Cancun and Riviera Maya! Part One

I am back!!!! Most of you didn't know unless you caught my hints on my EPLL's Facebook fan page. I was in Cancun & Riviera Maya, Mexico for 11 days. Remember when I went to Cabo a few months ago and did a shoot for Barcelo Resorts? Well, I did another one and this time my friends Kate and Bryan got to go along as well! It was an exhausting but much needed break from reality. I have TONS of pictures to share but here's part one...

View from my room @ Barcelo Tucancun

Finally! In Cabo, there were no Coronas!

The second resort we shot at, Barcelo Costa Cancun. Absolutely the best of the two in Cancun.

Sunrise <3

Ahhh...Paradise is found! After 5 days in Cancun, we spend the rest of our time at the luxurious Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe. An amazing property of 5 resorts.

The best part when you stay in a Deluxe property is the Club Premium. This greeted me every morning when I went to visit :) I love Bloody Mary's!

View of one of the pools and kids areas.

View from my patio.

Presidential Suite. Yeah. We filmed there and it was pretty awesome. I wouldn't pay $1000 a night though!

View from Presidential Suite.

Presidential Suite living room.

Kinda nice to have a tub on your balcony huh?

This is how we rolled in Mexico. Poppin' champagne bottles non-stop.

Kate and I :)

Maybe in the future...

"The only way to really know is to really let it go."

Friday's Fancies - Blog Swap.

Hello.  Hello.  Hello.  Today is my favorite day of the week FRIDAY and that means it's Fashion Friday and Friday's Fancies. 

It's Heather here from ...this & that... and I'm taking over Shannon's blog today!  Shannon's over at my blog today.  My blog is a lifestyle blog that covers a little bit of everything...hence, the name ...this & that...  It originally began a little over 2 years ago to chronicle my travel planning for my very first trip to Europe.  However, it has "morphed" quite a bit since then.  Let's see what do I blog about?  Travel, life (and I'm "newly" single gal so, upcoming posts will include my re-introduction into dating scene), laughter and little tidbits about ...this & that...  Oh, and let's not forget my creative side...I make note cards and knit scarves...my etsy shop Blondie's Shop.  Alright, enough about me let's get on with today's "Fancies".

Shannon and I are both taking part in the blog swap by Alison over at {long distance loving}.  I'm very excited to see what all of you wonderful follower's of Shannon's blog Eat, Pray, Love...LIVE think of my fabulous outfit choice for today.  By the way, I want to give a special shout out to Shannon and let her know it's been a pleasure getting to know her better (through this wonderful community of blogging) and by swapping blogs with her today.  I really enjoy the blogging world and the truly wonderful virtual friends I've made and the one's I have met in person too!  Shannon's a wonderful gal and I'm glad I met her.

Today's outfit is inspired by my trip to the Windy City this weekend.  You see I live in Phoenix and headed to Chicago last night for a bit of fun with friends and family!  However, I will say that I grew up here in the suburbs of Chicago so I am no stranger to the Windy City.  Anyhow, on with the outfit...  You see I am truly inspired by the chilly weather and I was hoping for a "white-out" but, I'm very sad to say it's not going to happen.  Yes, coming from the Valley of the Sun I was seriously hoping for a bunch of snow.  Bunches!  I love the snow.  Hence, today's themed outfit.

The look for today is not my own creation but does depict something that is "me".  I'm going for a white look with a "hint" of color.  And of course I needed an absolutely fabulous pair of white boots and coordinating bag.  Can you say yes?  I'd love for the fashion fairy to drop this sassy outfit in my closet (hint, hint).  Don't hesitate to leave a comment for the fashion fairy as well...you never know if the "fairy" is reading. 

Have a fabulous Friday and wonderful weekend!  Do share your fun plans...?  I'm spending the day with my Auntie Karen and we are heading to Portillo's for lunch.  Yum!  I plan on spending the weekend with my bestie and her family.

Don't forget to head over to {long distance loving} and check out what all of the other blogger's have put together for today!  And you can see Shannon's outfit over at ...this & that...

soft winter by kamilka featuring a zipper dress

Jil Sander zipper dress
£399 - theoutnet.com

Long coat
$795 - lagarconne.com

Giuseppe zanotti boots
$860 - stylebop.com

Mango shop handbag
£60 - mango.com

ASOS bracelet
asos.com

J.Crew stud earrings
$50 - jcrew.com

Two Years

2 - Two - Dos

While enjoying working in Mexico, I failed to realize this blog turned two on the 23rd! While it's true this is not my first or only blog, it is the one I hold closest to my heart and the only one I continue to document my journey in.

