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Monday, February 22, 2016

It's Bachelor Night!

Check out my latest post for Houston Moms Blog about my top ten types of Bachelor viewers



Any guesses on who you think Ben sends home tonight?


Thursday, February 18, 2016

Too Good Not To Share

I'm starting a new blog series called Too Good Not To Share.  It's just a simple round-up of blog posts and articles from the week that are just too good not to share with you.  Hopefully this will help you find some new blogs to love or give you inspiration in your life.

And if you're thinking..."really Chelsea, a blog posts linking other blog posts.  Kinda lazy huh?"  Yes - it might be, but I genuinely love sharing content from my favorite bloggers that inspire me.  If I don't have the time to write an amazing post each day, this is the next best thing.  I hope you enjoy!

   
Annie from Home of Malones ::  My First Diet Bet
Kristy from Seven Graces :: Tips for Hosting a Simple Birthday Party
Megan from Meg O. On the Go :: Natural Eyebrow Tutorial
 Tawnya from All of Life's Little Adventures :: Bouncing Back
 Huffington Post :: Having It All Kinda Sucks


Have you read a post this week that is too good not to share?  Link it below in the comments! 

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

February Goals & January Goals Recap




Since last month my maternity leave ended and I'm back to work, I feel like this month is all about finding my new groove and slowly getting things back to normal.  Back to blogging, back to friendships and even make a little time for me.  Don't get me wrong - my main focus is always on my boys (hubby and dog included) but it's nice to start doing things outside as we all adjust. 

February 2016 Goals/To-Do:
  • Read one book
  • Catch-up on birthday gifts I've missed for friends while I've been in my maternity leave bubble
  • Enjoy family time on weekends rather than being so focused on chores
  • Valentine's Day celebration for the boys
  • Attend Thrive Blog conference and extend my social network
  • Blog at least 2 times a week
  • Make time for friends and myself
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


January 2016 Goals:
Everything got checked off, but we definitely did not accomplish the potty training.  We are off to a heck of a start, but ultimately decided he wasn't ready to be pushed and we would wait a little longer before going super strict with it.
  • Complete all doctor appointments before going back to work
  • Organize my closet
  • Get my work wardrobe back in order
  • Shopping day with mom
  • Transition Jack to a big boy bed
  • Attempt potty training
  • Have Colin baptized
  • Enjoy my last weeks of maternity leave
  • Survive heading back to work
  • Declutter Challenge hosted by Pink Rose Company


    Monday, February 15, 2016

    Weekend Recap :: Valentine's Day

    I can't believe it's Monday again!  I hope you had a great weekend and Valentine's Day!  We sure did.
    I'll start the recap on Friday since I took the morning off from work to take Jack to his Valentine's Day party at school.  He doesn't normally go to school on Fridays - the day of the party - so we just went up for lunch and to pass out his cards.  They had heart shaped pizzas which ended up not being very heart-shaped, but made for a good laugh.  It was so cute to see all of the kids passing out their cards.

    We ordered Jack's cards this year from Minted.  They were running a special promotion for free stickers and shipping when you bought the cards which I thought were very reasonable given the quality and ease of it.  No printing and cutting worries for me this year! I just bought some crayon packages at the Dollar Store and called it a day!



    Way to go Papa John's  #heartpizzafail


    I had to work in the afternoon, but then came home and hung out with the boys outside until Jason got home - notice that we are in a major Winnie the Pooh phase including all of the chalk art.  



    On Saturday morning I took Jack to get Valentine's donuts while Colin slept and Jason was messing with some home stuff.  We pretty much just had a slow day doing stuff around the house.  After naps in the afternoon we drove to the Water Wall in Houston near the Galleria.  We thought it would be a nice walk and fun for Jack.  When we got there it was suddenly cold and super windy.  Good thing we weren't planning on staying very long since Jack ended up being scared of the actual water wall and didn't want to go near it - ha!  He enjoyed the park though so it wasn't a total bust. 


