What's Up Wednesday

Is it just me, or is this just the most confusing, out of sorts week ever? I love me a long weekend, but our Monday off felt so much like a Sunday, and I cannot believe it is already Wednesday. Adding to that, even though the weather the past few days has said otherwise, since Memorial Day has come and gone I have been thinking it is June this week, when today is in fact the last day of May. So, with the last Wednesday of the month comes a recap and 'What's Up Wednesday!'

What We're eating

Now that summer is here, I am officially trying to kick our family eating habits into a healthier gear. So, lots of grilled chicken and burgers, steamed veggies, and my all time favorite roasted brussel sprouts. It is also officially watermelon season, so I plan to have that stocked in the refrigerator nonstop.

And, let's be real..pizza. Pizza always has a place in our dietary rotation ;-)

What I'm reminiscing about

I really haven't been reminiscing too much lately. Lincoln's birthday has come and gone, and we are more so looking forward to all of the things we get to do this summer with our boys!

What I'm loving..

I am loving the new trees in our yard! We just got a willow tree for back by the pond, and a vanilla strawberry hydrangea tree for our front yard! We seriously did ZERO yard work before moving last summer, so it is so much fun to finally start feeling like we have a yard!

What we've been up to

This summer we spent with my in-laws playing yard games, eating outside, and getting our first real taste of summer for the year. Aside from that, a lot of time has been spent in the yard, going for runs outside with Lincoln in tow, and we have graduated from Toy Story and are being forced to watch Despicable Me on the daily ;-)

What I'm dreading

Not much-I mean it is finally summer! However, with summer comes ticks and mosquitoes..definitely dreading seeing those around.

What I'm working on

I am still slowly but surely working on decorating our house. I just got some new things for our mantle to put a 'summer theme' to it.

I am also doing a lot of work with my Instagram lately (come check me out @stangandco) that I am having a lot of fun with. I have learned SO much about social media strategy in the last 1-2 months, and am really seeing a difference and some fun opportunities arising as a result!

What I'm excited about

I am excited for it to be warm enough this weekend to hopefully pull out the pool for the boys and spend as much time in the sunshine as possible! I also have my future sister-in-law's bachelorette party in two weeks, and their wedding next month. So much coming up on our calendars!!

What I'm watching/reading

Confession: I picked up a book months ago, and only got a few chapters in. I am just not in a stage of life where reading is something I can do! Whenever I try, I end up dozing off..woops!

We have been watching Prison Break, there are only a few episodes left and I can't wait to see how this season ends! I am trying to watch The Bachelorette, but honestly after Nick last season, I think he did some damage to that show. Is it just me, or do people seem pretty darn uninterested? Swapping out Luke for Nick was a HUGE mistake!

We also just started watching Bloodline on Netflix. We are only two episodes in, but so far I am REALLY liking it!

What I'm listening to

I started busting out a bunch of my old burnt CD's in my car the past few weeks, and am loving them! A lot of them are labeled by season and year, and they seriously just take me back to that time. One of them has a bunch of songs that bring me back to the summer I met Mike, which to this day I think would go down as my best summer ever, and not just because I met my future husband! It was filled with time in the sun, lots of bonfires, parties, and time with great friends. I love how music can take you back to a time and a memory!

What I'm wearing

 Tank // Jeans // Glass (similar)

 Dress

 Tunic // Jeans

Top // Skirt

Tee (very similar here) // Shorts // Sandals

 

What I'm doing this weekend

We don't really have anything on the books! I believe we have plans to order a truckload of black dirt to start working on the lawn. Exciting stuff, let me tell you ;-)

What I'm looking forward to next month

I am excited for my sister-in-law's bachelorette party and her bridal showers! I just love those types of events :-) And, I cannot wait to spend as much time as possible outdoors with my little guys!

What else is new?

Lincoln is on the move! He is still plenty wobbly, but is most definitely walking and taking steps and it is about the most precious thing I have ever seen :-)

I am so excited for the coming month, bring on the summer!

Linking up with Mel, Shay, and Shaeffer today!

