This is my first time answering reader’s questions as a solo blogger. Jeni, my bff and other half of the blogging duo, has officially retired from this gig. I will be continuing on though, so thanks for being here!
Are you homeschooling your daughter?
Yes sort of. She is enrolled in a virtual school program and I am considered the learning coach. She stays on top of most of her stuff so I don’t have to do much. She gets bored at home and is very much looking forward to being in normal school again next year.
Advice for moving in with your significant other?
My advice is don’t do it. Keep your own places as long as possible. I’ve never moved in with anyone except for Zach after we got married and I was 22. I have no advice but I would be very hesitant to move in with a man again.
What was the hardest thing about getting divorced?
I would say the hardest thing was navigating the intense emotions of the divorce that I was experiencing personally and then handling the intense reactions and emotions of those that were effected by it. I have diagnosed PTSD and barely remember. If you’ve been there, you get it.
Favorite vice?
This may come as a surprise, but every now and then I like ZYN, those nicotine pouches. Go ahead, call me a trashy hillbilly, I can take it. Other than that, I eat way too much candy.
How is your relationship with Zach? If he’s dating, is that strange for you?
Zach and I are a well oiled coparenting machine. We are friends, respect each others opinions, we are fair, flexible and have a great relationship. I keep a big picture mindset and the conscious uncoupling expanded family the goal. It hasn’t always been easy and we have had our fair share of arguments over the years, but we keep the kids happiness above all else. I feel like I could write a whole long blog on coparenting, I have learned a lot and we have what most divorced families would love to have. Zach has been dating as long as I have and it is not strange for me. There was a time that he talked about his dating life with me and wanted my take on things, but we don’t talk about that kind of stuff anymore. When the time is right and he has someone he wants to introduce me to, I know I will love her, be her friend and make sure she is comfortable.
Craziest dating stories?
I’ll tell these on instagram stories, they need an in person telling.
What’s the story with the t-shirt biz?
I’m an entrepreneur and a hustler, it’s just in my DNA. Most days I’m researching side hustles, investments and passive income opportunities. I love graphic design and I love the print on demand business model and so I decided to start with an etsy shop and see how it goes.
The shop is called Cupid and Boo and is all holiday themed t shirts, coffee mugs, tumblers and sweatshirts. I’m looking into personalized blankets also, but that would be a whole different brand and a whole different shop. It would mean so much if you added me to your favorite shops and remember me when you are getting holiday tees for you or your kids!
Give us all the details on your new man!
One fine day I received a DM from what I thought was probably a doofus. He had seen one of my reels where I was making fun of the disappointing dating pool and he said he could relate. He told me he was over online dating and that we should talk if I was up for it. I looked at his profile pic and could tell he was very good looking, but he also looked 19. He assured me he was 41 and told me he was a model. I was like of course you are…that makes three boyfriends with weird jobs.
Miggle: director and cinematographer
Jeff: retired NFL
JD: model, so pretty on brand for me I suppose.
I ran him through the standard FaceTime date to see if he passed the vibe check. He had a quiet confidence and I could tell he had a great heart. Also his face was gorgeous, just as good as the pictures he had sent me if not better. We decided to meet for dinner a couple of days later and it was the best first date! He kissed me in the middle of a bunch of snow globe things set up at a hotel in grapevine and I started to feel like I was the main character in a love movie. From that night on, we talked everyday, he was consistent, reliable and never left me guessing where I stood with him or how he felt about me. That is the kind of energy I want from a man. Not the roller coaster ups and downs, just consistency and stability. About a month or so later, we deleted our dating apps then on January 27 in a somewhat joking/somewhat serious manner, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I responded with also asking him if he would be my girlfriend. haha. Later that day I sent him a happy boyfriend day GIF to let him know that I do know he is a man and therefore not my girlfriend. 😉 That is just such a weird thing for adults. It feels very high school, but also if you haven’t established that you are exclusive and officially a couple, then it’s hard to know what to refer to them as, what the rules are etc. I have decided to keep his identity a secret for a few reasons, but he will be revealed probably in the next month.
How do you handle introducing boyfriends to your kids?
This is a tough thing that I have somehow made pretty seamless and low-key with my method. My kids have been introduced to all 3 of my serious boyfriends. Before you shame me or think that is problematic, allow me to explain. I am very in tune with all 4 of my children, they are alike in many ways and also very different in how they handle emotions and change. That being said, I would never have introduced a boyfriend to them if any of them showed signs of stress that I was dating or had a boyfriend. I really like things to happen organically when it comes to hard conversations with my kids. My first boyfriend was long distance so we did a lot of FaceTiming. The kids would hear us chatting here and there and when they were comfortable and curious would come up and say hi to him on the phone. This went on for months before they actually met him in person. When they finally did, it was briefly and they already felt like they knew him from seeing him from time to time on the phone with me. Very easy. We broke up after a year or so and the kids didn’t really care and it was just kind of no biggie. Moving on to the next boyfriend, he came by before we were even serious because my dad wanted to meet him. My kids were all here with friends over and my mom and dad were both at my house hanging out. My dad has many NFL friends and business partners that once played for Dallas, so he wanted to talk about mutual friends, all things Cowboys and of course their faith and love for Jesus. That was a casual meeting, just like any friend. When it eventually turned into a boyfriend girlfriend situation, the kids were like oh yeah we know him. I don’t have boyfriends over much when my kids are here anyway, but when they do cross paths it’s been a good experience for everyone. That takes me to my current boyfriend. He has his kids full time at the moment, so it’s hard to see each other in person much. We FaceTime a lot and again, the kids pop in and talk to him and know who he is. When he went to the comedy show with my entire family, he came to my house first and they met him in person. It was very chill and uneventful. Blake talked to him for so long and the others were just like, oh hi what’s up and got back to whatever they were doing. So basically, my method is to introduce them to the idea slowly and at a distance through FaceTime and not have a big dramatic family meeting where I announce I have a new boyfriend that I would like them to meet. I just feel it out as I go and let it happen when it seems right. It has worked incredibly well and as long as the adults keep it comfortable and relaxed, the kids feed off that energy.