    We packed up the car and headed back to the 'burbs.  It was around 6:30 on the Saturday before Valentine's Day and we had both kids in tow, but we decided to try and grab some dinner out.  I was unsure since it was a little late for Jack and I didn't want to be "those people" ruining others special Valentine dates.  We picked a loud restaurant and just got super lucky that Colin slept the whole time and Jack was on his best behavior.

    We walked around the square before heading home and doing late baths.  I ended up snuggling with sleeping Colin for a little bit before putting him down for the night and watching Devil Wears Prada - my fave.  Since I've been back to work from maternity leave {and he is now sleeping in his crib and not in our room} our baby snuggles are few and far between so I enjoyed that hour rather than rushing to do baths and other chores.


    On Sunday morning Jason made heart shaped pancakes for us and we gave the boys some Valentine's goodies before heading to church.  Jack loved playing in the Church nursery and Colin slept great (since he didn't sleep much Saturday night for me).  We did lunch out afterwards and sat outside followed by naps and a grocery store run by me #typicalsunday


    I made the boys Winnie the Pooh themed Easter baskets...




    Jason and I rounded out the evening by watching the spring premiere of The Walking Dead and eating Valentine candy in bed.  Nothing says Valentine's Day like zombies.  

    Special memories from this weekend include playing Hide and Go Seek with Jack on Saturday night.  He had so much fun finding me and Jason.  The cutest moment though was him hiding in his teepee with his little feet sticking out!  And of course celebrating Colin's very first Valentine's Day!


    Time to conquer another week! 

     

    Sunday, February 14, 2016

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying a very Happy Valentine's Day!  

    Jack - Valentine's Day 2014

    #Hunk - 2016

    Thursday, February 11, 2016

    Thoughts for Thursday :: Recent Beauty Favorites



    Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Beso
    I can't stand lip gloss, but I LOVE this stuff!  I tried it on a whim after reading how much Veronika loved it.  It isn't sticky like a regular gloss, is moisturizing and although it has a plumper in it, does not sting.  I really like the Beso color for spring.  It has a hint of a berry/plum on my lips.  I would love to try another color too - I love it that much!

    Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien
    This lip pencil was the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift for 2015 and I love it so much I recently ordered the full size pencil.  It's soft and a great "your lips but better" pink shade.  Great for weekends and casual wear when you want something on your lips, but don't want to look made-up.

    Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Bleue Perfume
    Our beloved Tory Burch recently released three new floral frangrances - Jolie Fleur Bleue, Verte and Rose.  The scent expert at my local Sephora described them to me as follows: Bleue is warm, Rose is classic and Verte is fresh.  Just for fun you can take this quiz and find out which of the three scents is right for you!



    Beautycounter Color Shade Eye Duo in Oyster/Amethyst
    I was getting sick of wearing the same taupes/browns on my eyes so I have recently added this neutral purple into my eye game.  It's very fun for spring!  This is my first makeup piece from Beautycounter to try and I love it.  Although it's a traditional powder eye-shadow, it feels so velvety on and the color payoff is excellent.  P.S.  If you need a Beautycounter consultant, let me know!  I'm not one, but I know a great one who is very knowledgeable.  




    Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
    I still love my Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner.  It's stupid expensive for shampoo, but I do not use it for every wash since it is so hydrating so a bottle lasts me for months.  Love the smell, but most importantly it makes my hair so soft and shiny.  On the days I use it, I get compliments on how healthy my hair looks. 

    -- 
     I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 


    Thoughts for Thursday

    Monday, February 8, 2016

    Weekend Recap

    Is everyone recovering from the Super Bowl last night?  I have to admit that I didn't watch any of it.  Didn't see a single commercial either.  I caught the last part of the halftime performance and that was about it.  Sundays are so busy for me getting everything ready for the week - grocery shopping, food prep, laundry, laying out Jack's school stuff...the list goes on and on.  I'd rather work my tail off on Sunday night and then watch the Bachelor and rest on Monday night after work!

    Anyway, I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a fun week planned for Valentine's Day!

    On Friday night we did our usual pizza night and watched The People vs. OJ Simpson after the boys were in bed.  I'm already hooked.  Friday was also a big night for us because we put Colin in his crib for the first time.  He did great!  He woke up once around 4am.  I nursed him and he went right back to sleep until 7am.  I will call that a success especially since my body needed a longer stretch of sleep after the work week!

