Weekend Update

We had a great weekend here, and now like everyone else we're gearing up for Halloween!

 

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Friday Hadley's school had their Halloween parade and class party. There is nothing cuter than seeing a bunch of toddlers dressed up. There were a lot of princesses and a lot of firemen. Hadley is a Gumball Machine this year. TJ Maxx for the win. I bought her costume in early September for $19.99, and it's unique and adorable!

 

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Friday night we had dinner at our favorite local spot, Kristos. Hadley was in full-on ham mode and kept lifting up her shirt for everyone around us. Of course everyone was laughing, which egged her on even more. Don't know what I'm going to do with that little one.

 

 

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Saturday we laid (is it laid or lay?) low and spent a lot of time outside...even though it's still hot as heck here. Seriously, when is fall going to grace us with her presence? It feels more like beach weather than holiday weather so we got out some of our seashells from our trip to Orange Beach this past summer, and the girls played with them for hours.

 

 

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Yesterday we went to church and spent part of the afternoon visiting with my parents. The girls and I worked on our all-time favorite Halloween craft later in the day. You can read the step-by-step instructions here. It's a fun craft for parents and kids, and watching the crayons melt is oddly soothing. Trust me!

 

 

Our neighbors are having a Halloween party tonight, prior to trick or treating, and we're all bringing a dish to snack on. Right now this Baked BLT Dip is a strong contender. If it's a winner I'll share the recipe here!

 

 

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Hope everyone has a great Monday, and a very happy Halloween!! 

Loving Lately

Just a few fall items I'm loving lately!

 

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Love everything about this turtleneck. The color, the weight (light), the beautiful split back, and the length. Would love to add this to my wardrobe this fall!

 

 Free People Split Back Turtleneck 

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How pretty is this watch? Drooling over the combination of navy and rose gold!
 


 Nixon Kensington Leather Watch
 
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BlankNYC is one of my favorite brands for jeans. They look designer but are a fraction of the price! I like the color and the distressing on this pair.

Blank NYC Junk Drawers Skinny Jeans
 

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I think this top would be so pretty for a date night or a night out with the girls. It's sleek and simple, but the neck adds an element of surprise and sophistication.

 

Wayf Take Me Away Wrap Top
 
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I really like an infinity scarf. I especially like the fringe detail and the colors of this one.

 

Sole Society Plaid Scarf with Fringe
 
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Zella makes some of my favorite workout leggings. I don't own any of their tops, but I'd wear this one with jeans! The twist at the hem is just darling!
 

 Zella Twisty Turn Tee

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This sweater just screams fall to me! Looks so cozy...now I want a fire and some hot chocolate.
 

BP Ribbed Mock Neck Pullover

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I have two pairs of Make + Model lounge pants, and they are hands-down my favorite pants to wear around the house (or out for errands if I'm being honest). I adore the holiday spin on this pair. How cute is the plaid?

Make + Model Plaid Flannel Lounge Pants

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I like bangle bracelets, so of course I'm a huge Alex and Ani fan. I like how simple this one is, and of course I love the rose gold.

Alex and Ani Kindred Cord Daisy

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I have a pair of Seychelles booties from last season, and they are my favorite. They're a little ragged from the constant wear, so I'm debating getting this pair soon. The color would go with most anything, and I like the buckle...gives it a moto edge!

Seychelles Tourmaline Booties

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I'm actually wearing these earrings as I type. What can I say, I love an ear crawler. These are simple but more than just a stud, which I like.

Constellation Crystal Earrings

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All the heart eyes for this bag. How fun is that strap? And it's less than $75.

Street Level Faux Leather Bucket Bag

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TGIF, friends! Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Breast Cancer Isn't Cute

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I love that we have a month devoted to bringing attention to this terrible disease. I see pink everywhere I turn, from professional athletes donning pink socks to my local newspaper going pink for a day. It shows support...solidarity...and for people who may not know why there is a sudden influx of pink, it brings awareness to a disease that claims more than 40,000 lives each year.

