Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth + Giveaway

White teeth have always been a thing for me. Growing up I was always a bit insecure about the gap in between my two front teeth. Into adulthood I struggled with the decision to get braces for that reason only. After years of contemplating I decided my gap was a character trait just like my dimples and my freckled hands. My teeth weren't perfect but because my teeth were always pretty white, I was able to accept my smile. Fast forward to two kids later and SOME. MUCH. COFFEE, my smile had changed. I noticed that my tooth color seemed a little off. I went to my dentist in hopes to get them professionally whitened. I had done this once before but I was in college and my parents paid for it. Well after hearing the total, I decided I wouldn't go in that direction. I thought about some of the over the counter white strips because I had tried them before as well, but I knew it wouldn't get me the results I desired. 

When I was contacted by Smile Brilliant to partner with them and try their complete whitening system, I jumped at the chance. It was perfect timing. I was so impressed that I'd have custom trays and get the professional looking results I was looking for. I am so excited to share with you my results.

These are a few of my favorite things!

Christmas Shoot 2017

So excited to share our 3rd annual Christmas shoot! I'm not sure if we'll do this every single year but I love looking back at our last two shoots and seeing how our family has grown from three to four and how big the girls are getting. This year we took our photos inside the beautiful Union Station. It was crowded but we made it work! These girls can't stay still to save their own lives so it was hard getting a photo with everyone looking. Everyone smiling wasn't much of an option as Lois was not in the mood for smiles and giggles. She gave a couple smirks but that's about it. Our beautiful friend Jessica of Sarah Jessica Photography shot us. 

Christmas House Tour 2017

It's our second Christmas in our home and I'm finding more places to decorate. In the coming years I know it will spill into every room in the house. It is undoubtedly the best time of year and I have so much fun making our home festive. This year we are expecting my mother for Christmas and we are so excited about her visit. This will also give us some extra time in the basement so hopefully an update will be coming soon!

This big beautiful wreath was an awesome steal from Michael's and I originally planned for it to go out on the house above the door but waiting for Tj to get an extra tall ladder and dealing with his new found fear of heights made me rethink it's placement, lol. I think it's happy here!!

Lo's 13 & 14 Month Update

It feels like forever since I've updated you guys on sweet Lolo! She recently turned 14 months and we are getting more and more of her personality. She has recently started rolling her eyes. Someone please explain to me where they get this stuff from? And it happens right on time, she knows exactly what she's doing. She is still a very happy girl (when being held) and is learning how to do some independent play and with her sister. She loves pointing and making sounds but we can't get many words out of her at this point. Mama, Dada, hey and bye are still her current words. I am a little surprised at her lack of motivation to say more things but her sister has that on lock. At this point we just encourage it as much as possible but she is definitely capable of getting across her needs. She brought Tj her cup and pointed towards the kitchen the other day. 

Lois is quite the aggressor when it comes to her sister. I learned this one day as she pushed her sister for no good reason. Several times for that matter. Provoking her until Noelle retaliated (I'll discuss this relationship further on another post soon). She DOES bite and will NOT back down if something she wants is taken from her. 

Halloween 2017

Noelle had to have changed her mind about her Halloween costume at least 4 times. Her final decision was My Little Pony. And she insisted that Lois and I dress up as ponies as well. Tj was able to get out of dressing up for another year. I recently took Noelle to see the My Little Pony Movie and she loved it, I also did this to make sure she wouldn't change her mind because my purchase was made and I was NOT returning the costume. It worked because she loved the movie and was even more excited about being Rainbow Dash. I was in complete shock that Lois kept on her headband the entire night. Lois was Pinkie Pie and I was Twilight Sparkle.  

Our neighborhood shuts down a street and all the businesses pass out candy. It's a one stop shop and we love it. The surrounding homes go all out with their decorations, so we stopped and got candy from a few more houses before heading home. 

Catalina Island

So yes, this post about a month late (insert eye roll here), but in my defense the weather in Denver has turned cold and now I'm reminiscing. Does that pass for an actual excuse?! Maybe not but I am now feeling motivated to post about this sweet beach vacay we had at the end of September. Tj and I were babies the last time we were here. We lived in California childless and came over just for the day. We needed a little getaway and Tj suggested Catalina. I was all about it and this time we'd actually be able to stay a couple nights. The journey to get there was not the easiest but not as bad as it could have been. 

