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Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Walmart Fashion | Spring 2021

Recently, I order some things from Wal Mart to try on and see how they fit. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of things I actually kept and really liked.  Here is a little recap!

Contains affiliate links

Skinny Pant | Very light weight, so if you are looking for a thicker pant, this is not it. But I like them for Summer and where they hot on me. I got these in the dark denim color, but have a lot of others online.

Quilted Sandal | These are amazing. They have memory foam so are so comfortable. They will be in rotation a lot this Summer.

Knit Dress | Really easy to throw on for errands or dress it up with wedges. I like that it is a thicker material and has pockets.

Jumpsuit | Comes in a bunch of colors. Another easy option to throw on for running around and chasing kids.

Knot Front Top | Super cute. Looks different on model online and really cropped. Paired with high waisted jeans, you can't see any skin. Wearing normal size small. 

Flare Jeans | I didn't know how I was going to feel about these, but I love them! They were sold out of my normal size, so I went down. I am gonna keep this size though because I feel as though they may stretch, and I do like the way they suck me in. If I went to my normal, they might be too loose in the crotch area.

Button Front Skirt | I did not like this. The pockets flared out and made me look larger in the hips area. The material was a very stiff/ structured denim.

Baby Doll Dress | I loved this dress, but unfortunately it was a little too big in the chest area. The sleeves kept falling down. With a strapless bra you could wear it off the shoulder if you would add some tape to keep the sleeves up. I think it would be perfect for a bridal shower or even with a bump!

Ankle Strap Espadrille | These are super cute. Love the dress look and that they have memory foam! If you work in an environment where you need closed toe and backs, these would be perfect.

Friday, March 26, 2021

Five for Friday

I'm super excited for this weekend, because it's suppose to be nice finally!! Today they calling for the high 60's with some showers- but hey, I'll take it! It's better then snow, that's for sure! 


one..

I few weeks ago I had the boys Spring pictures taken in studio with LG Photography and I was so excited to get the proofs back this week! This is the one she shared through her facebook page and it just shows their personalities so darn well! Joey is always cracking or making jokes and Vinny is serious and taking it all in! God I love these boys of mine!



two..

Tory Burch is having their Spring sale. I rounded up some of my favorite items below! This is the perfect time to purchase if you have had your eye on something, because very rarely does this designer go on sale!

Tory Burch Spring Sale: Use code SPRING to get 25% off $200 or 30% off $500+

1. Ella Canvas Tote

2. Serif T Single Wrap Bracelet

3. Ballet Flat

4. Fleming Convertible Shoulder Bag

5. McGraw Camera Bag 

6. Long Quilted Jacket

7. Fleming Soft Zip Continental Wallet


three..

Unfortunately I didn't realize this sale ended yesterday.. however, these are my favorites so I would keep your eye out, because they always are running sales!!

1. Demi - Lightly lined (my favorite for years)

2. Real Me Wireless Lightly Lined- just purchased this one, but can tell it's gonna be a staple!

3. Real Happy Strapless (favorite strapless & comes with straps too!)

4. Bralette- Looks great under tops!

5. Real Sunnie Demi Push Up- Gives a little extra without all the padding like other stores.


four..

We are having some landscaping work and other home things done this weekend, so I'm super excited to start our spring projects!


five..

Family movie night is tonight. My only request is I am craving a margarita, so shrimp tacos and marg's it is. Weather is suppose to be soooo nice today, so many we can even move some crap off the patio and watch our movie outside. Joey wants to watch a dinosaur movie, so immediately I thought of Land Before Time. That was  one of my favorite movies when I was younger!


Hope you all have a great weekend, friends!


Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Easter Basket Ideas | 2021

 Can you believe Easter is next weekend! I got some time this week while Joey was at swim class and Vinny was already down for bed to put the boys baskets together! 


Most of the items can from the Target dollar section. I don't like to get the boys chocolate, since I already know the grandparents will get them some- plus I don't really want them eating it! ha 


Now that the baskets are done, I just need to raid the play room for small toys to fill the eggs with, since lord knows we don't need more toys!








Baskets Vinny's |Seersucker Liner
Joey's is older
Books | Usborne
Name & Hop tags | Chalk Design by Me
Toys, Bubbles, Chalk Etc. | Target Dollar Spot
T-shirt | H&M (sold out online)



More Easter Basket Ideas..


