God Bless America

I am completely outraged upon hearing about the ignorant POS that shot and killed the two officers in NY. I am sick!!! Unfortunately, as a human race, this has reversed any "progress" that has been made from a racial standpoint. Unfortunately, he was a black male. Unfortunately, he was an idiot.  I am afraid to say under these circumstances, there will be no one to hold accountable because he killed himself in a cowardly act of disgrace.  He sure did "give those pigs wings," like he said he would in his instagram post hours before the slaying but what did he really prove? To see the oh-so-peaceful protestors out the day after with signs of 'kill cops to get our way' and so on.... WAS REPULSIVE. Do they not understand what this means? NO, of course they don't - they are the scum of the earth. We are destined for failure as Americans - because we kill each other based on color. The rest of the world laughs at us!!! We are the Ringling Brothers Circus of the world.

We still need to keep every single one of the innocent people - who died in this civil war based on race in our thoughts. My heart aches for all of their families.

BCS & one pair of #babymocs

I took off a few days from the office to spend with my little nugget. So far, so good. I can definitely feel the whirlwind of emotions and exhaustion from staying home with the little dude. We've read 2 "boos" 57 times, had 7 doughnuts, and a pound of peanut butter because mommy couldn't say no. The house is clean-ish, I suppose. The Christmas presents are half-wrapped. Needless to say, ya can't get too much done with the little hurricane running around wreaking havoc. I.still.loved.every.second.of.it. 

Sidney and I tried this new restaurant at the Sawgrass Mills mall called Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar -- it was amazing. Sidney ordered the breakfast burger with a fried egg, I had the buffalo chicken sandy & truffle fries, and Aiden had the chicken tenders. We will definitely be back. 

Two words: Truffle Fries -- & P.S. this was the best buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had. The second best was at Swine Southern Table & Bar in Coral Gables -down south. I generally stay away from spicy but I can't pass up a good chicken, buffalo, and ranch trio. Want. Now. 

He is wearing his distressed gap shorts ;) #stylish baby His moccasins have been ordered but I won't use the same distributor again.... We had a little miscommunication, and it didn't end how I would have liked. I don't want to put her on blast, but as a small business owner wouldn't you like to keep business and not screw the customer? Whatever. I'm over it. I already have someone else I'll use. :) btw- if I start designing and distributing trendy toddler tees would you guys buy from me? Well, it's already in the works and fingers crossed for success. 

Christmas List

Sidney asked me what I wanted for Christmas and obvi, I told him a ring and a boob job. Welp! Apparently, those aren't Christmas presents-- so I'll just have to come up with something else. Lately, I've been obsessed with makeup and hair, so I'll probably just ask him to make me pretty for Christmas.

 Seriously though, I really don't need anything... after you have children the magic is buying gifts for them. It's really wild how quickly you change once you become a parent. Wonderful, but wild. 

We put the tree up last weekend and it only lasted about 20 minutes... Aiden completely wiped out the bottom 2 feet of the tree. Lights, ornaments, and all! I knew better... I was just hoping for the best. lol.

Growing up, we always opened one gift Christmas Eve, and then the rest the next day. Santa came in the middle of night and left opened presents stacked up by the tree. We always knew that the wrapped presents were clothes from mom and dad-  and the toys, electronics, etc. were from Santa. On the other hand, Sidney has always opened all of his gifts on Christmas Eve - even the ones from Santa were wrapped and already delivered. The battle of the cultures is among us. ;) I find it soo interesting how different cultures celebrate the holidays. Most of my friends are hispanic and they all have a wonderful dinner and open all of their gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve - AKA Noche Buena. Last year, I made lasagna and we opened one present on Chistmas Eve (Sidney opened all of his). On Christmas day, we waited for Nicky, and let the boys open all of their presents from us and Santa. I made a huge brunch and we had friends and family over that afternoon. This year, I want Santa to come and leave the boys gifts unwrapped - because I think it's more fun that way. Gah, I'm so excited.

youniqueproducts.com/devinhigginbotham

Mascara Baby

I committed to Younique - and I am now a products presenter & distributor. I have become one of those crazies on insta & facebook who posts the corny pictures all day.

