A Family Road Trip | No Mess In Texas

Looking back over this last week, it's been one the best of the summer so far!  We took a short road-trip outside of Austin, Texas for a little family getaway.  It was just the refresher we needed!  Not too far, but far enough that we were able to get in full vacation mode without hearing the dreaded question of "Are we there yet?"
As with most of our getaways...the packing, preparing, and coordinating is no small feat for our family of 6.  The morning before we left, Blake and I were scrambling around trying to get our house tidied up, finish packing, get the dogs off to the boarders, etc.  We didn't have much time to think what the kids might need to eat/do while on the road...we just wanted to get going!  So thankfully, we had a little excursion package sent to us by BabbleBoxx, which was just what our kids needed.  Blakely and Bennett usually color or read in the car, so these Texas-themed books were right up their alley.  In fact, they argued who could do which first!

Once we got on the road, tummies wanted snacks (of course) and it was so great to be able to pass out the Tree Top applesauces pouches (without worrying about a mess, I might add).  Road trip food is so good, but often not-so-good for you...so these snacks were the perfect healthy, no-spill, and packable option.  We try to eat healthy about 80% of the time, so when my kids think these Tree Top applesauce pouches are a special treat, I secretly cheer inside that they love something that has no artificials, no HFCS, no GMO, BPA-free, and are from U.S.A grown apples!  Such a Win-Win for my family!!!

For longer family excursions, we often pick out a movie for the kids to watch or a fun game to play, such as the Alphabet Game.  It helps the time pass, and also keeps us doing something together rather than everyone glued to their individual devices (don't get me wrong, we have a little of that time too). 

I'd love to hear some of YOUR family's road trip traditions or fun ways to pass the time....also, what is YOUR favorite on-the-go snack???

*Because I love sharing family tips that make life easier, I've partnered with BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Tree Top Applesauce on this post.  All opinions are my own.

An Evening at the Park

This past weekend was one of those unicorn weekends where we didn't have much going on.  I'm telling ya, we almost didn't know what to do with ourselves!  After a good Target run (because what's a Saturday without Target?) and after the kids ALL taking naps (can I get a hallelujah!?)...we picked up some Torchy's Tacos and Double Dave's pepperoni rolls (because picky eaters) and headed to the park for the evening.  At first, the kids weren't too pumped about the prospects of kicking around soccer balls and throwing the baseball, but we all ended up having a great time and made some good memories.

Family time spent being together...the best kind of time.  Just being us.

School Night With Reward Style

top (similar): Tiaras // denim flares (currently 40% off): Nordstrom // wedges: Nordstrom // sunnies: Nordstrom // bag: Fawn Design // earrings: Lavish Leathers

The other night I had the privilege of attending a special "school night" for online influencers...more specifically, ones affiliated with Reward Style.  In the blogging world, there are multiple ways to monetize...sponsored posts, partnerships, ads, and affiliate links.  For those not familiar, Reward Style is a network designed to benefit online publishers connecting them with brands, facilitating small commissions from affiliate links, aaaaaaand you may have a heard of a little thing call Like To Know It (wink, wink).  So when I share products here on my blog, I often link them straight to the site so my readers can shop the exact items.  In a nutshell, Reward Style makes that happen.

The "School Night" was held at local Austin eatery Olive & June, which is a darling spot in a great location.  It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  I came home with a renewed motivation and drive to reach my potential when it comes to my online presence.  Reward Style shared some great ideas to improve my strategic content and optimize my social platforms...I'm so grateful for their training and continuing education!

Reader Poll: What would you like to see more of on The Mrs. & The Momma? Style?  Family?  Travel?

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Synergy Plastic Surgery Review

Let me tell you about something friends...I turned 35 last week.  THIRTY-FIVE.  Smack dab in the mid-thirties.  And as this milestone birthday crept up on me the past year or so, I've noticed some things.  Things that don't lend themselves to eating whatever you want, and not working out, and not wearing a hat outside, etc. etc. etc.  Those kinds of things have been hugely apparent and pretty much shoved in my face by Mother Nature as of late.  Seriously annoying.

So when I was approached to do a cosmetic review for Synergy MedSpa, I thought "of course"!  Now, I want to get something clear before I get into the meat of this post...I'm not at all opposed to enhancing one's appearance if one has the desire, means, and opportunity.  I mean, why not?  One of the reasons I started this blog was to encourage women to feel their best...and when you feel your best is when confidence soars and all other areas of your life can work together.  Being your best self includes how you feel on the inside AND outside!

