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.

Friday Favorites and Happenings

This week dragged on...anyone else feel that way? I was out of the office for two days this week, but between appointments, lack of sleep and getting ready for our trip, I have been running full force all week. Let's hope things settle down a bit.

Let's get onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. Ok fellow parents, I need some advice. My girls used to be decent sleeper. I say decent because we would wake up zero to two times a night to give them their paci and then it was back to bed. They would sleep in until 5:30 to 7 am depending on the day (week vs. weekend). Two weeks ago we made the decision to transition the girls into toddler style crib/beds. We removed the front of the crib and added on the half bar attachment.

Some nights are ok meaning that they will sleep from bedtime until 4:15 or 5:15. We will usually let them come snuggle with us since it is closer to wake up time (yes we wake up early on weekdays). But most nights are they wake up several times a night crying for their daddy, sitting up in bed and wanting to get out. We either have to lay in their room with them until they fall back asleep or give in and let them come to our room. I am not in favor of the come into our room because space, I can't sleep and they move/kick way too much.

Two nights ago I was in there for 3 1/2 hours trying to get them back to sleep. My neck was killing me from laying on the floor and I was dead tired. I only got a few hours of sleep and I had a meeting the next day that I needed to be rested for.

What I am trying to get at is, what should we do? Do we put the crib railing back on and wait until they are three? Stick it out and know we won't sleep well for awhile? Other suggestions. This mama is desperate and having a rough time.

TWO. I don't know if you all saw on IG a few days ago, but I went to the doctor for my annual wellness check. It is for my insurance, but since I was there, I thought I would mention to my doctor about my lack of energy and being tired all the time. I always chalked it up to having twin toddlers, but something told me that it was more. Plus I had my blood test results from my life insurance exam and a few of the items were high and of concern.

My doctor took note of all of this and sent me off to have more blood work done and have specifics tests done this time. He focus on my thyroid, liver, kidneys, iron, b12, b6, the items that were high and a few others. I went immediately over to get my blood drawn and the next day (Wednesday) I got some results. My b-12 is really low and another thing was as well. He said I needed to get labs done again on two other things to see what the exact thing we need to treat for. So I know I have a b12 deficiency which definitely explains my energy levels.

What I am getting at is be proactive. I hate going to the doctor so I never bring up things that are bothering me because I always think they are just normal or from having twins. But in this case, they weren't. Hopefully I get my new test results back soon.

THREE. This week I participated in a giveaway for Lipsense. I have hard a ton about it, but never wanted to pull the trigger on spending $50+ on lipstick. I wear chapstick because I have kids, but I have heard so much hype about being able to kiss your kids/spouse, all day wear and lasts through eating. For the giveaway you had to pick who was going to win on The Bachelorette. I barely watched this season, but I knew a bit about who was left, so I chose Bryan and of course he won. #ringchaser #wrongchoice And then I won the giveaway, so I have Bombshell and a glossy gloss coming to me this week. I can't wait to try it and report back on it, but I am fearful that I will like it a lot and want more colors.

Have you all tried Lipsense?

Lipsense

FOUR. I am on the hunt for new slippers. I am embarrassed to say that I wear my old pair of Ugg slippers and one of them has a giant hole where my big toe is. I still rock them daily and my girls even say NO SLIPPERS when I am wearing them and we are getting ready to leave. It is like they think I will wear them out in public, but I only wear them out to take out the trash (public).

I know I don't really need them until Fall/Winter, but the search is on. What are your favorite slippers?

These are very similar to the ones I currently have.

FIVE. We are on vacation next week, so I probably won't be posting much in the next week. I hope I can get my act together and write a post or two today for next week, but no promises.

I hope you all have a good weekend!

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

*This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday Favorites and Happenings

Thank goodness it is Friday. This week has been rough. If it wasn't something at home, it was something at work. So this weekend is very much welcomed. Luckily, the girls were well taken care of all week! Papa daycare was in full force.

Let's get onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. We had a poop issue this week. Tuesday evening we get home for work and I start cooking the girls dinner while they went outside with Rory to get the propane tank to go get it refilled. While Rory was gone, I took the girls to our room so I could change into more comfy clothes. Then we came back to the kitchen and I grabbed everything out of the fridge to make guacamole for our steak tacos that night.

