Friday, September 29, 2017

Five on Friday

Happy Friday! Today I'm trying out a new feature called Five on Friday. It's something a lot of bloggers do, and it helps my brain focus since I'm normally all over the place! I can only write about 5 things...so this is good for me! I linked up with the other ladies at the bottom of my page so make sure to check their blogs out too!

*Affiliate links are used in this post.*

{one}

Even though it doesn't feel like fall here (does it anywhere?!?!), it's fall in my heart. Ha. I've been burning the heck out of this candle from none other than Tar-jay. I've been buying these for the past three years, and the smell is just perfection. I look forward to seeing them in our store each fall and was so happy to snag a few last week! Any other fall scents I need to check out?
 
 
{two}
 
Lily finally lost her second tooth up top, and I can't get over how old she looks! That tooth was hanging on by a thread, and she would not let me touch it. Seriously, it was dangling to the point that she could hardly eat! I thought that maybe if she'd let me floss her teeth I could kind of wiggle it out that way without her knowing exactly what I was doing. And, voila. Worked like a charm. The tooth popped out after only a few seconds of flossing. She was so happy for a tooth fairy visit later that night!
 
 
{three}
 
Hadley turns 4 next week, and it's almost too much for my heart to take! We're not planning a big party, but I'll send her favorite snacks to school that day (along with fun party plates and hats), and she wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner and games. So that's our plan. And we'll open presents after dinner. Just look at this sweet baby four years ago. Where does the time go?
 
 
{four}
 
I found a new nail color (new to me, at least) that I'm loving. It's a deep mauve, and it's just perfect for fall. I've been wearing it on my nails and toes!

essie - In Stitches
 
 {five}
 
I love this article about the benefits of practicing gratitude. For one week, the author found five things for which she was grateful and wrote them down. And the act of doing so completely changed her perspective and, ultimately, her life. She asserts that, as humans, we are capable of training our brains to focus on the good. I do believe that.

 
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I hope everyone has the best weekend! We have nothing big planned, although I do want to get some pumpkins for our front steps. Fingers crossed the weather cools off a bit so we can spend some time outside! See y'all back here on Monday!
 
 
 


Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Halloween Jammies for Girls

I've always loved themed pajamas for my girls. And they wear them year-round, so getting a holiday pair is no big deal. I've rounded up some of my favorite Halloween pairs below. Do y'all purchase holiday pajamas too?

*Affiliate links are used in this post.*

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Hanna Andersson pajamas are always my favorite. The quality is top-notch, and this purple pair is calling my name!
 
Long John Pajamas

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A friendly Bride of Frankenstein. Loving the lime green, and her face glows!
 
 

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The cat face on the knees of the pants is too cute.

Witch Essentials Sleep Set

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We're cat people, so I'm always drawn to anything with a cat on it. These are darling. 
Halloween Cat Sleep Set

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Lily really likes wearing nightgowns, and this one is glow-in-the-dark!!

Glow-in-the-Dark Nightgown

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These are fun! A little spooky but still sweet.


Halloween Two-Piece Gymmies

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Hadley loves this pair featuring a funny, lovable monster.

Monster Sleep Set

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Such bright colors in this nightgown. Could also double as a dress with black tights!

Witch Kitty Nightgown
 
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 Gap also has the best pajamas. I try to stock up when they're on sale.
 

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How fun are these? Would be perfect for boys too.

Mummy Sleep Set

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Another nightgown option. The purple trim is adorable. 

Halloween Cat Sleep Gown

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This pair could double as an outfit, right?

Snug Fit Halloween PJs

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Love the fuzzy, friendly ghost. You can get this pair monogrammed, which would be so special.

Fleece Ghost PJs

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I kind of want this pair for myself. What girl doesn't want to be Wonder Woman?

Wonder Woman Long John Pajamas
 
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The sweetest little cat face.

 2-Piece Cat Graphic Sleep Set

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Seriously, have you seen anything cuter?!?!
Skeleton PJ Set

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And how stinkin' cute is this sleep mask? It's felt so it's soft. Would be so cute to pair this with Halloween pajamas and give as a gift to someone with an October birthday!
 Halloween Sleep Mask

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Hope everyone has a great day! I just adore this time of year!

 

Friday, September 22, 2017

One Skillet Sausage & Kale Pasta

I am the absolute WORST at dirtying up the kitchen. And running the dishwasher multiple times a day. So I've been on the hunt for one pot/one pan meals that are tasty and allow for easy clean-up. Enter this One Skillet Sausage & Kale Pasta. Guys, it was so good...and clean-up took me about 2 minutes as opposed to 20. Yay! Y'all try it out, and let me know what you think.
 