Prior to going to my appointment at Synergy, I spoke with some of the office staff who assured me I'd have a thorough consultation to see what would be the best fit for me.  I had in my mind that I'd probably go for a chemical peel, as I have a pretty large area of melasma or dark spots on my forehead.  (Consequently from being out in the sun when I was on Accutane.)  But when I went in and sat down with the nurse, she went over everything they offer...from chemical peels, to Botox®, to laser treatments.  I felt she truly cared about helping me make an informed choice, which I so very much appreciated.  After carefully considering my options, I ended up heading in a different direction from the chemical peel...mainly because I knew I was going to be out in the sun quite a bit during the following weeks.  After learning more about Botox® Cosmetics and how it's used in both a corrective and preventative way, I chose to get a few injections on my forehead, my crows feet area, and between my eyes (the frown lines).  It was so interesting to me (and made perfect sense) that Botox® can PREVENT wrinkle lines when done starting at about my age.  How perfect is that!? 

From the moment I walked into Synergy, I felt they treated me with the utmost respect, courtesy, and friendliness...I felt so welcome and any nerves I had dissipated immediately.  I love the results from the Botox and am glad I went that direction...and I'm hoping to go back and receive that much-needed chemical peel too!  Thanks to Synergy Plastic Surgery and MedSpa for such amazing service and professionalism.
Also for you Austin locals, If you’re looking to start your own anti-aging treatment regimen, now is the time! Synergy Plastic Surgery is giving away an anti-aging package, including both BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers. Enter here: http://goo.gl/LAQN1Q.  Good luck!

Synergy has two amazing Austin locations (I visited the Round Rock location):

Synergy Plastic Surgery 
805 East 32nd Street #101
Austin, TX 78705

(512) 244-1439

Synergy Plastic Surgery 
7700 Cat Hollow Drive #103
Round Rock, TX 78681

(512) 244-1444

*Encouraging women to look and feel their best is what I love, which is why I've partnered with Synergy Plastic Surgery on this cosmetic service review.  All opinions and views are my own. 

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Why I Love My Texas

I’m a Texas girl through and through, born and raised, 6th generation...you get the picture.  Sometimes I wonder how I’d fair in another state if we ever moved.  Here in Texas, we’re “indoctrinated” (as my friend Natalie likes to put it) on all things Texas and just southern hospitality in general.  But food is where I truly feel my Texas pride and roots come out...we really do have some AMAZING food here, especially in central Texas.  From our Tex-Mex, to BBQ, to Austin’s eclectic varieties and locally made artisanal eats...we have it all!

This summer, our family is staying around these parts...meaning - no big vacations except for short ones to the beach or road trips within the state (we plan to head up to Waco/The Silos soon).  We’ve even done a few small excursions down to our local creek spot for a picnic and swimming (all the creeks and rivers are nice and full from the rains we had, but drying up quickly).  Primarily, I just want some concentrated and focused family time, which in my opinion, is usually best when done around food...and I love that we have so many options around us in Texas, especially in our small town.

The other night we took some snacks to the creek and made a little evening of it, hanging out as a family, playing around, and enjoying some time together after Daddy got home.  I’m kind of on a charcuterie board kick lately (anyone else?), so I thought...Hey, why not try to make a Texas Charcuterie board!?!  It was SO yummy and the kids (surprisingly) ate it all up!  We used several “local” brands to enhance the Texas tastes (and because supporting local is always the way to go), which made it more of a foodie adventure for my kiddos, taking taste-risks if you will.  Not only was it an easy on-the-go meal, but we had a blast sharing food together and making memories!

For making your own Texan Charcuterie Board, here's the ingredients I used:
 (most are local to Texas...and I linked where to find them)

• Texas shaped board (optionally obviously, but hey I'm sucker for a theme)
• Ozarka Spring Water - easy, on-the-go flip lids and Ozarka water is our favorite because of it's unique Texas fresh taste, coming from 3 natural springs (Ozarka direct)
• Paqui Tortilla Chips - Natural ingredients, unbleached/untreated flour, YUMMY
• Any type of bread - tear in pieces
• Home-grown cherry tomatoes - my tomatoes wouldn't grow this year, but my mom has tons
• Summer sausage - Trader Joe's turkey sausage is pretty darn good, and dare I say, on the healthy side?
• Diced avocado with The Spice Kings seasoning - gives a nice little smoky flavor, organic and locally grown
• Snow's BBQ Sauce - for dipping, use on any meats, Texas Monthly's "best in TX"
• Yellowbird Habanero Sauce - drizzled over summer sausage, made in ATX, love how natural this sauce is ingredient-wise
• Cowboy Caviar - another Texas fave I eat on everything
• Black olives - double yum
• Crackers - build your flavor combos on crackers or the bread
• Prosciutto - the perfect meat base for all the delish condiments
• Jelly Queens jam - yummy, unexpected taste, nice compliment to the honey
• Local honey- HEB brand, a must for any charcuterie board
• Sweet & Spicy mustard seeds from Taste Elevated - this can go on ANYTHING, and totally addicting as a condiment
• Cookwell & Co. Queso - for dipping, great blend of authentic tastes with a bit of a kick

What do YOU love about where you live?
*Sharing our family adventures is what I love, which is why I've partnered with Ozarka Brand Natural Spring Water on their initiative across Texas telling why I love where I live.  All opinions and views are my own.  



