We don’t get snow often in Texas, and certainly not enough to shut down Dallas for over a week! The kids were out of school for SEVEN days…and we made the most of it.
I take caring for my face very seriously. At the same time, I really don’t want it to be a massive chore, time suck or budget buster. Here’s a rundown of my process and the products I use.
2020 – what a year you were! Despite the way it turned all of our lives upside down with a mixed bag of ups and downs, it turned out to be one of my favorite years of all time. I’ve learned so much this year about myself and those I choose to surround myself with, not to mention every possible video conferencing app ever created.
In what’s typically a shindig-filled month of celebration, Christmas 2020 didn’t gift us with the “presents of other’s presence.” Ours was a very small affair. Despite that – or maybe because of it! – the gifts flowed heavily this year!
Did you know that the average adoption costs nearly $50,000 in one-time expenses? Could you come up with that chunk of change without destroying your finances or working three jobs? I can’t imagine anyone not being able to help a child and build a family simply because they can’t come up with that large lump sum, which is why I’m so passionate about the work that helpusadopt.org does.
Rescheduled from its typical July timeframe, Amazon Prime Day is the new Black Friday in October! And to make the shopping even sweeter, Walmart, Target and other major retailers are joining the fun. Here’s a running list of some fab deals I’ve spotted.
About Me
I'm a (gay) husband, a dad, adoption advocate, Texan, founder of two businesses (PR firm Cooper Smith Agency & online mag He Said Magazine), wannabe comedian/Martha Stewart and just generally a mess who drinks and cusses too much. Read More
Cooper
@imcoopedup on Instagram
by imcoopedup 4 days ago
TWENTY-TWO YEARS TOGETHER! If you’d have asked that spikey-haired, boy band-wannabe how he thought life after that first date back on February 28, 1999, would turn out, I doubt he’d have even come close to how awesome it’s actually been. Happy anniversary, Todd!- by imcoopedup 2 weeks ago
What’s the snow day version of the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? We’re making the best of this insane snow and stupidly cold temps (first time in history that Dallas has been under a windchill warning). . After our last big snow — like six years ago! — and trying unsuccessfully to sled on anything we could find, I immediately ordered a cheap set of plastic snow saucers that we’ve FINALLY been able to get some use out of. Add some nonstick cooking spray and you’ve got some fast *by Texas standards* sledding! - by imcoopedup 3 weeks ago
Second dose down! . Thank you @parklandhealth for being so organized. (Todd gets his a little later today.) - by imcoopedup 4 weeks ago
Hubby Date Day! We both took the day off to hang out and browse diesel pushers. Yes, we’re thinking about upgrading to an even bigger RV! Such size queens. - by imcoopedup 1 month ago
Taking in this gorgeous Texas weather with a quick (and very windy) McDonald’s picnic lunch with my best gal at one of our favorite spots in the city. - by imcoopedup 1 month ago
#TBT to when the kids were small enough to carry and we could still tuck our shirts into our pants (that had actual buttons!). Also, when they used to let us dress them up cute...that might be what I miss most! - by imcoopedup 1 month ago
Days like today remind me how much I love Washington, DC. It's always held a cherished place in my heart. DC is where I started a life-altering journey, way back in July 1991, as a high school junior to live in Germany for a year as part of the @cbyxppp diplomatic exchange program. . A few summers ago we introduced our little Madame President (and her VP) to our nation's capital/Capitol. Dream big, right? - by imcoopedup 2 months ago
Vaccinated! Immediate side effects include loss of anxiety, deep gratitude for the scientists, healthcare workers and test subjects who made it possible, and an already sore arm. . Despite technology glitches and some confusing language on the appointment-making side, Parkland did a fantastic job with on-site logistics. Everyone was so kind and helpful, even given the high stress of the world right now. Kudos to them for making it as painless as possible! - by imcoopedup 2 months ago
2020 – what a year you were! Despite the way it turned all of our lives upside down with a mixed bag of ups and downs, it ended up being one of my favorite years of all time. I’ve learned so much this year about myself and those I choose to surround myself with, not to mention every possible video conferencing app ever created. . Sure, there were some truly awful spots – specifically the loss of friends and their family members to the horrible COVID virus, as well as the virus of toxicity that settled into our overheated, overly-divisive - by imcoopedup 2 months ago
Merry Christmas! We wish you and yours a fabulous holiday and all the best in 2021. . To those of you who predicted that this photo would end up on our Christmas card, you were right! - by imcoopedup 3 months ago
We got a late start with decorating, so this year’s decor is more understated than normal. Yes, this is how I do understated Christmas decor. #christmasdecor - by imcoopedup 3 months ago
Happy Birthday To Me! This 46th trip around the sun was one of my favorites of all time. Yes, the world was flipped on its ass, but it also forced us to all slow down and hang out. I’ve loved the extra time with Todd and the kids. Maybe it’s delayed the dreaded tween/teen years for a minute? - by imcoopedup 3 months ago
File this under “That’s so Texas”: It’s 29 degrees and I’m bundled up in a three layers under a fur-lined hooded parka and ski cap just to walk the dogs. And that’s only what you can see in this photo! The neighbors are going to call the cops to report a homeless man wandering the street with two poodles. - by imcoopedup 3 months ago
Enjoying the sunset on our final night in beach quarantine before headed to Nana & Grandpa’s house in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Cooped Up Podcast
Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved.