Friday Favorites-Labor Day Weekend

You guys, today is about as good as a Friday gets, because it is September, and September means FALL. Give me all of the apple spice, pumpkin, and cozy sweaters please! The best four months of year is officially here! Today is an extra happy Friday in our house, because all four of us are off to enjoy a nice, long four day weekend as a family. We don't take too many days off at this stage, (because bye bye PTO when one kid gets sick), so when we do get some extra days to savor as a family, I soak it all in. We don't have anything big on the calendar either, which is kind of amazing. I am so excited for a nice, low-key weekend with my boys!

1. New Crib Sheets

Here is a fun confession: I have been using the same crib sheets since Jackson was born! Yikes. Both boys have had navy and gray in their rooms, so it has just made sense for them in both spaces. But they were definitely starting to look old, so I was super excited to find these adorable pebble sheets! They look SO adorable in Lincoln's nursery, and bring such a fun touch that has been missing. And is there anything sweeter than a sleeping babe? I think not! This shop has the most precious little girl options too; it is all just adorable!

 

2. Flipside Prints

Okay, my boys are seriously OBSESSED with these. They are double sided wall art that has a magnetic strip in the top. You secure the band to the wall, and then can flip the images back and forth to change which side is displayed! I obviously went with the dinosaurs, because #boymom, and my kids, including the littlest guy, get SO excited when I lift them up and let them change them. Jackson has been loving The Land Before Time lately, and so he loves to ask for Sarah, Little Foot, and Peetrie all of the time!

 

3. Old Navy Pants

I decided it was time to invest in some new work pants, because a lot of mine are older, meaning boot cut (which doesn't work with boots on those never ending winter days!) and just frayed and torn at the bottom. Old Navy had a great sale last week, so I scooped up this pair of Rockstar sateen jeans, and then a classic black pair of the Pixie pants. I remember shopping for work pants at ON five years ago, and thinking their stuff was just not good quality at all. They have stepped up their game SO much in the past few years-their Pixie pants are seriously my go-to for work!

4. Suede Jacket

While browsing Old Navy (I really do have a problem), I saw this jacket and my jaw just about hit the floor. I have been talking about how they have stepped up their game, and this jacket seriously looks like something that you would find in a high end retailer. I NEED it in this pretty tan color-how perfect is this for fall!? I am loving this sweater option of the same style, too. Just make me buy all of the things, Old Navy.

5. Reeses Pieces

Okay, this is nothing ground breaking, and it is hardly healthy. But sometimes I just love when you find an old favorite in the grocery store. There was a sale, so I grabbed a few different kinds of cereal, and you would have thought I told Jackson I was taking him to Disney World when I told him that I had gotten him some new snacks. Both boys are pretty obsessed with this cereal this week. I absolutely adore how excited he gets over something like cereal. He always thanks me and says 'oh me wike it!' when I show him something new. I am kind of loving having a three year old; you think they can't get sweeter than they were as a baby, but then they start talking and telling you their thoughts, and your heart turns right into a puddle.

 

I hope you all have the BEST Labor day weekend, and happy FALL Y'ALL!

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Friday Favorites: The last of 2016

I cannot for one second believe that this is my final post of 2016. Where did this year go!? Time has just absolutely flown by. I have high hopes for 2017, and am praying it is a year of calm, cool, and collected normalcy! I can't kiss this year goodbye without a favorites post, so adieu, 2016, and hello to 2017 and a whole new year of memories!


1. Garland
Okay. Please don't hate me. But Target just rolled out their Valentine's Day goodies! The dollar spot is now all pink, hearts, and glitter. And I am not complaining. I really dislike winter, but I enjoy that transition into February where the days start getting a little bit longer, and it is acceptable to cover everything in my favorite color pink. One of my favorite features of our new house is the mantle, and I have decided to have some sort of banner or garland hanging on it year round. Target has some of the cutest garland in stores right now, including pink and red poms, and some incredible tassel garland. We will be taking down our Christmas things this week, and I think we will have some pink in our house pretty darn soon!


2. Blanket Scarf
Obviously this trend is huge right now, and I love my classic blanket scarf that I have. I just snagged this berry one yesterday, and with the sales going on at Express right now it was only $14! I love the colors and think it is such a fun change of pace from the other colors I have seen. And I think it will go with so many things, perfect for accessorizing when the frozen tundra that I live in hits -50 degrees this winter.


3. Squinty Smiles
Lincoln is entering the sweetest stage (of course I am biased, because I basically think every stage is the sweetest). In the past week, he has started doing my all time favorite 'ugly smile' that Jackson used to do! He scrunches up his nose and closes his eyes like he just heard the funniest thing. And he will do it at everything, all of the time. The ceiling fan, characters on TV, his brother, the wall..it is so so cute, and brings back so many memories. It is one of the cutest little habits, so if you need to find me, I will likely be over here dancing and doing any ridiculous thing I can think of to coax one of his cheesy grins out.

4. Sweater
This is a total repeat from last week, but the Nordstrom sale is still going on, and this sweater is perfection! I wore it on Christmas, and it was so soft and cozy, and not one bit itchy, which is the ultimate deal breaker for me! The black/green option is marked below $25, and I snagged my red version for $26. Totally worth it, and such a great piece that can be dressed up or down!

5. Blog Projects
I have some changes and fun things in the works for the blog in 2017! I have put so much time into this little space and it has grown into something that I love so much. I am so excited to have some opportunities to make it bigger and better, and to broaden my horizons a bit. Look out for some fun posts in January and February!


Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for following along with my blog over the past few years, or for stopping by if you are new! I hope everyone has an incredible NYE. We will likely be snuggled up in pajamas and drinking mojitos by the fire before falling asleep well before midnight!

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days o' auld lang syne!"

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Friday Favorites

YOU GUYS. It is the last week of October. What? This month flew by so ridiculously fast. I swear it was just yesterday that all of the bloggers were celebrating September 1st #sobasic It's days until Halloween, and I plan to soak up as much October goodness as I can the next few days. Because you guys, November 1st is official Christmas pajama season in my house!

1. Speaking of Christmas pajamas, Carter's has this adorable style right now, and I think they are just perfect! They look very similar to a much more expensive brand, and are so perfect for the holidays. I wonder if they will make them in my size for me?.. Someone stop me I have a problem.

2. Eyes and Brows
I am so ridiculously excited, Beautycounter just brought back their eyeliners and brow pencils! These items have been unavailable for nearly a year, and quantities are while supplies last. I kind of find it funny how, back in our middle school prime days it was all about the thin eyebrows, and now we seriously make them as full as we possibly can. I can say I am definitely a MUCH bigger fan of the natural look though, within reason at least ;-) These items are amazing so try them out while they are available!

3. All the fall things
Mike has to work nearly the entire weekend, which is a bummer. BUT, I am determined to get my little guys to a pumpkin patch this weekend! Between Lincoln's baptism (which I just realized I still haven't recapped), family functions, and just a busy month, I am eager to get these boys out to pick pumpkins. Jackson is obsessed with them, and everytime we drive by a place that has any sort of a pumpkin out, he explains 'HI-ya-se-se'. That is his word for pumpkin. Or jack-o-lantern. To be honest, I have no idea what exactly he is saying, but it is without a doubt his word for pumpkin. My sister in law pointed out to me how fun it is that little ones have a language that often we as parents understand, but no one else does, and it is so true! All of his precious little words that make no sense to everyone else but I know exactly what he is talking about make it so fun to be his mama. I absolutely cannot wait to see his precious face when he sees a pumpkin and gets to pick one of his own. While he does so, I will likely be doing my best to prevent Lincoln from eating leaves..


4. Earlier this week, I kind of dumped my heart out in this post. While I write a lot about my family, what is going on, and perhaps growing pains, I really do tend to keep my deep and personal thoughts private and within the confines of my home. However, recently there has been so much change in my community, so much hate, and so much increasing violence, that I couldn't help but speak out. As a proud Christian, I want to be a shining example of what we are first and foremost placed here to do, and that is love one another. I hope I was able to be a reminder to some who perhaps have forgotten, or who let anger and differences get in the way.


5. I didn't post too much this week, however I am very excited about the few I put out. Yesterday I shared a home tour that was long overdue! I stuck to the basics, and the photos are a look at the house before anything was moved in. While I love to see décor, I also love that I have photos to look back on and remember what it felt like seeing our home when it was brand new and not yet ours. I also don't mind seeing the playroom pre-toys. ;-) #itwassoclean #toystoysEVERYWHERE

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday, and do all of the fun and festive Halloween things! I need to watch Hocus Pocus ASAP or I just might have to disown myself!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! This Friday is awesome, because it is a short week and I can't believe it is already here. We have BIG plans this weekend..not really, we are leveling out the five loads of screened black dirt that just got dropped off in our yard yesterday. Fun, right!? On the plus side though, this puts us one step closer to getting some seed down and growing some grass so our kids can really play and enjoy our yard come next spring! Until then, Jackson is having a blast riding the lawnmower and picking rocks with daddy on the weekends :-) Now onto some Friday Favorites!

