A toddler Easter Basket

I'm on vacation and thought it was the perfect opportunity to decorate for spring and easter! I like to decorate early or not at all. Sometimes it's a lot of work (we keep everything in the basement and it is so not organized) and if the holiday is in the too near future -- it's just not worth it! But 4 weeks seemed to be a good amount of time. 

I also went to Target yesterday and bought some stuffers for Javi's easter basket! This year we're going to try to do an egg hunt and I bought stickers to fill some eggs and I'll put some snacks in others. If it's nice weather, we'll do it outside or else we'll be inside. I know Javi will love to find the eggs and will love opening them even more!

// bug keeper (similar here) // bucket hat (similar here) // printed cactus beach towel // Easter Fun book // bubble wands (similar here) // sidewalk chalk (similar here) // garden tool set (similar here) //

I didn't want to go overboard with the basket (everything is from their formerly $1 but now $3 section except for the beach towel) because I do intend on getting him some outdoor toys (mostly this sandbox) for the yard. So, I'm saving my money for that!

What do you like to put in easter baskets?

Spring looks at Hanna Andersson!

In a few days we leave for our San Diego trip so tomorrow we're trekking over to the mall to get some last minute things. It's always fun to go from a very cold climate (it's 0 degrees today) to a warm climate (Alexa says it's in the 70s and sunny in San Diego!). Javi grows like a weed so his spring/summer clothes from last year no longer fit. I don't want a sweaty/unhappy toddler on my hands -- so we need to get him some spring attire + plus some things that I just love (like moccasins)! Hanna Andersson clothes are irresistible. I LOVE the Star Wars pajamas he wore at Christmas (similar here)! So I'm adding some more high-quality clothes into his wardrobe. Here's what I'm loving (perk! a lot of these items are on sale through tomorrow)!

(affiliate links)

Happy overalls // Rash Guard // Layering tee // Sunglasses // Fisherman Sandals

Basketweave plaid buttonfront // So soft shorts // Toddler all in one romper

Star Wars slipper moccasins // Mickey Mouse swimmy shorts // Organic cotton pjs // Swimmy shorts

Sean and Javi will be spending a lot of time outside (I'll be working) but they plan to do the zoo and tour ships and playgrounds and the pool! So lots of different clothing will be necessary. We're also going to Disneyland so all their Mickey gear & Disney gear is a must. We leave soon so there's no time to order online. Luckily for us the store is close. If you're not on a time crunch (like you plan ahead...) you should check out their looks here! 

Happy March! + a Spring Wishlist for Men!

On Tuesday night, Sean and I went out to dinner near Boston and listened to his brother's band play (they were the evening's entertainment!). It was a lot of fun but this morning (as someone who wakes up at 4:30AM) as someone who rarely, IF EVER, goes out on a Tuesday night -- I am tired! But today is also the start of a new month. A month that brings school vacation (!) and the season of spring (!) and Sean's birthday! I've posted a lot about favorite items for myself and kids and toddlers and babies so I don't want to leave out Sean. Some of these items (affiliate links) are on his wish list (we have ongoing lists in our amazon account which makes it super easy to buy each other presents) and some items (affiliate links) are things I know he would love and I would love to gift him. Who knows?! Maybe some of these will appear at our house on March 23rd!

sperry top-sider men's boat shoes - He loves boat shoes! I have 2 pairs of Sperrys and, no lie, I think they are the most UNCOMFORTABLE shoes I own -- and I have a lot of shoes. But Sean says they're comfy and he wants more. By how popular they are -- I'm thinking my feelings about them are the minority.

orange amplifier - He's always played music and has always wanted one of these little orange amps. I have to admit I love the brightness of it. It definitely sparks more interest than the typical black musical equipment.

hammock - I don't like to be outside but this is on his list and I have to say that this hammock may change my mind! I wouldn't mind relaxing on this.

zeroUV matte finish sunglasses - We both love this brand of sunglasses. They are inexpensive and MINE last forever. A little toddler seems to always grab Sean's glasses and his always break -- so he's typically in the market for new shades. I can't recommend these enough!

shorts - I usually buy him some clothes for his birthday -- being at the start of spring and all. These ones look so nice!

