Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Ladies!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

My number one favorite this week is having my babies back home!  They had a great time with their dad, and I am so thankful they got 3 weeks to spend with him, but I am so happy to have them back home! 

 

TWO

I love treat receipt...I can justify going back in the afternoon since it is only $2.50  (note... an unfavorite is my inbox with over 1000 emails...yuck)

 

THREE

After being home just one night, the boys decided to spend the night at Mark's sister's house...a favorite for sure is seeing my boys having fun!  Love them!

 

FOUR

I am still eating this snack pretty much every day, and it is still my favorite for sure!!!

FIVE

I scored lots of goodies from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale the past few weeks...and I had been on the fence about these slippers, but was in the store yesterday getting sneakers for Jack, and I bit the bullet and grabbed them!  I absolutely LOVE them...they are cozy and comfy!  I am so glad I decided to get them before the price goes up!  If you are looking for a great new pair of slippers, I highly recommend these! 

SIX

Another thing I am LOVING from the sale are my new wine glasses , the quality is fabulous and the price...under $30!!!  After the sale they go up to $46...LOVE LOVE LOVE them.  Wine is a definite favorite of mine, having a great glass to drink it from is an even bigger favorite!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  Be sure to check back Monday for our weekend wrap up! 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Thursday Thoughts....

Happy Thursday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week.  I have been major blog slacking this week.  With the kids just getting back home and trying to get ready for our trip to Michigan...(we left bright and early this morning) I have had no time to so much as even compose a thought!

 

Anyway....I am sure many of you who are on social media and who blog have heard about Leslie Sisti , she blogged over at Blonde Ambition, and how she passed away earlier this week.  I started reading her blog a while back, and it was definitely one of my favorites to read!  I was absolutely heartbroken to hear of her passing, she was a young, beautiful wife and mother, and taken WAY TOO SOON!!

 

As a mother, this breaks my heart so much, these two little girls will grow up without their mother.

 

I hear sad stories all the time, but this one really got to me.  I just assume I will be around to watch my children grow, be here to watch them get married, have children, etc....but the truth is tomorrow is not promised to any of us.  Now I know we cannot live our life in constant fear of dying, but we can live our life to the fullest each day.  Making every single minute count, making it a point to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us, not holding grudges over the small stuff. 

 

I know that everything happens for a reason, and God always has a plan, but if I am being honest I definitely question it sometimes.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  What possible reason is there?  I can't sit here driving myself crazy asking these questions...I am aware of that, so all that I can do is treasure every single minute I have here. 

 

Elaine, over at Honey Pie Accessories is starting Sisti Sisters Letter Writing Campaign, it will be a collection of letters for Leslie's two daughters to read one day. I think it is wonderful that she is doing this for these sweet little girls.  I am sure when they are older, and read them all, they will be so thankful to have these.  If you are interested in participating, send Elaine an email to elainewelte@gmail.com and put in the subject line "Sisti Sisters Letters" . 

Also a GoFund Me page has been set up for Caroline and Ainsley for college and their weddings, I can't even think of a better cause to give to than this.  Any little bit, even $5 can help.  You can go HERE to donate!
 

 

So today, hug your loved ones a little tighter, make sure everyone knows how important they are to you, say you're sorry, be kind...make each day count with the ones who mean the most to you!

 

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 



Weekend Wrap-Up

Happy Monday Ladies!

 

I can't even believe we are heading back to school in less than a month....why why why must time go by so quickly??

 

Today is my grandmother's birthday...she would have been 91 years old today...she passed away very unexpectedly last August, and still almost a year later, I can't believe she is gone.  She was such an amazing person...and I miss her every single day!

 

There is no doubt she is up there dancing and celebrating her birthday today!

 

Our weekend was pretty low key, and it was pretty fabulous!  After being busy busy busy the past three weekends with the kiddos being gone, we were so ready for them to get back home Saturday!

 

On Friday I didn't do much other than sit around and just enjoy my final day of peace and quiet!

 

Saturday I slept in and did some grocery shopping before my babies got back!

 

 It wasn't even 7:30 and AJ was passed out laying with Mark on the couch!

 

This girl fell asleep in my bed and I was more than happy for the ridiculous amount of snuggles, hugs and kisses I got from her!

 

Clearly they were all tired from the long car ride home!

 

Typcial AJ....sleeping completely under a blanket!

 

And Sunday morning this girl was ready to settle into her normal spot and catch up on Shopkins videos!

 

Sunday we spent the day home, doing laundry, watching TV and just enjoying all being together.  It was a pretty uneventful weekend over here for sure!

 

This Thursday we are loading the kiddos back in the car and making the 14 hour drive to Michigan to visit with Mark's family....I am DREADING and I mean DREADING the car ride...it sucks!

 

Be sure to check back tomorrow....I'm sharing my husbands very favorite recipe...and it's delicious!

