MENU
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Categories
      • Beauty + Health
      • Blogging & Business
      • Lifestyle + Personal
      • Cancer
      • Marriage & Relationships
      • Style
      • Travel & Exploring
        • Screen Shot 2020-11-11 at 10.15.34 PMChelsChats: 2020 Life Update
        • DSC_8520Four Products for Winter Wellness
        • Best Workouts to do From Home
  • Shop
    • Sephora VIB Sale Picks
  • Privacy Policy and Discosure
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Today is my 32nd birthday and if there’s anythin Today is my 32nd birthday and if there’s anything I’ve learned in my last year that I want to take with me into this year, it’s this:

I make my own magic 🪄

I am capable of creating, crafting, and designing this next chapter of life to be whatever I want. Infertility cannot stop me anymore. And I can’t wait.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #harrypotterworldorlando #birthdaywish #lifeafterinfertility #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #lifeaftermiscarriage
Happy birthday to my ride-or-die and bff for life Happy birthday to my ride-or-die and bff for life @ericaligenza. To have her in your life means you have the most loyal, inspiring, and generous friend that you would ever ask for. I can’t believe that this little app brought us together (with our girl @blondeandambitiousblog) so many years ago. Grateful that they both turned out to be real people (lol) and women who have held me up during the hardest times of my adult life. 

Hope you have the best day, E! Counting down the days until we are together again! ❤️

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #friendsforkeeps #instagramfriends #marchbirthday #friendshipbracelets #bffgoals👭
We fix each other’s crowns instead of pointing o We fix each other’s crowns instead of pointing out they are crooked. 👑 

To the women to always have my back, who inspire me daily to level up, who cry with me, who cheer me on, who save a seat at the table for me, and who keep fighting the good fight - I love you. You keep my world vibrant, and keep me going on my hardest days. 

Happy International Women’s Day!

#womensmonth #internationalwomensday #girlganggoals #girlgangs #womenhelpingwomen #squad❤️
2021 felt like a dumpster fire that burned out of 2021 felt like a dumpster fire that burned out of control about 90% of the time. Between a cancer scare that resulted in countless scans and blood tests, failed infertility treatments that broke our hearts every time, no matter how much we tried not to get our hopes up, and then the devastating blow that I needed to have a total hysterectomy and thus ending any hopes we had of starting our family - I felt like my life and my hopes and my dreams for our future had been reduced to a pile of ash. 

It feels surreal, to be starting the new year feeling so grateful for where 2021 left me. For the first time in four years, I have energy, motivation, and can actually get out of bed without being in extreme pain. I can actually think beyond the next 24 hours and make plans that I can follow through on. My life doesn’t revolve around iron transfusions, cycle tracking, or the anxiety that comes with the two week wait. 

What’s been even more surreal is to be able to say that I have been finding more acceptance and purpose in our new childless future and life. If I can’t have the life I planned on, then I’m going to live the hell out of the life I have instead. Dustin and I are rebuilding our futures both separately and together, and for the first time in four years, I’m excited to see what comes next for us. I feel more steady in this new life and more sure of the path we’re on then ever before. 

For in order to rise from its own ashes, 
A phoenix must first burn. 

2021 burned me. 
So I’m 2022, I will rise. 

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #childlessnotbychoice #childlessafterinfertility #lifeafterinfertility #findingpurpose #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #jamaicavacation #wordoftheyear #ttcsupport
Endlessly grateful for being 6 weeks post op from Endlessly grateful for being 6 weeks post op from my total hysterectomy and feeling more like myself than I have in over a year. And I’m endlessly grateful for this guy - who has been my rock through every doctor’s appointment, every procedure, and every day I couldn’t get out of bed. Not only that, he is the sweetest, most tender uncle to our nieces that I could ever hope or ask for to share our girls with.
Just grateful for my health and my love and the hope for better days.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #ttccommunity #hysterectomy #hysterectomyrecovery #ttcjourney #husbandwife #ttcsupport #infertilitysucks
You are the keeper of all my secrets, the guardian You are the keeper of all my secrets, the guardian against all my fears, and the safe place I call home. 