Easter Basket Ideas | Gender Neutral









Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Weekend Getaway | Long Beach Island

 Friday I left a little early from work so that Joe and I could begin our weekend away from responsibilities. But the universe was like- nope girl.. not yet!

Vinny woke up with a slight fever, and I just knew he was getting another molar in. I don't remember Joey getting molars in this early, so it's odd to me at this young he is going through this. Anyway, I obviously couldn't send him to school, but the time he actually woke up, it was already past our normal time we would be leaving for my parents house. So I quickly got the boys around. Dropped Joey off at school and headed to drop Vinny off so that I could get to work. As soon as I pulled onto the highway my gas light went on.. I am soo bad about checking these things, especially when I'm in a hurry. I was able to get all the way to the exit I needed to get off and grab gas quick. Dropped Vinny off and headed late into work.. wooffff!!


Anyway, left work early to head home and get Charger ready to head to the sitter for the weekend. It was the first time him staying with anyone else, besides family. So we were all super nervous. He went right with her and was excited to start playing with her dogs.. and we were finally on our way!!


Friday..

We checked into our hotel. We stayed at Hotel LBI with is practically a brand new hotel on the island. It's actually the only hotel on the island. There are a couple different motels, but nothing as big and elaborate as this one. The sun was just setting and it was soo pretty going over the bay that we could see from our room. The pool was also right outside the room as well that you can see in the picture below. In the summer they open up the roof!



We had dinner reservations at Raimondo's, so we headed immediately there. Fun fact- or you may remember if you've been here that long. LBI is very special to us, since this is where we got engaged. Joe threw a surprise party for me at Raimondo's with my close friends. 


Since it was lent, I got the flounder over penne and it was delicious! We also brought our favorite wine- Flowers. We got the Spiuedini to start and of course finished with some chocolate tarte cake! We were both exhausted, so after dinner we went back to the hotel and just crashed.

Saturday..

Even though we both woke up our normal early times, we were lazy and hung around the room for a better part of the morning. To go out during the day, I put on the cutest jumpsuit. Unfortunately it's not available anymore, so I linked a similar one on my LiketoKnowIt app! 

When we finally did get around to getting ready, we headed to another favorite grab and go place The Local. Joe and I both got breakfast sandwiches and shared one of their amazing large pop tarts (picture showing it already half way eaten!!) I got the special coffee of the weekend- Caramel Bourbon Cold Brew and Joe got a dopio. We ate on the patio even though it was a little chilly!

We went to the Lighthouse after breakfast and walked around for a little bit. It was chilly, but so sunny and beautiful. If you want to read about our engagement  SIX years ago at the top of the lighthouse- check it out here!


We hit up a few more stores on that side of the island before heading back to the hotel. I did a quick outfit changed and we headed to the other side of the island.


After leaving the hotel, we went to the other end of the island to my favorite stores. While I shopped Joe went to the brewery and then I met up with him for a drink. I actually ran into a friend from College there, so it was nice to catch up a little! 


After leaving that area, we drove down to the end of the island. There were so many surfers in the water and the water looked beautiful.

When we left the beach, we headed back to the hotel to go to Happy Hour. We were lucky to get a table in the bar area, and ordered a bunch of appetizers and drinks. 


I was so excited to see Blue Chair Bay rum on the menu with one the drink specials. I ordered the Endless Summer  with was Blue Chair Bay Rum, Melon Liquor, Fruit Juice and Rum Float. It was sooo good and definitely got me excited for Summer drinks by the pool. We ended up just staying at our table the rest of the night and snacking on different things. We had all intentions of going back out somewhere, but thought a nice quiet night with no interruptions of 'i'm hungry' or 'i have to pee' or lord knows what else was in order!

Sunday..  

We ended up checking out early and heading to Wally's for breakfast. It was actually our first time eating here because the wait time is usually so long. But it was worth it. We loved the atmosphere and the food was delicious!  We stopped back at the Local to take some food home before leaving the island. We wanted to get home to the boys so that we could play outside since the weather was so nice.

It was so nice to get away for the weekend, but it feels good to be home with the boys and craziness as well! Until next time..









Monday, March 22, 2021

Amazon | 2021 Spring Fashion Part 1

I recently ordered some pieces from Amazon for Spring. Mostly I was looking for pieces I could wear both to work and on the weekends. Some I am still waiting to receive and are delayed, but I loved the items below that I got in!

