Category: Uncategorized

  • Transforming My Health: A Two-Year Journey

    I feel a lot healthier despite wearing extensions until I can get my hair to grow in thick, again.

    Wow! Has it really been two years since I last wrote a blog post? So much has happened during this time. The most significant event has been starting my health journey. I’ve learned a great deal, and I am especially grateful to my sister for urging me to seek answers before I ended up with autoimmune issues like her and our mom.

    Beginning My Health Journey

    I knew I wanted to address the root causes of my health problems and hoped to get ahead of my symptoms before they developed into full-blown autoimmune disorders. In January 2022, I contracted COVID-19, which left me dealing with chronic fatigue despite maintaining a healthy diet. Soon after, I experienced diagnoses & symptoms of hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, inflammation, MTHFR mutations, high cortisol, and nutrient deficiencies. No matter how much I cut calories or how intense my workout plan, I couldn’t lose weight.

    I realized my body was severely inflamed and out of balance. After several attempts, I finally assembled a team of functional and Western medicine doctors who took my symptoms seriously and are now working to restore my health.

    I was so depressed and miserable in this photo. I was just getting over Covid and my jeans had gone from lose to not being able to button almost overnight and I felt swollen.

    Exploring Treatment Options

    When holistic treatments didn’t work, I turned to semaglutide. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the miracle drug I had hoped for. It made me extremely nauseous, and at the maximum dose, my fasting insulin reached borderline diabetic levels. The weight loss was slow—20 pounds in nine months. Now, I’m exploring the possibility of a holistic dose of tirzepatide. Fingers crossed! My primary goal is to get my fasting insulin to a healthy level and avoid diabetes. After years of struggle, I was finally diagnosed with PCOS, which explained the glucose monitor recommendations from my insurance. I’m thankful this wasn’t an issue while I was having my children.

    Battling Inflammation and Blood Disorders

    Inflammation has been a major challenge. Despite numerous tests, the cause remained elusive until we discovered that my high inflammation levels were blood-related. My platelets were rising above normal levels, leading my practitioner to ask if I had a family history of blood cancers. This was heartbreaking, as my mom passed away from a blood cancer and had an autoimmune disorder called ITP (a platelet disorder).

    Determined to heal and maintain a healthy lifestyle, I want to be around for a long time to spoil my grandbabies and great-grandbabies. Managing my symptoms has been a constant battle, but I’m now able to recognize when my body is off and address symptoms as they arise. My latest challenge is getting my immune system to fight activated Epstein-Barr virus back into remission. Dormant viruses can wreak havoc, and my immune system has been struggling for years. It’s not normal to never get sick or to not sweat, as I’ve learned.

    Adapting My Lifestyle

    To protect my adrenals, I’ve traded intense HIIT workouts and Peloton rides for yoga, leisurely bike rides, and walks. I now understand why women’s health issues are often dismissed, and the misconception that moms are supposed to be tired. It’s not normal to wake up exhausted or rely on caffeine to function. Your symptoms deserve attention and care.

    Advocating for Health

    I’ve been hesitant to share my health struggles because it feels overwhelming. But what I’ve learned is that it’s crucial to find a healthcare provider who listens. Your health matters. I only wish my mom had known what my sister and I know now—she might still be with us. Taking care of yourself is vital, and I’m grateful every day that my husband supports my health journey because he wants me around for a long time too.

  • Pura Diffuser Plug-ins | My Favorite Scent

    Taking a Pura Vida approach when selecting my favorite Pura diffuser scent.

    When it comes to home fragrance, the Pura Diffuser Plug-In system is hands down my favorite (here’s why)! Especially during seasons when our schedules are hectic. I love that I can pick scents that make my home smell like my favorite candles, even when I am not home long enough to light and enjoy said candles!

    From different scent types to brands, Pura has a wide variety of fragrances to pick from. When it comes to picking a favorite, I can never pick just one (and I usually don’t)! However, the ONE scent that I always have on hand year round is Capri Blue Volcano.

    Capri Blue Volcano, my favorite scent for my Pura Diffuser.

    Volcano by Capri Blue is just a fresh and classic scent. With fresh citrus and sugary notes, it is a crisp, clean and fresh scent. While I may occasionally switch out for a seasonal scent (Thanksgiving and Christmas), I always go back to Volcano in my diffusers! And I am constantly getting compliments on how amazing my house smells, and how I get my home to smell amazing without burning candles!

