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Catching Up | Friday 5

Link Up

5 Jun

Wow. I failed in the blog department this week.

Let’s do a little catch up, shall we?

—

one | wine festival

I’m headed to the Vintage Indiana Wine Festival in downtown Indianapolis this weekend with my bestie Lana and her family, and it should be a fabulous time. However, every time I hear the words “wine” and “festival” in the same sentence, I can’t help but laugh.

I can't believe I found this amazing exchange.

I can’t believe I found this amazing exchange.

You see, several years ago bestie Kristin, bestie Amanda and I balked at the $25 pre-sale ticket price for Vintage Indiana. So, in a stroke of genius, we decided to have our own wine festival in my backyard. It would be WAY less expensive, and we could drink full glasses instead of dinky little samples. A variation of cheap wines, a cheese and cracker tray and some playing cards, and we were good to go.

Except we weren’t.

I can’t tell you how many bottles of wine we consumed that afternoon, but it was far, far too many. It was one of those, “I’m feeling good and dominating Gin Rummy while sippin’ on some merlot,” that suddenly turned into, “I think I got hit by a truck.” Zero to sixty. It was bad, my friends. Wine hangovers are the worst, and that one scarred me for life.

I’ve gotten wiser in my old age. Just pay the money and sip on samples. Vintage Indiana is clearly looking out for people like me.

 

two | brown

photo 1(9)
Yesterday Dorothy and I decided to have a good old fashioned water day. We busted out the new sprinkler (which broke within 2 minutes of use), and I re-filled the baby pool in a new location. The plan was going well until…

photo 2(7)
Yes, her pool water is brown. It turns out that our well water has a lot of iron in it. And, yes, I let her play in it anyway.

I spent all of nap time draining and re-filling the damn thing for the third time this summer…but with tap water from our bathroom sink.

 

three | mane

photo 2(8)

yay! a blurry selfie!

Thank you all for your recommendations on last week’s Friday 5 concerning the mop I call hair. I purchased the Seanik Shampoo Bar and the Big Solid Conditioner from Lush this week, but I have yet to use them. If you haven’t heard of Lush, check them out (there’s one at the Fashion Mall, local friends). It’s only one of my favorite stores ever – all organic, green, vegan, fresh, ethical, handmade etc. – and everything smells freaking AMAZEBALLS. Get yourself a bath bomb. They rock my world.

Also, I managed to come home with a curling wand after my magical Target excursion this week. I absolutely suck at curling my own hair, so naturally I bought myself another curling iron like that would remedy the problem.

AND IT DID. I’m in love with my curling wand. I don’t even know what I’m doing with it, but my hair looked like… good! Even more magical? My kid actually let me curl her hair.

photo 1(10)

miracle of all miracles.

 

four | HP hangover

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I recently finished reading the Harry Potter series, a mere 20 years behind everyone else. I even convinced my dear husband to watch all of the movies with me, and we’re down to the last one.

Two things:

1. Dear sister, I’m sorry I made fun of you all through our childhood for loving Harry.

2. I have no idea where to go from here.

I’m about to leave on a fabulous week-long vacation, and I need something to read. I keep looking for books that will interest me, but nothing seems to live up to Harry Potter. I mean, it’s only arguably the best book series of all time.

Suggestions? I’m a sucker for romance, love a good non-fiction, and typically shy away from “fantasy.”

 

five | wedding week

It’s finally my beautiful cousin’s wedding week! Yay! Bring on the festivities!

If we could all start saying a prayer now that a certain one year old actually makes it down the aisle at the wedding, that would be appreciated. If her dress stays clean, if she actually wears her headband, or if we last the whole evening without a meltdown, it will be considered a miracle.

As for tossing petals? Yeah right.

—

TGIF, my friends!
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3 Comments

Previous Post: « Another Magical Day in Toddler World
Next Post: Drinking Wine & Kicking {bass} Ass »

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Comments

  1. Imelda says

    June 6, 2015 at 12:17 am

    Hi Samantha,
    Came across your site when doing a Google search for “Stitch Fix” – love your posts by the way. In response to your HP dilemma – I’ve been there and it’s HARD to move on but you have to just give yourself some time to: 1)grieve that certain characters have died, 2)allow your mind to return to reality and 3)come to terms that although the series is “done” that Harry, Ron and Hermione will always be your friends. As far finding something new to read — not sure if you have watched any of the Outlander episodes on the Starz channel? but it’s adapted from a series by Diana Gabaldon – it’s a historical fiction based in the Scottish Highlands – anyways, my point is that — it’s AMAZING!!! I rank it up there with Harry Potter as far as, well written, unique characters, and story lines that you didn’t see coming that intertwine with other story lines. I will warn you, if you do read it, be prepared to apologize to your husband for going M.I.A for the next few months as you get sucked into this world.

    Reply
  2. Stephanie says

    June 15, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    I know it seems a little “overdone” and “over rated” but both the Divergent series and the Hunger Games series were REALLLLY good. I’m currently in The Maze Runner series and its so far so good. If I had to pick one, of those I mentioned. Divergent series….check it out. 🙂

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      June 15, 2015 at 9:42 pm

      I actually read the full Hunger Games series the first time we went to Saint Martin! Excellent books! I’ll have to check out the Divergent series (especially since there are movies that I could make my husband watch with me!).

      Reply

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
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This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for alway I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be. ❤️

My baby turns 7 today, which feels unbelievable in many ways. Dorothy Laura, you make me so proud to be your mommy. 

#dbunny #cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #birthday #7yearsold #firstborn
If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’ If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’s, it will be enough. 

We lost 94 years of memories today, and even though we knew this day was coming it doesn’t make it easier. I’m just so glad my girls could know and love their Papaw Great. 

RIP, Upe. 💛
Have courage, and be kind. ✨ #waltdisneyworld # Have courage, and be kind. ✨

#waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderella #cottentales #cottensisters #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #travelblogger #disneysmmc #fallbreak2020 #spontaneous

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