Friday Favorites-Middle Of January

It is Friday, and I could not be more excited. I'll be honest; January is not my favorite month. But this year, despite being constantly sick and it being bitterly cold, there have been some fun and exciting things happening that are making this long month much more bearable! So before I run around outside in my shorts and a t-shirt because it is hitting 40 degrees outside today ;-) I am excited to share my favorites from this week!

1. Bathtime Giggles

I have gotten so bad about snapping candids lately. I mean you guys, I do not have a SINGLE photo from Christmas Eve with Mike's family. Oops! But earlier this week, Lincoln was being SO adorable and giggly after bathtime, and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos. I just want to bottle him up at this age. I always find things I love at every age with my children, but this 18 months-2 years stage. It kills me. It is peak sweetness, and he is so chubby and squishy and adorable I find myself wanting to literally eat his perfect little cheeks. Don't worry, I refrain. I just love him so much.

2. New Diaper Bag

I posted earlier this week about my new diaper bag, and you guys, I just could not love it more. I literally get a compliment on it every. single. time. I go anywhere with it. After over three years of rocking the boy mom gig, I have finally decided that the men in my life are just going to have to deal with there being more pink than they may like (this throw blanket may also be a new addition to our living room decor). But back to the diaper bag; compared to others I have used I love the depth and height of this bag. I feel like I can fit SO much inside of it! If you are in the market for a diaper bag that looks nothing like a diaper bag (and will transition beyond the diaper years) I cannot recommend this one enough.

3. Fun and Easy Toddler Craft

We finally broke our cold spell this week, but we had another very cold stretch that lasted through all of last weekend, which meant we didn't get out with the boys at all. Influenza is running rampant too, so we are sticking as low as we can over this next month, because we did the Influenza dance with Jackson once, and I never want to do it again. So last weekend, I grabbed some construction paper, glue, and a sharpie market and drew a large snowman and let Jackson glue down mini marshmallows along all of the lines. He loved it SO much, and it was so incredibly easy to pull together! If you are looking for a quick, easy, and relatively mess free way to kill the time on a cold winter afternoon, this is such a fun option! Toddler bonus points because they can and will steal copious amounts of marshmallows.

4. This Jacket

Okay, so last week I rounded up a few of my favorites and gushed over this jacket. I love the pale purple color so much! But when I saw this gray fleece option, I about died. And bless my height, it comes in a size TALL. It just looks so perfect for spring, I need it!

5. HOW ABOUT THEM VIKES!?

How could I not wrap this up without mentioning that football game last Sunday!? You have truly probably never heard me whisper even a breath about football over here, but I just cannot help myself right now. If any of you were watching the game, you may have caught the announcers mentioning the Vikings and their history of missed field goals in the playoffs. Literally every playoff game they have ever been in has been lost by something silly such as a missed field goal where they end up losing by just a point. We have had our hearts broken so many times that I have stopped ever getting my hopes up. But that game on Sunday. My heart still races thinking about watching that final play. Our boys didn't know how to handle me and Mike screaming and jumping around. Lincoln immediately joined in and was flopping around like a fish out of water screaming his head off, and Mike quickly had Jackson yelling SKOL VIKINGS. It was one of those magical Sunday evenings you know you are going to remember. Win or lose the rest of the playoffs, they broke a curse with that game, and it was just so much fun to watch! 

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Friday Favorites-Last of July

Happy Friday, friends! I am going to be keeping today short and sweet, because it is wedding weekend! My little brother is getting married, so this weekend is going to be a busy one! I am off of work today to help out with any last minute things and to hang out with my boys. Cheers to a long weekend!

1. Ruffle Tank

I scooped up this pretty asymmetrical ruffle tank from Nordstrom's sale, and am so in love! I am obsessed with the pretty pink color, and all of the delicate detailing. And, even though it has an asymmetrical look, it is modest enough that I can definitely wear it to work!

2. Jeggings

I posted a photo on Instagram this week and I got SO many comments on my jeans. They are from American Eagle, and are high rise and super stretchy. And, they are on clearance for less than $30! I highly recommend them!