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What's Up Wednesday

I have missed linking up for What's Up Wednesday the last month or two, but I am excited to share a little bit of what we have been up to lately today! I always look forward to seeing what everyone else has been up to, as well, so be sure to link up!

What We're eating

This past weekend, Mike smoked pork in the smoker we got for Christmas! So we enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches the night he made it, and barbeque chicken pizza on Sunday! This week we have been using leftovers, so Monday was pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw again. I have also been using the leftovers with salt and pepper and brussel sprouts for lunch (seriously, he made a ton!) Besides pork, we grilled and out outside last night, and it was heavenly! These are the spring days we dream of all winter long in Minnesota. I would venture to guess pizza will be on the menu somewhere this week, because #wehaveaproblem

What I'm reminiscing about

Lincoln will be 11 months next week, and I cannot wrap my head around the fact that he is almost a year old. Wasn't he just born!? He wasn't the easiest baby, but those newborn days are honestly so fuzzy I feel like I blinked and we got to where we are today. While I was happy to see him outgrow the colicky phase, I sure miss those sweet newborn cheeks and noises.

What I'm loving..

I have been loving all of the spring fashion! I am obsessed with all of the floral things. How gorgeous is the Lauren Conrad dress?! I want it, it would be so perfect for Easter! I also am pineapple obsessed. I am planning on scooping up these bookends, as well as these shorts. I would have bought them already, but sadly I just have no use for them for at least another month :-(

I can't forget my new favorite shoes. Me (and every other person it seems) have been rocking them and they seriously go with everything. They are so pretty and perfect for spring!

What we've been up to

I have been party planning! I have Lincoln's birthday party next month, but I am also planning my sister-in-laws baby shower for next weekend. We are doing a brunch, and her nursery theme  is SO cute and we have had a lot of fun pulling together a shower that reflects that. I cannot wait to share it!

What I'm dreading

Nothing in particular really! I suppose as it is only March it is inevitable that we will have at least one more blast of winter at some point..I am just so ready for spring to get here and stay!

What I'm working on

The baby shower and Lincoln's birthday! I have also been putting some work into new projects for my blog and social media that I am pretty excited about! I am honestly amazed by how much work it actually takes to build a blog, but I am finally being presented with some exciting opportunities and writing and sharing my thoughts and ideas has turned into such a passion that I never imagined!

What I'm excited about

I am really excited to start pulling our yard together. We moved last year and did a bit of yard work, but then the cold temps hit. I want to get some flowers planted, some grass growing, and we have plans to do some stone to create a patio out back. I am not sure exactly when we will get all of this done, but I know that it will be happening eventually and after a winter spent inside, I am downright giddy about finally being able to use this big chunk of land that we live on and start enjoying it!

What I'm watching/reading

I have been reading For The Love for nearly a month. Woops! It really is good, but I struggle to ever sit down and let my mind turn off enough to read. Does anyone else struggle to open a book? I need to do it more, but I usually just end up doing all of the other things! Otherwise, our weekly shows of The Bachelor and This Is Us have ended, so Monday and Tuesday nights are a lot more sad now! We are still watching Grey's Anatomy, although most weeks I question why. And next week is the finale of The Walking Dead, which is our absolute favorite!

What I'm listening to

Mostly just the radio. That's What I Like by Bruno Mars is still my favorite, and I don't think I will ever get sick of Closer by the Chainsmokers. And when we clean or lounge around the house, we love to turn on what Mike calls 'shredders'. Your classic malt shop oldies, like Stand By Me, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and all those goodies that make me wish I was in an old diner.

What I'm wearing

 

These shoes

These pants and These booties. On repeat. I love them, but I am so ready to change out to shoes that don't require socks and some light, airy dresses. The winter wardrobe is feeling stale!

These tunics. I am thinking they need to be changed up soon with some cute t-shirts to wear under my cardigans and blazers, so will be adding a few of these to the mix soon!

What I'm doing this weekend

There is nothing on the agenda as of now! If the nice weather keeps up, I am thinking there will be lots of time spent outside. I would love to get in a solid run, which just never seems to be something I can manage during the week, because by the time I have free time it is dark outside! It is probably jumping the gun to say we will do yard work, but maybe we will start cleaning things up a bit!

