Five on Friday

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? It's all I can think about now that it's November. I want to get it done, and I want to get it done fast! Ain't nobody got time to cart Miss A around to a busy mall with no parking, long lines, and stressful shoppers. I'm doing a bit of online shopping, but I also like to shop in person, so if I'm going to the store, we're going now!

I've received SO many holiday catalogs in the mail recently that this Five on Friday post is dedicated to all those lovely catalogs that make me want to get my shop on...

1. Pottery Barn Kids

I LOVE Pottery Barn. One day, when I'm rich, that's where all my money will go. I want my house to be a Pottery Barn house. The Pottery Barn Kids catalog came last week and I was swooning over everything. 

Via

One day we'll all have these custom matching stockings hanging on our mantle.

Via

How cute would this be hanging behind each chair filled with treats and small presents?

Via

I mean, I just can't. Every child's dream: a bag filled with toys from Santa.

2. Target Toys

The Target catalog came with tons and tons of toys. I felt like a kid myself flipping through it wandering what to get Miss A. These are on the top of my list right now.

Little People Happy Home

Little People Farm

Via

3. Tiny Prints

I'm not sure what we're doing for holiday cards yet, but I received a catalog from Tiny Prints in the mail this week. There are so many beautiful cards to choose from.

Via

Via

4. Alloy

Alloy has been one of my favorite places to shop from for years. I have lots of pieces from their catalog. I love their sweaters and dresses, and they last me a long time.

Via

Via

5. Zulily 

Do you shop on Zulily? I'm obsessed. Lately there have been SO many cute things and good deals. I bought this dress for Miss A for Thanksgiving and a dress for myself. It was only $10!

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Where are your favorite places to shop? How do you stay sane during the shopping season?

What We Ate Wednesday

I'm loving linking up every week for What I Ate Wednesday. It always amazes me how much of my day revolves around food every time I snap a picture of what we're eating. Since my pictures were just terrible last week I whipped out the real camera so that you would actually find our meals appealing! I hope these posts give you inspiration on what to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, along with some new ideas for your kids. Miss A has had quite the appetite lately and I'm loving it!

Breakfast: 8:30 am

I ate: my favorite- whole wheat toast with peanut butter, bananas, honey, and granola

Miss A: toast with applesauce and banana slices

Snack: 11:00 am

We've gotten into the habit of having a snack right before nap time. Miss A will walk over to the pantry when she's ready, grab a yogurt, and wait by her high chair.

I ate: pumpkin pie yogurt with granola and chocolate chips

Miss A: two banana cookies with yogurt

This is what happens when I allow her to "feed" herself. She's insisting on being more and more independent while she eats, but of course, she hasn't gotten the hand of holding a spoon and feeding herself that well. She can manage fairly well and there are plenty of bites that make it in- but...this is what happens sometimes. Yogurt gets EVERYWHERE. And banana cookies make great dippers!

 Lunch: 12:30pm 

I ate: leftover white bean chicken chili that I made the night before with cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. So good!

Miss A: ham and cheese wrap with tomato slices, which, she didn't eat, but she LOVED them a few days ago.You never know with this girl. 

Afternoon snack was on the go. We attempted to tackle some Christmas shopping but failed miserably. Why are men so hard to shop for? She ate some Mum Mum's, a granola bar, and cheerios. 

Dinner: 6:00pm

Dinner was early since I was starving and didn't take a handy dandy snack cup for me!

I ate: slow cooker ranch chicken over brown rice and roasted carrots, which I'll be adding to our dinner rotation, it was that good!

Miss A: the same, which she devoured and begged for more! I love when she's a good eater.

What good eats have you had recently?

10 Minute Makeup Routine

I'm by no means a makeup expert, but I do like to use makeup, and do so on a daily basis. I don't have a lot of time to spend on myself, unless Miss A to playing with my nail polish, which may allow me at least ten minutes! I don't have a lot of time before she gets bored and is ready to tear a part something else in the bedroom.

Here's a look at what I use on an almost daily basis:

Undereye concealer, powder, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner

1. Moisturizer- I use Target's- goes on smooth, blends easy, and has SPF.

2. Concealer- I use Maybelline's instant age rewind undereye concealer and I LOVE it. I've been using it for about six months and it is by far the best concealer I've ever used. I'm always amazed by how well it works when I take my makeup off at night and see my dark circles again. It also lasts a really long time and is a great price.

3. Foundation- Smashbox Camera Ready: There are many days I skip foundation but when I have a little extra time I will dab it on to smooth things out. I love this one because it's easy to blend and is SO lightweight I don't feel like I'm wearing any foundation at all.