Cardigan // Tee/ Jeggings

3. Bedroom Décor

You guys, I finally got some wall décor for our master bedroom! While the room as a whole is pretty put together, it just isn't quite complete yet. I got this through Dear Lily Mae and am super impressed with it. I cannot wait to get this sign hunt above our bed, and then my new mirror above our dresser. I love how it is the little details that really make your house feel cozy and like home.

4. Patio

 Mike finished our patio last weekend! That man has a labor of love into this project. He worked for eight hours last Saturday in the terrible humidity, and then twelve hours straight on Sunday. He literally came in for five minutes for two meals, and worked straight through all day. He did such a good job, and I definitely need to treat him to dinner or something, because the hours he put in ended up being a LOT. But you guys, it turned out so great! We don't have any furniture out there yet, but both boys have already enjoyed getting to go in our back yard and eat popsicles after dinner ;-) I plan to share our whole process to this project sometime in the near future, so be on the lookout!

 

5. Brothers

These guys. They try to kill each other about 75% of the time. But when they decide to be sweet together, it literally turns my heart into a puddle. Jackson led Lincoln around our yard holding his hand the whole time, and I pretty much died.

 

And with that, I am off to do all of the wedding things! Have a great weekend!

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Friday Favorites-Mid-July

Hooray for Friday! Is anyone else in total shock that we are already only a week out from August. Where has this summer gone!? I remember as a child always getting sad at this time of summer because I knew the school year was so close; and then for awhile I really didn't care ;-) Now that I have kids, I am back to wanting to soak up every bit of summer that I can. Of course, the arrival of my favorite season, and a job that doesn't give me summer vacations makes it all ending a bit less salty. Anyways, enough of my tangent, I will move right onto my favorites today!

1. Bracelet

This week I received a new bracelet, and it has a plate that is engraved with a bible verse. I am so in love with it! It is subtle, but such a special reminder to glance down at and remember throughout the day.

2. Nordstrom Sale

You guys, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public! Yesterday I founded up all of my favorites; there are SO many good items I am dying to get my hands on. I apologize in advance, wallet ;-)

3. Ombre Tank

You guys, I have seriously found my new favorite tank top from Pink Blush. It has pink, ombre, tassels, and fringe. I seriously cannot get over how much I love it! I love everything from Pink Blush, but this has been my favorite piece to date!

4. Mirror

I have been on the hunt for some mirrors to start filling the many empty wall spaces in our house. But go figure, they are expensive. I am a bargain hunter, and so regardless of size, I cannot justify spending anything about, like, $40. Our master suite is all white and gray, and I swung through Burlington Coat Factory and found this gem! It was only $29! I was so excited and scooped it up immediately. We are planning on hanging it about our dresser. Now, a question for you all; how do you place a full length mirror in your home!? I would love to have one, but really can't even begin to figure out where I could put one where it fits in and doesn't seem out of place!

Pardon all of the smudges. And the unmade bed, And the toy lamb on the floor ;-) Just keeping it real, guys!

5. Pink Drink

I have known about Plexus and have wanted to try it for some time, so I was so excited when my friend Elizabeth asked me if I was interested in a few weeks ago! I have been having the famous 'pink drink' for about a week now; it has been clinically proven to help in weight loss, but more importantly it produces the growth of good gut microbes and overall improved GI health. Most of their products are also non-GMO, gluten free, soy free, and have no caffeine. And okay, most important, it seriously is YUMMY! I have been looking forward to drinking it every day because it is so delicious. If you have ever thought about giving Plexus a try, I would say you absolutely should!

 

 I hope you all have the best weekend. We (and okay, by we I mean Mike) will be finishing our brand new patio! So, I think a grill session and meal outside is going to be on the agenda when that is all said and done. I cannot wait to share the final product!

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Friday Favorites: Last of April

It's Friday! Another work week where I spent the first half out at a training once again has me feeling a bit off kilter. Fortunately, I think that was the last of the super long trainings I have, at least for the near future! After a few days of cold and rain (and even a little snow!) the temps are supposed to bounce back a bit this weekend with some sunshine. I can't wait to get outside, and maybe even start plugging away at some of our yard work! Oh, and planning that darn first birthday party for a certain someone who turns ONE a week from today. *Insert me sobbing, here!*

1. Boy Mom Post

This week, I shared my feelings and what I wish everyone knew about being a boy mom. It is something I have struggled with before having children, and after as my perspective and focus has changed. It is definitely worth a read if you have ever felt conflicted or pressured about the gender of your children!

