Link Love

Hello hello!!! The best way to end the week with a little link love to get your weekend started.

Let's start off with clothes because why not?!

Old Navy is hitting it this summer not just for women but for kids too!

~ This is such a cute top for the summer...very light weight.
~ I got the boys these slip on shoes and they are in LOVE with them. So classic and easy.
~ Dresses, dresses, and more dresses! Loving this simple shift dress they have and it comes in so many different patterns.
~ Last but not least...Active gear is the best at Old Navy. It's great for working out and for lounging.

Summertime treats!

~ These strawberry cheesecake bites sound divine! I love anything and everything cheesecake.
~ Miniature key lime pies! These would be perfect for summer barbecues.
~ I absolutely love these energy bits by Gimme Some Oven.


Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Looking forward to a beautiful weekend and celebrating the Fathers in my life. Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful Fathers out there and a special shout out to the Father's in my life that have impacted me and my boys.

Life lately...

Hello Fridayyyyy!!! So glad the weekend is here, it was a short but LONG week!

Here's a peak into my camera from the last couple of weeks and even months...

Andrew LOVED the dentist! He's already excited for his next appointment.

This guy's hair grows soooo fast! He needed a trim and is already ready for his next cut! Luckily for him we plan to grow his hair out a little this summer to avoid the sun.

These two are so into selfies...not sure what the obsession is. LOL

Am I the only one that enjoys watching their little ones sleep...he looks so peaceful.

Go figure...another selfie!

Any excuse to get outside! So glad the rain has stopped for a little while.

Carnival fun! He loves ice cream!

Bumper Cars! Andrew and I had to watch from the side...he was too short.

Ice cream again, different day!

Weekend shenanigans! 

My lil rockstar! 

Life happens...

I have no real excuse for why I haven't blogged in a while...I mean it could be several things ~ got a new job a few months ago, homework and workouts consume my evenings most nights, being selfish to just want to sit on my couch and catch up on some TV, or just spending time with my family.  So much goes on in my life and sometimes I feel like I've got to do it ALL and then there are times when I don't or I simply can't because there are more important things going on in my life.

I really enjoy blogging and browsing other blogs. It's such a great relief and helps me to really reflect on what is most important and for me it's my boys and my family. So even though I've been distant for a few months I'm going to get back on a regular schedule with blogging (hopefully one I can stick too) because not only is this a blog for me to share with others it's a blog for me to capture moments so that when my boys get older we can look back on everything.

So in the next few weeks I plan to post about our summer plans and how the boys wrapped up the school year, as well as some random posts... a little fashion, a few link loves, and of course some workouts I've been doing lately! Enjoy the rest of the week!

Winter Wardrobe

Winter Wardrobe 

Collared sweater / Satin top, / White Polka Dot blouse,  / Blazer / Old Navy blue skinny jeans / High leather boots, / Knee high leather boots,  / Triangle scarf / Plaid scarf


This wardrobe has been on repeat the past few weeks! With it being so cold, I love to dress in layers! If you've been following along you know I have a thing for scarfs! I just can't get enough of them. I also have a large collection of short sleeve shirts so layering gives me the opportunity to still wear things I would normally wear during the warmer months. I can still rock my T-shirts and just throw on a scarf and thin or thick cardigan depending on how cold it is.

Winter is also the time I love to rock my boots both high and low. They just put the look together while still keeping my legs warm. I probably wear boots 3 out of 5 days to work! Either with a dress or skinny slacks tucked in. It's just so easy to put together an outfit with boots. On the weekends you can pretty much find me in jeans or leggings. I just like to be comfortable! So this is when I break out my casual boots and just go with the flow.

Lucky Number 7

Today is the day!!!! My baby (big baby) turns 7 years old! 

I can't take it! He's growing up so fast! I love this boy more than words can express! He's made a lasting impression not only on my life but also of others around him. He has such a sweet, charming, and loving soul! Where does the time go? I can remember when he was just a baby and now he is reading and telling me all about this crazy world we live in. I hope he enjoys his day and the next few days as we continue to celebrate his birthday. We love you, Aaron aka Ace ;-)

Link Love

Yahoo, for the first link love post of the year! Here's to making 2016 the best year yet!

For most people the new year means new resolutions, mostly those involving fitness and a healthy lifestyle. You know the saying...New Year, New Me! Well lucky for you this post will not be dedicated to the new fad workout or quick fix diet.