Grateful to have you by my side as we walk into an unknown future that neither of us were prepared to face. But every day we walk further down our new road, I find more solid footing and more hope for what’s to come, because you keep me grounded through the waves of grief.

I love you. ❤️

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #hysterectomy #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #childless #adenomyosis #ttcjourney #infertilityawareness
I’m officially three weeks post hysterectomy tod I’m officially three weeks post hysterectomy today and was feeling well enough to shoot the holiday campaign photos for @shopmscb (with the help from my partner in crime, @kenzie_peach)

In fact, I told my surgeon last week at my first post-op appointment that I’m actually feeling the best I’ve felt ALL year. And I mean, that’s saying something since I was only two weeks post-op then, right? 

Even though the decision to go through with the hysterectomy felt impossibly hard to make, I know now that I made the right choice for me, my sanity, and my body. I feel more like me in the last week than I have in over a year. It’s like I’m waking up from a long, painful, dark hibernation and my world is starting to fill with vibrant colors again.

And even though I’m still sad it had to come to this, I am also feeling excited for what’s to come.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #hysterectomy #hysterectomyrecovery #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #infertilitywarrior #ttccommunity
There’s been a little more laughter in our home There’s been a little more laughter in our home lately. Snuggles and kisses and staying up way too late watching Netflix. It’s like the worst is behind us and we’re on the other side of what we’ve been dreading and the darkness that has covered us for so long is starting to lift. It doesn’t mean we’re 100% okay, but we can feel the light and the hope for the future and we’re choosing to face it hand-in-hand, together. 

And every night, you whisper to me: “This isn’t your fault. You’re my best friend. I love you more today than ever before. We’re going to live a beautiful life together.” And every night, we grow a little bit closer and our hearts mend a little more, and I know deep in my bones, that we’re going to be okay.

I love you, Dustin.

#ttccommunity #ttcjourney #hysterectomy #childfreenotbychoice #childfreeafterinfertility #infertilityawareness #infertilitysucks #healingafterinfertility

Hey There, Chelsie

MENU
  • Beauty
        • DSC_8520Four Products for Winter Wellness
        • Best Workouts to do From Home
        • 21 Days of Beauty-121 Days of Beauty Guide | March 2020
        • Holiday Party Must-Haves for this holiday season // #ad #partyprettybboxMust-Have Products for the Holiday Party Season
  • Blogging
        • Best Blogging Investments to Make for your LIfestyle Blog - Utah Blogging photographer, Sadie Banks and Utah Lifestyle blogger, Chelsie, pose together in the Cottonwood Canyon in Utah // Hey There, ChelsieThree of the BEST Blogging Investments to Make
        • How to Use Trello to Organize your blog and business - including trello board templates and tips and tricks on how to use trello // Hey There, Chelsie - a Salt Lake City lifestyle blogHow to Use Trello to Organize your Blog or Business
        • How to keep your blog and 9-5 job organized using paper products // Hey There, Chelsie #ad #howlifeunfoldsWhy I went Back to a 9-5 (and how I keep my biz & job organized)
        • Lessons from 4 years of blogging - tips and tricks to start a blog, first year blogging, what to know before starting a blogHappy Birthday, HTC! 10 Lessons from 4 Years of Blogging
  • Lifestyle
      • Cancer
      • Lifestyle
        • Screen Shot 2020-11-11 at 10.15.34 PMChelsChats: 2020 Life Update
        • Best Workouts to do From Home
        • Build-A-Bear exclusive Rose Bear: the perfect gift for Galentine's Day! #ad #GalPalGift #CelBEARate #buildabearEasy Gift Idea for your GALentine
  • Marriage + Relationships
        • Couple Anniversary Shoot Photo Idea // Hey There, Chelsie5 Lessons from 5 Years of Marriage from my Husband
        • Insights and Lessons from 4 years of marriage | marriage advice, marriage goals, marriage struggles, marriage young // Hey There, ChelsieThoughts on 4 Years of Marriage
        • Opening up about why we haven't had kids yet and the 5 goals we've set for 2017 as a married couple! Wearing physical reminders of our big goal to spend more time together unplugged is one of our goals, and that's why I'm grateful JORD sent us beautiful watches to wear // Hey There, ChelsieOur 5 Marriage Goals for 2017
        • Companionship Inventory: what it is and how it's helped our marriage // Hey There, Chelsie4 Things We Do Together to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
  • Style
        • Summer Stitch Fix 2019 - Cruise Edition // This summer Stitch Fix Unboxing and review will show you what summer pieces I got for my cruise and which pieces I Kept // Hey There, ChelsieStitch Fix Unboxing | Cruise Edition
        • Sharing all of my recent TJ Maxx finds, along with some of my favorite tips, tricks, and hacks for shopping at TJ Maxx - // Hey There, ChelsieTJ Maxx Finds | April 2019
        • Winter Stitch Fix, with Casual Stitch Fix outfits // Hey There, ChelsieJanuary 2019 Stitch Fix Unboxing & Try-On
        • Thanksgiving Day Outfit Idea, featuring rust orange jumper dress, striped mocked turtleneck. This modest outfit is perfect for hosting a holiday dinner and features trendy boutique pieces from My Sister's Closet Boutique. // Hey There, Chelsie3 Affordable & Trendy Outfit Ideas for Thanksgiving Weekend
  • Travel
        • Weekend Jeep Guide to Moab, UT. Trail guides to Poison Spider Mesa and Top of the World, along with where to camp in Moab and what Jeep modifications to have in your Jeep xj for Moab // Hey There, ChelsieWeekend Jeep Guide to Moab, Utah
        • Lime Ricki Modest Swimsuit standing on the New England Coast. This complete guide to the New England coast will have you exploring it like a local (including places to visit, things to do, and best places to eat!) // Hey There, ChelsieThe Local’s Guide to the New England Coast
        • The Best Shoes for a Beach Vacation! SAS Shoes are perfect for a ocean beach vacation // Hey There, ChelsieHow to Pack for A Beach Vacation + Packing List
        • Seven Mile Rim Trail in Moab, UT // Hey There, ChelsieMoab Photo Diary & Jeep Trail Guide | February 2018

Lifestyle + Personal

The Carr Home: Lessons as First-Time Homeowners v.1

5 Lessons for First-Time Homeowners: The Carr Home V.1. Sharing the things that we've learned in the first three months of being first-time homeowners, including how to take care of our yard, how to pick paint colors, and how to furnish a new home // Hey There, Chelsie

We’ve officially been homeowners for three months and it still feels like yesterday that we were closing on it. Some days, I feel like we’ve got this home ownership thing down, but most days I feel like we’re barely keeping our head above water as we try to figure everything out. Turns out, there is a LOT more that goes into owning a home that we didn’t realize (and I thought we were really prepared!)

READ MORE: The Carr Home: The House Buying Process

Since owning a home is a new adventure for me, I really want to share our experiences here on HTC. If this is something you want to read more content on (like how we’re decorating our space and other lessons we’re learning) please let me know in the comments below!

5 Lessons for First-Time Homeowners

Lesson One: Yards are a LOT of work

We’ve never had a yard before, but that was on the top of our “must-have” list because we wanted our pups to have a space they could play in every day. We were prepared to buy a lawn mower after moving in but didn’t think beyond that. Turns out, there is more to maintaining a yard than just mowing it every two weeks.

