Friday Favorites

It has been awhile since I have done a good 'favorites' post, but it is the middle of October, fall is in the air, and Christmas is on the horizon, and you better believe I have a pile of favorites I have racked up. Really though, is there anything better than a Friday in the fall? I think not, my friends!

1. Tan riding boots

I bought a pair of tan riding boots from target four or five years ago, and I wore those babies around the clock. I absolutely loved them. Unfortunately, Minnesota winters make for longs of ice, slush, and salt, and after one too many seasons, the boots that had carried me through it all were literally wearing holes around the soles. With much regret and sadness I threw them away at the end of last winter, and may have nearly shed a tear in the process. This year, I was determined to find another pair, and wouldn't you know, Target doesn't have a single. pair. of tan boots that struck my fancy. I loved every detail of my old boots, and all the other new, poor boots were being compared to the forever favorite. So, I did what any practical girl would do and hopped online, and found these babies on Amazon. You guys, they are almost identical to my old boots, minus some red detailing on the zipper of my old boots. Same buckle placement, same color, everything. and for around $25?? YES PLEASE. They arrived this week, and I am in love. I literally feel like I am at home when I put them on, and can't wait to wear them every single day.

2. House plans

This weekend we have our first meeting with a builder to start looking over floor plans to being the process of home building! YAY!! We are just beginning down a long road, and I know we have about 5 or 6 months until we will be able to dig that hole and get things started, but I am so excited to start making progress, and have some floor plans in my hands that will tell me what my new house will look like. I may already be planning kitchen space to see how many holiday dishes and coffee mugs I can get away with storing in my new cabinets. so. excited.

3. Halloween jammies

 

Mummy jammies

orange jumpsuit

Gap outlet (sold out)

Gap (sold out)

My love for baby jammies is no secret. Jackson has as many pajamas as he does real clothes. It is bordering on being a problem. But I just can't say no. This year, he has four, yes four, pairs of Halloween jammies, and I love them all. To justify, I did whip them out as of September 1st, and will likely rock them until Thanksgiving. Because how can you not!?

4.Caramel apple cookies

You guys, I bought this Pillsbury mix last year, and the frosting to go along with it, and these cookies are out. of. this. world. So easy to make, and so so flavorful. I am resisting the urge to make a box every single weekend for the next month. YUM.

5. Sweaters

It is no secret that one of the best parts of fall is whipping out the warm cozy clothes, including boots, scarves, and big cozy sweaters. I scooped these up at Old Navy for a steal of a price. I bought the heather marl and oatmeal marl, and am totally rocking one already today. Bonus: it comes it tall sizes, which means extra length and long sleeves for tall ladies like myself! Scoop these up now, with promo code they are only $15 a pop!

As always, linking up with my favorite ladies for our favorites on Fridays!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites

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Fall Photo Session!

I have said it before, and I will say it again, Amanda Baloun Photography knocks it out of the park. No really. Having known Amanda since she was in elementary school, knowing her background, her passions, and what makes this girl who she is makes it so much fun to get together every few months to take family pictures with her. My husband is a self proclaimed hater of photo sessions. He cannot see the reason or justification in paying someone else to take pictures of our family. After Jackson's newborn session, he was not happy with now our baby was manipulated, twisted, and turned, all for the sake of a photo op. Of course, the newborn portraits are beautiful and I treasure them, but some battles aren't worth the fight. For some reason, though, that rough and tough man of mine loves Amanda. Like, where with any other photo session I practically have to drag him to, but when I say we are going to take pictures with Amanda he doesn't fight me at all. And that man loves to fight, if only for the sake of a debate (did I marry my father?...)
Anyway, about a month ago, I told Mike all I wanted for our two year anniversary (besides him taking me out for dinner child free, of course) was to take some family portraits. No gifts, no trips to Minneapolis for a show or to watch a game, just pictures. Easy enough, right?
We met up with Amanda on a Saturday evening, and despite the chilly temperatures for the past few weeks that are the picture perfect description of fall in Minnesota, that Saturday was warm. Like, mid-seventies at 5pm warm. We all sacrificed for the sake of the photos though and rocked our sweaters that were much more fitting for cooler temps. And it was worth it, because I literally die when I look at these pictures. I hate being that mom that brags about how cute she thinks her kid is, but I mean...come. on. Jackson has some swag and knows how to work the camera. Every photo session is 100% worth it when we have the most perfect images capturing exactly who our baby boy is at that special season of life, because us moms learn fast just how fleeting those precious moments truly are.

