Besides wedding anniversaries or dating anniversaries, Valentine's Day has become "The Day" of romance and celebrating love.  It seems to be an unspoken rule that the more money you spend on someone, the more love you show.  Whatever happened to, "it's the thought that counts?" Whatever happened to spontaneous romance?  It doesn't matter what commercials, magazines, etc., try to sell and portray what they want us to believe.  It's about knowing what you and your significant other enjoy doing together.  Sometimes it can be trying something you both have never done before, but keeping it intimate to allow yourselves moments to reflect on and enhance what attracted you to each other to begin with. More importantly, it doesn't have to just be once or twice a year, but often.  I want to share a few ideas to keep love alive and keep it spicy!

If you're married with kids, you know, it can be a little tricky to be romantic. OK, let's keep it really it's totally challenging to be romantic and have alone time.  Let's face it, just when you think you have that moment, you don't... There always seems to be interruptions that might be important or not.  What do you do? Do you both just sigh and agree "It is what it is"?  If your kids are in school, take off work on a week day to enjoy each other.
1. Go catch a movie.  Sometimes, depending on the time and day of the week, you both can have the feel of having a private movie.

Set up a weekend get-away or staycation in advance.  Set up arrangements with family and friends you trust, if you have kids, to care for them in your home or theirs'.
1. Book a hotel, bed and breakfast or create a romantic atmosphere in your home bedroom.  Make sure you bring/have all the essentials you need and want with you, including food/snacks/drinks.  So, if you choose, you never have to leave your room....Wink. Wink.  It's all about enjoying each other with no interruptions.

Before there were pager, cell phones, laptops, etc., there was pen and paper.  It's always nice to get unexpected written notes of affection. Put them in their briefcase, luggage or on their night stand before you leave for work.
1. Give your sweetheart a cute card that says exactly how you feel about them.  We're not all gifted poets, but buying the perfect card for our love almost allows us to take the credit.
2. Write a love letter. It doesn't have to be fancy or long.  It only needs to say why you love him or her, how they make you feel when you're with them and when they're away, how you long for their return.

One of the most romantic things my hubby and I have done is cook.  We both love it and when we get the chance to this time in the kitchen, it's so much fun.  Yep, cooking is work, but if you're talking, laughing and sampling the food, the process is so much better.  I love to offer little bites with him and I love it when he offers me some of the food he's preparing.  I'm always there to give my expert opinion. Haha.  On a serious note, with all of the cooking kits that are available to order, we can all cook a delicious meal with our special someone.
1. Cook and share a meal together. Set the table and dim the lights.  Light some candles and play some nice romantic music.  The mood has been set and when the food is ready, look into each others' eyes with every bite.  Enjoy the food and each other.

There are so many ways to keep romance high with your significant other.  It takes work.  It takes you getting out of your rut.  Romance is a choice you both have to make to keep your relationship healthy, interesting and fun.  It also keeps you looking forward to more of it.  I hope the ideas mentioned here has sparked you to get romance back in your relationship or given you a new idea that keeps your already romantic relationship going.  Also, if you have additional suggestions, please comment below.  It will definitely help others.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I truly appreciate it!  Have a blessed weekend and I look forward to seeing you on the next post.

XOXO,

​Nae

​**photography: unsplash.com/explore

If you follow me on YouTube or on Instagram, you totally know how much I've fallen in love with with indie nail polish brands.  If any of you are nail polish lovers and want to get into even more beautiful and unusual polishes you've got to check out Polish Pickup.  Polish Pickup is a site that has put several indie polish brands together to allow you and I the privilege to try several "one of a kind" polishes that goes according to a theme that is voted on.  Each month the theme changes.  You can vote on the next months' theme as well, by signing up on their website.  Anything you can think of that's nail related is probably being sold there.  In the month of March, my first time purchasing, along with nail polish, nail decals, cuticle oils, a charm that matches the theme, scented base coats and top coats were being offered as well.  I wanted to buy more, but when I'm trying something for the first time, I always hold myself back from going too crazy; you know, just in case. 

