Tuesday, November 17, 2020

coronavirus life update


well, here we are - 8 months into this global pandemic and even as I type that it almost doesn't seem real. numerous times I have woken up and thought, is this all some crazy dream?! but sadly, it's not. some days I think "this isn't so bad, we can do this" and other days I'm all like "OMG we are not going to make it" the roller coaster of emotions is so real.

Throw in v-learning with 3 elementary school kids and most days I feel like I'm drowning. I know this won't last forever, but sometimes, it actually seems like it will.

Anyway, we've been finding other things to do to keep busy!

Lots and lots of bike rides

We put a ninja course in the backyard and the kids are having a blast with it!

We got a new patio installed and have had many nights roasting marshmallows with our new fire table

We also put a huge slab of concrete in the back of yard for a basketball court and a spot to ride scooters/bikes - the kids are loving this!

We had our pool this summer which was awesome! lots and lots of swim dates!

We've gone on a couple getaways which I will document separately but they were so good for our souls!

We celebrated a few holidays on a much smaller scale (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day & Halloween) and look forward to Thanksgiving & Christmas

We went strawberry & apple picking

We celebrated all 3 kids birthdays and were able to still have small parties for each!

The kids have been involved in activities which has saved their sanity as well

We have a weekly park date with school friends and the kids literally look forward to this all week. We joke that we will soon be showing up in our parkas and snow pants!













I really can't believe we've made it this far but in a weird way, it's getting easier the longer it goes on. Plus with the new talks of the vaccine hopefully coming soon, it really helps me see a light at the end of this dark, dark tunnel.  Now, if only my kids could actually go to school, I think that is the worst part of this.






Monday, May 11, 2020

the picture I almost didn't post

**this post has been sitting in my draft for waaaaaaay too long 

last week was St. Patrick's Day and while us, just like most of the world, we were hunkered down at home. It was decent weather so we may our way outside for a shamrock scavenger hunt around our neighborhood.

things have been tense, things have been crazy. I've never seen anything like this before where schools are closed, restaurants are closed, churches are closed, all professional and recreational sports are on hold - you all know what I'm talking about. We have had some really good days and there have been days I lost my temper

St Patrick's Day happened to be a really good day and it ended with a really yummy dinner where no one fought, not even for a second. It was so pleasant and fun and we took a picture to document.

I of course wanted to share something other than the coronavirus on social media so I went to post, but then I paused. I looked less than perfect, our kids had some food in bowls some food on napkins, our plates are just plastic blue ones from Target, we didn't have a Pinterest-worthy tablescape setup and I felt like that is what people would focus on if I posted.

Then I told myself that was literally insane and who the f*ck cares what other people think! We were having a great night and I love my family more than anything, and especially in these times I am proud of that and will always focus on that. Turns out people liked the photo and I really could care less about the ones that didn't.

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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

2 ingredient peanut butter cookies


Yuuuummm! today I'm sharing with you a favorite dessert of ours that is SO easy to make! all you need are 2 ingredients! 2!!


you'll need:
🍪toll house chocolate chip cookie dough 24ct
🍪miniature reese cups 24ct


To Make:

put 1pc of cookie dough in each muffin mold, bake as directed on cookie package, as soon as they come out, push a reese cup down in each one - THAT'S IT! I love using my silicone mold to make these, they pop right out and cleaning is a cinch!


these are great to bring to a party - they will be gone before you know it!

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I would love to know if you've made these or do!

*affiliate links used


Thursday, March 26, 2020

Life Update 3.27.20

Happy Friday! I haven't been around this space in a while, not purposely, just life has been busy. That is until 2 weeks ago exactly to the day we were told our kids would not be returning to school until further notice due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic that has hit the entire world.

Since then, our state has been put essentially on a lockdown - if you aren't an essential worker, you need to be at home so we can help slow the spread of this terrible virus.

I have had so many emotions since this has all happened - angry, grateful, sad, happy, frustrated, you name it. I am a roller coaster most days. The unknown is terrifying and I am really praying this all ends sooner rather than later.

