Reading: Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts. My mom really loves this author and recommended I try one of her books and I am so glad she did. This is my first Nora Roberts book but it won't be my last. The way she writes is so descriptive, I feel like I can visualize everything that is happening. I have realized I like books that keep you guessing/suspense/thrillers and this one has a love story kinda mixed in there too. I'm almost finished with it and I'm going to be sad when it's over.
Watching: We just wrapped up Stranger Things. YOU GUYS! Are you watching? This is normally not up my alley {Sci-Fi? Aliens? No thank you!} but I was obsessed. We finished it in four days and I hear there is unofficially going to be a second season {fingers crossed}. Now I think we're going to give The Night Of a try, anyone?
Listening to: First of all I can't get Megan Trainor's 'Me Too' out of my head, ever. But in real music I'm obsessed with the new Twenty-One Pilots song Heathens from The Suicide Squad soundtrack. Josh {the drummer} is my brother-in-laws best friend so we've known of them since before they were on the VMA's and if anyone deserves fame its these two. So stoked about all their success!
Shopping for: I am on the hunt for the perfect pair of booties. I don't want a heel {I don't think anyway}. I want a neutral color that I can wear with everything. I'll mostly be wearing them with jeans. I don't want them to have any cut outs or a super pointy toe. Specific enough?! Geez. So if you see anything tag me!
Craving: The weather needs to cool down a bit {OK a lot} first but I need some of my spiced/spiked cider ASAP. My aunt always made spiced cider in the fall and now it's become a tradition that just signifies fall, cooler temps, and time spent with friends. I love it.
Looking forward to: Halloween. I get so excited every year, I love Halloween. The kids {and Jimmy} think we should all dress up as Star Wars characters {they all think it would be hilarious if I were Chewbacca}.
Practicing: I started doing daily affirmations/mantras every morning right when I wake up. I'm trying to avoid getting on my phone right away and instead focus on me/my mind for about 15 minutes before I start my day. It has helped TREMENDOUSLY. I feel mentally healthy and it's affecting all areas of my life. If you do daily affirmations and know of a good resource let me know!
Working out: I started doing PIYO again about a month ago. I wanted something a little more mellow, less intense, after finishing 22 Minute Hard Corps and PIYO was the perfect thing. It's been a while since I have done the program from the beginning and I forgot how much I love it and how well my body responds.
Smelling {that sounds weird}: I'm welcoming fall even if the Ohio weather isn't. That means I'm warming fall scents in my Scentsy warmers starting today! Always a favorite is the pumpkin marshmallow and their newer coconut pumpkin pie. I'm also changing out all the hand soaps to fall scents from B&BW. My favorite? Toasted vanilla coconut, hands down!
Dreading: Jimmy decided to have a garage sale this weekend. Labor Day weekend is HUGE for garage sales where we live however we've never participated in 6 years. Guess that changes this year. I am scared and unprepared.
Drinking: I think I've talked about these k-cups before but they're so good I don't care. The Donut Shop Nutty Caramel, go get it! I'm assuming it's a seasonal flavor because I just saw it for the first time last week and instantly started singing, "reunited and feels so gooood". Yeah...
OK so that's what I'm up to/loving these days! How about you?
August 31, 2016
August 23, 2016
The Un-Pinterest Party
This weekend we celebrated Kendall turning six and James turning three with a very un-Pinterest worthy party. I actually kept thinking to myself, "Wow, this is like an old-fashion birthday party" that whole day. It was wonderful, actually. So, if you came here for beautiful party pictures of perfectly placed decorations, adorable party favors and custom birthday tees, you came to the wrong place.
Since the Dew babies birthdays are just two days apart we still do a combined birthday party while we can. In the years past we've been lucky and the themes have been neutral {Paw Patrol & pool party} but this year I knew we might have stronger opinions. Kendall wanted Shopkins {of course} and James is obsessed with all things Star Wars. That should be easy to combine, right {sarcasm font}? Top it all off Kendall decided she wanted to do it at the beach. OK, Shopkins+Star Wars+beach birthday party. You got it kid! I knew no such invitation existed {trust me I checked} so I used my ultra creative side and came up with an invite all on my own and I actually loved how it turned out.