    Saturday morning Jason picked up donuts for us again - I'm loving this new Saturday tradition - and we had to tackle a few home issues.  My mom and I {along with Colin} ran to Nordstrom to take back a pair of shoes for me and look at bathing suits for her {I'm not doing that to myself for a few more months thank you very much}.  It was a success for both of us and we still had time for a quick lunch.  I picked up these shoes and these shoes for work and both my mom and I got a pair of these shoes!  #twinning

    Saturday afternoon I let Jason nap while I played with the boys.  Jason claims that because he's older than me he requires naps on the weekend.  I used to fight the unfairness of this since I'm the one up in the middle of the night, but have learned that a happy {rested} husband is better on everyone.  This falls under the same category as the man-flu!  Jack and I tested Colin's neck strength in the Bumbo seat and he did great!  He also discovered his feet and loves grabbing onto toys and teethers now. 




    On Sunday we all went to Sports Clips so Jason and Jack could get haircuts.  We had lunch afterwards and spent some time outside.  While the boys napped I hit the grocery store for the week.



    Jason grilled burgers and I made "crack bread" for some game time snacking.  It wasn't too exciting for us this year since we didn't really care about either team, but it was exciting to think that next year the big game will be in Houston!  It won't mean anything for me except extra traffic in the city, but Jason will be involved since a segment of his office is in charge of hosting.  




    Colin is so not interested in my picture taking habits!
    And now it's Monday again...hope your week is off to a great start!

    Friday, February 5, 2016

    Five on Friday :: What's in My Shopping Cart

    I love to see what people buy!  Call me weird, but shopping hauls and current obsessions are some of my favorite blog posts so I thought I'd share a few things that found their way into my online shopping carts recently! 

    ONE :: A new pair of sunnies...

    I used a gift card from Christmas to buy myself some new sunnies.  Last week I had it narrowed down  to four pair.  I finally decided to give these a try and love them!  They are the perfect size, shape and color for me and are very comfortable.  



    TWO :: A possible Easter dress...

    I have not received this dress yet so I can't speak about fit or material.  Shift dresses generally look good on me but when they are wrong, they are so WRONG.  I'm hoping this will work to wear on Easter Sunday.  It seems like it would be comfortable and forgiving.  This post-baby body is loving prints right which tend to hide leakage, spit-up and body flaws.  



    THREE :: My favorite hair product in the entire world...

    I have used this stuff for years!  I apply a few pumps to my damp hair after every wash and it really helps combat dryness and makes my hair so soft and smell really good.  It is expensive for a hair product, but lasts forever.  The last time I ordered this product was in August so it lasted about 6 months.  


    FOUR :: Valentine's for Jack...

    Love that Minted now has classroom Valentine's!  They are cute, personalized and quick to order.  When I placed my order there was a promotion for free personalized stickers too! 



    FIVE :: A ticket to a local blog conference...

    I was on the fence about attending a blog conference this year since it means I'm leaving Jason to wrangle two kids all day on a Saturday, but ultimately I decided that I really want to do this!  There are several speakers who were announced that I'm downright giddy to meet and hear from.  I attended this conference last year and loved it and the people so much. 





    Now it's your turn!  What is in your virtual shopping cart? 
    Happy Friday! 
     
    --

    Linking up:


    Momfessionals

    Thursday, February 4, 2016

    Thoughts for Thursday :: New Work Wear from Loft

    Right before I started back to work my mom and I had a shopping day to get a few new pieces for work.  Luckily I'm back into my old sizes so I didn't need that much post-baby, but it's always fun to grab a few new things...I felt like I was back to school shopping!  It makes going back to work a little more fun. 


    Outfit #1


    Flannel BlazerFloral Flounce Pocket Blouse - Essential Skinny Ankle Pant in Navy
    Love everything about this outfit so much that I wore it on my first day back.  It's all comfortable and forgiving on a postpartum body.  If you can get your hands on the flannel blazer - which I think is now soldout online - buy it!  The longer length is great and it can be dressed up or down.


