Blog

  • Unicorn Sprinkler – Because Summer is More Fun with Unicorns

    Unicorn Sprinkler – Because Summer is More Fun with Unicorns

    You guys – Target has this 6 foot Unicorn sprinkler on sale for $45 dollars this week! Do you need a 6 foot Unicorn sprinkler? No, probably not. But will you the hit of the neighborhood, and parent of the year, by getting a 6 foot Unicorn sprinkler. Yes.

    Right now, this sprinkler is $45 and if you add another qualifying toy or game to spend $50 you will get a $10 Target Gift Card! Seems like a no-brainer.

    *affiliate links

  • Carolyn’s First Stitch Fix

    Carolyn’s First Stitch Fix

    Nanette has been a fan of Stitch Fix for a while now and she finally persuaded me to give it a try. I have almost no time to shop anymore and thought this might be a great way to find new pieces, brands and styles. After getting my first box, I don’t know why I was hesitant at first. Overall, I didn’t love everything in this box, but am still willing to go through a few more fixes to get items that work for me. Mainly because feel like it takes more than one questionnaire to really get to know my style and body. Each time I send back items it gives my stylist more insight into styles and sizes that did or didn’t work.

    I want to second Nanette’s point from her Stitch Fix post earlier this month that you really need to be as specific as possible about what you are looking for and what you don’t like. Make sure to give as many details as you can to get a more personalized experience. Below I have pictures of what I received along with notes on what I told the stylist I wanted, didn’t want, or forgot to mention. I hope this helps you make your decision on giving Stitch Fix a try. If you use this link, you can get $25 off your first fix!

    Anchorage Striped Canvas Tote – Overall I liked this tote, but not enough to keep it. It was a little more than I wanted to spend especially considering I didn’t LOVE it. I didn’t give any notes on bags or accessories. Sent back.

    Dayna Skinny Jean – These are Toothpick Skinny Jeans from Kut from the Kloth. I specifically asked for jeans in this box, and more specifically, jeans that would not gap at the waist as I have larger legs. I have been searching and searching for jeans that fit well and unfortunately these just didn’t. I actually really wanted these jeans to work, the fabric had a nice stretch to it and was soft. They felt like good quality jeans that would hold up over time, but they were just too tight in the legs which is a problem I have all the time. You can see them in the picture below and I am wearing them in every picture in this post as well. Sent back.

    Mirah Off-The-Shoulder Embroidered Cotton Blend Knit Top – I did not like this top. It was short and boxy, not at all flattering on me. I don’t love the off-the-should aspect as I have small children who still pull at my clothes from time to time making it impractical for me. Also, the top was a bit see-through and didn’t stay on the sides of my arms. While I was trying it on, it rode up twice over my shoulders just while I was taking the picture. Sent back.

    Romey Cold Shoulder Knit Top – While comfortable with fabric that was both smooth and light, I thought this top was just ok. I didn’t think it was super-flattering on my shoulder area and I didn’t love the yellow stripes. Overall it was an ok top, but not one I was willing to spend money on. Sent back.

    Caley Open Kimono – This is the only item from my box that I kept. In the picture I am wearing it with a tank I already had on. This kimono is light, soft and airy. It is perfect to layer over tank tops in the summer. I loved the length in the back and the way it felt. I really liked this item. Kept.

    In summary, I only kept one item but I still enjoyed the process of getting to try on clothes that I might not have chosen for myself, like this kimono. I would have kept the jeans if they fit. I am looking forward to trying it again, this time with items that might be slightly more my style. I did leave some updated notes after this fix to get more specific items in my next shipment. Head on over to StitchFix if you’d like to give it a try, remember this link gives you $25 off your first fix!

