Hey there, dear readers! Long time, no see 🙂  This summer has just completely gotten away from me.  I’m back today with a link-up (that I skipped out on last month–sorry bloggy friends!).  If you’ve forgotten, The Daily Dime is a ‘day-in-the-life’ post published once a month.  Today’s post photos are documenting Monday, August 14, 2017 (which just happens to be our 13th anniversary!)

6:15am | Quiet Time.  I have been trying my hardest to get up extra early (5:15!) so that I can make time for bible study in the mornings.  Right now, I’m going through the She Reads Truth David study and I am loving it.

10:30am | Book Fair Prep.

11:15am | Flower delivery.  Today marks thirteen years that I have been married to my awesome husband and he surprised me with a bouquet of my favorite color (yellow).

3:45pm | Dirty toddler feet and Of Mess and Moxie.  I was on Jen’s book launch team, so I received her new book a few weeks before the actual release date.  I was a horrible launch team member, though, and didn’t read all of the book.  I picked it up a few days ago and am laughing my way though the remainder of it.

4:30pm | Farm chores.  28 chickens + 3 goats + 1 sheep + 1 dog = all the feed 🙂

5:15pm | Dinner Time.  Roast and edamame and apparently, waffles. 🙂

6:30pm | Soccer practice.  Last year of youth league soccer.

Happy Monday, y’all!  Today I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend and cousin, Brianna Hall Bigbee.  Bri and I have been “modeling” together since we were in diapers–I could show you pictures but I’d hate to break the internet.  =)  Brianna is the creator and CEO of The Bleacher Babe brand–a blog, a shopping site, and a soon-to-be household name.  I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments!

Welcome, Brianna!

Tell us a little about yourself.
Growing up in a rodeo family from Alabama, I have always admired the ladies and fashion of the West. I spent most of my weekends traveling with my Dad to ropings and rodeos. They say you end up marrying somone like your Dad and that statement couldn’t be truer for me. I grew up with my husband who, just like my father, is a professional rodeo athlete. We load up just about every weekend hitting the rodeo trail.

Cole has many accomplishments under his belt. He has won the Canadian Finals, was the top 10 Team Roper in the world, making it all the way under the bright lights in Vegas at the prestigious National Finals Rodeo.

Every time I would visit out West, I always came back with some pretty unique pieces. So many girls would ask me where I purchased them from. I also admired the Pro Rodeo wives fashion as well. Cowboys & Indians Magazine was my Cosmo growing up! I’ve always looked forward to the weekends where I could get all dolled up and strike out with Cole to the rodeos. I would sit with my “bleacher babes” and kill time discussing important fashion, makeup and hair tips. I tried my best to maintain my frizzy mane in our hot and humid Alabama weather, all while trying to capture the perfect video of Cole’s run!

Once I figured out different hair and makeup tricks that got the job done, I couldn’t wait to dish on the new products I found with other women who shared the same struggles.  It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it! I thought to myself, if only I could connect with more girls like myself. I ran across a few blogs on Instagram but noticed there wasn’t any that catered to my lifestyle. I thought it would be the perfect avenue to share with all of the rodeo ladies the resources I’ve come across from the western fashion industry & rodeo world while on the road. That was the start of, The Bleacher Babe. A social media page dedicated to the rodeo wives that sit in the bleachers every weekend devoted to their cowboys competing in the arena. I offered tips on how to doll yourself in unpredictable weather and how to get the looks for less.

Share your testimony.
What started out as an outlet a little over 2 years ago has now quickly turned into a home based business and allowed me to network and travel the United States. My love for fashion and search for affordable ways to keep up turned into an overnight hit and soon began my journey.

My husband, Cole Bigbee, made The RFDTV American Finals as a top 15 contender the year I began in 2015. It was my first time experiencing being with someone of his talent and exposure. I felt completely overwhelmed. I spent all of my time devoted to helping him get down the rodeo trail. Every weekend I was in the grandstands cheering him on as well as many other contestants’ significant others.

There is a glamorous side to dating a cowboy and also a downside. Rodeoing for a living comes with many perks and disadvantages. The perks are traveling to new places and events every weekend. Meeting new people that share the same interests. The thrill of watching your loved one conquer his dreams and battle it out in the arena. The downside is the expense and pressure that comes with needing to win so you can cover your fees and travel for the next rodeo. There also isn’t much time for date nights. I wanted to give rodeo wives an outlet. A reason to unite together and dress up at an affordable cost since living on the road can be expensive.

