evening swim lessons are a nightmare! Total nightmare, they are too late in the evening, then the kids are wired for hours making it a late bedtime, resulting in crabby kiddos in the morning!

One thing nobody understands about me is... my obsession love for all things social media!

One thing I don't understand is... what's SO confusing about a 4-way stop?! Let's get our shit together, people!

The world would be a better place if... everyone just chilled the F out! Me included.

If I had a million dollars, I'd... quit my full time job in a hot second! I'm loving being a BEACHBODY Coach, it's so empowering! I love helping others and I love that it pushes me to be better!

If I knew I'd die next week, this week I'd... use that million dollars, get all my friends and family to Mexico and lay on the beach and party like it's 1999.

If I could change one thing about myself, it would be... my lack of patience, with everything!

Something that can always make me happy is... shopping! What, I'm materialistic and have an addictive personality...at least I own it!

Something I'll never blog about is... politics. I'm too uninformed and frankly don't give a shit, really.

If I could go anywhere I would go... home, right meow!

If I were an animal I would be a ... a cute, little monkey! I mean, they are the closest to being human, I think!

A job I've always wanted is... a personal stylist or interior decorating!

My idea of a perfect day is... currently is a day alone! Like completely alone, at a spa or whatever! No one to ask me questions, no one to whine at me, no one to tell me that I have laundry to do, nothing! Pure silence is what I crave!

Head on over and link up! I'd love to know what really pissed you off or what you don't understand!?

The Note...How Embarrassing

Day {9} Most Embarrassing Story

It was my senior year of high school when The Note was written and shit got cray! So, my BF at the time wrote me a little note one day and somehow I managed to lose said note before I ever even read the damn thing! I honestly wasn't too worried about it, our notes were innocent enough, right? Well unfortunately not this particular note, the only note from him I had ever misplaced...nope, this note mentioned some inappropriate maybe sexual things that kids our age should not have been doing, let alone been written down on paper.

Fast forward to a few days later, I get to school and as I walk through the door a friend ran up to me and handed me a piece of paper; I saw the first line and instantly knew what it was The Note...photocopied! I looked up and literally every single kid in that school had a copy of The Note in their hands reading it, reading it! Ends up, something like 500 copies were made and distributed around the school. Oh em gee, right!? Soon enough rumors were flying about who did it and of course teachers and other staff at the school caught wind of The Note too, nice! I mean, my perfect reputation was now ruined! (insert sarcasm font)

See I was a Mat Maid for the wrestling team and in the end it was 2 freshman wrestlers that had found and photocopied The Note. It became a big to-do because of sexual harassment, whatever, whatever, whatever...I just remember being called to the Vice Principle's office a few days later.  He wanted to explain to me that he boys had admitted what they did, what their punishment was going to be and if I had any questions and was in agreement with the way everything was handled. It was all good, but as he sat there talking to me he had a copy of The Note in his hands and he kept referring to it and reading it as I sat there! Like kill.me.now! In addition to getting suspended for a few days, Coach made those freshman ass-hats run a shit ton of laps as punishment for me!

Speaking of Coach, he topped the embarrassment cherry off by awarding me the No Note Writing award at our annual wrestling banquet a couple months later...in front of everyone! Thanks, Coach but I didn't even write The Damn Note!

What's your most embarrassing story?

Things I Do When I'm Alone

I don't get a whole lot of alone time and even when I am alone, Oscar is still there...just staring at me, like all the time, but when I do get some solo + Oscar time I like to:

Eat!

As in eat a meal in complete silence; no one asking for a napkin or to pick up their fork that they've dropped for the 10th time, clean up spilled milk, yell at Oscar to stop taking food off of the kid's plates or hear the children fighting over who got the last piece of "x"...

Sleep!

Nap, anyone? No, how about sleeping in? Or better yet, getting in bed at like 7pm! Yeah, I'd gladly do all three in one day...

Law & Order: SVU!

Can y'all say Elliot Stabler? How about Nick Amaro? Marathon me all day long...

Potty!

Enough said, but in case you don't have kid(s) yet, let me tell you this! Cherish the time you spend alone in your bathroom! Once there is a child, it will never happen again! Wait, check that, it will only happen in the middle of the night, sometimes! You've been warned...

Cyber Stalk!