Have you accepted the hard truth of life that everyone leaves?
I suppose so, yes. But also no, can my kids, family and besties stay please? I have come to terms with the idea that romantic partnerships are not always for the long haul and also that we all die eventually lol. Is that an acceptable answer?
I am dying to get a mommy makeover at 54 years old. I need details please.
Well you have come to the right place! The best thing I have ever done for myself is having the mommy makeover surgery. I wrote about it in great detail with pictures and videos and I hope that will give you an idea of what it was like. Click here to read!
What was the contour you ordered?
The Charlotte Tilbury in pinkgasm is the latest blush I ordered. I really like it and love the easy application method that is pretty fool proof. The contour is the Tarte version of the viral Charlotte Tilbury one that tends to be out of stock. It’s in stock right now so snag that up!
Favorite phone case of all time?
These custom cases, without question, are equal parts cute and sturdy and I’m really wanting a new one!
What is one thing you like the most about being online and one thing you hate the most?
The absolute best thing about being online is all of the friends and connections I have made and continue to make almost daily. I love to DM back and forth and chit chat about whatever with y’all. Since I share so much of my life, it’s really enjoyable to get to know some of you as well!
What I don’t like about being online is that it’s taken all the fun out of instagram for personal use. I almost never scroll or look at other people’s content or stories because opening instagram feels like a work task for both my photography business and Style Duplicated. I do, however, love TikTok and am so entertained and can spend way too much time scrolling and laughing and sending unsolicited tiktoks to my boyfriend to watch entirely too often.
When will the mystery man be revealed?
Soonish! If you have been following along with my dating journey, you know I have had many men that I thought could be my person only to find out that there was an incompatibility or red enough flag to end it. I need a little more time to feel very secure in our relationship before I full on reveal him. I can tell you that so far I am very impressed by his emotional intelligence and stability, he is reliable and never leaves me wondering where I stand with him, he is the best dad to his kids, he is gorgeous on the outside with an ever better heart. I feel very lucky to have met him! My impatient, impulsive side wants to show him off, but my rational side is telling me to wait a little longer.
Show us your new man!
This will have to do for now.
Top 5 goals for the next 5 years?
- To have another full time employee to handle tasks for style duplicated and whatever other businesses I am running at that time.
- Add at least one other passive income stream.
- Scale other businesses to meet or exceed revenue of Paige Walker Photography (my big money maker)
- Have a stable loving partner that pushes me to be my best.
- Travel with my kids twice a year.
What did you used to prioritize but don’t anymore?
I used to prioritize my photo business and was letting the business run me. I was beat down, burned out and going at a pace that was not sustainable. In order to regain some sanity, I had to extend my turn around times and stop putting such unrealistic expectations on myself. Work/life balance is one of my biggest struggles and I am learning that it’s ok to take a break and put limitations and boundaries in place. My work is still a huge priority, but it’s at a healthier level than it once was.
What are your greatest sources of real joy?
I am at my happiest when I am taking a real true break from work and the daily grind. For me, this is on vacation, when I can turn off my business money making mind and just be. I can be fully present with my family or friends and be free of deadlines and to do lists rushing through my head. I’m currently planning a vacation with my mom and kids and I can not wait to get it all figured out and on the calendar!
Tell us about your kiddos. Names, ages, likes, dislikes, your favorite thing about each one:
Blake is my oldest daughter. She is 15 and as unique as they come. She is considering a career in herpetology (branch of zoology, study of amphibians and reptiles), she loves anime and Japanese culture and we like going to anime conventions together. Blake is witty, outgoing and has a thought process that borders on wacky genius.
Kylie is 13, responsible and organized, shy and sweet. She is a beautiful dancer and shines on stage. She is currently doing virtual school and I have gotten so used to having her at home with me most of the time. Our plan is for her to attend a really awesome private school next year and I will miss having her here so much!
Aven is 11. She is also a dancer and loves spending time with her friends. She would have a friend over every day if she could. She is very into her outfits and overall style and that makes me excited ha!
Griffin is 7, he isn’t a rowdy boy and more of an old soul. He has played baseball but isn’t super into it. He loves video games and would like to be an internationally famous YouTuber immediately and do fun YouTuber activities with his friends daily. He has asked Zach and I to both be his video editors. At your service Griffin!
Hot spots to go on a date in Fort Worth:
Ático Rooftop tapas bar
Go to the Stockyards and have dinner at Provender Hall, 97 West or Paloma Suerte and walk around to the different bars after dinner. If you haven’t been to the stockyards since Mule Alley came along, you need to go check it out!
Fitzgerald: This next one is kind of a sleeper. It’s very close to my house and almost always poppin! I love to sit at the bar in the front, but if that’s full, there is an entire other bar in the back with such a fun and chill vibe.
I could go on and on, but I will finish with this one. Wicked Butcher is at the Sinclair Hotel in downtown and I always have a great experience there. Friday and Saturday nights you can also go to the rooftop bar from 7pm-1am.
How are you in such good shape with having all those kids and being in your 40s?
I don’t know. Partially the mommy makeover surgery, partially intermittent fasting and partially genetics. Maybe some other partial pieces, but I think the biggest contributor to my size is the intermittent fasting. It really helps me to keep control of my food intake without being obsessive. I wrote about it here.
Hopefully this helps you to know me a little better, however it left little room for my sarcastic humor that I tend to throw into these blogs. Why am I so serious today?! haha! Until next time my internet homies!