    Outfit #2
     


    OR Pinstripe Pant with White Crisp Tunic Softened Shirt & Cozy Open Cardigan
    The vertical stripe pants are super flattering for us shorties!  If you like the J. Crew swing sweaters give this one a try since it has a better price point and comes in multiple colors.  It's super comfy too.


     Outfit #3


    Utility Custom Stretch Pencil Skirt - Signature 3/4 Sleeve Sweater
    This skirt is so flattering and comfortable.  It's a classic piece that can be paired with so much throughout any season.  I love mixing navy and black with silver jewelry and this sweater is really perfect.

    Have you shopped Loft lately?  What were you most excited about?

    -- 
     I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 


    Thoughts for Thursday

    Wednesday, February 3, 2016

    Colin Everett: 3 Months





    Weight: 15 pounds, 11 oz.
    Length:  Not taken this month

    Head Circumference:  Not taken this month


    Clothes: 3 month and 6 month,  Size 2 Diapers

    Sleep:  You are staying awake much more during the day, but still taking short naps.  The napping is inconsistent and has changed a bit since I went back to work.  Your night sleeping is still all over the place - sometimes going for longer stretches and sometimes not, but I can't complain.  You are just too cute and sweet even in the middle of the night. 

    Schedule: We had a good schedule going with a nice eat, play, sleep rotation but then I went back to work and it's now pretty inconsistent.  You typically eat around 6am and then go back down to sleep while I get ready for work and then wake up and eat again around 9am.  Other feedings around noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm.  Bath around 8pm and bedtime at 10pm.

    My hope is to get everyone adjusted in the next few weeks with me at work and the nanny getting used to two kiddos.  Then we can work on establishing a more formal eat, play, sleep routine!  

    Health: Everything is good {knock on wood}!  The worst thing you have dealt with is ongoing gassiness and a little congestion here and there.  Just like your brother you have very dry, eczema prone skin and mild cradle cap, but both are under control!

    Crying: You are not crying as often, but it is still oh so loud when you do.  You will let us know immediately if you are hungry, have a poopy diaper or just aren't happy.  You do okay in the car as long as we are moving.  The second we stop you let us know that it's not okay!

    Feeding: You are still an eating champ, feeding every 3 hours.  When you take a bottle of pumped milk it's usually 4-5 oz. each feeding.  For a while you were sleeping longer stretches at night, but now the norm is to eat once in the middle of the night around 3am.  Sometimes you go longer and sometimes it's sooner.  We are still trying to get on a more defined schedule! 

    Likes:  
    • Eating
    • Being held
    • Watching your brother
    • Being talked to
    • Snuggles
    • Walks outside
      Dislikes:
      • Tummy time although it's getting better

      Milestones:  
      • Holding your neck up and moving it to the side during tummy time.  You even rolled over on your side once.
      • Grabbing things like my necklace or the washcloth during baths
      • Tons of smiles and laughs 
      Places You've Gone: You had a lot of doctor appointments this month.  You went to see the pediatrician, urologist and had an ultrasound at Texas Children's.  You have been to church, Sugar Creek Country Club and several restaurants.  And of course lots of Target trips!

      Visitors:  This month you got to meet your Uncle John and G-Daddy from Jason's side of the family.  Both attended your special Baptism!  You also met the ladies of the Houston Moms Blog Executive team since you attended our 2016 planning meeting with me.  

      Postpartum:   At 3 months postpartum I am back to my pre-baby weight and fitting into all the clothes I was wearing right before I got pregnant.  I can't say that everything is back to normal, but I'm happy with the progress I've made so far especially since I haven't done anything to lose the weight like watch my diet or exercise.  That will come once I get adjusted to working again. 


      Life with Two:  As I've said before things get easier each day as we get adjusted to two.  Jack is the best big brother and truly loves when you are around.  He misses you when you are sleeping and gets excited when you come home if you've been gone.  He loves reading to you and showing you all of your toys.  

      Special Memories this Month:  Your Baptism is the best memory of the month!  You were Baptized in front of all of your {huge} family with your parents, brother and Godparents standing beside you.  It was a very special day that we will never forget.   


      Just for fun :: Jack's Three Month Update
       

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