Christmas Photos

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and were able to spend some quality time with the ones you love. We have been enjoying a full week at home just the three of us and it has been quite lovely. We have rarely left the house except for gym and store runs. It reminds me of the newborn days except without the unconsolable baby. Caroline is such a treat these days and it is quite fun to just play at home and watch her explore new things.

Today I am popping in to share a few photos from our family photo shoot this November. We did a mini session with AJ Dunlap Photography in nearby park in Wake Forest and I just love how they turned out. They were taken right after daylight savings time which really messed up Caroline's schedule. So it unexpectedly fell right when she was getting tired. Carter was great with her and really got some great photos of her sweet smile. We learned our lesson on these as many of them Joe and I are making ridiculous faces trying to make Caroline laugh or smile.  It made it hard to choose favorites for our Christmas card this year.

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Caroline | Ten Months

It's the most wonderful time of the year. It is just so amazing to see Christmas through your eyes this year.  

Nicknames: Little Bit, Sweet Girl

Height & Weight: My best guess is around 18 pounds and 28 inches long. 

Looks: Gah, your sweet curly hair is just the best. Those chunky cheeks are a close second though! 

Personality: Getting more independent each day. 

Eating: You are still such a good eater. We are increasing solids and you love pouches and puffs. You enjoy 3-4 4oz bottles of formula. 

Sleeping:  Consistently sleeping from 6pm- 6am. You will nap twice a day for 2 hours. 

Wearing:  Size 3 diapers and  9 month clothing. 

Favorite Things: Love knocking down towers and blocks that daddy builds. You love the see and say grandparents gave to you a bit early for Christmas. 

Least Favorite Things: Your least favorite thing is 100% having your face and hands washed. Guaranteed meltdown each time.

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Stocking Stuffers

Today I'm popping in to share a few great gift ideas for the fabulous girlfriends in your life. All these gifts are under $25. Many of these are my tried and true favorites that I use everyday! This lost would be perfect for a significant other looking for gift ideas as well.

one// two// three// four// five

These hair ties are the best! I love that they don't leave dents and make the perfect messy bun. I bought this candle last holiday season and still burn it all the time. It's the perfect neutral scent. Plus lip balm is a necessity on these cold winter days. The formula is rich and leaves the perfect amount of color. 

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Friday Five

Happy Friday Loves! I can't believe that it is December and Christmas is right around the corner. This year more than ever I feel like time has just flown by! I already know that my goal for 2017 is going to be posting on the blog more frequently. I am missing this little creative space dearly and want so badly to get back in the habit. I'm hoping to get a jumpstart on the goal by regularly sharing a few of my favorite things again each Friday.


{One} Fashion Favorite. Another update about my new found love in Old Navy. Y'all already know my love for their sweet and fashionable baby clothes. I just found my favorite pants with their Old Navy Rockstar Jeans. You can't beat the price of $19.99 and the high waist with stretch makes them mom friendly. Check out my favs here. 

{Two} Capturing Moments. I stumbled across the app One Second Everyday on April's Instagram. I was immediately hooked. Caroline is growing so fast and our lives are changing so much each week and it is so important to document it all! Here is the creator doing a TedTalk on the inspiration for the app. 
 

{Three} Sneaker Fashion. I have been on the hunt for a pair of casual sneakers to wear when I'm out running errands or hanging with Caroline. I'm always drawn to slim fit light weight sneaks like these. 

{Four} Holiday Baking Season. My number one favorite food during Christmas are desserts. I love baking and sharing yummy treats with others. Right now I am loving White Chocolate Ritz PB Crackers. Please share, what are your favorite cookie recipes? 

{Five} Weekend Plans. Today I am hosting a few friends and their babies from my mom's group over to watch Christmas movies and craft.  Then this weekend we are starting a new tradition by going to watch the Wake Forest Christmas parade on Saturday. It is supposed to be quite chilly so I am thankful to have this jacket on the way for Caroline!

Linking up with Karli & April .

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Unique Gifts {For The Men}

Tis the holiday season and with the holiday season comes a plethora of Christmas wishlist posts. Right now there are tons of gift guides featuring department store favorites. This year I'm focusing on more unique gifts. Things you wouldn't find shopping at a department store.

Uncommon Goods has a huge selection of Christmas gifts to choose from in all price ranges and styles. The unique thing about Uncommon Goods is their mission of sustainability. Their products are handcrafted and often feature organic or recycled products. They work with artists and local manufactures to produce items in a economically and environmentally conscious manner. When you purchase gifts you are able to choose an organization at checkout to which Uncommon Goods will give $1. 

The one person I have the hardest time buying for is my husband. He is quite simple but in the best way. He wants something, he saves up and buys it. When approached by Uncommon Goods about working together I knew right away that their gifts would be perfect. 