The difference between me and the other crazies: my products are practical. If you are fabulous, you are LYING if you say you are not intrigued by a mascara that when applied, makes your lashes look fake. I have always been obsessed with eye lashes and I feel prettiest when mine are curled and seperated perfectly.

Even in college I carried an eyelash curler in my bat bag for softball games. I am a fanatic that has been closeted, well, until recently.  Last week, I needed to buy new mascara so I googled my old mascara and BAM! True Life: I sell makeup. The mascara sells itself but the other products are a little more difficult to explain why they are better than the next cosmetic line. The answer is our products are all natural. Younique has vowed to keep their products chemical and cruelty free - which is cool.    

youniqueproducts.com/devinhigginbotham

Cyber-ly Impaired

This weekend was one of the laziest weekends I've ever had. I watched 2 entire seasons of The Good Wife, and indulged in approx. 11 cups of coffee. Of course, I cooked on Saturday for the boys and Sidney... but it was amazing! Friday, a friend of mine came over and we accidentally had 2 bottles of wine - delish. We also celebrated Aiden's 1 1/2 year birthday. ;) Doughnut cake and all! His "18 months" was actually on Wednesday, but we always want to include his brother, Nicky - so we waited for the weekend!

 

 

Aiden's teeth were bothering him again this weekend - so I cancelled dinner plans with some of my closest gal pals. That just means I'll have to plan a little happy hour very soon! I am a little guilty of never wanting to leave Aiden ...I just miss him always. The thought of taking him to a nicer restaraunt is also very stressful; especially when you know you will have to sit inside or they do not have Wi-Fi. #firstworldproblems

Yesterday, I tried to turn my laptop on and realized after 7 years that my cyber baby has died. Maybe, that's what Aiden was jumping up and down on Friday night? Time for a new one! Any offers?

I want another apple laptop and I need a newer & better camera. The hunt for technology is just so exhausting ..and you need a second mortgage for these modern day gadgets!

Mind Your Own Business



Two of my closest friends were married in May. They got married in Malibu, CA because CA recognizes same-sex marriage. Today, their relationship was finally recognized by the City they reside in. This is FABULOUS news because they are also expecting- and insurance is absolutely necessary. Gay Rights, what a beautiful & controversial topic to begin with.

I am an AVID gay rights supporter; and will put up the best argument/statement to anyone who questions my beliefs. Marriage is such huge commitment, and unless someone is paying your bills, you should be able to marry whoever you want. We should be able to live our own lives and we should always strive to support the next person's well being. I have a problem with anyone who passes judgement on another individual's actions and decisions; and if that makes me a hyprcrite, then so be it. It is no one else's right to condemn or judge you based on your core values & beliefs. Unless of course, it is hurtful to another living being. This goes for anything: religion, profession, relationships, etc. Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing, but one should never vocalize potentially harmful thoughts & feelings. Be proud of your own decisions and actions, but let others be who they want to be. If you love Jesus, then my goodness, tell the world! But you should be able to tell that SAME WORLD you love your significant other, too.

 My ONLY argument to anyone who calls homosexuality a "lifestyle," or a "choice" is, "WHY WOULD ANYONE CHOOSE TO BE "DIFFERENT"? Don't get me wrong, being different is a beautiful thing, but why would someone just wake up one morning and say, "mhm, lets like the same sex today." It doesn't make any sense to me. I view homosexuality/Bisexuality the exact same way I view an eye color or a foot size. Love is Love, man. That's it.

 

 

[photo via: Oreo]

2014 has been the most successful year for LGBT Rights and that to me, is just amazing.