 

One thing that typically goes hand-in-hand with this precious month is the return of the cutesy slogans and y'all, I.just.can't. "Save the Tatas." "Save Second Base." Or the most cringe-worthy: a picture of a deer's antlers with the slogan "Save the Rack" underneath. Not much makes my skin crawl more, and this is why: breast cancer isn't cute. It doesn't need to be reduced to some "clever" slogan to be recognized or to have an entire month's attention.

 

Talk to any female who has been affected by the disease. Is it cute when they find that lump in their breast? Is getting the call from their doctor that they do, in fact, have breast cancer something to chuckle about? Do they meet with a surgeon who pats them on the back, laughs, and says, "Let's make an appointment to remove those tatas."

 

The reality of a breast cancer diagnosis is much different. It's met with tears, panic, fear, sadness, and probably every emotion in between. It's a lot of waiting. A lot of unknown. It's doctor appointments, surgery, recovery, and medications or treatments (or both) that come with many awful side effects. It's blood draws and scans and long phone calls with insurance companies, praying that they agree to cover the very pills that will hopefully save your life. And more prayers that they'll cover the scan that you need to reveal if your cancer is responding to treatment.

 

Is any of this cute? Is any of this lighthearted? Is it funny to one day be out to dinner with your family, without a care in the world, while the next day you are facing your very mortality with a realness you didn't expect to confront so soon?

 

We don't have to make something playful to bring attention to it. It's OK to be serious about a topic that is serious. It's very serious. It steals mothers and daughters and sisters, friends, aunts, and cousins every single day. It steals entirely too many.

I know that most people who share these slogans or wear these T-shirts only have the best intentions. I know that. But here's something else to think on, friends. Say you're at the grocery store, proudly wearing your "Save the Tatas" T-shirt, and the lady behind you in the checkout line is a breast cancer survivor. She's had a double mastectomy. She has the scars (and maybe the implants too) to prove it. Your T-shirt bearing that cutesy slogan suddenly reminds her of her struggle. And she was just there to buy bananas and milk. She is quickly reminded of the hellacious treatment and surgery she endured to "save her tatas," which is not only not funny but also quite ironic because her breasts weren't saved. It was actually vital that her breasts be removed...you know, so she (the person) could be saved. Is she less of a woman now? Her tatas weren't saved, but she was. So why are we reducing her, and so many others, to a body part?

Let's give these women the respect and compassion they so deserve. Let's call them what they are. Breasts. Let's save the breasts. But more importantly, let's save the women.

Weekend Update

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a good weekend. Here's what we had going on...

 

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It f-i-n-a-l-l-y cooled off here on Friday so we spent as much time as possible outside. It was so nice!

 

Before things cooled off (Thursday...), I went with Lily's class to the pumpkin patch. This is usually a favorite thing to do, but it was so darn hot. Like we were sweating, and I overheard many of the kids asking, "When are we going to leave?!?" Nonetheless...we had a good time, and Lily picked out a pumpkin to bring home. And I may skip that field trip next year!

 

 

 

The above picture...I'm wearing glasses because my eyes seem to be rejecting contacts lately. Has this happened to anyone else? I don't like wearing glasses because they make my eyes tired. Anyway, I'm willing to try almost anything. Does anyone have any good tips? Am I just getting old?

 

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I worked on Saturday and had a good group of patients. Rob took the girls to the park and said they had such fun.

 

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Sunday, I skipped church so I could get caught up on some housework. I got a lot done, so that was a good feeling! We painted pumpkins yesterday afternoon, and that's always one of my favorite fall activities! Lily was so precise in painting hers, and Hadley preferred an abstract approach!

 

 

 

 

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The girls helped me make some Halloween Bark yesterday afternoon. It's so darn good, and we've loved making it the past few years. There are tons of variations out there, but this recipe is our favorite.

 

 

Halloween Bark

{The Pioneer Woman}

 

1 package White Almond Bark

16 whole Graham Crackers

Pretzel Sticks, broken in half

Oreo's, chopped

Reese's Pieces

Chopped Pistachios (I didn't use these)

Mini Chocolate Chips

Other miscellaneous ingredients: mini marshmallows, candy corn, M&M's, colored sprinkles, different nuts, broken chocolate bars

 

Directions:

 

Melt the almond bark over a double boiler (I used a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water). Stir until smooth and allow to cool slightly.

