First ER Visit

He wanted to wear his hospital gown this am!

It was bound to happen sooner or later. And, last night was the night of a scary first: Branner's first visit to the Emergency Room. In an ambulance, no less!

It all started about 7:15, when we were eating dinner. I made Barry and I shrimp with a spicy sauce, and I had a few leftover, so I decided to cook them up simply for B. He's been eating shrimp forever now! He loves popcorn shrimp! Well, apparently, it's true what they say about food allergies: they really can develop overnight.

So, even though he did not actually eat a shrimp at dinner (not a surprise), the fork that had shrimp on it did come into contact with his mouth. And, hives and swollen lips shortly ensued. I gave him some Children's Benadryl, and we hopped in the car to go to Urgent Care. As soon as we walked in the door, he vomited three times. They immediately rushed us back into a room, and started getting his vitals. He got an Epi pen and a steroid injection. The doctor said he was slightly wheezing, so he would have to travel to the hospital via ambulance just in case. It all happened so fast, and he was so calm and acting just like his normal self, that I really didn't have time to freak out. He thought riding in an ambulance was cool!

So, we spent 4 hours at the Levine Children's Hospital ER for observation. No further bumps in the road. We watched Nemo and took a wagon ride. The staff was amazing. We got home around 1:30 this morning, and everything is fine. We'll see B's pediatrician for follow-up next week, and he'll have to have the needle test at the allergist.

Luckily all is well. Major prayers were going up from us last night! CRAZY!!!!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

I can't believe it's almost Labor Day weekend. Where did summer go? Actually, where did the whole year go?! Unfortunately, we are not getting out of town for the DNC next week like we should have. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. Here's what I'm loving this week...

...these pants! I bought them to wear to the Panthers game in two weeks with a black top and turquoise jewelry. Can't wait to get them and try them on!

Source: loft.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here}

...this idea. I pinned it over a year ago, and this is how Branner and I are going to start spending our afternoons and the days he's not in school. 

Source: somewhatsimple.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Source}

...this. True story!

Source: someecards.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this recipe. I'm making it tomorrow night when we have Jen and Trey over for dinner! It's a major departure from what we normally eat (we don't eat red meat often anymore), and I'm excited to try it!

Source: lifetimemoms.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Recipe}

Hope everyone has a great long weekend!

XOXO

Sweet & Spicy Meatloaf

It's no secret that Barry loves meatloaf. It's also no secret that all of my recipe inspiration comes from Pinterest these days. So, once I pinned this, I knew it was only a matter of time before I was going to try it! We loved it!

Sweet & Spicy Meatloaf

Source: mrfood.com via Ashley on Pinterest

1.5-2 lbs ground beef (y'all know we don't really eat red meat, so I used turkey)

1 onion, finely chopped

1 c dry bread crumbs (I like panko)

1 c shredded cheddar

1/2 c sweet & spicy French dressing

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 4 oz can mushrooms, drained

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

1/2 c ketchup

Preheat oven to 375. Coat a 9X5" loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except ketchup. Mix well. Distribute mixture in pan. Spread ketchup evenly over top. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until juices run clear. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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Weekend Update

New urns. Terrible pic, but you get the idea.

I. Am. So. Tired. 

We have had a wonderful weekend, but we are all pooped! Case in point: Branner slept until 9:15 today. 9:15!!!!!! All y'all with kiddos know that sleeping past 9 is the mommy equivalent to sleeping until noon. It was so nice!

Friday night, we met Jen, Trey, and Saline at Stonecrest for dinner at Smashburger, live music, a little bit of prosecco from Dean & Deluca, and some ice cream. We had a blast! I need to look up and see how much longer they're doing the live music thing, because I'd love to take Branner again! 

Saturday, we also got to sleep in (8:30!!). We did a few things around the house, then hit the road to Asheboro because last night was Blake and Lindsay's first wedding shower! What a great party! Barry and I even made it downtown for a minute after the shower (probably has something to do with why I'm so sleepy today). It was our first time out in Asheboro, which is crazy, but we always stick close to home on our visits. 

We drove back to Charlotte this afternoon, and I've caught up on a few TV shows and lounged while Barry planted in our new front door urns. I have a black thumb, so I leave all of the gardening to him. They turned out great! 

We'll do a low key dinner and probably go to bed super early tonight. What a fun couple of days! I'm pretty sure we'll be staying put next weekend instead of traveling for Labor Day!

Fashion Friday: Jacket Jubilee

Right now, I am obsessing over jackets. At the moment, I am very hesitant to buy anything for Fall/Winter pants-wise, because I'm hoping to be in maternity pants at some point. But, I figure jackets and cardigans are open game since I can still wear them unbuttoned and unzipped even with a pregnant belly--if I am lucky enough to have one!

I ordered this cutie from Old Navy this morning. They have 25% off right now, so it was less than $30!

Source: oldnavy.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy}

Totally digging this red hot number from Zara!

