Weekly Recap {10.31.16}

Happy Monday and Happy Halloween!!

My kiddos are so excited for today as am I! On top of trick or treating fun, I get to go help at Brayden's class party, I am ready for a super fun day!


Here's a look back at our week

I took the girls to this super cute play place that I bought a Groupon for a while ago, I figured I should actually use it since I'm known for buying Groupons and never using them, ha. This place was so adorable! Tons of awesome toys that you wish you had room for in your house but don't.

I cannot explain how much Avery loved this train. Thank goodness there weren't that many other kids there so she only had to share a litte

But when it came to her sister, sharing with her was another story. I'll let the pics show you...

Poor Ella just wanted a turn! I can tell you that she finally got one :)


Wednesday night was suppose to be Brayden's last soccer practice but since the weather was crap his coach decided on a McDonalds party to celebrate the season. They gave out the trophies there too.

Right after the McDonald's party, I took Brayden to family math night that our school district puts on. I took him last year and it was pretty similar but still fun to get out and do something together and stay connected with our community.

Thursday was Ella's preschool Halloween party and I got to be a helper. I was so happy to be there with her!

However, that same day was Brayden's big field trip to the city to the Lincoln Park Zoo. I wanted to be there so bad but I already commited to being with Ella and I also didn't have anyone to watch the girls for me (Avery went into the nursery at Ella's school while I was helping)

Anyway, I'm so grateful for other Moms who texted me pictures throughout the day and let me know how things were going. My little man had the best time and I was sure sad to miss it.

Friday my Mom came with us to the zoo and we had the best time (despite Ella throwing 29827219 tantrums) Avery was especially happy because I let her out of the stroller pretty much the entire time,ha ha!

 

Saturday morning after Ella's dance class, I took Brayden to his last soccer game. The hubs had to miss because the workers were at our house starting our basement (eeeekkkk so excited) and he didn't want to leave them alone. I am so proud of how much Brayden has grown this season and he played great!

Right after soccer, Brayden had a friends Halloween party to attend (have I mentioned my 6 year old has a better social life than me?!?!)

While he was at the party, I did some shopping close by. I spotted these boots (just after I said I was looking for cute snowboots!) but they didn't have my size so I am going to order.

Saturday night we went by my in laws to watch the Cubs game, came home about half way through and put it after we got the kids to bed, but I ended up turning it off once it became 7-1 because I was getting too frustrated. The hubs passed and wasn't even paying attention because that's how bad it was. Right now we're watching game 5 and we're up, and I am praying it stays that way. The cubs have a pretty big hole they need to dig themselves out of!

Anyway - Sunday was a super relaxing day just getting stuff done around the house and I got the kids to dress up in their costumes so I could take some pics - Ahhh they look so cute!!

                 

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!!


*linking up with BLovedBoston 

Friday Favorites {10.28.16}

Woohoo for Friday!

I'm looking forward to some warmer weather, Ella's dance class, Brayden's last soccer game and so much more fun mixed in there!

{ONE} - New Winter Boots

Living in the Chicago area, winter boots are a must! I have yet to own a really good pair however, and am now on the search. My SIL told me about these but they are a little pricey (but well worth it I'm sure!)

I'm looking at these and they look cute and also fit my budget - anyone have any other recommendations??

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{TWO} - Splurge vs Save

In case you missed it, I posted some fun clothing/shoe items earlier this week and showed you how you can splurge or save. You can see it here

{THREE} - Minnie Ears

I know we aren't going to Disney for another year, but when I saw this shop put up an awesome sale on their ears, I jumped at it! Seriously, she has the cutest stuff if you're in the market for Minnie ears or Disney bows! Make sure to follow her on IG to know when her deals are going on!

{FOUR} - Hatchimals

I know I mentioned before how Ella's top thing she is asking for this year for Christmas was a hatchimal - well the other day Brayden kept talking about how he wanted one too. I was finally able to find one for Ella by the Grace of God since these things are sold out everywhere, so when he said that all I could think was, crap, here we go on the search again! I happend to call Toys R Us earlier this week and they told me they had some, but weren't putting them out until Thursday and it was first come first serve. Problem was they open the same time Ella has preschool, and it was her Halloween party so I couldn't show up late. I told my Mom about this and of course, she went for me and made it happen! I was soooooo stinkin excited! She said there were only 8 and there were 6 other people in line with her! I am so grateful I have a crazy Mother who will do anything for me :)

{FIVE} - Favorite Pins

How cute are these DIY ornaments!?

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This breakfast is on my to make list - it looks super yummy!

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That's a wrap for this week - I hope everyone enjoys the weekend, and GO CUBS!!!!

Linking up with:

Momfessionals

Hello Happiness

September Farm

Confessions {10.27.16}

Happy Thursday!

It's time for some confessions!

I confess......