2. Sandals

It may have dropped to freezing temperatures and snow this week, but for the most part, we are into sandal weather! Which means anything above 50 here, in case you were wondering ;-) Target has seriously become my go-to place for all shoes. I love the fun colors on these, and the crochet look these have. Suffering from #tallgirlproblems, I about died seeing these, because there is a slight wedge heel, but it is low enough that I can still pull it off. And because I love all things gold, I think I may have to finally jump on the lace-up trend with these!

3. Linkup

A reminder that next week is the first Tuesday of the month, and Danielle and I will be hosting our Tuesday Outtakes linkup! Share anything from over the past month that didn't quite make the cut, or a story that you forgot to tell. Whatever wasn't quite 'blog material', this is the place to share! :-)

4. Cognac Backpacks

I don't know about you guys, but I am so in love with the backpack as a purse trend that is happening. I love myself a pretty, fashionable purse, but especially since becoming a mom, they just aren't always practical. Backpacks are such a great way to still be fashionable, but can be thrown on while also carrying one (or two!) little ones. I love cognac, it is just such a classic color for any bag. This one from Target is classic and simple, and perfect for every day. The fringe and laser cutouts on this option make it a little bit fun and edgy. And, the lace crochet detail makes this backpack so pretty and girly!

5. 3-Tier Stand

Completely on a whim, I was at Sam's club with my sister-in-law to get supplies for the baby shower we threw last month, and I saw this three tier stand. And immediately threw it into my cart. You guys, it was less than $20! I just couldn't pass it up. At the shower, it was used to hold some of the pastries that we served. Since then, it has moved over to our desk area and is just such a nice accent piece, adding a bit of style, while also providing some extra storage/décor space. I absolutely love it!

Have a wonderful weekend friends. As my favorite curly haired singer from NSync would say, come Monday..

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! It seems like the weekend can just never get here fast enough. This week I kept thinking we were a day ahead of where we actually were, so I was extra happy to see Friday today! We finally enjoyed some spring-like weather earlier this week, but the last few days were cloudy and gloomy, despite the temps at least being a bit warmer. I have my fingers crossed this weekend is more sunshine and time spent out! Before that, though, I am linking up with some of my favorite bloggers, as always, to share some of my weekly favorites!

1. New Linkup

You guys, I am so excited to be co-hosting a new linkup next week! In this perfectly curated world of blogging and social media, Danielle and I thought it would be fun to host a monthly 'Outtakes' linkup of the moments that simply don't make the cut. We all know we are constantly snapping photos, and one in ten usually make it onto our social media. Life can also get messy, and it is totally okay for us to acknowledge that and know we are not alone! So, on the first Tuesday of every month, grab the button below, link up, and share your outtakes from the previous month! The funny, the unflattering, or even just a story you want to get off of your chest, we are ready to share it all :-)

2. Tees

Now that the weather is warming up, I want all of the comfy tees. These look like the perfect option, and the fabric and style is very similar to a much more expensive option I have seen from another retailer. I like that it is a jersey fabric, because as much as I love a slub tee for lounging and lazy days, they do tend to be more see through and not hold up as well making them less ideal for work. And for a spruced up option, how adorable is this peplum tee!?

3. Tomgirl Shorts

You guys, these shorts were all the rage last year and by the time I decided to jump on the bandwagon, they were pretty much sold out in every size. I am not letting that happen this year. These will absolutely be making it into my cart. They are long enough, but I love the distressing and how stylish they still are while being hailed as the perfect 'mom shorts'. Do any of you have them??