rainbow sandals - Since I was 12, my favorite sandals have been my rainbows and I've been trying to convince Sean he needs a pair. He hasn't gone for it yet but I may just buy him some and convince him to try them out. Perfect for nice weather and upcoming vacations!

genuine leather money clip - I got this for Sean 2 years ago and he LOVES it. He needs a new one though -- how do wallets get worn so quickly? 

keysmart extender key holder - Every time I use Sean's keys (we share a car, so it's often) I complain about how many keys he has! I think this would organize the mess.

nike men's free rn - This is the year, I've already exclaimed, that we run. For Christmas I got all my gear in place and now it's time to make sure Sean has everything so we can run together. I'm pretty dependent and like when he gets involved in my hobbies. :)

a cook's tour: global adventures in extreme cuisines - A while back I told you how our TV never changes channels from cooking shows -- well I lied, he also watches travel shows and LOVES Anthony Bourdain (not my favorite at all -- but his birthday isn't about me!). I think this book is perfect for the foodie/traveler. 

overnight bag - This bag is so nice! I love the Herschel brand and we have some weekend trips we are planning -- so who knows? Maybe this bag is perfect for them!

I have some other ideas in the works so who knows what I'll decide on -- birthdays are just so special and exciting!

Happy March!

Simply Bridal wedding gowns.

I got my wedding dress about 18 months before my wedding. I just knew it was right.

It was one of those things where I found it online, saw it in person, forced myself to try on 4 other dresses first,

but ultimately chose the dress that I knew I wanted.

You know how on Say Yes to the Dress, some brides just say "you'll know when it's right".

For me? That was totally true.

It was easy.

For other brides, it's not that easy.

They're torn, maybe unsure, or it feels like a hassle.

Some brides don't like to try things on, some brides don't want to have this whole additional show in the middle of the store.

I loved the show (in fact, I continuously posed in the middle of the store and thoroughly enjoyed other people telling me how I great I looked -- to each their own).

So if you're not like that, and don't like the whole deal of gathering people up, and forcing them to sit down to watch you try on dresses so they can "ooh" and "aah" at you in public I would suggest checking out Simply Bridal.

Here are some sweet things about this company.

- you can browse their dresses online, from your own couch

- they tell you how to measure yourself, so the dress fits when it arrives

- if you're at all unhappy, they accept the dress back and refund you 100%

That's totally my kind of online shopping. What about you?

The thing is, when you go to all these bridal stores there are a lot of people that need to get paid.

From the designer, "down the chain of command" if you will, straight to the person in the room zipping you up.

[it's a little embarrassing, now that I'm remembering it all].

So, a nice aspect of buying a dress straight from an online retailer like Simply Bridal:

They're able to keep their costs LOW. By cutting out a bunch of the middle people.

And right now, they're offering dresses at 75% off.

The dresses I've been ooh-ing and aah-ing over are marked down from the $600s to the $200s.

Now, that's a great deal.

And, it's not like they're old dresses, or out of season or out dated. 

They're hip, and stylish, and designer.

Here are some of my favorites:

source, source, source

I'm a sucker for poofs, sequins and lace.

Their website is easy to use, and all the reviews I've read are super positive.

I mean, I'm not currently in the market for a wedding dress... but if I was I'd totally be into this.

I am in the market for some bridesmaid dresses, so I couldn't help but look at what they offer.

I mean, it's not up to me or anything, but I can't be blamed for just browsing.

Here are two of my favorites:

source, source

I also love ruffles and bows. :)

Brides can also choose from 28 colors for all their bridesmaid dresses.

There's definitely great opportunities to put your own touch on the dresses.

And to pick through their veils, and jewelry and accessories.

Ahh, it's just making me what to do the whole dress thing again. I LOVE it.

If you're in their area (NYC or LA) you can go to them and have fittings by booking appointments.

But for all of us who don't live in that general area online shopping is the way to go!

AND, they're offering YOU an additional 15% off with this coupon code: SBL138LJ

It's good through May 7th and I highly suggest somebody use it to get a great deal on the most important piece of clothing you'll ever buy.

I mean, mine is so important it's literally still in the same spot I hung it the day after my wedding.

For real.

Partly because it's so big it doesn't fit anywhere, but mostly because I'm in love with it,

and want to see it every time I enter that room.

