On My Bedside Table

I love to read and the quote above perfectly summarizes how I feel each time I finish a book. I have really never met a book I didn't enjoy. That said, there is one particular series that has grabbed and held my attention through eleven books. 

Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series has truly become one of my book "friends". I try to read them slowly now because I mourn a little when they are over. 

That said, here is a little glimpse of what it on my bedside table at the moment...

The Nature of the Beast is Louise Penny's most recent Gamache novel and so far I am hooked. The books are set in the village of Three Pines in Canada and the setting, the characters and the stories are gripping mysteries that leave you wanting more...

If you have any interest in the series, start with the first, Still Life, and work your way through them. I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Also on my bedside table, the best hand cream and lip balm (not pictured) ever...

What books are you loving right now? What other must-haves do you keep on your bedside table?

Weekend Recap

Between this gross dreary weather and the fact that it's Monday, our whole family seems to be dragging a little this morning...or maybe it's that we're all homesick for the weekend!

After a great visit with G and Granddaddy, Channy and I wrapped up our week with a nice walk and lots of hugs and kisses for Daddy when he returned on Friday.

On Friday night and Saturday, I participated in a closet clean-out sale. Though the turnout wasn't great, I did walk away with a little extra money and a MUCH cleaner closet. Now, I've just got to deal with everything that didn't sell! What is your favorite way to clean out your closet? Goodwill? Consignment?

Saturday night this little nugget spent her first night away from us. She did really well, and slept like a champ (which you can tell by her sleepy eyes in this picture from when we got her home the next morning...)

While this little kitty was away, the mice did play! Adam and I hosted a dinner party for two of our friends who are moving soon. We had three couples over and it was so much fun! We stayed up late talking, laughing and maybe sipping a little wine! It was so nice to be able to relax and enjoy being with friends and not worry about waking the baby!

It had been a little while since I hosted a dinner party and it was so fun to put everything together! One of the other couples hosted with us so I was in charge of the lasagna, dessert and the appetizer. 

Here is a picture of our tablescape...love Blue Willow china, can you tell?

As usual my go to appetizer was a cheese board...shock and surprise!

And dessert was my sour cream cheesecake with raspberry sauce! I think I've finally got my recipe down, so stay tuned for an announcement in the next couple of weeks!

Sunday we picked up our little one and enjoyed some good family time! I went to church and sang in the choir and it was amazing. We were in our newly renovated sanctuary for the first time and not only was it beautiful, but the acoustics are wonderful. The service was beautiful.

We spent the rest of the day playing and napping and enjoying some much needed time together!

What did you do this weekend?

Five on Friday

I'm linking up with some of my favorites this morning, April, Christina, Katie and lots of others for Five on Friday!

ONE

Adam has been traveling again this week...this marks the third week in a row of him being gone three days out of the week. We miss him for sure and can't wait to see him when he gets home this afternoon. BUT, we had a super special visit from Granddaddy and G this week and Chandler and I had a blast seeing those two!

Snuggles with G

TWO

OMG, can we talk about my new favorite fall breakfast...Thomas Pumpkin Spice English Muffins...perfection. To say that I am obsessed would be putting it mildly. These little muffins of goodness are yuuummmmyyy!!! You should try them...today...

THREE

I cannot believe this little dumpling turned eight months old this week. I am so in love with this crazy haired, roly poly, babbling baby. She is just ITCHING to start crawling and I seriously think she'll be there in the next couple of weeks! Better start baby proofing...

Fellow moms, what are your baby-proofing recommendations?

FOUR

I have definitely fallen for the Paderno Spiralizer. It is by far one of my favorite kitchen gadgets...we have been enjoying zoodles and zibbons and all of the other fun noodle/ribbon options. I swear it makes eating just a little more fun! It is so easy to use and super easy to clean!

Wednesday night's dinner, complete with a nice
helping of zucchini ribbons, aka "zibbons".

FIVE

This weekend we are hosting, along with some close friends of ours, a dinner party to celebrate two of our best friends who are preparing to move. While I am crazy sad about the move, I'm looking forward to Saturday night's dinner...and all of the other fun "We'll see you soon" events we're planning for these two favorites! For the party, I'm making Ina Garten's Turkey Lasagna. I've made it before and it is a tried and true recipe...and as far as lasagna goes, it's pretty easy! I'll post more on that soon!

Now, after a morning of snuggling with this cutie...it's time to get some things done around the house while she naps!

What fun things to do you have planned for this weekend? What are your go-to dinner party recipes?

Happy Friday!

Confessions

One of my favorite bloggers, Natalie at Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers, has a great series of her confessions. I love the idea of typing out a few of my own confessions here and there...so here we go...

(Photo Cred)

I frequently take time to count all of Chandler's pacis to make sure we haven't lost one...as of yesterday we have a missing paci and I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that it has consumed all some of my thoughts ever since the discovery was made.

