This Unfamiliar Road

On Friday, I posted about the awesome deal I got on my NuMe Curling Wand. Since I have pretty long and very thick hair, I prefer big loose waves. I went with a NuMe Classic Wand 32mm.
I am completely clueless about how to use this thing. Thank goodness for YouTube y'all!
Here's my first go (6 hours after I curled)

I love the waves, and it actually stayed that way until the next morning! My hair is so heavy right now, so I was surprised it actually set in. Go NuMe!


And of course, Peyton wanted in on the selfie action ;)

Here is the YouTube video I watched if anyone else is as clueless as I was!
This girl has great tips on different types of curl and what NOT to do! Enjoy

Among the articles, pins, and blog posts about the best products for baby, there is little to help the Mom who has a toddler and a newborn at the same time!
After 5 months of experience as a Mom of two babes, I have found some must-have items when juggling the twosome.




A Sleep Program. With baby number one, you might have decided to just wing it when it came to sleep and a schedule. When baby two comes along, you will want to have some type of structure, for your own sanity. With both of my kids, I used The 90 Minute Baby Sleep Program and I can't say enough good things about it!

A Baby Monitor. If you didn't have one before, you need to get one now! Purchase a system with two monitors and a split screen to keep an eye on both kiddos. Rather than fork over $350 for a monitor, we bought this Foscam security camera, routed it through our Wifi and purchased an app for our iPhones and iPad. It cost about $100 for 2 cameras and apps.

A Baby Carrier. There are going to be times when older sibling needs your attention (and hands) and you are also dealing with a fussy babe. Enter the baby carrier. It's also excellent for dates at the playground! I love my Moby and my ErgoBaby.

Big Diaper Bag. Your cute purse-like diaper bag is just not going to cut it when you need to stuff diapers, outfits, bottles AND crayons, snacks, & games in there. I am in love with my Skip Hop Duo Double bag. It's slim enough to fit in the stroller, yet holds everything we need with lots of pockets. It's still pretty and I don't feel like I am carrying around a suitcase.

Double Stroller. I really struggled with the decision to buy a double stroller. I did a lot of baby-wearing with my first, and planned to do it a lot with my second child. Wow...I am so glad I bought one! We use our double stroller all the time. I love my Graco Ready2Grow stroller. There are TWELVE riding options. You absolutely must check this one out!

Rock n Play Sleeper. I recommend this product to everyone who is expecting a baby, but I never knew just how handy it was until our second arrived. The Rock n Play is a handy spot to lay your sweet babe and is elevated just enough for big sister/brother to interact (but not putting your newborn on the floor to be trampled!).

What product helped you out the most when adding baby 2 (or 3,4,5!) to your family? I would love to know!

I use my iPhone for almost everything, but when it comes to my planner...I still like the feel of a paper planner! Writing my to-do's, checking them off, and planning my monthly projects brings me joy. I know, y'all...I'm a nerd. I'm ok with that.

I usually pick up a cute little planner from Target-and those have worked well for me! But I thought it was time to invest in a nice one...since it brings me so much joy and all :)

I'm really not interested in forking over $60 for one, so I was super pleased to discover Plum Paper Designs on Etsy. Shortly after perusing this shop and loving the planners, I read Elise's post about how happy she was with her planner! For about $30- I was sold!

I couldn't wait for my new personalized planner to come in.




Every month begins with a two-page calendar so you can see what your month looks like. I like being able to glance at the whole month.



Because I don't have many daily appointments or commitments, I opted for the "Horizontal Days + Notes Layout".
On this weekly view, I have one page to write my to-do list, and another to fill in actual appointments or, in my case, work days!
**Be sure to check out their shop for other layouts...there are TONS!





In addition to a contacts page, holiday page, and general notes page, this planner has a super handy pocket in the back!


Are you in love?

Be sure to check out the Etsy shop for other items: Family, Teacher, Student, Wedding, Meal & Fitness Planners!
Very well-made, cute, and reasonably priced :)

Blanket Scarf. You can never have too many scarves, and this year the blanket scarf is a super cute way to keep warm. Roll it up and stuff in a stocking!

