Five Things on Friday

One.  You guys, I have a problem. A big one. I'm ADDICTED to home projects. I mean I for real walk around our home looking for things I can change because nothing relaxes me more than working on our home. Since I'm currently running out of projects to do these days, I taught myself how to make those adorable wood signs you see all over instagram, pinterest, and etsy these days. I made four this week and if I can find somewhere else to put more, you can bet I'll be crafting away this weekend (; If you follow me on instagram you've already spotted these signs on my stories. But if not here you go. I put the "Please Wait to be Seated" sign in our powder room because let's be real, it's funny. The "I love you more/most" signs found their home above our bed; and the "Let's Stay in and Cuddle" piece joined our bedroom's collage wall. Maybe I'll get around to sharing a tour of these spaces one day. A big focus on the ONE DAY. haha

Two.  I FINALLY saw Fifty Shades Darker on Wednesday and it was everything I'd hoped for and more. The second book was by far my favorite of the trilogy so I was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed. It's been so long since I've read the books that I'm anxious to reread the third one to see where the movie left off. Too bad it'll be two more years before that one comes out in theaters. Whomp, whomp, whomp. 
Three. How hard is it to get a shirt for your child's birthday party? I mean, geez. I ordered Boston a "Wild One" baseball tee for his birthday party back at the beginning of January. As luck would have it, black and white baseball tees were sold out NATIONWIDE! No matter who I contacted, no one could get their hands on one. Which meant I had to settle for a white long sleeve tee. Not going to lie, I was disappointed but what's a girl to do? Well Boston's shirt was mailed out two weeks ago via priority mail and was somehow lost by the post office. I contacted the lady I had purchased it from on Etsy and she was kind enough to send me another shirt via priority mail. It should have arrived already and it hasn't. At this point, based on tracking, it should arrive promptly tomorrow.. right after his party ends. 
Four. I don't know about you ladies but I am loving all of the floral finds this season. A few weeks ago, I spotted this precious number on Pinterest and knew I HAD to have it. It arrives next Tuesday and I'm so excited to see how I like it. I thought it would make the perfect Easter dress because let's be real, no one has tans that time of year so a girl can't be caught in a sleeveless, knee-length number that early in the season. 

Five.  I am so, so very excited for the weekend! This is the first weekend Kevin has had off in months and we plan to take full advantage of it. Tomorrow morning we're celebrating our little man turning one; tomorrow night we're having a family date night (my favorite!); then we get to go to church together as a FAMILY come Sunday! So cheers to the weekend!! 

Friday!

Hey ladies... long time no see! If you caught my post last week you're aware of why I've been a bit absent around these parts over the last few months. Since my last post, I had all intentions of jumping back onto the blog train but let's be real, wifing, moming, and working is a full time gig. Trying to juggle it along with Cupcakes and Confetti has been quite amusing here lately. But since today is a workday at my day job, I found a few free minutes to join in for the usual 5 on Friday. 

{One} The Magnolia Story

It's no secret Chip and Joanna Gaines are my favorite power couple. They're seriously the cutest couple ever and their designs are amazing. I mean for real, give me all of the shiplap, concrete counter tops, and mixed metals. If you love them as much as I do, then you better get to your closest Barnes and Nobles and grab their book. It's amazing and I can't put it down. I've seriously stayed up until 9:30 each night trying to read it... and for a mama going to bed at 8 each night exhausted, that's saying something (;

{Two} The Iphone Debate

I'm struggling guys. I had no intentions of upgrading my phone anytime soon because having the latest and greatest iphone really isn't that big of a deal to me anymore. However, over the last few weeks, my phone has been messing up. Anyone else find it ironic that your phone starts giving you problems when a new model comes out? It seems to happen every time. But that's a story for a different day. Anyways, back to the debate. I've been to the store several times now trying to decide on a new iphone but I'm torn between the Iphone 7 or the Iphone 7 plus. The plus seems so huge to me after having the regular 6 but the camera is amazing and considering I use my phone so often for browsing the internet, I'm kind of loving it despite it's large size. Yet, being a mom, my phone always ends up in my back pocket so I'm a little worried about it being so big. Thoughts? Who has the regular? Who has the plus? Hit me with your best shot. 
{Three} The Elves are Taking Over! I have a few pesky little elves that are taking over our house at the current moment. Our business puts together Elf Activity Kits for those cute little Elf on the Shelf elves. The kits include pre-planned antics for the elves from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas day. This year we took pre-orders for these kits in hopes of making it easier on us but they're selling left and right each day and currently, there isn't enough time in the day to keep up. So this seems to be the permanent look of my dining room these days. 

