What I'm Loving Now

Also titled:  How I'm getting through this semester.

This semester is all sorts of crazy.  I am in my student teaching placement 5 days a week, taking 4 classes at night (but only on 3 nights, so that's good!), coaching a Mathcounts team, and tutoring.  Oh yeah, plus being a mom and wife!  Needless to say, blogging is the last thing on my mind.  

Actually, it's when I'm really busy that I discover my favorite things to do.  And it's not blogging.  It's also not watching tv, except for the bachelor.  It is reading.  And Nick's journey to love, because everyone knows that Finland is the perfect place to fall in love.

But I do miss my blog some.  This week is February break.  They do this here in Vermont and a few other New England states.  I thought it was so kids could go skiing, but I just googled it and guess I am wrong.  Apparently it harkens back to the days of the high cost of heating.  Well, whatever it's for, we get of school for a week in February and then again for a week in late April.  Jack is out of school at the same time, but Gil's daycare is still open.  So Jack is home with me, while I attempt to get some major school work done.  We are trying to have some fun too, with playdates and the Lego Batman movie.  Oh, and lots of legos and reading!

In typical Marley fashion, I am going to post in list format because LISTS.  Seriously, lists are the best and I love them.  So here's what is keeping me sane during this crazy semester:

1. Kindergarten Jack

Jack is so much fun right now.  He can play actual board games (like Catan Junior)--game changer.  He can read.  He is funny.

2. Toddler Gil

I'd be lying if I said Gil was as much fun as Jack currently.  The terrible two's are upon us!

But, Gil is talking more and more, and he's pretty hilarious.  He also plays a mean air guitar and air drums and just loves music in general.  Plus. those eyes?  He's a heartbreaker for sure!

3. Snow Days

We haven't had a crazy hard winter this year, which I have mixed feelings about.  I really do love the snow.  But I don't love when it feels like your face is going to freeze off.  We have had a couple of good snows, plus we've had two snow days this winter!  Even though I've still had homework on those days, I was thankful to get to play at home with my boys, making forts and eating snow ice cream.

4.  Aslan is on the move!

Slowly but surely, things are warming up around here.  Granted, this is a little on the early side.  And I wouldn't put it past Vermont weather to have a snow storm in April!  But we did enjoy the 50 degree weather this past Saturday.  We played at Oakledge (of course, it's my favorite) and spent time with friends.

5.  Bullet Journaling

This is legit how I'm keeping sane.  I started Bullet Journalling at the beginning of the year, and this journal has become my lifeline.  Everything I need to do is written down (in a color coded system).  This notebook has all of my lists!  It's how I'm getting everything done and done on time (sometimes even early!).

If you are interested in bullet journaling, check out this site or just google it.  I found lots of cute ideas and layouts that way. I would describe bullet journaling as getting to create a planner exactly how you like it and incorporate any time of list, note taking, or tracking into that planner.  I have never really gotten the hang of or enjoyed using a digital system, and I haven't just loved any of the planners I've bought in the past.  But this allows me to create a planner that works perfectly for me.  Plus, I incorporate washi tape and cute pen colors to make it fun!

6. Marakesh Oil

I got this in my fabfitfun box this past December.  This hair oil is a great example of why fabfitfun is a good idea.  I would have NEVER gotten this hair oil on my own.  But now that I have and use it, I LOVE it.  It makes my hair shiny but not oily.  I have been making an effort to curl or straighten my hair every day, so I will look nice for student teaching.  This hair oil helps!

I am sure there are many other things I am forgetting, but that's all I can remember for today.  Now, back to homework!

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5 on Friday, Fall edition

It's 5 on Friday.  I haven't joined in in forever (thanks, MAT program), but I have a little bit of time free right now to blog!

Instead of just 5 randoms, I decided to do a fall edition, because fall is the best.  So here are some fall favorites:

O     N     E

I am SO not a coffee snob.  I actually buy my flavored coffee from Home Goods (aka my happy place).  I love fall, because Home Goods sells some really yummy fall flavored coffees.

I'm not a huge fan of PSL's, because I don't like to drink pumpkin.  So I get this flavor instead.  Add a little Frosted Sugar Cookie coffee creamer and it's perfect!  I know not all Home Goods sell the same things, but you should look for this coffee.

