Scenes From The Weekend

Having traveled last weekend for a quick little getaway, it was nice to have a low key, relaxed last couple of days. I had loads I wanted to get done around the house anyway so it came at the perfect time. And we even managed to fit in a little fun.

Friday night, we decided to hit up the Omaha Lancers hockey game. Not being much of hockey people, this is still a new experience for us but let's be honest anywhere we can get stadium nachos, a pretzel & cheese and a bunch of other goodies and we are all in. It was Frozen night so we figured Cruz would get a kick out of seeing Olaf, Elsa and Anna, although the announcer kept pronouncing Anna's name wrong and every.single.time. Cruz would shake his head and yell "it's Awwww-nuh" in frustration.

After Pilates Fusion on Saturday, I took the rare opportunity to run to the grocery store for a little kid-free shopping and came home and made this grilled cheese for Cruz and this Skinnytaste roasted cauliflower for Nick and I.  And, yes I need a recipe for grilled cheese. Don't laugh. And both were delicious. Speaking of Skinnytaste, do any of you have the the cookbook? It's back on Amazon so I think I'm going to order it this week. I have followed her blog forever and love her recipes.

In the afternoon, we headed to my niece Dayvaney's dance competition and I tell you that girl just impresses the hell out of me. She is SO GOOD. Doesn't seem nervous at all. And just look at how cute she is. I will say Nick continues to be so interested in the fact that dance companies can get away with dressing little gals up like this (and this was her more conservative outfit of the day). I just can't believe that they require specific Sephora brand or more expensive make-up for their looks and their warm-up gear is all Lululemon. It is quite the business, I tell ya.

Because I prefer not to make dinner on the weekends - or ever, for that matter - we headed to DJ's Dugout so Nick could watch basketball and Cruz & I could play some keno. Below he's studying the sheet to ensure he picks us some winners.  Later, we had a big ol' Mango slumber party in our bed when we got home. I think we all were asleep by 9:30pm. It was amazing.

Sunday was pretty uneventful, not really even worth mentioning, so let's talk glasses. As in, I got some new ones and I'm pretty excited.

Ever since Cruz started rocking these glasses, I decided I needed a pair of my own and started looking whenever I came across them in stores. I just never could find a pair that fit my face and didn't make me look like I was playing dress up.

Enter these bad boys. It was like the stars aligned when Firmoo contacted me and asked if I wanted to review a pair of their glasses. Um, yes please. How did you know I have been searching high and low for the perfect pair?

Yes, those are selfies. I still can't talk Nick into just being a good blogger husband. Working on it, though.

And if you are looking to change up your look a bit, check out Firmoo. They have both prescription and just for fun frames and I was shocked at how quickly they shipped! I got this pair and you can hardly tell they are dark green frames, but I love the little bit of color. If you aren't sure how you will look in glasses, check out the frames on this page to receive yours for free or this page are 50% off frames! You can't beat it and let me tell you it's pretty fun showing up and surprising your family with your new look.

Although I'm pretty sure Cruz still pulls the look off better than me. Dang cute kid face.

However, as I'm finishing this post, Cruz runs over to me with the bottom of his shirt balled in his hand and tells me not to touch it.

Me: Why?

Him: Because I'm pretty sure I peed all over it.

Aaaaand back to my reality....

Have a great week!  Linking up with Biana.

A Stitch Fix Review: Five Clothing Items That Showed Up On My Doorstep

Happy Friday! This week flew by and now I'm looking forward to a circus date with my best little man and my nephew Ace tonight. Cruz thinks he's going to ride the elephant and while I'm all for it, I'm pretty sure the multiple conversations we had last night about said elephant and his concerns with riding it, lead me to believe it's not going to happen. What I'm trying to say is if I was a gambling man, I would take the under.

Case in point...

"Do elephants go really fast?"
"What if this one does? I might fall off."
"Is it really stinky? I don't want to get stinky."
"Do you think Ace will want to ride with me? Maybe Ace will ride by himself?"
"Mama, I need to make sure I don't do this (mimics kicking a horse to make it trot) because that would be bad if I'm the one who makes the elephant go fast and all the kids fall off."
"How big are elephants? Will this one be as big as the one at the zoo?"
"Maybe it would be better if I watch them from down below."

Me: "Cruz, you don't have to ride the elephant if you don't want to."

