I grew up dancing with Laura Jean and her older sister, Becca, since we were very young. In fact, I have a group picture of Becca and me in the same 4 year old class. They are two of the sweetest and most encouraging people I know. Laura married Cody who happens to be my mother’s maid of honor’s son. Such a small world. Our moms are still very close even today.

Laura and Cody not only have a huge heart for those effected by human trafficking, they also have a big heart for our city. Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and is so rich in history. It is full of beautiful homes, young professionals and entrepreneurs, but unfortunately, people have a hard time seeing the city’s full potential because of our growing crime rate. While people are moving further east of Montgomery or to surrounding areas, Laura and Cody decided to move to the heart of our beautiful city.

Not only have they moved to the heart of our city, they have also followed their dream by opening a coffee cart where they sell their own brewed “Bell Blend” coffee. They brew it fresh every night for their customers and let me just say, it is delicious! One thing our city is lacking is a good coffee shop. They hope to open a full coffee shop soon to fill this void. I know I will be one of many many regulars to darken the doors!

As soon as you meet Laura Jean, you fall in love with her sweet and kind personality. Christ shines through her in such a vivid way. She brighten up everyone’s day and is so wonderful to every single one of her customers. I spent an hour down at the Market Town Coffee cart with Laura and caught up with her on all of the latest things going on in our lives. She encouraged me so much just in that one hour. I loved watching how she impacted every person that approached her coffee cart. She put a smile on every face that walked by.

It is encouraging to see someone have a huge impact on people and who are following and excelling in their dreams. If you haven’t gone down to visit The Market Town Coffee cart, you are missing out. If you are not local, they offer to ship their coffee blend and I highly recommend you try some! There is something about freshly brewed coffee that is so pure and delicious! Laura also happens to blog over at The Ivory Bell. She is an excellent writer and has such a natural talent for bringing a beauty to her words that make you never want to quit reading. I’m so thankful for people like Laura Jean and Cody who live so open for Christ and shine his light in the darkest places of a lost city. I have so much faith that as more people and businesses gain courage to move downtown and into Old Cloverdale, that Montgomery will thrive again. It can be turned around.

In addition to their tasty coffee, they sell adorable t-shirts! I actually just ordered one and can’t wait to receive it! Read more about Laura and Cody’s mission and don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

This post is sponsored by General Mills but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Labor Day! In some ways it feels like summer just began but on the other hand, I am tired of 95+ degree weather! Bring on the fireplace weather! This fall semester, I am challenging myself to cook one to two new recipes every week. I have really been wanting to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone in the kitchen and I have decided I will share a few of my favorite with all of you! After all, fall is about cozying up by the fire with a good book, cup of coffee and food. Lots and lots of food.

Ingredients:
Progresso bread crumbs
2 1/2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tsp. Minced Garlic
8 oz. Linguine Pasta
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions on the package. While pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds and take off of heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Drain pasta and pour pasta into a large bowl. Toss in all ingredients and serve immediately.

I added a side dish of salad with Kraft Italian Dressing and shredded cheese to complete our Italian meal! It was easy, quick and delicious. Even our toddler loved it! That is an A++ recipe in my book.

Now you can win $10 to try these products for yourself! All you have to do is visit Progresso or Kraft  and leave me a comment telling me which recipe you’d like to try! Enter in the Rafflecopter below! Good luck! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check back here or on Twitter for an amazing coupon starting September 10th! Coupon details here:

• $2.00 off Publix Produce with the purchase of Any Four (4) participating products
Participating products: select Old El Paso items**, Ro*tel Tomatoes, Hunt’s Tomatoes, Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, Avocados from Mexico
**Items include Dinner Kits, Seasoning Mixes, Enchilada Sauce, Refried Beans
• $2.00 off Publix Chicken with the purchase of Any Four (4) participating products
Participating products: Progresso Bread Crumbs, Progresso Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth, Kraft Salad Dressing, Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, Hunt’s Tomatoes
• $1.00 off Any Five (5) Ro*tel Tomatoes (10 oz.)
• $1.00 off Any Five (5) Hunt’s Tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
• Save $1.00 on Avocados from Mexico when you buy three (3) Old El Paso products (1-31 oz.)
•  Save $1.00 on three (3) Betty Crocker casserole potatoes (4.5-5.1 oz.)
• Save $1.50 on two (2) Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes (12.5-17.9 oz.)

Target: 
Earn an extra 10% off online through September 7th on clothing, shoes, home items and accessories using code “LABORDAY” at checkout!


Amazon:
Kindle Fire 6% off + Free shipping? Deal! These hardly ever go on sale and I can save $20! I am definitely pulling the “It’s almost our anniversary” card on this one!  


