Friday Favorites {1.19.18}

Horray for Friday!! Although I could use about 6 more hours of sleep. Poor Ella woke up around 11pm throwing up and it continued about every 20 minutes until 5am #sendhelp.  Cleaning up vomit is the absolute worst, it took everything I had not to add to the mess.



Anyway, here's a look at some favorites of the week


{ONE} - Budgeting

I shared 5 tips on how to stay on budget earlier this week - if you missed it, you can read about it here. It's all stuff I'm currently implementing in hopes that I can stay on budget in 2018 👐

{TWO} - Girl Chat

We had our first Girl Chat linkup for 2018 yesterday and it was so fun!! Seriously, I loved this topic so much and really enjoyed reading about everyone! If you want to read more about me, check it out here

{THREE} - KEEP

I am loving the new stuff by KEEP! I am really wanting a necklace where I can incorporate my kids and Rick and I think I will find that through this line.  I'm also obsessed with their bracelets! There is so much customization you can do, the possibilities are endless! You can see everything here

{FOUR} - Sales!

I'm loving these peplum tops from Nordstrom! Right now they're on sale for $20 too which is awesome! Wish I could get every one!

These robe + slipper sets are on clearance for only $6!! At that price, you can stash away and give as gifts!

I'm also loving the color of these Hunters!! Soooo pretty and over half off!!

{FIVE} - SNOW!

Snow is definitely a favorite this week - we got a good 6" between Monday-Tuesday and we've been playing in it non stop! We went sledding 3 times this week (which is a record for us) I love that my kids love playing in the snow!

Here's to hoping the rest of us don't catch the stomach flu!!

Linking up with:

Momfessionals

Carolina Charm

Girl Chat {Reintroductions}

Hi friends! Today is our first Girl Chat link up of 2018!!! 

Today we're talking reintroductions

I'll dive right in...

• My name is Lizzie
• I'm 33
• I live in the suburbs of Chicago 
• I have 3 kids who are my world (Brayden 7, Ella 5. Avery 3)
• I've been married for almost 10yrs 
• I've known my husband since HS - we dated a couple of years then broke up and got back together
• I started blogging in 2013 to keep a digital family scrapbook - I love that when I'm old and grey (lord willing) I will have this space I can look back on
• I am a worrier - I worry just about everything
• I've suffered from anxiety for years and thankfully I can keep it under control on my own
• I am the type of person who will never feel "done" with having kids and that bothers me. I wish I could distinctly be one way or the other 
• I'm really into true crime/murder shows. Dateline is a top fave and then numerous random shows on Investigation Discovery
• I'm sure a lot of my worrying/anxiety comes from watching said shows but I can't stop
• I LOVE being a stay at home Mom which is funny because before having kids I never had a desire to be one. Funny how things change
• I LOVE food- like it's a problem. I could eat and eat like it's my job. I don't discriminate, I love all food and am probably the least pickiest eater you'll meet
• I also LOVE the snow - it makes me so happy and when I think of the perfect vacation, there is definitely snow involved
• This may sound 1920's, but I love being a homemaker - the one to make all the meals, keep the house clean, manages our schedules, etc. 
• That being said, I'm not the best housewife - laundry has a terrible turnaround time and I'm not as organized as I'd like to be
• I love being crafty and wish there was more time to fit this in
• I'm a deal hunter - I have an obsession with finding the best deal. I even have a FB group dedicated to it

So there you have it, some fun tidbits about me! I can't wait to read all about everyone today! 

We hope you link up below! And don’t forget to follow your hosts!

Danielle - Bloglovin / Instagram / Pinterest

Emily - Bloglovin / Instagram / Pinterest 

Lindsay - Bloglovin / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Lizzie - Bloglovin / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

Sierra - Bloglovin / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook

5 tips to staying on a budget

I'm here today to admit that I have somewhat of a spending problem #thereisaidit

I can be a really good saver, but I can also be a really good spender and lately, spending has been my middle name. The hubby and I had a talk about it and we both agreed we need to spend less (mostly me, but it's nice to include him in the problem too) We thankfully do not have any credit card debt but it would be nice to spend less and put some money into savings.

Here's some ways I'm going to stay on budget in 2018


{ONE} - Track Expenses

Oh my gosh, doing this right after the holidays probably wasn't the best idea, but it totally showed me how frivolous I was being with our money! After listing out all of the extra purchases we made, I also wrote down our monthly expenses - things that we cannot change. I realize the problem area here is the spending on lots of "extras" and I'm going to do my hardest to stop


{TWO} - The Envelope System

I blogged all about my envelope system that I use to keep track of my monthly spending - you can read all about it here - this is totally working for me.

