Thirty-three + My Gift To You!

Thank you all for the amazing birthday wishes yesterday...seriously, I don't know how we would feel so loved and special without social media.

I mean before Facebook did birthdays even exist except for your parents and a few friends who wished you a good day? I really don't think so.

Onto the birthday recap...

I turned 33 yesterday.

I'm not one of those people who dread birthdays. I mean they are coming regardless and we are all going to get older. But this age just feels weird to me. Its just too close to 35 for comfort. Not that 35 is bad, but once you hit 35, 40 is around the corner, then 45, then before you know it you're 60. Whoa. 60? Now that seems crazy.

Yesterday morning as I was getting myself and Cruz ready to leave the house, I heard Nick ask him what they should get me. Cruz as honest as ever said, "daddy, I think mama really wants a race track."

Wouldn't you know it I got home from work last night and was promptly told to sit on the couch and open my gifts..and what was in the expertly wrapped Fat Brain paper? Yep. A race track. As I was putting it together I was thinking to myself - hmm, looks like it's going to be a Ron Fuchser kind of birthday.

What is a "Ron Fuchser" kind of birthday, you ask? Well, Ron, aka my dad, was the king of telling my mom for every birthday, Christmas or Valentine's Day that the new kitchen she got was her present. Or the the new car she had gotten a month ago was her gift, etc, etc.

I actually had a Ron Fuchser mother's day - we are in the process of redoing A TON of stuff around our house - and truthfully didn't mind it.

But I'm not going to lie that as I was sitting on the floor with Cruz yesterday, putting his track together, it was going through my head, "huh, he's really going to use that gift cop out for both mother's day and my birthday?" (Come on, you would be thinking the same thing...right?)

Then, THEN he said, "ok you get Cruz ready to go to dinner and I will go change my shirt. Oh, and he needs a diaper change."  I almost pulled the birthday diva card and said, "nope, all you." But refrained..thankfully.

Because when we walked into Cruz's room, the door was shut and on the bed was this...

Well, this was actually all set up nicely and some of it wrapped, but of course I didn't get a picture prior, so this will have to do.

And I immediately felt like a jerk for even the split second that I was feeling bad for myself. Jerk.

And then that thought left my mind as I believe the next words out of Cruz's mouth were, "oh. my. gosh." with the cutest emphasis on each word. "mommy, look at all that."

I was thinking the same thing, brother.

So yes, my husband spoiled me. A new, utterly fantastic wok. A case of delicious Pinot Noir. And, AND, the box with my wedding shoes. Huh. When I opened it up, what did I see? Girls, he gave me approval to buy a new pair when I'm in Vegas in a couple weeks. Seriously. I think I'm still in shock.

(Is it bad that sensible me wants to take the money to Best Buy and snap up a new iPad instead?)

We then went to dinner at Kona and devoured this with my two guys. I think the look on Cruz's face shows you how excited all of us were to get after that brownie.

Don't forget the food didn't start there. Nope. If you follow me on Insta, you know that my amazing co-workers gifted me with this massive plate of nachos today at work.

I'm not sure you realize just how amazing they were. And massive. That is a legal-sized notepad right there, folks.

So yes, you could also say this was not only my birthday, but a day of utter gluttony.

And cuteness. I mean look at my dinner date. I'm a lucky gal.

Ok so enough birthday talk because now I want to celebrate my birthday with ALL OF YOU. Yep. You heard that right. These lovely ladies and myself have $220 cold hard cash to offer one of you lucky gals! 

You don't need me to tell you how many ways you could use $220, right? I would, but we might be here all day. Just get yourself entered...quick because it's not going to last forever.

erin elizabeth | rhapsody + chaos | september FARM | treats + travels
boone + owl | {the farmer's wife} | yellow mango life | princess burlap
living lavender | kaliwood | classy + sassy mrs. | march to december
being mrs. beer | a faithful passion | danielle faith | wedding rings to teething rings 

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Cruz Style + Gap 35% Off Sale

Nothing like a change in season to get someone excited about new clothes.

 

Let's be honest, I'm always excited about new clothes.

 

Fortunately, I love buying Cruz new clothes as much as myself. Ok, almost as much. I'm being honest here, right?

 

Gap is one of my go to places for little man, so knowing they have a sale that ends today - 35% off regular prices!! - I had to snag some steals.

 

Here are our picks:



 

{Cool Kid}

I actually want this outfit myself. I love layering chambray with other prints, so this camo jacket over the chambray shirt will look great with bright white jeans and these cool aviators.

Camo // Sunglasses // White Jeans // Chambray Shirt

 

{Hipster}

 I'm not even close to being a hipster, but that doesn't mean Cruz can't be rocking the style. This is the perfect outfit for running errands around town or doing a little shopping. And skinny jeans on baby boys. Seriously.

Hoodie // V-Neck // Slip-Ons // Jeans

 

{Preppy}

I can't get over a preppy little one and this outfit will be great for Sunday church (Oh, that means I have to get us up and out the door in time? Got it.) or brunch with the fam. Love a pop of color under an otherwise neutral look.

Waffle Hoodie // Sandal // Polo // Linen Pant

{Jammy Jams}

What is it about PJs on little kiddos. I melt ever single night when it's pajama time. It's a mix of the fitted tops that highlight his buddha belly and the skinny pants that make me go wild. Gap has some of the coziest PJs - you know I love stripes, but yellow, gray and stripes mixed with a lightening print? Swoon. And the ABCs jammies are just too cute.

Lightening PJs // ABC PJs

 

A night time look isn't complete without slips. We had the cutest pair of gray and orange dinosaur slippers, but I can't for the life of me find one of them so we have been going without slippers at night and that isn't acceptable. I think these will be a perfect fit for his bedtime look.

Slipper Moccs

 {Easter Egg Hunt}

With Easter coming up, I just had to get this shirt. The bulldog with ears? Come on. I think this will be the perfect outfit for hunting down eggs after church on Easter morning. I love layering, so the linen shirt unbuttoned over the top of the tee will be the cutest.

Tee // Linen Shirt // Short

 

 

{$145 Giveaway}

Do you know what really helps when you are going on a shopping spree? Free moo-lah. Don't forget we have a $145 cash gift card giveaway going on right now! But it ends tomorrow, so get yourself signed up...and good luck! Check it out here.


If you follow me on Insta, you already know I made loads of room in my closet yesterday. I think that calls for some shopping for me too. Cruz can't have all the fun. Off I go!

Happy St. Patty's Day + A Giveaway!

What a fun day this is. Seriously, a holiday that in my mind was built around drinking green beer, eating Lucky Charms and corned beef & cabbage and basically getting as drunk as possible in the most obnoxious green clothing ever. 

My how it has changed for me since having C-man.

 

There are some similarities. I mean I do dress him up in obnoxious green clothing. And I try to add green food coloring to everything he eats, just to be festive, of course.

But gone are the days of taking the day off from work, getting up at the crack of dawn and downing beer after beer, car bomb after car bomb, taking a break for a nap around 4pm, just to gain my second wind for the rest of the night. Man, I miss those days.

But my liver definitely does not.

And who am I kidding. The thought of everything I just mentioned really does not appeal to me. #oldmamaproblems

We did have a fun little morning yesterday while we were drinking our green milk. Cruz was super excited to help me "make" it. And give me something to make that only requires dropping in some food coloring and you've got my kind of recipe! =)

 

Well, the lid of his John Deere sippy just didn't stay put, so I turned from my stove top - which was cooking up some scrambled cheese eggs and green pancakes - to see him covered from top to bottom in this green milk. Why do I think things like this are funny? He obviously doesn't. And check out that diaper, soaked the milk right up. It's huge!

I think my mom's comment was - "well just wipe him on the counter and soak it all up." Don't think the thought didn't cross my mind. I mean he was already covered in it. Why dirty up a clean dish rag?

 

 

And now for more exciting things - a lucky giveaway! I mean, lucky for the gal who wins it. A $145 Visa Gift Card is up for grabs thanks to Karli at September Farm and all of these other lovely ladies. Check them out, follow them on some social media sites, enter using the fancy pants rafflecopter below and wah-bam! you could be the winner of $145 buckaroos!

 

You have until next Monday to enter, but don't wait, do it now. Just think of all the awesome things $145 could buy. But you don't even have to do that, because Karli made up a kick ass list to get your brain a-thinkin'.

 

 keeping up with kelsey • perpetually caroline • the grits blog

 the farmer's wife • september farm • living lavender

 mommy in heels • a + life • yellow mango life

 the newly blog • bunny autumn etsy shop • jane heinrichs

with all our hearts • a fresh start on a budget • a hundred tiny wishes

very very best of luck! 

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Now I'm off to quickly make my house look like it's not being lived in and make ourselves scarce quickly after for a couple more house showings today. I wish I could say this process is awesome. But it's not. It's a pain in the butt.

Five on Friday {February 28, 2014}

How is it already the last day of February?

This month - shit, this year - have just flown by. At times I want it to slow down, but then others - like this week - I want it to speed by because in a few short days we will be in Mexico. Living like carefree, kidless folk for a few days.

If you need me next week, I will be here.

And I cannot wait. Because if I have to hear the words "polar vortex" any longer, I might just cry.

But for now, it's Friday. And on Fridays I like to talk about five things.

{one}
I ordered this top from Style Lately the other day and I'm loving it. I've paired it with leggings and a cardi, but can't wait to wear it with maxis once it gets nicer. I mean, it will eventually get nicer, right? It just has to.

Style Lately // love top

{two}
I also picked up a new habit. Or I guess you could say picked up an old habit again. A new drive-thru Starbucks opened up on my route to work. It's right outside the one thats inside Target, but of course, I couldn't drag my ass out of the car to get a coffee before, so now it's just oh-so-convenient and I've been stopping in the mornings for a venti cappuccino. Mmmm..coffee.

They also have these asiago pretzel things. Not that I've had one or anything. A warm pretzel covered in asiago cheese? Who would want to eat that for breakfast? Not this girl No, not at all.

