Happy New Year - 2020

Yes, we’re half way through the New Year and I’m just now saying something, lol. Don’t judge me. I’ve been extremely busy working on projects to help set myself up for a great 2020.

With that being said, I just wanted to drop a little bit of encouragement in your spirit.

The last 4 years have been extremely tough for me and in 2015 God told me that everything I was going through was just a test and that one day my test would become my testimony. So I believed that and then 2016 came, 2017, 2018 and NOTHING changed it all kept feeling like I was still being tested and I didn’t understand it. 2019 became the year of faith for me…I had to understand what it really meant to have faith on a different level. I had to believe for things that I couldn’t see and if I’m being honest, sometimes I got frustrated.

As 2020 began to get closer I realized I did not have some prolific epiphany yet. Like when was my word going to come? As I was driving down the street talking to God (more so, complaining) it hit me. He told me that this is the year of the PROMISE.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4

Y’all, I wanted to jump out of my skin. I couldn’t believe it. I was in complete shock, like really, God this is how we’re doing 2020?!!

Needless to say, my heart is full and I’m ready to reap every seed that I’ve sown!

Brunchin' at The Grand On Main Street

Michelle and I

If you’re ever visiting Columbia, SC make sure you check out The Grand! It’s Columbia’s newest hotspot and I’m here for it. The Grand so graciously hosted our group; the CSC Mommy Blogger Tribe for brunch and everything was delicious! I didn’t even know they served brunch so this was a sweet treat for me!

The ladies and I ordered and shared a little bit about ourselves since we had some new ladies with us; Ashley (Soda City Mom) and Christy (MessyAsAMother)! I gained some valuable knowledge from each of the ladies and I can’t wait until our meet up again in January!

The Grand is a great place to visit for a night out on the town. They have a tap room, a full bowling alley and games galore! They are located in Downtown Columbia, SC and have a great menu that will fit anyone’s taste buds, even the picky eater (I am one.) They even take reservations so it’s perfect for groups. They also have separate area available for rent!

Bowling Alley

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!