Coffee Talk

Is anyone else in absolute disbelief that summer is drawing to a close? We are literally only one week away from pumpkin spice lattes, and I'll be honest, I'm not sad about it! So in the spirit of fall, grab your favorite spiced coffee, cozy up on the couch and pretending it feels like fall outside, and let's chat.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you...

 

I am feeling more lost with my career than I have in a long time. I mentioned last week that my boss resigned without notice, and ever since our department has kind of been in a frenzy and no one really knows what to do next. I am at a point of really weighing my options, but it is so overwhelming to ever consider doing something new.

 

In my dream world, I would work 2-3 days a week. Some days, I kick myself for not going into a career that works shifts so I could have this be more of an option. I so badly wish I had the desire to be a nurse, but I just know that isn't the right career for me. I hate not being with my kiddos more and being able to spend more time taking care of our house, and yet I know I would go crazy being home full time.

 

Every time the Powerball gets really high, Mike and I buy a ticket and then talk about what we would do with the money. And we legitimately end up in heated discussions. Over the lottery that we will never win.

 

I am relieved we are beyond party season. In a matter of four months, I threw birthday parties for both of my boys, a baby shower, a bridal shower, and have hosted family over to our house numerous times for dinners. While I love spending time with loved ones and planning these parties, I planned so many in such a short window and am more than ready for a breather.

 

Speaking of birthdays, September is both mine and Mike's birthdays, and then October is our anniversary. These occasions are all taken as an opportunity to go out to a restaurant and NOT cook ;-) I already have plans for childcare and dinner lined up for my birthday, and I already can't wait!

 

I am so off tracking with any sort of meal planning, and healthy eating has not been a priority at all lately, but I so desperately want to change that. Especially because the holidays will be here soon, and if I just continue how I have been going I know it is going to be bad news for me.

 

Since quitting breastfeeding, I put back on a few pounds, but also feel like my body is the most out of shape it has been in years. I am thinking we are finally at a point where if we got a new gym membership we might use it. I can't find a spot in our new house that would be good for a workout, but I NEED to do something!!

 

We are still in the process of potty training, and I feel like we are at an absolute stand still. He is in underwear all day, but still won't tell us he has to go (we have to ask), and he outright refuses to #2 on the potty. I am seriously about to lose my mind and am just so over it. I am even reaching the point where I sometimes get frustrated at him, which I know isn't fair. I am getting desperate, so am more than willing to hear people's tips and trips!

 

With that, I was just scrolling the channels and stumbled across Sweet Home Alabama, so it is time for me to sign off and watch Reese Witherspoon decide which hearththrob to marry ;-)

 

Happy Friday Eve!

 

Linking up with Annie today!

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Coffee Talk

Whew. You guys. I am still here!! I swear I have weeks where I get back in somewhat of a groove with blogging, but then I fall right back off. I blame summer. And parenthood. And lots of time spent playing outside. And to be honest, I'm not one bit sorry about that. I love this little space, so much. But I remember when I first started out, and ladies would take a summer hiatus, or would announce they were leaving for a bit, and I always wondered why. But sometimes, the writing just doesn't come. I haven't had any AHA moments that left me feeling inspired to share a story. I have some fun progress around the house and updates on the boys that I want to share, but I just haven't been able to sit down and get it done. Sometimes we all just need a breather. But one thing I can always do, is ramble. Oh can I ramble. So, if you want to hear the random scatterings that run through my head on the daily, grab your morning cup of coffee, and read on!

If we were having coffee...


I would tell you that this summer has been SO BUSY. Owning a house and putting time and effort into it is seriously a full time job. Owning nearly five acres pretty much is a full time job. My husband is out and about doing odd and end things pretty much every evening after work. I am learning quickly that, in a house, the work never really ends.


Our biggest project of the summer is completed, and we finally have a patio in our backyard! Having that big huge yard but nowhere functional out back to set things was getting to be frustrating and, frankly, kind of sad. I get giddy every time I look out the kitchen window and see our pretty new spot. And to open that door right off the dining room table and be able to walk right out onto the patio..I am in heaven. We are doing a happy dance because we will finally be able to leave our grill outside and start eating al fresco with the kiddos!


I already mentioned this above, but my writers block this summer has been bad. The words just aren't flowing. I feel like I am not the only one thinking this way, because I have seen LOTS of you out there mention the summer slump. I promise myself repeatedly that I won't write content that doesn't feel genuine, but at the same time, leaving this place silent for too long starts to feel like I am giving it up, which I most definitely am not. Sigh.


I know part of the summer slump has been the fact that we have so much else going on. We have really just been living and enjoying life this summer. Saturdays spent playing in the pool and hanging out with family. Watching our boys grow and learn and play. Welcoming a new niece and nephew. My brother getting married. Real life has been so exciting, even though Stang&Co has not!


Speaking of my brother's wedding, he gets married this Saturday. I knew with them only having a four month engagement it would go quickly, but I still cannot believe the day is already here! I just love my soon to be sister in law, and the precious couple that the two of them are. This is the first big family wedding besides my own, and I'm already pretty sure I will need all of the tissues!


Jackson turns three next week. THREE. I do not even have words to describe how I feel about this. He has so quickly lost all that was still baby about him and is a full fledged little boy. While my heart breaks over this, I also melt every time he tells me a story in his sweet little voice. He will recount his day to me on the drive home from daycare, and I find myself in disbelief that this little person that I created such a short time ago is telling me all about his life. Motherhood is such an amazing thing.


I seem to just be heading down the emotional path here, so I think this is a good place to stop ;-) For all of those who are still following along, thank you! This place continues to be an outlet for me, and houses so many special memories that I treasure being able to look back on. I know I will continue writing for that exact reason, so between a wedding and birthday festivities, know you will surely be seeing me around a bit more soon! :-)


Linking up with Annie today!

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Thoughts For Thursday: Coffee Talk

It has been awhile since I did a good old fashioned brain dump. So grab your coffee, sit down, and let's chat!

Over coffee I would tell you...

 

I am so incredibly in love with spring this year. I have always liked the season, but for some reason it all just feels magical this year. Maybe it is because I finally have my own yard? Or because I am watching my children experience new things. Regardless, I just love spring.

 

I just cannot seem to get on the healthy eating train. For the past month, I have felt like every week I do well, and then my weekends cancel out any progress I made throughout the week. I should probably cut out the wine!

 

This week, I had a moment with my blog and social media that was just kind of one of those 'whoa' moments. I had an opportunity presented to me that I remember seeing other bloggers get when I first started, and wondered how they ever got to that place. It has been a lot of hard work, but it really was one of those moments that made me so proud of what has come of my little space.

 

Speaking of this space..I feel like my blog needs a facelift. Something a bit more clean and fresh. Simple. I would love to know who you have all used for your templates and design.

 

I finally went ahead and purchased these shorts that I have been eyeing for what literally feels like a year. And then I got roped into the amazing prices and scooped up these jeans, too. I have been running on approximately 2 pairs of jeans lately, so I am so excited to expand my options, especially for summer!

 

I have totally had writers block lately. I have plenty of ideas and things to write about, but I have just been struggling to sit down and put my fingers to the keyboard. I am wondering if creating a schedule to help me map things out may help.

 

Jackson is in the throes of the terrible twos. He is so sweet, but when he decides to act up, he is terrible. Kicking, hitting, screaming, upsetting his brother on purpose, and bedtime has once again become a nightmare. I am at a loss for what to do, but I am hoping it passes sooner rather than later.

 

Lincoln's hair has become curly, what seems like overnight. What is funny is at this age, Jackson's hair was almost exactly the same, except dark! I honestly never thought Lincoln would have the curls that he does, but I am dying over them and hope they stay forever!

 

What has been happening with you all lately!?

 

Linking up with Annie today.

 

 

 

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Life Lately: Favorite Target Finds

I have a serious question. Is there any place in this world greater than Target? Okay, that isn't a serious question, because the answer is obviously NO. Disney World is pretty high up there, but Target may in fact be my very favorite place. I was so excited to see Allie hosting a linkup of our favorite Target finds, and my biggest problem is honestly narrowing the list down. I want all of the things at Target!

1. Shoes

These shoes have gotten a lot of attention across the blog world this spring, and for good reason. They are so darn cute, and super comfortable! And with a sale, I scooped them up for a mere $17. I know inventory fluctuates, but if you see them available in your size, you need to get them!

2. Cleaner

My sweet friend Chelsea introduced me to these delicious cleaners, and I am hooked. I have the grapefruit and sea salt and lime scents, and they make cleaning so much more fun! They are extra motivation to wipe down and disinfect my counters at night, because my kitchen smells so darn delicious after!

3. Dish Soap

Okay, my age and mom status are totally showing, but I am also obsessed with this dish soap lately! I always hate having to get it out every time I do dishes, but I also hate leaving a bottle on the counter. I love that this can be left out next to our hand soap, and is a bit less of an eye sore. It also makes it so easy to put a few pumps into the water in the sink for easy dish washing!

4. Bookends

I am still obsessing over these Pineapple bookends, you guys. I was so upset that the ones left in my store were damaged so I couldn't bring myself to buy them in less that perfect condition. And by the time I put that together, the sale they were on had ended. And I always wait for a good sale. ;-) These are hanging out in my cart and I need to make them mine!

5. Iced Coffee

These almond milk iced coffees are so good. I grabbed one on a whim one day, and couldn't believe how tasty it was. While not super cheap, they are definitely still more affordable than you iced latte from the coffee shop. If you like coffee and almond milk, you will love these!

6. Comforter

While this isn't our newest purchase, I don't know if I ever appropriately raved about the comforter we purchased for Jackson's bed. His nautical nursery theme was something I wanted to carry over, as I am waiting on any kind of room design until he starts really expressing an opinion. This piece was perfect to tie in the navy and red of his room, and I accent with his original nursery quilt and décor. It is very soft, but durable meaning it is easy to wash, which is key with a toddler! I also figured with the colors it could easily transition as a hand me down to Lincoln if we ever redo Jackson's room, as they both have navy in their color schemes. Practical, but seriously cute as well!

7. Candles

I am usually a Bath and Body Works girl when it comes to candles, but when I want to stock up and be a bit more frugal, I really like the two-wick options from Target! They melt pretty well and have some really yummy flavors. My most recent favorite scent was a sugared melon, it smelled incredible!

8. Vase

One weekend recently, I set out on a mission to furnish our fireplace mantle, which is very big and was very empty. In desperation, I grabbed this vase in two sizes, totally unsure if I would keep them or not. I threw in some green stems, and fell in love! They have a funky feel to them, and I was worried they may look too modern or harsh for the vision I had, but they fit just perfectly with the rest of our décor. I have seen them on major sale in our store, so while they are still in stock online, you may find them even cheaper in store!


I cannot wait to see the other finds that you all have picked up at Target lately!

Also linking up with Annie for Thoughts for Thursday.

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Coffee Talk

My sweet friend Chelsea occasionally does 'coffee talk' posts, and I was inspired to do one myself today! While I love a good confessions post, or shopping guide, or baby update, sometimes I just have a million thoughts swirling around in my head that don't fall into any give category. Rather, it is a compilation of thoughts and emotions that I would likely spill over to anyone listening on a good old coffee date. So read on, grab a cup of coffee yourself, and let's talk.

I feel like lately, I just don't have it all together. I try, really I do. I think maybe it is the weather. This is always the hardest stretch of the year, with no big holidays to look forward to, weather that keeps us Midwesterners locked inside, and the general end of winter 'blahs'. I keep hoping a bit of inspiration and excitement comes my way soon.

I don't think I have found my calling, career wise. I do not know what my ultimate goal is, and sometimes it can be a downer to feel like you just aren't as motivated as you think you should be. Is motivation a magic pot of gold that I just might not find? Or maybe it's just that darn end of winter blues hitting.

My boys are and continue to be my whole world. There are days where my fuse runs short, and they drive me up the wall, but those aren't the stories I share about them, because those moments pale in comparison to the sweet, joyous moments they bring to my life.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that a sweet, ten month old baby is what you would find in the dictionary if you looked up the literal word 'baby'. Sweet babbles and giggles, wrist rolls and finger dimples, and those cute little baby teeth spell literal baby perfection. It is one of those stages you wouldn't mind bottling up and keeping with you forever.

I have been majorly working on cutting back what I spend lately. I haven't put all things on hold, but I am being more mindful, trying to use rewards points/major sales whenever possible, and just thinking a bit more before clicking add to cart. Of course, the exception to the rule was getting this top this week. Over coffee, I would admit to you that I own this shirt in five different colors, and wear every single one a regular basis. I mean, if the shoe fits, right? I would tell you that you should buy it in every single color, and then we could be adorable tunic wearing twins.

I would tell you I am excited about things that have been happening with my blog and writing lately, but I am often hesitant to talk about it. I often worry what others will think, and feel as though a lot of people don't understand why I do what I do. I love to write, I love to share my favorite finds, my inner thoughts, and memories of my little family. I really pour my heart and soul into this space, and tell myself that if I am able to touch even one person with my words, it is 100% worth it. But for whatever reason, to try to explain that to others is scary.

I would tell you that I drink way too much coffee, eat way too many desserts, and then would probably ask you to make plans next week that inevitably involve food.

What have you been thinking lately? I would love to coffee chat!

Linking up with Annie today.

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Confession

It has been a while since I posted a good old 'fess sesh. Which is such a bummer, because some of my absolute favorite posts to write are mind dumps. So much is constantly going on, I love nothing better than getting a little bit off of my chest!

I confess..

I hate brushing my toddler's teeth. Like, HATE it. At least half of the time, he outright refuses to participate. If he is in the mood, he repeatedly asks for more toothpaste because he wants to eat it, and maybe, just maybe, with a little bit of force and crying, a few of those pearly whites get brushed. I hate it!

On a similar note, I also really do not like bath time! We have never given our kids daily baths, in part because living in Minnesota, their dry baby skin really does not need it. When we have those 'off' nights, the nights that the inevitable baths must happen feel cut short, and it just feels like work. This could be due to the fact that Lincoln screamed bloody murder for every single bath he had for the first six months of his life. During that time, not only did I dread bath time, but I truly feared it He loves it now (go figure), but I just do not have any fuzzy feelings around that little hygiene ritual.

January is far and away my least favorite month out of the year. February is also brutally cold, but at least it only has 28 days and March is right around the corner. March usually has tons of snow, but there are a few warm days mixed in there as a preview to spring. But January? Cold. Snow. So little sunlight. And no end in sight. I have been burning candles non stop and am decorating my mantle for Valentine's Day this week #sorrynotsorry just to help pull me through. Minnesota winters. They are not for the faint of heart.

I majorly fell off the wagon with my eating over the past six months or so. I dropped the baby weight, and with nursing just didn't feel the need to be very conscious of my eating. But even though I dropped the weight, I have just feel 'blegh'. I am hopeful to get back into working out when life allows me to, but in the meantime like every other person on the planet I used January 1st as an opportunity to eat better. I have chosen to not get Chick Fil A for lunch, have not ordered a coffee that wasn't black, and have eaten a good amount of veggies. And while three days is not much, I seriously feel SO much better already. I may be crazy, but I feel like in a matter of a few days my body has already gotten rid of so many toxins and junk.

The hardest part of eating healthy is pizza. Pizza is everything, and I will probably never fully quit it.

I want to start a boutique. I would love to have a small shop, sell fun fashion finds, and manage the inventory. But alas, I have a full time job that supports my family well, a new house to think about, and somehow I don't think it would be the best call to throw in the towel and invest in a new project. If I ever find a money tree though, I will totally quit my day job and pursue being a shop owner.

While I am watching my food and what I drink in things like coffee, when I do decide to treat myself, the salted caramel boudino from Caribou Coffee is the best. drink. ever. It is so ridiculously delicious, I could drink them every single day.

Christmas may be 11 months away, but my boys already have three pairs of jammies for next year. I am sure I will grab a new pair when next season rolls around, but I got them some from The Gap, originally nearly $50, and with discounts and my rewards they were only $10 a piece!

Linking up with Annie today!

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Confessions

Well, I was all set to have another post go today, but, you know, kids. I swear this has been one of those weeks where I do not stop moving until I lay down to go to bed. So, instead of my scheduled post (coming at you next week, so check back!) I figured this is a perfect week to dish out some Confessions with Danielle!

I confess..