T     W     O

I may not like to drink pumpkin, but I LOVE to eat it.

Here's my new favorite, Trader Joe's pumpkin biscotti.  Oh y'all, this is just so good.  I love to dip it in my coffee and let it get a little soggy.

T     H     R     E     E

I mentioned in this post that I love dressing my two boys alike.

I bought these pajamas from Carters about a month ago and it's just now getting cold enough for the boys to wear them at night.  Matching pj's are pretty darn cute!  Now I need to make sure I take a picture of the boys in their pj's.

F     O     U     R

Right now in Vermont, the leaves are SO beautiful.  We are in peak season, which means the leaves are at their prettiest.  I am hoping to talk Bech into a Saturday morning drive through Smuggler's Notch to check out the beautiful foliage.

I totally stole this picture off the web, but this is a good indication of what our drive will look like!

F     I     V     E

I know I already talked about pumpkin food, but I wanted to share my current favorite muffin recipe, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.  We have made these muffins about 5 times already this fall, including for Gil's birthday!

Don't they look yummy?  They are the perfect blend of spice and chocolate and they are super moist (I know, most awkward word ever).

What are y'alls fall favorites???

My first stitch fix!

I am jumping on the Stitch Fix bandwagon!

I have been intrigued by Stitch Fix for a while now, but I wasn't sure it was for me.  I never get anything unless it's on sale.  I didn't think I would like it because I would have to pay full price and, even in the lowest range, more than I normally pay for clothes.  But a friend had a referral link that would give me $25 off my first fix (plus I still have some bday money!), so I went for it!

I am SO not a fashion blogger.  I have no idea how to stand or what to do with my hands.  I just feel awkward in front of the camera.  So no judgement, okay?

If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, basically it's a style service.  You sign up, let your stylist know your sizes, your preferred prize range, and what you are looking for.  You can link a pinterest board and your instagram so that she can get more of a feel for what you like.  Your stylist will send you 5 items (it can include jewelry, shoes, etc.).  You pick out what you do or don't want and send back the rest.  You have to pay a $20 styling fee, but it's waived if you buy at least one item.  Plus, if you buy all 5, you get 25% off the whole order.

I told my stylist that I like solids and stripes.  I need items I can wear student teaching.  I need some flats.  And a fun summer top would be nice.  I also linked my pinterest board to my account.

Um, wow, my stylist totally delivered!  Here are my items:

41Hawthorn-Kassidy Faux Wrap Dress, $68

I have mixed feelings on this dress.  I like the length and I like how modest it is.  I don't love the pattern.  I like the way it fits and it would be great to teach in.  But for $68, I need to love it.

Verdict:  Return

Liverpool-Anita Skinny Pant, $78

Brixon Ivy-Elmar Embroidered Cutout Blouse, $64

DV8-Abbey D'Orsay Flats

I was super lazy and just put three items on together.  I'm not sure my stylist meant for this shirt with these pants (she showed them with white jeans in the picture), but I like them together.  I think they will great for student teaching.  This shirt can easily work for fall, winter, and spring--so the whole school year!

These pants were love at first sight for me.  They have pockets and a zipper like jeans, but they fit almost like leggings.  And I love the cutouts in the sleeves of the shirt.

The shoes...eh.  I love the color, but I'm not digging the pointy toes.  And the style of them means I can't wear them with tights in the winter...a big no no in frozen Vermont!

Here's an action shot.  Perfect for carrying kids around in!

Verdict: Keep top and pants, return shoes

Skies are Blue-Deprimo Cutout Back Top, $48

This is probably my second favorite item from the fix (after the black pants).  It's a loose, linen top which will be so fun for the next couple of months.  In fact, I think I'm wearing it tonight out with some friends!

I love the stripes and I love how light it feels.  I also love the cute cutout in the back.

Verdict: Keep

Pretty good for a first fix, right?  I don't think I'll do another one right away, but I definitely want to try again, maybe around Christmas.  The items are pricier than what I normally buy, but they are also better quality than what I normally buy.  I have to admit, I was tempted to buy all 5, because they all work and then I would get 25% off.  But I just don't LOVE the shoes and dress enough to pay that much for them.

