A wonky day...

Blazer and Shirt: Gap Outlet, Pants: Old Navy (exact), Bracelets: David Yurman and monogram bracelet was a gift.

I typically consider me and my boys to be the three muskateers.  We have a great time...we go fun places, we read, we laugh, we play....and I'm also pretty good at handling toddler temper tantrums and melt downs.  All of this is usually a recipe for great days together.

Monday was not one of those days.  I'm not sure what happened, but it was one of the worst days of my parenting life.  Monday was a day that (magically) had nothing on the calendar, so I was excited to take full advantage of it by unpacking from this past weekend, repacking for Thanksgiving, and getting lots of playing time/reading time/baking time in with my babes.

A really, really long story short...there was blood all over the stairs from a fall that sent Walker's teeth through his lip, poopie all over the boys' room from Walker flinging his diaper off during nap and then rolling around on the floor, no one napping, no one listening, and everyone arguing over something...it was the strangest day of my life, and I was done.

I told the boys that we needed to say a prayer, and honestly, once we did....everything seemed to turn around.  I got a Diet Mt. Dew from Bojangles (only drive-thru place that serves it), I started changing the way I said things to the boys, they started getting along, Noel listened later that night the everything-I-needed-him-to say responses, and my friend, Mary Beth sent me a sweet text that said she was thinking about me and that she thought she should sent a message my way.  

So I guess the moral of the story is....don't wait for tomorrow to make the day a better day. I kept thinking, ok tomorrow will be better...but no! I wanted today to be better! (and it was!) Also, if you have an inkling that someone needs your help or needs a phone call or a text...do it! do it!  Because you're right, they do need it!  

This story has nothing to do with this outfit...except that I like really like plaid shirts...and I really like how this story ended.  So there, that's the connection. :)

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!!

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

5 Things about this weekend....

Yes, I'm still firm on my "no leggings as pants" rule, but this was in a dance studio during rehearsal, and anything goes in a studio.

1.  Rehearsal for the "dancing with the stars" show I'm doing here in NC went great.  My partner was probably thinking, is it too late to get a partner change???, after my instructions of things like,  now i'm going to jump off this bench, turn around in the air, and you're going to catch me ok? :-) He was actually pretty great and tried everything I had in mind.

2.  Me and the babies stayed with my brother and sister-in-law in their new place.  You would've thought it was Christmas morning by how excited the babes were.  They enjoyed their dance-offs with Uncle James and tight snuggles with Auntie Kaitlyn.

3.  I used my best friend's studio for a rehearsal on Saturday.  Erin was running a show that day, so I snuck in the back door of the theatre, went side stage to find her in full on head-set gear to hand her back her keys, while the show was going strong.  It was just so fun to think that you could probably only feel comfortable doing that with your childhood (and lifelong) friend.

4.  I mentioned to my dad that the boys were in need of a haircut, so while him and my mom were watching the boys for me, he went out to get the boys that hair cut they needed.  I love that about him and my mom...they are so proactive.

5.  We watched The Polar Express last night for the first time, and Walker had his first cup of hot chocolate. It was THE most adorable thing I have ever seen.

I hope y'all had a great weekend!!  Is it freezing where you are??  (It is here...brrr!)

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

We will be in Disney World for Christmas (insert a big yahyyayyy!!!) , so we're not doing presents this year….but on the years that we do exchange presents, the stocking stuffers are always my favorite!

I was in Target the other day, and found the cutest things that could be used as stocking stuffers or even  solo gifts.  (Target does it again, being all amazing and everything.)

^^I have chapstick in every part of my house and car.  This is adorable.

^^I'm a school supply nerd.  Aren't these file folders and tab dividers adorable??!

^^I rarely buy nail polish for myself.  What a fun treat to get 5 in one gift!

^^Chocolate in a gigantic box.  Done and done.

^^Fun lipgloss to stash in all of your different purses and car cup holders. :)

Just a few ideas, but they were too fun not to share!  

Happy Friday!  I'm going to be in a "Dancing with the Stars" show in a few months (not THE dancing with the stars…but one here in NC), and I'm rehearsing for that all weekend.  I'm excited for it!

Linking up with Lauren.

Showers, Cousins, and Day-Long Outfits

^^Found a red door and thought it might look kinda fun..instead I just ended up blending in. :/ :)

Pants: JCrew (similar), Boots: Gap (similar), Top: Old Navy (similar), Necklace: ElizaJay Charm

After our beach trip this past weekend, we drove back to my parents' house where my mom was throwing my cousin, Joel's fiancé, a bridal shower. It was beautiful, of course, and shower food happens to be my favorite.  (I love eating a little bit of lots of things!)

I'm really close to Joel and his siblings, so it was really fun to spend the afternoon with them and my sister.  It's nice having people who are your cousins and your friends….you automatically love each other because of the whole family thing, but it's even better when you can have fun together and tell each other things that you can't tell anyone else. :) Somehow, cousins always seem to have your back and are always on your side…I love that about mine.

The shower started a few minutes before we arrived, and my mom told me that Charlie had volunteered to say the blessing on the food.  I was so proud of my sweet, big boy and that heart of gold he has.

I needed an outfit that would take me from the beach, to a car drive (I hate being uncomfortable in the car), to a bridal shower, and then on to an evening of playing with babies and family.  This outfit seemed to do the trick.  

PS.  Make sure you enter to win this Old Navy gift card giveaway!

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

Inspiration and something that might be nice to have for Black Friday

I think this quote is absolutely brilliant.  I often feel, when the day ends, that I didn't get as much done as I wanted to, or that I want to do something a little different, or that I liked what happened but I want to add on to it.  

The list goes on, of course, but when I really sit down and think about it….when I put the *most important* things first, stay focused about doing them, and get rid of all the unnecessary things from my day, everything seems to fit and my life seems to be about 5 notches better.

I really need to print this quote out and post it on my mirror! 

I'd like to introduce you to someone today who is also an inspiration to me, in many different ways.  

Sybil blogs over at Peace It All Together, and is a good blog friend of mine.  She is the queen of pattern mixing (see this pic?!), recently wrote a post about how to choose outfits for your family photos (loved this post), and writes the most beautiful posts about her family. 

Today, Sybil is giving one lucky reader a $25 gift card to Old Navy (my favorite!!)  Perfect timing for Black Friday shopping. :)

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will end this Sunday, and the winner will be notified via email.

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

The best kind of weekends

My friend, Jeremy turned 30 on Saturday, and his awesome wife, Stephanie got a group of friends together for a weekend away at the beach.  This is one of those groups that Noel and I have known and loved for forever,  (I've known Jeremy since I was a toddler), so we laughed and reminisced and talked until the early hours of the morning.

The weather also happened to be around 70 degrees…in November….after a week of weather in the 30s. So, so perfect!!

The boys had the time of their lives with a fun sleepover at Mimi and Grandpa's house while we were away.  I was able to stay an extra day with the boys at my parents' house, and my sister, brother, and sister in law were all able to come stay too!! (We miss my sister, Sarah) :(  

That's what every weekend should be made of…..fun friends and lots of family time.

Happy Monday!!  I think it's going to be a great week!

Last Things

A few "last things"….

The last……

*Performance I saw: Elf the Musical.  Charlie and I went with my mom this past Wednesday.  Charlie smiled, clapped, and giggled (appropriately) :-) throughout the entire thing.  

*Book I read:  The Matched Triology.  The first book wasn't terrible, but I'm telling you…the 3rd book was as slow as slow gets.  I could barely get through it, but I couldn't not read the last book.

*Time I cried:  During Pilates class on Wednesday morning.  The most beautiful version of "Let it Be" was on and the line, "and in my hour of darkness…let it be…", got me.

*Person I really missed.  My sister, Sarah.  Why does she have to be in school so far away??! :(

*Pin that I tried and loved:  This dinner recipe.  So delicious.  So easy.

*Show I watched.  Nashville.  Oh my goodness!!!  Please tell me someone else watched this week's episode so we can discuss!!

*Picture I took.

Yesterday afternoon, Charlie fell asleep in my lap.  I had a ton of things to do during naps, but I just sat there and rubbed his head while he slept, finished my book, and loved every minute of it.

We have a fun weekend planned…excited for it to begin!

Happy Friday, friends!!