Shaving Set with Brush. I love this set for the guy in your life. This one is $18 from Amazon, but you can definitely splurge for a nice set for $50-$100 range.

Tervis Tumbler. Who doesn't love a Tervis?! Keeps hot drinks hot, cold drinks cold, and doesn't sweat. Plus tons of designs!

Mist Screen Cleaner. For the germaphobe on your list! An all-in-one microfiber and cleansing spray for your cell phones, tablets, etc. I would love to find one of these in my stocking!

3D Fiber Mascara. Fiber mascara is all the rage this year! This would be a great gift for that frugal lady who wouldn't typically splurge on cosmetics.

What do you think about the list? Is there anything on here you would love to find in your stocking?

Link up y'all!
Cheers Y'all A. Liz Adventures Miss Dixie Southern Style

Check back in next week for Gifts Under $100!

It's here! It's here! I loved participating in the first annual Christmas List Linkup last year, and it's time to do it again.

I have never had an extensive beauty routine, but now that I'm a Mom, my day to day routine has become really abbreviated!
I have also discovered that I don't have to splurge on beauty products for good quality.

Here are a few 'steals' that are just as good (if not better!) than the splurge:

Hair Care:


I am an Aveda lover for sure, but my wallet doesn't agree! I made the switch to Organix shampoo and I am loving it! Organix products are sulfate free, so my hair stays moisturized.

A) Aveda Shampoo & Conditioner Set: $35
B) Organix Shampoo & Conditioner Set: $17
  Bottom line: Save $18


Makeup:

 I have been a Bare Minerals girl for years, but I cringe every time I have to pay for it. The price isn't outrageous (especially compared to other foundation!) but when a friend told me about Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, I was very excited! Neutrogena provides the same coverage as Bare Minerals with that familiar loose powder application. I love it...and so does my wallet!

A) Bare Minerals Foundation: $27
B) Neutrogena Mineral Sheers: $12
   Bottom Line: Save $15

Well friends it's been a busy week! Unfortunately, I have not been busy celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying the season with the family...I've been working. A LOT. Ohhh the life of a nurse :)



I am back with the last installment of this super fun series- A Few of My Favorite Things: Gifts Under $100.
I have loved these weekly posts, and they have certainly put me in the Christmas shopping mood!






ONE A point & shoot camera. This Nikon Coolpix is a great little camera with all the bells & whistles. If you are not a professional photographer, this is perfect to catch all of life's little moments!

TWO KitchenAid Hand Mixer Let's be honest- we all want that $400 KitchenAid stand mixer. It's pretty. But unless you bake frequently, do you really need that? This hand mixer is brought to you by the same company and it's a great tool for the more "infrequent" baker. These range in price from $50-$99.

THREE Start or add to a collection! A china collection can be costly, but what a great gift to start or add to an existing collection for someone! (Obviously, this can apply to any collection).

FOUR Cufflinks.Monogrammed cufflinks. Such a personal gift for the man in your life, and these have quite a price range (even as low as $20!).

FIVE For the baby or kiddo on your list, you can't go wrong with a cute set of PJ's. Add a monogram and you are all set :)
This set comes from my favorite embroidery shop-Southern Stamp Embroidery. (Shop local, friends!)

SIX You can't go wrong with gift cards. Although I used to think these were a little impersonal, now I see so many varieties of gift cards! Is your recipient a coffee lover? Or a movie guru? A bargain shopper? You can find a card for anyone and make it personal.

Well, that wraps up (haha...get it? "wraps up") our Favorite Things Christmas series. We will be back to our regularly scheduled blogging soon!

Don't forget to link up :)

I am back for the second installment of the Christmas linkup! This week, our focus is Favorite Things: stocking stuffers. So much fun!

Stocking stuffers are my fave because these gifts are typically inexpensive (typically) but require some thought and creativity!


