May's Favorite Things

Here are a few of my favorite things from May.

My dance girls.  Last night was our last class of the season.  This pic was taken after a 2 1/2 hour long class! We're missing a few ladies, but I loved teaching this group.  We work hard, but we have a lot of fun as well.

I won an incredible giveaway on Caroline's blog.  I can't tell you how much I love her blog.  She makes me feel like I'm in college again!  She did a Favorite Things giveaway and sent me so many goodies (not pictured are the Dove chocolates that I destroyed before I even took the picture).  She even sent the boys some goodies!  And those TimTams are incrediblleeee.

A few weeks ago, I went to a blog meeting in Charlotte, where we talked about blogging for an entire day (loved it!).  I was able to ride up with Angela, and the 3.5 ride felt like a few minutes because we had so much fun chatting.  I also got to stay with my friend, Jennie the night before the conference.  We are soul sisters, for sure, and I'm so glad we were able to have a girls' night.  At the meeting, I was finally able to meet my blogger friends, Lori and Jenny!  I felt like I knew them both so well before, but so glad I was able to meet them in person.

Noel and I started watching Parks and Rec on Netflix...and LOVE it.  This show is so hilarious, and I love when we get some free time to watch a few episodes.

My 2 favorite Instagram pictures from this month.  I couldn't choose just 1!  The boys are such good friends, just like me and my sibling(s)...and I absolutely love that.  They'll probably never take a yoga class together...but who knows, maybe they will! I've said it before, but I hope they'll always be best friends!

May has been a great month, and tomorrow (June 1) starts another great month with our wedding anniversary!

And now it's your turn to link up.

1.  Link to your actual Favorite Things post.

2.  If you have an old post you want to use, that's totally fine!!  Just make sure you link back to my blog in some way.  (You can grab a Favorite Things button on the sidebar if you'd like)

3.  Go visit a few other bloggers and say Hi!  (I've met some pretty amazing people through link ups!)

4.  Go back to this giveaway for an extra +10 entry for linking up!

I hope you had a wonderful May!

  

Grateful

^crazy windblown hair :-)

The babes and I have adjusted really well to Noel's travel schedule.  I cook lots of mac 'n cheese while he's gone, and I'm actually the parent who keeps them up a little too late past their bedtime. Sometimes, though, it kinda pulls on my heartstrings when Noel is gone for a holiday.  Why sporting events take place on holidays, I'll never know, (I'm looking at you Bowl Games during New Years and Masters during Easter), but we're still getting used to certain holidays as a family of 3 instead of 4.

This past weekend, we decided to go to one of our favorite parks, and were pleasantly surprised to see a bunch of people from our church there.  They were having a birthday party for their sweet 7 year old and had invited other people from our church with kids around the same age.  At first, I thought I would be crashing the party, but they were so sweet, and included Charlie in on their games and play, and even taught him all about honeysuckle juice.  This made me so grateful for my church family.  Charlie is still talking about the fun he had.

On Sunday, Walker decided to throw his entire bag of snacks on the floor...and yelled out a screech while he did it.  That was fun.  Before I could even come up with a game plan, my good friend was beside me helping me pick everything up.  After dropping the boys off in their nursery class, I went back to clean up a little more, and saw another one of our friends leaving the chapel after vacuuming up our little spot.  

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to everyone who helps me and my family out.  I never thought I could be a wife to someone who traveled a lot, but Heavenly Father has a way of making everything work out for the best...and helping us realize how blessed we really are!

Summer Fashion Series

Photos by Amber.  Skirt: JCrew Outlet, Top: Old Navy, Shoes: JackRogers, Hat: Charming Charlie's

(Wearing the same skirt in the Spring Fashion Series.  Seriously love this skirt!)

It's a challenge to come up with outfits every day.  I want to look presentable, but want to be comfortable at the same time.  I had an idea to ask other people to help me come up with a collection of outfits that you would wear on a typical/normal day.  Out to run errands, a casual day at the office, lunch with a friend, your child's soccer game...whatever it is that you do!  So here are 14 incredible ladies who are sharing some summer outfits with you.  (And I put them in categories to help you when you're searching through your own wardrobe!)

Shanna/Heidi/Megan

I am a huge fan of a great pattern.  Stripes, polka dots, and florals allow an outfit to stand alone in cuteness.

Adrienne/Katie/Susannah

These ladies demonstrate this trend so well, and made me realize that I need more bright colored pieces in my wardrobe.

Carrie/Setarra/Amanda

Ohhh maxi skirts and dresses.  I love these things so much.  They are perfect for a warm summer day.

Kathrin/Amanda/Alix

Blue is such a beautiful summer color and looks amazing on everyone!