Contains affiliate links.
Heels - Old Navy (old)

Sandals | Jack Rodgers



Friday, March 19, 2021

Five on Friday

This may have been one of the longest weeks. Daylight Savings still has me messed up and definitely has the boys schedules out of whack.  

one..

After work I had a date night with Joey perusing the aisles of Target followed by Chick Fil A.. But I got the idea of giving back by doing a giveaway of a target gift card! But not just one, TWO Target gift cards. Head over to my Instagram and check on the picture posted yesterday 3/18 to see how to enter!! It's so easy and who doesn't love Target!!


two..

Wednesday was St. Patrick's Day, so Tuesday night we set out our Leprechaun trap hoping we would get lucky and catch him. We didn't catch him, but must have scared him, because he dropped two packets of gold coins that the boys got to share!


three..

We officially got the emails for both t-ball and soccer in the Spring that we signed Joey up for. Guess who the head coach for Joey's t-ball team is? JOE! I volunteered him when I signed Joey up, but he loves it (even if he doesn't show it right now!). Joe played baseball his whole life and even in College, so he will make a great coach! We already purchased his shin guards as well as cleats. But I can't wait to see him in his uniforms!

four..

Talking about T-ball and soccer, our schedules are about to get a whole lot busier!! This winter we turned part of our garage into a mud room and I hung this acrylic calendar  and it has been the best things for keeping track of where everyone is going! 


five..

After work today, we are going on a little getaway to Long Beach Island for the weekend. I am SO ready for this! I had the idea that I wanted to go antiquing one weekend and that lead to heading down to the shore and then staying the weekend. I was debating taking the boys with us, but finally made the decision for them to spend the weekend with Gaga and Poppy. 

Monday, March 15, 2021

Spring Looks 2021 | Pink Lily Boutique

Who's counting down to May. Why May you ask.. well it feel as though here in PA the weather is never going to change! Last week we had a few days where the temps reached the 60's and it was such a tease! Now we are all craving that weather to return and stay. 

A girlfriend of mine introduced my to Pink Lily and all their cute items they have. Every time I ask her where she got something she is wearing, it's more then likely from Pink Lily! So I thought I would jump on the train too, especially seeing so many other bloggers I follow raving about it and even having their own collections. 


Jumpsuit

Swim Bottom | Swim Top

Denim Shorts

White Blouse


I love great transitional pieces, so I picked these pieces to transition from Winter to Spring! I love this bathing suit so I knew I had to grab it!

Friday, March 12, 2021

2021 House Goals

I know I am a little late on the home goals thing, considering it's March and usually this would be a January post. But honestly, I've been in a slump lately- I blame winter!! and I just am finally getting my creativity back! Spring is on it's way, the snow is finally melting and it has me eager to get things done. I compiled a list of  'wish list' items I would like to get done this year, but it really isn't a maker or breaker deal. The biggest thing which we have already started getting estimates, is to finish the basement. This will give us more living space and make us cleanout and get rid of crap in the basement. 

Here is a picture of our Spring mantel. I wish I could say I DIY'd this- however it was built like this when I moved in!
Stools | Serena & Lily
Topiaries | Home Goods
Euculptus Platers | Target
Bunnies | Pier 1
Metal Houses | Target 


+ Paint front porch and walkway

+ Extend Kitchen Seating

+ Power wash house and fence

+ Paint mailbox post

+ Organize Pantry & Back stock

+ Basement Remodel (contracted)

+ Purchase Shed / landscape 

+Rearrange patio

+Rearrange office for double office

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Basement Remodel

When we moved, one of the musts we needed was a basement whether finished or not that we could turn into a family room/ playroom/man cave area. At our old house we had a semi finished basement but whenever we had people over (pre kids) we would gravitate there since we had a bar set up. 

In our current home we have a pretty decent size basement and we are excited to finally make it out own. Considering we haven't had to do much in our home besides picking paints, I'm eager to get my hands on something!

It will be broken into four 'sections'. Our stairs are in the middle of the room, so on one side will be the family room and the bar area, while on the other side of the stairs is a full bathroom and storage closet as well as a play area for the boys. 

Back where the furnace is located we are keeping as a storage room to hold all our holiday decorations, miscellaneous decorations and large serving ware. 