The previous owners didn’t do a great job of maintaining the lawn or yard over the last few years, but we didn’t realize how rough of shape it was in until a couple weeks into being homeowners. We had to get weed killer to spray between the cracks of our driveway because they were overgrown with tiny grass and weeds. Our lawn was COVERED in dandelions, which spread like wildfire, so we spent several hours pulling them up by hand. That helped with the dandelion problem but made our front lawn pretty lumpy from all the holes. We have patches of thick grass and patches of dry grass, so we learned that we needed to fertilize the grass at least twice during the season. We also had to figure out how to turn on and program our sprinkler system (which we put off for weeks because we were convinced something was going to be wrong with it.) Thankfully, our next door neighbors came over to help Dustin turn them on and run the test and we only had one sprinkler head (out of 25) that didn’t run properly. Additionally, our whole backyard is fenced in, which means that Dustin needed a weed whacker on top of a lawnmower to cut down the grass that grows along the fence.

Three out of the six trees on our property are mostly dead, so we now have to figure out how to take them down (or try to save them.) The two trees in our backyard are apple trees, but we aren’t sure what kind. They were never taken care of by the previous owners and are totally overgrown and already dropping apples ALL over the place. My pups (especially Teddy) thinks this tree is a treat tree and is always trying to eat the apples and sometimes sneaks them into the house. GROSS! We have been talking about taking them down as well, but we love the shade and privacy they give to the yard, so we’re not sold.

5 Lessons for First-Time Homeowners // Hey There, Chelsie

The garden beds in both the front and back lawn were completely overrun with weeds, especially this super vile thing I have dubbed as “the pokey” because it has sharp spikes at the end of EVERY point on EVERY leaf. Dustin has already dug 3 pokeys out of the back yard, but we didn’t notice this one in the front yard until a week or two ago and it’s TERRIFYING to look at. I’m definitely going to have Dustin take this one out because I’m terrified of it.

5 Lessons for First-Time Homeowners // Hey There, Chelsie

Oh and bees. We have already taken out 6 hornet/wasps nests in the last 2-3 weeks. They are EVERYWHERE and it really sucks the fun out of having a backyard to hang out in. Today, I went to roll the recycling bin out to the street and the second I started moving it, a whole swarm of wasps flew out behind it and started coming at me. It was #badnewsbears.

Anyway. We are learning that there is a lot more to maintaining a yard then we thought about. We live in a really cute and close-knit neighborhood, so it is important to us to keep up our yard so we’re not THAT house on the street. A couple weeks ago, my sister came up and helped me weed, plant, and mulch my front flower bed, along with pruning my bushes. I even took several different plants and combined them into a few pots for my front steps. It looks a LOT better, but I still feel like I have a long way to go. Also, as Dustin and I were taking photos of my potted plants tonight, I realized that they had hard black spots all over them. Dustin thinks they are aphids, but after some research, I think they are budworms. WHATEVER they are, I want them OFF my plants!

5 Lessons in Home Ownership // Hey There, Chelsie

(the face you make when you discover aphids on your petunias)

All of this work aside, it has been SO fun to entertain in our backyard every weekend. My sister and brother-in-law come up every Sunday and we always throw something on the grill to eat. Last weekend, we had a few couples over from church, BBQ’d and played bocce ball into the night. Plus, having the space for the dogs has changed my life. I love that they can go outside to play (or tear up toys, like Rosie did last night) whenever they want and I don’t have to go through a lot of effort to get ready and drive them to the dog park.

Five Lessons in Homeownership // Hey There, Chelsie

Lesson Two: It’s okay to take your time furnishing your new space

Our new house has two living spaces: a front formal sitting area and a family room. Since we’ve only ever lived in an apartment, we’ve never needed furniture for more than one living space, so the front living area is pretty empty. If you follow me on Insta-stories, you’ll also know that the front living space is also where the dreaded dark brown wall is. YUCK. When we first moved in and started having people over, I was so embarrassed that our front room had no furniture, minus my two bookcases.

When we first moved in and started having people over, I was so embarrassed that our front room had no furniture, minus my two bookcases. I wanted to furnish it right away, but since we had bigger fish to fry (like a lawnmower and a new fridge) I knew we needed to wait. I’m learning that it’s OKAY to wait to furnish some spaces and I’m glad I didn’t rush into it like I wanted to. I’m able to really think about what I want to do with space (I’m thinking of pulling a Belle and making it my library) and really search into different furniture stores to look for the right pieces.