We all do it, I do it too much period, but when I'm home alone the Cyber Stalking can sometimes go to a whole new level that even impresses, and scares, myself! I know I have a problem!

Chick Flicks!

Nothing better then spending an entire afternoon in silence, just you and your tears and failed dreams...

But First...Lemme Take A Selfie!

We all do it, if you say you don't do it, you're a GD liar! I'm the first to admit I love me a good selfie, but when I'm alone they can get a tad outta control! No, I won't explain further...

Sweat!

Oh my, when I get the chance to workout solo I could just pee myself! I usually try to workout first thing in the AM or over my lunch, but sometimes I have to try to do a quick video in the evening when the kids are running a muck and it drives me mad! I'm screaming "no" the entire time, which can really wear ya out...

So...what do YOU do when you are alone?

Things That Make Me Smile

Happy Monday!

I came across a gem this morning on Bloglovin, a few ladies (Faith, Allie, Juliette) are hosting "Blog Everyday In July" and we all know how stuck we can get coming up with blog topics every single day! So this is perfect! Go check out Faith's post with all the details HERE! I'm going to jump in as much as possible, and I hope you do too! Most of the topics look pretty "about me" but in new fun ways!

Day {7} Things That Make Me Smile

Jack! 

When he says "I really don't want to say this but..."

Social Media!

I love this tool that can sometimes be harsh and cruel, but also motivating and inspiring! It quickly shows you from your "real life" who is there and who isn't and that's fine because it also opens up tons of opportunities to meet new people you never would have and from that can come some of your most cherished relationships!

The Besties!

I literally don't know how I would survive a single day without the handful of ladies I call my Besties! They are always there and never judge! They also appease me by laughing at me, even when they don't think I'm funny, but I do!

Shopping!

Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! Oh, and more shopping! 

Friday!

Who doesn't love a good Friday?!

Oscar!

When he hops in bed and expertly wiggles his way in between The Husband and me, and then lays his big head across my back. I know he loves me and is happy!

Going Sans Bra!

Hey, we didn't pay the big bucks for nothin'!

Sweating!

Exercise makes me happy...well, when it's over at least!

Queso and Chips!

I big puffy heart love me some cheese, in all forms and all flavors, but queso and chips...eek! I'm giddy just thinking about it! If you don't share my love for queso, then we can't be friends! Yes, its that serious!

Norah!

I love her "I love you, too" replies! They are almost angry sounding, but she definitely gets the point across!

Music!

I listen to the radio or iTunes 24/7! It is my savior at work when I'm starring at an Excel spreadsheet for the 8th straight hour OR when I can't find the F'n $100 million dollars! I could not go without the tunes playing in the background!

Our Neighborhood!

We are [hashtag] blessed when it comes to where we live! Our little neighborhood is awesome, young couples and kids everywhere! The sports complex, park and swimming pool are a quick 2-3 block walk away! But most of all, it's the people! Everyone is so friendly, kind and willing to help out whenever, for whatever! Like having Jack over for a play date before I lose my sanity (because The Husband has been gone all week), watching for Oscar when his runs last longer then normal in the AM and then letting him in the back door of the house for me since I'm long gone to work! Breaking in to an unlocked window when Jack locks us out of the house! Watching Oscar while we are gone for a night! The list could go on and on...

The Husband!

He can be the biggest pain in my ass, like all the time, but he works SO hard for our family! He provides us with more then we could ever want and for that I will forever be grateful!

Tomorrow's topic is "Things You Do When You're Alone" - that should be a good one!

Start Of Summer Giveaway!

Tia organized an awesome Start of Summer Giveaway! Yay! 

So here's a what you're gonna do:

Check out the following Ladies! Like them! Follow them! All of them! The more the merrier, right!? You can earn 2 entries per lady + me + a couple special extra entries for a total of 22! Do as many or as little as you like!

Tia

Lindsay

Amy

Kati

Rikki

Laura

Jasmine

Alma

Erin

Brittney

And don't forget about me! Make sure you are following me on Bloglovin HERE and Instagram HERE!

Use the Rafflecopter Below to get your entries earned and logged!

Giveaway Starts NOW and ends this coming Sunday, June 21st - the official Start of Summer!

Winner will be announced Monday morning and receive a $100 Victoria's Secret Gift Card! Holla!

Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sprite Wasted...

Helllllooo Monday!

