GVSU Enrichment Dinner 2016

A little late, but here it goes anyway.  Every year we support Grand Valley by donating, and in return they always invite us to an awesome dinner thanking all the donors for all they do.  They do fun presentations about what's going on in the college and acknowledge a couple of really big supporters for different things.  We love to attend every year and this is our fifth? year going... It's so much fun to dress up and hang out with our friends, eat good food, and most years get some free drinks.   Of course this is the second year I was pregnant while attending but still super fun.  Thankfully I wasn't alone this year as two other ladies were also pregnant too so we could all share in the misery of finding a black tie dress and not drinking nearly as much as we would have loved.

Cutest Summer Sleepwear for Toddler Boys

The weather is finally getting warmer around these parts and although I'm loving it, poor Noah is already sweating bullets, I can't even imagine what warmer weather will do to him.  He must be a winter baby or just has all that baby blubber that still keeps him warm.  So even though I'm still sleeping in long pants it's time for Noah to get some summer pjs. Lucky for me I happened to pick up one larger size summer pj last year for a steal and I found it in the bottom of the "buy now, wear later" bin. That has lasted us the last two weeks of hit or miss hot night weather but it's time to stock up on summer pjs. I've rounded up a couple picks of the cutest boys sleepwear the inter-webs have to offer.

One \\ Two \\ Three \\ Four \\ Five \\ Six

I love summer pjs.  Those chunky legs running around my house. =)
But lets not forget us girls.  I've been eyeing some summer pjs for me too.  This cute little short sleep set is perfect for lounging in all weekend long.  And do you think if I run errands is these shorts anyone will notice they're for bed?  I'm that person.

Fall Staples for Mom and Son

I know at least here, winter is knocking on our door.  You can just feel winter with the chill of the air and the necessary flannel sheets on your bed.  But not so fast because although it's coming quick, Fall is still the best season and I'm not ready to let it go.  Or at least Falls' great fashion. Everyone needs a good pair of corduroy pants and a cozy scarf.  And don't forget the duck books that finally came back in style.  My grandma has been rocking those for as long as I remember.

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight

Pjs For The Little One

It's that time again when I'm digging through the millions of clothes Noah has and realizing that he's seriously grown out of everything!  The things he grows out of the most are his pjs because they are snug as it is.  I can't get myself to buy the loser ones because I can only imagine how uncomfortable all that extra material is.  I mean, that's how I feel when I feel lose pjs.  Personally I love Old Navy's pjs the most.  They are good quality and very soft.  Not to mention super cute.  Since I buy so many all the time though, the best part is the price.

Here is my roundup for my next set of pjs:

one | two

three | four | five

six | seven | eight

I'm loving all the colors this fall has to offer.  It really caters to boys.  And how about all the space stuff out there?  I love!  Did you see some of the JCrew ones glow in the dark?!  No wonder they cost so much. Ha!

A Giveaway With Mint Julip Boutique

Here goes the debut of my fashion blogger status. Ha! Not really... as I mentioned last week I was not meant to be a fashion blogger.  Guys, do you know how hard those girls work? Not to mention how super awkward I am in front of the camera.  Jeff and I did lots of laughing at how ridiculous I was at taking these pictures but I think you'll get the point.  Also, lets be real ladies.  I'm a mom of a young child, and I could care less what I look like when I'm rolling around the kitchen floor picking up beans that used to be in a noisemaker.  Or you know, like anything else of those sorts.  So, as much as I love dressing up, I just can't imagine doing it for a blog job.  At least not until my kids can poo on their own anyway.

However, when The Mint Julip Boutique wanted to send me some clothes to model for you guys, I put on my big girl panties because their clothes are the cutest.  I follow them on Facebook and Instagram, (as should you) because they post daily all their new pieces and I literally want all of them.  On the rare occasion when I do care what I look like, I want to look the the Mint Girls.  I mean, she looks pretty put together in that blush sweater right? I want to look like that when I go to the post office for sure.  Maybe even when I stop by Panera to pick up one of their most amazing chocolate croissants.

