Confessional Friday: {The 'I Slept In' Edition}

Hey, internet friends! Getting off to a bit of a late start this morning, but I didn't think y'all would mind. Hope your Friday is off to a great beginning, err, middle. Unfortunately, it's supposed to rain buckets here for most of the holiday weekend, so I'm planning to curl up and watch some high-quality Lifetime TV movies and re-runs of Dateline ID.

And eat dip. Lots of dip.

Hopefully the forecast is looking a little better where you live, so please take a swim in a pool and watch some fireworks for me, pretty please. So, the girls went to visit their grandparents for a couple days in Oklahoma City meaning it's just me and the Mister and a lovely bottle of Prosecco (me) and some Blue Moon (him) for the next three days.

I am not sad about this one bit. Except this made me all mushy this morning...pic was taken on this very day last year : )

In other news...

1) I confess that I needed this Tulip-Back Top in my life. And so do you. How cute, cute, cute would this be paired with white skinnies and gold or brown sandals? I'll tell you how cute...NAUSEATINGLY cute. That shade of pink sort of makes my heart flutter, too. Oh!! Oh!! And it's only $14.99.

This is from Forever 21's Contemporary line and it runs half a size larger than usual. Size down for the perfect fit!

2) I confess that I bawled like a baby when we watched The Judge last night. Netflix it this weekend if you haven't seen it. To me, it's some of Robert Downey Jr.'s best work.

3) I confess that I accidentally called the little guy at the Tropical Smoothie drive-thru "honey" last week. I had Caroline in the back and am so used to calling her "hun", "honey" or "babe" eleventy thousand times a day, and I guess it just slipped. Bless his little 16-year-old heart. Poor kid was so confused.

4) I confess that we are loving our Nutri Ninja blender, but holy smokes that thing is LOUD. Beware if you plan to make yourself a delicious smoothie for breakfast while your kids are still sleeping. It will wake your whole house and possibly your neighbors, too.

Loud, but awesome. We love our Ninja! Stephen has even lost three pounds just by replacing his usual morning breakfast with it!

5) I confess that I am having the hardest time finding tops that will cover my IV port on my chest. I have a dual lumen Hickman port -- y'all impressed with my med-speak? -- that pumps heart meds into me 24/7 and let's just say, it's not subtle in appearance.

I'm certainly not embarrassed to explain what it is or why it's there, but sometimes a girl would just like to eat in a restaurant or shop without inquiring minds asking twenty questions. (And for the record, I completely get it. It looks crazy and I would wonder, too.) However, if any of you have ever had a port or PICC line and had luck finding higher cut shirts from a particular brand, please let me know!

6) I confess that it's time for me to meet one of my gal pals for some shopping and it's time for YOU to link up! 

Happy Fourth of July, you hotties of the interwebs, you. 



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

Happy Friday and happy Confessional Friday! If you've never joined before - welcome! If you're old hat at this, I'm elated you've returned. Either way, let's confess:

Please note, we were parked in the Bonefish Grill parking lot. No selfies or texts whilst en route!

1) I confess that the hubs and I got to go on our first date in months last Saturday and we were very cool, calm and collected about the entire thing. Especially Stephen ; )

2) I confess that this hat-loving girl just cannot with these gondolier/Anne of Green Gables hats (above) with the huge bow in the back. All the cute little hipsters around NWA have been wearing them lately and all I can think of is...

3) I confess that these beady, tassely (sp?) little earrings have been catching my eye for way too long. I think it's time I bite the bullet and move these Acid Fringe Drops (less than $35!) from my wishlist to my cart, yes?

4) I confess that I could (and do) eat a huge garden tomato every single morning and never get tired of it. My Memaw told me when I was little that she was afraid I'd turn into a tomato if I kept "eating them like that!" So far, so good, but if I start to resemble a roma or heirloom, please bring it to my attention.

Not the most exciting of lists, but I'm so thankful to have a little "boring" back in my life : )



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

My only confession this week is that I cannot get enough of this video with Jimmy Fallon and the Saved by the Bell cast. Enjoy!

