Goodbye Google Reader!

As of tomorrow, Google Reader will be saying goodbye! I'd hate to lose those of you who follow me! So, run on over to BlogLovin' (which is wonderful!) and follow me there! I'll be sure to follow you back!

June Cara Box Reveal

It's that time of the month again where I get to tell you all about the lovely ladies that I met through the Cara Box Exchange!

This months the box was carnival/fair themed, which proved to be quite challenging -- but fun! I was paired up with the lovely Chelsee at Southern Beauty Guide and Andi from A Look At Life From a Different Angle.

First, meet Chelsee:

Not only do we share the same name (different spelling) but we also had a lot in common. Chelsee is a self proclaimed girlie girl who is into fashion and makeup. She is a web designer, free lance makeup artist, and small business co-owner! I had such a good time getting to know Chelsee this month, she is such a sweetheart! If you want to see what I got her (and even if you dont) you definitely need to check out her blog (she does awesome make-up tutorials...and I will be the first to admit that I need all the help I can get!). 

Next is Andi: 

I was so glad to get to know Andi, and again, was paired with someone with whom I had a lot in common! Andi is a teacher by day but also loves running, diy projects, baking, and wine. Sound like anyone else? You know, except for the running? Andi was so fun to email with -- she asked a lot of great questions that got me reminiscing about fairs and carnivals from my own childhood. She was also so sweet checking on how I was feeling and getting to know more about my life and family! 

Now onto the wonderful box I got from Andi :-) I cant even tell you how excited I was when I saw this on the front porch! Confession: It wasnt on my porch like this. Andi is smart enough to seal the box...I just couldnt wait to grab the camera before I opened it. 

And  the goodies that were inside!

Look at this stuff! I told Andi about how carnival food was (and honestly still is) my favorite part. Specifially, I told her about how much I loved funnel cakes and the fresh donuts that we use to get. Well, she obviously couldnt mail me a funnel cake but found these amazing donuts which literally look and smell like the ones I remember. Another funny story (which my mother will appreciate it) was regarding the games I played as a kid and all the random fish I won. One year, though, I actually won a bunny and my mom wouldnt let me keep him. As a parent I totally dont blame her because, really, who needs a bunny as a pet, but at the time it was quite a disappointment. Andi got me a fish...and a bunny :-) Also in there are some squirt guns (which Preston and I are so playing with when he wakes up), some delicious Banana Fosters flavored coffee, candy, and a sweet note. 

Annnd if you didnt notice the adorableness in the front row -- Andi made the girls matching onesies with little pearls and flowers on them. People, she MADE them! They are to die for and I still can't get over them. She also makes tutus and I'm already figuring out what colors I want her to make for my two little ladies.

 I still cant get over the thoughtfulness of this box! Especially remembering all 3 of my little ones! 

If you are interested in learning more about Cara Box and how to get involved head on over and see Kaitlyn at Wifessionals. It has been such a fun way to make new friends and get to know other blogs and bloggers! The ladies I have met have all been fabulous and I look forward to next months!

Monday Musings v.1

Happy Monday! I missed my H54F this week, which actually worked out because all of the cute pictures that I was going to show you will be featured in coming posts (like Preston's first trip to the beach!).

I figured I would try something a little different around here, which I am going to call Monday Musings. I feel like I might have read this on someone else's blog, but I cant find where. If I totally stole this idea, please let me know, because that was not my intention!

* I just saw a commercial (literally 10 seconds ago) stating that Burn Notice is in its final season! How am I just hearing about this? Does anyone else watch Burn Notice? The acting has gotten actually pretty bad the past couple of seasons but I feel like my Thursdays might be empty without Michael, Fiona, Sam, and Jesse.

* It is literally like 1,000 degrees in this house! Okay, perhaps that a slight exaggeration. Whats not an exaggeration, though, is that the thermostat reads in the 80's. It was so hot today and we don't have central air. I kept thinking summer would be much more bearable not being in Memphis, but I cant believe how much I got use to air conditioning!