I am trying to perfect my cheesecake recipe so that I can start a little side business to fund my little shopping habit. Cheesecake anyone?

I am secretly...or maybe not so secretly...a big Taylor Swift fan. And I LOVE this post on her mantras for a happier life. Not only do I enjoy her music, but I actually really like her as a person (based on what I read about her...)

Though I'm twenty-something years old, married, and a mom (so basically a legit grown-up) I still get scared when I'm home alone at night! And thus I tend to sleep with ALL the lights on...

I despise the idea of ironing, but once I get started I actually enjoy it.

I worry pretty much constantly at this point about whether or not I'm being a good mom. I want to give Chandler everything she needs and more. I probably pray at least three times a day for God to give me guidance and help me to be a better mother.

I am a little scared that Chandler is going to turn into a little yogurt puff. She LOVES yogurt and eats it at almost every meal. She does also love fruit, but we're struggling with vegetables. I know she'll come around, but I have a fear that she won't be as open to food as her dad and I are.

My little yogurt puff!

Since I've been staying home, I've been "training" my hair so that I don't have to wash it. And thanks to this dry shampoo...I'm washing my hair about twice a week and NOT having to wear it a ponytail (unless I want to) in between washes!

I love brushing my teeth and actually have to use a SUPER soft toothbrush so I don't brush my gums away.

I absolutely HATE unloading the dishwasher and I do it at least once a day. I think it's equal parts the chore and the fact that I hate our dishwasher that is slowly dying. I wish, daily, that it would go ahead and bite the dust so we would have to replace it!

Saturdays and Sundays are my favorite days of the week because we are all home together and can soak up some good family time. 

Happy Wednesday...only two more days until the weekend...

Lust List: Sole Society

I have been on the hunt for the "right" pair of booties for about two years now and I FINALLY found them!

I've been hearing about Sole Society for awhile now, but hadn't taken the plunge. Now that I have...I'm obsessed! Their shoes are trendy, comfortable, and well-priced. Here are a few that I'm wishing for this Fall...

Daegan Over the Knee Boot

I'm loving this trend and  I think these are a great option!

Rumer Suede Boot

Love the height of this heel and this boot! I'm on the hunt for some black suede boots and I just can't decide between the Rumer or the Daegan...maybe I need both!

Justina Zipper Bootie

This leopard print bootie is sooooo cute! 

Zada Woven Ankle Bootie

This is the pair I added to my wardrobe. They are perfect and I can't wait for the weather to cool off here so I can start wearing them!

Charis Sweetheart Pump

This is the perfect fall/summer pump! You could start wearing these now and wear them into spring. I love the suede and the color is perfect!

There are so many great options and if you spend $30 or more you get free shipping!

Kissy Kissy at Saks

One of my favorite brands for clothes for Chandler is Kissy Kissy. Their clothes are super soft and the designs are so sweet. They are just perfect for babies! Through tomorrow, Saks Fifth Avenue is having a Kids' Sale where select pieces of children's clothing are 25% off. Some of my Kissy Kissy favorites have made the cut!

Here are a few things I would LOVE to add to Chandler's Fall/Winter wardrobe!

Baby's Purrfect Cup Dress & Legging Set

Infant's Reindeer Footies

Baby's Striped Dancer Footie

Baby's Floral Print Coverall

There are so many more cute options that I just LOVE, like the Bow-Print Tunic and Leggings Set, Winter Roses Dress and Leggings Set, and the Floral Top and Pants Set. Be sure to check it out before the sale ends tomorrow night!

J. Crew Fall Favorites and 25% Off

J. Crew's fall collection is forcing me to go searching the sofas, pockets in the laundry, etc. in search of anything I might be able to add to my fall wardrobe cash-stash. I love the colors, the fabrics, the detail...oh heck, I love it ALLLL...

As promised, here are a few of J. Crew's fall pieces I'm lusting after...and the best part...they are all 25% off through Sunday with code "SHOPNOW"

Tiered Crepe Top

Silk Pocket Blouse

Floral Sequin-Sleeve Sweater

Jeweled Crewneck Sweater

Plush Fleece Excursion Vest

*Warning before you fall in love...this one's excluded from the sale...

Excursion Quilted Down Vest

Lookout High-Rise Jean

I own a pair and they are great! I love the high waist, especially for my post-baby body. These jeans hug in all the right places!

Lookout Cord

I love my lookout jeans so much that I want to give these cords a try too!

Downing Bucket Bag

I'm a sucker for a good bag and I've been trying to find the perfect bucket bag...I'm 99.9% sure that this is the one...

This is just the tip of the iceberg...that's for hanging in there with me...I had to stop myself or you'd basically be touring the whole J.Crew website. What are your favorites for fall?

