Just Another Low-Key Weekend

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Hello, hello and happy Monday!  I’m going to be spending the day getting caught up on work stuff since I was out on Friday, so today should be fun.  #SarcasmFont

We ended up having a pretty nice weekend despite the circumstances.

Friday, B and I headed to ATL first thing in the morning so I could go for my third round of treatments for my back.  This time I’m happy to report that they finally treated the correct spot, unlike the last two times.  It was extremely painful, but it’ll all be worth it if it works!  Now we just need to pray that it does!  While we were there, B Googled “best lunch places in Atlanta” and it took us straight to The Flying Biscuit.  Oh man, it was great!  I had a Fried Green Tomato BLT with Goat Cheese and Jalapeno Spread and a side of Grilled Mac N Cheese.  B opted for brunch and he had eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, a biscuit, and the best grits either of us had ever tasted in our entire lives.  And I like to think of myself as a grits connoisseur.  ;o)  It was so good.  

Also... I am loving this shirt that I got in the NSale... it is so comfy!

Since I was in a fair amount of pain, we decided not to try to go anywhere else while we were there, and instead settled in for the drive home.  Just as we were getting off on our exit to go home and rest for an hour before picking up the kids, Olivia’s school called and said that she was running a fever so we needed to come get her.  She has had a runny nose and a little cough all week so it was really weird that she came down with the fever after the fact.  It was very low-grade, though – 100.6.

So anyway, we turned around and headed straight to get her and we picked Jacob up while we were at it.  He was at his very last day of camp and they had a bouncy house and a huge blow-up water slide, so he was exhausted from being out in the water all day.

Since we had a Mommy in pain, an exhausted Jacob, a sick Olivia, and a Daddy who was playing in a tennis tournament that evening, we headed straight home, put on our PJs, made a frozen pizza, and turned on Brave.  Olivia has been asking to see it, so she was excited about our evening of laziness.  After Brave was over, I only moved from the couch long enough to make some popcorn for us, and then we turned on Finding Dory to make it a double feature.  We played with Snapchat, I read my book for a while, and then it was time to take the kiddos up for bed.

Once they were in bed, B and I watched two more episodes of Bloodline and then we called it a night as well.

Saturday morning Olivia’s fever was pretty much gone, which was a good thing, because we had to get up early to get her registered for “nastics.”  She and I ate a quick breakfast and left the boys behind to arrive at the place at 8:50 AM, ten minutes before registration was supposed to start.  Well, everyone else must have arrived at 8:30 and they had opened the doors early because there were about 25 people ahead of us in line.  Sigh.

Fortunately the line moved quickly and we were outta there in about 20 minutes, and we were able to get our second choice for classes.  Our girl will officially be a little gymnast one week from tomorrow!  Eek!

Since we were done so early I decided to run a couple of errands while we were out, even though it was raining and I was still in a good bit of pain from my treatments the previous day.  We stopped at Old Navy first to find some uniform shorts for J (with no luck) and while we were there I tried on this top.  You guys, it is the epitome of a perfect top for this fall… the colors, the sleeves, the cut.  So gorgeous!  It's currently 40% off if you use the code HOT.  And while I was looking up the link for the shirt, I also came across this cold shoulder ruffled blouse.  It's also 40% off and Momma wants!

After Old Navy we stopped at Marshall’s for uniform shorts and Bath & Body works for three-wick candles, but we left both places empty-handed.  Womp womp.

Since Olivia had been running a fever Friday evening, we decided early in the day Saturday to skip church just in case she was contagious.  Since I knew we would be home for the remainder of the day, I decided to tackle the huge and long overdue task of sorting and cleaning out the kids’ toys.  It literally took the rest of the day, you guys.  I finally stopped at 5:30 and fell into my dining room chair with a glass of wine in hand.  Whew.  It was a huge job, but the playroom, living room, and both kids’ rooms are spotless.  Meanwhile, B watched our nephew’s little league game online (he’s in the regional tournament) and the kids played very nicely together all afternoon.

We had Cracker Barrel veggies and biscuits for dinner, and then B decided to make a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookies ever.  Olivia assisted him while Jacob put together one of the new puzzles he had received for his birthday, and then after each of the kids ate their cookie treats, they were down for bed and asleep by 8:30.  B and I used the opportunity to watch two more episodes of Bloodline (we’re now on season 3) and we had a couple of the cookies for dessert.  I just love our Friday and Saturday nights of snuggling, TV watching, and dessert eating together!

Saturday night right before bed B saw this meme on Facebook and said that it is so me.  He knows me so well.  It gave me a good laugh because it’s so true.  Come on, fall!!!!  And P.S. this thing cracks me up every time I look at it!

Sunday morning the kids watched Zootopia while I got caught up on life stuff and B mowed the lawn.  Then it was time to get out for a bit!   

