What's Up Wednesday

It's been awhile since I participated in the What's Up Wednesday link up, so I thought I would do it today. Plus I made a post about two weeks ago so I wouldn't forget.

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...

This week is a bit chaotic with Labor Day coming up, but I have managed to actual cook this week. 

Sunday: Spaghetti with bread and a caprese salad
Monday: BLTAs with french fries
Tuesday: Salmon with Strawberry and Avocado Salsa

Wednesday: Salads from Sup since I have a massage and facial.
Thursday: Best of the West Rib Cook-off
Friday: Unsure
Saturday: BBQ

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

Rory's cousins wedding that we went to a week and a half ago. We had the best time and are finally getting some photos from the photo booth.

WHAT I'M LOVING...

Everything Fall. Yesterday I lit my Leaves candle from Bath and Body Works and our whole house smelt like Fall. Even thought it was 100 degrees outside, inside our house it was cozy.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

A wedding, anniversary celebration, Graeagle trip and so much more.

WHAT I'M DREADING...

Rory going to Europe for work at the end of September. This means 8 days with my girls all alone. While I love our quality time together, they miss their dad so much and constantly talk about him which makes it harder at home. Plus I have them for three weekend days (Saturday, Sunday and the following Saturday) by myself which is harder to keep them entertained and not constantly asking for daddy.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

Fall blog posts, some new recipes and being crazy busy at work.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

My work trip to Louisiana and Mississippi, the rib cook-off, football is back, and all things Fall.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

I just finished reading All the Missing Girls which was good. I wasn't a big fan of the ending, but the book kept me intrigued the entire time. I am just starting The Couple Next Door (on recommendation). I am also excited about Fall TV coming back, but in the meantime, I have been watching Bachelor in Paradise, The Sinner, Bloodline and Masterchef.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

My co-workers talking.

WHAT I'M WEARING...

I have started breaking out my Fall clothes, but mostly still wearing shorts (on the weekends), light weight slacks, dresses and anything that helps with the 100 degree heat. I also bought a lot from Lululemon lately, so I have been wearing that in the evenings and when I workout.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

We are going camping for Labor Day weekend and then I have my first Fantasy Football draft on Monday.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

I am getting my eyebrows microbladed. I know I have gone back and forth on this, but after talking to a few people about their experience and what to expect in the short and long term, I am on board. Plus I got a killer deal from a friend, and I couldn't pass it up. It is one less thing that I have to do in the mornings. Total win when you are a mom.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...

I am experiencing what it really feels like to be old. Between my b-12 levels being so low and my back spasms, 34 has been showing me my age. Ha. Last week I had two back spasms and one hurt so bad that I was gimpy for the entire weekend. I thought the pain was gone and my muscle was better, but Monday afternoon it was back. I have been stretching, doing my normal workout routines and drinking tons of water, but wow oh wow, I have never experienced this many and this painful. Ugh.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCH IDEAS AND/OR TIPS...

Well considering my girls lunches are provided at their preschool, I am not much help there. And when I made their lunches, they ate the same thing over and over. I am interested in seeing what everyone else says so I can get some tips. Ha.

*This post may contain affiliate links.

Weekending

Wow what a weekend. I am sad to see it go, but I am not sad to see that traffic go. I am referring to Burning Man. I am sure you have all heard of it at one point or another, but it is very close to where I live. So the week prior people start piling into Reno. They stay at a major casino, they shop at Trader Joes and Whole Foods and they cause major traffic jams. A bunch of them head out on Sunday, but the traffic still lingers through the week. The best part is come Sunday and Monday they are all back in Reno and you get to see the dirty cars, the crazy aftermath of a drug induced week and so many art pieces. I would go to Burning Man alone for the art. Fun fact, I never have been to Burning Man.

Anyways, back to our weekend. Friday after work, we grabbed some lunch and then I dropped Rory off at his haircut appointment. I took the opportunity to head to the mall and see if I could find anything. I wasn't able to, but I was able to shop without any littles with me. So nice. After Rory's appointment, I picked him up and then we headed to Lululemon to use a gift card from my birthday and to Old Navy. We had to buy a ton of outfits for the girls to use at daycare for potty training. Yep they start that next week!

We were going to go to Trader Joes, but the parking lot was insane from all the Burners in town. And Whole Foods was even worse. Ugh. And forget about going to Costco this week either. So we headed to the grocery store near our house for dinner that night and supplies for the beach the next day. Then we picked up the girls and headed home. I made Sweet Potato Nachos and they were a huge hit. So good. After putting the girls to bed, we watched The Sinner and then headed to bed ourselves.

