Cruz Favorites | Recent Purchases

Lately I have been trying to curb my Cruz purchases, I mean his closet is just about the most ridiculous thing ever and I find myself jealous every morning when I pick out what he's wearing for school and then retreat to my boring old clothes to get myself dressed for the day.

However, there are just so many amazing products out there for kids (clothes and so much else) and I just love checking them out - aka buying them - and finding new favorites. And of course, sharing our faves with you all.

Not talking clothes here, but we just got our new Fred & Friends 3-2-1 Lunch  Rocket Utensils. Suffice it to say we are fans - we already have the Dinnersaurs fork & spoon and the Food Face dinner plate. I mean their names alone would make me buy them, but they are actually really awesome and a great way to make dinner time fun. And no one wants to eat a boring dinner...am I right?

As far as clothes go, I've been eyeing  Dudley Denim jeans for C man for a while now and finally pulled the trigger on this Torn to be Wild pair. Check out their Etsy shop. I can't tell you how excited I am to add these to the rotation. And I can't tell you how much shit I'm going to get from my dad for "actually spending money on a ripped pair of jeans" and the subsequent head shake.

And of course as soon as I got the notification in my inbox about the Tom's sale on Zulily last night, I got pretty excited AND set my alarm for 8am sharp to do some damage. They go quick so check them out ASAP if you are in the market. I got Cruz two more pair this morning, but I've also gotten them as gifts for other kiddos in the past. They are so versatile and comfy! Trust me, their mamas will love you.

I started pulling pics of Cruz rockin' his Tom's so I could prove how much we love them and couldn't stop at just one. I mean, just look at this boy...and his shoes. 

(I'm pretty sure we've had the gray pair in every size possible...)


And if May could hurry up and get here soon, I'm pretty pumped to get this delivery on our porch. If you haven't heard about the Phillup cups yet, well let me tell you. The company who makes the Puj Tub that we loved for Cruz when he was a little babe, has come up with a genius product and we got in on the Kickstarter project to push it into production.

The slogan? "Tired of dirty cup pile-ups? So were we!" And so is this mama...now that Cruz has learned to run the water spout on the fridge. I mean he fills up everything. Multiple cups, our water bottles, random vases. Cannot wait.

So there you have it. And I'm always looking for other fab items for kids....please do share some of your favorites!

Friday Favorites

Hello Friday....how lovely to see you.

{ONE}
My best gal's wedding is next weekend. Wow! I feel like we've been planning for this day forever! Cruz and I are in the wedding and obviously Nick is coming down to be the eye candy =) but even better, my mom is coming as well, not only to be there for Angie's big day but to help us with Cruz man so we can celebrate all night. And, of course, I'm staying with Ang the night before the wedding so Nick and mom will have to work together to wrangle the toddler tornado for me.

On other wedding news (not so great news), I picked up my MOH dress last week and I'm not loving it. Yeah, I know that a lot of people complain about their dresses, but this is bad. Bad because I GOT TO PICK OUT MY OWN DRESS.

You heard that right - I was given a color swatch and told to stick with satin/silk fabric but was let loose to choose short or long, straps/no straps. And I'm not loving it.

I was going for this.

via

Not to spoil the surprise, but I don't look like that in my dress. Damn. Total buyer's remorse.

So this weekend I'm going to look around and see if I can find anything else, otherwise I'm sure I will make do.


{TWO}
Let's move onto better news... I just signed up for the Sweat Cycle Soul Eat Green Challenge. Kelli had this the same time last year and I foolishly didn't do it, so I'm happy to be a part of it this time around and even better my sister, Tessa is doing it with me. I love when I have someone else to hold me accountable. Lord knows I need that. The best part is that it will be a great kick start into the holiday season! Here is what she has to say:

"ENERGIZE your life with our Fall Eat Green Challenge! October 20-November 21. This easy to follow five week plan is all about eating real food in order to feel more energized. 

Everyone wants to look and feel their best, but it's important that the food you eat leaves you feeling energized and not starving. Heavy on veggies and complete plant based proteins, join us for this realistic, five week detox program! 

Each week you will be emailed meal plans, recipes and exact portions to eat at each meal. 