We flew to LA and spent the day and the next morning we drove to Long Beach where we took an hour long boat ride to the island. Hauling the carseats and luggage the entire trip had to be the most challenging part. Traveling with the kids is a whole adventure in itself. 

Living Room Reveal + Fall Decor + Simply Earth

Happy fall friends!!! I am so excited to share our living room space plus some fall décor. All of the major elements are in place and it's so exciting to have finished another space. I know I'll be adding more pieces as we go but I am loving it so far. For those of you who follow me on instagram you may know that this couch is actually the new new. We purchased a couch about a month ago and although we liked it, we weren't convinced about how it looked in the space. After purchasing the chair we knew we needed to make another couch selection. So here we are.....

Lo's 1st Birthday Celebration

This girl is loved by so many and we are so grateful to God that we get a front row seat to watch her grow. Loving on her this past year has been amazing. The snuggle is real!! By the way I had no clue what I was doing but threw together this floral headband the morning of the party, surprisingly she kept it on for a little while. 

Lo's 12 Month Update

These photos were incredibly difficult to get, this girl is super busy!! Our sweet N' Lo, here we are, a year later and I am so incredibly grateful for your smile. It SHINES brighter than the stars. You are as sweet as pie and your cuddles are the absolute best. This year has been a challenge but I wouldn't have you any other way. I am still so impressed with you walking so early when you insist Mom hold you everywhere. You aren't a big talker but you've got your sister for that. I will never regret not holding you enough!!!

Dining Room Update

There are so many projects going on over here that it's hard sometimes focus on just one. We are still renovating the basement which is going slow but steady. The living room and dining room still have a ways to go but we've made some big leaps on the dining room with the instillation of our bench cushion. I knew it was going to help make the space look finished but I didn't expect it to look this complete. We had to wait almost 3 months for the cushion to be completed but it was worth the wait because I am loving how it's coming together. 

A Visit From Our Crew

Sometimes you just have to remind your friends of the good time they had while visiting you. Maybe they'll look at this blog and decide to move here. It's worth a try, and either way these memories need to be documented. When our favorite crew came from Orlando to visit us, it was our first time as a wolf pack of eight, EIGHT people!!! We've doubled in size and we are so grateful to God for our friendship with the Cajustes. 

Lo's 11 Month Update

Jord Watch + Giveaway

Shopping for the main men in my life has NEVER been an easy task. My mother and I always said (when referring to my father), "what do you get the man who has everything?" As a kid that translated into making hand made gifts but as an adult it means unique gifts that I know he would like. The same has become true when shopping for my own husband. I know everything he has and he really doesn't NEED anything. Unique gifts are where it's at. Thanks to Jord Watches, I can help you if you suffer from this same issue. 

Sister Sister

Watching this relationship is hands down one of my favorite things in the world. I will cherish being able to show them these pictures and stories as they grow older. Frequently reminding them of how they couldn't stand to be away from each other. I took Noelle to see Beauty and The Beast when it hit the theaters and when Tj informed her it would just be here and I, she immediately asked about Lois. Stating that she "likes this stuff too"! Our previous babysitter gave Lois water before she was 6 months old. When Tj and Noelle got home, Noelle informed the babysitter that Lois was not allowed to have water, before Tj could speak a word. Noelle is fiercely protective of her. 

Lo's 10 Month Update

This month I was not on my game!!! Almost three weeks late on this month's update and lacking pictures. There's been so many new things happen since Lois has turned 10 months but I'll tell you guys about those in a short two weeks. Lois took TWO steps on the 4th of July and has proven to have quite the temper!! Attempting to bite gum her sister anytime she has something taken from her. Fortunately for Noelle, she still has no teeth. She is determined to eat everything she sees us eat and is just about over this baby food mess. 