Five on Friday

So I'm linking up today with three of my favorite bloggers (and many many more), April, Christina, and Katie. This is a GREAT way to find new and fun blogs to follow! AND a great way to chat about five things on my mind on this beautiful Friday.

ONE

I have been saying so many prayers for Christina and her family. I've been reading Carolina Charm for years and I was so heartbroken to read her posts this week about her son, Thomas. He has been diagnosed with Bilateral Congenital Cataracts. I have been sending love and prayers their way. I have been so impressed with the way she is handling a tough situation with so much courage and grace. He is having his first surgery today at 11:45, be sure to stop and take a moment to say prayers for this sweet sweet baby and his family.

TWO

We kicked off this beautiful Friday morning with family breakfast! I just love sitting across the table from my two favorites...yes, my child is chewing on the paper my sandwich was wrapped in...whatever it takes, right?

THREE

J.Crew is having a 25% off sale this weekend! The deal is 25% off your entire purchase when you enter code "SHOPNOW". Last night I posted some of my favorite pieces from their Fall Menswear Collection and I'm planning to share a few of my women's favorite later on today, starting with this beauty...

FOUR

My Erin Condren Life Planner for 2016 just arrived and I am SOOO excited! My friend Casey told me about Erin Condren a year ago and I ordered my first planner and loved it. So, naturally, I had to order one for 2016 as soon as they were available! You can choose your design, colors, monogram, etc. to make your Lifeplanner all your own! 

FIVE

This weekend is Columbia's 29th Annual Greek Festival and we have never been. Well folks, that's about to change! We are excited that we'll be hitting up the Greek Festival tomorrow afternoon with Channy in tow! I'd be lying to you if I didn't say that we're pretty much most excited about the food...I'm planning on picking up something for dinner!

What do you guys have going on this weekend? And what five things are on your mind? Join me and link up!

Fall Favorites: J.Crew Menswear

My love of fall clothes does not exclude menswear. I am a HUGE fan of fall clothing for men. I love a good vest, jeans, jackets, you name it!

This week, through Sunday, J.Crew is offering 25% off your entire order with code "SHOPNOW".

Here are a few favorites I'd love to see the men in my life sporting this fall!

The Sussex Quilted Vest in Black Watch

And while we're talking about Black Watch Plaid...

Herringbone Flannel Shirt in Black Watch Plaid

Woodsman Sweater (Who doesn't love some good shoulder patches????)

Barbour® Kempt Jacket

Bowery Slim Pant in Tonal Black Watch

(because obviously I have some weird obsession with Black Watch plaid...do you see a theme????)

Wallace & Barnes Straight Jean

Wooo...I could go on...and on...and on...

Don't miss J.Crew's sale this week!

Six and Seven Months

Wow...I am behind! This sweet baby is almost eight months old....WHAT?!?!?! How in the world did that happen! 

This summer has been a whirlwind! We have gone to the beach, gone to the lake, visited Granddaddy and G, taken swimming lessons, and enjoyed loads of great family time!

Chandler is definitely the light of our lives and keep us laughing and on our toes! Her smile lights up a room. She is a happy, bubbly, babbling baby and we are so very blessed. At her six month checkup, which was right around seven months, Chandler weighed 16 pounds and was 26 1/2 inches long. She is a very healthy baby.

 These past two months have brought some big changes. Chandler is now eating purees, and aside from a short-lived affinity for yogurt only, loves everything she has tried thus far. She definitely still loves yogurt, but her other favorites are bananas, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and pears. 

 Chandler took ISR Self-Rescue swimming lessons this summer and we have been thrilled with the "results". Chandler can float on her back and can enter the pool from just about any angle and still roll over underwater and float on her back! She is a little fish and we're excited that next year we get to start working on swimming!

 This little one loves to shop, grocery store, children's boutique, Lowe's...you name it, she loves it! She is a friendly smiley shopper and charms just about everyone we meet. She has recently begun to babble and has the sweetest voice I think I have ever heard! I spend my day listening to her "blah blah blah" or "da da da" or "ga ga ga" and it is music to my ears!

 Sweet Chandler has a serious case of bedhead...all the time! She has very full head of hair that likes to stand straight up! We love her disheveled, crazy hair and I think it matches her silly sweet personality just perfectly!

 Chandler is a great sleeper and now sleeps at night from about 6:45pm - 6:45 am. She takes two naps during the day that each average out around 1 1/2 hours for a total of about 3 hours of naps each day. 

We are so thankful everyday for Chandler. What a blessing! 

Chandler, you are so special to your daddy and me. We love the way you laugh and they way your grin lights up your whole face. We are so proud of the way you are growing up and we pray every day to be better parents to you and to set only the best examples for you. We love you so very much and we are excited to have front row seats to watch you grow up!