{THREE} - Meal Plan

I have been really good about meal planning for the past year, but it's usually just with dinner. I need to branch out and start including breakfast/lunch in there too.  I also usually only meal plan through Thursday because Friday is pizza night and Saturday we usually eat out (sometimes Sunday too!) that has gotten way out of control and I need to start planning weekend meals.

There's tons of meal planning printables on Pinterest which can be super helpful!

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{FOUR} - Make Lists and stick to them!!

I can tell you right now that when I show up to the store without a list, I buy whatever the heck I want. I don't know why this happens, it just does.  Somehow running to Target for toilet paper, ends up with me purchasing $100 worth of stuff I did not need (I know I'm not alone here)

When I have a list, I am more determined to stick to it (with the occasional extra purchases)

So if I only need lightbulbs, toilet paper, dog food, that's what I need to write down and those are the only things I need to buy.



{FIVE} - Just Say No

Sometimes, I'm going to just have to say "no" and that's OK.  I'm sorry, but no I cannot go out to dinner for the 2nd time this week, or no, I'm sorry I can't go out shopping. I need to learn to spend within our means and not over-splurge.



So there you have it - 5 ways I'm trying to really stay on budget in the new year. What do you do if you stick to a budget?

Don't forget tomorrow is our first installment of 2018 Girl Chat!! We would love for you to link up and share some reintroductions!!

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

Weekly Recap {1.15.18}

Happy Monday!! I almost completely forgot the kids have no school today - good thing I realized it late last night or this morning would be looking alot different! 

We had a good, uneventful week and an even better weekend. 

Monday after school, Ella's friend came over and we played in the snow. The weather was perfect, (30's) and I knew the snow was on its way out with a warm up coming. I helped them build a snowman which they then proceeded to knock him down 5 seconds later :)

Ha ha, yes Ella is pogo-ing in the snow :)

Ella has never been into babies, but ever since Avery got one for Christmas, she's obsessed! She's been loving on a baby she's had for years (but never even touched) and it's really cute to see!!

Amanda from That Inspired Chick posted about these car hooks and I literally couldn't add them to my cart fast enough!!! It's SO nice hanging my purse up rather than tossing it on the floor in the back! I've also used them for hanging bags from the store or the girls' backpacks - seriously, LIFESAVER!

Ella and I headed to the library while Avery was at school and we played a mean game of Checkers - she totally kicked my butt :)

We had to drop the dog off at the vet and Avery was mesmerized by the gerbils 

We had lots of play doh time!

Ella cracks me up! She was doing quiet time in her room and I saw an envelope tossed into the hallway with my name on it - she is so darn cute with her little notes and drawings!!

Friday we had some friends over and the kids played while the adults chatted. Saturday we had dance lessons then Brayden's basketball game. We dropped all 3 kids off at my Moms for their sleepover around 4:30 and then Rick and I headed to a local winery for a tasting. It was so much fun! After that we were going to head home to make dinner but there was a brand new brewery that opened right by the winery so we stopped in to check it out. Definitely a place we will re-visit!

(don't you just love that giant picture photo bomb?! LOL)

After that we came home and Rick grilled us some bone in ribeyes and we had tons of other sides and I was FULL! So full that we hit the couch to watch our shows and I passed out by 8:30pm! So ridiculous but I was so tired! However, then I woke up at 11 and was up until 2am - go figure


Sunday we went to a friends birthday party at a roller rink and it was the kids' first time - they did well overall. Avery was done however within minutes, Brayden really kept trying until he fell one too many times and got hurt and Ella just kept going and going! Girlfriend didn't want to stop, she was having so much fun!

Avery and her friend Avery (they were both born on the same day/year too!!)

Brayden trying to pick out his prizes from his arcade tickets :)

 

How was your weekend? 

*linking up with BLovedBoston & The Sirois Family

Friday Favorites {1.12.18}

Happy Friday friends! This week wasn't as rough as I thought it would be getting back into the swing of things. The kids have been really happy being back at school so that's always a plus!

Meanwhile, I'm sure all teachers are like this

Let's dive into my favorites of the week!!


{ONE} - RINGS!!

You guys, I found my rings! They were sitting on top of the bookshelf in the playroom mixed in with a few books - I feel so silly for not seeing them there but I think I was so focused on looking at the most random places a 3yr old would place them that I wasn't even thinking!!

I was so happy to have found them but they were gone for so long that it got me looking at other rings. I have always loved my engagement ring but lately I'm more drawn to a round stone rather than princess cut. Since it's our 10yr this year we are thinking of possibly just changing my setting a little or a new ring (nothing crazy just a little different) that being said, I could never part with my e-ring if we do go that route so I was thinking I would take the diamonds and turn them into rings for my girls. I would love to give them something meaningful like that but it would probably have to be when they are much, much older, like 16!