Blogging has brought me amazing places, allowed me to meet incredible people, and friend people I may never meet. I wouldn't give it up for the world.

I invite those of you who are new to my blog to travel back in time to the very beginning, when I originally began this blog as a way to document my struggles with infertility while trying to conceive. My life has changed dramatically in two years and hurdles I never thought I would overcome are now all but memories recorded in this online diary of sorts.

I wonder where I'll be two years from now...

Happy Blog-o-Versary to me!

Blogger Shout-Out

Just a quick shout out for my fellow Mexico traveling comrade and future soon to be not so really husband, Will over at "Wake and Wander." If you're into travel blogs or just want to live vicariously through someone who travels and writes about it for a living, check him out! He'll be sharing lots of our fun adventures in Cancun and Riviera Maya!

Permission to Be

The other day, I was deep in thought (as I usually am) about allowing certain people in your life. To me, allowing someone in is a privilege. It is not something that "just is" because you are family or share the same blood line. Not only does this apply to who YOU choose to have in your life but to those around you who choose to include you in theirs.

There comes a time when someone who once brought you joy and happiness, does no longer. They just aren't the same anymore. They've changed, as we know people constantly do. Perhaps you realize they haven't changed at all, ever, and it's time for them to go. Maybe this happened over time on your own or maybe something occurred in a violent, abrupt fashion to make you see. There's something funny about wanting to hold onto people we no longer need.

I feel that everyone comes into your life for a reason. The thing is, they truly don't have to stay forever. Sometimes you have to accept they were there, in that exact place and time, and served their purpose. That door is now closed and it's time to open another one.

Why is this such a novel concept that is so hard to grasp?

My firm belief is that if someone isn't pushing you forward, they are taking you backwards. If they are not lifting you up, they are taking you down. It's just not worth the time and energy anymore. We should surround ourselves on a daily basis with people who share our spirit and appreciate our inner beings.

Maybe I'm rambling after a lot of champagne and coffee and trying to distract myself from the mounds of homework in front of me. After the past few days I've had, this concept is ever present in my mind...

Better As A Memory

Yay! It's back!

After a long hiatus, Goodnight Moon's weekly song link up is back up and running. So, for this week, I stumbled across an old favorite of mine from Kenny Chesney. I forgot how much I love this song.

Enjoy and link up!

What Guys Can Learn from Tim Tebow

It's cool to love God.

There's something awesome about a man who loves his Lord & Savior and is unashamed. For whatever reason, finding men like this is a rarity these days. Men are to be leaders and Tim shows this day in and day out on and off the football field. We all know it's typically "not cool" to be a man and be open about your faith, regardless of your age or stature. It's hard to stand firm and have a voice for God. More guys should be so fearless and stand up for what they truly believe in.

It's cool to love your family.

First, it takes another strong man and God fearing woman to instill family values. The Tebow family has a solid structure and Mr. & Mrs. Tebow raised their kids with incredible values. Because of this, Tim is who he is today. He loves his family. He respects his mom. It's super cool to love your family and make special efforts to spend quality time with them.

It's cool to do for others.

We all know about Tim's caring heart and how he gives to those less fortunate and those who are in despair. There's nothing more awesome than a man who has a giving heart. A man who is thankful for his many blessings and gives to those who could use some extra ones. Volunteering and stepping out of your comfort zone to serve is really awesome.

It's cool to love kids.

Seriously, there is nothing sexier than a man holding a baby or getting down on the floor to play dolls or trucks with a child. Seriously. Loving kids is an awesome trait.

It's cool to be driven and have goals.

There's something about a man who knows what he wants, goes after it, and doesn't go down without a fight.

New Hair!

Okay so not the GREATEST picture in the world but I promise a better view soon. I cut more than 5 INCHES off and actually did a hair cut/style for once. GAHHH!

Vote On My Hair!!!

The hair gods are smiling on me and it's finally time for me to get my nappy roots touched up and an overhaul of my do. There are no better fashion and beauty judges out there than those who blog. SO...I want you guys' opinion of what I should do with my hair. Do me favor and take a peek at the colors below. Choose the one you think I should do and vote. I'll share with you guys on Saturday what I ended up choosing.