Our weekend was jam packed, super busy, crazy FUN! Saturday evening we had a wedding back home in C-Town that involved a gorgeous bride, a good hair day for me, the WORST best man speech ever, good food, lots of friends, free booze, Norah winning everyone over with her cuteness, CAKE and Jack getting Sprite Wasted!

*Kids - Don't try this at home!

Yesterday was Dad's Day so what else would I do but run The Husband off with his two kids so I could have some time to myself! I wish my plan was to lay around watching Lifetime movies all day OR better yet the Elliot Stabler Law & Order SVU Marathon, but I had bigger plans! Plans that involved screws, nails, hammers and probably should have involved a leveler deal and stud finder, but such is life and I didn't know how to use those things!

Part of The Husband's gift was FINALLY decorating our master bedroom, we have lived in our current home for right at 3 years and hadn't done a single thing to the room other then hang some curtains! It was time, I was ready and this is a win-win for me as well! Let me tell ya, I thought working in my closet last Sunday was bad - this might have been worse! I started at like 9:30 am and still wasn't done when The Family arrived back home at like 6:00 pm! Eek! I wouldn't say I'm completely finished by any means (ie: I hate the frame our family picture is currently in, I need a new makeup light and baskets for my vanity, I need a big white vase to set in the corner by my vanity, I need more pictures lots of places), but I'm pretty proud of what I put together so far! Especially considering what I started with!

 What do y'all think!? It's funny because if you ask Jack what my favorite colors are he will always reply "black and brown" so I guess he knows me pretty well! I've always wanted a muted, neutral bedroom, if we didn't have Oscar my bedroom with be WHITE, something relaxing and tranquil! But since we DO have Oscar I figured black and brown is the next best thing and I threw in the white to bring a little pop of fresh, crispness to the room! I'm loving the "bones" I have created thus far and can't wait to pick up little pieces here and there to finish it off!

 Last, but definitely not least, I want to wish a BIG Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's in Jack and Norah's lives! They are SO lucky to have each of you in their lives! So here's to you: Daddy, Papa, Uncle Derek, Papa Tommy, Coco and Grandpa. We love you all MUCHO!

We Can't Be Friends...Gym Edition

Sorry... I'm not sorry, but I'm just not over the above incident yet! Ha! Yesterday afternoon, after trying everything I could think of short of snorting Spark up my nose to get THE smell away... side note: let me tell you...nothing worked, like nothing... it led me to thinking about all the things that annoy the shit out of me at the gym; the types of things that automatically get you scratched from the Friend list! Thus I give to you...

We Can't Be Friends...Gym Edition!

We can't be FRIENDS if...

{ONE} You smell. Period. There are multiple ways to smell, none of which are acceptable! Let's see...you have straight up Body Odor - like the onion, mustard, make me vomit instantly kind! You find it necessary to give yourself a fresh bath in your perfume, cologne, body spray, axe, whatever! Your mouth smells, as in your BREATH! Like GROSS, Bro!

{TWO} You are a "Gym Creep". This is for the dudes, you know who you are! If I don't know you OR given you the impression that I want to know you (let's be clear here, this never happens) - please don't stare at me, wink at me, wave to me or approach me! Like ever! It's WEIRD, Bro!

{THREE} You make noise. Whether it's singing to the music playing in your head ear buds or the music playing on the gym stereo, for the LOVE of all things gym - do not sing! I don't care if you sound like Miranda Lambert or Blake Shelton, I still don't want to hear it! NO ONE wants to hear it! Yes, in case you are wondering, the humming..it's just as bad! *Side Note: The people that don't wear ear buds...they geek me out!* Then we also have the grunting, oh the grunting! Now, I get it, a grunt every now and then is tolerable... however grunting, moaning and groaning with every.single.rep is NOT! Go LIGHTER, Bro!

{FOUR} You abuse the Water Fountain. Do not spit in the water fountain. Do not put your lips on the water fountain spout. Do not hover over the water fountain spout and pant, breath all over it. WTF, Bro!

{FIVE} You compete with me, or any other female at the gym. This is for the ladies, I'm all for having a source of motivation/inspiration don't get me wrong, but if you are that girl that comes to the gym on the daily just looking to compete with the other girls at the gym you might be cray! You are the girl that wears the H2T coordinated outfits, the girl that stares at my treadmill screen, the girl that eyeballs me from across the room, the girl that always leaves her hair down, that stares at herself in the mirror but is also constantly scanning the other women to see who is also looking her way. Yeah, THAT girl, Bro!