 

 



Friday Favorites...And My Favorite Purchases From The Anniversary Sale

Happy Friday Ladies!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika , and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.  Be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!

 

ONE

This week I have been eating this little snack A LOT!  A Ritz cracker, a little bit of cream cheese, a little bit of pepper jelly equals a whole lot of goodness in my book!  A tasty little treat is always a favorite of mine!

 

TWO

To go along with my new favorite snack is my new favorite drink.  This sangria is just plain delicious.  I just threw some Riesling, a small can of pineapple juice, a splash of ginger ale and cut up some strawberries, a peach and a nectarine and put it all in a pitcher, let it chill for a bit, and oh my it is so yummy!  I have had two glasses every single night this week and don't plan on changing that anytime in the near future!

 

THREE

I have loved seeing what everyone has scored during the big anniversary sale from Nordstrom...some of the deals were just plain amazing!  I picked up a few things too, and there are still a couple things I am waiting to arrive!  Here are a few of my favorites that I snagged!

 

I picked up this shirt for Mark, I really wanted the red, but it was sold out in his size so I got the grayish color!

 

I have already mentioned a million times how much I love a great pair of pajamas..I saw these in the store and instantly fell in love.  They are so super soft...I was disappointed they didn't have the leopard print at the store in my size, so I have ordered them...they can't get here soon enough!  If you are looking for an AWESOME pair of pajamas, get these, you won't be sorry!

 

I am thinking these adorable little booties are going to be my "go to" shoe this fall....they are super cute and I am loving the little bit of fringe on them!

 

I am really excited about this little piece to arrive!  Always fun to add something new to the house!

 

Anything monogrammed or personalized is for me, I am loving these wine glasses, they should be arriving any day and I can't wait!

 

I have picked up a few other things from the sale also, but these are my favorites!

 

FOUR

I am so thankful that my ex-husband sends me pictures of the kiddos...and this one of Olivia is probably my favorite!  She called me the other night and said "Mommy I can't wait to come home, I miss you so much and Daddy doesn't have a blow dryer and I am sick of having crazy hair"....this girl and the funny things that come out of her mouth are always a big favorite of mine!

 

FIVE

 

I have been looking for a new pair of sunglasses for a while now, I love my RayBan aviators but was wanting something different.  I am absolutely loving my new shades , these are definitely a favorite of mine!

 

I am so excited for this weekend, especially tomorrow when my kiddos come home!  It has been nice having a break, but I am more than ready for them to get back home!  I am planning on doing nothing more than just hanging out with my kiddos this weekend, and well packing because we are leaving this week for a trip to Michigan! 

 

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.  See you back here Monday for our Weekend Wrap-Up!

 

 

 

 

 





Thursday Thoughts...Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

Happy Thursday Ladies!  I am pretty excited for this week to end...because on Saturday my kiddos are coming back home! 

We are all guilty of it at one time or another...you know looking at someone and making a judgement without even knowing them.  I know in the past I have surely done that, though in recent years I have really tried to no longer do that.  I know that it is so easy to look at someone, and base judgement solely on their appearance, and well it is just wrong, and honestly none of us should do it.  Lately with all that is going on in this crazy world we live in, I have found myself preaching acceptance, and how important it is.  I am CONSTANTLY telling my children how important it is to be kind, compassionate, accepting and to never judge anyone because maybe they look "different" , it's an important lesson that everyone needs to learn.  The world has become so mean lately, I find myself coming into contact with more mean people than nice people, it really makes me angry!  It is just as easy to be nice, and if you can't find it in you to be nice and if you have nothing positive or kind to say to someone, then just keep your mouth shut!!

For the most part I am usually "tough", I have learned over the years that I can't take so many things to heart, and for the most part people's opinions of me, what I do, my family, anything really...well they just don't matter.  The only opinions that I concern myself with are those of the ones that are living within the same 4 walls as me.  I can close my eyes, and sleep well at night knowing I am doing right by my husband and my kids, and well that is all that matters! 

Last week I was in Nordstrom, and while I was waiting to pay there were two older women behind me, and we started chatting, they seemed sweet.  One of the woman said to me, and I quote "you're such a pretty lady, it is a shame you have all those tattoos all over yourself, when you're old and your skin is all wrinkly you'll probably be sorry you got them".....my first thought, I wanted to nicely tell this woman to shut the f*%k up, but I got hold of myself and put a smile on my face, laughed a bit and said, that I happen to love them, and I am sure that even when I am old and wrinkly I will still love them!  She proceeded to say how she thinks it is so silly that young people and go out and get tattoos while they are young and most wind up regretting them later in life, and how she thinks it is just disgusting when she sees mothers pushing around their babies, with tattoos all over them.  I was biting my tongue the entire time, I mean I seriously wanted to tell this lady off, but in a very nice way, told her that actually I did get my first tattoo when I was younger, 25, but the other two I had just recently got within the past 3 years.  She simply said "oh", and that was the end of the conversation.  I can't say it really bothered me, I mean these two old women and their opinion of me means absolutely nothing.  I really didn't give it a second thought, and went about the rest of my day, shopping and enjoying my day. 