{Four} Christmas Present Problems Speaking of elves, let's talk about Christmas for a minute. Is anyone else having trouble figuring out what to get your kids for Christmas? Boston's Christmas list is done. We've purchased everything he's getting, but haven't made the first purchase for Harper doodle. We took her to Target yesterday to wander the aisles and pick out presents for Santa to bring her but other than a few little things, she didn't really want much. While on one hand my mama heart is so proud that she is a minimalist, the other is frustrated as I can't give one kid a big Christmas and not give the other. So suggestions on gifts for a three and a half year old?
{Five} Disney Countdown The countdown is officially on. We leave for Disney World in just 10 days and I am so, so, so excited. Every day Harper wakes up talking about Disney. We discuss what all she's taking, who all is going, etc. I can not wait to see her face when she arrives. I'm so excited that I may or may not have already started packing! 

{Five on Friday} A Make Up Must Have + A Trip Disney World

{ONE} A Make Up Must Have

Y'all... You have GOT to try the Make Up Eraser if you haven't. A few months ago I stumbled across a blogger's review of this product and decided to give it a try. The Make Up Eraser is basically a microfiber cloth that only requires water to be added to wipe away all of your makeup, dirt, and grime from a busy day. I was a bit skeptical at first but after reading product reviews on Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora, I decided to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. I wear waterproof makeup on the daily and I don't know what it is about this cloth but a quick rinse under the faucet and a swipe on the face and all of my make up is gone in an instant. It's amazing. For $20 do yourself a favor and go try it out for yourself! You won't regret it!

{TWO} Recent Purchases + Reviews

After having two babies my body is definitely not the same as it used to be which has led me to spend many a morning trying to figure out what in the world I wanted to wear each day. Feeling like I have absolutely no clothes to wear, I decided to treat myself to a few new things over the last few weeks to make me feel prettier and a bit more confident in my outfit choices. Here's a few of the things I've recently added to my somewhat limited wardrobe... all of which came from Jane.com; one of the best online boutiques out there! The mint green dress arrived last week and I was a bit disappointed that the color was more sage green than mint but the soft material and flattering fit made up for the difference. The yellow shirt arrived this week and I tossed it on and wore it to work on Wednesday. The fit was perfect for people of all body types and I got so many compliments on it that I'm fairly certain I'll be purchasing it in other colors; especially since it was less than $15! 

{THREE} Disney, We're Coming for Ya

It's official! We're heading to Disney come November. We'll be going with my sister and her family, Kevin's parents, and my best friend Brittni and we couldn't be more excited. We booked a room at Disney's Pop Century and we have plans to do dinner at Ohana's, Hollywood & Vine, Whispering Canyon, ESPN Grille, T-Rex Cafe, Chef Mickey, & Be Our Guest. If you have other restaurant suggestions, please let me know! And if you have tips for flying and/or doing Disney with babies and toddlers, please share. 

{FOUR} Our Little Mermaid

Harper started swimming lessons a few weeks ago and to say she's been in heaven since would be an understatement. I'm fairly certain if mermaids were a real thing, she'd turn into one. Just look at all of her excitement!

{FIVE} Photos from Our Week

{5 on Friday} Happy Friday, Girls!

It's Friday! Can I get an hallelujah or an amen? This has definitely been a tough week trying to find myself back in a routine. Our house is a disaster, the laundry hasn't been done in days, and I may or may not have overslept twice this week. But we made it and that's what counts so lets get on to our Five on Friday.

