Friday, July 31, 2009

On the Rampage!

I MUST find these shoes. I love them...I should say that again....I LOVE THEM!

I got them at a little store called Tootsies Too here in Stuart a few months ago and I have worn
them day and night, non-stop since. They are by Rampage, but they must no longer be selling them because I can't find them on their website.



They go with everything. Bathing suit and tunic, maxi dress (which I currently don't have one, but I bet they'd be cute together - straight line of course), shoppers skirts, any skirt, shorts, capris....anything. I wear them to shop, to work, the pool, around the house....everywhere! Have I made myself clear here?

My issue: from complete overuse, the little rhinestones are falling out (it's becoming noticeable now, so I can't get away with it anymore), and they are getting dirty, in spite of my cleaning them. I need a replacement pair, but I can't find them anywhere. I'll have to ask Tootsies if I can order them.


As a side note - speaking of the maxi dress, I was talking to Hubby the other day about how much I loved my friend's dress that she wore to church that Sunday. Hubby looked at me and said, "a maxi dress? Now why would anyone want to wear something that looks like a pad?" Oh me oh my! I'll leave you with that thought!

~Smooches~

Christmas In July Swap

I had the best partner for my very first blog swap! It was a Christmas in July swap hosted by Molly Lou Gifts and my parter was Jen & Rob. Let me tell you, it was definately Christmas! The box was jam-packed with gifts and they just kept coming out of the box, I didn't know where it was going to end! Then it took me forever to open everything, it was so exciting!




Now, what was inside? Lot's of great stuff!
- An adorable angel picture frame for Christmas decor
- Lots of stationary and office supplies (she obviously understood my obessesion over pretty papers)
- A monogrammed coozie
- A coloring book for Baby Girl (which incidentally, this package arrived on her birthday!)
- Three ceramic angels with the Beatitudes. I just love these, I think they are my favorite. I think I'm going to hang them above the door in Baby Girl's room with some pretty pink ribbon!





Here's a picture of Baby Girl enjoying her new Elmo and Seseme Street coloring book. She loved it!


Now, I only hope that Jen loves my gift to her as much as I loved mine. Thanks Jen and thanks Molly Lou for hosting!

~Smooches~

Thursday, July 30, 2009

On this day.....

..... two years ago, this little bundle of joy and heap of God's blessings, entered the world....entered OUR world. Happy 2nd birthday Baby Girl (as I have heaping tears in my eyes!)





On her first birthday - seems like yesterday!

August 2008
May 2009
June 2009
This morning, July 30th, in her Birthday Girl shirt (so you have an idea of how tiny she really is, that's a 12 month shirt, and it's still big!)
I couldn't get any great pictures of her this morning as a two-year old never sits still! I had made some cupcakes for her to take to school and as soon as her teacher opened the door, Baby Girl started yelling at the top of her lungs "It's My Birthday!"


Happy Birthday Baby Girl, everyone loves you so much, more than you know!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

GIVEAWAY from WCD Reminder

Well, first off, I have to upload this video. It's so funny and adorably cute! U.K. decided to eat the remainder of Baby Girl's peanut butter sandwich from yesterday and look what happened, his tongue has got to be tired (this went on for at leat 5 minutes!)



Now, to today's subject....dont' forget about my GIVEAWAY from Whitney Caroline Designs! You have until Monday, August 3rd at midnight to enter! Here are the rules:

- Become a follower and either blog about this giveaway or post into your sidebar
- Then come back and let me know you did both of these things and then give me your best effort on a name for my blog. Feel free to submit many names! You must submit at least one name to be entered.
- I will then pick my favorite three names and put those out to a poll. The winner of the poll will win the tin from Whitney Caroline Designs, personalized as you like, with the two runner-ups receiving something from my pink-and-green stash.

Good luck, I am loving reading all your names and will have a tough time deciding!


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Operation Take Her Pain Away

Nothing much going on here today except for another of Baby Girl's biting rampages! Poor thing, the teeth are just bothering her so much! I hope that she has a little relief before her 2nd birthday on Thursday. I bought an adorble "Birthday Girl" shirt from Carter's for her to wear to school and we are going to make mini cupcakes tomorrow night. Maybe I should Motrin her up before attempting the baking? Something to think about for sure!

