Life Update- New House, Kindergarten, and more

I hope everyone had a good end to their summer.   We have been busy buying a new house, selling our current house, getting Mary-Grace registered and starting kindergarten, being sick along with several other things but those have kept us the most busy.  After careful and long consideration, we decided to stay near our current area.  We currently live in Raleigh, about 10 minutes from downtown, but will be moving about 45 minutes away to a very small town that is growing. We'll still be the same distance to my moms, a few minutes further to my dads, a little further away from friends but we'll be very close to a few other relatives and still not very far from north Raleigh where there's tons of shopping and restaurants.

We currently live in a townhouse that we bought when we got married 10 years ago but long outgrew.    It was perfect for us as a married couple and even fine with one child.  We were waiting to move because we were considering a few other job options for my husband and we wanted  him to finish his PhD program at NC State here in Raleigh.  We wanted to make sure we picked the best job for him and the best location for our family so we didn't rush into it.  Our townhouse is 3 stories with 2 bedrooms upstairs, the main living area on the main floor, then a finished basement.  It has 3.5 bathrooms and a lot of storage but the layout just doesn't work for a family with 2 small kids.  The kids are sharing a room which hasn't been too bad but Mary-Grace is getting to the age where she wants her room to have a certain style that fits her personality and I want to decorate a room just for Benton since he never had his own nursery.  In our new home, we'll have 3 bedrooms upstairs with a large playroom so each of them will have their own room with a separate playroom.  We currently have a play area set up in our basement which works but it'll be nicer to have a whole separate room.  I'm also looking forward to having a formal dining room.  I know it's not "on trend" right now with home designs with everyone wanting an open floor plan but we currently have the open floor plan and it just seems crowded to me.  The new house will have our kitchen open up to the living room and breakfast area though.  I'm also looking forward to having a mudroom and garage.  We currently have neither and are in need of both!  We get some pretty severe storms here in NC and we're always worried about our cars getting damaged.  It'll also be a great place to store the kids bikes and wagons.

Below are some photos I've taken of the building process.  We went under contract with the home after it already started to be built.  The framing was completed but we've gotten to watch the process of installing insulation, drywall, cabinets, woodwork and more.  Trying to sell your current home while going under contract with another is not the easiest and stress-free process as I'm sure you know if you've gone through it.   Our house sold fairly quick- in 6 days but during that 6 days we had 15 showings and with 2 little ones that wasn't easy!  I was constantly wiping things down, trying to explain to them why they couldn't drag out tons of toys, etc. then trying to get them out the door and having to stay gone for an hour or two.  Anyhow,  it was all worth it and we're now in the packing process and will be in about 2 weeks from now!

Do you have little ones that have started school?  Mary-Grace started kindergarten at the end of August.  I posted about it on Instagram but she is attending the elementary school that will be close to our new neighborhood (only about 2 minutes away actually!).  We thought it would be a lot easier on her to start the year there and not have to transfer after just a couple of weeks so we've been driving her every day (kind of a pain but worth it for her).  She loved preschool and was very excited to start.  It's been a little of an adjustment though since Kindergarten is all day and she has homework every night.  She's already missed four days of school, two for being sick and two for hurricane Dorian.  It's been an adventure!

Patriotic Finds

One of my favorite holidays, 4th of July or Independence Day, is almost here!  I feel like this summer is flying by.  Mary-Grace has already been out of school for almost a month!  Anyhow, I really love the patriotic red, white and blue, the cookouts, and fireworks that we partake in.  For some fun entertaining ideas, check out my this post from last year.  What are your plans this year for the holiday?  We haven't really planned ours out yet but they moved the large fireworks for our city from downtown back to the fairgrounds which is a much better location so I'm hopeful we'll go.  Below I've rounded up some patriotic looks and cookout/beach necessities for a fun fourth.  

Blue Bloomer Outfit: here | Plaid Jon Jon: here |  Seersucker Dress: here | Girls Swimsuit: here

Sailor Bloomer Set: here | Stripe Day Dress: here | Stripe Shirt: here | Towel: here