As I was doing this, Avery said mommy look. So I looked over and saw a few piles of something looking like dirt on the floor. But quickly realized it was poop. I freaked a bit and told them not to move. So what do the girls do? They start moving around. I avoid the poop, grab a chair and put Avery in it and check her shoes. Nothing. Then I do the same with Sutton and she has poop on one of her shoes. I take that off and tell the girls to stay in the chairs.

I wanted to make sure it was poop so I brought the shoe near my nose, but still 12 inches away and I could smell the awful poop smell. Ugh. I cleaned her shoe off the best I could and wiped up the many poop marks with Clorox wipes.

Then I remembered we went into our room so I could change. Ugh. So there could be poop on the carpet. Ugh. Once Rory got home, I had finished the girls dinner and he fed and cleaned them up while I mopped the kitchen floors and vacuumed the rest of the house.

We checked the backyard for stepped in poop (this was fresh poop for sure), nothing. We checked around our cars for when we got home, nothing. We checked the girls pull-ups, nothing. We checked everywhere. Plus there was no marks from the backyard door into the kitchen nor the garage door to the kitchen. Our conclusion: Walter had some leftover poop on his butt and came into the kitchen and it dropped or he sat down (which he was right there when I was getting the making for guac out) and Sutton stepped in it tracking it around the kitchen.

I really cleaned her sandal later in the evening, but it has all these flower creases and I feel like it is still in there. Ugh. So gross.

TWO. So we have had some ants here and there in my bathroom lately. You know, the tiny tiny ants. I kill them, but told Rory we needed to get the house sprayed soon. Plus we get black widows outside from time to time. Wednesday we came home after a long day of Board meetings, a quick stop to Costco and major traffic. We get inside and see a ton of little ants all over our kitchen. On the counter tops, floor, on the cabinets, etc. We are killing as many as possible and I brought the vacuum out to suck them up too. The girls thought it was fun to help out. Ha. But we spent a good 20 minutes killing them all and sprayed inside (one safe for indoors, pets and kids).

After that I once again cleaned the entire kitchen area up again. Ugh. I can't win this week. Thursday I called to have the pest control guys come out and spray. Thank goodness.

THREE. Next week, I am traveling to the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. Are any of my blogger friends in this area??

FOUR. Yesterday my sweet nephew turned one. I can't believe he has been in our lives for a year now. We facetimed my sister-in-law last night to wish Carson a Happy Birthday. The girls sang Happy Birthday to Carson (they have been practicing for weeks) and kept asking to go see him. Luckily, we get to see the little dude this weekend!

Happy First Birthday Carson.

FIVE. I really need some new black flats to wear to work. I have a pair of Lucky ones and they have held up for a year, but are getting way scuffed and worn out. So I have been shopping on the Nordstrom sale plus on prime day for a new pair. But part of me is thinking, should I just spend more money on Tieks or continue to spend $60 to $100 a time on each pair. How long do Tieks hold up when you wear them almost daily for work? I have a pair of blush ones that I wear about twice or so a month, sometimes more and they are doing great. But that isn't daily.

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

Friday Favorites

I am so glad it is Friday. Having time off in the middle of the week was awesome, but it completely threw my week off. I thought yesterday was Monday, but it was really Thursday.

Sadly, I have to work all day today since it is a holiday week, but at least everyone else at my work does too.

Let's get onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. We had the best 4th of July. We got up, gave the girls baths and got them in their new festive gear. Then before we headed out to breakfast, I made everyone stop and take photos. The girls were so thrilled (not).

We had to drive around a bit to find a restaurant that was open on the 4th. After breakfast, we headed to Petco to get Walter more food (a bigger bag of the new one we got him) and then down to the mall to pick up a hanger for our coffee bag piece we got in Hawaii almost 4 years ago. The hanger didn't fit, so now I am on the hunt for another one. We tried to stop in Lululemon, but they were not open yet. So we decided to head to a nearby park.

We got to this park everyone talks about and they were setting up for a 4th of July event, so we had to park around the corner and it was pretty busy there.

This park was amazing. They had swings, some kind of teeter totter and two huge play structures. The one in the picture above was three stories high.