When we traveled to Dallas for the RFDTV American Rodeo the pressure as on. Not only for him but the pressure of presentation for me, being there with him. All of the ladies are dolled to the nines at these large events, adorned with very expensive custom jewelry and clothing. I knew that wasn’t an option for me, as for many, so I started a Facebook group called The Bleacher Babe’s Closet. A buy and sell group where women could make money and save money selling their gently used clothing.  The idea spread like wildfire.

Once it took off, so many doors have opened. I now produce annual “The Bleacher Babe” Fashion Shows at events such as RFDTV’s The American Rodeo for production alongside RFDTV. I’ve filmed fashion segments with Wrangler and BEX sunglasses while at the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. I’ve participated in a TV Show, Chasing Down Madison Brown (Daughter of country singer Sawyer Brown).  I’ve had the honor of working with Magazines such as Western Horseman, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Barrel Horse News.

This year I will be working alongside RFDTV covering events such as Round Top Antique week with the Junk Gypsy Company, the red carpet at The Kentucky Derby as well as more Fashion Shows and many other BIG projects in the works for 2017.

You are the owner of a very successful website, The Bleacher Babe. Tell us about how that idea began.
With the popularity of The Bleacher Babe’s Closet FB group birthed the idea of starting an online western fashion marketplace. A place where western inspired boutiques can sell online, similar to etsy and ebay. I am in hopes to finish this project by the end of 2017 along with a new app!

My website is under construction but feel free to check us out at www.shopbleacherbabe.com.

What advice would you give someone who has a vision/dream, but is scared to pursue it?
God is great and His timing is perfect. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF FAILURE! I have failed 10,000 times in my life but at least I know I have tried. God has a plan and it is precious.  If you want it, just GO FOR IT!!! Do not let people’s opinions be the one thing that is holding you back! You CAN accomplish anything you set your mind to! I truly believe that. Love yourself for who you are and don’t change that for anyone. Rock your weird sister! From a kid that struggled in school academically and socially due to swapping between two divorced parents 9 times, I can personally say don’t let people’s opinion of you define who you are. DON”T BE AFRAID TO TRY! 

One of the hardships I’ve learned with wanting to be an entrepreneur is to always be prepared to fail. Nothing in success comes easy and if it were then we all would be successful. Never let failure knock you down, it only means you took a chance on something. Learn from your mistakes and improve.

Another thing I’ve learned throughout my journey is failure isn’t an option for me, and it shouldn’t be for you either. Put those big girl panties on and keep on trucking! There have been many times where I have been discouraged, but my daddy didn’t raise a quitter. I know God will always point me in the right direction and I have to most importantly put Him first and trust His guidance.

Faith and family are what will get you by.  Don’t forget to put them first while searching for success because they are the glue that will hold you together when this world tries to tear you apart. It’s not easy putting yourself out there and people can be negative and cruel, especially when you are shooting for the stars. Let them talk while you hustle to achieve your dreams. Take the high road and don’t focus on proving them wrong. Wish them well because deep down they wish they were as brave as you have been to go for it. Show them that they are just as capable as you are, if they work hard, and encourage them to be passionate about their own dreams. Be kind, be grateful and always remain humble.

What is something you are passionate about?
At 31 I can say I have been passionate about MANY THINGS! LOL! I have tried it all but that has always been my personality. I am a kite in the wind and have learned that it is totally okay! God made me curious and ambitious. I have a restless drive that keeps me fueled to experience life to the fullest. I wasn’t made to fit into a box (I get that from my daddy!).

I love to travel and experience different cultures! I’m interested in health and fitness and with age, it has become one of my top priorities. You only get one body and I’d like to take care of it mentally, physically and spiritually. I love helping others achieve their dreams or just encouraging people. I never really had many people lift me up so it’s extremely important to me to use my platform to inspire others. I love producing fashion shows for a cause.

Doing what I love has allowed me to give back to our community and our military by raising money with live auctions during our Fashion Shows. The most important of all that I’m passionate about is my marriage. I love fashion but it doesn’t define me, however, it has opened many doors and blessed me with a platform to make people feel good inside and out.