4. Prison Break

Oh my gosh, please tell me I am not the only one who was in love with this show. We never caught it while it was on the air, but we started watching it on Netflix and were absolutely obsessed. Both Mike and myself fell into the 'post series finale blues' after finishing. It was definitely one of those shows we enjoyed enough that we really didn't want to see it end. Well, they are bringing it back years later for a 5th season and I am SO. FREAKING. EXCITED. Our Tuesday nights have been a little sad since the season finale of This Is Us, so I can't wait to jump back on the Prison Break train and see all of my favorite beloved characters again. After All, Lincoln Buroughs may or may not have influenced the naming of one of our children ;-)

5. Florals
Yesterday I shared some of the prettiest floral dresses to wear for spring. These are all perfect for Easter church, a bridal shower, or brunch on the weekend! I cannot get enough of florals lately, and am so so happy that spring fashion is finally here!

We are whipping out the smoker once again tomorrow, and apparently people are coming over to eat, so I guess that means cleaning and grocery shopping are on my to-do list! Have a wonderful weekend!

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Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY! I never like to admit that I am wishing time away, but spring is looming before us and has yet to arrive, and so these are always the few weeks of the year that I secretly hope the time goes by quickly. Until that spring weather shows up. Then I will switch teams and ask time to slow down! I keep trying to remind myself that, while it may be cold, we have somehow managed to escape all of the snowstorms people have been getting lately. At least we aren't dealing with icy roads! We have a pretty empty calendar ahead of us this weekend, but I do intend to bake some cookies, eat some pizza, and drink some wine. Before I indulge in the thousands of calories that await me, though, time to share some favorites!
1. This tunic (because I can't stop, won't stop)
I scooped up another one of my favorite tunics that has been on backorder for over a month. I got the 'quail' color, and it is the prettiest muted lavender color, so perfect for spring. It is in stock in a few sizes without backorder right now. So if you are looking for a pretty spring blouse, scoop it up! Other great spring colors are 'violet ice' and 'zen blue'. I now own five, yes, five of these tops. They are seriously the most perfect and versatile shirt for both the office and days off. Clearly I am obsessed.

2. Bookends

Remember a few weeks back when I shared all of my favorite pineapple things? Well, this week I stumbled across these bookends at Target. They are perfection. And I also know Target always runs a good sale, so I am waiting for my perfect opportunity to strike. #socheap Now, the biggest question, the gold option, or the white and gold? What do you all think?
3. Featured Blog

Earlier this month, a piece that I wrote was featured on Mother Manifesto! I talk about adjusting to having two children, and how often, it just feels like one of me isn't enough. Head over and give it a read, and check out the other inspiring articles on the website, too!

4. The Best Rice
Has anyone NOT had Chipotle? If you haven't, I am so, so sorry. Chipotle is amazing and delicious and there is a reason people are addicted! Back when we had our Superbowl Party, we put together all of the fixings for the best burritos we could pull together, and I made this recipe, which is a copycat of what they serve at Chipotle. I made it again this week to have with our leftover taco ingredients, and you guys. It is seriously an exact dupe. SO GOOD. After making it at home, I can tell you that the rice really is what makes Chipotle so darn good. Now I just need to find a way to make a copycat hot salsa, and some barbacoa, and I will never have to buy burritos again! ;-)

5. Gap Friends and Family Sale
It is my favorite sale of the year! Or season? I'm not sure how often exactly Gap runs their F&F sale, but I want to say it is once every 3-4 months. You get an additional 40% off of everything with code FFSALE. And if you have a credit card and shop in stores it is an extra 10% off every day, on top of all other discounts! If you have a Factory store, it is happening there too. I scooped up a pair of jeans, sweatpants, and adorable shorts for summer for Lincoln this week for $16. Total. I mean, the total on his ridiculously adorable baby jeans was $5. I don't even think you can get them that cheap at Walmart. Thanks to our Toy Story obsession, I saw they now have Woody pajamas as well as the Buzz Lightyear pair we already have. If you have little girls, this swimsuit is possible the most precious thing I have ever seen. It would have been purchased by me immediately, it is so darn cute! I love this stripe tee, as I am starting to gear up for warmer days (I swear we have to get one eventually) are coming and V-necks are just perfect, as you can dress them up or down. This cross-back shirt is so on trend, and their softspun shirts are seriously so comfy and cozy. I have this twill utility jacket, and it has the cutest cut, and is blush. Need I say more?!


