Life lately: ice cream shakes + play dates

This past weekend was a whirlwind, like most, but we managed to find time to catch up with our families and even a short trip to Target. #lifegoals

NationalStripesDay
[celebrating #nationalstripesday]WishIWasTaller_Ev
[such a little cheeser these days: sweatshirt // pants // bootsSnookiesHands
[opening day at the local ice cream shop is a big dealWaitingIsTheHardestPart
[patiently waiting…this never happens]SnookiesShakeDoNotTouch
[Fitz doesn’t give a rip]SnookiesBenSchuh
[cool art on the walls from local artist Ben Schuh]CousinsOnTheCouch
[cousins = built in besties]TwistedBean
[one of my local faves, Twisted Bean, has the best breakfast sammie]GrandpaB+Fitz_BW[Sunday night snuggles with Grandpa]

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Fitz // eight months

Fitz_8monthsFitz’s faves:

clapping
gnawing on washcloths – teeth have to be coming soon?
rolling as a mode of transportation
armpit tickles

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Friday faves

EvSheds[latest finds: Ev has become quite the shed hunter this spring]

One of my favorite local joints, Snookies Malt Shop, opens for the summer tomorrow. During my younger years I always dreamed of camping out in front of the shop overnight to be the first person to get a cone when it officially opened for the year. In my head, I thought that person received free ice cream for the summer. That’s not quite how it works though. They actually just get their picture taken and it hangs in the window for the entire summer. I like my idea better…

I pulled the trigger during my trip to KC last weekend and purchased a pair of jean overalls. I’ve been dying to wear them and am literally counting down the hours until tomorrow morning when I will get to take them for a test run! Pretty sure Marcus will think they are ridiculous.

Everett has been having some serious “threenager” tendencies lately. I was trying to brush up on my parenting skills and ran across this article from The Washington Post. If you are in the throes like me, it’s worth a read.

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Little looks: Easter 2017

I’m not sure how it’s possible, but Easter is a little over two weeks away. Even with a later date than last year, it has definitely snuck up on me. With the addition of Fitzgerald, I now get to dress two little gents for the occasion and I am already pulling together their options. HA! #seersuckerFTW

While looking for the perfect combo between the two, I came across a bunch of adorable looks that I thought I’d share with you! Can you tell that I love a strong gingham?!

LittleLooks_Easter2017

one // two // three // four
five // six // seven // eight // nine

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Life lately: mom got away

Yep, you read that right. I had my first overnight away from the boys. Well, since becoming a mom of two. And it went like this…

First, a trip to IKEA to pick up a few “essentials” 😉 I went in with a plan and I’m pretty happy to report that only a few things made it in that weren’t on the list. Seriously though, if I didn’t go in with a plan I would fall down the rabbit hole of Swedish gear I don’t need.

KC1
Somewhere between Oak Park Mall and Von Maur, I decided to check up on the boys. Here was the photo I was sent. From it I deduce that Karl is in charge and also knows how to work a remote. So advanced for his breed.KC2
We made one more pit stop at a few stores in Town Center Plaza and then headed to The Roasterie for a pick-me-up. Now that the shopping portion of our trip was complete, it was time to head down to the Sprint Center for the main event. When we got down to the Power & Light district, streets were blocked off and packed with anxious KU fans. I knew that my favorite local restaurant, Webster House, wasn’t too far away, so we decided to walk over and grab a pre-game cocktail.IMG_5602IMG_5606
Another quick check in with Marcus via FaceTime yielded this awesome screenshot that I just had to share. #thatdadlife

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We made it back to the Sprint Center and really the rest is just still too fresh to talk about. The Jayhawks looked awful from the very beginning and definitely did not deserve to move on based on their performance. Guess there’s always next year…IMG_5607
After the game, we hit the road and made our way to Excelsior Springs for an overnight stay at The Elms. I have been wanting to stay here forever so after they announced it was going to be a late game, I decided to pull the trigger. Just a word to the wise though, driving from KC to The Elms when it is dark is quite a white-knuckle experience. After arriving frazzled, we figured it might not be a good idea to participate in the last ghost tour of the evening and instead, retreated to our upgraded room.IMG_5614
In the light of day, the storied hotel is quite breathtaking. My parents hailed from western Kansas so I have a deep appreciation for limestone, and the remodeled bathrooms are definitely #tilegoals (if that’s even a thing).IMG_5608I’m already imaging my return visit. On my to-do list: a trip to the spa and grotto and sipping cocktails poolside.

