Love...

I am beyond addicted to You Tube. My boys and I watch Walt Disney cartoons, my hubby and stepson watch surf videos, and I watch all that is health, beauty, fitness, and make-up oriented. Love, love, love...I need to have an entire post of You Tube love for some of my favorite channels...soon, stay tuned!

I had heard of Vitacost before, but never made an order...until now...we got so much of our favorite health food store goodies and beauty products for way cheaper. And even shipping to Hawaii only took about 4 days! New love!

Iced Kona Coffee! With a little bit of stevia and a few splashes of almond milk...plus my new favorite addition...cinnamon! Tasty, delicious sort of love.

Alexa Chung is always cool (love her coolness)...and my beloved accessory the floral headband that she is rockin'...total love!

Amy's=love...without my go-to gal's meals that are so yummy and quick this momma would be making unhealthy meal choices when her body is needing a fast meal. This particular meal is my favorite right now, and Target had a nice sale on them last week or the week before...savings on healthy stuff is a true love of Merdy's!!!

 

 

I love me some Pharrell Williams. Have for a long time...he is such an innovative artist. And his style ain't bad! This song gets everyone in the Mench car moving and grooving and clapping our hands!

 

I purchased another natural mascara not too long ago from Honeybee Gardens, and it really did nothing for my lashes. I tried and tried to make it work, but it already seems dried out after such a short time. So, I saw the Physician's Formula on sale for 40% off and picked up this beauty to try. Love it. Since I purchased it early in the week, I quickly rushed back before the week was over to grab another...Love sales that are 40% and more! Thank you my local CVS/Longs!

 

What are you loving right now?

Wearing...

It has been ages since I posted an outfit look. Haven't actually taken outfit shots in a while. This makes me sad because it felt really nice and boosted my esteem when I put myself together. I am going to start out slow again, but promising myself to take 2 outfit shoots a week for now. I need to ease back into it, and maybe some weeks I will surprise myself with additional days and shoots!

blondie on my yellow tee...rock chicks rule!

they are so cute but make everything a bit more challenging!

I love my flowers!

what do I do with this short do? how come other's make it look so effortless?

attempting a jump...

I had lowered myself to Noa's level, and then he promptly ditched me...outfit details...a simple one, but that is how is goes with kids and hot Hawaii weather...tshirt-chaser la...jean shorts-American Eagle...sandals-target!

 

Happy "soon to be" Friday to all!

life lately through the IPod...

Keoni and Noa painted their own birdhouses with momma's help...love them!

Still trying to get followers and sales going on in my instagram shop...check it out...it's called Shop with Merdy...

A little out of focus...the story of my life in 2014 thus far...but hey a few yummy goodies I grabbed the other day...I was a soda addict, and now reach for these zevia's made with stevia when I need "my fix"...all natural, tons of flavors, a little pricey, but they go on sale quite a bit...my favorites are cherry cola and cream soda...organic pasta sauce that we added to some delicious brown rice noodles and gluten free veggie meat...we actually got the veggie ground at Costco and as far as veggie ground goes it had very few ingredients in comparison to some of the others around. I added a bit more basil and olives and voila...comfort food...Speaking of comfort food, I love granola. I do, I do...but sometimes it is so loaded with sugars that I tend to eat plain oatmeal or breakfast quinoa instead. Well, thank you Target! I was buzzing by the food, and saw the lovely Udi's gluten free granola on clearance if you can believe it. Unfortunately, where I live on the Big Island health is not a top priority...white rice is! So for maybe $2.00 how could I pass it up? I loved it. Enjoyed it with a few raisins and almond milk...enough said! I do feel so much better when I eat better. It is hard to always stay on track with a busy lifestyle and children, but I do feel so much more whole and energized when I am putting the best food in my body. This past week we have been sick and busy...a horrible pair, thus my body is screaming at me to fuel it with better food choices...tomorrow is a new day, right?