Don't mind my 40 year old son in this picture. Just posing for GQ.

 These boys are lifelong best friends already.

 Can't you literally just read his mind thinking 'mama, puh-leasee'

 ^This is one of my absolute favorites^

 

Heart=Melted.

 

My biggest problem with these pictures is that I literally cannot pick a favorite, there are too many that I love! I am so grateful and blessed to have these two handsome men in my life. Happy fall, y'all! 

I am linking up today with Holly and Jenn today!

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Weekending [Lazy Days and Costuming]

How was everyone's weekend? Doesn't it just always seem that they fly by faster and faster. If only the work weeks felt the same! This weekend was super low-key, which really was the first of the sort for our family in a solid month or two, and was more than welcome. While I don't mind being busy, there is something about the entire weekend laying ahead of you, wide open.

Friday I worked the morning, but due to my mom and sister having dental appointments, I had to take off early (darn) to pick up my little guy. I debated going back into the office, but decided that umm, returning at 2pm on a Friday to work two more hours? NO THANKS. So instead I met up with my two favorite ladies after their appointment for some lunch and Noodles and Company. Jackson literally demolishes the mac and cheese there, and it is always hilarious to watch. After lunch, we went home, caught up with Mike's parents (who are our roomies for the foreseeable coming months) who were gone all week on a trip, and enjoyed some homemade chili. Mike and I capped off the night with an episode of the OC and called it a night.

Saturday we were up bright and early, and I had every plan of driving into town for doughnuts, because I literally spent the night dreaming about them. My sweet hubby texted me from the gym saying he would bring some home, and I enjoyed a glorious cake doughnut and orange juice for breakfast. After that, I showered, blow dried, and curled my hair for the first time in what felt like months, and ran into town on errands with my little guy. I met up with my mother in law at the fabric store, and we bought everything we need for Jackson's halloween costume. You guys. I am so excited for his costume. I thought I was excited last year, but nope, this year takes the cake. Let's just say we are playing up Jackson's signature curly locks and his perfect hair flip for what we think will be an epic costume. Saturday afternoon, we went on a walk and enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather, and after Mike helped finishing a friend move, he and I went out for dinner just the two of us.

Super low key with fried pickles and bar food, it was exactly what I needed, as most meals are spent regulating chicken nugget intake and retrieving thrown sippy cups off of the floor :-)

Sunday was L.A.Z.Y. We woke up early (such is life with a toddler), had breakfast, and went on a morning walk. Jackson is having a blast running around outside now that he is finally big enough to play and do kid things, like trying to eat rocks and leaves. Me and the little dude may have crashed for a 3 hour nap..and woke up for a super late lunch at 2. Our Vikings won (yay!), and the rest of the afternoon was spent hanging out on the couch, playing with Lego Duplos, and relocating the garbage cans that Jackson has found he likes to throw things like remote controls and shoes into.
I did throw some brunswick stew in the crockpot, and also whipped up a loaf of homemade bread for dinner. The stew has a surprising flavor, and isn't quite what you would expect it to taste looking at it, but it was good, and loaded with veggies, which is a plus!

After dinner, my mother in law and I sat down and starting going to work on getting Jackson's costume fabric cut. I am already giddy just thinking about the end product. Doing a costume like this from scratch and a pattern is a new venture for both of us, so fingers crossed it turns out!

Mike and I capped off the evening with the Walking Dead, and OMG. Not exactly a warm fuzzy episode, if there has ever even been one on that show in the first place. Always just a good ending to the weekend though. We always dread Monday, but it is less painful when you spend the weekend looking forward to your favorite show. :-) Hope everyone else had a great weekend and your work week flies by!

Linking up with Meg, Biana, and Ashley today!

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[Friday Favorites] The next chapter

Ok. I am now literally the worst blogger, ever. I have been out of the game for two weeks here. I am hanging my head in shame, a bit. But hey, I can promise you this, I have also never been busier, in my entire life. No. Not being dramatic. I thought for a second yesterday and realized I haven't actually had a regular work week or afternoon at home after the work day in weeks. Weeks. Full time work. Full time grad school (t-minus 7 days until I go down to part time for my final 8 weeks, can I get a hallelujah?). Adorable and demanding one year old baby boy. And probably the biggest news that I haven't shared yet..