What I'm looking forward to next month

I am excited to throw a baby shower! We haven't had anything at our house since we moved that warranted inviting the extended family, so this will really be my first time 'hosting'. I am nervous and excited but can't wait to decorate and shower Laura and my future nephew with some love!

What else is new?

Not much, really! I have a feeling our busy season is about to set in between babies being born, yard work beginning, and planning a wedding for my brother and his fiancé! So many exciting things happening over the next few months!

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What's Up Wednesday

Hooray for Wednesday! Nothing beats getting to the middle of the week and knowing we are on the downhill to another weekend. I had to do a double take when I realized it is already the last week of September. Seriously, where did this month go!? Of course with the last Wednesday comes 'What's Up Wednesday', and I always love linking up with Shay and sharing a bit of what's been going on in our little world lately.

What we're eating this week..
I actually did a pretty decent job of planning meals this week! On Monday we had a sausage, veggie, and rice skillet. Tuesday was a knock-off of Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup. Today will be something easy like leftovers or some pasta. I also am wanting to make some stir-fry this week! I am sure ordering pizza (our favorite thing ever) will sneak in on one of the nights here :-)

What' I'm reminiscing about..
Darn time-hop on Facebook constantly shows me pictures from two years ago when Jackson was just an itty bitty. And I about die every single time. When do our babies stop being babies and become little people? I love so much about how he is now, because he is so much FUN, but I honestly cannot even remember what he was like as a baby some of the time!

What I'm loving..
I am so in love with the fall weather! It has been in the 60's all week, getting down into the 40's overnight. I am loving putting hats on my little guys, wearing cozy sweaters, and switching over from iced coffee to hot coffee ;-)


What we've been up to..
We have been pretty busy lately! We laid dirt and seed and are finally getting some grass growing, which has been a pretty big weekend project. This month also is both mine and Mike's birthdays, so both of those weekends we went out to eat. We drove up to a resort on a golf course last weekend as Mike's birthday request and seriously had the BEST food ever. It was amazing and delicious and we had such a good time on the long drive just listening to our music and remembering what it is like to actually enjoy a car ride!

We also had a wedding this month, which was a lot of fun! Three weekends in a row of having a night out just the two of us, and it is just good for the soul. 

Taking the time to feed our marriage and reconnect is so important, especially during the season of life that we are currently in.


What I'm dreading..
I am not looking forward to daylights saving time! Once we flip back the clocks, it is seriously dark so much. It is dark when we leave for work, and it is getting dark by the time we get home. It just isn't my favorite, and while I cannot wait for the holidays, I am already dreading the longgg and dark winter months.


What I'm working on..
Trying to decorate our house! It is seriously a neverending process, especially when you are basically starting from square one. And, my toddler thinks all home décor is a toy, so some of the cute stuff I have purchased cannot even be put out because nothing is safe when Jackson is around!
I have also been trying to plan meals a bit better, so I have been figuring out recipes that I can prep for on Sundays making it quick to toss things together during the week. I really want to stick to this, but we will see how it goes. Pizza delivery is just soooo convenient ;-)


What I'm excited about..
Target was having an awesome sale this week, and this blanket that I haven been wanting to use as a throw in our living room was 30% off, and then another 10% on top of that! I have been watching it for awhile, so I knew I had to scoop it up with this sale. We have a lot of quilts which are super cozy, but I really want something for the living room that matches and can serve as both a decorative as well as functional piece. You know you're adulting hard when you are excited about throw blankets. #momlife


What I'm watching/reading..
I really want to read Balancing in Heels, but just have not been able to manage time to even order it, let alone sit down and read it. I did pick up the Taste of Home fall magazine, and Jackson loves looking at all of the food recipes and scanning the pages with me, which is very sweet and I love :-)
Once the little ones are in bed, Mike and I, so far, are really loving This Is Us, and I cannot wait to see where the show goes. We are also watching American Horror Story which is spooky and eerie this season, as usual. And, Thursday nights are Grey's Anatomy! #whydidyoudoitkarev #istillmissmcdreamy I am SO excited that fall TV is back in action. We seriously had so many shows we never were able to watch over the past year when we didn't have DVR, and I am loving that we are finally able to record things and have some shows to look forward to. Tune in for this piece next month, when I have found out who died on The Walking Dead and will still be in mourning.. #ijustknowitsglen