After the park, we headed home for lunch and naps. The girls didn't nap very well. Well Sutton didn't. She ended up watching The Secret Life of the Pets with me while her sister slept. Once Avery woke, we got everything packed for their sleepover at their grandparents house.

Around 3 pm, Rory headed to his parents house to drop off the girls and Walter (so he wouldn't be near the fireworks). I freshened up and waited for Rory's friends to arrive. His best man from our wedding was coming up from California with his girlfriend. Once they got there, we said our hellos, gave them a tour of the house (updated kitchen) and got to catching up.

We took an Uber downtown and had appetizers and drinks on the river. It was so beautiful outside and the weather was amazing. After drinks, we walked over to the Basement to show them the beautiful building, but they were already closed. So we walked over by the ballpark for dinner and drinks. We did lots of people watching and enjoyed the slight breeze going on.

We wanted to show them the ballpark, so we walked over to the second story bar and were able to go up. I am not sure if it was because the game was close to being over or they just didn't care, but we went in for free. We grabbed another drink and watched the rest of the game (2 innings). Once the game was over, they set off fireworks.

After the game was over we headed back down by the river to a bar and did more people watching. Around midnight we decided to walk home since it was just over a mile away. And that walk was so beautiful at night. So much fun.

How was your 4th of July?

TWO. Remember how I bought three dresses for the wedding I am going to next month? Yes, the one I have mentioned a million times. Well I finally took some photos Wednesday of me in the dresses. Well two of them. The third should be here any day now. So what do you think?

 I love the color of this dress, the lace and the feel of the dress, but I am unsure on the length of the dress. The photo on the right where my arms are down isn't that flattering, so I am not sure about it.

I love the length of this dress, the fabric, but it is slightly big on me. It doesn't show that it is bigger in the photos, but the chest is a bit big, but nothing a strapless bra can't fix.

And the last one is the beige maxi dress I posted last week. That should arrive any day now.

THREE. When we had our friends over on the 4th, we showed them our backyard and all the work we put into it with the DG. They suggested we get some sort of corn hole game and we could teach the girls to throw the beanbags for hand eye coordination. Plus it would be fun for summer evenings. So we are either thinking of getting one made or finding one we really like.

But while searching for a corn hole game, we found this Chippo game which would be so much fun. Plus I definitely could use some chipping work.

Chippo

FOUR. Remember the cute Allbirds shoes I talked about here? Well I got them this week and put them on and complete comfort, BUT my toes went to the end of the shoes. I bought a size 8 and I am always a size 8, but I am afraid they are too small. So I am sending them back (free) and hope to get the next size up. But when I did try them on they felt soooo amazing and comfy. Like walking on pillows. I will update you when I get my exchanged pair.

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

I hope you all have a good weekend!

Friday Favorites

Wow what a long week. I am so looking forward to this weekend. We don't have much planned, but I hope to hit up the beach and spend some time with friends who are coming into town. Fingers crossed.

Let's get onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. I run and I always listen to music or watch something on Netflix when I run. I use earbuds and the cords often get in my way or I accidentally pull one out of my ear. I was at the gym this week, running, and the guy next to me had these wireless wifi earbuds in. I was intrigued only to go back to work and see that my coworker had them too. The same ones. So I asked a million questions on them and really want a pair. My only hang ups are that I would have to charge them (who has time for that) and I wanted to make sure they stayed in your ears when running. The guy next to me was just walking. So do any of you have experience with the Jaybird earbuds or similar ones? Thoughts?

via

TWO. Rory was reading articles on the internet and came across some amazing shoes. How he found Matthew McConaughey's wife's shoes and looked at them is unbeknownst to me (maybe birthday shopping?), but when he showed me, I wanted them. Ugh. But they are $95. But you don't have to wear socks with them, they are soft, lightweight, breathable, minimizes odor and are machine washable. Sold. They are perfect for traveling.

Allbirds

THREE. So I got my two dresses in the mail and I love them both. I need to get photos taken of me in them for you to decide which you like best. I soooo want to order this dress below to try on as well, but I don't want to love them all and not send them back because I only need one dress for the wedding and can't justify them all. But seriously, this is the cutest dress for a wedding.

