One week until college football, guys!

This week has been great in some aspects (the low humidity) and kind of crappy in others (having a cold + kidney stone pains), BUT I'm really hanging onto the fact that this is the last Saturday without football on the television for the rest of the year!! I've been treating my sickiness with lots of chill time..or as much chill time as a gal can get while refereeing two emotionally unstable toddlers who act like they are high on catnip.

 Anyhow, back to chill time. I've been filling bow orders from the Etsy shop, catching up on the third season of Orange is the New Black, and stalking lots of fun finds for kiddos, mamas, and the casa. 

Here are a few things making me really happy this week:

* First of all: I had to run errands at Target and Hobby Lobby yesterday--two of my biggest pocketbook pitfalls. Do you know what? I came out of both stores spending $10. $10 combined. Can you believe that? And only $3.75 of that was spent at Target. That has never happened in the history of the world. That's the most impressive thing I've done in years. I mean, you can have a PhD or endure natural childbirth, and you're still not as impressive as I was on my shopping trip yesterday. ;) 

* Toms has some great new wedge booties out. They're perfect for mom-life because they are not ridiculously tall wedges, but they're still good looking and casual all at the same time. I particularly like these and then this other pair that comes in both taupe and chestnut. 

* Along those same lines, I really love these suede fringe wedge booties by Aerosoles. I know what you're thinking--Aerosoles is a geriatric shoe brand, right? Well, yeah, to some extent. But I purchased these cork wedges earlier this Summer and have been obsessed with them ever since. They were comfortable enough for me to trek all over the hilly countryside of Italy without cringing. All their shoes have a soft padded sole, making them SO comfortable. And the fringe definitely makes these booties look edgier than most of their other shoes. 

* Halloween goodies are beginning to pop up in stores, and I couldn't be more excited! I always buy the kids pajamas for every holiday because there's just nothing cuter. Baby Gap has once again hit it out of the park with their pj's. Vivi has to have this dancing cat nightgown, and the pajama set is equally adorable. Dancing cats? You can't pass that up. I'm also a fan of this boo kitty set and this kitty striped footed onesie. We are going to have black cats out the wazoo! If you really want to embrace cat life, you'd have this kitty sheet set, too. Because there's nothing like matching your bedding.

*And for the boys, these monster jammies are darling, but I am really loving this Darth Vader Halloween set from Hanna Andersson. They're stupidly expensive for a pair of pajamas, and I would only buy them on a major sale, but man, I'm a sucker for Star Wars. 

* I am dying to try this recipe for Apple Carrot Zucchini Muffins. I will probably bake it in a bread pan instead of cupcake form, but either form is sure to be delicious. I'm always looking for ways to justify my carb-loading as semi-healthy.

* This is sort of random, but I like the concept and look of this makeup brush holder. I was shamed this week at Sephora when the saleslady scolded me for keeping all of my makeup brushes in the bottom of my makeup bag and only cleaning them like twice a year. Apparently you're supposed to do it every week. Ain't nobody got time for that. But it would probably be significantly less disgusting if I cleaned them really well and then stored them in an actual makeup brush holder instead of the bottom of a bag. 

* And finally, my very favorite thing has been the weather the last few days. You know you live in Florida when you get genuinely excited about a day that is 88 degrees. But it's not just the slight temperature drop that's had me doing a happy dance; it's the decrease in humidity. I've been able to walk out my front door and not feel like I'm entering a steam room. The kiddos and I have been loving playing outside in the nice weather...some of us more than others.

I wasn't even mad.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Spa Days

Welp, I may have ended my long weekend on a low note--a cold and another computer crash--but I'm not letting that rain on my parade. Last weekend was awesome! 

My best friend from college flew down to come hang out with us for a few days. We did a lot of chilling around the house, baked cupcakes, talked nonsense, and enjoyed each others' company. It was like no time had passed, aside for the obvious addition of two little beasties. We took Kelly out to Harbor Docks for dinner and inducted her into the "dining with toddlers" life. Afterward we binge-watched the first season of American Horror Story, since she is one of my only friends who shares my love for macabre horror and Halloween. And then once we had our fill of bloody ghosts, we watched the kids play in the pool. I'm so proud of Alex for teaching our kids pool safety. Vivi can fully float on her own now (she does like it, despite the expression on her face), and Bobby can dive under and retrieve toys off the bottom of the pool. Not bad for two little tots!

Don't judge.

