Five for Friday

Happy Friday friends!

Here's what five things I'm loving this week...

1. Mama Mio Tummy Rub

Oh I forgot how amazing this stuff is!  

A sweet friend got me hooked on this when I was pregnant with G, and I'm happy to report, no stretch marks!  

Now that the belly is in full force these days I'm using it again.  Fingers crossed for the same results.

 It's so smooth and smells so good.  All you moms-to-be out there need to get this immediately!

2. Berry Good Smoothie

So now that I'm not working, mornings are way calmer {hallelujah!}.  Each day this week I've so enjoyed making breakfast for my boys.  I have to tell you though this smoothie is our new favorite.  Thanks to dear friend Lauren, I'm hooked!

1 cup frozen berries

1 cup spinach

1 cup kale

1 cup vanilla almond milk

Blend and enjoy!

3. Pink Blush Maternity

So I'm in desperate need of more maternity clothes.  Can't exactly wear yoga pants and tees to a hot dinner date.

Was so excited to discover this online maternity boutique via one of my new favorite blogs.

Ordered some fun stuff that should arrive tomorrow.  Will keep you posted!

4. Teacher Appreciation Gifts

It has been Teacher Appreciation Week at G's school, and I have so loved showing these fine folks some love.  His teachers are amazing.  Seriously!  I volunteered on Tuesday so they could all enjoy lunch together.  After just an hour, I was pooped!  I don't know how they do it.

These "SODA-lighted" tags I found on Pinterest were my favorite treats this week.

5. Johnson's and Johnson's "You're Doing Okay, Mom"

And in honor of Mother's Day, I just have to share this again.  Have you seen this commercial?

I posted this shortly after G was born and had not seen again until the other day. 

I tear up every time.

So sweet!

Here's hoping everyone has a lovely weekend.  

And to all the moms out there, thank you for being the incredible women you are!

What to take to new parents?

If you're anything like me, lots of people you know are having babies.  And with new babies come sleepless nights, crazy schedules and unpredictability {along with the most unimaginable amazing love!}.  The last thing any new parent wants to do is cook.  So, what better way to show the new parents some love than by taking them dinner.  I know when we had George I was overwhelmed by the hospitality our friends showed us bringing food each night.  Here are my tips for delivering meals to the proud {exhausted} parents.

1. Take something with simple ingredients that will please everyone. Always ask about allergies or food preferences.

2. Always pack dessert. As someone with a crazy sweet tooth, I can tell you this is such a treat that goes over so well. Plus, I love the idea of something sweet that can even translate into a breakfast treat the next morning.

3. Pack food in disposable containers. The last thing these parents need to worry about is returning dishes back to you.

So here is my go-to meal for new parents {delivered twice this week to two different families!}.

Build your own Taco Salad

Creamy Salsa Dip

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bites

You'll want to make the dip first so it can chill in the fridge.

I know it does not look like much, but trust me when I say this dip is hands down the easiest app ever and one of the tastiest.

Blend two 8oz blocks of softened cream cheese, 8oz of sour cream and 16oz of Pace Picante Medium Salsa.  Let chill in fridge until time to deliver.

The taco salad is SO easy.  Simply brown one pound of ground beef and add one packet of taco seasoning mix and 2/3 cup water.  While that simmers, chop lettuce and tomatoes.  Bag up cheese, Catalina dressing and Tostitos chips.

And the best part...

dessert!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bites

1 {8oz} package cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 {8oz} package refrigerated crescent rolls

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degree.  Lightly grease cookie sheet.

Beat the cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Unroll the crescent roll dough and place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture toward the larger end of the triangle. Starting with the two corners closest to the cream cheese fold those over.  Then roll up the crescent roll, making sure to try and keep the cream cheese contained in the dough. Repeat with each triangle.

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon in a cup.  Dip roll-ups in melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes or until dough is crisp and light brown.  Allow to cool 10 minutes before packing up.

So what do you take to friends when they have a new little one?

Moms out there, what was the best meal someone brought you?

Wedge Love

Does everyone love wedges as much as I do?  My absolute favorite shoes are summer wedges, and I am in desperate need of some new pairs.  I figure since my wardrobe may be lacking due to my ever growing belly, I can at least accessorize with shoes!

Wedge Love by rachelgbolton featuring wedge heel shoes

1. Gold MICHAEL Michael Kors Wedge Sandal

2. BC Footwear Wedge Sandal

3. Seychelles Yellow Wedge

4. Toms Peeptoe Wedge

5. Seychelles Black and White Wedge

6. MICHAEL Michael Kors Espadrille

So what's your favorite summer footwear?

Scenes from the weekend...

And another week begins... Did everyone enjoy a nice weekend?  Mine certainly started a little differently than normal.  Stayed in my pajamas all day Friday and just lounged, watched the Today Show {cannot remember the last time I did that!} and messed around on Pinterest.  I told B I would give myself one day to just be completely lazy, and I have to say I certainly enjoyed it.  As much as I loved the time to myself I was ready to see my two favorite boys.  We enjoyed some family time at home Friday night.  After putting the little man down, B I enjoyed "cocktails" {La Croix for me} on the patio as we watched the storm come in.  I am so thankful for G's early bedtime because it gives B and I some much needed time to ourselves to catch up and just talk without any distractions. Saturday was another rainy, lazy day {why does it always rain on Saturday??}.  As much as I hate we couldn't get out and do anything, sometimes I am so thankful for the rain because it's a nice excuse to just relax.  We spent our Cinco de Mayo honoring sweet friends and their beautiful baby's baptism.  Fortunately they did serve Mexican.  Now I'm just ready to start my week of productivity around this house!

Five for Friday

Happy Friday friends!

Here's what five things I'm loving this week...

1. Charles Emerson Designs

Just discovered this darling shop from Sadie + Stella.  Such fun sparkles and baubles!  S+S is hosting a fabulous giveaway and there is still time to enter.  I couldn't wait and ordered this lovely immediately.

2. Veep

Oh this show makes me laugh.  I mean really laugh.  If you have HBO and are not watching, you are missing out!

3. Band of Horses

Saw this band in concert last weekend and have been obsessed since.  Check them out!

4. Haagen Dazs Gelato

I mean this is going to be the end of me.  I cannot put my spoon down!

5. Land of Nod

Loving Land of Nod right now!  Finding so much for Baby #2's nursery.  Cannot wait to share!

What are you loving these days?

Here's hoping everyone enjoys a wonderful weekend!

Contentment

Today is my last day of work.  Real world work.  Getting dressed and driving to a job kind of work.  Deadlines and a boss kind of work.  Of course I know my new gig is work.  Probably {definitely} much harder work.  But oh wow, a so much more rewarding kind of work.  The kind that does not even feel like work.

 

via

 

As someone who often struggles with contentment, I have such peace about this decision. Even though there is some anxiety {isn't there always with the unknown?}, I cannot imagine doing anything else. What joy to know I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing at this time in my life.  Thank you all for your support as I begin this new journey!

Gift ideas for any mom!

Happy May Day friends!  With May officially here that means it's that much closer to Mother's Day.  Have you purchased any lovelies for your mom?  If you're still unsure about what to get the mothers in your life, here's a little inspiration that's sure to please any mom.

Gifts for any mom by rachelgbolton

1. Anthropologie Recipe Cards

2. Kate Spade Mother's Day Pendant
3. Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfume
4. Anthropologie Monogram Mug
5. Cole Haan Mother's Notes Journal
6. C. Wonder Tote


So how will you be gifting your mom this Mother's Day?