Recent Buys + Wish List

In addition to the girls' new Converse sneakers I also ordered them Natives and Salt Water sandals. Ellie wore her Natives all of last summer and they are so versatile. She wore them to the playground, the pool, and with dresses. She also loved her sandals- they were her "gold shoes." I bought them again in gold for both girls since they match everything and purple Natives.

Salt Water Sandals

Natives

Save 25% with the code FRIENDS

I have been wanting a new pair of white jeans and bought these, which I love. They fit so well and I love the distressed look, as Ellie calls my "broken jeans."

White Jeans

Some things on my wishlist:

Another maxi dress (love the back on this)

Tribal Print Maxi

Ray Bans

Love this mini bucket tote

Strappy Sandals

 This suit is so pretty!

Booties

Now we just need some warm weather!

** Affiliate links are included in this post. 

All links are items I own or items that I would like to purchase.

Weekend Recap

Friday night we celebrated my Mom's birthday. We made it over to my parents through the 6 inches of snow we got that day! It is always a fun time hanging out with my family. All of the kids play so well together. Here is Summer eating her ice cream (she loves ice cream, and really who doesn't?!).

Saturday we had plans with Ellie's friend to see Cinderella, but it was sold out. So she and I went to an earlier show at another location. It was my first time taking her to the movies (she's been there with her grandparents). She even had to tell me to get a booster (I had no idea they even had them). We shared popcorn and saw the Frozen mini movie, which was great. Ellie loved that part the most, I think. She got a little bored at times throughout Cinderella and I can understand why, especially because it wasn't animated. On the other hand, I loved the movie. It definitely had me tearing up at times, too. At one point she was asking when "the ball was going to happen" so we ran out and got her a cup of Hershey kisses (she only had 4, which was more than I wanted her to have, but it kept her occupied). She sat on my lap for a lot of the movie and we snuggled. I love that!

Initially I was skeptical about taking her to see Cinderella since it wasn't animated, but also a lot of reviews I read said it wasn't for younger girls because of the parents dying, the "mean and ugly" name calling, but I thought it was totally fine. I really don't think Ellie even understood the parents were dying. I highly recommend it!

After the movie I dropped Ellie off at our house and went to the mall to do a few errands. The view outside was so beautiful with all of the snow on the trees.

I stopped in Williams Sonoma to pick up a couple things and their Easter table display was so pretty and colorful I couldn't help but take a picture! I love the pastel plates and napkins and all of the bunny table decor.

This morning I went to Whole Foods to do a big food shop. I bought the ingredients to make 3 dinners this week:

Tonight: Meatloaf, roasted potatoes, and sauteed mushrooms

and Pesto Pasta (for the girls primarily)

Monday: Shrimp, Chicken, and Sausage Gumbo (Skinny Taste Cookbook)

Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: Cauliflower Chowder

Friday: Leftovers 

During Summer's nap this afternoon I was very productive. I reorganized the storage in our basement and went through the bins of the girls' clothing. I had started a bin of clothes from the girls' closets that were too small, but it was a mess and needed to be resized into new totes. I also made a couple bags of clothing that's not in great shape or won't be worn again (if we have another) to donate. Ellie and I also did arts and crafts, read books, and she played well by herself while I finished. 

The girls are sleeping now and I'm going to watch some basketball with my husband. I can't believe UVA lost! They were in my final 4. It's so much more exciting to watch when I'm doing a pool. 

And, two pictures from dinner last week. Love this one of me and the girls!

 And, I love their outfits. Ellie dressed herself from the boots to the flower head piece. Summer also picks out her outfits in the morning (I give her two choices). She is wearing those $1 cowgirl boots I bought her last winter at Old Navy (one of the best deals ever).