4. Powder- I use Makeup Forever HD microfinish powder. I started using it this summer. It's so light and blends perfectly. I think it will be my go-to powder for now.

5. Blush- I was using L'Oreal, it's affordable and there are lots to choose from. But right now I'm using the blush that's included Mary Kay eyeshadow palate.

6. Eyeshadow- I have a few favorites that I switch between daily. Currently I'm loving a set from Clinique that I got from my mom (can't find it online) and a set from Mary Kay (also can't find online).

7. Eyeliner- I don't use eyeliner every day but when I do I like to keep it subtle. I used to use Revlon, but I'm currently using CoverGirl. I prefer Revlon's as it glides on easier and doesn't have a milky finish.

8. Mascara- I alternate between Maybelline's Great Lash and They're Real by Benefit Cosmetics. For everyday errands and what not, I'll use Maybelline. If I want to feel a little frisky, I use For Real. It makes my lashes look so much longer than they are, but it's a pain to take off!

9. Lipgloss- (not pictured) I'm not much of a lipstick girl. This one from Sephora is my favorite right now.

Oh and I HAVE to tell you about the night cream I use. It is a-maaazingggg! I didn't start using night cream until recently. I absolutely LOVE Lacura's. It's smooth, absorbs quickly, and makes my face so soft. I found it at Aldi and haven't seen it anywhere else.

There you have it! Not too high-maintenance right? Who has time for that anymore! What's your makeup routine like? What are your favorite products right now? I love trying new things, I'd love some recommendations!

Life as a SAHM- Weekend Edition

This weekend had its ups and downs. My husband had to work Saturday, dampening the mood around here. He wasn't scheduled to work and it really bummed us out that he had to. He was around for most of the morning and Miss A was in a very playful mood.

She is absolutely obsessed with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. As soon as she sees them in the morning, she grabs on to them and holds them to her chest. They are usually with her as she eats breakfast and go with her from room to room.

After my husband left for work, Miss A and I went on a very long walk. I took a different path than we usually do in our neighborhood and was taken aback by the gorgeous fall foliage. Miss A loves to get out of her stroller and explore, so she walked half the way back home, picking up leaves as she went.

On Sunday we had a family day. Miss A was acting kinda funny, very clingy with a serious case of mommy-itis. I loved the extra hugs, but I was frustrated that I couldn't figure out what was wrong.

The time change seemed to screw us all up and we ate lunch late at a new place we wanted to check out. Pork and steak arepas, with the most delicious homemade guacamole! 

There was a frozen yogurt place right next store so of course we had to check that out. I got brownie batter with peppermint, topped with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and almonds. 

She was quite the happy girl! Sticky face and fingers. :) I don't know if you can tell, but behind me there was a ping pong table, and we played for a little bit, letting Miss A chase after the ball whenever I lost! 

The rest of the day Miss A was Miss Cranky Pants. I'm wondering if another tooth is going to make an appearance soon, or if the time change has affected her schedule. Hopefully we'll have a better, happier baby today!

Five on Friday

Happy Friday! Happy November 1st! I'm sad to see Halloween go, but excited to unofficially start off the holiday season!

1. Photo Book Living Social Deal

Before I was a mom, I loved taking pictures. Now that I'm a mom, I LOVE taking pictures. I've got a picture problem! I'm so behind in printing out Miss A's photos. I have visions of organizing all her photos in matching pink albums. Fail. After her first birthday, I made her a photobook but never got around to ordering it. Well, I'm glad I didn't because there is an amazing living social deal, for $10, with My Publisher! I'm so excited and had to share.

2. Mujus Giveaway: $50 Credit to Mujus Accessories 

If you haven't taken a moment to enter my giveaway, you're missing out! It is November 1st after all, the unofficial start to Christmas countdown. If you win, use it on yourself or as a gift to a friend!

3. Cute Coffee Mugs

Speaking of Christmas lists, I found something else to add to mine. How adorable are these coffee mugs?

Via

Via

4. Trick or Treat!

How was your Halloween? We attempted trick or treating, but two houses in and this girl lost it when she saw a witch! Oh well, there's always next year. :) At least she got her first taste of a lollipop! 

She was much happier on the porch "helping" me pass out candy. 

5. Reign 

I'm adding another TV show to my favorite new Fall series. Reign. Have you seen it, on the CW? It's so good! Totally not historically accurate, but who cares. Kinda makes me feel like a teenager again!