Later that night as I was sitting on the couch I did start thinking about that conversation with those two women, and it wasn't that I even gave a shit what they thought of me or the 3 tattoos that I have, but how incredibly rude it was of them to even say anything to me at all.  I am all for freedom of speech, and always respect everyone's opinions and all that other BS, but being rude or unkind in anyway is just something I will never ever respect or be OK with.  People now a days truly think it is OK to say what they want, when they want, and too many people just don't taste their words before they spit them out.  It really got me to thinking, are there really people out there who would look at a mother with a few tattoos and just assume she wasn't a good mother?  I mean WTF!!! 

We all need to just stop judging people, who are any of us to judge someone solely on their appearance, without getting to know them.  I am such a firm believer in that if YOU are comfortable with who are you, than that is all that should matter.  Like I said earlier, I myself have definitely been guilty of jumping to judgement on a person based on their appearance, but I can assure you I no longer do that.  I hear people talk crap all the time, talking about someone and how they dress...ummm...hello.....just because wearing nice clothes is important to you, it may not be important to the girl next to you, and seriously there is nothing wrong with that. 

I absolutely love this quote...it is so true.  What's on the outside really doesn't matter, it is truly what is on the inside that does!

Thanks for stopping by today...be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!





What We're Wearing

Happy Wednesday Ladies!  Hope you are all having a great week!

 

That is about the size cup I need!  I have been so lazy these past couple of weeks...I know I am going to need some extra caffeine next week for sure when my kiddos are back home!

 

I have definitely been doing a little shopping lately with all my free time, and I have came across some great deals!

 

I picked up this adorable little dress last week, and it says it's a cover-up, but for me, it's my new favorite dress.  I wore it out to dinner Friday night, and I absolutely LOVE it.  It's comfy and super adorable.  I find myself wearing Kendra Scott yellow Rayne necklace a lot this summer.  I can't seem to find the neon yellow anymore, but you can check here for all the fabulous colors.  I find myself wearing my Jack Rogers all the time...I am wearing the platinum color, and it is a great neutral!

 

I wore this super simple, but super cute outfit when we went and saw Tim McGraw..it's definitely going to be in my rotation at least like once a week!  I am loving my Old Navy shorts, I have them in the lighter wash and darker wash and wear them all the time!  I picked up my adorable "Saturday/Sunday" graphic tee from the Gap outlet, I couldn't find it online, but found a similar one here . 

 

There is something about putting on a skirt or dress, that just instantly makes me feel a little more "dressed"....while I was shopping at the outlets I stopped in Loft and picked up the BEST little chambray skirt ever!  I can't find it online, I guess because I bought it at the outlet store but I found some super cute similar ones here and here .  You can find my fabulous Stella and Dot necklace here .  And of course you guys already know how much I love my Tory Burch Miller Sandals ! 

 

 

I picked up some super adorable and ridiculously comfortable shorts from Lilly a few weeks back, these shorts are just amazing!  You can find the beach shorts here .  I've talked before about my black rubber Tory Burch flip flops...I wear them ALL THE TIME...you can find them here !

 

So there is a little bit of what I have been wearing lately!  It has been so ridiculously hot here lately and I am so ready for fall!

 

And before I go today, I want to take a minute to wish my amazing mother a very happy birthday!  My mom is such an amazing, wonderful woman!  I am blessed to call her mom, so thankful my kids get to call her grandma!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Thursday Thoughts!  Have a great day!

 

 

 



Weekend Wrap-Up

Happy Monday Ladies!

 

Seriously!  The weekends just go by so darn fast!

 

First, I am super excited that my kiddos are coming home Saturday!  I have definitely enjoyed having some downtime, and being able to do what I want when I want, but this mama is ready for her babies to get home!

 

We had another fabulous weekend.  We have been really making the most of our kid free time, and it has been so nice to just concentrate on my husband, we have truly treasured this time together! 

 

Friday was one of those days were I pretty much just laid on the couch all day long, and I am not going to lie...it was fabulous! 

 

Friday night we got together with my mom, brother and sister in law for dinner to celebrate my mom's birthday!  Usually when we get together we have our kids with us, and as much as I love my kids and my sweet niece and nephew, it was so nice to just get to hang out with them...KID FREE!  We had a great night filled with great food, great drink, and lots of laughs, it was so nice, and I know it meant so much to my mom!

 

Total fun night!  And I ate the absolute best bacon wrapped scallops on the planet!

 

Saturday morning, we had intended to get up early and head up to the mountains, and yes we did make it up there, it wasn't early.  Mark and I slept until 11 Saturday morning....GLORIOUS!  Once we got up and got ready, we few some stuff in an overnight bag and set off on our little mountain adventure.  We couldn't wait to escape the ridiculous heat and just relax!

 

First stop.... Starbucks...DUH!  If you guys have not yet tried the mobile order app you need to!  I love being able to order my drink on the way there, walk right in and just grab my drink and go!  Genius....pure genius!

 

We headed up to Blowing Rock/Boone, and it's only like a 2 hour ride, so it wasn't too bad, and we still got there at a decent hour and didn't feel like we slept the day away!

 

 

Everytime we go up there, we always stop and eat at this restaurant.  It was our first stop, and like usual the food and view didn't disappoint!

 

We started the day right, yummy lunch and yummy drinks!

 

 

Every road we went down, was just beautiful, lots of trees, waterfalls and little creeks...just so pretty!

 

 

We always stop at this little General Store...I mean seriously I was in my glory, candy around every turn!

 

Around 5 we checked into our hotel, got showered and then headed back out for dinner and a night out!  I had my phone with me all night in my purse, but I never once took it out to take a picture.  I am disappointed I don't have a single picture of us together from Saturday night, but I can't tell you how nice it was to truly just enjoy the moment, and not worry so much about capturing it!  We stopped at a little pub for a drink in downtown Boone, and then we headed to Blowing Rock for dinner.  The weather was PERFECTION...we ate dinner, and all the windows were open along our table, and it was so nice to not be sweating, and just enjoying a nice breeze!  After dinner we decided to race some GO-Karts, I had never done this before, and Mark was running his mouth big time about how he was going to lap and beat me!  Well....I am always up for a challenge...HA!  I was pretty nervous at first, but once I did the first lap, I loved it and definitely held my own...and I was super proud I didn't spin out or have to use the brake!  However Mark did lap me, and well of course he beat everyone on the track!  After that we headed back to downtown Boone, found a fun little bar, sat outside, drank the BEST sangria I have ever had, listened to some music and just enjoyed being together! 

 

When we got back to our room we went to plug our fan in, (yes we are those people that travel with our tabletop fan to sleep) and our phones and we seriously couldn't find a single outlet in the room.  It was bizarre.  There was one outlet behind the TV and one behind the bed, that was being used for the lights.  Mark had to pull the wall unit out, unplug the dvr and get the fan plugged in....

 

We literally laughed for 30 minutes straight...this piece of furniture was crazy heavy, but he was so determined to get the fan in the perfect position.  It was absolutely hysterical seeing him get pretty pissed off...and then bitching for 20 minutes how this room had zero available outlets!

 

Sunday morning we got up, gathered our things and checked out of our hotel. 

 

We had to stop at this little pull off and just take in this gorgeous view one last time before we left.  I am definitely a "city" girl and love the hustle and bustle of being in the center of it all, but it was so nice to just be away from all that and just have all this beauty surrounding us!

 

On our way down the mountain we stopped at this little country store to get some jelly and I was pretty excited to find some Pepsi in a bottle...something about drinking Pepsi from an ice cold bottle is just awesome!

 

We were both tired, and well we both had a few too many drinks, so Waffle House Breakfast was in order...I mean there is nothing better sometimes than a big plate of greasy goodness!

 

We got home, made a brief run to the grocery store and spent the rest of day watching the race, and just hanging out!

 

Mark was ready to eat some cookies and kill some flies!

 

I had the BEST sangria I have ever had Saturday night, it was delicious!  I couldn't wait to get home and make me some.  It was pretty good...not as good as what I just had, but I was pretty happy with it and enjoyed two glasses Sunday night!  I just put some Riesling wine, a small can of pineapple juice, a splash of ginger ale, but up some strawberries, a peach and nectarine, and just threw it all in a pitcher.  Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours...and well it was yummy and refreshing!  If you guys have any Sangria recipes, please share with me!

 

I enjoyed my drink with one of my favorite little snacks ever...a Ritz cracker, some cream cheese and some pepper jelly...for these I used some new jalapeno pepper jelly I picked up this morning, and it was SO GOOD!

 

After we ate dinner,  we booked our hotel for November when we head to Nashville to watch the Panther's play!  I have never been to Nashville before and I am super excited to be staying right downtown! 

 

I seriously cannot wait! 

 

So that was it, our last kid free weekend!  Having been able to spend the last three weekends with my husband has reminded me that I need to not allow myself to get so sucked into mommy mode and every day life, that I forget to make time for my husband!  It was nice to just be able to hang out with my best friend...he truly is my best friend and we have had a really terrific couple of weeks being able to concentrate on nothing more than each other!

 

Hope you all had a great weekend!  See you back here tomorrow!