SOCIAL MEDIA

Friday, June 29, 2018

Friday Favorites

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And here we are at the second to the last day of June. Seriously this month, heck year is flying by. I feel like we just celebrated Christmas and now we are heading into July. How crazy is that?

I am soooo excited for the 4th of July next week. We have friends coming into town and get a night out sans kids. We have a lot of fun things planned for July.

But I am sooooo glad that this week is over. Not only have I been single mommying it up all week, but there has been just a lot of drama and I am tired. More on that later.

In the meantime, onto my Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. Does anyone know of a fix to the comments on blogger yet? I am constantly looking and nothing. My blog has taken a serious hit ever since the comments no longer being emailed to me. That is how I always responded to them and made sure I was reading everyone's blogs daily. My daily pageviews has been cut in half since this happened. Ugh. So does anyone have a solution?

TWO. Remember last week how I mentioned my beloved Elf sandals were broken? The zipper just came off and isn't fixable (by me)? Well after emailing Elf, they contacted me back and my shoes are being shipped back to them as we speak. They are reimbursing me for the shipping, fixing the shoes or giving me a new pair if they can't be repaired and then sending them back to me for free. That is amazing customer service.

THREE. So I am a huge fan of Tarte's In Bloom palette. It came with a card that gives you two eye looks and I recreate one of them almost every single day. That means I have went through a lot of my funny girl eye shadow. I LOVE that color. It is soooo pretty. But I am not ready for a new palette as I still have sooooo many other colors. So I went to see if I could just purchase a replacement for the funny girl. Nope. Not that I could find. So I started searching for dupes and I found one that is pretty close and I have been using it all week. So if you need a dupe for Tarte's Funny Girl, get yourself Stila Kitten.
Tarte In Bloom palette

Stila Kitten Eye Shadow

Stila Kitten Eye Shadow

FOUR. Story time. On Thursday morning, I was woken up at 4:40 am because Avery was restless. I got the girls to go back to sleep, but I couldn't. After getting up and getting ready, I got the girls ready. Sutton said she had a tummy ache, so I took her temperature and it was fine. I figured she ate too much pizza the night before or just had to poop. I gave her some motrin for comfort and kept an eye on her.

We headed to school and had to wait a few minutes before going in. Once they opened several parents and kids came inside. The girls noticed a vent down on the ground and a window "being repaired". They asked what happened and I said they must be doing construction. Then we proceeded into the main door.

And that is when the director told the girls to go straight into their rooms and for me to hang on a second. Then she told me that they were robbed last night. They came in from the roof through the vent and then broke through a window that basically sits on the ground (it leads into the newborn to 1 year old room). Then they went through each room, but didn't really do anything in any room except the front main entrance where we check our kids in at and the office. Both of those were destroyed. Cabinets were open, drawers were open and things were spread everywhere.

All of a sudden all my robbery memories came flooding back in. It was like I was reliving it. And to make matters worse, we are coming up on the 7th anniversary of our house being robbed. Plus we live only a mile-ish away from the girls school.

I told the director about my house being robbed and some similarities. They have the guys on camera and hopefully the police catch them soon.

But in all seriousness...what kind of scum bag robs a children's daycare/preschool? There isn't any medicine that they would want or could use, they don't keep cash on hand and don't have a lot that can be taken.

The things we are worried about is the girls personal information along with ours and our credit card information. So we are keeping an eye on things and waiting for an update from the school on what was taken.

Seriously just a sad time.

FIVE. Ok I finally bit the bullet and bought the bloggers most loved dress. I seriously see this dress everywhere. It seems to fit everyone's body beautifully and when I saw the heathered navy on sale for $33.60, I decided to buy it. If I don't like it, I can send it back because that is the beauty of Nordstrom.

I am hoping it works for my body because I love how you can dress it up for date night, where it to work with a cardigan or wear it with a pair of converse for a casual weekend look.

Have you bought one?
Leith Ruched Body-Con Dress

I am linking up with AprilA Little Bit of EverythingMeet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, June 27, 2018

What's Up Wednesday

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And just like that we are going into July. I feel like this time of the year goes by so fast. I just want to soak in all of Summer.

What's Up Wednesday

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: Spaghetti with garlic bread.
Monday: Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Tuesday: Taco Pasta Bake (one that I have had in the freezer for about a month)
Wednesday: Pizza date with my girls.
Thursday: BLTA's
Friday: Go out. Rory is back from his work trip and I won't want to cook after caring for my girls all week.
Saturday: Not sure.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

My sister's wedding. I know I haven't posted really any photos, but I want to wait until she gets her professional photos back and do a post then. But for now, here are a few that I have.
wedding updos

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding
 My cousin and I enjoying some champagne while getting ready.

