Photo A Day Challenge

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I'm sure you've all seen the photo a day challenges floating around Instagram and Facebook.  We thought a this would be a fun way to complete the challenge with all of you!

We'll be using this list:

To participate, all you have to do each day is take a picture that illustrates the word for that day! 

Then upload that picture and tag it with both the word of the day plus "springfling" 

That way we can find all of your pictures throughout the week!

(for example; #gotcha #springfling)

 Come back starting next Friday to link up your post with the first weeks pictures!

Go ahead and Grab the button now to help spread the word! 

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Yarn Easter Egg Garland

I was in a bit of a crafting mood and somehow had a little time on my hands, so I decided to try something I saw on Pinterest (where else?!).

First you will need to gather your supplies:

Liquid Starch (you could use Mod podge if you prefer, I just happened to have TONS of starch laying around from my last project)

Water Balloons

Yarn

  and of course an adorable assistant!

Blow up as many balloons as you want.  Cut fairly generous lengths of yarns and soak in a bowl of starch.  Allow the yarn to soak for a minute then start wrapping it around the balloon.

Make sure there is plenty of starch on the yarn (not dripping wet but close). When you are done wrapping, set all of your balloons in a single layer in a well vented area and let dry.  I left mine to dry overnight.  Once the yarn is COMPLETELY dry, pop the balloons.  From here you can string them on more yarn and hang as garland like I have done, or they also look cute in a bowl or vase! 

I love how they turned out but unfortunately it didn't really photograph as well as it looks in person!

Have fun and Happy Easter!

Fool me once!

If you were to look at these pictures you would probably assume a few things.  One, that it was pretty warm outside, I mean I am wearing a skirt, and two that I am wearing these sunglasses for the sole purpose that they were intended, to keep the sun out of my eyes.  Well you my friend would be wrong!  It is NOT warm outside!  See, I had the same assumption for the past two days, I woke up to a beautiful sunshine and just knew it was going to be warm.  I got up yesterday and put on some jeans and a short sleeve shirt (no jacket), got Ainsley ready for school, jacket and all (?), then stepped outside and froze my buns off!  Not today, I'm on to you weather, and your tomfoolery!  I may be wearing a skirt here but I am also wearing leggings underneath!  Fool me once, shame on you!

As for the sunglasses, well little miss Harper has started flipping from her back to her belly when she is going to sleep, yet she can't seem to get to sleep on her tummy.  This has lead to several night awakenings, just when I got used to sleeping through the night!  It's like her whole body is against me! I go in and flip her onto her back, insert paci and sneak away, only to have her immediately grab said paci pull it out of her mouth and flip back to her belly.  It's like her body has a mind of it's own because it is clear she does not like any of it!  This ends when I finally turn down the monitor and let her figure out how to sleep on her tummy.  Which she does, but only after putting up a pretty big fight!  So the glasses are not only for the sun (which is hopefully here to stay) but also to hide the ginormous bags under my eyes!

Sweet, sweet relief!

Linking up with Andrea, Lindsey, Elena, Shanna, and Lauren

Motivational Monday

So, last week I told you about my struggle with losing weight after Ainsley was born.  I also promised that I would post weekly updates as a way to keep myself accountable!

  In order to do this, I think a weekly motivational post is just the ticket!  See, if I am going to really stick with this weight loss "plan" I am going to need to keep myself motivated!  The one thing that motivates me more than anything would be result, duh!  So, I will be posting my results every week in a Motivational Monday post!  I won't post my weight or inches, just what I have lost and/or gained (Maybe, if I hit my goal I will post my start and end weight!)

Here goes nothing!

Weight: -1 lb

Thighs: -1"

Hips: -.5"

Waist: -1"

Arms: +.5"

I have to be honest, I haven't been as strict about my workout schedule or my calorie intake this week, so these results are really exciting for me!  I went into the week full force, counting everything I ate and doing this crazy workout once a day.  Well, just a warning, if you do this routine make sure you stretch.  And I mean STREEEETCH.  I was so sore on day 3 that I honestly couldn't walk standing straight up, I had a slight bend at my hips like I was the Hunch Back of Notre Dame or something.  This lasted almost 3 days!

So what motivates you?

I'm linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday!

Peace Out Google Connect!

No one liked you anyway!

No, but really, if you did use Google Reader then you already know that it will be kaput come July! I know how much you would miss me ;) and need another way to keep up, no need to worry your pretty little heads, just follow me through Bloglovin'!  It's great, you should try it!

Lordy, Lordy, look who's four..er..months old!

See those little leg rolls, they are kind of my favorite!

It really hit me today that it's going by WAY too fast!  Let's just slow it down now Missy!

A few updates:

Baby is still fat! 15.4 pounds to be exact, you go girl!

24.5 inches long, in the 60% range (she does NOT get that from me!)

She loves oatmeal, bananas, and boobie milk.  We tried apples but girl was not having it!