Flag Bow: here  | Sneakers: here | Tote: here | Picnic Basket: here

Picnic Blanket: here | Sparklers: here | Cupcake Kit: here | Sandals: here

Monday Must-Haves- Things I bought and liked

Happy Monday all!  I hope you had a relaxing weekend and great start to your week.  We had a great weekend with much needed relaxation time.  Friday was a crazy hectic (but good) day so we wanted to relax as much as possible over the weekend.  On Saturday we first took turns taking mid morning naps, then we cleaned the house some, got new keys for Josh's car but it didn't take long at all,  my dad came to visit for a while and then we went out to dinner.  On Sunday, I finally decided to clean out and organize my closet.   I go through my clothes about once a year but haven't gotten rid of much the past few years since my weight fluctuated so much during and after 2 pregnancies.  I was ruthless this time.  I got rid of 2 trash bags full of clothes and accessories.  I sold a couple of things then donated the rest.  It feels great to walk in there now and now have no clutter.  After I did that, we went to visit my grandparents who live only about 30 minutes away.  The kids love going over there because my grandparents have so many toys and things for them to do.  The kids played in the sprinklers, drove around their cars, and spent some time digging through their pantry for snacks (they always have something good!).  We then headed to the grocery store then back home to eat dinner and crash!  What were you up to this weekend?

Today on the blog I thought I'd share my most recent "things I bought and liked".  Have you seen that Instagram account?  It's become very popular and some of her reviews are hilarious. Anyhow, here are some things I've bought and tried recently that I really like.

I started using Olaplex a few months ago actually (found here) and can really notice a difference in the texture of my hair.  It's less dry and coarse feeling than before.   I don't use it every time I wash my hair.  About every 2-3 washes I'll use something else instead just because of the price of this shampoo.  But even using it two thirds of the time I wash my hair makes a difference.

This water bottle seriously keeps my water cold almost all day.  No joke.  It doesn't leak.  It fits down in the side of my book bag that I carry a lot when I'm out with both kids.  There's nothing else to say about it other than it's great and I know I'll be using it a lot more this summer.

I bought this French basket and used it for the first time yesterday to hold the kids swimsuits and outdoor gear.  It's so roomy but not bulky when you're holding it on your shoulder.   It held both kids swimsuits, a wet/dry bag filled with stuff, a change of clothes for both kids, 2 beach towels, my wallet, a water bottle, and shoes.  The shipping was extremely fast considering it came from overseas.  I can tell it's well made and will last a while.

I bought the Native deodorant to try recently after I ran out of my other.  I have been really wanting to try a new aluminum free deodorant and read good reviews about the Native brand.  It's not the cheapest deodorant but IT WORKS.  I've been using it for about 3 weeks now and have stayed dry every day... even in the 90+ degree heat we had this past weekend!  I got the coconut & vanilla scent and it spells so good.  I'm definitely never going back to my old deodorant.

I got this picnic blanket and am in love.  It's great quality for the price and I love the blue and white stripe print.  It folds up easily and has a detachable handle.  We like to go on picnics every now and then so these blankets really come in handy.  They're also great for the beach for the family to sit on instead of spreading out 50 towels.  I have another picnic blanket from about 12 years ago that I also like but one side of it is has a very soft cotton material that always traps sand and grass.  With this new one I can just shake it off.

I posted about these mules a couple of times on Instagram.  They are comfortable, affordable, and go with tons of outfits.

I love the texture and fit of this stripe top found here.  It's a nice weight for the spring and summer weather and isn't super fitted nor too boxy, which isn't the best look on me.  It also comes in white!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Happy May!   The month of flowers, Mothers Day, Memorial Day, and so much more spring goodness.  Mother's Day is up first and approaching fast.  It seems a little early this year.  Anyone else feel that way?  Mother's Day has taken a more sentimental meaning now that I'm a mother.  I've always loved spending the day with my own mom but it's so special to now have 3, sometimes 4 generations in a room together.   On another note,  I also keep in mind that day might be bittersweet for some who no longer have their mother's here with them.  My husband lost his own mother at 19, which makes the day more emotional for him in a different way.

What do you have planned for that day?  Are you able to see your mom in person?  Do you send a special gift?  We usually attend church that day then have a nice lunch somewhere all together.  I'm currently on the hunt for a gift for my mom and grandmothers.  If you also haven't purchased a gift yet, I've rounded up some ideas below.  I own a few of these items myself!  Some are just fun, some are functional for busy moms, and some are more personal.

