| Sweet Orange Fox

A Fresh Start

Thursday, June 4, 2015

We typically think of starting a new chapter with a flip of the calendar, a life-changing event or some other equally “defining” moment in time. Turning over a new leaf in these instances is all well and good, but I feel that too often we are guilty of waiting for such a moment to come along to prompt us to finally make a change we know is necessary. Just like dieting…how many of us wait for the beginning of a new week, a new month, a new year to finally get our fitness and nutrition on track? And being a more responsible saver/spender – is that always on the list of Things I Will Do Next Year or Things I Will Do Right After This Vacation/Holiday/etc?

The reality is that you can change anytime. Waiting for the “right” moment may provide an artificial sense of importance or motivation, but I don’t believe it will make change any easier and certainly not any more meaningful than a journey started on any old Tuesday in May.

And that is exactly when I started a new journey in my life. Tuesday, May 19^th, 2015. I can’t wait to share with you all of the ups and downs, triumphs, sacrifices, and joy I have found in just these last few weeks.

The first thing I want to talk about is one of the biggest shifts in my attitude: embracing the idea of “Quality Over Quantity” in nearly every aspect of my life. This concept is so very powerful and beneficial in countless ways. Looking at things with this new mindset has already helped me to become a more responsible consumer, both financially and socially. It has forced me to reevaluate not only the things in my life but the people, relationships and pursuits as well. It has empowered me to clean up my life from top to bottom – food, fitness, clothing, friends, time, space and more – and I can truly say I have never felt the sense I freedom I do right at this moment. I have never felt healthier. I have never felt happier. And I can see the effects on those closest to me as well, which is actually the best and most unexpected benefit of all. I have long been a skeptic of “The Ripple Effect,” but I have to admit that I am a true believer now.

I am so excited to share more details about what I have been up to, and I hope you will follow along! Until then, I challenge you to use the idea of quality over quantity to make over just one thing in your life. You’ll be shocked at how easy, how addicting and how energizing it is.

See you back here soon!

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Back to My Roots

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

My forever birthday. It is finally here. 'Finally' sounds like I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I have never been one to worry about age, but something about 29 makes me feel as though I have reached the beginning of the end, or perhaps the end of the beginning. I am not sure which of those I would prefer it to be. I have gotten through these last few weeks resting on one of those cliché resolutions to make this last year of my 20's the best year ever, but as the sun came up this morning I decided I was being silly. I don't need the pressure of a number to dictate the next 365 days. I don't need to create some forced and unattainable bucket list just because that is what you do when 30 is nipping at your heels. No, I need to get back to my roots.

For a good while now I have been unknowingly feeding one of my worst habits: searching. In my late teens and early 20's, I was definitely one of those people on a never-ending quest for...something. I dabbled in so many different pursuits, toyed with countless different career choices and moved across the country more times than my bank account actually allowed - always searching for some sort of calling. Settling on just one direction was terrifying to me. Over and over, I came back to the same industry: event planning. And over and over, I returned to Texas. And it is only now, 10+ years later, that I have finally decided to accept that this is who I am, where I should be and what I should be doing.

Why now? Why have I accepted all of these fates now? Not because 30 looms. But because now, for the first time ever, I don't see choosing a path and putting down roots as a sentence. In fact, I have learned to think of it as the opposite. After so many years, I can't begin to tell you what a relief it is to finally have an identity. And to finally understand that my identity is not a limit. I don't have to be just a mother, just a wife, just a medical transcriptionist, just a runner, just a banner maker or just a blogger. I can be all of these things and so, so much more. I can enjoy all the advantages of making Texas my home base, and I can travel to the places I dream of living. The time I spent not committing fully to who I am (and who I want to be) handicapped me in ways I wasn't even aware of.

Do you remember the t-shirt business I started? And then the headband shop? Both of which were open at the same time as my successful party decor operation? I was doing what I always do - using the fear of defining myself to justify continuing that crippling search. The time, effort and money put into all those side ventures was siphoning away resources - including creativity - that should have been used to grow my main business.

So now, empowered by the idea that I know who I AM and who I can BE, I am getting back to my roots. We made the decision to accept Texas as our forever home should that be the case. And I made the decision to focus on SweetOrangeFox Party Decor as my sole shop. It occurred to me that we mustn't be afraid to define ourselves. It is not a limitation. Think of those words with definitions that span pages and especially those that have changed completely over the course of history. A definition, to me, gifts a feeling a purpose but is also open-ended.

