Friday Favorites

It's Friday again and my vacation starts in just a few short hours. I can't wait. We aren't leaving until Monday, but I won't be seeing work all next week, so vacation starts now.

I am linking up with Karli, April and Erica.

One. Orange is the New Black came out this morning and I can't wait to watch it. I have watched every episode and usually within a weekend. And this weekend will be no different. Oh wait, I have toddlers on the move now. I hope to get through it all by Monday afternoon when we head out to Graeagle. Are you excited for Season 4? Side note: I remember when I watched the first episode. I was at the gym and the lesbian scene came on and I am sure everyone behind me (I was on the rotating steps and had treadmills behind me) could see it. I was a little embarrassed.

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Two. Vacation is here which means I have some posts scheduled for next week, but I won't be around much. I will go into the small town near my cabin and I have wifi in the main lodge, so I can and will respond to emails and comments. But it might not be in a timely manner. Relaxation here I come.

Three. I think I am late to the game, but I just ordered Chrissy Teigan's cookbook Cravings. Everything looks amazing in it and I can't wait to try some new recipes. Anyone else have her cookbook? Love it? Hate it? Recommend any recipes to cook first?

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Four. I received my Strange Bikini last weekend I am in love. It fits perfectly and she customized it for this mommy. So it has more coverage in the back than a full cheeky version and it has a higher front (by 1/2 inch) to make sure it covers my c-section scar. It has been amazing working with Ali on my bikini. I love the colors and the braiding she did with it. So beautiful.

Front (Love the braiding details)

Back

I can't wait to show it to you all when it is on because the photos don't do it justice. It is so beautiful!

Five. Don't forget to enter to win yourself a beautiful Jord wooden watch. I am absolutely in love with mine and you can have your own by entering HERE for a chance to win a $75 gift card to use at their online store. And even if you don't win, they will send you a $20 e-certificate that you can put towards a watch. A total win.

Confessional Thursday

It's Thursday which means it is time for a Confessional Thursday link up with Lynn and I. Grab the button below and link up at the bottom.

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I confess that I haven't finished Rory's Father's Day gift yet. Total slacking, but I haven't had much time to put it all together. I have almost everything for his gift, but still need a few things and to put it all together. He has a softball game tonight, so hoping I can finish it then. I can't wait to shower my hubby for his special day.

I confess that I am super excited for lunch with my dad tomorrow. I am celebrating Father's Day with him early. Just my dad and I!

I confess that I am really feeling progress in my running. I can run for longer periods of time and at a faster pace. I can't wait to get back to where I was. I know it will be awhile before that happens, but goals people.

I confess that I have spent a lot of money on e-books recently. My love for reading is at an all time high again and I am downloading book after book. I just downloaded Me Before You to read while on vacation next week. But I am sure I will start it well before.

I confess that I am scared to try peanut butter with my girls. I really want them to be able to enjoy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, peanut butter and apples, peanut butter and celery, but with their grandfather being allergic, I am scared to try it. And to make matters worse, a fellow twin mom (in my local area) gave it to her girls Tuesday night for the second time and one baby had a bad allergic reaction. The other did not. Ugh. I need to woman up and let them try it.

I confess that I am sad some of our family members won't be going on our vacation next week. Not only will we not enjoy their company, but less people to golf with and hang out with the babies.

I confess that I whined about my husband reading my blog this week. He never reads it and decided to on Monday and Tuesday. I normally wouldn't care, but with Father's Day coming up, I didn't want him to ruin a surprise or see something he may receive for Father's Day. Ugh.

I confess that I have a weird thing with odd ages. I am 32, going to be 33 very soon. I try not to think about it, but Rory keeps reminding me (by asking for gift ideas). For some strange reason, I think that even years (30, 32, 34, etc) are better years and that odd ones throw me off or aren't as good. It's stupid and something I need to get over.

I confess that I dislike NBA a lot, but I love watching the Warriors in the playoffs. Sure, I sound like a bandwagoner (is that even a word), but it is so fun to watch Curry dominate. But only at the playoffs.

I confess that we booked our trip to Oklahoma City/Norman. Why are we going there? Because that is where my best friend lives now and we miss them. Sure, I saw them last week, but we want to visit and go to an OU football game. We are only going Friday through Monday, but it is a long weekend away. And one without the girls. They will be staying with grandparents and it will be the longest Rory and I have been away from the girls together. But I can't wait!

And those are my confessions.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is this Sunday. I can't believe it. I have been trying to find the perfect gift for Rory from myself and the girls. It has been no easy feat, but we have it covered. I thought I would share some of the ideas I had in mind for Rory.

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven / Eight / Nine / Ten / Eleven /

One. We recently had family photos done and it would be the perfect time to put a picture of daddy and his girls in this sweet frame.

Two. We got Rory the beer cap map for his birthday and he LOVES it. He has already started putting beer caps in and it is hanging in his office.