The party was at a state park so we had no event coordinator or reservations to be made or even a deposit to pay. When I called to ask a few questions I was basically told we just show up the day of and that was it. Honestly the days leading up to the party felt really weird and I kept thinking, "I feel like I should be doing something!". But it was so nice to be so stress-free about this party, for once. Normally I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off days before throwing a party {all the cleaning!} and this year it was the complete opposite. It was glorious.
The extent of my decor included the ultra adorable cake pops and thirty-two {I may have over estimated} balloons. No coordinating party plates, no food labels, heck I didn't even use the tablecloths I bought due too the high winds on the beach. We had hot dogs {I may or may not have forgotten the ketchup and mustard}, chips, pretzels, fruit, veggies and fruit snacks. The kids swam, played Frisbee, blew bubbles, flew kites, and the adults played corn hole. It was actually quite perfect. I didn't even take any photos during the party but I'm thankful my mother-in-law snapped a few for the memory book.
You know the best part of this good ole fashion birthday party? Everyone had a blast! I wasn't worried about decorations getting ruined or making sure food was staying hot or whether the party entertainment was flowing. We just had a nice, easy couple of hours with our closest friends and family members and I think all of the kids went home tired {win!}.
Since the Dew babies birthdays are just two days apart we still do a combined birthday party while we can. In the years past we've been lucky and the themes have been neutral {Paw Patrol & pool party} but this year I knew we might have stronger opinions. Kendall wanted Shopkins {of course} and James is obsessed with all things Star Wars. That should be easy to combine, right {sarcasm font}? Top it all off Kendall decided she wanted to do it at the beach. OK, Shopkins+Star Wars+beach birthday party. You got it kid! I knew no such invitation existed {trust me I checked} so I used my ultra creative side and came up with an invite all on my own and I actually loved how it turned out. The party was at a state park so we had no event coordinator or reservations to be made or even a deposit to pay. When I called to ask a few questions I was basically told we just show up the day of and that was it. Honestly the days leading up to the party felt really weird and I kept thinking, "I feel like I should be doing something!". But it was so nice to be so stress-free about this party, for once. Normally I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off days before throwing a party {all the cleaning!} and this year it was the complete opposite. It was glorious.
The extent of my decor included the ultra adorable cake pops and thirty-two {I may have over estimated} balloons. No coordinating party plates, no food labels, heck I didn't even use the tablecloths I bought due too the high winds on the beach. We had hot dogs {I may or may not have forgotten the ketchup and mustard}, chips, pretzels, fruit, veggies and fruit snacks. The kids swam, played Frisbee, blew bubbles, flew kites, and the adults played corn hole. It was actually quite perfect. I didn't even take any photos during the party but I'm thankful my mother-in-law snapped a few for the memory book.
You know the best part of this good ole fashion birthday party? Everyone had a blast! I wasn't worried about decorations getting ruined or making sure food was staying hot or whether the party entertainment was flowing. We just had a nice, easy couple of hours with our closest friends and family members and I think all of the kids went home tired {win!}.
August 16, 2016
Happy Birthday Kendall Paige
My sweet Kendall,
Today you are SIX. No longer an age that fits on one hand, you are now a two hands age and that is crazy.
Sweet girl this day is bittersweet for your mama. On one hand I can hardly believe we are here but at the same time I can't and never want to remember life without you in it. It makes me so proud to watch you grow into the fine young lady you are. You are my first born and I tell you {almost} every day that you will always be my baby, even when you're thirty-five.
You're daddy and I had no idea what we were doing when we brought you into the world six years ago- the joy of being the first born. You were a dream baby and everyone always told us but since we had nothing to compare you to we didn't realize just how lucky we were. You had a little rough patch around age three {could have had something to do with the addition of your baby brother right around then} but we overcame it and you have been such a blessing.