31st Birthday Celebration

I have to admit, turning thirty one felt a little strange. For all of your life you get use to celebrating milestone birthdays pretty often. The earliest I can remember making a big deal about a birthday was ten years old. I was double digits and it was my "golden birthday"! Then comes becoming a pre-teen, then a teenager, then sixteen....you get where I'm going. But after thirty, there's only the decades! How crazy and who says?! Another year that God allows us to breath ought to be a big deal. Though there was no big trips to Key West like last year or parties I really wanted to make the day special. My husband is not huge on his own birthday (he even often forgets his age), he always goes along with my plans because he knows I love birthdays.  He had to work because it was, well Monday but me and the girls headed out for brunch. The plan was for breakfast but I have got to be the worst at getting these kids out of the house!! 

We went to a neighborhood gem we had been wanting to try for awhile. I hate the name of this place and I rebuke it in the name of Jesus Christ but the food was heavenly. 

Try-Day Friday

I was recently asked the question, "what are your fashion fears"? I wasn't quite sure I had any, but when I really thought about it I knew that I picked pieces that I was comfortable with. Without even thinking about it I gravitate to silhouettes and patterns that I feel would look best for my body type. I'm sure most people do this but where's the fun in that? So I accepted the challenge set by Dia & Co. to switch it up and have fun with my wardrobe. They believe in self love and sporting confidence no matter your size. The results were this!

Lo's 9 Month Update

We've got a stage five clinger!! She will not let me walk three feet from her without her losing it. The rules are clear, she is allowed to crawl away from me but I am NOT to walk away from her. It's been building for a couple months but we are at an all time high. She is getting super silly and I am able to get the giggles that were once only for her sister. Lo is crawling super fast and standing on her own. She waves and claps her hands, still no teeth but she loves to eat. Breastfeeding is still going really well but I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't super excited about being done in 3 months. Her facial expressions are priceless. The last couple of plane rides were a little wild due to her wiggles and loud vocal exercises. She is weighing in at 15lbs 7oz.

Year 7 Anniversary Trip| Belize Part 2

We usually jump around on our vacations to keep from getting bored. We boarded another puddle jumper and headed to Placencia for our last 3 days. Placencia is becoming more and more popular for tourism but it is not yet over crowded. There is a village with great restaurants and lots of shopping. We were met at the airport by one of the managers of the Caribbean Beach Cabanas and the place was just as beautiful as the pictures. 

Year 7 Anniversary Trip| Belize Part 1

Ok guys, I'm finally sharing pictures from our trip to Belize. Many of you know that Tj and I take a trip together annually to celebrate our Anniversary. We've been doing it since year one and it is something we look forward to every year. Picking the destination and planning the trip always builds lots of excitement. This was our first time leaving Lois and it seemed like a very long 8 months. So much has unfolded since her birth and it was a much needed getaway for us. Our actual anniversary is not until the 26th of this month but we were due to be in Orlando for my brother's graduation so we planned the trip around this time. We left the girls in Florida and kept it pushing. We made this a shorter trip due to the fact that I was still breastfeeding, which meant lots of pumping for me. Not how I prefer to spend my vacations but nothing could put a damper on this trip. 

I can't tell you why we chose Belize but I'll tell you that it should be on your list! It was absolutely beautiful!! Our first couple of nights were spent on a private island off the coast of Dangriga or Stann Creek Town. This place was INCREDIBLE!!! The island is 9 miles of the coast and is only accessible by boat. The travel it took to get there was quite interesting. We took a puddle jumper from Belize City to Dangriga and then a very bumpy boat ride to the island. 

Noelle reaps her poop reward| Disney World

So I know it's been awhile since you've heard from me. I took a much needed break from blogging to recenter my priorities. It was becoming too much of a distraction from my family. I was feeling uninspired and I am just not one to fake it. I thought a lot about stopping all together but I really love this space and I am not ready to let it go. Instead, I will take breaks when I need them and come back to you refreshed and ready to share. I've realized that to make this space feel authentic and real I need to do things on my time and make sure it's not feeling like another job because that just doesn't jive with me. I can't worry about Instagram followers and stats, because I honestly don't care. I want to just do me, no matter what the popular thing is.  