I haven't completely converted out all of my old products for skincare and make-up...I had talked before about adopting an organic skin and make-up regime in this new year. I have been actually trying for the past 2 or 3 years, but always fall short of 100% conversion because of money primarily. So many of the products I love or hear stellar things about are quite pricey, and until I am working again I feel so guilty spending too much on my own personal vanity. I have made an almost 98% leap to organic skin care, and my skin has made some remarkable changes except when it is that time of the month. Beggars can't be choosers, eh? I actually splurged a bit over the holidays on some natural make-up, and was a bit disappointed based on the money spent. I didn't have much reference, so much of it was just looking at affordable products that caught my eye. There wasn't really a look that did all I wanted, so I have been mixing it up a bit. I guess I just felt like so much of the organic, natural stuff I bought didn't really do what it was supposed to. In particular, I spent some $30 on concealers that didn't work at all. Once actually broke, and the product got all over a new towel of mine. Ugh. So, for now trying, in my opinion is better than nothing...I don't wear make-up everyday, but as I am reaching 40 in a few years I do like to hide the age spots, etc. and put on a little mascara and gloss when I am out for the day.

 

Sorry for the ramble, but this photo kind of reminded me of the journey I am making to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By all means I am nothing close to being an advocate...I eat French fries sometimes, and love browsing through drugstore makeup isles. Still, as a mother now I want to nourish my body more and keep away from as many chemicals and toxins as possible. It was so simple when we were younger, wasn't it?

 

So, try this brand if you can. I have heard amazing things regarding all of their products, and was lucky enough to grab a little sample size of this through the mail a few weeks ago. It smells great, and doesn't irritate my skin in the least. My skin feels so soft after I apply it, and I will definitely buy more from them when my hubby lets me buy a few things for my birthday at the end of the month. Can we say holla? Sorry, I think I have been watching too much you tube. I am just realizing that probably 80% of the channels I watch are females much younger than me. It is appropriate for them to say "turn up" and "holla"...not soon to be 38 year old Merdy! Enough said.

Waiting for the doctor, and up to no good as always. Luckily, we have a great doctor who is so sweet and patient with my boys. Keoni was actually showing the doctor how big and strong he is by flexing his muscles non-stop. Too funny!

He became obsessed with my IPod as we waited for the doctor. He told me I am an IPod hog. And a control freak with the IPod. Guess Valentines is over in my life! Geez...

The IPod stealer stole it to capture a few pictures of his control freak wife. I am pretending that my hair is suddenly growing at rapid speed...I wish.

Keoni Bear...love.

Noa Bear...blurry love, but love nonetheless...

Found this on instagram...I think we all forget this sometimes including muah!

 

Lately, I have been bummed because our house needs so much remodeling and updating. And raising 2 toddlers and a teenage boy adds to the constant clutter and need for remodeling. We have decided to move after my stepson has graduated from high school in about 2 years. We are pretty sure we will sell our house, and are waiting until the summer to do any serious repairs. We have actually talked about moving for about 5 years because of the vog we get from the volcano on the Big Island. It is so toxic, and it has caused the entire families' health to suffer. So, for me I have not really spent a lot of time or effort into making my husband's prior bachelor pad a home. The house needs so much tlc, and in raising 2 toddlers without family or a babysitter even the day to day tasks become difficult to conquer. When I read this little saying I remind myself that in due time everything will change for the better. We will have money saved, we will find time to repair and remodel, move, build a new home of our own, and in the mean time I still walk outside everyday and am able to gaze and smell the beautiful wild flowers that grow throughout our yard. My little ones pick me one almost everyday and tell me they love me! Life is pretty darn good most of the time!!!

set those piggies free...

MIA last week. We had so much going on, and my poors boys were sick (still are)...boo hoo. Time spent at the doctor, and constant Netflix kiddie shows and snuggles has been my world as of late. I admit to getting anxious and feeling a bit trapped when we are home bound for days on end, but seeing my little ones sick also causes my motherly instincts to hit hyper drive...all I want to do is stay by their side and hug them every second. Can we say smothering mother? Today there is a light breeze and clouds up in the Kona sky, and I think that is God's way of telling my household to continue to take it easy and rest. And watch Sesame Street and sing along!!! Happy Week to all!

5 More Things...

Another beloved Keoni shot. A bit of an odd pose, but I had to listen to my photographer.

 

A long, long time ago I wrote a post about 5 facts about me. I have been forever obsessed with US Weekly, and lately I love the 25 random "about me" of some of our beloved celebrities. What foods they love, or hate, their favorite movies or television shows, etc., etc...I guess it is best to say "I love me some celebrity gossip"...I could rant on in a whole separate post on the often shame I feel for following so closely the lives of the stars...I blame it on the daydreamer in me. Doesn't ever girl dream of living in a mansion and living the life of a superstar for a brief moment? I know many of their lives only "seem" wonderful on the surface level, but still a girl has to dream. I also wanted to be a princess for a while...and my hubby thinks I still do!

