Our Favorite Things~

Here are some of my FAVORITE THINGS from January.

1. Bobbie Brown Hydrating Eye Cream:

Does this actually work? I have no idea. Does it feel amazing? Yes!

2. Laundry Baskets from Walmart:

Snooze alert! I know. But seriously, I am in love with these laundry baskets. Perfect size to organize all the clothes.

3. Kourtney and Kim Take New York:

Don't pretend you don't watch this! (Or good for you if you haven't gotten sucked into it yet) I love this show. These girls are in FALSIES (fake eyelashes) ALL day. How is this even possible? Who cares? I love it. Noel and I watched the movie, "One Day", a few weeks ago. Not to spoil the movie for you if you haven't seen it, but it was hands down the worst, most depressing movie of all time. I couldn't even move afterwards...I was that depressed. Noel suggested I watch K&KTNY. And that is why I married him. It totally zapped my "I want to cry myself to sleep" mood and replaced it with mindless Kardashian material. Perfect.

4. Gerber's Squeezable Fruit:

Charlie can't get enough of this stuff. (So, I guess it should be on Charlie's list). It's super easy for a quick snack. And that's why I love it.

5. You're All My Favorites:

My mom gave me this book several years ago. I've always liked this book, but when I started reading it to Charlie and Walker the other day, I got choked up because it has a totally different meaning now.

While I was making my list, I thought it would be interesting to see what Noel had on his list of January Favorites.

And here they are (with Noel's thoughts).

1. The Alabama Crimson Tide are National Champions:

My favorite college football team played for the BCS National Championship down in New Orleans earlier this month. A lot of people questioned if they event deserved to play in the championship game because their only loss all season came against LSU who was the undisputed "Number 1" team in the country. Alabama's defense put on a show and proved that not only did the Tide deserve a shot at the championship, but that they were the best team in the country when it counted. Watch the SportsCenter highlights below:

2. The Roots album "Undun".

Best album of 2011. Period. I've been listening to this non-stop. Everyone knows The Roots from their role as the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC, but they've been making great music for years. This is by far their best work. "Undun" is a concept album told in reverse. It tells the story of a young man named Redford Stevens who makes bad decisions in his life due to the environment he is surrounded by. The first song is meant to be his death and the story goes in reverse from there. While the album has been critically acclaimed, it's not exactly selling out in all the stores. Take a listen and decide for yourself: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/undun/id481840450

3. Clarks Originals Lapland Boot.

I got a pair of these from my mom for Christmas. They might be my favorite shoes ever. They look great with khaki's or jeans. They're dressy enough for work, but casual enough for a Saturday afternoon. I've been rocking' Clarks Originals Wallabies forever, but these have a little bit different flair. Just wanted to show everyone that Ashley's not the only one in this family with some style! Haha!

4. Range Rover Evoque.

It's a smaller Range Rover. It comes in 2 or 4 door models. It has everything you'd expect from a Range Rover (luxury, performance, etc.). Not really much else to say here.

5. All I have to say about my last one is... YO!!!!!!!

We did have ONE thing in common for our January favorites:

Walker's bathtime

I know I keep talking about this, but Walker plus his bath equals some SERIOUS cuteness. He kicks his arms and legs so hard and LOVES that he can control how the water splashes. It never gets old.

Enjoy your last day of January!!~

Soul Mates~

"She's my person. If I murdered someone, she's the person I'd call to help me drag the corpse across the living room floor. She's my person."

Christina from Grey's Anatomy

Erin and I have officially coined the phrase, "you're my person", for each other.

We are 3 days apart and have been friends our entire lives. Not many can say that! Since we both had birthdays last week, I had to bring out the old pictures.

Here are some of my favorites.

Braces(!) and Jenni K bracelets. Gotta love it. Spending the night at Erb's house after Cotillion.

We have danced together since we were 3, but this was our first duet. Titanic. We loved those watercolor costumes.

As 8th graders, we usually didn't wear this much makeup :-), but we had just finished a performance at the Stevens Center with NCSA.

Erin's graduation

We've made crafts together in preschool, had sleepovers in elementary school, passed notes to each other in middle school, danced through high school, helped each other make major life decisions through college, and watched each other get married later on.

How lucky am I to have a forever friend?

The Art of Color: Blue!!

Part 2 of the Mini Series: The Art of Color!!

The color BLUE is known to slow metabolism and produce a calming effect. Ironic since I found all these PREPPY blue items that make me very excited!

Before we break it down, it's very important to understand this:

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I have always believed that everything looks better monogrammed!

Breaking it down:

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Everyone needs a pair of Tory Burch shoes. Aren't these beautiful? Unfortunately, no one has listened to my subtle (ok, not very subtle) hints that I need a pair.

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Look at this little cutie. This was Charlie at 2 months. Out of all the boys' clothes, this has been my most favorite John John. Interested in a mini history lesson? People call shortalls and longalls John Johns because Jackie O dressed her son, JFK Jr (who they called John John) in them. Adorable, classic baby boy.