Life is so busy these days–how do you recharge?
Detaching is a BIG part of my routine. It is so easy to get caught up staring at my phone. My husband is just as busy as I am so it is important for us to turn our phones off and catch up. I love a good bubble bath, motivational book, going to dinner with my husband, hitting the gym or going on a hike with my dog. We also try to save and go on vacations. Mexico is a favorite of ours and pretty affordable for what you get at all in inclusive resorts.

Tell us three things you are loving (books, tv shows, products, etc.).

1. I NEVER get caught up with Netflix but I have been hooked on the ‘13 Reasons Why‘ series.
2. A few books that have always inspired me and I tend to pick back up are ‘Eat Pray Love‘ and ‘Girl Boss‘. I’m a big fan of Biographies/Memoirs and reading about people’s journey.
3. ANYTHING with Jennifer Aniston. She inspires me so much with how she has handled aging gracefully, life in general and her timeless girl next door fashion.

“No grit, No Pearl” is Bri’s motto, and you can find her on these social media handles:
@Thebleacherbabe
@shopbleacherbabe
@bleacherbabesquad
@bleacherbabies
@bleacherbabefitness
@bleacherbabepups

Thank you, Brianna! We can’t wait to follow along and see where The Bleacher Babe takes you in the future!

Happy Wednesday, friends! I have discovered a new favorite iPhone app and just had to share it with you. I use it on almost every single photo that I take and it still amazes me.

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post.  Shopping these links will result in a few extra pennies for OAL at no extra cost to you.  As always, your support of OAL is appreciated!

We walked out to the creek the other day and I snapped this gorgeous photo of my handsome boy.  Well, except for that funky surgical glove that Kyndall insisted on bringing down for her “science experiments”.  No problem–two clicks and that photo looks better than ever!

Afterlight

First, I opened the photo in Afterlight and brightened it.  It’s a super simple process, just open the photo in the app and then use the sliding bar to lighten or darken the photo.  Viola!

Touch/ReTouch

Second, I opened the photo in the Touch/Retouch app.  {I discovered the Touch/ReTouch app a few weeks ago and I am SO IN LOVE.}  Once the photo was open, I clicked on “object removal” and highlighted that ugly glove.  Then, I clicked GO and goodbye glove!

You can get Afterlight HERE and the Touch/ReTouch app HERE.  {I’d be so appreciative if you’d use my affiliate link if you choose to purchase!}   Also, if you choose to purchase, I’d love to see your before and afters!

What’s YOUR favorite app?  Do you have an editing process for photos using only your iPhone?  Share it with me!

Hi there!  Happy Monday! Today is the first day of our Spring Break and I could not possibly be more excited.  Spring fever had kicked in majorly at school and we were all needing a little time off (most of all, the teachers!)

Today, I want you to meet my friend, Ashley.  Ashley is an adoptive mom to sweet little Isaac and has some really amazing advice to share about foster care, adoption, and faith.  I know you will love Ashley just as much as I do!

Welcome, Ashley!

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 32. I’m a wife and mama. I’ve been married for over 11 years to my hubby, Micah. We have a gorgeous (I can say that because I had nothing to do with his looks haha) two-year-old little boy Isaac that is our miracle baby!

Share your testimony.
I was saved when I was 15 but I struggled off and on for years with believing if it was real or not. I’m sure God spent a lot of time shaking His head at me during these times.  After Isaac came to live with us I started to question my salvation again. This was a very tough season in my life. My faith was seriously tested and I had to, for the first time, lay something at the feet of Jesus and trust Him completely with it. Which is nearly impossible for someone like me that wants to be in control of every situation. I spent more time on my knees than not during the two years we waited to see if Isaac would be ours.

I felt God at work,  and I have no doubt that He was with me during this time. He answered prayer after prayer but still, I worried that I wasn’t really saved. So finally I had enough. I was probably at the lowest point of our adoption journey. We had just lived through a month and a half where we were faced with the very real possibility that we would lose Isaac. That was the hardest thing I have ever faced. I had a complete breaking point and not having the comfort of knowing without a doubt that I was saved was just too much. So one Sunday after church Micah and I prayed together and since that day I have had no doubts.  A very wise man (Michael Mason) once told me that our salvation is not a feeling, its a promise. I have that written in my bible and I look at it from time to time to remind myself. Looking back I believe I was truly saved at 15 but either way, I have no doubt now.