Wordless Wednesday - 7 Years Later

Smelling Good in January

First, I have to start by saying I really LOVE being a Scentsy Consultant. I know that's what everyone is supposed to say, because we want you to love it too and join our team. Seriously, I love it. I haven't always been the highest in sales or worked hard to get them, but I love the products so much and could never imagine using anything else in my home...ever. As crazy as it sounds, I look forward to raiding my Scentsy cabinet and changing our scents every few days to something new and yummy.

So, with all of that being said...January has lots and lots of awesomeness happening in Scentsyland.

First, it is DOUBLE hostess reward month which means you will earn double half price items when you host a party. You can do these parties online, through Facebook, in person, with me via Skype, or a combination of all of the above. You do not need to be local to me, as I ship you my special traveling tester kit and a sampler of all of my Scentsy products. It's SUPER easy. If you've never tried Scentsy, doing it during double hostess rewards month is the perfect time. It's how I got hooked on Scentsy. Check it out!

January's Warmer & Scent of the Month are adorable and insanely romantic. Perfect for Valentine's Day right around the corner.

JANUARY SCENT | Linger  

A perfect moment has a way of leaving behind a lovely trace, 

a whisper of a memory. Pink grapefruit, sugared apple, lavish 

praline, and flirty marshmallow create a fragrance that says “stay.

Finally and most exciting of all is our Bring Back My Bar campaign. Over the years, Scentsy has come up with some pretty incredible scents and retired them during varying catalog periods. Twice a year, millions of votes are tallied from Scentsy lovers who choose the scents they are longing for again. The top 20 winners come back for one month only and then our gone again for good. This month is your chance to snag yummy scents including:

Amaretto

Berries & Bubbly

Bubblegum

Buttermints

Cherry Almond Pie

Cinnamon Cider*

Coffee Tree

Cranberry Spice*

Eucalyptus

Flower Shop

Mad About Mint

Mysterious*

Pretty in Pink*

Spiced Grapefruit

Spring Clean*

Taj Mahal*

Toasted Apple Butter*

Toasted Caramel Sugar

Twilight*

Vanilla Walnut

*Personal Favorite

If you're interested in hosting, joining, or making a purchase, you can visit my website at:

http://scentswithshan.scentsy.us

Check back soon for a special Scentsy giveaway for my 2 year Blog-O-Versary! ;-)

Grief and Baby Loss...In Politics???

If you have a brain, you know everyone deals with grief differently. They handle it in their own ways and in their own time. Grief is not something that someone on the outside has a right to comment on or direct.

I was watching the news today when it was mentioned that Fox News commentator and staunch liberal Alan Colmes slammed Republican Candidate for President, Rick Santorum. This sounds normal during political times, but when you learn it was over how he handled the death of his infant son...it hits an all time low.

Many years ago, Rick and his wife lost their son Gabriel when he was 2 hours old. Tragic. They decided to take the child home and introduce him to their other children so they could meet him, even though deceased. Maybe that's not for everyone, but who is ANYONE to say that is right or wrong? Why can't someone choose how they grieve their own child without being subject to future political ridicule?

I try hard not to mix my political beliefs and feelings in with my blog, but that's just disgusting no matter what party you are affiliated with. Check the video of the conversation below...

What's Your Sign?

All credit and inspiration for this blog post goes to Melody at Brave Girls Club. I'm so glad I stumbled across her post, thanks to Pinterest.

First, you must take 5 minutes or so to read it. Like, really read it.

((Click Here))

For my wounded warrior wives, I know you will identify entirely with her and her husbands experience. Make sure you have plenty of tissues around.

----

My Church did something similar to this with cardboard testimonies. You can check some of them out below...

After reading Melody's story, I pondered long and hard about my sign or signs. I have felt for a while now, I could benefit greatly by wearing one around my neck all of the time. One that said "I hurt. I'm trying. Be patient. Be gentle." With that said, it makes me more aware of what other people's internal signs might say. We never know what others may be going through. On the outside, it may look like they have it all together but they very well could be on the verge of losing it all and falling apart.

So important not to judge others and save your harsh, negative, and debilitating words for yourself...or not at all.

What would your sign read?

Would I Do It Again?