March's Book theme was so much fun because the names of the polishes and items sold were based on books that the creators loved or that had a certain meaning to them.  It was just amazing to see how the colors of the polishes captured the books that inspired them as well as other products made by these talented artists.  I was truly in awe when I received my order this week.  I thought about a few other things I wished I'd gotten.  So, I'm definitely looking forward to April's theme.

Let me tell you some other important and exciting aspects about ordering from Polish Pickup.  Whether you order one polish or thirty polishes, they currently have a flat shipping rate of $3 for everyone in the U.S.  and a $5 flat shipping rate for those in Canada.  How awesome is that?  Now remember that these polishes and other items are handmade, so after you order, there is a 3 week wait to receive the products you've ordered.  I know it seems like a long time to wait for your order, but while you wait you can also join the hundreds of others waiting with you on the Polish Pick Facebook page and chat as well as see the brand new polishes to be offered in the coming month.  Those teasers are so fun and definitely gets your mind off of your order for a bit, but onto what you might pick up in the up coming month.  It's definitely a fun way surround yourself with polish lovers like you and stay tuned to what's next with Polish Pickup.  I just have a feeling it's going to get even bigger and more spectacular in the coming years.

What I bought:

I was so excited when i saw this package!  Woohoo!

This was a product I was surprised to see, but at the same time intrigued.  The description of the scent of this library inspired wax melt just begged me to try it.  I wish I'd gotten two.  Bohemian polish described this as "A blend of vanilla, oak, vetiver, coffee and ink to mimic a library and evoke images of sitting among the stacks, sipping a latte and discovering new books and adventures."
I kid you not; I could actually smell the old books along with the scent of the ink.  I can't wait to melt it so that I can really take in all of the scents in their entirety.

I really truly tried to capture every bit of sparkle this polish is offering through the bottle!  This polish by Scofflaw Nail Varnish is called "The Lady Amalthea".  This polish was described as "Soft, dusky sea foam green, just jam packed with iridescence and sparkle that shifts and tumbles through the color spectrum..."  The inspiration was "The Last Unicorn".

I've never had scented nail polish of any kind and I'd heard about Cuticula on one of bonitajuanita's videos on YouTube.  When I saw it offered on Polish Pickup and the scent they stated, I was all in!  This is the "Timeless Top Coat In Fresh Apples"  It is described as "a combination of Cameo, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Figi and Granny Smith Apples".  The inspiration behind this top coat is "The Giving Tree". 

Once you apply this on your nails, you begin to smell that wonderful apple smell.  It reminds me of fresh apple cider.  Yum!!!

I just wanted to show you the mani using both the Scofflaw Nail Varnish and the Cuticula Top Coat.  Pictures will never do this polish or the shine of the top coat justice, but I can tell you this, they are both gorgeous to me.  I love the formula and the combination of the glitters in this polish.  I also love the shine of the top coat and I still can't stop smelling my nails eight hours later.

I can tell you that the experience I had shopping Polish Pickup was beautiful.  The site is quite organized and finding everything on the site is easy. Seeing so many gorgeous polishes and a great variety other products was mind blowing. Knowing that individuals are creating everything by hand, making a one time only item that has to follow a certain theme and for a certain amount of customers is incredible to me.  I have so much respect for each of them.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Polish Pickup and my experience with them.  If you are a polish lover and looking for something different,
something you can't find anywhere else, then try Polish Pickup.  The next shopping experience begins April 6th and ends April 9th.  You may preview certain items now on their site: https://www.polishpickup.com/   
Happy Polishing!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to place them below. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me here.  It means so much!