First up was Chipotle!  We love ourselves some Chipotle!  After that we took the kids to Toys R Us. Jacob had a gift card to spend from his birthday and Olivia had a gift card that she had won at a baby shower, so it was time to turn them loose and let them spend them.

While we were there, I came across four items that are absolutely perfect for Olivia for Christmas.  They will be ordered this week for sure!  And yes, I’m serious.  It’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas.  You’ll thank yourself later.

This princess doll house is for all of the Disney princess dolls that are the size of Barbies.  Olivia has the entire set of dolls, so this would be the perfect place for her to play with them! 

This Moana doll is ah-mazing and so perfect for Olivia right now.  She is obsessed with the Moana soundrack, and this doll sings the songs and says some of the phrases.

This Poppy doll from Trolls comes with a comb and a bunch of barrettes so you can style her hair.  Olivia is constantly asking to play with my hair, so if she can torture Poppy instead, that would be great!  Win-win!  Hehe.

Finally, they have a Princess Poppy dress-up dress!!  I hadn’t seen this before, and Olivia looooves to play dress-up, so she’ll be getting this for Christmas for sure!

After Toys R Us, we stopped by the playground to let the kids run off some energy, but we ended up searching for painted rocks the majority of the time that we were there.  We never found any, though.  :o(

On the way home, we stopped by Target to pick up a leotard for Olivia’s gymnastics class, and I also picked up a new lamp for our kitchen and some of this Maybelline 24 Hour Lipstick.  I’ll let you know what I think after I try it out!

The afternoon was for napping and resting, and then we headed over to my parents for Sunday dinner.  My grandmother wasn’t there this week because she is vacationing in Boston with my aunt, so it was a bummer not having here there for the second week in a row.  Last weekend, you may remember that she had to go to the ER for some issues, but I’m happy to report that she is back to 100%, hence the reason she was able to go on her trip.  Olivia was so excited about her new Moana necklace, that she decided to go all out and wear her Moana costume as well.  And of course, she had to be barefoot as well because, "Moana doesn't wear shooooes!"

This weekend had the tendency to be a bummer of a weekend given my pain from my procedure and Olivia’s fever, but it actually turned out to be just the perfect kind of weekend that we needed.

I hope your Monday is productive and quick!

*Linking up with B Loved Boston for Weekending, My Glittery Heart for Hello Monday,  More Pieces of Me for Hello Monday Linkup, and HoHo Runs for Weekly Wrap.

Five on Friday - Favorites

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Sorry for the crickets yesterday here on the blog.  I had intended to post, but life has been kicking my hiney these last few weeks… shoot, life has been kicking my hiney this entire year.  Anyhoo, I blinked and another week is over… yet again.  B and I are in Atlanta today for my third round of treatments, hopefully this time in the correct area of my back.  #IWishIWasKidding

If this treatment works (although it will likely take weeks before we know), then it will be the highest of the high on my list of favorites every week for at least the next year.  Today, however, it’s not one of my favorites because it is a super painful procedure… that I have to stay awake for… which makes me anxious… and it also means that I’m going to be in lots of pain for the next few days or possibility couple of weeks.  Sigh.

So anyway, please see below for a few things that are favorites this week because they do not cause me pain… ;o)

O N E – A Day With B

Despite the fact that our reason for going sucks, I do love our road trips to ATL.  It means that I get to spend the whole day with B sans kiddos, and we get to have lunch somewhere that we wouldn’t have otherwise gotten to go.  Tin Lizzy’s, anyone?  And in the case of this past Tuesday, it also meant that we were able to shop the NSale at an actual brick and mortar Nordstrom store.  #Winning  You may have already seen what I bought on my Insta Stories, but if you missed it head down to numero dos! 

T W O – Fall Clothes

I was hoping that the store would have some of the things that are sold out online, but… no such luck at the Perimeter Mall location.  I’m still on the hunt for this top in white with black dots and I’m afraid that I’ll never get my hands on one!  Another item that was not in stock at the store is this tee in white with black stripes.  They did have it in plain white, but it turns out that I didn’t think it was as great as all of the fashion bloggers did.  I didn’t like the fit at all.  It was shapeless and too loose for my taste and it seemed to just kind of… hang there.  Plus, it’s sheer (which I wouldn’t have known based on the pictures I’ve seen online), so you would need to wear a tank under it.  #AintNobodyGotTimeFoDat

So what did I get in store?  My favorite favorite purchase was this cross front blouse.  It fits like a dream and it feels like buttah.  The best part?  Y’all, it is only $19.90!!  Hurry hurry and load up!  It comes in several different colors!

I also bought this tee in black with white stripes.  It’s actually very similar to this tee that I mentioned above, but in my opinion it fits waaaay better.  It was only $17.90 and it also comes in a bunch of different colors!