I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! Be sure to link up with the amazing ladies below to find some wonderful blogs to add to your reading list!
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Friday Favorites: St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Friday, friends! This week had a little curveball thrown into it when Jackson randomly got sick on Wednesday right after being dropped off at daycare. I hadn't even gotten out of the door from leaving Lincoln at my parents when I had to turn around and go back home with a sick kiddo. The rest of my week has just felt off, being out of the normal routine in the middle of the week will do that to you! Today is St. Patrick's Day, and while we aren't one bit Irish, I plan to dress my little loves in green, make some sort of festive treat, and enjoy a beverage that is green this evening. Green beer isn't my taste, but Midori, that is a drink I can get behind ;-)

1. Freshly Picked Giveaway

For those of you that missed it, I have teamed up with Freshly Picked and am giving away a free pair of moccasins! It is open through Saturday, you can enter to win on the original post! These moccasins are seriously the cutest shoes, with quality that is a step above the rest. I chose the classic Zion color, but there are countless fun options, too. If you have a kiddo that wears shoes, this contest is for you!

2. Florals

I am itching for spring weather like crazy, especially after having a string of pretty cold weather lately. At least we didn't get hit with snow like all of you on the east coast, but still! I did a post earlier this week sharing some of my favorite office looks for spring, and this floral blazer has me swooning! How cute for work, but also for a night out with a tee and jeans! Other floral looks I am loving include this dress, these pants, and how fun is this jacket?!

3. Song

I am not usually on top of the 'music' game. But I heard the song That's What I Like by Bruno Mars and was hooked instantly. I do not know what I find so darn catchy about it, but I seriously get excited when it comes on the radio. My poor kiddos have had to witness me sing and dance to this song, which is totally not kid appropriate. Good thing neither of them have any concept of the words in songs quite yet. ;-)

4. Cotton Stems

My blog friend and fellow boy mama Brittany from Life As The Mrs shared a photo on Instagram earlier this week and I now NEED some cotton stems in a pretty blue vase in my house. I just love accents of blue and white for the house, and am now on a mission to have some of my own. I am pretty much always finding inspiration from Brittany, she has the cutest style, the cutest boys, and is one of my favorite mamas to follow! 

via

5. Pinterest

Keeping it real, I totally fell off of the Pinterest bandwagon recently. So many apps, so little time ;-) But I have a few parties and things I am looking for inspiration for lately, and have been loving all of the ideas that can be found on Pinterest! I have a fun St. Patrick's Day board, filled with cute ideas for you and your kiddos! And obviously, lots of green treats, because sugar is my love language. And if you are looking for dessert ideas, some of my best concoctions have come from this board. If you don't already, come follow me and enjoy the random pins to get a good idea of what is going on in my head at any given time ;-) Hint: usually sparkle, birthday parties, and food.

Be sure to link up with the awesome blogs below to connect with other awesome bloggers! Have a fabulous weekend. We are expecting sunshine and downright balmy temps in the upper 40s/low 50s ;-) Minnesota springs are such a tease!

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Happy Friday! Friday is my favorite day of the week, and it is made even sweeter when it is a Friday spent off with my family! We are taking the boys to the Mall of America and are going to Underwater World. Jackson is loving sharks and fish lately, and we both think he is going to be in heaven. We are bringing Lincoln along, too. I am so excited to finally be getting to that stage where we can start to enjoy things with both kiddos. The weather is supposed to be icky this weekend (with highs that are only in the 20s!) We figured this was the perfect opportunity to get the kids out, because who wants to do an indoor outing once spring weather arrives and we want to do all of the things outside!? And Ikea happens to be next door, so my mama heart may just explode over the goodness that this day will bring! Before heading off on our little adventure, I have to share some Friday Favorites!