"Buuuut mama, I really want to! Why won't you let me? (fake cries)"

Me: (smh)

Enough circus talk, but staying in line with things in the wild, check out this great cardi I got in my most recent Stitch Fix. I think I'm in love. Not only do I love being able to pair it with jeans and a tank for a casual dinner out, but I am also envisioning it rolled and tied over a maxi this spring or thrown over a pair of leggings. (Don't you just love my mirror in the bedroom selfie with terrible lighting? Yeah, me too. I could never make it as a fashion blogger.)

Tank // Jeans // Booties

Speaking of Stitch Fix, I received my first in December. It was less than favorable. There were a couple of maybes, but nothing I had to have, so I sent four items back but kept a handbag for my SIL.

I wanted to give it another chance, so in January I received another fix. There were three items I was really into as well as a pair of earrings and another pair of skinnies. I ended up keeping an gray asymmetrical wrap cardigan and I absolutely love it - a very functional piece that you can wear with jeans, leggings and yoga pants.

For my most recent Fix and the one I received the above leopard print cardi in, I only kept that one item. And I also got the below, but sent them back for various reasons.  In typical Katie fashion, I didn't make time to take any pics when I had the other items in my possession and before I knew it I was getting the notification that I needed to send my items back. So back they went and all you're left with are these silly pictures from the outfit cards they include with every fix, which I love by the way to get their ideas on how to style each item you receive. =)

Again, I only kept the one item, but you know what? I'm doing it again for a couple reasons.

• I love getting surprises on my doorstep each month.
• And checking out different styles they send.  Most have been pieces I wouldn't even give a second glance to in the store, so it's fun to try them on and see how they look. Who doesn't love playing dress up?
• You get FIVE different items in each fix and you tell them if you want just clothes or add accessories, shoes, handbags, etc.
• Even if I only end up with one item, it's totally worth it.
• If you end up sending anything back, then you are only out a $20 styling fee (this includes S&H to and fro), but hopefully this will never be the result for me.
• I have yet to keep all five items, but if you do, you get a 25% discount off the total price.
• You can give your stylist feedback on what you liked/didn't like to help them guide your future fixes. Plus, if you want to change your "profile" from weekend casual to dresses for an upcoming wedding, or work pieces, etc, you totally can.
• Did I mention I love getting surprises each month?? 

Now I'm patiently awaiting my fourth Fix. I changed up my profile and asked for some spring/summer dresses, maxis, midis, etc, for my annual gal pal trip to Scottsdale in April (check out last year's trip here). Can I tell you how excited I am to be thinking about wearing clothes like that again...well, scratch that, I'm just excited to get out of this terribly cold weather we've been having and into the sun with a cocktail in my hand and two of best gals by my side? Really, really excited.

If you haven't checked Stitch Fix out and you want to give it a whirl, feel free to use my referral link. Or don't. Totally up to you. =)

So have you tried Stitch Fix yet? What did you think?

Linking up with the Friday girls - Karli, Amanda and Natasha!

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!

Our Weekend

We hope you all had a great weekend and a Happy Valentine's Day. Ours was definitely fantastic around here.

I had been away all week for work and had to miss Cruz's party at school, but fortunately grandma Carol had the day off and went so he wasn't that poor little kiddo with no family. Thank the lord. And not only that but when I got home from work, she was in the kitchen whipping up some of her amazing lasagna...for us, mind you....and then, AND THEN, told Nick and I that she was going to watch C so we could go out.

We seriously have the best family.

So, we didn't hesitate and headed out to Sake Bombers for a late dinner of sushi and sake and then over to Parliment where we sat and had Coronas and played Gender Bender.

Do anyone else love to play the MegaTouch machine while drinking at a bar? No...just me? It's seriously one of my fave things ever.

On Saturday, I had a shopping date with this cute little guy, while we ran out to pick up some shoes for Nick. Of course hitting up the mall always means we hit up Auntie Annie's for a pretzel and cheese. And I finally checked out Omaha's new H&M. Surprising that I hadn't ventured over to it until now, but it was worth it. For Cruz, that is. The kid got so much as per the norm. Just a few of my faves - these undies and this tee. I also picked up the cardigan I wore in the pics below and absolutely loved it, especially since it was under $20 (of course, I can't find it in their online store).

We had gotten a last minute invite from Nick's brother to go to Champion's country club for dinner and drinks for the parents and playtime for the kiddos. I'm not lying when I say playtime. It was a room full of bounce houses, a DJ, mac n cheese, face painting, super heroes and princesses and it was made very clear that parents weren't allowed. It was genius, actually. And so much fun.

