#saturdayconfessional

Ok ya'll, if you haven't had a chance to check out my confessional over on September Farm, then ya gotta do it.

Who doesn't love making fun of people?

Or laughing at their expense?

Or being able to say, "geesh, I'm glad I didn't do that."

Oh, you don't? Then you must be a MUCH better person than I. Because I love it.

But you know what I also love? I love making fun of myself too. I'm not afraid to poke a little fun at me. And I did just that when I recapped some of my *doh* (think a Homer Simpson face slap) moments that I had while living in NYC.

Well, don't waste time here. Do me a favor and go check it out. And feel free to laugh out loud. I wouldn't have it any other way.

And check back with Karli and her laugh-out-loud-you-make-your-belly-hurt blog and #saturdayconfessional series each week!

P.S. have you ever had any stupid moments like this? If so, you have to tell me. Please. Make me feel better about myself. =)

Viva La Mexico {Days 3, 4 & 5}

On day 3, we woke ourselves up early and hit up the gym. We had just missed the resort's 5K run. After some gym time, we went to the health bar which was fresh juices, smoothies and fruit for breakfast.

We headed back to our room to get ready for our excursion, only to find ourselves locked out. Yep. I had locked the main door, and we left out of the patio door which locks behind us. After many trips to the concierge to request help from facilities and about 45 minutes, Nick finally jimmied the dead bolt and got us in. Phew.

We made our transfer to Selvetica just in time. And wouldn't you know it, the only two couples in the van were from Omaha, so we spent the drive talking about people we knew in common.

Selvetica was awesome. I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Playa/Cancun/Riviera Maya area.

We ziplined in the jungle.

Rode ATVs through the mud. (I rode on my own. Aren't you proud?)

And took our covered-from-head-to-toe bodies diving in the cenote.

Then we had probably the best fajitas I've ever eaten back at the main building. I'm sure it didn't hurt that we were starving or that we had ice cold Coronas to wash them down with, but yum. We opted not to spend the money to get the pics (there weren't that many and I didn't need to stare at myself klutzily floating through the jungle), so the ones here are not us, they are from Selvetica's website. =)  And the staff, seriously, they made the trip. Funny, sarcastic, just the best sense of humor - they really sealed the deal on me loving this experience.

Back at El Dorado, I napped and Nick watched some basketball. Then he must've fallen asleep because we both woke up about 8:30pm just in time to make our 9pm dinner reservation at Rincon, the Mexican joint, for some tacos and tequila.  Afterwards the resort had an amazing fire show that was the perfect end to a great day.

Day 4 started off here.

Couples massages in the sky suites overlooking the ocean and back to the spa for pedicures.

Prior to our massages, they give us the full experience, which includes the hydro room. I generally don't take advantage of the hydro room when I do the spa day, but we tried it out here. There is a process: 10 minutes in the hot tub, a quick dip in the polar plunge (as you can imagine, it's ice cold water) and then into the hydro pool. It was quite nice.

We wanted a relaxing afternoon so we got room service and hung out by our casita pool. It looked a bit like this.

Not to mention the pool bartender kept swinging by our place and getting me drinks. Then they brought by little appetizers. Followed by real fruit popsicles. Seriously, I never wanted to leave.

And can I take a moment to plug the UE Boom speaker Nick got before our trip? It was amazing. Blue tooth, connects to both our phones and went everywhere with us on this trip - to the pool, the golf course, while we were in our room. Seriously awesome.

UE Boom Speaker

That night we decided to leave the resort and head into Playa to 5th Avenue and I'm so glad we did. The entire area was walker-friendly (walking on your feet, not with an actual walker) and covered in twinkle lights. We found a great little bar called Fas where we got an amazing seat overlooking the street (aka great for people-watching) that had a local band covering our favorite country music. This might have been my favorite part of the trip. Oh, did I mention before we headed back to the resort we got the biggest bowl of ice cream to share? That may have had something to do with it.

Day 5 was our last full day and oh so bittersweet. I wanted to leave because I was dying to cuddle my Cruzer, but I didn't want to leave. How could I when I was surrounded by the sun, blue water and basically what I would consider my heaven?

We slept in. Then put our rafts in our little pool to get some sun. Breakfast mojitos were on order before heading to Kampai for a late lunch.

After lunch we hit up the main pool and met a bunch of new friends. One of our favorites was the couple from Wisconsin who kept ordering "dog shit in the grass" shots. Thankfully I had the first one - and it was delicious - before they told me what it was called. And it oddly looked like its name. Gross, but good. I was so confused.

Then I schooled Nick in a couple games of ping pong. Ok, maybe it was just one game of ping pong and then he kicked my booty the rest of the time. How did I not know he had a table growing up?

In our sun haze, we strolled the resort so I could snap a few pics. I didn't want to forget this place.

Then we headed back to the room, where we were once again locked out. (Not me this time, I swear it was Nick) and laid on the patio bed while waiting for someone to help us get in. Well, we must've fell asleep and they must not have wanted to wake us because two hours later we both woke up with a note from the concierge on how to get in.  We sauntered into our room, laid on the cool bed in there and yet again fell asleep, right through our dinner reservations at Santa Fe - the restaurant we had been looking forward to going to the most. Eh. The sleep was glorious and the resort had room service so we were able to get something to eat before going back to sleep.

Seriously I have never slept that much in my entire life.

Day 6 was our travel day and started off with our last breakfast at Cocotal looking something like this. Chips, guac and fresh fruit to start my day. Yes, please.

Ahh, just recapping this makes me want to go back. It was by far one of the best vacations I've ever been on and spending some time with my main man definitely didn't hurt one bit.

So, there you have it. Have any of you ever been to Playa? Any other great tips for when we go back? Because we will definitely be going back.

Viva La Mexico {Day 1 & 2}

The old ball & chain and I finally took a trip, just the two of us, to a beach locale - the first since our pseudo honeymoon in 2009. Three months after our wedding. With five other couples.

This trip was long overdue.

And terribly amazing. Just take a look for yourself.

If you remember, Nick planned the trip last minute back in February, which to me was just perfect because it meant I didn't have wait long for it to arrive. Let's just get it out there, I'm not one for patience.

The El Dorado Casitas in Playa del Carmen Mexico did not disappoint. Seriously, I'm not doing Mexico again if I don't have a casita, private pool, bartenders & butlers catering to my every need, all-inclusive top shelf alcohol and some of the best food I've ever eaten. Kidding. Kind of. But he did spoil me and for that I am thankful.

The vacation started perfectly. Like as soon as I got out of the car at the resort. Champs in hand.

Chilling in our room when we arrived. You guessed it. A bottle of champagne.

Every time I walked through the lobby. More champs.

Everywhere and anywhere. Lots of champagne. Just what this girl needed.

My amazing iPhone photography didn't do this place justice, but it was phenom. Just trust me. Or check it out for yourself. I highly recommend it.

The first day was spent checking out the resort, chilling with a couple of honeymooners from Mississippi at the main pool before heading back to our pool at the casita and then to our little mini pool right outside our room. We tried to follow the sun.

Then it was nap time. I literally napped every.single.day. And I don't usually nap. And it was amazing.

That night, and the entire trip actually, we did a lot of eating and drinking. Wine with dinner. Great food. Good company. I can't talk enough about the food. I think they called it Gourmet All-Inclusive. Everything was delicious.

We ended the first day with that bottle of champagne and a dip in our pool under the stars.

On day 2, we found a nice little course to play some golf. I love golfing - I may not be good at it, but I love it. And I especially love golfing with Nick. It's one of those things, where I can actually keep up with him somewhat...otherwise let me tell you, he wouldn't take me.

We befriended the beer cart guy, he loved our Bob Marley music and we loved his cocktails. Since we didn't bring our own clubs we rented them there and bought 10 balls. Around hole 14, we had officially lost all of those balls and thus started our "adventure" driving around the course in search of grassy, tree stocked areas where we figured golfers weren't going to go after their lost balls. We found lizards and other creepy crawly things, but also more balls which meant we were back at it. Until we lost those and had to start digging in the pond. Seriously, we had to be quite the site, but we were determined not to buy more balls and to finish our round.

The moment we finished 18 holes and stepped foot into the van to head back to our resort, it started down pouring. So we started in on the champagne in the lobby bar. And the selfies. Isn't that what everyone would do?

We headed back to our room to wait out the rain while napping on our patio bed. That night we hit up the Bellini Bar for pre-dinner cocktails and convo (undoubtedly about Cruz) and then had dinner at Cafe D'Italia. We love us some Italian food and this was delish.

After dinner, the rest of our night looked a little something like this. Nope, we didn't hit up the discoteca and party it up- we are old parents, remember? -  we hit up the pool and patio back at our room. And it was amazing.

Stay tuned for the rest of our vacay... you know you want to!

I Have An Idea...

So I was sitting in my nearby Starbucks the other day. You know, because it was a Monday (my day off) and I was going to go in and catch up on some work but I couldn't bring myself to pull on a pair of work pants and a blouse (yes, I just said blouse. I hate that word.)

I decided, instead, that I was going to stay in my lounge gear and sit in an air-conditioned Starbucks where I had access to unlimited cappuccinos and no one stopping in my office making me unproductive. It looked a little something like this.

