AUBREY KINCH

LET'S CHAT HONESTLY....

I think as a blogger we're so sucked into everyday life being placed on social media in the most perfect and pristine way. It's all about the perfect instagram photo and the weekly manicures and now the snapchats of "daily life" that are also, mostly staged. I too have fallen into the well lit photos and the moments of only sharing what's perfect and pretty but lately, I'm so drawn to being real. What a concept! This doesn't come from a hateful or bashing way but in a sense that I want the people following me and keeping up to date with my life and kids to feel inspired because I live a normal life.

I'm up at 6am with a baby, getting a 9 year old off to school, hitting the gym and then not even getting ready for the day sometimes until 2pm IF I even get ready for the day. If we're being honest, I tend to get blinded by a needy baby and client emails that half the time, I'm a smelly mess until the kids are asleep for the night. So realistically, I don't have time to stage a great photo or share peeks of blogging details because shit, I'm busy being a mom and business woman. Truthfully, there is a day in a week that I can manage to get ready and enjoy a Starbucks or even a lunch out with a friend but guys, that's a rare occasion.

The intent of this post has everything to do with our new home. I'm so enamored with the lovely pinterest kitchens and home decor and find myself in this season of life lusting over everything that's trendy and EXPENSIVE. K, we don't have a money tree in our yard... or world so the things I see and pin and would die to have in our new home just.can't.happen. That's the reality of it and that's something I've had a hard time swallowing when Andrew and I have house talks - which is daily now - about what we can and can't afford. Are upgraded countertops throughout the house a must? No. Do we need to do custom flooring right when we close? Not at all. How about the 6 inch crown moulding and baseboards? Nope. We can't afford it and that's okay.

We're 25 and 27 with two kids and just getting into our dream home after our starter home. We really don't even need the space this new home offers but we're blessed to be able to afford that. We are lucky to have the ability to have kids with their own rooms, a guest room, an office and heck- a 4 car garage. But cosmetically, it's going to be a journey over time making it perfect for us.

Being in this world of "perfect" makes me want want want and it's not healthy. It's outrageous I now have expectations of a $40,000 kitchen because she has it. I mean, snap out of it. I'm excited to be sharing this home journey with you guys but please know, if you're expecting the most perfect home when we move in come August, you won't be seeing that. It's going to be real and down and dirty for a while so we can simply adjust and embrace the new blessing of our dream home.

dress- Nobella Grace | wedges- Nordstrom Rack | clutch- GiGi New York

Well, I did it! I went ahead and chopped my hair off. I was having some issues with my extensions and felt like all that was happening was me losing my hair so after being long for about 6 years, I decided it was time to go back to my signature cut and take 9 inches off my natural hair. Whew- it was nerve wrecking and I had hot flashes and I don't think I fully realized how long my actual hair was because I was wear extensions for so long but I'm a fan. I will admit, it's something I have to get used to again since it hasn't been this short since Andrew and I started dating in 2009 but I will embrace the length, dammit! That doesn't mean I won't rock the occasional extension though... ;)

Also, meet my photographer!

Ain't he cute?

We are just so pumped to see it all come to life over the next couple months and to see them break ground on the lot very soon! It's completely surreal knowing Emery will be celebrating her first birthday in our forever home and that Drake has his own guest suite.... I mean what 9 year old has a walk in closet and bathroom attached to their rooms? I'll do my best to share pictures and details along the way- happy weekend!

Being beautiful doesn't mean to have amazing skin and perfect hair. It doesn't mean you need to have a great set of eyelashes or the most amazing lip pout. It doesn't mean you need to have flawless legs without cellulite. It doesn't mean you need the perfect eyebrow with the arch that's on point or the fullness that's "trending". It doesn't mean your nails need to be perfectly manicured and polished on a daily basis or that you must always have the most expensive and lovely clothes. It doesn't mean that deep, bronzed tan is a must or the exceptionally white teeth to pair with it.

Being beautiful DOES mean to embrace your flaws and seek them to be beautiful in your eyes. It means to give yourself fully to each and everything you do. Beauty means to hug your family and friends tight with your loving arms and heart because no new day is promised. It means to accept the hardships life throws our way and look for strength and positivity in the outcome. Beauty means to use soft and kind words instead of deep, disrespectful ones. It means to put God in the center of your life and strive to live it to build His kingdom. It means to love. Love yourself, love your family, love your friends, love your neighbors and love wholeheartedly.

That's beauty.