Tote bag: here | Shampoo: here | Morning Dress: here | Slippers: here
Platter: here | Sunglasses: here | Key Ring: here | Cookbook: here
Mules: here | Robe: here | Silhouettes: here | Monogram pouch: here
Planner: here | Candle: here | Earrings: here | Bowl: here

10 Year Anniversary

I'm here with a sappy post today.  Ten years ago today Josh and I were married.  A whole decade ago.  In many ways, it doesn't seem like that long ago, but in other ways it seems like we've been together for much longer.  Doesn't it seem to feel like that with many life events?  A couple of different jobs, a house, and two kids later, here we are, still happily married I'm happy to say.  Just like everyone, we have our moments of disagreement and frustration with each other, but we try to make them few and few between and work to resolve them quickly.  It's also just hard to be upset with my best friend, which Josh is.  I can't wait to see what else is in store for us in the years to come.  I love you very much, Josh!

We both love the beach and I had always dreamed of getting married there so we did.  We got married on Bald Head Island, which is near and dear to our hearts.  It's been a few years since we've been but I'm hoping we can make it back some time later this year.  It's such a quaint place with beautiful beaches and forests.  There's so much untouched nature.  No cars are allowed, just golf carts and bicycles which adds to the quaintness.  There's a beautiful old church on the island and a lighthouse which is where some of these pictures were taken.  We had our engagement pictures taken at a lot of the same locations.  I'm sure I'm oversharing with these pictures but it's hard to just pick one or two and I tried to share some I've never shared before.  

I hope you all have a wonderful day (it's almost the weekend!).

Monday Must-Haves- Easter Outfits for Boys

I'm back today with Easter outfits for boys!  Shopping for little boys is just as much fun as shopping for little girls.  I really love shopping for Benton.  There are so many cute little boy clothes from rompers, cute shorts and polos, bucket hats, to seersucker pants (I scored a $3 pair for Benton recently!).    I've compiled the sources for the outfits below, just click on the link.   Also, here is my girl Easter outfit ideas post.  Many of the boy/girl outfits can coordinate with one another if you have a both a girl and a boy.  

Seersucker Jon Jon: here
Yellow Bunny Jon Jon: here
Plaid Jon Jon: here
Embroidered Bunny Romper: here
Seersucker Pants: here
White Oxford Shirt: here
Smocked Bunny Jon Jon: here
Short Set: here
Yellow Gingham Jon Jon: here
Green Shorts: here
White Polo: here
Duck Short Set: here
Blue Gingham Jon Jon: here
White Romper with Bunnies: here

Monday Must Haves- Girls Easter Outfits

Easter is right around the corner!  I love all of the pastel and light colors associated with the holiday.  I especially love shopping for my kids.  I think it's more fun than shopping for myself, which I still love to do but don't as often.  I've compiled some absolutely precious dresses, bubbles and sets below for little girls.  Mary-Grace already has the top left plaid print dress which is a contender for her Easter dress.  She still loves wearing dresses and girly outfits all the time so I'm sure she'd also love to wear any of the others.  I've posted the links below for you to find each piece.  Make sure to check back later this week for Easter outfits for boys.  Also, check out my Easter basket post for ideas for your little ones baskets!

1st Row: Plaid Dress: here | 2 piece Side Tie: here | White Dress: here
2nd Row: Pink Bunny Set: here | Flower Bubble: here
3rd Row: Light blue sailor dress: here | Light Pink Colored Dress: here| Smocked Bunnies Dress: here
4th Row: Pink Two Bunny Romper: here  |  Gingham Romper: here
5th Row: Pink Gingham Dress: here | White dress with yellow trim: here |  | Blue and White button dress: here

Custom Invitations- Weddings, graduations, and more!

There are always happy, life changing events going on with ourselves or someone we know.  Birthdays, engagements, graduations, weddings, new babies, retirements, etc.  I feel like this time of year, the spring, is when these events are the most common.  We already have one wedding to look forward to this year, along with a new baby in the family (not ours though!), Josh's graduation from his PhD program at the end of the year, a milestone anniversary for ourselves and one for my grandparents!

With all that being said, the perfect way to announce these special events and to invite your loved ones to celebrate with you, is with a thoughtful and beautiful invitation.  I love being able to open an envelope and pull out a crisp invitation that I can have as a keep sake if I choose.  I have already saved our children's birthday party invitations, our wedding invitation and also special invitations and announcements we've received from loved ones.

I recently came across an invitation company specializing in customizable invitations, Basic Invite.  They offer instant, customizable cards and invitations with over 180 color options and over 40 different colors of envelope which are peel and seal so no licking icky tasting envelopes!  With all of these color choices you can match your invite to any theme or color scheme you choose!  Basic Invite is also one of only a few websites that allows its customers the ability to receive a printed sample before placing a final order.  This may be my favorite feature because it allows you to see the colors in person and to actually feel the quality of the paper.  Basic Invite also offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders so no getting hand cramps from writing all of the addresses!  Another favorite feature is their address capturing service.  They provide you with a link to share on social media to request your family and friends addresses which can be stored in your customer account. How awesome is that?!