What I'm listening to..
Nothing in particular lately. I enjoy listening to the radio on my drive into work, we have a local morning crew that I really enjoy. I am loving Sia lately. Now that the weather is changing I really am going to have to get my hands on some standards and start enjoying that in preparation for my most favorite music season of all (Christmas music is acceptable after Halloween you know).


What I'm wearing..
It has seriously cooled off here, with high temps in the 60's, so I have not been rocking my pencil skirts much lately. I am obsessed with these colored skinny jeans, and these blush cords. They are a great addition to my work wardrobe for days where I can dress up a bit less.
As always, I am literally living in these tunics, and have days where I tell myself that no, I cannot wear the same shirt twice in the same work week.
I am rocking my booties now, too! And secretly loving that I don't have to worry as much about having a pedicure anymore. Don't judge, aint no one got time for things like that ;-)

Sweater // Skinny Jeans // Booties

Tunic // Blush skinnies

Tunic // Skinny Jeans // Flats (similar)

What I'm doing this weekend..
After a few weeks that were pretty busy, we don't have much on the agenda this weekend! We will likely get in some yard work, I hope to *finally* get some pictures hung up on our walls, and spending some time snuggled up with my boys. Apparently the Vikings play on Monday night, so I am just not too sure how we will fill our Sunday afternoon!


What I'm looking forward to next month..
So many thing! I want to take the boys to a pumpkin patch. Jackson is at such a fun and precious age, and I think he will have so much fun. We are also having Lincoln baptized, so that will be special. The Walking Dead. Need I say more? Halloween and dressing up our precious boys. I think October just might be my favorite month of the entire year.


What else is new..
Diverting a bit, but Jackson has really started picking up with his speech lately! We had him assessed for therapy, and he does qualify for them to come out and work with him. While this has me feeling a bit of mommy guilt, like perhaps I should have/could have done more, I am so excited to hopefully start seeing lots of progress soon. Even without even starting yet, he is literally saying a new word every single day now for the past week or two, which is truly music to our ears after having him saying little besides 'mama' and 'dada' for so long. Mike caught a fly in our house in a Tupperware container (sick and cruel even though I hate the darn things) and Jackson took to it kind of like a pet. It was his 'gug' (bug). SO cute when he runs into the room and declares 'GUG'! He is also obsessed with the school bus and will say bus over, and over, and over. He is starting to say animals, as well as all of the sounds they make. My favorite is the puppy, when he says 'foof foof'. And, in my opinion the most precious addition this week is his discovery of the moon and stars in the sky. At bedtime, he will turn off the light, run to his window, and declare 'moo! moo! stah!' Over and over. And then he will throw in bus two or twenty times for good measure. It about makes my mama heart burst. I knew he would break through the barrier and start communicating eventually, but after having him be delayed, it seriously has felt magical these past few weeks. His sweet innocent voice is music to my ears and tugs on alllll of my heart strings.


*Bonus* What is your favorite fall recipe..
I am hoping to whip this up over the weekend. I have made a lot of apple desserts, but this caramel apple pie is Mike's all time favorite, and all of the apples are in season and on sale right now, and nothing says fall more than the smell of baking apples in your house.

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What's Up Wednesday

You guys, it is the last day of August. I can't believe it! This summer seriously went by in the blink of an eye. At the risk of sounding terrible, I am not too terribly sad to see this summer go. I love having a precious little babe, but it really makes getting out and doing much during the summer months (or any months) a challenge. And, I was homeless for the majority of the summer ;-) Bring on fall and all of the warm fuzzy things that come with it! Linking up for What's Up Wednesday today, as well as with the regulars Jenn and Jessi, to see what all of you ladies have had going on during this last month of summer!

