5 on Friday!

Happy Friday my beautiful people!  I hope that this weekend finds you with some fun tricks and even more treats! I cannot wait to dress our littles up and parade around are adorable little neighborhood.  Brooke is so excited and I think it will be so much fun!   I wanted to jump on here and share a few things this lovely Friday.

{1}

I have been really focusing on our budget and trying to save as much as we can, so that when we go to build, the money part won't be stressful.  The universe is working its magic, and I joined a FB group with likeminded ladies who want to save extra as well.  We are doing a "No Spend November" and by that, no extra spending unless it's necessary. Stay tuned! If I learn and good tips and tricks, I'll be sure to share!

{2}

My daughter is my husband's clone.  Seriously! I try to get her to smile, say cheese, and she gives me this face.

{3}

She is super funny and lately wants to snug on the couch.  I'll take it!

{4}

Our babysitter interview worked out--she is AWESOME and I was able to sneak out for 3 whole hours!  I am loving my new dark nails. Yay!

{5} 

Seriously still on a cooking streak= I can't stop! 

Garlic Parm Wing Sauce from Tastefully Simple.  

We were loving grilled chicken wings, but now that the weather is getting yucky, 

it's time to move indoors and use the oven.

2 dozen organic wings.

Slather with sauce.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Slather more sauce.

Bake another 30 minutes

GET IN MY BELLY!

I threw together a pesto, tomato, cheese pizza too.  So tasty!

Have a great weekend, and Happy Halloween!

Little of This and That

I miss blogging!! More than anything, I know I will miss what was going on when I go to look back!! Isn't that one of the best reasons to blog? I just love reading through old "entries" and seeing what I was up to a year or two, three…ago.

 Brooke has been boycotting her eggs in the morning. I think she would like them with lots of cheese, but I'm "that mom" and I try to limit stuff like cheese.  And she loves her cheese stick snacks! So, I saw these in our organic section---I'll be honest, I tried one and it tastes kinda blah, but I pour in a little bit of vanilla almond milk (organic) and she LOVES it.  She's pretty messy eating it, but yay for finding another breakfast food!

I think she eats more than I eat right now.  It's crazy!

Seriously, this one just cracks me up so much! I can't even capture all of the funny moments, like yesterday as she looked up at me while I was cutting a pineapple, she was sticking penne pasta up her nose.  It took all of me not to laugh and to just tell her how inappropriate it was!  Last night before bed, she started to lick my face---no clue where she learned that from either. She is such a ham.  I was trying to do my hair Saturday and this is the sulk I got because I couldn't read her the book right then and there.

She is starting to dress herself…#frozeneverything

I tried on one of his new hats while I was folding the laundry; it looks like it is fitting perfectly at the moment--I am not sure for how long though!? 6-9 months size.

We are LOVING the warmer temps! It's in the 60s, so we keep blankets on him, but he is rocking a six month short/polo combo.

Tuesday we went to the mall and Brookie got some new summer clothes!! She is already into 5T or XS girls.  I still cannot believe how big she is!  I also wanted to get her some new shades and sun hat to protect her fair skin.  She has skin like mine, so we burn very easily.  Childrens Place had some wonderful clothes and I think it's safe to say she's set (until I see something else she just needs to have ha!) Shopping for the kids is so much fun.

However, I will say that Old Navy had some girls' cut off shorts that I just don't think are appropriate. I am that mom, already, I told you.  Oy.  We are gonna have a long road ahead with fashion and technology, etc I am sure, but I am ready!  One day at a time though.  For now,  I'm just trying to get her to use the potty and pick up toys. haha!

So that's the latest scoop!  Totally started this post on Thursday, but now it's Friday…I ended up making dinner for hubby and all the people he works with, since so many of them are out sick, some  (like my man) got stuck working over time.  They really enjoyed my Man pleasing Chicken, Jasmine Rice  (throw it into a rice cooker, boo ya!) , tomato salad and Apple Spice Cake.  Much better than any fast food joint!  And, I just love taking care of other people.  Probably one of the main reason my husband and I get along so well.  However, everyone needs to recharge, and I must say that my 20 minute hot shower just hit the spot!! Mom life is no joke and I may have texted my hubby a picture of my favorite wine, that is calling my name…so maybe he'll stop by and grab me a bottle.  :D  Although, a shower wine would have been nice, but let's be real.  It's only 1:30 in the afternoon.

