South Carolina Aquarium 🐟🐠🐠

Kay hates taking pics but she knows her mom blogs, so it's a part of the job! 

Wow, what a weekend! I had every intention of getting some rest and possibly hitting the beach but we all know life doesn’t happen the way we want it to.

What I would give to be laying in the sun right now! (Insert real tears) the water is my spirit animal. I feel safe and calm when I’m near it. When I’m in it...it’s like God just wants me to float away with Him. He reminds me that He is in control!

Kaydence asked for a beach weekend to wrap up her birthday week and she knew I would be down. I checked the weather and it looked like we were good to go BUT that’s SC for ya! You never know what’s gonna happen. On Wednesday the forecast was a high of 86 and by Friday night it was raining!!!

What’s a mom to do? Google!!! I swear Google saves me more than I would like to admit. So here’s to searching for indoor things to do in Charleston. There were a few things on my list but I had to quickly remember this weekend wasn’t about me. So I didn’t get to pick. We ended up at the South Carolina Aquarium totally not where I wanted to go but I was pleasantly surprised! It was nice!!

Maddy and I opted to try the bird's nest! 

So, if you're heading to the Low Country you might want to stop by especially if you get rained out like we did. I'll give you some quick need to know info!

South Carolina Aquarium 

Hours of Operation:

Daily 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, and noon on Christmas Eve)

*No flash photography on certain things.*

Prices:

Children 3-12: $22.95 (under 3 FREE)

Adults 13+: $29.95

My favorite part was the outdoor exhibit! It was so neat seeing the birds up close and NO you can't touch them! So please, don't try. I promise it won't end well, lol!

I think the kids enjoyed the Lego exhibits best! They loved how they recreated some of the examples. Overall, the kids had a great time! It was worth the money and very educational! So if you're in the area, stop by!!!

Need Glasses?

This one is for all of my vision impaired friends! I've been dying to find cute glasses that don't break the bank. I have astigmatism and I've had it for about 12 years now. Having astigmatism makes it challenging for me to choose between contacts or glasses. I usually wear my contacts 90% of the time BUT when I do wear glasses I don't want to look like someone's grandma! I think I found a solution. Zenni's!  Check out my review below! 

Don't have time to watch, I'll give you a quick run down. Zenni Optical offer a wide range of prescription glasses from children's, men, and women all at affordable prices. I've seen glasses as low as $8!!! Yes they are REAL. Everyone loves to ask me can you see out of them and the answer is YES! I took my prescription from my doctor and typed it in. Pretty simple. The glasses can go up in price if you choose to add the extra stuff. I don't need the extras. I don't wear my glasses enough to want all of the bells and whistles. 

I was able to score two pairs of glasses for under $50 and I even convinced my mom to get some and she now owns 3 pairs!!!  I will warn you it does take about 2-3 weeks to receive your glasses but at that price, I'm not complaining!!

Happy Birthday, Kaydence

My Sweet Baby Girl,

Today, you are 10! Double digits baby!!! I still remember every detail about the day you were born. I had my 38th week check up the day before and I was in so much pain. You were ready for the world but I'm not quite sure I was ready for you. Dr. Hutchinson rushed me to Labor and Delivery. He placed me on strict bed rest for the next 24 hours and told me by 8 am the next morning I would be holding you. You know how I tell you things don't always go according to plan but they work out just like they should? Well, your birth was no different.

6 am arrives and Dr. Hutchinson was ready to take me back and prepare for your c-section BUT a trauma patient came in and we got pushed back. To say the least, I was irritated AND I couldn't eat! (And you all know how Mommy gets when she's hungry. #Hangry) At this point, it felt like it was one thing after another! It felt like nothing would go the way it was intended

Finally, somewhere in the 3 o'clock hour, they came to wheel me back. Nana was dressed in her scrubs to greet you and I couldn't have been more pleased. You were born at 4:19 pm...and what a beautiful sight you were. I couldn't see you because they put me to sleep. Everyone told me you were perfect; and of course, you were - you are mine! When I came into the recovery room and I realized what was happening everyone says I only asked one thing "does she have hair?" It was believed that if you didn't have heartburn during your pregnancy then your baby wouldn't have any hair. Your Nana laughed at me and replied: "She has plenty!" 

I know you worry when you see me cry but sometimes, it's happy tears! Other times, I cry because I worry if I've done enough. I wonder if I'm showing you the right way. I wonder how you feel about the life I've given you thus far. Our life hasn't been perfect. We've struggled and Lord knows I've done my best to never let you know it. I love you with every piece of me. I stare at you in pure amazement because I can't believe you're mine. You're so smart, talented, and beautiful. Please don't you EVER forget that!

You were my special gift - something I didn't know I needed. We've grown up together and we're still growing. I hope to make you as proud as you make me.

Love, 

Mom

Wow, it's been 10 years since I became a MOM. I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's scary. My daughter is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She made me a better person. She taught me some life lessons that you can only achieve through experience! 

Let's have a transparent moment here: I wish I had the perfect story to give my baby about how she was planned and we anticipated her arrival but I don't. She doesn't have the baby books filled with "mom and dad" - she only has me. My pregnancy was HORRIBLE. It felt like death and they say childbirth is closest you'll ever be to death. (They aren't lying!) I believe there was a purpose... there were so many times I wanted to give up - but I didn't. I was 16 and didn't know what the heck I was doing or how I would manage. But God had a different plan for me. He chose to give me her. He knew she was just what I needed. He's prepared me to be all that I can I can be for her. 

Although my journey with motherhood hasn't been the easiest it has been worth it. I look forward to her going to middle school, graduating high school and attending college. My wish for my baby is that she is better than I ever was.

My Top 10 Swimwear Picks for Summer

Summer is coming no matter what and if you're anything like me you WANT to be near the water!

Your size you should not determine the type of swimwear you own.  There is no more covering up at the beach, it's time to bare it all! I will be joining you ladies so let's see what's out there!

Below are my top 10 picks under $30 from Amazon! I have been an avid Amazon shopper lately because...I mean its Amazon and they have like everything! 

1. Two Piece Tassel

How cute is this? I'm loving it. It comes in a variety of colors and it hides the belly! What more can a woman ask for?

2.  Retro Glam - $25.99

This suit gives me Marilyn Monroe vibes. I can see myself sitting on the beach with a floppy and drink in hand! Now, I will warn you it's backless so if you aren't comfortable with your back out this won't before you. Plus it comes in a variety of colors and patterns! 

3. Tropical Vibes - $19.99

This one is beautiful and a tad bit risky! The cut is high and not one I would be bold enough to rock but that doesn't mean you couldn't!

4. Printed One Piece - $19.99

5. Ruffles Galore - $24.99

This is a plus size friendly suit and it's steaming hot! How could you not feel confident and sexy! Sizes: XL - 4XL 

6. Strappy 2 Piece - $15.99

I own this beauty and HONEY let me tell you I love it. I didn't think I would be able to feel so confident in a two piece but I do! I can't wait to show it off! It's coming!!! This is plus size only! 

7. All Black Everything 

I'm feeling the design on this suit. It conceals without being obvious! 

8. Let's Salsa - $20.99-24.99 (depending on the color)

This swimsuit makes me feel like I could enjoy a night of dancing! It's simple and classy with the right amount of sexy!

9. Girl Boss - $32.99

I love everything about this one! It's bright without being too bright and it reminds me of the 50s. I love vintage pieces and I believe this will give me exactly what I'm looking for.

10. Ship Me Away - $19.99

If you can't tell by now my style is simple and accommodating. 

I hope you have found something you like! Leave me a comment and let me know!