A special trip

Top: Old Navy, Pants: Loft Outlet, Boots: ASOS, Scarf: Old Navy (similar) Bag: Target

Walker started going to school one morning a week, (the pictures from his first day are insanely cute…I'll have to share those soon), so Charlie and I get a special morning to do fun things with just the two of us.  Charlie requested the science museum last week, so that's where we went…and this is what I wore!  I'm convinced that Charlie's age (3.5) is the best age to take to a museum….they're old enough to understand and enjoy everything, but young enough to still want to hold your hand. :) 

I'm usually not a huge fan of cords, but these from the Loft Outlet have turned me into one.  They are so, so cozy and I can't get enough of them!  My mom is amazing and bought me this pair a few weeks ago (she's known I've had my eye on a pair of cords since I stole my sister's last year).

^^Proof that they're insanely comfy…and stretchy. :) ^^

PS.  It's way too cold here in NC (high of 37, what??!) Stay warm, my friends!!

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

15 Ways to Serve this Holiday Season

Is it really the holiday season, already?!  I can't wrap my brain around it. I'm excited about it, though. Last Thanksgiving and Christmas was absolutely wonderful.  We had the best time playing and getting together with family, but I felt like time slipped away from me before I really even thought about how to incorporate the service aspect of the season into our routine and into my children's hearts and minds.

The best way to find yourself

is to lose yourself

in the 

service of others.

~Gandhi

If you're looking for ways to serve this holiday season (and all year!) here's a list of 15 things you can do.

1.  Ask your bishop, pastor, or minister what a family in need in your ward or congregation would like or needs for the holidays.  (Gift cards, dinner, specific clothing items, etc.)

2.  Do an advent calendar, but with service projects instead of candy or treats.  Ex. Day 1: Take a friend a plate of cookies,  Day 2: Take your neighbors trash can back to their house from the road, etc.

3.  Put together bags for families and children at the NICU at a hospital near you. There are other ways to help (here) at the Duke's Children's Hospital as well.

4.  A church in the area started a neat thing called "You Got Christmas'd" which is basically doing small acts of service for others.  If you're in the drive-thru line and pay for the person behind you, that person "Got Christmas'd" :).  If you put a dollar or two on a Red Box machine with a note telling someone to enjoy a free movie, that person got "Christmas'd".  Isn't that fun?

5.  Give your post-man a treat and a note thanking him/her for their service.

6.  Offer to babysit for friends or family so they can run errands, etc.

7.  Choose a child to help from Angel Tree.

8.  Instead of giving presents to extended family members, perform an hour of community service in their honor.  Great way to stay motivated to serve your community!

9.  Donate blankets to your local ASPCA for animals to stay warm during the cold season.

10.  Leave a really generous tip the next time you're at a restaurant.

11.  Make a special bag (some people refer to them as blessing bags) for homeless people.

12.  Donate to Operation Christmas Child.  The donation week is next week.

13.  Donate books, toys, food, miscellaneous items to children and families at a Ronald McDonald house near you.

14.  Participate in Light 'Em up or start a Light 'Em Up group (this is basically pushing pause on all the busyness of the season and focusing on serving others instead.)  This site comes with free printables as well!

15.  Take baked good to your neighbors and friends.

One thing that I think is really important about service this time of year (and always) is that our actions don't have to be large.  We ale don't need to exclude anyone from our service radar.  Just because people appear to have it all together on the outside, doesn't mean that they wouldn't enjoy a tasty treat or a thoughtful note or anything that says, "I'm thinking about you!"

A big, special thanks to these ladies who contributed to this post.

Carla, Jennie, Lindsay, Kayla, Jenny, Mirage J., Sharon, Mary Beth, Bethany, Megan, Meredith

Happy Monday, everyone!  I feel like it's going to be a great week!

Linking up with Funday Monday.

Mommy and Baby

I am forever in love with the NC Art Museum and the programs they have for children.  The Art Museum itself is a gorgeous place to walk the trails, bring a lunch, and run around. :) Those things plus the actual art makes it one of my favorite places.

Walker first went to the museum when he was only a couple of months old (see the post here).  My heart is melting over those baby pictures.  As we were walking back to the car yesterday, a man was passing us going the opposite direction, and said, "That little guy is going to be a leader…I can tell." I think so, sir…I really do!  He sure is a sweetheart, that Walker boy.

