Things I'm Loving Thursday

WE. MOVE. TOMORROW. Finally. There is going to be lots and lots of work going on at our new house over these next few weeks months. We have tons of decorating to do and furniture to buy. I am looking forward to a day in the (hopefully) near future where it really starts to feel like home.

What I'm loving this week...

...this planner. I love all things personalized, and this online store has a great selection of patterns and prints to personalize your own pretty notebook/baby diary/meal planner/bump diary—all of which I see as future purchases!

Source: maybooks.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here}

...the fact that this book is finally out! I've been waiting to read it for months!

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here}

...these booties. Seriously LOVE them!

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here}

...this list of toddler activities. After nap will return to being craft/activity time once we have moved and have all of our things in one place!

Source: playcreateexplore.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{List}

...this. Because I know I can always use a reminder.

Source: traceysthoughts.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

It's almost weekend time! YAY!

XOXO

Pool Day

We're just in from spending some time at the pool, and boy is this mommy pooped! We played, swam, waded and floated our way through the morning. We ate our lunches (and a soft pretzel!) there, then splashed in the "big boy" pool and put in some time at the playground. Fun in the sun! We love Summer!

Dinner with Big Papa

Last night, we had dinner with Big Papa. I caught them both mid-cheese. Hilarious! Shout out to BP for keeping B entertained while Barry and I ran to Macy's to speed shop for buy a new mattress for our new master. It's becoming more real by the day...WE'RE MOVING!

Monday Mish-Mash

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was fantabulous if I do say so myself. Barry and I had a date night on Friday, Saturday was a low-key day with Branner, and yesterday I spent the whole day being pampered with two of my longtime girlfriends at Ballantyne Resort's Spa. A.MAZ.ING. Perfect timing that our hubbies surprised us since we are moving (again) this week. 

Just a few things I wanted to share with you today:

1. Recipe

Source: food.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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This sounds so super easy, which is exactly what I need this week. During the summer, we keep it simple when it comes to meals. Mainly grilled/baked meat and tons of fresh fruits and veggies. This recipe is perfect to add into the mix!

Baked Garlic Chicken 

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 T brown sugar

3 t olive oil

Lightly grease a casserole dish. Preheat oven to 500. In a small pan, saute garlic with oil until tender. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar. Place chicken breasts in dish and cover with garlic/brown sugar mixture. Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes. I'll follow up and let you know the results!

2. Book

Just finished Jennifer Weiner's Then Came You. It was an easy, fun read. Next up?

Source: claremontroad.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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3. Potty Training

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For a few months now, Branner has been showing all of the signs that he is ready to start using the potty. However, in this period of transition, I did not feel it was a good time to start. We'll be settling into serious potty training mode once we move. Moms, any suggestions on books or articles for me to read regarding the subject? I'm thinking this is going to happen starting in two-three weeks (I want him to acclimate to the house some first), so I have time to research.

4. Fitness

Source: spokanefitnesssecrets.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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This is my least busy time of year (social media client-wise), so I have been able to step up my game at the gym. Right now, my fitness routine is consisting of two weights classes, two cardio dance classes and one yoga class a week. I have been loving it! I'm trying an Athletic Conditioning class tomorrow night (think Insanity), and I'm really looking forward to that! What's your favorite workout?

Well, I'm off to the Y and our pool with Branner. Happy Monday, y'all!

Fashion Friday: Fabulous Fall

Just a few things I have my eye on for Fall!

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Madison Marcus Silk Print Dress

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Tinley Road Peplum Dress

Would look great with some leopard shoes!

Source: toryburch.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Tory Burch Maisey Crossbody

Source: katespade.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Kate Spade Grove Court Large Maise

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Zara Cardigan with Crochet Detailing

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

7 for All Mankind High Shine Leather-Like Skinnies

Source: joybx.com via Ashley on Pinterest

LOVE this mani!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

How is it Thursday again? Only one more Thursday to go before we close on our new house! SO MUCH to do between now and then. While I'm not looking forward to unpacking our 18,000 boxes, I am looking forward to finally living there and getting acclimated to our new neighborhood and side of town. It's only 6 miles from where we are now, but I'm still going to have to switch grocery stores and Targets. GRRRRRR.

A few things I'm loving this week...

...these knock off bubble necklaces that are on groopdealz.com for $19.99!! After my turquoise J. Crew one fell apart, I'm not willing to re-invest $150 for the real thing. I got yellow! You should get one, too!

Source: groopdealz.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Get yours here}

...this jacket from Zara. DYING over it for Fall!

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here}

...this! Switch out Zumba for Cardio Dance, and this is my life!

Source: mommyunplugged.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this recipe. Sounds delicious. I seriously cannot get enough fresh fruits and veggies from the Farmer's Market right now! I also want to get back to having Meatless Mondays.