Energy

So after having Aiden my energy level went to shit. I don't know if it was from lack of sleep, nutrition, or sanity, but something was definitely wrong. Two weeks ago, I started taking a prenatal and a B-12 vitamin. What a significant change! I don't start dying halfway through the day and my coffee intake has decreased by 2 cups in the afternoon! I have also started drinking more water - which is so hard because water is gross. Anyway, my advice to you guys is to go straight to walgreens (usually has vitas for BOGO or discounted) and just try it out for a while. I promise you will notice a difference.

 

 

 

 

I haven't gone to the gym since August.... I probably should start back BUT I'm just too obsessed with spending time with my family. It's so hard. I told Sidney my only option is to go at 5am. I just need motivation and to get back into a rhythm. I lost all of my baby weight very fast and kept it off for a while - but I am starting to see those french fries and cheeseburgers coming back to haunt me ;).

What do you guys do? Advocare? Pre-workout? I need a kick start if I'm going to go in the mornings.

Wicked Witch of the Office

Halloween is the holiday of the year at Cypress Insurance. We had so much fun - we ate ALL DAY and had a costume contest to boot.

 

The girls in my department and I dressed up using the Wizard of Oz theme. I'd say it was a success. We had a yellow brick road, and everything. So fun!  

 

 

 

The wicked witch of the office was crushed under a desk ;)

 

 

 

Yes, I was green.

Halloween Weekend

Well, we attempted to get Aiden into his Hershey's Kiss costume, but failed miserably. Sidney ended up having to cut him out of it because we couldn't get it off quick enough! The kid is a year and a half anyways - he won't remember. I was a little down, but seriously, why does it matter? For the pictures? To impress everyone?  I was going to eat every bit of the candy anyways. ;) Lord knows I don't need it! This is as far as we got with his costume:

We were super lazy all day Saturday - so I cooked a big dinner and we just enjoyed each other and relaxed. I reorganized Aiden's toys - so I'm sure he felt like it was Christmas! It took him 8 minutes to wreak havoc on the living room....... I wasn't even mad. :)

Sunday was a beautiful day, so Sidney and I went to brunch at Bonefish (our fav - and SO CHEAP!). Later that day, I took Aiden for a little stroll around the golf course. He LOVES being outside - so we take him when we can.

 

 

 

I think we may cut his hair soon.. what do you guys think?

I thought it was Friday

6AM alarm goes off. Per ushe (sp?)- Aiden is upside down and sideways in his crib. Too tired to wash my hair this morning, I snoozed the alarm for the extra 10 minutes. I had to leave my house earlier than usual because we are out of diapers, and my gas light was on. #winning Sidney had to be at work extra early this morning, so I dropped Aiden off at his grandma's house. I get to the gas station, and can't find my debit card or any card for that matter. again, #winning. Hopefully, Aiden doesn't make it through his emergency stash of diapers in the diaper bag. :0

I roll into work on fumes and step out of my car, realizing I FORGOT MY HEELS. I don't like to drive in heels, so I always have my everyday-flats with me. Welp, this girl is wearing brown Target sandals, with black pants, and a grey cardigan to the office. again, #winning. At least Sidney surprised me for lunch and that made my day so much better. Except, I spotted a SAHM in her lexus, with her LV bag. #hater Sidney argued that she was simply taking her son to the doctor -- but it's more fun in my head to hate her for being a SAHM. hehe. Maybe, that's what I'll be for Halloweenie...... eh.

Speaking of cars...........I'm purchasing a new car this week and it has arrived to the dealership!
Jetta Jetta Jetta. No more Altima! I wanted the VW CC - but once again, my bank account quickly brought me back down to reality. Regardless, yay! Wheels!

Moving on, I just walked into the Kitchen at work for my afternoon cup-o-coffee [aka 4th cup of the day] - and saw that someone brought Dunkin Donuts. so.excited. Sure, I'll have a little pumpkin shaped, jelly filled doughnut, with my coffee, and have a nice little blog break. Happy Thursday afternoon, people.

