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!
Brittany ~ The Lady Lawyer // Casey ~ Land of Marvels
Paypal Cash Giveaway
Newborn Essentials List
Pacifiers
Burp Cloths
Bamboo Swaddle Blankets
Swing
Taggie
Boppy Pillow
Happy Baby Wrap
Rock n Play
Baby Gowns
Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag
Bath Seat
Baby Towels
Sophie-Rae has been spitting up a lot lately. I forgot how many burp cloths newborns go through in a day. I have been so thankful that we bought several this time around. It keeps me from doing a load of laundry every day. These monogrammed burp cloths from Baby Cheeks Boutique have been my absolute favorite! They are so adorable and have been my favorite to take to church and when we are out and about. They are so cute and I am a sucker for all things monogrammed (hello, I’m southern). Baby Cheeks Boutique is one of my favorite shops for all things baby. They have burp cloths, bibs, frames, back packs, bloomers and so much more! This shop is so affordable and great for baby shower gifts!
I’m especially loving this Florida Gator burp cloth and bib set! I just might be ordering that for football season! Check out this wonderful shop on Etsy!
The Importance of “Me Time”
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!
Giveaway Time!
V8 V-Fusion+Energy #V8EnergyBoost $2,500 Sweepstakes
What is your go-to pick-me-up? Which flavor of the V8-V Fusion+Energy Drinks would you try?
12 Books to Read This Summer
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!
Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Summer Secrets by Jane Green
Love from Paris by Alexandra Potter (Out July 30th)
Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe by Milly Johnson
Royal Wedding by Meg Cabbott
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy Reichert
French Coast by Anita Hughes
Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
If I Could Turn Back Time by Beth Harbison
Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner
The Best Of Enemies by Jen Lancaster
What is on your Summer Reading List?
You might want to check out my Summer Reading List 2014 and 15 Books to Read in 2015!
Sophie-Rae // One Month
Leggings and Headband: c/o Autumn Nicole Designs // Moccasins: Freshly Picked
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. 😉
Sophie-Rae is smiling more and more and has started cooing. She is more alert and stays awake for longer periods of time. She is in size 1 diapers and is starting to wear 0-3 month clothes now, although she can still fit into some of her newborn things. She still has a head full of hair and hasn’t lost any of it yet. She loves her paci and her big brother. Hampton goes over to her swing and will stare at her and giggle and she just stares back at him in awe. haha It is so cute. I love how they already love each other so much.
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!
Be sure to check out Autumn Nicole Designs on Instagram!
My Selfie for Huggies #UltraHug Contest
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!
Odd Mom Out
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!!
Happy Baby Wrap
Baby Wrap: c/o Happy Baby Wrap
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?
Boho Chic
Dress: c/o Molly and Me Company // Shoes: Old DSW
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?
Things to Do For Yourself Before Baby
Before your sweet little bundle of joy arrives, it is very important to take care of yourself and enjoy some “me time.” You won’t get very much of that after the baby arrives, and even when you do, all you can think about is your baby. It is important to take care of yourself and enjoy a bit of pampering before the big day comes because then it will be all about the baby – for a while.
Here is a list of things to do for yourself before you have your baby:
Manicure/Pedicure
Movie with Friends
Girls Night
Get a Massage
Read a Book
Haircut
Eyebrows Waxed / Spa Day
Deep-clean the house
Go on a date (or 5) with your husband
Relax
Would you add anything to this list?
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