TGIF XVII

Happy Friday my friends! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

{1} Divergent

While the kiddos are in school today I will be sneaking off to the movies. I am looking forward to seeing Divergent with some other SAHMs. I think it will be good for all of us to get away during the middle of the day. A little "me time" will make me a better mom, right!?!

{2} Orchids

I don't want to jinx myself but I am super proud that I have keep a orchid alive for almost three weeks. My brother's super cute girlfriend bought us an orchid when they joined us for dinner. We started talking about how hard they are to keep alive but so far so good!

{3} Let's Go Friars!

Hubby and I are so excited for the Providence College basketball game today. Last week's Big East Championship game was a nail-biter. Hope the Friar's will come out on top tonight too!

{4} Middle School

I totally can not believe it but we are already getting B ready for Middle School. This week we spend over an hour at the rising 6th grader's "Music Night". B got to try any instruments that she was thinking about playing next year and how whatever reason she was only interested in ones that were bigger than herself. I am happy to report that I talked her out of playing the tuba!

{5} Spring

Every year I say I will order all of my planters for Spring in March. And then every year, I don't! I just have such a hard time thinking Spring when it is so cold outside. The problem is that when I wait all of the planters I like are sold out. Hopefully this year will be different!!!

You can also find me at A Liz Adventures and Hello! Happiness

TGIF XVI

This was our first full week of school in what seems like forever so I can not tell you how very overjoyed I am that it is finally Friday. Honestly, on Wednesday I woke up and thought it was Thursday. I was crushed when I figured out my mistake. With all of that time off I really had no idea what day of the week it was!

Anyway without further ado, here is what's on my mind...

{1} Regrets

This year I have made it my mission to clean this house out! We simply have more "stuff" than we need. (Hubby's note- AGREED!) So I right after Christmas I gave away all of my super big, super cozy wool sweaters. They served me well in New England but I just was not wearing them in NoVa. Boy do I regret that now!!! Since it would be tacky to ask for them back I guess I will have to do some shopping. And don't be surprised that I am shopping the men's department of LL Bean!

{2} Ikea Hack

I am so happy that I am finally doing this! I knew this was going to be a great project but I had no idea it would take me this long to get around to it. I can't believe I first mentioned it in July. But I am finally doing it!!!

{3} Vino By It's Cover

We all know that we are not suppose to judge a book by its cover but I would be a liar if I said I never read a book simply because its cover appealed to me. Recently I could say the same about a wine I tried for the first time. It had been forever since I was in a wine shop and was able to talk with the owner about what I like and didn't like about red wines. After a bit of chatting he suggested two wines. And I picked one simply because I loved its name. Not to worry it all worked out...I loved it!

{4} Formal Wear

The time of year has come that I must find a formal dress for the Catholic Charities Ball. We always have the best time at the Ball yet I always wait until the last minute to find a dress. This year I am thinking of doing something different. Has anyone had any luck with Rent The Runway? I would love to hear what you think.

{5} Art App

I know that talked about this App yesterday so forgive me but think it bears repeating. When you use the Waterlogue App, you can turn any iPhone picture into a watercolor. It is so pretty! 

You can also find me at A. Liz Aventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and The Good Life Blog

TGIF XIII

Can you believe that it is less than a week to Thanksgiving!?! To say that I have too much to do in not much time would be the understatement of the year. But have no fear, I have a plan!

{1} Blue & White Plus Orange

I am sure that it would not surprise you that I turned to Pinterest for some tablescape inspiration. I just love the Thanksgiving table setting that Jennifer put together! I have a feeling that I will love the way my Royal Copenhagen china looks with orange accents.

{2} Tom The Turkey

Last night I got our bird. I must have been quite the sight digging in the meat case looking for a turkey that weighed less than 13 pounds while wearing a dress. It was not pretty but I got what I wanted! 

{3} Thermometer

There is nothing worst than dry turkey meat on Thanksgiving! So to make sure that does not happen to me I ordered a new remote thermometer. In theory I will be able to leave the kitchen and socialize without over cooking dinner. Leaving the kitchen on Thanksgiving...a girl can dream right?

