Grateful Monday

To start my week here are five things I'm grateful for:

• I had the most wonderful birthday on Friday.  I had a lazy day spent at home with my boys, and then Friday evening Andrew and I went out to celebrate with our friends. 
• I have such wonderful friends and family who make me feel so much love!
• We also had a sweet Valentine's day.  I just love Andrew's thoughtfulness.  He gives really good gifts!
• We leave for Florida on Wednesday!  I'm so excited to see my parents and to spend a week on the beach.
• I wasn't feeling so well yesterday but spent most of the day sleeping and then awoke this morning feeling pretty good.  I'm so grateful I didn't get really sick.  I have so much to do before we leave!

Have a wonderful week!

xoxo

Grateful Monday

To start my week, here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• We had a very nice weekend visiting my husband's family.  I'm so lucky to have married into such a wonderful group of people.  
• I get to move out of my dark, dingy basement office this week into an office in the College of Education.  I'll even have a window and will be near my colleagues.  Very exciting!
• Liam is starting to say phrases.  Watching a little person learn to talk is so very cool.
• It's my birthday this week!  Time to celebrate another year of being older and wiser.
• It's also Valentine's day, which makes me ever so grateful for my dear husband.  I'm so blessed to have him.

Have a wonderful week!

xoxo

My Favorite Things: Household Favorites

Today I'll continue sharing some of my favorite things and show you some of my favorite household products.

I tend to be pretty loyal when it comes to products.  Once I find something that works, I stick with it! I also try to choose products that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.  You'll probably notice a theme here...I'm a bit of a clean freak so I like my cleaning products.  I also like to have things organized.  

In no particular order, here are my favorite household products:

I absolutely love this surface cleaner.  I really like all of Mrs. Meyer's products, but they are expensive so I only splurge on this one.  The geranium scent is just heavenly.  It actually makes me want to clean my counters....  

Source

I'm also a fan of Method cleaning products.  There's nothing I hate more than a layer of dust in my house and this wood polish is wonderful.  It smells delicious and does a nice job of making my furniture nice and shiny without leaving a layer of heavy residue.

Source

And here we have the Magic Eraser.  I love these things for removing scuff marks and various spots.  I really only use them when a surface cleaner doesn't do the job.  Now that I have toddler I'm discovering all kinds of uses for the Magic Eraser.  Just yesterday I used one to remove crayon from my wood floors.  I'm not entirely sure what is in them, but they are, indeed, magic!

Source

This is a product that I just recently discovered.  I hate ironing, so I don't do it.  In fact, I make it my purpose to buy clothing items that don't require ironing.  My husband, however, has a few shirts that do need to be ironed.  This wrinkle releaser does the trick!  And it's so easy to use.  All you have to do it spray it on, smooth out the garment and then hang it to dry.  This isn't going to give you any nice creases, but it does make clothes virtually wrinkle free, which is good enough for me.  

Source

I bought this steam mop a couple of years ago and then I bought one for my mom.  I love this thing for multiple reasons.  First of all, it's so much easier than dragging around a mop and a bucket.  Secondly, it sanitizes floors by using steam so there's no need for toxic chemicals.  The mop pads are also reusable, I just throw them in the laundry when I'm done.  It's quick and easy and gets my floors super clean.  When Liam was crawling, I used this nearly every day.

Source

As I mentioned above, I like things organized, and drawer organizers are high on my list.  I love to open my drawers and see everything in its spot.  I find that organizers not only help us get organized but they also help us stay organized.  I use them throughout the house, but I think they're particularly useful in kitchen, bathroom and desk drawers.

Source

I like to label things.  Weird, I know.  Last year I discovered chalk labels, which are both cute and fun to make. I currently use them in our pantry, and I have big plans for more labels in the near future.   

Source

We live in a house that is over 100 years old....no walk in closets here!  It's also not a very big house, so we are short on storage space.  Our master bedroom doesn't even have a closet.  Baskets to the rescue!  I use baskets in every room.  They are a great way to store small items while also concealing clutter.  I use them in our bedroom to store my cardigans and jeans.  In the living room, I have multiple baskets for our shoes, Liam's toys, puzzles, and books.  I don't like clutter and baskets really help to keep things tidy.  The downside is that baskets can be expensive.  World Market and Hobby Lobby both have an excellent selection and have regular sales on them.  I like to buy sturdy ones that I know will hold up.  I use the large sized ones seen below in our bedroom.

Source

I've mentioned my love of candles before on this blog.  I really enjoy a yummy smelling candle.  We go through a lot of them as I like to burn them throughout the day when we are at home and almost every evening.  My very favorite candles are from Capri Blue.  I love the Volcano scent and also Aloha Orchid.  They make the entire house smell divine, and it doesn't hurt that they make me feel like I'm in an Anthropologie store!