    Want to check out Pura’s Fragrance bestsellers? Click here to check them out! If you are someone who loves fresh and floral scents, my other favorites are Capri Blue Aloha Orchid, Bridgewater Sweet Grace, and Nest Rose Noir & Oud!

    Purchase two or more items and get FREE SHIPPING! How awesome is that! If there is any indication to my scent collection, I love taking advantage of the free shipping!

    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

  • Easy DIY for the Fourth of July!

    I love decorating for the seasons, however, I don’t always have the space to store all of the wreaths that I would love to create! My favorite go-to is a hanging door basket! I grabbed one on Amazon a few years ago and it has been my go-to when I want to create a seasonal door wreath! I’ve stuffed it with bunches of silk wildflowers, mums, and tulips! When I’m done for the season, I store the ribbon and florals in a rubbermaid tote and place new seasonal florals in! I saw these poppy bunches at Michael’s a few weeks back, I knew that I wanted a big basket of red, white, and blue florals for summer!

    My one secret to throwing these stems into the basket? Recycling plastic bags and stuffing them in the bottom of the basket in order to give the stems height and support!

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    You can click here for the bow maker and hanging door baskets! Love florals? Check out my realistic Orchid Arrangement tutorial here!

    xo- Mitzi

  • Petit Fours: My favorite Spring Dessert

    There is just something about these little cakes that remind me of spring! They are the perfect serving, moist, and taste just like wedding cake. Most importantly, they remind me of home! In south Louisiana, white wedding cake flavor is a staple. When I moved to the Houston area over 10 years ago, I realized that there were some things that Louisianians do better! One of those is the Petit Four! A little cake that is jam packed full of flavor and is served at bridal showers, baby showers, tea parties, and readily available at pretty much any little bakery in the state! We love popping into at Keller’s or Pouparts bakery in Lafayette and grabbing a treat on our way back to Houston!

    A few years ago, a neighbor showed me how to make these little treats. What better reason to make them than for my best friends 40th birthday and our upcoming Easter celebrations! Here is a pro tip: make these for a large gathering! It makes a TON of little cakes and it also prevents you from over indulging in eating too many!

    The first thing to know is that you need to bake your cake at least 48 hours before your event. I promise you that Petit Fours aren’t hard to make, they just require a little planning since you have to wait so long between steps!

    To bake the cake you will need:

    • 1 box of Duncan Hines White Cake Mix
    • 2 TBSP of Vegtable Oil
    • 1 1/3 cup of Water
    • 1/4 tsp of Almond OR Lemon extract (I love them made both ways!)
    • 3 egg whites
    • 11×15 pan with sharp edges (not rounded)

    Blend all of the ingredients for 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour the batter into an 11×15 pan prepared with baking spray and parchment lined bottom. Beat pan on the counter to get all of the air bubbles out and then bake at 350 for 16 minutes (or until baked through). Take the cake out of the oven and immediately place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on top of the cake. Leave on for about 5 minutes and peel off. This will take off the top layer so that your petit fours will be white. Allow cake to cool completely and turn over onto a cutting board. Remove the parchment from the bottom.

    While the cake is baking, you are going to want to prepare your Buttercream Frosting:

    • 1 cup of white vegetable shortening (Crisco)
    • 1/2 tsp of almond OR lemon extract
    • 3 TBSP of water
    • 1 lb of Confectioners Sugar
    • pinch of salt

    Cream shortening, add extract and water. Add dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until all ingredients have been thoroughly mixed. You will need to divide it in half. 1 cup for the cake and 1 cup for decorating.

    Ice the cake with a thin coat of buttercream icing. Cover with a sheet of parchment over the icing and wrap in Saran Wrap. Freeze for 12-24 hours. It is so important in the next steps for your cake to be frozen!

    After your cake is frozen, peel off the parchment and trim your cakes edges on all 4 squares. Cut the trimmed cake in 1″ squares. DO NOT saw into the cake. You have to cut in a continuous motion so your edges remain smooth. Place your cake back in the freezer while you prepare the fondant.

    Fondant:

    • 1/8 tsp of salt
    • 1 cup of half and half
    • 2 lbs confectioners sugar
    • 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract (clear)
    • 1 tsp of Butter flavoring (clear)
    • 1/2 tsp Almond (or Lemon) extract
    • 2 1/2 TBSP Crisco

    In a double boiler, heat the milk, salt and crisco until melted and combined. Remove from heat and pour in your mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and flavorings and mix until combined. Be careful when turning your mixer on. It can get messy! I like to throw a clean towel over the mixer to contain as much of the mess as I can!