She is still loving her jumperoo and she wants jump ALL. THE. TIME. 

She can sit for a few on her own but slowly face plants onto the floor.

I'm so sad that she is growing up so quickly but I am so excited to watch her learn new things everyday!  I love you pumpkin!

If you like her headband you can pick one up here!

I got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine

I'll be honest with you, I don't care for that song but it is stuck in my head so I thought I would invite you to silently(or loudly whatever floats your boat) sing along! The only reason I even listen to that song is because of Emma Stone in Easy A, hilarious!

This is what I wore this past Sunday.  Obviously, being St. Patrick's day I had to get my green on.  I love this shirt from Old Navy, it's so comfortable!

On another note, it's Spring!! Unfortunately, here in NC it doesn't really feel like Spring this week with highs in the 40's and 50's. BOO!

I decided to try something I saw on Pinterest.  The "pin" said that you can grow celery by simply placing a used stalk (just cut about two inches up from the bottom) in a little water and set it in the sunlight.  I was a bit skeptical but decided to try it anyway and holy crackerjacks it worked!  Ours has been growing for about two weeks so I moved it into some soil and hopefully in a few weeks we will be able to eat some!

Happy Spring!

I am linking up with Andrea for Real Mom Style, Lauren for Style Sessions, and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW

The One I didn't Want To Talk About

No, those are not my feet!

I was very hesitant to write this post.  In fact I have completely avoided this topic in the past, but I feel like if I don't talk about it and put it out there then nothing is going to change.  I'm talking about my weight.  I have been struggling with my weight for some time now, almost 6 years to be exact.

 I am only 5'3" (if I stand up REAL tall!).  Before I had Ainsley, I was pretty slim and had been for most of my life (don't get me wrong, I've always had the Ba-Donk!).  During my first pregnancy I thought, or didn't really think at all, that I could eat any and everything with no consequences.  This led to a MAJOR weight gain and my doctors tried to warn me that this was going to be an issue when my pregnancy was over. Psh what do they know?! A lot, the answer is a lot! I gained around 60 pounds with Ainsley.

I lost a little bit of weight quickly after her birth, from nursing I believe.  However, I didn't nurse her as long as I wanted and starting seeing the weight pack back on.  During the next few years my weight fluctuated, but I was still nowhere near what I was before having Ainsley.  I know they say that your body is forever changed after having a kid but I still think I should be able to lose the weight!

When I found out I was pregnant with Harper, other than being SO thrilled, I knew I had to go into this much more carefully than I did with Ainsley.  Luckily, since I was so busy with Ainsley and school and everything else, I didn't have time to just sit and stuff my face.  I had a much better diet and made sure to keep exercise in my daily routine.  I ended up only gaining 15 lbs. and having an extremely healthy pregnancy which ended with a beautiful and healthy 7 lb 15 oz baby girl.

I have since lost those 15 lbs and have managed to lose an extra 5 pounds, still, I am nowhere near where I need to be! I wish I could sit here and tell you that I just want to be healthy and I don't care about the weight, but that would be a lie.  I do care about being healthy and for the most part I am, but I also care about losing the weight!

So after all of that, I have decided to put my "story" out there (not to make it sound like I've had some tragic event happen and have a story to tell) and I would like to document my weight loss journey with a weekly post.  I have downloaded MyFitnessPal and I am keeping track of the calories I take in.  I have increased my recommended calorie intake to accommodate for nursing, as I plan to continue that for Harper's first year.  As for my fitness routine, I'm not following any strict workout plan because I know myself and I get bored doing the same thing.  I will be switching between a salsa workout (it's awesome), my Dirty Dancing workout video, and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  As soon as the weather warms up a bit I will also take daily walks while Ainsley is in school.  I know that sounds like a lot, but it offers variety which I need if I am going to stick with anything!  I hope posting this will keep me accountable!  I would love to hear about any workout routines you may have as well!

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Mondays

Spring Fever

Well things are finally starting to get back to normal around here!  Ainsley is slowly but surely starting to add normal food back to her diet and so far no one else has shown any signs of catching it! (and yes, you better believe I knocked on some wood before typing that!)

The past few days have been absolutely beautiful!  I'm talking upper 60's almost 70 degrees!  Before our lemon harvesting began, we got ourselves outside for some much needed play time.  It was oh so nice, full of trampoline jumping and dresses! Dresses I say! It felt so good to get out of pants for a few days and wear  spring clothes.  Since I knew it wasn't going to last very long I took full advantage!