Until then, we are staying home, going on more walks/bike rides than before (doesn't matter the temp!) playing tons of games, doing crafts, spending way too much time on electronics and doing V-Learning - we got this!

I hope everyone is staying safe!!
Stay Home Save Lives #CoronaVirus #COVID19 - Stay Home Save Lives ...
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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Ice Castles & Monster Trucks

How's that for a title? With all the sickness we've had around here, I never got around to recapping our super fun filled weekend! (a couple weekends back)

On Saturday we headed to Lake Geneva, WI to see the Ice Castles - these just started coming around here last year and we didn't make it then so we knew we wanted to see them this year! They were delayed in opening because we were having an unseasonably warm-ish winter but finally dates opened up. My mom, sister, brother in law, niece & nephew joined and it was a good old fashioned family fun day!

Now I'm not going to lie, my inner 10yr old self was totally thinking these would be some kind of Elsa-like ice castles and they weren't (wahhh) but, they were still sooooooo pretty and unique and something I've never seen before. Totally worth the experience! We stayed for over 2 hours exploring them, if that tells you anything!

Image may contain: 8 people, including Rick Simantz, people smiling, people standing, child, sky and outdoor  Image may contain: 5 people, including Rick Simantz, people smiling, people standing, text and outdoor

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Once we were done, we went into town for dinner and then drove home - we all went straight to bed as we were exhausted!


The next day was Monster Trucks with Ricks side of the family - I had never been, neither have the girls and some other family members, so we decided to all go together.  It was surprisingly really fun and enjoyable! and also really LOUD!!

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ha Avery's face!

Monday the kids were off and we just relaxed after such a busy, fun weekend!

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Spring Break Needs with Social Threads


Who is packing up and going somewhere warm for Spring Break?? I wish I could raise my hand to that, but unfortunately we will be here. We rarely travel over spring break because 1. it is insanely expensive to fly and 2. it is always super crowded


However, we are heading to the beach just the month after Spring Break - and I cannot wait!! I also cannot wait to sport my new items from Social Threads! my hat and these beach pants are going to be my favorite, I just know it!



                                                     Hat                        Pants


The thing I love about this sun hat is that the brim in the back is smaller so you can lay down and relax in a beach chair comfortably!


Social Threads also has the cutest dresses that would be perfect for a beach vaca!


Z Supply Camo Split Neck Dress
via
Love Stitch Watercolor Floral Button Front Tea Dress
via



Love Stitch Hand Stamped Button Front Maxi Dress
via




Social Threads also some really cute accessories! I am loving this bracelet!! So fun and colorful!

Spring Break Rectangle Stretch Block Tile Bracelet



If you're heading out into town, this top would be darling paired with jeans and heels!!

Jack Force of Nature Leopard Cami




You can shop all Social Threads collections here


Social Threads is a great company to follow, it is owned by 2 moms (who happen to be sister in laws) who are juggling life just like the rest of us! They wanted to give us gals a place to shop and find an affordable selection of clothes that we feel great in. How awesome is that?!

What's also awesome is that I have team up with them to give one you a $100 gift card!!!!!! 

Here's how to enter:

Join my FB group if you haven't already, there will be a post later today for the giveaway

Like the FB page - Social Threads 

Bonus entry for commenting below with what you would buy if you won the gift card

Giveaway will run through Saturday, 2/22/2020. Winner will be announced after giveaway closes - GOOD LUCK!!


























































Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Valentine's Play Date Ideas

With Valentine's Day around the corner, my girls are asking for a fun themed play date with friends. They both have different interests but I rounded up some fun ideas that would work for either, and better yet, any kiddo!

I went to none other than Pinterest for ideas!