I started this blog in order to have a journal for my first pregnancy and it has turned into so much more but I think my ideas about what I wanted it to become just don't line up with my priorities. I wanted so badly to represent black moms who blog but I was having a hard time finding balance. This blogging industry is not as inclusive as I would like it to be and I wanted to make a caramel colored splash. My goals may have changed some but I'm still here and while I'm feeling inspired I am going to try and catch you up on all of the Hazley happenings recently including our recent trip to Belize. But I'm starting with Noelle's trip to Disney World to celebrate her successes of pooping in the potty!

I wish I could tell you that the promising of ANYTHING worked for her but it didn't. With the help of Miralax, new underwear and consistency, our girl finally did her thing!!

Minnie Overalls on sale. 

Lo's 8 Month Update

I can't understand it! How was she born 8 months ago? This intense, speedy and pretty traumatic natural labor experience is nearing a year ago. It is incredible the way God makes the pain less and less memorable but the high of that baby touching your chest never loses its magic. They fit so perfectly into your family as if they were always apart of it. The second adds a dynamic to your family that you couldn't have anticipated. Another love you never knew you could have. Watching another child grow is an incredible blessing. These girls are different and similar in so many ways. 

Weekend Recap

Denver's weather is finally getting it together so this weekend we headed outside to enjoy the warm weather. We got caught in a serious thunder storm, but the rain couldn't put a damper on our mood. A weekend that includes family, food, friends, shopping and church is the kind of weekend we live for around here. We started our Saturday getting out much earlier than usual. There was a pop up shop featuring small businesses that are local to Colorado and the draw of Wunderkin Co.'s $5 perfectly imperfect bows was enough to put a fire under me. I got 3 sets of matching bows for the girls and I was way more giddy than I imagined I'd be! Girl mom ALL DAY!! I even got to meet some of my coworker's super cute babies. Mr. Hazley got dragged along but he was a good sport. 

Date Night

Our last date night was so fun, I had to share! We saw Chance The Rapper at Red Rocks and I was blown away. The venue is absolutely stunning and he was so entertaining. I've always appreciated Hip Hop but I can't tell you how amazing it is to see a rapper who is passionate about Jesus Christ and not ashamed of it. The concert was pure entertainment and "the type of praise that'll make Jesus come back a day early"! It was incredible!! Hands lifted in praise and while singing, "when the praises go up the blessings come down". He may be my new favorite rapper. 

No Poop For The Weary

   

  Help me please! Help me, help me PLEASE! Ya'll I'm TIRED!! So tired of cleaning up my three year old's poop. Noelle has flat out refused to poop in the potty after every attempt by her parents. With every purchase of pull ups, I pray they are our last. We've tried talking, rewards, punishment, bribes, leaving her naked around the house and NOTHING. We are currently holding Disney World over her head. In which she repeats every day that if she goes in the potty she gets to go. She's so sweet and promises every time that the next time will be in the toilet. Bless her heart, but it's so frustrating and I'm just at my wit's end. There's nothing left to do but wait until she's ready I suppose?! Noelle does things on her own time. She did not walk until 16 months, she just wasn't into it. There was a period where we were so focused on getting her on the toilet when we knew she was close and she would just hold it. She would end up getting constipated and have a horrible time trying to go so we just said forget it. It was not worth the pain she was going through. Our Pediatrician recommended giving her Miralax daily to make it easier so she wouldn't equate pooping with pain. Once it was easy for her to go, we tried with still no success. She would wait until nap time or bed time to go. I am so lost,  so this is my SOS!!! Leave me comments with your suggestions and experiences. We'll try anything. 

Signed, 

The Professional Pooper Scooper 

Lo's 7 Month Update

We're a couple weeks late but Lo has been a busy girl this past month. Traveling, babbling, eating and just being cute! She's quick with the hands and is a FULL time hair puller. Get too close and she'll draw a tear. I thought we were going to have a quiet girl on our hands but oh has she found her voice. Yelling and screaming are some of her favorite things to do.  

Seattle & Vancouver

Our trip to Seattle and Vancouver was a unique one. Our first time traveling with a wolf pack of seven! Our travel gang has never been so large, three kids and one on the way. It was every bit of adventure and relaxation. We came, we saw, we hung out in the hotel, ordered room service and didn't feel any pressure to see every inch of these cities like we normally would. When we are without the children, we are on the move, having late nights and early mornings. Well three kids has a way of slowing you down a bit and not making you feel like you have to do everything. We were totally fine with taking a slower pace and even doing things just for the kids. We loved it!