Lesson Three: Paint Samples Cost Money

I don’t know why I didn’t know this before (probably because I’ve never had to paint anything in my whole life) but getting paint samples from Home Depot cost money! They aren’t free! Granted, they aren’t super expensive (3-4 bucks each) but when you have a bunch of paint colors on the brain, they can really add up.

My favorite way to limit my paint sample choices? The Project Color by The Home Depot app. This app is an awesome tool to use when trying to visualize a space with a new paint color, or trying to narrow down color choices. You simply take a picture of your space, upload it to the app, pick a paint color, and paint the walls in the picture. Below is an example of the app in action as I tried to figure out what color I wanted to use to paint over that AWFUL brown wall in my living area:

The Color Project by The Home Depot App in Action // Hey There, Chelsie

The Color Project by The Home Depot App in Action // Hey There, Chelsie

Lesson Four: Swamp Coolers Get the Job Done

The biggest thing we were worried about when we moved into our house was that it didn’t have central air. Instead, it has a swamp cooler, which is basically a big fan at the top of the house that uses water to cool down air as it passes through it and pushes it into the house. A lot of our neighbors were like: “Ohhhh nooo, you have a swamp cooler? That stinks!” when we moved in. Since summer temps in Utah exceed 100 degrees and our house directly faces East and takes on a lot of direct sunlight, we were convinced we were going to be living in an oven.

However, the lady who lives across the street from us reassured us that swamp coolers are actually great, cost effective, and get the job done. She climbed onto the roof with Dustin and showed him how to get it ready for summer and turned it on. We’ve already had several days in the high 90’s and two days in the 100’s, and the swamp cooler has done a great job of keeping the house cool. It’s definitely not central air, but it does a way better job than we thought and we’re grateful we don’t have to put in central air right away (although this will be something we want to do in the next year or two!)

Lesson Five: Not sharing walls/floors is AWESOME

If you’ve been around HTC for a while, you might remember the people who lived below us in our last apartment who totally ruined our Thanksgiving dinner. Long story short, they banged on our floor/their ceiling at 3:00 in the afternoon because we were moving around too much in the kitchen, and then came upstairs and yelled at Dustin for 10 minutes. It totally put a damper on the rest of our holiday and it made me SO paranoid about making the smallest sound for the rest of our time living there.

When we first moved into the house, any time Rosie or Teddy would bark, I would tense up and immediately brace myself for the neighbors to come yell at me again. It took me a while to get used to the idea that I’d never have anyone banging on my walls or floors again because we weren’t sharing our space with anyone else! We can play our music as loud as we want to, we can use our surround sound for our tv, we can wrestle the dogs, and we can hang up pictures at whatever time of day we want! I LOVE having the freedom to do what I want when I want to and not stress about upsetting the people who lived below us. It’s by far one of the best parts of homeownership.


It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re slowly figuring things out. If you want to continue to hear more about our homeowning adventures, please let me know in the comments below. Also, I need recommendations for places to buy armchairs at, so please let me know if you have any ride-or-die furniture stores!

 

38 Comments · Written On:June 23, 2017

Keep on reading...
ChelsChats: 2020 Life Update

Chelsie - Hey There Chelsie

Hey there, I’m Chelsie!

Pediatric Cancer Survivor, Infertility Warrior, and Jeep Enthusiast.

I healed my relationship with my body through makeup and clothes and found confidence in living a full and vibrant life through the process.