{4} Apron

I am a big fan of aprons! In fact I wear one almost everyday. They truly help cut down on the trips I make to the dry cleaners and the time I have to spend spot treating my wash. This year I will be wearing a vintage apron that my Gram gave me for Christmas last year but Anthropologie has a bunch a super cute aprons too!

{5} A Forgiving Top

I am sure it is going to prove that I am not a lady, let alone a Southern lady, but I plan to indulge on Thanksgiving. Truly this is my most favorite meal of the whole year! (The only close second is our lobster dinner at the Cape.) So I feel like this top with my pixie pants would be perfect for next week.

So what is your Thanksgiving game plan?

You can also find me at A. Liz Aventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and The Good Life Blog

TGIF XII

It is Friday and it's my baby's 5th baby. I am not sure if I should laugh or cry! I thank God everyday that L still enjoys a good cuddle. I really don't think my heart could take it if he did not love all the hugs I feel the need to give him!!!

{1} Kabobs

L simply loves kabobs! Which is a win-win for us since they are peanut-free and as long as the pita never touches B's plate, it is gluten free too! Oh and did I mention I will be getting a night off from cooking since Hubby will pick them up on the way home from work? Yeah all around!!!

{2} Dessert

L has asked that I make him red velvet cupcakes. The only problem is that the last time I made them I used eggs which is a no go for L. But I have a couple of ideas. I will let you know how it goes.

{3} Good vs Bad

Last year for his birthday L was gifted with Imaginext's Eagle Castle which he loves. It is his go-to toy but he feels as if something is missing. He "needs" more knights! So I think that the "Good Knights vs Dark Knights" play set will be perfect.

{4} T-Rex

It also turns out that every 5 year old needs a T-Rex. Who knew!?! (Hubby's note- Let's be honest, who doesn't need a T-Rex? It would make commuting a LOT easier. Especially if it had a laser on its back.)

{5} Epi-Pen Coupon

This might seem totally unrelated to L's 5th birthday but I promise it is not. L is allergic to peanuts and we found out the hard way. Simply put we now carry two Epi-Pens where ever we go. And if you are like us this coupon is awesome!

I hope you have a great weekend friends!!!

You can also find me at A Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and The Good Life Blog

TGIF VI

We spent all day yesterday running an unreal amount of errands to make sure that the kiddos are ready for their first day back to school.  And it got me thinking....moms need a back-to-school list too!  

1 {Cardigan Sweaters}

When the kids go back to school it will too warm for many of the new Fall arrivals. But if your children's school is anywhere as cold as my kiddos' is then you need a cardigan. A classic cardigan like this one from J.Crew would go with so many tops and fit neatly in your purse.

2 {A New Handbag}

Don't you think that your new cardigan would look great tucked into a new purse?  A mother's handbag does just as much work as a child's backpack, if not more. So I say a bag that has classical line and quality is the way to go. And I think this Tory Burch Satchel fits the bill perfectly!

3 {Travel Coffee Mug}

I am so not happy about having to start setting my alarm clock but I know that coffee will help me get through. I will ground my fresh bean the night before and set the coffee pot as always but I think this travel mug will brighten my mornings.  And I am so grateful to April for letting me know that World Market has such cute travel mugs!!!

4 {A New Planner}

I know that most people get their next planner at the start of the new year but I find it best to get one at the start of the new school year. That might make me sound like a silly Stay-At-Home-Mom but really my children are my "business" and this is the start of our "business year". This year I went with a new planner and so far so good!

5 {A Reward}

After you have been running all over town trying to get every item on your child's back-to-school lists you are going to be wiped out.  So I say that we all deserve, no need, a relaxing reward! A mani or pedi, a new dress, new slippers or maybe a new piece of bling. Whatever speaks to you....I say go for it!!!!

You can always find me at A. Liz Adventures, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm and The Good Life Blog.