You have the type of personality that everyone loves and wants to be around. You are shy even around people you know well and see often. Once you warm up, however, your spunky personality comes out. You are quiet and listen well around others. You don't like to push boundaries and are usually the most reserved kid in the group. You recently started becoming really protective of your brother and I find it super endearing. I love how cautious you are. I love that you think before you act {in most situations}. I hope you carry those traits with you throughout the teenage years {wishful thinking}.
This year you started {and rocked} kindergarten. We were nervous to send you, knowing you'd be the youngest in your class, but you proved that we made the right choice in sending you. You love school and doing homework {for now} and made tremendous strides this year. Math seems to be your strong subject and that makes me so happy seeing as that's where I struggled the most. You made a lot of new friends and even though there was some drama here and there you never let it affect you. You don't really like getting caught up in the petty stuff and for now just let it roll off your shoulder and move on from it pretty easily. I love that about you.
You are my tiny peanut girl, always the smallest in the group. You still fit into some 4T/5T clothing and your shoe size is just barely an 11. I tell you all the time that you are my tiny peanut and it drives you crazy. One day you'll appreciate your petite-ness, I promise.
Right now you really love swimming and soccer. This summer you have blown everyone away with how well you are swimming. From being a timid little girl who didn't even like putting her face under water to diving into the "deep end" for diving rings, you have done a 360 this summer. Soccer season is almost here and you can't wait to get back on the field with your friends. I love that you have a sport you are passionate about and with your determination I know you can be an excellent player.
You love all things you can collect- Shopkins, Twosies, basically any figurine on the market {especially animals}. You don't care for dolls, Barbies, American Girl or otherwise. In fact, when we were cleaning out the playroom you donate all of your baby dolls. Your love for animals runs deep though. You would own every stuffed dog, kitty, cheetah, bear, etc on the market if you could. You want to be a veterinarian when you grow up, you love animals so much. When we see a dog out in public you immediately want to reach out and pet it. If you had it your way we'd have about five dogs of our own.
Kendall Paige you made me a mom. You taught me what true, unconditional, selfless love was. You will always hold a special place in my heart as my first born. You were the answer to my prayers, the one thing I waited for my whole life. You are the sweetest, spunkiest, deeply caring, silliest, fun-loving, energetic girl I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am so lucky to call you mine.
I hope you have a wonderful day, you deserve it! You are SIX!
xo,
Mom
Sweet girl this day is bittersweet for your mama. On one hand I can hardly believe we are here but at the same time I can't and never want to remember life without you in it. It makes me so proud to watch you grow into the fine young lady you are. You are my first born and I tell you {almost} every day that you will always be my baby, even when you're thirty-five.
You're daddy and I had no idea what we were doing when we brought you into the world six years ago- the joy of being the first born. You were a dream baby and everyone always told us but since we had nothing to compare you to we didn't realize just how lucky we were. You had a little rough patch around age three {could have had something to do with the addition of your baby brother right around then} but we overcame it and you have been such a blessing.
You have the type of personality that everyone loves and wants to be around. You are shy even around people you know well and see often. Once you warm up, however, your spunky personality comes out. You are quiet and listen well around others. You don't like to push boundaries and are usually the most reserved kid in the group. You recently started becoming really protective of your brother and I find it super endearing. I love how cautious you are. I love that you think before you act {in most situations}. I hope you carry those traits with you throughout the teenage years {wishful thinking}.This year you started {and rocked} kindergarten. We were nervous to send you, knowing you'd be the youngest in your class, but you proved that we made the right choice in sending you. You love school and doing homework {for now} and made tremendous strides this year. Math seems to be your strong subject and that makes me so happy seeing as that's where I struggled the most. You made a lot of new friends and even though there was some drama here and there you never let it affect you. You don't really like getting caught up in the petty stuff and for now just let it roll off your shoulder and move on from it pretty easily. I love that about you.
