What’s Up Wednesday

It’s time for us to join up today with Shay and Mel and let everybody know WHAT’S UP with us this fine Wednesday!

What I’m Reminiscing About

Mexico!

I’m reminiscing about an amazing girl’s trip that I took to Mexico last week.  We were gone Thursday-Sunday, and it was SO! MUCH! FUN!  Shay handled everything for us (if you want her to handle everything for you, you can contact her at mixandmatchtravelagency.com)!, and the whole trip was just what we all needed.  I loved not having to lift a finger and just being along for the ride!  From airplane tickets, to transportation to and from the resorts, to handling our block of rooms, everything was taken care of.  All I had to worry about was having fun and relaxing!

The resort was beautiful, the beach was stunning, the entertainment staff was so much fun and so accommodating, the drinks were delicious (and plentiful!), and the food was really good (the Hibachi/Asian restaurant was my favorite)!  But best of all, some of my very favorite people were there with me.  🙂

During Manda’s battle with cancer, I talked about our little friend group here on the blog some, and these girls mean so much to me.  Most of us met during a bible study group we formed when several of us were pregnant with our first babies (and my only).  And here we are, almost 10 years later, still loving and supporting each other!  We’ve been through so much together, and I’m just incredibly thankful to have them in my life.

Two of the group couldn’t make it for different reasons, and we missed them like crazy.  We of course missed Manda terribly too.  We actually planned this trip to celebrate our precious friend and our friendships.  We talked about lots of wonderful memories of Manda, and we would have given anything if our entire group could have been there together.  We find ourselves sharing stories about Manda most of the times we are together, and I believe we always will.

So, in addition to lots and lots of girl talk….we also did a lot of just laying around on the beach and soaking it all in.  A couple of my friends have 4 kids each (21 total between us!), so not hearing “mommy” every 20 seconds was a shock to the system for some!  😉

Just look at this beautiful beach.

This was the view looking back at our resort from the ocean.

Lori (the cute redhead in the middle) surprised us at the airport with these purple (in honor of our girl Manda) insulated cups.  I love that we will always have them, and I will think of our amazing trip and our precious friend each time I use it!

I tell you what though, re-entry was tough.  Now I truly understand what people say when they talk about how hard the first day back is after a vacation (we don’t get out much)!  Hahaha! I was really missing having food and drinks served to me all day long.  😉  I had never been to an all inclusive resort before this, and it was great fun! Give me all the nachos and all the frozen cocktails!!!

In fact, we were all joking on a group text stream early Monday morning that we could not believe that nobody had offered to make us an omelette or bring us a mojito.  I mean, what the heck?  Ha!  Y’all. We ate fries covered in queso, chips with guac and fresh pico, and wood fired personal pizzas by the pool all 3 days.  It was glorious.

I’m so thankful for this group.  We have an insane amount of fun when we are together, but we also know how to lift each other up and take care of each other when needed.  I’m going to talk a little bit more about this on Friday Favorites when talking about the Manda Strong Fun Run, the first fundraising event for the Manda Strong Foundation! I hope that lots of you will join us on that day to honor Manda and raise money for other young moms battling cancer.

Oh, and a special THANK YOU to all the husbands who held down the forts while we were away for our girl time!  Love you, Babe!

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What We’re Eating

Y’all.  I’m on this kick again.

I love eating avocado toast with a fried egg on top, with a side of roasted sweet potatoes. It’s rich and creamy, and I actually look forward to eating it. The only problem, I legit think I could eat 3-4 avocado toasts and fried eggs in 1 setting….but that would kind of defeat the purpose now wouldn’t it.  😉

As far as what my family is eating this week, I’m not sure.  I haven’t been to the grocery store yet since getting back from Mexico, so your guess is as good as mine.  Last night I had a salad, Carter had nachos with leftover taco meat, and Chris made himself breakfast for dinner. #winning

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What I’m Loving

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What We’ve Been Up To

Carter is playing soccer and baseball right now (we’ve overlapped sports before, but we’ve never played an entire season of two sports at once), and I have NO IDEA how all of you with multiple kids in multiple sports/activities do it.  This week we have 1 baseball practice, 1 soccer practice, 2 baseball games, and 1 soccer game in a 7 day time period FOR JUST 1 KID.  I realize that this is nothing to many of you, but it’s a lot for us because we just aren’t used to it!