Whether we’re chatting style tips, makeup tricks, or strategies for personal growth, I’m here to help you find and embrace your inner vibrance.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

MAILING LIST

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Currently

Today is my 32nd birthday and if there’s anythin Today is my 32nd birthday and if there’s anything I’ve learned in my last year that I want to take with me into this year, it’s this:

I make my own magic 🪄

I am capable of creating, crafting, and designing this next chapter of life to be whatever I want. Infertility cannot stop me anymore. And I can’t wait.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #harrypotterworldorlando #birthdaywish #lifeafterinfertility #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #lifeaftermiscarriage
Happy birthday to my ride-or-die and bff for life Happy birthday to my ride-or-die and bff for life @ericaligenza. To have her in your life means you have the most loyal, inspiring, and generous friend that you would ever ask for. I can’t believe that this little app brought us together (with our girl @blondeandambitiousblog) so many years ago. Grateful that they both turned out to be real people (lol) and women who have held me up during the hardest times of my adult life. 

Hope you have the best day, E! Counting down the days until we are together again! ❤️

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #friendsforkeeps #instagramfriends #marchbirthday #friendshipbracelets #bffgoals👭
We fix each other’s crowns instead of pointing o We fix each other’s crowns instead of pointing out they are crooked. 👑 

To the women to always have my back, who inspire me daily to level up, who cry with me, who cheer me on, who save a seat at the table for me, and who keep fighting the good fight - I love you. You keep my world vibrant, and keep me going on my hardest days. 

Happy International Women’s Day!

#womensmonth #internationalwomensday #girlganggoals #girlgangs #womenhelpingwomen #squad❤️
2021 felt like a dumpster fire that burned out of 2021 felt like a dumpster fire that burned out of control about 90% of the time. Between a cancer scare that resulted in countless scans and blood tests, failed infertility treatments that broke our hearts every time, no matter how much we tried not to get our hopes up, and then the devastating blow that I needed to have a total hysterectomy and thus ending any hopes we had of starting our family - I felt like my life and my hopes and my dreams for our future had been reduced to a pile of ash. 

It feels surreal, to be starting the new year feeling so grateful for where 2021 left me. For the first time in four years, I have energy, motivation, and can actually get out of bed without being in extreme pain. I can actually think beyond the next 24 hours and make plans that I can follow through on. My life doesn’t revolve around iron transfusions, cycle tracking, or the anxiety that comes with the two week wait. 

What’s been even more surreal is to be able to say that I have been finding more acceptance and purpose in our new childless future and life. If I can’t have the life I planned on, then I’m going to live the hell out of the life I have instead. Dustin and I are rebuilding our futures both separately and together, and for the first time in four years, I’m excited to see what comes next for us. I feel more steady in this new life and more sure of the path we’re on then ever before. 

For in order to rise from its own ashes, 
A phoenix must first burn. 

2021 burned me. 
So I’m 2022, I will rise. 

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #childlessnotbychoice #childlessafterinfertility #lifeafterinfertility #findingpurpose #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #jamaicavacation #wordoftheyear #ttcsupport
Endlessly grateful for being 6 weeks post op from Endlessly grateful for being 6 weeks post op from my total hysterectomy and feeling more like myself than I have in over a year. And I’m endlessly grateful for this guy - who has been my rock through every doctor’s appointment, every procedure, and every day I couldn’t get out of bed. Not only that, he is the sweetest, most tender uncle to our nieces that I could ever hope or ask for to share our girls with.
Just grateful for my health and my love and the hope for better days.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #ttccommunity #hysterectomy #hysterectomyrecovery #ttcjourney #husbandwife #ttcsupport #infertilitysucks
You are the keeper of all my secrets, the guardian You are the keeper of all my secrets, the guardian against all my fears, and the safe place I call home. 

Grateful to have you by my side as we walk into an unknown future that neither of us were prepared to face. But every day we walk further down our new road, I find more solid footing and more hope for what’s to come, because you keep me grounded through the waves of grief.

I love you. ❤️

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #hysterectomy #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #childless #adenomyosis #ttcjourney #infertilityawareness
I’m officially three weeks post hysterectomy tod I’m officially three weeks post hysterectomy today and was feeling well enough to shoot the holiday campaign photos for @shopmscb (with the help from my partner in crime, @kenzie_peach)

In fact, I told my surgeon last week at my first post-op appointment that I’m actually feeling the best I’ve felt ALL year. And I mean, that’s saying something since I was only two weeks post-op then, right? 