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding
Bride and MOH

Wedding flowers

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding

Toiyabe Golf Course wedding
 My sister and her husband.

wedding cake ideas

WHAT I'M LOVING...

First off, I am loving my hair lately. I got a full color/weave at my last appointment for my sister's wedding, so it is bright blonde. The length is great right now and it looks healthy.

I am still loving my Poreblem. I use this stuff daily and it keeps my skin looking flawless. I pair it with my Dior Forever foundation. Did you know the Dior foundation has spf in it? That is my number one thing that I look for in a foundation now. That and coverage. Gotta protect your face.

Cat & Jack dresses for girls. Oh pretty much any Cat & Jack toddler clothes. Right now, Target is killing it with their toddler girl clothing. I bought a bunch of stuff for the girls. Recently, they have loved wearing dresses and now I am buying dresses any chance I get. Plus they can wear them to school as long as they have shorts under them. Here are the two most recent ones I bought for them.
Cat & Jack toddler dresses

Plus I scooped up two other dresses at Gymboree last weekend because everything in the store was $9.99 and under.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Well we took our first annual Graeagle trip in early June, then we had my sister's wedding, then Father's Day weekend and then family came into town. We have been pretty busy this last month.

WHAT I'M DREADING...

The 100 degree temperatures. I love Summer, but those mega hot days are sooo muggy.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

Nothing to crazy. Still purging things around the house and shopping for a new couch, new living room lamp and some things to update around the house.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

We have some friends coming into town for 4th of July, and I can't wait to see them. Plus we have our annual Wolf Pack mothership party. This is a party at one of the big booster's house that helps usher in the upcoming football season.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

I finished The Kind Worth Killing pretty quickly. I really enjoyed it. I kind of guessed some parts, but overall the book kept me hooked. Now I am reading The Woman in the Window and have been enjoying it. I am not sure what to think about the woman who watches everything, but it has me hooked. I plan on reading The Woman in Cabin 10 next because I thought I had read it, but I haven't.

As for TV, a few of my favorite shows have come back on and I am into those. The Affair, Million Dollar Listing New York and Masterchef are back!!! Otherwise, I have been watching the Bachelorette, West World, Botched and The Last Defense.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

I listened to the podcast about MLM: Lularoe and it was so good. I bought a dress and was gifted a dress several years ago, but I never bought into the Lularoe craze. But to see how the company works, what went wrong and all the bad things that happened to some of the consultants, I was blown away. It is an awful company. If you want to listen to it, it is called MLM but OK: The Rise and Fall of Lularoe. There are two parts, so make sure you listen to both.

WHAT I'M WEARING...

All the Summer clothes. I have been trying to slowly purchase a dress here and there, so I have a more variety to wear to work. I also have been wearing lots of shorts on the weekends.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

We don't have much planned which is kind of nice.
WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

I am looking forward to the Wolf Pack party, 4th of July, beach days and friends visiting.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...

I have my consultation for my deviated septum surgery. I have been battling my nose for the last couple of years. I have been sick way more often (bronchitis, walking pneumonia, sinus infections, etc.), run with my mouth open since I can't get enough air in through my nose, sleep with my mouth open for the same reason, have a clicking snore that happens from sleeping with my mouth open and just feel like I can't get enough air in EVER. So I am hoping to get this fixed and breathe a lot better.

Thank goodness for changing over to my new insurance.

BONUS: 
Monday, June 25, 2018

Weekending

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And just like that we are half way through the year. How are we in the last week of June already?

We had a pretty good weekend. Short, but good. Friday after work, I grabbed some lunch and then headed to Target and Petco. After coming home and unloading everything, I picked up the girls from daycare and then headed home.

After hanging out at home for a bit, we decided to go get an early dinner and then head to the park with the girls. It was a hot day, so the girls didn't want to stay too long. After getting home, we opened a bottle of white wine and started the tv show The Staircase after putting the girls to bed.

Saturday morning we got up and had donuts that Rory had picked up the afternoon before. Then Rory mowed the lawn while I cleaned the bathroom. The girls played and then we all got ready and went to the outlets to exchange two rompers for dresses and then shop around some more. We got some killer deals this weekend.