Arrange whole graham crackers together on a rimmed baking sheet so that they're butted up against one another. Pour the melted almond bark over the top and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly over the surface.

 

Sprinkle on pistachios, chocolate chips, pretzels, and Reese's Pieces (along with anything else you'd like to add.) Lightly press all the ingredients with the palm of your hand to make sure they're all anchored on.

 

Place the pan in the fridge and allow it to set completely. Break the bark into smaller pieces. Serve on a platter or package in small cellophane bags.

 

I lined a baking sheet with wax paper, so clean up was a breeze. It took only about 3o minutes in the fridge for mine to set, and it easily broke apart into pieces for serving.

 

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We picked up Dominos pizza last night (of all things) and sat outside and ate dinner before it was time for baths and books and bedtime rituals.

 

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I've been wearing these shoes constantly. They are the comfiest slip-on sneakers I've ever had...and y'all know I love some slip-ons.

 

UGG Sneaker

 

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Hope everyone has a great day and a wonderful week ahead!

 



Pizza with Pesto, Fresh Tomatoes, & Mozzarella

Homemade pizza is one of my favorite things to make. It's fun; it's easy, and it usually makes enough for leftovers. We've been grilling out a lot lately, so I've been wanting to try some vegetarian dishes just to balance things out! I found this pizza recipe after a quick Google search, and even my meat-loving husband thought it was wonderful. I also like a simple pizza recipe because you can easily make additions or adjust things to your liking.

 

 

Pizza with Pesto, Fresh Tomatoes, & Mozzarella

{Epicurious.com}

 

6 ounces grated fresh mozzarella

3 plum tomatoes

3 Tablespoons basil pesto (I used jarred, but you can obviously make your own)

Premade pizza crust (the original recipe calls for pizza dough...I can't work with dough without losing my mind, so to save my sanity, I buy the premade pizza crust...and I honestly think they taste just about as good!)

 

Directions:

 

Preheat oven according to directions for homemade or premade pizza dough/crust. Since I used a premade crust I preheated the oven to 450 degrees and brushed the crust with olive oil before adding on the additional ingredients.

 

Coarsely grate mozzarella and cut tomatoes crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. I generously seasoned our tomatoes with salt and pepper.

 

Spread pesto over crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle cheese on top. Layer tomato slices over cheese. I sprinkled extra mozzarella over the tomatoes because #duh.

 

Place pizza on the middle of the oven rack (no pan or cookie sheet) and bake for 8-12 minutes.

 

How easy is that? I doubled the recipe and made two, and we ate on in for two nights! For something so simple, it was absolutely delicious.

 

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Hope all of my friends have a fabulous weekend! Hope to see y'all back here next week!

Life Lately

As y'all know, blogging has taken a backseat lately. I've been sharing a good bit of our lives over on Instagram, and I kind of feel like that has been my mini blog of sorts. As much as I love pretty pictures, I have missed the writing aspect of blogging. So I thought I'd catch everyone up on what's been going on in our lives, lately!

 

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The fair was in town, and Rob and I took our energy pills (and lots of hand sanitizer) and took the girls! We had the BEST time...and they did too! I actually rode a ride with Lily (it was more of an adult ride that goes around in circles kind of fast), and I quickly realized that I'm not 20 anymore...holy spinning. But she had fun, so yes, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

 

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Lily was sick last week with a sore throat, fever, and yucky cough so she stayed home from school for a few days. I hated seeing her sick, but I did love the extra one-on-one time I had with her. She's all better now, and so far...we're all still healthy!

 

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Hadley turned 3 (!) and is almost completely potty trained! I say almost because we've had a few accidents...but that's the norm, right?

 

After Lily turned 2, and after I knocked myself out planning two over-the-top Pinterest perfect birthday parties for her, Rob and I agreed that we wanted to scale it back...for our own sanity and because, really, does a 3-year-old really care if the water bottles have perfectly-placed birthday banners? We replaced those parties with small, family parties, and it's been much more our style. We've decided that when the girls are in big school (kindergarten and up), they can have a party to their liking with their friends...but until then, we're keeping it simple.