Make your way in to the holiday season feeling and looking your best!"

The best part? It's all online/via email so anyone - not only those of us in Omaha - can participate! If you are interested, let me know and I can tell you how to sign up or check it out for yourself - sign up today at www.sweatcyclesoul.com under the"workshops" tab or by emailing info@sweatcyclesoul.com.

Ok, so the actual best part? You get to eat REAL food. I've done cleanses and mush in the past and it didn't work. I'm thinking this will be right up my alley.

I would love to have more Eat Green buddies - let me know if you are thinking about doing it too!

{THREE}

Did you all know there is a high heel exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, appropriately called "Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe"? Is it bad that I want to plan a trip to NYC just to see it before it's gone in February? I love everything shoe related, especially heels, so this is right up my alley.

If you live in the NYC area, please please please go check this exhibit out for me!


{FOUR}
I've been eyeing this UA duffle (in gray) for a hot minute but it keeps popping up EVERYWHERE. And I'm not talking strategic ad placement on my sidebar, I'm talking an email from UA showcasing just this. In my search for some UA tights on Norstrom. Everywhere. Is it a sign that I should get it? I think so. =)


{FIVE}

Ok so I've fallen in love with this new app I found called Imoji. It takes your pics and you can make your own emoticons with them! Seriously, I've overused the two below, so I think I need to have Cruz pose with a thumbs up, crying face, big laugh face, muscles, you name it. Just like all of the emojis I love to use these days.

On that note...have the best weekend!

As always linking up with my gals - Karli, Amy, Amanda and Natasha. 

Friday Favorites

What a long, but great week. Great in the fact that we accomplished some serious work AND I got to check out a new city (more to come on how I literally ate my way through New Orleans) but it was also tough being away from my guys for four days!

Let's just say it's good to be home. And it's good that it's Friday.


{ONE}
Pumpkins and minimal Halloween decor has invaded our house. I just realized that most of our Halloween and Fall decor is in our storage unit, now I have to figure out if I'm going to drag my lazy butt over there and pull it all out or if I'm happy with spray painted pumpkins and cheap bats from Target.  Knowing me, this will probably be it. (Oh, and don't judge my dying plant in that first pic. Plants and I don't mix.)

{TWO}
I never did recap the Eric Church concert we went to a couple weeks ago. Well, here you go. Good friends, this hunky man and Mr. Church was this.close to us. It was another great country concert, which as you know country concerts = my happy place.

{THREE}
I am dying over these shoes. I love the color, so different than my normal black. I have them in my Nordstrom cart and I'm thinking I just need to order them this week...plus they are on sale. What do you think?


{FOUR}
And I'm not really familiar with Takara clothing, but I got one of those green military jackets with leather sleeves the other day and I'm just loving it (I cannot find it online for the life of me, but similar here). I also found this cardigan. I didn't get it, but I'm thinking I need to go back and pick it up.

{FIVE}
One of my favorite weekends of the world is upon us - Omaha has this great outdoor showcase of vintage and handcrafted items called Junkstock. I went with Brittany last year (here) and it was so cool. I love seeing how creative other people can be and if I can scoop up some unique items at the same time, then all the better!

via

Oh, and we had a winner on our giveaway from last week, you know the $205 paypal cash? It wasn't you, unless your name is Paige and miss Paige gladly accepted her prize. Although she hasn't reached out yet to tell me she wanted to share it with me. Not sure what's up with that.  =)

Have a great weekend!

As always linking up with my gals - Karli, Amy, Amanda and Natasha

Friday Favorites

Happy October everyone!

Let's just jump into it, shall we?


{ONE}

So, holiday season is upon us. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas....speaking of Christmas, it's only 82 days away...EIGHTY-TWO! I just bought the first of my Christmas presents this week for a couple of my nephews, but the hunt is on and I'm hoping to get a head start on holiday shopping this year, although even if I start with the greatest of intentions, I know that it will sneak up on me and I will be totally stressing come December.


{TWO}

I have seen these shoes everywhere online lately and every time I love them and think to myself that I need to get them. I just need to buck up and get them ordered already.