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

Hey, girls! I don't have any confessions myself today, but wanted to put the link tool up for you to share yours : ) We had a pretty rough night with the baby and neither one of us ever went to bed. Everytime Ainsley would scream, she'd wake Caroline. We'd get Caroline settled back down and Ainsley would resume screaming again. Before we knew it, the sun was coming up and, well, here we are. (What day is it again?)

Our mantra as of late is, "If we can just survive the first year..."

Here's hoping.


   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

G'day, ladies. It's Friday, it's weekend-Eve and by gosh, it's time to confess. Let's be on with it!

1. I confess that this week nearly kicked my rear. Tuesday night was rough. Real rough. As was Monday and Monday night. Lemme paint you a little picture...

Caroline is getting more teeth, which is always awesomely fun. Poor chica was cranky, in pain and tired. Ainsley hit a growth spurt and wanted to do nothing else but eat, which means a lot of sitting with baby on boob for moi. She was also incredibly fussy and uninterested in sleep. Totally fine - that's just the nature of newbie babes. But...

It also happened that Caroline discovered the carbon monoxide detector this week. (Ours is located about a foot from the floor in our mudroom hallway - definitely at toddler level.)  And when it is tampered with in any way, it automatically calls our home security company.  Not one, not two, but FIVE times, the security company got called.

I may also mention that when said carbon monoxide detector sounds, it creates the most pants-peeingly-loud, shrill, startling sound you've ever heard in your life. Seriously folks, a friggin' cannon going off wouldn't jolt you as much as that blessed alarm. (Again, this is a good thing if actual toxic gas is detected in your house and you need to exit RIGHT NOW.) Not so great if there isn't carbon monoxide and your newborn is finally asleep after an all-night feeding bender.

I was exhausted and so was Stephen. I nearly hit the breaking point on Wednesday morning, so I did the only thing a girl can sometimes do...I called my momma. The woman is a saint. She came up right away, despite living 3.5 hours away from us. And all has been right with the world ever since her arrival. (Thank you, Mom/Nana!)

(Can I just say though, I'm kind of amazed we went three weeks without having to call for any reinforcements? I realize to some this is laughable, but we're new at this whole multiple children schtick.)

2. I confess that I do believe this is the most ingenious idea ever. In the history of ever, actually.

3. I confess that I ate approximately half a jar of Nutella for breakfast Tuesday morning. (Like, I ate it straight out of the jar with a spoon.) Don't worry, I chased it with a banana and a multi-vitamin. #HeartHealthyin2015 #PostBabyDiet

Those are mine. Now tell me yours --



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

What's that?? Oh, it's Friday you say?

SPLENDID.

Let's confess!

1) I confess that I ended up buying both the Miracle Blanket and the Woombie swaddles for Ainsley. Both are supposed to arrive this afternoon, so I'll let y'all know the verdict. Cheers to sleeping babies!

2) I confess that it feels great to be back to blogging after taking some time off for the baby's arrival in December! I have missed you girls so much. {Awkward hugs all around!}

3) I confess that the reason this link up didn't get published until 9 a.m. was because I FORGOT that today was link up day. I guess you could say I'm out of practice - whoops.

4) I confess that I tried on a pair of my non-maternity jeans yesterday and it wasn't exactly comfortable, (or attractive). I could button them using the old "lay on the bed and suck in like there's no tomorrow" technique, but I thought I was going to have to call Stephen to extract me from them. And good Lord - they certainly did no favors for my, um, silhouette. Still three weeks away from being released for exercise, so I think I'll stick to leggings and maternity jeans for a bit longer ; ) Or maybe indefinitely. Who knows?

By the end of the whole fiasco, I was beet red and sweating. I've also decided that the oh-so-cumbersome button fly must be the work of the devil. Elastic is where it's at, folks.

5) I confess that, with this second baby, modesty has completely gone out the window when it comes to breastfeeding. Now, I'll probably always use some sort of cover when I feed out in public just because I'm personally more comfortable that way, but there's a strange sense of liberation that comes with the second baby.