1. Graphic Tee

I am not a graphic tee fan. I made a decision before having my babies that I would not buy the tees covered in slogans and characters. Of course, as they grow I make exceptions. Jackson is loving Toy Story, so I will obviously cave to buying a t-shirt with Buzz on it! But for the most part, I like to keep their style classic. But an old skating coach of mine sent me a link to this strong like mom tee this week (hi Stacy!), and she was so right that I needed them for my boys! I love the message it sends. Most little boy stuff boasts 'strong like daddy', or 'daddy's tough guy', but mamas are some of the strongest people out there! It was so sweet of her to think of me and share!

2. Standing

My little man is standing! Well, he is using the wall a bit for assistance, but he is so darn proud of himself! In all honesty, I was trying to snap a few pictures of him, and decided to give it a go kind of on accident. And he held himself up like it was nothing! He can stand without the wall, too, but gets a little timid and usually drops to the ground within a few seconds. But against the wall, he can stand all day long! Every milestone with your baby makes you realize how quickly time can go, but the view changes so much once they are able to stand up! I mean really, a baby who has never been on their own two feet looks so strange standing and proudly smiling at you. I probably overuse the word sweet, but seriously, this boy is so sweet.

3. Open Cups

Jackson has been majorly resisting drinking out of a cup without a lid. He seriously freaks out whenever we give him a cup, even if it is adorned with robots and characters from Finding Dory! I saw these cups and am thinking of giving them a try. The price tag is a little steep, so I am curious if any other mamas have tried these out? And, just general advice on how to get a kiddo to drink from an open cup!

4. Blush Flats (and basically all of the blush things)

Continuing on with my blush obsession (I know I'm not the only one!) I just stumbled across these flats at Old Navy. Seriously, how cute are they!? I love the crochet design, the pointed toe, everything. They come in a number of other neutral colors, too. I do not know if Old Navy can do any wrong lately! This tote would be adorable paired with the shoes, or this bucket bag. And finally, I don't know if anything beats a pair of blush skinnies. LOVE! I own multiple pairs of the rockstar jeans from Old Navy (in tall), and they seriously are amazing. They are mid rise, meaning no muffin top, have tons of stretch, but hold their shape. They are fantastic!

5. Best Friends

After ten months of what I would consider tolerating each other, my boys are becoming real life friends right in front of my eyes, and it is about as much sweetness (see, there it is again, the word sweet) as my heart can handle. Jackson is always asking for Lincoln to sit next to him on the couch, and whenever Lincoln babbles, Jackson just beams and declares 'Lincoln talk to Jackson!' He is so very proud, and I have tears in my eyes just thinking about how their relationship is blossoming. Jackson has discovered how to jump on the bed, and now loves to go upstairs and insist Lincoln goes with. He invites him into his room, and will ask 'Lincoln sit on bed'. I will help Lincoln bounce (which he loves) and both boys dissolve into a fit of giggles. Watching them start to explore the world together is everything I have been waiting for and dreamed of. You all know I don't sugar coat life, and I don't pretend that life with two was perfect and easy. It may have taken ten months, but my boys are finally becoming friends and it is one of my favorite experiences I have had as a mother.

We are off to look at the sharks and enjoy a lunch at the Rainforest Café. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!


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Friday Favorites: First of February

Happy Friday friends! I don't know about you, but I am not one bit sad to see January go. I am ready to see the days get longer, enjoy the pink and glitter of Valentine's Day, and maybe even get a unicorn day in Minnesota where the temps get into the 40s. I have high hopes for February! As always, I am linking up with my favorite ladies for some Friday fun!

1. A little sparkle

 

Mug (Target Dollar Spot) // Nail Polish
Last week, I saw this ring was marked down to $7, and decided for that price, I couldn't pass it up. I am really hesitant to try new jewelry, especially rings, but I got it in gold and am OBSESSED. It is so sparkly, and such a dainty addition. And the criss-cross design really make sit stand apart from my other rings that I wear every day. It was such a fun way to change things up a bit!

2. New Markdowns

Nordstrom just marked a bunch of new items on sale this week, and some are things I have been eyeing up for awhile! I ordered this mixed media top the second I saw it in the oatmeal color. This mock neck sweater is very similar to the one I scooped up over Christmas, and just got marked down! How adorable is this moto jacket!? We have a lot of cold days ahead of us still up here (womp womp) and would get a ton of use out of it. This v-neck sweater has been so popular, and the red color was just marked down! And while I wouldn't be wearing it anytime soon, this draped tank (from Nordstrom Rack) is absolutely gorgeous, and would look amazing paired with some white jeans come spring!

