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Monday, April 25, 2016

Weekend Recap :: Colin's First Trip to the Zoo

What a busy weekend we had, but it was full of great things so I'm not complaining about being a little extra tired this Monday!  Nothing a little coffee can't fix.

On Friday Jason was craving a meal out since we've been really disciplined lately during the week and cooking so the boys and I met him at our favorite Mexican food restaurant after work.  We were both still semi-good with our meals even though we were out.  After dinner we did the now-mandatory stroll to Ben & Jerry's so Jack could get some ice cream - his reward for being good during the meal.  No ice cream for me or Jason, but I didn't even care because it was too fun watching Jack eat his and then listen to some live music.  Colin slept!


Saturday morning we slept a little later than I had planned but got our butts in action for the zoo.  It was a beautiful day and we wanted to take Jack and Colin before it gets too hot in the coming months.  It was a great day to go.  It wasn't too crowded and the temperature was pleasant.  We were there from about 10:45-3:00.  Jack had a blast seeing all of the animals and running around.  We carted him around in his wagon for when we needed to walk longer stretches and when he got tired.  Colin was a champ too.  He did great and we did a mix of stroller and baby carrier with him so he could see everything.  He slept some and nursed great in public while we were out.  Both boys passed out in the car on our way home! 









I made a healthy dinner at home Saturday night to make up for our indulgences of the day.  After the kids were asleep Jason and I watched The Forest in bed before calling it a night.

On Sunday our church had a celebration day to mark the end of a fundraising campaign.  The students from the preschool sang with the choir {Jack included} and everyone wore red for the annual Parrish picture.  We did lunch afterwards and then came home during a big rainstorm.  The rest of the day was just typical Sunday items like grocery store and laundry.




This week I'm looking forward to jumping in headfirst with my Rodan & Fields business.  I'll be mailing out lots of mini-facial kits so leave your email below if you want one.  



I'm also looking forward to attending Bloom this Thursday, an event hosted by Houston Moms Blog for new and expecting moms.  I will be working check-in so please say hello if you will be there! 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!  This week was a whirlwind and I actually can't believe it's Friday already.  Houston had some devastating flooding and while our neck of the woods is doing well my thoughts and prayers are constantly on everyone who is still dealing with the mess including the area that I grew up in.  It's sad to see the images of houses and businesses under water and even more sad to think about the people who are out of their homes and worse. 

Okay - now back to my Friday Five.  Let's jump right in!

ONE

I made a HUGE decision this week to become a Rodan & Fields consultant.  This explains my lack of blogging this week as my head has been spinning diving into the business.  Let me first say that I promise this blog won't turn into an ongoing sales pitch, but I am excited to share over the course of a few posts how it is changing my skin for the better.

You all know I love my beauty products!  Unfortunately, I severely abused tanning beds in high school and college and also noticed a change in my skin after two pregnancies in two years.  I fell in love with Rodan & Fields after trying a mini-facial and now I'm loving the very real transformation I'm seeing with products like the multi-function eye cream.  I never thought I would venture into direct sales, but I truly love this company - and the product discounts I get as a consultant! #letsbehonest  I can't wait to share these great products that I use and love. Feel free to look around my site and see the products that are offered.  Take the solutions tool quiz to find your perfect regimen.  I would also love to send you a little happy :: a mini facial for you to try and pamper yourself with.  Just comment below with your email address and I'll send you one next week!

TWO

If you are in Houston, don't miss my Blow Dry Bar Round-Up on Houston Moms Blog this week.  Give your hair a little happy hour and yourself a break!



THREE


Jack is about to turn THREE in a little over a week and Colin turns 6 months next week...what?!  Time sure flies.  Instead of a big party like we've done for Jack's birthday for year one and two, we are just doing a special family weekend with the four of us soon in Kemah.  I think this will be just as special as a big party, maybe even more so.  I can't wait to celebrate my big boy!  

FOUR

I ordered this dress after seeing it on Annie from Home of Malones.  It looked right up my alley - shift dress, black and white stripes...sign me up!  Can't wait to receive it in the mail.  I ordered two sizes since my body is all over the place in sizes lately.   I hope it works! 

FIVE

This face.  I just can't get enough.  And he couldn't get enough avocado that he tried for the very first time this week.






Have a great weekend and please continue to pray for those affected by the floods! 

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Friday, April 15, 2016

Five on Friday :: From the Archives

Happy Friday!  I've been struggling to keep up this week.  Can anyone else relate?  Both of the kiddos are nursing colds and I've been getting little sleep and lots of snot (just keeping it real over here)!  I'm on deadline for a Houston Moms Blog post at the moment so while I catch-up with other areas of my life, please enjoy five posts from the archives.

I hope you have a great weekend!  We are taking Jack to Disney on Ice tomorrow and I'm hoping to get a workout or two in to balance out the chips and guacamole I'm currently craving and plan on eating this weekend (hopefully from a nice patio...with a glass of wine).