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy}

Houndstooth! And, chains! Love! Also from Zara

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy}

Adore this sequined cardi! So fun for a night out and, again, from Zara.

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy}

Of course, I must have a leopard jacket. From Asos.

Source: us.asos.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy}

Looking forward to cooler weather!
XOXO

Master Bedroom Update

Bailey photo-bombed!

Phase One of our MB update is complete! Our headboard, pillows and dustruffle arrived today along with our drapes (same fabric as the decorative pillows)!!! I am so pleased with the way everything turned out! Curtain installation is in two weeks. I can't wait! Now, on to Phase Two: bedside tables, lamps, and wall decor. Thanks, Lauren, I am so, so, so pleased!

Things I'm Loving Thursday!

I got some work done this morning, the painters are here (our bedroom is already done, and I love it!), I'm catching up on last night's Top Chef Masters and US Weekly from the past two weeks, and I have a BFF date with Jen tonight—today's a good day! It will be the perfect day if I can make it on time to my favorite gym class, Cardio Dance. I'm loving all of these facts, and I'm also loving...

...this lunchbox. I just ordered it for Branner, and I'm looking forward to the more compartmentalized approach to next year's lunches. This lunchbox will last him for years to come, plus it's eco-friendly and BPA/chemical free. Score!

Source: secure.laptoplunches.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here. Use code wastefree for 10% discount)

...these shoes. They've got it all: animal print, studs, cute design, great price!

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here—they'll be back soon}

...essie's Fall collection—Stylenomics. I am going to have the hardest time deciding which color to try first!

Source: body-soulbeauty.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this. SO TRUE.

Source: annetaintor.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Hope y'all are having a fantastic day!

XOXO

Lately...

A random collection of events/happenings at the Kirby house.

We have almost (!!!) rid the house of moving boxes. I think about four remain.

Our master bedroom is on the way to being complete. Headboard installation is Friday! Drapes to follow shortly thereafter!

We're also working on our den. Fabrics have been picked, and we are about to start ordering/reupholstering furniture.

The painter comes tomorrow! YAY!

I am obsessing over antelope carpeting. It's probably unhealthy. I blame Lauren.

I'm getting all of Branner's ducks in a row to start in the Older Two's class the Wednesday after Labor Day! Parent Orientation is next week!

I'll be starting a new placement in Jr League next week, and I'm excited about it!

I've been missing my workout buddy, Stacey :(

We've been acclimating to our new side of town. I haven't switched grocery stores yet, because the HT at Quail Corners is being remodeled and they aren't offering Express Lane services right now. So, I'm floating between the one closest to the gym and the next closest one to home. I'm done with going inside the store! Can't go back once you've online shopped! I also decided that I will not be going to the closest Target after my trip there yesterday. I will switch to Stonecrest. I'm about to start doing the majority of my workouts at Harris Y. I'll never fully leave Siskey, though.

Barry has been traveling a lot on business. It makes us miss him! He's here this week, though, and we're glad!

I just finished Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. Loved it!

We are attending Blake and Lindsay's first wedding shower this weekend! YAY!

What's going on with y'all lately? I'd love to hear any news/happenings!

On a side note, I want to do a giveaway as my 500th post. However, I would really like to get my readership up first. Pretty please with sugar on top, will you follow the site via Google Friend Connect (on right side of blog—where it lists my followers)? 

Mommy's Sunglasses

Last night, before bed, Branner decided to try on my sunglasses. Too cute!

Meatball Bubble Biscuits

I'm on a mission to find more dishes that Branner enjoys. For some reason, my used-to-be amazing eater turned super picky right around the time his first molars came in. I've been doing some research, and I am determined to find some new, fun things for him to munch on! So, tonight, I'm trying these!

Meatball Bubble Biscuits

Source: kathiecooks.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

1 can Pillsbury Golden Layers Biscuits—pulled into 2 layers

10 meatballs, cut in half (I like Trader Joe's or Harris Teeter's turkey meatballs)

2 sticks string cheese, each cut into 10 pieces

1 T parmesan cheese

1/2 t Italian seasoning

1/4 t garlic powder

1 c marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 375. Separate biscuits into 2 layers. Place 1 meatball half and one piece of cheese inside each biscuit, wrap dough around, and seal edges. Place seam side down in a 9" round cake pan. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve with marinara.

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Branner's First Tweetsie Trip!

Tweetsie was quite the adventure for all of us! Branner is really at the perfect age to enjoy everything (except about four rides) that the park has to offer. Honestly, he was least impressed with the ride on the "big" train. He had more fun on the kiddie train at the top of the mountain! He rode everything we rode—including the chair lift and the ferris wheel! He has no fear! He loved every minute we spent at the park, and we will definitely be going back! Pics of our day:

Beech Bums!

Last Tuesday, Branner and I packed up and headed west—to Beech Mountain! We met Kiki and Coco there for several days of fun, cooler temps, relaxation, food, and more fun! I grew up taking trips up to that area, and it's so nice to be able to share and experience it with B. There are tons of things to do that are kid friendly, so I highly recommend it as a great location for a weekend getaway for families!