On Sunday, my darling husband sent us off to the spa, where we joined another one of our good girlfriends from college. I had a much-needed massage while the other girls got pedis. Afterward we stayed in the spa for nearly 8 hours--ordering salad and cheese plates, dipping in the dipping pools, sweating it out in the sauna, steaming it up in the steam room, and then lounging hard-core in the lounging room. 8 hours in a robe is the way days were meant to be spent. It was amazing to catch up with my girlfriends and reminisce on nostalgic memories while also discussing the present and future. 

After our spa day, we checked into a hotel room and got ready together while blasting Madonna--just like we used to in college. Then we headed down to the amazing 4-Diamond steak restaurant in the hotel for a decadent dinner of filet, crab, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms, and disgustingly delicious gourmet macaroni and cheese. And, of course, cocktails.

After dinner, we headed back to our room, put on loungewear and talked nonsense for hours. Oh, and discovered Dubsmash, which led to about an hour of absolute hysterics. 

I awoke to an amazing sound--nothing. Nobody prying me from my delicious sleep. Do you remember how truly indulgent it is to wake up on your own, without kids or an alarm rousing you? If you are currently living a lifestyle where you enjoy this on a regular basis, then promise me something: SAVOR IT. 

Once I was awake, I stepped out onto the balcony and took in a beautiful beach morning and thought, "God is good."

I dropped off my friend at the airport and headed home to my babies and my sweet husband, and I was happy. For a minute. And then my computer crashed and I got sick. But nevermind that. 

I am focusing on the beauty that is this day today. The humidity is lower than I've felt it in months, and it was 70 degrees outside this morning. It's still comfortable outside even now, so I think I will drink my tea on the porch swing and finish up some Etsy orders. It's almost Fall, y'all!!

Happy Hump Day!   

Friday Favorites

I'm in an especially good mood this morning, and that would be because we all had a pretty productive and pleasant week. The babes enjoyed their first two days of nursery school. Vivi's teachers marveled at how relaxed and easy she is. And while that is true (especially when compared to other beasties who shall remain nameless), she has certainly upped her game in the wild child department recently. Vivi has also been keeping me on my toes with her climbing lately. I caught her using Thomas the Tank Engine as a step ladder to reach the piano, and man, can that girl play a tune.

After taking the abuse typically bestowed upon the younger sibling for way too long, she has finally learned to hit her brother back. As a mother, I'm torn between telling her, "That is not how ladies behave," and "Good for you, Sister-Girl!" For now I'm just kind of ignoring it and seeing how it plays out on its own. To be fair, he does kind of deserve it.

Other random events from this week include bubble blowing in diapers and swimming lessons in the back yard.

 Bobby's new obsession with the opening scenes from Top Gun. He begs to watch it over and over and wants us all to "Shhhhhh" while the "Danger Zone" song plays. That doesn't get old. 

Well, not to all of us.

Here are a few favorites on this lovely Friday:

• This long sleeve linen-blend t-shirt. I got this shirt in short sleeve from Gap in the Spring, and I remember noting that it was a smidge more expensive than a usual t-shirt from there, but I went for it anyway. It turned out to be one of my favorite shirts in the entire world. It's blousy, thin, and effortlessly cool. Now I wish I'd have gotten 4 or 5 of them. But I just checked and found that they are now carrying the shirts in long sleeve, and I am so excited. I'll definitely be loading up with more than one to live in through Fall!
• Love this little girl jumpsuit for September weather. The colors are perfection. And it's on sale. Win.
• Are these not the sassiest rain boots ever? I'm dying over the little studded bow!
• I'm obsessed with stud earrings, especially the Kate Spade ones in all colors. Now she has a tortoise shell set that would be a must-have for the upcoming Fall color palette. And while we are on the subject of Kate Spade earrings, these are also awesome. They've got an organic vibe to them and would be seasonless.
• This little t-shirt describes Bobby's current food obsessions. 100% on point.
• The new goodies in the etsy shop. I've been blown away by orders and am not sure how I'm going to keep up! So excited to work on so many fun projects in all my spare time (ha!)
• One of my college besties is coming in town for the weekend, and I am so excited! 

HAPPY FRIDAY!

XOXO

Fall Nails {and other Thoughts on a Thursday}

Some thoughts today:

1) Where do all the sippy cups go? Is there a pied piper who is luring them all into some obscure corner of my house that I don't know exists? Where in the name of God are they disappearing? I buy at least one more every week, yet two more go missing. Every week. How is this happening??