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Date Night Outfit | White Overalls

Overalls // Old Navy, Clogs // Target,  Earrings // Lavish Leathers, bag // Fawn Designs, Necklace // Stella & Dot

Date nights have fallen to the wayside around here...mainly because of a hectic spring schedule we have going on right now, but also because we've just flat-out forgotten to make that a priority in our marriage.  We're definitely trying to ramp back up our date night routine, but it is what it is, and I'll take it if we can go out once a month!  Thankfully, we have such a fun and beautiful city in which to find cool things to do and see around here!

This past weekend, we went over to East Austin for a little french food at the Blue Dahlia, followed up by the COOLEST ice cream place I've ever been!  And that's saying something here in Austin!  It's called Spun and they use liquid nitrogen to instantly freeze your ice cream as it's been spun in what looks like a regular ol' KitchenAid mixer.  I was blown away at how perfectly creamy my "Dark Side" creation was.  We'll definitely be going back!

And as a little style risk, I went for it with my new white overalls from Old Navy for our date night.  In wearing them, however, I learned a few lessons:

1.  Overalls in 2016 are NOT your high-school pair.  This time around, they beg to be dressed up with some clunky clogs or fun heels.  Give yourself some height!

2.  Wear a fitted shirt underneath.  This one might not apply to everyone, but for my body type, it's a must, or I look a bit frumpy.

3.  If you're going for white, BE CAREFUL.  With overalls, there's about 50% more real estate for that white to get something on it.  I got home a realized I had a dark smear on the leg, chocolate ice cream dripped on the bib, and a bit of makeup on one of the straps.  Okay, maybe I'm just messy.

Overall (ha see what I did there), I really enjoyed wearing them.  They were something out of my normal rotation, fresh/trendy, and gave me a bit of a challenge to style them just right.  If you're thinking of trying out this "re-born" trend, I say just go for it!  You never know what might be FABULOUS on you!!!

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Finding a Fiddle-Leaf Fig | The Natural Gardener

Last weekend after our busy Saturday morning of sports, we went off in search of the perfect Fiddle Leaf Fig plant I've been wanting.  If you follow me on Instagram, I posted two names we were deciding between for our new little thing...the consensus was "Bellatrix".  Gives sort of a whole personality to her. Because naming your plants is totally normal...right????

I don't have fond memories of nurseries or plant shopping from my childhood.  My mom dragged me around to those places all the time, and I think I'm a little scared from it.  That, combined with my innate ability to kill plants from the get-go, one can understand how I'm not very well-versed in the "shopping for plants" area.  However, I did have my heart set on a Fiddle Leaf Fig.  After calling around to find most places were sold out of the plant, I finally called The Natural Gardener in Austin and they had several!  But going there was much more of a treat than I expected...the grounds are gorgeous, my kids loved the butterfly garden and labyrinth, and I personally quite enjoyed the swing!  It's a lovely spot to not only get your fill of every kind of plant imaginable, but also a great place to spend a little time exploring, lingering, and enjoying nature!

But back to "Bellatrix"... here's to hoping I can keep her alive!  Any tips on indoor plants, please send them my way!!!!

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Family Camping & Essentials

This past Easter weekend, we went camping right outside of Austin with some friends of ours.  Not being a much of a camping family, we invested in some camping essentials and came up with a few camping hacks to make for a fun experience.

The first night we FROZE our booties off.  I think when we woke, it was in the 30s and I was just about miserable.  Sleeping on a blow up queen-size mattress with your husband and five year old just doesn't quite work when you're trying to keep your little pocket of warmth in tact.  The second night was much better.  Both days were glorious weather, which was such a blessing.  Springtime in Texas can either be summer-ish or still frigid...and this was a happy medium.

We bought a 10-person tent just for this camping trip and it boasted a 60-second set up.  Sure, uh-huh, yeah right.  I kid you not though...I went to the campsite early to set up our tent by myself, and I had that baby up in no time flat.  I could not believe it!!!  Seriously, if you're in the market, this Coleman tent is the one to get.  No rods or slipping through tiny holes....just click, click, and click...you're viola!

Some of the highlights of our camping trip >>>

• Hiking on a beautiful day!!!  Our two big girls got separated and went on hiking with the other half of our group...resulted in one of their shoes floating down the river.
• Eating HOT breakfast tacos after our frigid night.
• Toasting/Roasting marshmallows...and Starbursts!  If you roasted Starbursts, do it at your earliest convenience!
• Great convos and time hanging out with dear friends.
• Watching my kids play with friends in nature...back to the basics!

I think we'll definitely be camping as a family more often.  The kids had so much fun and great memories were made.  I'm thankful we have state parks so close to us that make it easy...and also, great friends to share it with!!!

CHECK OUT OUR CAMPING ESSENTIALS >>>

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