You can browse their entire Christmas gift guide here: 

http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/christmas/christmas-gifts

I thought I would round up a few of my favorites if you also know of a guy who is impossible to shop for.  For the beer lover, any of these gifts would be perfect! My favorite is this set to chill your beer and keep it cold.Always have the same movie and dinner date night? Here is a way to spice things up! For the clean shaven guy this sharpener is ingenious!These or this DIY are perfect for the musically talented guitar guy.

Browse all of the gifts for guys here: 

http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/christmas/christmas-gifts-for-men

Uncommon Goods is not all about the guys. You can find gifts for just about anyone on you list and even snag a few things for yourself! Happy Shopping!

Browse gifts for yourself or a gal pal here: 

http://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/christmas/christmas-gifts-for-women

Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Uncommon Goods. All opinions are my own. 

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Caroline | Nine Months

Nine months. I have officially been holding you in our arms just as long as I carried you in my belly. You grow so much each day. I wish time would slow down just a bit. Please stay my baby forever.

Here are a few little things about you from your ninth month:

Nicknames: Little Bit, Sweet Girl

Height & Weight: As of your 9 month doctor appointment, you weigh 17 pounds 12 oz and are 27 inches long. 

Looks: Loving those chipmunk cheeks and sweet curly hair

Personality: You love to laugh and share joy with others. Your favorite game is copy cat and chasing after Charlie's toys. 

Eating: You are such a good eater. You suck down 4-5 5oz bottles of formula. You enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables including sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots and apples. You love yogurt and eggs but are quite unsure about meat. 

Sleeping:  The time change was a bit rough for all of us but by the end of the month you are back sleeping from 6pm- 5ish. No more dream feeds and very few early morning wakings.  You typically nap twice a day for 2 hours. 

Wearing:  Size 3 diapers. Your 9 month clothing fits perfectly now. 

Favorite Things: You love rubbing your fingers across different textures. It's quite like nails on a chalkboard and I wince every time but you love it so much.  You love banging things together and copying other's actions. 

Least Favorite Things: You are quite unsure of new people these days. 

Big things happening this month: 

You got FOUR teeth all in one month!!
You have figured out how to move and can army crawl toward things you want.

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Movie and a Dinner

A few weeks ago, Joe and I headed out on a date night to check out a new movie theater in the area. It was quite a treat as we never get out of the house on a weeknight. Also, Ovation Cinema in Holly Springs features not only movies but also drinks and dining during the movie. The grill offers an extensive menu with over 100 food and drink selections. You can head to the bar early to grab a drink or an appetizer or you can order from the comfort of your theater seat. The cinema features a full service bars that includes craft beers from local breweries. The theater we attended is called the BigD auditorium it is a wide scree that is over 70 feet wide and three stories tall. 

Dinner and a movie is one of my favorite ways to spend a date night. The combination of dinner during the movie puts it over the top. Also, the reserved seats ensure that you get the best seat in the house. If your local I can't recommend Ovation Cinema enough. The prices are reasonable for a theater and the service was amazing. 

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Caroline | Eight Months

Oh Sweet Caroline, each month is better than the last. When I think I can't love you more sometime my heart swells with love for you even more. 

Here are a few little things about you from your eighth month:

Nicknames: Little Bit

Height & Weight: You weigh just over 17 pounds and are 2 feet long. Gah just look at those chubby cheeks. 

Looks:  Your blonde hair gets a curl to it each evening before bed. Your hands and feet have grown so much and almost look oversized compared to your little body. 

Personality: You are still a very happy baby. Not as social since this month you have developed an awareness of strangers. It breaks my heart to see you so terrified and upset by a new person. However, I know it's a developmental phase and it means your right on track. We are hoping this phase passes soon. 

Eating: You love to eat! Your favorite food by far is yogurt and always eat all of yours and then try to eat mom's as well. 

Sleeping:  You are sleeping from 6pm- 6am each night with a dream feed around 11pm. When it comes to naps, you have dropped the late afternoon nap and now only nap at 9am and 1pm. 

Wearing:  Size 3 diapers. You have outgrown your 6 month clothing and sleepers. Some 9 month clothing is a bit too long but rolling the waistband helps. 

Favorite Things:  You are obsessed with straws and love grabbing them out of other's drinks.  Still love exploring new places and checking out the activity as long as your in mom's arms. You have been quite a mamma's gal and love being held and walked around to explore new places. 

Least Favorite Things: You fuss when laid on your back when getting your diaper changed or changing clothes. Nap times are often a struggle as you don't want to miss a thing. 

Big things happening this month: 

First Trip to the NC Zoo!
Visiting the State Farmer's Market and picking a pumpkin.
Enjoyed first green smoothie.
Had your first sleepover at the grandparent's new house!

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Friday Five

{One} Fashion Favorite. I have recently fallen back in love with Old Navy, especially for cute baby outfits. I am very picky when it comes to buying outfits for Caroline. I try and avoid writing like "Mommy's Favorite", neon colors (They are everywhere!) and busy patterns. I love simple outfits that make her look like a BABY. Unless you are a parent you would not believe the clothing choices for babies. I don't want my little girl to be dressed like a teenager. 

