You + Me and What We've Learned As a Family

Hunter and I went to run a quick errand yesterday, just the two of us.

As we got out of the car and started walking towards the store, I kept feeling like I was missing something or had forgotten something.

As I thought about it more, I realized it was because we didn't have kids in tow.

We were able to just get out of the car and walk straight towards the store.

No meltdown from Oaklyn about not wanting to sit in the cart, no trying to decide if we should use the cart or the stroller for both girls, no diaper bag, no snacks to keep them occupied... we literally just got out of the car and ran our errand.

We talked about how funny it is that everything becomes more difficult when you have kids.

The simplest things in life become the most challenging and suddenly everyday things require a whole lot more planning and thinking. 

Hunter jokingly said, "can you imagine how easy life would be if it was just me and you?" 

We both chuckled and continued on, but I thought about it some more.

Holy cow, it really would be WAY easier!

I would be able to work full time and therefore, saving for a house would be way easier.

We would get to eat dinner in silence and maybe even enjoy our meal, ha!

We would be able to go on date nights, any night.

We'd be able to sleep through the night, take more vacations, spend more time together, invest more time in hobbies, and probably have a little more sanity if we're being totally honest... 

There's a lot of life changes that come with a bundle of joy.

There's a lot of time and energy spent on taking care of them when you would much rather take care of yourself. 

There's a whole lot more hard moments and ten times more whining and crying.

Truthfully, life would be a lot easier without kids.

But, that doesn't mean it would be better...

Life as just me and you, was delightful.

It was carefree and fun, it was spontaneous and exciting, and it was a time that will forever be a happy memory to me.

But, we have added two little people to our family and have dreams to add more. 

They have brought challenges, that's for sure, but they have also brought more joy than we ever would have experienced had we not chosen to have them.

Children are supposed be challenging.
They're supposed to make you grow and think outside of yourself.

They are supposed to teach us what we need to learn to become better and stronger.

Caring for someone else who completely depends on you, is the absolute best way to learn the attributes of our Savior.

Hunter and I have probably lost a few brain cells since we have become parents, haha, but we have gained experiences and perspectives that no university or job will ever teach.

So to any newlyweds or expecting parents... one day you'll have a child or two or a few that change most everything. 

So cherish the time you have now and keep those memories of just the two of you engrained forever, but never lose sight of the importance of being parents.

The day to day life gets "harder" but trust me, it actually is better.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

*Loving this dress from Pink Blush! I think the choker neckline is so cute and fun because I don't even have to accessorize! Check out Pink Blush for any and all cute maternity clothes or trendy women's clothes!

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Things You Should Never Say To A Pregnant Lady

Oh pregnancy, it's the best of times and the worst of times haha.

The swelling, the heartburn, the clothes that don't fit... it's all worth it to grow and bring new life into the world, but man is it challenging at times.

Just about every day I look at Hunter and say something along the lines of how done I am with being pregnant.

My pregnancy with Oaklyn had its ups and downs but mainly was a breeze, this time has just been harder all around.

The funny thing is, pregnant women are already going through so many emotional and physical changes, yet people still have the nerve to say some really well... dumb things. To put it politely ;)

I've decided to compile a list of all these rather annoying remarks to maybe shed some light on the topic, because really, just think before you speak people! 

"You must be due any day now!"

Okay people, just don't bring up a due date you know nothing about unless you are asking when someone is due. And when they tell you, just say something kind like "oh how fun!" When a 7 month along pregnant lady is walking through the grocery store, the last thing they want to hear is that they look like they are going to pop at any minute. It's a long process and every single body grows differently. Just let the body do its thing. Commenting on weight during pregnancy is a danger zone at all times. 

Just wait... 

Okay, ANY form of just wait comment is actually the worst. Just because something may have been harder for you does not mean it will be for the pregnant lady and even if it will be, they surely don't want to hear about it! "Just wait til the baby comes, you'll never sleep!" "Just wait until you have two to chase around, then you'll know how hard it is!" Just wait until you are in your third trimester, it's so much worse!" "Just wait until you're in labor, you'll be wishing you never got pregnant!" You guys, I'm not kidding I've had all of these said to me and I just wanna pull my hair out. It's just not kind to talk to someone like they are naive in the first place, but let's not freak out other moms either. Just let them be them and you do you.

You must want a *insert opposite gender here* so bad!

