Springtime favorites

Spring in Iowa is a bit laughable.  Some days we're outside in shorts and t-shirts and the next day we're digging the fleece coats and hats back out of our closets.  Thankfully all of our snow has melted and the green grass has started to grow.  I came up with a few of our spring favorites for you to enjoy.  I say "we" because I've included a few fashion items as well as some things for the kiddos,

I found this skirt last week at Banana Republic and instantly fell in love.  I'm such a sucker for anything black and white and I've been wanting a black and white striped skirt.  I has my nieces first communion to attend this past weekend and the length is work appropriate as well.  I'm thinking this could be paired with tights and boots in the fall for a transitional piece. 

Kate received this Step 2 water table for her birthday and this past week it was warm enough to set it up. We've had a water table for the past 3 years but needed a new one due to wear and tear. The kids had an absolute blast and I know they will spend countless hours in the backyard this spring and summer splashing around the table.

For Drew's birthday we got him a Junior Razor Scooter.  He had been asking for one since Christmas and we wanted to find one that he wouldn't have trouble rising.  I came across this one that had two wheels in the back and a wider foot board.  Since day one Drew has had no problems and loves riding up and down the sidewalk. 

Since it's spring and our weather is so unpredictable I like to have pieces that I can layer.  Not to mention I love my capri leggings.  What I don't love is when my rear hangs out.  After having two kids my backside isn't what it used to be, so I like having long shirts to cover my rump.  I found this sweatshirt online at Gap and it's been the perfect addition to my spring wardrobe for weekend wear.  

Lastly, I recently purchased these lunch boxes for both Kate and Drew.  This spring and summer I plan to take the kids on plenty of picnic lunches and I thought these would be perfect to fit their lunch as well as their drinks.  The inside is lined and each has a pocket or two for food and drinks.

Spiderman lunch box

Elephant lunch box

I hope your're enjoying your spring where ever you may be!  Have a great rest of the week!  

Things I'm loving for spring

  It's finally spring here in Iowa.  After a lovely winter that lasted what has felt like FOREVER we finally have some nice weather and it's finally time to break out the spring clothes.  This spring I am loving color, now don't get me wrong I am still and will always be in love with a classic black piece of clothing, it's my security blanket.  However, this spring there is color popping up everywhere and I am loving wearing it. 

  When I shop I am bargain Betty.  I am not opposed to spending a little more on staple items in my closet but for trendy pieces that are "in" at the moment I am all about the best bargain.  I usually do most of my shopping online because we live in podunk Iowa and the nearest mall is 45 minutes away and shopping with the kids is about as pleasurable as a massage with loud rock music playing.  Thankfully a lot of stores are now offering free returns and free shipping, BONUS! 

  Just last week I found two skirts at Old Navy that arrived at my doorstep yesterday and I am really liking them.  Today I actually wore the embroidered skirt and paired with an off white cardi and leopard flats and a mint bubble necklace. 
   

I love how soft this skirt is and the model must be a ton taller than I am because the skirt hits me just above my knee.  I paired the skirt with the Anna Cardi from Banana Republic.  I purchased this cardi for Easter when they were having their 40% off sale on regular priced items.

I then added some leopard flats that I've had forever from my happy place, Target.  I added a mint bubble necklace that I recently found on Simple Addiction, which you should all check out.

A few other piece I found at Old Navy that I am loving seem to be really versatile and could work for work or a casual day at home with the kids. I love pieces that I can transition from day to night or from spring to summer and then to fall when adding tights and a cardi.

This skirt is very lightweight and will be perfect for summer and can even be a swimsuit cover-up.  The other skirt I purchased recently was from Target and once again I am IN LOVE!  First off I love kelly green!  Not as much as black let's not get crazy people but it may be a close second.  I found this skirt again online because when the kids and I are at Target it's a quick in and out and there is no time for me to look at clothes.  Not to mention we DO NOT EVER go to the back of the store, it is the devil's corner, or as everyone else refers to it....the toy aisle.  If we go back there all hell will break loose and there will be tears and let's get real why would I do that to myself.  Let's just stick to the grocery, pharmacy and card aisles.  Back to the fabulous kelly green skirt, it hits just at the top of my knee and it's fab that's all you need to know.  If you like green snatch this baby up!

