Life Lately

Life has been full lately! Here's what we've been up to...

 

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Hadley started speech therapy and just as soon as she started we've decided to suspend treatment. She is talking more and more on her own, and I really don't think she was getting much out of therapy. Our therapist even agreed that if she had been the one to do Hadley's speech evaluation she wouldn't have even said she qualified for therapy. Goodness. I'm all for early intervention, yet at the same time I think we need to learn to not rush children so much. Point taken.

 

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We had dinner at Kristos last week and were able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the incredible spring weather. Jackson-area friends, you really need to try Kristos...I had the falafel wrap and curly fries and was in Greek food heaven.

 

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Lily had her 5-year-old appointment and immunizations earlier last week. Her check-up went great, and she handled her shots fairly well. We celebrated with ice cream afterwards. The absolute worst part of shots for her, seriously, is the Band-Aid. I know most kids love Band-Aids but not my Lily...because when it comes time to take them off, we have had to hold her down. No lie. So now the Band-Air fairy enters her room while she's sleeping and very carefully removes her Band-Aids so she doesn't wake up. Works like a charm every time.

 

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I registered Lily for kindergarten and was surprised at how simple it was. And I was mainly surprised that I didn't cry. I don't think it's hit me yet. I, of course, am happy for this milestone...I have a happy, healthy child who is growing up and is doing exactly what she's supposed to be doing! Yet at the same time, I worry for her (I know this isn't something unique)...this world can be so hard and cruel, and I just want my children to be happy and to feel loved. That is my prayer for her and for Hadley every day. But I am really eager to become a part of the public school system, and I'm excited to get involved.

 

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I've almost felt like I've had a lobotomy the past week or so, with what's been going on in my state. I've had a hard time with it all and have felt a deep sadness over our governor signing house bill 1523 into law. Mississippi is so much better than that, and it just devastates me that some people believe it is a person's "religious (what religion are we referring to here?) right" to discriminate against a group of people. It disgusts me, and I'm just sad for everyone in the LGBT community...I also feel defeated, that once again my great state becomes the laughing stock of the country. And then of course I'm sad that my girls have to grow up in a world where such attitudes exist. This is not the Mississippi I know and love.

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I worked this past Saturday, and it was a doozy. Don't think I've been that physically or emotionally drained in a long time. I was like a walking zombie on Sunday, but I'm thankfully back to new now. As long as I've been a floor nurse, it always takes me a good full day to recover from a shift. It's just tough.

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I've been eyeing a pair of Vans for a while and finally pulled the trigger...they're so comfy, and I think super cute. If you have a narrow foot, I'd recommend sizing down. I tried my regular size first, and they were too wide. A size down was perfecto.

Vans Classic Slip-On

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We've spent a lot of time outside lately...painting in the driveway and playing with kinetic foam make for a fun time.

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It's my mom's birthday today! I'm so thankful for her and for the love and wisdom she's given me over the years. Happy Birthday, J! We love you...

I love picking out presents for people and one of my favorite things to give is a kind-of "favorite things" goodie bag. Here's what I chose for my mom's birthday gifts...

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Loft has the best sunglasses! If you're looking to try out a trend without breaking the bank, it's a great place to check out. I picked these sunnies up recently and have loved them...

Round Keyhole Sunglasses

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That's all I've got...hope everyone has a happy day...



Loving Lately

A few things I'm loving lately...

 

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I love a striped tee. They're so classic, and I'm especially liking the yellow and white stripes on this one...and the longer back makes it just perfect in my book.

Striped Cotton Pocket Tee

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This purse is so cute. I adore the tassels.

Mini Fringe Shoulder Bag

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I think this dress is gorgeous. The colors are so vibrant, and the palm leaves epitomize summer. I'd wear it out for a date with the hubs or to church.

High Neck Maxi Dress

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I saw several bloggers wearing these sandals, and at first I wasn't sold. But they've grown on me. In fact, I really like them now...especially the black pair. The reviews are great too, regarding comfort and fit.

Riley Fringe Sandal

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Such a cute bracelet stack. I'd wear it all summer long.

 

Antigua Bracelet Quartet

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I'm always drawn to a midi dress. I like that this one can be dressed up or down.

