Happy Monday! [weekend rewind]

Oh my gosh, weekends just fly right by, do they not?!  I always say that my weekend starts on Thursdays, since Joe has off Fridays.  He actually got out a little early Thursday since he worked three bell to bells in a row (end of month) and Thursday I was able to sneak out of the house for some work/girl time.  My sweet friend Cathy had a trunk show and we had so much fun!!

This scarf was a hit!  Since I didn't post for my #fashionfriday I figured I'd share a few looks quickly here.

Look at all the ways you can style this little guy!

 I just had a ball styling her friends, catching up with Cathy and chatting about all things in #momlife.  If getting out of the house and filling my cup while earning a little extra money happens, I call that a total win!!  It was just what I needed and I really am grateful for this little gig.  Cathy works full time and does Tastefully Simple, so she's even busier than me, so our schedules make it so hard to connect.  I am blessed to have her in my tribe of strong women!  Thanks again Cathy for letting me into your heart & home!!

Friday I felt a little guilty because I had to run out first thing in the morning for my hair appointment.  It was a beautiful morning full of sunshine and a green tea latte. {ps. loving the pink sleeves Starbucks!}

Cathy also suggested I try the Garden Guacamole starter--it's part of their eat well line--aka no garbage ingredients. Makes avocado toast bomb!

Friday evening we have dance class and it is at THE WORST time of day ever.  6:15 on a Friday.   didn't think it would be so hard to get her here at this time, but man it's right during the dinner/weekend rush and it's tricky.  We love it and we made it happen.  So excited that she got to try on her costume!

So...how about Valentine's Day is coming right up?!  Our Covet diamonds are so pretty and the perfect way to say I love you...or I love myself.

I'm so proud of my bestie Ann too; she just started with Lip Sense. If you haven't tried it, you simply must!! It's like a lip gloss, but the color is like a lipstick and IT LASTS for hours.  No more kissing it off, getting it on cups and straws. I'm obsessed.  I just got some Diamond Glitter gloss for days when I want to sparkle a little extra!  Join her VIP Group: Ann Gets Lippy on Facebook.

As for Super Bowl Sunday?

We hung out at home.  Little dude & I have a slight cold; nothing major, just the annoying tickle in throat/cough, runny nose and feeling blah.  Lots of laps in the Cozy Coupe for him.

A little bubbly & OJ helped me feel better...

We did some errands, checking on rentals, depositing rent checks, and grabbing a latte.  I am obsessed with these $35 boots. I needed something that kept my feet warm and dry and that go on quickly.  They tie up, but they have zippers on the side. With a pair of cozy socks, these are the best!

I made some homemade bread, which was so good!

Braised Beef Shanks were amazing too...I forgot to take a final photo, but I did tomato sauce, onion, carrot, celery, red wine...the house smelled so good!

I did a silly attempt at football pizza for the kids.  It looked cuter before the cheese got all squished. They enjoyed it regardless!

We had so much fun watching the kids dance during the half time show and I enjoyed watching the game, especially towards the end!! Joe fell asleep and I woke him up because I had a feeling it would be rather epic.

Oh, and in other news?  Thanks so much to everyone who shopped the Mystery Hostess Show.  I had over $300 in rewards to give away, and my girl Rachel won them!! I am so excited to see what she spoils herself with.  Crazy!!

Have a stylish week friends!

Monday Madness

I'm happy to say that I'm over the whole "election blues" or whatever the heck I was experiencing last week. I think I have successfully talked through every possible thing and am now okay! (Who knew it'd be so dramatic!!)

That said, I've had a whirlwind of a month, hello November, and I am feeling mighty fine.  I'm sure it helps that my hubby is on his stay-cation right now and we have a little date night planned this evening.

I saw this and it really resonated with me.  You know how I hate the "victim mentality" and this is right up there.  Let's stop being part of the problem, simply by not participating in it!  Half the time the issue is in our heads anyway, so...let. that. ish. go.

If you don't know, now you know...this scarf is only $14.99 when you make a $50 purchase. What?!

It matches the #redcups nicely!! Seriously, scoop yourself up something nice and grab the scarf for someone's Christmas gift, or the other way around.  Life is short, buy the Stella!

Oh heyy....#mcm (man crush Monday for you folks that may not get that #) . I have a million photos and fun little stories to tell about our Vegas trip. I will get them out of me and onto this blog one way or another, I swear!!  Okay, so you know you're in Vegas when...you are so giddy to be on the strip and you order the first fun fruity major caloric alcoholic bevvie you see...and the total comes to $44.

#thatswhatyougetforwakingupinvegas

I think Katy Perry did say it best.

Back to Stella, if you're not part of my VIP, get on it!! I'm doing a super special (read: cheap) right now and you don't want to miss it!!   I'm also looking for December hostesses, let's chat!

Hope your Monday is fabulous and you're doing well...and that you enjoyed my super short and totally random post.  #boom

Fashion Friday {#OOTD}

It's Friday, so that means we talk Fashion!

The temps have been all over the place, from 50s to 80s this week! Crazy.  I had to share the adorable collage above, because I LOVE everything about it! Our Stella & Dot necklaces, earrings, bracelets, & wallets are perfect additions to your Fall wardrobe.  Interested in getting them for free? Let's chat! I am scheduling into December now!  Booties, jeans, sweaters & vests are a must.  Pumpkin everything? Yes please!

So onto my outfits...

Last Friday I had my acupuncture appointment.  It was rather chilly in the am, so I was excited to wear a sweater and scarf! I also treated myself to a Matcha Latte.

My jeans are form express and they're so comfy!  My bag is from the Covet line. Booties from Marshalls.

Monday we had Bradley's checkup--healthy boy--so I went with a quick ponytail, headband, zip up hoodie and leggings combo.  I throw on the silver wired hammered hoops to help me feel like I am put together!!

Tuesday I had to drop off Brooke to preschool & run grocery shopping.  I love our new smokey studs.  I also threw on my engravable disc with B|B for Brooke & Bradley.  It was warm out so I just wore a tee shirt and capris leggings--then changed into shorts because it was 80!

Tuesday night was warm enough still, so I put on the Carly LuLaRoe dress.  I paired the new celestial hoops with the rose gold wishing necklace & Brio Tassel.

**Trend alert** Chokers are back!! I wasn't sure if I could pull it off, but I kinda am digging it!
This Emme choker is from our new line and it fills my 90s girl heart! I love how easy it is to tie in a bow. You can wear it as a headpiece, lariat or bracelet too.

Obviously this isn't mine, but I sure want to recreate it!! I love the stripes and the leopard print with the colorful pop of the Brio. 

What trends are you loving this Fall?

35

It's official. I'm halfway to 40!! Haha I really don't mind, as I've stated before, I'm happier, healthier and really enjoying my 30's.  I never understood why people would say that, but as with most things, now I totally get it.

Monday 7/25 I woke up to a sweet curly haired blond girl shoving a little red envelope in my face whispering, "Open it!"

Inside was a silly little cat card stating to pounce on it, because it was my birthday. I about died because I don't love cats, but that she was so proud of picking out the card herself.

Hubby grilled me some bacon and I made some eggs; we had a quick breakfast & I opened up my gifts from them.

An adorable new heart mug.

He totally gets me.

I'm obsessed with this cute tumbler!

How fun will this be?! I'm always toting my phone around and goodness knows the music could always be louder.  I think this will be perfect for upstairs in the shower, outside on the back deck, up front playing with the kids or even taking it on our land.

These two enjoying their 2nd breakfast and Paw Patrol, while I printed off voting registrations for myself and hubby (super celebratory, I know!0

Then came the random text from my husband, basically stating I needed to take a shower because the sitter would be there at 11 and I had a spa day waiting for me here!

Didn't have to tell me twice!! I was so surprised!  He sent me here last year for my birthday and I had not been back, but I didn't think he'd set it all up on his own again.  Totally fooled!

I stopped at Starbucks for me green tea latte.

And made myself right at home at the spa.

I was able to read some of my book and just relax in quiet.

I had a massage, organic facial and a pedicure. I felt like a new woman!

I knew we were going out to dinner, but I had no clue where and I thought it was just the 4 of us.  Well, my sister's husband shares the birthday with me and they ended up coming back in from boating and met us out for dinner!

I don't think we've ever just hung out the 6 of us, so the impromptu gathering was rather fun!

We went to a gorgeous little Italian place on the river, downtown.  The food was outstanding and the kids were really well behaved!

I love this man.  He told me that since I always put everyone else first daily, he wanted to make my day super special.  Well it was the best birthday ever! Thank you baby.

They even had my favorite wine!

It was so fun to get all 4 of us dressed up and I swear Bradley and Brooke knew they were going some place special.  It was such a treat!

Brooke loved her gold dress.

I went big and ordered Lobster French--to die for!

The gang shared canolis and I ordered the flourless chocolate cake as well.

We took a little drive around after dinner and caught a bit of the sunset overlooking the city.

I know so much more than I did 10 years ago.  It's crazy to think how just 5 years ago I walked away from my teaching job, and within those 5 years, we have had two beautiful children.  We've experienced loss, heartache, frustration and shared many tears.  But above all else, we have continued to work hard on ourselves individually and as a couple.  I cannot believe I'll be 40 in 5 years; I sure don't feel it!

I'm ready for a year full of blessings and waking up each morning with a heart full of gratitude.  I have big dreams for myself and my loved ones and I can only hope that everyone works as hard as I plan to.

Here's to 35; may it be my best year yet.