The picture does not do it justice, I swear it's not ugly. 

  Now let's chat jewels.  I was in a rut with my accessorizing and then I hit up two websites and found some great pieces that were super affordable and amazingly adorable.  A lot of you have probably heard of them but I'll post them anyway to profess my love out loud.  First is Simple Addiction, they have several items posted daily and I have now placed two orders with them and their shipping is QUICK.  I have placed orders with a similar site and I have had to wait months to receive my product.  With Simple Addiction I received my new jewelery within a week and a half.  The other site I am loving is Groopdealz, I again have placed a few orders with them and again their shipping time is impeccable.  I've been very happy with the products I have ordered and for very little cost I have been able to get a few new colorful pieces to accessorize with.

A few other random things I'm loving this gorgeous May day;

Sleeping with the windows open

17 days of school left and then I am off for the summer and will be home with the kiddos for 3 months.

                                                        Strawberry Icebox cake
This cake is AMAZING!!!  I originally found it on Pinterest and it's so easy to make.  I made it for our small group that was to happen at our house one Sunday evening but a few of our members got sick so we had to cancel.  I may or may not have eaten about 3/4 of the 9x13 pan of this cake.  It's a no bake cake which suits me and my cooking style so well and it tasted like a little slice of heaven.  You can find the recipe here.

What are you loving for spring?

  

  
  

My new favorite jeans

  About a month ago I decided it was time to buy a new pair of jeans. After I lost the pregnancy weight from Kate I was wearing my old jeans which were fine and fit just fine but I wanted something more comfortable. I don't like being uncomfortable in my clothes. As soon as I get home from work or wherever I've been I usually throw my clothes on the floor and put on yoga pants. I've never been one to love jeans. Even as a young child I refused to wear jeans, the thingy in the crotch would bother me and I would only wear what I called black stretchy pants. My mom bought me a few pairs and explained to my teacher that I was not wearing the same pants each day. I was a yoga pants fan from a very young age. I was ordering a few things for the kiddos from Old Navy and decided to try out their Rockstar jeans. At the time they were on sale for $19. If I hated them I could return them and I thought there is no way I would like them. I've been known to spend a pretty penny on jeans and I am a self dubbed jeans snob, all due to the large seam in the crotch. It can't rub, can't be too big, it has to be just right. I know I'm strange, it's OK, I've dealt with it. So I placed my order for the regular length. About a week later they arrived and they are now my most favorite jeans. Seriously people I am telling you, these things are as soft as my yoga pants, I don't mind wearing them long after I get home, while rolling around playing with the kids on the floor. I would sleep in them if I could. My only regret is that I didn't buy in all lengths. I'm 5'6 and the regular length allows me to wear them with flats. I am going shopping this weekend and will be purchasing a pair in the long length to wear with heels. They also make a skinny cut and in many different colors. If you are on the hunt for some new jeans give these a shot, I don't think you'll disappointed.  The seam in the crotch, NOT EVEN NOTICEABLE!

These are the pair I purchased and today they are on sale for $20.  

But look at these, aren't they adorable?  With a long sweater and boots, yes please.  These too are on sale today for $20.

One more and I'll shut up I promise. Again on sale.

How cute are the red ones?  I can't say enough good things about these jeans.  I am in love and so is my wallet.  Give them a whirl!

My little brother got hitched!