 Dress

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

Friday Favorites and Happenings

Can I just say how thankful I am that today is Friday. I don't know what it was with this week, but something has been off. Ugh. Maybe it is the crazy hot temperatures (we reached 102 this week), the just wanting to be in vacation mode or something completely different. But let me just say, thank goodness for Friday.

Onto Friday favorites...

ONE. I got an email from Tom's this week and decided to check it out. They had soooo many cute things on there. I am eyeing both these flamingo shoes and this bag. So cute.

 Purse

Shoes

TWO. Do any of you watch Bachelor in Paradise? I love that show. It is crazy, fun and over the top, but definitely a favorite summer watch. When it was cancelled due to the sexual misconduct allegations, I was super bummed. Especially since this season of Bachelorette is kind of boring. But after an investigation, they are resuming filming. Yes!!! I can't wait to watch it. 

THREE. So this weekend we are going into full force potty training mode. My girls have been using the potty for months now, but never consistently. I know it is time to get them going because they tell us when they go, they always want to go and it is just time. I am not that excited about it other than no more diapers/pull-ups. What I am not excited about is the sitting in the bathroom all the time, the accidents and the being inside all weekend. But I think it is a good time to do it as it will be hot all weekend and we should be indoors more.

So please send your tips and tricks to me. I just read over my post from last year where Lizzie guest posted about potty training. But I need anything you can give me. I want to make this as easy and smooth as possible for everyone involved. Ha.

FOUR. I have been participating in #followfriday for a few weeks now. This week I was asked by a dear mama friend of mine if I wanted to do a follow Friday. I "met" Bree two and a half years ago when her sweet son Dexter was born just a day before my girls. He was born early just like my girls and we became friends by her searching for the hashtag #preemie and #nicu. We have been following each other ever since and talk on a regular basis. I love how IG and bloggin bring mamas together.

She introduced me to some of her blogger friends and they have the sweetest feeds. Full of their amazing lives and beautiful families. So please check out these four ladies.

Katy, Bree, Taylor and Courtney

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

Friday Favorites and Happenings

I feel like this week has dragged on. Maybe it is because I was single mommying it this week which was fun, but also very tiring. This happens when your kids are going through a "daddy is my favorite" phase. Those girls love their daddy so fiercely. They were fine until we Facetimed him on two different evenings. Then meltdowns ensued towards the end of the call and for quite awhile after. Breaks my heart to see them that sad. And even more that I couldn't comfort them.

But anyways, let's get onto my Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. A couple weeks ago I got my hair colored and cut. My stylist used a newer shampoo and conditioner by Bumble and Bumble and I feel in love. It is the Full Potential line by Bumble and Bumble. Not only does it strengthen you hair, but it gives you a thicker feeling hair and reduce hair loss. This is amazing for us ladies who have fine hair.

I wasn't too sure if I would love it, but I do. The bad thing? I just bought a liter of the thickening shampoo and conditioner that I love so much. Ugh.

Another item that I recommend if you have fine hair, is their Full Form Mousse.

TWO. So I ordered a couple dresses for the wedding I am attending in August and I want your opinions on them. I won't decide until I try them on, but what do you all think? I need something that is casual enough, but still a dress, cute and wedding appropriate.

 Asos Lace Dress

J Crew Seersucker Dress 

Lace Dress (might be too dressy)

THREE. I have had a lot of people ask me for an update on my friend Heather who had brain surgery last week, so I thought I would tell you all. She is home and recovering. Things have been rough for her, but she is extremely strong and pushing through it all. She has had an allergic reaction to her pain meds, so she had to get those changed. She has been having major neck spasms, but she is getting up and walking around like the doctor asked her too. She has full function of her brain and she will soon start physical therapy (after her two week appointment).

Heather is a warrior and rocked her surgery. Oh and she shared this photo this week.

FOUR. This week I bought a few things on Prana's website because we had a "friends" discount. Have you ever heard of Prana before? They have a lot of yoga, work out and comfy clothes. I have a few items that Rory got me for Christmas, but since we had this discount, I thought I would get more. It was so hard not to buy all the things. Instead I got a new pair of crop yoga style pants to run in because let's be real, I haven't done yoga in years.

 Prana Deco Pants

I also got some after workout pants, but I am sure I will wear these as lounge pants. So excited for them.

