What's Up Wednesday {8.29.18}

Oh look, I finally got my act together so I could do a What's Up Wednesday post 😜 I'm hoping this continual blogging becomes more of a thing now that 2 kids are in school!


Today I'm linking up with Shay to talk all about our month!

What we're eating this week:

Some easy stuff since our nights are back to being jam packed! Pasta/meatballs, tacos, and a favorite dish we haven't made in a while, cheeseburger gnocchi!

via

What I'm reminiscing about:

What am I always reminiscing  about, my kids being smaller! I swear, I'm blinking and time is flying. I'm thinking back to when Brayden started Kindergarten and how nervous I was and how little he was, how Ella was just 2 I swear, and Avery, wasn't I just nursing her to sleep?


What I'm loving:

My new Facebook group!! I'm still rocking We Heart Deals (I would love for you to join!) and now I'm also doing Frugal Fashionistas which is all about looking cute without spending a ton of money!







What we've been up to:

This month has been jam packed with so much fun! We had our annual vacation with Ricks family, crammed in the last bits of summer and Brayden & Ella started school!

What I'm dreading:

Nothing at the moment - that's a good thing, right?!


What I'm working on:

Oh I have so much I want to get done once Avery starts preschool - organize our life is the top priority!



What I'm excited about:

This weekend is our towns fest and it's always a good time! Rides, games, the craft fair and the parade!



What I'm watching/reading:


Recently I finished Girl, Was Your Face and I know there's controversy over it but I personally loved it! I found it very relatable





Rick and I are watching Very Cavallari and loving it, especially when Jay Cutler makes an appearance!

What I'm listening to:

We are jamming out to Taylor Swift these days since Ella & I are going to her concert next month!

What I'm wearing:

If you're in my group you have been seeing my outfits - I've been on a total Old Navy kick

This tunic I ended up buying in a few colors because I will totally wear them all the time once the weather drops!

I scored this tee for $5 the other week and I'm loving it! (it's still on sale too!)

What I'm doing this weekend:

As I mentioned, it's our towns annual fest so we'll be there a couple of days, we also have my cousins baby's 1st birthday party so it will be a fun filled weekend!

What I'm looking forward to next month:

So much good stuff!! Ella's birthday, going to see Taylor Swift, Rick & I are going on an adult only weekend getaway with 2 of our couple friends, we have the Bears game too, it's going to be a really fun month!

What else is new:

Not much other than it's pretty quiet around here with both Brayden & Ella in school! I can tell Avery misses her sister because she's always known her to be around, she was use to Brayden being gone because that's all she remembers, but Ella, that's her sidekick.

Bonus: Favorite back to school tradition:

I always drive the kids on their first day and then have their favorite snack or treat ready for them after school

Beach Bag Essentials

Happy Wednesday!!  The weather is warming up and pretty soon it will be swimming time! Today I'm talking all about the beach/pool bag

Bag - well yeah, you first need a good bag! I like ones that are mesh with lots of pockets!

Sunscreen - I always keep one in my beach/pool bag and one at home. Blue Lizard is what I've been using for the kids but I really don't have a favorite for myself, any suggestions??

Brush - I always have a wet brush handy in my beach/pool bag! The best for detangling hair!

Towels - yep, these are obviously needed!!

Hair Ties - you can never be without hair ties!

Water bottle - I always try and drink lots of water, and being at the pool or beach is when you really need to hydrate! And how awesome is this Contigo Auto Chill?! Keeps your drink cold up to 28 hours!!

Sunglasses - it's always good to keep an extra pair in the bag, just in case!


So what's in your beach bag??


*linking up with Jessi's Design & Lindsays Sweet World

*affiliate links used

What's Up Wednesday {4.25.18}

Happy Hump Day!! I was already on edge this week because there is a lot going on and to top it off me and the kids got in a car accident yesterday on the way to Brayden's religious class (about a minute away from our house) We were minding our own business at a red light and a huge truck smashed right into us. We are all ok but definitely shook up. I think that was God's way to say slooooooooow down, and if so, I got it, I'll take a few breaths and relax just please don't let that happen again!

Anyway, it's the last Wednesday of the month which means it's time to link up with  Shay, Mel & Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday!!

What we're eating this week:

We had the kids favorite - pasta & meatballs Monday, takeout last night since I was in no mood to cook after the accident and the rest of the week will be the yummy chicken enchilada bake that's always a hit and some other easy stuff - we have a busy week so we need quick, easy meals!

via

What I'm reminiscing about:

Like always, when one of my kids were small. This time it's been Brayden. Memories from 7+ years ago are popping up on FB and make feel all the feels! I can't believe he will be 8 this year and is making his 1st Communion Saturday!

What I'm loving:

These new sandals I got the girls! I know they're not twins but I can't help but always want them to match!