I'm linking up with Andrea for Real Mom Style and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW

Lemons

You've heard the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, blah blah blah"  Well life has apparently planted a flipping tree smack in the middle of our house!
This past Saturday night a man decided it would be a great idea to forgo the road in lieu of the sidewalk and smashed into a light post.  Amazingly the man was perfectly fine and completely sober!  However, the light post was obliterated along with the power for our entire street.  When this happened, Scott and I were watching my man Justin Timberlake on SNL and out of nowhere it sounded like we were being bombed followed by complete darkness!  We both ran into each of the girls rooms (until I started thinking clearly and stopped us from waking them up) and made sure they were alright!  Our power was not restored completely until Sunday evening.  Then we found that we had lost several items due to the power surge!  Several lamps, a TV, wireless modem, cable box, coffee maker these were only a few of the items that fell victim!  We are finally getting things back to normal and have replaced most of the casualties.  I am just glad no one was hurt and thankfully it wasn't too cold outside that would have made it unbearable without heat.

Then, last night happened!  Around 10:45 Ainsley woke up and got sick, ALL. OVER. EVERYWHERE.  Poor baby was so scared and felt so horrible!  Scott and I got her and her room cleaned up and tried to put her back to bed.  However, she wasn't able to keep anything down and she and I were up most of the night!  As horrible as it was I did get some great snuggles and Ainsley has stayed in good spirits!  So that's where we are now!  I'm just praying that Harper doesn't catch this and that our little lemon tree up and packs it's bags. Until then bring it on, I've got lots of sugar and can make a mean lemonade!

On the mend!

I Like You A Lot!

The amazing Erin came up with a great link up idea!  She is inviting one and all to share their current "blog crushes".  I couldn't be more excited to join in!  Without further adieu, here are some of my favorite blogs!

The Daybook:  There aren't enough words to describe how much I love Sydney and her wonderful blog.  She is beautiful, hilarious, has a great sense of style, I could go on and on but I might sound like a stalker!  Sydney, can we just go ahead and break the ice and become bff's for real like! This was the first blog I ever read and have continued to read everyday!  If you've never read her (climb out from under the rock) get over there as fast as you can, you won't regret it!

Little Baby Garvin:  This is a wonderful blog documenting the life of sweet little Harper Garvin.  She started documenting her pregnancy with beautiful chalkboard drawing (for real this girl is talented!).  She has a great sense of humor and style for both herself and Harper.  We both have a daughter named Harper and have a major love for decorating and holidays, I feel like we would be great friends if we ever met in real life.

Pinterest Told Me To: Sheaffer is absolutely hilarious!  She started her blog to recreate looks she finds on Pinterest.  She brings these looks to life and puts her own spin on them with entertaining captions.  Plus, if you are a bachelor lover like myself, she has a connection with the current bachelor Sean Lowe, and she give amazingly accurate and comical recaps every week!

There you have it, go check out these killer blogs! Also, just an FYI, I'm pretty sure these ladies have no clue who I am, so ladies, please don't be freaked out!
 I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested!

There are SO many more blogs that I could go on and on about but I have two little girls who are requiring my assistance at the moment!

Who is your current blog crush?

Link up here!

WIWW/Real Mom Style

Another outfit post! That's two weeks in a row, I'm on a roll!

I loved Andrea's post last week about 7 ways to wear Chambray.  I loved it so much that I was inspired to break out mine.

For whatever reason, I always seem to have a hard time making an outfit with my chambray shirt (it could be the constant "cowgirl" reference from my husband).

Cowgirl or not, I put this outfit together for a thrift outing we made this Sunday.

Another thing I have a hard time styling is this necklace.  It was a gift from my parents a few years ago and I love it, but I find it hard to wear.  I feel like with most things, adding the necklace dresses it up too much.  However, I think it is the perfect contrast to the laid back look of the chambray.  It adds interest and keeps the "cowgirl" notions at bay!

The biggest problem I am finding with the self timer on my camera is that my shoes get cut out of every picture.  I wore my trusty leopard flats, they are SO comfortable and go with basically anything, (or maybe they don't and I'm just trying to convince myself because they are so comfy)!

I'm linking up with Momma in Flipflops 2 for Real Mom Style and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW!

What did you wear?

From That Thrift Shop Down the Road

"...I wear your Granddad's clothes, I look incredible"

Scott and I are rather frugal people, not cheap, frugal!  One of our favorite things to do together is to go thrift shopping.  It's hit or miss, sometimes we leave with nothing, other times we leave with incredible finds, but we always have a good time!

This Sunday, we took the girls to one of the thrifts that we don't frequent as often as we should.  I found a few gems though!

By far my favorite was this antique highchair for Harper.  Isn't it just so charming! Yes, I am aware that it is incredibly unsafe as she can just slide right out of if, but look at it, I'm in love!

My next favorite find was this gold clock.  I have been on the look out for a clock for my room and this is the perfect one!

We found a few other things, but I wanted to share my favorites!  Another good thing about this particular thrift shop is that all of the proceeds go to the SPCA, so if you have a Cause for Paws in your area, I highly recommend you check them out!

What are some of your favorite thrift finds?

I'm linking up with Join The Gossip for Monday Morning Gossip and Sami's Shenanigans for Weekend Shenanigans!