Finally, I bought two of these tanks – one in black and one in white – because they are SO long.  They are perfect for wearing under loose tunics to (literally) cover your butt when you wear leggings.  The picture on the website makes them appear fairly short, but I’m hear to tell ya, they are loooong.  A couple of things to note: I did size up, mostly just because tanks are always so darn tight.  I actually bought these in large even though I typically wear a small in most things, so I’m sure that added a bit of length.  Also, for reference, I’m 5’5”, so not short, but not tall either.  I hope this helps if you find you want to order them.

As for the stuff that came in the mail?  I am completely obsessed with this cutout choker tee and it's only $17.90 as well!

I also love this ruffle sleeve top.  The sleeve detail is so pretty... this picture doesn't really do it justice.

And finally, I love this ruffle cold shoulder top.  It is perfect for a winter date night (and not with that belt).  Just look at the ruffles!  It's so feminine and beautiful.

Sorry for the repeats since I also mentioned these on Wednesday, but they are honestly one of my favorite things about this week!  

Finally, before I close out this favorite, have you seen that Old Navy has started putting out a few new things for the transition from summer to fall?!  Oh my heart, I’m loving all of the pieces.  Just look at this gorgeous off-the-shoulder dress!!  Those colors are perfect for fall.  

It also looks like Old Navy is bringing back my favorite cardigan in quite possibly the cutest pattern yet!  

And these lace-up leopard flats??  OBSESSED.  I was hoping somebody would do a knock-off of these!!!!  I love them so much, but I just can't bring myself to pay that price.

Can somebody please just send me a money tree??

T H R E E – New Towels

Remember how I polled you about bath towels last week?  Well, we made our decision and we I decided to go with the ones from Nordstrom.  Since they are on sale and they have free shipping and free returns, I thought I would at least try them. 

You guys, these are the softest, fluffiest towels I have ever felt in my entire life!  I pulled one out of the box when the package arrived on Wednesday, and I didn’t even wait for B to get home to put in his two cents before I ripped the tags off of all of them and threw them in the wash.  Haha.  I dried off with one for the first time yesterday morning, and it felt like I was drying off with a cloud.  Sounds ridiculous, no?    Try them for yourselves.  They are on sale right now and they also come in a boatload of colors.  We got them in ivory because a) as much as I would love to have white towels, I’m sure they would have to be replaced for frequently because they would look filthy all the time, and b) ivory actually matches our bathroom better anyway.

And for comparison’s sake, just look at the difference in the fluffiness of our two new towels verses two of our old towels… is that not amazing?!

F O U R – This Girl

Olivia is a piece of work, I tell ya.  There is never a dull moment when this girl is around.  Wednesday night when she reached for her Christmas PJs I just laughed because she is her mother’s daughter through and through.  She must have picked up my fall vibe and run with it… all the way to Christmas.  

And check out her get-up on Thursday for school:

Bright pink and blue Elsa socks with sandals?  Check!
A single mitten?  Check!
An arm tattoo?  Check!

Olivia… keeping it classy since 2014!

Yep, it was a pick your battles kind of day...

F I V E – A Couple of Shout-Outs

First of all, my girl Lizzie runs the We Heart Deals group on Facebook and she is trying to hit 6K followers this week.  Once she does, she is going to do a couple of giveaways, so go over there and give her a follow.  If you love getting good deals on anything and everything, you will love this group!

Second of all, my friend Lily who blogs over at Beauty With Lily announced earlier this month that she is going to start offering online beauty and fashion services!  Lily is one of the sweetest, most genuine ladies that I have met on this blogging journey and I want nothing more than to see her succeed.  So if you’re in need of a makeover or if you need any help with your styling, shoot her an email!  I know you’ll love her as much as I do!  And you can see all of her services here.

Well friends, that’s all I have for today… I hope you all have great weekends and I thank you in advance for your prayers/good vibes/happy thoughts as I go through my procedure today!

*Linking up with A Liz Adventures and Carolina Charm for Five on Friday, A Little Bit of Everything for Friday Favorites,  September Farm and The Farmer's Wife for Oh Hey, Friday, Meet @ the Barre for Friday Favorites, and Cup of Tea for High Five for Friday.

What's Up Wednesday - July 2017

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Here we are again, another month has come and gone.

What We’re Eating This Week

Mon – Homemade Meatball Subs

Tue – Chicken and Pineapple Stir Fry with Rice and Broccolli

Wed – Garlic Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Fresh Green Beans, Black Eyed Peas

Thu – Tennis for B so sandwiches for the kids and hopefully Bojangles for me ;o)

Fri – Out

Sat – Out

Sun – Momma and Daddy’s for Sunday dinner!