{THREE}

Speaking of three, Cruz turns three in just over a month! I'm working on plans for his birthday party and have been asking him what he wants the theme to be. Have you ever asked an almost three year old real questions? I'm just thinking you don't do it. He was adamant that he wanted a firefighter birthday party, so I figured I could get behind that and start planning. Maybe something like this.

via

Now he is adamant that "no, mama, I don't want a fire party, I want a race car party." I feverishly start scouring Pinterest to see if I can find a car theme I like and it would look something like this.

via

Then five minutes later, "but maybe I really like a farm party."

Dude. Make up your mind please? Or I might just go with my favorite theme and talk him into why it's sooo cool.

He has also said he wants to be a monkey or a daddy for Halloween. Seriously, what am I going to do with him.


{FOUR}

I'm heading to New Orleans on Monday for the week for work. I've never been and I'm really excited to check it out, it's definitely been on my list of places to visit. While I won't have tons of time to take in the city, I would love to know any ideas you have of places I must see, eat, visit while I'm there.

A big thanks to Katie for giving me some ideas already. =)


{FIVE}
I know I've talked about my love for my exercise studio - Sweat, Cycle & Soul - that I've been going to for the past year now...wow, can't believe it's a year...but I just can't help but share my love for not only the classes, but also the gals I've met. I've been loving the TRX, TRX bootcamp, Pedal & Pump and Pilates Fusion classes and really can feel my body gaining strength that I've never had before from my normal running/gym routines. Not only that but leaving class this morning, I feel even more fortunate that I've met so many amazing people who I look forward to seeing in class, catching up, sharing workout style (three of us share of love for these pants) and making plans to get together outside of class. It makes getting up to work out that much easier. =)

And I'm leaving you with a reminder about the amazing giveaway we have going on...remember there are only 82 days until Christmas, so $205 in Paypal cash would definitely come in handy in knocking out some of your shopping! We are selecting a winner on Sunday, so get after it and get yourself signed up!

morgan | megan | heather | karissa
terin | tawnya | mar | maegen
lauren | katie | kate | vanessa
amy | karli | libby | caroline

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up with my girls Karli, Amy, Amanda, and Natasha!

Fall Shopping

So even if I'm not into this fall thing like the rest of America, the one thing I can get into is shopping for my fall wardrobe...and little man's. But this post is about me, and my clothes - not Cruz's - for once. =)

I love shopping. Is this news to anyone?

Like, it's so bad I think I have a problem, although I don't consider it a problem, because it's awesome.

So does anyone else do this?

I go through my day and whenever I'm reading magazines and see something I want on IG, Facebook, etc, I always take a pic or screenshot it on my phone so my phone is FULL of inspiration, shopping wants, you name it.  The above is from US Weekly {the best mag in the world...according to moi} and I loved these booties so much that I had to get them...even better I got them 25%!

And Target had their BOGO clothing and shoe sale this week. Is this not the truth?

I needed some comfy, cute work stuff and found these dresses. 1 // 2 // 3 // 4   And these boots  1 // 2 Did a little damage for sure, but did you not see above...they were BOGO. It's almost like a sin not to buy them when they are that much of a deal. Plus, let's be honest, if they don't work out it's easy to return and it gives me an excuse to go into Target. Win-win, right?

Moving onto workout stuff, I recently discovered Athleta (yes, I know I'm late to the game) and there is just something about new workout clothes that just gets me pumped to up my game. I got these pants and absolutely love them. I think I've worn them like 87 times since I got them. They fit so good...plus it doesn't hurt that unlike Lulu, they are actually true to size. It makes a gal feel a bit better about herself, ya know?

I also got these black Chat tights, this tunic in charcoal, this racerback top in black and these Stride Capris, because they are yellow, of course.

Now I guess I have to go workout to get some use out of these finds....

Speaking of shopping, I do the majority of my shopping online, because let's be honest, if I can be sitting on my couch watching an episode of the Kardashians and drinking a glass of wine while clicking buttons which will end in packages galore on my doorstep? Well, then you best believe I'm gonna do that. And one thing I always make sure to do - use Ebates.