Cheers

Normal Mom versus Boca Mom

So, Sidney and I bit the bullet and bought Aiden's big boy car seat. He's a little guy so we were able to keep him in the infant seat for a while. Don't be fooled by his fro- it gives him a few inches. Anyway, I wanted to stay with the Britax brand because, well, I love it. I wanted the Britax Marathon BUT hello! I wasn't trying to spend a small fortune of $400+ - so we went with the Britax Roundabout. Equally as safe but half of the money! I am obsessed with it. I really feel like I bought a new pair of shoes or something for myself. Except, It's a car seat. #mommylife

 I didn't realize how stressful it was - researching and purchasing a good quality car seat. I feel like social media puts a certain amount of pressure on the middle class parents. Probably moreso the mommys - since the fathers could care less. Seriously though, I am guilty myself. I am a brat when it comes to my kid. I am part of this well known "mama group" on facebook that it is filled with these "Boca Moms" that are just so uppity. It makes me feel guilty that I don't have 6 strollers and 3 play rooms for my son.

When my bank account brings me back down to the REAL world - I realize the entire show that these mommies are putting on - is a crock of shit. For example, one of the moms posted a question and had to add that she drove a brand new BMW. I was surprised at the amount of comments coming from other moms who had to one up her? The question had nothing to do with the type of vehicle she chooses to put her ass in and drive her baby to her mommy and me class twice a week. Oh please!!!!

I'm starting to sound like a hater - I just wanted to poke fun at these ridiculous women on this "mama group".

Sick Baby

So, our weekend started at 5:35pm on Thursday. I picked my little sugar butt up from his grandma's house & when I got there he was BURNING UP! I got him home and the poor little thing had a 103.4 degree temp! I panicked - just as any mom would.. gave him tylenol, stripped him down, and Sidney gave him a luke warm bath. Now, if you knew Aiden, you would know something was terribly wrong. He wasn't smiling or running around. All he wanted to do was whine and for me or Sidney to hold him and bounce him around. It.was.so.sad. Friday morning, he woke up with a low grade fever that lingered until Saturday. His cough returned on Friday, along with his snotty nose. :( I didn't go to the office that day. Instead, I stayed home and tried to suffer through it with him. Saturday, we woke up and tried to go to brunch with one of my good friends - but he wasn't having it. [insert crying face emoji 10x's here] During one of his tantrums - he flung his head back screaming and this mommy noticed 2 molars! Welp, that explains a lot!!! poor baby. i hate it.

These are a few items that got us through the weekend. The Zarbees brand cough/mucus medicines have really impressed me.. and I've always been a fan of the Walgreens brand for fevers & aches. Aiden LOVES when I put fruit in his teething net - it is delicious - and it soothes the gums. He also developed a new found love for dum dums & milk chocolate. I just couldn't bring myself to tell him "no," at all.

 

 

We did however, try the Pumpkin Patch but it was not a success for baby Aiden. We went to Flamingo Road Nursery like last year. His brother, Nicky had a blast though! There was face painting, a hay ride, animals/zoo, a bounce house, bubble table set-up, pumpkin painting, & FOOD!I managed to snap a picture during the hay ride - neither of them look very enthused. I had fun though!

 

 

 

 

The bounce house is the only thing Aiden enjoyed. Bad idea to try that first - it was a mission to get him out of it. This is the best picture I could get of the boys:

 

 

 

 

Boy do these two love each other.

Home

A friend of mine was getting married this past weekend in Palatka. So Sidney and I decided to make the trek 5 hours north - to the small town I grew up in. I must say, I love going home [for a weekend]. There's a certain amount of natural therapy that you can get in the country. I snapped this picture while swingin' in a #diy chair that was made out of chains, plastic chairs, and basic wooden poles, that were drilled into the ground. It was cooler last weekend, so we were able to build a campfire and enjoy each others' company.