Being that we woke up - the three of us, mind you - on Tony and Marcy's couch the next morning, that meant our Sunday was made for laying around watching Box Trolls and quietly playing. If you know what I mean. I did manage to make this tomato tortellini soup for us (thanks Heather!) and it was pretty great.

I will leave you with this little babe, he was quite certainly my favorite Valentine.

Linking up with Biana.

It's Friday & A Makeover

Now don't go getting excited. 

I didn't finally get myself a much needed makeover, but this little ol' blog did.

And I have to admit I'm loving it - a huge thank you to Sarah at Social & Chic.  I definitely recommend you check her out if you are in the market for a little refresh.

And while we are talking about the blog, you see those little black circles in the top right in the picture above? I would LOVE it if you clicked on each of those and made sure you were following me on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER 

(let's be honest I'm a horrible tweeter)

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

BLOGLOVIN'

And while you're at it, why risk missing a post....on the right sidebar you can scroll down and sign up for email alerts. That way you won't ever miss a post. And let's be honest here, at the rate my blog posts are going up, you definitely won't feel overwhelmed with emails from me. =)

#shamelessplug

Now that we've got that out of the way...

{ONE}

Maroon 5's new video has been on repeat since my sister told me to check it out last week. If you have n't seen it, you have to check it out. And if you aren't smiling afterwards, like a big cheek to cheek smile...well, then my friend you have some problems. How awesome would it be to have this happen at your wedding? I would go crazy.

via

{TWO}

We all know I'm not a whiz in the kitchen. Obviously. So when I mention a recipe, it's more than likely easy to make and good. And this Mexican Quinoa dish is on repeat with me and Mr Mango these days. It was a part of the Eat Green Challenge I did back in November with Kelli from Sweat Cycle and Soul and she finally posted it on her new blog, so I just had to share it with you all. I whip up a batch and throw it into single serve containers that I can grab and take with me to work....sprinkle a little feta cheese on top and it's even more delicious.

{THREE}

The Wet Brush. My MIL always finds us cool stuff. This is one of those great things she got me for Christmas and I've been loving it since. I also hear it's great for little ladies with sensitive noggins.

{FOUR}

I know I'm a little late to the Fabletics bandwagon, but I'm pretty excited for this outfit below to show up on my doorstep. I mean, that shrug alone is worth it, but what if I told you this entire outfit - shrug, tank and capris - was only $79.95. For you lucky ones who haven't ordered from Fabletics yet, they also offer your first outfit for $25!

I actually ordered this outfit below for my first. Of course it was sold out in certain sizes, but I ordered it anyway and guess what? It didn't fit. I'm bummed too because I loved the top but it was too big. The pants, however, fit very well and were true to size. More like Athleta sizing, not Lulu, if you know what I mean.

{FIVE}

This shirt. Isn't it the cutest? We love a raglan. And even better when it's black & white. And we definitely prefer hugs over drugs around these parts.  Now if only it fit...it's still a tad big so little man hasn't worn it yet, but we are hoping that changes very soon. Especially if we can pair it with all of those other goodies.

Happy weekend!


Linking up with Karli, Amanda and Natasha.

Bedtime Routine

I am the first to state that we are not textbook when it comes to Cruz's bedtime routine.

Actually we probably fall more into the 'what not to do' section.

But I will say we seem to be moving in the right direction. By "right direction" I mean that we are no longer letting Cruz sleep in our bed. Every single night.

It also means that one of us still goes to bed with him each night and stay with him until he falls asleep.... where sometimes we fall asleep ourselves and are in his bed the entire night.

Hey, it's not just Cruz that needs to break the bad habit. I love sleeping with him too.

But lately we are getting better about staying in our respective beds. And I think that warrants a gold star for both Cruz and I. Well, at least I think it does.

Besides Nick or I, obviously, there are some things that Cruz can't live without at night:

Sven Plush Toy // Boon Glo Nightlight // Baseball blanket //

 Fan // Dino Slippers (sold out, similar here & here) // 

PJs (ON & Gap) //  Hello Fire Truck Book

The biggest must is his "Sbenny Boy" as Cruz likes to call him. He also calls him "brudda" and pretends he's our new baby and tucks him under the covers each night. It's kinda cute.