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Friday faves

RealLifeAerial[hashtag: real life]

I’m heading for a quick trip to Kansas City in the morning to spend the day shopping with my sister before heading the the NCAA Midwest Regional Final game in the evening. On our list is a trip to IKEA to pick up a few items that we need. I recently came across this article about a woman who stayed a full day in the largest store in the US and passed the time by counting umlauts and fights. Oh and next time you run into my husband, ask him how he feels about his first trip to the Swedish furniture mecca.

I love a good gender reveal (Ev + Fitz), but this Rube Goldberg video that has been making the internet rounds is intense. Anyone else have this thought after watching: “Who is cleaning up this mess?”

In this episode of what I’ve been wearing on repeat lately, let me introduce you to my favorite t-shirt. I’ve been styling it with a tuck into high waisted jeans + sneakers for the weekend.

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My spring wishlist

I know we are getting close because the birds are singing when I wake up and our lilac bushes are starting to get tiny buds on them. And while around these parts we may still experience cooler temps, I know that warmer days are coming.

So in honor of the first official day of spring, I’ve rounded up my wishlist of wants and needs as we head into next season!

TTDFaves_SpringWishList2017

Madewell Skinny Overalls  //  Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses
Mossimo Supply Co. Women’s Convertible Handbag Backpack
Merona Women’s Denim Romper //  Tie Front Tee
Gap Softspun knit wide-leg jumpsuit

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Friday faves

StPats[well-rested/pre-kids & celebrating St. Pat’s in CHI circa 2009]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! No chance of pinching me today because I’m rockin’ my green Nikes. I have always loved loud tennis shoes, so it should come as no surprise that I have my eye on this blush pair. [ALL THE HEART EYES]

Bracket already busted? Even if you aren’t interested in NCAA basketball, I find the statistics behind the madness just as fascinating. Check out FiveThirtyEight and their coverage, then sign up for their daily Significant Digits newsletter. I’ll be rocking this hat and cheering on my team today! #rockchalk

I popped into a local T.J. Maxx yesterday and I usually don’t have any patience for sifting through the women’s racks but decided to suck it up. I’m happy I did. I found two super cute tops from beachlunchlounge. An off-the-shoulder embroidered chambray (similar) + a laid back stripe button down.

 

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Don’t shy away from swimwear

My post-baby bod is definitely different this time around, and you know what, I’m okay with that.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned after having two kids, it’s that time goes by so fast. Too fast. This time around I’m trying to be more laid back, enjoying every little belly laugh and every last snuggle at the end of the day.

In slowing down and taking in those moments, I’m becoming more comfortable in my role as mom to these two sweet boys. And in turn, more at ease with my #mombod. It’s this body that carried and birthed two humans. This body that fed each of them for over 15 months collectively so far. You know, it may not be what it used to be, but I think that it’s actually better.

FourthofJuly2015_4[throwback: look at my little blonde baby!]

With all of that said, swimsuit season is on the horizon and I never want to be one of those moms sitting on the sidelines because I’m uncomfortable. I want my boys to know that I’m beautiful just the way I am, and that I will always choose playing with them in the pool over everything else.

Personally, I’m more comfortable in one piece suits and the selection out there now is so much better than what it used to be! Here are a few of the suits I have in my collection and some I’d love to add.

TTDFaves_OnePieceSwimsuits.jpg

 Lands’ End Women’s Slender Sweetheart
Modcloth Getaway Forays
Clean Water Women’s Paisley X-Back
Lands’ End Women’s Slender Underwire Carmela
Modcloth Need I Say Shore
Vanilla Beach Women’s Floral Scalloped High Neck
Merona Women’s Draped
Ted Baker London Lace

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Little looks: spring break 2017

Even though it hasn’t been that rough of a winter, I so wish I was heading somewhere warm right about now. I keep thinking about our trip to Arizona a couple of years ago – well, mostly just the Dutch Bros coffee drinks.

Got spring fever? Heading somewhere warm with the fam. Here are some darling looks that are perfect for a little trip to the tropics – or just Florida.

LittleLooks_SpringBreak2017.jpg

1 // June & January Swing Dress in Marigold*
2 // Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack
3 // Old Navy Chambray Espadrilles
4 // Arizona Boys Stripe Swim Trunks
5 // Gap Gingham double-weave convertible shirt
6 // Gap Floral chambray flutter dress
7 // Mini Boden Print One-Piece Swimsuit
8 // Native Shoes Jefferson – Glow Slip-On Sneaker
9 // Cat & Jack Toddler Boys’ Pull-On Shorts
10 // June & January Basic Tee in Wasabi*
11 // New Era Kids’ New York Yankees B-Dub 9FIFTY Snapback Cap

*Click HERE and get 15% off when you spend $50+ on June & January!

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