This post ladies and gentlemen will be filled with all sorts of links to get your bank account fat in 2016. For me this year is all about experiences and creating more memories through them so with that we will need to increase our savings so that we can spend money on things that are worth wild!

Check out the links below which are pretty amazing in terms of saving money...

~ This article is great for trying to save abundantly on a lower income. How I tripled my savings in 3 months 

~ Need extra cash well stop spending..duh! 20 ways to stop wasting money & start saving now

~ Download the Digit app to start saving money without even thinking about it. I call it the sneaky saver!

~ This is a great article to help you be more mindful with your saving goals - 7 Financial New Year's Resolutions to avoid.

~ Have you heard of the 52 Week Money Challenge? Here are 6 Ways to hack the challenge.

I hope you find the links and tips about useful. Spending money is always fun but we have to be mindful and also save so that we can budget properly and start saving for the future. Also, what fun is spending if you don't have any money saved! ;-) 

Enjoy the weekend! After all the snow and days off I'm looking forward to being out and about this weekend! 

A few different things...

Can you believe it's 2016? This year came so fast I don't think I had too much time to prepare. Which is why this post is a little delayed, I've taken the past two weeks to really look at all aspects of my life and see what needs a little improvement.

So here is what we have been doing differently this year...

For me personally ~ I am investing more time for myself. I've always been a go with the flow type of person but I realize now that I just need to relax and enjoy being still for once. The past few weeks I have been reading after the boys go to sleep and I really enjoy that quiet time. It's also a great way to get ready for bed.

For the boys ~ I am investing more time for them both together and separately. I think it's very important to spend separate time with the boys so that they both understand how important it is to be an individual and to get that one-on-one quality time. This is also a great time to communicate and really get to know your child's interest.

For my home ~ I am investing more time to organize and really evaluate the most important things I have in my home. It's more about quality than quantity and this will be my focus as I start to tackle each room. I also plan to make a few updates while I'm at it just to spark things up.

These are just the major areas but I will be doing a lot of different thing in all areas of my life to see how productive and efficient I can be as a person, mother, friend, employee and servant. Personal growth is very important to achieve overall success in your life. Every year we must evaluate what we are doing and where we want to be to make sure they align with one another. Like they say...if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Are you doing anything different this year?

Hello 2016!

I am really still in disbelief that we are in year 2016. I mean wasn't it just 2014 not too long ago, my goodness time is flying by! I'm not ready!!! Oh how I wish we could stay young forever, I don't want my boys to getting any bigger! On the flip side, another year means MORE opportunities and MANY memories to create! This year I decided not to make any real new year resolutions that way I can avoid not accomplishing them LOL! Just playing...maybe not. This year I have decided to focus on what is most important and that is my health, my family, and our future. This year is about feeling good and gaining back all the energy I exhausted the past few months. I want to have an adventurous year with lots of traveling and excitement! Cheers to 2016 and all that it has to offer! 

Link Love

Now that Christmas is over we are gearing up for the New Year and there are tons of ideas available to get us off to a great start.

While we put away all the Christmas decorations we will incorporate a few fun activities for the boys. Check out 10 Kid Friendly New Years Eve Party Ideas

Typically for New Year's Eve we like to have a variety of sample foods, that way we can mingle and dance and let the night go by without having to be a slave to the oven. Check out these 10 Healthy Eats for yummy snack ideas.

My little guys love a little something special to sip on around the holidays, so I plan on making these cute Shirley Temples for them. I know they will enjoy the cherries as much as I do.

I will also be incorporating 31 Days of 15 Minute Organizing once the New Year rolls around. It's time to get it together and now that I've donated a ton of stuff we can now get organized! I will be referring to the 31 Days of 15 Organizing Post every single day! By the time February comes around I will have turned over a new leaf!

Hope you all have a fun and festive New Year's Eve! No better way to celebrate the upcoming year then to be with your loved ones. Be safe and watch those waist lines! Guess we have all next year to get back on the program! ;-)

Say hello to my little friend...

I would like to introduce you all to Henry! He's our Elf on the shelf! He's been quite mischievous the past couple of days and will probably be up to no good as Christmas approaches. He's doing his best to ensure the boys are on their best behavior. We will really miss him and look forward to seeing him next year.

Check and see what he's been up to..

Life Lately

Hey there! Hope all is well.

So much has been going on in the past few months! So I have a few photos to share! Hope I don't overload you! Take a peak at what we've been up to the last few months. These photos were mostly taken in October and November. Will post what we've been up to now that we are in December and gearing up for the Holidays! Stay tuned for an update on the new addition to our family! :-)

Andrew and his cousin they are close in age and play very well together.