What we've been up to:

Baseball, baseball, baseball!!! And dance, and school, and religious classes, you know, just the norm!

What I'm Dreading:

Dealing with insurance for this car accident, it's already starting off a bit shaky and I know it's just going to be a process until it's done. 

What I'm Working On:

As always, my deals group and my fashionista group - I love these groups so much!! Currently there's a giveaway going on in my fashion group, be sure to enter!!

What I'm Excited About:

Brayden making his 1st Communion Saturday and the girls' dance recital on Sunday! So much fun happening this weekend!!

What I'm Watching/Reading:

Cannot get enough of the Greatest Showman as I've already shared, I think it's safe to say it's my new favorite movie. The story, the music, the message, all of it is just so darn good

Also still watching Rosanne and LOVING it! And Splitting Up Together is so good too!!

What I'm Listening To:

Silence at this moment, but I'm hoping to get The Greatest Showman CD for Mother's Day 

What I'm Wearing:

I've been sharing so many outfit inspiration in my new group but have yet to be able to wear most of it out because our weather has been so whack! It's finally getting nicer out and I'm loving it!!!

I've been living in my MMM double hoods, I wear them all week long with nicer weather - it's so nice to not have to wear a coat!!

What I'm Doing This Weekend:

Oh this weekend is a busy one!! Friday night Brayden has baseball pictures, followed by a game, Saturday morning I'm taking the girls to dance rehearsal and dance pictures while Rick & Brayden have practice, then it's home to get our handsome son ready for his 1st Communion, and then it's the after party, and Sunday we have another baseball game. Phew, I'm already exhausted LOL

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:

More baseball games, I love that I'm finally able to watch a little bit of Brayden's games, rather than chase the girls around the entire time. I still have to watch them but they play pretty well with the other siblings so I can actually watch some of the game. There's some family parties and birthdays which will all be fun too

What Else is New:

I went to Kindergarten orientation this week for Ella and I couldn't help but feel a little sad.  I know it's still far away but I'm going to miss that little girl so much when she is in school all day!!

*linking up with Jessi's Design & Lindsays Sweet World

What's Up Wednesday {3.28.18}

Here we are, the last Wednesday of the month! I feel like March didn't even happen - literally I blinked and we are at the end of it!

Anyway, the last Wednesday of the month means it's time for What's Up Wednesday and I'm linking up with Shay, Mel & Sheaffer!

What we're eating this week:

I actually whipped up a new recipe that was so yummy! It was similar to this recipe, but I swapped the re fried beans for black beans because that's what we had, and it made it a little healthier!

Other than that, there will be a lot of eating out this week because it's Spring Break and we're going on a little staycation! I see pizza, burgers, italian, you name it, in our future :)


What I'm reminiscing about:

I keep seeing people's trips to Disney World and it has our last trip on my mind! It was so fun and I just really want to get back there, like now.

What I'm loving:

My new group I started on FB! It's all about sharing outfit inspiration & cute clothes that won't break the bank! Don't get me wrong, I love following those big bloggers who post super cute stuff, but 90% of the time I can't buy what they're sharing. That's kind of what inspired me to start this group! I would love for you to join if you want - you can here - oh and there's a super fun giveaway ending tonight!!

What we've been up to:

Lots of family time which has been great because we are about to get so busy with baseball season starting!!

 

What I'm dreading:

Well really nothing, except maybe my kids' dental appts. I really hope no one has cavities!!


What I'm working on:

As I mentioned above, my new FB group and of course my other FB group (which is about sharing aaaaaaaaaaaaaalll the deals!!) Other than that, I'm trying to figure out a place for our 10yr anniversary vacation we are taking later this year. It's going to be a family trip and now I am thinking about Sanibel, FL - anyone ever been??


What I'm excited about:

Our little stay-cation in the city!! Chicago is so beautiful and has so much to offer! It's so close and I'm embarrassed we don't go down there more. We are going to play tourists for a few days and I cannot wait!




What I'm watching/reading:

We are watching the new shows on ABC

Roseanne because I totally grew up watching that and I just feel like I have to watch



and

Splitting up Together



Anyone watch those last night?


What I'm listening to:

Right now? Silence...ahhhhhhhh. But if I'm in the car, we have a princess CD we rented from the library and it's on repeat - not gonna lie, I kind of love it :)


What I'm wearing:

Lots of MMM double hoods because I love to be cozy. Also my duck boots because there's been some rain. Other than that just my new favorite tees from Target (that I got for $5!!)

What I'm doing this weekend:

We are dying Easter eggs Saturday night and Sunday is Easter!


What I'm looking forward to next month:

Brayden is making his Communion and both girls have their dance recital! Oh, and baseball games start for one of Brayden's leagues he's on (he's on 2) so it will be a fun filled month!