The girls wore dresses that I picked up from Target the day before. Lindsay mentioned a cute watermelon dress for her daughter and I knew I had to have one for my girls. They only had one dress, so I bought another equally as cute dress. Plus the girls let me put their hair in pigtails for about 10 minutes. Ha.
Cat & Jack Dresses

Twins toddlers

Twins toddlers hairstyles

After shopping, we promised the girls Chick-fil-a. We ate and then they played until it was almost nap time. Then we headed home where the girls napped for about two hours. After we got up, we headed over to my in-laws house for pizza, playing in the sprinklers and hang out time because my SIL and nephew were in town.

After coming home, we put the girls to bed and watched another episode of the Staircase.

Sunday morning we got up and headed to the beach. My SIL wanted to go to Tahoe, so we all went as a family. And I am happy to report that the girls were on their best behavior. We played in the water, made sand castles, ate lunch and played some water games. It was a great time. We got there just before 9 am and were there until just after 2 pm. The girls napped on the way home.
Lake Tahoe beaches


Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe


Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe

We got home and I quickly showered while Rory and the girls relaxed. Then I headed out to the grocery store since we needed to stock up the fridge. While I was gone, Rory bathed the girls and got laundry started.

I got home and made spaghetti with garlic bread which we all gobbled up. After cleaning everything up, we got the girls ready for bed and then read bedtime stories. I spent the rest of the evening doing laundry, prepping for the week ahead and then we watched The Affair.

Pretty easy going weekend. How was your weekend?
Friday, June 22, 2018

Friday Favorites

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I am just so happy that Summer is officially here. We have plans to go to the beach this weekend and soak in all of Summer's glory.

Onto my Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. I realized I never shared what we got Rory for Father's Day. Whoops. Well we got him a pair of swim trunks from Ted Baker, some shaving cream from Lush along with some shower gel from Lush. He loved it all and was really excited to try out some Lush products for himself. I usually only get Lush products for me, but they do have a great line for men or unisex.
Ted Baker Swim Shorts

Lush Dirty Shaving Cream
Lush Happy Hippy Shower Gel

TWO. If you follow me on Instagram, then you saw that I was at the Rodeo on Tuesday night. Our friends (old neighbors) invited us to sit in their box with them and watch the Rodeo. Once my MIL agreed to watch the girls, we set everything up. We had the best time watching mutton bustin (kids riding/holding onto sheep), the bull races, bucking horses, rope tying and so much more. I love going to the Rodeo, but don't get there as often now that I have kids. I can't wait to take them and have them enjoy it as much as we do.
Rodeo attire

Reno Rodeo

Reno Rodeo

THREE. Yesterday myself and several ladies shared our favorite hair products. I wrote a list of so many things that I want to add to my hair care routine. Go check out yesterday's post if you are in need of some hair care products.
Girl Chat link up

FOUR. So I have a mini update on our toddler Ok to Wake Clock. After using it for about three days, it started not keeping the correct time, so it would turn green at about 4 to 5 am and then turn off. We were resetting the time daily and it still messed up nightly. We even tried resetting it, but it didn't work. So we are sending it back. Not sure if we should get the same one (try it again) or go with this one. Have any of you used this one?
Ok to Wake Clock

FIVE. So we tried a few new dishes this week and they were a hit. One of our favorites was a Chicken, Brussels, Apple and Sweet Potato Skillet. I made this Monday night, but subbed chicken apple sausage instead of chicken breasts as I still have an aversion to raw chicken. It was really good. It is definitely a perfect fall meal, but we enjoyed it even in the Summer. If you don't use sweet potatoes, I would probably skip the cinnamon. It even heats up well as leftovers. Plus it is Paleo and Whole30 friendly.
Chicken, Brussels, Apple and Sweet Potato Skillet

SIX. So remember my amazing Elf Midnight Summer sandals that I have been obsessed with? Well one of the zippers broke. I have had them for just about three months and the left sandals zipper broke. I don't wear them daily, only about once a week. I am very good to my shoes (especially expensive ones) and take proper care of them.

I emailed the customer service and I am hoping they will replace or fix them. I don't see how paying $125 (with shipping) for shoes that last three months is a good investment. I just hope they take care of it.
Elf Midnight Summer sandals

I am linking up with AprilA Little Bit of EverythingMeet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 21, 2018

Girl Chat - Favorite Hair Products

*This post contains affiliate links.

It's time for another round of Girl Chat and this time we are talking about Our Favorite Hair Products. In January, I wrote a post about my favorite hair products which are mostly still the same. So I am going to copy it here and make any changes to my CURRENT favorites.
Girl Chat link up

Girl Chat link up

I have fine and straight hair and it seems like it is tough maintaining it. Between the constant breakage and the limpness of it, I have picked my hairdressers brain on how to liven it up. Does anyone else fail miserably at recreating your hair look and style that your hairdresser does during your hair appt? I do.