Even though the decision to go through with the hysterectomy felt impossibly hard to make, I know now that I made the right choice for me, my sanity, and my body. I feel more like me in the last week than I have in over a year. It’s like I’m waking up from a long, painful, dark hibernation and my world is starting to fill with vibrant colors again.

And even though I’m still sad it had to come to this, I am also feeling excited for what’s to come.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #hysterectomy #hysterectomyrecovery #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #infertilitywarrior #ttccommunity
There’s been a little more laughter in our home There’s been a little more laughter in our home lately. Snuggles and kisses and staying up way too late watching Netflix. It’s like the worst is behind us and we’re on the other side of what we’ve been dreading and the darkness that has covered us for so long is starting to lift. It doesn’t mean we’re 100% okay, but we can feel the light and the hope for the future and we’re choosing to face it hand-in-hand, together. 

And every night, you whisper to me: “This isn’t your fault. You’re my best friend. I love you more today than ever before. We’re going to live a beautiful life together.” And every night, we grow a little bit closer and our hearts mend a little more, and I know deep in my bones, that we’re going to be okay.

I love you, Dustin.

#ttccommunity #ttcjourney #hysterectomy #childfreenotbychoice #childfreeafterinfertility #infertilityawareness #infertilitysucks #healingafterinfertility

Networks I Love

 

Top Posts

The Ultimate Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Orlando) Part One. We knew nothing about going to Florida or Universal Studios before we went on this trip, so I'm sharing all the information, tips and ticks to having an amazing trip to Harry Potter world, including a review on staying at the Cabana Bay hotel and resort. // Hey There, Chelsie

The Ultimate Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Orlando) – Part One

Ashley @ American Honey

Sponsor Round Up – February

Easy Cranberry Smokey Eye Tutorial

Categories

Beauty
Style
Life
Blogging

  • FAQ’S
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy + Discosure
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LiketoKnow.it
Today is my 32nd birthday and if there’s anythin Today is my 32nd birthday and if there’s anything I’ve learned in my last year that I want to take with me into this year, it’s this:

I make my own magic 🪄

I am capable of creating, crafting, and designing this next chapter of life to be whatever I want. Infertility cannot stop me anymore. And I can’t wait.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #harrypotterworldorlando #birthdaywish #lifeafterinfertility #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #lifeaftermiscarriage
Happy birthday to my ride-or-die and bff for life Happy birthday to my ride-or-die and bff for life @ericaligenza. To have her in your life means you have the most loyal, inspiring, and generous friend that you would ever ask for. I can’t believe that this little app brought us together (with our girl @blondeandambitiousblog) so many years ago. Grateful that they both turned out to be real people (lol) and women who have held me up during the hardest times of my adult life. 

Hope you have the best day, E! Counting down the days until we are together again! ❤️

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #friendsforkeeps #instagramfriends #marchbirthday #friendshipbracelets #bffgoals👭
We fix each other’s crowns instead of pointing o We fix each other’s crowns instead of pointing out they are crooked. 👑 

To the women to always have my back, who inspire me daily to level up, who cry with me, who cheer me on, who save a seat at the table for me, and who keep fighting the good fight - I love you. You keep my world vibrant, and keep me going on my hardest days. 

Happy International Women’s Day!

#womensmonth #internationalwomensday #girlganggoals #girlgangs #womenhelpingwomen #squad❤️
2021 felt like a dumpster fire that burned out of 2021 felt like a dumpster fire that burned out of control about 90% of the time. Between a cancer scare that resulted in countless scans and blood tests, failed infertility treatments that broke our hearts every time, no matter how much we tried not to get our hopes up, and then the devastating blow that I needed to have a total hysterectomy and thus ending any hopes we had of starting our family - I felt like my life and my hopes and my dreams for our future had been reduced to a pile of ash. 