You are my tiny peanut girl, always the smallest in the group. You still fit into some 4T/5T clothing and your shoe size is just barely an 11. I tell you all the time that you are my tiny peanut and it drives you crazy. One day you'll appreciate your petite-ness, I promise.
Right now you really love swimming and soccer. This summer you have blown everyone away with how well you are swimming. From being a timid little girl who didn't even like putting her face under water to diving into the "deep end" for diving rings, you have done a 360 this summer. Soccer season is almost here and you can't wait to get back on the field with your friends. I love that you have a sport you are passionate about and with your determination I know you can be an excellent player.
You love all things you can collect- Shopkins, Twosies, basically any figurine on the market {especially animals}. You don't care for dolls, Barbies, American Girl or otherwise. In fact, when we were cleaning out the playroom you donate all of your baby dolls. Your love for animals runs deep though. You would own every stuffed dog, kitty, cheetah, bear, etc on the market if you could. You want to be a veterinarian when you grow up, you love animals so much. When we see a dog out in public you immediately want to reach out and pet it. If you had it your way we'd have about five dogs of our own.
Kendall Paige you made me a mom. You taught me what true, unconditional, selfless love was. You will always hold a special place in my heart as my first born. You were the answer to my prayers, the one thing I waited for my whole life. You are the sweetest, spunkiest, deeply caring, silliest, fun-loving, energetic girl I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am so lucky to call you mine.
I hope you have a wonderful day, you deserve it! You are SIX!
xo,
Mom
August 14, 2016
Happy Birthday James Weston
Jamesy Baby,
Today you are THREE {3!!!}. I'm going to say all the cliche mom things that we all love to say each year our babies turn older, bear with me.
I can't believe it's been three years since I snuggled your little 8lb 10oz self. You were perfect in every way- the roundest head, the chubbiest cheeks, the thumb-sucking- you never looked like a newborn because of all your chub. I remember the first night you were born, it was just you and me, since your daddy went home to be with sissy, and I actually felt like my heart was about to burst. I never felt a love like I did in that moment and I finally felt like my life {and our family} was complete. I could cry just remembering those moments, they were so special. You were our missing piece.
In three years time you have taught me more than the previous thirty years combined. You have gone from being the sweetest snuggly baby I ever met to a kind of hard to deal with infant/toddler and now you are rounding the corner and sliding into awesomeness. You have made me shift my priorities {in a good way}, you have taught me that boys need to be loved on differently than girls and, most of all, you have shown me a whole different side {messier, crazier, more dangerous} of life. I wouldn't have you any other way.
Now that you are entering the next milestone, preschooler, you are more fun than ever. You manage to make everyone want to pull their hair out while simultaneously kiss your cheeks at the same time. Speaking of cheeks, yours are like pillows. I tell you every day that I hope your pillow cheeks never go away but each day they start dwindling away and transforming into a big boy face. You are WILD. You love to test the limits and are a true thrill-seeker. You will not think twice about jumping of the roof of a house boat, nearly sending me into cardiac arrest, or climbing on the counters to make "hot bread" {toast}. At the same time you are a lover. You snuggle like there's no tomorrow and I can't say I hate it. At night when I put you to bed you put your little arm around my neck and I can't help but lay there a little longer. If I didn't think it would create a bad habit I'd fall asleep in your arms every night.
You love your sister and even though you guys fight like cats and dogs at times, you are best buds. You look up to her and I can tell that she is truly your best friend. You love all things Star Wars, sports related, and your newest obsession is scary things. You love to say, "how bout a ghost!?" and make a "spooky" sound followed by, "how bout a monster?!" with a big "ROAR". You actually talk about ghosts quite often and it makes me wonder if you see them? Your favorite thing on the planet is your blankie and your baboo {pacifier} and while I know I should take the baboo away you make it so dang hard. Being outside, even if we are doing nothing at all, is your favorite way to spend any day. You love your daddy and when you think it's about time for him to get home, every day, you say, "daddy home now!?" with such excitement. But you are also a mama's boy and you have me wrapped around your little finger. You still call me "mama" but, unfortunately, you have stopped calling daddy "daddy-o" and he's just "daddy" now. Kendall has been "sissy" since you could talk but every once in a while you say "Kendall" and I can't help but smile when I hear it.
