Getting Pretty at Salon V Beauty Lounge

Can I start off by saying I love that I have a job where I follow my dreams?
You may or may not know that I just took a super scary jump and changed from the familiarity of teaching English to high school students to being a Special Education teacher for those same kids! I've always wanted to get into Special Education, knowing that one day I want to be an administrator, but it's scary leaving something safe and comfortable for something unknown!

I'm super excited to announce that my friend also made a huge jump this year-- leaving education and opening up her own salon! Granted, she was a vocational teacher in the cosmetology department so it's not a huge jump... but owning your opening up your own business is crazy! This isn't like me and my shampoo, you know, where it's just me and my box of samples in my living room... her new salon is a full out brick and mortar and I'm obsessed for her!

Vanessa has been doing my hair for almost 2 years now. I fell in love with her and her love of color and haven't gone to anyone since.  She's turned my hair a gorgeous ashy brown, a super fun platinum blonde, and even put pink streaks in my girl's hair! I trust her more than anyone else I know so I was determined to be one of her first clients in her new space!

It's gorgeous to walk into...

It's calm and fun all at the same time.  Vanessa is a classy kind of lady but it really shows in her salon. I love how gorgeously understated it is. The studio has 6 chairs so you really feel like family chatting with everyone.  I joke that spending time with Vanessa in one of her chairs in the best therapy I get, and her scalp massage while washing your hair is to die for....

And the color... oh emm gee! Vanessa is amazing when it comes to color and this visit was no different! I apologize for the Snapchat photos, but seriously, how else would I take a selfie...

It's the perfect fall transition for my super blonde hair.

In addition to hair, Vanessa offers waxing and it's the best ever. With super sensitive skin, I usually have to get my eyebrows done, you know the 4 times a year it happens, when I have no other plans for the day because I get so red and splotchy. Not this time! I don't know what magic miracle wax she uses but I was amazed at how little red there was and how quickly that small bit disappeared! I may be getting them done more often now!

Vanessa has also hired an amazing staff who can give great cuts and manicures. Emma needs a cut soon and I imagine she'll love getting her nail done after!

Salon V is located in New Bedford and you can check the salon out online at the Salon V Beauty Lounge Facebook Page. Let her know I sent you!

xo, Heather

An Honest Review of Nectar Mattresses

If you're a parent, you know that in life, the kids end up with what they need, and usually want as well, before you end up with what you need. For the past year, Dave and I have been saying we need a new mattress. The mattress we have was purchased in January of 2010, making it almost 8 years old. Now most mattresses say they last between 5 and 10 years, but let's be honest- our moving in together decision was quick! WE had planned to stay where we were: me, living basically rent free with my family and him living in an apartment with a super low rent with one of his friends for a few more months so when we decided on a Friday to move in together sooner and signed papers on Sunday for said apartment, we grabbed a cheap mattress. It fell apart quickly.  There is currently a dent where each of us sleeps.  We can feel the springs, even though it has an extra padded pillow top. A full night's rest was no longer restful. Add in two kids who like to wake up at 5:30 am and crawl in for morning snuggles, it was time for a new, bigger bed.

Also, do you know how hard it is to bring kids shopping? Like I literally do all of my shopping online (minus groceries) because keeping the two kids in tow, without fighting is worthy of a trophy in itself, never mind adding in a room full of bouncy, jump on me mattresses!

I started researching online mattresses months ago.  I read reviews, watched videos, and compared specs. I mean, I did research. And then I fell in love with Nectar Mattresses.  It offered an affordable price point, gives you a 365 night trial, free shipping and a forever warranty. For under $800 I could be sure that we had a mattress we love. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and before you know it the money you were going to use on a mattress went to dental costs, back to school items, and new tires so you can imagine my excitement when Nectar reached out asking if we'd like to try out their mattress!

The mattress arrived a full week earlier than I was expecting, which to me was both amazing and stressful since we didn't have a bed frame for it yet! A quick order to Amazon for a simple bed frame and two days later we started to set up!

The mattress itself arrives rolled up and compressed.  The mattress felt heavy at 89 lbs, but the packaging does tell you to team lift and with the help of my husband, I was able to move it.  

Set up is a breeze. I mean, probably the easiest I've ever dealt with.  Because it is packaged up so tight, it was easy to maneuver down the hallway and into our bedroom.  Honestly, with the angles we have, I'm not sure any other mattress would have made it in!

We removed the outer packaging and laid the mattress as flat as we could get it on the bed frame. Then we took off the next set of packaging - super carefully! We even used the awesome tool they included so we didn't nick the bed. I was really impressed with the fact that there was no gross, chemical foam type smell that can be associated with these types of mattresses. I was a bit concerned at first though, because even though the packaging says it can take up to 3 days to fully get back to its original shape, it was looking a little flat. I left it alone for a couple hours and took the kids shopping. When we got back I could not believe how different it was! The mattress was thick and so comfortable!

I like firmness to my mattress but I also like the feeling of sinking into my pillows and Nectar gave me exactly that.  It's a medium firm mattress but the soft foam is so comfortable.

The idea of ordering a mattress online, without ever trying it out was petrifying but I am so glad we did! I literally get the best sleep I've had and it's so ridiculously comfortable. Now that we have a new mattress, we needed new bed sheets, so now we're looking at paint colors- so I can't wait to share a full bedroom overhaul soon!

Be sure to check out Nectar mattresses and order one for yourself! With the 365 night trial-- you have nothing to lose! Click through on my affiliate link and be sure to let them know where you heard about Nectar mattresses!

xo, Heather

Walt Disney World's Pop Century Resort

It's been a hot minute since we went to Disney in August, but I realized I never shared our thoughts on Disney's Pop Century Resort.

I will admit, I was a bit nervous. Last time we visited Disney, we stayed at a moderate level resort and Pop Century is considered a Value level resort. I know it's Disney, but still... I was nervous, afraid of a subpar hotel and oh my gosh, I was so wrong.

We loved the Pop Century Resort!

The entire resort is covered in Icon characters and theming...

Even the check in area was lined with vintage and retro memorabilia that made me say oooh a few times!

 At first, we were a little sad that we did not get put into the newly refurbished rooms (construction is currently underway) but since we were right in the main pool area, and we only spent like 7 hours total sleeping in the room each night, we got over it pretty quick.

The room was the perfect size for the 4 of us: 2 beds, a large closet area and a bathroom door that shut and left the vanity area accessible was perfect in the morning. The beds were comfy and there was even enough room to park the double stroller!

The best part of our room was where it was. Our room was extremely close to the main lobby, which meant we were very close to the game room, the dining hall, and Everything Pop Shop - which was perfect when we wanted a quick snack and when David needed cough drops!

However, the best part for me, was being literal steps from the pool.  Our ground floor room door literally opened right to the pools. 10 steps and we were at the gate for the kiddie pool/splash area, which was empty more often than not! This was perfect for our kids who can't quite swim yet but still wanted to splash and have fun!

 We did take advantage of the big flower shaped pool and the pool bar as well!

The resort also had laundry facilities and a walkway to the Art of Animation (which we explored!). Honestly, if I didn't know it was a Value resort at booking, I would not have known! We loved how comfortable it was and how close everything was to our room! We'll absolutely be staying again when we visit Disney World next time!

xo, Heather