2) There's a 95% chance I've been walking around all day with my yoga pants on backward. 

3) I've officially stopped caring if my kids steal frozen food out of the freezer behind my back. I give up. 

4) There's such a thing as doughnut french toast. My mind is officially blown. Recipe here.

5) It got down to a bone-chilling 82 degrees yesterday, and I didn't even know what to do with myself. I immediately got excited about pulling out my collection of Fall nail polish. I love neons and punchy colors as much as the next gal, but nothing compares to the moodier colors! I usually break up my Fall colors into two categories: early Fall and later Fall. The earlier colors are a little lighter and fun, while the later colors are straight-up drama. Here are a few faves.

from left to right- Chinchilly, Merino Cool, Bahama Mama, Style Cartel, Vested Interest, Good as Gold, Penny Talk, Smokin' Hot, Mind Your Mittens, and Under the Twilight

 I'm especially fond of Bahama Mama, Style Cartel, Penny Talk, and Mind Your Mittens. Smokin' Hot is my absolute favorite, though. It's the perfect deep, foxy purple-grey. 
6) Essie's new 2015 Fall Collection is awesome. You can order a mini set of it here or individually here.
7) Who actually names these colors? That would have to be the most random and fun job ever. 

Although I think this is less "Bahama Mama" and more "Cherry NyQuil." But whatever.

8) It's almost Friday!

Perking Up

Y'all, the day has finally come.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Hey, give your sister a first-day-of-school-hug. 

We dropped our kiddos off for their first day of nursery school (Vivi's first day ever), and there was nary a tear shed anywhere. They were both so excited, and this chick couldn't have been more excited either. 

Three really excited people.

I realize I've been MIA lately, and there's a simple explanation for that--I'm losing my everloving mind. Within the span of a day last week, I lost my phone (literally LOST. Like bye-bye, phone), crashed my computer, and lost two of our remote controls, among other things. I had no way to communicate with the outside world for almost a week. I know that my husband is completely confounded and lost as to how an educated, semi-functional woman can lose/ruin multiple devices. And the answer is...I blame it on my children. These things would have never happened before having kids. I used to have myself together. I don't know what has happened since becoming a mother, but I'm pretty sure my children have sucked the intelligence out of me completely. 

One of my best girlfriends came to visit me last week, which helped to occupy us during the last week of Alex's work trip. We had the best time doing nothing. You know those friends whom you can go without seeing for years and then pick right back up with? She's one of those. We just hung around the house in our pajamas, enjoyed each others' company, and talked about all kinds of nonsensical topics like "what would you eat if you knew you had 24 hours left to live?" and "why do British people say their R's funny?" and "what do you think your spirit animal is?" You know, those conversations. 

And in case you're curious...

I think the kiddos get sick of seeing me every minute of every day, so they loved having another fun person to play with. And although my friend Helen loved them to pieces, it granted me a certain amount of satisfaction when she admitted, "Wow, this is really hard!" Everybody began to unravel toward the end of the week. The kids were waking up at 5:15 every morning and barely napping. Bobby was in tantrum overload and refused to eat anything but lollipops for days (spoiler alert-I won that battle), while Vivi was teething. I was exhausted. Helen was exhausted. It was like the Walking Dead, except everyone still had their limbs intact. At one point Helen had to leave to go on a walk, and then at another point she took a shot of whiskey out of a baby bottle. And she remarked, "I am so impressed by how calm you are around them!" Which was the ultimate lie compliment a person can give to me ;)

Alex finally returned on Saturday afternoon, and we were all relieved to see our Six o'clock Savior. I immediately punched out on the time clock and went to take a fat nap. There is truly no sweeter sound than hearing your children misbehaving downstairs for your husband instead of you. 

They just need a little taste of your day.

But today is a new day, and things are beginning to look up. I had to completely reboot my entire computer, but it works like brand new; we found the remote controls; and a new iPhone is currently in the mail on its way to me. And my kids are in SCHOOL, playing and having the best time with their new little friends! Praise the Lawd!

So I am sitting in Barnes and Noble, listening to Indian sitar music, drinking a hot chai tea, and dreaming about Fall. And now Indian food. 

I almost feel like a normal human being!

More coming later this week because I'm getting back on my game. Finally.

XOXO

Friday Favorites..on a Monday

Last week was a busy one for us. We ran here and there and everywhere, and then we joined my parents at the beach for the weekend. It's so much easier to handle two tots when you have a few extra sets of hands. Although I think that 3 adults is still not totally a fair match for my two beasties. 