What else is new:

I mentioned about a giveaway in my new group - it's for one of the famous MMM double hoods and I'm so excited to gift this to someone! You should totally enter to win here!



Bonus Question - What's your favorite Easter tradition:

I love dying the eggs with the kids! It's so much fun (and really messy) but I love seeing how excited they get!



Phew that was alot! I'm off to enjoy the beautiful day we are going to have today - it's suppose to  hit 60!!



*linking up with Jessi's Design & Lindsays Sweet World

What's Up Wednesday {11.22.17}

Happy Wednesday before Thanksgiving!! I remember the days when we were going on this night and staying out waaaay too late, having too much fun. Nowadays me and Rick agree that staying home is so much better, or maybe we're just getting old? Either way, you won't find me out tonight, instead, I'll be cozied on the couch watching Charlie Browns Thanksgiving then binging Stranger Things season 2

Today is What's Up Wednesday and I'm linking up with Shay, Mel & Sheaffer

What we're eating this week:

Other than my favorite meal of the entire year, we are having some basic dinners over here. Taco night, pasta/meatballs and I made this one pan cheesy chicken broccoli & rice - it was so yum!!

via

What I'm reminiscing about:

I started watching some videos of our Disney trip and then looked back at all the pics (for the 30th time) - even though it was just over a month ago, I'm reminiscing about it and wanting to get back!

If you're into recaps, you can read ours  here, here  here & here

What I'm loving:

All the cute Christmas decor I'm seeing everywhere we go! I told my Mom & sis that this year I want to really deck the halls and go crazy like those Hallmark movies houses hahaha! Speaking of holiday decor, how cute is this Santa milk jug?!?! It's only $8 too!! There's so many other fun holiday drinkware too!

And if you're in need of a sign, you should totally check out Amanda's shop! Such cute stuff!!

I'm also loving all the awesome Black Friday deals that have already started!!! Like these big, cozy plush blankets from Kohls! They are $7.64 after you use code SAVEBIG15!! That's crazy!!!! There are so many designs to choose from too - I ordered the snowflake but now I want to get more, maybe 1 for each kid and then some as gifts

What we've been up to:

The girls are off school this week but I have conferences for both of them. We are also packing our days with play dates and I took them to the mall yesterday because Ella had been begging to go. Today Brayden is off with us but I've scheduled 2 playdates for him today so he'll be kept occupied :)

What I'm working on:

As always, posting amazing deals to my FB group and trying to grow it! There's actually an awesome giveaway going on that ends tonight so head here if you would like to join & enter!!

What I'm excited about:

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!! Like I said, I literally look forward to eating this meal all  year long! And my cousins brand new baby will be there so I can give her all the snuggles!

What I'm watching/reading:

Watching How to Get Away With Murder (now it's on a break, boo!), Shameless, Stranger Things & Curb Your Enthusiasm when I can stay away while Rick watches it

Reading The Husbands Secret - wanting to finish this soon so I can start Winter Solstice 

                


What I'm listening to:

As I type this, silence, which is almost unheard of around here :)


What I'm wearing:

I live in my baby blardigan pretty much every night! It's so cozy and I'm so happy I splurged on it

Loving my new turtleneck from Nordstrom! (still on sale too!!)

And of course one of my many MMM hoodies!!

And my utility jacket is making its way nicely through my outfits. I plan on wearing it for Thanksgiving tomorrow too

What I'm doing this weekend:

This is probably my favorite weekend of the entire year!! It starts with Thanksgiving on Thursday, Friday morning we are heading out to cut down our tree, Friday night we are going to a neighboring towns tree lighting, Saturday we are full on decorating the house and Saturday night me and Rick get to have a date night!!! Then Sunday we can RELAX! :)

I can't wait to hang our new custom sign from E&M Pallet Designs!!

What I'm looking forward to next month:

Ummmmm, everything CHRISTMAS, DUH!!!!





What else is new:

We just had an appt with a surgeon for Ella's umbilical hernia and I was so happy to hear the news was the same as Brayden - we are just going to monitor and observe it because it's so tiny and he doesn't see surgery as being necessary. I mentioned before that I LOVE this surgeon, I just instantly felt good when I met him. He is older, probably late 60's and I love his flat out information he gives. No BS. I also love when drs tell you what they would do personally, it just makes me feel better. He said if it was his daughter or granddaughter, he would not ever do the surgery. Of course he said it's up to us and part of me only would do it because I am worried if it comes to the point where either kid (or both) do need it down the line, he will be retired. But after talking it over with Rick, we are sitting tight. We do not want our children to undergo the process of being intubated and put out if it's not completely necessary.

So all that to say, no surgery and we are thrilled! We went into that appt really thinking we would be scheduling her surgery for the new year.


That's a wrap for today! I'm not sure if I'll be back Friday with some favorites but either way, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!