If you want to try a fix for yourself,  click through this referral link!

5 on Friday--Fall Edition

A post that's not just about Baby Gil!

Sorry for all of the baby overload lately...that's just what my life is right now, taking care of Gil.  But here's a list of 5 Fall things that I am LOVING right now:

Sidenote:  I have recently learned the term "basic."  And, I am sad to admit, I think I am basic.  And this list will clearly demonstrate how!

O     N     E

The Salted Caramel White Mocha from Starbucks.

I have to admit, I'm not a PSL fan.  I love most things pumpkin, but drinking pumpkin has never been my favorite.  And the salted caramel mocha is just too chocolatey for me!  I am not a huge fan of chocolate in general (gaps, I know!).  I ordered this variation on a whim, not even sure if it was possible.

Oh, but it is.  And it is AMAZING.

I have to order it decaf because Gil seems to be a tad sensitive to caffeine.  But, let's be honest, if you are ordering a salted caramel white mocha, your main concern is not the level of caffeine in the drink.

T     W     O

Trader Joe's is everything pumpkin right now, which is really fun!  But, of course, some things aren't meant to be pumpkin flavored (like croutons...do we really need pumpkin croutons?).

But their Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds are really yummy!  I ate the whole bag plain, but I bet they would be good on top of a pumpkin or butternut squash soup.

T     H     R     E     E

Another favorite Trader Joe's item is the Butternut Squash Triangoli.  Technically, this is not a fall item (it's always on the shelves), but it tastes like fall to me!

I cook it and sprinkle parmesan, roasted pine nuts, a little salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice on top.  Bech made a lemon zest and parsley brown butter sauce once that was amazing with this pasta.  

Trader Joe's also has a Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli (only sold in the fall) that is yummy too!

F     O     U     R

I am still stuck in junior high because I still love all things Bath and Body Works.  My favorite thing to do is buy their scents (in candle, soap, wallflower, etc. form) for fall and Christmas.  I've already been twice this fall to stock up on good smells.

My favorite this year:

Crisp Morning Air

It smells just like it's named...like a fall morning!  I LOVE this smell.  I may have also bought some hand sanitizer (hey, I'm changing a lot of diapers around here!) in this smell too!

F     I     V     E

Scarves, boots and sweaters!

Need I say more?

Seriously, I love fall clothes.  Everything is so cozy and comfy, but I don't have to break out my down jacket quite yet.  I have been wearing lots of boots, scarves, and cardigans.  Plus, I am already watching the sales at Gap to get more scarves.

I'm currently in love with this cardigan from Gap.  I know gray is boring, but I can't stay away!

So that's what I'm loving this fall.  What about y'all?

This week...

Honestly, except for our trip to Hershey this past Tuesday, Jack and I have been homebodies this week.  But, I feel like I have also gotten a LOT done, so it has not been a waste!  

Here's what we've been up to, plus a few random thoughts:

O     N     E

 I have mentioned before, but we are moving into graduate housing at the end of this month.  There are a couple of reasons:  heating is included (y'all, heat up north, especially oil heat, is super expensive!), we will be in town, and Bech can get to his studio in 5 minutes).  But that means that I haven't been able to set up any baby stuff thus far.  It hasn't really bothered me yet, but it started to this week.  So I got all of the boxes of baby clothes out and washed them.

I was pretty bummed, though, to find a small amount of baby clothes with stains on them.  I know that I washed EVERY piece of clothing before I put them up.  But still, stains!  

I found this recipe for a cleaner on Pinterest, and it WORKS!  There are maybe two items that still have stains, but every other piece of clothing is clean!

I have also started packing (plus we took our first load to our new apartment!).  I am trying to use this newfound "nesting" energy to get stuff done!  

T     W     O

I really wanted a new pair of lounge-y PJ's for the hospital and home (right after the baby is born).  I think nightgowns are great, but I don't really feel comfortable being in public in one.  I had some Gap rewards money, so I just bought these two pieces:

I got the top and bottoms on sale.  I figure they will be comfortable, but I also won't feel too bare.