We're having our second girl. And guess what?? We are SO excited! This second baby being a girl could not be better for us. With Hunter still in school for a few more months, it is such a blessing that we can just reuse everything we had from Oaklyn. Also, it is so much fun having girls and Hunter is actually happy with having two girls! When someone is pregnant with another one of the same gender, it is actually possible that they are happy about it. And if they aren't it's probably best not to bring it up unless they do first...

Don't let your hands do the talking...

Some people could care less that random strangers come up and touch their belly... but most find it really really odd. I know I do. "Oh, is she kicking??" Uhm no, and even if she was I don't know you... It's just best to move along and keep your hands in your pockets people.

Opinions on labor choices

Here's the deal, we have several different choices and options when it comes to labor nowadays. There is no "right" way and that is a-okay. If you bring up labor, just keep your opinions to yourself. Your natural birth may have gone really awesome, but some just aren't about that. Your epidural may have been heaven sent, but some women just don't want one. Either way is just fine.

Asking baby's name

Okay, while it's not a bad thing to ask if they have a name picked out, don't pry if they don't want to talk about it. And if they do feel okay offering the name, you may not like it... but don't show it or say it. Our daughter has a "different" name, but we absolutely love it. I hated telling people her name because the reactions were all over the place. If the only names you like are the ones you named your children, it's best just not to ask this question...

Okay, that about covers it for now haha.

I'm sure I can think of more, but we'll leave it at that ;)

Pregnancy hormones are no joke, so let's just not mess with them.

Since pregnancy is such a difficult time for a lot of women it's always a plus to feel comfortable in your clothes.

I have been living in dresses and looser fitting clothes in general and PinkBlush Maternity has been heaven sent!

If you're pregnant and searching for something comfortable to wear, there is an amazing selection of cute maternity clothes on their website. 

I'm obsessed with this black lace up maternity shift dress because it is sooo comfortable and trendy!

I also will be able to wear it after the baby comes and that is always a plus in my book.

You are bound to find something you love from PinkBlush!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

*Thank you to PinkBlush Maternity for sponsoring this post!

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I'm Gonna Pop Some Tags

Back in the day, (more like before getting married) I loved shopping at thrift stores.

Like seriously, I think I went once a week.

I love the treasures you can find in a thrift store and that they feel more "one of a kind."

Not to mention, nothing beats the price of shopping second hand.

With my style preference and wardrobe wants changing with every season, I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars every few months on the latest and greatest.

While I really enjoy a crisp new shirt, I might like getting "new" thrifted clothes just as much!

There's always such a sense of accomplishment when you find something you absolutely love, for pennies.

I haven't gone as much since having Oaklyn and moving to Utah because a) I couldn't find a thrift store I really liked and b) I just don't have much time these days.

However, that all changed recently.

A bit ago, I took a visit to the Uptown Cheapskate location in Sugarhouse, Utah.

I walked in not knowing much of anything about the company and left with a ton of beautiful clothes for an amazing deal, and a love for my new favorite thrift store. 

I'm so happy that I now know about this company because they have over 40 locations in the US.

Yep, you read that right!
The founders of Uptown are actually the children of the founders of another one of my favorites, Kid to Kid.
They are both opening franchise opportunities all over the US.

I was pleasantly surprised by their selection of clothes and I was seriously, beyond happy with what I found.

I tried on Hudson jeans, J crew sweaters, Steve madden shoes, Free People tops, and several other well known brands for over half off the original price. 

Everything was in great condition, no stains, rips, or tears.

It was also really organized inside which is huge for me, and the staff was more than helpful.

Seriously though, I had about 3 loads of at least 20 items I took into the dressing room and the guy helping me didn't even mind.
In fact, he was there to give me a second opinion if I wasn't sure about an item!

I got 5 sweaters, one cardigan, a necklace, and a pair of leggings for under $80.

Can you say score??

I'm so excited to go back and find more treasures!

So obviously, I no longer have an excuse to not buy secondhand with Uptown Cheapskate here in Utah.
Not only have I found a used clothing store I love, but I actually have time for this one!
When I think of a thrift store, I think of clutter and crazy.
As you can see by my photos, Uptown in Sugarhouse is very well organized and they make it so easy to find exactly what you are looking for.
I went to every sweater, shirt, and jean rack because those were the items I was searching for and was overall very happy with what I found!