Heart Shaped String Art

Valentine's Day Kids Craft - Heart-shaped beginner String Art! {Reality Daydream}



Valentine's Day Gingerbread House




Valentine's Day Slime

You and your kids will LOVE making this easy DIY Valentine's Day Slime project. This fun craft makes a great party favor too! #Slime #ValentinesDay #Crafts #DIY #Kids #KidsCrafts #PartyIdeas




Heart Puppets

Silly Heart Puppets: an open-ended Valentines craft for your toddlers and preschoolers




This heart suncatcher craft is simple, colorful and perfect for an afternoon Valentine's Day craft. All you need is paper plates, color confetti and clear contact paper to make this colorful heart suncatcher craft for Valentine's Day.



I can't wait to have their friends over and see what they decide to do!


Monday, February 10, 2020

Weekend Recap 2.10.20

Oh hey there Monday! You came too fast! Last week we were battling some sickness (myself & Avery) so not much got done around here, but that's ok. I was mainly just so happy Avery felt better in time to go to the Daddy Daughter Dance Friday night!

Unfortunately some of our friends who they go with every year were sick, so it wasn't the same :( nonetheless, my girls were SO excited to get dressed up and go out with their Daddy!

Avery wanted a dress that sparkled and twirled when she spun around and Ella wanted to design her own shirt to wear! I love how different they are!

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When they got home, they were wiped out! Rick said they had so much fun, and that makes me so happy to hear!!

While they were out having fun, I took Brayden on a Mom/Son date night to Dave & Busters. We both love arcade games so we had a blast!! We won so many bonuses and went home with way too much crap, but the memories we made were worth it!!

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Saturday was a slow morning, then Ella had rehearsal for the musical she is in, both her and Brayden had a basketball game, then all 3 kids had playdates with friends in the afternoon.

The 5 of us went out to dinner which was really nice (everyone behaved, woohoo!) then it was home for a movie - have you seen Playing with Fire?! such a cute, funny one!!

Yesterday was my nieces baptism but Ella woke up with a headache and a slight fever so we decided to stay back while Rick and the other kiddos went.  I was sad to miss!


This is a short week for the kids, they have half day Thursday and no school Friday, throw in Valentines parties in there and it's going to be a good one!


Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Valentine's Day with Jerky Gent

Year after year I struggle with what to get the hubby for Valentine's Day. We don't go totally overboard for each other but we do like to get something. Usually I do a bunch of his favorite candy.

Well recently I discovered Jerky Gent and man, is the hubs going to love his gift this year!!! JerkyGent makes it easy to discover and try great-tasting craft jerky brands every month. 

All jerky subscription box orders include a curated assortment of delicious, gourmet beef jerky based on your flavor and spice preference. Every order is hand-picked and shipped out of sunny Las Vegas, Nevada.


There are 3 subscription boxes to choose from, you can see them here


JerkyGent Craft Beef Jerky Subscription Box



Or you can do a gift box, one time only or multiple times! see those here

JerkyGent Beef Jerky Gift Box, One-Month
You can also order individual flavor bags - those can be found here








With all that Jerky Gent has to offer, you are bound to find the perfect gift for the jerky lover in your life!


You can shop all the items they have to offer here


Have you heard of Jerky Gent? Head over there today to see all they have to offer! This week you can use code VDAY10 to save 10% on all gift orders!!



*thank you JerkyGent for sponsoring this post

Friday, January 31, 2020

Friday Favorites {1.31.20}

Well here we are, the last day of the month that seemed to be never ending! I don't know why this month has felt so long, but it has and I'm ready to see it go!


{ONE}

I am obsessed with these Whisps!! it's so bad, I could eat the whole bag in one sitting (which isn't hard to do!)




{TWO}

with the big game on Sunday, these would be so cute to make!!

Football Rice Krispie Treats! These cute footballs are perfect for any pee wee team party, super bowl party or game day!



{THREE}


I saw this self tanner went on a big price drop and grabbed it! does anyone use this?? I hope I like it!

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, 8 Fl Oz

{FOUR}

I didn't get around to do a weekend recap, but we saw Disney on Ice last week (me and the girls, my sister and nephew) and it was definitely a favorite!! The kids' faces were lit up the entire time which made it that much more amazing!!!