Speaking of her teeth, she still doesn't have one of her bottom front teeth. She has all of the others. I called the doctor to schedule her annual wellness check and they can't see her until November because we were late last year (illness prevented her getting shots on time). I asked about the tooth while on the phone, they put me through to the doctor and he told me she needs to see a pediatric dentist, that maybe this is why her teeth are hurting so badly. Hubby had mentioned that maybe the tooth was trying to come out under one of her other teeth! Oh no!

Poor baby, why didn't I think of this sooner! Bad mommy...I know that's not really the case, but really, I feel like a bad mommy for not questioning this sooner! I honestly thought it was normal and that her pain was from her molars. Oh well, no time to sulk! I now have Hubby looking into our insurance (it's through his company) to see if pediatric dentistry is covered. I doubt it as I was told we won't need to see one until she's three so we problaby didn't include her. Oh no, this will probably be costly, but for my Baby Girl, I don't care what the expense, just take her pain away!

Have any of you toddler moms ever experienced a situation like this before? Am I needlessly worrying?

I hope all of you all are having a wonderful day! I'll let you know what I found out about Operating Tooth!

Cheers!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Weekend Recap

We had a boring weekend. It was great! No where to be, no people to see, no projects needing to absolutely be completed (well, Hubby did one, but it was absolutely necessary). It was fabulous.
Saturday, we went to Lowe's and picked up some river rock and underlayment for the pool-to-yard entrance. Hubby worked on that for a little while until Baby Girl went down for her nap and it started to absolutely pour cats and dogs! I took a little nap on the couch, Hubby sat on the pool deck watching it rain. Unfortunately, he got called down to work, so he had to run down to Hobe Sound. Thankfully, it was nothing big and he was able to come right back. We both hope this engineering project he's overseeing is over very soon!
We then headed out for Baby Girl's two-year old pictures! She was in a great mood, but man, would NOT sit still. We managed to get a few shots. She woke up from her nap with her hair board straight! I styled her hair straight for one of the pictures and it just did not look like the Baby Girl we know. So we put her hair into a ponytail with a bright bow and she looked much more like herself! My hair was curly until maybe about this age, I think and then it went board straight too. I wonder if that is what's happening?

We then went home, where it continued to rain and watched Horton Hears a Who. This is currently Baby Girl's favorite movie. She comes home as asks for "watch who!" It is an adorably cute and hilarious movie. I love Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell.

Sunday, it was off to church for a fabulous service. Baby Girl sat through the ENTIRE children's message this time! Unbelievable. Most kids have been sitting there quietly since age 1. Not Baby Girl - no, she runs away squeeling about half way through. It was such a milestone moment! She then proceeded to later bite her buddy Aidan on his arm though. We didn't know this until much later when the teeth marks were found on his arm. It's those two-year molars making her mouth hurt and she seems to think that biting things....and people...will make them feel better!

We then went home and Baby Girl went down for a nap and Hubby and I spent a wonderful, relaxing two hours in the pool, doing nothing but talking. We both discussed about how long it's been since we actually spent two-hours alone together, just talking. It was quite nice and we've made plans to do this every weekend! Now, Baby Girl had better be napping until 2020! Like my Lilly post....wishful thinking!
When Baby Girl woke, it started getting cloudy and then started raining again, cats and dogs, so she didn't get any pool time this weekend. Poor Hubby decided to go ahead and finish the gravel project in the rain. He didn't seem to mind it though as it was significantly cooler while it was raining. Plus, he won't have to spend every other day cleaning the pool deck from dirt.
The only picture I got from the weekend is as folows. Baby Girl and Hubby watching Horton, for the 5oth time this weekend. The movie hasn't worn out its welcome yet, thank goodness!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

My Lilly Picks

There are so many Lilly outfits that I just adore. I love this Jonah Dress, especially with the adorable pink buttons on the shoulder. What a great finishing touch.


I love both the Stephanie Shift dresses, I can't decide which I like better, the printed or the engineered. The engineered one would look adorable with a bright pink cardigan in my opinion, what do you think? The pink would look great in fall/winter with a navy cardigan and McKims.



I also love this Marcella Tunic dress, the colors are just so bright! I think it would look nice paired with the Riley Colorblocked Cardigan on a cooler day. Thoughts?




Of course, everyone needs a Cocktail dress. This one comes in several different patterns, but this one is my particular favorite. Can be paired with a white cardigan for this late summer, or navy for the coming fall. Of course, there's the kelly green sweater - love the pink and green!


This Meri Embroidered Top is just so pretty, I love the possibilites with this number. Casual with jean capris or dressed up with white capris, or even further with a long pair of flowing pants. Would look great, again, with that navy cardigan that keeps popping up. Then it can be continued through winter. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up in winter!


The Wenlan Printed top, I just love this particular pattern, though it does come in one other pattern I love the possibilities of pairing this as well, there are just so many options! I've never worn a collar with sloped sleeves like this before, I hope it looks good!

Last but not least, I think this is my favorite as of right now, I don't know, I love them all! The Sunny Shift Cotton Poplin dress. It's just so...well, sunny! Just like everything else in the Lilly wardrobe, imagine this by itself, or paired with a navy cardigan and navy McKims, or pink, or green. All of Lilly Pulitzer's fashions are so versatile! I love them all!


So there you have it! Those are my favorites as of right now. Of course, I'm going to have to pair this down quite a bit, or start some fierce nagging on the Hubby! ;-) Wishful thinking!!

Friday, July 24, 2009

What's In My Bag?

Today's post is all about what's in my bag. The things that go with me EVERYWHERE!

First - thanks to Confessions of A Control Freak, I have finally found the BEST cuticle oil and hand lotion. O.P.I. Avoplex hand and nail lotion and O.P.I. Avoplex Cuticle Oil To-Go. Since I started using a week ago, my hands are 100X's better looking! Wonderful stuff!





My Vera Bradley, Cupcakes Green umbrella. It's rainy season in south Florida, so this never stays in my car. I walk into the supermarket when it's sunny and walk out 30 minutes later and it's raining cats and dogs.




I think I would absolutely CROAK if I didn't have my Blackberry Storm with me at all times!





These are the best things ever. I work partly indoors and partly outdoors. I don't really sweat however, my face gets very oily, especially where my sunglasses sit on my nose. These oil absorbing sheets by Clean & Clear are great for soaking up all that oil and making your skin dry again, keeping that hideous shine away. I highly recommend!





My notebook. This has all my "needs to know" things on-the-go. Passwords, special websites and email addresses, my daughter's pre-paid college information, how-tos, among other "not to forgets." Not to mention, it's by Lilly Pulitzer, so it's gorgeous and just makes me feel pretty just holding it!





The Couponizer. I am a HUGE coupon collector. I save tons and tons of money every week on groceries and other items through CVS (extra care bucks - I am the master!) and everywhere else. If you are coupon clipper - get this at theorgnizedparent.com. If you are not a coupon collector, I reccommend you become one!




My camera - you never know when those special moments are going to occur. I've been carrying this non-stop since I started blogging.





My current read, Mating Rituals of the North American Wasp by Lauren Lipton. My job often has me waiting for extremely past due appointments, so I always have a book in tow.






Hand sanitizer (in Japanses Flower Blossom - yummy!) - I always have this, for Baby Girl when we're out and about and for when I get done meeting with those above-mentioned "past-due appointments" that have dirty hands.


Altoids - enough said!






Last but not least - Clinique's lip gloss in Air Kiss. I don't wear lipstick, haven't in years. Instead, I've been wearing this for years. A must have in my book.