Source: rantingchef.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Recipe}

....yoga. After at least 5-6 months of not practicing, I have added it back into my fitness routine. I didn't realize how much I loved and missed it until I started back!

Source: deserthorseyoga.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Hope everyone has a fabu weekend! I have tons to look forward to, hope you do as well!

XOXO

The World's Best Chicken

With a name like that, y'all know I've got to try it! Another Pinterest find that will be on my table tonight!

Source: rachelschultz.com via Ashley on Pinterest

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 c dijon mustard

1/4 c maple syrup

1 T red wine vinegar

salt & pepper

rosemary

Preheat oven to 450. Mix mustard, syrup, and vinegar together in a small bowl. Place chicken breasts in a 9x13 baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mustard mixture over chicken. Bake for 45 minutes. Season with rosemary. Enjoy!

Two and a Half

Oh, Branner! Where did the last six months go? How are we already halfway to three (three?!)? It seems like only the blink of an eye has passed since your first birthday party, but alas, it has really been a year and a half.

You are smart. You are feisty. You are silly. You are independent. You are also sweet. You are bold. You are funny. You are amusing. You are loving. You are everything to your daddy and I.

You still love the great outdoors. You love the beach and the ocean and boat rides. You love tractors and trucks and planes and trains and cars. You love to play and do puzzles and read books. You love school and learning. You love Bailey and Chloe. You love to go to the pool. You love to run and jump and march and play. You love Curious George and Nemo and Elmo. You love morning cuddles and nighttime prayers. You love us and all of your extended family members. You love tickles and hugs and kisses.

Sometimes you are whiny. Sometimes you disobey. Sometimes things aren't easy. But, that is life. Everything isn't always perfect. But, you, my sweet boy, are perfect to us.

You bring us joy and noise and laughter. You make us thankful and happy and alive. You make us better people. You help to give our lives purpose and meaning far greater than we could have imagined. 

You are destined for great things, I can feel it in my bones. 

Happy Half Birthday!!!

Fashion Friday: Fall, Y'all

With Piperlime's Fall Shoe Preview up and Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale right around the corner, I've already started thinking about my cooler weather wish list. Specifically, for my feet. Who knows if I will get pregnant soon? So, while I may not be ready to invest in clothing, I can drool over (and purchase) some new shoes! Here's what I have my eye on...

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Mia Limited Edition Knight

I actually already bought these. OOPS!

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Pour La Victorie Zimmer

Love, love, love these! Would wear them all of the time!

Source: toryburch.com via Ashley on Pinterest

TB Amazon Croc Print Reva

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Jeffrey Campbell Pizan Pump

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Steve Madden Hawkins Pump

What do you have your eye on for Fall?! You can check my Fall 2012 Pinterest board here.

New Book

I'm on my own tonight, so I'm going to make the most of my alone time (once I get Branner down) by downloading this book and enjoying a glass of Chardonnay!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Wow, this week has flown by! Branner was in camp a few hours in the morning, and since none of my clients needed me this week, I got some time to myself to run errands, work out, and relax a little (mani/pedi today). I felt guilty sending him off when I really didn't need to, but he woke up each morning asking to, "Go pool, mommy!," so at least he had a good time. While he's loving camp at our pool, here's what I'm loving this week...

...this workout. Great way to break a sweat anywhere! Very handy for those days you just can't make it to the gym!

Source: eatwatchrun.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this topknot tutorial. I am obsessed with topknots right now! Next date night or night out, I'm totally rocking one!

Source: hairromance.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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...this necklace. So cute! So affordable!

Source: vestique.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{buy here}


...this. I told Branner this last night and went out for margaritas and Magic Mike with my friend, Stacey. Channing Tatum, I LOVE YOU!!! If you haven't seen it yet (and, you're a female), do yourself a favor and go!

Source: someecards.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this recipe. I love quinoa! Can't wait to try it next week!

Source: allrecipes.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{get recipe here}


Hope everyone has a great weekend! XOXO!

Just Finished

I finished this book in less than 24 hours. Yes, it's that good! No wonder so many people recommended it! If you decide to read it, make sure you have tissues handy! 

IOP via Instagram

We spent the week of the fourth with Jason, Kendra, Devyn and Courtney at Wild Dunes/IOP. We had a blast! Between boat rides, tubing, swimming, shell hunting, beachin' it, island hopping, sunning, reading, napping and playing, we enjoyed the company of some of our most favorite people on Earth!

Starfish—Tidal Pool

Yummy ice cream cone!

DELISH!

Dribbles!

Boat ride to see fireworks! Two halves of my heart!

Boat ride scenery—sunset.

Full Moon Fourth // Happy Independence Day!

Building a sandcastle with Daddy!