Friday Letters

Dear Snow: I think I was just as excited as my 3 year old to see you. Considering I woke him up just to see his face light up. I am usually not the biggest fan of it but not today! Maybe it's because I knew it wouldn't last ;)

Dear weekend: I am so very happy you are here. Here's to relaxing, baking, cuddling, and celebrating with family!

Dear Thanksgiving: You are coming way to quickly. We are having family at our house this year {yikes} and I have never made a turkey before. It shouldn't be that hard right?! Maybe not if your a perfectionist and want everything to be amazing...

Dear Cupcake Business: Big things are happening! And I couldn't be more excited. Can't wait to share with all of you what's happening!!

Dear December: I am so excited for you to be here. Never thought I would say that but it's true. There are so many things I am looking forward to. The snow {you know, for my kids}, being with friends and family, and Christmas!!!


Sorry I'm slacking today and don't have any pictures. :)

Have a great weekend!!!

Cheers Not Jeers {Link Up}

  Cheers Not Jeers is a new weekly link-up thought of by the lovely Casey over as The Aslan's Auspicious Albany Adventure. It's all about giving your favorite bloggers a little shout out and some positivity. Every girl has their moments that they get dragged down by everything around them and sometimes even just a few sweet words can flip their mood into something wonderful. 


My wonderful girls for the week {who you can also see on my sidebar!}

Stormy at Life's a Dance

 Stormy was one of the first blogs I started following. She is so sweet and has some of the most positive thoughts. Plus she just had an adorable little boy and who doesn't want to see that?!
 

 A few of my favorite recent posts:

5 {More} Things You Might Not Know About Me

 100% Unique

Ain't No Trash Digger

 

Whitney at Black Little Button

Whitney is one of my best friends and was the reason I started blogging!! She is always so helpful and an absolutely amaze-balls photographer. She has the cutest pup AND she is now prego!! And doing some wonderful and honest bump dates. 

 Some of my favorite posts:

A Halloween Reminisce

Week Nine 

The Color Run

 

What Did Little A Say?

While watching the  Packer game with Daddy:

Daddy is saying the Packers should use a time-out. 

A: Why are you saying to take a time out? Are they not listening? Are they being naughty?!

How he said "Are they being naughty?" was the best part. He raised his eyebrows and smiled and said it in this mischievous little tone. C and I couldn't help but just laugh as we explained that it was a different kind of time-out.

Happy Monday all!!

Liebster Award

  I've been nominated for a Liebster award once before but never ended up doing a post for it.  When I was nominated by Ashley from Everything's Hunky Dorey, I felt like I really needed to make sure I did my job! 

 

 

 Questions from Ashley:

 

1. What is your favorite sport to watch (if any)?

    Football, without a doubt! We are a football and baseball family but football is definitely my favorite. It is action-packed and fast paced. Just the camaraderie that comes with football sucks you in. It's amazing!
2. Who is your favorite sports team?

    The Packers. Of course ;)

3. What's your children's clothing store?

    I get 90% of my kids clothes from Target but I also really love Kohl's. It's affordable and super cute! Plus, who doesn't love Target?

4. Cloth or disposable diapers?

    Disposable. I understand the benefits of the cloth diapers but they are just not for me. I give tons of credit to moms who use cloth diapers though!

5. What is the one thing you want the most for Christmas?

    Oh this question. I have my wants {like a steam mop ;)} but there is so much more to Christmas then just presents. The most important thing to me is being with my family and enjoying all the moments I have with them. I'm learning that things can change in an instant. We all need to take the time to just appreciate what we have and love the ones around us. 

6. Where do you spend Thanksgiving?

    We usually divide our day with my husbands family and mine but this year we are having thanksgiving at our house! Yikes...

