How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old schoo How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old school Amazon Echo. We have the dots around the house, but our kitchen one is still the OG! I don't love it being on the counter so I came up with a way to hide it!

How do you hide your electronics? 

#homehacks #homeandgardens #homedecorideas #kitchenideas
Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so ea Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so easy and cute to create!

First, use edible grass or icing and a grass piping tip to add grass to your "basket." Then attach peeps to a toothpick and insert into the cake. Add eggs and other Easter candies. Finally, add a handle to complete the basket look!

What are you doing for Easter this year?

#eastercakes #easterbrunch #easterideas #springrecipes #easyrecipesformoms #springcakes #springparty #recipereels #easypartyideas
Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atl Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atlanta for Benjamin's birthday! 

We started at @childrensmuseumatlanta and then headed over to @skyviewatl! Then we had dinner at @johnnyrockets and spent the night. Then, we woke up early and headed over to the @georgiaaquarium for the day.

It was SO much fun. I highly recommend doing a staycation in your own city. I've lived here 30 years and always find something fun to do. 

Happy birthday to my big 2-year-old! 💙 

#atlantastaycation #staycation #toddlertrip #toddlertravel #toddlertravels #georgiaaquarium #childrensmuseumatlanta #skyviewatlanta #johnnyrockets
This is the easiest idea for a fun summer party! 🦀 I took these crabby chicken croissants to our margaritaville themed party last week. I also made them for a mermaid-themed party a few years ago!

To make these:
-slice mini croissants down the middle but leave the back connected.
-fill with chicken salad.
-attach a toothpick to the back of edible eyeballs with cookie icing and allow it to dry.
-insert the toothpicks into the croissants to create eyes!

Save this for later when you need a dish or appetizer to bring to summer parties! 

#easyrecipesformoms #easysummerrecipes #easyrecipesforkids #easyfamilyrecipes #summerpartyideas #summerbarbecue #chickensaladsandwich #recipereel #easyrecipesathome
My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom i My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom is the greatest gift I've ever been given. I am so incredibly grateful for my tiny bestie. 

Thank you @keikilaniphotography for these precious photos of our boy!
Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be the most southern dish I've ever made. However, it is a perfect side to take to a barbecue or to make for a summer party. 

It's also the perfect dish to make if your kitchen is under construction like mine was for this video. It's a cold dish so nothing to heat up. 

First, mix together two cans of drained whole-kernel corn, two cups of mexican blend cheese, one cup of light mayo, diced red pepper, pepper and a bit of cilantro in a bowl. Then, add crushed Chili Cheese Fritos and mix well. Serve and enjoy! 

#recipereel #sidedishrecipes #sidedishes #cornsalad #cornrecipes #barbecuerecipes #recipereels #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms
You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeli You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeling extra sappy. I love sharing a birthday week with my boy, and I'm extra grateful for another year with my tiny bestie. 💕

Thanks for all the birthday love! Can't wait to celebrate my sweet boy the rest of the week! 

Cover photo is from the incredibly talented @keikilaniphotography 

#toddlermoments #dailymotherhood #toddlerboymom #toddlermomma #twoyearolds
It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨ It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨

This is my favorite way to make a regular drink feel fancy! Sprinkle a little edible glitter in a silicone mold and fill with water and freeze. When it melts, your drink will be cute and sparkly.

My drink today is two ounces of bourbon, one ounce of peach syrup, lemon juice and club soda! Stir and watch it sparkle. 

#glittercocktail #peachcocktail #birthdaydrink #birthdaycocktails #edibleglitter #easydrinks #easydrink #easydrinking #signaturedrinks #recipereel
Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Maste Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Masters! ⛳️

First, either make or purchase cupcakes with green frosting. My kitchen was under construction for this video, so I purchased mine. But you can easily make your own and even use the grass piping tip to make grass. 

Then I found these golf-tee toothpicks. Place one in each cupcake. 

Then use cookie icing to secure a white chocolate truffle to each of the tees. 

Allow the icing to harden, serve and enjoy!

#mastersparty #masterssunday #masterstournament #springdesserts #golfcupcakes #golfparty #golfpartyideas #springparty #recipereels #cupcakereel #cupcakereels
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Life · March 22, 2019

28 Things I’ve Learned in 28 Years


It’s my birthday! I am 28-years-old today. I love a good birthday post, so today I’m sharing 28 things I’ve learned in my 28 years. Some lessons are funny and some are more serious, but I think they are all important lessons.