 

With all of that said, Hadley had a great 3rd birthday! She had waffles for breakfast (complete with a candle), and she wore a new Peppa Pig (her favorite) dress to school...I made cookies for her class, and because she doesn't like cookies (or really many sweets) I sent Pringles (probably her favorite food) too. Rob took a half day at work and came home early to make hot dogs and tater tots. She opened presents, and we really just had the best time.

 

**I hate making the girls wait all day to open their presents, so Hadley got to wake up to a few little treats at her spot at the table. It made it a little easier to wait to open her bigger gifts!**

 

 

Now that she's three, we qualify for state-funded speech therapy, which is huge! We've already met with her therapist, and she'll come to Hadley's school twice a week for therapy with her! We're still going to Magnolia Speech School once a week for private lessons, and we'll continue that as we see fit. But we've been so pleased with how far she is coming! I honestly think the biggest difference has just been due to the fact that she's in school five days a week. It's amazing what just being around other children can do for language skills!

 

I'm so proud of my big girl I could just burst.

 

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I haven't cooked in what seems like forever, so tonight I'm getting back in the kitchen and can't wait. I'm making another recipe from Chrissy Teigen's cookbook, Cravings. I'm trying her Vegetable Tortilla Soup, and if it's a winner I'll share the recipe soon!

 

 

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So...those are the highlights of life lately. Hope life has been treating all of my friends well! Two final questions...who else is ready for the election to be over? And, is it as hot as it is in Mississippi where y'all are? I'm.so.ready.for.fall. #overit #globalwarming Hope everyone has a happy day!

Five Fall Favorites

First things first...I've been on a mega blogging break! Yikes! I think this is the longest I've been away since I started blogging, but I've just had major writer's block...and haven't felt as creative lately. Hoping it stays away. I've missed my creative space here! I enjoyed putting together today's post. Hope y'all enjoy it as well! :)

 

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Fall, where art thou? Mississippi got the memo for maybe a day, and now we're back to afternoons in the 80s. Waaaa...I'm ready to break out my scarves and booties, Mother Nature!

 

With that said, here are a few of my favorite fall-ish items...it may not feel like autumn outside, but I'm still trying to soak up the season!

 

ONE

 

Loving this tee from Madewell. First, Madewell has the best tees, in my opinion. They're well-made and soft, and they're long enough which is a must for this tall girl. I like the thin red stripes on this tee. Plus, I can wear it alone now or throw a vest or sweater over it when it cools off more...

Whisper Cotton Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee in Howell Stripe

 

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TWO

 

This candle is hands-down my favorite fall candle. And it's from Target. The scent is just perfect for autumn...it's not overwhelming, and it's not too pumpkin-y. It's just right, and it will make your house smell divine. I light mine every day. And I hoard them at the end of the season when they go on sale. I'm a self-proclaimed candle snob, so trust me on this one and try it out. You won't regret it!

Autumn Harvest Candle

 

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THREE

 

I ordered this poncho and will report back what I think...but in pictures it looks fabulous. It's perfect for this in-between time when it's not cold (or frankly, not even cool)...and I love a long-sleeved tee under something short-sleeved. Not sure why, I just do. And everyone loves pockets. Show me one person who doesn't...I dare you! ;)

 

Open Front Drapey Poncho

 

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FOUR

 

I mean, how cute is this? I'd use it for condiments when grilling out or for gravy or jams when having a nicer meal. Or don't use it for anything and just let it look cute on your counter or table!

Gourd Condiment Set

 

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FIVE

 

I'm always pleasantly surprised by Old Navy purses. You can't beat the price, and I think this one is adorable. Bucket bags never go out of style, and I especially like this greyish color. It'd go with anything.

 

 Sueded Bucket Bag

 

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Do y'all have any favorite fall finds? I'd love to know! Hope everyone has a happy weekend. I'm working tomorrow and am looking forward to it. It's been a few weeks! See y'all back here on Monday!