And it got me thinking. I need more "me" time.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely LOVE spending time at home with my guys, but sometimes I feel like all I do is wake up, workout, get myself and C-man ready for the day, work, come home later than planned, play/make dinner/bath time, put Cruz to bed and then get back on my laptop to inevitably catch up on emails from work and sneak in some blogging. Then I go to sleep and repeat the very same thing the next day.

While some would argue that blogging is me time - and it is something I love - it doesn't feel like it is when I'm also responding to work emails at the same time and squeezing it in before I go to bed. Sometimes too tired to finish a post because I can't keep my eyes open.

This is where the thinking comes in (yes, dangerous, I know). Many of the stay-at-home mamas I know, get some time to themselves, because if they didn't they would have to just throw themselves off a bridge or something, right? Don't get me wrong, staying at home with my kiddo would be great, but all day, every day? That would be tough.

And while I don't get to spend each day with my little man because of work and I love every minute we have together, sometimes I get burnt out. And I just want to spend some time with ME.

What would I do with this time, you ask?

I would blog. I love blogging. And I hate getting "behind" on blogging or not posting something I wanted to post, because I didn't have time.

I would run errands. Kid-free errands sound amazing. And while I would miss getting all the samples at the grocery store for "my kid", I still think I would enjoy it.

I would get a massage. Or a mani/pedi. Or all three. There is a salon across town that I heard stays open until 9pm. I've often thought about putting Cruz to bed early one night and high-tailing it over there.

I would go for a run. Without a stroller. I mean, how fast do you think I am without the stroller and the weight of a 32 lb toddler? Like lightening fast.

I would meet the girls for some happy hour drinks. I remember happy hours. They were amazing. Cheap drinks, cheap apps and great girl gossip? I'm dying for it.

I would squeeze in Sweat, Cycle and Soul after work. And not have to feel bad about not going straight home.

I would read a book. I love reading. These days? I only do it on vacations...or right before bed, when I can't be on my laptop for yet one more minute, but I don't want to sleep.

I would go to a movie with my sister. And not the late movie, that occurs after our kids are in bed. Like the 7pm one with a big popcorn and an even bigger pop.

I would go golfing with Jill. Golf, sun and beers sound pretty good right about now.

I would stay at work late, to catch up, so I didn't have to do it almost every night after C goes to bed.

I don't know what else I would do. I would just do something that I wanted to do.

It all sounds so fab.

And I'm not looking to do this every week, but maybe a couple times a month.

Could you imagine?

So, I'm really thinking about scheduling our sitter for this.  At least to try it out.  What do you think? Yes, no? Try it and see?

I think I would really love it. And then who knows, it may become a couple times a week thing.

Kidding.

Kind of.

Linking up with Ashley and Jess for It's The Little Things.

Happy Easter + #BOYMOMS Series

What a gorgeous Easter we were blessed with yesterday! Loved spending time with our family, hitting up church, loads of good food & candy and Cruz got to see all THREE sets of grandparents...so you know he was a happy boy.

Speaking of boys, I'm also excited to be a part of the #boymoms series over at Chasin' Mason today. Elizabeth reached out to me to feature what I love about being a boy mom and we were happy to join in...because you all know I love being a boy mom to our crazy Cruz.

A few - of many - favorite moments with Cruz man were shared and it made me smile really big when I thought back on our life with him in it. Seriously amazing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite Easter moments from yesterday.

Gator rides through the farm and fields with these goggle heads.

Getting fancy for church...and he was a good boy the entire service. That definitely warranted him a big ol' chocolate egg. 

Egg hunting in the backyard. His haul was way more than any one kid should come home with.

To Toby, our farm dog, who just had a bit too much fun partying all weekend.

And these two cuties...who had too much egg hunting, mashed potatoes and tractor rides...couldn't keep their eyes open.

But head on over to Chasin' Mason to check out our favorite moments OF ALL TIME with our Cruzer Bruzer.  Man, just putting this together reminded me of all the good, not so good, dirty, messy, awesome times we've had with this little dude. I wouldn't trade it in for a thing.

And check out her weekly #boymoms series. Whether you are a boy mom yourself, mama to a little diva or not even a mama yet but love kiddos, you are bound to love the stories.

Chasin' Mason

Have an amazing week!

RUUM. No Not That Kind.

Okay, so I'm going to let you all in on a little secret - RUUM kid's wear is where it's at.

I was first introduced to this little gem of a store via Zulily. And I fell in love after getting my Cruz's loot. Seriously, I say it like I'm dressing a barbie doll up in here...

Imagine my surprise when I got this email on a fancy Monday morning. {So, not surprise as much as excitement.}

30% off SALE items? Sign this mama up.

Of course, I had to browse the clothes and snag some fab items for little man.