Let’s dive right in:

It takes very little effort to be a good person. Smile, show kindness to others, don’t be a jerk, hold doors, don’t cut people off in traffic, don’t be stingy with your tips in restaurants, show love and acceptance. It’s not hard. Be kind to one another.

Invest in your skincare and don’t sleep in your make-up. Listen. I have definitely come home from a night out full of Taco Bell and tequila and passed out in my foundation and eyeliner. As I get older, I’ve learned sleeping in my make-up isn’t a thing I can do anymore (not quite ready to part ways with tequila and Taco Bell.) You get one face and if you want to keep it young and healthy, wash your face every night before you go to bed and invest in some great skin care. At minimum, get a great cleanser. I love this one.

Always ask your server for their favorite item on the menu. This has never steered me wrong and I always discover some of my favorite dishes by asking. They know their stuff, trust them.

Marry someone kind. When you make your “checklist” of the ideal person, make sure putting “someone kind” is at the top. Kindness is something you can’t teach and it will make all the difference in your marriage. You can teach someone everything from how you like to be kissed to how to organize the dishwasher…you can’t teach them how to be nice to the UPS delivery man.

Wear your sunscreen. Wrinkles are no joke and getting older sucks. SPF is your friend.

We don’t deserve dogs. There is no other creature in the whole world who will love you unconditionally. Their greatest source of joy is being with their human. I’m about to cry because I love how pure and perfect dogs are. We don’t deserve them.

You prioritize the things that matter to you. Whether that be your relationships, your business, exercise, whatever. Pay attention to your priorities and make sure you have them order.

Be generous. My favorite quote in the whole world is from Dr. Greene on ER. He tells his daughter on his final episode, “Be generous…with your time. With your love. With your life. Be generous. Always.” It may be slightly nuts to base your decisions off a television character’s final words, but this is how I chose to live my life. I want people to remember me as generous and kind.

It’s ok to take a mental health day. Life is hard. Sometimes you just need to check out completely and watch Netflix for the day. Take a sick day and a nap and it can fix so many problems. (To be fair I’ve only done this once, but I was desperate and it was one of the best days of my life lol)

Friends and Gilmore Girls can help you make it through the through days. They can be your best friends when you need them. When I was lonely after college and missed Stephen and my friends terribly, my “friends” in Stars Hallow and at Central Perk seriously got me through.

It’s ok to get off your “timeline.” In my “life plan” I was going to buy a house in 2018 and start having babies in 2019. I am not nearly ready for either of those things and that’s ok. I’m doing just fine in my rental with my fur-babies.

Always have a student mentality. Never, never, never stop learning. People become incredibly boring and stupid when they stop taking the initiative to learn new things.

It’s like really ok to eat carbs. Seriously, kale tastes like garbage and life is short. I mean balance is key, but eat the pizza. You’ll be happier for it.

It’s fine to change your dream. It doesn’t mean you failed your previous dream, but with time dreams adapt and change. Sometimes life will change your dream for you. It’s ok to change your dream and work towards something else.

Do your monthly self-breast exams. It’s so easy and could save your life. Just do them. I actually wrote a post on it. Do it today if you haven’t this month.

You can’t change people. When people show you who they are–believe them. You can’t change people, so either learn to love them as they are or move on with your life without them. Thank U, Next.

When sitting down in photos, cross your ankles not your knees. Trust me. It’s more flattering–thank me later.

Don’t talk about politics. I don’t know when this rule got thrown out the window, but nobody wants to hear your opinion. They have their own. Fighting over politics is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen on the internet. Nobody is going to change their mind on an issue or a candidate over that article you posted. Instead it ruins years of friendship and relationships with one push of the “share” button. Educate yourself to make an informed decision, then make your voice count and go freaking vote.

Love isn’t enough. If “love” doesn’t come with commitment, respect, and unwavering support, then it’s just an empty word.

Don’t fight dirty. Low-blows and cheap-shots will literally never get you what you want. You might as well flop on the floor and bang your fists like a toddler. Fighting dirty is so mean and not worth it if you actually want a resolution.

Buy tequila with Blue Agave. I know tequila has made more than one appearance on this list, but I like tequila. Blue Agave helps prevent you wishing for a mercy killing the next morning. ALSO, in college we used to drink the kind with the sombrero on top. Learn from my mistakes and don’t drink this. I don’t care how poor you are in college, it’s not worth it.