We sold this...

And bought this...

Yes. We traded in our cute little starter home for a big, beautiful chunk of land. You guys, we are officially building a house! I have kept quiet over the past month or so, because I have a pretty strong mentality that a deal isn't closed until it's closed. So, until all of the t's were crossed and i's were dotted, I didn't truly consider our house 'sold'. But as of last week, we traded in the ownership of one for the ownership of the other. We will be back in Sartell, and are so excited about everything. The location, the size of the lot, the school district, everything. I now drive by my old high school football field and get all of the warm fuzzies dreaming of the day that my children will be enjoying their own football games there.

Of course, our beautiful plot of land has one defining characteristic right now..no house. And as I said before, our old house is now very, very sold and no longer ours. So, until we are able to build exactly what we want on our new yard, we are living with the in-laws. Needless to say, there have been adjustments. They are wonderful and gracious, but of course there is just something to be said in going from having your own home to living in someone else's. We have the entire downstairs, two bedrooms, and a bathroom to ourselves, and we really couldn't be more blessed to have them open their doors to us so that we can take the time to do this right and not rush the building process. While we had hoped to possibly build this fall, work, school, and my first mini-vacation since Jackson being born have just made that unrealistic. So, we will spend our winter deciding on floor plans, selecting our builder, and lining everything up as much as possible so when the ground decides to thaw (so as an aside, prayers for a mild winter are welcome!), we are able to get going on the foundation and hit the ground running.

These are some huge changes for our little family, but we are beyond thrilled and I often wake up and have to pinch myself when I realize we get to build a house that we hand pick, on a piece of land that we also hand picked. We are blessed, and so very, very excited! I cannot wait to share bits and pieces of our process, as we embark upon operation dream house!

Linking up for Friday Favorites today!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites

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Friday Favorites

Worst blogger of the year award might just go to me. I have not been able to sit down and write once this week. I have less than three weeks of full time school left, after which I have 8 weeks of part time school and then I graduate! Let me tell you, working on your MBA while working full time, with a one year old, with a million other big things happening for our family makes for one tired mama. And one neglected blog. *slaps wrist* Sometimes, something's gotta give, right? My favorites this week are simple, as shopping has not exactly made the priority list AT ALL lately, but I promise I have some exciting posts coming soon!

1. We sold our house
After being on the market for the summer, we finally received and accepted an offer on our house. I will have more details to share soon on what our plans are, where we will be living, and why we did things the way we did. For now, though, we are set to close next week (I cannot wait to close and have it be officially sold), and for the time being, will be living with my gracious, wonderful in-laws. Blessed to have them open their doors to us, and slightly terrified to have them open their doors to us ;-) All of their kids have moved out, and the entire downstairs is vacant, so we have a pretty good amount of personal space, so here is to hoping this fall and winter in cozy quarters goes smoothly!

2. Walking Baby
Finally, at 13.5 months, Jackson finally took the plunge and is walking all over the place. We decided his officially 'walk date' is last Sunday, September 20th. He literally just took off. And now he gets going so quickly he has a crazed look on his face because I don't think he quite knows how to slow down or stop. So funny, and soooo precious. Is there anything sweeter than watching a babe figure out the whole walking thing?

3. Ice Cream Cake
You guys. I am a lover of Dairy Queen ice cream cake. How can you not be. It is absolutely delicious. But my mom makes homemade ice cream cake. And it received the ultimate validation when Mike requested it for his birthday this week. That man does not ask for much, and really isn't a fan of asking things of others. So for him to ask for my mom's ice cream cake said it all. Think DQ cake, with five times the fudge and oreo layer. It. is. so. good. *disclaimer: it is not so good for my waistline.

4. Pizza Delivery
So, even though we don't close on our house until next week, we moved out last weekend so that we would have ample time to gradually get all of our 'little' stuff out, clean, etc. Last night for Mike's birthday, the man of mine wanted his usual birthday dinner of take-out pizza (he makes things way too easy). Where we lived in our old/halfway sold house, there was one pizza place that would deliver. And we don't like their pizza. So, being the pizza addicts that we are, we would make a solid 15 minute drive (each way!) into town at least once a week for pizza. But no more! Mike's parents live within delivery range of our go-to pizza place, and so last night we enjoyed pizza that we didn't have to drive to get. It's the little things guys, for real.

