Friday Favorites

Whew! Thank goodness we made it to Friday. Here is what I have been loving lately...

1. Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad with Grilled Nuggets

I have been ordering this from Chick-Fil-A the past few weeks in an attempt to be good while I'm on the 21 Day Fix (read about that here, here, and here!). I have always shied away from kale but this superfood salad is pretty darn good. Throw on some of their grilled nuggets and you've got yourself a meal. For those of you who are familiar with 21 Day Fix, I count this as 1 green (veggie), 1 red (protein), and 1 yellow (seeds/dressing).

2. Our Pack 'N Play

These things are so wonderful. Seriously. I use one in my bedroom for Luke to keep him contained while I shower/get dressed/blog and I use another one in the living room with the bassinet insert to lay Ben down safely out of reach of Luke. We currently just take one with us when we travel (since Ben is still in this rocker), but soon we will be taking both. Its seriously like having twins sometimes!

3. Skinny Pop Chocolate Dusted Popcorn

It's SO good, y'all! My mom told me about it and we are both obsessed. It's a great snack with only 43 calories per cup.

4. Mac Sports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon

I first discovered this a few weeks ago from our tailgate neighbors. I KNEW we needed to get one for the boys. Not only is it great for carting around little ones, we have used it to unload and load luggage to our car. It collapses down to fit in the back of the car and it is so easy to use! 

They loved riding around in it!

S'mores Obsession

Since the 3rd trimester with Ben, I have been on a s'mores kick.

I just can't get enough of them! I guess its probably because summertime just has that effect on me. Or maybe because everyone out there is on the s'mores kick with me.

Oh, Mama! On my birthday, I went straight to my beloved Starbucks and ordered the S'Mores frappuchino. It is HEAVEN.

These s'mores bars from Starbs also look so stinking good, but I just can't bring myself to order them. I'm working on getting my pre-baby bod back and I would rather spend my calories on caffeine because Mama isn't getting the sleep she so desperately needs/wants.

Has anyone tried these bars and are they worth it?

 As an attempt to be good about eating healthy, I purchased the Project 7 S'mores Gourmet Gum. While it does have the flavors of toasted marshmallows and chocolate with graham crackers, it had a super artificial flavor to it (duh... its not the real food) and just left me wanting the real thing even more.

 Last night, I decided to give into temptation and just eat a dang s'more. Life is too short, right? After chasing a 14 month old around and pulling him off of the raised fireplace 284,749,823 times, throw in a 6 week old going through a growth spurt and eating every 2 hours, it was necessary.

I gathered my supplies and then an idea hit: kick it up a notch. With peanut butter.

Y'all. It ended up being a beautiful thing. Run, don't walk, to your pantry (I accidently typed panty at first, hehe) or your nearest grocery store and pick up your s'mores supplies. Try it this way and let me know what you think!

The next time I have a good excuse to make a dessert - anyone want to come over for dinner soon? - I want to make this s'mores dessert I saw on Pinterest. Hello, googly eyes!

What ways do you kick up your s'mores game?

Friday Favorites

It is Friday again and I can't believe how fast this week has gone. I guess time flies when you are up to your neck in diapers, bottles, formula and Baby Einstein...but then, the days drag on.

What's that saying? The days are long but the years are short?! Too true.

Just this week Facebook reminded me that I moved into my freshman year dorm this week NINE years ago. How is that possible?!

I mean, this is still in style, right?

Me and the Rooms... Sorry, Katie! Love you!

There are a few things I have been loving this past week...Especially these shirts! They are just simple tees that are super comfy and last week when I bought them at Target they were on sale for $6 and $7 depending on the style.

I also have been loving this outfit I wore for my sister's bridal shower this past weekend. I am still not back to that "pre-baby" body (for the past two years..ugh lol) so I didn't want to purchase a dress that I might not wear more than once. I have had great luck with Rent the Runway and so I decided to give it a try again. 

My shoes are from Target! Check them out here.