Three is going to be fun with you, I just know it. Even in the days leading to your birthday you have grown so much. You are talking so much more clearly, actually putting sentences together, and becoming less baby-ish every day. Your favorite word right now is "because". No matter what question I ask you the answer is "because" even when it doesn't make sense. I kind of love it. It's really amazing because I can actually see the wheels turning in your head as you try to figure out just what you want to say. It's really fun watching you learn and grow and I know three is going to be a big year.
Happy 3rd birthday my sweet, rotten, snuggly, crazy, dangerous, awesome, adorable boy. I love you.
xo,
Mama
Today you are THREE {3!!!}. I'm going to say all the cliche mom things that we all love to say each year our babies turn older, bear with me.
I can't believe it's been three years since I snuggled your little 8lb 10oz self. You were perfect in every way- the roundest head, the chubbiest cheeks, the thumb-sucking- you never looked like a newborn because of all your chub. I remember the first night you were born, it was just you and me, since your daddy went home to be with sissy, and I actually felt like my heart was about to burst. I never felt a love like I did in that moment and I finally felt like my life {and our family} was complete. I could cry just remembering those moments, they were so special. You were our missing piece. In three years time you have taught me more than the previous thirty years combined. You have gone from being the sweetest snuggly baby I ever met to a kind of hard to deal with infant/toddler and now you are rounding the corner and sliding into awesomeness. You have made me shift my priorities {in a good way}, you have taught me that boys need to be loved on differently than girls and, most of all, you have shown me a whole different side {messier, crazier, more dangerous} of life. I wouldn't have you any other way.
Now that you are entering the next milestone, preschooler, you are more fun than ever. You manage to make everyone want to pull their hair out while simultaneously kiss your cheeks at the same time. Speaking of cheeks, yours are like pillows. I tell you every day that I hope your pillow cheeks never go away but each day they start dwindling away and transforming into a big boy face. You are WILD. You love to test the limits and are a true thrill-seeker. You will not think twice about jumping of the roof of a house boat, nearly sending me into cardiac arrest, or climbing on the counters to make "hot bread" {toast}. At the same time you are a lover. You snuggle like there's no tomorrow and I can't say I hate it. At night when I put you to bed you put your little arm around my neck and I can't help but lay there a little longer. If I didn't think it would create a bad habit I'd fall asleep in your arms every night.
You love your sister and even though you guys fight like cats and dogs at times, you are best buds. You look up to her and I can tell that she is truly your best friend. You love all things Star Wars, sports related, and your newest obsession is scary things. You love to say, "how bout a ghost!?" and make a "spooky" sound followed by, "how bout a monster?!" with a big "ROAR". You actually talk about ghosts quite often and it makes me wonder if you see them? Your favorite thing on the planet is your blankie and your baboo {pacifier} and while I know I should take the baboo away you make it so dang hard. Being outside, even if we are doing nothing at all, is your favorite way to spend any day. You love your daddy and when you think it's about time for him to get home, every day, you say, "daddy home now!?" with such excitement. But you are also a mama's boy and you have me wrapped around your little finger. You still call me "mama" but, unfortunately, you have stopped calling daddy "daddy-o" and he's just "daddy" now. Kendall has been "sissy" since you could talk but every once in a while you say "Kendall" and I can't help but smile when I hear it.
Three is going to be fun with you, I just know it. Even in the days leading to your birthday you have grown so much. You are talking so much more clearly, actually putting sentences together, and becoming less baby-ish every day. Your favorite word right now is "because". No matter what question I ask you the answer is "because" even when it doesn't make sense. I kind of love it. It's really amazing because I can actually see the wheels turning in your head as you try to figure out just what you want to say. It's really fun watching you learn and grow and I know three is going to be a big year.
