Happy Friday! If you didn’t hear my elation, let me say it again: HAPPY FRIDAY! I am typing this the night before our Cancun trip, and let me just tell you, I am so excited. I’m so excited I almost didn’t write this post, because a LOT has been going on this week (just busy mom stuff and packing and prepping), but I did want to mention a few things that I thought needed to be blogged about. You’re welcome.
ONE.
This past week, this catalog graced my mailbox’s presence. I mean, break my mama heart. This year will be the first school year of many for Charlotte. She’ll only be in a Mother’s Day Out program two times a week, but as much as I know she’ll love it, it also makes the heart sting a little bit. Didn’t I just give birth to my sweet baby? Now I’m picking out backpacks, lunch kits, and nap mats. If you joined in on the conversation on Instagram this past week, thanks for all of your advice on the MDO necessities. I think we’ll be going with the small Pottery Barn version of a backpack. Now on to the rest of the goodies! Even though I’m technically not teaching right now, I still have a teacher soul, and school supplies make me happier than a clam. I guess that’s the silver lining in all of this.
TWO.
Charlotte’s two year portraits with Pink Posh Photographers have been in since March, but I hadn’t seen the family portion of our photo shoot until this week (I never went back to check on them). Oh. My. Word. I can’t even. I’ll be sharing her entire photo session and some photo shoot tips soon, hopefully next week. I can’t wait to share!
THREE.
Not too long ago I went to dinner with some of my very best college friends and it was a blast, as per usual. We started talking about what we feed our kids and how we sneak them veggies. I had no tricks up my sleeve. D (I’ll call her D here on the blog because she’s super private) started telling us about smoothie making. She gave us a recipe of hers, and it’s pure genius. I always thought smoothies were too much work, but y’all, they so are not. I just use a regular blender as seen above. I eyeball the ingredients, and it works. Charlotte loves it, and now my mom conscience feels better knowing that she at least gets a serving or two of vegetables a day. Thanks, D! Here’s my version, although it can be mixed up to whatever your little heart desires:
Power Greens + Berries + Banana Smoothie
- handful of Power Greens (kale, spinach mix)
- one sliced frozen banana (I’ve tried a regular banana, but after freezing it, I like the frozen version better)
- a cup of frozen mixed berries
- a cup of milk (I use vanilla coconut milk)
Blend until smooth. (I use the liquify option on my bender.) Add more milk for your desired consistency. Throw it into a fancy cup with a straw and voila! Your baby will love you.
FOUR.
Our vacation to Cancun has called for some preparation, because I don’t have beach clothes at the ready. Thanks to friends and the J.Crew 40% off sale, I think I’m all set. Here’s what I’m loving in my carry-on bag:
J.Crew slides (on major sale)
FIVE.
I plan on doing a lot of reading this weekend while we’re on vacation. We’re going to an all-inclusive resort and do not plan on leaving. That means lots of relaxation and rest. I have my books loaded onto my iPad in iBooks and my Nook app. I cannot wait to dive into these two:
For the Love by Jen Hatmaker doesn’t come out until August, but if you pre-order by Friday, July 17th, you can get the PDF version emailed to you. If you pre-order, you’re eligible to also get a quote poster, Jen’s favorite recipes e-book, a discount to Noonday Collection, and an audio version of four bonus essays. Follow the directions on how to redeem your free gifts HERE on her book’s website. But hurry, because today is the last day to redeem this offer!
The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan was recommended to me by one of my BFFs, Ali, and her suggestions never do me wrong. Just look at the cover? I will judge this one by that and say on a hunch that I’ll love it.
Bonus for the day.
I’m part of a loop giveaway on Instagram this week that will be going on until Sunday, and this is a good one, y’all! The winner will pick a 500 dollar gift card to either Target or Nordstrom. How will you decide? I think I would pick Nordstrom. But since I can’t win, I hope you do! Go join. The ladies and shops I’m looping with are awesome.
That’s a wrap! I hope you have the best weekend ever. I am just a teensy bit nervous about Mexico, but I’m sure one piña colada in, and I’ll be a-okay, soaking up the sun. Pray for me and that I’ll enjoy this trip to the fullest. See ya on the flip side, sister!
P.S. Don’t forget you can follow me along on Snapchat now, too (kristy7graces). I’m pretty sure I’ll have wifi while on vacation so I’m sure I’ll be snapping a few pics along the way.
Let’s keep in touch, shall we?
You can see where I’m linking up on this page.
That’s pretty much the exact same recipe I’ve been using to make my smoothies for years! I also add chia seeds or ground flax seeds for a little boost. Sometimes if I’m drinking it instead of a meal, I’ll add a little vanilla protein powder. Smoothies are great for sneaking in veggies! Have a fantastic vacation!!!
We are so much alike my dear. Too bad I don’t have your makeup skills. I could totally use them right about now, especially with this heinous chemical burn above my lip. What the?!
And now I need to add chia seeds and flax seeds and protein powder to my grocery list. :)
That's pretty much the exact same recipe I've been using to make my smoothies for years! I also add chia seeds or ground flax seeds for a little boost. Sometimes if I'm drinking it instead of a meal, I'll add a little vanilla protein powder. Smoothies are great for sneaking in veggies! Have a fantastic vacation!!!
Oh my goodness, Charlotte has already grown so much since her 2 year pictures! If only we could keep them little.
Hasn’t she?! I can’t take it. Hope you’re having a great week, Whitney!
Oh my goodness, Charlotte has already grown so much since her 2 year pictures! If only we could keep them little.
Holy, moly that girl has changed a lot since her pictures! Here hair has taken off. Hope you enjoy your time away!
I know, Shelly. It’s not fair. Lol. She won’t stop growing. I guess that’s a good thing. :) We had a great time, but now I’m back at it again and am the go-go-go. Xoxo
Holy, moly that girl has changed a lot since her pictures! Here hair has taken off. Hope you enjoy your time away!
Oh my goodness! Your gingham swimsuit is AMAZING!!!
I love smoothies (we love smoothies)! We have one every day.
Lots of great stuff here! Cancun?! Awesome!
xoxo
Thanks, Jennifer! It’s one of my favorites, although it looks way better on the picture than it does on. Lol. I think solid colors are more flattering, but this one was definitely more fun.
Cancun was awesome. I’ll be sharing next week. :)
Hope you have an awesome week!
Oh my goodness! Your gingham swimsuit is AMAZING!!!
I love smoothies (we love smoothies)! We have one every day.
Lots of great stuff here! Cancun?! Awesome!
xoxo
We are so much alike my dear. Too bad I don't have your makeup skills. I could totally be using them right about now, especially with this heinous chemical burn above my lip. What the?!
And now I need to add chia seeds and flax seeds and protein powder to my grocery list. :)
Hasn't she?! I can't take it. Hope you're having a great week, Whitney!
I know, Shelly. It's not fair. Lol. She won't stop growing. I guess that's a good thing. :) We had a great time, but now I'm back at it again and am the go-go-go. Xoxo
Thanks, Jennifer! It's one of my favorites, although it looks way better on the picture than it does on. Lol. I think solid colors are more flattering, but this one was definitely more fun.
Cancun was awesome. I'll be sharing next week. :)
Hope you have an awesome week!
Love your suit and by looks of the ‘snaps’ (is that what you call them?!) you guys had a great vacation! :) Hope all is well XO
Love your suit and by looks of the 'snaps' (is that what you call them?!) you guys had a great vacation! :) Hope all is well XO