The excitement I feel is tangible. I am not just okay with defining myself (in part) as banner maker; I am bursting at the seams! No longer will I lose sleep and precious productivity worrying about walking this road, but I will now be able to put so much more of myself into it than ever before.

Maybe, just maybe, this actually will be the best year ever..

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Welcome, Emily Fox!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Whew... finally coming up for air, and first things first - I am so very thrilled to announce that our baby girl, Emily Fox, arrived on March 5th at 12:23am (her due date!). We fell in lover quicker and harder than we knew possible, and life will never be the same.

I can't wait to share her birth story, all her cute photos, her nursery details and everything else that has been going on these past couple of months - I can't believe how quickly time is flying!

One big development has been the opening of our new shop, FoxTops. We are in the very early stages and still have a bazillion designs in the works, but between our real jobs, real life, a newborn, a toddler and everything else, we are starting off slowly and taking it one design at a time. First up..these adorable Stars & Stripes tees that will be oh-so-perfect for Memorial Day weekend BBQs, World Cup watching parties, 4th of July fireworks and more! Snag yours today! And one final time we are offering a full 15% off with code EMILY15 in honor of the blog going live again (finally!).

And my personal fave since it is my truth these days...our "Yoga Pants For Life" tank. Yoga pants/leggings and a comfy tank are my permanent uniform right now..who is with me!?

Thanks so much to all my friends, family and readers for the sweet words on Emily's arrival and for your continued support and patience during such a busy time in our lives. We are officially back up and running! xoxo to you all!

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Are We There Yet?

Monday, February 17, 2014

With just 16 days until my due date, I am starting to panic slightly. Those freezer meals? Still not done. However, at this point I am just ready to have the baby...fully stocked freezer or not! There just don't ever seem to be quite enough hours in the day.

With that thought, I wanted to share three of my favorite products that are truly lifesavers when it comes to getting out the door halfway presentable in just those few precious minutes I have to get ready each day.

1. Organix Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo/Condition

About a year ago I made the switch from salon shampoo to just regular old grocery store stuff...partly because I was in the dreaded postpartum hair loss phase so it didn't really matter what shampoo I was using, but mostly because of the cost. It was just getting far too expensive! But in the past several months I noticed that my hair was just blah...it stopped shedding thanks to the new pregnancy, but it still looked so thin and flat. I was convinced I was losing my hair/going bald because of how thin and fine it had gotten.

My husband suggested I switch shampoo, but I just didn't want to fork over $24 for a Trent-sized bottle at the salon. On one of my many Target runs, this Organix Thick & Full shampoo caught my eye, and at less than $6, I decided to give it a shot. It at least looked expensive, so it must be good, right?! Kid you not, after ONE wash and dry, my hair looked AMAZING. It was so much fuller, thicker, bouncier and just all around better. I went back for the conditioner and root boosting spray (which is on clearance right now - stock up!), and that next day was probably the best hair day of my life. Try these..you won't regret it!

2. Hot Tools Turbo Ceramic Dryer

Ok, this dryer blows my mind. No pun intended. Or maybe it was. Anyway...I had a similar ceramic/ionic hair dryer and was spending 30+ minutes drying my hair each time....which is why I was only drying my hair about once a month. Seriously. It was ridiculous how long it was taking. It was another one of my husband's suggestions, believe it or not, to check out a new dryer and that maybe that was the problem. I thought it was just that my hair had gotten so long and hair products were making it take longer to dry perhaps..but, nope, he was right. This Hot Tools dryer was on sale at Ulta, plus we had a coupon and a few other discounts, so we ended up getting it for a great price. I was definitely not sold on buying "the cheap option," but the first time I used it I think I texted everyone I knew and told them they HAD to get one. Then I told Matt we had to go buy several more immediately to save. He was not on board with that, but whatever. The point is, it is AMAZING. It cut my dry time down from 30+ minutes to less than 10. LESS THAN 10 MINUTES! I can now dry my hair, curl my hair, put on makeup and be out the door in the same amount of time or less than I was spending just to dry before. The dryer is so powerful yet so quiet...even Trent is not bothered by it. Just can't say enough good things about it. I don't know how it does it, but it works miracles.

3. Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray

Back in pre-baby days, I used to be able to apply makeup just minutes before heading out the door for something. Because I work from home, I didn't have to apply first thing in the morning...so if I had a dinner or some other function to go to in the evening, I was always able to have a fresh face of makeup just in time. It was definitely a luxury that I took for granted... Nowadays, the few days I actually even WEAR makeup...the makeup has to last ALL day (and maybe even the next day..), regardless of when I "need" it.