If you haven't used Ebates before and you shop online, I suggest you look into it, otherwise you are just leaving money on the table...or on the line {The Internship reference, anyone?}. You know what I mean. Seriously, everything


While I'm typing this, I'm listening to Nick in the background, who is currently laying in the teepee, watching the Ryder cup where he's been since 7:30am this morning and telling me "this is rich and compelling" TV....I love to golf, but seriously I can't get into watching it on TV at all. Even if it is America vs. Europe or whatever. And  let me tell you he has been watching it since last night when I went to bed, was still watching it when I woke up at 2:30am and again this morning when I left for the gym.  Please tell me I'm not alone here....and is my husband the only one out there this into a golf match?!?

And speaking of Nick, this is what I think every.single.time. I hit "confirm purchase"... =)

Have a great weekend!

The Big Game

Nothing says Super Bowl to me like....online shopping?

Ok, anything, and I mean anything makes me think about shopping online, because I just love it. Lezz be honest.

This weekend as I was looking for a pimpin' outfit for Cruz for not just one, but two occasions, I realized that little man needs some new duds. I mean, he's worn all of his clothes in his closet at least twice...and because I document his every move, everyone has seen these looks. It's time for something new.

Of course, when I woke up this morning and saw great deals from not only Gap, but also Old Navy which is where I buy most of Cruzer's clothes, I figured now is as good a time as any to get my shop on. Gap has 40% off your entire purchase today only and up to 50% off everything Kid and Baby at Old Navy.

Here are a few of the things that will be landing on our doorstep in the coming week or so.


{button ups}

 

Give me a gingham print with chambray fabric and you've got a happy girl - this shirt is simple and fantastic. I just love when you roll up the sleeves to reveal a different color or pattern.  I can see us throwing a bright red tee underneath and pairing this with his white shorts for the 4th of July (seriously, it's only February, isn't it), or with his white linen pants.

Gap Gingham Chambray

A classic white button-up is one of my favorite things - they go great under patterned tees or you can pair them with a pop of color underneath. I'm thinking neon yellow, heathered orange, or pink for Valentine's day. 

Old Navy Button-Front Poplin

{sweaters}

While I am dreaming of summer, it is still winter in these parts, so this sweater will be a great staple in little man's wardrobe. It will look great with a pair of colored jeans or putting a fun collared shirt underneath and rolling up the sleeves to show it off.

Old Navy Striped Shawl Collar Pullover

{tees}

 

Add "heathered" to any color and I'm in love. As is obvious in the next three t-shirts. And Gap has some of the softest fabrics, I just love all of their tees.

Gap Heathered Pocket Tee

These Gap v-neck tees are great alone in the summer with shorts or even a pair of linen pants and his white Tom's, but I also love putting a long sleeved button-up underneath them as well with the collar and sleeves peeking out & rolled up.

Gap Heathered Slub V-Neck - Blue Galaxy

Gap Heathered Slub V-Neck - Lava Orange

 

{pants}

It's no surprise that yellow is my fave color and I adore it on little boys. I would - and will - pair any of the shirts above with these pants, especially the blue gingham and the gray & white sweater.

Old Navy Pop-Color Twill Pant

Old Navy has some of the best shorts at the best prices. I love this preppy style and all of the bright colors for spring!

Old Navy Twill Shorts - Azure Like You

Cruz has a pair of white linen pants just like this and I love rolling them up, pairing them with a fun colored tee and a pair of sandals or his gray Tom's. I know we will love these just as much!

Gap Convertible Chambray Pants

 



I never thought I would be as giddy to get new clothes for my kid like I do for myself, but sometimes I think I get even more excited! I love dressing up our little stud and especially when I can do so on sale items. I may just sit by the door until our stuff arrives!

Oh, and don't forget to check out ebates if you haven't already! I make sure that I always link of with my fave online retailers through ebates so that I get cash back on all of my purchases.  I couldn't believe there were no strings attached with this program, but it's true! I've got my holiday check coming in the mail for around $100 just because I linked through ebates to my favorite online shops. Hello? I think that warrants a new pair of shoes for all of my smart shopping. =)

Hope you have SUPER fun plans for the game today. I know we will be enjoying nachos, meatballs and beers right from the comfort of our own couch....now that is exciting!