Seriously, can I have his wardrobe?

Here are some looks I put together from the sale site and believe me most of these are en route to my house right this minute.  The only ones that aren't? Well, it's because they already reside in C's closet.

Sunday Brunch 
We just went to brunch this past Sunday. Unfortunately mama (me) was feeling lazy so he showed up in a Puma tracksuit. Now there is nothing wrong with a tracksuit, we wear those all the time, BUUT brunch is for sweet little boy outfits. This look? Love. I mean, can you ever have too many chambray shirts?Nah, not in my opinion. We just got this one from babyGap, but I am loving this dark one, so got it too. With the sweater over top (collar out, sleeves rolled) and these orange shorts? Well, gals, I could just swoon.

Gym Date
Oh goodness, I just love relaxed, casual looks. This baseball tee and these sweats? I seriously might just try to squeeze into them. Love me some comfort. And the aviators? Cannot even deal. We got these from babyGap, but as you would expect I'm pretty sure I sat on them and they are no longer in service.

Casual Friday Dinner 
If there is anything I like, it's going out to dinner. Just getting out of the house, with my boys and having a glass of vino {or chocolate milk for C} while we talk about our week is just about my favorite thing. We have these skinny, distressed jeans, but paired with the pink polo and green tee over top? I can't wait. And these shoes. Are you kidding me? Cutest thing ever. And just the break we need from Tom's.

Obviously, I only feature the boy looks because. Well. I have a boy. However, they have some darling little chica outfits too. And for those of you with no kiddos just yet? I'm sure you have a niece, nephew, friend's kid, little buddy at the daycare down the street - that you just want to spoil. RUUM is where it's at.

And for all you fashion bloggers? Keep posting gorgeous looks because I rely on YOUR style to help me with my own. Because for some reason I'm stuck on the little boy clothes. And not mad about it one bit. =)

What do you think...will Cruz rock these looks? What about a handsome little boy you know???

Welcome Back - To Me, That Is

Hey hey hey.

I've been out of the blogging game for quite some time. Like over two weeks to be exact. And I've been missing it something fierce. Is it weird to miss blogging? If it is, then color me weird.

What's new, you ask? Oh, you didn't ask? Well, I'm going to tell you anyway.

We just got back from a little Bahamas cruise-ity cruise late Friday night.  I took a group of customers from work and the hubs. While the weather was great and being in the Bahamas was cool, I think it's fair to say we might not be cruising people.  Maybe it had something to do with this.

My room when I lived in NYC was bigger than this and I used to think that was small.

I should probably show you my favorite pic from the trip. Of course, it's food. We walked all over Nassau and through the Atlantis to find these bad boys. And they were worth it.

 

And this is my happy look right before I dove in and owned that plate of nachos.

 

And I missed this boy something fierce.

 

Right now, I'm just waiting for him to wake up from his nap. I desperately need more snuggles. This morning, he grabbed me by the neck as I was changing him and said, "mama, you are my girl." I swear I about died right there. 

 

He's also peppered in about 50 "mama, give me some hugs, would ya?"  All day long, buddy.

 

While we were gone, the lovely Kristin from Mama and Mou posted about my little helmet baby {here} for her Baby Talk series. Serioulsy love her for sharing it and hope it helps some mamas who may be going through this. It is defintely not the worst thing in the world even though it felt close to it at the time. And now, his noggin? So stinkin' perfect.

 

Oh, and remember that news that I was oddly excited about a few weeks ago? Well, we decided not to sell our house just yet. 

Yeah yeah, I'm super bummed but also proud of us to make a grown up decision for once. As we were looking for houses, we decided that the houses we wanted were at the top of our budget and honestly just didn't want to make ourselves house poor. We love to travel, eat dinners out, go shopping, we just like being able to do things and I don't want us to be strapped because I wanted a big, ol' fancy house that cost a ton, but looks pretty, but also doesn't leave us room to do what we love.

 

Plus, while we had our house listed, Nick had a ton of things done to it - walls painted, third stall poured in the driveway, bathrooms redone, new stainless steel appliances in the kitchen - and I decluttered a TON. And I'm loving how it looks. While we don't love our neighborhood and would like to live closer to our family on the other side of the city, we are going to give it a few months.

 

I'm also in the process of redesigning our former office. We are getting rid of the clunky old desk that currently resides there (and has for the past seven years) and are making it into a guest bedrooom/office space. We essentially got rid of the basement guest room when we decided to clear out the furniture and make it a playroom for Cruz (best.decision.ever.) so that meant no place for family or friends to stay when they visited.

 

I want something bright and airy like this.

 

With a white laquer desk like this.

 

Nestled in the corner like this.

Now, anyone want to come over and handle all this for me?



Happy Sunday!