photo dump friday: 03/20 - 03/31

1st birthday photo shoot.....

so cool!

BIG GIRL!!

OMG! how cute is this!! :O)

mommy & me

11 MONTHS!!

the itsy bitsy spider.....

play date with Grayson

ummmm....excuse me! :O) :O)

<3 <3 <3

not feeling good...

Peppa perks her up!

hanging out with friend Willa

happy girl!!!!

{5 on friday}

(1) 

You didn't know I was a farmer too did you??? LOLOL

Far from it! Poor things don't get a lot of TLC when Peter is away. 

I throw a little corn and gather up the eggs 

(which I don't eat...but that's a story for another day...LOL).

I do like the farmhouse-y feel of having chickens though, 

since I'm loving the farmhouse-style these days! :O)

(2)

Speaking of farmhouse-style....Walmart now has a complete line of it!

Galvanized containers and trays and other cute farmhouse decor!

I almost picked up this baby during my last shopping trip....

Only 10 bucks! I just didn't know where to hang it, so I put it back....

I may have to go back!

I did pick up these cute succulents! 

They are the only kind I won't kill!! They look super real and only $3!

I'm not the biggest Walmart fan, but I'm loving all the farmhouse decor!

(3)

Spring cleaning continues.....

Dressers are neat and organized thanks to the #konmarimethod!

Instead of putting shirts in the dresser in piles, stand them on their ends so that you can see them all at a glance when you open the drawer. Peter loves this (and me too because he doesn't wear the same shirts over and over! :O)

(4)

I love a good salad and like to try different dressings. 

I knew I couldn't go wrong with anything that said Panera on it!!

DELISH!!

spring mix + spinach + turkey + blueberries + parmesan + croutons

(5)

It's back!!!!

The Amazing race started season 29 on Thursday night.

After week 1 - my favorite team is London & Logan #teamLoLo

followed closely by Seth & Olive #teamAmerica

{morning coffee chat}

Goodbye March!!!

trying new creamer and k-cups this week.....

#morningquiettime

be still....

I have this sign hanging in my bathroom. 

It's a good reminder every morning as I start my day.

drink.more.water

This is something I struggle with.

I love, love soda, water not so much!

I've been drinking more water lately, using my pretty water bottle,

and adding some fresh fruit and mint.

I try to fill the bottle at least twice a day, which is wayyy more than what I was drinking!

I shared this on IG and got some great feedback and helpful tips!

I'm not huge on breakfast, but crave it every now and then.

It's usually eggs - this time a spinach, ham, and swiss omelet. YUM!!

I really love most of the V8 Splash juices. 

TGIF

Monday's Mom Tip

I always use what's left of my jar candles in my warmer.

The wax pops right out of the jar with a knife and they smell just as good 

as the melts you buy (plus no waste!). :O) 

Stitch Fix #5 - March 2017

Stitch Fix #5 - March 2017

**happy mail**

:O) :O) :O)

Here's what I got this month.......

(1) Steve Madden Takeaway Sandal - $60

I requested thong-style sandals and I got this pair. While I like them, I ended up returning them because (a) they were $60 and I feel like I find a cheaper pair, (b) the black color plus the style made my feet look really long, and (c) they were suede. (RETURN)

(2) THML Adryan Embroidery Yoke Knit Top - $54

Cute spring/summer top....I requested some tops, which I got, but I really don't like capped sleeves (and I did note that on my list). (RETURN)

(3) Kut From The Kloth Kate Boyfriend Jean - $78

These are pretty much exact to the blue denim ones I got last month, and while I love them, I didn't keep them. I requested white jeans or capris, so I was happy that my stylist had read my requests again this time, but I think I'll try again next month and request a different style. (RETURN)

Cute outfit though!!!!

(4) Vero Moda Ryanne Embroidered Cargo Jacket - $68

I've requested a "military" style VEST in every fix, but still haven't gotten one. This is the second olive-colored jacket I've been sent, I bought the first but returned this one. Still holding out for that vest!! Cute, but I already have an olive one. (RETURN)

(5) Loveappella Pola Pocket Knit Top - $44

Kayla was here when I opened my box and she loved this top and even tried it on. I already have a similar top (different colors), so I got it for her as part of her birthday gift (4/18). She will be needing some stylish, yet more comfy clothes, so this top will be perfect for the next few months. :O) It's navy & white w/ fuchsia trim. It will look super cute with some white capris. (KEEP)

Thoughts: This month, I only kept the one item, but I'm fine with that. I don't intend to keep everything every month. I at least want to get one item to use my styling fee ($20). I also ended up getting another $25 credit because I had another friend sign up under me!!! (Thanks Samantha E!!!) :O)

Again, my stylist was Litsa, and I am super pleased with her selections for me. She writes me the sweetest notes and really puts some time in pulling items from my wish-list and checks out my Pinterest style board. 

I am still loving Stitch Fix and get very excited when my monthly box arrives!! 

If you decide to sign up for STITCH FIX - please use my referral!!!

9993849

:O) :O) :O)

Blue Apron Review: Spice-Rubbed Pork w/Red Onion & Black Beans

{Blue Apron Meals}

Spice-Rubbed Pork Loin w/ Roasted Red Onion & Black Beans

This meal was adapted from the winning dish on Season 14 of TOP CHEF. 

It's definitely a winner!!

Complete preparation and cooking instructions 

{HERE}.

My review: I really loved this meal. Pork is one of my favorite meats, so I knew I would love that part of the dish, but I was skeptical about the black beans. I was pleasantly surprised that just the addition of little onion, garlic, honey, and vinegar really gave the beans a ton of flavor. The roasted red onion was a delicious compliment to this "out of the box" version of the traditional pork & beans. 

Styling Built-In Shelves

 I absolutely LOVE the birthday gift I got yesterday from Kayla and Nathan! :O)

I think they got it with the guest room in mind, but I had another idea as soon as I opened it!

I forgot to take a before picture, but here is the after.

The colors are so pretty and really blend in with the items I already had and the size was perfect.

 There was a weathered wood arrow that Dad made over the tv (which is finding a new spot in the house asap), and the shelves pretty much had the same stuff on them. I literally spent half the day trying to "style" it!! I DO NOT have an eye for this and pulled up several "how to style your built-ins" Pinterest posts!!!! What I really needed was a trip to Hobby Lobby or Marshalls! 

For now, I am satisfied with the look, but will be swapping out or adding new pieces as I find what I want. 

Again, I truly had the best birthday and got some awesome gifts and LOTS of love!!

{birthday week coffee chat}

How amazing, that 52 years ago, God already had a plan for my life. I am constantly reminded that while I deserve none of it, he has blessed me beyond measure. I've read this verse a million times, but today, on my birthday, it was the reminder I needed. Thank you Lord for the little ways you remind me daily of how much you love me and how blessed I am.

Starting the week off a little healthier - 

but I couldn't resist a little birthday cake!! :O)

Loving my new water bottle from Kayla & Nathan. 

I had already started adding fruit to my water, but this bottle is perfect (and pretty!).

Started with blueberries & oranges today.

Ok Spring - WHERE ARE YOU??????

I came across these pretty {depression, jadeite?} dishes in the attic while getting my Spring stuff down.

Not sure of the age, but I know they have been in the family forever.

So Spring-y!

lemon mint tea + saltines

The only thing I wanted after that bug that hit me!!!

Thank goodness I felt better the next day!

Ending the week with a Salted Caramel Iced Coffee...yummm