XOXO,

Nae

I absolutely love taking care of my skin!  Hello, my name is Renae and I'm a skincare junkie.  The reason for this is  mostly because I was always searching for products that work!  So, needless to say, I've spent a lot of money on things that have failed me.  Just recently I've totally fallen head over hills in love with the products I've tried from Source Vital Apothecary.  I've never experienced products like theirs before. Their products are natural and they have very high standards for the quality of their ingredients where they source them.   I wish I had found them long before now, but the main thing is that now my skin is happy and healthy. 
I was given the opportunity to try one of their newest products.  They have created a kit that allows you to make your own fresh facial mask in the comfort of your own home.  The best part is you pick out the additives that are best suited for the needs of your skin.  How awesome is that?  Personally, I think it's incredible and quite genius!  The video below shows what comes in the kit and I also demonstrate how easy it is to combine and mix all of the ingredients together and how to apply the mask.  I also give a complete review on how the mask worked for me.

I hope this video was helpful in sharing this product and how it can meet your skincare needs.  If you are interested in this product you can click this direct link: https://www.sourcevital.com/products/make-your-own-facial-mask
If you are interested in Source Vital Apothecary and everything they have to offer,  here is the direct link to their site:
https://www.sourcevital.com/

Thank you so much for stopping by; I deeply appreciate it!

XOXO,

Nae

When you think about pregnancy, you think about the joy and excitement a woman feels when she learns there's a new life growing within her.  You also think of the deep thoughts of what it will be like to be a mom for the first time.  All of the emotion of becoming a parent can be exciting and the unknown overwhelming. 

I remember what I felt when I found out we were expecting our fourth baby.  I was so excited knowing I had so much more love to give.  My husband, 3 daughters and I were ready for a new little one.  I called my OBGYN to set my first appointment.  I knew the ropes and that they wanted to see me no sooner than 8 weeks after the last menstrual period. 

Finally, it was time for my appointment I was so happy to see my doctor.  My hubby was with me as he was with our daughters.  We were so ready for the sonogram and see our tiny little person in his or her early stage of life.  When the nurse called me to get my weight and vitals, she sent me back to the dim;y lit sonogram room.  I remember laying down on the table to wait for my doctor.  I remember my husband and I laughing and talking. We jokingly talked whether we were having a boy or a girl.  We didn't really have any expectations either way.  We already had 3 girls, lol.

When my doctor entered  she was just as excited to see us.  As she placed that warm jelly on my lower abdominal area above my uterus,  we all talked, laughed, etc.  My doctor is so kind and personable.  Finally, the moment we were waiting for; the doctor began to glide the sono wand over me and the tiny image of what my little one currently looked like.  I could only smile until my doctor had a look of concentration on her face.  It was the look you get when someone or something you're looking for cannot be found.  She then asked if I was sure about my dates.  I told her I was positive.  She said sometimes when the dates are off even by a little bit, the heartbeat can't be seen.  I was somewhat concerned, but thought that perhaps something was off, but I was pretty certain about my dates because I kept a record.  She told me to reschedule in a couple of weeks for another sonogram.

Though I kept fairly busy and had a mostly positive outlook, the what-ifs were there in the back of my mind.  So, the follow up appointment had arrived and I, once again, was ready.  I remember we didn't have much of a wait after I signed in.  Once again, on the table, hubby is right beside me holding my hand this time.  He knew I needed that.  The doctor walks in, she is still conversational, but it's quick to business this time.  More jelly and checking for the heartbeat and more concentration and I could see there was not life.  I just stared at my husband not believing any of this was real.  My doctors words, as she became choked up, explaining my options, are like whispers now.  All I know, is that I chose for everything to take place naturally,  I didn't want a D&C only because I knew the complications and even after learning I was losing my baby, I wanted to have the option of possibly becoming pregnant again later on. 

What I experienced emotionally and Spiritually:
Blaming myself.  I wandered if it was something I did.  Did I eat something bad, should I have avoided pain reliever and just let that headache run its course?

Final realization.  It was out of my control.  It wasn't about me.  It was all about bringing glory to the name of God and helping others who may go through this.

What I experienced physically:
 Light spotting.  The spotting started off a tan color and turned pink to red.

Cramping & Heavy Bleeding.  The cramps are a lot worse than period cramps, but are more like contraction pains.  The bleeding is very heavy and my doctor told me to watch for how fast I soaked up 1 or 2 pads withing a certain amount of time.  Losing blood too quickly is serious.  My husband was very watchful over me during this time.