  Two weeks ago we traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with our two kiddos and a sitter in tow to attend my little brother's wedding. We stayed at the University Club of Milwaukee where my brother and his now wife had their reception.  The University Club was great to stay at with a family, it's not a traditional hotel, the rooms are two and three room suites and there weren't a ton of rooms.  It was perfect for little kids.  There were larger rooms with tables and couches that were open to anyone that we could go in when Kate or Drew were napping and just chit chat or even have a make shift salon.  Our room was actually one huge open space, it almost looked like a wall had been taken out, but it worked out perfectly.  Drew slept on his Cars blow up bed that we found for him at Target and he slept in the walk-in closet, I'm not even kidding.  We arrived late on Thursday night and I immediately blew up his bed and he drug it into the closet and proclaimed that "his space".  It actually worked perfectly. 
  
   On Friday my two sisters and I hosted a bridal tea for our sister-in-law to be at Watts Tea Shop. We invited all the ladies that were in either family and were in the wedding.  Since everyone lives so far apart we thought this was a nice way for everyone to meet each other and honor the bride. 

Katherine Ellen and her auntie Karin Ellen

While Kate and I attended the bridal tea Brendan, our sitter and Drew went to the local Children's museum.

Friday evening my brother and his fiance held their rehearsal dinner at Best Place, which is the historic Pabst Brewery.  My mom did all the centerpieces and Brendan and I made the table numbers.

The room itself was beautiful with hundreds of candles in the mason jars.  We all laughed, we cried, we enjoyed blending two families together.

My little brother and his fiance

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early, our hair and makeup started at 7AM.  The wedding was at noon, darn catholic weddings!  The stylists and make-up artists came to the University Club to get us wedding ready.

(before)

Stella, my 7 year old niece even got in on the rock star treatment.

I showed the gal who did my hair two pictures, one of the low bun and one of a higher bun.  I asked her what she thought, she was all about the higher bun so we went with that and I have to say I love how it turned out.  I had so many compliments on it throughout the day and evening.

Some of you may have already seen these on Instagram if you follow me.  If you don't my name on there is Drewsmomma3, clever huh!

The bride's beautiful hair

Christina, my new sister-in-law was given a gift from my brother.  We all knew what it was before hand.  When my grandmother passed away in 2009 she left each of us a piece of her diamond jewelry.  My brother decided to give Christina my grandmother's earrings as a wedding gift.

Even though she couldn't be there, she was there.

After we dried our tears it was time to get serious, it's time to get Christina married!

Time for the bridal gown!

 Aren't my mom and step dad cute?

Then we were off to the church!

After their beautiful ceremony we headed out to the park where we enjoyed Jimmy John's and the panoramic view of the city and Lake Michigan. We then smiled for some pictures, and sipped champagne and toasted to the new married couple.

 My little brother bought all the guys involved with the wedding funny socks to wear. 
Brendan and my sisters fiance look like two peas in a pod here.

After a few more stops for more pictures it was time to party!  Brendan and I headed up to get our kiddos all ready to attend the reception.  Since the wedding was at noon we had our sitter put them down for a nap and then they came with us to the reception until it was bedtime.

Seriously.....I'm having visions of prom in about 15 years.  Kate was a trooper until about 7:30pm, then she was ready to head to bed.  Our friend who is also our photographer was able to take our Christmas card picture while we were all dressed up, but I had a huge mom fail and this is the only picture of Kate I got in her adorable dress.  My mom bought Kate this dress when she was just hours old.

Drew was not interested in having his picture taken with mommy or daddy at the reception, however he was awesome for our photographer Amy!

It's a tradition at each of our weddings that the three siblings not getting married say a toast.  My brother had no idea we would be speaking that evening, however we had set it up ahead of time with his new wife and best man.  As the three of us came to the microphone he smiled and teared up, we spoke of memories past and present, memories as gifts and one of the greatest gifts he has given us was another sister.  We each struggled to get speak through the tears, but I am so glad we were able to toast to my little brother and our new sister.

Scott and Christina are a beautiful couple, they had a beautiful wedding and we were so honored to be a part of their magical day.

 My 87 year old granfather even got out on the dance floor!

Our whole family will once again be all together again for another wedding next October as these two crazy kids get hitched in Boston.