Lifestyle Shoot 2017

We are loving calling this place home! With every project crossed off our list, we feel like we'll definitely stay awhile. Our thanks to our friend Natalie Elizabeth for capturing us at home, dolled up and the house cleaned like never before!

The Girl's Room

Our girl's have the only finished bedroom in the house and I'm slightly jealous that I don't get to sleep in here! I still can't believe after all the fuss I made about not wanting my girl's in all pink that I painted their walls pink. But I don't regret it at all. I am a girl mom, so pink is just apart of my life. I have accepted it and even embraced it. I love spending time in here with them. Reading books and hanging out on the cozy rug. Noelle has adjusted great in this space, Lois we are still working on. I am looking forward to finding more pieces for the gallery wall! 

The room is smaller than the one we originally planned to put them in. But this room is at the back of the house where it's more quiet (which means we can host friends late) and has much more natural light. Tj wanted the girls to share a room for the first few years or as long as they wanted to. There are three rooms on the main floor so when they are ready to separate the opportunity will be there. 

Finished Kitchen Renovation

 It is kind of hard to believe that we are finally here!! This kitchen has completely transformed from when we first bought the house. The opportunity to remodel the kitchen was one of the main draws for me. I was not interested in purchasing a home that did not need a new kitchen. With the help of our contractor Jud Nix, Seth Taylor and the entire team, we were able to make my kitchen renovation dreams come true. We had some bumps in the road and some serious delays with the vent hood but I am so incredibly pleased with the results. Thank God we never had any costly surprises! This kitchen is tiny but after opening up the wall in the dining area it made a huge difference in the feel. It now feels open and not nearly as small as it once did.

I will be tackling the dining room this month and will of course share the finished product with you guys. But for now....feast your eyes! 

A Lesson In Patience

Since Noelle's video has gone viral, I've heard so much about my patience with her, being praised even. I'm over here thinking, "if they only knew". I really wish I could tell you that this is how I parent all the time. Heck, I wish I was that patient in all aspects of my life, but that is simply not the truth. I struggle with parenting with patience. Please don't look to me as the picture of a patient parent because I am about to burst your bubble. In order to keep it all the way real with you and be as transparent as possible I'd like to share with you the things that make me lose it.

Talk Nelly To Me

There's a star in our midst and she's blissfully unaware of all the attention she has been receiving. Though yes, she will absolutely tell you "I'm famous" if you start to discuss the video. She knows she was on the Ellen show and will also mention that as well. This video has gone beyond what we could ever imagined it would. But in our house, we are still dealing with a newly turned three year old with lots to say and opinions to give.

Arkansas 2017

Old Arkadoo!! This is where my childhood memories live. Every summer spent here with my brother visiting our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Now we bring our children here, making new memories in this quiet town that will always have our hearts. This was Noelle's third time in Arkansas and Lo's first. She got to meet another part of her family and Noelle tried hard remembering everyone's name. Lois did several new things on our visit including rocking back and forth on her knees, someone's ready to move. These five days went extremely fast but I managed to snap some shots to remember it. 

Blog Content VS. Real Life

Image created with Word Swag

Moment of truth,  it's not what it looks like, I struggle with this blog sometimes.

Lo's 6 Month Update

Happy HALF Birthday!!!!!

Date Night

I've always been big on date nights but after Lois was born, I underestimated the struggle leaving two kids at home.

The cost of a babysitter, not wanting to leave a very small baby and just the sheer effort it took to get ready with a toddler asking every other minute, "where are you and daddy going?" while your infant demands to be held. But Lois has hit an age of predictability and we have been making up for lost time the last two weekends. We've had a few date nights in the last 5 months but we're ready to make it more of a frequent event again.

This weekend Chris Rock was in town and we were really excited to see him live. He was inappropriate, socially relevant, and absolutely hilarious. The great thing about dating in Denver is that most musicians, comics and shows make Denver a tour stop. The date night opportunities are endless. We have plans to see Big Sean and Chance the Rapper this Spring and Summer and we are pumped. I'll be getting back to posting more date night outfits, makeup and ideas! P.S shout out to all of our trust worthy babysitters. None of these dates would be possible without you!

