my little sister got married and all I got was these pictures.

Just kidding. I also got a wearable for the future maxi dress. So that's cool.

And some family memories.

"Hey, guys! Remember that time Hello Kitty showed up at Tori's wedding?" (Yes, this happened.)

{My youngest brother, Scott (far left), described his usher outfit as "Jake from State Farm."}

So, above. That's my family. Mom, Dad, three sisters, two brothers. Big family, lots of chaos, lots of love. You know.

My son is obviously a total babe. And, despite what his dad thinks, he totally gets it from him. 

When we practiced Tatum's flower girl entrance at the rehearsal, it was amazing. Like, "Look out, we're going to be Youtube famous!", amazing. Come wedding day? It looked like things were going to go pretty much the same, as you can see above. 

But then...

...Not so much.

It was still kind of great, though. Classic Tatum. 

And the whole family.

Please note Tatum's face. She gets it from her Mama. (RBF)

Contrary to what this picture says, Tatum was all about that ringbearer.

Like, I'm pretty sure I would have to put him under "First Crush" in her baby book.

Yay, Tori and Matt! So happy for my little sister. 

**Photos by Dennis Minner Photography**

Let's Review: Pretty & Perky Cream Soap

I am a total sucker for bath and body products. I love that they not only serve a very essential purpose, but they can also be pretty and smell delightful. An all around win, right?

Recently, Pretty & Perky (@prettyandperkydotcom) started following me on Instagram. I loved seeing their beautiful photos of their products pop up in my feed, and quickly went to their store to add some items to my wish list. #1 on said list was their "Pink Grapefruit Cream Soap."

So, naturally, I was pretty stoked when I finally got to order it last week. My package arrived very quickly (yay, fast shipping!), and not only did I find my purchase, but a couple of little soap samples as well; thoughtful things like that from businesses are just the best. 

After trying my soap last night, it is safe to say that I am totally a forever customer! The fragrance is very aromatic. After applying, the scent of grapefruit did not go away. I usually feel like I can't REALLY smell my soap outside of off of my skin. You know? This stuff like, lingers in the air. You don't need to use much soap at all to get a great lather going, and it feels super soft.

So, long story short: I am in love!

I posted a condensed version of this interview on IG last night, saying that, "I can't wait to shower again." I'm not even kidding.

I mean, I'm kind of concerned for our water bill...

Check out Pretty & Perky for yourself:

Instagram

Website

Store

Book Report: Me Before You.

{not my photo, found here}

This. Book.

I don't even know if I can do a proper review, because I feel like anything I would say just doesn't do it justice. That's how much I loved it.

When I started reading "Me Before You", I was already thinking about how I need to make big changes in my life, but after finishing the book, that became so much clearer. The theme of the book is living. So. This book, these characters, couldn't have come into my life at a better time. (I like when that happens.)

This was one of those reads, for me, at least, where you do not want it to end, you get so attached to the characters you need more of them...All of that good stuff.

“I see all this talent, all this...this energy and brightness and...potential. Yes. Potential. And I cannot for the life of me see how you can be content to live this tiny life. This life that will take place almost entirely within a five mile radius and contain nobody who will ever surprise you or push you or show you things that will leave your head spinning and unable to sleep at night.”

That quote really does a number on me. It makes me think and feel so much, because it feels like a statement that was directed at me. If I'm being honest with myself, I think I base most of my life decisions off of fear. I am a very nervous person. Comfort zones are my best friend. So, often, I don't pursue things I actually want to, because I'm either afraid of failing, scared of the tasks that may be involved, or worried about disappointing people. But, dude. "MBY" left me feeling like now, more than ever, I need to just DO. Do things that push me further to my goals, to a better life for my family, to being an example to my kids. 

So many thoughts + feelings.

That's the best.