3. Reading

 

We are just touching the tip of the iceberg with potty training, but decided to approach it first by getting some books on potty training. We picked up 'Duck Goes Potty' and Jackson LOVES it. He has been waking up first thing in the morning asking to read it. And, for the first time, I have found him sitting down with the book, having memorized the words on each page and reading it to himself. Be still my mommy heart. He is growing up so fast, and while I wish I could freeze him in time, watching him learn is truly one of the greatest joys I have ever experienced.

4. Smoking

No. Not cigarettes ;-) We received a smoker from Mike's parents for Christmas, and are using it for the first time on Sunday to make some pork barbacoa for the Super Bowl! We are kind of homebodies, especially after living out of town in a very small house followed by a year of not having our own space. But, we really want to make our house a place that people are welcome, and are so excited to have both of our families over on Sunday to enjoy some food, watch the game, and crack a beer or two. I am just so excited to start making memories in our home!

5. Brothers

We had a pretty easy time adjusting Jackson to a baby brother, but he really was indifferent to Lincoln for the longest time. Lately though, every day it seems my sweet boys are loving each other a little more. Jackson has been caught giving Lincoln toys, sneaking him bites of his snacks, and oh when they giggle together. Cue all of the sappy emotions. They are really starting to act like brothers, and it just might be one of my favorite things I have ever witnessed. Those two are always my favorite!

 

I hope you all have a great weekend. Who is watching the Super Bowl?! I basically watch it for the puppy and Budweiser commercials! That one still makes me cry ;-)

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Friday Favorites

Well, we survived this week. Since having kids, the days of getting sick and being over it in a day or two or long gone. I swear once sickness knocks on the door, it takes a solid week to get everyone infected and then recovered, at best! I ended up barely making it into the office at all this week, but am still so ready for the weekend. I am hoping to finally get our house back into some semblance of an order after being trashed by sickness and baby toys all week long. And maybe, just maybe, I will finally get to leave the house and go get that buffalo chicken pizza I so badly wanted last Friday on our canceled date night! Of course, I always look forward to sharing some of my favorites with you all, and despite the downer of a week we had over here, there is always good to be found mixed in!

1. Felting

 
I had the most gorgeous garland for my mantle that I found at Target over the holidays. I loved the way the pom poms looked strung across, and I decided I would really like something similar during other seasons, as well. They made a very similar Valentine's day style, and I was so excited! And you guys, it wasn't long enough to fit across our mantle. I should note that our mantle is really big, but I was so bummed. I started looking online, and while I found options that would be long enough, I am cheap. Especially when it comes to a holiday that I really will only have decorations up for a few weeks. So I got crafty, and decided to search how to create your own felt balls. And you guys, I did it! I don't have my garland completed, but I did it totally from scratch. We are talking wool roving that still smelled like the farm. I am planning to do a tutorial soon, but I am loving the way they are coming out!

2. Off The Shoulder

This top. You guys OMG how pretty is this top!? I have been swooning over all of the off the shoulder sweaters lately, but this piece is a nice, lighter alternative, and so dainty! I am in love with BP and basically every single piece of clothing that they make, and the reviews are amazing. How pretty would this be with jeans and sandals come spring!? Totally already dreaming of warmer weather over here.

3. Mommy/Son Dates

 
 

While I did a lot of working from home this week, I did have one day that I decided it was better to not try to constantly be checking e-mails and actually 'took the day off'. I took my boys on a little breakfast date, which are always my favorite. Lincoln can eat more eggs and pancakes than any baby I have ever seen. And Jackson is just the sweetest soul and I would be the happiest mama ever if he would be my forever date. I love them both so much.

4. Snowmen

 

 

Jackson recovered enough, and the weather was finally warm enough, that he went outside with his daddy and built a snowman this week. The kid has been obsessed with snowmen this year. Literally everything he touches lately gets turned into a snowman. So to see him get to build a real snowman, and his excitement every time he looked out the window later in the night to see it, was just so sweet. It is such a privilege to watch a child experience the world and all of the little joys, isn't it?