New Purchase

I feel like I just mentioned (here) that I've been watching my online shopping...and that I had a cool new way to shop when I technically shopped, put items into my "cart" and then slept on it....generally getting over my need to purchase or talking myself out of certain buys by morning.

Well, that is all and great...until, I really need something. And by need, I mean really want because it would be more convenient for me, for the hubs and for nanny J.  Right now, Nick and I have two car seats - one for each car - but during the week we let J keep one in her car. We also try to communicate stroller needs, because up until today, we only had one. And by one, I mean, the BEST one (if I haven't convinced you all - consider yourselves convinced...best.stroller.ever)...the Baby Jogger City Select.  I will shout from the rooftops how awesome this stroller is, but we don't need two of these little rock stars, so instead I did some research and found what I thought was a great second stroller. (Please note the store love for my girl S here, Time For Baby also rocks my socks, and this is where I purchased most of my baby gear). 

After the second, er third, time I've forgotten to leave the stroller for her before I've left for work, I jumped on Amazon and clicked the "place your order" button and this bad boy was on the porch when I got home from work last night! And I'm stoked! 

Cruz and I had been checking out second strollers for a couple weeks now - sit him in it, does it recline, does it have storage, is it easy to fold - after our very scientific checks and reading the many positive reviews online, we figured this one fit our needs best. And look at this gorg color? How perfect does it fit with the spring "It" color palate of teals, blues and greens?

Chicco City Select Echo in Topazio

I may have also thrown a couple other things in my cart (see? I have problems!) along with the stroller, before quickly clicking "order." One of those things may have been the pool noodles that I've been searching for EVERYWHERE...and another just may be the 2nd boy prezzie I've picked up for little baby Gardner since finding out last week that they are having a boy!

Great Finds

As most know, I'm somewhat of an online shopping fanatic...and oftentimes forget what I've purchased until I stumble upon the bags and boxes on the porch when I get home from work at night.

I've been refraining from the "great deals" websites - Totsy, Hautelook, Gilt, Ideeli - because the more I've researched, the more I've realized they aren't that great of deals {some are, don't get me wrong}. More importantly, I've been trying to be somewhat fiscally responsible with our funds and instead, I've started a new way of shopping online - I load a bunch into my virtual shopping cart at night, shut down the computer and return to my "bag" in the morning to see if I really NEED the items I've loaded in there. More often than not, I don't. But I've also kind of gotten the rush of shopping, without spending any money. Weird, I know.

Well, today I had a few spare seconds while I was on a call and I jumped on one of my fave kiddo discount sites - Zulily - where I was so excited to discover a Solid Threads flash sale. As most of you know, I'm a sucker for a shirt with a funny saying....and I just loved these. And had to buy them...on the spot {sorry hubs!}.

Com'on,  Quit Playing With Your Dinghy and That's Bananas?? I'm in love.

And check out the rest of these shirts..some of my faves over the last fourteen months...

• "You stack blocks, I stack chips" - ode to daddy
• "Not only am I perfect. I'm Italian too"
• "Not at the table Carlos"
• "I still live with my parents"
• "Do work" - shout out to daddy when he was on the road for a poker tournament
• "Mommy's little meatball" - one of the first onesies I bought on an NYC trip
• "Ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do you punk?" - St. Patty's Day shirt
• Prom tuxedo made by a mommy at daycare for Primrose Prom

And then some of my fave baby helmet shots....at the time it seemed like the worst thing to happen to us...to him. But now, I get just a tad bit emotional looking at how sweet he is and knowing how much that helmet improved our little guy's noggin. (To any parents considering it, it is hard, it sucks really really bad, but it's just a blip in the overall scheme of things. And if you can help prevent future issues from developing, please do it.)

• "Just fixin' my melon" - quite perhaps my most favorite shirt he's ever owned
• "Wish I was drivin' a Deere with my Papa Ron" - shout out to my dad =)
• "You should see the other guy" - message to the haters who used to comment on his helmet "situation"

I just love looking back on some of these fun shirts...and remembering the great times when he wore them. To many more with this sweet, sweet boy.