*  Tomorrow is Preston's first appointment with the pediatric urologist at Yale, which I am slightly nervous about. He was born with a defect called hypospadias, which needs to be fixed sooner than later. We met with urologists in Memphis, but didn't have time to have the corrective surgery before we left. I am comforted that he will be treated by some of the best in the country, but still nervous because he's my baby. If you are at all curious about hypospadias, you can check out this page.

* On a lighter note....if you're watching Real Housewives of Orange County like I am have you seen the episode where they are at the beach for Tamara's bachelorette party? Am I the only one who noticed that Tamara has had so much work done on her mid section that she doesn't have a bellybutton?  I'm generally not one to talk about someones looks but, seriously, it creeped me out.

* Finally, we are in the midst of (maybe) finding out where we will be living in 5 months. It changes all the time so I wont be convinced until it is in writing. Even then I am expecting them to call us 2 weeks out, like they are prone to do, and tell us it has changed. Ahh the glories of the Navy. As of now we are likely going to be stationed in Bangor, Washington. We have started looking at houses and getting a handle on logistically moving a toddler, two newborns, and two dogs cross country. If anyone is familiar with the Pac-Nor-West I'd love to hear from you and get your take on things!

And just incase your Monday needed a little extra cuteness...

H54F

Happy Friday!! If you are new to High Five for Friday -- head on over to Lauren Elizabeth where we are all linking up our happy moments from this week!!

1.)) We had some of Ed's classmates and their families over for a cookout. The guys were playing washers and someone else wanted to be involved...his daddy convinced him to sit on the cornhole boards instead. 

2.)) This was my to-do list from one day earlier this week. One day. You remember my earlier discussion about to-do lists. It felt good marking every single thing off that list...and no, it didnt all get done that day!

3.)) Little man and I had a lunch date at McDonalds this week. Actually, he ate lunch...I ate a McFlurry. He was the best lunch date in town!

4.)) My mom (Preston's NeNa) is visiting this weekend. It's so nice to have another set of hands during the day. She was putting his shoes on so he could go "side" (outside). 

5.)) This dog is a hot mess. That's all there really is to it. She sat like this for who knows how long. 

Ivory 2-1 Review!

This is something new for me...welcome to **drumroll** The BubbleheadBrides product reviews!!

Have y'all heard of Influenster? They describe themselves as:

An exclusive online community where tastemakers and trendsetters (such as yourself) come to share the latest and greatest news, places, products, and reviews with each other.... 

Basically, Influenster is a place for culture junkies to come together and share their unique opinions of products and experiences. Active members of Influenster get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag from brands that thrive off the input (the good, the bad, and the ugly -- they just want to know what's up).

You'll see where they mention that active members get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag. Essentially, companies use influenster members to test out and rate products they are premiering. It's tons of fun! Just recently I had the opportunity to test out Ivory's new 2-1 product -- shampoo, conditioner and body wash (so really its kind of 3 in 1!)  all in one container and at an insanely affordable price!

One thing that I absolutely loved about this product was the smell. I got the refreshing scent, but it also comes in an invigorating/energizing scent. The first time I used the product I used it on my hair and body. I couldnt believe how soft and silky my hair was after I dried it! The one thing that I didnt like was that my hair got staticy as the day went on. A couple of times I actually had to run some extra mousse through it just to get it under control. Since then I have used it mostly as a body wash and I love the amount of suds it makes and how clean I feel. 

Ivory markets it as a baby/kids product as well, because you can use it all over! I tried it on P, and again, really liked it...but I was concerned about getting it in his eyes. He started screeching at one point, but really...who knows if thats because it was in his eyes or because he's almost 19 months old and screeches for no reason. 

Overall, I would buy this product if only to use as a body wash. It was incredibly affordable (cheaper than a lot of other body washes I compared it to) and the smell was awesome! Ed would probably use something like this on the boat, because time is of the essence on a submarine and he often uses combination products like this. I am going to try this out again with P and see how it fairs! 