I tried to come up with five things, but my brain is just not having it! So I guess four favorites is where I will leave it this week. I hope everyone has a wonderful (and healthy) weekend!


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


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Friday Favorites

It's FRIDAY! The first full week of work in nearly a month, so it feels so good to be through it and onto the weekend! This week included lots of snow, bad roads, and being cooped up due to the cold. I am hoping we can find something fun to do with the boys this weekend. These are always the toughest few weeks of the year, because it is too cold to even play outside. Is it too soon to start counting down to spring?? 

1. Sweater

How CUTE is this sweater from the Gap? They are running their winter sale right now, so on top of things being on major sale, they have pretty consistently been offering an additional 40% off of sale items, bringing it down to only $15. I ordered the french rose color, I think it will be so pretty over Valentine's Day! And speaking of Valentine's Day, it always drives me crazy that because I have boys holiday apparel is kind of limited. Who says little boys can't get into Valentine's Day!? Gap delivered this year with these adorable baseball tees with love themes! So cute, and I have about the best time ever dressing my boys in matching looks!

2. Doll House

 
For Christmas, my mom and sister gave Jackson a bunch of Little People stuff. He got the nativity set, Noah's Ark, and a little play house. Well, when ordering it my mom did not realize it was designed for girls in that it is all pink and very girly looking. We did a quick online search and found that there is no 'boy' version, however it used to be designed in more gender neutral colors. However, sending it back wouldn't have even been an option if we wanted to, because Jackson took off and was playing with it immediately. And now, not only does he love it, but Lincoln has taken an interest in it! In fact, this week I even saw him grabbing small toys and trying to maneuver them right to fit into the windows and doors! I lose track of what the normal ages are for things, but I was so impressed by his coordination to be able to do that! I guess the moral of this favorite is that limiting the toys a child plays with based on stereotypes is so not worth it. My boys don't see the pink of this toy, but they are learning and enjoying it so much!
 

3. Love Letters

My mom was cleaning out some drawers this week, and she found an old letter she had written to my dad the morning of an exam while he was still in law school. Per her request, I will not share the actual letter with you all ;-) But it was so cool to read, people just do not send hand written letters very often anymore. It was so sweet, a letter of encouragement, and ended with saying that all would be well as long as they had each other, Noah, and their 'new baby'. You guys! I was the new baby! That letter was written over 27 years ago, and it dawned on  me that my mom was the age that I currently am when she wrote it and was pregnant with me. To read about her excitement for life at the time, before she even knew who I was yet already clearly loved me and my older brother so much. It was such a sweet thing to see. I am motivated to write more letters, because I do not know if I can think of anything more special than remembering, decades from now, the love that I feel in my life right now.

4. On The Move

 
Mr. Lincoln is officially mobile!! He has been scooting backwards for awhile, but it wasn't quite intentional movement. An object could be a foot in front of him, but poor guy just couldn't figure out how to get to it without a bunch of pivoting and moving backwards. This week he officially got it! And is getting into everything. So far, in the four days that he has been crawling, he has pulled ornaments from the bottom of my parents Christmas tree (which yes, they keep up until February), knocked over boxes, shoved half of a plaster easter egg in his mouth that he then couldn't get out, and has been found with blue all around his face because he found a remnant of a piece of chalk big brother left laying around. This kid is going to be our wild child, I can feel it. I think this weekend is going to call for some major cleaning and baby proofing, and establishing some stricter rules on what can be left out. Big brother might have to take a temporary break from some of his toys, because if Lincoln can find it, it is going into his little mouth!

5. 90s Music

I have been on a major 90s music kick on my drives to and from work this week. Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and Usher have all been on rotation. My poor babies have had I'll Never Break Your Heart belted out to them more than once. They are not amused and usually just get mad that I am not getting them out of the car fast enough. But seriously, 90s music was the best, and BSB>NSync. Always. 

 

Sending good weekend vibes to everyone! I am off to plot how to stay warm and cozy, and enjoy some quality family time.

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

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