{SIX} You dress all sorts of wrong. I've witnessed flip flops in the gym, shorts on guys that basically shoved their balls in my face, people in jeans, men in jorts (this should never happen - anywhere), women in moo moo's, or the sin of all gym clothes sins - the SAME outfit every.single.day! Wash that SHIT, Bro!

{SEVEN} You bring your kids in the gym! I'm all about bringing your kids to the gym and dropping them off at the daycare! However, bringing your kids in the gym - like in the gym, one in a stroller and one walking around, why!? It's annoying, stupid, distracting, but most of all it isn't safe! Use the damn DAYCARE, Bro!

{EIGHT} You bring your laptop in the gym, set it up like a TV and proceed to do a workout DVD...right there in the gym! I mean, what!? Stay HOME, Bro!

{NINE} You are dirrrty, and not in the good Christina Aguilera way! For the love of God and all the MF'n signs hanging up every 5-10 feet instructing you to do so - wipe down your equipment/machines! It's not hard! It takes seconds! Just DO IT, Bro!

I hate to leave it on an odd number, but such is life! 

Now, you tell me...do we agree on these things? What's YOUR biggest gym pet peeve!?

Seven Hours I Will Never Get Back

I spent SEVEN hours yesterday purging, cleaning and organizing my closet! SEVEN HOURS! To be honest...my closet had turned into my closet, our Jacuzzi tub, a coat tree, my vanity and just a good 'ole pile of clothes on the floor! Eek! 

Before Closet

 Before Clean/New Clothes On Vanity & Floor

Before Coat Tree - I will admit I haven't touched this yet...

 Before Shoes

Before Shoe Boxes

Before Jacuzzi Tub

Hi, my name is Darci...and my closet is too SMALL (it really is)! I also enjoy ShoeDazzle (and keeping the boxes - do y'all do that or is that odd), Hazel & Olive Boutique, Pink Slate Boutique and Audacious Boutique WAY TOO MUCH! This has got to stop or at least slow down!

Shoes Keep Pile

 Sell Rack

 Surprise Shoe Finds

Do y'all keep your shoe boxes and then keep the shoes in the box? I've done this for years, but after realizing I had quite a few pairs of shoes I hadn't ever wore, let alone remember buying, I decided that probably wasn't the smartest idea! Ha! So I went to Home Depot and got some little organizing deals for my shoes! Plus, it makes my closet look FANCY! Holla!

After Closet View 1

 After Closet View 2

After Gypsy's Closet whoopsie

Whew! That was like the longest day ever! I hope I can keep it clean and neat, but let's not all go holding our breath!  I still have to go through all my jewelry and those scarves, but hey it's definitely progress!

Is your closet clean? Tips for keeping it neat and tidy?

The Power of Makeup

I would not have survived before makeup! How did most women survive before makeup? I personally probably would have been cast away to Rapunzel's Tower, but in the ghetto, if I had been alive back when there wasn't makeup! I said most because we all know there are those women that are true natural beauties... I am not, so thank God, or whoever actually invented makeup, for makeup!

The pictures above were BOTH taken yesterday! The L was at 6:30 am after my workout, the R was taken sometime after lunch in the afternoon! Holy F, remind me to thank The Husband for being willing to wake up to that in the mornings! Eek!

The Power of Makeup is really quite awesome, it can literally transform a person's physical appearance and I think that is pretty awesome! We all deserve to feel the best we can about ourselves and if wearing makeup does that for someone then Hey Girl Hey, I'm all about it! However, makeup also has the potential to make you look an ever bigger hot mess if you don't apply it correctly, aren't using the right products/colors or just don't know what the hell you are doing! If this is you, please take the first step and admit the problem and then move on to the second step and find a makeup artist, a friend, the lady at the makeup counter at Dillard's, whoever and ask for help! Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

I saw THIS article pop up on my Facebook news feed yesterday! It's pretty cool, but trust me some of that crap they are doing - the color correction, the highlighting, contouring - I don't know how to do that and I don't do that, but I kind of sort of maybe wish I did!  Here's some of my favorite transformations!

I wrote this post about a year ago detailing my makeup routine and the products I was using at that time! The post also included the picture below, another bad goodie!

