A new babe & my float spa experience!

Before I get started, I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support of our new arrival, Cohen.  He smells like heaven and is just the sweetest little babe.  I'm working on his birth story for my next blog so stay tuned.  

Disclaimer: I was around 32 weeks pregnant when I went for my spa day.  I would suggest consulting your Doc before trying anything you aren't familiar with.  

A couple months ago, I was achy, pregnant, and about to turn 30.  That, my friends, is a dangerous combo.  Tim suggested that we have a spa day.  I was looking around for a fun package and I had a friend suggest his family's spa. 

Enter InSPArations. 

A couple things about this spa: they offer traditional massages and infrared saunas, but the cherry on top is the float spa.   If you want to do a full treatment, you do sauna, massage, and then a float.  When Tim and I got there we were greeted by a friendly staff and led to the infrared sauna.  We changed into robes and slippers and sat in the sauna for about 30 minutes.  

The Infrared Sauna isn't a normal sauna.   You don't get hot, but you feel relaxed.  It's pretty awesome and I felt like it helped my body get ready for the massage.  I found a site with some of the great Infrared Sauna benefits here which include: weight loss, pain relief, and detoxification.  

Next, I headed off for a prenatal massage.   I've had many massages, but none while pregnant.  This is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself anytime during pregnancy.  The difference between a regular massage and prenatal massage is the position they lay you in.  The therapist had me on my side surrounded by special pillows to support all areas of my body.   It was incredibly comfortable and relaxing.  I felt like my prego aches were gone when she was done.  Tim had a Swedish massage and also loved every minute of it. 

Now for the main event.  The Float Spa was the part I was most curious about trying.  Stay with me.  It might sound like a fad, but it has been around for decades.   The basic idea is that you float in heavily salted water and go into a meditative state.  The epsom salts also pull the toxins out of your body, which was perfect after getting a massage.  If you know me, you know I'm a germaphobe.  Well, the salt keeps the water clean, so that wasn't an issue for me.  You can float in your swim or birthday suit.  It's really up to you.  I posted the video below so you get the full idea.  

A lot of people asked if it was claustrophobic, but Tim and I both felt like it was very spacious.  You can also float with the lid open and lights on.  I floated in almost complete darkness to get the full effect.   The floating feeling the salt gives you is nothing like I've ever felt.  The salt supports your body at every angle and you feel weightless.  This was nice, especially since I felt about 2 years pregnant.  I lasted about 45 minutes, fell asleep a couple times, and came out rejuvenated.  It's not something that makes sense until you try it out.  I would recommend trying the entire spa experience together.   

InSPArations was super affordable and located in Layton!  Check out their facebook here for location info and current specials including the $99 sauna, 1 hour massage, and float!  You won't regret it.  

If you would like to have your business or product reviewed by us, email us at individualrivalry@gmail.com

Dream Pie

I hope you all had a lovely weekend with a face full of Pi. I should let you all know that Jamie and baby are doing well. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. She can't wait to share him with the world, but first she is taking all the first moments for herself. I don't blame her. Aren't those the times we all wish we could relive? Those first cuddles, the grunts, that smell!!? Spoiler alert!!! He is so adorable!

We encountered a little more sickness at the end of the week. Friday I forced myself out of bed because Waffle Love was going to be in the area and I was tired of seeing everyone else devour all that yummyness. 

I felt like crap and it was STILL amazing. It was a big two thumbs up all around our household. But I'm sure the majority of Utah already knows how freaking good their waffles are. We ended our weekend with full bellies, clear noses, full spirits, and a new sectional couch. We had our old ones for almost 10 years. They had survived 2 newlyweds, 3 kids, and 1 puppy. It was time. They were a little hard to let go of even in their condition because not only were they a special gift from someone who is no longer with us, but they held the entirety of mine and Kyle's marriage so far. I know... they are just couches, but they are what I called home after each hospital stay with all three of my babies. Lots of snuggles have happened there.

It's taking forever but operation redo the whole dang house is almost ...halfway there. Can you spy a little darling? 

I love Pie. I don't love cake. Growing up I would request pies, brownies WITHOUT the crust, and occasionally funfetti cake. As soon as they got rid of the only frosting you could pair with a cake so full of fun they litterally put it in the name... I kinda just gave it up all together. P.S. Cupcakes are different than cake. They don't count. The cake-frosting ratio is soooo much better.

This recipe was given to me by my sister in law. The first time I made was was after a long day of canning peaches.

 Side note: Next time you can peaches, make a batch of raspberry peach jam. It will change your mornings forever. 

You can make this pie using any fresh fruit you please with any toppings. Normally I top the pie with whatever fruit I am using, but sometimes I get fancy and top a strawberry one with chocolate shavings, or like in this case I topped my pie with coconut chips. Just don't get upset when you find yourself eating this for breakfast. I've found myself there a few times... 

Dream Pie

8 oz. softened cream cheese

2 C. powdered sugar

8 oz.- 3C of cool whip or dream whip

1 heaping cup of fruit 

1 graham cracker crust

* toppings if desired 

Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the cool whip and then carefully do the same with the fruit. 