Amy/April

How amazing do these ladies look in white?  White is super hot this summer and I'm so glad it is, because I love it!

I think all these ladies look incredible and their outfits are spot on.  I hope you now have some ideas to carry you through the season!  Make sure to go visit these ladies for more outfit inspiration.

If you would like to be part of my Fall Fashion Series, please send me an email (ashanderson10@gmail.com) with the Subject Line:  Fall Series.  You don't have to send me the picture now, just an email.  You can definitely participate in the Fall Series even if you were featured in this one or previous ones.  And no, you don't have to be a blogger to participate!

What is your favorite summer fashion trend?

PS.  Make sure you enter this fun giveaway.

Linking up with Shanna and the The Pleated Poppy.

A quiet holiday and a sweaty band

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  We are so grateful for those who have given their lives for this incredible country, and for those who have served and are still serving. We had a quiet Memorial Day yesterday, and welcomed Noel home from working the Indy 500 this past week. 

I'm so excited to introduce you to one of my new favorite boutiques, Weeping Willow. The owners (mother/daughter team) Cathy and Laura are fantastic and opened their store in my hometown.  (Their son/brother was one of my really good friends growing up!)  I've been in their store several times and want to take everything home with me!  They have items available on their FB page as well for those out of town.

One item they carry in their store is the Sweaty Band, which is super popular now.  They don't move while you're working out, but who am I kidding?...I wear them when I'm not working out as well!  They sent me a super cute one (in the last picture) and they're giving a sweaty band to 2 lucky readers. TWO!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

Also, May's Favorite Things link-up is this Friday!  There will be an extra entry on this giveaway for you when you link up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will end this Sunday.

Comments turned off so you can go check out Weeping Willow!

A Southern Girl's Guide to the Summer

Of course this list could apply to any lady this summer, but you know I'm especially proud to be a Southern gal!

1. Jack Rogers:  If you don't have a pair, invest in some today!  I say invest, because they're a bit pricey for a pair of flip flops..but they're so much more than just flip flops.  They last foreverrrrr and can be dressed up or down.  A definite summer must have.  I recently got a pair of the "Cork" colored ones (you can see them here) and they are probably my favorites so far.

2. Monogrammed iPhone case:  Because, hello?!, everything has to be monogrammed.  I just found this Aztec case yesterday, and fell in love.  

3. Studs:  I am a huge fan of teeny tiny earrings...especially when they're in the shape of a cute animal. (My birds are my favorite). They are perfect for any outfit, and especially great for a more casual look this summer.

4.  Nail Polish.  'Tis the season to have fun, bright nails. :-)  My current favorite is Peach Daiquiri by Essie.   

5.  MoroccanOil:  My hair frizzes the second I step out into this 100% humidity.  MoroccanOil is the only thing that semi-tames my hair.  I can't remember the last time I bought a bottle because it lasts for so long.  Caution: Do not buy the generic brand from beauty supplies...unless you like your hair to be unusually greasy.

6.  Floppy Hat: I have my grey, monogrammed hat ready to go for this summer.  It's definitely a fun accessory for beach trips.

I can't believe how soon summer will be here!  Any additional items you would add to this list?

Happy Friday!!

Top photo by Amber 

Linking up with Lauren and Kristen

Denim and White

Shoes: Jack Rogers, Pants: Gap Outlet Similar here, Top: Old Navy Similar here, Bracelet: Che Bella

You know I'm a jewelry minimalist and love having just one statement piece.  I wanted this outfit to be super casual, and every necklace I tried on with it made it look fancier than I wanted.  This wrap bracelet was the perfect accessory to keep things relaxed and simple.  (Now that I'm thinking of it, a small monogrammed necklace would've looked really cute.)  

And on a totally different note...it's So You Think You Can Dance season!  Last night's episode proved that dance really is a universal language and can be used for so much good.  I'm excited for it.

Happy Wednesday!

PS.  Make sure you enter to win this Starbucks gift card.

Linking up with Shanna, Adrienne, and the The Pleated Poppy.

Some Favorites...

During the process of creating my mission statement, I was going through some old posts of mine.  I found these three that made me laugh and smile.

4 pm Slump:  Gave some suggestions on how to get a quick boost of energy.

My Guilty Pleasure:  Where I confessed my love for my old, beaten pair of Crocs.

You Know You're A Boy Mom When...   All of these still apply...AND there are super adorable pictures of the boys when they were little babies!

I'm so excited to introduce you to someone I met when I first started blogging.

I mean....could Leigh BE the most adorable pregnant lady out there?  I'm thinking yes.  Leigh blogs over at Laughing Latte, and honestly, I could share every post of hers with you.  Her blog is THAT good. Noel actually made this recipe of hers the other night (and it was delicious).  Leigh's sweet baby bump looks especially adorable in this cute dress, and she is totally rocking this denim on denim look.  Laughing Latte has been and will always be a daily read of mine.