We made several visits to the Beech Mountain Rec center park, had lunch at Dunn's Deli, went on walks, played, colored, enjoyed the weather, and, the kicker—took B's very first trip to Tweetsie!!! It was another amazing trip; we just wish Daddy could have joined us!

A few pics of our park adventures:

 

Tweetsie pics to follow! They need their own post, maybe two! Happy Monday!

Hawaiian Chicken and Pinapple Skewers

Source: grocerybudget101.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{via}

Branner and I are off tomorrow morning for a trip to Beech with Kiki and Coco (my sister-in-law and niece). We are all looking forward to beating the heat and getting out of Charlotte for a little while...again. These skewers are on the menu tonight as Barry requested chicken and something healthy. I'm going to serve them with jasmine rice and maybe a simple salad.

3 T soy sauce

3 T brown sugar

2 T rice wine vinegar

1 T sesame oil

1/4 t ground ginger

1/4 t garlic powder

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2" pieces

fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

skewers

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder.  Place chicken pieces in a dish and pour marinade over them. Cover, and marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours. Alternate a piece of chicken with a pineapple chunk onto skewers. Grill 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Enjoy!

Geese, Mommy!

We had lunch at the Arbo with Big Papa this afternoon, and as soon as we pulled up, Branner said, "Geese, Mommy!" I guess he remembered from our last visit to the pond there way back in April (?!)! So we walked down and saw the geese and ducks before and after lunch. I promised him we would go back with some bread and feed them soon. With his memory, I'm sure it will be in the next few days!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

I'm still working on getting organized over here, which I am totally over. Moving sucks, but once this house is whipped into shape, it will have been worth every minute and every annoyance. We are making decent progress with decorating. Our headboard is being made, master bedroom drape fabric has been purchased, a couch style and fabric have been picked out for the den as well as fabric to recover our chairs and drape and accent pillow fabric. Our painter comes two weeks from today.YAY! Now, to hurry up and wait! 

A few things I'm loving right now...

...these necklaces!

Source: groopdealz.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Groopdealz does it again! I hopped over there to check on the shipping of my bubble necklace and saw these on sale. I purchased black in this style and a pink one of a different style (because at $12.99 each, how can you NOT?!) for Fall. Want one? Here's an invitation to join the site!

...slipper flats for fall!

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

The style plus studs? YES, PLEASE! I need to order these soon! They are a great price and will look great with almost everything!

{Buy here}

...this.

Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Enough said. 

...this recipe.

Source: food.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Can't wait to try it!

{Recipe}

What are y'all loving this week? 

KK Bloom and The Queen City Style!

A few weeks ago, I found out I won a gift certificate to the amazing boutique, KK Bloom, here in Charlotte! I had entered a giveaway over on one of my favorite style blogs, The Queen City Style, and was excited and surprised to find out that I won! With the move going on, it took me longer than expected to get over there to spend it, but I went today, and up there is a little sneaky peeky of my purchases. Most of the store was on sale (that dress ended up being less than $100—score!!), so if you're looking for something super cute and summery, I suggest you head on over to KK Bloom! I'll be back on Friday to show you the full view!

Swimming, Daddy!

Barry and Branner working on swimming at the pool Saturday!

Fashion Friday: Pinspiration

I'm alive over here, I promise. I'm slooooowly but surely unpacking the mountain of boxes that is in our garage. Fabrics and paint colors have been picked, deposits have been made, and decorating is well under way. We'll be going room by room, piece by piece starting with the master bedroom and den. We're talking a major overhaul here, friends. We're starting fresh. We're going to infuse our personalities into every inch of this house. This, for me, includes some kick-ass pink and leopard powder room wallpaper, but that's pretty far off, and I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I'll share pictures of our progress...eventually!

Anywho... it's Friday, which means fashion talk! Here are a few lovelies I found on Pinterest that will serve as some inspiration for me this fall.

Source: refinedstyle.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I love everything about this! Especially the fact that I have a dress and booties already in my closet (not to mention about 800 scarves) to recreate my own version!

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Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I have to say, I never thought I'd see the day where I actually would want to wear a Canadian tuxedo (as my brother calls wearing all denim), but I looooove this look!!!

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Source: fashionworship.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I have been obsessed with leather leggings for at least two years now. IF I ever get pregnant again, I have already done my research to know that there are maternity liquid/leather leggings, so, either way, I WILL wear an outfit similar to this in a few months!

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Source: mariannan.indiedays.com via Ashley on Pinterest

The Zara leather jacket I have my eye on would look amazing with an outfit like this!

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Source: judgement-is-a-bitch.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

DYING over this skirt! Must find something similar!!!

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So, we're talking booties, texture, and leather for me this Fall. What will your Fall staples be???

Happy Weekend!

XOXO

Last Day of Camp!

Branner on his last day of the camp. He attended several weeks at his preschool and had a blast! Now, looking forward to September when school starts. He loves school!