A Darn Swell Weekend

Some days you're fishing a baby wipe out of the potty and it's only 7:32am. At least you have a pretty swell weekend to reflect back on. 

We got to the pool Friday just in time for a thunderstorm! So we didn't exactly enjoy splashing in the water, but we hung out poolside for a while as a family which was nice. After that, the girls had dinner and playtime with friends in the pool's kids club and Ian and I enjoyed a wonderful and amazingly quiet and calm (!!!) dinner together. I had the lobster roll and a glass of Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc, no complaints here!

Someone in our neighborhood was giving away these to Pottery Barn kids chairs so I snatched them up after the girls bedtime on Friday night. They were so excited to come down the next morning and see them! I need two new covers and want to have them personalized with their names, and then we are all set for family movie night or Saturday morning cartoons!

Saturday night I did something a little different and I went out with some local girls who also sell LipSense! We were gearing up for a training I attended on Sunday which had girls from all over the state and some that flew in from Oklahoma. Definitely a lot of fun and I have so enjoyed meeting some new friends. Never too old to keep making friends, right?

It was a weekend full of nice family time and also feeling proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone and making new connections. We ended the night perfectly last night, Ian grilled out some wings and we watched Dateline on the screened porch.

Five On Friday: Iced Coffee, Sharing Ice Cream and Candles

It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!

Remember, all you have to do is post about five things on your mind, add our logo (found at the bottom of this post), and join the party using the linky tools below. Easy, and a great way to find new blogs and be found. :)

O N E
I've been enjoying a nice cold iced coffee in the afternoons! I just brew the coffee in our Keurig over ice, add in cream and splenda, and a few more ice cubes to finish it off.

This Toasted Coconut coffee is my current fave and it's actually Walmart brand, less than $5 a box!

T W O
Camille's photography game is improving. Only took 8 photos last night to get a clear one that didn't include her thumb or bare feet.

T H R E E

We just joined a country club! This is something we've been considering for a while, and Ian and I attended the orientation Wednesday night. I think it's going to be awesome for our family -- I foresee lots of great pool days and family dinners together. Plus they have a fitness facility I can start using instead of the YMCA, childcare is a dollar an hour, and everyone there is SO nice and welcoming. I'm really excited!

F O U R
Yesterday Ian had a work-from-home day and my MIL was in town, so we all lunched together at Jason's Deli. This is actually a really great place to take kids. The girls ate so many healthy foods from the salad bar -- tomatoes, zucchini spears, carrot sticks, red and yellow pepper strips, hummus, hardboiled eggs, bean salad, watermelon. Plus fun things like pasta salad and mini-muffins. :) Char got to taste some of Camille's fro-yo at the end and mannnnn, HEAVEN. She kept saying "more" which sounds like "muhhhhh! muhhhhh!" every time Camille would give her a lick.

F I V E

It's been a good, busy week in the lip biz for me, so I'm treating our home to some of my very favorite candles! The Voluspa candles burn slow, smell strong, and last a while. They even smell great unlit. Part of the Nordies sale now and down from $48, so I'm pouncing. You can find them HERE and the image below is clickable. 

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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!

Two Kitchen Thingies That Kids Love

I'm here today to share two kitchen ... thingies ... that my kids love.

NUMBER ONE

I have posted a few photos of my girls enjoying their cold treats with these popsicle holders and I always get questions about them! You can find them HERE on Etsy as low as $0.95/each if you don't get them personalized! 

Recently we've been enjoying frozen yogurt pops which feels like a treat for them (we call them creamy popsicles) but is a total momming-win for me. 

NUMBER TWO

Do you have one of these crinkle cutter knives?! The girls both love a banana each morning and this makes the banana slices way more fun! You can use it for so much more -- cutting carrots, apples, making your own fries ... and did you know that you can take an empty jar of pickle juice, slice up a cucumber, stick the slices right in the juice and have homemade pickles in a few days?!

This cutter is perfect for making your own pickles! Less than $6 HERE on Amazon. 

Total kitchen wins. 

Tuesday Check-In

Hi friends!

It's another crazy day in our house ... mama is still raspy-voiced and enjoying those lovely pills that can only be purchased behind the pharmacy counter (oy vey). I've been good about going to bed every night around 10 to try to get good rest. My own mom would tell me I need to be doing more salt-water gargles, so I need to get on that. I am DETERMINED to feel great tomorrow, mark.my.words.

I just placed an order for some Nordstrom goodies that weren't available in my local store. Here's hoping this ruffle tee and the Zella leggings arrive soon and fit great! I also ordered some undergarrrrrments but those shall remain off of the blog. ;)

ruffle tee // Zella leggings

Tonight we are having crockpot cube steak with gravy -- I'm using this recipe! Will report back if it's a winner. 

Bathroom renovation is still going on and it's exciting... but Ian and I are really ready to resume normal life, move back into our bedroom, and start enjoying that bathroom. Today shower glass is being installed, and tomorrow the vanity is delivered! The vanity will be installed on Thursday. We are really making progress, folks, and next on the list is deciding on a paint color. 

