A Southern Girl's Guide to the Summer

Of course this list could apply to any lady this summer, but you know I'm especially proud to be a Southern gal!

1. Jack Rogers:  If you don't have a pair, invest in some today!  I say invest, because they're a bit pricey for a pair of flip flops..but they're so much more than just flip flops.  They last foreverrrrr and can be dressed up or down.  A definite summer must have.  I recently got a pair of the "Cork" colored ones (you can see them here) and they are probably my favorites so far.

2. Monogrammed iPhone case:  Because, hello?!, everything has to be monogrammed.  I just found this Aztec case yesterday, and fell in love.  

3. Studs:  I am a huge fan of teeny tiny earrings...especially when they're in the shape of a cute animal. (My birds are my favorite). They are perfect for any outfit, and especially great for a more casual look this summer.

4.  Nail Polish.  'Tis the season to have fun, bright nails. :-)  My current favorite is Peach Daiquiri by Essie.   

5.  MoroccanOil:  My hair frizzes the second I step out into this 100% humidity.  MoroccanOil is the only thing that semi-tames my hair.  I can't remember the last time I bought a bottle because it lasts for so long.  Caution: Do not buy the generic brand from beauty supplies...unless you like your hair to be unusually greasy.

6.  Floppy Hat: I have my grey, monogrammed hat ready to go for this summer.  It's definitely a fun accessory for beach trips.

I can't believe how soon summer will be here!  Any additional items you would add to this list?

Happy Friday!!

Top photo by Amber 

Linking up with Lauren and Kristen

Denim and White

Shoes: Jack Rogers, Pants: Gap Outlet Similar here, Top: Old Navy Similar here, Bracelet: Che Bella

You know I'm a jewelry minimalist and love having just one statement piece.  I wanted this outfit to be super casual, and every necklace I tried on with it made it look fancier than I wanted.  This wrap bracelet was the perfect accessory to keep things relaxed and simple.  (Now that I'm thinking of it, a small monogrammed necklace would've looked really cute.)  

And on a totally different note...it's So You Think You Can Dance season!  Last night's episode proved that dance really is a universal language and can be used for so much good.  I'm excited for it.

Happy Wednesday!

PS.  Make sure you enter to win this Starbucks gift card.

Linking up with Shanna, Adrienne, and the The Pleated Poppy.

Some Favorites...

During the process of creating my mission statement, I was going through some old posts of mine.  I found these three that made me laugh and smile.

4 pm Slump:  Gave some suggestions on how to get a quick boost of energy.

My Guilty Pleasure:  Where I confessed my love for my old, beaten pair of Crocs.

You Know You're A Boy Mom When...   All of these still apply...AND there are super adorable pictures of the boys when they were little babies!

I'm so excited to introduce you to someone I met when I first started blogging.

I mean....could Leigh BE the most adorable pregnant lady out there?  I'm thinking yes.  Leigh blogs over at Laughing Latte, and honestly, I could share every post of hers with you.  Her blog is THAT good. Noel actually made this recipe of hers the other night (and it was delicious).  Leigh's sweet baby bump looks especially adorable in this cute dress, and she is totally rocking this denim on denim look.  Laughing Latte has been and will always be a daily read of mine.

Leigh is staying true to her blog name, and is giving one lucky reader a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!! Awesome, right?!  Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments turned off so you can go show Leigh some love!

Giveaway ends this Sunday.

Linking up with Jenni.

Mission statement for your blog

Lately, I've been feeling that I just need a few extra hours in my day.  It's so hard getting everything done in just 24 hours, isn't it?  This feeling has been making me think about what's important, and what's not so important.  It's also got me thinking about my blog...why I started it, why I want to continue it, and how much I like writing every day.

I read somewhere that everyone should have a mission statement for their blog.  I totally agree with that.  I think it's easy to become lost in the shuffle of things, but if you go back to why you started, you'll be more inspired in your content.

What I want to get out of blogging

*The journaling aspect of blogging is something that I want. I love having a document of things my boys do.  It's incredible how in just a few months I forget little things, so I'm grateful that I can look back and revisit those moments. 

*Ongoing inspiration is something that I want out of blogging. I love being inspired to create new content.  It's so much fun to pull from past experiences and research topics to come up with ideas like How to Spring Clean your Closet and Ways to Raise a Southern Gentleman.  Those, and other "how-tos", were so fun to create and I hope to do more in the future.

*Connecting with people is something that I want to get out of blogging.  I have met incredible people through my blog.  People who inspire me to be better, who make me laugh, and who are wonderful examples. 