For the babies: 
We haven’t moved SR into her nursery yet because we need two things: a sound machine and a baby monitor! I was so excited to find these deals on two things we have been putting off buying. Now I know it’s because we were just waiting to save money! I’m also excited to find some Thomas the Train toys that are discounted! They are always so expensive and Hampton has been all Thomas everything for the last 6 months (at least). It will make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas! If you are about to have a baby, you definitely need to snag these Aden and Anias swaddles!


For Bloggers: 
If I didn’t just buy a Cannon rebel T3i a few months ago, I’d be all over this deal! Umm, amazing! Also, every blogger needs a good pair of earbuds!

Old Navy:

The entire store is up to 60% off! I am really eyeing this workout tank and these compression tights. They look so comfortable and I love wearing tights during the winter! Oh, and I’m pretty much dying over all of their baby clothes right now. So. Cute.

The Loft:

30% off New Fall Styles and 50% off Summer Sale Items!

I am so excited that corduroy is in again this year! I am a little obsessed with corduroy and I have my eye on this skirt and these pants! I also really love this Henley and this tunic! Tunic + Leggings = my happy place.

Madewell:

30% off fall essentials and an extra 30% off all sale styles


Books A Million:


20% off your purchase of $50 or more with code “WORK20”

Thred Up

Up to 90% off all clothing!

Don’t forget to do all of your shopping through Ebates to earn cash back on all of your purchases! It saved me $200 last year during the holiday season! I will definitely be doing all of my Christmas shopping through them again!


Where are you shopping this Labor Day? What’s on your list?

Post contains affiliate links.

Romper: Gap via ThredUp // Vest: Old Navy // Birks // Kendra Scott Cuff: Nordstrom // Bag: TJ Maxx (similar here)

Our cooler weather didn’t last very long. It is back up in the 90’s and I’m back to rompin’ around in my jean vest. Oy Vey. So, last week in our small group, we went around the circle and told what are peaks and pits of the week were. I thought it would be fun to do the same this week because it has been filled with lots of ups and downs.

Pits:

Our house has been on the market for a year and a half now. We have lowered the price several times and continue to update it. It has been a really frustrating process. A couple of weeks ago we noticed a spot on Hampton’s baseboard in his room that looked like the wood had been warped. We had someone come out and look at it on Monday and, we have termites. Wonderful. While you may be thinking, “oh, it’s fine because I’m sure you have a bond”…no. We don’t. Or, we didn’t. Our bond expired a couple of months back and we had not renewed it. I’m not even going to tell you what our bill is costing us. Just know, our bank account is crying harder than that guy who loves Britney.

Sophie’s “acid reflux” has been awful. She isn’t gaining hardly any weight and it is really upsetting me. I feel like she is throwing everything up that she eats and then some. She should be growing and getting chunky, but instead she looks skinnier to me. We are going to the doctor later today for her 4 month check-up and I’m hoping she can give me new advice that will help. I’ve been so desperate that I even tried to give her formula but she still screamed the entire time I tried to give it to her. Any advice, moms?

Peaks:

While the termite thing was awful and hurt our bank account a little bit, we are so thankful that we caught it pretty early and have everything fixed now. It could have been a lot worse if we had waited or not noticed it.

Hampton has had a really good week. His behavior has been so much better and he has been so sweet with SR. I started decorating for fall/Halloween this week and he has loved seeing all of the “punkin’s” all over the house! He is definitely my little pumpkin baby! I hope he loves Halloween as much as I do!

Monday night we celebrated Ryan’s great-grandmother’s 92nd birthday! She told me she is now shooting for 100! I bet if anyone can make it to 100, it’s her! She is so precious and uplifting to be around. I love listening to her stories and being around her is such a calming influence. She has the kindest spirit.

My sister is coming home this weekend and I can’t wait to see her! Her and my mom offered to keep my kids so that Ryan and I can go out on a date! I am so excited! We have been out on one date since SR was born and that was over 2 months ago! With all of the traveling he has been doing, I am definitely ready to have a date with my hubby!

P.S. One of my best friends started a blog and launched it yesterday! Check her out over at Stroll Through the South! You will love her!

What was your pit and peak of the week?

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
Gallery Books July 2015


Pages: 318

Synopsis from Goodreads: YOU’VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

 Location: Cafe Louisa’s

Since I’ve become a SAHM and quit my day job, I have really learned the importance of friendship and having a group of friends that are in the SAHM club. Being a stay at home mom can be a very lonely job. For example, when my group of friends get together, usually everyone loves to talk about their jobs. It’s what they do every day all day long, so of course that is their go-to topic of conversation. As a SAHM, it can feel really lonely at times.