    Now you are going to want to take your cake out of the freezer and use an offset spatula to balance the cake on while you pour the fondant generously over the cake. Place on a wire rack and allow your cakes to set for a few hours! Cakes will be wet and shiny when wet and dull when dry! Take the remainder of your buttercream and your favorite piping tip (I like a #18 star tip). Place your cakes in little muffin cups for easy serving and voila! You have mini desserts that are sure to be the hit of the party!

    I’ve linked all of the supplies you will need over in my Amazon Storefront. I do recieve a small commission when you buy from my links.

  • Spring Arrangment with Dollar Spot Florals

    My mom taught me from a very early age, to never discount a dollar store or a discount section. Over the years, I’ve found some really great things! One of my favorite finds are faux tulips from the Dollar Spot at Target! Last year, I scored some really pretty buds and this year I found some gorgeous large tulips!

    I knew exactly what vase that I wanted to use! Although, when I got home, I realized that the vase was just a tad too tall for my stems. That’s when I remembered this hack! I took a clear ramekin and set it in the inside of the vase, then I filed it with some little moss stones (another dollar spot find)! Not only did it camoflage the ramekin, but it added a nice little detail to the arrangement!

    Using a ramekin as a base to support my florals
    Filling the vase with moss stones to camoflage the ramekin
    Love the added touch of the moss stones!

    Now, I added my bouquet of large tulips and I now have a cute spring arrangement that will last until I am ready to switch over to some summer florals. And my flowers didn’t cost a fortune. Just under $30 for all of my stems (large and small)! You just have to check often, because the good stuff always flies off the shelves! This is just another excuse to visit your favorite Target stores and scope out the Dollar Sections!

    I just love my breakfast nook decor! I added my small tulips to my favorite Mackenzie Childs vase and this cute foil bunny decor that I picked up from Home Goods years ago!

    Want another budget friendly arrangement tutorial? Click here for a step by step luxe Orchid arrangement tutorial!

  • Just a little update

    Just a little update

    Hi Friends!

    It’s been a while since my last blog post and I thought that I would write this post before I get back into my regularly scheduled blog posts. Its so funny how life throws your curveballs. Little did I know, the last blog post that when I wrote on how to help through loss, I would be starting another grief journey.

    I lost my dad this summer and it was gut wrenching. It was hard when I lost mom, really hard. But she had been battling cancer for over 7 years. When she passed, I lost my best friend. When I lost dad, I lost my daddy. The man who would drop everything at a moments notice to help in any way he could. The one who spoiled me, who made sure his baby girl always had a care package in the mail when she missed home. The man who would drop everything to come and visit the boys, who made all of the big games, holidays, and school functions. The daddy who told us we could always go home if we needed. The one who would always give Josh the biggest handshake at the end of our visits and tell him to take good care of me and the boys. And the one who would constantly remind Josh of my “extra (bougie)” ways and hassle me for it. “She’s been that way since she’s been a little girl, big boy. She’s not going to change.”

    One of my most treasured last photos with my dad & siblings

    There’s a weird process that you go through when you lose your last parent. I’ve been navigating it since July, and it’s been a process. There’s peace in knowing that he is with my mom. He had a hard time after we lost her and there is joy in knowing that they are together again. The finality of things, the list of things that need to be done in order to move on to the next stage of healing.

    It stinks that I had to put some parts of my content creation on the back burner. I literally felt like Dory and some days I would tell myself to “just keep swimming.” Some days I feel as if this season just keeps extending itself, but I have faith that eventually “this too shall pass.” I’m excited to get back to some normalcy and I have so much to share with you!

    So in the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in Fall.” It feels so good to be back.

    xo-

    Mitzi

  • Comfy Gifts for Mom

    As much as I love a night on the town, I love a comfy & cozy night in. Especially if it includes my husband distracting my boys with a night up in our movie room watching a movie or playing video games. I want all the quiet time with some comfy PJ’s, my hair tossed up in a messy bun, eye masks for my tired eyes and buried under pillows and a cozy blanket!

    This year, it has been my go to since we are home a lot more. I have linked some of my favorite products at all price points. I have these items and they are tried and true my top 8 favorites (and here’s why)!

