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Friday, May 30, 2014

Five on Friday: Five Things I'm Loving

Hello Friday (evening) Blog Friends!  Due to a crazy day I'm just now getting this post up at almost 10pm, however it's still technically Friday so I'm okay!  I have a good excuse though for my tardiness - an important work meeting, training a new employee and then a surprise wedding this afternoon for my step-brother!  That's right, around noon I was told that my step-brother was getting married later that day at 4pm.  I ran out of work at 3:30, picked up Jack and headed to their house just in time for the nuptials, phew!

Now I want to share five things that I've been loving lately with you:

ONE - Bobeau Swiss Dot Split Neck Dress


In the summer when it is so unbearably hot, I tend to live in easy dresses that you can just throw on and go!  You can dress them up with jewelry and heels or dress down with flip flops.  This dress is so comfy, cute and most importantly, light and airy!  I have it in black, but I love it so much I considering buying the other one in blue. 

TWO - Anything Orange!

I'm also in love with anything orange these days...and so is my mother as evidenced by our twinsie picture!  We looked so cool shopping together in dark skinny jeans, orange tops, Kendra earrings and nude wedges.  Dorks!

 

I really want these orange Kendra Scott earrings or maybe the Rayne Necklace in Orange.  Tomorrow is the last day for my 50% offer for my birthday month...I've already told Jason Kendra is a must-visit tomorrow!



THREE - Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Gloss



This  is the best lip color/gloss I've tried in a long time.  I first heard about them from Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I gave one a try since they are only $6.99 and now I have three shades: Captivating Carnation, Celestial Coral and Caramel Infused.  These are awesome!  Great color and shine that actually lasts longer than most lip gloss I've used.  I also LOVE the applicator on the wand. 

FOUR - Shakeology




On Monday I'm starting Beachbody's 21 Day Fix which is a diet and workout plan.  Part of the plan includes Shakeology which I went ahead and started earlier this week when my order was delivered.  I've been drinking my shakes as a meal replacement for breakfast and it is so yummy and filling!  My coach recommended mixing my chocolate flavor I received wtih almond milk, PB2, ice and ground cinnamon.  This has been making my rushed morning before work and little more pleasant!

FIVE - New Summer "Beach" Reads

Around this time of year all of my favorite chick lit authors release their new books.  I just finished the latest Jane Green, Tempting Fate and can't wait to read these new books!  I'm currently reading The Antelope in the Living Room by blogger turned author Melanie Shankle...so good!

Emily Giffin - The One and Only {Out now}
Jennifer Weiner - All Fall Down {Releases June 17}
Chevy Stevens - That Night {Releases June 17)
Judy Greer - I Don't Know What You Know Me From {Out now}

Follow me on GoodReads to see what I'm reading next and read my book reviews.  Also, checkout Houston Moms Blog upcoming Book Club...you don't have to live in Houston to participate and you can go online now to vote for our first book!

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Thank you to the hostesses of this weekly link-up: A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and [the good life blog].

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Jack: 12 Months!

 
 

Length: 30.5 inches*
Weight: 22.8 lbs.*
Head Circumference: 18 inches*
Size 4 Diapers
Wearing 18 month clothing, size 4 shoes

*Measured at your 12 month checkup so numbers don't exactly match what we've been measuring ourselves at home!

Milestones this month:
  • Saying Mama
  • You are a butt-scooting fool!
  • Three more teeth came in
Things you like this month:
  • Chicken, raspberries, blueberries and avocado
  • Bath time
  • Seeing Dad walk through the door from work
  • Tucker
  • The Wheels on the Bus and The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Things you don't like this month:
  • Large crowds and new faces
  • Teething
  • You momma being out of sight
  • Green beans
Special memories this month:
  • Taking one year pictures and watching you eat your very first cake
  • Your first Easter and lots of Easter egg hunts
  • Your first birthday fiesta
  • Hanging out with Ashley and Graham...too bad ya'll just wouldn't cooperate for one PJ picture!
Dear Jack,

Happy one year my little pumpkin!  I did exactly what I said I wouldn't do and went overboard on your first year celebration.  I can't really say that you enjoyed your birthday party, but I'm hoping you will look back at the pictures one day and know how much you are loved not only by me and your dad, but by so many family and friends who came to celebrate you.  You were not feeling great on your big day mixed with all of the activity and new faces, but I'm sure you had some fun too.  You pretty much stayed glued to me, dad, Mimi and Yuly, but that's okay.  I love that we can bring you comfort. 

It was a super emotional weekend for me in the best possible way.  I just couldn't believe my little baby boy was already a year old.  You are such a smart, unique, funny, handsome and perfect little dude.  I love you to the moon and back and can't wait for many more birthday celebrations together. 

