Black Friday

I thought it’d be fun to share a few stores with a gift idea for each! 

Pottery Barn - 25% off sitewide. 

Park Hill Lantern

J.Crew sale! 

Stocking stuffer - unicorn headband

The Beaufort Bonnet Company- pink sale. Always their best sale of the year!  40% off sitewide and free shipping!

Onward Reserve - 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY. I got Kevin several things from here. It’s like an Orvis meets preppy for guys. Love it all.   Here’s the vest he asked for. 

Serena and Lily - 25% off with code THANKFUL

How cute is this tray?!

Happy shopping!

Thankful

Just a thankful post...

Thankful for each of you who continue to read my blog year after year and leave me the nicest comments and click on my links!

Thankful for my family and our health.  Thankful for my Mills. Thankful for our friends and neighbors.  Thankful for a safe and happy place to live. Thankful for a wonderful job with my second family.  

Thankful for the ability to take my children to an amazing school. Thankful for the food on our plate each night. And thankful for all of the other extras that we are so grateful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours. May you enjoy time with family and/or friends!  Have fun running your Turkey Trot, watching parades or hanging in the kitchen surrounded by people you love!  

See y’all back here Friday for some good ole Black Friday shopping...online....my fav! 

Christmas Outfits

I hadn’t bought the children anything to match for Christmas. I know they don’t really have to but I only have a couple more years that it will happen so I’m going to soak it up!  

I’ve been OBSESSED with this dress for weeks so I finally bit the bullet and ordered it.  Grady will match in these plaid pants and a white button down   They will be presch but I’m only slightly biased!

PS - there’s more below but TBBC does a really wonderful sale every Black Friday which they call Pink Friday!  So check it out!  Also, they don’t know me, I’m just telling y’all I got some deals last year!  A lot of this stuff I’m posting today is on sale already!  

I also ordered some basics they’ll be able to wear throughout the year.  This pima knit Peter Pan collar for under jumpers!  I love these or the lettuce edge turtleneck under shift dresses for the little girls!  

The red night night pajamas for Grady!  These are great for Christmas and Valentines and every night between!  Here they are in two piece! 




And this sounds really odd but I got Molly Anne one pair of these to try and now they’re the only panties she wants to wear!  I got her some more this past week!  Some are on sale now too!




Happy shopping!

Pool Dip, Singing and Playing

I don't have a ton of pictures from this weekend but we had way too much fun.  Friday night hanging outside with neighbors.  

If you're wondering why my hair is wet, I had been dared to jump in the pool for weeks and on Friday night since it was 63 degrees outside (not 40) with a fire going, I figured it was the time to do it.  Yes, the pool was cold!  If you know me, you know you shouldn't dare me to do something because I'll probably do it if it's harmless!  Good memories friends!  YOLO!  No wine was included in the pool, but yes before and after haha! 

Saturday morning I took Grady bright and early to get his hair cut!  Don't worry, my parenting didn't suffer due to my dip in the pool haha!  I can't even remember what we did that afternoon except that we played inside because it rained all day long.  Saturday night we got some carryout for dinner and hung out.  I made mashed potatoes for my work Thanksgiving lunch today.  I made the pioneer woman's and she says you can make them a day or two prior to eating them.  I LOVE peeling potatoes...not!  But I do love the mashed potatoes! 

Sunday morning Molly Anne and I went to church to watch Maggie sing!  She did so well and was adorable!  The girls went to the preschool area while we were in the rest of the service.  


After church, Kevin and Grady met us over at our club for Sunday brunch.  We cruised back home for nap time and after that, some neighborhood friends that we had seen at the club that morning came over to play.  We ended up ordering pizza and eating in the driveway.  It was a fun way to end the weekend and begin the week!

Here's to a short week! 

Five on Friday - Molly Anne -isms, Mills Update and Out

ONE:
Molly Anne has said two extra funny things this week. 
1.  On the way to gymnastics she said, "My body is like so cool!"
2.  The other day in the car she randomly said, "I love Drama class because Ms. Tiffany let's me talk!"  No truer words have ever been spoken.  
I love this child more than life itself.