T     H     R     E     E

I mentioned last week that I ordered some new bronzer from Too Faced.  I also ordered some new blush.  For the past 6 or 7 years, I have stuck with Nars.  And it really is a great blush.  But I wanted to switch it up and get something new and fun.

I ordered the Sweetheart blush in Candy Glow, and it finally came in Wednesday (side note, has Amazon prime completely spoiled anyone else?  It took a week for this order to get here!!!  Where is my free 2 day shipping?!?).  

I LOVE this blush.  It has just the right amount of sparkle in it.  Plus, the packaging is really fun.

F     O     U     R

This reminds me...I was talking to some friends the other day about splurges.  I have a couple:

Makeup

Not all makeup, just eye shadow, bronzer, and blush.  I buy cheap eyeliner, mascara, and foundation.  But I love having nice eyeshadow and blush.  And I go through it so slowly, that it is totally doable.  I usually get some for my birthday or Christmas and that is plenty!

Hand Soap

I love getting "smell good" hand soap.  Honestly, this is not too much of a splurge, because I get it on sale at Bath and Body Works.  But, I know that I could find cheaper soap at Wal-Mart or Target, so it counts.

Purses

I love having a nice purse.  This is funny to my mom, because, honestly, I am not too obsessed with brand names or having super nice clothes.  But I love to have a nice purse.  

What about y'all?  What are your splurges?

F     I     V     E

I wouldn't really consider this accomplishing anything, but Bech and I have watched a bunch of Netflix movies this week.  On July 1st, Netflix added a bunch of new movies (and took some movies off).  Here's what we've seen so far:

Zodiac was eh.  It was super long and only halfway interesting.  

I did NOT like Adventureland.  First of all, that guy from the Facebook movie only plays one sort of role.  The same is true for Kristen Stewart.  So just imagine those two roles in an 80's movie, with lots of cursing and drugs.  Yeah, not good.

I thought From Time to Time was fairly good.  The premise was a little strange, but it was written and directed by Julian Fellowes and Maggie Smith is in it.  How much more do you really need?  

So basically, Bech and I wasted two nights on the first two movies.  We are in a movie slump!  

So that's what we've been up to lately--getting baby stains out and watching dumb movies.  We are so wild and crazy...

July Favorites

Y'all know I can't turn down an excuse to make a list.  

Side note, Bech watched Say Anything the other day on Netflix.  I mentioned how one of the actresses was also on High Fidelity.  He said he has never seen it!  Seriously.  I was obsessed with that movie in high school.  John Cusack and list making all rolled into one movie?  Perfection.  I will be remedying this travesty soon.

Anyway, I'm linking up with the above blogs for my favorite July things:

O     N     E

I love Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer.  This is the perfect summer bronzer for those of us who are tan challenged.  I'm basically just reflecting the sun right now, I'm so white.

I have been using this from an old Too Faced palette of my little sisters, but I just ordered a full size one off of the Too Faced website.  I even got it for 20% off (try Pretty20 for a coupon code).

I've also used Pink Leopard, which is great for paler girls too.  No experience with their other bronzers, but I bet they are great too!

T     W     O

Rita's!

Sure, this is no Snowhaven snow cone.  But you know what?  It's a pretty good substitute.  And summer and being pregnant are both great excuses to eat Rita's!

T     H     R     E     E

Fresh Fruit!

Finally, I am craving something healthy.  There is so much fresh fruit in the grocery stores right now, and I am loving it.  I am eating it plain, with yogurt and granola, and in smoothies.  Smoothies are my favorite, because Jack loves them (he's pretty funny about texture and doesn't love to eat lots of fruit just plain).

F     O     U     R

Hart of Dixie

I know...this isn't necessarily July specific.  But I am just now really watching it.  And, since it's set in the sweltering South, it seems like a perfect summer show.  

Y'all, I LOVE this show.  It is cute and silly--perfect for me right now!  Any other Hart of Dixie fans out there?

What are y'all loving this July?

5 on Friday

 

O     N     E

 Three days until we find out the gender.  Seriously, that is all I can think about.  Forget that it is my last day of work.  Forget that it is almost the weekend.  Forget that I have a fun wedding shower to go to tomorrow.

Three days until we find out the gender!

T     W     O

I have a weird husband.