6) I confess that we survived our first week without any help here, as Stephen went back to work. I'd say, given the fact that it has been 16 degrees outside and we haven't been able to get out much, things went pretty well. I laugh to myself though because I remember right after we had Caroline and I thought, "Wow, this mom stuff is hard!" (And it is. Even one baby is so challenging. Parenthood is stressful/tiring/amazing no matter how many kiddos there are.) But, I realize now that I didn't know the meaning of tired then. Oh no, folks. I'd like to have told my naive self to try it with a 14 month old and a newborn. Most days, I'm sure we'll be a hot mess trying to get out of the house, but I know we'll settle into a groove eventually.

7) I pulled through the Sonic drive-thru Wednesday to get a coke and when I rolled down my window to order, noticed something in my hair. Upon further inspection, it was a piece of Caroline's macaroni left over from lunch.

If any of you would like a hair tutorial on THAT hairstyle, just let me know. It's an easy and delicious way to tell the world, "I've got my shizz together."

And that's that. Your confessions! (Actually mine.) Now tell me yours. 



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

Hey, hey! Since I didn't do a bumpdate this week, I've themed mine "pregnancy confessions.

By the way - we're 36 weeks along as of yesterday! Crazy, right? That went by freaking fast. Let's hope these next couple weeks do also because I'm ready to burn these maternity pants.

Taken yesterday at 36 weeks- hey, hey, Ainsley girl!

Here goes:

1) I confess that the entirety of my Christmas shopping this year will be done online. At this point, it hurts to stand, bend and move in any shape or fashion. And battling holiday shopping crowds with nine-months-worth of pregnancy hormones coursing through my veins? Nope. Not happening. {Hello, Amazon!}

2) I confess that I miss having ankles. Holy fluid retention, y'all. I never had this issue with Caroline until after the C-section, but it's so different this time. They look somewhat normal when I wake up in the morning, but by mid-afternoon, they're crazy huge. My mom came up for a couple days earlier this week while Stephen was traveling for work, (just in case I "popped"), and I had to have her help me pull  pry my riding boots off Tuesday night - ha! No more tall boot wearing for this girl until after the baby. Booties, heels and flats only.

3) I confess that while my mom was staying with Caroline and me this week, she made a huuuuuge dish of banana pudding and I singlehandedly ate the entire 9 x 9 pan in three nights. Oops.

4) I confess that I will have been "with child" an estimated 560 days of the past two years by the time this is all said and done. I'm pretty sure my uterus would like to punch me.

5) I confess that the only thing that makes me feel slightly more at ease about that fact is knowing that the Asiatic elephant has to endure a 609 day gestation period. I hope those momma elephants get some reeeeeally nice push presents.

6) I confess that all of the not-so-fun parts of late term pregnancy are immediately forgotten when I go to get Caroline out of her crib in the mornings. Her smile and excitement for seeing me and starting her day just make my heart happy. Parenthood/mommyhood is the single most incredible thing, and Caroline has been such a great reminder of the how amazing the little gift at the end truly is.

Y'all go out and have the best weekend in the history of ever. And if you can't do that, at least have a really good one.

P.S. - Blogging may be a little more scarce next week as I tie up some loose ends around the house/with work/with Thanksgiving prep. (Next week is my last week at work, plus I also very intelligently decided I'd host Thanksgiving this year. Because that seemed like a fabulous idea back when I was 10 weeks pregnant and believed in unicorns.)

I promise in advance that I will not have fallen off the face of the earth, (unless, of course, I do.) I will, however, be posting regularly on Instagram throughout the week, if you want to follow my very riveting life in pictures. My username is ablondeambition.



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

It's Friday, gals - let's do this!

1) I confess that I'm only mildly obsessed with this little bauble of the week. Sigh...I think I need a second, third and fourth job just so I can purchase all these fun things I stumble upon. But seriously, on top of a gray, chunky knit sweater or cute LBD for the holidays? I think yes.

Crystal Cluster Necklace - currently on SALE for $34. You know, if you're like me and feel better about buying accessories if they're 'on sale'. 

2) I confess that I want to throw a party in celebration of the end of the stinking political ads. November 4 has come and gone and I, for one, am relieved. Don't get me wrong, I'm a proud voter, but good grief. If I had to sit through one more 30-second commercial featuring another mudslinging windbag, my head might have exploded. I think no matter where our political views land, we can all come together to celebrate this.