    1. Barefoot Dreams Blanket: I have had my eye on this blanket for years! I’ve had mine for 4 months and I have to say that it is one of the softest and coziest blankets that I own. We are somewhat blanket connoisseurs in our home and this one is definitely in the top 3! I curl under this luxe blanket every time I have a spare minute to watch a little television.
    2. Jo Malone London Travel Set: This set is the perfect starter set. These scents are divine (my top favs) and the perfect trial/travel size to test it out to see if you truly love them. P.S. you will and you will become a scent layering connoisseur in no time!
    3. Jo Malone London candle: Ya’ll, this candle is so luxe! I am a candle person and this one is worth every penny. It is super scented, burns evenly, and fills any room with luxe fragrance. I have this candle in our bedroom and I love it.
    4. Satin Pillowcase and Mask Set: So I have to be honest, I don’t use a sleep mask but this set is such a great deal compared to its competitors. I will just bundle the sleep mask with a fun set and gift to our neighbor for her birthday. This satin pillowcase though… I love sleeping on a satin pillowcase simply because of it benefits. It is great for your hair and limits the amount of creasing that occurs overnight. It’s also great for your face, its great for fending off fine lines and wrinkles and it is soft and non-irritating. My mom used to actually have me sleep on a satin pillowcase when I was a girl simply to preserve my “Shirley Temple” curls and I know she is up there saying “I told you so”
    5. Pajama Set: Let me preface by saying, if you purchase anything on this list, this is the one to grab! These PJ’s are my FAV!!! Like hands down FAV! I have been in LOVE with these PJ’s for years!!! The fabric is so buttery soft, they do not pill, they wash well, and they last! I have tried some of the competitors versions that were less expensive and they are just not the same. These are money!!
    6. Satin Hair ties: Now if you know me, you know that I am a huge lover of teleties. You know those hair ties that look like an old phone cord? Well, these hair ties are tied at number 1 with those! These satin hair ties are so gentle on your hair and prevent creasing as well. I love to throw my hair up in these at night and sleep in them. Plus, they look adorable for everyday wear as well!
    7. Gold Eye masks: I have been using this brand of eye masks for a while. They are by far my favorite. Eye masks are my fav when I am feeling “mom tired” or after a night of drinks and fun. Pair this with the pillowcase set and/or the satin hair ties for a cute little gift of pampering!
    8. Soft & Plush Robe: Let me first start off by saying that when I first saw (and felt) this robe in store, I knew that I needed it. First off, it is super affordable and just as soft as the higher end brands that I have been eyeing for a while. Secondly, it is soft, like so soft… and cozy.

    So there ya have it guys, my comfy favorites. I have to say, I have and adore everything on this list and they are truly my top favorites that I would not mind having more of under my tree. Of course, what would be icing on the cake is opening these gifts and seeing a hand written voucher from my husband promising for some much needed quiet time and 4 little elves cleaning my house while I take naps and watch movie marathons! (wink, wink!)

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  • 2020 Top Gift Ideas

    2020 Top Gift Ideas

    This year has been such an awkward year. I had to really dive deep and research my gifts this year.

    1. Because this year has taught me the need to simplify our home.
    2. We don’t need a bunch of “junky” items that will be used a few times and then tossed to the wayside.
    3. Invest in items that we want and know that we will use going forward

    These three items are a little pricey, but I know that they are absolutely worth the investment. Plus, these three have flex pay options, so if you do not want to pay all at once, you can choose to have it broken down into 4-5 easy payments!

    First up in this Nespresso coffee system! Right now it is being offered as a DOORBUSTER at almost $100 off of the original price bringing it to under $200. This single serve coffee maker along with a travel mug and milk frother makes for the best coffee station. I am obsessed with my frother and I paid almost half of what this entire bundle is selling for right now! Such a great deal!

    Next up is the Dyson hair dryer. Ya’ll, I did not want to fall in love with this thing. I have always been a $25 blow dryer gal since forever! But, I took one of these babies on a test drive and I almost had tears in my eyes when I gave it back to my neighbor. This hair dryer is worth the hype! I have fewer “fly aways” and less frizz. Plus, I haven’t used my straightener since I made this investment. Now I have to say, it is a pricey at $399… but I found a 5 flex pay option that made the purchase worth it. I am obsessed with this hair dryer!