TGIF my loves!  

Thoughts for Tuesday

I got my favorite subscription box last week:

I thought this was one of the best boxes yet (I may say that every time?!)  Again, they're about $50 for a box and over $200 worth of goodies to try and they're usually full sized items, not cheesy little samples!

Temp. Tattoos--I saw these floating around the web and thought they look kinda fun, for summer time. I have no desire for a real tattoo, but I thought these shiny things would be cool and now I get to try them!

Coasters--they are totally my style and really adorable [Paris, London, yes!]  We actually needed more, so that's a win!

Pilates DVDs--I haven't tried them yet, but I am excited to!  3 levels and we all know how I love my at home workouts.

Fancy scarf--I would NEVER pay $42 for a scarf normally, so to get this was a treat! I also go to choose mine since I paid up front the VIP for the year; I went with Watercolor.  It's light weight and will add a pop of fun to any outfit!

Nail treatment and polish- Super pretty, haven't tried it yet, but I will!

Age defying serum--Mama will take any help in the 'stay looking young forever' department!

Makeup brushes--can't have enough of those! They seem to be high quality too.

Snack popcorn--I'll try it after my cleanse.

$40 to Hello Fresh, another food delivery service. I was doing Blue Apron but wanted to get back to my own cooking. I may use this to try this summer

Basil seed--I am a huge cook, so I am probably overly excited about a basil plant.  I run through it like crazy in the summer with all of our meals!  I'll have hubby help with start it since I have a brown thumb.

 Mr Bubs is doing really well--no paparazzi please!

It's rare you will see him without socks on his hands.  Even though I clip his nails, he is always scratching his face if I don't keep those things covered! Of course, then he sucks on them and they quickly become stinky. Oh baby boy, I love you so.

Brookie's Easter shoes---size 9.  She has her mama's feet.

I don't know why, but this is what she does now. Instead of running around for nudey dudey time, she will run around with her minnie towel and say, "It's cold" and ball up on the floor. Kills me.

Sunday she wanted to lay on me and cuddle. Say what?! I don't think she's laid like that since she was Bradley's age, which very well may be why she wanted to lay with me. #jealous  I'll take it!

Rumor has it that the weather may be in the 60's Thursday, but rainy…but if I could crack a window, I will be so happy! I know I sound like a broken record, but bring on the warmth!!  

Happy Tuesday!

Workout & Cleanse Update

I saw this image back when I was a big ol' whale of a pregnant woman.  I loved it and couldn't wait to birth a healthy babe and be able to start really working out again.  So far, so good!

My cleanse is going well [day 7 today!] I haven't stepped on a scale or measured, but I feel a lot tighter and have more energy.  I swear my spare tire is deflated by the minute. My jeans don't fit yet, but I will get there. I am definitely treating this as a marathon and not a sprint.  My overall goal is to just be healthy and fit again like I was prior to pregnancy, and it took me a few months to really get into a nice smooth groove.  Nothing like that happens over night, so I try to stay positive and not get discouraged.  I also haven't been 100% perfect with my clean eating, but the main things for me have been no wine (alcohol) no processed foods, and no sweets -- I have also tightened the reigns on my snacking, and have kept it to 6 small meals a day.

Avo & eggs why you so good?!  Love this combo in the am. I have a small frying pan [so what it may be missing its handle; it's the perfect size!] and I crack one egg and pour some egg whites in there.

Workouts:
(Still sticking to the T 25 calendar)

Monday-Cardio
Tuesday- Total Body Circuit
Weds- Speed 1.0
Thursday- Cardio--but I did Zumba w/ Brooke

Friday- I took a rest day, as my body was spent.  My ankle started hurting a bit..
Saturday- Lower Focus

I won't lie, it was a struggle to put this one down and actual do the workout. But I did!

I was lazy and didn't feel like putting on workout pants, and I won't do that again.  These had no stretch.  But I did get my workout in.   And the muffin top is still present, but I'm working on it!

Sunday- Stretch day

 I have done some super light stretching, but my ankle is KILLING me.  It hurts the most when I am walking down the stairs, so I have been instructed to do the RICE method from my friend Ann who coached a lot.  The ice helps and I just bought a compression band that seems to be helping.  I am going to try and wear my sneakers inside (instead of barefoot) and rest as much as possible which is nearly impossible with a 2 year old and a 2 month old.  So I'm hoping to wake up with no pain tomorrow--please! 

So I figured I'd catch up on a blog while watching my current obsession PLL.  It's a bad bad addiction and I am not proud of it, but I just can't get enough! It's bad because it's on Netflix so I can watch it on the phone, on the iPad, on the computer…#ooc  I swear, if the weather would just warm up I could kick this show watching problem haha!

Brooke's 2nd Birthday {Frozen}

On Sunday January 11, our little Brooke turned 2!  To be quite honest, I didn't even think that we would be able to have a party because I thought baby boy would make an appearance!  I tried my best to not stress out and get all Type-A like I usually do.  It was hard because I LOVE party planning. I love hosting and having people over.  I absolutely love cooking and having a house full of people.  Well, when you're past your due date and aren't sure when #2 will make his arrival, ya just don't have the stamina to go all out and Pinterest-y.  [like her first birthday here]

When she woke up we gave her one of her gifts.  I found it on E-bay for $20--score!  My friend had told me that her kids loved having a tent to play house, put their babies in, or just go hide.  I thought it was the perfect size and she loves the crowns.  I will most likely put it in her room once the pack-and-play and swing make their way back into our living room.

She immediately brought her blankets and toys inside.

Despite her cold, she was a happy happy girl!

Even Holly checked out the new toy.  

As for the party details, it was a very short guest list.  I only invited close family, no friends.  I just didn't want to have to worry about calling too many people IF we had to call it off.  

My sister had our cake made. It was the same lady who did our wedding cake, bridal shower, and previous birthday cakes.  How adorable?  This is her photo:

We added the Elsa doll and Brooke just about died she was so happy with it!

The only other "Frozen" theme thing I did was find a punch.  

Recipe calls for: 

Blue Hawaiian punch

7up

Splashes of pineapple juice

vanilla ice cream

Hubby went to the store and couldn't find Blue Hawaiian punch, so he grabbed a bottle of gatorade.  I didn't expect it to taste very good, but WOW. Everyone loved it haha!  It looked even cooler as the "snow melted" on top.  Definitely a hit with the girls.

Back when I was ordering Christmas gifts off Amazon, I also ordered just one set of decorations, cups and plates too.  Simple, yet added just a little something extra to make it feel like a party.  I know Brooke won't remember, but I will.

Our niece Adri playing with Brooke.  

Nana and Papa

Instead of a lavish spread, we opted for pizza and boneless wings.  Best idea ever.  No dishes to do and no real mess to clean.  This prego was happy.  And Brooke?  Oh she just loves pizza.  Just not the crust.

 

Adri was such a big helper and really such a wonderful big cousin to Brooke.  

She got her very own puppy purse like her big cousin's!!

She also received some new food to play kitchen with. 

Everything was, "ooooo" and "wow."  Once again, it was so much fun to see her open things.

Her first American Girl Doll.  It will be a "special toy" only to be played with highly supervised.

I think it will be perfect, especially if she's starting to feel left out while I nurse baby boy, she can play with her baby.

Showing Uncle Eric!



She got new oven mitts and a chef's hat to do her cooking with.

She loved showing everything to everyone.

Great Grandma picked out this outfit, I mean come on.  How stinking cute is it?!  I want one in my size haha



Daddy helped her cut her cake.

She was like, whoa!

This stuff is pretty good.

Man, why don't we get this ice cream stuff more often?!

We keep trying to teach her that she's "Two" and she says two, but shows us 4 fingers.

We had a moment in the kitchen and Mama D captured it---thank you!!  I just love this little girl.

I tried to keep the party short, as it it was a Sunday and I know people have other things they need to do, plus we were tired.  Brooke fell asleep on Daddy for a nap, which NEVER happens! 

I may have pulled out my Valentine's Day decor too, but only because I know I won't be thinking about it once baby boy arrives.  I just love, love.

It was a beautiful day full of lots of love.  I still cannot believe it was two years ago that we brought her into this world and are waiting (any minute!) for the arrival of her sweet little brother.  Here's to a wonderful year, filled with many incredible experiences to come.  This year will be many more 'firsts' and we can't wait to see all the joy you will bring. Happy Birthday Brooke Lynn. Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know!