Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Fun Finds


Neon skinny belt: Target

Snagged these at Target as well!

I am really learning to enjoy the little things, (this coming from a girl that used to max out her credit cards over and over again). Today's little nuggets of joy are this great neon yellow belt I scored on sale at Target, and these super cute band-aids I picked up there as well. How fun? It's amazing what thrills me these days! :) 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Enough

Top & Pants: J. Crew, Shoes: Seychelles, Bag: Kate Spade


Recently, I have been thinking about going back to work full time in the corporate world. But, God is telling me otherwise, and I still struggle not to challenge Him.

My oldest son will be starting his senior year, our 11 year old is starting middle school, our 5 year old will be starting kindergarten, and finally our 3 year old will be in pre-school. What was I thinking? 

Honestly, I think I wanted to run from it all. The responsibility of being a stay at home mom, the full time duty of playing peacemaker, chef, activities coordinator, personal shopper, stylist, and snack lady. Going back to work full time would be a break for me. I know this sounds ungrateful, but I am just being real. Some days it is all I can do to keep my cool. I LOVE my kids, but days like today make me want to break down and sob. (Matter of fact, I just did.)

Dealing with accidents, injuries, fights, messes, animals, etc is not at all glamourous. But God gave me four children, and they must come first. I tell myself I can do it all, but maybe I can't. I have to accept the fact that the kids are my priority, and lean on Him to give me the strength to keep it together, even when I want to run. That is just going to have to be enough!




Monday, July 23, 2012

St. Augustine Part Deux


Top: Akiko, Shorts: Loft, Bag: Big Buddah at m. marie boutique, Flops: J. Crew, Sunnies: Tom Ford

With my son at Burrito Works Taco Shop, (His idea of Heaven)

Dessert! 

I had pineapple cilantro, the girls had strawberry lemonade
Beach day 
Touring the Castillo De San Marcos

Fountain of Youth Tour
Red Train tour! Best way to see and learn about the city! So great! 
We had so much fun in St. Augustine that we decided to go back the following weekend! Well really, my husband had another trade show. We took all four of the kiddos and had a blast!! We enjoyed the beach, awesome tours, and way too much good food. I have a triathlon this Saturday, so this week is going to be green smoothie detox for me! :)

Honestly, I don't remember the last time we had this much fun all together. Now, there certainly were moments of pure insanity, (brought on mostly by the toddlers),  but I think my 17 year old even had a good time! He even helped my husband out with his booth at the show one day while I took the little ones to a movie. I am so thankful for these trips together, and I hope they will cherish these memories forever.....I know I will! :)

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Put a Bird on it!

Dress: Judith March, Hatties Branches 2011


Watch: Michele, Shoes: Kenneth Cole



I can't help but think of this Portlandia clip when I wear this dress, watch it for a laugh!! We are headed back to St. Augustine, my husband is working another trade show.  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! <3

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Put a Little Ranch on it!



Seriously, is there a better condiment? I mean I could put ranch dressing on anything! I was so super excited to find this easy recipe, making it much healthier! So here is what you will need:

1 cup Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup fat free or low fat milk
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix

Put it all in a mason jar and shake it up! Refrigerate for one hour and then enjoy. I'm thinking cheese fries, chicken nuggets, raw veggies, salads.....bring it! :)

Monday, July 16, 2012

Celebrating 9 Years!


Tales from the ladies room! (My Anniversary dress)
Spent a relaxing day at Serenata Beach Club-AMAZING
Toured and ate our way through town! :) 
Amazing yummy suprises! 

St. Augustine was the perfect location to celebrate an anniversary! What a delightfully romantic town with great food, beautiful beaches, and sightseeing. A few of our favorites for food were the Raintree, Saltwater Cowboys, Serenata Beach Club, and La Pentola. We stayed at the Renaissance Marriott, where the service was top notch! Such a friendly staff, they were so sweet to us on our special day!

It was such a blessing to have this time away, I know we needed it. Trying to keep a marriage thriving and children under control has been quite the task for us lately. It is hard work! A weekend away with no distractions was just what the doctor ordered! Now...back to the real world starting with some morning work followed by a play date! Ready...set...go!!!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

She Thrifts Again!

Top: Banana Republic, Skirt: Kenzie, Goodwill! Bag: Vintage, Flops: J. Crew


Yet another great thrifting find. What a treat! This skirt was $3.00 at Goodwill so I went ahead and stole it! :)


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Every Body Every Wear: Color Blocking

T-Banana Republic, Skirt: Halogen, Shoes: Guess, Bag: Kate Spade
Necklace: Stella & Dot




In celebration of Every Body Every Wear's Color Blocking Day, here you have it! I can't wait to log on and get inspiration from other bloggers!

I had a rather productive day in the PR world, helping coordinate and shoot a commercial for one of my favorite clients, Munchel Brothers Jewelry and Coin Exchange. Check out their new website...I think it turned out great! The commercial is soon to come with a few faces that you may recognize if you are a Lakelander :)

Now I am home to my other job as mom, and need to scoot as I think someone is being accosted by an older sybling in the next room!

Color Blocking: Everbody, Everywear

Monday, July 09, 2012

Warm Weather Scarf

Top, Shorts, & Flops: J. Crew, Scarf: Loft



Lately, the thought of wearing a scarf in our Florida heat is pretty ridiculous. BUT...when the saleswoman at Loft told me how much use I would get out of this thin scarf, she was right! I have worn it as a belt, in my hair, around a hat, and today around my neck. It is light enough to work well in the 95 degree heat, and accents my boring "mom at play" look pretty darn well! What are your favorite summer accessories?

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Thrift N' Shout!


Dress: Jones New York THRIFTED $5.00! Shoes: Adrianne Vittadini
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Watch: Michele, Clutch: Nine West


A good find makes me twirl! :) 
Nothing is much better than finding a dress in perfect condition at Goodwill for $5.00! I just HAD to twirl! I hope you all are having a fantastic weekend! Happy Sunday!

Friday, July 06, 2012

Our 4th of July!

My Firecracker Cupcakes! 









Nothing better than going to mom's for a BBQ on the 4th! Yummy food, family, and tons of fun! Hope you all had a GREAT 4th and are on to a GREAT weekend! :)

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

The Modified Moo Moo


Dress: Target, Shoes: J. Crew, Belt: Banana Republic, Bag: Nine West



I know what your thinking, and I realize this dress is far from what we lovingly refer to as a "moo moo."

Moo moo: A dress that one throws on when outfit planning time is limited, (or we simply can't fit into anything else in our closets). It always fits, it covers, and the bonus..... it's comfy! 


If you are blessed to be a work at home or stay at home mom like me, you will understand the need for something comfortable and funcitonal. Therefore, I introduce this little cotton dress as my modified moo moo. It is great to jazz up with accessories, and comfy enough to throw on at a moments notice!

Now on to my 4th of July preparations! Today I will be making a cheesecake, and these adorable firecracker cupcakes! Let's hope mine turn out as cute as hers. :)

Monday, July 02, 2012

Lazy River, Lots of Laughs




I scored a SWEET suite with my ultra PR skills! :) 


In my opinion, the best part of my husband's job are the summer trade shows. We just returned home from a four day stay at the JW Marriott in Orlando, where you can lounge all day in the lazy river pool. The kids wore themselves out swimming, and I was able to play, relax, and visit with friends. Believe it or not, we have no trips this week, but the following week we will be headed to St. Augustine for our 9th Anniversary. We always give traditional gifts, and this year is pottery or willow, any suggestions?? I'm stumped!