Love you, love you, love you!
Momma

Monday, May 26, 2014

DIY Earring Holder

 
I'm so excited to share this super easy DIY Earring Holder with you today!  I can not take the credit for thinking of this.  It was all my step-sister Nicole.  I saw it at her house and fell in love.  She told me exactly what I needed in order to make one for myself and now I wanted to share it with you! Once you pull of the items together the actual project takes about 3 minutes!

You will need:

 
  • One picture frame of your choosing.  Any size will work.  Nicole used an 11x14.  I used a 9x12.  It's important to find a frame with the metal tabs on the back - see picture below. 
  • One decorative metal sheet
  • Metal snips

 
I purchased all three of these items at Hobby Lobby.  You can also get the metal sheets at Home Depot.  Hobby Lobby had three different style options - all were $11.99 per sheet which would make about two holders depending on the size of your frame. 

All you have to do is take your picture frame and remove the glass and backing.  Measure your metal sheet and cut it to fit inside the frame.  Secure the sheet with the picture frame tabs.  Done!

I used a metal frame stand to lean the frame against and then hung my favorite earrings. 



Thanks Nicole for this fun and easy project.  I LOVE it!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Five on Friday: Five Years

In honor of today being our FIVE Year wedding anniversary, I'm just taking a trip down memory lane and sharing some throw back pictures from the wedding. 

Jason and I were married on May 23 at an iconic Houston restaurant, Vargo's known for their beautiful gardens and peacocks (which sadly is no longer around) at 5:00 in the afternoon.  This place was special to us because at the time I lived right across the street and we often took walks on the grounds.  I'm sure the peacocks just loved Tucker!

We had a single harpist provide the music for the ceremony and Jason's grandfather married us in the gazebo.  Such a beautiful day that does not seem like it was FIVE years ago.  Love you Jason more today than I did on that day...and that was a lot!  Thanks for being the best friend, husband and father to our family!!!





 







 

Happy (long) weekend!  Hope you have a wonderful Friday!

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Thank you to the hostesses of this weekly link-up: A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and [the good life blog]. 

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Tips for Throwing a 1st Birthday Party


I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about my tips (and lots of pictures) for throwing a 1st birthday party!  A full list of all of the incredible vendors I used is included along with a special offer from Studio Ainsley

Read it here

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Capturing Jack's First Year of Life :: One Year Photos

I can't believe my little man has been on this earth for a year now.  He is my everything and changed my life in such a wonderful way.  What better way to celebrate his life than by capturing this moment on camera to remember forever.  Plus it was a great excuse for cake!
 
We were lucky enough to find Studio Ainsley back when I was pregnant.  I can't say enough wonderful things about Studio Ainley's amazingly talented photographer turned friend, Maca.  I can give countless examples of why she is so wonderful, but the biggest one is that her ideas can get even Jason excited to take pictures...this is huge people!
 
Plus, getting a teething, cranky one year old to smile and laugh is a huge plus.  At 6pm. With multiple wardrobe changes. Miracle worker she is. 
 
Check out our other sessions with Studio Ainsley for Jack's First Year of Life:

I prepared more for this shoot than for any of the others.  I blame Pinterest for this.  We had so much fun using the props and banners, yet my favorite images are some of the more simple ones - this is where having a professional photographer with just plain natural talent and experience makes a huge difference!  Anyone can get a cute photo with banners and props.  Not everyone can get a stunning picture of sweet and simple moments. 





But then again, the props are fun too! 





 
This setup below was so amazing and 100% dreamed up by Maca.


 
But I think my absolute favorites are of the sweet moments of Jack sharing his cake with his parents who love him to the moon and back!






 
Check out Studio Ainsley's Website and be sure to follow them on Facebook!
If you are interested in booking Maca for a future session, watch for a post coming later this month on Houston Mom's Blog about throwing a first birthday party. 
 
Hint, Hint: Studio Ainsley will have a special offer for the readers!
 
 

Birthday/Mother's Day Wishlist

With Mother's Day and my birthday just 2 days apart this year, Jason has his work cut out for him!  I'm kidding.  After Jack's 1st birthday blowout all I want is some quiet time with my family. 

But for fun, I thought I would throw together a wish list of sorts!  You know those things that would be nice if you had a million dollars...




New Pair of Sunnies - Original Wayfarer Classic in Tortoise
The small size of the "new" version that I currently have is not quite big enough for my round(er) face at the moment!  Needing an upgrade!  These monogrammed ones are super fun too.


 

 
New Scent - Harvey Prince Journey Perfume
I fell in love with this perfume after receiving it in a Birchbox.  I'm so bummed that my sample size is all gone!  I've been dropping hints to Jason about this perfume for a month so hopefully he has caught on!