Tank Midi Dress

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Such a cute clutch. Target is hitting it out of the park with their clutches.

Soft Pouch with Tassel

 

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I've been using these facial pads for a few weeks now, and I'm loving the results. They make my skin feel so smooth afterwards.

Pixi Glow Peel Pads

 

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The gold takes these simple sandals up a notch. Again, something that could be dressed up or down, depending on the outfit.

 

Malta Mirror Metallic Sandals

 

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Wouldn't this be the cutest beach bag?

 

Straw Tote Handbag

 

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I really like this dress (ignore the shoes). The colors are so pretty, and the shape is simple and classic. Plus, it's $59!!!

 

Sleeveless Shift Dress

 

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Hope everyone has a great day!!



Hot Kale and Bacon Dip

Confession: I love kale. I know some people think it tastes like grass, but I almost crave it at times. I guess that's my body's way of telling me I need more super foods and less powdered donuts.

 

Anywho, I've noticed I'm lacking in appetizer recipes so I wanted to try some new ones out. When I saw this recipe for Hot Kale and Bacon Dip, I knew I had to make it. Kale + Bacon = my love language. I made this this past weekend, and Rob and I were fighting over the last bite! It was that good! It is rich (and very similar to Spinach Artichoke Dip...just with kale and bacon), so next time I'd probably make it for a group, just so I don't eat it all in one sitting. Whoops.

 

And if you don't follow What's Gaby Cooking on Instagram, you should! I've made several of her recipes and always love what she puts together.

 

 

Hot Kale and Bacon Dip

{What's Gaby Cooking}

 

18 ounces frozen chopped kale

1 cup mayonnaise

16 ounces sour cream

1 package Knorr Vegetable Mix

4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Thaw the frozen kale and squeeze out any excess moisture. Combine the kale, mayo, sour cream, vegetable mix, cooked bacon, and half of the shredded cheese in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a medium sized baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top, about 20-25 minutes. Let set for 5 minutes before serving. Dig in!

 

**I served it with tortilla chips...I think a thicker cracker, like a Triscuit, would be good too. Also, my grocery didn't have frozen kale. I always buy the 18 oz. pre-shredded package of kale in our produce section. I used the entire package and just sautéed it in olive oil before incorporating it into the recipe. And, true to form, I used more bacon and cheese than the recipe called for...because that's just how I roll.**

 

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Hope everyone has a happy day. I register Lily for kindergarten this morning and am already feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. I can't believe my baby has gotten so big. Hope to see y'all tomorrow...

Pineapple Love

I haven't hidden my love for all things pineapple. I don't know what it is, but I've jumped on the pineapple train fo sho. With that said, I rounded up some of my favorite items that feature the lovely fruit...enjoy!

 

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How cute are these slip-on sneakers? And if you're not into the pineapple trend, you should still check out Bucketfeet shoes. Each shoe is designed by a different artist...pretty cool. I'd love a pair one day!

Pineappleade Chambray/Gold Slip-On Sneakers

 

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This taper candle holder is just too pretty. I'd love to see several grouped together at the center of a table.

Pineapple Taper Holder

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A pineapple key ring allows you to enjoy the pineapple trend without spending too much!

Pineapple Key Ring

 

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Love this dress for the little ones...may need to pick it up for Lily and Hadley.

Pineapple Sleeveless Dress

 

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I saw these tumblers in Anthropologie recently. I adore them...they're perfect for a summer cocktail!

 

Fruit Wedge Tumbler

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I actually have this pillow in our house and just love it. The Threshold line at Target always has the best stuff.

Gold Pineapple Throw Pillow

 

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Pineapple ice cubes...who knew? Are these not the most darling things you've ever seen?

Pineapple Ice Tray Set

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I've been wanting to get a pair of Mini Melissa shoes for Hadley...I've heard great things about them, and I'm especially loving the mint green color of this pair.

Mini Melissa Mary Jane Flat

 

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This throw pillow is so cute...Lily has it on her bed, and it adds such a fun pop of color and whimsy.

Mini Pineapple Throw Pillow

 

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I picked up this pineapple trinket dish on a recent run to Target. Right now it holds paper clips on my desk, but I think it'd also be a great place to stash your jewelry.