 Prana Mantra Pant

And finally, I got a pair of shorts because I apparently need all the shorts. Ha.

 Prana Cobalt Shorts

Can we talk about those shoes in the picture above too. Swoon. Love them. Anyone know what brand they are?

But I would totally recommend going to their site if you are looking for workout clothes or comfy clothes like me.

FIVE. When we were in the mountains last week, we got into a discussion on Birkenstocks and how my in-laws (MIL, SIL, BIL) and husband love those shoes. They were trying to get me to get a pair and I told them that I have never worn Birkenstock's nor have I had any inclination to try them. My sister-in-law even had me try hers on because she said they were sooooo comfy. Yes they are comfy, but they are not that cute. Until my mother-in-law told me her sandals she was wearing were Birken's too.

That is when I said, if I had a pair like my MIL, I would wear them. They are not the traditional ones like these (which my BIL and SIL have):

Arizona Birkenstock

But they are these ones:

 Gizeh Birkenstock

So much better right?

I hope you all have a good weekend!

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

Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is a little over a week away and I am changing things up for Friday Favorites and showing you some awesome gifts that you can get your dad, your husband or that special man for Father's Day.

Some of these items Rory has, wants or doesn't know that he wants.

ONE. BurgaBox. I have seen BurgaBox pop up a few times and I have been dying to try it. I thought Father's Day would be the perfect time. Especially since Rory LOVES burgers. There are so many burgers and sides to choose from, but I went with the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. It comes with 2 angus beef burgers, homemade mac and cheese (you can choose the flavor and I went with bacon jalapeno), pulled pork, onion rings, homemade bbq sauce, pickles, garlic parm fries, cole slaw and baked beans. It is a bit pricey at $65 for the box, but I figured why not. Also, for a limited time, they are doing a smaller box for $40.

TWO. We got my father in law a new cooler (Pelican) for his birthday and he loved it. And since Rory picked out the cooler, I knew he wanted one for himself. These are a bit pricey, but they have many options and last forever.

Pelican 20 oz cooler

THREE. Even though I mentioned how bad I am at printing photos on Tuesday, I sometimes think ahead and get them as gifts. I recently had a canvas print made as part of Rory's Father's Day gift. I won't post the actual one I had done (until later), but I think giving him a canvas print of the girls to hang in his office will be very sweet.

 via

FOUR. Amazon Echo. I have heard soooo many amazing things about this product. Even the funny things that Alexa says, but this is something I want and something I know Rory would want. She plays music, calls and texts for you, answers questions, reads the news, reads to you and can control things in your house as well. So cool.

We know several people who have these and love them and we have also experienced them ourselves a few times, but never bit the bullet to get one.

Amazon Echo

FIVE. Sports/Athletic/Outdoors Clothes. When it comes to shopping for Rory, I know I can always fall back on outdoorsy types of clothes. Anything from a nice sweater to hiking pants to golf clothes. Rory loves the brand Patagonia. We have an outlet here and he has bought out the store, almost. When I saw this light Patagonia jacket/sweater, I knew he would wear this in a heartbeat.

Patagonia sweater

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

Friday Favorites

Even though this was a short work week, I have been all over the place on my days. I can't wait to dive into this weekend. I won't lie, it is pretty packed, but should be a lot of fun.

Happy June all! Let's get down to some Friday Favorites.

ONE. I believe it was Monday that House of Cards season 5 came out on Netflix. I was super pumped to start it Monday evening until my husband told me that he wanted to watch this season. He watched seasons 1, 2, and 3 with me and hated season 3 (didn't we all?), so he skipped out on season 4. Season 4 was really good, and after I talked it up, he said he wanted to give season 5 a shot. Dang. So I am hoping to tackle a couple episodes this weekend and next week on our down time.

via

TWO. Yesterday the girls had their first day at papa daycare and it went well. I am soooo thankful that my dad wanted to watch the girls several times over the next two and a half months. 

We were nervous about dropping the girls off at my parents house and then leaving, but the girls stood at the door and waved us goodbye and were already making themselves at home. 