Dress - The Mint Julip Boutique c/o

Belt - New York & Co. (old) similar here & here

Wristlet - Gap (old) similar here

Ok, so two awesome things. First, sign up for The Mint Julip Boutiques' newsletter and get $10 off your first order. Woop!

Second, I'm giving away $15 to The Mint Julip Boutique so enter bellow and start shopping!

Third, (Don't make fun of my lame modeling skills)  But really, how cute is this dress!?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Toddler Boy Fall Fashion

We've got a rainy yucky day outside which calls for some online shopping since it looks like my work day will be pretty slow.  It's nice and quiet... just the way I like it. This colder weather though is getting me excited to dress Noah up in some fall clothes.  Noah is a huge heat box though and is constantly sweating so I'll probably have to wait for winter, but I might as well stock up now!

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

There will be lots of layering and cozy  knits.  Maybe Noah will even keep that cute little pom hat on long enough for me to take a picture.  Do you think he'll figure it out when it's minus ten out?  

Thinking of fall also makes me think of our one large tree out in our back yard.  I think Noah will be big enough this year to jump all over the leaves. I can just see him flapping his little sausage hands across all the leaves...

Fall is juuust around the corner!

Summer Mom Style

Before having children, I loved to get dressed up to leave the house.  Really, other than my work uniform and my comfy clothes at night, I jumped at any moment to wear nice clothes and to look somewhat fashionable. Now though, I really struggle finding a balance with looking good and wearing clothes that can get messy and dirty; and now in the summer, don't make me a huge sweat ball.

So I've rounded up the cutest, mom friendly clothes I could find that fit the bill.  Keep in mind we don't have California weather.  Also, chances are that I have to sit crossed legged, run or bend over... Who knew dressing as a mom could be so tough. 

Baseball Hat | Sunnies | Pinaple Tee | Plain Tee

Mint Bermudas | Hot Pink Shorties | Pretty Sandals | Cute Sneakers

Ok, so my mom uniform tends to be shorts and tees, but really, is there anything easier than that?  I like to be comfortable, cute, but most importantly I need to be able to play with Noah.  

The Target tees I've lived in since way before I was pregnant or even thought about children.  You can dress them up or down and are so versatile.  I also like to throw in a couple of cute tanks here and there.  Like this banana tank.  I just recently discovered the Old Navy shorts.  They have a pretty good amount of stretch too so I would size down but that's what makes them sooo comfy.  

For shoes, I'm a sandals gal all the way.  I could buy them in every shape - design out there.  As long as they have a strap behind the foot so they stay nice and put.  I'm really loving these Kellie and Katie sandals.  You could really dress them up for date night and they come in so many colors.  And lastly, when you do finally have a second set of eyes watching your child and you don't have to do all the running, I would go for this cute maxi and girly it up a little.  Don't worry though, it's still a nice dark color so you wont see all the sticky fingers all over.

Family Weekend Fun

We had such a great family weekend together.  It's nice for both Jeff and I to be done working weekends finally!  Which means we get to all spend time together like normal people.  We took walks around the neighborhood. Made yummy dinners together, grilled out and even had time to try out a guava/cream cheese dessert recipe.  I took a nap too and those are hard to come by. It was nice to relax and enjoy days off work.

Target Pjs

With all the extra time I was able to start packing for our Mexico trip and I'm getting more and more excited just thinking about the warm weather and the lazy days eating all day, and sunning it up.  I'm super excited for the cooking lessons and the yoga and pilates classes.  This is a much needed break for both Jeff and I.

It was still a little chilly around here and although we braved it outside for a while it'll be nice for some warmer weather to come.  Noah is really ready to be outside.  With all the walking he's been doing, there's just not enough room inside for him to run around.  This kid has so much energy!

toADORN jersey top c/o,  aerie leggings (similar)

Finally, you should check out a great new website toADORN - they  feature huge discounts (between 50-80% off!) on trendy boutique fashions.  The best part, you can get 10% of your purchase if you use the code ilovetoadorn at check out. Enjoy!

Be sure to sign up for daily emails from toADORN, and for their latest products follow on Pinterest, Facebook and IG (@toadorn)

Could it be Spring yet?!

