Birthday Overnight in July

While I'm well aware of the crazy that is happening with Irma~~~my mother is headed north soon thank goodness~~~ I still had a few blog posts in my draft section that I want to post.  I want to look back and remember Summer '17 and the fun we had.

My birthday was on a Tuesday, so that Saturday before, hubby wanted to surprise me with a little night on the town.  My sister was able to come to our house and watch our sweet babes and dog so that we could have some alone time~thank you sooooo much Bri!  You have no idea how much it means to us when you swoop in and stay with the kiddos.  They love their Aunt Brianna!

I went with a simple black shift dress from Old Navy--yup!  I think I paid under $10.  Gotta love a steal!  I paired it with a pair of Guess shoes I picked up last time we were in Vegas.  I used my LV clutch and our new Amelia Sparkle necklace.  I felt like my uber blonde hair was also an accessory haha!

I think I was wearing Purple Reign lipsense and I am fairly certain Palette 3 from Younique.

This gorgeous neck candy also comes apart and I can wear it like 8 different ways. Love!

We dined at Good Luck and I enjoyed some Rosé, and then they gave us a little champagne for us to toast my birthday.

#bloggerstyle

Hubby did so well! He picked out this fancy hotel over in a nearby town where we could use our Marriott Rewards---the room was like something out of NYC!

We went across the street to a wine bar and had so much fun together.

I also loved my pave orbital ring!

Seriously spoiled and so much fun.  When you're married, have a two year old and a four year old, and your husband works 50+ hours each week it can make for some major stress in life.

Nights like these I thank my lucky stars we found each other and can enjoy all that life has to offer.

I was moving rather slowly the next day, but we did have a yummy brunch, and a nice little drive.  After 9.5 he decided to take me to this little beach tucked away that he used to visit when he was younger.  We've been back several times and ended up taking our family photos here too.

My best friend.

36

I love getting a year older.  I'm not sure why one wouldn't want the greatest gift of all, yet another year on earth.  Sure I'm fighting like hell to keep the wrinkles off my face.  It takes a little more working out and eating healthy to look and feel great, but it's worth it.

36 was quite the birthday to remember! Instead of a swanky night out with family & kids, we had an impromptu back deck dinner.  Joe even bought me a mini cake!

I woke up and everyone seemed great! The kids were so excited to give/help me open my gifts.

Joe took this photo in Lake George and had it made into a canvas.  I love it!

On vacation our little cooler broke, so he heard this was the cooler to get.  He stocked me full of my favorite goodies!  I'm thinking these will be perfect for date nights in and when friends come to visit.


If you don't have a Corkcicle, I highly suggest one! This is my second one and I LOVE that I have two now.  Brooke picked it out for me.  I love my water ICE cold and this baby keeps it cold!

My mother in law came over for a few hours, so I ran up to have lunch with Joe.  He was stuck helping a customer and I had to wait awhile, but we still got to see each other which was so nice.  Thanks again Maria!


The weather was a little chilly so I got to wear my white jean jacket.

I came home and kids were resting/napping...and then they woke up.  As soon as Bradley awoke he was crying so hard. I went in and rocked him and he just snuggled and felt very warm.  Sure enough he had a fever of 100 degrees and was not feeling well.  I gave him something to drink. I told Joe but he said that they'll be fine...

Not even 15 minutes of Joe being home did Bradley get sick all over the place.  My momma gut was telling me to cancel and I'm so glad we did not push it, and have that happen at the restaurant!

SO we ordered take out and ate on the deck.

Delicious bacon wrapped spinach.

Red wine, bacon blue cheese topped filet and mashed potatoes.

I really wasn't mad or upset, I just felt so bad for my babies!

This one wasn't 100% as her stomach was off a bit...but she wanted to hang out with us.

Clearly we cannot control our circumstances, and I surely would have liked to have gone out with my kids and family, but there will be other days.  I felt like it was only fair since when we were supposed to go out in April for my sister's birthday, something happened and we had to cancel on her.  

No sense in fighting it, I think it's going to have to be my mantra for 36: Go with the flow.  Breathing in all the love and blessings, counting my lucky stars and wishing for health all year long.

Road Trip Snacks/Foods

We are getting excited about an upcoming vacation to Lake George.  I've been starting to prepare a bit of snacks for our trip.  While I have every intention of enjoying delicious and maybe not so nutritious meals out from time to time, I know our bodies and they crave good for us foods.

First up?  These bad boys!  I remember years ago Joe meeting a guy who had his hands in on the actual making of these.  We had a taste and they were SO good.  Had to grab them when I saw them!

I'm in an amazing accountability group where the girls share food and recipe ideas. I totally hit up Amazon for these!  Brooke likes the fruit bars and Bradley loves the sqaure bars.  I haven't tried the power snacks yet, but I love me some Justin's maple almond butter!

I'm on that mom who believes in eating as healthy as possible, but real life and simple snacks that kids will eat happen too.  Bradley loves these tomato basil lentil bean snacks, the mac and cheese is an SOS meal if the kids don't eat their dinner or are starving.  Quick oatmeal in case of breakfast meltdowns before we leave the hotel.  Brooke loves the chocolate organic pop tarts.  PBJ --because, peanut butter and jelly is always an easy go to.   Rice cakes and quest bars for me.

Apples, mint milanos & graham crackers.

My friend Ann told me about these delicious waters!

We are bringing our Ninja and going to make these happen and sip them by the pool one day. #vacay

Can't leave without this yummy drink!

My sweet friend Shelby gifted me this adorable cooler bag with my monogram.

It will be perfect to keep my cans of rose cold!

I'll also throw in deli meat, cheese sticks & yogurt tubes.  I may be overpacking but I'd rather have too much than not enough.  Been there done that before and it's no fun!!  

Bring on the loose schedule, family time, beach and poolside fun!

What healthy-ish snacks do you bring on road trips?

Currently

Clean Eating:

I am really trying to eat clean and healthy.  Winter hibernating has me feeling not so fab! Every morning I still start my day out with this fun little concoction. Eggs, spinach, tomatoes, feta.

Trying Something New: 

Joe taught me how to shoot a few weeks ago.  I was nervous because I've never pulled a trigger, but it wasn't so bad! I actually hit the little gopher target on the first try!



Boys:

Speaking of guns, this one is starting to like his toy gun from Uncle Ty Ty! He runs around yelling "bang bang!"

Storm Update:

We did end up with a little bit of damage from the windstorm. One of our trees fell down right next to our shed, luckily it fell away from the house!

Reading:

I'm in a virtual book club and really trying to keep up! I don't make myself sit and read enough, but this one definitely needs your undivided attention.  I can't read and hear screaming littles!

I needed to highlight this part...I'm constantly beating myself up for not "being where I think I should be" or going as fast as I think that I should.

House Inspiration:

I like to take little drives with the kids to scope out nice houses in the area. #creeperstatus I'm gathering inspiration for when we build as well as looking for any For Sale By Owners!

Digging Earth Tones:

I'm obsessed with this little succulent I got at Wegmans.  I also love painting my nails these colors lately!

Growing my Team & Clients:

I am really loving my little VIP group!  I do fun giveaways and am starting to put together items for a sample sale.  It's hard to part with pretty pieces, but it's time to move out the old to make room for new.   I love going "FB LIVE" and having girl talk too. Care to join?  Hop on over!  Style by Jenn VIP Group




Sales:

I still can't believe all the gold beauties that are available this month at half off when you spend $50.

Storm #2:

I was well prepared for "Stella" to come and dump a bunch of snow on us.  I love being cozied up inside, baking & having no place to go.

We got over 2 feet.

Stella the snow storm!

Workouts:

After a bit of a hiatus, I am sweating and loving it again!! I find that if I post pictures I tend to motivate myself and keep myself accountable. I have a little disco dress to fit into soon!  I made it to a yoga class before the big storm and did a few at home workouts.  I'm starting to walk Holly on the regular, am/pm and that really helps me so much.

Baking:

I try everything to get the kids to eat more fruits and veggies.  These were a hit for Bradley but Brooke not so much after the first few bites.  Banana whole wheat muffins, with maple syrup and coconut oil.

Mommy/son time:

I had groceries to buy, clothes to fold, dishes to do, and so many things!! But, this little guy trumped everything.  We've been stuck inside for far too long and I knew a little one on one time while having some fun would help this little dude out so much!! He's such a ham.

Playing:

We tried to play in the snow, but it was a bit overwhelming for the kids.  Both of them got stuck and cried at the same time! Oh my goodness.  Never a dull moment!

Cooking:

I get requests for these bad boys all of the time!! Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 an hour, flip and coat and bake another 30 minutes.

Drinking:

I love a good red and this was delightful!  Warms you right up on a cold Winter Day.

What are you currently up to?