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Random· Weekend Recaps

14 Sep

Hi.

It’s pretty sad when you have to visit your own blog to remember what you last wrote about. And then it’s really depressing when you notice it’s been a whopping MONTH since you last even logged in to WordPress….

Some of my favorite bloggers take purposeful, announced “summer vacations” from their blogs. I never understood that… until now. Now, I totally get it.

You see, it’s not that I have a shortage of things to write about. There are PLENTY of things I should be posting (and I will). But, frankly, I haven’t had time. And if I had the time, I haven’t had the motivation… because summer.

Life has kind of gone from zero to sixty in the last 30 days. A month ago I was coming up with any excuse possible to leave my house. Dorothy and I were bored. Like, REALLY bored. We had no plans, and nothing to fill our days.

Currently, our schedule is booked for the foreseeable future. Solid. And, to be honest, I like it that way.

So what have we been up to here in the real-life Cotten Tales? I’ll give you the quick-and-dirty of how our summer has ended.

one | mickey’s house

Screen Shot 2015-08-27 at 2.31.08 PM
My mom, sisters, Dorothy and I went to Walt Disney World with six days notice
.

With a one year old.

Trust me, there are several posts coming on this topic.

 

two | 5678

Screen Shot 2015-09-14 at 1.53.55 PM

I started as the Color Guard Director at the local high school.

I also visited an orthopedic doctor, was told I have a labrum tear in my shoulder, and started physical therapy (an hour from my house).

There is some sort of correlation here… #old

 

three | school

IMG_9762
Dorothy started a Parents Day Out program, or known in our house as “school,” twice a week. On the first day, one of us bawled like a baby… and may have been so nervous that she threw up.

I’ll let you guess who that was.

 

four | mommies

I joined a MOPs group at a local church. I went to one meeting after we moved here last year (it’s been a year?!), but since they didn’t have room for Dorothy in the childcare area I kind of put this on hold. I’m really hoping to make some local mommy friends and find a little community to be a part of. Oh, and Dorothy’s classroom at MOPPETs has a slide. And a bounce house.

Basically we have high hopes for this.

 

five | tiny dancer

11261247_10100119832042838_6247435667843791659_n
When your in-laws own a studio, your kid starts dance class as soon as possible. Isn’t she the cutest little ballerina?

Don’t worry, she has proper dance shoes on the way. But we are going to have to work on not wearing a backpack to class…

 

six | #CottensTakeHotlanta

11998813_10100120228433468_2134497171814837885_n

Mr. Cotten and I just returned from a little road trip. One of my dearest friends of 23 years got married over the weekend, and there was no way I was letting 10 hours in the car stand in my way of attending! We didn’t really have plans for our travels, but we had the absolute best time discovering Athens, Georgia. I promised the beautiful bride a post about this, so it’s coming Anna Grace!

—

So, yeah. Toss in a few get togethers with family and friends, and you could say we’ve been slightly busy over the last 30 days.

Slightly.

But, break time is over. To those of you who noticed my absence over the last month, thank you for kicking my butt back into gear.

Just like football*, blogging is back in the Cotten house! Stay tuned!

*let’s just pretend the Colts didn’t play at all yesterday, mmmkay?

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Previous Post: « Random: We’re going to Disney World!
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Comments

  1. Adrian says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    So glad you are back! Yay! Dorothy is getting so big and she’s still adorable of course. I’m gearing back up to start posting again too. Unfortunately I won’t be blogging as frequently during the week, but once a week should work with studying and working again now in the picture. Looks like you’ve been busy with some pretty exciting stuff. Can’t wait to see more.

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    September 14, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    YAY 🙂 your back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  3. Jacquelyn @ The Lowcountry Mama says

    September 15, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    I’ve had super long posting breaks too- life just happens! =) I’ve been wanting to go to a MOPS group so bad. My baby is only three months though, so I think she would need to be in childcare, right? I’m not ready to leave her with someone even for an hour ha, so it might just have to wait.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      September 15, 2015 at 4:08 pm

      I think it depends on the MOPs group! There are lots of little babies who stay with their moms at mine, particularly if they’re breastfeeding. I was the same way about leaving Dorothy in childcare when she was younger, but now we’re really trying to improve her speech and social skills. She’s slowly getting used to it!

      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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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.😳)

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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. 🌊

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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
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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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