WHW: Currently

Hey ya'll and happy Wednesday - What's Hap-'pinning' Wednesday that is! Today I'm catching up on all things that have been going on lately since I've been sort of MIA in the blogging world. This summer, thus far, has been SO busy and it literally doesn't slow down until around July or August. This weekend we are headed to the bay with some friends for a mini-vacay and then I have my girls reunion trip followed by the Miss VA pageant so June is swamped!

Memorial Day was fantastic and while honoring the servicemen and women of our country, we also celebrated with a fun cookout, lots of food and a trip to the pool. We just joined (my high school) pool and Andi starts official swim lessons there next week so we are trying to go as much as possible to get her acclimated. She did excellent on her first day and it was so much fun! Send me all of your Mama swim lesson tips. She;s doing private lessons twice a week for 8 sessions and I'm just praying its not a total disaster. Afterwards, we hosted a little cookout and got to use our new umbrella with the solar lights I mentioned a week or so ago. (also, best new discovery, fiesta ranch packet in your hamburger is the best thing ever. Total game changer. We've always used regular ranch but the Fiesta one was incredible!) We also purchased our FIRST king bed, bed sheet and new sheets and I am SO excited. We've always had a queen but I felt like it was time to upgrade. We are supposed to be picking out a new mattress next week and then the set will be complete!

Just need to add large monogram to pillowcases & we're good to go!

We also splurged on these cooling (almost like under armour) sheets from Sheex - they feel amazing! Check them out here


I hope ya'll had a fabulous long weekend and can't wait to hear about it! Grab our button and link up below to join in on What's Hap-Pinning Wednesday

WHW: Currently

Hey ya'll! We have been so busy here around these parts so I figured today I would update what's been happening lately with some pictures. Last weekend we had birthday parties all weekend and I never thought I'd say it, but we are partied out for awhile! Whew! We had so much fun though and even had a Mommy/Daughter road trip out of it. Miss A is the best little traveler and makes fun wherever she goes so everything we do together is an absolute joy!

Yesterday my office was closed so that was a huge relief after going and doing so much all weekend. I had Lillie all day (the little one I used to keep full time until I started back to work) and Hubs and I relaxed with the girls and even planted flowers in the pots on the front porch. It looks so good, I just love having ferns and vincas everywhere! For the back patio, we ordered a new umbrella with solar lights under it (so fun) and we're currently in search of a high bistro set for the new little porch. I mastered the grill last weekend all by myself like a big girl so now I'm hooked ya'll! I see lots of grilling parties in our future - wait, I'm supposed to be partied out right? (ha!)

Grab our button and link up with us below for What's Hap-'pinning' Wednesday!

Party one & party two:

Friday 5

Hey ya'll and happy Friday! This week went super fast and I'm really ok with that. However, summer temps finally hit - I'm talking 90's - ugh! Last week we had this random low drop to 50's and if ya'll know me, then you know I love some leggings and a sweatshirt .... WELL THROW EM AWAY because its hotter than a June bride in a feather bed!

This weekend is PACKED with birthday parties. We have a 2nd birthday on Saturday and a first birthday on Sunday out of town but luckily work is closed on Monday so the day off will be well worth it. Here are 5 things from this week that I just can't get enough of.  Linking up with April, Karli, Andrea & Amanda so grab the buttons and join in on the fun! 

Just booked my second stay for this month with the Hotel Roanoke and I am beyond excited. We have our annual girls reunion trip coming up in a few weeks and we decided on Roanoke (since that's where we went to college) and then I head back there for Miss Virginia at the end of June. Bring on the champagne! 

This lemonade - need I say more? Cucumber Basil Sparkling Lemonade

This cute craft we did for Mother's Day turned out so precious that I want her to make another one for our fridge! We made it for Nana last weekend!

These shorts from J. Crew: Find them here

And lastly, how about this little cutie rocking her Jessi's Design bow! We celebrate her first birthday this Sunday and I am so excited to squeeze her and her Mama!