3) I confess that people from Wisconsin might be the friendliest I've ever met. (That also might be the most random confession I've ever confessed.) You see, our subdivision is apparently a popular choice for transplanted Wisconsinites. (Wisconsinians?) (Peoples of Wisconsin?) Anywhoodle, our neighbors across the street are from Wisconsin, as well as the family that just moved into the new house next door.

And I'm telling you, I LOVE THEM. Seriously. The mom next door offered to keep Caroline while I worked on the nursery and the ones across the street brought us the most amazing bratwurst the weekend we moved in. Anyway, just felt like I needed to commend the state of Wisconsin for producing such nice people.

4) I confess that I just cannot get on board with the word preggers, as in "one who is with child". It irks me, but I have no idea why. Like, when I hear someone say, "hey, preggers", it makes me cringe a little. (I had this exact conversation with a fellow expectant momma just this week!) Doesn't offend me at all, I just can't bring myself to say it.

It's kind of like the words moist or custard. I just can't. (Example: My mom-in-law makes a fabulous dessert called Custard Pie and I cannot bring myself to call it that, simply because it contains the word custard. My husband gets the biggest kick out of this.)

Do you have any words or terminology that bother you like that?

Okay, your turn. And....GO.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

It's Friday and that, my friends, is never a bad thing. It's the time of the week where we dish, vent and spill. Ready to get to it? Me too.

1) I confess that it dawned on me yesterday that we only have about seven weeks of this pregnancy left...and I cried. I'm not sad that it's nearly over at all, (although I have really enjoyed it), but I think the reality of all the stuff I still have left to do just hit me like a ton of bricks. It occurred to me at 2:30 a.m. that I hadn't yet ordered Ainsley a car seat. This then sent me into a frenzy of thinking of all the other things I hadn't gotten her yet. (A changing pad for her dresser...that we still haven't ordered, either. Or the much-needed black-out curtains. Or a second baby monitor. Or new tubes for the breast pump.) And just like that, I was sitting at our breakfast table scrawling frantic lists until the wee hours of the morning.

And then I started to bawl because OH MY GOSH, WHEN WILL I FIND TIME TO CHRISTMAS SHOP? AND WHERE WILL WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING IF I CAN'T TRAVEL? AND I STILL DON'T HAVE AN OUTFIT FOR A WEDDING WE'RE ATTENDING IN THREE WEEKS...AND HOW BIG WILL THE BUMP BE THEN? WHAT IF I ORDER SOMETHING AND IT DOESN'T FIT?

You know, totally rational and very important thoughts to have in the middle of the friggin' night. (I believe they call this Losing One's Shiz.)

After a little more sleep and a good, strong cup of coffee this morning, all was right with the world again.

Besides, a pregnancy just isn't a pregnancy without at least one good hormone-filled meltdown.

2) I confess that I have been craving (and eating) frozen Eggo waffles...in their frozen state. No, I don't mean I crave the toasted or warmed ones, I mean I've been eating two of the whole grain waffs right outta the freezer every morning like a teething baby. Strangest and most absurd pregnancy craving to-date.

3) I confess that ne'er a day goes by that I don't embarrass myself in some form or fashion. We bought a more family-friendly car, (an SUV, actually), on Wednesday night and when the salesman handed me the keys to the new ride, I walked out the door and walked straight over to...my old car. I had gotten as far as opening the door when Stephen started laughing and brought it to my attention that we had to leave that one at the dealership. Good lord.

Alright, enough of that. I'm ready to hear your confessions this week. What have you got for me?

P.S. - Happy 30th birthday to the love 'o my life! Honey, you will always be the funniest, best-looking, most-Tebow-esque, most-Cutler-esque, most sarcastic, most charming and most enjoyable-to-be-around guy in the room. And, I'm proud to call you mine. Thanks for being born.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

It's Friday and we're confessing on this blog! Let's just jump right in.

1) I confess that American Horror Story with this whole clown plot line is almost too much for me to handle. Stephen was traveling for work this week, so he was gone Wednesday night. Like an idiot, I opted to watch it anyway. I just can't NOT watch AHS when a new episode debuts.