I think of this baby often, even after 8 years.  This is a baby I was never able to hold, but I'm comforted in knowing he or she is in really good hands. 

If any of you have ever had a miscarriage, I hope you have a great support system: your family, your church, good friends, etc.  Most importantly, know that you are not alone.  Yes, it hurts so bad, but you are not alone!  Also, remember to be there for someone else.  Someone may need to be near someone who's been there and understands what they are going through or have gone through.

I hope that this post will help someone somewhere.  I want you to know that though it may seem like the pain will never go away, you will always miss your little one, but the pain eventually turns into strength.  That strength is not just for you, but for someone who may need to lean on you until they are strong enough to hold someone else up too.

XOXO,

Nae

I love a good fish taco, don't you?  The best fish tacos I've eaten, so far, are the ones I had at a restaurant called Rockfish!  My world was rocked when I had that first bite.  I loved the way they fried the fish and I loved the sauce they had on their tacos.  However, it's been years since I've been back to this restaurant and I don't know if they still exist.  However, whenever I buy fish tacos I compare them to Rockfish. There are just times I think back to those tacos and I just get a taste for them.  Well, I recently starting thinking about fish tacos and this time I decided to make them myself.

When it comes to making things myself, I tend to do things the way my tummy and my mind tells me to, lol.  I decided not to bread the fish or use a batter.  I just wanted a nice layer of seasonings to enhance this fish and the taco itself.  In order to put this all together, I needed to start off with some great fish.

I found this pack of Pollock at my local walmart.  The great thing about this fish is that it's already cut into chunks, which is the perfect size for placing inside of a tortilla. For my family of six it took two of these 16 oz. packages to feed each of us.  I let them thaw.  After the fish has thawed midway, I get my pan ready by putting some olive oil and a two pats of butter in it so that all I have to do is turn on the heat once the fish is fully thawed. You will also want to prepare a slightly oiled skillet for your corn or flour tortillas. I use this time to get my sauce ready as well,  so that once the fish is done, it's all about the fixins', lol.

Nae's Sauce:
1 C Mayonaise
1/4 C Ketchup (or more if you want a sweeter flavor)
2 tsp Soy Sauce
3 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 TB of minced garlic (more or less to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
2 TB Freeze Dried Chives (I used McCormick)
2 TB Dried Cilantro Leaves (I used McCormick)
Place mayo, ketchup, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce in a small to medium bowl and stir until all ingredients are fully combined and consistency is creamy.  Then add the minced garlic and stir until evenly blended.  Add a pinch of salt and pepper.  Taste and decide if more is needed. Add the dried chives and cilantro, stir in completely. Cover bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until it's time to use on the tacos.
* Although I haven't done it yet, I have a feeling this sauce would work on a lot of other meats, pork, chicken or other fish.  Now my wheels are turning, lol.

Once the fish has thawed, heat your oiled pan to medium/medium high heat..  Rinse your thawed fish and dry as best as you can.  You can place the raw fish in a bowl or on a plate to season.  I prefer a bowl. 
Seasoning needed
1TB (approx.) Salsa & Pico seasoning  (I used Penzeys, I believe they have a website)  I added more, but I love the full flavor of this seasoning. I made sure each piece of fish had seasoning on it. This seasoning also has a mild kick to it.
Salt (to taste)
Cayenne (optional) to taste
Black pepper (to taste)
1tsp Garlic Powder
1tsp Onion Powder

Cook your fish until seasoning is nicely golden and fish is flaky. You will need to turn the fish over probably after 2-3 minutes of cooking.  Mine was fully cooked within approximately 6 minutes.  Everyone's stove and heating is different, so don't walk away.