She did climb up an extra knot on the rope so it's good she was feeling extra confident and strong! 

TWO:
Mills has been going to the vet every few days for bandage changes on his paw.  His other three spots are healing nicely.  He gets his stitches out on Monday.  Let me tell you how fun it's been getting him to the vet every few days and every time I take him out to potty I have to put a plastic bag on his paw that takes an interesting maneuver to happen.  NOT complaining, just saying.  

The biposy came back mostly good.  It's benign but it had some cells in it that don't look good.  She thinks she got all of it this time but it's very at risk for coming back quickly so we will be keeping a close eye on it forever.  This boy!

Many golf cart rides have been happening to keep this puppy extra happy! 

THREE:
Last Sunday I almost lost all of my sanity with my favorite little boy constantly trying to get up the stairs, mostly because he knows he isn't supposed to be doing it.  So I ordered this gate off of Amazon and it's WAY better than the 3/4 one we had before.  He can still untie this but it takes him a lot longer and this blocks him much better.  This looks hideous but I know it's temporary. 

FOUR:
Yes, this adorable, sweet, cuddly little boy does things that he isn't supposed to do.  This is 18 months!

FIVE:
Christmas party planning is in full force at the children's school.  They actually had their Thanksgiving one this past Thursday.  I grabbed all of this at the dollar store this week before it's all gone.  It doesn't look like the greens coordinate, but they do haha.  They always love wearing the jingle bell necklaces.  I got Grady's class these little rudolph headbands that are adorable and they won't keep on but the thought it there!   

Otherwise, I'm buying gifts for 9 teachers plus two teacher birthdays so 11 gift cards!  I've been on a mission this week and I have 9 of the 11 cards so far!  All different places except three were to Target!  We get the gift cards to their favorite places that they filled out on their favorites sheet at the beginning of the year!  Busy busy busy but it's so fun!

SIX:
Girl's night at the new Foxcroft Wine Bar in Waverly and baby Jack came too!  Always such a fun time with these girls!  

Sweet bubba boy when I got home.  I love that he sleeps like this with his toosh in the air.  Molly Anne did when she was his age and still does sometimes!  

Hope you all have a nice weekend!

Birthday Weekend

We had a busy but super fun weekend!  I’m going on a detox this week! 

Friday night my friend planned a neighborhood girls night and the seven of us met up at the clubhouse and hung out. We each brought an appetizer and whatever we wanted to drink. It was so fun! 

We had some golf cart shenanigans afterwards. Then I stayed at Hilary’s way too late. Good times!

I can’t even tell you what we did during the day on Saturday except we played at home and hung out. I did have to take Mills for a check up and bandage change.  

Kevin’s mom came over around dinner time and kept the children so we could zip out for a few hours. We went to the new Foxcroft Wine Bar in Waverly and yes it’s as amazing as it looks. So glad it’s 10 minutes from our house. I’m going again with friends this week.  

The house made ricotta is essential. 



We went to CO for dinner and then an after dinner drink at Porters House. We got home by 8:15pm and made a fire and watched the NC State game on the porch. 

There aren’t many things I like more than red wine or Jack Daniels by the fire while watching NC State!

Mills lived his best life two days post surgery and was SO happy to be out there with us!  

Bag on his paw but it still got wet so I changed his bandage late night. 

Yesterday was my birthday so we went to the Southend area and had brunch at Superica. Grady ate chips the entire time we were there.  Literally. He loved the salsa too. 

They both loved watching the train (light rail) after brunch. I need to take them for a ride. Molly Anne has been but doesn’t remember it. 

I got to ride my Peloton when we got home and Grady napped. 

We went next door for dinner. Drew went and got a bunch of food from the Butchers Market and cooked it for us. Hilary surprised me with our favorite Christmas ale.  Such a treat! Kevin had gotten a cake! We had the best time. Definitely the highlight of the day.  It’s just easy.  This picture cracks me up for so many reasons!  