We've been cooped up in the house for like eight months now and it's super starting to wear on everyone I know. You really take the sun for granted until you don't have it for weeks on end. It's been so bad that I've given up on entertaining Noah in the house and gave in on his most disgusting habit. Playing with the cords on the blind.  Can you really blame me? It keeps him occupied for at least fifteen minutes and that's hooouuurrrs in mom time.

What's even more funny, is as I'm walking in my pitch dark bedroom last night before bed and I realize that somehow Noah had tangled the cords on the laundry basket we have right next to the windows... so bad that I couldn't get them to shut.  I had to settle for half shut blinds and hope that today it wouldn't take me an hour to undo what Noah did in just a couple of minutes.  I knew better than let him play with those so I guess that's what I get. 

And I'm seriously looking at the weather forecast today thinking, could we possibly have two days next week that are almost sixty?! This is crazy!  As I've said for literally the last moth, summer really needs to get it's ass in gear 'cause I'm starting to get grumpy.  And it may have finally listened to me. =) So thanks!

Of course after hearing about this weather, I went on a little shopping spree for Noah. I always thought if I had a girl I'd be in trouble shopping wise and I would never have this issue with a boy.  I was sooo wrong. Makes me wonder what kinds of problems I will have if I ever have a girl!
I also couldn't leave without getting a couple of things for myself... so here's some more warm weather inspiration for me and the bear.

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine

By the way, those camo pans rock.  They are super soft and have the cutest zipper details. This will for sure be a staple in my closet during the chilli summer nights I'll be spending sipping some moscato on the porch.

Probably sipping on THIS recipe. Could I make the whole thing and just stick in the the fridge?!  Would I drink it fast enough not to loose it's bubbles?  ....we shall find out!

Swimming in the Pool & Looking Forward to Spring

I'm already looking forward to spring time and warmer weather. Especially after yesterday.  Jeff and I took Noah to the pool for the first time. On the way over I of course was convinced he would have a major freak out the moment his feet touched the water and I wouldn't even get a chance to get in.  But I was wrong. Great for Noah, but not so great for me.  I had to suck it up and wear a bathing suit for the first time since giving birth.  You'd think nine months would be plenty, but it's not.  Physically, not that bad, but mentally, it's hard to wrap your mind around, "you used to be 25 pounds heavier but I don't look like that anymore".  It stung for a hot minute, and then I got over it. I snapped a couple of pictures and in to the water we all went!

He loved it so much and splashed and kicked the whole time.  And then the swim team started practicing and Noah was just trying to keep up. Future swimmer in the making.  Or at least a triathloner like daddy. Is that even a word? ...now it is.

So anyway, then I got thinking how fun it's gonna be to get Noah outside with the warmer weather and thank goodness he doesn't freak out when he sees water.  Although Lake Michigan will be a lot colder due to all the snow still about six feet tall on our driveway...  Regardless, we'll be able to take walks, and play in the backyard, and he can help me with the garden and eat all my tomatoes... I see it already and I love it. 

Best part for me though, other than seeing the sun finally and getting rid of this cabin fever, is all the great clothes to wear in the spring.  It's the time for shorts with sweatshirts, cozy sweaters with flip flops, and lots of pastels and pretty pinks!  I've already started my clothing watch list full of tons of crazy prints which I'm sure Jeff will question me about.

| scarf | sweater | pants | shoes | jacket |

Here's to warmer weather! (currently 15, feels like 4) Ugh

Sweater Weather Musts

I was just chillin at work yesterday, talking on the phone, not really paying attention to anything when bam!, I look out the window and I see S N O W!!! I mean, I guess it is November... but how did it get here so fast? I feel like it was just summer and things were peachy and then we had Noah and now it's snowing. Yes, that's pretty much how it went. Life just passes by so quickly. 

And I'm thinking about how this week is super sucky because I get to see Jeff for a total of maybe 40 minutes all week until I get home from work on Friday.  I'm trying to look at the positives though. We have most of the weekend of together including Monday. We're going to see Shrek the Musical and honestly, the most exciting thing right now is that I'm going to wear real clothes.  Not my uniform for work, not pjs, t-shirts or sweatpants... but maybe like a dress or a nice shirt that wont get ruined by puke. Which brings me back to this weather.... It's cold outside and I need to go shopping for some cute sweater weather items! =) 

Can you see a pattern... loungy, (is that even a word?) soft and comfy clothing is all I'm craving right now. 

