Weekend Highlights

We had a such a good little weekend!! I brought up this table my mom had bought the kids last year for Christmas, and the kids are loving it.  Brooke even said, "It's like a new house." It's funny how one little change can really make such a difference.

Friday we had a mommy/daughter morning.  I had to get my brows done and she loves coming with me.

Don't you just love her little shirt my friend Rachel made?

After my brow appointment we stopped at Barnes and Noble.  She had her eye on a cookie brownie and some chocolate milk.

As we sipped our drinks, we talked about who "all these guys were" and then the whole concept of heaven came up.  Not exactly easy to explain to a 4 year old, but it's one of those mommy moments where I will remember this conversation and little date forever.

I picked up a book for the kids and these two for myself.  I've started them both and really like them!  I was shocked to see a Think and Grow Rich for Women, as I have been dutifully listening to the original one lately and was kind of laughing at how it is kind of sexist.  However since I am not a #feminist, I don't take offense.  I understand that during the time in which this written, it's just the way things where.  However, it was refreshing to see that someone took the time to take the amazing information presented in this classic, and put a feminine twist to it.   Men and women are different and I look forward to reading this one for sure!

Present over Perfect has been on my list forever, but I finally had the real urge to buy it.  I've gotten about 60 pages into it and can definitely relate to some of the things she mentions, but at the same time I think since I met Joe, I have done a much better job at living in the moment and not rushing through life.  He taught me since our first date to enjoy every moment together and that even though life may not be perfect, we can always be looking for the good in all things... 

More to come on these; I will give more of a review!

Saturday brought laser tag, which I will fully admit I wasn't exactly looking forward to.  We were invited to a birthday party for one of the guys Joe works with, and I definitely looked forward to seeing everyone and hanging out.  I envisioned myself getting shot and then sitting out right away. I have never been the girl who wanted to play; I remember sitting out during these games many times when I was younger.  But this is my year of "yes" and well, back to Joe, he always pushes me to try new things.

I. Had. A. BALL!!!

I couldn't believe how fun it was to chase people and shoot with lasers!! I was so out of breath and really sweaty, I can't imagine how many calories I burned! LOL

If you have laser tag in your area, you must go do it. 

We also signed up for a game of Cyber Sport which was riding around in a bumper car thing and then trying to shoot and score with a lacrosse type of equipment.  Hilarious!

It was such a fun night out with friends and just being with adults!

Sunday morning brought yummy breakfasts...hubby gets his in bed.

After breakfast I slipped back under the covers for a few minutes.  I tried to watch Food Network, but the next thing I knew, Bradley boo came back in and wanted to watch Scooby Do



We did watch this as a family and oh my gosh, it's so good!! The kids and Joe have watched it like 3 other times and Brooke claims it is her favorite movie.   I just loved the themes...no one can make you happy; happiness is a choice and it lies within ourselves.



Kids played with some play-doh at their table while dinner cooked in the slow cooker.

The fire was going all day and I really didn't do much at all, which is why I have so much laundry and cleaning to catch up on for today...

But again, this book kind of highlights where we as mommas especially, need to slow down.  I tried not to "fake rest" too much.  That's right. You know where you say you're relaxing, but really you're still doing the dishes, folding the laundry, cleaning up after the kids....that is not resting.  It's what we have to do in the stage we are at (needy kids at 2 & 4) but once in while we really. really. really. need to rest.

I'm looking for a good fiction book recommendation, anyone have any?

Have a fabulous Monday! 

Fashion Friday

My good friend Shelby let me in on #redpinkweek this year and we are having so much fun on Instagram sharing our pink and red looks!! Join in on the fun; we'd love to see your style!  We are thinking this may turn into a monthly thing...start thinking green & gold for March!

My typical and favorite mom look is this newer hoodie from Athleta and any and all leggings.  Not to mention, this adorable little Mr. making silly faces behind me!



My nails are still hanging on (gotta love gels) and I opted for my lip LuLaroe leggings along with the Gwen Wrap Ring.  LOVE it!

Thursday was bitter cold, so I cozied up in my oversized poncho sweater and layered it over a light pink long sleeved shirt. The Antonia Tassel has the perfect amount of pink/blush to wear over the grey. Roseberry lips for the win!

My cutie patootie! He was so excited to go ride the 'cars/bikes' at the community center.

I LOVED this little outfit on him; but he spilled juice on it as I put him into the car, it soaked him, so that was the end of that cute look (worn for 15 minutes tops!)

Need some V-Day outfit inspiration?

Dress up some denim with a gold bangle, chandeliers, pink pumps and a covet initial necklace.

Have big plans? Fancy gala? Go with gold and cream!! It elevates your level of glam.

Got a hot date? {we don't go out for the actual evening of V-Day, but this is super cute & fun for any date night!}  Can't go wrong with a little black dress with lace, and rose gold jewelry.  Red nails and lips is always date night perfection.