Molly Anne’s card!

Grady signing the card that the children gave me!

Cake haha

It was a wonderful day!  Molly Anne was sooo excited about my birthday this year and gave away all of Kevin’s secrets. It cracked me up!  

Lately

I haven't really done a what's been going on post in awhile so thought I'd jot a few things down.

1.  I completed a 30 day Peloton challenge in October where I had to do something from the Peloton app every day - cycling, yoga, strength, running, walking.  It was actually really good to do.  I never thought I'd be able to do it but somehow made it happen.  I had to cheat with a 5 minute yoga or meditation a few times but otherwise I did something pretty productive every day.  

2.  Speaking of Peloton - I'm really enjoying the Sundays with Love rides at 11:45am.  I do them with my friend Jodie in Denver and we keep each other accountable!  The ride is inspiring and sets a good tone for the week.  If you have a Peloton, I highly recommend it.

3.  Molly Anne is going to be Mary in her Christmas program at school.  She told me a couple of times this week and I didn't really believe her (I'm not sure why because she doesn't usually miss a beat).  So I asked her teacher and sure enough!  She has a few lines she has to memorize.  It's going to be amazing.  Last year, she was the loudest Angel singer ha!

4.  Mills had surgery to remove 4 cysts yesterday.  It came on very suddenly with one popping up last Saturday on his toe.  That one doesn't look good so they're sending it off.  We will be nursing him back to health this weekend.  I slept on the couch to be right next to him last night.

5.  Who is finished their Christmas shopping?  I have a few more people left but I like to save some of it for December to get into the spirit.  When are you decorating?  With Grady being 18 months this year, I'd like to get a tree on December 24th because it's less time I have to keep him from pulling it down and breaking ornaments.  When Molly Anne was this age, we had it on our porch.  This house, we don't have that option.  Well I guess we do but it'd be cold out there ha!  

6.  Grady has the funniest little personality these days.  He is talking so much more and does funny things like turning his head sideways being silly and shaking his head yes or no when you ask him questions.  He is a hoot.  It's going to be interesting to watch him blossom more as the school year rolls on.  He is going to love Christmas lights and hate sitting on Santa's lap.  Molly Anne and I were talking about him sitting on Santa's lap the other day and even she said, yeah Grady won't like that this year.  She said she will though!

7.  Andrea Ivey is cutting my hair again today and I'm excited.  She does such a good job but of course it's raining today.  I do have fun plans tonight so I hope it lasts!  

8.  Molly Anne is still doing gymnastics every Tuesday.  It's been kinda of Kevin's and her thing to do together.  They do that and Grady and I play and fix dinner.  It helps me get my act together from being gone all day.  

9.  I've been running one night a week with my friend Jen in the neighborhood.  We do about 4/4.5 miles and it's been such a good thing to look forward to after children's bedtimes.  She and I both have young children, we both work and travel (well I only sorta do that) and we just do things the same way. 

10.  I've been room mom'ing a little bit these days - taking care of a few teacher birthdays and setting up the Thanksgiving party extras in Molly Anne's class!  Also, sent Molly Anne's teachers a $10 gift card to Starbucks for the morning after Halloween (they needed it!).  My friend sent me $10 to help survive Grady being sick awhile ago so I passed her good deed on.  These teachers take care of my children so it's the least I can do. 

11.  Dealing with little rental house issues here and there because why could anything ever be easy? 

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

My Favorites These Days

Some of my VERY favorites from lately...

I wanted to share the link to my favorite booties.  I got these during the anniversary sale this summer but they're an even better deal now 40% off.  I had light brown booties but wanted black for this year.  I'm so glad I got them because I've worn them a ton.  I didn't size up like suggested and I think they're perfect.  