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While doing laundry the other day I realized that everyone in my household has this polo shirt. I get to wear mine with pearls, though. :-)

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I am borderline obsessed with stationary. I go into Charlotte's just to look at their beautiful selection. I love this blue set. I hate that handwritten notes are a lost art these days.

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Love PB Kids Madras collection. Noel wishes I didn't. I've had so much fun decorating the boys' rooms in this.

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Don't forget to monogram the scarf!

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Cute plates

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The co-owner of Southern Proper, Reagan Howell, is from my hometown. I love her ties! Noel has this one and this one, and my dad has this one.

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Beautiful room

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Handy tote bag

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Vineyard Vines dress that is oh so cute, and a polo for the little guys.

Now, go find your inner prep and get something monogrammed! :-)

(Art of Color: Part 1 can be found here.)

First Trip to the Emergency Room~

Exhaustion has finally set in.

This week has been very tiring.

To make a long story short:

• About 2 weeks ago Charlie had a normal winter's cold. Runny nose, fever, feeling yucky. It was pitiful, but he was over it in a day.
• Last Tuesday night, Walker sounded strange in his crib. Called the nurse, (it was 1030pm), she told us to take him to ER.
• ER doctor treated him for "minor" croup. (Later found out that it wasn't croup)
• 2 Days later, Walker wouldn't start screaming. He is typically an easy-going quiet little baby.
• Took him to the doctor. Ear infection (cause of the screaming), and upper respiratory issues (from having a cold)
• Doctor sent us home with a baby breathing machine (terrifying for both of us) and an antibiotic.

Everyone is fine now. Hallelujah.

Through it all, there are so many things to be thankful for.

• Noel was in town. Thank goodness.
• The boys got sick at different times. Would have been a nightmare to have them sick at the same time.
• Walker's sweet nature at the ER. He sat there and cooed and smiled.
• My friend Catherine. Not only did she answer my phone call at 11pm, but she drove over in the pouring rain to come stay with Charlie while Noel and I took Walker to the ER. Amazing.
• Bubble Guppies. For what felt like 24 hours straight, before we figured out that he had an ear infection, Walker refused to be put down. So, we sat on the couch. I held Walker. Charlie watched Bubble Guppies.
• The Walker blood that runs deep in my veins. I called the dr as soon as they opened (8am). They told me they could fit me in around lunch time. I told them I would be there in 5 minutes. Walker was seen in 15.
• My friend Sara. Charlie was wonderful at being independent while we were getting Walker well. Sara came to play with just Charlie while I took Walker to the doctor. He loved it.
• Medicine and doctors. Amoxicillin and Tylenol kick in FAST!

After seeing little Walker in so much pain, this adorable face melted my heart.

Isn't he the sweetest little baby? He is 3 months old today!

• He has become so aware of everything around him
• Thinks Charlie is the coolest (the feelings are mutual)
• LOVES bath time. Splashes the entire time
• Has started grabbing toys
• Loves holding mommy's hand
• Has the squishiest cheeks that I love kissing!!

Hope everyone is healthy and happy!!~

Squeaky Clean~

Favorite cleaner for my little guy's shoes.

Found this at WalMart

Look at the difference after just one quick scrub.

And, because this quote is so true...

I use this cleaner often.

The little mister off to explore on a rainy day.

Sibling Dinner~

Guess who has a birthday this week?

Birthday photo shoot. Hit it!

James, Jessica, Sarah, and I got together for a yummy PF Changs dinner to celebrate my upcoming birthday.

I could not love them more.

The Art of Color: Green!~

Starting a new mini series: The Art of Color.

It's no secret that my favorite color is GREEN, so that's what we'll start with!

I loved everything about my wedding. Classic black and white. Beautiful flowers, gown, ceremony, reception, everything!

But....if Noel and I were getting married today, I would change it up a bit.

Breaking it down.

The bride and groom.

Gown, Bouquet, Tie

Look at the skirt on that gown!! Simple enough but super sassy. Not too unlike the skirt on my gown. I love simple bridal bouquets so the focus stays on the bride (and the dress!), and a groom in a khaki suit and a plain green tie gets a YES!

The Bridal Party

Tie, Suits, Skirts, Skirts 2

I really like the idea of spicing it up with the bridal party. Groomsmen in khaki suits with polka dot ties, and the bridesmaids in preppy striped skirts.

The Flowers

Flowers 1, Flowers 2

These floral arrangements are very similar to the ones we had at our reception. I love mixing the arrangements up by having super tall designs at some tables and short ones at the others.

Details

Invitations, Favors

I love, love, love this website for letterpress wedding invitations and think these green favor boxes are adorable.

A little tidbit about the color green: It symbolizes balance, learning, growth, and harmony.

So may you have a well-balanced weekend where you learn something new, grow in a certain aspect, and have harmony throughout your days!~