1. What we're eating this week
We did something we almost never do during the week and went out for dinner on Monday for my nephew's birthday! And our whole night felt out of sorts afterwards ;-) Otherwise, a night of leftovers, shredded chicken enchiladas, and pizza, which is ALWAYS on the menu at least once a week. We would eat pizza every single night if we could!

2. What I'm reminiscing about
 After accidentally killing my iPhone on Sunday (still not working) I went back to my old phone, and so all of my old messages and such were saved. I saw some pictures of Jackson from about a year ago when I got the phone, so I have been having some fun all week sorting through old pictures and messages while cursing time for being such a thief.

 3. What I'm loving

The cooler weather! Last weekend was pure bliss, with high temperatures around 70 degrees. This week has warmed up again, but now the highs are back to being just below 80. But what I am really loving is the mornings, it is my favorite when it is chilly enough in the morning to need a jacket, but warm enough to enjoy playing outside during the day!

4. What I'm dreading
We decided to start Lincoln in daycare this month, and while I am not dreading cutting my pickup/dropoff process in half, or having my boys be together every day, I am dreading the fact that there will inevitably be more sickness in my house. So many germs, but worth it to see our boys get some social interaction!



5. What I'm working on
Oh, just trying to furnish an entire house from scratch. Can someone just send me all of the things, or all of the money? Next on my list is dressers for the boys rooms, an end table for the living room, and nightstands for our bedroom. You don't realize how badly you need an end table until you have nowhere to set your drink!

6. What I'm excited about
 Fall weather! Pumpkin things! Football on Sundays! #sobasic I am also really looking forward to seeing Lincoln continue to grow, he is at that age where he is changing so much every single day, and I know by the end of next month he is going to be doing so many new things. Keeping it real, I think my baby hates being a baby. He is just not content, and gets so frustrated at not being able to do things. That being said, I think he is probably going to do things earlier than his brother did, because he is so determined! I am eager to see if becoming a bit more physically independent will improve his frustrations at all!

7. What I'm watching/reading

Reading does not exist in my world currently. Unless it's blogs, which I try to read when I can find a few minutes. I am watching lots of Wallykazam and the Baby Channel ;-) Mike and I watched 'It Follows' last weekend, and it was okay. It was a scary movie, but not so scary that I couldn't sleep for days or anything, and kind of weak plot development. Apparently it won all kinds of awards though? I also have been on an HGTV kick, so lots of Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, and Property Brothers!

 
8. What I'm listening to
Again, since I am back on my old phone, I also have my old music and playlists. I have been loving hearing things pop up on shuffle like Leeann Rimes, the Backstreet Boys, and even some Christmas music (shh! Don't tell!)

9. What I'm wearing
I seriously have been wearing one of these tops tucked into one of these skirts nearly every day this week. I just ordered these pants from Old Navy, as well as these and these, and have my fingers crossed they work out so I can start mixing up my work wardrobe a bit more.

10. What I'm doing this weekend
Still up in the air! We have a few options on the table to enjoy the Labor Day weekend, but nothing solid yet!

 
11. What I'm looking forward to next month

Hmm, well September is my birthday, Mike's birthday, and we have a wedding the weekend in between. So we will hopefully be enjoying a few nights and meals kids free, and cake too! So, in the world that I currently live in, I am definitely looking forward to the month of food and cake.

12. What else is new

We finally got our modem for internet this week! Of course that then required hours of work for Mike to hook it up. So, I should *finally* have actual internet at home this week and am thrilled! What was life before we had Netflix?

Bonus** What is your favorite summer to fall transitional piece in your closet?

I love love LOVE my jean jacket. Especially when working in the summer, I love to throw this on for more casual days over a dress in lieu of a cardigan. Once fall hits, you will find me living in my jean jacket. I purchased mine five years ago or so at American Eagle, but this is an adorable option! For a fun twist, I am loving this mixed fabric option, too!

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What's Up Wednesday!

