Talk Derby to Me

This past Saturday was the Kentucky Derby, and while I don't follow horse racing closely, I'll never turn down a good party--any chance to break out my newest Lilly purchases! Sunday, my sister's Phi Mu chapter had their own version. (Don't let the big hat fool you, sunglasses were definitely still needed!)

I wore the newest Lilly two piece and I'm obsessed! I've never been much of a crop top kind of girl, but this one isn't really what I'd consider a crop. The skirt almost, almost, almost, touches the top--so depending on how you're standing or sitting, you may not see skin at all!

I tried a mint julep (the signature "derby drink") and I have to say I'm not that impressed. It was like drinking straight bourbon. I felt like I should be an old man in his study with his smoking jacket on. (Am I the only one?!) I think I'll stick to the mimosas! And how could we resist taking a picture like this! #adorable 

Did you attend any Derby parties this weekend?

May Goals + Spending Freeze Recap

I, along with everyone else in the world, am amazed that's it's already May! Where does the time go? This part of the year is always one of my favorite times. Down here in the South, May is basically the start of summer which means more sun and boat/beach filled weekends!

May Goals

1. Lose weight/Get toned/Be healthy (as with every month--but it's crunch time now) Me and Josh (Josh and I?) have started a new bet--since I lost the last one. I lose seven pounds (the other half of what I failed to lose last time) and he takes me bowling and to a movie. He gains seven pounds and I'll be taking him out...again. 

2. Stick to a budget. I don't think I'll be doing another spending freeze for a while see below, but knowing where my money is going is a start and better than nothing.

3. Continue to grow Because I Said So. I have lofty goals for this little blog and with the third anniversary of me starting this blog a mere two weeks away, I'd like to see what I'm capable of this year!

A few more goals: drink more water, surround myself with only positive things, buy more fresh flowers, take Laney on more walks, and learn more about Essential Oils.

Spending Freeze Recap

This past month, I begrudgingly entered myself into a spending freeze. It was one of the more difficult things I've done in my life--mostly because I lack the self control, but I needed to save money. Overall, I'd give myself a C+ average. There are a few things I've learned while trying to cut back, most of them obvious.

- Coffee from the office will taste very similar to Starbucks if you put tons of sugar and creamer and pretend its a green and white cup.

- Gas is expensive and runs out way too fast.

- Watching the Food Network is not the way to help save on groceries. Also, meal prepping is hard. 

- Do not "go shopping" with your sisters--you will end up buying something. Read: everything

- Somethings just can't wait (looking at you Lilly for Target + Lilly Spring Collection + Essential Oils)

- Most things can wait and will still be there when you are done with not spending money. 

- It's really hard to say no to "Want to order a pizza" or "Let's rent a movie tonight" (so I didn't)

Like I said, overall I did ok (C+ average), but I definitely had my moment(s) of weakness. Deliberately NOT spending money is not for the faint of heart. It takes a discipline--something I could've used more of. 

Have you ever done a spending freeze? Do you set goals for yourself each month?

In vs. Out (Blog Edition)

What a week for blogging firsts! Juggling a blog and a full time job, it's easy to get behind on all things blog (it's like a full time job by itself--#goals). But then comes a week when you feel like you really just have it all together and things are looking bright--that was this week for me!

IN:

Blog business cards (I think mine are the absolute cutest and will likely hand them out to everyone I meet!)

Blog support groups (that makes it sound like AA or something which it's totally not) Having a Facebook group full of likeminded, helpful ladies is very encouraging. Along those lines, helping newer bloggers get their blog where they want it to be is the best feeling! P.S. Looking for a group? Jasmine has one you can join here)

Reader Surveys (I made my first one this week) If you haven't already, go fill it out. It takes like two minutes

Five Investments to make in Your Blog (via Rachael)

OUT:

Loop Giveaways (let's face it, were they ever really "in"?)




What's on your list this week?

Blog Business Cards

If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll know that I finally made the leap and got "blog business cards."

Here's why you should get them:

-If you go to blog conferences (still trying to figure out how to get to one)

-To make people aware of your blog--I'm passing them out to my whole family AND you never know who you'll end up talking to at a party!

-To make people aware of your writing/communication skills/freelance opportunities
-TO TAKE YOUR BLOG TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

 

It was really REALLY easy to make them. First, you can either use someone's design services (I used Heart and Arrow Designs) or lay it out your self. Then, go to a design site (I used  moo.com) to upload your design! Moo has tons of templates to choose from if you aren't sure where to start! From there, you can choose the size, weight, and add on lots of features like rounded corners! (I ALMOST added stickers to my order!)