1} This Week's Posts

Can we just take a moment to acknowledge the fact that for the first time in at least a year, I actually got blog posts up each day?! I am as floored as you ladies are! I'd like to say I hope it could continue but let's be real, it won't. At some point, life is going to get in the way again and I'll probably take a week or so blogging absence here and there and I'm starting to realize that that's okay. But for now, if you want to catch up on this week's posts you can read about how we spent last weekend, read my eight month update on our little guy, see our amazing maternity pictures, or read my list of goals and to-do's for 2016. 

2} Monogram Obsession

If you've been reading this blog for a while you know I have an obsession with monograms. I would pretty much monogram anything...except for my toilet because I've seen that and let's be real, that's just weird. But I love monogram clothes and accessories and with all of the after holiday sales taking place, I've been adding to my collection. I pulled the trigger on these black riding boots, this Carolina Panthers baseball tee, as well as this awesome sweatshirt tunic. Now to just get this baby popped out so I can sport them all :P

3} Baby Carriers + Deals

Did any of you mamas wear your babies? When Harper came along, I purchased a cheap baby carrier I could wear her with but never actually used it. However, this week I got to thinking that getting out and about with a toddler and an infant would probably work much better if I chose to wear Boston instead of trying to struggle toting a car seat carrier, a diaper bag, purse, and trying to hold Harper's hand as well. I also got to thinking it would work so much better for our spring beach trip instead of trying to lug our double stroller with us. That thing is a beast! So I've been asking around and have been trying to see which carriers you mamas suggest. A friend of mine suggested the Ergo Original. She still uses it with her almost three year old so I added it to my baby registry but as luck would have it, I found it on clearance at Target on the same day for a third of the price. I went on and snatched it up, just in case, but if you ladies have another suggestion, please share! 

4} Pregnancy Side-Effects

While pregnancy is a beautiful time in a person's life... there are also some not so pleasant side effects that people don't tell you about and that you often forget until the second time around. And last night I was quickly reminded about leg cramps. For real, those things are NO joke. I was up every thirty minutes to an hour last night pacing the floors because my legs were aching so bad. And of course, my pacing, moaning, and groaning woke up my half asleep toddler which resulted in me getting about a total of two hours sleep last night. So this morning, I'm sitting at work with no shower, proudly sporting a t-shirt, jeans, duck boots, and a ponytail. #noshame

5} Photo Dump 

32 week bump. 

If I'm going to be as big as a lumberjack, I figure I might as well embrace it and dress the part. 

& this my friends is what potty training looks like I'm our house. I can assure you, she's the only one smiling. Haha 

& that my friends is all I've got for today. See ya Monday!!

{Five on Friday} Special Thanks + A Party in a Box

1} A Big Thank You Let me preface this post by saying thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your kind words, encouragement, and support yesterday for this new endeavor that Stacey and I are embarking on. If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, you can read all about our new business, Cupcakes & Confetti, here. 

2} North Pole Breakfast Party in a Box Speaking of our new business, I mentioned yesterday that you mamas wouldn't want to miss out on one of our products that would be offered for a limited time. With Christmas right around the corner, all of those elves are going to be making an appearance in our homes to keep an eye on our babies to see if they've been naughty or nice. With that said, what better way to welcome them into your home than by hosting a mini breakfast party to introduce your kiddos to their new house guest. Our "North Pole Breakfast" party in a box kits are priced at $20 each (+$6 shipping if you aren't local). Boxes are planned for families of 4 (additional settings can be added) and include plates, cups, napkins, paper straws, a tablecloth, fun letters to Santa cards, and fun FREE pre-prepped party printables to get your kiddos excited! If you're interested in purchasing one of these boxes, shoot me an email at cupcakesandconfettinc@gmail.com or leave me a comment below and I'll get back with you!