 

So, here we go...5 more facts...

 

1. I often take things to the extreme. I wanted to cut out all toxins from my skincare, makeup, nails, etc. and stopped wearing make-up and nail polish full throttle for almost 2 months. I became depressed, and instead decided to take baby steps. I have found an affordable skincare regime that is non-toxic probably 95% (check out Vitacoast.com)...I have invested in a handful of organic make-up and nail care products (some I love, some just don't work very well), but I have also gone back to a few drugstore faves...moderation is the key for me. My poor toenails were quite happy to get a few coats of nail polish the other day...as was I! I did purchase Mineral Fusion's non-toxic nail remover ($7.99 a bottle, got it on sale, but still worth the splurge)...I swear this stuff has some sort of ingredient that almost moisturizers your nails when removing polish. And it smells so wonderful!

 

2. I was a diet soda addict for many, many years. I felt so embarrassed, and I knew how horrible aspartame was for me, but I was an addict. I have almost fully quit this silly habit, and have replaced my need for the taste with a little gem from the health food store called Zevia (cherry cola is my flavor of choice)...again, moderation. These are pricey, but on sale often. I don't drink alcohol anymore, and if we are at friends or the hubby is enjoying a glass of wine and I feel deprived I reach for one of these. Enough said!

 

3. I have been secretly listening to new Miley Cyrus song "Adore" on repeat on my I Pod. Some of her antics drive me batty, but the girl is talented...and the song so pretty!

 

4. I want to run a marathon so freaking bad! It has always been on my bucket list, but my hubby says it is terrible for women's bones/body to run that long at my age...mid to late 30's...why is he such a know it all (love you Pali)??? Can I prove him wrong before I hit 40? I think so!

 

5. I was also obsessed with Pretty Little Liars and Hart of Dixie until recently...I know teeny-bopper...but come on, I am a stay at home mom living with 4 boys (sometimes men)...I need a girly outlet...I had to stop though because I was so disappointed with the storylines...can we say Team Zade? And why are making it look like Ezra is "A"? I just can't believe he is bad...I guess this could also interlude into a 6th random fact...my tv crushes besides Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules...Wade from Hart of Dixie and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars...too cute! Maybe this is why my hubby has removed cable from our house (love you Pali)!!!

 

I know these may all sound cheesy, but that is a part of me. I am very aware of the real news and issues pertaining to us today, but sometimes it is good to have other distractions. Looking nice, if you choose to wear make-up or not, taking a break to watch a silly show, exercise even dancing around with your kids, loving music, etc. are all things in my life that make me feel better. That is what is important. I have learned for me that being healthy, but also indulging a bit makes me feel the most grounded and at peace.

 

TAKE CARE ALL!

random pictures...

Keoni was a pro when he first began taking some of my pictures. Reminder...He is 3! Lately we have struggled, and recently I purchased a tripod for my wee little Coolpix camera. Still, I give such props to my munchkin for trying. These were taken over the week my husband was in Oahu recently, and I promised Keoni I would post some of these on my blog. Such a bossy guy! So, here we go... 

 

 

Pre park shots...attempting to pull off the oxblood look. I must say these were a steal at H and M, but dang their sizes are so odd. These are a size up from what I normally wear there...and they are still super tight. Huh?

My running Noa Bear...

Selfie...

Noa was so distraught that he couldn't hold the camera himself. A few tantrums on this day.

I got the camera away from Keoni long enough to sneak a shot in of my little "grom"...love him!

And finally his attempt at another modeling shoot. Is he ready to shoot for Vogue yet?

 

They may be a tad blurry and out of focus, but I will forever love my Keoni's attempt at photography!

That Broken Laptop...

 

I miss this little blog...It is just so difficult to pry my other family members off our desktop these days. I have tried staying up after the kids, but I am sure many fellow parents of toddlers (and boys for that matter) can attest to the full body break down and coma we often go into at about 6pm...especially when your kids wake at dawn and don't nap at all during the day. And why do they get another burst of energy right around 6pm when all you want to do is pass out?