Big mistake. Shows featuring demented clowns should never, ever be watched alone. I don't think I slept a wink that night. Thank the Lord he is back now and I can resume getting some shut-eye.

2) I confess that I'm going to give these pumpkin topiaries a try this weekend. I wanted to do something pretty for our porch this year - something that could stay up well past Halloween. I think these fit the bill. I purchased some plastic garden urns from Amazon and bought some foam pumpkins at Hob Lobb. IF, (and that's a gigantic "if"), they turn out decently, I'll post a step-by-step on here. Wish me luck!

Beautiful photo via Sondra Lynn at Home blog

These gorgeous topiaries and this photo came from the blog Eclectically Vintage

3) I confess that our city just got a new DSW shoe store and it's taking everything in my power not to hop in my car and go over there. I've already purchased some new shoes for fall/winter, so I'm definitely not in need of anything...but man, y'all, it's hard to resist.

4) I confess that I'm pretty much addicted to Guilty by Gucci, this fall. I bought the travel size vial at Sephora, just to see if I liked it well enough to invest in the larger. I do. I really, really do. I wish I had discovered it ages ago, but I'm glad I have it now. I love playing with new fragrances each season, and this one may be the best cold-weather scent I've smelled to-date.

5) I confess that my mom and I are toying with a small business idea - and it's exciting! Naturally, I don't have enough on my plate already, but it's too good to pass up. Hopefully more on this very soon.

Don't you love a vague confession? Ha! Well, friends, what have you got for me?

Talk 'fessy to me!


   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Three Things

I have a to-do list about four miles long today, but Caroline is taking a nap, so I'm going to sit here, eat my lunch and type.

1) American Horror Story: Freakshow starts tonight, friends. If you're an AHS junkie like I am, then surely you're on pins and needles, too. What's funny is that I have to watch this show with all of our lamps and lights illuminated, the dog in my lap and my finger poised over the mute button for silencing jumpy sound effects during tense scenes. Why do I put myself through the anxiety that comes with watching this crazy show? Because Ryan Murphy is a genius. That's why.

2) So, this happened: Last Saturday morning, I took a ginormous Tervis Tumbler of coffee out the door with me, bound for Hobby Lobby to round up some party supplies. The FedEx man pulled up as I was getting into my car, so I sat my coffee on the top of my car and met him halfway up our driveway to retrieve a package.

I don't know if it was the excitement of a solo trip to HL or if I had temporary loss of short-term memory, but I hopped in my car and began driving down the street. There was a group of landscapers working on a new house in the subdivision and they were waving manically at me as I pulled up to the end of our street. I thought, "Wow, they're so friendly for this early on a Saturday morning!"

It never dawned on me that they were trying to tell me to get the freaking half gallon of coffee off the top of my car until I pulled out onto the highway and...wham-oh.

Milky coffee went everywhere. All over my windshield, my side windows and even somewhat on the car behind me.

Want to feel like a moron?

Now you know how.

3) I need these. That is all. (And they're less than $30. Score.)

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

It's Friday, gals. And around here, this day is reserved for good 'ol confession sessions. So let's get to it!

1.    I confess that I had to laugh yesterday, (and hard), about the following exchange I had with an Old Navy employee: So, I’m talking to a very sweet, very young girl as she rang up my purchases, (ahem, this amazing flannel), as well as some adorable little outfits for Caroline and some newborn gowns for Ainsley.

We were making small talk and she asked me when this baby was due. I told her our little princess was due in December and she congratulated me and said, “Oh, little girls’ clothing is SO fun!”

So naturally, as people do when making small talk involving the topic of children, I asked her, “Do you have kids?”

“No.”, she says, “But, I do have a dog!”

It was as matter-of-fact as I’ve ever heard. Apples to apples, Coke and Dr. Pepper, children and canines.

“Oh”, I deadpanned. “Yes. Just like a kid.” 

Poor thing is in for quite the awakening one of these days when she learns it isn’t typically a childcare best practice to crate train one’s toddler. But, man...that was funny.

(To be fair, I probably would have said something like that before kids, not thinking about it. It was hilarious and she was a doll, though.)