Anyway - these are just thoughts floating around in my head but for now I'm so happy to have found them!!


{TWO} -  Girl Chat 2018

Yep, Girl Chat will be back for 2018!! I'm super excited for this link up this year - below is our graphic and also a graphic which lists out the topics. We will be hosting this link up on the 3rd Thursday of each month and I really plan to be better about reminding people of it.

{THREE} - Monthly Spending Envelope System

I shared a monthly spending envelope system earlier in the week and I'm so happy to hear you all thought it was a great idea! If you missed it, you can read all about it here

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{FOUR} - New Shoes

The hubby got me these for Christmas and I love them! I haven't worn them yet because we've had snow and slush on the ground since Christmas but I can't wait to break these babies out!

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{FIVE} - Healthy Recipe

I'm on a healthy kick and I saw the video for these on FB and they look DELISH!! I plan on making these soon!!

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I'm off to get our weekend started! It will be filled with friend time, dance class, basketball game and ALL 3 KIDS are sleeping at Grandma's tomorrow!! This is a first so Rick and I have plans to go out and then probably go to bed by 9 without any interruptions! 

See you all back here Monday!

Linking up with:

Momfessionals

Carolina Charm

Monthly Spending Envelope System

Everyone knows I'm really good at saving money - but I'm also really good at spending money.

Today I'm going to show you how to create a simple and easy envelope system for tracking your monthly spending. Things like groceries, gas, shopping etc. I am starting off this new year being better with my money and this is for sure going to help me.

I found this system years ago on Pinterest (I cannot find the original pin for the life of me!) and utilized it once upon a time. It worked very well for me, that is, until I stopped using it.

*Something to note first - we use credit for pretty much everything and then pay it off every month. That way we can take advantage of cashback rewards. When I'm using this envelope system, I am not using cash but you totally can

So here's how my envelope system works:

After writing down our monthly expenses that won't change (mortgage, utilities, cable, etc) we came up with a number that we need to keep our monthly spending to. This includes spending for things like gas, groceries, co pays, eating out, etc. I took our monthly number and divided it by 4.33 (52 weeks divided by 12 to get the average since some months have more weeks than others)

That number is my amount I get to spend each week.

Now it's time to grab your envelope (I prefer business letter size) and at the top (if placing sideways) write down the month and year.

Then, divide it into 4 sections for 4 weeks (doesn't have to be perfect, clearly mine isn't) and write each week in it's section

So let's just say my number is $300 - I will write that into each weekly box at the top. Now for every purchase I make in each week, I will need to write it down and keep track.

After each purchase, I make sure to stick the receipt into my envelope (which I keep in my purse) and when I get home, I record the amount and stick the receipt inside. This is also super helpful because now my receipts for the entire month will be in one spot!! (also make sure to record any online purchases!)

If at the end of each week there is money left, you can choose to either roll that into the next week, or save it. I will probably do a little of both :) At the end of each month, I file the envelope away and again, if I need to ever go back to a certain month and find a receipt, it's all there.


So what do you think? Good idea? For me, this is something I need to do to stay accountable and mindful of my spending.

*linking up with Jessi's Design

Winter Break Recap

Winter Break 2017-2018 is in the books and wow did we have fun!! I'm actually going to miss my kiddos all being home with me!

Let's take a look at what we did over break:

The first day off we made cookies and just hung around - I remember it being a really good day and one that I'll hopefully always remember

We watched Brayden play in his basketball game

We celebrated Christmas and then enjoyed Rick being off work for the entire week after 

We went bowling

We went to the trampoline park

We squeezed in a date night which was extra special because it was snowing 

We went sledding with friends - only got a few pis because everyone's phone died because of the cold

 

We celebrated NYE

I decided to say yes to mac n cheese for breakfast after Avery asked numerous times

I took the kids to the "fun" library a few towns over - seriously this place is like a kids museum!

 

 

We made crafts

We had lots of snuggle time

We saw a magician at the library (same magician who came to Brayden's 5th birthday actually, he's so good!!)

We made sure to drink LOTS and lots of hot cocoa

 And we went to Gameworks with some friends

We had a nice relaxing weekend to finish up break and yesterday we went to an outdoor class my sister was teaching through Tinkergarten. It was pretty cold and I had a total Mom fail and didn't put the kids in their snowpants but Brayden braved it and had alot of fun! The girls hung in the car with my Mom and watched, they were too cold

 

We all went out to lunch after then spent the rest of the day/night just relaxing.

Now it's back to the grind!!

*linking up with BLovedBoston & The Sirois Family