Now we are back home, and I am having to wrangle my kids with only my two hands. And Lord, has it been one of those mornings. Bobby woke up at 6:15, shredded 2 PopTarts, woke up his sister, and then we got in a brawl over a popsicle for breakfast. Then Vivi deleted all of my tax info on my computer while I was cleaning up the PopTart disaster. Then Bobby went behind my back and got a popsicle out of the freezer while I was trying to retrieve my tax info, and the popsicle melted all over the kitchen floor...which, of course, Vivi slipped and fell in. And then she emptied out the vacuum cleaner all over herself, which resulted in a large bath. Y'all, it's not even 10 am. 

The sad thing is that this hasn't even been the craziest morning lately. The other morning resulted in shattered glass and fingernail polish remover. That's all I have to say about that. 

Bottom line is this--if you think you are effing ever going to get anything done with a toddler, just give it up. Give it up now. 

ANYHOW. I intended on posting this Friday, but I was so busy relaxing making sure my kids didn't fall off the balcony that I forgot. I wanted to go ahead and share this, though, because there are a lot of fun new finds!

* I've been obsessed with black and white spots lately. I don't know if it's because of the whimsy or the color scheme, but I'm really into it lately. I have been noticing these spots on dining chairs, throw pillows, and curtains; so I've decided that I am definitely incorporating them into the decor in my next house. For now, I'll have to settle enjoying them on Vivi via these adorable spotted pajamas. Aren't they the cutest?!

* Speaking of spots, I'm in love with these calf hair spotted flats. They'd go with just everything. 

* I needed to read this post today. It really puts things in perspective and reminds me to be thankful for the messes that I have to deal with on a daily minute-by-minute basis. Like this morning. 

* I am a huge fan of raglan baseball/varsity t-shirts. They're so breezy and comfortable and effortlessly cool. Lucky Brand has some good ones out right now that will be amazing when the weather cools off just a little. 

* Loving these burlap chargers! Not only would they be perfect to set your table with for Fall/Thanksgiving, but I would totally use these year round. We Southern girls love our burlap!

* Minnetonka has made a little departure from all their moccasin-style boots with these suede fringe booties. They've got a Western vibe, and I am dreaming of wearing them around a bonfire with a flannel shirt and a Harvest Moon beer in my hand. 

* I'm mildly in love with flat-faced dogs and have had pugs all my life. But it's on my bucket list to own a French Bulldog one day. They're just the cutest. Until then, I'll have to satisfy my crush with these little Frenchie Mary Jane flats. I'm trying so hard to resist the urge to put them on Vivi's tiny feet!

* The Republican debate on Thursday night was the highlight of the week. That's the most entertaining thing I've seen on television in years. It's a good thing Megyn Kelly has toddlers of her own and knows how to handle a good temper tantrum. 

I'm trying to not let anything get me down today because one of my best friends is coming into town tomorrow to stay with me all week! I haven't seen her in almost three years, and I can't wait to catch up!

Happy Monday, friends!

XOXO

The Cat's Meow

I've recently taken a tiny hiatus from blogging. I guess the dog days of Summer have been getting to me. But I'm back here right MEOW!

It's no secret I hate Summer and love Fall. I really need to stop trying to make Fall happen, but I can't. Anyhow, when I was looking through all the fun back-to-school sales lately, I noticed some awesome pieces that I couldn't ignore for both minis and mamas. Leopard is one of my favorite animal prints, but you have to do it in small doses, lest you look like a Fran Drescher caricature. One thing, ladies. Pick one leopard thing. I'm also loving the snow leopard shade instead of the traditional brown leopard print that we usually see. It makes it feel a little less cheesy. Paired with some fun other kitty goodies, these pieces are the cat's meow! (Sorry, I can't help myself).

round leopard sunglasses  // leopard dress // stuffed kitty  // mask  // baseball tee // leopard mary janes // meow sweatshirt // leopard scarf // pink cat shoes

 

We need it all. ALL. That little dress. Both pairs of shoes. The shirts. I can't take it! Baby Gap is really hitting it out of the park lately. They have a few other adorable leopard pieces, including these leopard pleated shorts, these tights, and this onesie. It all just screams Fall, and I am loving it!

I have already been thinking about Halloween costumes (don't judge. Favorite holiday!) and can't come up with anything for Viv yet. Maybe she will end up being a fancy black kitty cat? Can't go wrong with that!

Or Grumpy Cat.