 

 

 

 

 

Aiden wasn't feeling well so we left him in his jammies all day. He had a blast! It is so great being able to see him interact with my little brothers and to see them fall in love with him all over again. We don't make it up much, but when we do, everyone's lives revolve around my sweet Aiden.

 

#wcw #sahm

Whilst drinking my usual cup of morning Joe, I came across an article about "SAHMs". Interesting, to say the least, but I definitely agreed with the majority of it. The author, was actually a SAHM herself, and had a lot to say regarding this very contraversial topic. To put it simply, she explained that SOME moms who are able to stay at home, have turned into annoying whiners who bash their husbands, and complain about their children. It is refreshing to read this kind of an article written by an actual SAHM. I was in tears by the second paragraph --great read & also a great site. [insert applause here]

http://www.yourtango.com/2014227983/shut-stay-home-mom#.VC13iildWRc

Now there are 15 brief minutes every morning that I get to spend with my son - all of which include feeding him, changing him, and getting him ready for his day at grandma's house. After we are both somewhat ready for our days, I drop him off, and off to work mommy goes! I do not feel sorry for myself, I just wanted to state that I do not feel sorry for SAHMs either. We are all "working mothers" BUT! I still have the same motherly duties and responsibilities as you, my sweet SAHMs. I initially wanted to write about the article (link above) and tell you how much I loved it -- but this has turned into a little venting sesh. Whatever. I needed it.

I mean, think about it, SAHMs are EVERYWHERE. I go to the mall on my lunch break, (because I work an hour away from my house -- and I don't have time to drive to Grandma's to see my little nugget) and I see 3 or 4 of them; All of which have their little ones running around as they sip their coffees and gossip with each other. I often hear them complain about how their children are monsters, or how tired they are, OR, how they have so much to do. Yes, I complain about how tired I am, and how busy I am, but at least they are busy and tired while in the presence of their sweet angels. Staying at home all day, being cooped up in a house is exhausting - and I respect you mothers who do so, but hello? You can leave your house? I am stuck behind a computer, doing God knows what - while an authority figure breathes down my neck about deadlines and policies. Maybe, I'm just jealous of those who are fortunate enough to be able to stay home? Some of my dear friends are SAHMs -- It is nothing personal.  I will stress that I did not choose the professional, career driven, wife/mommy role. I was forced into it, well, because #life. But in the end, all that matters is that smile on our children's & husband's faces, right? Right.

Cheers

My Story

Since I have all of these opinions and ideas that I would LOVE to publish - I decided to start blogging. This may or may not be the best idea I've ever had,  but I suppose we shall see!

For starters, I grew in a small country town in North Florida, but most of my family members live in Savannah, GA. After graduating from high school, I moved out at 18 and played softball at a college in Orlando. After recieving my A.A. degree, I transfered to Nova Southeastern University and played softball for a few more years. A red shirt year, and a few best friends later, I graduated and started my masters degree. I met Sidney (my loving baby daddy, future husband, whatever people call it these days) in college, fell madly and deeply in love, and moved in with him a couple of years later. We got pregnant a few months after that... and surprise! Aiden was born in May of 2013! My family is by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me. The making of my little family is definitely not the traditional way, but nonetheless, just as important and real. Some time in the middle of falling in love and having a baby, a job in commecial insurance fell into my lap, and I have made a career out of it.

Any ways, moving on, I  give fastpitch-softball coaching lessons on the side - and if I had it my way, I would do this full time. Coaching is truly my passion -- I'm always accepting new players to coach and mentor. I'll ellaborate more later...

I want to take on a more realistic approach to blogging. Meaning, I will be posting many not so politically correct posts.  I'm not a SAHM, so I might be a little biased when I do post reviews or experiences. I do not wish to offend anyone by any means. Happy reading!

Cheers