So if you couldn't tell by this post, I give Uptown three thumbs up ;)
I was pleasantly surprised with how good of an experience I had shopping secondhand with Uptown!
Hope to see you all at one of their locations sometime!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Master Bedroom Wants

Hi Friends! Happy Friday!

It's been a busy week for us with family in town and errands to run.

I'm soooo excited right now because we are getting ready to redo our master bedroom!

This condo isn't where we are planning on staying forever, but it is where we'll be for a few more years, so I decided it was time to do what I want to it!

If you follow me on snapchat (username: aleighjoy) then you probably saw we finally painted the kitchen cabinets white! 

After doing that, we loved how much it brightened up the place and wanted to lighten several other rooms!

We're starting with our room and I couldn't be more excited.

Like the rest of the world these days, I totally love the farmhouse look.

Hunter and I love watching fixer upper so that must be why ;)

We're doing seafoam green/blue, gold, cream, grey, and true white. 

I'm SO excited about it!

Below you can check out and shop some of the items I've been eyeing through the process!

I can't wait to get started!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Modern Modesty

Every single day when I get dressed, I choose to dress modestly. 

Dressing modestly can vary based off your own outlook, religious views, and the way you've been raised, but for me it means making sure I am covered where I need to be.

We're currently living in a world where dresses at knee length, and anything other than strapless bridesmaid dresses are hard to find. 

I often hold up what is supposed to be a "dress" while shopping and mistake it for a long tunic.

And don't even get me started on trying to find a pair of shorts that actually cover my bum...

Now that I have a child, and a daughter nonetheless, I feel even more obligated to dress modestly! 

I know it is possible to look and feel good in what you're wearing without being revealing.

It can even be fun!

You really don't have to show your goods to get people to notice you.

Instead, wear a midi skirt that has a beautiful pattern or a top with gorgeous butterfly sleeves.

I find that when I'm wearing something that actually fits, I'm more confident. 

I have a pair of new eyes watching me at all times now, my little girl, and I'm determined to teach her that dressing modestly should not be a hassle, but instead fun and will show class.

I want to teach her that fashion is a way to express herself and can tell a whole lot about a person.

My hope is that she will care for her body and attract a man that cares for her just the same, not just her figure. 

I'm constantly on the lookout for beautiful clothes that are also modest.

I get so excited when I find a boutique that meets all my fashion requirements and I love sharing them with all of you!

Dainty Jewell's is an online boutique with gorgeous and modest clothing.

I guarantee there is something for everyone on their site because there are so many flattering styles!

I was beyond impressed with how accurate their measurement guide is and the great quality of the clothes. 

In a nutshell, here is what Dainty Jewell's is all about:

"Dainty Jewell’s got our start when young Charity began simply upcycling tops, skirts, and dresses by adding embellishments. These bows, ruffles, and attention to dainty details on these garments were the start of a signature line that continues to the present in all of Dainty Jewell's original designs. What began as a creative outlet for a young girl to make beautiful yet modest clothing to fit her own godly lifestyle, has grown into a full ministry for women across the world who strive to present themselves as intentional ladies."

I fell in love with the Serendipity Dress  the moment I laid eyes on it!

It has a vintage feel and fits like a dream.

Not to mention, polka dots! All the heart eyes for polka dots ;)

I'm also loving all of their bridesmaid dress options. 

If I could redo my wedding I would totally pick this dress!

It's so rare finding a company that sells classy and stylish clothing without showing too much skin.

Thank you Dainty Jewell's for standing out amongst the others!

Check out their full site here.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Guest Post: Off the Shoulder Dress

Happy Friday Everyone!
I'm so excited to have Annie on the blog today!
I'm really loving this entire look she put together because I've always loved white and I have thing for pairing it with a pop of red.
Annie's blog is darling and her family is even cuter!
Make sure to follow along to catch more of the cuteness!
Next week I'll be on vacation with my little family, but I still have some fun posts planned for you.
Can't wait!
All my love,
Aleigh Joy

I am The Real Housewife of Fresno; I am a wife, mama, Realtor, and lifestyle blogger.  My blog is about family, friends, food, fashion, and my favorite finds.  I was born and raised in Fresno, CA and I truly love this place I call home.  I married my high school sweetheart, Kevin in 2009 and we welcomed our first bundle of joy, Emily Grace in 2011 and our second baby girl, Madison Anne in 2014.  I wear a million different hats a day but typically love all my roles.  My obsessions include reality tv, anything sweet, high heels, handbags, arm candy, sunnies, lip gloss, buffalo chicken salad, hot tea (I hate coffee), Instagram, Pinterest, and a good book, a pool, and a cocktail!

