Weekend Roundup + Corn Dip

And so it’s Monday again. I hope that everyone had a fun weekend and you’re enjoying these beautiful fall days. Thankfully this weekend was pretty carefree. I didn’t have any set plans or places to be which is such a relief after the busy free weeks I’ve had. 

On Saturday our neighborhood hosted a neighborhood wide yard sale. I didn’t sell but the boys and I went around and did a little early shopping. After that we headed off to Emmett's soccer game. I have to say, his team is really improving and that includes Em. He scored two goals with one being the tie breaker! Woohoo!

Saturday I decorated outside for Halloween. Our neighborhood has really gotten into the Halloween spirit and I didn't want our house to be left out. I like simple decor on my house but I’ve gotta give props those of you who go all out. We drove around Saturday night and checked out all the spooky houses. There’s a skeleton house, a zombie house, and werewolf house just to name a few. Emmett loves all the creepy ones. Oliver, not so much. 

I want to get a couple more big spiders to put on the two windows on the right. My illustration isn't great but shows what I still need to do.

Some animal has bitten my pumpkin and given it a creepy jack-o-lantern face. Any ideas what could have done this???

Sunday we got up early and headed to Folly Beach with the boys. Pierce has been wanting to go metal detecting for a while now so we thought we’d give it a try. Let me tell you that metal detecting with young children isn’t easy. I didn’t mind running around and chasing the boys but for Pierce, who was trying to actually find stuff, it wasn’t much fun. Oh well, Pierce can try it solo next time. I made the best of it and enjoyed our wild beach time. Afterwards, we grabbed some Zaxby's on the way home and had a picnic in the yard.

We also stopped in at the Train Museum at the Citadel Mall. The boys thought it was cool and made sure they pushed all the buttons.

I did a little shopping too. I haven’t had the time to buy much lately so it was fun to get out and get few items for fall. I’ll be sharing those with you very soon. Here's what I wore.

shirt (on sale for $10!) // jeans // booties

I also wanted to share this dip recipe with you as well. Every one in my house is a big fan of dips so I figured I would try and make a new one each weekend that we could eat during the week. My goal is to make healthy versions of yummy dips (which are usually calorie laden) so we can have a healthier option for snacking.I made the first one this weekend. It’s a Greek yogurt spicy corn dip. I used the recipe found here but made some tweaks to it since I found it a little bland. The end result was delicious and everyone in the house ate it up. The only other thing I would add that I didn’t have on hand is fresh cilantro... I think that would have made it perfection.

Greek Yogurt Corn Dip

• 1 cup plain non fat greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed
• 1 (4oz) can diced green chiles
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup bacon bits
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro 
• 
  

Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors come together and deepen. 

Enjoy with tortilla chips.  

What we did this Weekend

I haven't shared a weekend post in a while so I figured it was about time to do so. This weekend was so busy that I have lots to share. This weekend we all headed to Columbia to visit my sister, Melanie, and my niece, Alexis, who both had birthdays this weekend. On Saturday we visited Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens. It's been a few years since Emmett's last visit and this was Oliver's first. They both loved all the animals and had a blast, especially since that got to spend the trip with Alexis.

The penguins were a favorite. 

I don't know if anyone else uses a backpack leash for their toddler but as you can see, I do. I used to think they were ridiculous but then I had a toddler who wants to be independent or he will scream bloody murder... so now I get it. He will gladly put on his owl backpack if it means he can walk around freely. I take back all the times I made fun of these. Now I understand. 

Celebrated their birthdays with dessert and margaritas!

Alexis loves herself some Ollie. I think the feeling is mutual.

Happy 5th Birthday Alexis!

On Sunday we went to Alexis' birthday party at a gymnastics center. Emmett was nervous at first but ended up loving it. He loves anything he can be competitive at... I guess he gets that honest (from me).

this reminds me of those cat posters that say "hang in there" 😸

In other Emmett news...

he had his first soccer game last weekend and another this weekend as well. He's really likes it. Maybe we've finally found "his" sport.

he also learned how to ride his big bike... NO training wheels guys!! He was super excited and it was pretty impressive. He put his mind to it, hopped on, and did it like a boss.

I hope you enjoyed a few family photos. This weekend was a blast but now I'm exhausted and ready to hit the sack. I hope you all had a fabulous weekend as well. 