My mom gave me this Urban Decay All Nighter makeup setting spray for Christmas this year, and it took me a few weeks to actually give it a try, but now I am absolutely HOOKED. It seriously keeps your makeup looking freshly applied ALL FREAKING DAY. Not only that, but it makes your face and skin feel super fresh all day long as well. It is definitely one of the pricier makeup items I use, so I try to save it for the days I really feel like I need it, but honestly it is worth every penny. Watch out for those Ulta coupons in the mail!! Anyway, again....can't say enough good things about this. And it is now my go-to gift for girlfriends, family members, etc...the perfect little something that they probably haven't already got and/or wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves. It also makes a GREAT addition to a baby shower/new mom gift! Hint hint :)

Hope everyone is enjoying their Monday! Send labor vibes this way, pleeease!

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Bringing Home Baby Stock-Up Shopping List

Saturday, January 18, 2014

With Valentine's Day less than one month away, it occurred to me that that means our due date is less than two months away. Yep. 46 days (or less). I honestly don't know if I'm hoping for the day to hurry up and arrive or if I could stand to wait another several months. In some ways, I am terrified and want all the extra time I can have to work, tie up loose ends, finish the baby preparations and enjoy Trent being the center of attention for just a while longer. But on the other hand, I am just kind of ready for her to get here so we can jump right in and start establishing a routine/figuring out how things are going to work instead of just worrying/wondering/attempting to plan it out every day for the next 45 days. So with each passing day, we are both more excited and slightly more overwhelmed at baby girl's upcoming arrival!

As I said, there are still so many things that need to get done, one of which is possibly my favorite pre-baby ritual, if you will: The Great Pre-Baby Stock Up Shopping Trip! Aside from the freezer meals, which we still consider the most valuable thing we did before Trent, the stock-up was just about the greatest thing ever. In the first few weeks (okay, months) after Trent was born, I could barely get myself up and ready for a public appearance, much less myself, a newborn, a diaper bag, etc. It was beyond nice to have everything I could possibly want and need stashed away in the house to avoid errands and save hubs from daily "Can you stop on your way home for 'blank'?" trips. And let's be honest, asking him to stop for Tucks pads or an exact shade of concealer wasn't going to go well anyway...

So I dug out the list I had saved from last time, went on a coupon clipping rampage and begged the hubs to help me hit up Costco, Target and a few other stores for a stock up marathon! If you can't afford the time or expense of doing a full stock-up all at once, keep your list with you (or on your phone) and just grab one or two things each time you go to the grocery store for the last few months of your pregnancy..especially when something on your list happens to be on sale. Clipping coupons is great for the stock-up shopping, as there are always a ton of coupons floating around out there for toiletry items and paper/food storage goods which can get pretty pricey when buying them all at once.

Here is the list I went by last time with a few additions from lessons learned. I tend to go a bit overboard stocking up, but I know it is all stuff that we will use and/or will make life a million times easier which is a major priority for us with a newborn at home. This list doesn't include all the pantry and refrigerated goods/freezer meals or ALL of the newborn/postpartum essentials...this is just "buy ahead of time" stuff. Look out for the next post with freezer meal recipes and shopping list!

Hi, Pinners!! Follow us on the blog (use button to the right) and on Instagram @sweetorangefox for list printables, special Etsy discounts and more! xoxo!

For the Home

- Toilet Paper
- Kleenex
- Hand Sanitizer Pumps x a million
- Hand Soap
- Paper Towels
- Paper Napkins
- Paper Plates
- Ziploc/Freezer Bags
- Foil
- Plastic Wrap
- Slow Cooker Liners (for all those freezer meals!)
- Vinegar (to clean the sterilizer)
- Trash Bags
- Dishwasher Tablets
- Dish Soap
- Extra Baby Bottle Brush
- Laundry Detergent (the pods make life so much easier when you have to put hubs in charge of the laundry!
- Dreft
- Dryer Sheets
- Dog/Pet Food, Treats, Bags
- Dog/Pet Flea/Heartworm Medicine
- Cleaning supplies (counter spray, swiffer pads, windex, etc)
- Light Bulbs and Batteries (a chirping smoke alarm can make a postpartum momma do crazy things, trust me)
- Air Conditioner Filters
- Refrigerator Filters

Toiletries (don't forget one of all of hubs' stuff too!)

- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Floss (I have an obsession...this may not be on your must-have list!)
- Razors/Razor Heads
- Shaving Cream
- Deodorant
- Lotion, Face Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (if needed)
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Face Wash
- Breathe Right Strips (if your significant other has a snoring problem.... xoxo, Matt!)
- Earplugs (see above)
- One Extra of All Makeup Products (concealer, foundation, powder, mascara, eyeliner, sponges etc)
- Q-tips/Cotton Balls/Cotton Rounds

For the Pantry

- Coffee/K-Cups
- Sugar for Coffee
- Fiber Wafers
- Prune Juice
- Bottled Water
- Dry Goods (rice, pasta, pasta sauce, etc) for quick and easy meals/sides to go with your freezer meals
- Wine
- Wine
- Wine

For Mama (you can find more of my post-delivery mama must haves here)

- Tylenol/Motrin/Advil (whatever your doc says is safe for you and breastfeeding baby) for all those nasty postpartum headaches!
- Reusable ice packs (again with the damn headaches and of course the hot flashes/night sweats. Lovely.)
- Nursing Pads
- Nursing Gel Pads
- Lanolin
- Tucks pads
- Pads/Panty Liners

For Baby

- Saline
- Diapers in a few sizes
- Wipes x a million
- Diaper Genie Refills
- Lotion/Bath Supplies

Whew. And believe it or not, this is not even a complete list of everything I want to have on hand...there are many more must-haves (a Keurig, some specific nursing bras, etc), but this is the buy-in-bulk/stock-up ahead of time shopping list. Stay tuned for more lists, a stock-up printable to throw in your purse, freezer meal recipes and more! Happy shopping, mommas!

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An Unplanned Holiday Break

Friday, January 3, 2014

Happy 2014, friends and family! I have missed you all over the past month and did not plan on taking a "break," but somehow I found myself unplugging little by little to spend more time with my family..soaking up the last bit of the holidays and 2013. No Instagram, no blog posts, an Etsy hiatus and almost no phone/texting/emailing (sorry!). It was great to finally have some much-needed downtime...if you can call chasing a 14 month old around while 8 months pregnant in the midst of the craziest holiday season ever "downtime"...but in any case, a little bit of huddling ourselves away from all of our normal obligations and pursuits was well worth it. I am back, now, though, and ready to hit the ground running in this New Year! I can't wait to share more about our Christmas break and 2014 plans with you and hear all about yours. For now...here are a few images to recap our holidays.

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and is adjusting back to reality..better than I am!

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26 Weeks and Paddington Bear

Sunday, November 24, 2013

We are loving finally having some cold weather around here. Caramel brulee lattes, Christmas music and gingerbread house making are in full swing! Do we really have to have Thanksgiving this week?? Just kidding, sort of. I am looking forward to stuffing my face in place of all of the calories I would normally be drinking around this time of year. Extra rolls, please!

I can't believe I am going to be pregnant and miss out on all of the holiday cocktails this year. What timing! Just three short months, though...WAIT, what? 26 weeks has come way too quickly this time around. Of course I am so excited to meet baby Emily, but having just three more months to finish the nursery, stock my freezer with meals, ~~get ahead~~ catch up on work deadlines and orders, clean and organize the entire house...and complete everything else on the pre-baby to do list...has me shaking in my rain boots!

I have felt so guilty for not documenting this pregnancy nearly as well as I did with Trent, so I decided to launch a new product in my shop that would hopefully spur some more frequent bump pics. These banners are such a great alternative to the bump chalkboards...especially for a second-time mom with no time to brush her teeth, much less create a new board each week! You can snag yours in any color/theme of your choice here!

I also just had to share some quick style inspiration with yall. This weekend's weather has been very reminiscent of our trips back to England, and along with my red rain boots I couldn't help but think of good old Paddington Bear! I got my first PB from Paddington Station with Matt back in 2008, and I have loved him (and his style!) ever since. This weather is the perfect chance for Trent and me to pay a little tribute to our furry friend.

Hat
Coat
Cardigan
Bag
Bear
Women's boots
Wellie sock
Kids' coat
Kids' boots
Umbrella

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving/December kick-off week, everyone! Now, can we please have December go by a little more slowly than November did so we can soak up each and every second of the holiday fun?

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Sweet Orange Fox

.

A Fresh Start

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Back to My Roots

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Welcome, Emily Fox!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Are We There Yet?

Monday, February 17, 2014

Bringing Home Baby Stock-Up Shopping List

Saturday, January 18, 2014

An Unplanned Holiday Break

Friday, January 3, 2014

26 Weeks and Paddington Bear

Sunday, November 24, 2013

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