• There are so many elementary school birthday parties, it's hard to wrap my mind around sometimes! I feel like every week Brayden is coming home with another invitation
• The weather is looking freaking amazing for Halloween but I will not believe it until I see it - every year it's terrible so I'm really really hoping it will be nice
• I know Christmas isn't about presents, but I want to buy my kiddos all the things. Good thing we have to stick to a budget or I just might
• I'm going to be so sad when our basement gets started because I won't be able to run on our treadmill and running outside in the morning won't work because I am still working out when hubby leaves for work. I guess I could run at night but the fact that it's pitch black by 6 means probably not
• Binge watching Gilmore Gilrs is really effecting my housewife duties, thankfully no one is noticing LOL
• I've never watched a World Series before this one, (no point) but now, GO CUBS GO!

See you tomorrow!

Splurge vs Save

I think it's safe to say I'm a pretty frugal person - I love a good deal as much as the next person. That being said, there are some things that I will splurge on if I feel it's worth it.

I thought it would be fun to round up some things today and see if you would save or splurge?!


First up: duck boots. What are duck boots you ask? Just the cutest accessory to your fall/winter wardrobe! Check out these images from Pinterest. #swooning

     

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SPLURGE: LL Bean Duck Boots - $119

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SAVE: Twisted Women's Duck Boot - $30

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Next is white canvas shoes - I just ordered my first pair the other week and am loving them!

SPLURGE: Converse Shoreline - $50

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SAVE:  Cuevas Canvas Shoes - $19

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Who doesn't love a good military jacket?! I bought one last year and am in love. Although I wish it was warmer

SPLURGE: Tommy Hilfiger Jacket - $199

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SAVE: Gap Utility Jacket - $89 (use a promo code too!)

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What is Fall without a puffer vest? I have a navy blue one from last year but this year I want to get an army green or red one or even black - and I might as well get a part time job while I'm at it :)

SPLURGE:  Hooded Puffer - $90 (can also use a promo code to reduce the price)

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SAVE: Quilted Vest from Amazon - $16-$35

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Scarves are a must have for the fall/winter season and plaid infinity are my faves!

SPLURGE: BP Infinity Scarf - $25

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SAVE: Classic Plaid Infinity Scarf from Amazon - $12.99

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So, would you splurge or save? 

*linking up with Jessi's Design

I am totally my Mother

I don't know about you, but I always said I would never turn into my Mother. and then the unthinkable happened...I did.

Here's 10 ways you know you've turned into your Mother

1. You call each of your kids the other ones name and you don't get it right until you've gone through everyone else
2. You say things like "Money doesn't grow on trees!" and "Do you think I clean for my health!?"
3. You start to freeze everything (seriously, I use to think my Mom and Grandma were CRAZY and now I'm doing this)
4. You won't drive when it's dark
5. Your purse contains enough crap to make it through another round of Y2K
6. You like to be alone (yep, I get this one now)
7. You are a borderline hoarder
8. You worry about everything
9. You look and feel at clothes before purchasing to make sure the quality is good and there are no holes
10. You cry at everything, even commercials

Even though I said I'd never become my Mother, I am totally OK with it. My Mom really is my best friend and I'm glad I share these quirks with her

So, have you turned into your Mother yet??


*linking up with Our Pretty Little Girls

Weekly Recap {10.24.16}

Happy Monday, friends! We had such a great weekend and the icing on the cake was that our Cubbies are going to the World Series!! Seriously, how exciting!?!

Here's a look back at our week -


Monday was a gorgeous day outside and we took full advantage. We started our day with a walk after Brayden got on the bus, then home for some fun with magnatiles

After playtime and snack time, we headed out for another walk but this time Avery was lucky enough to get out of the stroller and the girls went on a leaf scavenger hunt :)

Avery was so funny, she basically demanded that she get a turn with the clipboard and later that day the hubs brought home an extra one from work so we won't have anymore arguing mid-walk

This kid, he comes off the bus with his hat backwards and then strikes this pose! 

Tuesday Miss A had a blast once again at her weekly gymnastics class! And this time, she actually kind of listened to the teacher :)

We had more park time with friends and then these girls wanted to play in the mud - I swear they keep me on my toes!

When I pulled up to Ella's school and went back to get her out of the car, I noticed she drew all over her pants with pen! Ugh this girl is going to give me greys!

I love the people Ella draws! 

Brayden and I worked on little goody bags he's going to give out at his class Halloween party. I love that he loves doing this kind of stuff!

Ella was crying this morning because she wanted it to snow and to make a snow angel - #lordhelpme

We had Ella's preschool open house last Thursday night and we all got to go and see her classroom.

 

More people drawing by Ella - this is our family, the tiny little person is Avery :)

Friday night we headed to the library for family bingo night. I played a few games with the bigs while the hubby chased Avery around and then we switched. Brayden was bummed we never won a game but we still had fun.

Saturday morning was Brayden's soccer game.  The girls had fun on the tire swing with Grandma Pam!

Sunday we went to the pumpkin patch and it was the perect day to go. The weather was gorgeous and thankfully we got there early before it became completely insane.

 

I love taking these pictures each year! Crazy to look back and see how much they've grown!




Thanks to my sister in law for taking this picture! Everyones looking, it's a miracle!




And now it's 9o'clock and I'm back on the couch binge watching Gilmore Girls! Hope you all have a great Monday!


*linking up with B Loved Boston