Pamper please - Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Perfume and anything from that fragrance line!
I don't know what it is about pistachio right now, but I'm obsessed!  Dove just came out with a Pistachio Creme bar soap and body wash.  I have both and can't get enough.  I've heard nothing but good things about the Creme de Pistache line by Laura Mercier...I've also heard it's hard to find in stores - at least in Houston. 

 
 


New Read - New Emily Giffin Book - Coming May 20, 2014
Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors and her new book is set to release soon!  Perfect pool read.




New Body - Pure Barre DVD Set
Even though there is a perfectly good Pure Barre Studio minutes from my house there are days when I just can't leave the house with Jack or don't get a spare moment to work out until after 9pm.  Having a workout that I know I love might help motivate me on those days!




New Look - Kendra Scott anything!
No birthday is complete without a little Kendra.  That's my motto anyway.  I love the orange Elle earrings for summer!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Idea :: Massage Envy

 


The weekend before Jack's first fiesta I took a much needed one hour break for a massage at my local Massage Envy.  This is a HUGE deal for me.  I usually don't take time out for myself for things like this.  I get my hair done, but really that's to cover grays and yes, I get pedicures, but again, that's so my feet are decent enough to wear sandals and I usually sit in the chair the entire time returning emails.  A massage is truly something luxurious just for you, which is why it makes for a perfect mother's day gift.  

Enter Massage Envy!  I was so excited to learn that there is a Massage Envy location under five minutes from my house.  I'm not sure why I've never tried them before.  In all of the different places I've lived in the past 10 years, there has always been a location minutes from my home.  I guess I had a preconceived notion that since Massage Envy isn't a pricey, full service salon and spa that the services would be lacking.  I'm so happy I finally gave them a shot because I was 110% happy with everything.  I can't wait to go back again! 

My Experience

I went on a Saturday afternoon around 5pm.  Although they were busy with several people in the waiting room, I was immediately checked in.  Since this was my first time I had to fill out a small amount of paperwork about my preferences and health - very standard.  The spa smelled amazing and looked extremely clean - which is very important to me!  After I was all checked in I was taken to a small, dark and quiet room to wait for my massage therapist.  I immediately felt more relaxed with the calming scents, music and soothing water sounds.  I unplugged from the world and turned my phone off! 

Within just a few minutes I was greeted by my massage therapist who walked me to the room.  You don't have to change in a dressing room and lock your personal items in a locker room like many spas.  You just change in the room and keep your personal belongings with you. 

I did a 60 minute Swedish massage and it was PERFECTION!  One of the best massages I've ever had.  Just what I needed after spending so many late nights planning Jack's party.  I came home happy, relaxed, de-stressed and ready to enjoy the rest of my weekend.  I loved that I was able to get a nice break for myself without being away from my family for too long. 

The Perks

Hello late hours and weekend appointments including Sundays!  This is a huge perk that you can not find everywhere.  Sometimes with busy weekends (especially Saturdays) it's hard to squeeze in personal pampering time, but with appointments as late as 8pm, I could go after Jason is home from work and Jack is asleep!  Another perk is the affordable pricing.  This makes getting a massage something that can be done on a regular basis rather than just special occasions (all mom's can appreciate this).

Mother's Day Special

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11!  Have you dropped hints yet as to what would be the perfect gift?

Right now all Houston Massage Envy Spas have a special Mother's Day offer - buy a $99 gift card any time through Sunday, May 11, 2014, and the recipient can get two 1-hour massage sessions, each with a Sugar Foot Scrub OR one 1-hour massage session with a Murad facial and Sugar Foot Scrub.  This offer is only valid at the 30 Houston Massage Envy Spas - hello 30 locations!  Massage Envy Spa gift cards may be used for any combination of products and services offered in any Massage Envy Spa nation-wide which include Swedish massage, reflexology, Hot Stone Envy, trigger point therapy, sports massage, Deep Muscle Therapy, cranial sacral therapy, prenatal massage, geriatric massage, AromaTherapy and sugar foot scrub therapy.  15 Houston Massage Envy Spas offer Healthy Skin facials treatments too!


I was given a one hour massage in order to write a review about my experience.  All opinions are my own and based on my actual experience on April 26, 2014. 

Monday, May 5, 2014

Recovering

Happy Monday, Cinco de Mayo and Birthday to my cousin Mauri and friend Sara!  What a wonderful day!

We are in full recovery mode over here after Jack's first fiesta this weekend and one year shots this morning.  The party was a huge success and I can't wait to share pictures with you - you can preview some over on Instagram using #jacksfirstfiesta. 



Until then, I am guest blogging today over at Home of Malones - one of my favorite blogs!  Be sure and check out the entire week of blogger interviews that Annie is hosting!  Hope to see you over there! 


 
 

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