7. Are you a Black Friday shopper?

    Absolutely not, and I NEVER will be. This again goes with my answer to #5. I hate that so many stores think its ok to have "black friday" start on thanksgiving, when we should just be enjoying our family. I used to work in retail, C does, and most of our friends do. I'm sick of black friday taking away from family time to just encourage people to shop. I have a friend who hasn't been with her family for thanksgiving in years because of this. I could go on and on about how much I dislike black friday but I won't. I will tell you a secret though: most of those "black friday" deals, aren't really all that great. You can get stuff cheaper different times of the year. So, instead of spending your thanksgiving planning where you are going right after dinner, just be with your family. Take a million pictures. Laugh. Cry. Eat a sh*t ton of food. 

8. What is your favorite sport to play?

    Me + sports do not go well together. I dance and run. Anything involving a ball usually ends tragically. 

9. What's currently on your DVR?

    Lets see: Bubble Guppies, Mickey Mouse, Super Why, Paw Patrol, Daniel Tiger...just to name a few...

10. Early bird or night owl?

      Night owl. We don't like mornings in this house. This is why our kids bedtime is 9:30/10.

11. Facebook or Twitter?

      Facebook, but that is really only because I only have close friends and family on Facebook. I love seeing everyone's pictures. It's my way of staying in touch with the people that live so far away. I think I have about 80 friends. 

 I nominate: 

Whitney at Black Little Button

Rachel at Our Campbell Soup

Angela at Rolling With The Stones

My questions for you: 

1. Do you vacation to relax or to adventure? And, where would you go?

2. Why did you start blogging?

3. Mac or PC?

4. What is your favorite pizza topping?

5. Do you coupon?

6. If you could try any career in the world for a month which would you choose and why?

7. Complete this sentence: "Never have I ever..."

8. What has surprised you most about motherhood or pregnancy?

9. Do you prefer to shop online or in person?

10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

11. Breakfast or dinner?

 

 

 

 

  

What Did Little A Say?

Momma: Hunny, are you ready to go? 

A: Not yet!! I'm almost ready!!! (yelling from his bathroom)

Momma: What are you doing?

A: Putting on makeup!!!!!

I think he spends too much time with Mom....

30 Before 30 Update

Our weekend was extra boring and it was the greatest thing ever. Sitting around and playing with the boys, couldn't get any better!! That also means its not worth sharing so I'm using this opportunity to do a long overdue update of my 30 Before 30 list.
 

7. Pay for the person behind me in the drive thru 
    This is something I had always thought about doing but of course never did. I know it is a common list item but I chose it simply because it truly is wonderful. What better way to brighten someones day then to buy their food/coffee? Its unexpected and its guaranteed to put a smile on their face. The picture above is of the card I gave to the person behind me, just to say "have a great day"!

12. See Michael Buble in concert
      For our anniversary, C got us tickets to see Michael Buble in concert. I had high hopes and was so unbelievably excited to see him in person! Well, I must say, Mr. Buble DID NOT disappoint. He was amazing. I have been to some great concerts and this one is at the top of my list. He is an amazing singer, this I have always known, but he did something I have never had an artist do before. At the very end of the show, he got rid of his microphone and the music and belted out the last few lines of the song he was singing. We were in a HUGE venue and I could hear him no problem. It was amazing. Completely a capella. That man's got some pipes.

4. Run the Color Run 5K
    I will be honest, I did not run. However, the people in our team who did run, said it was really hard to run because 80% of the participants were walking. It was a lot of fun and I would do it again. We didn't have any trouble washing the color out. The only things I have that are slightly stained are my socks and shoes (though I haven't tried washing my shoes yet). Anyone looking to do a 5K, I would suggest the Color Run!!



Now I have just over 4 years to complete the next 25 things on my list :) I can't wait to cross of more!!

Five on Friday

{one} I'm super excited for this weekend. Why? Because C has the entire weekend off of work!!! These weekends are my favorite. Seeing Little A's face light up when we tell him that daddy doesn't have to go to work at all until Monday is the best feeling ever. 

{two} I was reminded this week that it is no-shave-November (movember). I must say, Im quite thrilled that C's work doesn't allow facial hair. Those horrible 80's mustaches? EW. I like a little scruff but not an entire months worth. Chelsea at Lost in Travels has a super easy & cute DIY mustache mug that is a great way to celebrate this month though!!