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{FIVE}


After watching You, I decided to go back and watch Dexter.  I can't believe I never watched this! I'm almost to season 7 (jeez there are alot of episodes!!) and I think I cringe every time I watch waiting for him to get caught! definitely been a favorite of mine lately!


Image result for dexter


That's a wrap - our weekend should be a fun one! We have a Girl Scout field trip later today, kids' basketball games tomorrow, as well as a Mommy/Daddy night out, and Sunday Super Bowl with friends!! Hope you all enjoy your weekend!

xo,
Lizzie


*linking up with A Little Bit of Everything

Friday, January 24, 2020

Friday Favorites {1.23.20}

Woohoo, here we are, another Friday!! We have a fun night planned - I'm taking the girls to Disney on Ice and Rick & Brayden are doing a dad/son night. the weather is going to be awful though so that won't be fun - mix of snow/rain. I would much rather just have snow!

On to the favorites of the week:

{ONE}

I ordered this top last week and am loving it!! Its super soft and since I'm a shorty I can easily wear with leggings too! it's still part of a 40% off promo so go get it!!

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{TWO}

I'm trying to eat low-er carb in an effort to drop some holiday lbs that are still hanging around. I have never been one to truly diet, but I do know the one time I did lowish carbs I lost some weight. Anyway, I'm on the hunt for tons of yummy low carb recipes - I made this one this week and it was delish! - if you have any good low carb dishes, send my way please!!



{THREE} 

It was snowing all day yesterday and I was stuck at home with a plumber replacing our pressure tank - we had no water for several hours so there wasn't much I could do (laundry, dishes, etc) so I just binged some Dexter and worked in my group - this was the scene out the window, it was so pretty! (although I can't wait to get back into our pool this summer!)




{FOUR}

We are patiently waiting for the Ice Castles to open so we can go check them out! they are in the next state but it's a short drive so we'll do it on the weekend - has anyone ever been??

Image result for ice castles



{FIVE}

I saw this meme floating around and laughed out loud - for some reason January is really feeling long this time around!!


Related image

Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Weekend Recap 1.20.20

Happy Tuesday! We had an extra long weekend with MLK day yesterday so I'm here today to recap it all.

We picked the kids up from school early on Friday and headed a couple hours away to a cute town for a friends/ski weekend! the plan for Friday was go out to dinner and relax at the rental house but once we arrived in town the snow was coming down so hard. We decided instead of driving into town for our reservation we went to the clubhouse in the neighborhood for dinner - all together there were 17 of us and it was a little chaotic at times but fun too!

After dinner, we went back to the house and all hung out and we probably let the kids stay up way too late

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Saturday morning it was up early to get moving to the ski mountain. the kids had ski school and we had to get them all set up and dropped off around 8:30 - once that was done I went to get my rental equipment and headed off to a lesson. I've only been on skis twice and never had a formal lesson so I was glad to do one.

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After my lesson I met up with Rick and the rest of our friends and we skied for a while then went into the restaurant and grabbed a drink before we had to get the kids from their lesson.

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We all had lunch then we took the kids back out for a little, but the weather took a turn for the worse and a crazy wind storm came in so decided to call it for the day - we were all EXHAUSTED. I was incredibly proud of our kids for giving their all in their lesson - it was a long time to be away and learning something new but they did great!!!!

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We ordered in some dinner later on and played some games and got the kids to bed at a decent hour without any pushback on their end (they were all so tired!) the adults stayed up a while playing this fun game then we needed sleep.

Sunday was a nice big breakfast then cleaned up and headed home. We relaxed the rest of the day which was so nice.


Image may contain: 15 people, including Ashley Lauren, Steve Robles, Karyn Ryg Robles, Rick Simantz and Mike Korcyl, people smiling, outdoor and closeup


Yesterday since the kids were off and we had snow, a bunch of us went sledding. the kids lasted over 2 hours and would have kept going! we took them to lunch then home for more play in the snow!



Phew, looking forward to a scheduled rest of the week!







 
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