Three. It is no secret that we love succulents and this is such a cool idea and way to display them.

Four. We saw this Yeti bag at the REI sale and Rory wanted it so badly. I would have gotten this one, but it was $350 and that is a little steep for me right now. Maybe a Christmas gift.

Five. Nikon Range Finder is perfect for the golfer in your life. I am always asking Rory how far out my ball is and this would totally help him (me) out.

Six. Yeti does it again with this tumbler. It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold. Simple and amazing.

Seven. This shower gel smells like heaven. I would use it for myself too. It has a manlier smell to it and it leaves your skin feeling amazing. I may have sampled it at the Lush store.

Eight. I love funny cups and this one is simple but good.

Nine. This weekender bag is perfect for all the weekend trips we take. Wait, we don't get to do those much. But it is perfect for traveling and I have one too. I love mine.

Ten. Wooden watches are my thing. I love mine and this one is pretty awesome. You can see the inner workings of the watch which makes it even more appealing. You can win $75 towards a Jord watch in yesterday's post.  

Eleven. A monogrammed growler is perfect for the beer drinker in your life. We have tons of breweries around the city and love filling our growler up. These stainless steel ones are better than the glass ones.

What are you getting your father, husband, grandfather or that special man in your life?

I am linking up with Jessi and Jenn today.

This post contains affiliate links. The products/services are something that I have or we are interested in purchasing.

Unique Watches with Jord Wood Watches

So we all know how obsessed I was and still am with my Garmin Vivoactive that I got in February. It tracks my steps, my sleep, my activities and now my running. I wear it daily and rarely take it off. But then there are times when I have fancy events or work things where my Vivoactive isn't the best accessory.

Enter the Jord watches that I have been coveting for well over a year now. Seriously, I saw a blogger who had one and I kept it on my wish list hoping one day I would pull the trigger and buy it. I love the wood style, how light it is and how it is much more dressy than my Vivoactive.

When I was contacted by Jord for a collaboration opportunity, I knew I couldn't pass this up. I rarely do any collaborations or sponsored posts because I only want to work with companies that I use for myself and my family. And this watch was something I wanted so very badly.

I was a little worried about the watch fitting me because I have super tiny wrists. Everyone makes fun of my chicken wrists. But with Jord watches they will custom size it for you. You simply print out their wrist sizer (here), cut out the ruler as instructed, measure your wrist (size up to the nearest 1/4 cm) and you have your watch size. So even small wrist people like me can have a perfectly fitted watch.

There are so many watches that I could buy for myself and for my family, but I settled on the Fieldcrest Zebrawood and Maple watch. The natural looking wood would go with so many outfits and could easily be paired with other wrist accessories for an "arm party".

My watch arrived in a beautiful wooden box that my husband has already claimed for himself. He said it was a great box to store his wedding ring and important things by our bed.

Not only did I shop around for myself, but I did some browsing for my husband, father and father-in-law. Seriously, the men's watches are handsome as well. They even have mens watches that show the inner workings of the watch as the watch face. I have always loved the look to those watches and I am sure my family would love them as well. And what do you know, Father's Day is coming up and one of these would be perfect for your husband, father, father-in-law or that special man in your life.

Jord has offered to give one of my readers a $75 voucher to put towards a beautiful Jord watch of their own. The winner will be randomly chosen and notified by email at the end of the giveaway on June 22, 2016 at 11:59 pm. And don't worry, if you don't win the $75 voucher, each person who enters and does not win, will receive a voucher for $20 (emailed to you). Then we can all have beautiful watches together!!

Thank you Jord for giving me the watch I have wanted for a very long time.

Enter Giveaway Here.

I received this watch in exchange for this post. All opinions are own. I only work with companies that I love or my family loves. No additional compensation was received. 

Weekending

We survived another summer weekend and we only have one week until we head to Graeagle!

Friday after work, we took the girls to lunch and they did so well at first. But then being tired took over and our girls were crazy. Luckily, there weren't many people in the restaurant.

They love to drink water out of big girl cups

Hitting it hard at lunch

After lunch, we headed home for naps. We had plans to walk down to Food Truck Fridays, but we got a late start with feeding the girls dinner and doing their breathing treatments. So we drove there and it was packed. We were super bummed, but we will have to try another day. Instead, we took the girls and Walter on a long walk. 

 

After we put the girls to bed, I picked up some take out and we caught up on some dvr'd shows.

Saturday morning we headed out to breakfast at our favorite spot. Then during nap time, I went to the grocery store and we played around the house a bunch, A bit before nap time, the girls were getting tired and they both fell and hit their cheeks on the coffee table. About 5 minutes apart. My sweet girls have little bruises on their cheeks from it. So sad.

That evening, my sister came over to watch the girls, so we could head to see Nick and Nathalie at Nathalie's sister graduation party. We had a blast. There was tons of food, drinks and games. Rory and I beat Nick and Nathalie at cornhole and we had a blast playing tic tac toe. We even roasted marshmallows.

