Trendy Tot Tuesday

 So I'm digging this link up from the lovely Kelly over at Mrs. In Training. If you know anything about me, you know I L.O.V.E. dressing up my little guy. I was worried early on when I found out I was having a boy that he wouldn't be as fun to dress....but boy was I mistaken. All it takes is creativity, some layers and a little imagination.

So welcome to our edition of....

For my first time linking up, I just had to highlight the outfit that little man donned for his auntie's baby shower this past weekend.  I worked that morning so I left detailed instructions with his clothes laid out for the hubs. Wouldn't you know it he showed up not 100% put together. :) A girl can dream, right?  Once I got him fixed up, I just loved the look.

Check out our little stud...

Gray V-Neck - Baby Gap Outlet (here)
Pink Plaid Button Up - Old Navy (no longer available - similar here)
White Linen Pants - Old Navy (here)
Gray Tom's - Tom's through Zulily (here)

I have to say I'm loving this outfit and he rocked it...and can't wait to share some of his other gorgeous looks. :)

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Another Link Up to "From Mrs to Mama" - all about my favorite things:


1.  Tell us about five favorite memories in your life.
How do I limit it to just five...but here goes...

November 13, 2011 - Cruz's birth
This was by far the happiest day of my life...its the day that I learned a different kind of love for this little person the hubby and I created together. My first memory of him is of him grabbing Nick's finger and squeezing it just seconds after he was born. The look on Nick's face and the tears streaming down our faces were evidence of a love unconditional.

October 11, 2000 - The day that started it all.
It's hard to believe that the hubby and I have been dating since Oct 2000 and married for three years. I'm not going to sugar coat it because it's not always easy, but I'm so fortunate to have met this man. He is truly the only person for me and I love him more than words can say.

March 2008 - Cabo San Lucas
I love this for two reasons. 1) it was the trip we got engaged. 2) but more so it was the best vacation I've had in my life. Not necessarily the location - although Cabo was gorgeous, there are many other places that I can't wait to vacation - but it was just the hubby and I on this trip. We got to spend uninterrupted time with each other, met some great people, relaxed and enjoyed every bit of this time together. It was a true vacation - not one that you come back from and feel you need time to recover.

September-December 2003 - Life in New York City
I will never forget the four months I spent living in Manhattan and my time interning for Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks. I feel I became more of my own person - living on my own in this massive, foreign city, but I will never forget the experiences I had and the people I met.

December 24th (many years when I was younger) - Christmas Eve w/ my family
Christmas Eve with my immediate family is a favorite memory of mine. This was before boyfriends came over, any of us were married or had children and it was just the seven of us spending time together - eating, opening presents and best of all us five kids spending the night in the big bedroom playing glow in the dark catch, telling stories, listening for mom & dad putting our presents under the Christmas tree. I love this time with my family.


2. Show us three of your favorite beauty products.

                 Prevent                                     Conceal                                                 Bronze

Proactiv - I'm just giving up my secrets here, but yep I get zits.  I never had many issues UNTIL my adult life and then BAM! breakout city. I tried EVERYTHING my dermatologist recommended and finally discovered this amazing product. I should be like Jessica Simpson doing a commercial of my problems, because it wasn't pretty.

Dior Concealer - I was also graced with my gorgeous mama's deep, dark circles. It doesn't matter how much sleep I get, they are there. I'm also not able to be one of those girls who can leave the house without make-up, I just can't - it would be like Night of the Living Dead. As long as I have a little concealer, I'm at least good to go. And this stuff is the best I've found.

Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Self Tan - this stuff is the bomb. I can't lie, I'm a tanning bed girl, but in my old age I'm trying to limit my exposure, but I still want the tan look. I've tried every sunless tanner out there (Clinique, Clarins, Loreal...) and this one by far is the easiest (read: foolproof/no streaks) to apply, smells the best and lasts the longest.  Bonus: my SIL found it on mega sale last year and got me 8 tubes for way cheap.

 3. Tell us what your favorite TV shows are to watch.
Wow, I'm really divulging all the embarrassing stuff about myself here - TV is my guilty pleasure and I watch some ridiculous shows.

Shark Tank - someday I will invent/create something that will be featured on that show and make me millions.

Sons of Anarchy - newest infactuation. I realize I don't seem like the type of girl to be fascinated over a show about a biker gang, killer, drug running, but this show rocks. Start from the first season and you'll be hooked.

HGTV: House Hunters, Property Brothers, Income Property, etc - people are so dang creative and talented. I love to feel worse about my lack of creativity by watching these types of shows and pretending I'm going to take their ideas and use them on my own home.

Real World, the Challenges, Teen Mom on MTV - I get sucked in every single time. (perhaps because we didn't have MTV growing up. I suppose I can blame my parents?)

Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad - who doesn't love girls catfighting to find the man of their dreams?

Friends & SATC re-runs - the two best.shows.ever. hands down.


4. Show us two of your favorite pictures.




Makes me smile every.single.time.