WHW: Beach Ready

Hey ya'll and welcome to another What's Hap-'Pinning' Wednesday! Today, with the super warm temps around these parts, I'm thinking all things beach. Our annual OBX trips are later this year (first week in August and then first week in September) but when things slow down at work, students leave for the summer and the town becomes quiet - I just want to move to the beach immediately! Being by the water is literally the only time I don't mind heat and sweating (I'm a total Fall person generally) Below is a quick round-up of some tried and true favorites for a day at the beach! Grab our button and link up with us to join in on WHW!

First of all, I'm super into yellow currently! How cute are these bathing suits?

Striped Swimsuit
Gingham One-Piece
Gingham Two-Piece

Monogrammed hat is a must - check out Ashley with Premium Pineapple Embroidery to get one!
Beach towel or blanket 
Beach Chair - I love the backpack ones and use them every year!

Insulated coolor is a must and I also sometimes use it as my main beach bag! The Lilly Pulitzer ones are so spacious and super cute - this is identical to my bag!

A good book is definitely a must! I plan on reading this one since I'm like the only one who hasn't watched it on HBO yet! I just scored this for free at my bookstore yesterday! 

A good sunscreen is a no-brainer and I love the Neutrogena ones for both Andi and myself. You can snag these at any drugstore so be sure to stock up!

And for Miss Andi - a baby pool, toys, tent and her own little chair!

Ok so what am I missing? What are your go-to beach essentials? (of course cold beverages, snacks and maybe a little evian spray to keep in your cooler too, hehe!) 

Weekending: Mama Day

Hey ya'll and happy Monday! I didn't blog at the end of last week so I feel so out of the loop here. Mother's day weekend was a whirlwind and I declared that next year I'm just checking into a spa for the day (haha just kidding, it was wonderful) we had brunch ressies at our favorite spot in town with my family in the morning after church where we ate WAY too much and sipped mimosas and then that evening had a BBQ style cookout with my in-laws where we also ate WAY too much. Ah it was so good though and family time is seriously good for the soul. By the time we got home it was almost 9pm and I still needed to get things ready for the week. I ended up staying up super late just so I could enjoy a glass of wine (or 2) and binge some Gilmore Girls - happy Mother's day to me!

Church was also wonderful and we had a nice tribute to honor all the Mamas. Our new music director also declared it 'social media Sunday' and encouraged us to take pics and snap chat while he himself took selfies with the choir. It was hysterical and so much fun! This week it'll be a little slower, thankfully, and I'll keep little Lillie at the end of the week again. Andi will love that! (I used to keep her full time before I started my job in December) I hope ya'll had a fabulous weekend and again, happy Mama's day to all of the Mamas out there!

Linking up with Biana & Meghan for Weekending

WHW: Yummy (skinny) Taco Dip

Hey ya'll and welcome to another what's hap-pinning Wednesday! I haven't shared a recipe in awhile because honestly I have really been lacking in the cooking department. I have GOT to step up my game with some new recipes or just meal planning in general. I tried meal planning back in 2014 (I know...a long time ago) and it went so well! Now with a part time job, church obligations, travel and a toddler - it seems so out of reach. However, I do know that it would in fact make things EASIER! Can ya'll shoot me your favorite meal planning tips, cheat sheets and ideas? I'd LOVE to hear from ya'll and see what works.

Last night I was craving my usual Mexican and decided to do a healthier version of good ole' taco dip. I packed my lunch yesterday (fresh salad from Mama's garden with all the fixin's, cottage cheese and blueberries) and was doing so great and then my boss brought in my favorite Costco brand of 7-later dip for the office. (insert hand to face emoji) I of course helped myself to a little bit and instantly knew what I was making for dinner. This recipe went over really well and is so easy to make! (disclaimer: its only 'skinny' if you and hubs don't finish it in one night)

Grab our button and link up below! Also, click here to see Jenn's sweet baby girl - Congrats Jenn!

Skinny Taco Dip 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 cup of your favorite salsa
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 1 small avocado, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sliced olives

Instructions

1. Combine softened cream cheese, greek yogurt, salsa and taco seasoning until smooth and well combined. Spread into a rectangle baking dish or pie plate (I used an 11"x7" baking dish) . Refrigerate for an hour to let flavors combine (optional). Top with remaining ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips.