Sweet Tea and Hydrangeas

A Lifestyle & Beauty Blog

Why I Love Being A Blogger

First off let me say I can not believe that I have been blogging for almost three years (in March). This journey has had its ups and downs but more ups to say the least. I never thought that I would have come this far with Sweet Tea & Hydrangeas. This all started out as a hobby with one of my childhood friends and has grown to be so much more. Don’t get me wrong I’m far from a perfect blogger but this blog has come a long way. I hope that I continue making small strides by improving Sweet Tea & Hydrangeas with time.

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about where I want Sweet Tea & Hydrangeas to go and what was the purpose of my blog (other than it being a hobby of mine). I want Sweet Tea & Hydrangeas to make you feel welcome and like you can be yourself, even on those not so great days. I will always be real with y’all because let’s face it….I’ve never been one to sugar coat anything. I was born way too honest. I want this blog to be a place where I inspire women to feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. Most importantly I want to bring women together through my everyday life experiences, beauty, health, fashion and blogging (of course I am not limiting myself to just those topics but these are the main one’s you’ll see on the blog). With that being said these are the reasons why I love being a blogger.

I get to connect with fellow bloggers// Most of my blogging friends I have met virtually through blogging facebook groups, which has been amazing!! These bloggers are all about lifting each other up and helping one another out. I’m so thankful for one of my blogging besties Leslie, who has been my biggest cheerleader and go to person to talk to when life gets crazy. I have met a few local bloggers here however, I have not really kept in touch with them but I am looking forward to hanging out with Kathleen soon! Being apart of the blogging community has connected me with so many amazing people who inspire me everyday. I also love that I get to connect with bloggers who share the same interests as me and completely understand why I even blog. (I’m always looking to connect with bloggers-so hit me up 🙂 )

Blogging gives me a creative outlet// I started this blog to be able to share my love for beauty and fashion along with what’s going on in my life currently. I love being able to share what beauty products I’ve tried and if they’re really worth the hype (because who wants to buy something that’s not worth it). Though I am no fashion blogger by any means, I enjoy letting y’all know what trends I am obsessed with currently (maybe one day I’ll go back to sharing some of the outfits I put together). I also love giving you an insight into what’s going in my life. By sharing my life with y’all, I know I’m not the only one who has went through whatever craziness I have going on at the time.

My voice is heard// I remember when I first started reading blogs and how much I took other bloggers opinions into consideration when it came to certain topics (like what beauty product to buy next, etc). I love being able to share what I have to say in hopes that I will make a difference in someone’s life. Who doesn’t like being able to have their voice heard while sharing what their passionate about? Blogging gives me the chance to reach thousands of people, if not more by sharing what I have to say.

I learn new things// I am constantly learning new things from my readers and fellow bloggers. Being able to connect with y’all, gives me the chance to expand my knowledge on so many different topics. Blogging also means that I am constantly learning how to grow my social media channels, how to do html coding..the list goes on. I’ll never stop learning as a blogger.

I have been blessed with new opportunities// Being a blogger has opened up so many doors for me by being able to work with some amazing brands that I know and love. This may seem superficial to some but I never thought I’d have brands reach out and ask me to work with them. It’s an awesome perk of being a blogger. I am working more towards monetizing my blog and hope that one day I can become a full-time blogger. Which scares the living crap out of me but hey nothing wrong with that. No this doesn’t mean I will only have sponsored posts on my blog because that’s not what I’m all about; however, there may be more of those posts in the future. I am totally for supporting other bloggers who make money from sponsored posts because blogging isn’t cheap and it does cost money.

It has made me get out of my comfort zone// Being a blogger means putting yourself out there which can be absolutely terrifying! I remember when I wanted to start a blog I was like what if no one reads what I have to say or my blog sucks. By taking a leap of faith and starting this blog I faced those insecurities face to face. I’m so happy I did because blogging has been one heck of an awesome experience so far. I want to continue to challenge myself by putting myself out there more in the future. I’m working on this as we speak.

I know I have way more reasons that I can come up with on why I love being a blogger but these are the main one’s. I want to continue to grow as a person through this blog and keep on pushing myself to learn more. I hope you enjoyed knowing about Why I Love Being A Blogger.

 

If you’re a blogger what are some reasons you love being a blogger? Let me know in the comments below. 

If you’re not a blogger, what’s stopping you from becoming one? 

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September 2017 Goals

Yah for September being here!!! It’s almost time for Fall (fingers crossed that it actually shows up here). This week they are saying the weather during the night time will be in the 60’s, which I am so dang excited about! Fall is one of my favorite seasons by far. I’m ready to pull out my boots, over sized sweaters and leggings. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Along with Fall almost being here, September brings a new month which means new goals. Today I’m going to be recapping my August goals and share what I want to accomplish this month.

August Goals Revisited: Blog & Personal

-Start putting together a vision board for the wedding// Yes! I have come up with several ideas for flowers for the reception, my flowers, etc. Now to actually finalize those ideas (I still have a while to figure out what I want thankfully).

-Hit 925 Instagram followers// Nope. I was so close and then people (fellow bloggers) did the follow/unfollow. Can I just say to y’all that it annoys the living crap out of me when fellow bloggers do this. Just STOP IT dang it!! I’ve worked so hard on being more active on Instagram over the past few months and y’all make it hard as hell to get more followers.

-Continue to grow my LipSense business// Slowly but surely getting there! I’m very grateful for the growth I’ve had so far.

-Write three beauty posts// Nope. I did not write a single beauty post. I’m disappointed in myself.

2/4 Definitely did not do great with my goals last month. 

September Goals: Blog & Personal

-Work out 2 x’s a week (at least)// I have been slacking big time with working out lately. I need to get back to it and kick butt.

-Finish reading The Perfect Stranger// I started reading this book a few months but never finished it.

-Start using products that I receive in my Ipsy/Play! by Sephora boxes// I have so many products that I have yet to use. They have started to pile up and I do not want to continue to waste the products or my money.

-Continue saving money for my wedding// Our wedding is a little over a year away and some of our big payments are going to be due soon. I’d love to be able to save a good bit of money to put a hung dent in what has to be paid.

-Write two beauty posts// I plan on writing some posts about faces masks, makeup I am currently loving,etc.

 

I really hope this month I can accomplish my goals seeing that last month I didn’t do as well as I would have liked. I’d really love to be able to write all these beauty posts that I have in mind.

What are you goals for this month? What did you accomplish last month? 

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Friday Favorites Vol 5

Happy Friday Y’all!! This has been a week from hell. Last Friday, I wrote about getting ready to prepare for Hurricane Harvey and can I just say that I am glad it has come and gone. This storm was no joke and it caused far more damage than anyone here in TX thought it would. It is completely heartbreaking to see all the families that have lost everything they own, some losing their lives.  Despite this tragedy I am so proud of everyone coming together to help one another in a time of need. God bless all of those individuals who put their lives in danger in order to rescue people,pets,etc. We were very blessed to have not had any damage to our home. Now we hoping that the other two hurricanes that are forming, do not come our way (not that we want it to hurt anyone else but Harvey was enough to deal with for a long time). Enough of my ramblings about the Hurricane…let’s get on to much happier things, like my favorites for this week.

+Using hastags on Instagram is everything. I love that Kallie shows you how to find and use local hastags in this post.

+ I did this workout for my arms the other day, and my arms were on fire!! Getting get rid of that jiggle.

 

+I love this video of this mom dog and her pup. How stinking cute!!!

 

 

+I am so ready for Fall and this outfit has me swooning!

 

+This shirt from Fashion Cupcake here is so right, especially when I get home from work or the weekend.

 

That’s all I have for this week as far as what I’ve been loving!

What are some things you are loving this week? Let me know in the comments below.

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Friday Favorites Vol 4

Friday is finally here!! I’m happy to see it but I am also currently preparing for Hurricane Harvey, as well as battling a cold/sinus infection. The hurricane is supposed to hit us sometime today, so we shall see what happens. I’ve rode out several hurricanes in my lifetime, so it’s nothing for me to really deal with but of course they are still to be taken seriously. If it happens to be bad, I plan on catching up on sleep, reading and some blogging (at least I’ll be able to write out future blog posts because I probably won’t have electricity). I guess that is the plus side to it. However, trying to get gas today was a hot mess and the stores were cleared out of water, bread, etc. Thankfully I drink water like it’s going out of style so we always have a ton of it (yes to being a camel) and I’m so glad we have a gas stove to be able to cook during the storm. Enough about this hurricane and my random ramblings, lets to what I’m loving this week!

+This work out took my by complete surprise when it came to doing it. I was like okay this isn’t going to do much but holy moly the next day I was feeling it. Burn so good!!

+Instagram can be a a little tricky especially with this new algorithm. Summer writes an awesome post about “How To Write The Best Instagram Captions here. Go check it out! Lots of great advice!

 

+Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry” has been my jam lately. Also, can I say how amazing she looks in this video. You go girl!She makes me want to go back brunette.

 

+I’m also loving “Most Girls” by Hailee Steinfeld. It’s a great reminder that us girls are all amazing! I loved her after seeing her in Pitch Perfect 2.

+I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but the Jaclyn Hill X Morphe Palette has been my go to palette. I have been doing a somewhat smokey golden eye with it as far as my everyday type of look. To see watches and read my review click here.

+If you follow me on Instagram or read my post here, you’d know I am obsessed with Kimono’s lately. So of course I am loving this Kimono but this whole look is me! So I had to order it of course.

 

I hope you enjoyed my picks for this week!! What are you loving lately? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend!!

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STH Happenings// Vol. 4

Hey Y’all!!! I apologize for being MIA recently but this girl has been crazy busy lately. I feel like these last few weeks, I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off (literally). Though I’ve been busy I have had a lot of fun and I’ve accomplished some things in the midst of the chaos. Here’s what I’ve been up to lately.

Happenings

+I celebrated my best friends little girls third birthday. They had a water slide fun jump which was a blast!! All of us grown ups were acting like kids. However, the bad side of the fun, I believe I am getting sick from the water that got in my ear. Hopefully I can kick it soon.

+My fiancée and I made our appointment to do cake tasting next week! I’m extremely excited but also a little nervous because I am going to be so picky. Lol. I guess this is a good thing though!

+My family and I celebrated my sisters 26th birthday. We went out to lunch and then a little bit of shopping which was fun but so exhausting. I got blisters on my feet from all the walking around.

+I have had a ton of positions open up for my job that I oversee as far as getting people to fill them. Right now I have 50 positions I have to fill currently. Let’s just say work has been crazy busy. I am hoping we start slowing down just a little bit.

+I scheduled an appointment to get Lash extensions. I’m really excited about this because one of my friends, friend got them done and her’s look amazing. Would y’all like to see before and after photos once I get them done?

+I have my wedding dress shopping appointment made!!! Y’all it’s getting even more real (though I am not getting married until October 2018)! The bridal shop has one of the designers that I have been eyeing as far as the style dresses I want. So hopefully I will find my dream dress during this appointment. Would y’all like to know about my wedding dress shopping experience.

In Case You Missed It

On Wednesdays We Confess Vol 59

Currently Coveting: Kimonos

August 2017 Goals

July 2017 Favorites

Ask Mistle

Insta Lately

 

 

Upcoming To The Blog

+Play! by Sephora July Review

+Smile Brilliant Review

+My Favorite Face Masks Currently

 

I hope y’all enjoyed getting caught up on what’s been going on in my life currently. What has been going on in your life lately?

Also, I’ve been wanting to do another Q & A post! So I would love for you to ask me some questions in the comments below please (this can be anything from beauty, blogging, etc.).  🙂

 

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On Wednesdays We Confess Vol 59

Happy Wednesday Y’all!!! I have not done a confession session in months!!! So I thought I’d do one today!! I’ll make it short and sweet. So here is what I’m confessing today.

I confess that I am really excited about seeing some of my bridesmaids this weekend. We are going to be meeting up for dinner and some drinks. So I know it’s going to be a blast!

I confess that I’m excited that my work department is being appreciated with an off site event. We got to pick where we wanted to have the event at so we choose Top Golf. We’ve worked our butt’s off this year for our company so it’s nice to finally be appreciated.

I confess that though I have not been working out a ton recently due to being busy, I have seen changes in my body. I have been eating a good bit healthier and smaller portions. So I see that as a win!

I confess that I am absolutely in love with LipSense. This stuff is amazing (honestly). So since I became in love with it after trying it out for several weeks, I decided to become a distributor. Join my fb page for discounts, etc here.

I confess that I am so over all of this rain we have been getting here. Like where is the sun at?! Though that means it would be hot as ever again. We are still getting weather in the 90’s here. Who’s ready for Fall?! Raise your hands!

I confess that I have been buying lots of Fall items. I’m hoping that means Fall will get here quicker.

I confess that I have been trying to become better at engaging on Instagram. I have seen a huge increase in other’s engaging with my, so I think it’s working. Because to be honest….Instagram can be a pain!

I confess that I am so excited that Sephora will now be carrying ColourPop!!! Hopefully that means the brand will still be affordable and great quality.

 

I hope everyone has an amazing Wednesday!!! Are you confessing anything today? 

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Currently Coveting: Kimonos

I don’t know about y’all but lately I have been completely obsessed with Kimonos. When they first started becoming popular I was not to sure about wearing one because I am so short. I thought they would look absolutely ridiculous on me. I decided to take the plunge and order one finally and I am so glad that I did. Kimonos can be paired with any type of look and are perfect for transitioning from season to season.

One thing I love about wearing Kimonos is how flowy they are.  Let’s face it some days I want to look cute but still be extremely comfortable, so Kimonos are perfect for just that. I have paired my Kimono’s with maxi dresses and jeans. Here are some of my favorite one’s that I have on my wishlist.

Tea Party Floral Kimono // Feline Myself Kimono // Beautiful Debut Floral Duster Kimono // Fun With Flowers Kimono //

 

Do you love Kimonos? What are you currently coveting?

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August 2017 Goals

Happy August Y’all! Can you believe it’s really August? I can’t!  I will say though that I am excited that we are getting a little closer to Fall (fingers crossed we get Fall here this year). Today I’m going to be recapping my July goals and share what I want to accomplish this month.

July Goals Revisited: Blog & Personal

-Save money for the wedding// Yes! Slowly but surely been saving up some money.

-Continue to pay of some of my debt// I’ve been going very well at this!

-Work out at least 2 x’s a week// Yes! Now i just really need to keep it up.

-Finish writing PR posts// I started some but have not finished all of them.

-Write four beauty posts// I only got around to writing two beauty posts this month.

-Finish reading The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda// Nope didn’t happen. I’m halfway through this book.

-Hit 900 Followers On Instagram // Yes! I am at 903! Thank You to all of those who have followed me. I appreciate all the love and support!! You guys are awesome! Though I will say nothing bugs me more than when bloggers with 20k+ followers, follow me and then unfollow me. I really wanted to call some of them out but decided to be classy.

5.5/7 Not too bad considering this month flew by and I was extremely busy. 

 

August Goals: Blog & Personal

-Start putting together a vision board for the wedding// I have a ton of ideas for the wedding and I think that once I start putting together the things I really want will help me narrow down and finalize things. I’m so picky. Ahhh.

-Hit 925 Instagram followers// I have been trying really hard to focus more on Instagram and I am seeing some success. Let’s hope I can keep it up.

-Continue to grow my LipSense business// I tried LipSense for the first time a month ago and fell in love. I became a believer so I decided to become a distributor.