ONE :: Perfect Heatless Curls Hair Tutorial



TWO ::  8 Slow Cooker Meals in 1 Hour




THREE :: Planner Comparison {Day Designer vs. Erin Condren Life Planner}





FOUR :: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday Party





FIVE :: Back on Weight Watchers {A Post About Dieting}



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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Sephora Wishlist


Tomorrow is the last day that Beauty Insiders can get 15% their entire purchase so of course I'm planning my shopping bag in my head.  Although I can't justify buying everything listed {or even close to it}, here are five items that I would love to try - all perfect for transitioning your look for spring and summer. 

 Benefit Cheekathon Blush & Bronzer Palette

I love Benefit's Hoola bronzer and Dallas blush, plus I've been wanting to try their Dandelion blush so why not get all of these in one plus two more colors - all are full size!  

Benefit Hoola Bronzing and Contouring Brush 

This item is actually sold out online currently but maybe they still have some in stores.  I need a better bronzer/contouring brush and this one looks fun! 

Burberry Eye Palette

This eye palette is stupid expensive, but I've just heard that Burberry shadows are amazing quality.  I own a few of the Urban Decay palettes that are $54 and honestly while you can justify the price in your head since it's a large palette with tons of colors, I only end up using a few of them.  It might be worth investing in a nicer palette that I truly love...plus this will take up less space and maybe I can do a palette clean out!  I have my eye on the Gold and the Mocha versions. 

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator

I've heard great things about this product from both personal friends and bloggers.  Most people mix this with their foundation for a glowy skin finish.  This seem perfect for spring and summer.  

YSL Lipstick

Another popular item that is getting a lot of buzz lately are these YSL lipsticks.  I have not tried them so I can't speak about the formulation, but I've heard it's creamy and moisturizing with a lot of color payoff. 


What else should I add to my list?  
Have you shopped the sale yet?  
What did you score or plan to purchase?


And don't miss my post on Houston Moms Blog about doing a spring beauty refresh with both splurges and steals.


Monday, April 11, 2016

Weekend Recap

Hello Monday.  I'm not too pleased that you are here again, especially since Sunday blurred into Monday for me when Colin couldn't sleep all night.  Actually he did sleep, as long as I was holding him upright - which meant mama didn't sleep.  By 3am I had decided that I would call in sick to work and sleep all day, but alas I started feeling guilty and made it to the office. 

We had a busy weekend and were all nursing colds {except Jason, lucky bastard}. 

FRIDAY

On Friday I cut out of the office a bit early in order to get a few things done for our busy weekend.  It's so much easier to run errands without kiddos.  When I got home though I was sad to find Jack looking super sick.  He was acting normal and kept saying he felt fine {probably because he wanted to play outside} but looked awful with a runny nose and watery eyes.  We took it easy that evening and put the boys to bed early.  Jason and I did a mini Walking Dead marathon since we got behind this season.  We still have 3 more episodes to go!

SATURDAY

I attended a luncheon for The Boys & Girls Harbor at the Houstonian and had to leave mid-morning. I met my mom up there who was staying at the camp all weekend.  My Aunt Vicki was being honored for her work with the organization and in the community.  She is the owner of More Than You Can Imagine, a designer consignment store in Houston.  If you ever want a new designer handbag, shoes or clothing {or to sell one of your own} this is the place for it. 


The luncheon and fashion show was great.  My cousin even walked the runway!  I wore this dress and these earrings

Saturday afternoon was spent back at home being lazy and getting everyone well. 

Jason decided to get on a health-kick this week so I cleaned out the kitchen of all the crap and made a long grocery list and meal-planned.  You can never accuse me of not being a supportive wife!  Go big or go home. 

SUNDAY

Sunday morning was the only time I had to hit the grocery store so I did this as soon as I woke up.  It took longer than usual and cost twice as much since we are trying to eat cleaner.  I kept telling myself "stay away from the interior of the store."

Jason left for church when I got home since he was a volunteer that morning.  I stayed home with the boys since all three of us were feeling bad.  I swear, all weekend Jason and I were just playing tag - as soon as he would get home it was time for me to leave.

After lunch, I headed to a local salon to get my makeup done and get a blowout for new head shots with Houston Moms Blog that evening.  I was 80% happy with the results, but did have to come home and fix a few things.  My go-to salon for these things is closed on Sundays, but I made do!


I ran home for a quick change, nursed Colin and got the boys going with dinner and then I was out the door again for the photoshoot at No Label BreweryMomma's Gonna Snap took the photos - the same photographer who did my maternity and Colin's newborn shots so it was great to see her!   I enjoyed catching up with all of the fabulous contributors and also just enjoyed some quiet car time to and from.

After much debate on Instagram of wearing this shirt or this shirt for headshots, I went neutral and paired it whit these earrings again and this necklace.  Shoes are super old from DSW and jeans are from Loft. 


I'm glad I got bit of quiet time because the rest of my night was anything but quiet.  Poor Colin was so congested. 

MONDAY - PREMIERE DAY

All three of us seem to be doing a bit better today so I'm hoping the worst is behind us! 


One happy thing about today is that tonight is the premier of The Real Housewives of Dallas on Bravo!  In honor of this I wrote a post on Houston Moms Blog about why Houston is Better Than Dallas {after watching this promo of the housewives talking trash about Houston}.  It's all in good fun and I even teamed up with Dallas Moms Blog so they could have a say in why they think Dallas is superior

You see, Houston and Dallas have a major rivalry going.  That is until you ask us who is better Oklahoma or Texas.  Then we unite for the greater good of the state.  It's a fun little rivalry that I can appreciate since I've lived in both cities - I was even more in Dallas!

Will you be watching Real Housewives of Dallas tonight?  I'm going to try and Snapchat during {if the boys will let me}.  Username theperfectcatch

Happy Monday!

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Linking up with Biana and Meghan for Weekending! 


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Why The Tory Burch Travel Flat is So Much Better Than the Reva


We've all seen the Tory Burch Reva Ballerina Flat - you know the black ballet flat with a metal medallion, usually gold at the toe.  I see them everywhere!  They are practically part of the uniform for the Junior League of Houston members.  I purchased a pair of these expensive flats a few years ago.  I'll admit that part of it was because it was the shoe and I wanted to be apart of the cool kid club, but I also thought the large gold logo made the shoe a bit dressier than your standard ballet flat and therefore perfect for the office or going out when you just aren't feeling a heel.

For $225 I would expect a lot out of a flat - comfort being at the top of the list.  It is a flat after all.  I expect a heel to be somewhat uncomfortable, but a flat needs to feel good.  That's why we are wearing them!

My Tory Burch Reva just never felt comfortable.  I assure you I purchased the correct size with help from a Nordstrom associate.  I gave myself plenty of time to break them in and even watched a handful of YouTube videos on how to effectively break them in.  I worked on these things like a twelve year old would break in their baseball glove.

So all that to say, they never really worked for me.  $225 lesson learned.

Fast forward to now, I heard that the Revas were redesigned so I gave them another shot as I'm always looking for a dressy flat.  I sized down as they suggested - nope.  I tried my true size - nope.  Size up?  Nope.  Nothing worked.  They were still stiff and just not working for me.

Enter the most helpful Nordstrom associate at the Houston Galleria who suggested I try the new Tory Burch Minnie Travel Flat.  I never gave them a second look because of the gathered heel - I/m usually not a fan and just assumed they would feel like the Reva.

I put them on my feet and they were like buttah.  The leather is so soft and there is extra cushion on the sole.  They are called a "travel flat" because they fold in half and come with a great travel bag.  Nice for ladies who like to start the day in heels, but want to carry flats in their purse just in case!  I don't own a pair of Tieks, but these remind me of those.  Chime in if you've tried both!


For sizing, I find them to be true to size.  I teeter between an 8 and 8.5, but more often an 8.  The size 8 was perfect in these.  The shoe will stretch a little bit (especially the heel) and they are supposed to mold to your feet.  I haven't had mine long enough to say anything about this.  

The travel flats are still expensive - the exact same price as Revas - but at least these look and feel good.  I love that they come in so many color choices.  I opted for nude (light oak leather) but would love to expand my collection with the gold metallic..or black...or navy!

My only complaint is that the logo is leather, matching the color of the flat.  I do love how subtle it is, but still think I prefer the shiny, metal look that dresses it up.  Other than that, these flats are perfect in my eyes. 

Have you had a chance to try these yet or are you a Reva fan?  Any other flats that you are a fan of?


Friday, April 1, 2016

Five on Friday

Hello Friday!  So happy to see you.  I'm exhausted from doing some solo parenting this week so let's jump right into my random five...

ONE

I was really sad to put up the Easter decor yesterday, but I was happy to still have a little holiday decor to play with on my Happy Everything Platter!  I wanted this thing for so long and my bestie got it for me last year for my birthday.  It's been so fun collecting new attachments throughout the year.  I keep it displayed in my kitchen year-round and just change the attachments out each holiday or season. 



TWO

I feel like a basketball wife this week.  Jason works for the city of Houston and is helping to host the Final Four that is in town this weekend.  He's been assigned one of the teams and has been with them since they arrived in Houston on Wednesday.  He's been attending fancy dinners with the players and coaches and I've been entertaining a two year old and 5 month old with Mickey Mouse and chicken nuggets.  Super fair.  Are you following Final Four this weekend?  





THREE

Mark your calendars and set your DVR's because Southern Charm is coming back to Bravo this Monday, 4/4.  It's so good - I can't wait!



FOUR

If you are planning on taking family photos soon be sure and check out my latest post on Houston Moms Blog with 25 Stunning Spring & Summer Family Photo Ideas.



FIVE

If you live in Houston and are a blogger, did you hear about the Pinterest Workshop on June 12?  Tickets go on sale today and I'm hoping to snag one!   Pinterest is something I've never put much effort into except to pin recipes, but I'd love to see more traffic to my blog and think this will be a way to improve. 


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