{Two} Family Photos. I am so thrilled that this year our family photos will include our sweet baby girl! I could kick myself for not getting newborn or milestone photos done as a family. Looking forward to documenting our little family with a 8 month old! Now all I have to do is figure out outfits!

{Three} Bible Study. This month I started a new bible study with my mom's group called So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore. I'm excited to start digging into the study and say goodbye to so many worries. 

{Four} Sampling Samples. As part of the Influenster blogger program I occasionally receive products to try. This week I got a package featuring a variety of health and beauty products which I am thrilled to try. My favorite may be the epson salts which are perfect after a long day on your feet.

{Five} Weekend Plans. Tomorrow we are taking Caroline to her first trip to the Zoo. I am so excited to see her reactions to all the animals. I have a feeling that this trip is much more for us than her though.  Especially since her favorite animal right now is Charlie and does not seem not notice others. 

Linking up with Karli & April .

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Weekly Meal Plan

This week's meal plan is getting drafted a bit late. We spent the weekend safely riding out the storm and I spent very little time on the computer. Thankfully Hurricane Matthew did minimal damage to our area but the same can not be said for the rest of eastern NC. It is heartbreaking to see many wonderful areas of our state underwater and experiencing so much damage.

I'm happy to report that last week's recipes were a huge hit. My favorite was the one pan chicken dinner with the french onion soup being a close second. Here is this week's menu.

Monday- Company Pot Roast

Tuesday- Twice Baked Potatoes

Wednesday- Date Night

Thursday- Chicken Enchiladas

Friday- Dinner Out

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Friday Five

Quite a lot happening around our house this week. Caroline has finally recovered from her first big cold. There was lots of snuggles, humidifiers and boogie suctioning over the past two weeks. Also, my parents are officially residents of Wake Forest! I am beyond grateful for two wonderful parents that have majorly downsized to move from the coast to be closer to their granddaughter. They moved just in time as Hurricane Matthew is headed up the coast. Oh and I may or may not be headed to Wilmington on Saturday for work. Oh how I hate hurricane season. Praying for the Caribbean and south eastern US this weekend. Now that y'all are al caught up here are a few things I am loving this week. 

{One} Fashion + Function. Statement necklaces are my go to as a way to pull together and dress up a basic outfit. High Strung is a local shop that features a variety of long necklaces and chunky bracelets. Since they are made from unpainted natural wood, I don't feel bad when Caroline chews on it! This horn necklace is the next one on my list. 

{High Strung Shop}

{Two} Healthy Crockpot Meals. On days that I work and go to the gym I come home exhausted and not in the mood to cook dinner. That is why I have fallen in love with the crockpot! Some of my favorite crockpot meals are pot roast and salsa chicken. I have been looking to expand to more healthy options and love all of these recpies by delish. Can't wait to try the Pumpkin Chili! 

{Healthy Crockpot Meals}

{Three} Subscription Services. I just signed up for Rocksbox and am quite nervous/excited about it. I wear the same 4-5 pieces of jewelry every day plus a statement necklace or two. I have quite a few events coming up so I thought Rocksbox would be a great way to add a little bling to outfits I already have in my closet. Has anyone else tried it? I feel like I am quite late to this trend. 

{Four} Dry Shampoo. I have been looking for a cheaper alternative to my all time favorite dry shampoo by Living Proof. Dove dry shampoo has been a favorite but does not compare to the volume and lasting power of Living Proof. I am hoping to give a few a try and report back on my favorite drugstore finds. Right now I am using Toni and Guy's Texture Dry and love it! What's your fav?

{Five} Happy Friday!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Keeping everyone on the east coast and Caribbean in my prayers as Hurricane Matthew passes through this weekend. 

  

Linking up with Clare, Karli, Amanda & April .

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Weekly Meal Plan

Woah. I have been quiet around here lately. The lowdown is this: I started back to work part time, my parents have been staying with us and the entire house has been battling a nasty cold. Well, we are all on the mend and I hope to get back to a normal blogging schedule. Which I can't believe I really haven't done consistently since last year! To start I am bringing back the weekly meal plan. I hope re-cap favorite recipes, tips and tips from the previous week. In sharing these I hope to make your meal planning easier. 

As a start, I'm sharing this week's meal plan: 

Sunday-  Slow Cooker Taco Soup - recipe coming next week! 

Monday- Slow Cooker French Onion Soup - This takes 10 hours to cook so prep the night before! 

Tuesday- One Pan Chicken Dinner - Switching out cabbage for Brussel sprouts. 

Wednesday- Crockpot Butter Ranch Chicken with tossed salad and yeast rolls 

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Turkey Burgers with Brie and Corn Salad - Publix has so many quick and easy meal ideas that combine simple ingredients to make a gourmet meal. 

Check back next week for reviews and pics of how everything went!

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