Thus, this blog yet again is neglected...I am saving my pennies to replace the laptop as soon as possible, even looking into getting an ipad instead. I would love advice....Do some of you use an ipad instead of a laptop? Life and it's often baffling dilemmas. To ipad or not to ipad!

I did open a little instagram shop last week via my ipod...I have such an abundance of clothing from the past years...I love to online shop, but in reality I am a stay at home mom usually in shorts and t-shirts, maybe lounge pants or pjs intermixed on "bad days". I love being girly, wearing a dress, make-up, some cute little sandals, but that isn't my reality everyday now and purging my closet seems the best bet for me at this time. We are moving to Oregon in 2 years, which seems so far away, but in reality 2 years passes quick...And at that time I will be saying goodbye to dresses and sandals all year, and instead looking for down jackets and long johns...pink ones of course!

I have made a few great instagram purchases myself recently, and thought it was such a fun way to thrift. Great deals via social media is always exciting for a lady who loves to shop, but has limited money...So, why not spread the joy if I can to others and add in a few of my Merdy Creations. If you have a second...check out my shop @shopwithmerdy on instagram.

For now, I am off to take a walk with my boys...And maybe watch a few you tube beauty tutorials. My current obsession: YOU TUBE. It is so easy for me to watch a few quick videos rather than try and catch up on my favorite shows lately. I swear I get to watching all these make-up, beauty videos and I try to convince myself that I am going to conquer the world of cosmetology! Funny confession though, I still struggle to put on eyeliner...didn't even know what primer was until a few months ago...Two of my favorite channels: Le Musings of Moi (Summer is too cute) and Glamour Wonderland (Shannon is too cute also)...I love that they like being girly, but are also into Natural and Organic products and health as much as possible...

Take care all! Happy Week ahead...the week of love.

Hey, here are those cool earrings I handpainted myself...available at my new instagram shop!

I should probably figure out how to download a shop app soon. For now, I improvise.

Butterflies in the spring...top for sale!

gotta love peplum and stripes!

love this Zara tee, just a little long on me...Buy it in my shop!

Free stretch bracelets for my first five shoppers...You purchase anything and get one of these beauties for free!

 

I miss this little blog...It is just so difficult to pry my other family members off our desktop these days. I have tried staying up after the kids, but I am sure many fellow parents of toddlers (and boys for that matter) can attest to the full body break down and coma we often go into at about 6pm...especially when your kids wake at dawn and don't nap at all during the day. And why do they get another burst of energy right around 6pm when all you want to do is pass out?


Thus, this blog yet again is neglected...I am saving my pennies to replace the laptop as soon as possible, even looking into getting an ipad instead. I would love advice....Do some of you use an ipad instead of a laptop? Life and it's often baffling dilemmas. To ipad or not to ipad!

I did open a little instagram shop last week via my ipod...I have such an abundance of clothing from the past years...I love to online shop, but in reality I am a stay at home mom usually in shorts and t-shirts, maybe lounge pants or pjs intermixed on "bad days". I love being girly, wearing a dress, make-up, some cute little sandals, but that isn't my reality everyday now and purging my closet seems the best bet for me at this time. We are moving to Oregon in 2 years, which seems so far away, but in reality 2 years passes quick...And at that time I will be saying goodbye to dresses and sandals all year, and instead looking for down jackets and long johns...pink ones of course!

I have made a few great instagram purchases myself recently, and thought it was such a fun way to thrift. Great deals via social media is always exciting for a lady who loves to shop, but has limited money...So, why not spread the joy if I can to others and add in a few of my Merdy Creations. If you have a second...check out my shop @shopwithmerdy on instagram.

For now, I am off to take a walk with my boys...And maybe watch a few you tube beauty tutorials. My current obsession: YOU TUBE. It is so easy for me to watch a few quick videos rather than try and catch up on my favorite shows lately. I swear I get to watching all these make-up, beauty videos and I try to convince myself that I am going to conquer the world of cosmetology! Funny confession though, I still struggle to put on eyeliner...didn't even know what primer was until a few months ago...Two of my favorite channels: Le Musings of Moi (Summer is too cute) and Glamour Wonderland (Shannon is too cute also)...I love that they like being girly, but are also into Natural and Organic products and health as much as possible...

Take care all! Happy Week ahead...the week of love.