I put together these mood boards, as we go about the planning process. All the furniture & rug we had from our previous house. The only new thing I am loving is this foosball coffee table


The bar area as you see is blank. We would love to have a bar built by our contractor, so if we can cut other costs down a little this may be something we can look in to!


For the play area, we will get some storage for toys to be kept down here, and then we recently got our Nugget in Koala color to put down here once finished!

If you have been here a while you may remember our half bath we made into a full in our last house. We used this same Ikea bathroom vanity set and sink and loved it. I will be purchasing the same again for here! 

What do you think? Have you finished your basement or plan on doing it?







Monday, March 8, 2021

Saint Patrick's Day | How to Catch a Leprechaun

 Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your house? Well I can tell you that our St Patty's day looks a whole lot different these days then it did say 12 years ago! No more keg & eggs, green beer and bar hopping for us, but one tradition we did start last year is setting our leprechaun trap.

If you haven't done this before, it's pretty easy and you can go as big or little as you want since it's your trap!  Last year Joey was really into it and couldn't wait until the morning to see if the leprechaun was in our trap, but to our surprise the little bugger got out and left a HUGE mess behind.





So before I dive into how we made it.. what is the story of this said leprechaun trap? Well this book may help: How to Trap a Leprechaun . We read it before we built ours so that made Joey really excited! Probably next year, we will read it to Vinny too, so that he understands it as well!


What you need to make your trap:

Shoe box- Cut whole in top

Props (Target dollar section- last year or print some out)

Glitter

Makers,paint, stickers

Gold Coins 

Small Treat for Child


Directions for Trap:

Start by cutting the hole in your box that will trap your leprechaun. Last year in the dollar section at Target I found the cutest props to use. I of course saved them to use year after year, but if you can't find any, you can print or make your own! Paint or color the box so that you can't see the writing on it. I used mod podge and put glitter all over it too. Use your props to decorate and lure the leprechaun into the trap. 

PARENTS:

On St. Patrick's Day morning, before the kids wake, be sure to bust a hole into you box and leave footprints and glitter trail to show he escaped! I left the boys a little bag each of gold coins (found in the dollar spot) to make believe he fled without his 'gold stash'. I served Lucky Charms for breakfast that morning, and even let the boys take some extra marshmallows!

This was last years trap after we tried to catch him, but somehow busted out!!

I love this tradition and the innocence it holds. I can't wait until Joey wakes up on St. Patrick's Day to see if we caught him!

Updated 3/17/2021:
We did not catch a leprechaun, but he did leave two bags of chocolate coins that the boys can enjoy!








Thursday, March 4, 2021

Currently | March 2021

I haven't done a link up in a while, but today I'm joining in with Anne from In Residence for the 'Currently' link up. So, let's get to it..




Kindle 

Spring-ish jacket from Target

Splurge vs. Save | Serena & Lily

I am always looking for a good bargain, and if it is a dupe it's even better! Today we are comparing the Splurge of the Serena and Lily vs the Target Threshold Line. They have so many similar items it almost makes you think they know exactly what they are doing!


Now, I want to first say, I do not own the Serena and Lily versions of these, but I can contest to the Target versions. The pillows I've used for our pool the past two summers and are still like new. I spot treat them if need be, but they get wet by the pool, thrown around and shoved into a storage bin when not being used. The chair and lanterns are new purchases this year. However, the chairs feel very sturdy and I plan on keeping them under our covered patio. The Target pieces may not last as long as the Serena ones, but that is a chance I am willing to take. I feel as though my style might change by the time these are ready to throw in the towel anyway, so I don't feel so guilty with the price tag when that happens.

First up.. Riviera Chairs vs French Bistro Chairs:

Target French Bistro Chair


Next.. Beach Stripe Pillow Covers vs Cabana Stripe Pillows:

These are ONLY for the COVER and not the insert. The insert is sold separately for Serena & Lily 

Serena & Lily Beach Stripe Square

Target Cabana Stripe Lumbar 

Target Cabana Stripe Square


Lastly.. Cayman Lanterns vs Scalloped Mermaid Lanterns:

Serena & Lily Cayman Lantern- Large

Target Iron & Glass Scalloped Mermaid- Small

Target Iron & Glass Scalloped Mermaid - Large




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