A Lifestyle Blog about Marriage, Parenting, Fashion and Fitness
What better way to kick off the warmer months with a PayPal cash giveaway! I’ve teamed up with some wonderful bloggers to offer you the chance to win $115. Just enter in the rafflecopter below!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #V8EnergyBoost #CollectiveBias
During this first month after becoming a mother of 2 under 2, I have learned the importance of “me time.” My “me time” is very rare. In fact, it hasn’t happened more than a couple of times this month. It is so sacred and precious. During my “me time” I will go out to lunch with my bestie, or simply stay at home and enjoy a cup of coffee in silence or while I read my latest novel. It is rejuvenating and it always refreshes me to get away for a few minutes.
I haven’t been cleared to workout yet, but as soon as I do, I can’t wait to pick up an exercise routine again. I have missed it more than words can say. I have always struggled with anxiety, and for me, exercise has been so important in coping with that and relieving some of the stresses that anxiety brings. Until I can exercise I have been trying to watch what I eat. Coffee isn’t always the greatest choice for me because I load it with cream and sugar (no artificial sweeteners for me). Because I am also breastfeeding, I have to really watch my caffeine intake as well.
I am so excited to have discovered V8 V-Fusion+ Energy Drinks! They are a much healthier choice and are full of vitamins from a combined serving of fruit and vegetables. They are a natural energy drink, powered by green tea and Lord knows I need all the energy I can get. I grabbed a 6-pack of the V8 V-Fusion + Energy Drinks while shopping at Walmart the other day in the Orange Pineapple flavor. It did not disappoint. While I do not ever have plans to give up coffee, because I love and need my coffee, it is nice to drink one of these Energy Drinks as an alternative every once in a while or as an afternoon pick-me-up. They taste like fruit and only have 50 calories per 8oz. serving. Pretty awesome if you ask me!
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What is your go-to pick-me-up? Which flavor of the V8-V Fusion+Energy Drinks would you try?
I probably won’t have as much time for my summer reading this year, but I have picked out a few of the books I am determined to read on the beach this summer!
Well, that was the fastest month of my life! I can’t believe it has been a month since we were in the hospital welcoming our newest angel into the world! To say I was excited to have a little girl is an understatement! I have had so much fun (probably a little too much) dressing her up and putting all these bows in her hair! I also can’t wait to be a dance mom! haha No, but really! The day we found out we were having a girl, she has been my “little dancer.” The girls in my family dance. It’s just what we do. She danced in my stomach for several months and already loves music. She definitely has some rhythm and is showing real potential. 
These leggings and matching turban are so cute for summer! I am so glad that I stumbled upon Autumn Nicole Designs on Etsy! They have the cutest leggings, turbans and so much more for your littles! I am loving this mommy and me pineapple romper/shirt!
You may remember my post a few weeks ago when I took a selfie and nominated our local Farmer’s Market for the Huggies #UltraHug Selfie Contest. I wanted to remind you that the contest is still going on! My first selfie was with my son and Sophie-Rae was still in my belly! This time, I just took one with my son. I have been trying to make him feel extra special lately. 
Growing up one of my favorite memories is of my family loading up every Saturday during the summer and driving downtown to the Farmer’s Market to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. We also always bought honey. Now, Ryan and I go almost every weekend and we have started taking the kids. Yes, even SR has already been! I hope to make it just as special a memory for them as it is for me.
I have nominated our local Farmer’s Market for the Huggies Ultra Hug contest because it could definitely use a revamp. It is very run down and I know our farmers would love to have it spruced up a bit.
About the #UltraHug Selfie Contest:
From April 20th until June 25th, Huggies will be accepting all selfies of you and your baby with the hashtag #UltraHug, and featuring them in a collage on Huggies website. There will be 10 winners chosen who will win a $2,000 grant from Huggies for their nominated community initiative.
How To Enter The Contest:
• Take a selfie of you and your baby and upload that selfie to Twitter or Instagram. Make sure to use the hashtag #UltraHug
• In your post, make sure to include a text nomination of a community project that is meaningful to you in your hometown.
That’s it! Then you are entered! Huggies will begin choosing a winner on July 6th!
What community project would you nominate?
Be sure to check out these great new Huggies diapers at Walmart!
This post is sponsored by Bravo. Opinions are my own.
I am beyond excited to share one of my new favorite TV shows with you – Odd Mom Out on Bravo! It is hilarious and so relatable. I was fortunate to be able to host a private screening party to view the show before it’s premiere on June 8th! It was a hit for both me and my best friend!
Jill (the main character and odd mom), reminded me so much of Lorelei Gilmore. She is quick, spunky and hilarious. I love the relationship between her and her best friend. Their honesty and humor remind me so much of me and my best friend’s relationship. After watching the first two episodes, I am so ready to see more. My DVR is officially set to record this new series and I can’t wait to watch episode 3!