Speaking of my obsessions, fashion and especially this look are on that list.  Don't think I'm giving you the cold shoulder in this look.  It's just my favorite trend of the season- the off the shoulder dress.  This dress combines so many of my faves- off the shoulder, crisp white, sweet eyelet, and flirty and fun.  Not only is it fashionable but it's also comfortable and it didn't break the bank; that's a triple threat.  This dress is perfect for a casual summer bbq or even dressed up for a charity event or fun night out.  What is your favorite trend this summer?

You know me I've always loved a pop of color and that hasn't changed for me this season.  My favorite pop right now is coral.  I also love a wedge especially with this look.  I found these coral wedges at my local Forever 21.

 It's all in the details....

Dress / Watch / Dot Bracelet / Bangle & Braided Bracelets / Alex and Ani Bracelet

Follow Me:

The Real Housewife of Fresno Website/Blog

Pinterest

Facebook

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Guest Post: Beautiful Boho Dress

Happy Wednesday friends!

I have another fun guest post for you today with Rema, the writer behind Jewelry & Jeans!

I'm obsessed with the dress she is wearing! 

I thought it would be fun to add in some guest posts every now and again to introduce some other bloggers to all of you guys.

I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful week!!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Hello, I'm Rema.  A wife and mom to two little men and the writer behind Jewelry & Jeans. I am a fashion enthusiast and beauty novice, who loves playing with new styles. I enjoy design and exploring my creative side and its an added bonus when I can do so without breaking the bank. I began blogging as a way to share my style with family and friends but I love that I have been able to connect with people from all over. Stop by and say hello at www.jewelrynjeans.com, I love meeting new friends.  

I love a good dress and this printed gypsie style dress is a definite win in my book.  The flowy sleeves and effortless style make it easy to live in.  I've been pairing all my boho dresses with my go-to fall booties.  I love to incorporate pieces from different seasons into my wardrobe year round if possible and shoes are an easy one to add. Once it gets really hot here (100+ degrees) I can easily throw on sandals or wedges and get an equally great look.  Plus, I recently wore this dress to the Carrie Underwood concert and it looked great with my cowboy boots! So many options make this a versatile must have!

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Buy a Bag, Help Save a Child | Barri Handbags

Happy Sunday friends! 

I am so excited to be talking about Barri handbags on the blog today!

As you all know by now, I am incredibly passionate about the cause, O.U.R (operation underground railroad), and doing all that I can to help support it. 

That's why I was so excited to learn about Barri, a handbag company that gives 10% of sales to OUR to help save children's lives!

Not only are these bags absolutely beautiful, but they are supporting the fight against the third most lucrative crime in the world.

How amazing is that??

I wanted to spread a little more awareness about Barri today, because their kickstarter fund is currently live and has 3 days left to go!

With your support and help, Ashley, the founder, will be able to produce these gorgeous bags and donate to O.U.R. 

With three days left, they have a little over $3,000 until the goal is reached!

If you've wondered how you can help end fight child sex trafficking, this is a great way to help!

Simply click here to go straight to the kickstarter fund and see the video where Ashley explains the mission and purpose of her company.  

I was able to test out and touch these bags on Saturday and I can honestly tell you that they are amazing quality.

They had awesome durability, the colors were gorgeous, and the hardware was very well crafted.

They are made of all high quality materials and are produced in fair wage factories. 

Ashley has tons of experience in designing handbags and after looking at them in person, it definitely shows!

So lucky for all of you, if you donate to the kickstarter fund you will receive 15% off your preorder purchase and be guaranteed a bag from the beautiful, b. brave collection. 

I loved talking to Ashley about her company and hearing how passionate she is about it. 

I absolutely know she is doing this with a purpose and doesn't want to start just another handbag company.
 She wants this one to be different and special!

Besides already deciding to support O.U.R, she also has a goal to support and uplift women everywhere.

She wants to create a community within Barri to help women know just how special they are.

Each bag has a metal plate inside to help you remember your worth, daily.

