Frenchies Modern Nail Care, Lexington, SC - CSC Mommy Blogger Tribe

Julie and I

Last weekend I got to hang out with my mom friends of the CSC Mommy Blogger Tribe and it’s always a good time to see my girls. We’ve now added two new ladies; Maddy Eccles and Carey Shofner and it was so good to meet them in person. If you haven’t kept up check out our first meet up at Leo’s Landing.

The ladies and I met at Frenchies Modern Nail Care in Lexington, SC. They are located in the heart of Lexington in a quiet little shopping plaza. When you arrive you will get all of the feels, I know I did. The place looked so clean and it was refreshing that it did not reek of strong smells typically found in other nail salons.

By: Maddy Eccles

We were graciously hosted for pedicures and I must say, my toes are happy!! Malika did my pedicure and walked me through each step. I felt like I was getting educated during the experience and I learned how to take better care of my feet.

Julie Riley, the owner, greeted us at the door and gave us a tour. She even gave a mini lesson on the best practices for nail salons. I was surprised to learn that you’re only supposed to use a nail file on 1 client! They have only been opened for a few months and are a great addition to the community and hopes to add another location in the future!

By: maddy eccles

In speaking with Julie, she prides herself on the products and services they offer. Not only are we revolutionizing nail services through a focused guest experience, but we only use products that meet our stringent health focused guidelines. In fact, all of the polishes we use in studio are free of the 3 most harmful chemicals and we have our popular EMMA line that is 12-free of the worst chemicals on the market. Our sugar scrubs, lotions and soaps are made using essential oils, minimally processed plant oils, and botanicals, while avoiding sulfates, phthalates and parabens!  

My overall experience was stellar! Once you experience Frenchies you will compare every other place, I promise. If you’re local, come visit these lovely ladies at: 5225 Sunset Blvd Suite B, Lexington, SC 29072.

by: maddy eccles

5 Tips for Planning a Trip to Great Wolf Lodge

Can you keep a secret? Shhhhhhh, don’t tell my kids but we are heading to Great Wolf Lodge in a few weeks! It is going to be so refreshing! If you caught my Instagram post, then you know why I’m planning this trip so late. Life has truly been busy! But what can I say, we are blessed!

As I former couponer, I LOVE to save money! It was very important for me to make this trip happen AND to save money while doing it. I am going to share my money-saving secrets with you! Let’s jump right into it.

Step 1: Search for the BEST deal!

While researching, you will find that it is best to travel to during the off-season. Hence the reason why we are going in November.

I found an amazing deal on Groupon but you have to be ready to pay upfront if you choose this option. Great Wolf Lodge also has savings options available through their website! In order to unlock those options you must sign up for their email list as they send out multiple options and you don’t want to miss the deal that works best for your family! When you book directly through Great Wolf Lodge, you have the option to pay using Affirm, which is a monthly payment plan.

Step 2: Save Money

Great Wolf Lodge can get expensive quickly! Very early in planning you must decide what is most important for you to spend your money on. I am most interested in enjoying the full experience this time around; especially since my oldest was so young when we went that. I plan to purchase the Paw Pass so they can enjoy the games.

Will you be purchasing items before the trip? Most likely, shop using Rakuten, I swear buy it. It encourages me to buy online even if I do a store pickup I can still save a few coins. A little goes a long way.

Great Wolf Lodge also offers suites with kitchens! This gives you the opportunity to save MORE money while enjoying cooking for your family even on vacation! Plan to grocery shop either when you get there or prior to and pack easy food choices to cook.

Simple meal ideas:

Spaghetti

Foil Packets

Hot Dogs & Chili

Chicken Nuggets

Step 3: Pack 1 Week Before the Trip

Sorry moms, travel prep includes our least favors chore: LAUNDRY! I make sure we have clean clothes and I plan ahead so that I know what we can live with or without for a week. Don’t forget to pack your swim gear: suits, towels, sun screen, etc. You will need them!

Step 4: Create an Itinerary

I am a ’planner’ by nature and I want to make sure everyone traveling knows where they are going and when. I have high expectations that we will have a safe and fun trip with a schedule! Creating a schedule allows things to run smoothly and to help ease burnout! I always plan down time as well because you will need it and never forget to leave a little wiggle room because…life!

Step 5: HAVE FUN

You are on vacation! There is no room for stress. You’ve done all of the hard work to plan for a fabulous vacation and now it’s time to enjoy!

I would love to know what trips you have coming up and how you stay on task to make it easy and fun for your family! Be on the lookout for an update once we return!

Picnic N' Play with CSC Mommy Blogger Tribe

“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Roy T. Bennett

Lately, I’ve been learning how to live outside of my comfort zone. I recently joined the CSC Mommy Blogger Tribe and it’s been amazing. We had our first event at Saluda Shoals, in Columbia, SC – Picnic & Play! I was able to meet some other great moms and their children. Heather of Heather Nieves and Michelle Garret of Divas with a Purpose!

As most of you know, I’m really shy and it’s always the kids and I but this mama needs other adult interaction as well and I’m glad these ladies get it! This truly taught me that I can do those hard and uncomfortable things! (Go me!)

We enjoyed a delicious and true southern style lunch provided by Little Pigs BBQ. They did not hold back on giving us all the goodies they had to offer. I enjoyed my fried chicken and broccoli. My girls went gaga over their macaroni and cheese, so needless to say it’s a place you’ll want to check out!

I was so excited to finally get to see the park, Leo’s Landing. It’s new to our city, since August of 2019 and the first Inclusive Playground. It was literally EVERYTHING, I was so tempted to play. I am looking forward to coming back one day soon for a visit.

A Yummy Chocolate Surprise: Once Again Amore' Almond Spread with Milk Chocolate Review

“I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.”

I will be the first to admit that I’m the sweet tooth in my house. Give me all the sweets especially CHOCOLATE! I was stoked when MomsMeet informed me that I would be able to try out the Once Again Amoré Organic Almond Spread with Milk Chocolate. I’ve tried some Hazelnut spreads in the past and they were just “okay” but this was my first time trying an Almond spread.

Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! My kids broke into the jar before I even got a chance to taste it. Maddy immediately dipped her orange slices inside because the packaging states it’s great for fresh fruit and she was in love! So I knew I needed to taste! It was yummy goodness. I love the thickness of it without it having a heavy/sticky feeling.

I couldn’t wait to try this with some ice cream. Yummy!!! It was so good, especially if you mix with your ice cream it will send taste buds on a wild ride without the extra sugar and you can’t beat that!

I also tried my hand at chocolate pretzels – although they don’t look very pretty they taste great and are super easy to make. Grab some wax paper and spread the chocolate on top. Add sprinkles if you’d like and pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow chocolate to harder and enjoy!

Needless to say, we will be keeping a jar of this around. Not only does it taste delicious but it has quite a few health benefits – it offers a great source of antioxidants, fiber, protein, Vitamin E and unsaturated fats. Once Again offers an array of products

Want to get your hands on jar? Click here to find a store near you!

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