Weekend Fun

Since I've been too busy to post lately I thought I'd get back into it by sharing a little of what the fam and I did this past weekend. As always, the weekends are busy and exhausting mostly because the boys are full of energy and need/want constant interaction... whew, I'm still recovering.

I try to find activities for the kids on the weekends. I've heard other people talking about hunting for painted rocks and it sounded right up my alley. With a little research I was able to find several groups in the Charleston area. Search #charlestonrocks on instagram and Facebook to find local groups and locations for where to hunt.
So what's with the rocks?
1. find rocks
2. paint rocks
3. post rocks with hints on where to hunt for them
4. hide rocks
5. find other people's rocks which you can either keep or re-hide

I told Emmett about it and, like I expected, he was totally up for so we went to our local park to look for hidden painted rocks and find rocks we could paint.

dress // sunglasses

Searching for rocks and getting in some play time at the park.

Clean the rocks you find before painting. Let dry.

Both boys love to paint and although Ollie mainly painted the plate, we all had fun.

Mine, Emmett, and Oliver's creations. Add a clear protective coating and they're ready to be hidden.

On Sunday the weather was absolutely gorgeous so we spent most of the day outside beginning at Waterfront Park in Mt Pleasant. They have a great playground, plus it was a good spot to hide a few of our newly painted rocks. 

shirt (similar) // shorts // shoes

Have you heard about the painted rocks? If so, where are the best place to hide and find them? Good luck and happy hunting. If you happen to find one of ours, please let me know. I'd love to know where they wind up. 

On a side note... how cute is this purse I snagged this weekend as an early birthday present to myself. Love it!! 

Is it wrong to look forward to Monday? At least I know I can get some quiet time at work ;-)

What We Did & What I Wore

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was busy but fun. Pierce's birthday was this past Thursday so I insisted we have a party to celebrate. Really it was an excuse to have our friends over because it's been ages since I hosted a BBQ. Pierce always complains because he hates the cleaning before and aftermath left behind but since it was a party for him I figured he couldn't complain too much. So on Saturday we grilled and chilled while the kids ran themselves silly. It was a blast. Even Pierce enjoyed himself. When it was over he told me that even though he complained beforehand, he really did have a great time and appreciated me making him do it. The one thing I regret is that I got so wrapped up in planning, decorating, and hosting that I forgot to take pictures of the food and decor. Bummer. I even went with a luau theme. 

What I Wore

dress // shoes // the lei came later 🌸

I did get a few pictures later in the evening

The adult's game table...

... and the kid's game table

On Sunday we had a free day... or so I thought. When Pierce asked what I wanted to do I said "nothing except be lazy." Since it was still technically his birthday and he wanted to get out plus I know better than to think the boys would let me get away with doing nothing, I got myself cleaned up and we headed out. Tall Ships Charleston was in town so we headed to the Naval Base to checked it out. It was crowded but the ships were spectacular. They had pirates, crafts, and lots of food, so it made for a great way spend a few hours that was enjoyable for everyone. 

What I Wore

shirt (50% off right now) // shorts // shoes

Can't you just image sailing through the Caribbean looking for Jack Sparrow on this amazing vessel?

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The weekends are always stressful for me. I feel like I have to be productive around the house but I also want to do something fun for the kids but I'd also like to have a little me time to shop so by the afternoon on Sunday I'm done. How do you keep the weekends stress free but fun and productive? I'm taking suggestions. 

This, That, and Goal Updates

Whoa! Can you believe it's already May? It feels like yesterday was March but now it's May and I have to check in on my goals... ugh :-(
I guess that's a pretty good indication on how I did... not so great. The only goal I set for myself in April was to eat clean which is really hard when I had Emmett's birthday, family in town, and our anniversary plus it felt like there was an event every weekend. I'm usually pretty good on the weekdays about fixing clean, healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. But 2 o'clock hits and I want a snack not to mention that after supper Emmett wants us to have dessert together and I can't disappoint him. I allow myself a cheat meal but lately it's turned into a cheat weekend. Oh well, I'm not going to harp on it any longer. What's done is done and all I can do now is try and do better.

May Goals

Goal 1: Workout at least 3 times a week for 35 to 45 minutes. We're already a week into the month and I've worked out twice, so I better get on the ball.