Today I am linking up for What's Up Wednesday! This is always such a fun way to share what has been going on in our lives lately :-)

1. What we're eating this week
Until I am done with grad school (6 weeks from today!) I am just not on top of cooking. However, we did have homemade chicken and wild rice soup on Sunday, my hubby whipped up his favorite steak alfredo pasta last night, and tonight sushi or chipotle to go and eat in class is on the menu. Tomorrow I think I am whipping up tomato soup and my all-time favorite grilled cheese recipe- you guys, you will never want to eat regular grilled cheese again!

2. What I'm reminiscing about
Today I walked over to the building next door to buy some soup for lunch, and walked past the area where Jackson had one of his kidney appointments last winter. I had a major flashback to my mom bringing him to meet me wearing an obnoxious oversize red hat and my favorite navy blue one piece from Baby Gap. I had to power walk my way out of there before I burst into tears.

The most delicious little cheekers I have ever laid my eyes upon. The chub is soo gone.

 

Now that he is over a year old, I get sentimental so easy when I think back to where he was at during this time last year, and how much has changed. Time is a thief and as much as I love my baby boy exactly how he is right now, I miss his chubby roles and that smile that was so cheeky it made my heart explode.

3. What I'm loving
Fall weather! I know our days of beautiful fall weather are limited, and our brutal Minnesota winter is not far away, so I am soaking up as much of the fresh, crisp air as possible!

4. What I'm dreading
 Nothing is really on my 'dread' list at the moment. I suppose every Tuesday night for the next six weeks until school is over ;-)

5. What I'm working on
This week, I am working on a test that I have to submit for class (such an exciting life I lead). Other than that, dreaming up Christmas lists in my head, getting a jump start on some shopping, and dreaming up ideas for our new house!

6. What I'm excited about
Building our new house! We are still a solid 5 or so months off from even breaking ground, but we think we have our floor plan (minus a few minor modifications) nailed down and I am SO excited to see our dream begin to take shape.
Of course, I cannot forget to mention how excited I am for Halloween this weekend! My mother in law worked so hard on Jackson's costume, and I put the finishing touches on it and I am literally obsessed. I can't wait to show him off (and 'share' his candy with him!)

7. What I'm watching/reading
We have tried to start watching the O.C. again (for the 3rd time, not like hubby is obsessed or anything).
It is so funny though, long gone are Saturdays spent binge watching. We are lucky to squeeze out a single episode at night once Jackson has gone to bed. At this rate, we will wrap up the series some time around his high school graduation. 

8. What I'm listening to
I may or may have not listened to Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas' on the drive to work yesterday. No shame here. Limiting my Christmas music intake, but in my books it is game on after Halloween!

9. What I'm wearing
My favorite suede booties are on heavy repeat at work now that the temps have dropped.
And of course, wearing my blanket scarf like it is going out of style. So warm, and SO comfy. And available for a steal of a price (and eligible for Prime) on Amazon!
I am also in love with Old Navy and their sweaters right now. This one is oversize and so soft and comfy, I would wear it every day if I could!


10. What I'm doing this weekend
Dressing up little man and enjoying Halloween! We don't have anything major planned and it will likely be a pretty low-key event, but I am super excited nonetheless. Oh, throw in some appliance shopping for future house planning, and it is shaping up to be one nice weekend! Seriously, sometimes I wonder how old I am to be excited about appliance shopping..

11. What I'm looking forward to next month
TWINKLY LIGHTS. CHRISTMAS MUSIC. HO HO MINT MOCHAS FROM CARIBOU. GIVE ME ALL OF THE HOLIDAY THINGS. We are officially entering the most wonderful time of the yearrrrr!

12. What else is new
Not much! Aside from taking down the side of Jackson's crib, life has been pretty dull lately. But after all of the hustle and bustle of the past few months, slow and boring is feeling pretty nice lately :-)

BONUS: Favorite Thanksgiving recipe
My mom makes THE absolute best mashed potatoes. No need for gravy on those babies. Loaded with butter, sour cream, and enough fat and cholesterol to last you a lifetime, we look forward to them all year, and fight over the leftovers. I am drooling just thinking about them!

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