Friday Favorites {2-3-17}

Is it just me or did this week FLY by? I can't believe  it's already the first Friday of February! I am busy today working on Hudson's cake for our family party tomorrow. I am hoping to share it with y'all next week. Fingers crossed it turns out like the plan! Ha!

{O N E}
So I am still going with my healthy eating plan and goals to be my fittest by my 30th birthday. I am a water drinker. It isn't hard for me to drink water all day long. I never have liked soda. And although I always spice up my water with lime or lemon ALWAYS, I decided to get on La Croix train. I purchased a couple of flavors to start. I went with lemon, because, I already know I like that flavor. And I also got Cherry Lime.

Y'all, I don't like it. So technically, NOT a favorite. What are your favorites?? Help a girl out!

{T W O}

This is Us. Who's watching?? Who was majorly let down this week when it was supposed to be on and then was just NOT??!!! You can not show me previews that I fully expect to see in one week and then nothing! It just is not ok, NBC! 

But seriously, I love Jack and Rebecca. I love the peeks back into their growing up years. I love Randall. I am uber intrigued in Kevin's (who's character I feel has very little depth right now) past relationship that just came up.  I am obviously riveted by the adoption plot line and the challenges that adds to the family dynamic. 

Is it my favorite show of all time? No, not even close. {Side note: Parenthood fans can we all rally for one more season. BRING IT BACK!!} But Jack and Rebecca are probably in my top favorite TV couples of all time for sure.  

{T H R E E}

Our family got a pool membership as a family gift for Christmas. We are super excited. The boys (and this mama) have tons of friends that are also members. It is minutes from home. And I just can't wait to create those memories with my boys like I have growing up spending days at the pool. 

That being said, I've been thinking swimsuits. We'll all need a few because we'll be going so much. I have always been a BIG advocate of wearing a bikini if you want. Kids, no kids. Stretch marks or not. Just owning your own skin. However, I am feeling like this may be my year to go to a cute one piece. I am not decided fully yet. And of course, my feelings my change once I lose some of my winter fluff and get some color. Pass the self-tanner, please. 

These are some of the suits I am loving right now. 

Isn't this suit so pretty? I love the mesh detailing. It is a fun touch that allows you to show some skin without really baring it all. I also love that it covers the backside well too according to reviews. 

via

Clearly, I am taking the term one-piece and gravitating from the traditional sense. I don't need to be completely covered. I still want to get a great tan. And this cute, cut out suit delivers. Support with a halter top. Completely covered so I can move around and the high waisted bottoms cover that tough to tone area.

via

Typically, I stray away from a tie bottom because, well I am no longer in college. But, these are a more substantial bottom in my opinion. And the high neck halter with all the detail just makes the suit. I feel like it adds some sexiness without being overt and I can totally swim and play with my kids in the pool without any wardrobe malfunctions. #winwin

via

I love the high waist of these bottoms and the cute scallop detail on the top. I don't have a super long torso so not sure how this one would look on me but I feel like the coverage is right in all the places I want coverage and is totally a bikini I can rock as a mama without feeling too much like a "mom suit". 

via

{F O U R}
Purging. It has been happening around here. It all started with looking through my closet for an upcoming swap (more on that some other day). Well, once I got through my closet, I decided to go through all the closets. Then our storage area. And toys. And DVDs. It felt so good to have these piles of things leaving my house. I typically do this every few months when I get the itch to de-clutter. I have found that we always have "stuff" we aren't using/wearing/playing with. No one even misses it when it's gone and because of this, my house never feels over cluttered or full. I think we can all really do without so much more than we think.

That's all I have for today! I have a cake that needs finishing! Better get to it! Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday Favorites: Feeling Fall

The busyness of our week sure made it fly by.  That, and of course, Monday being a holiday and making the weekend extend into the work week. I love when that happens and we have an extra day all together!

Anyway, I'm linking up today and sharing some of my favorites from this past week and things that are making me feel ready for fall. 

Andrea

Amy

{O N E} 

As I posted last week, I had a hair appointment to go darker and I shared some of my cut and color choices.  I basically went with the Megan Fox color and a really textured long layered cut.  My hair lady, Tonya, totally hooked me up and I love it. Here it is making it's debut on last weekend's date night. 

{T W O}

We survived Hudson's first week of school. You can read about his first day on yesterday's post.  I sure do love that sweet boy and his excitement!

{T H R E E}

One of my very best friends had her twin babies this week!!!! I am over the moon ecstatic for her and her family.  Mama ROCKED her pregnancy. She was considered high risk twins aside, and she carried them to 37 weeks like a pro! They were born both weighing over seven pounds! No tubes, no NICU needed! They are just champs and I can not wait to meet them this weekend!!! 