Here’s a pic that one of my friends grabbed of Carter at the soccer game when I was gone last weekend.  Thanks, Ralonda!  I love the determined look on his face.

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What I’m Working On

Next month I have a collaboration coming up with Joe Fresh!  I’ve talked about them a handful of times, and I’ve always been very pleased with their clothes when I’ve ordered them.  For example, their gathered bathing suit bottoms are the only ones I’ve worn for the last 3 years.  They are full coverage (but not totally grandma), and have cute ruching and a tie on the sides.  I just mix and match them with different tankini tops I grab from Target, Nordstrom, Macy’s etc.

Well, when they asked me to collaborate this fall, I hopped online to see what they had to offer!  I was excited about their fall line, so I happily agreed.  They sent me several items of my choosing, and so far I love just about everything I’ve received.  I’m still waiting for these frayed hem jeans to come in (they are ONLY $39, so I ordered both black and grey), but I’m hoping to love them!  I already have this olive fly away cardi and this silk leopard tunic (love them both), and I can’t wait to show you the other items as well.

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What I’m Excited About:  ITEMS BACK IN STOCK!!!

Last Wednesday I dedicated an entire post to some of my favorite items from the past that are now BACK IN STOCK!  Well, I’m excited because I’ve found some more items that have been brought back!

RESTOCK #1:  SCARF

Like this bright and cheery scarf! It’s on backorder, but it’s scheduled to ship out in 2 weeks, so you will still get it way before you actually need a wintry scarf.  I’m telling you about it now because I’m afraid if you wait until then it will be gone.

HOW FLIPPING CUTE IS THIS ENTIRE OUTFIT!  #comeoncoldfront

plaid infinity scarf / striped sweater / similar favorite jeans / similar wedge booties/ axis tote c/o Barrington Bags (use the code STMTSAVE10 for 10% OFF your Barrington purchase)/ cognac tote with fantastic reviews (under $50)!

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

RESTOCK #2:  SWEATSHIRT and SLIM PROFILE UGG BOOTS

THIS sweatshirt was made for leggings.  I’m wearing a small, and I think it’s true to size.  I love the small cowl neck and the wide band at the bottom (easier to see on the light grey sweatshirt– which is the only one that is currently available).  If you are going to wear it with jeans (and not leggings), you might want to consider sizing down.  The sleeves might be a little short on you if you have long arms, but you could just scrunch them up and be fine.

I’m wearing a small in the leggings and a 6 1/2 in the UGG slim profile boots, both true to size.

And although I no longer see them at Nordstrom, I did find the leggings I named MUST HAVE LEGGINGS over 3 years ago! My favorite are the graphite heather, but they would look great in black with the light grey sweatshirt.

tunic sweatshirt / my favorite earrings /MUST HAVE leggings/ slim profile UGG boots c.o. UGG

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

RESTOCK #3:  FRINGE SCARF

I’m thrilled that they’ve bought back a fringe scarf this year!  We’ve talked about it before, but in addition to being a wonderful addition to your own wardrobe, it also makes an absolutely perfect gift (for friend’s birthdays, for teachers at Christmas, for anybody really!).  And the $15 price point is awesome.  Look how cute it makes a regular ol’ jeans and tee outfit!   It’s an infinity scarf, so you wrap it around your neck twice, and it totally styles itself.

The last time I talked about it (last year), I remember that one lady bought 7!  #yougolady

And my favorite tee is ON SALE in 3 colors!  I sized up to a medium in the tee for a slouchy (but not sloppy) look.  If you want it more fitted, stick with your regular size.

similar fringe scarf/ olive Madewell tee ON SALE! /leopard belt /similar Articles of Society jeans with incredible reviews! / similar wedge booties/ / axis bag c.o. Barrington  (use the code STMTSAVE10 for 10% OFF your Barrington purchase)

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

RESTOCK #4:  PLAID INFINITY SCARF

This light and airy plaid scarf is back as well too!  And so are the beloved Wit and Wisdom black jeans and the BP slouchy tee (actually, I don’t think the jeans or the tee ever left).  HELLO, FALL!