Charlotte's up now from her morning nap and we are going to enjoy a nice little lunch together before picking Camille up from summer camp! Hope your day is off to a great start, my friends. 

Who Gets Sick In Summer?

Summer sickness is the werrrrrrrst.

All I wanted to do this weekend was enjoy the outdoors with my family, feel great, go to the new pool we joined, splurge on some junk food and sauv blanc and sunshine.

- ALAS -
I have no voice, I've been coughing and sniffling and I just feel like ... yuckiness.
The girls also had to miss two birthday parties (did I mention Camille woke up Saturday with pink eye?!)

Oh, and the 5' long snake is back. Yes, I know he's harmless and yes I know black snakes are good and no we aren't going to kill him. Still don't want him hiding in my garage walls around the doorway, which is where he skittered off to.

So, off to the Minute Clinic I go as I sip my hot tea.

I'll be back here tomorrow, hopefully with an actual voice and something fun to say. :)

-April

Five On Friday!

It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!

Remember, all you have to do is post about five things on your mind, add our logo (found at the bottom of this post), and join the party using the linky tools below. Easy, and a great way to find new blogs and be found. :)

O N E
Post-bath babies are the sweetest babies.

T W O

It's Friiiiiii-day and I'm ready for a little break! Tonight I'm going to order from Door Dash which is a busy mama's dream. Yafo is calling my name (the yummiest Mediterranean cuisine). Do you have Door Dash near you ... if so, HERE is a link for $7 off of your first order! Yes ma'am!

(click image to see if it's available in your area)

T H R E E

My sweet mom gave me a little surcee yesterday when I saw her ... my favorite olives! I couldn't resist breaking open the jar last night while my oven pizza was cooling. Castelvetranos are the yummiest, freshest tasting olives!

F O U R
Amazon Echo/Dot users, what are your favorite music stations for Alexa to play? I'm always on the hunt for great stations.

The 4 stations/artists I request most:
1) Sam Cook station
2) Ray Lynch (new age-y relaxing music)
3) John Legend station
4) Enya (I love love love some Enya filling the house)

F I V E

Those of you who shopped the Nordstrom sale ... what did you buy? What are the hidden gems? Of course there are the items everyone and their sister wants (I'm looking at you, $30 leopard ruana).

scallop sweater $39.90

cold shoulder sweatshirt $45.90

top: flare sleeve sweater $49.90 // leopard ruana $29.90 // scallop sweater $39.90

bottom: cutout sweater $31.90 // high waist leggings $35.90 // poplin off-shoulder $58.90

Mixed Media Swing Top $45.90

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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!

Our Bathroom Renovation: Goals and Inspiration

The ugly tile in our master bathroom was first broken July 3, so we are a few weeks in to our big renovation!

Today I am going to quickly share some of our goals and inspiration photos, as well as some progress shots! I think everyone likes to see a progress shot ... we don't all move from frog to prince in the wave of a magic wand.

So, here were my goals for the bathroom renovation:
1) STAY in budget
2) Add unique qualities ... not the bland hotel bathroom look
3) Make decisions quickly and wisely to stay on track
4) Serene, spa-like colors and materials
5) Maintain original layout of bathroom to save money

There are so many wonderful online resources for inspiration photos (Pinterest, Houzz) and actual materials. Today I am going to showcase one of these resources for materials, Maykke, because they are specialists in bathroom makeovers and their prices are super competitive.

One of the first things we chose was our tub! I wanted a beautiful tub with smooth lines, a modern-ish feel, and preferably under $1000. You can find several freestanding bathtubs on Maykke that fit that bill.

59" Dewey Freestanding Bathtub

Next up was looking at a wide selection of bathroom vanities. I wanted light gray or white, and I REALLY wanted an upper tower added for additional storage but also to bring the eye upward -- we have high ceilings in the bathroom.

We needed a pretty long one -- 90" -- so we are having one made. It has cabinets under each sink and two sets of drawers in the middle. So Ian and I will both have our own storage space, but let's be honest, some of my items will likely spill over to his side. #highmaintenancegirlprobz

Abigail Vanity Set - French Gray Finish

The "jewelry" of our reno has been fun for me and way less stressful because the fixtures and lighting aren't what are costing the big bucks! We looked at several bathroom faucets before deciding on a fairly contemporary set. We've been working with an amazing designer who has challenged me to break out of my traditional comfort zone and add in some more modern pieces to really make it look updated.

Augusta Single Hole Faucet

Today I need to do something I don't really love to do -- have a "where do we stand" conversation about our budget with our tile guy -- because I think we just need to reign everything in and make sure the overall budget is being upheld. I'm not the most confrontational person, so I'll need to break out of my comfort zone!

And finally, here's a little board I put together that shows progress of the tile, the big light fixture we've selected to hang over the tub, and the countertop that will be on top of the white cabinets. I'm in love!

Grout starts today and we chose a light platinum color. It's been so fun to see it all come together.

Thank you to Maykke for allowing me to brag on your exceptional products and show some of my favorites from your wide selection!

Bread and Jam For Camille

When I was younger, one of my favorite books was Bread And Jam For Frances. Frances refuses to eat the food her family offers, preferring only bread and jam. Until the day that all she is ever offered is bread and jam ... morning, noon and night. You know how too much of a good thing can just be -- too much? Frances finds that out.

My mom gave that book to Camille and it's recently been her go-to. So you can imagine how excited she was when she got a Frances breakfast this morning ... bread with jam and an egg in a cup!

You can find it HERE on Amazon for three bucks! Definitely an adorable read. I think you'll see why it was one of my childhood favorites. 

Throw Them Bows!

It's summah-time, and the living's easy, and Lilly hairbows are abound!

I will be posting a lot of these for sale today on my IG (@thetipsybunny) so please follow along and tag a friend!

I've continued taking on bow orders even though I've been really busy with LipSense and just life in general. Bathroom remodel, summer camp for Camille, and I've decided to run a marathon. WAIT NO. That last one is totally a lie. Ain't no way. Unless a zombie was chasing me. 

Here are some bows I've made recently! I can't get over the pompom trim!

I even made a bowtie for a very special little boy who is in an upcoming wedding!

Thanks for following along, happy Monday!

Five On Friday ... Come To Mama

It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!

Remember, all you have to do is post about five things on your mind, add our logo (found at the bottom of this post), and join the party using the linky tools below. Easy, and a great way to find new blogs and be found. :)

O N E
Hi y'all and happy Friday!

Yesterday's post-nap activity was so cute and fun. We set up the little childrens' table on the screened porch with some coloring pages (taped down with washi tape, easiest coloring hack ever) and snacks. I was halfway petrified Charlotte would fall right off of the chair, but I need to let her be a big girl more and ... hover less. :) They had a great time, and this is special because my sisters and I used to do the same thing.

T W O
Alexa is IN THE BUILDING! We ordered the Amazon Echo (half price!) during this week's Prime Day and ... I'm sitting here right now sipping coffee and listening to "Paradise" by Coldplay simply because I said "Alexa play Coldplay." And that was after she gave me today's weather. I have a feeling we will be getting along nicely!

T H R E E
Well the Nordstrom sale hit big yesterday, and as much as I wanted to steer clear, I am a sucker for saving a dime or two. I am not a cardholder and really don't have the urge to be one, I just have to hope that what I want is left when the sale opens to everyone on the 21st.

Yesterday morning I took a screenshot of six items I wanted to try on, walked into the store, found an associate and asked her to point me in the right direction. I tried on what was available so that I know my exact sizing and can order online with curbside pickup when the sale is live to me.

top: flare sleeve sweater $49.90 // leopard ruana $29.90 // scallop sweater $39.90

bottom: cutout sweater $31.90 // high waist leggings $35.90 // poplin off-shoulder $58.90

My unexpected favorite ended up being this Mixed Media top. It's big and shapeless but looks cute with skinny jeans. This will be on my must-have list on the 21st. 

Mixed Media Swing Top $45.90

F O U R
If the Nordstrom sale isn't your jam but you do like the adorned sweatshirt trend like above, here's a fun round-up of what's currently on Thred Up ... the #1 way I'm buying clothes these days.

Scared about items not fitting? You send it back (prepaid envelope) for store credit ... easy peasy. I've done it before with a dress that was too short.

New customer with Thred Up? Here's a referral link from me that will take $10 off your purchase!

F I V E

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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!

Thursday Talk

Hi ladies! And Happy Friday EVE! A little Thursday this and that. 

So, yesterday was a wonderful day because I got to meet my friend's third baby girl! She was so beautiful, so perfect, and so teeny -- you almost forget how small these babies come! 

I think she's going to be a total snugglebug and she already has the sweetest little disposition. She's perfection bundled up in a swaddle. 

So, last night I went to a Norwex party (the environmentally friendly cleaning products) and was really wowed by it. I ended up buying a few of the cloths. If you're a representative, please drop your info below in the comments section so other people can shop with you! I ordered an Envirocloth and the window cleaning cloth. 

Today I have a meeting with our bathroom designer at the countertop place. This has been probably the hardest thing for me to select because the tile we have all over our bathroom has a marble-type veining throughout it, YET that is the type of countertop look I usually like. But we need a countertop that looks different enough from the tile floors. I'm hoping we find a remnant that will look great with our white vanity/tower and THIS tile we've chosen from Home Depot. 

Finally, for any of you who are looking for great snags from the Nordstrom sale, the Bella Tunno Boss Bag that I own and love is on big sale, $55 off.

Cognac Boss Bag

I own this cognac color and absolutely love this bag and its' many pockets and accessories. 

I took part in a photoshoot with them (they are HQed locally here in Charlotte!) last fall and here's the bag -- hanging from the stroller -- and the accompanying smaller inner bag shown in gray. 

And if you are looking for a similar filigree earring like the one I'm wearing below, these KS beauties are part of the sale, down from $60 to $39.90.

filigree earrings

That's all I've got for now. See ya'll back for Five On Friday!