{F O U R}

I like to switch out my soaps with the season. I just love how it makes our moods change. My boys love making me smell their hands after they wash! {I'm just glad they washed, ok?!} I'll be picking up these three scents today while shopping for a few other things for the boys.

{F I V E}

We love a good night around the fire.  My husband would probably have a fire every weekend but me, I love to wait until the weather gets a little cooler. And tonight is the perfect night to kick off Fire Pit Fridays with our friends!! I am cooking up a new chili recipe and making this snack mix. If you want to check out more of what I love on Pinterest, you can follow me here. 

Friday Favorites- An {exciting} list

Oh happy day! It is Friday!

I am especially excited about this weekend because it is one of my dearest friend's bachelorette party this weekend! {Wahoo}

Can I just be honest about a few things?
1. I have only attended a handful of bachelorette parties in my life.
2. The last being while pregnant with our firstborn.
3. None of which have come after a week where two days were spent with sick kiddos (and by sick I mean pukey.)

Her oh-so-cute sister, and MOH, planned the whole thing and I can not wait for a whole lot of spoiling of the bride-to-be to ensue!

Besides the weekend, other things that have me excited...

{O N E} 

Hudson is starting 4 year old preschool up right after Labor Day. We are in the district he will actually attend for preschool this year so I am really excited to meet lots of other moms and kiddos that he will be doing the school thing with for years to come!

I know how hard teachers work and will always appreciate what they do! I like to send a little something their way the first day to let them know how much they mean to us as they care for our littles and help them grow into brighter kids! 

I took this cute idea and adapted it a little. I put the "C" essentials in a tumbler instead of a mason jar. I seriously can never have enough tumblers, especially when I taught! 

{T W O}

Do you feel that change in the air?? Fall is coming and I couldn't be more excited! My pinboard has been growing by the day. If I could live in a season of clothes I would always and forever choose fall. Layers, boots, scarves, plaid, vests, texture. It is all just too much! Some of the looks I am coveting right now are (and by coveting I mean sitting in my virtual shopping bag waiting on me to checkout):

Not this exact one and I should have shown the back but I love a good layered look. 

via

I love a good button down. 

Add a vest. 

Throw a sweater over it. 

Wear it open or buttoned.

via

A scarf. Can one ever have enough? 

The correct answer is no. For our friendship, the answer is no.

via

{T H R E E}

Speaking of fall fashion, my Fit For Fall Fashion Accountability Group is kicking off soon and I am really excited to get started with the ladies that have already made the commitment. I think we can get so wrapped up in being fit for summer that we forget that our bodies need proper nourishment and activity all year long.  It really is a lifestyle to be lived out!

Interested? There are still a few spots left!

{F O U R}

My friend got me started on essential oils.  I had heard all the chatter for awhile and have been on the fence but her love of her oils and just her knowledge base pushed me over the edge. I got my oil starter kit in last week and have since already placed another order for other oils I want to add to our stash. I can tell this may become an addiction.

{F I V E}

This is one I need some help with...

The excitement part--one of my good friends is getting married at the end of September! It is a going to be such a blast to watch him say I do and share in he and his fiance's special day. It is at a vineyard and will be such a beautiful day. They are both so laid back and in love I couldn't imagine a more perfect pair!

The help part...

I can NOT find a dress! I haven't come across anything I like. So--suggestions? Have you seen a fabulous dress that would be great for an outdoor wedding at a vineyard? End of September here in the Midwest?? Send your suggestions my way! I would be forever grateful (and stylish)!

That is it for me! Hope you have a fabulous weekend! I will be posting up a recap of our shenanigans from the weekend, I'm sure. And did I mention my husband is off to a bachelor party this weekend too (for said friend who get's married at the end of September?) What are we even going to do with ourselves??? :) 

Linking up

Amy

Andrea and the gang

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!! My big two had a sleepover with Gammy and are having a day of fun so I am being uber productive..or at least that's the plan!

{O N E}
Teaser ALERT! Hudson and Beau have been sharing a room for about a year now.  A couple of months ago, we got up one morning to go to church and Andrew ran smack into Beau.  Because he was up.  Because he had climbed out of his crib! {Not good.} So we got the boys twin beds {Hudson's original big boy bed was a full size} and I have been pouring over shared big boy room ideas since.  I FINALLY found something I liked that would work with a lot of their current decor plus bedding but no headboards.  So Andrew and I built them one evening.  Yes-- one evening! I'll post next week the tutorial and room reveal!

{T W O}
Starting in December I noticed that my face seemed to be breaking out for no rhyme or reason.  For me, this is highly unusual.  I never struggled with acne or breakouts, hadn't changed my diet or my skin routine and was stumped as to what to do.  Fast forward to now, I wasn't seeing my skin get any better so I made me first ever appointment with the dermatologist.  Apparently, being pregnant and/or nursing for the past 5 years did a number on me and my skin and oh yeah, I'm old now.