Along the lines of bedtime, I came across this "Mommy will you lay with me" article the other day and it really hit home. I obviously lay with my kiddo at night, as previously pointed out, but after the book is read and the lights are off, I spend most of my time telling him to be quiet and close his eyes, because then my head starts running through all the things I need to get done before I can finally go to sleep myself.

One line hit home, but this is when the good stuff comes out and it's so true. This is generally the time Cruz just wants to talk and talk without any outside distractions, about his day and just what's on his mind.

And it's true. The stuff he talks about is just too good to miss.  Like last night:

C: Mama, can we just talk about some stings (things)?

Me: Sure. What do you want to talk about?

C: What about tractors? I like yellow tractors, do you like yellow tractors?

Me: Of course I do, yellow is my favorite color.

C: Mine too. Well and I like blue and green and red and black....actually I think I like all the colors. Can you like all the colors, mama?

Now he is getting really comfortable in the conversation. He rolls over, lays his head on my back and crosses his legs...

C: Mama, I think this is a good idea that we do this, right? I like to talk about stings wit you.

Me: I like it too.

C: I think we should go to Bounce U - remember when we went there? Let's go. Can we go right now...is it closed? Can I bounce there for a long time? Do you think Cole and Morgan can go this time?

Me: Sure. It's closed right now but we can go again.

C: I really like our family, mama. You and me and daddy. Oh, and Sben too. We are a really good family, right?

And it goes on and on and on like this until he gets too tired to keep talking and falls asleep, because I just can't stop him when this kind of conversation starts.

Of course this most definitely results in him being a bear to wake up in the morning for school, because by now it's after 10pm and he just fell asleep.

Oh well...

Linking up with It's the Little Things and Thoughts for Thursday.

DIY Lego Table

It's no surprise here that we love to play Legos. And by we, I mean me. I have always loved to play Legos. I can remember when my little brother and I used to watch the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and build us some bad ass Lego towns.

So when Cruz finally got into Legos, I was one happy mama. I mean, what's the fun of becoming a parent if you can't play like you're a kid again? It's the best.

As Cruz's interest increased, I felt it only right that we blow out our Lego set up.

I had searched online and found a ton of different options - some weren't exactly what I wanted and others were expensive, so I opted to make our own and enlisted my mother-in-law's help. I also wanted something that could be used on the floor or would fit over top of his existing train table in case he wanted to stand around it, so we used that size as our gauge.

And around 11pm the Sunday night before Christmas, we got started.

{ONE}
Place the Lego base plates where you want them on the particle board, outline with pencil.

Important note: if you are putting the base plates next to each other, use Legos to connect them so you can make sure you put them the right distance apart. If you don't do this, there is a good chance you won't be able to make really awesome, huge Lego houses or bridges connecting one base plate to another. Trust me on this. (see below)

{TWO}
Lift off the Lego base plates and paint the exposed areas with gray paint for your road. It doesn't have to be pretty. We also painted in between the base plates because there was some exposed space showing. Oh, and it's a good idea to have a drop cloth down so you don't paint all over your kitchen island.

{THREE}
Place the base plates on the particle board and hot glue them down. I recommend two people for this - one to apply the glue and the other to hold the base plate and then stick it to the particle board.

Note: once we glued one of the base plates down, we applied glue to the other, quickly set it down next to the other and spaced it with the Legos to ensure we did it correctly.

{FOUR}
Use your stencil and white paint to add the white dotted lines to your road. Allow to dry. (I didn't get a picture of this, but you can see the finished product below.

{FIVE}
Cover and surprise the heck out of your favorite little one!

Since we technically gave this to him the Monday before Christmas, we told him the Elves had delivered it to Grandma Carol's house since they knew we were going to be there before Christmas day. He was pretty excited. And since I knew we were going to do this, I told family they could gift him with Lego sets for Christmas to get him started, which worked perfectly.

And  it's quickly become one of my our favorite toys around here and since has gained quite a few new Lego sets. He literally plays with it every single day and as much as I hate to say it, it's taken residence in our main living room which makes for an eye sore, but is oh so convenient.

Here is a list of most of the items we used and Duplo sets we have since added. Some not pictured here.

• Lego Duplo base plate
• Planes set
• Ambulance set
• Construction worker set
• Farm set
• Fire station set
• Jake Hideout set
• Batman Batcave set
• Batman: The Joker set
• We built the Zoo, Hospital, Jail and House from hand-me-down sets 

This was a fairly easy project, especially if I could do it. So enlist a pal, prep with a lot of wine, get your creative juices flowing and have some fun!


It's the Little Things