Saturday morning we got up and I headed out for coffee and pastries while the girls and Rory got ready. We quickly ate our croissants and headed to Lake Tahoe. We spent four glorious hours there people watching, eating, sunbathing, building sand castles and enjoying one of our last weekends up there this summer.

 Chocolate milk face

 The girls bathing suits are from Hannah Anderson

We headed out around 2 pm and the girls napped the whole way home. We tried to continue the naps when we got home, but no such luck. After a quick shower and the girls baths, I went back to the store for dinner items and then we hung out at home most of the evening. We played outside a bit, but it was almost 100 degrees Saturday. I made spaghetti for dinner and the rest of the evening was spent relaxing after being in the sun all day.

Sunday morning we headed to breakfast and then to the park. We were at the park for 30 minutes and then both girls pooped. We only had one pull up in the car (total fail), so we changed Avery since hers looked more like diarrhea. But then 5 minutes later Sutton was climbing on some bars and poop came out the back of her pull up. Seriously this hasn't happened since they were little and in diapers. Ugh. We had to clean her up as much as we could and clean the bars off. Gross. We headed home and gave them another bath since it went up her back part way. Sooooo gross.

After the poop incident, we made them lunch, relaxed a bit and then put them down for a nap. Once again, I headed to the store (I usually only shop once or twice a week) for groceries for the week and then to Target to grab a few items. I also had to pick up softball equipment for Rory since I was in the area and got to see one of our dear friends for a brief moment.

When I got home the girls were sleeping and Rory took Walter to the doggy park. I settled in for some Devil Wears Prada and folded the mounds of laundry we had. After the girls woke up, I got them ready and once Rory got home, we took them to the Discovery Museum where they played for almost two hours.

 I didn't have to climb in the cloud to save them this time!

After the Discovery Museum, we headed to Home Depot and then home to make dinner and get ready for the week. I made the girls mac n cheese and started making pizzas for Rory and I. After the girls went down we ate dinner and then finished chores around the house.

How was your weekend?

I am linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston.

Fall Friday Favorites

With several people talking about Fall, it got me thinking about Fall and how much I love this time of year. I can't wait to break out all my decorations, buy more, prep for Halloween and wear all the cozy sweaters.

For this weeks Friday Favorites, I thought I would talk about some Fall stuff.

ONE. It is no secret that all of the stores have Halloween stuff in them. Crazy that Halloween is still 2 months away and the stores are loaded. Heck, Costco had costumes a month or two ago. I started thinking about what I want to dress the girls up as because they don't really know what they want to be yet. If you remember, last year they were donuts. The cutest donuts ever.

This year Sutton will be Minnie Mouse. She is obsessed with Minnie. I bought the girls a Minnie Mouse shirt at Disneyland last year when I was there for a conference and Sutton wants to wear it daily. This makes Avery want to wear it as well. I will see if Avery wants to be Minnie too or another Disney character. So far I have narrowed it down to these two Minnie costumes. And if both girls want to be Minnie, maybe I will get both of them. What do you think?

Minnie

Minnie

TWO. I am in the market for some new boots this year. I want another pair of black riding boots since my other ones have a wool lining in them and can be very hot. I have my eye on these beauties. Plus I need another pair of low black booties and have my eyes on the pair below the riding boots.

Riding Boots

Bootie

THREE. Fall jackets. I love a good jacket...one that will last me for years and after seeing a few on IG stories, I found one I really like. I am hoping other colors come out in it, but the style. Swoon.

Jacket

FOUR. I definitely need to make a trip to Bath and Body Works for some Fall candles and hand soaps. They have the best and I always stock up for each season. Here is what I am looking to pick up.

Soap

 Leaves candle (My favorite Fall scent)

Pumpkin Apple candle

FIVE. I snagged a double hood sweatshirt from Mindy Mae's Market when they had their huge sale a few weeks back and I got it last week. It is so cozy and cute. Plus I love the placement of the zipper. I may have also snagged a pair of pink jogger pants which are equally as comfy. I will definitely be sporting the comfy clothes every evening after work.

Sweatshirt

Joggers

I hope you all have a good last weekend of August!!! See you soon September! Don't forget to enter the Jord watch giveaway here.

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

*This post may contain affiliate links.