The Luscious List

Today is the first day of spring and it's snowing here. I'm still dreaming about the sun and warm weather. Today is also my Mom's birthday. This day is fitting for her. Spring makes me think happy thoughts and my Mom is such a happy, positive person to be around. She inspires me to be a better person all the time. She devotes her time to everything she is passionate about and makes time for all of these things- it always amazes me. Running, working out at the gym, going to the library to hear authors speak, art museum exhibits, ballets and movies, and mostly spending time with her family and grandchildren. She is patient, caring, thoughtful and generous. I really can't say enough good things about her. And, she is a teacher. She will always look for the good in everything and go out of her way to make someone's day a little brighter. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Halloween, 2014

This week I started decorating for Easter. It's much more fun decorating for Easter with children. I bought a few new decorations this year since I was lacking them with this Holiday. Summer loves the glitter bunny and gives him kisses! It's so, so sweet. I bought the banner and straws from Michael's this week, as well as these eggs the girls and I will decorate (yes, I'm excited to paint them, too). Last year Ellie did these and covered them in glitter. Both bunnies are from Home Goods.

 Natural Easter Grass / Speckled Eggs

 This would make a fun centerpiece at the Easter table!

via

One night this week we took the girls to the mall after dinner to buy new shoes. We stopped by to say hi to the Easter Bunny and took a ride on the carousel. The girls got matching hot pink Converse sneakers. They are so adorable!! I'm obsessed with Summer's high tops. I remember having yellow high tops back in the day. 

 

 I really want to try cauliflower soup. My sister in law sent me a recipe and this one looks really good, too!

Cauliflower Chouder

On Monday we went to the zoo with friends. It was great weather and we spent 4 hours there! The girls loved the petting zoo where they brushed goats and petted them. We also took a ride on the carousel. It was a fun day!

So sweet that they hold hands!

We decided to get Summer a reward jar since she was always so interested when Ellie got a ball to put in her jar. She obviously doesn't understand the concept of filling it up to get a reward, but she gets excited.

Summer is napping at the moment, Ellie is watching a show in my bedroom and I have some peace and quiet for a little while. Ellie has been waking up late every morning (8-8:30), but this morning it was 6:45. We have been playing ever since: home, dollhouse, hiding Easter eggs for each other (this was a fun game), painting eggs, and dress up. Hope you have a great weekend!

My Lucky Charms!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The girls wore their green today in honor of this Holiday. Ellie had school this morning and she woke up at 9:00! Actually Summer and I had to wake her and she replied, "Are you kidding me?! Two minutes. Just let me sleep." Too funny!! She has been sleeping till 8-8:30 lately. We are not complaining. Needless to say we were late to school this morning. Summer also had Little Gym. This week she was all about hanging on the bars (last week it was the balance beam). 

After we picked up Ellie we went to Corner Bakery for a special treat. I was hoping they would have a green cookie they could split have a couple bites of, but instead it was a mini chocolate cupcake. They were so excited! I ordered a salad to go and resisted the cupcake. 

I got my stitches out of my toe this afternoon, but the Doctor said no running for another week! Which means I'll really only have a month to train for this 10 mile race in May. I'm happy I had the procedure done though, and all the cells surrounding the tissue are normal (big sigh of relief). 

Hope everyone had a great day!

Top / Pants / Boots

 Top / Pants (boutique)

 I'm surprised that Ellie still plays with this little dollhouse she got for her first birthday. We had it in Summer's room and just brought it downstairs.

The only St. Patrick's Day decor I put up this year. I picked up this cute banner at Pier 1 for only $6:

Friday Favorites

Today is another snow day for all of us. My husband took the girls on a walk to CVS to get me Tylenol for my toe. Who knew a little toe could be so painful?! I am thankful my husband is home another day to help out. The double Bob finally gets use again as it's perfect to navigate through the snow. I got to enjoy my breakfast in silence, which was very nice (oatmeal and toast with avocado). 

Last night I stayed up late sorting through photos on our Mac and transferring videos into an "Ellie" folder and a "Summer" folder. I was behind a few months. Today I'm hoping to finish uploading our albums onto Shutterfly and really hoping I can make a few photo books. It's so hard for me to sit at the computer and do this, but I just need to do it. I know I will be happy to have them.