5. This Sweater

I pinned this to Pinterest months ago, and received and e-mail this week that it was back in stock. You better believe I hopped online and ordered it immediately. I cannot wait to see what it looks like in person! One of the sizes is already sold out, go snag one up before it is gone again!

As always, linking up with these ladies today!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites

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[Blogtember Challenge] Latest obsession

Really, there are so many things to be obsessed with. It seems like every new season brings new trends and traditions to look forward to. One of my favorite things about the blogging community is how much anticipation surrounds weather, holidays, and events. You ladies have me excited for Christmas before the first lead has fallen off of the maple tree!

With that being said, my current obsession is just fall. Period. Anything fall related is number one in my book. This week I have indulged in pumpkin marshmallow candles, pumpkin spice lattes #pslforthewin, and pumpkin spice M&Ms.

Gimme all the pumpkin everything, warm fuzzy sweaters, riding boots, and Sunday afternoon football. I am 100% obsessed with fall lately and am wishing away these final days of warm summery weather!

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[Blogtember Challenge] What's in my purse

So. What's in my purse? A lot of stuff, apparently. Isn't that the beauty/curse of the 'big purse'. Anything and everything gets tossed in, and eventually every few months I do an overhaul of the contents and tidy things up. The mess has only grown since adding a little to the mix. Occasionally, I am running errands and know it will only be for a short time, and throwing diapers, wipes, and a sippy in my purse is way more convenient than hauling around a purse and a diaper bag. I am getting personal here, you guys, opening up the heart and soul of my bag that goes everywhere with me. You have been warned that anything and everything could possible be found in the bottomless pit!

1. Day Planner
Despite having an Iphone, I have a hard time using it to remind me of appointments, things I need to do, etc. I bought a day planner and have been trying my best to use it for the little details, even simple things like 'draft e-mail to so and so' at work. I then get the joy of crossing things off of a list too, which I love!

2. Diapers
No brainer here. If we are out and about for the day, I always have a diaper bag packed and ready to go. But for quick runs to Target or the grocery store, I often get lazy and throw a few diapers and a pack of wipes in my purse and call it good. Fortunately, my little guy isn't super demanding in needing toys, blankies, etc., so we can get by with the bare basics. I am sure in six months there will be toy cars and other goodies buried in my bag..

3. Wallet
Money. Credit cards. You know, the fun stuff.

4. Dentist Pack
Yep, went to the dentist a month ago, got my free toothbrush and toothpaste, and have yet to bring it in the house. I guess I find comfort in knowing that in the case of an emergency, the toothbrush is ready to go!

5. Tampons
You know, more fun stuff. The basic rule is to have at least five of these with me, at all times. Because you just. never. know.

6. Lotion
You guys. This stuff is to die for. Black cherry merlot from bath and body works. Literally the juiciest smelling lotion you have ever laid your sense of smell upon. I get comments every time I whip it out.

7. Statement necklace
Obviously what happened here is I took this off at the end of the day and, like the toothbrush pack, never managed to remove it from the bag. At least I always have fun jewelry on hand if I need to spruce up for a big meeting!
8. Coin purse
For all my fun change. Another rule of thumb is to always have quarters! Because the parking meters downtown won't take anything else... :-(
9. Bumble and Bumble hair cream
Great for when you don't have time to blowdry your hair. My sister gave me this sample from the salon she works at...anddd I never brought it in the house. Seeing a trend here?
10. Gum
Always gum. Always peppermint. Just always.
11. Contact case
I have bad eyes, and sometimes they call it quits and demand the contacts come out and glasses come on. I have just made it a habit of keeping a spare case in my purse, and I try my best to keep my old pair of glasses in my car. #visionchallengedproblems
12. Keys
Kind of need these to get where I need to go. And can I get an amen for the automatic lift gate button on the key to my car?
**Not pictured: about 10 tubes of lipgloss. I forgot to dump out the side pocket of my purse for the photo above, but you better believe I have more lipgloss than I could possible need in my purse. Because on any given day, I am most likely feeling a different color and flavor than the day before.


What did you all find in your bags!? Any long lost goodies you swore you would never find again?

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