My Birthday!
Today is my 27th birthday! It really does seem like every year goes by faster and faster. I swear I never got a day older than 23..and yet here we are. 26 was a crazy busy year, so I am hoping 27 brings some stability, calmness, and normalcy ;-) I am excited to head out to dinner tonight, kid free, and then eat some ice cream cake!


Beautycounter for Target
This one is exciting. I recently became a Beautycounter consultant, and on Monday they launch their line for Target! For those of you that remember the Lilly for Target line, it is a first come, first serve launch, and once products are out, they are out. They will be selling Beautycounter products in different sizes than available online, but otherwise they are exact products. This is an incredible opportunity to try out this fantastic, safe product line for yourself! Once you give it a try, if you want to explore more products and experience just how great BC really is, you can shop here: www.beautycounter.com/mackenseystang. If you have any questions, I would love to tell you more about Beautycounter and why it is a company worth investing in!

Plaid
Obviously it is fall, I am basic, and am loving all things plaid. I tried on this shirt at Target the other day and am in. LOVE. It was so soft and comfortable, and it is a tunic so it is nice and long! And, I cannot get over how adorable this dress is. Give me all the plaid things. All of them.

Sound spa with ceiling projector
Lincoln is still in his bassinet in our room (see his 4 month update here) but sometimes now when he wakes up he isn't hungry, but rather just needs to be soothed back to sleep. We had a sound spa for Jackson, but it didn't have any visual features. On a whim, I purchased this one for Lincoln, and it is seriously magic. It puts a picture slideshow on the ceiling of cows, the moon, stars, etc., and he will coo and talk to the images so sweetly until he drifts back to sleep. It really just captivates him, and I am so thankful for this impulse buy!




ALDI diapers
I received the Little Journey VoxBox from Influenster to sample the new baby line that Aldi is carrying. I received a few of their diapers, and you guys, I loved them! They are nice and soft, stretchy, and the designs on them are adorable. I went to Aldi to purchase some, and they were only $12.50 per box! No matter how many coupons you stack, the store brands at other places aren't even that cheap. My jaw seriously dropped when I saw just how low in price they are. Seriously, go buy them. I am so happy with them, and as I have two in diapers right now, cutting the bill nearly in half really can't be beat!


That is all for me today. Happy Friday everyone, and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather we are supposed to have!

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Your Old Navy Must Haves!

I know that I am not alone in my love for Old Navy. Over the past few years, they have knocked it out of the park every single season with their products. Cute, trendy, and best of all, affordable are words to describe what has quickly become my favorite place to shop. And, I know I have mentioned more than once my love of their tall selection online. For years, I would often overlook cute clothing because the sleeves were too short, inseams didn't even make it to my ankles, and things just didn't fit right. I honestly have a hard time shopping at places that don't carry things in tall anymore, because I finally know what it feels like to have clothing that fits how it is supposed to!

Now that we are finally seeing spring temps and summer is just around the corner, I threw together a little summer staple outfit below. Every single piece comes from Old Navy, and is incredibly affordable. Better yet, they have a sitewide sale going on right now. Non-cardholders receive 30% off of everything, and cardholders receive 40% off of everything. And that is no exclusions for cardholders! If you have been debating getting a card, the sale goes through this Saturday, so now is the time! It is not often that these no exclusion sales come up, so hop on it while you can!

Denim shorts // Sunglasses // Tassel Top // Bag // Sandals // Hat 

I am loving all of these pieces, mostly because of the simplicity of them all. I don't care how old I get, I am adamant that every girl needs a pair of cutoff demin in her closet for the summer months. And how cute is this tassel tank top? There is just something about a white top and denim that is so perfect in the summer against some sunkissed skin! The fringe bag is on point with all of the trends lately, and what summer outfit is complete without a floppy hat and some aviators?!

What are your summer go-to items!?

 Linking up with Annie and Natalie for Thoughts on Thursday today!

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Friday Favorites: Tried and Approved

With the holiday season in full swing, it is no wonder why I have so many things that I am loving lately. It's not just the festivities, but the change in season that I love, too. Not that I am a huge fan of winter, but I really do like changing out the wardrobe and updating things. Over the past few months, I have tried a number of new pieces, especially with my pregnancy. I am all about finding clothing that can be worn both while pregnant and not pregnant. These are some of the items that I have purchased, absolutely love, and am resisting buying in every color available.

**obnoxious selfie number alert in this post. Unfortunately that happens when it's dark outside before you even get home at night!

1. This vest

I am usually not one to try new trends, but I love love LOVE this vest! It is so soft and cozy, I can't wait to wear it this winter over some long sleeve t-shirts and sweaters. This is me stepping outside of my comfort zone, you guys, but totally loving it. I rocked it for the first time with a long sleeve t-shirt, jeans, and boots, and felt so stylish all day. It is funny how throwing on a vest can completely change your mood for the day. Embracing this trend, and can't wait to discover new ways to style this!