Anyway- I have been using Cera Ve products as my body lotion for awhile now and LOVE IT! I use it on my boys' insanely dry, sensitive skin too.  My dermatologist introduced me to their facial line.  Y'all, check it out! They have a daytime and nighttime moisturizer and a facial cleanser.

{T H R E E}

I love these shorts! I feel like you can dress them up or down.  They come in so many colors and patterns! I am updating my summer wardrobe since I got rid of a lot when I first lost weight, and then got pregnant the following summer.  My wardrobe is in major need of an overhaul. 

{F O U R}

This is a Friday un-favorite. If you haven't watched last night's Grey's scroll on down.  I have been a faithful Grey's watcher from day one.  That's a lot of life invested into a show.  Like 10 seasons or something.  I have put up with some of my favorites being taken: Lexi, McSteamy, even Cristina.  But Derek?? McDreamy?? Really, Shonda?? I just don't really know where you are going to go from here.  Not cool.  

{F I V E}

I re-started one of my favorite workouts this week, P90x3. I did this workout last year right when I found out I was pregnant.  It is intense and effective and I love that it is 30 minutes! I really need to tone up my midsection and get ready for summer since we have a beach vacation coming up.  This is doing it! Down 4 pounds already this week! Wahoo for progress!

Have a great Friday and awesome weekend!

Linking up with Karli, April, and Andrea today!

Five on Friday: Oct 17

I love every time Friday comes around because, well, it's Friday. But it is also just that much closer to being our last Friday before we move.  Just two more Fridays after this week and we are moving! I can't believe it's coming up so quickly.

I'm linking up with the usual today.  So grateful for these link-ups and the blogs they have opened me up to. Truly love this blogger world!

Liz/Darci/Natasha/Christina

Erika/Narci/Andrea

Karli/Amy

{O N E}
Our sweet Gabe is 8 weeks old today.  I can't believe it has been that long since we brought our sweet boy home.  I can't believe we have been a family of five for 8 weeks. I hate how quickly it is going but at the same time I love how alert he is.  I love his smiles when he wakes up and sees me.  I love the way he stretches.  He loves to eat.  Gabe loves to be swaddled.  He is a good sleeper, finally.  He takes a good long stretch from around 8 pm to midnight or 1.  Then he goes every three hours between feedings until he gets up at 6:30 or 7.

{T W O}
The boys have decided on their Halloween costumes.  It is going to be a SUPER fun time trick-or-treating with them this year. {Hint, hint}

{T H R E E}
I've been planning Beau's birthday party.  I love that his birthday is in the fall.  We are doing a pumpkin theme this year at our new house.  I've picked out the menu and the games we will be playing.  And the cupcakes y'all--they are going to be divine! The flavors are s'more, caramel apple, and pumpkin pie! Delicious!

That's all I have this week! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  We will be packing, packing, packing! ;)

Five on Friday: Random

Oh happy day!! I kept thinking yesterday that it was Friday..just wishful thinking.  I love the weekends when Andrew is home with us.  On to my random five, linking up with

Darci/Liz/Natasha/Christina, 

Karli/Amy, 

Erika/Andrea/Narci

{O N E}

The bags I ordered for the boys to trick-or-treat with came in this week.  I love them.  They are so adorable.  They can be used each year since I chose bags that didn't coordinate with a costume.  I went ahead and got them all the same one so there wouldn't be any fighting over who got what! I don't see the sweet scarecrow bags anymore but I ordered from Pottery Barn Kids and there are tons of other cute options!

{T W O}

This weekend is my mother-in-laws 50th birthday so we had flowers sent to her at work.  She is an aide at the middle school in our hometown.  I know she will be so surprised.  I mean, who doesn't love to get flowers at work? Plus I just love the fall colors used in the bouquet and the florist always does an amazing job {They did our wedding flowers..swoon!}

{T H R E E}

I can be terrible about getting in all my veggie servings and doing the Fix I have to get in 4 servings a day.  I don't like to eat huge servings at dinner and after having one with lunch and for a snack I still have one serving left. What's a girl to do? I have been adding spinach to my morning Shakeology! I make it the same go-to way I always do but just add in my spinach..you can't even taste it! It is the quickest, easiest way to get another serving in. Sooooo good! 

{F O U R}

I am obsessed with the swaddle blankets my sister-in-law gifted us with Gabe.  If you are pregnant, know someone pregnant, you must check out Aden and Anais.  The material is so breathable and easy to wrap.  I got a four pack and love them.  Even my husband commented on how they were the best blankets.  I am gifting them to all my pregnant friends.  Get you some!!