It is so brave of you to publically “own” your doubts about salvation.  I think so many of us struggle with this privately.  Do you have any advice for someone who may be feeling that same way?
My advice would be to talk to someone you trust that you know is a Christian.  I talked to both my pastors (Michael Mason and Richie Thompson), my father in law, a close friend and of course, Micah, over the years I struggled.  It ultimately came down to me and God but their counsel made a difference.  Michael Mason did tell me that Satan can and will attach your belief of your salvation.  I was shocked.  I had never even considered this. I believe it to be very true.

Also, don’t be ashamed.  Shame plagued me for years.  I was a Sunday school teacher for years and married to a deacon–how could I question my salvation or better yet not even be saved? This was my thought process.  It was all lies.  After I professed my belief in Jesus and was baptized last year not one person questioned me.  I was only met with love and happiness by my fellow believers.

• Cross body purses…I have always preferred a tote-like bag but recently used a cross body on a trip and it’s a game changer especially with a little one and all the stuff. Two Words: Hands. Free.
• Llama Llama–Children’s books written by Anna Dewdney. Isaac and I both love them! Llama Llama Red Pajama is Isaac’s favorite.
• Plunder.  I became a consultant with Plunder in January because I love the jewelry and I had challenged myself to overcome my fears and get out of my comfort zone.  I love it.  It has been so much fun.  I have met some great women and feel more confident in myself as a person than I ever have before!

I love Ashley’s personal insight into the foster care system and her wisdom on how salvation is a promise, not a feeling.  Thank you so much, Ashley, for sharing your heart with us!

You guys, I’m not going to lie: It’s been a rough week.  And it’s only Wednesday.  I’ll save you from all my whining, but sometimes, we have to intentionally focus on the happy. Am I right? I’m right. So that’s what I’m doing today–sharing the things that are making me happy right now.

1. Natural products. I have been on a big chemical free kick. We are choosing mostly whole, natural foods and products for our home and it makes me weirdly happy.  I’m planning an entire post dedicated to the exact products I love, but you can check out Grove Collaborative to shop for your own natural products. (If you use my link, they’ll give you $10 off your first purchase!)

2. Sunshine.  This weather we are having lifts my spirits ridiculously.

3. This song.  It plays on repeat in the car and at home.  The girls and I know every single word.

4. Our hardwood floors.  I’ll be even happier once we are moved into the new house, but for now, I get super excited when I walk out and see these beautiful, rustic hardwoods covering my floors.

5. The countdown to Spring Break.  We have next week off and have zero plans and I could not possibly be any more thrilled than I already am.

6. This book by Erin Loechner.  You guys, I know I rave about books on here a lot.  Like, A LOT.  But this book has been so good for my soul lately.  It’s funny, it’s enlightening, it’s full of grace, it’s permission to rest.  It’s a reminder that we are not called to this frantic pace we so often keep.  It is everything I needed to hear in this season of my life.

7. Garden Planning.  Lara Casey has a cute little Gardening 101 series on her blog and it has me all sorts of anxious to start planting our summer veggies!  (She also has a new book coming out in June that I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on!!)

8. All things COLOR and the #abmlifeiscolorful on Instagram.  Search for it–if you are a color-lover like I am, it’ll make you happy too 🙂

That’s it, y’all.  Help a sister out and tell me one thing that is making you happy, right now.  Leave it in the comments!

Happy Monday, ya’ll. Our spring break starts next week and we are counting down the days. It puts a little extra pep in my step knowing I get a vacation next week =)

We had a jam-packed, fun-filled weekend this weekend and I can think of no better way to start out a week than to recap it for all of you! (Plus, we saw the new Beauty and the Beast movie and there has been oh-so-much controversy over it, so I’m going to put my two cents in!)

Friday night: Shrimp boil at my parents house. Two naked butts in a bathtub. Burning the midnight oil cleaning in the new house so flooring could go in on Saturday!

Saturday: Lunch at Rosie’s with Kristi, Kelly, and Madi. Beauty and the Beast. Take-out Fulins at Nana and Papaw’s for Nana’s birthday celebration.

Sunday: Church flow (it tickles me saying that.)

And now, my Beauty and the Beast review!

We loved Beauty and the Beast.  It was very much like the original, only with actual people instead of animated characters.  When Belle’s father stumbles into the Beast’s castle, the wolves and the Beast himself are pretty intense.  It’s all dark and scary for about 2.5 minutes.  The whole “homosexuality issue” is just some media mogul making a mountain out of a molehill.  The movie was amazing, with a great moral, and I would recommend it to anyone!

What did you do this weekend?