I think Boden has the best long sleeve nightgowns for little girls.  I got the unicorns and ivory festive fairies for Molly Anne.  I bought the 5-6y so she can wear them for a few years.  Boden wears so well.  We have one from my nieces that they both wore and now Molly Anne does and it's still in great shape.  Molly Anne is going to flip over the "rainbow" unicorns! ;)



If you're looking for black jeans or any denim, you must try Wit and Wisdom.  You can't beat the price for what you get.  My friend Ashley told me about them last year and they are so amazing.  I usually hate wearing jeans because they're so uncomfortable but these are soft and don't stretch out much.  I recently got these black ones and wore them for an entire day of travel and they were the best.  Comfortable but slightly dressy too. 





My obsession for casual to throw on with leggings these days?  This sweatshirt.  I know it's expensive but it's THAT amazing.  My parents got me the black one and the next one I'd like to get is the rosario pink (below)!  It will go with any color of leggings.  

Recipe: Meal Plan for this Week

Menu this week:

1.  Saturday - we had salmon, broccoli and couscous.  I did the salmon and broccoli as a sheet pan dinner with salt and pepper 400 degrees for 15 minutes.  I put Parmesan and squeezed lemon juice on the broccoli after it came out.  This was a meal idea from my friend Kristen.  

2.  Sunday -  Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Soup from my friend April.  SO good and easy.

3.  Monday - sausage, mushroom and onion quiche.  Grady ate this like he's never eaten before.  I don't use a crust and forgot cheese in this and it was still delish.  Served it with mandarin oranges.  Grady's favorite!

4.  Tuesday - meatloaf using this recipe (I made it the day before so easy to reheat), plain ole cut green beans from the can and scalloped potatoes. 

5.  Wednesday - leftovers

6.  Thursday - grilled cheese and premade tomato soup (aka from a box at the store)

That's all I've got for now.  I'll figure out the weekend later.  I am just impressed I meal planned for this many days.  That's what an hour on a plane will do for you.  I added all of the groceries to my cart when we were taxiing in to the gate and done!  Now I need to get my act together to do this for next week!  

Weekend - Oyster Roast and Air Show

After this post I should be all caught up from my little week or two break from blogging that I really didn't mean for to happen.  I was BUSY.  Still am.  And a lot of other chaos in there as well.  Things that don't need to go on my blog mmkay.  

Last week I was in Baltimore for a day and we had lunch at the best place - Box Hill Pizzeria.  Anyone ever been?  It's a pizza place but the crab cakes are insanely popular and delicious.  Look how huge it is!  In case you're wondering, we didn't eat dinner!!

Friday night we went to an Oyster Roast/ Pig Pickin' at Quail Hollow CC benefiting The Independence Fund.  It was a wonderful event put on by our friend Kristen.  She didn't miss one detail.  Total class.  

I shucked about a dozen oysters and they were amazing blue points from Connecticut.  Then ate about two more dozen...some steamed and some raw.  And I also had quite a bit of red wine!  Combine all of that with a good fire and yep, it was fun.  Kevin took this picture.  I'm so upset I didn't get a picture of the two of us but he was there!

Saturday afternoon I took Molly Anne and Grady to the air show at the Monroe airport.  It was so cool.  We had to wait and go after Grady's nap so we kind of missed the boat on getting into the actual event.  And parking was insane.  A police officer told me by the time we parked, got on the bus and got over there, it'd be over.  So we pulled over into a parking lot with some other folks and watched from there.  It was perfect! Next year, I'll know we need to go early and skip nap time!

Grady LOVES planes so I knew he'd love this!

He started saying GOLF CART this weekend and going to that door from our house into our garage where we keep it.  He would point to the door and yell GOLF CART!  So of course we went on a ride when he did that! It's one of his favorite things.  He loves pointing at all of the things we see and talk about!  His vocabulary has exploded in the last two weeks.  I had to stop writing down words he has said because it's that many.  Proud of him!

We love love love playing in our driveway!  We play out there SO MUCH and we love it when our next door neighbors come over too!   We literally do this every day that it's nice out.  

The longest hop scotch ever!

I don’t want to forget these days.  All of the scooters and ride alongs and bikes and chalk and bubbles and ALL of the things!  I hope these are the days Molly Anne and Grady remember.  The simple things like playing outside with neighbors!