For whatever reason, when I listen to Dave Barnes' instrumental version of "On A Night Like This," I'm always inspired. It makes me think and half the time, I daydream about being in an old rustic barn filled with white lights and all my friends and family watching me slow dance with the man of my dreams. I know. I know. Super descriptive and crazy romantic.


Anyway, one of many thoughts that crossed my mind while listening to that song on loop was this...


"Would I do this all over again?"
Translation: Would I ever be with another military man again?


First, I'll start by saying I've learned to never say never. When you say that, God laughs and throws you a curve ball. So, I won't say never. BUT, I will say I can't really imagine it.


I know there are great men out there who serve our nation proudly. Men who respect their wives and love them as they are supposed to. For me, the risk is far too great. I loved someone who was at one time that guy. Then he went to war and came back a monster. I never want to experience that ever again.


If I end up back in DC, the odds of dating a uniformed man are seriously more than 50/50. The DC area is home to several military bases and I'm pretty sure 95% of the guys I knew while living there, had at one time been active duty. Not to mention the fact that my dream job consists of being surrounded by them all day long. Not like that.


BUT...if there's one thing I do know, it's that we choose who we want to be with and I do not see myself choosing another man in uniform. I just don't. I feel like I've been there, done that, and have the scarlet letter to prove it. It's not as romantic as it seems and spending a year or more away from someone you love is just plain not awesome.


Still, I always applaud the many women (and men) I know who do just that. They love and dedicate their lives to being with someone in uniform. It's a whole different life.

Friday Fancies - OMG SHOES!

Yay! It's time for the first Friday Fancies of the New Year! Any guesses what the theme is this week? What woman doesn't love shoes? Take a gander at what I put together and link up @ Long Distance Loving!

1. Don't you LOVE that it says LOVE on the sides of the shoe?

2. Reminds me of some Britney Spears MTV Music Awards days.

3. Need. New. Sperry's.

4. Dying for my first pair of Tory Burch flats.

5. Oh, Hermes. Didn't fall in love with them 'til I watched Kim 
Kardash go gaga over them.

OMG SHOES! by shanstinson featuring hermes shoes

Tory Burch black ballerina flat
$195 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Hermes shoes
$2,250 - usa.hermes.com

Georgina Goodman suede heels
£398 - theoutnet.com

ALDO platform heels
$135 - aldoshoes.com

Sperry Top Sider lace up wedge
$80 - macys.com

Jamie Kennedy Was Brillz

Do you guys remember the Jamie Kennedy Experiment? I mean, seriously one of the most brillz and hilarious shows ever. If you want a chuckle, check out the clip below from Spring Break in Panama City a few years back :)

And this one starring B-rad is crazy funny...

Get Naked!

For Christmas this year, I asked for Urban Decay's original Naked eye shadow palette. It's my mission for 2012 to start paying more attention to my hair and makeup. I'm normally a simple mascara, lip gloss, powder, and bronzer kinda girl. I don't wear foundation, blush, eye liner, brow pencil, lip stick, etc. I still will not be overdoing it, but playing up my eyes is a definite must this year.

While Santa didn't bring me the palette, I did receive a $50 Macy's gift card and decided to spend it wisely in the makeup department. I snagged the Naked palette and this set of four lip glosses/colors from Bare Minerals.

So first, Naked is AWESOME! I highly encourage all of you to splurge and buy it. I'm a natural person and this palette gives you the ability to look natural, but with a kick.

It includes twelve shades, some matte and some with a shimmer, as well as a cruelty free brush that rocks your socks.

I busted it out for New Years Eve and with the help of this awesome YouTube tutorial...

...ended up with this fab-o look on my eyes. ((Ignore my Botox needing Crows Feet and under eye wrinkles!!))

I am stoked that someone on Twitter recommended this to me because it's a great way for me to start my new makeup resolution. Love love love!

My New Years Eve

In 2009, I was getting married.

In 2010, I was ringing in the new year in Charlotte with my new roomie.

In 2011, I was back home and spending time with my favorite friends.

Here's some pictures of the night. Nothing says class than drinking your favorite wine (Erath Pinot Noir) out of your favorite Tervis Tumbler with your name on it.

This is like porn for women. Two men in the kitchen with oven mitts on? HEAVEN!

Wendy & I <3

I kinda like him a little bit ;-)

First Wives Club in the house :-D

Group shot of all the couples

We might as well be triplets :)