{F I V E}

I kept seeing coverage of CNN's story of Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old choosing to schedule her death to eliminate the suffering to come associated with her brain tumor.  This eloquent response popped up in my newsfeed and I just wanted to cry as I read it.  It echoes my sentiments. May I always remember the power of our God no matter what battle I face.  May I have the courage of this woman if I ever face my own battle. May I always know he is a God of miracles, and, even in the absence of a miracle, he is still my Creator who loves me. 

Oh Hey Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday! Around here this weekend is going to be super busy! Today is my 6 week post-partum check up.  It is also the first weekend of deer season (which my Mister is PUMPED about! Any other ladies relate??) And there is another activity that will be keeping me busy all weekend (all month really).  I can't wait to share with you what that is next week!

Anyway- on to today's post.  I am linking up with some fantastic ladies.

{O N E}
This week we sat down to let the boys watch a show before bed.  To say that Andrew and I are a little over some of their go-to choices is an understatement. I was flipping through the channels and happened to see Full House starting.  Oh my goodness, Hudson and Beau loved it! They cracked up! I loved sharing this piece of my childhood with them and also having something wholesome to watch besides Mickey! ;)

{T W O}
Is anyone else just ecstatic that it is October??? I love this month.  It marks the start of fall in my mind! I love watching the leaves change, the crops come out.  I love to begin my Christmas shopping and decorating my home.  I love changing my candles, soaps and scents to all things pumpkin.  Bath and Body's Pumpkin Cupcake is burning now! Divine!

{T H R E E}
TGIT (Thank Goodness It's Thursday)  Back in the day it was TGIF but times are a-changing.  I am loving that fall television is back! I just love shows starting back up and this fall How to Get Away with Murder caught my eye! I tuned in last week to the premiere and oh my goodness- I LOVE IT! I love Viola Davis! I love the idea of the show.  I am excited to watch it unfold this season.

{F O U R}

Next month is our sweet Beau bear's birthday and I have already got my wheels turning.  Last year the weather on his party day was beautiful.  I am hoping that it will be that way this year because I am planning an outdoor party.  He is going to be two and has lots of older buddies (perks of having a big brother) so I am planning an outdoor party, harvest themed! I can't wait to really get busy!

{F I V E}

Now that fall is officially here, it is time to retire my summer brights and embrace my deeper, more muted tones.  I'm talking nail polish.  A few weeks ago I had a fantastic deep cappuccino color on my fingers (shellac) and I got OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark on my toes.  This shade is fabulous.  I am going to try out OPI's Got the Blues for Red. I'll let you know what I think.  Any fall favorites you have??

Happy weekend all!!   

Five on Friday: This and That

I seriously hate how little I have blogged lately.  I have thoughts pop into my head but there never seems to be enough hours in the day! Yet I'd rather be living each moment than pausing to blog about it if I had to pick! Family first right?

So this week's five is just going to be a hodge podge since it's been forever! Enjoy! ;)

O N E

Last weekend, Andrew and I took a mini getaway to St. Louis for our anniversary. It was so great.  We shopped, went to a ball game, went around downtown, ate at non-kid friendly restaurants.  It was such a relaxed weekend.  We literally meandered around the galleria for hours, picking out items for each other, checking out any store.  I love my boys but really relished all the time to just talk to Andrew without worrying about schedules, being interrupted or rushing.  Definitely more in love with him with each passing day! 

T W O

This week has been one of those weeks where I just feel completely blessed to be a mama.  In all honesty, I am quite nervous about adding another sweet babe to the mix; going from man to man to zone defense, being outnumbered.  Beau is definitely a mama's boy so I worry about him adjusting to sharing me.  Yet, even with some of those concerns, I can't imagine my life without motherhood.  Hearing their giggles and cries for more during our tickle fights, watching them chase each other through the house, seeing their cheeks puff up as they blow bubbles and their eyes dance as they watch those bubbles float away, feeling our sweet little one kick and grow.  I am so thankful that God opened a door for me to find fulfillment and a way to provide for our family while staying home.  I can't imagine missing any of it.  

Trying on daddy's shoes

Making a race track

1:1 time with my big boy

T H R E E

PiYo released last week and I ordered the day it came out! I have been waiting for this workout and was so thankful for the timing of it's release! My body still craves it's workouts but I am definitely feeling certain workouts more as I am entering the last leg of pregnancy.  This high-intensity yet low impact workout is EXACTLY what my body is needing! I have done two days already and love it.  I love changing up my workout routine anyway and am really impressed with this little gem!

F O U R

I love summer because I love the grill!! We seriously are grilling multiple nights a week! We are always looking for new grill recipes.  If you have any--comment with them below!! We aren't picky in this house! 

F I V E

Our nursery is pretty much finished! No- I haven't taken photos yet. So let this just be a little teaser.  I will post some up next week!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!