Thoughts and Confessions

I am making a Thoughts on Thursday/Confessions post. How is that even happening? Ha. I have felt so behind on my blogging lately, but this week I have stuff to say.

THOUGHTS...

- I am so ready for Fall to be here. I LOVE summer and everything that goes with it, but there is just something special about Fall. The leaves change, the weather cools off (no more 90 to 100 degree heat!), the holidays approach, the fashion, comfort foods and FOOTBALL. I seriously am counting down the days.

- I really hope to get another big beach day in before the weather changes too much. There isn't much better than a day at the beach....especially Lake Tahoe.

- I got my haircut on Tuesday and I told myself that I wouldn't go any shorter and then my stylist suggested trimming it a bit more to have even more of an a-line. She was right. It looks good. But this is it. No shorter than this and I will probably grow it out for awhile, but only about 3 or so inches. I like this shorter hair look.

- Why are vitamins/supplements so expensive? Ugh. I have to take so many now and they are pricey. Especially with how many I have to take.

- The girls are adjusting ok to preschool. Drop offs are getting easier. They walk into the classroom and are fine until Rory and I are going to leave. Then they cry for 3 to 5 minutes and are then happy again. They have been working on kicking the girls blankie habits and they only get them at naptime. So amazing. I don't care if they want a blankie, but I want to kick the paci habit at home. Ugh. Such a struggle. The girls love two of their teachers, Ms. Kam and Ms. Kelsey, but they haven't warmed up to the other teachers yet. In due time I guess. But Avery's vocabulary has exploded since she started there. She has always been a talker, but now, WOW.

- I have already started thinking about the girls birthday party and where I want it, the theme and what not. Yes we are still 4 months away. Ha.


CONFESSIONS...

- I have been getting my lashes done by the same girl for a long time, off and on. She is a good friend of mine and while I love her to death, I just couldn't continue to have a professional relationship with her. I totally understand that she is a mom and her daughter comes first, but I just need someone a bit more reliable. Isn't it hard breaking up with people in the service industry? Especially when they are your friend? But the good news is, I found an amazing gal who took over and I LOVE my lashes.

- I have several bruises on my hips/butt from my b-12 injections. While the injection doesn't hurt (like at all), the area bruises so badly. Anyone experience this? Remedies?

- I am obsessed with my Fitbit and making my daily steps. It is like a competition, but with myself. I need the most steps, the most calories burned, the most stairs, etc.

Handsome Watches with Jord Watches

Remember when I received a Jord watch last year? Well I received a second one, but this time for my husband.

My husband was all about watches for a hot second several years ago and then smart watches started to become a thing and he quickly switched over. The problem with a smart watch is they are not stylish. I don't think of smart/fitness watches as fashionable accessories to be worn with business attire, date night attire or special occasions. I think of a classic handsome bold watch.

Enter in Jord watches. Jord watches are made from wood and the one Rory received is top notch. He received the Dover Ebony and Copper men's watch. You can see in the inner workings of the watch and since it is black, it will match most of his business attire. Now he can attend meetings and not have to hide his smart watch.

When we received the watch, it came in a beautiful wood box. The box has a magnetic top to keep the lid on it, comes with a wood preserver and then has a little drawer at the bottom to store the preserver, the cloth (included) and whatever else you need. You can also have this box engraved for the perfect touch to any gift.

 Such great care when packaging the watch.

When we were ordering his watch, we simply printed out the ruler on the website, cut it out and measured his wrist. We left a little excess since he likes to wear his watches on the looser side. It fits beautifully. The watch is light weight, comfortable and made of exceptional quality.

Not only can he wear this for business meetings, date night and special occasions, but he can wear it daily. It is a nice change up from the fitness watch.

 My handsome husband

This is the underside of the watch. You can see the inner workings of the watch through the bottom. Love this feature and how much care and quality goes into the watches.

Jord has offered to give my readers a chance to win a $100 gift card towards the purchase of their own Jord watch. The winner will be randomly chosen and notified by email at the end of the giveaway on September 10, 2017, at 11:59 pm. And don't worry, if you don't win the $100 voucher, each person who enters and does not win, will receive a voucher for $25 (emailed to you). Then we can all have beautiful watches together!!To enter the giveaway, click here.

*Special thanks to Jord for giving me this watch in exchange for my review. My review is 100% my own. All reviews are honest and of my own personal opinion and experience.

Luxury Wooden Watch

Weekending

Since I wrote about my monthly Target purchases and our giveaway (enter here) yesterday, I am going to recap the weekend now. We had a great weekend other than a major meltdown from the girls Saturday evening, but you can't win them all, can you?!