My dear friend, Lindsey recently moved back to Montgomery and she is also a SAHM. We have started having (almost) weekly play dates together and with other moms and it has been wonderful. Things don’t feel so lonely anymore. She has a son that is Hampton’s age and is currently pregnant with her second child. We have so much in common. Our moms grew up together, we grew up together, and now our children are being raised together. It is so special and our friendship is such a rare treasure.

Last week we packed a picnic and took it to the park. We then walked down to Luella’s Cafe to enjoy some gelato with the boys. It was such a fun day and our little guys enjoyed the time together. Days like these remind me how special real life friends are and how important it is to get away from social media for a little bit and enjoy God’s beauty – whether it is swooning over Old Cloverdale houses, or strolling through downtown with your littles.

Let me start off by first stating that you will probably hate running at first, at least, I did. Your body isn’t used to it. You may be overweight or, like me, just had a baby and are starting over which can be very frustrating. What I will tell you is, you will fall in love with your results from running, but this takes time. Here are some things you can do along the way that will help you fall in love with running:

-Entertain yourself. Whether you take this time to pray, meditate, listen to your favorite jams or whatever it is you do, do it. It will make the run more pleasant and enjoyable and may even help the time pass quickly. Oh, I already ran 2 miles? What?

-Eat right. Don’t ever eat right before you run. Give your body time to digest or you will get sick, cramp or your body won’t have enough energy to get through your run because it is busy digesting your food. Also, never ever drink soft drinks if you plan on running in the next couple of days. They cause terrible cramps. I learned this through my years of dance and it is not a fun experience.

-Drink up. Drink lots and lots of water and sometimes Gatorade – especially after a race.

-Warm up very well before every run. I like to do a few jumping jacks or jog in place for a minute to warm my muscles so that I can stretch properly for a few minutes. This will help you feel loose during your run and prevents injury. Don’t ever skip your warm-up.

-Don’t overdue it. Pushing yourself a little at a time is great, but don’t start off with the mindset of a half-marathoner and then be discouraged when you can’t breathe after only one mile. I speak from experience. Take your time. You can work up to your goals, but don’t overdue it. It is important to train properly. I have loved doing the Couch to 5k plan. It helped me start running a few years ago, but also helped me lose my baby weight after my first and second pregnancies. It’s a great plan that will really help you build your endurance and get back into those races!

Do you run? What tips do you have for a beginner?

As I sit here and drink my coffee, I can’t help but notice how quickly life has changed. Things have really started calming down here lately. For the first couple of months after having Sophie-Rae, I felt like every day we were in survival mode. Trying to keep Hampton from feeling like the rug had been pulled out from under him was not easy. He was still a baby himself when she was born. He didn’t understand that she was coming home with us from the hospital. Once she was home, he thought she was leaving. He knows now, and he loves her so much. He hugs her and kisses her and I’m not as worried as I was originally when he was acting out.

For a while it was chaotic, loud, 2 babies constantly screaming. Both wanting to be held at the same time. Having to change dirty diapers back to back all day, Feeling helpless most days because I felt like I was getting nowhere. I wasn’t making either of them happy. We were just barely making it through the day. I had time to feed them, clothe them, change diapers, bathe them and very very little time for anything else. I became very good friends with dry shampoos and t-shirts. It was so tough and I was in a complete fog.

Sophie-Rae is almost 4 months old now. My what a big difference a month and a half makes. In some ways, that feels like forever ago, and in some it feels like we just made it out of that cloud. Mornings are now fun and enjoyable. They are filled with my boy screaming “Mama” from his crib, waffles, favorite story books and lots of laughter.We are getting into more of a routine and things are feeling somewhat “normal” again. My baby girl is (mostly) sleeping through the night now and is doing great. Thanks to a bit of acid reflux, she is still really tiny and hasn’t put on much weight, but she is perfect in every way.

I love watching my babies together. Hampton loves to give her Eskimo kisses and she always smiles so big at him. She loves to lay in the floor and watch her big brother play and he has even shared his Thomas the Train toys with her. That’s big, folks!

While those first 2 months were so so hard and tiring, they were worth it. Change is hard. For me, for my baby boy and for everyone. Once you get the hang of it, you begin to forget how things were before. You get accustomed to your new normal and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dress : Glamorous  // Boots: Sam Edelman // Bag: Nine West via TJ Maxx // Necklace, Bangle and Earrings: c/o Rocksbox

When I returned from my cruise last week, I came home to my first Rocksbox! I was so excited to see what was in my first box! I had added way too many pieces to my wishlist this month and I refrained from taking a peek at my box online, so it was truly a surprise.

I am SO ready for fall weather and getting this little tease made me dream of pumpkin spiced lattes and Halloween decorations. I may have even ordered Sophie-Rae’s Halloween costume. Not that I’m excited or anything…