This scarf is the one I got at our annual scarf exchange last year, and it’s sooooooo much better in person than it is online.  The fabric is so light and airy, and the colors are just perfect!  It’s an infinity scarf, so you just loop it twice over your head, and it looks perfectly styled!  Size References:  I have a 4 in the jeans (true to size) and a medium in the tee (I sized up 1 size).

slouchy grey tee /plaid infinity scarf /black jeans/  similar wedge booties/ similar cross body for 50% OFF/ square face watch/ my favorite earringsGet The Look For Yourself Here:

 

I’m also CRAZY EXCITED that HUNTER BOOTS ARE ON SALE!!!!

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What I’m Watching

I’m watching Dancing With The Stars and lots of Bravo.  The Real Housewives of Orange County and Dallas have both sucked me in this year.  #icanthelpit

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What I’m Listening To

Right now, I’m listening to Buddy whining.  Chris is doing yardwork in the back, and Buddy desperately wants to be out there with him.  Buddy is our whiner.  🙂

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What I’m Wearing

I’m wearing the heck out of the long sleeve peplum tees I introduced y’all too a couple of weeks ago!  Right now I’m wearing the tops with cut-off shorts and either flip flops or converse, but I hope to actually start wearing them in true fall outfits very soon.

Here’s a look you’ve seen before, but I’m talking about it again today because the white peplum tee has been restocked!!!  For size reference, I’m 5’4″ and wearing a regular small (NOT petite) in the tee.  It’s a bit oversized, but that’s how it’s meant to be.  If you prefer a more fitted look, you might consider sizing down.  Again, I’m pumped that it doesn’t require a cami!  I’m wearing a 27 in the jeans (true to size) and I sized down 1/2 a size in the shoreline converse.

peplum tee / crystal circle earrings / jeans / shoreline converse / frye bag

 

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What I’m Doing This Weekend

I’m going to be doing a little fall decorating this weekend.  I got several fall items last year that I remember loving from HomeGoods, but I can’t remember exactly what they are, so I’m excited to get them out of the attic and see!

Speaking of, did you know that you can order select merchandise online from TJ Maxx?!?  I KNOW!  #mindblowing  I’ve talked about it once before, but even I forget that it’s possible.  I was wanting a new fall wreath for the front door, and this week is CRAZY so I knew I wouldn’t have time to drop by HomeGoods (one of my favorite things to do).  Anyway, I found this quince and pomegranate wreath online and am pretty much smitten.  Thinking I’m going to order it.  I love that it’s totally fall, without being too “Halloweeny” or  too “Thanksgivingy”.

Two years ago I added a burlap THANKFUL banner to the fireplace, and I’m always so excited to pull it out!  My exact banner is sold out, but I actually like this year’s version better!  You can also see 2 Halloween banners and 1 Christmas banner HERE.

And if you like the idea of buying things to spruce up your fall decor from home, here are some of my picks:

 

 

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Bonus Question:  What fall shows are you most excited about?

I have several shows that I’m PUMPED for:  This is Us, Will and Grace, and The Good Doctor to name a few!

I’m also excited about the premier of The Gifted (on Fox), because one of my best friends from high school is in it!  That’s Amy (second from the right)!  I’m so proud of her and the fact that she’s been a successful working actor since graduating college!

To wrap up the post today, I want to open up the comment section and ask you to leave names of organizations that you know are in need of donations right now. With Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico City (and other hard hit areas) in need, I hope we all continue doing what we can to help.  I put together a list for Houston back in this post, and I’m looking for other ideas like that!  You can leave names of organizations that divide the money between the needed areas, you can leave an organization that is helping a specific area, or you can leave a specific need that needs to be fulfilled (like for the diaper bank). I know that sometimes something just speaks to me and I’m lead to help with that.  I will compile a list and share it on Friday’s post.

I’m also cooking up another giveaway (behind the scenes) where the entries will again be women who have been affected by one of the storms.  If we all keeping helping, even if in little ways, we WILL make a difference.  xoxo

Okay, that’s it for today.

Now, don’t forget to link up!

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