Five on Friday

Another week. Another five! Thanks for hosting again, ladies!

one

This past week our neighborhood completed a service project together. Each home was challenged to fill a bag with gently used books to be donated to Julia's Cafe. It's a devision of Habitat for Humanity here in Charlotte where you can purchase used books and/or get a delicious coffee.  It was such a simple way to do a little good this Sunday!

two

Speaking of books, this is the pile on my nightstand to be read. I love having a library card...turning each page is so much more enjoyable to me than scrolling and scrolling.  Plus sometimes they give me the large print which is awesome for tired nights when I still want to read for a bit.

three

On Sunday Nate found a movie for us to watch called God's Not Dead. It was very interesting - a young college student is challenged to prove that God is truly alive. So glad he iced this one...I'd never even heard of it before!

four

Another picture from my nightstand, yes, but this little jar has been my BFF this week.  I am a chronic hand washer. Always have been, always will be.  Well that means my hands get really dry all whiter long and unfortunately quite sore at times. My dad found No Crack years ago for my mom and it has helped her hands heal all year long. Mom just sent me a new jar this week - it's really difficult to find it unless you enjoy scented lotions, in which case Restoration Hardware private labels it!! If you have dry or sensitive hands you need to try this!

five

Parenthood. I can't even believe that it's over. When Sarah said "The very best." Oh my. What I wouldn't give to have a similar conversation with my dad.

Tuesday Tips - Leftover Smoothies

I'm so excited to finally be writing this. Instagram has been such an easy platform for me to share and learn tips about anything and everything. I often find myself thinking "how did I not know this?" or "I'm surprised they didn't know about that yet."  Let's be honest, it's not usually the latter!

So...my goal is to post a tip or two on Tuesday's. These tips will range from cooking to cleaning to who knows what else. They won't be complicated - in fact my list right now contains several "maybe this is too simple to share" items that I've learned myself, through friends but mainly from my mom! My hope is that someday one of these tips will help YOU!

So to kick things off I give you the easiest Popsicle idea ever. Do you make smoothies in your house? Well, we do quite a bit and always seem to have a little leftover. I simply pour that extra bit of smoothie into our popsicle mold and voila! a sweet treat for mister BG!  
 

 

 Once frozen, I add them to a gallon baggie and it make quite the colorful assortment of flavors!

When he's in need of a little pick me up this always hits the spot - a cold treat that he loves that I know is full of nutritious fruits and veggies.

 

A simple way to waste less by creating a sweet treat for later!

Five on Friday

I'm back again this week with a "things I'm loving" on Friday.  Thanks to you April and your sweet friends for hosting.  Such an stress-free way to blog with five simple thoughts or ideas!

one

We bought a new-to-us bed this past weekend.  It's actually from the exact same line as our nightstands and dresser (that we purchased separately) so we were excited to finally find the matching piece.  I can only think of two pieces of furniture in our house that we purchased directly from a furniture store - the rest we've picked up along the way from various place.  It can be hard to wait for the right pieces to come along but it's been a fun treasure hunt all the same!

two

As part of the Whole 30 challenge we've eliminated many of our favorite foods (pretzels and popcorn I misssss you!) which allows us to find new favorites that are healthier too!  I'm very picky about buying out of season fruits but took a chance on the fresh berries that Costco has for sale this week and boy am I glad I did.  The blueberries and strawberries were divine but the raspberries?? Amazing!  I never would've thought they'd be as good as fresh picked...but they hit the spot!

three

A friend of mine was telling me how much she loves Boogie Wipes and I confessed that I'd never used them for BG.  Well after hearing her speak so highly about them I grabbed a pack this past week at Target.  They have been amazing!  We were just using regular tissues on his runny nose all weekend and he had gotten a red sore nose.  Well these babies cleared that right up! I'm converted!

four

 

 

Please tell me you're watching this fantastic series too! Don't worry, no spoilers here - I just can't believe it's ending so soon...I've ugly cried during this show more times than I care to admit.

 

five

 

I walked eight miles with my friend, Nina, on Wednesday.  Amazing how good conversation can make the miles fly by!  She has a new watch that tracks how far and how quickly we walk which makes going farther, faster that much more tempting!

Five on Friday

I'm so excited to be back with April and the other lovely ladies of Five on Friday! Simple rules - just list five things that are on your mind! 

one

We're already looking forward to the 2015 Football Season.  Each day that they hire another amazing specialist/coach for Michigan we just feel the itch to sit in our seats cheering for our boys in maize and blue. Great things are coming from Coach Harbaugh and the Wolverines...

two

Play dates these days are a necessity. BG has energy to burn and this mama can only provide so much entertainment for him! Thanks for the pic, Allie!!

three

BG has had major sleep issues lately. I read this article and it brought me some comfort that it is in fact just another lovely stage of sleep regression.  The last one though!  He will wake in the middle of the night just sobbing and when I enter the room he instantly starts rambling "I go Cincinnadi! Monster truck drives outside.  Emery kiss ME." Wide awake at 3am. Not cool.  Thankfully after some snuggles he's able to settle back to sleep until the actual morning.

four

I had a mini-makeover this week. A new friend of mine, Megin, is a top-notch makeup artist for Giorgio Armani and I asked her in July if she'd teach me how to do a five minute face. Well, it's January and I finally made the time to learn this new-to-me facial routine. I plan to blog more in depth about it once I get used to the new products and steps but I can tell you that I learned a lot! I actually did it myself for the first time this morning and it turned out pretty well...thankfully I took this picture after she finished so I'd know what the steps were!!!

five

I'm doing whole30 again.  I miss creamy dreamy coffee in the morning and popcorn/pretzels for an evening snack.

Break time

Well that was an unexpected break.

Good thing I write this for myself and my Grandma! (Hi Grandma!) I have such great plans for this little space this year. Nothing crazy - just more consistent posting with fun tips that make my life easier, movies to watch, five on Fridays and of course the typical recap of our lives.

See you tomorrow for Five on Friday...