    *affiliate links

  • Women’s Shorts You Need this Summer only $12 at Target

    Women’s Shorts You Need this Summer only $12 at Target

    Hey all – quick post on some of the great deals Target is offering this week. They have $12 and $15 women’s shorts! Check out this super-cute pair of plaid chinos. You can find them here: plaid chinos

    They also have their Cat & Jack line of t-shirts, tanks and shorts on sale for kids ranging from just $3 – $6! Stock up now for the summer! I love this classic eyelet top! Find it here: eyelet top

    *affiliate links

  • Today I Need A… Fire Pit

    Today I Need A… Fire Pit

    Hi all! Welp, this spring is not going as planned. Here in Chicagoland we have had a horrible spring: low temps, late season snow, then rain all the time. It has been a rough start to what is supposed to be a better weather season than winter. Usually, at this point into the spring, our family has enjoyed many nights by the fire before the mosquitoes get too bad in the thick of summer.

    Our entire family loves spending time around the fire pit. We all take a break from screens and just enjoy each others company telling stories and making s’mores. This weekend we also want to try an outdoor movie, I’ll let you know how that goes!

    A few years back we were in the market for a new fire pit. Our old pit did not stand the test of time, it was really pretty with mosaic tile around the outside but the tile started cracking and falling apart after the first season of use. So, as I always do, I researched online for a new fire pit that we could use for years to come and landed on this beauty – the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit.

    Disregard the weird fake-looking fire, I’m not sure why my phone took this picture like that.

    I ended up getting it for Father’s Day for the hubby from my girls. It comes in a few styles and the girls both picked the one with the animal cut-outs on the sides.

    Boy, have we loved this thing. Let me give you the details on how we help make it last because if you don’t take care of it, it will rust.

    • First, as some reviewers suggested, we sprayed the entire pit with High Heat Rustoleum right after we assembled.
    • Then we added sand and a layer of fire safe bricks.
    • I also always cover it. I don’t want it to rust or to gather water from the rain and then have to scoop out ashy water. This is the cover we bought for it, it’s a bit big but does the job and has held up through 2 summers and winters with lots of rain and snow.

    Finally, I thought I would also tell you about these amazing Lighter Cubes we use from Weber. These make starting a fire so, so easy. I literally only need one or two cubes. I place them underneath some of the wood then light them with a lighter, they light fast and easily.

    You can sort-of see one of the cubes I just lit on fire in this picture.

    And that’s it! Follow some simple steps to take care of your fire pit and it should last for years. Enjoy those s’mores!

    *affiliate links

  • Mighty Meg – A Great Story for All Ages

    Mighty Meg – A Great Story for All Ages

    In our house, we prize reading. It can be anything, really; chapter books, picture books, magazines, comics, graphic novels, or even the backs of cereal boxes. We are constantly looking for new reading material for our two girls, and given their varying tastes, finding something to read with the two of them at bedtime that appeals to both of them can sometimes be a little challenging.

    That was why we were so happy to find the Mighty Meg series.

    The series focuses on the title character, Meg, an inquisitive and kind young girl who receives a beautiful, antique ring as a birthday gift. When she discovers the ring imbues her with superpowers, Meg embarks on some challenging adventures, and has to decide how – and whether – to put her new powers to use, all while trying to master them.

    The books are adventurous, family-friendly, and are appropriate for a wide range of ages (we read these to our 6 and 8 year-old daughters). In addition, Meg tales seem short enough to appeal to kids that may struggle with longterm focus, and also have illustrations on nearly every page, which will certainly help keep younger readers engaged. I really loved the focus on the importance of family, how Meg struggles with the idea of keeping her powers a secret from those she cares about, and how, even being as young as she is, Meg understands the importance of helping others.

    We weren’t even halfway through the first book when my girls began to ask if we could read the second book together, and I was more than happy to tell them that we would!

    In short, this is a fun, kid-friendly series with wide appeal. Highly recommended for family reading time!

    Find the whole series on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JRn8PJ

    * affiliate links

  • Easy Traditional Pizza – Cast Iron Style

    Easy Traditional Pizza – Cast Iron Style

    I couldn’t stop drooling over Carolyn’s Cast Iron Pizza Recipe and knew I had to try it. We are obsessed with pizza in our house. Every Friday night is Pizza & Movie Night. It is an open invitation for family and friends to drop by for some pizza, a beer and a family friendly movie. Last Friday we watched “Get a Clue” the 90’s movie based on the book “The Westing Game”. It was VERY 90’s!