2. This sweater dress

I rocked this dress for my 16 week bumpdate, and have already worn it again multiple times. It is seriously the softest, most comfortable dress I have ever owned, and I am working hard to resist wearing it every single day. I have it in gray, which is sold out online, but lots of stores still have them in stock. Snatch this up in any color, it is fabulous no matter what!

3. These boots

I had a nearly identical pair that I purchased at Target 4 or 5 years ago, and the Minnesota winters and salty roads had them seeing their final days last year. Of course, I couldn't find a replacement pair ANYWHERE until I took to amazon. And what do you know, these babies popped up, at a heck of a price, and are literally an exact dupe for the pair that I had to toss in the garbage from last year. I wear these all the time, they are super comfortable, and at this price, I don't mind trudging through the snow and slush wearing them!

4. This sweater (sold out similar here)

I bought this sweater in both grey and oatmeal, and love both so much. They are longer in the back, perfect for covering your bum when you rock them with leggings (because there is no better way to wear them). They wash and hold up super well, and are so ridiculously comfortable, you will find me wearing these throughout the house over a sweatshirt most days!

5. This sweater

I bought the London sweater from Express last year, and added red to my closet this year. Loose yet not baggy, soft material, and so many colors to choose from. Another preggo lady bonus: longer in back and perfect with leggings! This is a great sweater to wear, especially during the colder months, and is a great transition piece between work and your days off. Sweep this one up, you can't go wrong!

6. Hello Apparel
You guys, I have been secretly wanting some duds from Hello Apparel for awhile, and with their killer Black Friday sale, I couldn't resist this sweatshirt. Because I live in Minnesota. And I am basically always cold. It is ridiculously soft, has a great fit, and is so much fun. I totally plan to wear this with my festive holiday leggings, because what could possibly be more festive?

Have a fabulous final weekend before Christmas! We will be seeing the extended family, exposing our poor unknowing child to his first Santa experience, and let's be real, probably baking more cookies. I can't wait!

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Holiday Deals and Steals!

Happy Monday everyone! We had a pretty low-key weekend around here. Aside from sneaking out to watch my high school team's dance show, we ate pizza, made a Saturday night Target run, ate nachos to go from our favorite local bar, and watched the Vikings vs. Packers game. I may have spent all day Sunday in leggings and a baggy shirt, obsessing over my current pregnancy state where I in no way look pregnant, but do look like I have been hitting the holiday treats hard. Baby bump, you have my permission to make yourself known, and baby 'pudge', be gone. #thanksnothanks

Instead of recapping a boring weekend of nothingness, I figured I would bring you some of the best sales and deals around that I have stumbled across! I think it is sad how 'Black Friday' has become 6pm on Thanksgiving day, which I never have and never will participate in. With that being said, I do love to hit up the stores on the day after Thanksgiving simply to grab a coffee, look at the pretty holiday things, and perhaps grab a few fun items I snatch for a deal. All other purchases happen online, because who has time for crazy crowds and crazy lines. So, today I am not bringing you a marked down television or a camera you will have to fight in line for. Instead, I have put together the best deals I have seen at my favorite tried and true stores that I shop at year round.

1. Target

Oh Target, how I love thee. Always one to have great deals, Target has a few this week that cannot be missed. First, sweaters for the family are all 40% off. Ladies who work (or SAHM's who need options), this is your change to scoop up some cardigans or cute and cozy sweaters for CHEAP. This is a great time as well to stock up for your little ones. I have seen some absolutely adorable Oshkosh for Target options that I am dying to add to Jackson's wardrobe.
Another can't miss deal happening right now is 20% off of toys! Many toys are already on sale, and that additional 20% off cannot be beat. I found this piano for Jackson and regular price before discount is the same as on Amazon, and then taking that 20% off and 5% off with my Red Card? Happy mama over here!

2. Gap

Thanks to my Gap card, I was able to score deals this weekend with early access, but for Black Friday this year, everything is an additional 50% off! There are a few exclusions, but really Gap is great with their sales, and lets you stack deals. I bought Jackson this jacket a month or so ago, and this weekend it was at the sale price I paid, plus the additional 50% off! Did I order another one, with plans to return one with the original receipt and get $20 whole dollars back? Why yes, yes I did. I am powerless to a good deal! The 50% off will kick in the end of this week, but even now they are offering 45% off, so the deals will last all week!