I'm adoring this simple gold look with our Dalilah Pendant, gold cluster bracelet and trove ring.

Weekend goals...jeans, jacket, sneakers, blue scarf and silver accessories.

This collage makes me smile! Mimosas, shades & brunch---yes please! If only we could wear flip flops.  Currently it's snowing outside my window. 

Have any cream colored scarves or purses in your wardrobe? Pair it with your gold toned jewels and you'll be on trend!!

And can we just stop for a hot second and appreciate this new gem...love the handles & tassels! Oh, LV. You make a girl dream! 

Have a stylish weekend!!! Happy Friday!

WILW

Super busy and trying to get healthy {who else is over cold/flu season?!}

Loving this girl on You Tube.  

She is so positive, uplifting and someone I'll put on and listen/watch while I cut out 36 preschool crafts... good times~

I'm not much a of a TV person, so I always turn to You Tube.

What are you loving this Wednesday?  Leave your favorite upbeat You Tubers below!


Have a fabulous day. xox

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!

You are a #girlboss

I've been going a mile a minute lately and there seems to be no stopping it now!! I'm constantly trying to find a consistent flow of my energy; I certainly played the victim a bit on Monday and compared myself to others...never good to do!!

I try to set reasonable goals, but man it's tough to get everything done alone! I do sometimes wish I had an assistant.  (Other than two curly hair cutie pies that follow me around all day!) But, I'm working with what I've got and I decided today, I'm going to literally write out my "done" lists.  Yup.  I need to stop and smell some essential oils and breathe.  I never give myself enough credit or toot my own horn, because, well? I don't want to be arrogant.  I don't want to become cocky.  But I think sometimes I go so far the other way and don't really see all that I do. So Jenn, when you're feeling down and like you don't do "enough" or aren't "where you think you should be" this blog post is for you.

You wake up every morning and walk the dog.

You iron Joe's clothes.

Bacon, eggs, juice, waffles etc.

You fuel yourself with clean foods and sip on green tea.

You are home with your children.

You wipe their noses, change their diapers, wash their hands and love them through every stinky second.

You fit in workouts when you can.

You get 5 million snacks out for the kids.

You clean all of the crumbs.

You wipe the floor down 3+ times a day.

You do all of the dishes, laundry, and cleaning. (no more house cleaner)

You do all of the grocery shopping.

The errand running, grabbing rent checks, depositing them, and keeping track of who paid etc. is mostly done by you.

You read books to the kids.

You count with the kids.

You listen to self-development books every day.

You play with playdough and paw patrol more times than you can count.

You've kissed sore bumped heads, broken up fights and made the littles smile so big, it hurts your heart.

Snuggling to sesame street after a boo boo happens.

You give the dog water all day long... ps buy a bigger dish!

You make lunches, and more snacks.

You clean up more messes.

You make a dinner that kids won't eat, and make more pbjs than you'd like to admit.

You give bath time and cut nails, and sing songs and read more books.

You cuddle and kiss and soothe.

You stay up and make a warm meal for your husband who works late into the evenings.

You hop online and do trunk shows.

You step outside of your comfort zone and try new things: hello juice cleanse.

You go to yoga classes.

You go to friends' houses to set up trunk shows and share the love of fashion with others.

You help other women feel confident and stylish when assisting them with their accessories.

You've helped others feel good with text messages, voice messages and shoutouts.

You alone are the sole person for your sister. 

You take her to meetings, you help her with things she needs help with and you make time for what is important.

You spend time with loved ones and celebrate birthdays.

You are the office manager for Fave Properties.

You're THE organizer. 

Your marriage is stronger than ever.

You're in better physical shape than before kids.

You're in a better emotional state than ever before.

You're strong. 

You're a tremendous role model for Brooke and setting a good example of what type of woman you'd like Bradley to fall in love with one day.

If that doesn't scream #girlboss I don't know what would.  Stop being so hard on yourself and give yourself some credit!!

You do all of these things, so that your husband can work his crazy long hours and provide monetarily for you and your family.  The more you keep everything else together, the better he can perform at work.  You're a team and you are a damn good one.

There are days when you want to stay in bed and read all day or lounge and be lazy, but you have big dreams, huge goals and lots of life to live. NEVER SETTLE.

So while you may not be able to say you've financially supported the family nearly as much as your husband, you are the one that keeps this family together. You make this house a home, create a loving and safe place for friends and family to be together.  Your two year old may not be eating as many vegetables as you'd like or as much protein, but he's healthy and thriving. 

So if you're struggling with a negative voice that won't quit, tell it to shut up and list all of your attributes.  What are all of the things you do well that give you your best life?

PS I totally thought about not posting this, but you know what? If this helps one other woman feel more confident in herself, and stop feeling bad about what she isn't or doesn't do, then I feel like I've done a little bit of good.  Plus I feel better now. xo