It feels surreal, to be starting the new year feeling so grateful for where 2021 left me. For the first time in four years, I have energy, motivation, and can actually get out of bed without being in extreme pain. I can actually think beyond the next 24 hours and make plans that I can follow through on. My life doesn’t revolve around iron transfusions, cycle tracking, or the anxiety that comes with the two week wait. 

What’s been even more surreal is to be able to say that I have been finding more acceptance and purpose in our new childless future and life. If I can’t have the life I planned on, then I’m going to live the hell out of the life I have instead. Dustin and I are rebuilding our futures both separately and together, and for the first time in four years, I’m excited to see what comes next for us. I feel more steady in this new life and more sure of the path we’re on then ever before. 

For in order to rise from its own ashes, 
A phoenix must first burn. 

2021 burned me. 
So I’m 2022, I will rise. 

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #childlessnotbychoice #childlessafterinfertility #lifeafterinfertility #findingpurpose #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #jamaicavacation #wordoftheyear #ttcsupport
Endlessly grateful for being 6 weeks post op from Endlessly grateful for being 6 weeks post op from my total hysterectomy and feeling more like myself than I have in over a year. And I’m endlessly grateful for this guy - who has been my rock through every doctor’s appointment, every procedure, and every day I couldn’t get out of bed. Not only that, he is the sweetest, most tender uncle to our nieces that I could ever hope or ask for to share our girls with.
Just grateful for my health and my love and the hope for better days.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #ttccommunity #hysterectomy #hysterectomyrecovery #ttcjourney #husbandwife #ttcsupport #infertilitysucks
You are the keeper of all my secrets, the guardian You are the keeper of all my secrets, the guardian against all my fears, and the safe place I call home. 

Grateful to have you by my side as we walk into an unknown future that neither of us were prepared to face. But every day we walk further down our new road, I find more solid footing and more hope for what’s to come, because you keep me grounded through the waves of grief.

I love you. ❤️

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #hysterectomy #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #childless #adenomyosis #ttcjourney #infertilityawareness
I’m officially three weeks post hysterectomy tod I’m officially three weeks post hysterectomy today and was feeling well enough to shoot the holiday campaign photos for @shopmscb (with the help from my partner in crime, @kenzie_peach)

In fact, I told my surgeon last week at my first post-op appointment that I’m actually feeling the best I’ve felt ALL year. And I mean, that’s saying something since I was only two weeks post-op then, right? 

Even though the decision to go through with the hysterectomy felt impossibly hard to make, I know now that I made the right choice for me, my sanity, and my body. I feel more like me in the last week than I have in over a year. It’s like I’m waking up from a long, painful, dark hibernation and my world is starting to fill with vibrant colors again.

And even though I’m still sad it had to come to this, I am also feeling excited for what’s to come.

#heytherechelsie #myvibrantlife #hysterectomy #hysterectomyrecovery #childlessnotbychoice #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #infertilitywarrior #ttccommunity
There’s been a little more laughter in our home There’s been a little more laughter in our home lately. Snuggles and kisses and staying up way too late watching Netflix. It’s like the worst is behind us and we’re on the other side of what we’ve been dreading and the darkness that has covered us for so long is starting to lift. It doesn’t mean we’re 100% okay, but we can feel the light and the hope for the future and we’re choosing to face it hand-in-hand, together. 

And every night, you whisper to me: “This isn’t your fault. You’re my best friend. I love you more today than ever before. We’re going to live a beautiful life together.” And every night, we grow a little bit closer and our hearts mend a little more, and I know deep in my bones, that we’re going to be okay.

I love you, Dustin.

#ttccommunity #ttcjourney #hysterectomy #childfreenotbychoice #childfreeafterinfertility #infertilityawareness #infertilitysucks #healingafterinfertility

© Copyright 2022. Hey There, Chelsie. Design by Alpine Lane.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Hey There, Chelsie
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.