So, there you have it. Now, I tag.... ALL OF YOU! Tell me what is in your bag because what's in your bag are usually the best products, the ones that actually work. So, I'm interested to hear what other things I should be trying out myself!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Granny's Last Day

Yesterday was Granny's last day with us. We had a wonderful time with Granny and thankfully, she was able to stay a few extra days while Hubby has been working late hours. He's had a lot of fires he's had to put out at work lately and since he's the boss man, he's had to deal with it all. The poor guy is tired and stressed, so having Granny here a few extra days has really helped us out and kept peace in our household.



We went out to eat last night, and daddy was able to join us for a little while! Going out is always an adventure with Baby Girl in tow! We had just gotten out of the pool before we went, so Baby Girl's hair was still wet when I put it up into a pony tail. She still looks awfully cute in my opinion! We then posed for a few pictures, or attempted rather!



At dinner, Baby Girl did quite well. Of course, she didn't eat anything but french fries. I don't blame her, they are great fries. She also insisted on going back and forth in sitting with mommy on one side of the table, and then daddy and Granny on the other side. We were in a booth (helps keep two-year old confined), so she'd walk across the table back and forth. Thank goodness she's tiny, so those that could see her in the restaurant thought it was cute. We were a little embarrased, as it's not particularly good manners to put your feet on the table (a manner we're currently trying to learn - so much for today's teaching!)

We had a wonderful time with Granny. We will miss her greatly and look forward to our visit up north to the farm in early September. Our next company - my parents are coming down in August and my best friend, Ashleigh is coming in October.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Stephen Bonanno

One of the best things about living in Stuart / Palm City, Florida are all the great shops in downtown Stuart. You have two choices: a) bring your wallet chock full of cash or b) leave the wallet at home so that you are not tempted. Seriously, great stuff. Anything from preppy shoes and totes, to a consignment store with vintage Lilly Pulitzer. You can find Vera Bradley to Stephen Bonanno sandals, Vineyard Vines, even Angela Moore jewlery (also at Stephen Bonanno's shop).

Speaking of
Stephen Bonanno, for those of you that don't know, he makes his sandals right here in Stuart, a mere 7 miles from his downtown Stuart store. I was in there today, didn't buy sandals (as Hubby would kill me after all we've spent on clothes this weekend in Vero Beach), but I did buy this Cape Madras skirt for 60% off, super cheap (sorry, babe - no more, I promise!). Isn't it cute? On a sad note, they are clearing out all their clothing and going just to the sandals - I always enjoyed shopping for clothes in this adorable shop.



(Please forgive the hideously ugly carpet and chair - my office furniture has left much to be desired!)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE his sandals and would love to have a pair of
Stephen Bonanno Emma Classic Monogram sandals. Maybe for my b-day in bright pink? Then I can take a picture on my next trip and have them on the website, "where in the world are your Stephen Bonannos?" What is your favorite Stephen Bonanno style?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Teak Love Seat

Do you all remember the Teak Love Seat Giveaway from last week over at Confessions of A Semi-Slacker Mom?





I had posted about this giveaway on my blog because I loved the seat so much, I hoped I would win it for my new pool deck. Well, I didn't win. However, I arrived home today to find Hubby unpacking a box of this exact same seat on my front porch! He saw my post and secretly ordered one for me! I was so excited and can't wait for it to be put together so Hubby and I can enjoy a relaxing summer evening sitting on it after Baby Girl goes to bed. Thank you Hubby, I love you!!!

Monday, July 20, 2009

J. Crew Shoparoonees!

If you've seen a previous post from a while back, you know that it takes a lot for me to call a purchase a shoparoonee, but let me tell you about my trip to J. Crew yesterday!

We went up to Vero Beach to the outlet mall where they have tons of stores including Gap, Gymborree, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Carter's, Children's Place, Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew, Nautica and tons, tons, tons more. All the stuff that doesn't sell up north before the new season hits, comes down to this outle. It's great, because when fall stuff comes out up north, it's still going to be hot here until at least November, so we get great deals on all the summer stuff.

Okay, so we were supposed to be shopping for Hubby, not me. Ooops!