Friday morning we slept in a bit and then the girls came to cuddle in our bed before we got our day started. Then it was time to pack everyone up. Nothing like waiting until last minute. Once we were all packed up, we headed out to grab coffee and then down to drop the girls off at my parents house.

We got to my parents, brought the girls in along with their stuff and Walter (our dog) and the girls were so into the new dolls they got, that my parents waved us off so the girls wouldn't even notice. We left, headed to breakfast and then up to Lake Tahoe to find a beach. There was a bunch of traffic along the way due to construction, but we decided to go to Kings Beach since we found a killer free parking spot. We spent two amazing hours there. Plus we only had towels, sunscreen, water and chairs. We didn't have to lug all the girls' stuff along.

 Kings Beach

We left the beach just before 2 pm to head to the house we were staying at and get ready for the wedding. We made great time, so we were able to chat for awhile and found out that my nephew went to the children's ER because he was having stomach issues. So we were all on pins and needles until later in the evening.

We got ready and it started to pour heavily outside, but the weather cleared as we got closer to the venue. We got there just in time for the ceremony to start because of traffic and it was hard to find a parking spot.

And then we watched two amazing people get married!

After the ceremony, we did some family photos and then had some cocktails and appetizers. We also hit up the guest book (which was amazing and I would recommend it to my sister who is getting married next year) and took photos around the venue.

Then it was time for speeches, first dances and food!!!

We partook in the photobooth and danced the night away. We stopped briefly for cupcakes and to watch the couple cut their mini cake. Plus my best friend Stacey made all the desserts which were really good.

I will have more photos from the wedding soon. Mainly from the photobooth as those are being emailed to us individually and we definitely took a bunch of them. The dress I wore was a hit. Plus it was comfy and so much fun to dance in.

The night ended with the best man spraying a bunch of us with champagne which wasn't the greatest, but I guess that is what happens at weddings....people drink. Ha.

We went back to the house we were staying at and crashed.

Saturday morning we were lazy. Rory made breakfast and we watched a bunch of golf. My nephew was home and he ended up having severe constipation. Just like Avery did around his age. Poor dude, but he was back to his usual self that morning.

Once he went down for a nap, we went into the hot tub to loosen our muscles after dancing the night away. Then we showered, got ready and headed to Garwoods for after wedding brunch. I had my favorite Wet Woody and some fish n chips. So good. Then we headed over to some families condo and hung out before heading down to get the girls. It was very stormy on our drive home.

We got the girls and they were in great moods until we had to drop Walter off at home. They didn't want to go home because they wanted to eat dinner, but then when we dropped Walter off, they wanted to be at home with Walter. We couldn't win. We took them to dinner and they threw mega fits. So much so that we had to get our food to go instead of eating there which upset them even more. We ate dinner at home, cuddled for a bit before putting them to bed. Then we settled in for two episodes of The Sinner. Have you been watching it? So good, but graphic at times.

Sunday we got up and Rory went out for muffins and coffee while I played with the girls outside.

Then I got ready and headed to brunch with Stacey since it has been forever. Or it feels like it. We chatted, ate amazing breakfast and had a mimosa. It was the perfect mid morning.

I got home and the girls were napping, so I watched The Bold Type and did some laundry. The girls woke up after almost a two hour nap and we headed to Target for new blankets. Rory was at an appointment, and the girls were soooo good for me while we were out.

We got home, unloaded everything and then Rory came home. I headed out to the grocery store and then his parents came to visit the girls for a bit. I started dinner, stuffed peppers and then prepped dinner for Monday night (the crockpot dish Lindsay talked about last week). Then I made the girls dinner and changed all their bedding in their room while they ate. Then we gave the girls baths, ate our dinner (which they ate some too) and then we put them down for bed around 7:30. Rory took Walter for a walk and then we watched the second episode of  Bachelor in Paradise.

We called it a night and then the girls woke up at 12:30 because Walter heard an animal outside. Ugh. Rory ended up sleeping in their room on the floor for an hour until they fell back asleep. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep Sunday night. Ugh.

But overall it was a great weekend.

How was your weekend?

$10 at Target and a Giveaway

Today for $10 at Target, we are changing it up a bit. Instead of spending our $10 at Target, we are doing a giveaway for a Target gift card. You know spread the Target wealth.