2.    I confess that you know your baby bump is getting big when you can feel your stomach resting on your thighs when you lean forward to type. (‘Tis as sexy as it sounds, my friends. Rawr.)

3.    I confess that I am downright giddy about the upcoming weekend’s festivities.

You’re dying to know more, aren't you? (Okay, well, just indulge me for a second. I don't get out much.)

We’re going to an Avett Brothers concert tonight and then, bright and early tomorrow morning, heading out for an overnight stay at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, a cool little town about 45 minutes from where we live. 

My husband, he is wise. He knows that it may be a good decade before we ever do anything alone again, (I kid…sort of), so he had the wherewithal to book us a fun babymoon weekend. Like, didn’t even tell me about the hotel thing until he’d already arranged and paid for it. (That’s a super edgy move for non-risk-takers like us.)

4.    I confess that we’re also going antiquing while we’re in Eureka and this makes me GIDDY. Stephen? Well, he’s a good sport and feigned enthusiasm when I chose that as my “activity”. He elected a beer tasting at a local brewery, which I will completely support, albeit Coca-Cola in hand. (Our rule is that each person gets to choose one activity that's totally something they want to do and the other person must go along with it.)

He gets six steins of beer; I get a nightstand that smells like a moth ball factory. Everybody wins.

............................................

And you? 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

Friday's here and you know what that means: time to confess! Let's get to it.

1) I confess that I plan to enjoy as many pumpkin spice lattes as I can this fall, (okay maybe, like, one every couple weeks), despite that dumb infographic circulating on Facebook. Newsflash: I don't drink them for my health. But really, what kind of folks take enjoyment in crushing the spirits of the fall-beverage-loving Starbucks fans out there? The Debbie Downers of the world, that's who. (Probably don't believe in Santa either.) Starbucks, I'll take your artificially-flavored pumpkin awesomeness any day of the week.

2) I confess that each fall, I have the urge to purchase every scarf from here to Timbuktu. It's still hanging out the mid-70s here in Arkansas, but that doesn't mean this girl can't cart every single plaid, woven, cable-knit, leopard print and cashmere scarf or snood, this side of the Mississippi. This week, I'm enjoying (read: I bought) these:

Plaid Blanket Scarf from Heart and Home Collection

Thick Knit Snood from Zara in Light Grey

3) I confess that Stephen is sitting here with me while I write this and he wanted to provide a confession of his own. In his words:

I confess that I wore a pair of jeans to the airport (for a work trip to Minneapolis) this week and discovered, just before my connecting flight, that they had a glaringly obvious hole in the crotch. (Though clearly not obvious enough.) 

I would like to note that I did not wear them to my business meetings the next day, but instead a pair of Gap dress trousers, and that said jeans were only worn for comfort during my flight. (I would also like the ladies of this fine blogging establishment to know that I do, in fact, own "nice" jeans; jeans my wife picked out. But, they are too stiff and uncomfortable for long flights.) My most sincere apologies to anyone out there who may have witnessed my wardrobe malfunction in the Chicago O'Hare airport. 

......................................

How can I possibly follow that? Not even going to try.

Your turn.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

Sorry this is late. Work and Caroline took top priority this morning, but now we can get to it. So....

It's Friday (!!) (All day, I'm told.)

Now, if that isn't something to celebrate by joining in a delightful link-up, then I don't know what is.

1. I confess that the beginning of college football season, (or just football season, in general), has me aching to make chili. The only thing holding me back? Oh, ya know, the temperature outside, which is currently displaying a crisp and cool 97 degrees. FOR THE LOVE, Y'ALL.

Will cooler temps get here? Will we ever get to wear scarves? Will I be able to sit outside on our patio without my rear end and thighs sticking to the seat because of the 1,000% humidity? These are questions that deserve answers.

2. I confess that the weather has not stopped me from ordering sweaters and cute pants. The hellish temperatures may be able to stall my chili-making ways, but I can still shop online.

Premium Knitted Longline Overcoat. Or, as I like to call it, 'what I'll be wearing every other day'.

Need these, you do. (I do, too.) So, I bought 'em Wednesday night. (Not a maternity pant, but the BeBand will fix that problem handily.)