Buy a video camera and record the every day. When I visit my parents, my favorite thing to do is watch old videos of my siblings and I growing up. I love the videos of my brother dressing up in costume on a Tuesday and my sister choreographing dances to Shania Twain in our kitchen. Yeah, record the performances and soccer games, but also document the normal day-to-day. I’m so thankful my parents did this.

Get a job in high school. My favorite job ever was working at Club Libby Lu at the mall. It’s like a right of passage to get a job in high school. Plus it teaches you responsibility early in life which is good in the long-run. Also, if you work in the mall you make friends with other employees at the mall and can score some free things–I highly recommend the Great American Cookie crew because those cookies are legit.

When you need a pick-me-up, buy the person’s coffee behind at Starbucks. Instant mood booster. Try it!

When one door closes, open it again. It’s a door. Don’t give up on the things that are important to you. You may hear no a thousand times, but keep working until you get the yes. **I’m speaking in the professional sense here. If someone says “I’m just not that into you.” Move on. Don’t keep chasing them or you’ll end up with a restraining order. *Cough* Bachelor Colton *Cough*.

Do not just take a bunch of pictures of places on vacation. We were behind this woman on the Ruby Falls tour who, I am not exaggerating, took a picture of every. single. rock. in the cave. She is not a geologist, just a mom with her kids and husband on vacation. We watched her take a bad picture of a rock on top of a rock that had no significance whatsoever. Here’s some quick tough love, nobody wants to see that and you are going to be disappointed that those are the pictures from your trip. I’m not saying don’t take any pictures of places, but focus on taking pictures of the family and friends you are with. I promise you can Google better pictures of places and rocks.

Wait a few days between your wax and your spray tan. I just feel like this isn’t taught in maintenance 101. If you get a wax and then get a spray tan without proper time in between, it will look like you have an STD. I say wait 48 hours minimum…

Finally, if you don’t shout the words to “Mr. Brightside”…you’re probably a serial killer. I just can’t trust you if you listen to “Mr. Brightside” silently.

If you’re still with me, thank you! I’m off to celebrate 28 with my husband at The Optimist–I’m so excited for seafood I can hardly stand it. It’s my favorite! I guess that’s number 29…always ask for your favorite food on your birthday?

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far?

In: Life

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Comments

  1. Mariah Rickard says

    March 22, 2019 at 3:11 pm

    Happy Birthday! I just celebrated my birthday too.

    http://moosmusing.com

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:40 pm

      Happy Birthday to you!! March is a great birthday month!

  2. Marette Flora @ Floradise says

    March 22, 2019 at 4:18 pm

    Happy birthday! I love the outfit you chose for your photos.

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you!!

  3. Kelsie Kristine says

    March 22, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    Okay I love all of this! Happy Birthday girlfriend! I hope it’s the best! XO

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:39 pm

      Thank you so much! <3

  4. Ro I Chicken and Bliss says

    March 22, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Happy birthday! I loved hearing the lessons you’ve learned and I agree with all of them! I never tried recording a video each day, but I like the idea of doing it because at the end of the year you have something physical to look back on as a reflection of all that happened.

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:39 pm

      I love so much that my parents used to film just random daily activity. It’s so fun to go back and watch!

  5. Amberly-A Prioritized Marriage says

    March 22, 2019 at 10:58 pm

    Not sleeping in your makeup, yes!!! And Gilmore Girls always gets me through the day.

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:38 pm

      Agreed! Gilmore Girls can fix most anything.

  6. Jasmine Maria says

    March 23, 2019 at 8:11 am

    Happy belated birthday girl. I love as you get older you still continue to learn lessons.

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:38 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

  7. Summer @ Coffee With Summer says

    March 23, 2019 at 10:17 am

    This is so fun, Helen! I agree on so many! I can’t believe I used to sleep with my makeup on in my teen years — yikes!! I have been wanting to buy a GoPro for everyday life and some blog stuff!

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:38 pm

      I can’t believe how much I used to sleep in my make-up. So crazy to think about it now!

  8. Christa Del Giorno says

    March 23, 2019 at 3:12 pm

    Happy Birthday! This was such a fun post to read. I learned a lot about you and I laughed, too. I totally agree with you about Mr. Brightside. ?

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:37 pm

      Right?! How do you listen to that song silently? It’s meant to be sung loudly!

  9. Stephanie says

    March 23, 2019 at 8:01 pm

    I sure do hope you had the BEST birthday of all time! You look incredible. 28 suits you 😉 So great to read these tips and fun things about you!