This is the Like Candy Dress by Monique Lhuillier. You can currently rent it for $30 and it retails for $498 according to the website. I love this dress because the sleeves cover your not-so-toned arms, flares out to cover your belly pooch, the color is gorgeous and the lace adds a touch of elegance. It is thickly lined so you don't have to worry about anything peeking through. I also wore the blue version of this dress to a wedding in February this year when I was about 20 weeks pregnant and it worked out perfectly. 

What is great about Rent the Runway is the customer reviews where you can read what others have experienced with the item you are looking at and they can tell you if it runs true to size, larger, or smaller that normal. Also, RTR allows you to order a back up size, just in case. It is great if you are between two sizes or you aren't familiar with the brand's sizing. They ship it to you in this neat garment bag and include everything in there for you to return after your event. 

If anyone has an upcoming event - wedding, shower, company party, birthday party, bachelorette party, etc. - check out Rent the Runway. If you use this link, you can get $30 off your first rental! Score!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Favorites

I love Fridays! David has half Fridays so he always picks up lunch on his way home and I have an extra set of hands to help out with the boys.

This week, I have be LOVING my dry shampoo. Silly, I know. I have tried many dry shampoos but this one is my tried and true. For the longest time, I was always one of those people that HAD to wash my hair every day, but since discovering this dry shampoo, I can easily go two days without washing or even three like today ;). It is a little pricey compared to others, but it is totally worth it.

Y'all. I have not set foot into a Walmart in years. I just don't shop at Walmart. Call me a snob or whatever, but since I heard about Walmart Grocery Pickup, I have been using it every week. It is a godsend when you are 9 months pregnant and have a 12 month old. It is even more of a godsend when you have two little ones. You just go online and put any and all groceries you want in your cart, schedule a pick up time (usually next day), and pay for it. Usually 15 minutes before your designated pick up time, you get a call from Walmart saying your order is ready and they ask for a 15 minute notice when you are on your way. You just park in one of the reserved spots and give them a call to let them know you are there. They bring out your stuff, load it in your car, and you are on your way. SO wonderful. Oh, and did I mention it is free? Yeah.

I'm sure it varies from location to location, but I have NEVER had an issue with any produce that they pick out for me. I've gotten bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, avocados, zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc and they have all been exactly what I would have picked out. Love Love Love.

My Fitbit Alta. I had the Fitbit Flex for the longest time and I just grew tired of it. I recently got the Fitbit Alta and I love it! It has little reminders throughout the day that you can set that will remind you and motivate you to get up and move if you haven't taken 250 steps that hour. It doesn't have the heart rate monitor that some of the other ones feature, but I didn't really care about that. I wanted something that looked sleek and would motivate me to keep moving. Since I can't really work out just yet until I'm cleared with the doctor, I am just trying to stay active around the house with two little boys. If anyone else has a Fitbit, add me to your friends (jordan meline). I need more people to compete with!

Last but not least, I am SO excited the Olympics are here! David and I watched the first Women's USA soccer game the other night and will likely be glued to the TV for the Opening Ceremonies tonight. Some of my favorite events include women's gymnastics (I always wanted to be a gymnast growing up!), swimming, diving, and beach volleyball.

I'm 99% Real Today

Some days, it is the little things that keep you feeling human.

Last night, Ben decided to be wide awake from 2:30 AM to 4:30 AM. It took him over an hour to drink one ounce from his bottle.

Needless to say, Mama needed a little something extra to get me through this Hump Day. Since I can't go get my normal pick-me-up of my grande ice caramel macciato from my beloved Starbs - gotta get back in that pre-baby bod somehow - glamming it up was the next best thing.

I have been experimenting with fake lashes lately. I would love to get lash extensions but A) they are crazy expensive to maintain and B) ain't nobody got time for that. I've had them before and they were so convenient and glamorous but going in every two to four weeks for touch ups is just not realistic for me at the moment.

On days like this when Luke is content watching Baby Einstien in the Pack 'N Play and Ben is asleep in his rocker, I try to take the time to practice putting on lashes. It doesn't always end in success, but I seem to be able to pop them on a little faster every time. My biggest issue is getting the ends of the lashes to stay all day long. When I am out and about, I feel like I have to check myself every few minutes just to make sure they are still on!