3} Ask and He Answers Y'all, I'm ashamed to admit it but sometimes in my day-to-day life, I forget that God is always there. But on Wednesday night, He gave me the most perfect reminder. Wednesday I was off work and spent the better part of the day tackling a long list of to-do's. I cleaned floors, cleaned out closets, finished decorating Harper's big girl room, and switched over her things into her new room. However, by the end of the day, I realized very quickly I had overdone myself. I started having pretty intense contractions. They finally subsided and I thought all was okay when I realized, I hadn't felt Boston move all day. Usually he keeps his movements until late in the evening so as I laid in bed I waited, and waiting, and waited. By 10 o'clock I was starting to worry so I began to pray. I prayed that God would allow me to just feel one little flutter. Just one little reminder that our little guy was okay in there. And you know what? No sooner had I said "Amen" and our little guy started squirming. That my friend is proof that our God listens and He answers. 
4} Making the Switch As I said, on Wednesday, I finished up Harper's big girl room. My goal is to try to get her to sleep in there this weekend. I don't have high hopes even though I've been telling her for weeks now that that is her "new room". She'll occasionally point out that Rimy, our dog, is sleeping on her "new bed". But whenever I try to get her to come play in her new room or lay in her new bed, she promptly runs to her nursery. So prayers for the weekend would be appreciated! I suspect this could be a long one haha
5} Pictures from the Week 24 weeks. 

Wednesday evening Harper went to Chucke Cheese with her Daddy and grandparents and from the looks of things, she made herself comfortable there haha 

{Five on Friday} Family Time & Target Finds

It's Friday and this girl is doing the happy dance! This week has been a good one but a weekend spent at home is always just what the good Lord ordered especially since last weekend we were go, go, go the whole entire weekend. If you missed our Halloween recap, you can check it out here. It's the only post I was able to get published this week. But don't worry, I'll be back next week with some fun and exciting announcements to fill you in on what I've been doing these last couple of weeks (; Just you wait and see!

1} Family Time

Kevin's been working pretty much non-stop here lately. On the few days he's been off, he's had prior obligations with the softball team he coaches and plays on or he's had basketball games with the guys at church which has left us with minimal family time. But yesterday we made up for that! As soon as I got home and changed clothes, we loaded up the car and headed to Celebration Station for a fun evening of games, rides, pizza bars, and fun! Harper loved every minute of it and the exuberance displayed on her face made us love it even more. 

2} Target Finds

As you all know by now, our family time is never complete without a trip to Target and yesterday, we made three. No lie. We hit up each and every Target in our area for the simple fact that I wanted to raid all of the dollar bins. I mean for real y'all. If you aren't aware, Target has re-branded their One Spot section and it is amazing. Currently it is full of Christmas decor and stocking stuffers and I may have nearly spent $100 on both...but for $1 or $3 for each item, I ended up with a buggy full of goodies! Here's a few of my fun finds!

3} Christmas! 

Speaking of Christmas decor and stocking stuffers, is it just me or are you ladies dying to bust out the Christmas decor? Because I know I am. It's all I can do to not take out our Christmas tree, stockings, twinkly lights, and plaid tableware. And don't get me started on wrapping the presents. At this point, there are only a few items remaining to be marked off my Christmas gift list. All of the presents I've purchased thus far are stacked in our guest bedroom closet and it's all I can do not to start wrapping those babies! 

4} Car Shopping

Among spending the evening at Celebration Station and hitting up three different Targets last night, we also made a drive thru run at Krispy Kreme and then found ourselves at the Toyota dealership right down the road. For the last few months, we've been looking at purchasing a new vehicle. Kevin currently drives one of two sports cars and with a second baby on the way, that's just not going to keep working out so he's been looking at trading in his Mustang in for a new Toyota 4runner. Anyone drive a 4runner? Thoughts? I've also been contemplating whether or not I need to trade in my SUV for something a little larger. Mamas of two babies... what do you drive?! Please share your knowledge! 

5} Weekly Photo Dump

The only photo I've got to share this week is this 23 week baby bump that seems to have made it's way out there this week! 

{5 on Friday} A Trip to the ER

1} A Trip to the ER

Well it happened last night. Harper's first injury. And this mama feels like the worst mama ever. Yesterday evening after Kevin left for work, I was frantically trying to get ready in time to attend my cousin's funeral visitation with my parents. Harper was in one of her independent moods and refused any help in getting ready. I was frustrated by the time I got her dressed and told her to go downstairs to watch Mickey while I finished up. As I often do, I watched Harper head down the first few steps to make sure she was making it okay. After seeing her manage quite well, I quickly ran into our bedroom in search of a shirt. Which is when all at once I heard something rolling down the stairs.