    We tried our own “easy” version and were blown away by how much it tasted like a brick oven pizza! Carolyn has always been more skilled in the culinary arts – my cooking skills are fairly basic and I am so proud that I didn’t screw this up! We followed her directions, placed the topped pizza onto a piping hot cast iron skillet for a minute, then put it under the broiler set on high. All I can say is wow, this is how I am making pizza from now on. Crispy on the bottom, bubbly on the top, and delicious.  

    This is our Easy East Coast Version which doesn’t really have a recipe. We rolled pre-made pizza dough from Portland Pie Company, spread pizza sauce from Bove’s, a Vermont company, on top and then added our favorite mix of pepperoni and black olives. Be creative with your toppings, use what you love! We used our Old Mountain cast iron skillet purchased at Reny’s, if you are not from Maine you can also find them on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wdq6F7.

    And that’s it! Simple, fast and super delicious. 

    Needed to include this picture of my new ‘Vintage 1979’ stemless wine glass; a present from Carolyn and Jennifer for my 40th birthday. Gift ideas for milestone birthdays post coming soon!

  • $50 Off Your First Stitch Fix

    $50 Off Your First Stitch Fix

    Interested in trying Stitch Fix? Now is the time to do it – for the next 32 hrs. Stitch Fix is offering $50 off your first fix! Click HERE to redeem.

    Below is a shot of my first Stitch Fix – the one that got me hooked. 🙂 As other bloggers have mentioned, they do an amazing job of finding JEANS that actually fit. I’ve been searching for a good pair of jeans for years but nothing has looked right… Stitch Fix sent me the perfect pair in my first box!! Crazy!

    I’m wearing Articles of Society – Tiana Skinny Jeans, Eden Society – Laysha’s Cargo Jacket, Pink Clover – Longoria Shirt and an Octavia Amare Scarf

    Check out some of the other items I’ve purchased since starting Stitch Fix. As you can see I opt mostly for jeans and neutral tops. Tip: It is VERY important to be specific in the stylist notes and mention anything you are hoping to receive. In my last fix I specifically asked for jean shorts, boyfriend jeans and yoga pants – and they delivered. It amazes me how well everything fits – I don’t know how they do it. Magic?

    *affiliate links

  • May Amazon Find – Color Block V-Neck T Shirt

    May Amazon Find – Color Block V-Neck T Shirt

    Are you in the market for a cute v-neck t-shirt? Here’s an option that is available on Amazon! Click here to check it out: https://amzn.to/2HiF9ov

    This shirt is soft and just different enough from a plain tee to make it stand out. A few things to note if you are interested in buying:

    • 1. I wear a size 6 in most clothes and the shirt I am wearing is a medium. It is slightly snug across the chest, so if you want a larger, flowy fit definitely size up.
    • 2. The white portion of this shirt is a bit see-through. Just wear a cami or nude bra underneath if that is an issue for you.

    *affiliate links

  • Bathtub Themed Baby Shower Gift Basket

    Bathtub Themed Baby Shower Gift Basket

    My go-to baby shower gift for a new mom is 75% practical items (for baby) and 25% indulgence items (for mom).

    For this particular gift, I started with a collapsible laundry basket because, let’s be honest, there will be lots of laundry to do after the baby arrives! I filled the bottom with different sized diapers and a few packages of wipes. Then, I added some super-cute bibs, pacifiers and a little something for the mom post-baby. To complete the bathtub look, I laid some large bubble wrap (get it – “bubbles”) over everything and topped it all with rubber duck toys!

    As an added bonus for the mom, I filled a stemless wine glass with some martini slushies from Costco along with a package of Champagne Gummy Bears for a bit of fun.

    Items in this Post:

    *affiliate links