{three} Anyone here watch The Voice? I'm completely in love with James Wolpert. He is so good. His version of "A Case of You"? Amazing. Goosebumps. Fo' real. My other favorites are Caroline Pennell and Matthew Schuler. Who's your favorite?!



{four} I'm hoping I can keep up my winning streak in my blogger fantasy football league. On Monday, Aaron Rodgers got hurt and will be out for about 3 weeks. Wah-wah-wah. Not only was he my fantasy QB but he is also my teams QB. I am still keeping the faith that the Pack is good enough that even without their star player they will continue to win. And hopefully my fantasy teams continue to win as well.

{five} This quote was on Facebook this morning and I love it. Don't do things for other people before yourself. Be your best self for YOU.

Have a great weekend!!

Blueberry Banana Bread

I have never been a huge banana fan other than if it is in banana bread. Little A does request bananas when we go to the grocery store and I, of course, always buy too many. Which means lots of over ripe bananas. I think I have 10 of them in my freezer currently! I am always looking for new ways to use bananas instead of the traditional banana bread. As much as I love it, I can only make it so many times so finding a new, yummy way to use the bananas is great!

When I found the recipe for the blueberry banana bread, I thought it was the perfect alternative to my traditional banana bread!! I have 10 quart size bags in my freezer filled with the blueberries we picked this summer. So not only am I using up the bananas, I am also using the blueberries! Score!

This bread is ah-may-zing!!! For real. I alone had eaten half the loaf within 1 day of making it. The bread is moist, is slightly sweet, and has the perfect amount of banana flavor. The juicy blueberries add just that little bit extra to take it over the top when you bite into a piece. The recipe doesn't skimp on blueberries either. Each slice of bread is LOADED with the berries. 

Have I mentioned that this recipe is insanely easy?! It literally took me 10  minutes to throw it together. How much better can it get? 

Blueberry Banana Bread

adapted from Eclectic Recipes

4 over ripe bananas
1 egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unpacked light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
2 cups self-rising flour**
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups fresh blueberries (or thawed, frozen blueberries)

1. Heat oven to 350*.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl. Whisk in egg until well combined. Add in sugars and vanilla, mix until combined. 
3. Mix flour and cinnamon together in a separate small bowl. Alternate flour mixture and milk. Adding 1/2 flour mixture, 1/2 cup milk, then the rest of the flour mixture. Mix until combined. Fold in blueberries.
4. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until deep golden brown and set.

**If you do not have self rising flour, use this recipe as a substitute using all-purpose flour**

Now seriously, go try this recipe. You will not be disappointed!

A 3rd Monster Bash

A few weeks ago my Little A turned 3!! I still can't believe that it has already been 3 years since we had him. The amount he has grown is insane. He has turned into such a funny and sweet little man. I am so proud to call him mine and I can't wait to see how much he continues to grow and who he develops into! 

Little A is obsessed with Monsters Inc. So naturally that is what he said he wanted for his birthday party. I didn't want it to be specific to Monsters Inc so I just did a colorful monsters theme. I, unfortunately, didn't get a single good picture of the birthday boy. There was just so much going on and too many people to get him to sit still for more than .1 second.

I came up with some creative names for the food and found some fun printables on Etsy. I didn't want to go too over the top. Simple but cute is what I aim for. Plus being on a tiny budget keeps it that way.

A photo banner showing how much Little A has grown over the last year. 

 

We made monsters out of toilet paper rolls, construction paper, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and little fluff balls (no idea what to call them). I think the adults did all the crafting and probably had the most fun! 

 

Of course Mike had to make an appearance at the party. This balloon is about 4 feet tall. It was fantastic and Little A's reaction was priceless.

Everything turned out great and we all had so much fun! Now to start planning the little one's 1st birthday!!!

