Monday, April 10, 2017

Weekend Recap

With the days being longer, brighter, and warmer - Monday is becoming a dirty word around here.  Our weekend kicked off early Friday when my mother-in-law and I took an impromptu trip to Portland to shop.  I wanted to get a couple things for the boys Easter baskets, and got myself some good transitional pieces for this weird delayed spring we are having.


I rushed back to grab Leavitt from daycare because we had a birthday party to get to.  He was exhausted so the fact he managed to not try to bring their house down was a major win for the mom team.  We both had after party plans - he was going to his grandparents and I was headed to a girls night.  I was already red faced and giggling when I arrived at the second shindig, so it was nice to let my hair down and get some gal pal time in.

My mom is like a pinterest grandma if that is even a thing.  She hosted a super cute Easter egg hunt for her grand kids, and some of our family friends.  It was so much fun to watch the kids finding eggs.  Per usual she was over the top and had filled something like 215 eggs all stuffed with chocolate.  She had made even more Easter goodies inside and we filled our bellies with homemade goodness, and ourselves with new memories.  I love that this is now a tradition, and hopefully it is something all the kids get to do together throughout the years.  Nick and I decided to head to our favorite Mexican restaurant for a date night.  I was honestly pretty tired but I'm not going to turn down an opportunity to have a date night.  I ended up having a few margaritas and was feeling pretty festive by the time we left.  We are opposites in many ways, but share the same sense of humor, I had a pretty good work out just laughing with him.


Sunday I woke up feeling more tired than normal thanks to those margaritas, so I got the boys ready and struck off for Starbucks.  Leavitt ended up wanting to go with his grandparents to camp for the day.  When I pulled in to drop him off the screamed "that's so awesome!"  seeing his grandfather's fishing boat hooked to his truck.  I love his enthusiasm for all things outdoorsy.  I also love that he has someone to do all that stuff with because I couldn't keep up with all that all the time. They ended up bringing him home after less than an hour because he threw up in the car.  I thought we had avoided the stomach bug that had been going around, but with our social calendars packed it was only a matter of time.


We spent the remainder of Sunday resting, snuggling, and watching movies.  While the boys took naps I tackled the laundry I normally would put off until Monday.  My husband had invited friends over for sushi Sunday night.  The boys were already in bed, so if everyone gets sick I'm blaming bad seafood! Ha! 

Busy jam packed weekends are my favorite and I am so excited for our weekends to feel more like this as we get into Summer.  If only I could cram a girls night, family time, and a date night into every single weekend I would welcome Monday with a smile a little more often!

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Mom Bod - Spring Essentials

Well spring is here - kind of.  I woke up to snow today, and a text from one of my gal pals that Tuesday it would be 70 out.  The girls at Mops were also talking about promising spring weather next week, which had us all giddy and ready to kick cabin fever.   So with talks of lunching on the patio at the Sea Dog, and mom park play dates, I am talking all things mom bod and spring wardrobe essentials!

I live by the motto I am built for pleasure not speed.  Meaning I enjoy eating, drinking, having/making babies (too far?), and I truly hate to run.  I have big boobs, I don't think God designed  me to run.  My neighbors also don't want to see me running, they do however enjoy the apple squares I drop off after we go apple picking a dozen times, and leave with an abundance of apples every single time.  Keeping the mom bod is actually just an act of community service.

I am a true believer that calories consumed with friends, on the weekends, or off my child's plate don't count.  This is also why I will never be skinny, because those may be the only times I actually eat.  Also see above for why this is true.  That being said the mom bod is going to rock it's happy self right into the warmer weather, new wardrobe and all.  

Every year I invest in a pair of white jeans.  I don't buy expensive ones because I only want them to work for one year.  The obvious reason for this is that they are white and need to be washed after every wear.  I also use bleach on them which ruins the elasticity, which in turn ruins the fit.  The fit of white denim must be good.  White denim shows lumps and bumps, and saggy white pant butt, looks like a diaper - not cute.  I usually grab a pair from the Gap, this year I found a distressed pair and a regular pair at Old Navy.  I also found a great pair at Target last year while pregnant, you can find them here... expecting mamas invest in these ASAP!!

I am also loving all things ruffled sleeves, off the shoulder, chambray, and give me every pink shoe ever.  I almost think the pink shoes need a post of their own but here is a sneak peek into what I have invested in so far!  Loose tops that flatter and conceal mummy tummy, and mid-rise jeans that don't show your bottom when you bend over are my jam.   These are my favorite outfits I just know will be heavy in the rotation as soon as its warm, and my car isn't covered in dirt.   

Jeans | Mules | Top similar |

I love these white distressed jeans so much.  I got them super cheap during one of their online sales for $22.  These mules are everywhere right now.  I live for the blush and bow combo.  The leather feels luxe, and the sole is a nice heavy wood.  They feel more expensive than they are.  The top is Beachlunchlounge.  I link them a lot because I love their fabrics and I found this one at TJ Maxx, that being said I couldn't find mine online, but I found one similar that I like more for you guys, so jump on that!  Also be sure to look for their stuff at your local TJ Maxx, and as always shoot me a message if you find something, or if you're in Maine and think I need to check a store out that has tons of it! 