Since then, I've changed some things up and had received a few questions regarding what I'm currently using so here's a quick run down!

Concealer: Make Up For Ever HD 5 Camouflage Concealer Cream Pallet No. 5

Foundation: Revlon Colorstay (Combination/Oily Skin)

Powder: Merle Norman Flawless Effect Loose Powder

Eyebrow Filler: $1 Black Eye Shadow from Walmart

Blush: Merle Norman Lasting Cheekcolor

Top Lid Eye Liner: Rimmel Exxagerate Liquid Eye Liner 

 Rim Eye Liner: Almay 16 Hour Pencil Eye Liner

Eye Shadow: Merle Norman Color Expressions Pallet (it was special edition)

Mascara: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash

Lips: Sta-glam Lip Gloss, Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain

The last thing I wanted to show y'all real quick is my naked face side by side! With my lovely, oh so pretty, to die for olive skin tone also comes some not so desirable dark marks. Any blemish, scratch, cut, gash, whatever leaves a dark spot or mark - the dark marks don't discriminate and aren't limited only to my face unfortunately. When I was pregnant with both kids I would break out something awful on my face, chest, back and even upper arms - this left one hundred million dark marks, everywhere! I started getting some gentle chemical peels a few months back, the first couple I honestly didn't see much difference, but the last couple I've had have helped SO much with fading the marks! I get them done at my dermatologist and they are super nice enough to also do it on my chest, back and upper arms! Holla! Can you see a difference? I can! Yay! I will probably need another 2-4 peels, you do them about every 4 weeks and then after that I will just have to maintain with less peels and an awesome post-care regimen my esthetician friend is putting together for me! I'm seriously SO excited! Someday if I get up enough nerve I will show you the difference it's made in my back...someday, maybe...the before pretty embarrassing and I've been so self conscious about it for like 5+ years now so I'm going to have to talk myself into that!

Now tell me...Are you a makeup girl? What are some of your must haves? Do you use any of the same products I do? 

These are the texts of my life...

The Fine Print: These are all actual text message screenshots from my iPhone! These conversations really did all take place! I have removed names to protect my friend's privacy! Ha! Enjoy!

You're Welcome!

Look at your text feed right NOW! What's the funniest text string!? Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!

I hope everyone has a FANTASTIC and SAFE holiday weekend!

Just call me Coach!

Alright Ladies, it's time for my first BEACHBODY post!  Holla!

I promise I'm not going to start shoving it down your throats like all the time! BUT I did want to make sure y'all know about the 21 Day Fix Challenge Group I'm hosting! It starts on June 2nd, which is a Monday so that food prep can be done on Sunday - I originally said June 1st but since that's Sunday I decided to switch it because I like my Saturdays; I mean who doesn't, right!?

I'm super excited about hosting my first group challenge and I think The 21 Day Fix is the perfect program to start with because it's simple to understand and follow, the workouts are only 30 minutes and I LOVE THEM! I haven't done the challenge start to finish yet so I will be doing it for the first time with my group BUT I use the workouts like all the time! If you are interested in joining the group email me at darcispear@yahoo.com or click HERE to head right to my website! Just hit the "shop" link and then find The 21 Day Fix!

The program is $59.85 and you get the workouts - 7 total plus a BONUS 10 min abs and BONUS piyo workout! The meal plan and portion control containers! I honestly think the workouts ALONE are worth the $60, for serious!

The other option is The 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack! It runs $160 but you get everything I listed above PLUS a 30 day supply of Shakeology! It's like getting the fix program for only $10 basically! Shakeology is a meal replacement shake, but it's so much more then that! The health and nutritional benefits are awesome! They say each $4 shake has the same nutritional value as $40 worth of food (and no I don't have proof of that statement so don't ask)! I can tell you from my personal experience that the shakes are super filling, I have more energy, I'm more regular (you know in the bathroom), I sleep better and by having my shake in the AM I find I'm craving less junk food and sweets - but that's just me!

I'm also thinking of offering individual Shakeology packets for sale so y'all can try different flavors before you order an entire 30 day supply! Anyone interested in some samples?!  Here's what I'm thinking on the pricing (because I have to purchase the samples myself) and the amounts do include shipping! I would have Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry available! I'm sure there will be a giveaway thrown in the mix as well! Let me know what y'all think!

Happy Wellness Wednesday, Friends! Now, who wants some samples!?