I got a text Wednesday afternoon from Bech asking if I had seen his picture.  This is what was on facebook.

Bech can never just shave his beard off.  He always does something strange in the process.  But have no fear...he finished shaving and now looks like this:

Much better, right?

Seriously, though, I love my cute, quirky, artist husband.

T     H     R     E     E

Today is my last day at my job!  Well, I do have an event to do on Sunday afternoon, but this is the last work day.  

I have had several night events this week, and I can't work more than 40 hours a week.  So yesterday, I took the morning off.  Jack and I took our time getting ready, then stopped by Dunkin Donuts on our way to daycare.  After I dropped him off, I spent a leisurely morning at Starbucks, drinking a frappucino and reading birth books.

I need these kind of mornings more often!

F     O     U     R

Any Kelly's Kids lovers out there?  Did y'all see the news?

Kelly's Kids is going to stop selling their clothes through reps and house shows (which is has been doing since I was a little girl) and start selling only through their website and catalog.  This is good, because they will lower their prices.  But it makes me a little sad.

Due to an order mix up, I have some Kelly's Kid credit that is burning a whole in my pocket.  I picked out a sweet summer church outfit for Jack, but I am going to wait until next Monday.  If the new baby is a girl, I have my eye on a couple of sweet outfits:

Which one do y'all like best?

And, of course, if it's a boy, then Jackie is going to be getting this cute outfit:

F     I     V     E

It is almost summer!  I have lots of things planned for this summer with Jack.  I want to really enjoy the last few months of his only childness with him.  

I'm thinking about copying my friend, Becki, (and numerous pinterest pins) and making a summer to do list.

I like this one:

Do y'all have any fun things you are already planning for the summer?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

5 on Friday

Edit...I didn't finish this post yesterday.  But I am not going to let my hard work on the first three items go to waste.  So here it is.  Just pretend like I finished it on Friday, okay?

Ah, 5 on Friday, my favorite kind of post, in which I just get to post a random list.  I'm not sure that's the objective of this link up, but it works for me!

O     N     E

I don't know why, but all I could think about yesterday was deviled eggs and how much I wanted to eat them.  I mean, deviled eggs are great and everything, but I don't normally just crave them.  But yesterday, I did.  

I found this recipe on pinterest and actually it to a newsletter I was writing at work.  I realized that I had all of the ingredients at home, and I couldn't very well share a recipe I had never actually tried, now could I?  So last night I whipped up a half recipe.

Oh, y'all, SO GOOD!  The cream cheese makes for the perfect texture.  I used sour cream instead of mayo (because I am not a huge mayo fan).  I ate almost half of these last night (it was a half batch, remember!) and brought the rest to work today to share.  I have a couple of spring events coming up that I plan on making these for.

T     W     O

I have an event tonight at work, so I was able to come in 2 hours later.  And Bech, who has been getting up early all week and coming home late, stayed in with Jack and I, too.  It was so needed!

We heated up leftover waffles from a previous dinner, cooked eggs and bacon, and curled up on the couch with coffee and milk.  We put "Come O Spirit" on while we were cooking.  It was medicine for our souls, a little bit of sanity after a tough week.

Also, you should get this cd.  Especially if you, like us, need a little sanity this week.

T     H     R     E     E

 It's warm here!

Okay, so not warm like the South.  But in the the 40's and 50's.  As I told my mom yesterday, I was wearing flats, with no socks!  For someone who has been in boots (and mostly snow boots!) for the past 3 months, that was big news!


F     O     U     R

Did anyone hit up the huge sale at the Kelly's Kids' fall outlet the other day?  They had EVERYthing on sale for $9.99!  I got on quickly and picked up these three longalls:

I mean, seriously, how cute?  And for $30!  I got all three in 4T, because my child is a giant.  But, after looking at his closet, we are officially set for church and dressy casual next winter.  Which is good, because new babies don't allow for much shopping time!

F     I     V     E

My sweet husband took Jack in to the school this (Saturday now) morning to play while he unloaded a kiln.  Jack adores going to Bech's studio and is actually (usually) pretty good there.  So did some laundry and curled up in bed with some Netflix before taking a short cat nap.  

Ah...perfection.  It's all about what gives us a little sanity.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!