Weekend Shenanigans

This past weekend was so much fun!! I don't usually share our weekends but today I decided to. Plus, I'm feeling a bit left out of all the Halloween pictures! ;)

{One} We had our Halloween party this weekend and it was so much fun!! I went as a robber (I had a mask but ended up taking it off after 10 min) and C was a cop, get it? Cops & robbers...haha. Anyways... as much fun as that night was I've learned that #1 I have kids and can't drink like I used to and #2 My body doesn't like beer. Good news was that I really wasn't that hungover and was running around at a cross country meet by noon the next afternoon.

{Two} We went and watched my husbands nephew run in the state cross country meet. He is a freshman in high school and was hoping for a podium (top 10) finish. He ended up in  14th but was the first of the freshman AND sophomores to finish. Out of the 13 boys in front of him 7 were seniors. There have been a few articles already about him, I can't wait to keep watching him kick a$$ over the next 4 years!!

{Three} We started a new month this weekend!! Which means I am looking for new gorgeous faces to swap buttons with!

{Four}Sunday wasn't very entertaining. We sat at home all day while I watched my fantasy teams scores. I must say I am quite ecstatic that, for the second week in a row, Im winning!!!! 2 weeks ago I was 0-6 in one of my leagues. I'm now 3-6 in one and will be 5-4 in the one pictured above. The thoughts of playoffs are dancing in my head. 

{Five} (no picture) I was quite sad yesterday as my team did not play. So you can bet that is what I will be preparing for all day today. Go Pack Go!!

Five on Friday

Alright my lovelies, I decided to do something a little different this week. I'm linking up with The Good Life blog and a few other lovely bloggers for Five on Friday for the first time! It's basically five things that you loved during the week, are looking forward to, or feel blessed with and want to share. 

{One}
Our Halloween party is tonight and I am beyond excited. It is always so much fun planning what C and I  are going to dress up as even though it usually spurs some frustration at some point from both of us. The party itself is always a blast. Seeing what everyone dressed up as and just enjoying having most of our amazing friends in one place is what I really look forward to. Plus having the girls kick a$$ in the games we play every year helps too.

This is a new one we need to try out: 
 


{Two}
A good friend of mine and amazing photographer/blogger, Whitney, announced a few weeks ago that she has a little muffin in the oven and I couldn't be happier for her and her husband. Her husband is in the Army and will be gone for the next year so a little extra support from the blog world is always welcome. I can attest to the fact that she will be a fantastic mom, seeing as how great she is with my boys. Stop by her blog and give her some love!

{Three} 
I started my Christmas shopping this week and I scored some deals that any mom to young kids cannot miss!! The toys pictured below are a few of the gifts I purchased. They retail at $100 and I paid $40 for them all at Target, my absolute favorite store. It's as simple as stacking a manufacturers coupon on a Target coupon and also using Targets Cartwheel app for extra savings. 

{Four} 
Tomorrow, my husband and I are going to watch our nephew run in the state cross country meet. He is a freshman in high school and is already beating kids that are seniors. I can't wait to see how he grows as an athlete over the next 4 years!

{Five} 
As we say goodbye to October we also say hello to the end of fall and beginning of winter around here. The Farmer's Market moves indoors, the windchill drops, we wake up to frost on the grass outside and the chance of snow flurries enters the forecast. As ready as I was to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall, this is not what I wanted to happen. I want to hold onto fall as long as I possibly can. Cross your fingers and pray with me that we don't get snow, or go below 40* during the day, until December!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Halloween!!!!!

Happy Halloween everyone!! 

I hope you all have fun plans today. It is our first year taking our Little A trick or treating. Mommy is a little excited ;) Now lets hope all the rain we are supposed to get today holds off a bit between 3 and 7. That would be fabulous. 

Have a great Halloween!!

What Did Little A Say?

After lunch one lovely day, Mommy was cleaning up the food off of Little A's chair:

Little A: Oh wow Mommy, your hair is so pretty!

{It was in my go-to sock bun}

Mommy: Thank you, Sweetheart!

Little A: I like your hair a lot. It's so pretty and nice...aaand hairy.

A wonderful complement from my little man. 

Do You Shave?