Source

One of my New Year's goals was to use fewer paper towels so we started using cloth napkins.  I had no idea how nice it would be to use real napkins at each meal!  It really makes mealtime feel a little extra special.  I also notice that I put a little more effort into setting our table and coordinating things. Plus, it just feels nice to lay a cloth napkin across your lap.  This change has made a noticeable difference in our paper towel consumption, and it feels good to know that we are being less wasteful.  One day, when I have some free time, I plan to sew up more pretty napkins using scraps of fabric that I have.  

Source

I'm sure there are probably more favorites that I'm missing, but these are definitely my all stars.  In the near future, I would like to try to make my own surface cleaner using this recipe, although I'm not sure I can give up my Mrs. Meyers!  I've also been looking at recipes for making my own, environmentally friendly laundry detergent.  As much as I prefer green products, they can be a little pricey sometimes so making my own would be a good way to save some money.

What about you?  What are your household favorites?

Today, I'm linking up with the feature free for all at Five Days Five Ways!  Please check out all of the fun links!

Our weekend

We had a lovely weekend.

On Saturday, we attended the birthday party for our friends' daughter who turned 2.  Oh what fun we had!

The party had a dress up theme, and as you can see, Liam took his dressing up very seriously.

The birthday girl was as sweet as can be.

All the mustache-wearing wore Liam out.  This picture with my dear friend Rebecca shows a very tired boy!

The best part of the party?  The photo booth!  Best. idea. ever.

After the party we can home and had a surprise snowfall that left us with a few inches.  On Sunday, we took advantage and played outside.  This was Liam's first real chance to play in the snow....

 He was fascinated.  I just love watching him discover this beautiful world of ours!

Grateful Monday

To start my week on a positive note, here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• Sunshine.  We had a few grey, dreary days last week that started to get to me.  I definitely need sunshine in order to thrive and yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day.
• A wonderful weekend with a chance to catch up with some friends at a birthday party.
• Liam is back to taking longer naps (most of the time).  Normally he naps between 2 and 3 hours each day.  A couple of weeks ago, he suddenly started waking up after 45 minutes.  I'm glad that was temporary!  As much as I love my boy, I also love having a little break in my day to get some things done.  
• It's February....my birthday month and also one step closer to spring.
• The Florida countdown has begun....16 days until we are on the beach!

Here's a little sneak peek of our birthday party fun!

Have a great week!

xoxo

Happy 18 Months!

Dear Liam,

You are 18 months-old today.  Such a big guy!  I'm not quite sure I can believe you are so big.

You are a very busy boy these days.  You keep us on our toes! 

You are a climber, and we are struggling to keep you off the chairs and the dining room table.  In fact, one of the phrases you have started saying recently is "sit down".  That's pretty funny.  You definitely hear that multiple times a day from us!

You are a talker.  You say a new word almost every day!  Some of my favorites are:  mommy and daddy (of course!), Elmo, Dylan, eight nine (always said together which is awesome!), stein (for Einstein), cars, and choo choo.  You also love to give kisses followed by a big "muah".  Recently, you just started blowing kisses, which is pretty cute.  You are quite affectionate and love to snuggle multiple times a day.  I just love how you rest your little head on my shoulder.  I could sit with you like that all. day. long.

Even as you grow into a toddler, you have maintained your good nature.  You love to be tickled and laugh.  When we take you to restaurants, you love to flirt and be social.  People always compliment us on how good you are.  Sometimes you get shy in large crowds of people or after you just wake up, but mostly, you love to be around people.

You go to your baby sitter "Leenie" two days a week and you love it.  Whenever we pull up in the car, you start saying "Leenie".  You just love her and you love your friends there. You walk in the door and go straight to Annie, Skyler, and George.  Annie is just a few months older than you and she is your buddy.  It makes me feel good that you love to be there.  It makes dropping you off so easy for me!

The other three days a week we get to spend together.  Our days are filled with play.  As you get older, I try to get you out of the house every day.  If it's nice out, you love to go to the park and be outdoors.  You like to play with sticks and leaves.  We also just started going to story time at the library.  You love to play with the other kids and run around.  You also had your first play date recently with your friend Cecelia. 

We just created a play room for you in the basement so now you have a few different places to play at home.  You still love to use your "popper" and enjoy your new lawn mower too.  You enjoy playing with cars and your musical instruments. We also just got you a picnic table so you have a place to sit and color and enjoy your snack. 

You have recently started enjoying puzzles and you still love to read books.  We read several books each day and before bedtime. Your newest favorite book is Little Blue Truck. Sometimes you read books on your own.  You'll sit and flip the pages and babble as you "read" the story out loud.  That is one of my favorite things to watch and listen to.  You are so sweet. 

You love music and like to dance.  It's funny to watch you break into a dance at random times.  You also love to play the guitar with daddy.  You are trying so hard to say the word "guitar" too. 

You are still a good sleeper, although sometimes you wake in the middle of the night or early morning.  You go down early around 7 p.m.  and usually sleep until somewhere between 7 and 8 a.m.  You also take a good, two hour nap most afternoons.  If you wake early, you love to come into our bed, snuggle up, and if we are lucky, you'll go back to sleep!  When you wake up, you are still mostly content to lay in your crib and play for a little while.  I think you are like me, you are a slow riser.  Sometimes you stand in your crib and say, "mommy" when you are ready to get out.  I just love hearing you say my name! It warms my heart and makes me smile every time.