    Finally, the Coravin wine preservation system! This has actually been on my list since last Christmas! I am the only person in my home who loves wine and I hate to open a bottle just for myself. I’ve looked into other wine preservation systems and well, they have just never really appealed to me. I want an option where I can tap into a bottle and enjoy a glass of red one day and then two weeks later have a glass of white. Especially since we have not been entertaining as much this year and it looks like much of next year will be the same. I actually questioned several friends who do own this system and they said that it is 1000% worth it…so fingers crossed Josh is reading this article and I will have one of these under the tree this Christmas!

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  • Top 5 Winter Skincare Products

    Top 5 Winter Skincare Products

    This blog post has been a long time coming. It’s something that I have become passionate about over the last several years. I feel like I need to give some back story for this post, though. When I was in my teens, I had terrible acne. I ended up doing three rounds of Accutane over several years and while it did its job and cleared up my skin, it gave me the worst joint pain. I remember being in tears because I wanted to dance but my body hurt.

    Fast forward to 32, I had just delivered my last baby and noticed a few zits popping up that were out of the ordinary. I selected an organic skincare line to try and it was like kryptonite on my face. I developed a full blown case of cystic acne all over my face. After my dermatology appointment, I walked out with a game plan and a warning that if the suggested regimen didn’t work, that the next step was a round of Accutane. My mental response was “hell naw.”

    First let me preface by saying, find a derm and an esthetician who is passionate about helping you find the perfect skincare regimen. The brands and products that work for me may not work for your specific skin type or budget.

    Last week I noticed that my skin was really irritated, I had a case of “maskne” along with dryness and irritation courtesy of cold/dry air moving through the area. An esthetician friend noticed and suggested that I try the new EltaMD Skin Recovery system. Let me tell you, I have been using it for a week and it is a game changer!

    The Foaming Facial Cleanser is my favorite gentle enzyme cleanser. I have actually been using this for years. It’s much more sensitive than it’s drugstore counterparts. Those leave my skin feeling dry, but this cleanser does not.

    The second step in the regimen is the Skin Recovery Toner. I have to say that I usually don’t use a toner. The ones that I tried in the past always dried out my skin and burned a little. This one however, does not. Its calming and soothing.

    The third step is where you use all of you corrective products and serums. I would get into detail here, but I am working on a dedicated post specifically on my favorite serums in my arsenal.

    Next is the system is the Skin Recovery Serum followed by the Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer. Of course, I apply my favorite UV Clear sunscreen in the AM.

    These products are specifically designed to help repair damaged skin and have done wonders to my dry and irritated skin over the last week. It is the perfect addition to my winter skincare arsenal.

    I am linking everything for you down below, I do earn a small commission from these links. However, I am a huge believer of shopping local for my skincare. Check with you local derm, med spa or aesthetics office. Let them know your issues and what you would like to try!!! And a little tip, ask them if they have any samples. Sometimes they do and you can try the product out for a few days before you invest!

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  • Powder Bath Remodel

    Powder Bath Remodel

    I am so excited to share this reveal with you! I stumbled across the inspo photo on Pinterest around the same time that we were finishing up our massive paint project earlier this summer. Our powder bath had just been OK, the previous owners replaced the builder pedestal with a tiny sink/cabinet that couldn’t even hold the smallest bottle of liquid soap. It was time for it to get the boot!

    Inspiration Photo

    As much as I fell in love with this inspiration photo, I could never locate it’s origins. I wanted all the links, but I just couldn’t find them. As much as I would sleuth around for links, it was impossible! But, the challenge was on! First off, I knew that I wanted a reclaimed cypress counter top for two reasons. 1. Cypress is a hard wood that is water resistant. 2. I wanted that little piece of Louisiana in my home. I contacted an old friend of ours in Louisiana who is in the construction business and I knew he could point us in the right direction of locating some reclaimed cypress. Josh went to a warehouse not far from our old home and picked up several beautiful reclaimed pieces. The rest of the pieces fell into place after a lot of price watching and curbside pickup!!

    After we ripped out the old fixture, Josh began framing up the floating vanity, and affixing the top boards so that we could install the sink fixture. After we installed the sink, he affixed the front panel on the vanity and installed the new light and mirror… well the rest is history. The entire project took a weekend and we are so much happier with this space. Right now, if you asked me my favorite room in our home, it would be my powder bath! Check out the finished product!!

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