My main man and I

The party had a Nashville/country theme as Nathalie's sister is attending Belmont at the end of summer.

Sunday we had plans to head to the beach after breakfast, but the weather was sucky and thunderstorms happened all day. So we ran a few errands (Target and Whole Foods) and played at home most of the day. My in-laws came by to visit and we had dinner at home followed by a nice walk.

How was your weekend?

I am linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston.

Friday Favorites

It's Friday again and that means it is time for some of my favorites for the week.

One. I am needing this beautiful cami in my life. I would love it in both colors, but black is more versatile. I would get so much wear out of it that I think I HAVE to buy it.

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Two. I came across this photo on my IG feed this week and I LOVED it. Rory says he needs one of these suits to wear to meetings. Do you watch Million Dollar Listing New York? We are addicted. We also watch the LA one. I am addicted to this show.

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Three. I am eyeing both this dress and this bag. They would be perfect for my upcoming vacation. But seriously, how cute is this palm tree dress?

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Four. I have been searching for the perfect sandals. I need a new pair of black ones after I have majorly scuffed up the toes of my current ones. Sure I can still wear them and I continue to, but I am eyeing these. Too bad they are sold out in my size. I could go for the more expensive option, but that just isn't in my budget right now. If it was, I would get the tan/nude lace up wedges I wanted a few weeks back.

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source (more expensive - $99.95)

Five. Father's Day is right around the corner and I have a blog post coming next week with different gift ideas for that special guy in your life. I did the research so you don't have to. Plus I am sure many other bloggers have as well, but my list is the best (really, but not really). I also have a special treat for you all next week. A little giveaway. Stay tuned.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Here is to a weekend with no sickness, lots of sunshine and some beach time.

P.S. I have 10 days until vacation in case you lost count because I haven't.

I am linking up with April and Karli.

Confessional Thursday

It's time for Confessional Thursday and I have a lot on my mind, so get ready for a lot of confessions.

Wanna join in on the fun with Lynn and I? Grab this button, write your confessions and come back here to link up.

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I confess that this has been a very rough week for me. Between the plague being back in our house (go away sickness, no one likes you), coughing fits from the girls all night which allows no sleep for the parents and teething toddlers, everyone is exhausted and cranky. Ok maybe it's just me that is cranky.

I confess that I overdid it at the gym Tuesday. I did my run workout for the day and then decided to do lunges with barbells and squats with barbells. I could barely walk after that and I am still SOOOOO sore. I took yesterday off as a rest day and I am back at it today. Running that is. No lunges today. OUCH.

I confess that I had too much wine last night. My best friend came into town from Oklahoma (finally) and we had the best time catching up. We met up at Campo (a local Italian favorite), had lots of wine, lots of food and lots of fun. Seriously some of my most favorite people in one room were there. So I guess no regrets on the wine. Until my run this afternoon. Then I might regret it.

I confess that I am in desperate need of some ME time. Time to go to Target alone, time to have an evening with my girlfriends, time to do something for myself and not have to rush home right after.

I confess that I was soooo proud of Jessica for writing this post and showing off her mom bod. She is incredible and she wrote about having a mom bod in the same way that I feel. Or how I would like to feel about my mom bod. So please check it out.

I confess that I fell asleep watching The Bachelorette on Tuesday. I made it through about an hour before I couldn't keep my eyes open. I will force myself to stay up each Bachelorette night so I don't read spoilers the next day. Priorities people. And when they have two nights of it, I have a hard time staying up until 10 or 10:30 two nights in a row. #oldpeopleproblems

I confess that I felt a pang of jealousy when seeing my friends at the beach this weekend. Where was my invite? And how do they all look that good in bikinis. Oh ya, most don't have kids yet. There I go with the mom bod talk again.

I confess that I barely made 4,000 steps yesterday. That is so little steps. My legs hurt so much.

I confess that I really loved my cuddle time at the girls daycare with Avery yesterday. She rarely wants to cuddle me and while Rory was giving Sutton her breathing treatment, Avery laid her head on my chest. My heart swelled a bunch.

UPDATE:
I confess that we had to clean up the worst blow out EVER this morning. After Rory changed Avery and got her dressed, he yelled for me that there was an emergency. I came in and there was poop everywhere. Her fresh diaper blew out and she had poop on her hands, her shirt, her shorts and her legs. But she had played in it (for about 5 seconds, seriously how can poop get everywhere in 5 seconds) and it was on the carpet in two big piles, on their foam alphabet mat and three toys. Chaos ensued to keep Sutton out of it and get it cleaned up. We were scrapping poop off of clothes, pre-treating them, giving Avery a partial bath, cleaning the carpets, cleaning the toys, sterilizing everything all the while trying to get ready to leave for work. So gross and I feel like I can still smell poop.