I love how this show highlights the crazy competitiveness between moms in Jill’s world and how she is able to use her humor to lighten the mood in all situations, even when they are incredibly awkward. It reminds me so much of real life and I think most moms can relate.
For me, it was very relatable because I have definitely felt like the Odd Mom Out in several group situations lately. I am the only one in my group of friends that has two children (although I do have some that are currently pregnant with second children) and they just don’t quite get how difficult it can be and have definitely poked fun at me a little. I can’t wait for them to experience the craziness of having two babies close together. Through all situations – good and bad, Jill has a great support system in her husband and her best friend and that reminds me so much of my life. I can always go to my husband or BF for anything and they are always there for me…or brutally honest. haha
Odd Mom Out Drink Recipes:
V.I.M.s Perks Program
Bravo is now offering a V.I.M.s (Very Important Moms) Perks Program when you download their app – The Daily Dish. You can catch up on all your favorite Bravo-lebs and be eligible for exclusive VIM discounts!
Tune-In To Win Sweepstakes
During the Premiere and first four weeks of Odd Mom Out, viewers will have a chance to win $20,000 through the Tune-in to Win Sweepstakes! Tune in at 10/9c on Mondays June 8th – June 29th for the secret hashtag and tweet it out to @BravoTV each week or your chance to win!
Ready to laugh with me? watch the trailer now!!
After I had Hampton, I noticed all these mothers with their chic baby wraps walking around with their infants all snuggled up to them. I was so intrigued and sad that I didn’t have one with Hamp. I had a carrier with him, but I didn’t get it until he was several months old. Needless to say, I am new to baby wearing.
I came across Happy Baby Wraps on Instagram and loved the easy tutorial on how to use their wraps on their website. I loved this seafoam color and couldn’t wait to get one for Sophie-Rae!
So far, I have loved using this wrap. I think I have finally figured out how to tie it correctly. I’ve taken SR on walks, shopping, and to the farmer’s market and they’ve all been successful outings. She loves being all cuddled up against me, but not as much as I love it! It’s so sweet and I love having her so close.
Did you wear your baby?
This weekend was so much fun! Not only did we get a 3 day weekend, but we also got to go on a much needed first date (since having SR), BBQ’d with friends on Sunday and then laid by the pool and grilled steaks on Monday with family! It was so relaxing and much needed.
I’m not going to lie, I have been counting down the days until summer. Summer to me means family time, vacations, pool days, beach weekends and fun with friends. We are already planning to go to the beach for the first time as a family since having kids, and I am really excited to do that! We also have a cruise planned for the end of the summer with my entire extended family, and I am beyond excited for that. My family is very close and I can’t wait to get with all of my cousins and cruise to the Bahamas!
Don’t you love finding great new dresses and stylish boutiques? I came across this adorable shop – Molly and Me Company – one day while perusing Instagram (of course) and fell in love with their stylish dresses. This boho dress is so adorable, comfortable and perfect for the Summer months. Because of it’s boho style, it’s also great for festivals.
Although we don’t currently have plans to attend any music festivals, I would love to go to a couple this summer. We loved going to Slicefest last year, and are hoping to attend a couple of new ones in our area.
Visit Molly and Me Company on Facebook and Instagram!
Do you have any fun Summer vacations planned this year?
I hope you all have a safe and happy Memorial Day! We will be spending the day by the pool with friends and family soaking up some sun and enjoying a lot of laughter and great food! In the meantime, check out my Memorial Day printable, outfit inspiration and this delicious Chili Cheese Macaroni Bake!
This post is sponsored by HORMEL® but all opinions are my own.
Print your $1 off coupon here!
I love quick and simple recipes that I can throw together when I am pressed for time or just don’t feel like cooking an extravagant meal. Let’s be honest, since I had Sophie, I haven’t had near as much time to cook. Time management has been the toughest adjustment. Especially with dinner time because, bath time and bedtime immediately follow dinner in our house. It is a busy time and there is always a lot going on around here. That’s where HORMEL® Chili With Beans comes in.
This Chili Cheese Macaroni Bake is so simple and quick. It’s my absolute favorite go-to for an easily thrown together meal that still tastes great. It is not the healthiest thing to cook, but it does the trick on those crazy nights.
Ingredients:
1 can of HORMEL® Chili With Beans
Macaroni noodles (about 3 cups cooked)
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
Salt
Directions:
Boil your noodles as directed on the box and add salt to taste. Drain noodles and mix the can of HORMEL® Chili With Beans with the noodles. Spread the mixture in a baker and sprinkle as much cheese as you like on top. Bake it in the oven at 350° until cheese is completely melted and is warm through.
It is so simple and quick and will be a go-to recipe your entire family will enjoy!
Also enjoy this $1 off coupon for any 2 HORMEL® products! Be sure to check them out on Facebook!
What is your go-to meal when you are pressed for time?
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