Threshold Porcelain Trinket Dish

 

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These earrings are so cute. I really want the rose gold pair.

Pineapple Earrings

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You know the S'well bottles that keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot? Well this is their line for Target, called S'ip. There are lots of lovely designs to choose from, but I'm of course drawn to this pineapple version.

Pineapple Stainless Steel Water Bottle

 

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This small area rug would be so fun as a doormat or in an outdoor patio space!

Accent Rug Laguna Pineapple

 

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I'm drawn to the colors in this pineapple print...would be so cute in a gallery wall.

 

Pink Pineapple Watercolor Print

 

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I wish I were in the market for a new iPhone case because if I were I'd pick this one up...so much cuteness.

Sonix Liana Teal iPhone Case

 

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I'm pretty sure I need to throw a pineapple themed party. Because if I did, I'd have an excuse to purchase these pineapple paper plates. They're so much fun!

 

Pineapple Paper Plates

 

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This is a candle hoarder's/pineapple lover's dream come true...a pineapple with a candle inside. It also comes in yellow and orange, but I like the simple white.

Pineapple Candle

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Y'all...a pineapple decanter. I mean, I'm in pineapple heaven right now. I wish I had a reason to make this happen...somebody please purchase this so I can live vicariously through you! ;)

Pineapple Decantur

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So that's enough pineapple love for one day, right? Is anyone else aboard the pineapple train? What am I going to do next year with all this pineapple stuff when the trend has fizzled out? Ha!

Hope everyone has a great day...I'm taking Hadley to speech this morning, then Lily has her 5-year-old appointment (and vaccines...ugh...) this afternoon...see y'all tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Update + Summer Corn Salad

We had a great weekend here...the weather was perfection, so much of it was spent outdoors! We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant Friday night, then we spent a lot of time at our old house on Saturday afternoon...no, we still haven't sold it...sad face. We finally finished emptying the attic and garage and took loads upon loads to Goodwill. We hope with some minor fix-ups, some paint, and the spring market we'll be able to sell it soon. Fingers crossed. Below are some pictures from our weekend...

 

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Hadley loves playing in the kitchen. She is such a little hostess already.

 

 

She is obsessed with ketchup. I have to threaten to take it away from her if she doesn't actually eat her food and only licks the ketchup off. Last night she had a ketchup mustache. Ha!

 

Definitely a princess...she wore the crown almost all day Saturday, and her wand rarely left her side.

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I had fun at TJ Maxx...the store used to overwhelm me, but now I know which sections to check out. I can't do the clothing section just yet, but the shoe and the home décor areas are my happy place.

I picked up these shoes, which I think will be so pretty and simple with a casual dress or shorts.

And then I've been wanting a bottle of truffle oil. Not sure yet how I'll use it, but I'm excited to look up some recipes and to try it out. Any input?

I wore this all weekend. I just can't get enough of my ripped jeans and any form of slip-on sneakers.

Jeans
Shoes

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We have curtains! I need to take them down and iron them, but I'm really happy with the way they turned out!

Curtains

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It's hard to beat spring in Mississippi. It's like everything turns green overnight, and it's just magical. I'm so happy our new home has azalea bushes. They epitomize spring here.

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This has been my favorite wine lately. I'm not a wine connoisseur by any means, but I know what I like and what I don't. This is really light and crisp and is perfect for this time of the year. And every time I go in the liquor store to pick it up I can't seem to find it and want to call it Kim Richards Sauvignon Blanc for some reason...yes, the Beverly Hills housewife who is a recovering alcoholic. My mind plays tricks on me all.the.time.

 

 

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We spent entirely too much time playing around on Snapchat. Why is it so much fun? I have never laughed so hard.

 

Lily looks pretty good goth, huh?

 

And Hadley in full-on drag make-up. I cannot stop laughing...

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We grilled out burgers for dinner last night, and I wanted a light and fresh side dish...you know, to cancel out the red meat. A Google search later, and I found this recipe for summer corn salad. It was divine...and the colors were so pretty.

Summer Corn Salad
{Foodnetwork.com}

4 ears corn
1 red onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
Handful fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lime (I used 2)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook corn and remove from cob. Add corn, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro to bowl and mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Dress the corn with the mixture and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

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I hope everyone has a happy Monday!