Aaron had an endoscopy a few weeks ago, will report back on that in a few weeks.

He's getting so big!

My handsome wedding date! :-)

I realized I never posted about Halloween! They had a great time!

Andrew's first field trip to the pumpkin patch! He loved every second of it!

Guys Gift Guide

Guys Gift Guide

Watch / Shawl / Beanie Hat / Sweater / Straight leg jeans / Plaid Shirt/ Cologne / Cup Holder

Next up, Gift Guide for the Guys! I don't know about you all but shopping for guys can be a hassle especially if they already have everything they want and need. I always tend to go with the "safe" items like clothes (you can't have enough cozy sweaters or nice socks).  I think the items above are pretty simple but unique at the same time, not to mention pretty fly :-) I love the idea of getting an outfit as a gift, it takes the fuss out of having to find something to wear for dinner!

Girls Gift Guide

Girls Gift Guide 

Perfume / Pink Gift Set / Eye Shadow Palette / Lip Stick / Stemless wine glasses / Candle / Matches



'Tis the season! Now is the time to start shopping (if you haven't already) for gifts for your favorite guys and girls! 

I will be posting a few gift ideas over the next few weeks to give you a few gift inspirations if you will! Shopping can be fun but also exhausting if you end up searching forever for the perfect gift! Hopefully these quick guides will give you some ideas if you haven't found anything for loved ones.

First up, Girls!!! The items above are very random and would work well for your best friend, coworker, or relative. These could also work for neighbors, teachers, and other people in your life you would like to give a gift. 

1) Viva La Juicy Roller balls ~ Are perfect for the minimalist that loves to smell good! You can toss these in your purse, car or keep one on your nightstand. 

2) PINK Keep it Cozy Gift Set ~ This gift set would be a hit for a cozy girl that loves her beauty rest. The gift set packs spa-day essentials in a shimmery bag with body lotion, mist, socks, eye mask and other beauty faves.

3) Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Palette ~ Who doesn't love a good eye shadow palette especially when its Bobbi Brown, this would be great for a person just starting out with makeup for even for your beauty queen gal pal.

4) MAC Lip Stick ~ Lip Stick may not be a traditional gift but if it happens to be a color or brand that you swear by then it would be the perfect gift for your close friend or someone you know that enjoys makeup/lips sticks just as much as you do! ;-)

5) Stemless Wine glasses ~ These stemless wine glasses would be a great addition to some one's kitchen. It also doesn't hurt that they are somewhat festive with the gold glitter spotted bottoms. Who wouldn't want to sip a little wine out of these?

6) Candles ~ There are so many different candles and scents that you can't go wrong with gifting someone a candle, its a lot easier if you know what types of scents they like but if not you can't go wrong with a festive holiday candle or lavender (its perfect for baths and bedtime)!

7) Matches ~ The holiday season is probably the most common time for someone to gift a candle, which is fine. I love candles, so the more the merrier. I however think that if you plan to gift a candle then also gift some cute matches to go along so that the gift is complete. There are some people, believe it or not that don't carry around lighters. 

Birthday Boy

I still cannot believe my little baby boy is 3 years old. He has so much character and a ton of energy! He is our little fireball. Sweet and stubborn at times but always happy and smiling! You can see below he has quiet the personality even at the age of 3! Andrew loves to play! Whether it's make believe, dressing up or building castles with his jumbo legos. He has quiet the imagination. He also loves to sing! I would say that half of the conversations we have are through songs, I attribute that to his one of his favorite shows ~ Daniel the Tiger, they sing at least 5 songs per episode!  

I want to wish my little guy a Happy Birthday! I hope this year is far better than the last and that it is filled with lots of love and joy! *His birthday was last month so this post is overdue but it's the thought that counts, right? 

  Happy Birthday Andrew! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Top 5 things I'm thankful for:

5. My new position ~ 

I'm very thankful for this new opportunities and looking forward to starting something new and fresh!

4. My friends ~ 

I am thankful for the people I can call on for any and everything. Life is a lot easier when you have people in your corner. Thank you to all those that read this little ole blog, it means a lot to me and I greatly appreciate you.

3. My health ~ 

I am thankful to wake up each and everyday with zero to no pain and to have the energy to keep up with my two boys. My health means a lot to me and I'm thankful I can keep going when things get tough.

