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Hot Tub Snow Angels + More Friday Fun!

Link Up

16 Jan

So, I’ve kind of dumped a lot on you guys recently. I feel like I’ve poured my heart out into this little WordPress box this week, and I am no short of amazed by the reaction I’ve received. Whether you simply took the time to read my short novels; or left a comment to let me know you can relate; or even invited me to a MOPS group, a Zumba class, or offered your help in making my blog dreams a reality…

Thank you.

But today starts the weekend, and even this SAHM is saying TGIF. Even though being a momma doesn’t stop on the weekends, having an extra set of hands is kind of the best thing ever. Plus, my beloved Indianapolis Colts are playing for an AFC title. That’s pretty cool too.

So, in the name of a crazy relaxing weekend, here’s five completely random things I feel the need to share.

uno | Stitch Fix update

IMG_7278

There were lots of votes for the Skies are Blue Bonnie Blouse, and a good voice for the Kut From The Kloth Emmett Boyfriend Jean, but in the end I had to pick the beautiful 41Hawthorn Penny Draped Colorblock Cardigan. Mostly because I needed something to wear to my husband’s birthday dinner last Saturday, and this sweater fit the bill.

Once the tags are off, the tags are off.

And I’ve worn it two times since. I’m obsessed.

 

dos | Hot Tub Snow Angels

Speaking of my husband’s birthday…

I thought it would be nice to invite some of our closest friends out to the country for dinner, some drinks and maybe some football. Low key went to hell when we managed to fit eight people in the hot tub with a case of Corona.

And then someone decided that snow angels were in order.

DSC_1025

DSC_1027

I, for one, did not leave the 102* water to face plant into the snow and ice. Call me lame, but there is not enough beer in the world for that to look like a good time.

In case you were wondering, there are still icy footprints and snow angels all over my backyard. It’s hysterical.

 

tres | napa

When we weren’t acting like college students Saturday night, plans may have been thrown around for a Napa Valley girl’s trip.

And you know what happens when dream vacations get brought up in our group. I make them happen. See here and here, for example.

I may have gotten on AirBnB immediately, only to find this little gem…

Screen Shot 2015-01-14 at 8.53.34 PM

Screen Shot 2015-01-14 at 8.53.44 PM

Screen Shot 2015-01-14 at 8.54.05 PM
… for a measly sum of $2,500 PER NIGHT. Four night minimum. We can hack that, can’t we ladies?

 

quatro | but realistically…

The husband and I are considering a vacation. Maybe me more than him, but I’ll say we’re jointly looking for a get-away… because momma needs a sanity trip.

I prefer the beach. The Caribbean. International travel.

He prefers to keep as many dollars in his wallet as possible.

We’ve thrown around a few locations within the continental U.S. (see, Arizona, Seattle, Texas), but we really have no idea. Where was the best, most relaxing, trip you have ever taken?

 

cinco | dbunny

And because this post doesn’t have enough Dot-power, here’s the cutest photos I’ve taken recently.

IMG_7225

IMG_7229

 

Happy Friday!

—

5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068

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Comments

  1. Jenn says

    January 16, 2015 at 9:06 am

    OMG, that napa house….wow! Definitely dream-worthy. I wish we were all so loaded that a 4 night minimum on a $2500/night place was nothing! haha
    Love your stitch fix keeps!!
    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  2. Leah says

    January 16, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Have you been to Gatlinburg? We went for our honeymoon and loved it! Plus it’s not a bad drive, either!

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      January 16, 2015 at 10:34 am

      We hadn’t thought of that! Great idea, Leah!

      Reply
  3. Bethany says

    January 16, 2015 at 10:47 am

    The US has so much to see! How about Hawaii? Ben and I can come with and we can check that off my states list ^_^

    Reply
  4. Tammy Impicciche says

    January 16, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    Sammi, you can visit me for free in Florida. Not as warm as the Bahamas but warmer than Crawfordsville. Also, you are welcome to use the house when we are not there if you prefer. March, April and May are nice months to be in Watercolor.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      January 16, 2015 at 12:17 pm

      We might take you up on that, Aunt Tammy!

      Reply
  5. Amanda says

    January 16, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    I’ve done an event in Santa Barbara twice. It’s absolutely gorgeous. So much so that I would consider going back for a few days on our own. But I’m with you…international is my preference!

    Reply
  6. nelle monaco says

    January 17, 2015 at 9:24 am

    love the black and white rug from ikea- we have the same one and i just love it. your little girl is adorable. so cute.

    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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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.

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

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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

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NEW POST: Dear Samantha, We tend to speak to ours NEW POST: Dear Samantha,

We tend to speak to ourselves negatively. But, what can happen when you write nothing but good things to yourself?

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I challenged myself to be uncomfortable this year. Sharing this? The real and raw? That's uncomfortable.

Link in bio. 🖤

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NEW POST: Who are you? (link in bio) I'm looking NEW POST: Who are you? (link in bio)

I'm looking for others who feel like me. People who may have lost a piece of themselves, but are (or want to be) on a journey to re-design their lives. Let's have a book club, or dinner party, or even start an empowerment group for 30-somethings who forgot their favorite color.

Let's help each other grow. 🌿

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #blogger #mhn #selflove #selfcare #identity #30something #travelblog #momofgirls #blog #bloggersofinstagram
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.😳)

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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

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