I say it all the time, and I'll say it a billion times more, I'm so grateful to live in a community that supports the arts the way they do.  I believe the arts can change lives for the better, and I want my boys to know that and always be advocates for them.

Happy Friday, friends!! Last weekend was a jam-packed (but fun!) one, so I'm hoping for a little bit of rest this go-around. :)

Lesson on Fashion

Shirt: Old Navy (exact), Jeans: Old Navy (exact), Boots: ASOS (exact)

This past Saturday, I taught a class for a Stake Young Women Activity for church, on fashion and beauty.  The basis of my thoughts was that the better you feel about yourself, the more confidence you have, and with more confidence comes better actions.  (If you ever have to do the same type presentation, let me know, and I'll email you my power point presentation!)

I had such a great time!  We talked trends, do's and don'ts: do wear black and brown together (as shown above), don't wear leggings with short shirts, and all sorts of other fun things.  

This (as I'm sure you've guessed) is what I wore for the presentation.  Pretty simple, pretty casual (per the dress requirements of the conference), and pretty classic.  Noel and the boys were my handy helpers getting the presentation set up and taken down!  (The babies got doughnuts from the meeting as well, which they thought was pretty cool.) :)

PS.  If you're looking for a great pair of skinny jeans, these are the ones to get.  Old Navy is rocking it out once again!

PPS. I asked a question on my Facebook yesterday (here), and would love your input and suggestions!

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

North Carolina Blogger Buzz: Fall Session

Alisha, April, Ashley, Mason, Annie, Lee, Angela, Me, Kristin, Danielle, Crystal, Rebecca, Lindsay, Jennifer, Chelsea, Hannah, not pictured (Kara and Maddie)

The crazy rain on Friday night didn't stop us from having a fantastic time at our Fall North Carolina Blogger Buzz!   Angela, from Head to Toe Chic, and I co-host a mini blogging conference, and have a great time doing it.  The NC Blogger Buzz is intended to create a wonderful community for NC bloggers, and to provide an atmosphere of learning and growth.  

Vestique in downtown Raleigh was our wonderful host for the evening.  I'm in love with their store, and they have such wonderful and helpful ladies working there, so it was such a great place for an event!

We first had small group discussions, where we shared blogging tips, discussed do's and don'ts of blogging, and got to know each other so much better.

Hannah from Swirl of Cinnamon provided all of our yummy food for the evening.  (Make sure to like her FB page for all sorts of yummy recipes.)  Pecan pie bites, pumpkin cupcakes, meatballs, all sorts of delicious treats.  Why didn't I sneak a to-go plate??!

Chelsea from Haute Child in the City was our main speaker for the evening.  Chelsea spoke about balancing blogging with life, and she was beyond incredible.  She is one of my daily blog reads...I just love her and her blog! 

We had the most amazing sponsors.  You'll definitely have to check them all out!

Notepads:  Thyme is Honey 

Pencils:  Fancy Things Shop 

Shop Local Raleigh

Bracelets:  Simply Edgy Designs

Beautiful Camera Scarf for a Giveaway! Little Birdies Nest  

Big Patterned Bags:  Wrap Works

Small Bags: My Rubber Stamp  

Earrings:  Dress 2 Kill Closet  

Punch:  Tinge of Whimsy  

Food:  Swirl of Cinnamon 

 Angela and me

Angela, Chelsea, and me!

^^Me and Jenn.  Such a sweetheart!  And I'm obsesseddddd with her entire outfit.  She got her vest from H&M, and I tried finding it, but failed :(.  When you're done with it, Jenn, I'm so serious about buying it from you! 

My sister, Jessica was so awesome and came with me to help out with everything.  Couldn't have done it without her!

Such a great group of ladies!

Instead of the NC Blogger Buzz being a quarterly event, we are changing it to twice a year…so the next mini-conference will be in the Spring.  If you're a North Carolina blogger, we'd love for you to come! (Be sure to like us on Facebook so you can stay up to date with events.)  We'll also be doing a summer social activity in-between conferences, so that is something to look forward to as well!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!!