What happened to me wanting to dress cute? Haha.... such is life. 

one | two | three | four

Anyway, can't shop for myself without shopping for Noah. 

He would look like such a stud in these outfits. 

Ladies all over him. =)

1. Top | Pants | Shoes

2.  Top | Pants | Shoes

3. Top | Pants | Shoes 

Those baby shoes just kill me! Agh! 

Fall Trends To Watch For

Some trends come and go but some are tried and true. Either way it feels like you're always trying to figure out whats in and whats out every season.  When I shop for myself it doesn't really matter what's in when because I usually have something in my closet that I can fit into whatever is in at the time. I rarely get rid of something in my closet that fits because you never know if it'll come back in style later on.  

The problem with shopping with little ones is they literally grow out of things so fast you gotta get to it quick!

So here it is, my lists of things you have to get for your little man this fall.  Even if it's just one piece.

New Trend: Little Ears

one | two | three

Oldie But Goodie: Stripes

four | five | six

New Trend: Geek Love

seven | eight | nine

Old But Goodie: Flannel

ten | eleven | twelve

Boy Fall Favorites

This cooler weather we've been having has gotten me thinking how I really need to get some fall family pictures done so we have a cute Christmas card this year.  Now that Noah is around I just don't feel like I can slack and wait 'till the last minute as usual. Of course, with out crazy busy schedule in the fall we never have time to do anything, especially now that Noah takes like 90% of our free time, which leaves me to figure out a way to make these pictures work without a professional photographer.  Anyone want to come snap some photos?

Really though, I think we'll just have to make due with a mommy photoshoot in our back yard and see what happens.  And if we're not gonna have a great pictures we might as well look good, or at least Noah should. 

I've been eying a ton of cute outfits. I really need to do a good fall shopping trip.

 | one | two | three | four | five | six | seven |

Summer Neon Favorites

Has anyone checked out Gap's new baby collection? I'm obsessed with the Neon collection.  Who knew boys could be so much fun to dress?  The parrot hat for sure is a winner for me. Love it!

Even better, now 'till March 10th you get 25% off with the code GAPDEAL. Score!

.one.two.three.four.five.six.seven.

And even though I'm having a boy it's not like I can keep myself from 

girly things so here it its for the moms and girly girls.

.one.two.three.four.five.six.seven.

I just cannot help myself!

 You know, I was really hoping for a girl when we found out I was pregnant... but the fact that it's not may actually be a blessing.  I'm already shopping for this little boy and I can't imagine how much more I would be shopping if he were a girl.  Old Navy really had some good sales going on a couple weeks ago and I just couldn't help myself. 

 Daddy. Bodysuit. Basketball.

And while I was at it I thought, well why not get some stuff for mama too? =)

This skirt ended up being super cute.  I'm ordering the other color right after this!

Tee. Skirt. Tank.

Gold...a great summer wedding look!

 The shoes might be expensive but the outfit look pretty killer! =)

I've really got to do a major shopping trip.

Badgley Mischka mini dress
£115 - theoutnet.com

BURAK UYAN stiletto shoes
$860 - stylebop.com

A Wear wedding handbag
£20 - awear.com

LK Designs gold butterfly earrings
€80 - pret-a-beaute.com

Rehearsal Dinner

I'm so excited for my vacation coming up but planning for more than a couple days is sooo daunting for me.  I just feel like I can never pack enough since I'm constantly changing my mind on what I should be wearing.  Did it get cold? Should I wear a jacket now? What if that jacket doesn't match what I had already planned? Do I even feel like wearing this outfit anyway?  Ugh... I wish you could take your closet with you on trips...

I did however find a great way to decide what to wear.  Have you guys heard of polivore.com?  It's so great because you can find pretty much any piece of clothing in your closet and mix-and -match items right on your computer... which really saves a ton of time trying things on constantly. So here it is, my first outfit for this great trip.  Sara's rehearsal wedding dress!

...and, isn't it just so Texas!?