Pour the filling into your crust and add your desires toppings. Let the pie chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. 

XoXo, 

Sheena

I'll Eat You Up I Love You So

ITS BABY WEEK!!!! 

We are anxiously awaiting baby boy H.

Last month we had the honor of celebrating the soon arrival of Jamie's baby boy. We decided to go with the theme of "Where the Wild Things Are". It turned out AMAZING. The colors of the book are pretty dark. So to make it a little more feminine for her I added white and gold to the decor. It was just the perfect touch. 

I spray painted some mason jars gold and went scavengering for twigs in people's yards. People, you are welcome. It wasn't weird at all. The little boxes are from my kids Melissa and Doug Toys.

How amazing it this little personalized binky clip from Cranberries and Capers? They have adorable other leather options too. The little twig pencils I ordered from Eva's Feathers and painted the ends gold. I had everyone who attended leave a little message for baby and mommy inside the book.

The garland I made from various yarns. The backdrop is one of Jamie's Photography backdrops.

The pennant garland was made out of burlap.

I am so proud of these little desserts. I conjured them up in this head of mine and I am so happy with how they turned out. I will have to do a tutorial on them. I wanted to incorporate green in the desserts and it worked! YES! Don't you love it when you fly by the seam of your pants and it turns out. 

*Air Fist*

These little decidants are dark chocolate toffee truffles topped with more toffee. You can find that recipe from My Baking Addiction HERE

Now THESE.. These round pieces of heaven are homemade "Swig" sugar cookies. They are everything. Swearsies. Swig is located in Bountiful and St. George so if, like us, that is quite a drive this is your next best option. The recipe is by cute Corrine from Mint Arrow's momma over at A Bountiful Kitchen.  You can find that recipe HERE. It did not disappoint... anyone ha ha.

How about that beverage bar?! This concoction is what has been helping me cut out Diet Coke from my life. It's been a long hard breakup but this definitely makes it easier. I will be posting that/those recipes soon. Your gut will thank me. 

For a little touch of a lite healthy snack I got a few bags of salad from Costco.

I came up with this little side table decor to rep the little man. It sat on top of a pretty white leather remnant and burlap I found at Hobby Lobby.

The wood slice and "H" are from JoAnne's.

These invitations by Paper and Pleats were Perfect! Obviously this one is for a birthday but she will custom that for you. Not to mention that Tiffany is like the cutest person ever and crazy talented. Check them out on Etsy HERE

Here are the three prints I used. The first one I found online (I can't remember where?!!!) and the other two I made in Photoshop

Feel free to use em if you need em.

Jamie you are just the best and we all wish you a happy, healthy birth of your sweet baby boy. You got this momma!

XoXo,

Sheena & Jamie

Liv and Hope

Words can't describe all the emotions that go into the process of adoption. There is literally every emotion coming from all sides. While growing up my best friend, whom also happened to be my cousin was adopted. I knew no difference. All I knew was that I loved her and we were family. 

Last year I had the beautiful blessing of becoming an Aunt to an adoptive neice. it was a time full of highs and lows for her sweet family. She is the most beautiful little girl and in my oppinion, she has always been a part of our family. She even looks just like her daddy. We have been so blessed to have such selfless women in this world with a willingness to put the needs of their children's first. Every wanting and willing woman deserves to be a mother. We feel that if there are mothers out there calling for our help, then we should, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, do what we can. Whether it be monetary or just simply spreading the word. 

Last year Jamie and I had the opportunity to meet such a willing and wanting woman, Amy. She also has a wonderful husband and the most beautiful daughter that would undoubtedly make and amazing big sister. Amy is smart, loving, giving, beautiful, a fantastic dancer, and a mother through and through. When you have been blessed with such an amazing little human it is hard to stop at one. That is what happened when they were blessed with beautiful Hope. You can read more about their story 
HERE

Recently after a long road of twists and turns another miracle finally came knocking at their door and they have the opportunity to share their love with another tiny human in just a few short weeks. The baby is arriving fast so they are needing all the help they can get. This week there will be auctions, fundraisers yard/bake sales, and their go fund me account.

Amy also has the cutest clothing shop that was inspired by their journey. You can read a little more about their journey here: 

Another way to show your support is to shop their amazing line over at Liv and Hope buy their shirts. They are so comfy and are sure to become a go to! 

 I am wearing the "Work It" tee in a size small. 100% of the proceeds go towards their adoption fund. Sadly this shirt already sold out but make sure you go check out all of their cute womens and childrens shirts here:

Liv and Hope

They are amazingly comfortable and long! 

After you have a look at her website make sure you head on over to Liv and Hope's Instagram page for a ton of beautiful items up for auction including a Target GC from us.  

Let's help this family out babes. 

Speaking of adoption.. I had to adopt this little miss during my photoshoot ❤️ Oh how I adore little Ava. She insisted that we took some photos together. 

Xoxo,

Sheena & Jamie 

Work it Tee// Liv and Hope

Neon Yellow Statements  Necklace// Kiss Me Mint