But I am going to share my current hair routine. I do change it up every so often, but this is the one I have been using for awhile.

Shampoo and Conditioner

I alternate my shampoo and conditioner throughout the week. I use Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Shampoo and Conditioner one day and Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner the next time.

Why do I use two different lines? Well I color my hair a bright blonde and I want to keep that brightness going between appointments.

Bumble and Bumble's Full Potential is amazing. It reduces hair loss, prevents breakage, strengthens your hair and makes it look fuller. The key to fine hair.

Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Conditioner

My other favorite shampoo is the Oribe collection. I get the bright blonde (in the pink bottle), but they have so many lines for different types of hair. This is my favorite one. It smells so good and leave my hair feeling silky.
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo
Oribe Bright Blonde Conditioner

Hair Prep

After washing my hair, I love to put two things into my hair. I know it sounds ridiculous. The first is Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse and then Bumble and Bumble Saves the Day (which is detailed below). The mousse is to add volume to my rather limp hair. I put it on my roots, rub it in and then add the Saves the Day. Then I brush my hair before blow drying it. Also, if you blow dry your hair upside down for the last part of it, it gives it a lot more volume.
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse

Dry Shampoo

I have tried a bunch of dry shampoo lines. I used to use Not Your Mother's Clean Freak (I still do after the gym), but then I went to the grand opening of my hair salon and they used the new Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-powder and I fell in love. Not only does it smell good, but I can use it for several days and not shampoo my hair. I have never found a dry shampoo that does that. I usually can only go a day in between, but not with Bumble's. This stuff works soooooo good. It isn't exactly cheap, but so worth it. Plus it smells like heaven.
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-powder Dry Shampoo

Hair Repair

If you are like me and blow dry, straighten and/or curl your hair all the time, I am sure it is a bit damaged. With fine hair, it gets damaged easily. I have been using it daily and my hair has never felt better. The ends feel soft and my hair is shiny without being greasy.
Bumble and Bumble Saves the Day

This is a new product that I just recently tried. I was at my salon getting my hair done a week before my sister's wedding and my hairstylist brought up a scalp detox. She said it feels like pop rocks on your scalp. It gets rid of the product buildup, oils and impurities. I wanted to try it, so she gave me a treatment. It was amazing and felt soooo weird, but I loved it.

She told me to do it about once a week and that is it. If you use a lot of dry shampoo, this is for you.
Bumble and Bumble Scalp Detox

Hair Spray

I have used so many different hair sprays. I have used expensive ones like Bumble and Bumble Does It All, Pureology Hair Spray, Kerastase Hair Spray and then cheaper ones like Tresemme, but the one that seems to do the job and is only $3 to $5, Dove Flexible Hair Spray.
Dove Flexible Hair Spray

Texturizing Spray

I bought some Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Spray a long time ago and never really used it. Then my hairstylist showed me how to properly use it and now I love it. After I curl my hair, I let it cool and then run my fingers through the curls. Then I spray the texturizing spray all over it and then add a little hair spray to hold everything. It is the perfect combo and it gives texture and the lift that my fine hair needs.

What are your favorite hair products?

To link up - just grab our graphic, link up, and let's getting to chatting!  Make sure to stop by a few others linked up for an extra bit of girl chat!  
Girl chat monthly link up

Danielle / Sparkles and Lattes - Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Instagram
Emily / A Little Bit of Emily Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Instagram
Lindsay / Lindsay's Sweet World Pinterest - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
Lizzie / This Happy Life -  Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Facebook - Instagram
Sierra / Beautifully Candid Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Instagram - Twitter




Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Reminder

I don't have a post today because I am prepping for our Girl Chat link up tomorrow. Don't forget to link up with us tomorrow. The topic is Favorite Hair Products. I can't wait to read everyone's favorites.
Girl Chat link up

Girl Chat link up

Monday, June 18, 2018

Father's Day Weekending

This weekend was different, unusual, weird. Between cranky toddlers, rainy weather, a sick child on Father's Day and Father's Day, nothing went quite as planned.

Let me back up to Friday. Rory had a golf tournament, so that meant that I was to pick up the girls after work. But first, I grabbed lunch, went to Old Navy and then a local clothing shop before heading to the hospital for a genetic DNA test.

After getting done, I went to Trader Joes to get snacks for the beach the next day plus a few of our favorites for the house. Oh and if you love a summer time cocktail, they have these seltzer flavored water alcohol drinks that are amazing right now. I got the pomegranate one. Yum.

After dropping off the groceries at home, I picked up the girls and took them to the park. We were only there for about 40 minutes before the wind got to be too much for them. Then I took them to dinner at our favorite Mexican place. They were mostly behaved.
toddler park time

toddler park time

toddler park time

toddler park time

toddler park time

Then we went home, got ready for bed and watched an episode of Mickey. Then I did the normal bedtime routine with them. Rory got home about 15 minutes after they went down, so he was able to kiss them goodnight.

Saturday morning we got up early since the girls had no interest in the dog wake up clock we got them. They didn't even pay attention to it. Even though they did Friday morning. Ugh. After we got up, we got ready and left to go to the beach. We grabbed coffees along the way and were so excited for our first beach day.

It wasn't too crowded when we got there, but it started filling up fast. We had an ok time. The girls were feisty, didn't want to listen, only wanted to eat non-stop and didn't want to go in the water since it was so cold. I don't blame them on the last one though because it was too cold and windy to go in. But we managed to stay there for 3 1/2 hours before leaving since Sutton refused to go to the bathroom there. Even though they were real bathrooms, flushable toilets and so clean.
Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe

The girls napped on the way home, but they didn't get a long enough nap because they were even more cranky and grumpy when we got home.

Once we were home, we gave the girls a bath and then let them have some quiet time in their rooms. That didn't last that long. Let's just say the rest of the day was hard. They were grumpy, didn't want to listen and threw a lot of tantrums.

I made salmon with the strawberry avocado salsa along with some rice. The girls had chicken and the rice. We put them to bed a bit early and tried to relax the rest of the evening.

Sunday morning the girls actually stayed in their room until their clock turned green. It was a success. We got up, got ready and met my in-laws at breakfast. Everything was great and we had a good time. We got home and hung out and the girls were doing pretty well. They were tired of being cooped up though, but it was raining and was supposed to rain all day.

My in-laws came over to put a new fan up in our living room and to play with the girls. I was going to go to Target while all of this was happening, but Avery told me her tummy hurt, so we snuggled on the couch and watched them put the fan up. My MIL played with Sutton while all of this was happening.

We made the girls lunch, but Avery didn't want to eat and Sutton only ate a bit. Then we put them down and I helped finish putting the fan up. As soon as we got done, we heard a weird noise and then Avery screaming. She threw up in her bed. So I took her into the bath and bathed her while Rory quietly cleaned her bed out.

Once she was out of the bath, she was happy and fine. I got her dressed and we snuggled on the couch. Not long later, Sutton woke up and then Avery was full on grumpy. I cleaned up from putting the fan up (vacuumed and swept) and then we got ready to head to my in-laws house for dinner since Avery seemed to be doing better other than being grumpy.

She complained the whole car ride over that she wanted to go home, but we thought she was still just being grumpy. Nope. As soon as we walked into my in-laws house, she threw up again. But then she exclaimed that she felt awesome again. Ha.

We cleaned the throw up up, along with Avery and her clothes. We were cautious in that we might need to leave, but she was in a better mood and so much more like herself. So we played it by ear. She actually wanted to eat, but we said first to try crackers after a bit. After about 20 minutes we gave her some crackers and she ate those. That is basically all she ate that evening.

We had bacon burgers with all the fixings along with two kinds of fries and salad.
grilling burgers

After dinner we had some dessert and then headed out since the girls didn't get much of a nap and Avery was still under the weather. On the way home she was doing great, but getting tired. She fell asleep very quickly when we got home, but Sutton wasn't that tired. Rory hung out in their room to make sure Avery was ok and to keep Sutton company. When he thought they were both asleep, he took Walter for a walk. I got things ready for the week, but then Avery started screaming. I thought she had thrown up, but she hadn't. She said she had to go to the bathroom and wanted her daddy NOW.

I took her to the bathroom, but she was still screaming for her daddy. I tucked her back in bed and hung out in her room until Rory got home from his walk with Walter. He stayed in their room for another 10 minutes until she fell asleep. We managed to watch about 30 minutes of a show before she woke up again. She complained that her feet hurt, that she didn't want to go to sleep (she was scared) and wanted her daddy. So we put the travel bed up in the girls room and Rory slept in their room most of the night. What an awesome dad!

How was your weekend?

Oh I did want to mention that almost the same thing happened two years ago on Mother's Day. We had dinner over at my sister's house and Avery wasn't feeling well that whole day either. And when we got home, she threw up that evening. Not sure what it was that time either, but poor baby girl has been sick on both Father's Day and Mother's Day.