ONE. I am a sucker for Aveda products. These trial sized lotions and lip balm are perfect for dropping in a stocking!

TWO. Am I the only one who struggles with the 4 inches of iPhone cord? I think anyone with an iPhone could use an extra charger...with some extra cord!

THREE. Ok, if you are looking for a nicer gift for the stocking, you can't go wrong with James Avery jewelry. It's unique, well crafted, and won't break the bank!

FOUR. Magazines!! These can be such a fun and personal gift. You can find any topic, too: Southern Living, trashy gossip, fashion, fitness, food & crafts. Tie 'em up with a ribbon and you've got a great stocking stuffer!

FIVE. Did anyone else know you can buy OPI minis? I've just discovered these...so exciting! You can purchase a sampler pack and give someone a variety of colors!

SIX. Infinity. Scarf. Add a monogram for a personal touch! Perfect for cold weather :)

Hope you're feeling inspired by this list. Remember to link up!

This edition of "favorite things" is extra special because I'm joining a linkup over at
Cheers Y'all!



I'm excited because I get to show off a few of my personal favorites...things that are on the top of my Christmas wishlist. Be sure to join in on the fun!



ONE. New Stockings. Am I the only one who was drooling over the PB Kids catalog? Although I do love our Target stockings, I think it's time for an upgrade :) I love this classic style...and I think it would be easy to add to this collection when the time comes!

TWO. Fleece jacket. The NorthFace Osito is nice, and I am loving the fresh grey/white color. It's one of those items I really need but will never buy for myself!

THREE. You can never have too many frames. Especially orange chevron ones. Enough said.

FOUR. Along with a new pair of boots comes the need for boot socks. These are adorable and they look so cozy! I would love a big thick-yarn sweater to go with them! :)

FIVE. We are way overdue for a pop of color in our bedroom. Pillows are a great way to add in some fun and I love how this yellow compliments our grey!

SIX. This mantle. Have you ever had a project you've been dying to complete but just don't know how to get started? Or, in my case, don't want to spend the money on the materials? I just want to have this mantle in my home. And I want someone to do it for me!

Hope you enjoyed perusing my favorite things. Stay tuned for the next linkup in this series :)

The toddler stage has been lots of fun so far!


As a parent, it's impossible to know what "the best" thing is for your child. It's all trial & error-with products, food, discipline, etc. However... here are some things that have made our lives a little easier...and Peyton's toddler-hood more fun!




Pocket Bibs. You will not survive self-feeding without pocket bibs. Toddler coordination is not the greatest at first, so this is super helpful to catch all the 'extra'!


Fisher Price SpaceSaver High Chair. Speaking of eating...you'll need the proper chair! I love this SpaceSaver chair- it reclines for infant feeding and the back can be removed for a booster later on. This chair will truly grow with your child and it doesn't take up your whole kitchen!



The First Years Jet Stroller. I went way too long without an umbrella stroller! I did lots and lots of research and found that this one is the most budget-friendly with all the bells & whistles. We are loving it!

Leap Frog My Discovery House. Peyton got this as a birthday gift and 5 months later, she still loves it! Of course, the buttons and noises are fun-plus it teaches opposites!

Munchkin Bath Scoop. You're going to need a place to store all of those letters! This scoop is a great size and has held up very well. P loves to "tidy up" when bath is over.



Playskool Walk 'n Ride. I just love a toy that will grow with my kiddo! This was a great walk-behind toy when Miss P was first toddling. Now, we have turned it into the rider...and it's a whole new toy! This was actually a consignment store purchase, and well worth it!


Food Pouches. Where would I be without these pouches?! This is an easy, quick snack that P can easily feed herself. And they are super healthy-hiding some veggies with fruits :)

Favorite Books. Peyton has always loved books so we have quite the collection at our house. These are the 4 books we rotate through at nap & bed time...her absolute faves!

There you have it: my must haves for the toddler world. Are there any items that your toddler can't live without?