The plate reads: | b. inspired | b. kind | b. active | b. change |

Each bag also comes with a purse fob in front with the word "freedom" inscribed to always remind you of the cause you helped support with your purchase.

As you can see, a whole lot of time and effort were put into creating these bags!

If you have the means, please help support this awesome company with their kickstarter campaign! 

If you don't have the means, please share their facebook page, follow their instagram, or simply just tell your friends and family to spread the word!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

Happy Memorial Weekend friends! 

I hope you have tons of fun plans spent with family and friends!
Our days will be spent grilling hot dogs by the pool and I'm super excited!
You can follow along on snapchat! Username: @aleighjoy

I just wanted to pop in and tell you about yet another sale!

I'm sure most of you already know about this one because hello... who doesn't love Nordstrom??

However, I wanted to show you some of my favorites!

Just scroll through the widget down below and click on the options you like and it'll take you right to the site!

I hope you all love a good sale as much as me!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Shop the full sale here 
post contains affiliate links

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Tasty Tuesday: Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Since the very first Sunday Hunter and I spent together as a married couple, he has asked me to make peanut butter cookies after dinner.

I have tried several different things and changed up my own recipes several times but they just never came out how I wanted them.

I love cookies in just about every shape or form, but I'm a firm believer that they need to be thick, chewy, and very slightly crisp on the outside.

Finally, one Sunday, that is just what my peanut butter cookies turned out to be!

So, this recipe is a keeper :)

Ingredients

• ½ cup softened salted butter (sweet cream from Costco, oh yeah!)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, I've tried both!)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla (but let's be real, we all do a little more, right? Or is that just me?)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt (don't go overboard, pb is already salty!)

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugars together in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Mix until light and fluffy.
2. Next add your peanut butter, one egg, and vanilla. Mix that well making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get it all!
3. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and add that to the butter mixture at once and mix until just combined. Don't over mix!
4. Scoop your dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet or very lightly greased sheet. I use a cookie dough scooper from Wilton
5.  Bake the dough at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until just set. Halfway through I smashed my cookies with  a spatula. 
6. Allow cookies to cool on a cooling rack or somewhere else other than the pan to prevent over-baking. 

This dough freezes very well too! 

I don't want to eat like 24 cookies in one day so I usually save half the dough for another day in the freezer and just thaw a few hours before baking. 

I hope you guy enjoy these cookies as much as my family does!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Ps... Did you know the Macy's Friends and Family sale is going on right now?? You can take an extra 25% off and get free shipping on any $25 purchase with code FRIEND.

These are my favorite kitchen finds from there right now!

THIS Kitchenaid  color is incredible!

Both this apron and this apron are the cutest ever!

And last but definitely not least, we all need these Kate Spade kitchen towels!

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Briar Handmade Bonnets

To say I'm completely obsessed with my little Oaks in her perfect Spring bonnet would be a complete understatement. 

Her absolutely adorable, and completely functional statement piece is from Briar Handmade, and it is just the cutest.

Every single baby needs one of these bonnets for several reasons.

One being how stinkin cute babies look in them, but two being that they are perfect for more extreme weather... which we get a whole lot of in Utah!

We took these pictures on an incredibly windy day but the wind didn't even phase Oaklyn.

Not only that, but all her hair wasn't blowing in her face because it was tucked away neatly in her bonnet.

During sunny days it prevents scalp sunburns and during colder days it keeps her little ears warm while also looking so cute!

I'm definitely sold!

Rachel Goode, the founder of Briar Handmade, began creating her signature bonnets shortly after the birth of her sweet daughter Gracelyn Briar. 

She understood the need for a tie-hat that was both beautiful and functional and took the crafting into her own hands. 

The great response to her handmade and heartfelt bonnets from everyone was just the beginning, making this company what it is today.

These precious bonnets are made for the little people in your life and help create moments you will cherish the most.

Briar hand picks the very best materials for style, quality, and function to form the most beautiful and functional bonnets for your little ones. 

Briar Handmade is based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and all bonnets are proudly (and carefully) manufactured in the USA.

When picking a bonnet for Oaklyn, I had the hardest time deciding!

They are all so very cute, but I decided on the Buttercup style because I love that the colors work well with every season. Especially my favorites, Spring and Fall!

However, you really can't go wrong with all the adorable prints they have. 

You can shop the full collection here. 

What is your favorite Spring bonnet?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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