Now it's time to heat the tortillas. We love these white corn tortillas from our local Mexican market. I tend to heat mine on a medium high heat, but only when I know I won't be distracted (I should never do this).  So, on medium heat, in a lightly oiled skillet, I heat each tortilla for about 2 minutes on both sides.  I like mine to be a little crispy, but still bendy, so I'll heat mine a little longer.  Once all of the tortillas are heated, I start building each taco.  My family loves top our fish with a shredded cabbage and carrot salad blend.  We put the sauce over the over the salad and add cheese.  Cheese is, of course, optional for you, but not for us, lol.

If you've never tried a fish taco, It would be awesome if this is your first one and you LOVE it!  I can tell you my family was happy while eating them and very satisfied when they were gone.  Well, my son asked for another one, not because he was hungry but because they were so-ooo good.  Those were his words. He's always so thankful for food, lol, but he doesn't always ask for seconds.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I'm so thankful that you did.  Have an awesome weekend!

XOXO,

Nae

In my early twenties I was absolutely consumed with meeting the right guy, getting married and having babies.  It was all I thought about.  When I went to the grocery store, the mall, out to eat with friends, etc., I'd wonder if that was the place I'd meet him.  It sounds ridiculous, but it's the truth and I'm certain I'm not alone.  I'd date here and there, but there was nothing promising within those dates.  This went on for some time.  It became frustrating.  I began to question myself by wondering if I were too picky.  I did have a list of things I wanted in a man and didn't stray from the important things.  I wanted a Godly man who loved Jesus more than himself or anyone else, even me.  I didn't want a lazy man because there's just nothing good about that and I also wanted him to want a family.  These are just a few of the things I had on my list.  I believe this list was my saving grace and kept me focused on the important things.

After a while, I got tired of dating.  I'd graduated from college and started my career and was loving it.  I was going different places, I traveled and just really enjoyed "myself".  Though, I still wanted to be married, it wasn't top priority in my thoughts.  I even prayed to the Lord that if it wasn't His will for me to get married, change my desire.  I knew marriage wasn't for everyone when I prayed this and the way everything had gone, I'd rather be single than with the wrong man.  I wanted to be happy in a marriage and divorce was not an option for an easy out when things went wrong.  So, I was no longer searching and no longer actively caring like I did before.  Don't get me wrong, I still wanted to get married, but it didn't consume me.

Not to bore you with all of the details, several years later I married my college sweetheart.  Wait, what!!? I know, I know (we may cover that story in another post).  I will say this; sometimes, things are not meant to happen when you want them to or think they should.  However, in saying that, if you are looking for love, marriage and babies, lol, here's what worked for me.

1. Stop looking! Patience is key. Sometimes when you always looking for someone or something, it's easy to settle.  I look back at some of the guys I dated and know I should have declined the date.  They weren't bad guys (that type wasn't my thing), but they weren't right for me even as a date.

2. Love yourself!  Enjoy being with you, doing the things you enjoy.  If you don't really know what you're into this would be the time to get into hobbies.  If you don't know who you are and what you want, getting into a serious relationship may not be a good thing.

3. Know what you really want in a man and what you don't.  Make that list, girl!  If you love Jesus, you don't want to get with a man who doesn't love or believe in Him. The list can keep you focused on the imporant things and less shallow. It will be harder to settle when you know what you want.  Marriage is a commitment and it's too serious to take lightly.

4.  Have self respect.  I don't care what magazines, talk shows or reality tv tells you/portrays; how you carry yourself and how you dress will determine who you attract.  Carry yourself like you're a diamond and you will be treated like one.  Dress the way you carry yourself.  You don't have to show off your assets (if you know what I mean).  I'm not saying you need to dress like the women on 'Little House On The Prairie', but you don't need to show the goods to catch a man. Now, there will forever be jerks in the world, but you don't want to be a magnet to all of them.  I promise you; self respect, self respect, self respect.

If you're looking for "The One", "Mr. Right" or the "Love Of Your Life" and what you've been doing hasn't been going well, I hope that the things that worked for me will help and give you a few things to think about and consider.  Everyone has there own love story, so always be willing to share what worked for you with others. I'd love to hear your thoughts and your stories, so feel free to leave a comment.

Thank you so much for visiting me here.  I really appreciate it!

XOXO,

Nae