Boucle Sweater. Don't get too excited; it's maternity.

3. I confess that I went to the grocery store with the intention of buying healthy food yesterday and came out with lots of it. Except for the family size box of Apple Jacks. Because, apparently I'm five. (If you would like to join me for some Smurfs and Flinstones on Saturday morning, I'll share my cereal. Then, maybe my mom will take us to the skating rink!)

4. I confess that my child ate a piece of dog food. Yes, friends, it was bound to happen. Ruby's bowl was on the floor last week and Caroline was crawling around like a mad woman. I always try to pick it up first thing before she gets down on the floor in the mornings, but I was dealing with crazy amounts of work emails and trying to participate in a conference call. Lo' and behold, I turned around to see her pop a piece in her mouth like it was a freaking M&M.

I gagged. And screamed. And wiped her mouth out. And may or may not have called our pediatrician and spoke with his nurse who, quite literally, laughed over the phone at me. Her words? "Welcome to the club, Mom."

......................................

Has your offspring eaten dog food this week? Have you purchased a heavy knit sweater despite the Saharan heat outside? If so, DO TELL!

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

Well, helloooooooo there, you beautiful faces of the interwebs. So glad to see you all here today. Let's do some confessin'!

1) I confess that I did a happy dance last night as we sat down to watch the SEC Network. I am so excited that our conference has its own dedicated space on cable now. Bring on college football!

2) I confess that I'll never eat spaghetti again. Stephen got home from his work trip last night and we were both starving, so we decided to have a big dinner. We cooked and devoured a huge pot of spaghetti and sauce, and y'all? I have never experienced pregnancy heartburn like that in my life. Ever. If I never see red sauce and pasta again, it'll be too soon.

3) I confess that it dawned on me last night that I should probably start designing Ainsley's nursery. Now that the move is complete and we're (for the most part) settled in, it's time to get down to brass tacks and start brainstorming. And buying!

4) I confess that spending my very first nights in the new house without Stephen freaked me out completely. Such a strange feeling to be alone in a new house. A bigger house. A house with brand new weird noises and things that go "bump" in the night. Apparently, Caroline was a little on edge, too, because she woke up at midnight and didn't fall back to sleep until 3 a.m. Needless to say, this place is going to take some getting used to when I'm here alone.

5) I confess that I'm going to the bakery tomorrow to order Caroline's FIRST birthday cake and it is so surreal. I can't believe our girl will turn one year old in just eight weeks. HOW? WHEN? ALREADY?

Okay, ladies. What'cha got for me today?

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

WE OWN OUR NEW HOME! Next to getting engaged, married and giving birth to Caroline, this day surely qualifies as one of our our best days ever. We hope to raise our girls -- girls, plural, still can't get over that -- in this house for a long time, which means lots and lots of memories. Good gracious, I am so thankful for the ease with which this process unfolded.

1) I confess that my friend Taylor mentioned Catfish Hole, a local (you guessed it) catfish restaurant Tuesday and now, I can only think about hushpuppies, fried pickles and delicious fried fish. In fact, I have been craving it so badly, I nearly gave in and went to get some at 9:00 p.m. last night. Does that ever happen to you? You get a craving in your head and it's like I must have this now! I'd attribute it to pregnancy, but I crave Catfish Hole when I'm pregnant or not.

2) I confess that I'm pretty ecstatic that pre-season football has started. This means that college football isn't far behind, right? Yessssssss.

3) I confess that I completely forgot to add my cleanser to the list of must-have products for keeping skin wrinkle-free. I have been using Obagi-C and would highly recommend it for any woman of any age, especially if you have combination skin like mine. I usually purchase from Amazon, so I would check there first before spending twice the amount at a dermatologist's office for the same thing!

4) I confess that Wednesday was the first time in about two months that Ruby, our mini doxie, has had a bath. I'm sure it didn't bother her any, though. That dog loathes anything to do with water.

5) I confess that I'm toying with the idea of getting a few lengthening extensions for fall. (I'm sure my girls at The Crown will be able to talk me into it!) I freaking love having long hair, and I think I might get a few extensions to make it that much longer for the cooler months. #longhairDOcare

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

'Tis again that time of the week: Confessional Friday. Let me hear you confess what's on your mind this week!