But I still shopped at Target this month (as I always do) and I thought I would still post what I got. Spoiler: it was one item that I had been wanting for awhile.

Several bloggers and friends have been talking about Maybelline's Super Stay Lip Matte. And a few of my friends talked about the color 10 Dreamer. So I headed to Target in search for #10.

 Maybelline Super Stay

I tried it that evening for a few hours when I had happy hour drinks with my girlfriends to celebrate my birthday. It went on smooth and stayed beautiful the entire time I was out. I tried it again the next day and I didn't have as good of luck with it. I had to reapply it twice and it looked funny after that. Not sure if my lips were moisturized enough or what happened, but I was sad it didn't hold up to its hype. I will still use it here and there. Also it is really hard to remove. I had to scrub my lips with my make up remover towelette.

How much did I spend?
$7.99 Lipstick
$0.66 Tax (8.265%)

Total: $8.65

Enter the giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 * This post may contain affiliate links.

An InLinkz Link-up

Friday Favorites and Happenings

I actually wrote another post for this week! Progress. I had every intention on blogging this week (ahead of time), but then life got in the way and I skipped out. But I am back today with some Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. I have been so awful at responding to comments lately. I just need to sit down and go through them because I love responding to the comments. I love the feedback, advice and just talking to my fellow bloggers. Seriously, I love my friendships I have made through this journey. Plus when you got on vacation, you get farther behind and it is hard to get caught up. Same with blog reading. I am slowly making my way through.

TWO. I wanted to give you all an update on my blood test results. I had another blood test on Wednesday when I got back from vacation to check my vitamin levels even more. Basically to see how deficient I am. So I had that test and then I went straight over to the Shot Spot. I spent a bit of time talking about my blood test results and then I had a consultation. During the consultation she did some tests to see what my body needed and ultimately decided on a b-12 shot with magnesium, folinic acid and lysine. I got the shot in my right hip. It was painless and I was on my way.

I am already feeling better. We also talked about some vitamin supplements I can take. I am waiting for my second blood test results before taking those. Plus my insurance covers part of these shots, so I know I can go back when I need a boost.

THREE. Yesterday was my anniversary (yay), but I had to work (boo). Isn't that how it always is? I have to save my leave for the holidays, so I decided to work yesterday. Though I am back off today. So even though we worked yesterday, when we got home, we exchanged gifts and went to dinner at a favorite restaurant of ours. My sister watched the girls and we had a great time out.

Since 4th wedding anniversary's traditional gift is flowers and fruit, I went to a flower theme. Rory loves bourbon, so after searching the internet one day, I found the perfect gift. A bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon. 

bourbon

FOUR. Today I am off because we are celebrating Rory's cousins wedding this afternoon. We dropped the girls off at my parents house this morning and now we are up at the lake. We are enjoying some sunshine before heading to the house we are staying at up at the lake to get ready and then dance our butts off. I can't wait. The girls are staying over my parents house and we have the night ahead of us!

Remember the dress I asked for comments on many months ago? Well today is finally the day I wear it. I can't wait to recap it for you all.

dress

FIVE. I have a recap coming next week of our trip to Graeagle. It will mostly be photos as we basically did the same things each day, but they varied a bit. Plus all the amazing food we ate. Yes, I ran at the gym for an hour straight yesterday to burn as much of it off as I could before I indulged at my anniversary dinner and then with drinks and dinner tonight.

I hope you have a great weekend. Stay tuned next week for two giveaways that I am a part of! 

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Karli, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

My 4th Wedding Anniversary

So instead of writing my thoughts and confessions today, I am writing about my anniversary. Today marks 4 years that Rory and I have been married. How crazy is that? Sure it isn't the 34 years that my parents have been married, but we are working our way towards that.

Rory and I have been together for about 7 1/2 years and married for four. We met at work, fell in love, adopted a dog, got married, had twins and the rest is history. That is the summed up version of us.

August 17, 2014, was a magical day. I had spent months planning the day. I spent countless hours crafting and trying to get a "Pinterest" perfect wedding. It was a perfect day to us, but it did have its bumps along the way. Nothing that we did, but we had the worst coordinator. Word of advice, hire a coordinator outside of the venue. We did not and I regret that. Otherwise, it was perfect, but I will let the pictures do the talking.

We said our beautiful vows in front of our closest family and friends. We danced the night away. We took so many photos in the photobooth. We enjoyed champagne. We cried during the toasts. We had a sparkler exit. But we had the best day EVER.

Happy Anniversary Rory!