 (Please read and note the fine print)

That may seem like a ridiculous question to ask and yes, I do believe it is but sometimes you never know!! I'm not sure about all of you but I prefer mens razors. I have tried so many different women's razors and I hate them all. The one and only thing I hate about razors is the price. I think I actually cry a little every month when I go and spend $20 on a pack of 4. That is what happened at least until I was introduced to the Dollar Shave Club. 

Now I know there are monthly subscriptions for anything and everything. Most of it I think is silly and some of it is great but way over priced. When we were told about the Dollar Shave Club we were sold and decided it was worth a try considering the price. Depending on what type of razor you pick it is anywhere from $1 to $9 per month. Shipping and handling is included. There are no fees and no obligations. Just a simple flat rate each month and they send the razors to you.

 

We use the "Lover's Blade" which is $6 per month. It is the same blade that I used to get at Target once a month except $12 cheaper. That is $144 a year!!! The only thing I was worried about with these blades was the quality. However, the quality is exactly the same as the Gillette ones I always used. We have been using these razors for 3 months now so I can definitely say the quality is the same. I highly recommend them. Even the handle that they send you is nice. Its not a light weight plastic handle. It has a nice curve and some weight to it so it fits in your hand nicely. 

These razors and this company is great, especially if you have a husband who's job doesn't allow any facial hair. If you don't believe me, put "Dollar Shave Club" into the YouTube search bar. There are many people who have created testimonial videos about the quality of these razors and its amazing.
They also have other products like Shave Butter that you can also buy but I haven't tried it yet. 

I've been so pleased with this company and the quality of their products that we will definitely be sticking with them. Come on, $144 a year? You'd be cray-cray not to try it!





Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Weekly Wishes

I've been wanting to blog for a long time but never thought I really would be able to do it. I knew I could write, I just didn't think I would have enough to write about or if I could write in a way that would be entertaining enough for people to read it.  A few months ago, I just decided to jump in head first. Enough of the "what if's" and "maybe's", it was time to just go for the things I have been wanting to do.

Well, I was totally unprepared for anything and everything blog related. Thinking that blogging is easy is soo far from the truth. However, I do enjoy it. It has been a while since I have blogged and I hate it. I get frustrated when I don't have the time or when I am trying to write and a certain little person won't stop asking questions. It makes something that I'm trying to do for me difficult. So, one of my wishes this week is to get a good schedule down. There are so many ideas floating around in my head and posts half written its crazy. I need to get everything figured out so I can really get this going!!

This week is going to be a busy one for me. Little A is turning 3...I can't believe he is 3 already! Next thing I know he will be starting kindergarten. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. My second wish is to get everything done I want to. I'm the kind of mom who wants her kids birthday parties to be amazing with decorations galore, themes, games...the whole nine yards. Seriously, I'm already starting to plan Little C's birthday and its still 5 months away. 

Crossing my fingers that I can get my crazy life figured out and put on a schedule. Maybe it will make everything simpler. 

Friday Letters

Dear Package: You were supposed to arrive today and now I am angry. Apparently paying extra for shipping means nothing. Grrrrrr.......


Dear Weather: You look fabulous this weekend minus the rain in tomorrows forecast. That can go away, it would be greatly appreciated. I have specific plans that DO NOT have rain included in them!


Dear BFF's: Get ready for some super-duper, awesome, and wild birthday fun tonight! It doesn't happen too often that we all manage to get together and I am so excited that even though this was  last minute we were all able to do this! I love ya lovely ladies!

Dear Husband: Thank you for being so wonderful and spending special daddy/boys time TWICE this weekend. I appreciate it and I hope you had fun golfing this morning :) 



Dear Apples: We are coming for you and you better be nice and crisp and juicy. We are going to savor every bite of anything we make with you. I can't wait!

Dear Color Run: Even though I will not be running you, get ready! 'Cuz there are 6 rockin' chicks coming your way and it is going to be epic.  

Dear Fantasy Football Teams: Get it into gear. Seriously. This losing thing is getting old.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!