-Write three beauty posts// Once again I need to get back to the roots of my blog. So fingers crossed that I can do this!!!

So this month I just wanted to keep it simple when it came to my goals.

 

What are you goals for this month? What did you accomplish last month? 

 

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July 2017 Favorites

 

Each month I love being able to share what products I’ve been raving about with y’all. This month’s favorites will include some things I loved in June as well.  I seriously can’t believe July is over today, just crazy!!! Now let’s get to what I’ve been loving.

Beauty

Pelle Harmony Beauty Oil $58 for (30 ml)// I absolutely love this oil (I also love the Nurture beauty oil as well but I will use that more in the winter time)! I use it several times a week and it has made my face so smooth, soft and moisturized. Read my full review on them here. If you make a purchase use code SWEETTEA for a discount.

Sephora Pearl Sheet Mask $6// For a mask that is so affordable this is one of my favorites. Anytime my skin is feeling dull and needs a little pick me up I grab this one. It makes me look so much more alive on those days were I look like I could use a million cups of coffee.

Jaclyn Hill X Morphe Palette $38// This palette right here is amazing and extremely affordable. You can create several different looks with this palette and it has a little bit of everything as far as shades are concerned. Check out my full review here. Note that this palette is currently out of stock but should be available again next month.

 

LipSense Lipstick in Caramel Apple $25// I recently tried LipSense for the first time a few weeks ago and I’m hooked. This stuff seriously is smudgeproof, waterproof and transfer proof. I love that the Caramel Apple shade is the perfect amount of color without going overboard. So with that being said because I became a believer of the product I decided to become a distributor as well.

Book

Hair Product

It’s A 10 Miracle Five Minute Hair Repair for Blondes $20.58// This hair masque does wonders for my blonde hair! When my hair is feeling damaged this makes me hair look 10 x’s better. I also love that it keeps my hair look fresh and not brassy. Check out more of my favorite products from It’s A 10 here.

 So here’s all my favorites recently. I can’t wait to share some new favorites with y’all next month!

 

What have y’all been loving lately? I’d love to know in the comments below. 

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Ask Mistle

Happy Thursdays Y’all!! How has everyone’s week been so far? Mine has not been too bad but kind of long. I am so ready for this weekend! I have my friends bachelorette party Saturday and I can’t wait! Sometimes a little girl time is just what the doctor ordered after a long work week. Today’s post won’t be too long but I wanted to introduce a potential new series called Ask Mistle.

This series will be all about your questions to me that you’d liked answered. These questions can be anything about blogging, beauty, health,etc. I love reading these types of series on other bloggers blogs, so I thought it would be fun to do as well. Don’t forget to leave your questions in the comments below. I also have some questions for y’all (I’ll be answering them as well below).

Tell me about yourself:

  1. If you’re a blogger, what is your favorite thing(s) about blogging? If you’re not a blogger, what do you love about reading blogs?
  2. What are some of your favorite tv shows to watch (past or current)?
  3. What are five things you always carry in your purse?
  4. What are some of your guilty pleasures?
  5. If you could eat one thing for the rest of your, what would it be?

My response to the questions:

  • My favorite thing about blogging is getting to interact with my readers and build relationships with my fellow bloggers. Getting to know your readers is so important! I also feel that forming relationships with my fellow bloggers is key. The blogging community has been so good to me and I have met some amazing bloggers so far.
  • I have soooooo many tv shows that I love to watch. Some of my favorites are The Bold Type, HTGAWM, This Is Us, The Real Housewives (pretty much all of them), Fixer Upper, Southern Charm, OTH, Jane The Virgin….the list goes on (we’d be here awhile if I listed them all)
  • I always make sure I have chapstick (this girl can’t stand chapped lips), a hair brush, phone charger, phone and a pen in my purse.
  • My guilty pleasures would include buying makeup and skincare, massages, eating sushi and sheet masks.
  • If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be sushi. There are so many different rolls that you can eat so I don’t think it would be too hard. Close second would be crawfish.

Again thank you so much for your support and love!! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!

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