1) I confess that I've been playing with the middle part lately and I'm loving it. It's fun to change things up now and then, don't ya think?

Color and cut last week by Suzannah Files at Crown Beauty Bar

2) I confess that I sent Caroline to daycare in her pajamas yesterday. Poor thing had been up with her teeth hurting all night and she was so exhausted once 7:00 a.m. rolled around. I just changed her diaper quickly and let her stay in her jammies in hopes she'd go back to sleep once she got there, (fat chance!)

3) I confess that I'm ready to tear my hair out if I hear that song Rude again. I loved it when I first heard it, but in true iTunes radio fashion, they played the mess out of it. Now, every time it comes on, I have the incredible urge to hit something - usually the "skip" button.

4) I confess that I'm probably going to explode if I don't find a hooded leather moto jacket for fall. Okay, so I probably won't actually burst into pieces, but I'd really like to find one. I saw some posted online the other day, but good lord, those suckers were $650-$2k! Something like this, but cheaper. A whole lot cheaper.

I didn't bother linking it because this one is $659....and I refuse to spend that much. And you should, too.

5) I confess that I'm tired of hearing folks overuse the word literally. Peeps, unless something ACTUALLY DID HAPPEN that way and without exaggeration, please don't use it. Poor literally is tired; he needs a stiff drink and a nap.

6) I confess that I laughed out loud when someone asked me if I wanted to run a 5k with them...in November. The day after Thanksgiving. "Yes! At 34 weeks pregnant! PLEASE let me do that with you!" Nope, at the end of November, I plan to be stuffing my face with turkey and dressing and pie...loads and loads of pie.

7) I confess that I have an obsessive/compulsive tick that doesn't allow me to end lists on even numbers, so #7 is here only to take up space. See, I'm a weirdo. Just in case you didn't know that already.

Tell me your secrets, love muffins. Let's divulge.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

'Ello, ladies! Another workweek in the books, so let's celebrate with a good Confessional, shall we?

1) I confess that I made this copycat recipe for Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta on Wednesday night and had, not one helping, not two helpings, but THREE helpings. It was totally worth the all-night heartburn that greeted me later. Seriously, you should make it if you dig the real Chili's stuff at all. This taste-alike version honestly tasted even better than the original. Pinky swear.

This was mine! A food photographer, I am not. But, I was pretty proud of how tasty it was - and colorful, too.

2) I confess that I'm both thrilled about and dreading the moving of our bookoos of stuff this weekend to the new house. My parents are very graciously coming up to help us move our small things into the house, then the movers come on August 7th to finish the big stuff on the day we officially close, (and occupy the house.) I'm so glad that this process is nearing the end and we'll be in our new house. We are very grateful that the selling process went so smoothly and quickly. Hooray for more space and a new home where we can create more memories!

3) I confess that I've just discovered the joys of Joss & Main and I'm in home decor love. I bought a humongous area rug for the new living room and a really cool runner for the kitchen, all for way less than what I had planned to have to pay. Seriously. If you haven't checked them out, you should. (And no, I'm not affiliated with them, nor did they put me up to this. I just wanted to pass along the tip.)

4) I confess that I'm pretty ecstatic to begin the process of planning another sweet little girl's nursery! I don't think there's anything more fun that creating a pretty, girly space for a little gal. I had so much fun doing Caroline's, so I fully expect to put just as much time into Miss Ainsley's. Bring on the Restoration Hardware catalogs!

5) I confess that I may or may not have already started planning C's birthday party. And, it's in October. I want it to be amazing and I really want to concentrate on the little details. Now that we'll have a bigger space to host a party, I have some fun ideas for decorating. (Also, I ordered her cake topper, bunting banners, and her party outfit and hair fascinator -- my friend Katie of August Lou is making her outfit and it's going to be precious. I am so that mom.) I'm placing her cake order with one of our favorite local bakeries next week and I am so flipping excited to see how they execute the theme I've chosen. More fun details to come.

Okay, dazzle me, stun me, surprise me, confess to me.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up