3. Old Navy

This Gap owned company is also rocking the 50% off everything sale this coming weekend. They are a little more strict, excluding clearance, everyday deals, and a few other promos. Still, great deals for sure. Jackson has one of these half-zip pullovers, and I got him two more (cardmember early access, sign up for real!) for only $5.50 a piece! You cannot beat that.

4. Express

They are allusive with their black friday ads, but for the past few years, Express has run the fantastic sale of having everything in the store 50% off. This is a great time to stock up on sweaters, basics like t-shirts and tank tops, or Christmas gifts for your man! Last year, I snagged a super nice watch for the hubby during the sale, and at 50% off it was a deal that could not be beat!

5. Amazon

First off, if you don't have Amazon Prime, get it, like now. They are already running daily specials, so it will require regularly checking in, but fortunately it can all be done while wearing cozy holiday flannels and sipping coffee by the fire!

Linking up with Meg, Biana, and Ashley today!

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Holiday Pajamas Shopping Guide

 Those of you who know me know that I am absolutely powerless to baby pajamas. Like, sometimes I barely have enough basic shirts to get Jackson through the week, but he has enough pajamas that he could go three weeks without an outfit repeat. It might be a problem, but I don't care. There is simply nothing cuter than a baby tushy in a pair of pajamas. I stocked up on a few pairs of holiday pajamas on clearance last winter, scoring them all for about $3 a piece! I of course tried to justify that I would not have a need to buy him any more pairs this holiday season. Ha. Ha! If I could witness myself saying that last year, I would give a single eyebrow raise and tell myself 'whatever helps you sleep at night'. We may have all of the pajamas shown, plus a few extra of those 'clearance' pairs. I just can't help myself. I think these are all great though, because none of them scream CHRISTMAS so loudly that you would have a hard time justifying wearing them in March. Besides, I am sure Jackson has a whole list of things he can do at 2am outside of the holiday season that in his toddler mind would qualify as 'Oh What Fun'! ;-)

// 1 (old, similar here) // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 //

I would love to know what pajamas you are dressing your littles in over the holidays! If any of you know of a blog hosting a 'PJ party linkup' please let me know, I would love to see what other cuties are rocking this season!

 Linking up with Annie and Natalie for Thoughts on Thursday today!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday to you all! This week was a busy one over in our household, and I am more than ready to settle into the weekend and do some relaxing.

I also want to thank everyone for their kind words on our announcement earlier this week! We are so excited to be welcoming another little one into the family. I am already dreaming of the sweet moments I have coming in the next few years watching my babies grow up together :-) One negative of being happy is that when I am happy, I like to shop. So, while it may not be good for my bank account, I have plenty of favorites going on this week!

1. This cable knit dress.

I love the colors, I love that it is work appropriate, and I love that it comes in regular, tall, and petite! I am curious to see if the material is stretchy, because I now definitely look for 'room to grow' in my clothing when considering the winter and early spring months. I am usually between a medium and large at Old Navy, so I am thinking I will just air on the roomier side and it will work just fine!

2. I will be honest, I am quite the minimalist when it comes to makeup. My regular combo is some eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. That's it. For ages, I didn't put anything on my face, ever. In the past year or so, I really have noticed the difference in my appearance, and just whether or not my skin looks 'dull', by putting on a CC cream and this under eye concealer. The first time I put on the under eye concealer, I was shocked. It covers things up so well, covering those bags and dark circles, and you just can't beat the price point. Any of you ladies who are looking for a way to brighten up your look with minimal effort, this product is for you!

3. This adorable hat. I have refrained from buying so far, but this cute piece is on sale this week, and I think I will finally be pulling the trigger and picking it up. I just can't resist the adorable pom on top! These mittens look great too. I am so glad stores are carrying more mittens vs. gloves, because gloves just do not do the trick in Minnesota winters! While I am one of the last to say this on repeat, does Target not absolutely knock it out of the park with their products? They always take things that are trendy and so on point, and bring it to you at an affordable price. I officially sold my soul the day I opened my Red Card.

4. How adorable are these cotton leggings for lounging around the house during the holidays?!

They come in so many colors, and I love all of them, but the snowflake holly berry is my favorite. Really though, I just don't know if there is anything better that cute, cozy pajamas that are festive and fitting for the holidays. I am officially in Christmas mode. #sorrynotsorry

5. Of course I always have favorites pertaining to my little guy.

How absolutely perfect is this sweater from the Gap!? Of course, I love nearly everything the Gap has to offer, but this one takes the cake. I am thinking this will have to make it into Jackson's holiday wardrobe this year. Because I have officially cut myself off from buying him anymore Christmas pajamas (at 7 pairs...)

Linking up with the ladies below as always today! I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and weekend!

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