2. My family ~ 

I am sooooooo very thankful for my family! They really mean the world to me, it makes me tear up how much I really love them. My family is always there for me and I can always count on them.

1. My faith/life/everything ~ 

I am truly blessed to spend another year with friends and family. Thank you Lord for continuing to bless me and my friends and family with your abundant love.

Wish you a very happy thanksgiving from my family to yours! 

Hope you are all surrounded with friends and family and lots of love!

Link Love

Hello there! I'm alive! The past few months have been filled with a lot of activities to include a wedding in which my entire family was in along with a week vacation and a few visits to the doctor's office. So we are finally back to getting everything normal...well as normal as it can possibly be.

We are wayyyyy overdue for a link love posts So many things, I'm loving and have read over the past few months not to mention the holiday season is now in full swing so I have some things I want to share with you.


First up, a few articles that are worth reading if you have time:

• With the holiday season here a lot of people plan to travel, check out ~ The Best time to Buy an Arline Ticket for tips on when to buy your tickets. 
•  Things can get heated in the workplace at times, check out this article on ~ What to say during a Confrontation
•  I love being a working woman but sometimes things get overwhelming, read up on this for a few tips to balance it all ~ 15 Career Tips for Smart Women

 Cute gift ideas for those holiday shopping:

•  Nordstrom has an awesome toy shop if you are looking for a few gifts for kiddos! Love this Craft Kit and Science Kit from Thames & Kosmos which are pretty inexpensive.
• Check out this list of unique gifts ~ 30 Amazing Gifts under $30
• In need of a few ideas for your best girl pal? Style me Thrifty put together an excellent Gift Guide: For Your Bestie

 Also, a few recipes because who doesn't like to eat:

•  This soup is on my radar and I plan to make it in a few weeks. Looks yummy! ~ Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
• I love slow cooker recipes! They are my go to during the colder months. Do you like chicken? Try out this yummy dish ~ Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Broccoli & Cheese, yes please! This would be great for the holidays ~ Easy Broccoli Side Dish  

Hope you all are gearing up for thanksgiving! I'm looking forward to spending a day with family and friends, oh and all the yummy food! :-)

Brothers

Having a sibling is wonderful when you're  growing up because you'll always have a friend no matter what. I love watching the boys play and get along together, of course there are days when they are completely sick of each other but that's normal right! :-) I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship evolves in the next couple of years. Things took off when Andrew started talking so I can't even image how things will be when he's much older. Now that Andrew has gotten a little older, Aaron isn't as protective but he will be the first to let you know if Andrew is into trouble.

The love they have for one another is indescribable, there little faces light up when they see each other after a long day of separation from school. Andrew really looks up to Aaron, and boy oh boy is Aaron proud to be his big brother.  At the end of the day they have each other and that's what family is all about.

Love these boys.

His first time!

Andrew just started his first swimming lessons a few weeks ago and is doing so well! Unlike Aaron's first time swimming I decided to throw Andrew in solo. He loves the water and I didn't think he would get much "independence" if we did a child and parent class together. The kid is very independent and in the "I can do it by myself" toddler stage. I will say I was VERY hesitant at first because Andrew is a tiny little thing and compared to his classmates so much shorter.

The first class was a little intimidating for him and you could see the hesitation in his eyes but he clinged to the instructor and became very engaged in the class. He did so well he passed to the next level of preschool swimming. Preschool Level 2 is much more challenging for him because its located in a deeper area of the pool, so I think he's mostly scared however, the kid loves to put his face in the water whenever possible. I'm hoping we continue to progress onto the next levels but at this age I'm also comfortable with repeating certain levels to make sure that he feels comfortable in the water.

Both Aaron and Andrew have been in swimming lessons all summer and I think I will continue the lessons into the fall so they can really capture the technique. I don't want them to forget everything they learned. Aaron loves the water and is advancing pretty quickly. He looks forward to every class and I'm not sure he is really interested in much of anything else at the time. We will see what other activities we can find that keep them busy during the school year.

Here are a few pictures from Andrew's first preschool swimming lesson:

Life Lately!

Well, Hello there!!! Sorry for the extended vacation! We've been enjoying summer to the fullest over in these parts and haven't dedicated a lot of time to the blog. Sorry! Have no worries, I plan to get back on as things slow down...yeah right, who am I kidding! Slow down, when? Oh life, when will I ever find balance to get EVERYTHING done. Enough of that, just know that we are back and will ramp up the upcoming months with a few blog posts, promise!

Here are a few snapshots of what we've been up to the past few weeks.