Goal 2: Date nights with Pierce. Our anniversary was last month but things haven't been working out for us to spend any time with each without the kids so I'm shooting for two dates. Fingers crossed. Being parents is hard especially when you're always getting talked over by children. I feel like communication and one on one time is crucial in maintaining a healthy, happy relationship.

I'm going to keep May short, sweet, and attainable. We're going on vacation to Tybee this Wednesday so I've two days to tone up... hahahaha! I kid... I'm going to make the best of what I'm working with and enjoy myself. Maybe I'll be inspired to go for a run on the beach... probably chasing after a child.

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This weekend was fun so I wanted to share a few pictures.

Saturday started with the obligatory t-ball game. I won't bore you with pictures. You've seen one t-ball game, you've seen them all. 

That evening we went to a Kentucky Derby party. I love dressing up, so this was right up my alley. 

I've always wanted a reason to wear a fascinator and I finally got to do so! 

dress is Taylor (last season) // fascinator (similar) 

Pierce has been hounding me to take Oliver for his first haircut. I love his long locks but even I must admit they were getting a little long. He was recently called "she" and with his hair wet it came down to his upper back. Rather than have him cry and fight a stranger I took up the scissors and got to it on Sunday morning. Please excuse my attire. I made up my mind and did it with little regard for my appearance and I also forgot to take a before shot of Ollie. 

He sat really well for me. He would have had a fit if a stranger were trying to touch him.

The after... including his little pony tail.

Not a baby anymore 😢 Makes me a little sad.

Later that day we did a little shopping and then headed to Riverfront Park for a picnic. We're always searching for new local places to take the boys, and this one did not disappoint. The park is scenically located along the Cooper River on the old Naval Base. It has lots of cool sculptures, a spray feature, a Naval memorial, an performance pavilion, and, of course, a playground. I bet they host some awesome performances. I'm going to keep an eye out for events at the park. We'll definitely be back!

That was about it. Hope ya'll had a great weekend as well!

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My Weekend- Anniversary Edition

It's Sunday night again and I'm spent! Today marks mine and Pierce's 12th wedding anniversary and we really wanted to have a date night to celebrate but our usual babysitters were booked Friday and Saturday, and it seems like fate didn't have it in the cards for us so we made the best out of the weekend with lots of family time. 

Saturday our neighborhood had a huge neighborhood yard sale so we hooked the wagon (I have the older version of THIS one) us to my bike and road all over the neighborhood early that morning. Let me tell you, pulling Emmett and Oliver around for over an hour was a great workout. Thank goodness it was early and there was a breeze or I may have monkeyed.

Of course, since it's spring and a Saturday, Emmett had his baseball game. He's really improving with each game and it's fun to watch. Way to go, Em!

Oliver and I hung out while Emmett and Pierce napped. He posed so cute I had to take a picture. He's getting so big and so darn cute!!!

Saturday afternoon, Emmett and I hopped back on the bike and headed up to the pool for the first time this spring. The weather was perfect. Emmett swam and swam while I sat on the side and chatted with friends. The water is still a little too cool for me and thankfully he didn't hound me to bad to get it. I love that he's a little more independent but I didn't take my eyes off of him because his swimming skills are a work in progress. 

Today, Sunday, is our anniversary. We checked out the local events and settled on going to the Beaufort Air Show and I must say, we chose correctly. There were lots of planes and helicopters to explore in addition to the fabulous air show. Emmett had a blast taking everything in and I think Pierce really enjoyed himself as well. 

 We were all having fun but I could tell Oliver just wasn't himself. He's usually very talkative and loves to eat but all he wanted to do was ride in his stroller and rest. When we left we stopped to grab a late lunch where he proceeded to get diarrhea and threw up on Pierce. We made it home in one piece. I cleaned him up and rocked him until he started to feel better. By five he was wanting eat, talk, and play; thank the Lord. He's usually very active so it's really obvious when he's not feeling well.

He looks miserable here but I fixed his ear protection and he was a little happier. Mainly he just chilled and slept. Sweet, pitiful baby. 

We didn't do much this evening after the long day and pitiful sick baby. Although our anniversary wasn't celebrated how either Pierce or I would have planned it, we know that life with kids is a rollercoaster with it's ups and downs with today being a perfect example. So Pierce, thank you for being my partner in this crazy, rollercoaster of life we have built together. I couldn't imagine living it with anyone else. You are my love, best friend, confidante, and partner in life. Thank you for all you do for me and our family. Love you!