I don't know how to keep the house clean. I seriously come home, feed my children, bathe my children, do laundry, tidy up the kitchen, and it is somehow time for bed. When in the world do people find time for things like cleaning the floors and scrubbing toilets!? I feel like I am just constantly trying to keep my head above water. Keeping it real, we were kind of slobs in our old house. Now that we are in our new house, I want to keep things as clean and in as good of condition as possible, but I swear there aren't enough hours in the day!


I made a return at Old Navy, and found a dress in my size (Tall, so it was a return), marked an additional 75% off of its sale prize. You guys, I got it for five dollars. So I bought a dress instead of coffee. And felt like I won the lottery.


I am so tired. Like, ridiculously tired. I think about sleeping and get giddy with excitement, and then I quickly get super sad because I know that it won't happen. I seriously, seriously have debated every single day this week taking some PTO and going home while the kids are at daycare and just sleeping. But instead I just keep trucking along.


Echoing what Lindsay confessed last week, the follow/unfollow game on Instagram is so obnoxious. I would love to build my following, but personally just have no desire to follow a thousand random pages just so those people will follow me back. If you follow me because you expect a follow back, and then unfollow me the next day..just no. I love instagram, but sometimes it seems ridiculous!


I kind of fail at blogging lately. I have the best of intentions, but there just aren't enough hours in the day. Most days, when I find myself with a magical hour that I could actually punch out a good post, I find myself sitting on the couch, staring at the wall. And enjoying it, because there are no little hands clawing at my hair or demanding to be fed.


I need a vacation. I don't care where, but I need a vacation.


I realize these confessions basically turned into a declaration that I am overtired and a little burned out this week ;-) But that's what these are for, right!? Cheers to tomorrow being Friday!


Also linking up with Annie today!

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Confessions

It has been awhile since I linked up for some confessions, but now that life is finally (kind of sort of) settling down, I figured I would jump back in! I am a working mama, so you know I do plenty of things that should (or maybe shouldn't) be confessed!

I confess..




I make a TON of milk, and have to pump on top of feeding, not even for the sake of building a stash, but for my personal comfort. And sometimes I have gotten lazy and not bagged milk, it has gone bad, and I have dumped it. I AM SO SORRY OTHER MOMS!! I know so many ladies struggle to even produce enough to cover feedings, but I seriously make so much that I have come to not appreciate the 'liquid gold' and totally do not respect it the way I should. If anyone knows of an easy donation program or ways to put excess milk to good use, I am all ears because my freezer can only store so much.


I am having a hard time justifying buying ANYTHING for myself now that I have two kids and a new house. I wanted to buy this shirt something fierce, but every time I went to pull the trigger I just couldn't.


After deciding to not buy the shirt above, I went ahead and finally purchased Jackson this comforter in the red and blue stripe for his bed (that for the past six months has just gotten by with sheets and random quilts), and this crib skirt for Lincoln. Priorities, right?


I drink too much caffeine. Considering I am breastfeeding, I should still monitor my intake and limit it. But do I have two babies and half of the sleep that I should? Yep. Is caffeine necessary for my survival? Yup.


I have been beginning the hunt for a new mirror as well as jewelry organizer for our new bedroom, and came across this. Umm..is this genius or what!? I am dying to know if it is as great as it appears to be.


Jackson has a cold, and when I am sitting on the couch and comfortable, I will sometimes wipe his nose with his shirt, my shirt, or any random piece of clothing or blanket that is in the area. Because sometimes throwing things in the wash in a few hours sounds better than walking across the room for a tissue.


Unpacking makes me so anxious. I know it takes time and is a process, but I just want everything put away! We have all of our every day items in place, but even those need organization. I would love to just have everything in its place so I can really start decorating.


We have an entire house to furnish, as in my boys don't even have dressers in their rooms, but the day we moved in as soon as we had everything moved into the garage Mike and I ran to Best Buy and purchased this TV for our bathroom. And you better believe we had that baby hooked up by the end of the weekend. Because TV in bathroom is clearly more important than storage for clothes. AND it is white and matches the bathroom and is seriously a pretty TV. WIN.


Linking up with Annie for Thoughts on Thursday and Danielle for Confessions today!

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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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