 

 

For my cards, I went with the LUXE design. These cards are matte and heavier than normal cards--I think it gives it a little something extra!

When making your card there a few (obvious) things you'll want to include:

-Name of blog

-Your name

-Email

-Social Links

-Phone Number (optional)

-Title (optional--since I'm the only contributer to Because I Said So, I figured it would be redundant to add owner/writer)

The beauty of making your cards is that you can make them however you want! They're YOUR cards after all!

 

 



 P.S. If you make your cards with moo.com and it's your first time printing with them, I have a discount code I can email you!

Tell Me All About It

Y'all. Because I Said So will turn two years old in less than a month! I can't believe it's been that long! When I started blogging I had no idea what I was doing or what it could/would turn into.

Ahead of my blog's second birthday, I created a survey for y'all to fill out! I'd love to know what you like, what you like less, and what you'd like to see more of in the upcoming year! Any and all healthy criticism is welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to fill it out! I can't wait to read your responses and make this  year of blogging the best yet!

Essential Oils for Beginners

After months of researching, testing, and researching some more, I finally made the leap and signed up to be a wholesale member of and use Young Living Essential Oils. I ordered the Premium Starter Kit (which is honestly, the most bang for your buck). Being a wholesale member also gives you the opportunity to get discounts, access to resources, and even sell them if you want (although there is NO obligation to do that if it's not your thing)! 

There are so many reasons to use essential oils: to lessen the amount of chemicals you put in your body, to relax, to cook with--there are literally countless ways they can benefit your life! Note: NOT ALL essential oils are made equal. That's one of the reason's I chose to go with Young Living.

A quick testimonial:

Friday night, after work, I went over to Joshua's house. He had that allergy gunk that I had last week (he claims I gave it to him --so maybe not allergies) anyway, I was excited to try my oils out on him! I rubbed Lemon, Peppermint, and Lavender on his chest and behind his ears and Thieves on his feet. Once when I got there--once before I left.

When he came over to my house on Saturday morning he said "either I was going to get better today anyways or those oils actually work!!" Duh. The oils actually work!

My favorite way to use oils, so far, is diffusing. When I got my starter kit I got ten oils (some seen in the pictures) along with a diffuser. My favorite combo (thus far) is Purification + Lemon. It made my apartment smell clean (for a change), fresh, and spa-like. Also, I'm currently diffusing Lavender to help me go to sleep--instead of reaching for the Zzquil.

I haven't been this excited about learning and using a product in a very long time, but since this can benefit basically every aspect of my life, I'm more than excited. Who wouldn't be?

P.S. If you'd like to sign up (remember a wholesaler gets 24% off, as well as, MANY other benefits), you can sign up as part of my team! (My ID # is 2812244) And if you'd like to learn more, please feel free to ask me any questions! 

The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Any suggestions made on this site are very specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Information presented is for learning purposes only.  The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils or making any changes to a medical routine.  If you are currently on medication, please do not stop. Testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results. What works for one may not work for another.

Bathtime for Laney

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  We (Laney and I) received the flea and tick shampoo to review as part of Chewy.com's blogger review program.  Since Laney has yet to learn how to write, I am reviewing on her behalf. As always, all opinions and pictures are my own! (oh and Laney's) See Laney's other post here!

I'm happy to say that Laney has never had a flea problem. She does, however, have a problem with rolling in dead things/smelly things. And she hates baths.  

Usually, and I know this is terrible, I'll bathe her in whatever shampoo I have on hand--whether it's Herbal Essences or Pantene. And when I say "I'll bathe her" I really mean have my dad bathe her or pay one of my sister's to (or Josh's sister--she makes a killing). Like I said, this is terrible and not good for her as a dog obviously, so I was especially excited to receive this shampoo from Chewy.com.

P.S. She has a vet appointment today so I thought I'd make her extra pretty and smell good (shh don't tell her).

Laney is already on flea and heart-worm regimen, but since we live in the woods (aka middle of nowhere and Josh lives on a farm) it can't hurt to have the extra protection.  The shampoo itself smells surprisingly good even though it says "unscented". Think limeade. I was surprised it didn't smell more like medicine, but I was grateful that it didn't since I basically took a bath, as well.

As with any medicine you give your fur baby--read the label! You can only bathe your dog with this once every 7 days! It'll kill all fleas/ticks and repel ones from latching on. When using in conjunction with a monthly topical flea and heart-worm medicine, wait at least a week before bathing to ensure the medicine has had time to soak in.

After today, I'm hoping Laney continues to NEVER have a flea OR tick problem!