Dining Room Plans

A dining table may not seem like such a big deal for most but I for one am over the moon about this addition to the house. We have not had a dining room table since we lived in Orlando. With doing the travel nursing gig there was no need or room for it. Once we decided Denver would be our landing place we knew we wouldn't purchase one until we moved into our permanent residence. Well here we are, a decision made and a place to gather with our family. We went with a Galvin top to break up the space and create a space that felt fresh. The wood legs tie in perfectly with our peninsula butcher top and open shelves. 

Noelle has always been a rolling stone while eating her dinner, which has made for some very long dinner times. Eating for hours while she roams the house. She is in for a rude awakening now that she will have to sit and finish her food before she gets up. I have some serious plans for this space. Lighting, bar cart in front of that beautiful window, cushions for the bench and of course chairs. We have the fabric for the bench in a dark gray and we will be on the hunt for light colored chairs. For lighting we have new recessed lights that were placed during the renovation but we need to decide on the center light that needs to be replaced. 

Lo's 5 Month Update

Lo Lo Baby!!! Such a happy girl! She smiles at pretty much everyone and everything.

Sister Sister

This relationship is new to me. This love that they share I have never experienced. And I'm sure I've told you all I was sure I never wanted it as a child or an adult, but being the mother of two girls has made me wonder what it would have been like to have a sister.

An ELLEN SHOW Dream Come True

So this happened today!!!

Valentine's Day Decor

My husband and I don't always agree on design styles but lucky for him, he listens to his wife!! I lovingly call him the design grinch because he is not a fan of me decorating certain parts of the house for the holidays. These places include the mantel and our open shelves in the kitchen, prime spots to show case my love of holidays. He says I'm "putting a bumper sticker on a Bentley". Well whatever, I think it's fun and festive and Noelle likes it as well. Target makes it easy for me to decorate these spaces super cute and for not a lot of money. Everyone knows and loves the dollar section right as you enter the store. It's a complete trap and I fall for it every time. 

Noelle's 3rd Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to our Nelly, our sour patch kid is 3 years old today!!! To celebrate I'm sharing the pics from her princess themed party this weekend. Noelle has recently been certified princess crazy and is all about the crowns, gowns and shoes that come with playing dress up. So when it was time to search for a theme, the choice was pretty obvious. Obvious like being asked to have a princess party several times over. After spending hours on Pinterest, I was able to turn our living room into a royal dress up party with princess popcorn to match the occasion. 

The red carpet idea from Pinterest was just too much to pass up, I had to do it. There were stations for the kids to go around and pick up all their necessities to become royals. I made sure to provide the guys with swords and gliders to keep them busy as well.  

Talk Nelly To Me

Fearless and witty. Sour and sweet. Noelle is a real life sour patch kid! She says some of the most outlandish things to be ALMOST three.

Lo's 4 Month Update

STATS:

Weight: 12lbs 4oz, 10th percentile

Height: 23.5 inches, 20th percentile

Basement Progress + Plans + Inspiration

Refinishing our basement is a serious commitment! It's over 1400 square feet and anyone who has taken on an unfinished basement knows this as fact. With the toys taking over our living room and dining room, we knew this project was going to have to be moved to the front of the list after our main floor was finished.

So far we've knocked down two walls, started to expose brick and dry walled most of the stucco walls. It is so huge and every space needs work. It will be a hodge podge space encompassing an entertainment space, another guest room, laundry room/bathroom, play space and a wine cellar. I know, it's a lot to take on but maybe that's why I'm so excited about it. The transformation will be incredible and I cannot wait to have carpet on one floor of the house (never thought I'd say that).

This space will be used for entertainment and our second fireplace will be on full display. I want it to be cozy and inviting. I envision watching movies on the couch and playing on the floor on a really fuzzy rug. Pictures of our many travel adventures will line the walls. 

Travel Baby Gear Must Haves

Call me crazy but I decided to travel to Orlando BY MYSELF with the girls this week! I know, I've lost all my marbles but all in the name of love!