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One Skillet Sausage & Kale Pasta
{Two Peas & Their Pod}
 
Ingredients
 
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch slices (I used a sweet Italian sausage that crumbled, as opposed to links)
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups chopped kale
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon fennel seed
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons chopped, fresh basil (for garnish, if desired)
 
Directions
 
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the sausage, onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion and peppers are tender and the sausage is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
 
Add the tomato paste and stir. Add in the chopped kale, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and fennel seed.
 
Add in penne pasta and broth. Stir until combined. Cover with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until pasta is al dente. Remove lid, stir, and add in the fresh mozzarella. Stir and cook until cheese is melted. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm.
 
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Hope everyone has a happy weekend!
 


Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Sneaker Crush

As a mom on-the-go who still likes to feel pulled together (most days!), sneakers have become my everyday shoe! I love that they can bring jeans and a simple tee up a notch while still allowing me to be comfortable.

I rounded up my favorites below. Are y'all on the sneaker bandwagon with me?

**Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you so much for supporting me.**

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This pair is so cute and feminine. The grey would go with anything.
 
 
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Loving the perforations and the neutral color.
 
 
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Mules are so popular this season, and I'm liking that this is a cross between a mule and a sneaker. The best of both worlds!
 
 
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Love these. Also come in light brown if the blue is too bold for you!
 
 
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These are kind of crazy, but I think they're fun. Life is too short for boring shoes, right?
 
 
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Such a pretty shade of blush.
 
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I like the fabric of this pair. A little dressier for a sneaker.
 
 
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I have a pair of Ugg slip-ons, and they are so comfy. This pair is classic.
 
 
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Love Veja sneakers. This color is perfect for fall.
 
 
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So flirty and fun. I really want this pair.
 
 
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I've been wanting a pair of classic Gazelles, but I'm kind of liking this light purple pair. Not that I need light purple sneakers, but these are so cute.
 
 
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Leopard is a neutral, IMO. These would go with so much!
 
 
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Adore these! A little preppier than I normally choose, but I think they'd be perfect with a cozy fall sweater and jeans.
 
 
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A fun metallic pair with a pretty design.
 
 
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Love the go-with-everything shade and the scallops are such a fun detail.
 
 
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Simple and classic.
 
 
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I have a pair of Minnetonka booties, and they're comfy and just fabulous. I'm smitten with this pair.
 
 
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Loving the olive green and the platform heel for a dressier vibe.
 
 
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Classic black...similar to a pair of Vans I have and wear often.
 
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How cute is the basketweave on these?
 
 
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Drooling over here. Superga sneaks are the best. And purple crushed velvet. I'm in love.
 
 
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Do you have a favorite sneaker brand I need to check out? Let me know in the comments. I'm always looking to add to my collection!

 
 


Monday, September 11, 2017

Weekend Update

Hey guys. Hope everyone had a great weekend. We surely did!
 
First, I can't ignore today's date. September 11. How in the world has it been 16 years since that dreadful day? New York will always be a part of my heart...it's the greatest place on this Earth, in my opinion. Today I'm thinking of those who lost loved ones on that day. God bless all of you.
 
 
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Our weekend: Rob is working on a huge project at work, and he's been at the office what seems like 24/7. He worked most of the weekend, so the girls and I had some girl-time.
 
Before we picked Lily up from school on Friday, Hadley and I had a picnic in their treehouse. How cute is she?
 
 
Friday night we met my parents for Mexican and sat outside. The weather here has been glorious, and we've enjoyed every second of it.
 
Saturday morning we picked up donuts, and the girls were sweet enough to go to Sephora with me. I picked up some new skin products, and I'm loving them so far.
 

 
I'm reading Jen Hatmaker's new book Of Mess and Moxie and can't get enough of it. It's one of those books where I'm underlining nearly every sentence. The highlighted portion below especially resonated with me.
 
 
Saturday afternoon Lily lost her first top tooth! I can't get over how different she looks!
 
 
We skipped church on Sunday because Hadley is getting a little cold. She still felt well enough to play outside, and we enjoyed most of our day in our backyard!
 
 
I adore the picture below...I think it perfectly captures the joy of childhood. Look at those happy, carefree faces!
 
 
I kept Hadley home from school today, so we're watching Trolls right now before I get busy with typical Monday stuff.
 
And, this is it...the week I've been looking forward to for what seems like forever. Rob and I are heading to New Orleans on Thursday to see U2 at the Superdome! This is a bucket list item of mine...they're one of my favorite bands of all-time, and I have heard they are incredible live. I am so stoked, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep! I'm sure this week will creep by...
 
 
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I hope everyone has a great day and a happy week. I'll be back with some fashion-related posts in a few days! :)