Weekend Musings

Goodness... what a fast weekend! We were suppose to be in the Gulf Shores this weekend through Wednesday, but thanks to our luck and unforeseen circumstances, we had to stay put... or atleast not go to the Gulf Shores.

We were seriously sad, but didn't have much of a choice. So... we went to Matt's brother's house at his dad's farm.

The kids were thrilled because we haven't been back in awhile and when they are there, they get to feed the cows, ride horses, play in the barn, build things, be messy, fish... All things that I would love to not do! :)

We took off Friday when Matt got home from work and as you can see above, Reece decided to pack his own bag.

Hair products? Check.

Footie pj's? Check.

10 pairs of socks, two pairs of underwear, eight t-shirts, no pants? Check!

I did not tell him that mom repacked after he left for school that day because there are some things better left unsaid. :)

Before we left, I got a very exciting e-mail from the owner of the Northwest Arkansas City Moms Blog network - they are launching an NWA version of this popular mom blog featured across the country over the next few months. I applied to be a contributing writer -- and made the team!

I'm excited about the opportunity and what fun adventures lie ahead with this! If you've never read an article from a city moms blog, check the site or Facebook page out. Cities across the country have a moms blog and you've probably read one of their posts before and shared it with many friends saying, "Did we write this? This is our life!" I know I have!

The next day, the kids spent the day doing all of the above and I was lucky enough to catch this on video... Reece caught a fish. Reece touched the fish. Reece rubbed his hands all over his jacket.

BLEH!

This girl and I spent the day in the house -- mainly me waiting on her to finish napping! Then we went on a little jaunt up to the pond to watch the fishing escapade.

We had a nice lunch with Matt's grandparents - mashed potatoes and chicken and noodles, oh yummmm! Then Tess and I loaded up and drove the short drive to the nearest Sonic, where my aunt Sally and cousin Abby met up with us!

My aunt Sally and I are very much the same person so I feel like I could tell the woman anything and she'd say "been there, done that!" I love her and Abby and I'm so glad I was able to spend an hour and a half, sitting in the truck in a Sonic drive up spot, just chatting! One of my favorite parts of the weekend!

My other favorite part was watching/listening/pacing as my Wildcats beat Texas Tech Saturday night -- as you can see from above, we ALL wear purple on Saturdays! :)

We headed home early Sunday and spent the day unpacking, eating, vegging, and doing laundry ... our week will be another quick one as we head to Manhattan on Friday for one of my sweet friend's weddings (as well as my Sloane's 6th birthday on Saturday - what???)!

Sloane helped feed Tess dinner Sunday evening as you can see ... Tess sure loves that girl, which is a good thing because if she didn't, I think she would have been SCREAMING that the food wasn't being shoveled in fast enough!


Happy Monday everyone -- we are headed to the Tulsa Zoo with my best friend and her two kiddos. Will report on that adventure tomorrow! :)

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! We did it! We survived another week - alleluia (though I'm currently listening to my 7 month old today screaming bloody murder because she will not nap)! We are excited for a weekend at home - my parents and niece Perry are coming down to stay which always makes me happy!

Here are some of my Friday Favorites...

Seventies Suede Mini Skirt

Oh girls. I have a newfound love with Boden USA. The stuff is so classic with not alot of fuss -- it screams "ALLYSON! BUY ME! EVERY LAST THING!" Sadly, I have to scream back, "I'D LOVE TO! BUT YOU'RE TOO FRIGGIN' EXPENSIVE!" As is this skirt. This skirt is so friggin' adorable. But it's $298.

I'm laughing as I type that.

So what is my new mission? To find this skirt for MUCH less expensive, but still good quality. I'm actually in love with the entire outfit, but know I can find that same top for a lot less as well.

But I love to find places that give me great ideas when it comes to fashion and home decor -- so here you go! Browse away and if you can, buy away. Just know that I'll be sitting here in Arkansas being very jealous of you. 

Gallery Skirt

***UPDATE: Thanks to Tanya Orstad, a similar option (though not suede) was found at Anthropologie! The Gallery Skirt comes in a three different colors, but is super adorable and $78 (vs. $298)! She said to order a size up because the sizing is small on this skirt.

                                                      Essie's Big Spender

I love painting my nails... only since 2008. Before that I thought it was too much. Now I feel like if I don't have it on, I'm missing something.

But I'm very particular about color choices and seasons. Like right now, I couldn't do a hot pink or really bright colors because we are now officially in the fall season. So I feel like it's time to dial it back on the brightness, which is why I LOVE Essie's Big Spender color. It is not too bright, but it's not full on dark yet... which comes later as the season gets chillier! 

Target always has a great selection of Essie Colors... as does Walgreens. So if you're near either of those, stop in, drop $9 on some nail polish and get into the fall spirit! 


 

Sit Me in the Front Row - closest color to Big Spender

***UPDATE: Thanks to Kaye Nemec for telling me about Sally Hansen's Gel Polish (Essie's version is Gel Couture). She said you can put it on and it will last for almost two weeks versus a few days like most other nail polishes!!! Definitely worth a try! Has anyone else tried this and been happy?!

                                          Rich Pumpkin Dream Glade Candle 

Speaking of fall, I'm a lover of apple cinnamon scents in my house all year long. Blame (or thank) my mother, but I'm obsessed with it and it always makes me happy! I buy the Airwick version of it.

But this time of year, I try to light some candles and Glade seems to always have great options during the seasons. This year, I found Rich Pumpkin Dream and holy cow! It is ON POINT, people! I lit it oen afternoon and left the house only to receive a text from Matt saying our house smelled awful. I immediately was upset because I knew I had just lit these brand new candles. He then said he was kidding and that it smelled great.

And he was right! It smelled amazing! I picked mine up at Target, but I know they are pretty much everywhere. So if you need some instant fall, get this ASAP! 

                          Birkenstock Essentials Madrid EVA Flat Sandal

If you ask me what was the one best thing I purchased all summer, I would tell you it was this sandal. 

I wore it almost every single day. 

And they were $29. Birkenstock's for $29. You read it right! 

They were the most comfy sandal I've ever put on. Plus I know they were much better for my feet than my normal flip flop that I wore as well as were a little more fashion-forward. 

If you are still needing a slip-on sandal (because let's be real, it's fall, but where I'm at - it is still in the 90s ... BLEH!) and one that you will continue to use every time it warms up, GET THESE IMMEDIATELY! They come in black, navy, hot pink, hot green, red and white. If I could find them in an olive color, you bes' be believin' I'd be getting that color as well! 



I hope everyone has a great weekend -- hopefully the weather cools off, you can sit outside, drink a brewskie or Coke and enjoy some football.

Because that is what I will be doing. 

And saying a little prayer that my kids can take care of themselves while I'm doing those fun thing! :)

XXOO,
Allyson