What I want you to get out of this blog

When you come to this site, I want you to be inspired, but want you to also realize that life happens and things aren't perfect.

*I want you to know that it's ok that your toddler not only throws himself to the floor during a temper tantrum at the library, but licks the rug while he's down there.

       But want to encourage you to keep taking him so that he learns how to behave properly in public.

*I want you to know that I understand that putting on a pair of sweatpants is the coziest decision; you're tired, and you have a billion things to do...

      But want to encourage you to find easy, comfy, AND cute pieces to wear out so that you'll feel like a million bucks.

*I want you to know that I'm someone who understands the importance of true art...I've been trained in it, I appreciate it, and I enjoy it.

     But that I also enjoy a good, juicy season of the Bachelor. 

*I want you to take away the fact that I love my boys more than I ever imagined loving someone.  I'm the mom who takes them with me everywhere because I miss them too much when I'm away
     
     But I also want to stress the importance of "you" time and date nights and taking care of just you!


Those are just some things that I hope you get out of my blog...and just some of the things that I hope to continue to get out of my own blog.

So, with all that being said, and in summary, my mission statement is: 

"To create and inspire by sharing ideas, tips, and tender moments from everyday experiences."

If you're a blogger, have you created a mission statement for your blog?

I hope you had a fantastic weekend!!

I need a bathing suit!

1/2/3/4/5/6

I've worn the same bathing suit for SIX summers. (You can see it here.)  I wore a maternity bathing suit a few summers ago, but besides that, I've busted that red one out every year.  I love it, and it's still in great condish, but it's time for a new one.

After searching around online, these are the 6 contenders.  I'm probably going to throw #5 out the window first, just because it's not a full on one-piece, (and I can't be having any wardrobe malfunctions on the beach with two babies), but it was just way too cute not to consider.

Out of these 6, which one would you choose?  Do you have your bathing suit for this summer?

A Day in the Life

Morning snuggles before we start getting ready for the day. (and yes, those are snowman pj pants...they're my favorite!) ^

Mr. Charlie goes to preschool. ^

And I go with Walker boy to his Little Gym class. ^

I make a list during the week of errands I need to run, and get most of them taken care of on this day. I needed teacher gifts, but somehow ended up walking by the Clearance rack at Target...and somehow ended up in the dressing room trying this dress on.^

Baby and I eat lunch together before picking Charlie up.  When we get home, the boys nap and mommy blogs. ^

And does laundry.^

After nap time we read lots of stories.^

And go on a nice, long walk to enjoy the pretty weather!^

When Daddy gets home, we eat dinner and the boys take a bath.^

Once Walker is in bed, I have a church meeting (every other week) at my house.  Charlie watches a movie on my bed during our meeting...(he LOVES presidency meeting nights) :-) ^

I put Charlie down for bed, and once Noel gets home from his meeting at church, we watch New Girl, read a little, and then go to bed!^

All of our days are different from each other, but they're the same week to week....if that makes any sense...(our Mondays are usually the same, our Tuesdays the same...)  I can't believe it's already Wednesday!!

For a previous "A day in the life" post you can go here!

PS.  Don't forget to enter to win this Barnes and Noble gift card.

Linking up with Shanna and Jenni

10 things that make me happy

Outfit from Gap Outlet

1.  Sleeping on a fresh, clean set of sheets. 

2.  Snuggling my babies.

3.  Taking walks to enjoy this gorgeous weather!

4.  So You Think You Can Dance starting tonight!!  Woop woop!

5.  Winning a giveaway from one of my favorites, Caroline..and getting it in the mail yesterday! More on that later :-)

6.  Hearing Walker say "Mommeee" all the time now.

7.  Taking a warm shower at the end of a busy day.

8.  Having plenty of chocolate in the house.

9.  Wearing these mint skinnies...(thank you, Mom!)  I've been wanting a pair for forever.

10. Meeting other dancers in the blog world...like Setarra from The Burghal Girl.

I'm not sure how Setarra and I found each other, but I'm so glad we did!  We somehow figured out that we both danced the same piece (Skylight by Laura Dean) in college.  Me at ECU and her at George Mason. That instantly made us great friends...if you've ever danced Skylight you would understand. Let's just say it's the one of the toughest things I've ever put my body through.  Setarra makes every day an adventure, shares my love for chocolate, and goes on the best dates with her man, Charles. She's a great gal for sure!

Today, Setarra is giving one lucky reader a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble.  Loveeee that place!!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will be open until this Sunday.

Comments turned off so you can go show Setarra some love!

Linking up with Jenni for the first time today!