THREE. So I have been on the search for some cheaper sunglasses, but would still hold up well. I bought some crazy cheap ($6 for two pairs) ones in Venice Beach a few years back and they are huge on my face and have no polarization (basically don't keep the sun out). A friend recommended Blenders sunglasses and I am happy to report, I bought a pair this week. I really hope they live up to her recommendation. I went with the Tiger Bourbon ones, but I really thought about the Kate Forest ones. How cute are they?

Tiger Bourbon Blender sunglasses ($30)

Kate Forest Blender sunglasses ($40)

FOUR. This week, Jessi, from Jessi's Design said she bought some new cooling sheets that are similar to Under Armour and I had to take a look at them. They cool your body, keep moisture away and are silky soft. We are finally transitioning out of our Ugg sheets and I wanted a new pair of sheets for the summer. So I bought a pair. I got the active ones in navy. 

Sheex Sheets

FIVE. This is how I have been feeling lately. Eating my salads, staying away from Chick-fil-A and by the time "dessert" rolls around, give me all the things. That or I dream about all the yummy foods. Ha.

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

Friday Favorites

It's Friday and I couldn't be happier. We have a three day weekend ahead of us and plenty of sunshine to go around. This also starts the very busy summer season. From camping to vacations to lake trips, I can't wait for the summer ahead.

Let's get down to Friday Favorites.

ONE. I know this isn't exciting news for the people who don't live near me, but yesterday our first Chick-fil-A opened in my city! I am literally singing from the rooftops and hoping the next week or two goes by fast, so I can finally enjoy it in my TOWN. We have another one being built which is a saving grace so this one doesn't get too backed up.

But seriously, I only get to have it when I travel for work or head to California on a Friday or Saturday (for fun). But that is changing and I plan to enjoy it often.

It is funny because I am not a person who is big on fast food, but when it comes to Chick-fil-A, I throw that out the door and enjoy it. So good.

via

TWO. Does anyone else watch Pretty Little Liars? I know this is more of a younger generation show, but my sister got me into it when it started and I love it. Yes, it is my secret obsession. I am so into this show even though at times it is ridiculous.

Anyways, the show is on its last season and things have been heating up. Does anyone watch it? I need to discuss some things with people who do. And if you don't watch it, go watch it on Netflix. You're welcome.

THREE. So Emily suggested I look on Lilly Pulitzer for dresses to wear to the summery lake wedding I am going to in August and I found two that are soooo pretty. The prices aren't that pretty, but wow. What do you think of these beauties? Are they worth the $228 and $258 price tags?

 Lilly Pulitzer Bryce Tunic Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Tilly Midi Dress

FOUR. Today is the last full week of daycare for my girls at their current daycare. Cue the tears. We have been with them for two years and a month. I can't believe we won't see their sweet teachers daily, have them across the street or have the routine we have been so used to.

I have no idea how the girls will react when we don't go back there after next Wednesday. Plus they won't start a new daycare until August, so that will be another transition.

Some of their teachers have asked to follow me on Instagram and Facebook, so they can keep up with how the girls are doing. I love this because I can also show the girls how their teachers are doing.

Since it is one of the teacher's last days today, they are doing a homemade ice cream party. I was going to pick up the girls early, but I want them to enjoy this, so I am going to kill time by myself this afternoon. Maybe a Target run?

FIVE. I am sure you have seen the sales for this weekend. First there was Loft, now Nordstrom has 40% off, Gap has up to 50%, same with Old Navy and so many more. Ugh. This is hurting my wallet. Not to mention that my husband convinced me (ok nagged me) into getting my snowboard pass now because it would save us $100. It is May and the resort is closing this week and I am already paying for next seasons. Ugh. And I just paid a hefty amount to the University for my football season tickets.

Yes, I get that these are my choices, but I hate spending all the money when I just want to buy all the clothes and jewelry at these sales. Oh and I want a new tv as well. Priorities people.

I hope you all have a good weekend!

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

Friday Favorites

It's Friday and what was supposed to be a long week for me due to my husband being out of town for work, turned out to be the opposite. Sure it was still a long week, but I didn't have to do it alone. Why you ask? Well since Avery got pretty sick Sunday night, Rory didn't want to go on his work trip while she was sick. She had a high fever, was very lethargic, cranky and had the nastiest cough.