So, onto my Friday Favorites:

// 1 //

Loving these sandals for the girls and I. Yes, I'm thinking spring!! I've never worn Target sandals so I'm wondering if they are comfortable, but I'll try them.

 Gold Sandals (Toddler)

 Gladiator Sandals

 Fringe Sandals

Target has buy 1, get 1 half off for spring break essentials. I love their selection of bathing suits for little girls.

Floral Tutu

 Flamingo Suit

// 2 //

I am ordering these from Forever 21:

Floral Maxi Dress

Crochet Panel Top

// 3 //

I ordered this cake stand from Design Darling last weekend. I know it will get a ton of use, especially with the girls birthdays coming up.

Hot Pink Cake Stand

// 4 //

As most of you know, I love taking pictures. I love capturing moments and having these as memories forever. I found this checklist and wanted to share. My husband will roll his eyes when he sees me take a picture of something like Summer holding my finger as we take a walk. It's the moment, the feeling that I want to remember forever. I'm glad to see that is on the list! The girls have recently been into brushing my hair. Ellie loves my long hair. When she remembered she had hers cut (trimmed) last summer she was upset. She said, "Mommy, I don't want my hair cut. I want long hair like Rapunzel!"

50 Photo List

// 5 //

I just pinned these adorable glitter pots. I don't know if I would do the stencil (they are so cute though), but instead use at a birthday party as decoration.

Gold Glitter Easter Pots

// 6 //

And, because it's the weekend: this spicy margarita. I've always wanted to try one since I love regular margaritas so much. It looks yummy!

Have a great weekend!

** This post includes affiliate links to products I am purchasing (or have purchased) for myself. All items I love!

Snow Day in March

I was skeptical that we would get any snow today, but I woke up to the sound of my husband and Ellie in the kitchen making pancakes at 8:30 this morning. I knew he had off school. It snowed all day and it was beautiful outside. I wish I could have went out with the girls to enjoy it or take a walk at least, but I had a mole removed on my toe two days ago and it's not easy to walk. Side note- I went to the dermatologist a month ago and they removed the top layer, but it came back from the lab with notes that the cells were changing and they recommended it be completely removed by a plastic surgeon. So on Tuesday that was done and I will get the stitches out in two weeks. It's more painful than I thought it would be, but I'm also not taking any pain medication except Tylenol at night (since I'm still nursing Summer). So.... instead, I had to stay in my pajamas all day and take it easy. 

The girls and I did make snow ice cream for the first time today. I used this recipe. I thought it tasted pretty good, Summer loved it and ate all of hers, Ellie took a few bites and was done. 

The girls and I played "home" as Ellie calls it. I am the "mother" (funny how Ellie calls me that instead of "mommy") and she and Summer were the "kids." We had a picnic and a tea party, we went to a My Little Pony show that Ellie was so excited for and we dressed up in very fancy clothes (pretend, obviously). The girls also played nicely together and Summer took a long afternoon nap. Ellie went back out in the snow for about an hour with Nick.  

 Our tea party:

 Ellie is in here playing on a snow pile

Summer is 22 months today. I can't believe it. A year ago she was still my baby girl. Although, when I point out a baby she points to herself. You will always be my baby, Summer! As you can see above she loves playing with her big sister and happily obliges when Ellie calls her "mom" (Ellie is usually the "kid"), she loves to dress up and put on jewelry and fancy shoes (hers, mine or her sisters). She loves to color and mostly uses her left hand (thinking she will be a leftie), but sometimes her right. She wants to do everything Ellie does, including climbing on the dining room chairs now and making me a nervous wreck. She already fell off once while holding onto crayons and I think that helped her avoid an injury. She loves to run and jump. She has an arm- she can really throw the ball hard and far. Just like her big sister did at her age. She even twirls and dances to music on her own (instead of just when I ask her to dance with me or with Ellie). I love watching her little personality evolve and becoming her own person. She is such a happy little girl and always wants to make us laugh. 

I love you, Summer!

Summer, 10 months and 22 months