Thinking Harper had thrown the soccer ball she was carrying down the stairs, as she usually does, I turned back around in search of a shirt. When all at once, reality sunk in and I realized it wasn't Harper's ball that had rolled down the stairs, it was Harper. I flew out of the bedroom and saw Harper laying in our floor. I ran down the stairs as fast as I could in three inch high heels, never thinking about the fact that I could fall and break my own neck. By the time I got to her, she was already up and crying over her ball she couldn't find. I could see blood splattered all in our floor so I was frantically trying to see her face to see if she'd knocked out all of her teeth, broken her nose, cut her forehead, etc. Yet, her face appeared fine. I quickly scanned her body looking for cuts and broken limbs but still didn't see anything. Yet I could see Harper's clothing was being soaked with blood and I was slowly being covered with it as well. And that's when I turned Harper around to see the whole back of her head was soaked in blood. Without thinking I grabbed Harper up, called my parents and told them I was rushing Harper to the emergency room and wouldn't make it to the funeral home, grabbed a new shirt, and ran out the door! 

We made it to the hospital in less than five minutes. We spent an hour or so in the waiting room, all the while Harper munched on some crackers from a vending machine and asked a hundred times when we could go home to watch Mickey. Knowing she hadn't really cried over what happened, I knew she couldn't be in much pain and she didn't appear the least bit phased but she was still covered in blood and with her hair all matted, I couldn't tell where the blood was coming from and how bad it really was. 

Thankfully by 8pm, we were in a room. The doctor looked over Harper and confirmed she had no broken bones, no concussion, etc. Yet, she too couldn't see where Harper was bleeding from so she sent in a nurse to wash Harper's hair. Thankfully after that was done, Harper's head was clear and we were able to see the tiniest cut. It was about the width of a finger nail and wasn't very deep. Which meant no stitches or staples. Praise God! In the end we left with only good news! Yet, this mama still spent the night beating herself up for not being more responsible and paying more attention. 

2} Awesome Buys on Toys

Yesterday after school I decided to swing by Walmart and check out their toys. I've been working on Harper's Christmas wish list and like to peruse the aisles every now and then to see what new toys are on the market. And thank God I did because yesterday was my lucky day. It just so happened that the Walmart closest to my work had nearly half of their toys on clearance in an effort to make way for this year's new toys. One of the toys on Harper's wish list so far was this V-tech train that her friends Elijah and Griffin have. The cheapest I'd found it was $41 on Amazon. But as luck would have it. I spotted two of these babies on the top shelf marked down to $30. That baby headed straight into a cart. And would you know, when I went to pay for it, it rang up at $19! This mama may or may not have done a happy dance right there at the cash register :P

3} Couponing

On Monday, my friend Brittni and I attended a couponing class at church with my parents. As a bargain shopping mama I've been dying to know how to coupon so when I saw my church was hosting a class, I signed up as soon as it opened. The class was amazing and the lady who taught it made it sound so easy. The class focused pretty much on how to coupon at Target; and as you know that's my favorite place to shop, so I was totally all ears. If you're interested in learning to coupon, you can visit Caitlyn's Couponing on Facebook for all of her tips. You can also check out totallytarget.com and they totally lay out all of the coupons you need to grab up some good buys! It's couponing made easy, friends! I'll be making my first couponing adventure tomorrow! Wish me luck!

4} Weekend Plans

Since this is the first weekend in what seems like forever that there is no rain on the horizon, we have big plans for our weekend. Tomorrow our town will be having it's annual fall festival so we'll be heading out there in the morning in search of yummy festival food and cute trinkets for stocking stuffers. In the afternoon, I'll be attending a hand-lettering class hosted by my lovely cousin who owns All She Wrote Notes. If you've never visited her online shop, go do it now. To top off our evening, we plan to take Harper to a local pumpkin patch for some family fun. Fingers crossed it's not too cold!

5} Photos from the Week