Leigh is staying true to her blog name, and is giving one lucky reader a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!! Awesome, right?!  Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments turned off so you can go show Leigh some love!

Giveaway ends this Sunday.

Linking up with Jenni.

Mission statement for your blog

Lately, I've been feeling that I just need a few extra hours in my day.  It's so hard getting everything done in just 24 hours, isn't it?  This feeling has been making me think about what's important, and what's not so important.  It's also got me thinking about my blog...why I started it, why I want to continue it, and how much I like writing every day.

I read somewhere that everyone should have a mission statement for their blog.  I totally agree with that.  I think it's easy to become lost in the shuffle of things, but if you go back to why you started, you'll be more inspired in your content.

What I want to get out of blogging

*The journaling aspect of blogging is something that I want. I love having a document of things my boys do.  It's incredible how in just a few months I forget little things, so I'm grateful that I can look back and revisit those moments. 

*Ongoing inspiration is something that I want out of blogging. I love being inspired to create new content.  It's so much fun to pull from past experiences and research topics to come up with ideas like How to Spring Clean your Closet and Ways to Raise a Southern Gentleman.  Those, and other "how-tos", were so fun to create and I hope to do more in the future.

*Connecting with people is something that I want to get out of blogging.  I have met incredible people through my blog.  People who inspire me to be better, who make me laugh, and who are wonderful examples. 

What I want you to get out of this blog

When you come to this site, I want you to be inspired, but want you to also realize that life happens and things aren't perfect.

*I want you to know that it's ok that your toddler not only throws himself to the floor during a temper tantrum at the library, but licks the rug while he's down there.

       But want to encourage you to keep taking him so that he learns how to behave properly in public.

*I want you to know that I understand that putting on a pair of sweatpants is the coziest decision; you're tired, and you have a billion things to do...

      But want to encourage you to find easy, comfy, AND cute pieces to wear out so that you'll feel like a million bucks.

*I want you to know that I'm someone who understands the importance of true art...I've been trained in it, I appreciate it, and I enjoy it.

     But that I also enjoy a good, juicy season of the Bachelor. 

*I want you to take away the fact that I love my boys more than I ever imagined loving someone.  I'm the mom who takes them with me everywhere because I miss them too much when I'm away
     
     But I also want to stress the importance of "you" time and date nights and taking care of just you!


Those are just some things that I hope you get out of my blog...and just some of the things that I hope to continue to get out of my own blog.

So, with all that being said, and in summary, my mission statement is: 

"To create and inspire by sharing ideas, tips, and tender moments from everyday experiences."

If you're a blogger, have you created a mission statement for your blog?

I hope you had a fantastic weekend!!

I need a bathing suit!

1/2/3/4/5/6

I've worn the same bathing suit for SIX summers. (You can see it here.)  I wore a maternity bathing suit a few summers ago, but besides that, I've busted that red one out every year.  I love it, and it's still in great condish, but it's time for a new one.

After searching around online, these are the 6 contenders.  I'm probably going to throw #5 out the window first, just because it's not a full on one-piece, (and I can't be having any wardrobe malfunctions on the beach with two babies), but it was just way too cute not to consider.

Out of these 6, which one would you choose?  Do you have your bathing suit for this summer?

A Day in the Life

Morning snuggles before we start getting ready for the day. (and yes, those are snowman pj pants...they're my favorite!) ^

Mr. Charlie goes to preschool. ^

And I go with Walker boy to his Little Gym class. ^

I make a list during the week of errands I need to run, and get most of them taken care of on this day. I needed teacher gifts, but somehow ended up walking by the Clearance rack at Target...and somehow ended up in the dressing room trying this dress on.^

Baby and I eat lunch together before picking Charlie up.  When we get home, the boys nap and mommy blogs. ^

And does laundry.^

After nap time we read lots of stories.^

And go on a nice, long walk to enjoy the pretty weather!^

When Daddy gets home, we eat dinner and the boys take a bath.^

Once Walker is in bed, I have a church meeting (every other week) at my house.  Charlie watches a movie on my bed during our meeting...(he LOVES presidency meeting nights) :-) ^

I put Charlie down for bed, and once Noel gets home from his meeting at church, we watch New Girl, read a little, and then go to bed!^

All of our days are different from each other, but they're the same week to week....if that makes any sense...(our Mondays are usually the same, our Tuesdays the same...)  I can't believe it's already Wednesday!!

For a previous "A day in the life" post you can go here!

PS.  Don't forget to enter to win this Barnes and Noble gift card.

Linking up with Shanna and Jenni