THIS IS US -- FROM A PREGNANCY LOSS SURVIVOR

The show This Is Us has become my weekly therapy session. I usually get cozy in bed with my big box of Kleenex, ready for whatever they're going to throw at me next. And for whatever reason, it always feels so good to cry alongside the characters. From the very first episode with the doctor's monologue about life handing us sour lemons, to Kate's body image issues and her strained mother-daughter relationship, this show is so emotional for me because it hits on so many relatable aspects of my life. And tonight, well, it hit the hardest.

NASHVILLE: SANCTUARY FOR ALL

I went to dinner with a friend the other night and we got to talking about what brought us to the Nashville area. My friend's story was the same story I've heard over and over again. It sounded just like mine.

STAR WARS HALLOWEEN

I love Halloween. Always have. Since having kids, my love for Halloween has risen to a whole new level. What's better than reliving one of your fondest childhood memories through the lens of your own kids?

ELEGANT BABY SPRINKLE

Babies are worth celebrating, whether it's your first, second or fifth. In the past, showers were typically meant to celebrate first-time moms, but baby "sprinkles" are a new trend that's emerged that ignores that tradition. Basically, a sprinkle is just a scaled-down version of a baby shower -- less people, less frills, and typically less or no gifts since many second time moms already have all the equipment they need. It's a great way to tastefully welcome a sweet new addition.

THE $100 GROCERY CHALLENGE

If you follow me on instagram, you've probably noticed that I've been meal prepping like a crazy person. This all started back in mid-May. I had just taken a 16 week unpaid maternity leave and our cash flow had taken a bit of a hit. (Well, I guess technically I got 60% of my salary for 6 weeks, but it was from my own short term disability plan that I paid into myself. My company paid for nothing. I know, don't even get me started...) Anyway, James and I sat down one night and decided to take a hard look at our overall spending to understand where we could make cuts to get us back on track.