This product was supplied to be to evaluate, not other compensation was received. All opinions are my own! 

To- Do Lists

Anyone who knows me can attest to my love for lists. Ed insists on making "mental to-do lists" (rather, he gives himself a reason to conveniently forget the tasks he doesn't want to do). I, on the other hand have to make a list. I have lists that coincide with other lists. I'm a little type-A.

Anyway, I always find that before some big life-changing event I want to do a million different things that really aren't that important. This happens most often when I am pregnant or we are getting ready to move. As luck would have it....we are in the midst of both. Now, we aren't moving for another 5 months (and lets be honest...not at all if I get my way, which I won't, because the Navy is in charge), but thats just enough time for me to do all kinds of random things that are seemingly unnecessary to anyone but me.

Here are just a few of the projects that I have in mind --

1.)) Preston's Baby Book

Source

You read that right...the kid is going to be two and doesnt even have a completed baby book. Not for a lack of trying, though. In all actuality, he has probably 3 half created baby books. I did make a super cute Memory Keeper for him from Paper Coterie that has his hospital hat and bracelet and other memorabilia in it, but I'd like an actual book. Thus, I am working on a digital book, because that seems like the only way it will get done! Where else am I going to put all of those cute cards that people wrote when his name was going to be Parker?!?

2.)) Office Organization 

Source

Never in a million years will my office look like this. Mainly because Ed would have nowhere to put his submarine memorabilia if I went with a pink and green color scheme. Right now our office tends to be a couple of things: a) a Navy diggit room and b) a hot mess. As I look around, there are stacks everywhere I look. We are talking unopened (and opened) mail,  things that are broken, a stack of stuff for goodwill, and upward of 3 cameras. I. Want. To. Scream. For all I know this picture above has the exact same stuff just shoved into color coordinated boxes. I am good with that. Just get it off my freaking desk.


3.)) Re-Covering Folding Chairs and Table

Source

I realize that this falls under the category of completely unnecessary. I get it. A couple of months ago I saw this idea on pinterest and fell in love. Our card table and chairs have been sitting in the garage and are all banged up. We use them often, though, so I hate that they look crappy. All I need is an afternoon, a couple of cans of spray paint, and a few yards of fabric and we will be totally fancy again. I also realize that it probably wont be that easy, but I dont really care. 

My list could continue on...I have a bench outside that was made out of my old bunk beds that I want to repaint, a ton of projects for the nursery, and...oh yeah, a toddler to chase. Eh, whatever. 

H54F!

I'm linking up again today with Lauren over at Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday!!

1)) I have attempted (and completed) my first crib sheet! I found some cute fabric for the girls beds, and not wanting P to be left out, found him this cute dinosaur flannel (though Ed insists from afar they look like golf clubs).

2)) This is the look I am going for for the girls bedroom, though a little different. I found it on Pinterest, but the original source is all from the  mind of this lovely lady!

3)) I saw this on Instagram and absolutely fell in love with it! I am hoping to recreate it in some way to hang in the house.

4)) Earlier this week we took P to Cows & Cones which is a local farm/produce stand/nursery/ice cream stand. They serve delicious ice cream and have animals for the kids to pet. P loved the cows and here he is up close and personal with a donkey. Which he insisted moo-ing at.

5)) I took this picture this morning. My necklaces officially rest of the belly. It is certainly an interesting view from here!!


Hope you are all enjoying your Friday!!!

Still here :-)

I haven't disappeared. I promise. Here's what we've been up to (especially if you don't follow me on Instagram...) 

5 months and counting!

Momma's little stinker jumping on the bed...

....and bothering the dogs.

Just so you know, I do actually dress him. Contrary to photographic evidence he doesn't live in pajamas. I'll be back tomorrow to talk about baby clothes and some DIY projects I have up my sleeve!