The Ardell Lashes 105 is what I am currently wearing, but I think I like the Ardell Demi Wispies better. As a splurge, I bought the Velour Fluff'n Thick Silk Lashes in Fluff'n Edgy. They are "high volume and dramatic style". I really like these lashes because they have a black band instead of a white/clear one that you can see once they are in place on your eyes. It is like having a built in eyeliner... although since I am still a beginner, I still put eyeliner on too! :)

What is your favorite way to up the glam? 

My Fall Favorites

Fall Favorites 2015

First off, fall is my favorite season. I love that the weather is finally getting cooler and this is the season of football, family, and fun! I have made a list of a few of my fall favorites inspired by my favorite YouTuber, Jaclyn Hill!

Favorite Candle

I am so in love with Marshmallow Fireside from Bath and Body Works! It is such a warm scent and the description is spot on: "Gather 'round the bonfire with toasted marshmallows, smoky woods and sweet vanilla". MMM So yummy. Every time I burn it, I just want to go camping and make smores.

I have a very close second favorite candle that I randomly found sitting on a Halloween Decor aisle in Target. I can't seem to find it anywhere online either, which makes me almost think that God put this candle there just for me to find. It is truly a little piece of heaven. It is the Nature's Wick three scented candle with Pumpkin Nutmeg, Bonfire Nights, and Vanilla Dolce. I'm going to be real honest when I say I am not a huge fan of Pumpkin scented things, but this candle has the perfect hint of pumpkin that isn't overwhelming. I am also kind of obsessed with the wood burning wicks that makes the crackling noise. If the Nature's Wick and Marshmallow Fireside scent had a collaboration, I would be burning through candles so fast, they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.

Favorite Drink

Duh, of course it's Starbucks. While I know every Basic Girl is obsessed with the Pumpkin Spice Lattes or PSL in girl world, it just doesn't do anything for me. The first time I tasted the Toasted Graham Latte however, I could have sworn I heard an angel choir singing "Hallelujah" in the back seat...or maybe it was just Luke crying mad that the car had stopped going through the drive thru. Either way, it is just that drink that makes you feel all warm inside and makes your day better! It is a struggle living less than a mile from a DRIVE THRU Starbucks (best invention ever) to go in moderation and I try to treat myself every once in a while. Some of my reasons for "treating myself": Mondays, Inspection Days, Days I drop Luke off at Grandma's house, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

I really need to get a rewards card there...


Favorite Clothing Item

My boots! Cowboy Boots, Riding Boots, Black High Heel Boots... I pair them with dresses, leggings, jeggings or jeans. I am also guilty of wearing them with yoga pants and a long top so you can't tell that they are actually yoga pants. (I was pregnant at the time--I consider that a legit excuse!)
I bought these boots in black last year before going to Vegas and now they are even cheaper and in brown too. I think I might be making an online order soon...(plus I have a $10 off coupon), Thanks DSW!

Favorite Halloween Costume

I've had some pretty great costumes throughout the years, but these are some of my favorites. Give little Jordan a tutu or a tiara and some sequins and I'm a happy girl. Ok, that pretty much applies today as well!

Favorite Thanksgiving Food

My grandma's stuffing is probably the best thing ever. I can't eat enough of that stuff (pun intended). I also love sweet potatoes with the marshmallows, pecans and brown sugar baked on top. Can't wait for Thanksgiving!!


Favorite Fall Activity

Fall means football! I love tailgating and going to the Aggie football games... Tons of great food, good friends and family. We bleed Maroon!

What are some of your fall favorites?!

Luke's Newborn Photos

So I am finally able to sit down and download Luke's newborn photos between moving, unpacking and planning a baby shower for a family friend (those posts will be coming later!). I currently am sitting at my computer with one screen on Netflix (playing a baby program...I better get used to these) with Luke in his baby wrap facing forward instead of backward because he is just such a big boy and wasn't having that whole not seeing what is going on thing.

Well before this guy fills his diaper again or gets tired of watching these videos, here are our favorite newborn photos courtesy of Jules Photo & Design!

Snoozing on Daddy's Kings Jerseys

Wearing Daddy's bowtie that Mommy gave him on their wedding day and Mommy and Daddy's Aggie Rings :)

Well that didn't take long...