You enjoy your bedtime routine and love to take baths.  While bathing you do some serious splashing and love to play with the bubbles.

Recently, you have cut several teeth including four molars, but you still have some that need to come in.  Teething is hard on you and you wake up multiple times at night and just want to be held.

You love food!  You are an adventurous eater and will try almost everything .  We feed you pretty much whatever we eat.  You are doing much better these days at eating fruits and vegetables too.  You also love the green smoothies that I make.

Watching you grow and change is such a joy.  You are truly becoming your own little person and your dad and I can't get enough of you.  You make us laugh several times a day and continue to surprise us in so many ways.  We often talk how much we love being your parents. 

Happy 18 months sweet boy! 

Remember always that you are loved!

love,

Mama

My Favorite Things: Fashion Favorites

I've decided to follow Jeanne Oliver's lead and share some of my favorite things on this blog.  Right now I'm in the midst of some heavy academic writing so I need a light and fun topic to blog about! 

Plus, if you are like me, you are always on the lookout for a tried and true product and are interested in knowing what items others like to use.  So today, I'll start by sharing my fashion favorites.

Recently, a friend gave me a lovely compliment, telling me that she admired how confident I was in my unique style.  Her words really made me feel good and got me thinking about my "style".  Honestly, I haven't thought much about it, but when I look in my closet, I see some definite trends.

One of the key things I've learned over the years is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to look good.  Also, accessories can go a long way in taking an outfit to the next level.  For instance, I'm a huge fan of large, statement pieces of jewelry.  

One of my news year's goals was to refocus and only buy clothing items that I love.  Love meaning that it fits well and I love how it looks.  Even though it's only the end of January, I've already passed on a few items because they didn't fit the bill....hello Anthropologie sale rack!  As long as I stick to this motto, I tend to make good choices and buy items that I wear over and over again.  

In no particular order, here are some of my favorite items:

Thanks to my best friend, I recently discovered the Artist jeans from American Eagle.  Yes, that's right, American Eagle.  No, I'm not 15 and I don't normally shop at American Eagle, but these jeans are a sneaky little secret!  They are seriously the best, most comfortable jeans I've worn in a long time.  They actually have a decent rise on them.  They are stretchy but don't lose their shape (a major pet peeve of mine).  They also come in long lengths, which is a must for me.  They are quite flattering and best of all, they're fairly cheap.  I've paid some big bucks for jeans in the past and these are just as good as the more expensive ones.  I have actually traded in my yoga pants because of these jeans.  Seriously.  I now get dressed almost every day....

source

I'm a big fan of tunic style tops.  They are comfortable, flattering and can easily be dressed up or down.  Sometimes I also wear shorter dresses as a top worn over jeans.

source

  

source

I recently ordered these hand warmers from this Etsy shop.  I love them!  My hands are always cold, so these keep them toasty while allowing me to still use my fingers.  When I'm leaving my house, I'm usually carrying multiple bags, my keys, and a squirming 18 month-old.  Gloves seem to just get in the way, but these hand warmers allow me to hold onto everything.  Another plus is that I can use my phone while wearing them.

source

I love boots.  This past fall, I purchased these cognac riding boots and I wear them almost every day.  I don't do heels so these boots are perfect.  

source

I also love my cowgirl boots.  You can't help but feel a little sassy when wearing a pair of cowgirl boots!  I have this pair.  They run a little taller than normal, which is good because I'm tall and regular cowgirl boots usually hit at the widest part of my calf....not a good look!

source

In the warmer months, long skirts and dresses are staples for me.  I have rather athletic legs, which I don't necessarily like to show, so long skirts and dresses are high on my list.  

Source

source

As I mentioned previously, I'm a fan of accessories, always wearing jewelry and scarves.  I think accessories are a really easy way to make an outfit unique.

This time of year, I wear a scarf almost every day.

source

I LOVE jewelry.  I'm pretty sure I get my love of jewelry from my mom!  She and I share the same style and we love to wear big, bold pieces.  I have a preference for long earrings, chunky pendants, large rings, and cuff bracelets.  And I'm particularly drawn to turquoise and amber pieces.  I do have a few rules when it comes to accessories though, and I try not to wear too many at once.  For instance, if I'm wearing long earrings or a scarf, I usually skip the necklace.  

source

source

I also love detailed clothing.  I'm drawn to items that have embroidery, beading, or lace.  I like to wear color and I'm not afraid of patterns.  

source

source

source

Large bags are another staple accessory for me.  Again, I love patterns and details.

source

source

When it comes to fashion, I don't think too much of it.  I simply buy and wear what I love.  Although I'm mostly pretty thrifty, I'll occasionally splurge on a really unique item.  In many ways, I see clothing as a way to express myself so I try to avoid trends and stay true to what makes me feel good.

For more of my fashion favorites, you can check out my style board on Pinterest.