    • Helen @ Hel On Heels says

      March 24, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      Thank you so much! You’re so sweet!

  10. Lily Ayala says

    March 25, 2019 at 12:23 am

    I hope you had an awesome birthday! Love this photoshoot!

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How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old schoo How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old school Amazon Echo. We have the dots around the house, but our kitchen one is still the OG! I don't love it being on the counter so I came up with a way to hide it!

How do you hide your electronics? 

#homehacks #homeandgardens #homedecorideas #kitchenideas
Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so ea Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so easy and cute to create!

First, use edible grass or icing and a grass piping tip to add grass to your "basket." Then attach peeps to a toothpick and insert into the cake. Add eggs and other Easter candies. Finally, add a handle to complete the basket look!

What are you doing for Easter this year?

#eastercakes #easterbrunch #easterideas #springrecipes #easyrecipesformoms #springcakes #springparty #recipereels #easypartyideas
Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atl Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atlanta for Benjamin's birthday! 

We started at @childrensmuseumatlanta and then headed over to @skyviewatl! Then we had dinner at @johnnyrockets and spent the night. Then, we woke up early and headed over to the @georgiaaquarium for the day.

It was SO much fun. I highly recommend doing a staycation in your own city. I've lived here 30 years and always find something fun to do. 

Happy birthday to my big 2-year-old! 💙 

#atlantastaycation #staycation #toddlertrip #toddlertravel #toddlertravels #georgiaaquarium #childrensmuseumatlanta #skyviewatlanta #johnnyrockets
This is the easiest idea for a fun summer party! 🦀 I took these crabby chicken croissants to our margaritaville themed party last week. I also made them for a mermaid-themed party a few years ago!

To make these:
-slice mini croissants down the middle but leave the back connected.
-fill with chicken salad.
-attach a toothpick to the back of edible eyeballs with cookie icing and allow it to dry.
-insert the toothpicks into the croissants to create eyes!

Save this for later when you need a dish or appetizer to bring to summer parties! 

#easyrecipesformoms #easysummerrecipes #easyrecipesforkids #easyfamilyrecipes #summerpartyideas #summerbarbecue #chickensaladsandwich #recipereel #easyrecipesathome
My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom i My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom is the greatest gift I've ever been given. I am so incredibly grateful for my tiny bestie. 

Thank you @keikilaniphotography for these precious photos of our boy!
Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be the most southern dish I've ever made. However, it is a perfect side to take to a barbecue or to make for a summer party. 

It's also the perfect dish to make if your kitchen is under construction like mine was for this video. It's a cold dish so nothing to heat up. 

First, mix together two cans of drained whole-kernel corn, two cups of mexican blend cheese, one cup of light mayo, diced red pepper, pepper and a bit of cilantro in a bowl. Then, add crushed Chili Cheese Fritos and mix well. Serve and enjoy! 

#recipereel #sidedishrecipes #sidedishes #cornsalad #cornrecipes #barbecuerecipes #recipereels #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms
You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeli You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeling extra sappy. I love sharing a birthday week with my boy, and I'm extra grateful for another year with my tiny bestie. 💕

Thanks for all the birthday love! Can't wait to celebrate my sweet boy the rest of the week! 

Cover photo is from the incredibly talented @keikilaniphotography 

#toddlermoments #dailymotherhood #toddlerboymom #toddlermomma #twoyearolds
It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨ It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨

This is my favorite way to make a regular drink feel fancy! Sprinkle a little edible glitter in a silicone mold and fill with water and freeze. When it melts, your drink will be cute and sparkly.

My drink today is two ounces of bourbon, one ounce of peach syrup, lemon juice and club soda! Stir and watch it sparkle. 

#glittercocktail #peachcocktail #birthdaydrink #birthdaycocktails #edibleglitter #easydrinks #easydrink #easydrinking #signaturedrinks #recipereel
Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Maste Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Masters! ⛳️

First, either make or purchase cupcakes with green frosting. My kitchen was under construction for this video, so I purchased mine. But you can easily make your own and even use the grass piping tip to make grass. 

Then I found these golf-tee toothpicks. Place one in each cupcake. 

Then use cookie icing to secure a white chocolate truffle to each of the tees. 

Allow the icing to harden, serve and enjoy!

#mastersparty #masterssunday #masterstournament #springdesserts #golfcupcakes #golfparty #golfpartyideas #springparty #recipereels #cupcakereel #cupcakereels
Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother

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