Happy 3rd birthday my sweet, rotten, snuggly, crazy, dangerous, awesome, adorable boy. I love you.
xo,
Mama
August 1, 2016
Crave Freely
This post is part of a compensated campaign with Mom It Forward and Balance Bar but all my opinions are my own.
As women, we are taught that the word "crave" means something we should avoid. It carries a negative connotation and/or references a period in life when women are "weak" {pregnancy, PMS}. We never crave wholesome things, right? How many times have you heard someone say, "Oh I'm really craving some kale"? When the foods we crave are less than healthy {ice cream, pizza, cake} we try to avoid them at all costs because they are "bad" or they will make us "fat". But, what if I told you you didn't have to deprive yourself of anymore?
My biggest cravings in life are sweets. Gimme chocolate chip cookies all.day.long {especially fresh, hot, homemade ones}. I'll also take a double scoop of chocolate/peanut butter ice cream in a waffle cone anytime someone asks, "wanna get ice cream?". Those things, however, don't coincide with my goals so they are eaten in moderation. That's where Balance Bars come in.
I recently discovered Balance Bars and they have quickly become my go-to snack, quick breakfast on the go, post workout meal, and late night snack. Guys, I'm addicted to these little smart bars. I have tried Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Dulce De Leche & Caramel and Dark Chocolate Pecan Turtle and I can't tell you which one I like the best because I love them all. I packed all three flavors for our most recent camping trip so that I could be sure I'd have at least one healthy option while we were sitting around a campfire or out on the boat.
Most of the time I find myself reaching for Balance Bars after my workouts. The balance between fat, carbs, and protein promotes slow glycemic response, supports muscle recovery and helps satisfy your hunger with steady, sustained energy. Fueling your body properly, post workout, is so important to your results and can help reduce soreness the following day {even though I do like to feel a little sore every no and again}. And all that for under 200 calories is a total win in my book!
Would you like to try these for absolutely FREE? One commenter will win a 6-pack box of Balance available in Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint Patty, Dark Chocolate Turtle or Dulce De Leche & Caramel varieties. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your BIGGEST craving in life. Good luck!
As women, we are taught that the word "crave" means something we should avoid. It carries a negative connotation and/or references a period in life when women are "weak" {pregnancy, PMS}. We never crave wholesome things, right? How many times have you heard someone say, "Oh I'm really craving some kale"? When the foods we crave are less than healthy {ice cream, pizza, cake} we try to avoid them at all costs because they are "bad" or they will make us "fat". But, what if I told you you didn't have to deprive yourself of anymore?
My biggest cravings in life are sweets. Gimme chocolate chip cookies all.day.long {especially fresh, hot, homemade ones}. I'll also take a double scoop of chocolate/peanut butter ice cream in a waffle cone anytime someone asks, "wanna get ice cream?". Those things, however, don't coincide with my goals so they are eaten in moderation. That's where Balance Bars come in.
I recently discovered Balance Bars and they have quickly become my go-to snack, quick breakfast on the go, post workout meal, and late night snack. Guys, I'm addicted to these little smart bars. I have tried Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Dulce De Leche & Caramel and Dark Chocolate Pecan Turtle and I can't tell you which one I like the best because I love them all. I packed all three flavors for our most recent camping trip so that I could be sure I'd have at least one healthy option while we were sitting around a campfire or out on the boat.
Most of the time I find myself reaching for Balance Bars after my workouts. The balance between fat, carbs, and protein promotes slow glycemic response, supports muscle recovery and helps satisfy your hunger with steady, sustained energy. Fueling your body properly, post workout, is so important to your results and can help reduce soreness the following day {even though I do like to feel a little sore every no and again}. And all that for under 200 calories is a total win in my book!
Would you like to try these for absolutely FREE? One commenter will win a 6-pack box of Balance available in Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint Patty, Dark Chocolate Turtle or Dulce De Leche & Caramel varieties. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your BIGGEST craving in life. Good luck!
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