IWell, was good, I bought one dress at Gap and a shirt at Polo and let Hubby take control of the checkbook, but...and I mean a big, but.....then we hit J. Crew. I bought 4 pairs of shorts, two capris, a pair of pants, a shirt, 4 shirts for Hubby and a madras belt, all for ..... are you ready for this.... $133.00!!!!! The deals were so great, we were pratically dancing in the store, along with all the other customers! And of course, J. Crew is fabulous and fits both of us so well. The shirts Hubby gets are so soft!

That was a great shoparoonee day. Now for you Palm Beach deal shoppers, you really should take a day and drive the 1.5 hours north to Vero to this outlet, you won't be disappointed (oh, and call me when you go - I'll give you a personal tour!)

Name My Blog and Whitney Caroline Designs GIVEAWAY!!!

When I started blogging a few months ago, it was purely for the few close friends and family who live so far away from us. We needed a family life update with pictures, so I didn't forget those cute little happenings and our northern family didn't feel so left out of our lives. Hence, the name Family Life. I was new to blogging, had never even read a blog and had no clue....I'll repeat that, NO CLUE, as to all the interesting blogs and friends I would find. Just scroll down my sidebar and look around, there are some really great blogs, some by my own family members!

My blog has become so much more than just showing off pictures of BG (Baby Girl) to the grandparents. I have followers who support my attempts in baking cakes, and sewing. They cheer me on when I have a tough day at my job. And they've become my relaxing hobby. I've gotten tips on how to soften my cuticles (thanks
Confessions of A Control Freak), how to branch out in my clothing lifestyle (inexpensivley I might add), decorating tips, sale tips (I bought Real Simple - a $40.00 subscription for $5.00 the other day - all from a tip from Monograms and Manicures). I've stepped out of my comfort zone in more ways than just blogging. I'm thinking of joining my own community's Junior League (thanks for the updates The Pink Tutu!)

That being said, a few weeks ago, I decided to have my blog designed by
April Showers Blog Design. The blog will be up and running in a few weeks. Along with that, I've decided to change the name of my blog to something more creative and fun. I mean, look at my sideabar and all the fun names! Black Labs and Lilly, Stuttering Shell and Sweet Tea Diaries. How cute and creative are those?

So, here's the deal. See this lovely tin from
Whitney Caroline Designs ? You can win this tin by Naming My Blog. It comes in a variety of colors, with a variety of bows and a variety of monograms. Visit her website and check out all her great preppy items! I know you'll love them.






Here's how this contest is going to work:

Step 1) Become a follower and either mention this contest in your blog or on your sidebar.

Step 2) Comment and let me know you've completed step one and in that comment, Name My Blog! Since I moderate comments, I will keep them all private, so don't be shy! Note, in order to be entered, you must provide a new name!

The contest will end on August 3rd at midnight.

I will then pick my favorite three names and put them out to a poll. The winner of the poll will receive the WCD tin, with the two runners-up receiving something special from my own personal pink-and-green stash!

Got it? Any questions? Email me! By the way - I updated my "About Me" section to the right of the page to help you with your naming.

Have fun, I can't wait to see what names you come up with in my Name My Blog contest!

Friday, July 17, 2009

My first dress!

I think I did a great job (though Baby Girl is deathly afraid of it for some reason!). I've already started on more! So much fun!



Thursday, July 16, 2009

More pictures from Granny and Grandadd's visit

More pictures from the Grandparent's visit. Here Baby Girl and I are waiting for the space shuttle launch for the 3rd day in a row. Yep, you can see the space shuttle from our front yard even though it launches nearly two hours north of us. It looks like a bright comet in the sky and you can even see it when the shuttle dettaches from the boosters. Pretty neat. The shuttle finally took off on Wednesday and after all those days of waiting, we totally missed it!



Spaghetti night at our house is always lots and lots of fun with great photo ops!




Baby Girl and I are getting ready to leave for school, isn't this a sweet picture? Much less mischevious looking than the picture before!





I love sunglass photos! However, this was a sad day because we were on the way to the airport to take Grandaddy home. ;-(




Granny and Baby Girl LOVE the swimming pool!




Grandaddy loves his Baby Girl so much and misses her already! She misses you too Grandaddy!