You can also enter one of your photos in their best shot competition, and if your pic gets picked,

you win a dress! 

I wouldn't mind winning a wedding gown just to wear around the house.

My husband may think I've really gone crazy...

Rompers from my husband's perspective.

I'm browsing clothing sites like Simply Audrey, Bloom, and -- of course, Anthropologie.

I'm not purchasing, just imagining.

This is a conversation that just happened:

Me: "do you know what a romper is?"

Sean: "no."

Me: "well, if I show you something will you tell me if it's ugly but could possibly be cute on me?"

Sean: "is it something Kim Kardashian would wear?"

Me: "yes."

Sean: "then, nope."

When I showed him, his face looked like the photo above.

Which was taken 4 weeks ago when I was waving my scarf in his face,

while doing an interpretive dance.

Apparently, my dancing skills and the idea of Kim Kardashian cause the same facial expression.

Maybe, it just means I force him to watch E! too often when her shows are on.

Speaking of... I have 2 episodes of Kourtney & Kim.

What a Friday night!

Black Friday.

Every year I'm so excited about shopping on Black Friday. I'm not actually sure why because I'm not usually looking for latest and greatest toy or electronic item... so there's no reason to camp out for 2 days in line. And, this is Massachusetts... it's pretty cold and those people who do that are a little on the crazy side in my opinion. But I like a good crowd (call me crazy), I don't mind lines, and I like the hustle & bustle of the whole day middle of the night excursion in which I clip far too many coupons that I usually can't use because of all the fine print, listen to people complain and complain about said long lines, hear Christmas music for typically the first time of the season and start my holiday shopping. I can't think of anything better. Honestly.

I'd love to show you what I purchased on Friday (I was out from 4AM-noon and then went back to a different mall at 6PM -- I know, crazy), but since Sean looks at the blog I cannot ruin Christmas for him!

Instead I will show you what I'm asking for :)

via.

via. via.

via.

Now back to watching Home Alone. :)

Random.

I'm very busy with work and getting ready for my next seminar.

Apollo is busy playing in her new house.

 It's becoming clear that a cat lives here.

Sean is busy with the band & shows & preparing to film a new music video.

We spent too much at Target yesterday. We bought a blender, The Vow (which I'm currently watching), and lots of stuff we probably don't need.

I'm slightly obsessed with this:

via.

We still haven't returned the movies from Redbox.

I ate mac & cheese twice today.

That's pretty much it.

What I'm loving Wednesday!

I'm loving that the CMA's are on and that Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are hosting, yet again! I'm also loving the fact that T. Swift is sitting next to Tim McGraw! :)

I'm loving that not only is it Wednesday which means the weekend is almost here BUT Friday is a holiday so we're even closer than usual to a LONG weekend!

I'm loving that Friday will also be 11/11/11 and I've already set Siri to remind me to make a wish at 11:11 AM & PM :)

I'm loving that slowly but surely the Black Friday deals are being released. I'm going to start making plans soon!

AND...

I'm loving that I found great clothes in the clearance section at Target and got a sweater for $4!

What about you?!

Happy Fall!

It's the first day of Fall!

I love fall clothes! Not that I like cold weather, but sometimes it's nice to wear a scarf and it's especially nice when you're wearing warm clothes because it's in the 50's compared to winter's negative digits.
These are some things I'm loving right now! (Some of which I already own...)

1. Jacket: Forever 21
2. Pants: New York & Company
3. Same jacket: Forever 21
4. & 5. Scarves: Forever 21
6. Hobo wallet: Lauren
7. Flats: Kohls
8. Sweater: Victoria's Secret
9. Boots: Uggs
10. Shirt: Forever 21
11. Jacket: Nordstrom

September is flying by! I'm happy (& slightly overwhelmed) to report that my DVR is filling up with new shows, I've officially applied to grad school, the classroom and children are in full swing, Sean's band is filming their new music video as I type, I'm twenty-five, I'm still using my planner as if I just bought it yesterday, our room is a complete disaster but I much prefer watching Friends and reading my google reader than cleaning, the laundry is piled high, our wedding bands arrived from Ireland TODAY (more on that later!), and I'm getting better and better at playing guitar each day. 

:)