My family - I'm the luckiest girl in the world



5. Tell us your favorite thing to do during "me" time.

Go for a run - this has quickly become one of my favorite things to do. A time where I can clear my head, think about anything, get my workout in and enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes it's just hard to find the time to do it between working full time, raising a little one and doing all of the other "life" chores that need to get done.

Read - I have always loved to read and that hasn't changed, the time I have available to do so, has though. One of my favorite things is cuddling up with a book, a glass of wine and just laying on the couch getting lost in a book.

Go shopping - this is a favorite of mine whether I'm alone, with little man, with family/friends...this girl just LOVES to shop. And it doesn't matter if it's a mall, boutique, Target, online, grocery shopping or at the pharmacy - I don't discriminate when it comes to shopping!

Blog - it's been about a year and a half since I started this blog and I've absolutely loved writing it. Not only as a place where I've documented my pregnancy, the first year of little man's life and my life in general - but it's a place where I've documented so many memories and frustrations and loves.

Reading Blogs, Shopping Etsy, Searchinig Pinterest - there are SO many creative people out there...I love to live through them!

Oh Baby

Another Link Up from "From Mrs. To Mama" and this is a fun one!

1. Tell us your favorite baby names? Aside from your own babies, if you have some.

In college I was set on Jackson for a little guy and Sophia for a girl, but those had become so popular that I knew I couldn't name our guy one of those (though I still love them). For a little guy, I love Cruz (of course), Madden and Oscar. For a girl, Giada (Gia, GiGi for short), Jameson, Kherington, Gisele and Luca (I know it means Luke in Italian, but I prefer it for a girl).

2. Show me your "dream" nursery {can be your baby's nursery or one that you love}.
There are so many nurseries I love out there...people are so creative. I do have to post the one nursery I love the most right now which is the one we did up for our little guy. Every time I walk into this room, I get a little smile on my face. All of the hard work was worth it!

3. How many children would you like to have? How far apart?

Years ago I would've told you three, but I think the hubby and I have agreed that two will fit us best. We've got our little man and all we need to complete our family is a little baby girl :) I mean, it has to be boys against girls and balanced, right??  I hear a couple years apart is good and seems to make sense. I want to enjoy Cruz before thinking about getting preggers again anytime soon.

4. Tell us what you think the importance of parenting is?

Wow...there are so many things that are important about being a parent. First off, loving them unconditionally, no matter who they are, what's important to them and what they become. Letting them be themselves and not smothering them or trying to change them into someone you want them to be, but guiding them along the way. Instilling good manners and behavior in them - teaching them to be nice to everyone, give others a chance and don't judge. Not accepting bad behavior such as bullying, name-calling, etc. Helping them understand that everyone is different, but people who aren't just like us can teach them so much. Raising them in a happy home with loving parents. It's crazy to sit back and think about how important being a parent is...

5. Show us your favorite newborn photo {can be your children or random}

It's definitely got to be pics of our little guy. He's so awesome and we have been so blessed with him...hard to believe these were taken just a few months ago...I feel like he's been with us forever.

First pic of our family (lots of tears had been shed for that little guy)

Our puggle checking him out for the first time

6.  Tell us some things you promise to never do as a parent {and if you are a parent, did you stick to it}

Hmm...this is hard to remember what I thought I would never do as a parent since becoming one not too long ago. I guess I had promised myself that I would never put our little guy into corny cartoon pajamas...BUT some of them are actually cute! I suppose I've said that I'm not going to let my child be glued to the TV, technology, iPads, you name it and we would set times for them to experience these things, but not let them miss out on the outdoors and other fun because they HAVE to play games, watch certain shows, etc. BUT I'm realizing I will be changing my tune and already have in some ways. Cruz absolutely LOVES The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and I have to say there are times when I have to get ready in the mornings and I'm running late that I stick him in front of the TV so I can get finished up. Is that so bad??

This is his "I'm watching Mickey Mouse face"

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...FALL!

It's time for another Link Up via one of my fave blogs "From Mrs. To Mama"...and this one is ALL about fall!

1. Tell us what you are looking forward to this fall?

Typically I've never been one of those people who can't wait for fall. I.Love.Summer.  And warm weather...and shorts, dresses and tank tops. BUT this year has been a bit different. It's been H-O-T. Really hot...even too hot for me. So now I'm jumping on the fall bandwagon with everyone else and I cannot wait for cooler weather, football, pumpkin patches and fall fashion!

2. Show us your fall style.

Easy enough. Layering, skinny jeans, tall boots, flowing tanks, long cardigans/jackets, dresses, tights....comfortable and fashionable.

My "I.Need.This." list for fall:  hunter green skinnies, denim shirt, cute flats, ankle-length skinnies...and oh so much more.

Blazer w/ shorts

Casual w/ denim jacket

Blazer & flowy shirt

Bright skinnies w/ neon

Long trench, short skirt, tights, boots

Mustard dress

And as you can see I love Rebel Attitude's style...basically everything she puts on is GORGEOUS and I want it. Can you say major girl crush??