What I’m Reminiscing About

Honestly, I’m not doing a whole lot of reminiscing right now.  I’m mostly just concentrating on the present and the future right now.  I had a good doctor’s appointment in Atlanta yesterday (you may remember I’m seeing a specialist for my back problems) and I’m going to be continuing treatment on Friday, but this time I’m hoping that this new area they will be treating is going to be the one to finally make me better because the last treatments did not work.  Fingers crossed and toes crossed and a little more on that below.

What I’m Loving

The Nordstrom sale is finally open to the public and I did pick up a few things for myself!  Starting this week I’ll be wearing this striped top and this cutout choker tee since they are perfect for hot summer days, and then once the weather finally cools down, I am SO excited to add this ruffle sleeve top, this cold shoulder top, and this cross front blouse to the mix.  All are under $35 and all are still available!  I was dying for this top in white with black polka dots, but I have a feeling I’m never going to get my hands on one… I also want one of these tunics!  They are perfect to wear with leggings!

Which also reminds me… if you are a fellow leggings wearer and you don’t like for your butt to show, check out these tanks!!  They are loooong, way longer than they show in the picture, and they are perfect for layering underneath tunics that might be slightly too short to cover your butt.  I’m 5’5” and these are so long they cover my entire butt and then some.  They are also very fitted so you don’t have to worry about them riding up!  They are only $12 right now, so load up while you can!

What We’ve Been Up To

Highlights from this month were celebrating Fourth of July (and grilling for the first time!  What?!), the kids taking swimming lessons, and celebrating Jacob's sixth birthday!  I wrote a letter to him and you can read it here.  And finally, I finished decorating my bar cart.  I'm loving how it turned out!

What I’m Dreading

Oh probably just the same as last month, and it’s not so much something I’m dreading, but something I’m constantly worrying about.  I have mentioned several times that I have had chronic lower back pain for the last six years and I am finally seeking additional treatment… and it’s something that I have been wanting to try for years.  The first two treatments did not work, but I’m pretty sure it’s because they are treating the wrong area of my back.  At my appointment yesterday I was finally able to make the doctor understand exactly what’s going on (I think) and he and the other doctor at the facility have agreed to try to treat another area to see if it helps.  This is pretty much my last resort at this point as I’ve tried nearly everything else, so if these upcoming treatments don’t work then we will have wasted a lot of time and money for nothing and I will pretty much be at the end of the line.  I’m just ready for time to pass and for this to be over with because it’s been a long painful six years and the worry that this whole process is causing cannot be good for my health!

What I’m Working On

We are gearing up for back to school!  The school supplies have been ordered, the uniform shirts and pants should arrive in the mail any day, Jacob has already received a call from his new first grade teacher, and we have finished all of his summer homework.  Now we’re just waiting for August 7!  I know he’s going to have a great year!

What I’m Excited About

One word… FALL.  Too soon?  Not to me!  Once Fourth of July is over, I pretty much start yearning for fall because a) I’m over the heat… it is miserable in the south! and b) because I’m ready for a change of wardrobes.  I’m pretty much over shorts at this point, but I know we have a long way to go.  Now, technically in my book, it is fully acceptable to embrace all things fall on September first, but with the kids going back to school in a week and a half, I can’t help but start thinking about pumpkin spice lattes and scarves.  One more month!!

What I’m Watching/Reading

Watching – Bloodline, Bloodline, and… more Bloodline.  No seriously, that is pretty much all B and I have been watching these last couple of weeks.  My love for Kyle Chandler runs very deep, you guys.  Throw in a little bit of The Bachelorette (which has been so awful this season) and a little bit of AGT (America’s Got Talent) and you have B’s and my entire lineup!

Reading – Nothing right now… unless you count other people’s blogs?

What I’m Listening To

The Trolls soundtrack.  The Moana sountrack.  The Trolls soundtrack.  The Moana sountrack.  The Trolls soundtrack.  The Moana sountrack.  The Trolls soundtrack.  The Moana sountrack. 

Oh hey, that looks familiar!  That might have been my exact same answer for last month.  At this point, I can sing You’re Welcome in my sleep!

What I’m Wearing

Well, right now I’m wearing a bunch of summer stuff still and I’m pretty much living in these shorts on the weekends.  You can see all of my outfits for last month here.

What I’m Doing This Weekend

Well, we are signing Olivia up for her first sport this Saturday!  She wants to do “nastics” so we are signing her up for “nastics.”  Haha.  Signups are this Saturday morning so I’m hoping we can get her in the class we want!

What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month

Hopefully being cured of this back pain??  We’ll see!

What Else Is New

We have also signed Jacob up for his first sport – soccer!  We are still waiting to hear back from the organization regarding who his coach will be and what nights and times the practices and games will be, but he is excited and so are we!

Happy Wednesday, y’all!

*Linking up with Shay, Mel, and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday and Jessi's Design and Going the Distance for What's Hap-"Pinning" Wednesday.