Jeans | Top | Shoes |

These jeans are also from Old Navy and a ridiculous steal at $25 everyday.  They are a nice mid-rise and I won't care if I ruin them and need to snag another pair.  The top I got at TJ Maxx for $19.99, it is way pricier ( $69 ) on the designer's website so check out your local stores first!  The shoes are also  a TJ Maxx find from a couple years ago but you can still find them online!

 | Jeans | Shoes | Top similar |
  
This top is a Max Studio find at TJ Maxx.  I could not for the life of me find one online anywhere.  I got it for $19.99 and am obsessed with the sleeves.  The linked version is super cute too!  The sandals I have had for two years and go with literally everything.  I know Tory Burch sandals are pricey for flip flops but if you're going to invest in a pair these would be the place to start!

 | Top  similar | Jeans | Shoes similar |

This top is a TJ Maxx find that I couldn't find online so I linked a similar one.  I am all about this bright pink.   These sandals I was able to link the current version.  Mine are the Miller 2 and have a metal logo in the middle and have been discontinued.  I love the preppy stripes with pink top combo and will be rocking it on the regular.  

Jeans | Top similar | Shoes |

The top and jeans I have already told you about above - but let me tell you about these lace up pink flats!! They speak to me!  I love the lace up detail, and bright color.  They aren't pricey which is good because I don't think I will get more than a couple years out them unless the lace up flat trend sticks around longer than most.  Get them during a Gap sale when they include shoes for a really good deal!

   | Top similar | Shoes | Jeans |

These blush jeans are super cute on.  They are just blush enough to not be white, with tiny spots of distressing.  The stock website photo shows a hole in the knee and mine came with light distressing on the knee.   The stock photo also shows a darker wash than what came in the mail.  I like the stock style better but I snagged them during friends and family sale for less than $20 with free shipping so no complaints here.  

As you can see I will be mixing and matching most of these outfits to get me through the spring.  I strongly suggest finding things you like online, knowing your retailers sale habits and watching them to make sure you are getting the best deals.  Gap and Old Navy run 30-40% off on a regular basis.  I would wait to buy anything from them until I saw a 40% off my purchase sale.  I also find good deals on current styles at TJ Maxx, if you live north of Portland here in Maine you are probably hurting for options to shop locally.  As always message me with any questions on sizing and fit!    


Monday, April 3, 2017

Teething: Take Two

Motherhood has been pretty magical.  I have moments of pure bliss every single day where I am positive every ounce of good karma my husband and I have, was used on our kids.  We have been abundantly blessed with healthy, happy, good natured children.  Sure the toddler has his moments, hell, I have my moments.  You'd be hard pressed to be close to me and not see my impatient, and sometimes demanding side.  I can be a little dramatic, and high maintenance.  There isn't a day that goes by I don't roll my eyes at Leavitt wondering why he calls everything disgusting, or why he's constantly asking "whats that noise", only to realize I say the same things over and over again.


There is a lot of chatter amongst moms right now about how hard it can be.  Some even go so far to say they rarely shower, or have trouble getting out of the house.  While I have been lucky to be an early riser - getting a head start on my family most days, I still have days filled with doubt, and stress.  I'm always trying out new baby gear, and adapting our schedules to work smarter not harder- so to speak.  


My youngest is 6 months old and cutting teeth.  He gets so aggravated when he can't seem to soothe his gums with his fingers or a blanket.  He also is getting his toes wet in the new foods department.  However he hates being fed with a spoon.  He instantly gets this horrified look on his face and spits it out.  He prefers to have something soft he can kind of chew on.  I had poked a bigger hole in his bottle and added some organic baby oatmeal and fruit to his formula, letting him use the bottle helps because it is familiar.  We call it his baby smoothies, but it makes me feel bad that he's not actually getting to taste the fruit alone.  Insert greatest new baby product ever.  The Nuby EZ-Squee-Z is a soft silicone bottle, with a wide spoon shaped end.  The end has little holes that pureed food will come out of while he chews on it soothing his gums, but also giving him a taste of new foods.  I am in love with this because it is the same concept as those little pouches us moms love, but it is so easy to make my own food for him and put it into this little bottle.  The bottom part is also silicone so he can easily hold it, and squeeze himself.  I love that it encourages him to self feed, and look how happy he looks using it!  I laughed the whole time he used it for the first time because he couldn't get enough of it, he was so proud of himself.  It comes with a hygienic cover that is great to toss in your bag for on the go self feeding.  As always you know anything great for him is a hit with me if it cleans well and is BPA free. The Nuby EZ Squeeze is Coming Soon to Babies R’ US. Can’t wait to shop? 
Shop similar item by Nuby here: Nibbler : Amazon & Babies R' US.  
Squeeze Feeder: Walmart , Babies R' US  &  Amazon




Nuby also has these great IcyBite teethers that go in the refrigerator  but are on a ring that he can easily hold without his fingers getting cold.  They have multiple teething surfaces, including the cold surface, a soft rubber surface and the hard textured ring. 
Shop the Nuby Icy Bite Teether Keys at:

I am still learning how to navigate these infant trials while loving and raising a toddler too. We are on the go so much more than we ever were when Leavitt was an infant. Being in the trenches some days of constantly being tasked with their needs and complaints can be trying.  I am grateful to be the one doing life with them, and for great products that make the tough stuff a little easier.  OK mamas, I want to know what else do I need to make teething easier?