3. Tell us your favorite things to do in the fall. If you have children, activities to do with the kids?

As much as I don't always admit it to my hubby, I love football in the fall! That doesn't mean I want to watch it every day, all day as he would prefer, but I love a good weekend in front of the TV or at a bar with friends, drinks and food, cheering on our team. I'm especially excited for our trip to Iowa City in October to cheer on the Hawkeyes!!

Now that I have a little guy, I'm especially giddy to take him to Vala's Pumpkin Patch and all of the other pumpkin patches around Omaha. 

My fave holiday also falls in Fall...Halloween! I can't wait to decorate the house (I may have to go a bit more kid-friendly, rather than my normal scary this year), think up costumes, plan our Halloween party and take the little guy Trick-or-Treating (mainly just to show off his costume!)

4. Show us your favorite fall beverage.

Hmmm...not necessarily my favorite fall beverage...but my favorite ALL THE TIME beverage! A nice glass of Pinot Noir. Although, my glass is filled much, much higher when I pour it at home.

5. Tell us, how you will be participating in halloween this year. Plans? Costume ideas? 

The hubby and I are still trying to decide if we are going to hold our annual Halloween party. Prior to last year (when I was VERY preggo & not interested in having a ton of people at the house imbibing while I looked on with envy), we had one every year and invited over friends and family. I LOVED the costumes and creativity and just hanging with the people I love the most. This year, it seems like a big hassle and a lot of work..and I don't have a ton of free time lately to plan and go crazy decorating. Only time will tell.

As far as costumes, I think I have little man's figured out...but it's a SURPRISE :) And I'm still working on our costumes. I like fun, creative costumes and have to say that the year before last we failed. The pressure is on!

KISS!

Roller Derby...with skates

So in closing...bring on Fall!

Info About Me: 411

One of my favorite reads comes from From Mrs. To Mama and Becky has set up some great questions...as if you don't know enough about me!

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
I started 16 months ago and haven't looked back.  One fateful event that started me off....these little pastel tests.

Most amazing day of my life....

Fast forward to today and now I've got this...

...until the day I had him. And every day since then tops the last.

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
Can't spell drunk without UNK!! Yep...I just said that. I spent four years of my life at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and loved every minute of it. It's where I met some of the most amazing people and met the most amazing man, my hubby.

3. Where have you traveled?
Many states in the U.S., Mexico City, Mazatlan, Merida, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Isla Mujeres. Yep, that's only Mexico, BUT I absolutely love to travel and will eventually make it EVERYWHERE. First stop: Europe, most specifically Italy.

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
Depends on how much...but more than likely a new house. I want little man to have all the space in the world to grow and live and play. A close second would be to donate some bucks to a cause near and dear to my heart - Angels Among Us. And then travel, travel and more travel with everyone I love most.

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
1) Mean people - it isn't hard to be nice
2) Talking on your phone in line at the grocery store
3) Using the kid-friendly stall in the bathroom, when EVERY other stall is open, and you DON'T have a kid

6. What is your favorite movie?I'm going to add an (s) to that:  Breakfast at Tiffany's and Now & Then.  Favorite.Movies.Ever.

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?Vino by far is my first choice, but also enjoy a frosty Corona Light or a Ketel One Club Soda w/ a lime. I don't discriminate.

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?A nice long run around the lake, read a book (I miiiiisss reading...), shopping. I love doing things by myself, and while it doesn't happen often, I relish it when I have the chance. However, I love my new shopping and running buddy.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?Victoria's Secret online...not in the stores, a girl only needs so many panties and bras. No, I'm talking about the online clothing store. I could get lost there forever!

10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.I had nightmares about childbirth and what would happen when I was knee deep in the middle of labor...I had AWFUL nightmares about this and everything that could possibly happen while I was pushing and pushing and squeezing and you know the rest...fortunately, the epidural and just the fact that you are giving birth to a human makes you forget about anything embarrassing. And to this day, I don't actually know what happened. :)

11. What day would you love to relive again?I know it sounds cliche but I would love to relive my wedding day again. I really feel that I can't remember all of the details and after getting the video and pics back I felt I missed so many things...most importantly the Michael Jackson dance off between the hubby and his brothers!

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?I have always loved Jennifer Aniston...I think she could portray me perfectly. 

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?Waldbaum's (chicken factory) - my sis & I begged dad not to make us work there in high school
Maurice's - yep, schlupping clothing to all of my girlfriends
First National Bankcard - telemarketing in Wayne
Kirby Vacuums - my first college job setting up carpet cleaning appointments
Solar Eclipse Tanning Salon
O'Mally's Bar - bartender
Kearney Country Club - beer cart girl
New York Knicks - sponsorships/partnerships and game night staff
Executive Casino Host - where it all began with Harrah's Entertainment

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.(I don't think my computer's storage goes back that far...)

The hubs and I - first pic ever. And I'm talking the year 2000. Love him.

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?The hubby and I have been talking about Bali for so long...(no, it wasn't the luxurious trip the Kardashians took there that got me excited)


16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
The hubby, Cruzer and myself...caring for Little Mango #2. I hope the hubby and I are doing something we love, living in a new house and having enjoyed many days of travel. I can't wait to see what our family will look like in five years....I just don't want to speed it along too fast.