The girls always seem to get sick when Rory has a work trip and he didn't feel comfortable leaving her, even though he knows I can handle it. Plus it was a blessing in disguise as he had things that HAD to be done at work this week. So now his trip is rescheduled to sometime in June.

Anyways, this week is done and I am so looking forward to the weekend. We have temperatures forecasted to be in the 80s and I can't wait to wear shorts and spend the weekend outdoors.

Onto my Friday Favorites.

ONE. I got an email this week saying Kendra Scott was having a sale on Rae and Rayne necklaces. I was intrigued even though I don't need a new necklace. But since I wear my magenta Rayne necklace ALL.THE.TIME I thought I would take a look just in case I wanted to get another color. Guess what? I did. This time I got the rose gold necklace with mother of pearl stone. I can't wait until it arrives. And I got it for $15 off and free shipping, so I call that a win. A late Mother's Day gift to myself.

Kendra Scott Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Rayne Necklace

TWO. This week while reading Caitlin's blog, Confessions of a Northern Belle, she did a post on simple mom outfits and she was wearing the cutest jean shorts. When I clicked the link to the shorts, they were from Old Navy. I also remember Jess (from The Newly) said she had Old Navy jean shorts too and now I really want these. But I NEVER know my pants/shorts size from Old Navy, so I am hoping they have these shorts in store this weekend. Has anyone else tried these?

Shorts

THREE. A few people have asked me for an update on the girls daycare situation and we have it figured out. I don't know what I would do without family because they really stepped up for us in our time of need.

But let me back up a bit. We had been looking for a new daycare for the girls since about January. Since the girls moved from the baby room to the toddler room, we knew that we couldn't really go visit them daily anymore and the need for us to be as close to them wasn't as high. So I searched online, went on yelp, looked at the county site for complaints about each daycare and probably did way too much searching. But I want a good place for my girls. 

We did a few walk throughs in February and ultimately decided on a place that is very focused on a learning curriculum. We put our deposit down and were told that we would be put on the wait list and if spots didn't open up by August 4th, then they could start August 7th with the school year in our county. So we knew they would be moving in August, but didn't think it would come so soon.

When we got noticed that the girls' daycare was closing, I called the daycare they were moving to, to see if they had two openings yet. Nope. No one leaves this daycare. Ha. So we panicked thinking we would have to put them in a daycare temporarily or a completely new one and cancel the other one.

But then we asked my mother-in-law if she wanted to watch the girls for two months since she was already thinking of watching them one day a week going forward. She was happy to watch them, but did have some days where she would be out of town. So then we got those dates and asked my dad if he could watch them when my MIL couldn't. He is soooo looking forward to watching them. I am sure he isn't looking forward to diapers, but we hope to have them out of them during the day by mid-June.

So that is why I am forever grateful for my family and how they have stepped up!!! The girls will be in amazing hands.

FOUR. So after my make up post last week, I decided that since I don't like any mascara enough and feel like my eyes don't pop, I needed to do something about it. Sure, I got a ton of mascara recommendations, but I don't have all the money in the world to test them out. I decided to get eyelash extensions again. I loved them for my wedding and again around the time the girls were born, but then life got in the way of my fills. Plus my lash girl had a baby and that limited her work for about two months.

Well Wednesday, I went in and got my extensions put back on. Now I know they aren't for everyone, but I LOVE them. I don't have to wear make up and my eyes still pop. They are perfect for summer and vacation days where I only want to wear a little tinted sunscreen on my face and some lip gloss.

Check out my before and after.

FIVE. I will be going out of town the first week of June, well most of it. And when I am around, I will be crazy busy at work (the one day I am here), so I wanted to put feelers out there for any guest posters. Interested? Comment below or email me!

SIX. We are going camping for Memorial Day and we were searching for new sleeping bags. Do you realize how expensive sleeping bags are? We like the "old school" style of the rectangular ones, but they are either dirt cheap and not very warm or they are crazy priced and come with a bunch of gadgets. And by gadgets I mean, inserts, blankets, extra pads, built in pillows, etc. Maybe if we were serious campers, I would go for it, but we only tent camp a couple times a year otherwise we are in cabins.

But we did bite the bullet and we got these ones. Anyone have experience with them? They get good reviews and are the middle ground in sleeping bags.

North Face

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