{three}
I know some of you joined me in the February Squat Challenge. Today is the last day and we can finally give our legs a little rest! I will admit I was hard core for the first 10 days and then I missed a couple here and there, but I've stayed somewhat on course since then. Today ends it at 250 squats - finished mine this morning and it felt good!

Although I'm pretty sure my back end doesn't look like hers....not sure what gives.

{four}
Thank you all so much for the feedback on my post last Friday about our my new home inspiration and our house hunt. Things are moving along crazy fast and I can't believe I'm going to be a new home owner sometime in the near future.

This week we had house photos taken for our listing, checked out three new homes, had a painter come to give a bid on the house, listed our house and had our three showings.

Makes me think about how much I will miss our place. It may not be much, but it's been little home for the past seven years. And our first home together.

Ok enough reminiscing. Let's be honest, I'm just so excited to get out of here and into a new place. Can I get an AMEN?

{five}
Please don't forget to check out my giveaway! The lovely Joey from Joey Mac Designs was kind enough to offer one item from her shop to one lucky winner and I can't even begin to talk about all of the cute stuff she makes. Like makes herself, with a sewing machine. Crafty people just impress the heck out of me. But get after it, you only have until a couple more days to register - check it out here! Plus, Yellow Mango Life readers get 20% off any order! Just visit her page - and to order send her a PM and the rest is easy peasy.  Good luck!

Have the BEST weekend!

Natasha // Darci // Christina // April

Joey Mac Designs + A Giveaway!

As we find one holiday in the books, we move onto planning for the next one. Let's not confuse this with decorating for holidays. That's not something I do well. Or at all for that matter.

Since Valentine's Day came and went quicker than the piece of King Cake I had for lunch, we are now gearing up for St. Patty's Day around these parts.

And just when I thought I couldn't have found a cuter holiday shirt than this heart breaker one, enter the St. Patty's green tie from Joey Mac Designs.

I'm lucky enough to be hosting a giveaway with the talented and beautiful Joey from Joey Mac Designs. Not only do I love Joey's products, but she is also my sister in law and an amazing creator. Girlfriend has some talent.

And she not only makes great shirts for the kiddos, but she also makes clothing for women and some of the most amazing scarves.  Plus, she customizes items based on what you are looking for, just ask and she will do what she can to make your vision a reality.

Check out some of my faves...

{birthday shirts}

{sports teams}

nebraska husker onesies & tank for girls

women's nebraska tank

chicago bears tee

{scarves}

{clutches}

perfect gift for bridesmaids or just the girl who loves to go out

Don't just take my word for it - get on over to Joey's page and check out all of the amazing things she crafts. Girlfriend's got talent!

And one of YOU, will win one item from her shop. Just enter below...and of course check out her shop and let me know what item you would love to win if you are chosen. Besides everything. You can't pick everything. Although I would like to.

And because Joey is just the sweetest, she is giving all Yellow Mango Life readers 20% off their order of any of the rock star items in her shop. Just message her...it's that easy. Oh, and mention my blog. She likes when you mention my blog. :)

What are you waiting for...there is something for everyone. I'm not lying. Her stuff is awesome.

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Race Season: Color Me Rad 5K Giveaway! {Omaha Race}

 

If you are looking for a kick ass run in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, check this out! Color Me Rad returns on April 26, 2014 and we're giving away TWO entries into the race for one lucky winner and an even luckier friend of theirs.

Color Me Rad simply rocks. Here's the deal: the race is Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on a very flat course. Bring your best whites and be prepared to leave covered in color, while tons of volunteers toss colored corn starch all over you, some even spraying you with water to make sure it sticks nice and good. The 9am wave is already full, but there is still plenty of room in the 9:15am wave, so what are you waiting for?? Get your register on and join me for some fun!

Tell me, when is the last time you were covered in blue, yellow, orange and pink and not in a good mood. Color = happy.

 

I've participated for the past two years and absolutely love it. Great music, fun people, beer. Did I mention there is beer and a DJ at the finish line? Um hello, best run ever.

Check out the giveaway below and you plus one lucky person of your choice may be the lucky winners of a FREE entry into the Color Me Rad Omaha 5K race on April 26, 2014. It's gonna be awesome.

Here's the scoop - even if you don't win the giveaway, I've got a great deal for you - use code Kneehigh5 for $5 off and a pair of Color Me Rad socks. Seriously, have you seen these socks? They are fantastic and you will love them! Please note, this code is only valid through February 20, 2014, so don't wait!

Don't tell me this doesn't look like fun!
And trust me, I actually got quite a bit in the mouth & no issues! =)

What are some of your favorite fun runs? I think I need to try out a few more like this over the summer.

To those outside of the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, sorry I can't include you on this giveaway...but I still recommend you check out a Color Me Rad race in your area!! Or plan a roadtrip to Omaha....I'm a really good hostess and would love to have you!

 

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Thank you to Color Me Rad for providing entries into the giveaway as well as providing me with two free entries into the Omaha/Council Bluffs race. All opinions are my own. Obviously, I've been twice before and it gets better every year.