As I mentioned, Josh is graduating with his PhD in math education and I plan to have a graduation celebration for him.  I'm not sure where yet since it's still a while from now, but Basic Invite has beautiful gradation invitations to choose from for the party.  If you happen to know someone graduating from a residency program or college, their residency graduation invitations and college graduation ceremony invitations are also stunning.  There are so many styles to choose from with different fonts, colors, personalized photos, and more to let you be as creative as you want!

If you're planning a wedding, how stunning are these invites?  I especially like the coordinating information cards and thank you cards- perfect to tie everything together.

How pretty is this sweet 16 invitation option with the cheerful colors?  

Right now, Basic Invite is offering 15% orders with code 15FF51 which makes it the perfect time to try them out if you haven't yet.  I hope you all have a wonderful first weekend of spring!

**Thank you Basic Invite for sponsoring this post. All opinions and statements are my own.

Inspiration- Easter Basket Goodies

Easter is finally on the horizon!  Bunnies, dyeing eggs, egg hunts, church, and lunch with family all make it a special holiday for us.  Do you celebrate the holiday and if so, what are your traditions?  Of course the meaning of the holiday is the most important reason for it being special to us but the other things mentioned also make special memories.

I've been slowly grabbing some things for the kids Easter baskets when I see them.  So far I've gotten them each a garden tool set, a flower pot painting set, and each flower seeds to plant... all from the Target dollar spot!  I didn't intend to have a "gardening" theme but it seems to be going that direction.   A few other things I plan to add are a chocolate bunny and maybe a couple of the things from the idea board below.   I have the nestler eggs shown below that I gave to Benton last year with little treats inside.  I plan to reuse them again this year.  I love putting together gift baskets so getting the kids Easter baskets together is right up my alley.  Below, I've put together some gift ideas that would make fun additions to an Easter basket for your little bunnies!

Chocolate Bunny: here | Runaway Bunny Book: here | Bunny Ears: Bunny Ears | Plate, Bowl, Cup Set: here | Bonnet: here | Bucket Hat: here | Stuffed Bunny: here | Nestler Eggs: here | Chalk Eggs: here | Sandals: here | Bow: here | Bunny slippers: here

Benton's 2nd Birthday

Benton turned two back on February 28th and we celebrated with a party the following Saturday.  I seriously cannot believe he is now 2 years old!  I know every mom says they can't believe how fast time is flying by and they can't believe their child is another year older, but it is so true.  I really love this age.  His little personality is shining through every day and he is a joy to be around.  

I went round and round deciding which theme to have for his party.  He's not talking much so he couldn't tell me what he wanted, so I based it off of things he likes.  I decided on a beach themed party because he loves the beach (and so do we!) and I thought it would be easy to put together.

It was very special to be able to celebrate another of Benton's birthdays with our family and close friends.  I think he had a great time and hopefully everyone else did as well!  The weather turned out to be beautiful the day of the party so we blew up the kids bounce house and set it up out back.  After the kids got tired of bouncing, they came inside and played in our "play room" which is really just a corner of our basement.  The party was set for 3pm, which is right after Benton usually wakes up from his nap.  We decided on snack foods we thought everyone would like such as Chick-Fil-A nuggets, fruit, veggies with ranch dip,  cookies, goldfish,  mash ups for the kids, Pirate Booty, and of course no birthday party is complete without cake and/or cupcakes.  We tried to tie in some of the snack foods with the theme of the party such as the goldfish and Pirate Booty.  I found the most adorable paper boat cake topper from Easy and ordered the cake and cupcakes from Walmart.  We had most of the "decor" and serving dishes/bowls/etc already.  I did get the basket that's holding the Pirate Booty from Home Goods for $7 and I know I'll use it for something else.  I also got him the Beaufort Bonnet Company beach towel and stuffed seagull for Benton as a birthday gift that also made cute decor. 

Below, I've listed where everything was purchased from.  For party favors, we gave out sand pails filled with Swedish Fish, bubbles, Go Fish cards, and water guns.  

Boat cake topper: SEToppers

Happy Birthday banner: Peachy Paper Crafts

Invitations and gift tags: Paper and Play Design

Sand pails: Dollar Tree

Beach towel and seagull: The Beaufort Bonnet Company

White Bowls and Cake Stand: Home Goods
Balloons: Party City