Easy Easter Cookie Decorating Kits

We are all about some holidays over here! We are also all about ease. This pregger mama doesn't have time for elaborate crafts and recipes but still wants to have fun with the little ones. This easy Easter cookie decorating activity was quite the hit for us!

All you need is an egg carton, sugar cookies, frosting and toppings. Since it was just my two little guys I used one egg carton and cut the top off and then cut in half. Went the lazy route and made sugar cookies from a mix and frosting out of can. For toppings we went with Peeps, bunny marshmallows, peanut butter eggs, jelly beans and of course sprinkles.

Just separate all the toppings into the egg carton and you are all set. Perfect little portions for the kiddos! 

This would be so fun for a party activity with little ones or even to keep your kids entertained during Easter brunch. I know my little men certainly enjoyed it. And of course more toppings were consumed than actually used to decorate. Whatever keeps them occupied!

Scenes from the weekend...

I always joke that I'd much rather sleep than eat and my husband certainly knows the way to my heart. B let me snooze Saturday morning while he entertained our little men. The best part? When I woke up, they were all dressed and out the door for a boys day. Talk about a pleasant surprise! I made a cup of tea and my new favorite toast {ricotta and honey topped with pistachios and blueberries} and settled in for some much needed quiet time. It was truly glorious. Tackled some projects, did some laundry and just soaked in the silence. I have to admit though when B sent me the pic of them on a juice break at Monkey Joe's, I was a little jealous. I missed them!

Later that night B and I enjoyed a much needed date night, just the two of us. We are fortunate that we have a fabulous babysitter and get out often, but it's usually for events, parties or nights out with friends {which we love!}. We were spoiled Saturday that it was just us and no real plans. It was amazing. Started the evening off at one of our favorites and had hands down, the best mocktail ever. Oh my goodness. Cucumber, mint and ginger. It almost made me not miss the alcohol. Almost.

After drinks we headed to another favorite spot for a yummy meal. Fortunately it was a long wait, so we tucked into a private booth upstairs and enjoyed more mocktails and conversation before going down for dinner. Friends, if you are ever in Nashville you have to go to Sinema. It's just the best. 

Sunday was all about family time. Donuts, Palm Sunday worship, naps and playing outside. It was a day of rest and relaxation and one I just wanted to savor. Here's to a short week as we get ready to head to Dallas!

Five on Friday

{ONE} Weekly Meal Plan -- I have been on a meal planning kick. Trying to eat healthier, waste less and not pick up as much take-out. I usually just plan our meals and write my grocery list on my phone but think I'm going to start using this printable meal planner. Love the idea of hanging it up so B can add anything he needs! 

{TWO} Chopped Thai Shrimp Salad -- And this salad is absolutely going on my meal plan this week! How amazing does it look? And love the homemade dressing. Cannot wait to try.

{THREE} Bento Lunch Box -- I don't know what took me so long to jump on this bandwagon, but I am all about some bento lunch boxes. I ordered these last week in an effort to try and spice up lunches for my picky little eaters. We have been in a rut my friends. Guess what, the boys LOVE them! Stay tuned for a post next week on all the lunch combos we've been trying, including polenta pizzas!

{FOUR} Pantry Organization -- Have you started Spring cleaning yet? I don't know if it's Spring cleaning or just nesting, but I have been in organization mode around our house. Did you see my post on our pantry project? Check it out for some affordable storage bins and jars. Next project up, my closet!

{FIVE} Maxi Dress -- And speaking of my out of control closet, this lovely maxi is now hanging in there. My ASOS dresses came in this week and luckily the one I posted about for the ACMS is a winner. Sadly, the others, not so much. My mom actually sent me this maxi she spotted at Target, and I love it! The picture does not do it justice. The best part is that it's not maternity and will look great preggers and after the baby comes. Highly recommend this dress if you are pregnant or not!

Today I'm linking up with...

Friday Favorites at Momfessionals

Oh, Hey Friday at September F A R M

High Five for Friday at Bright on a Budget

Friday Favorites at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Five on Friday at Hello! Happiness/A.Liz Adventures/Carolina Charm/The Good Life Blog

Friday Favorites at Life in Leggings

Friday Favorites at Meet @ the Barre

Pantry Organization

If there are two things I wish I was more of it would be laid back and organized. Those two traits together may be somewhat of an oxymoron, but maybe if I was more organized, I'd be more laid back. Anyway, moving along! I don't know if it's a need for Spring cleaning or just plain nesting, but in between my napping I managed to get a little pantry reorganization project done. Game changer! Our pantry was never out of control, but now it makes me happy when I open the door. My people can find what they need, and it feels so good to have everything in it's own spot.

After spending some time on Pinterest for a little inspiration, I determined I did not want to spend a lot of money on this project. Sure, there are beautiful storage bins and canisters out there but they come with a hefty price tag. Luckily after a little research I found what I needed. These glass canisters from Ikea are perfect and you can't beat the price. I purchased the larger ones for our staples like quinoa, oats, granola and various snacks for the boys like pretzels, goldfish, crackers and granola bars. I went with the medium size for pasta, nuts and dried fruit. Unfortunately you cannot order these online, so if you don't have an Ikea close check out these other similar offerings here and here. We like a lot cereal in our house, so I also picked up four of these plastic containers for our breakfast staple. They are on the lowest shelf, and G loves to get them out and pour his own bowl of cereal. For storage bins, I really saved some pennies. Ended up snagging these white plastic bins from Dollar General. I cannot find them online but check out any dollar store to see what they have to offer.

I am still in need of some large and deep baskets or bins for paper towels, picnic items and other clutter I've collected at the bottom of the pantry. Luckily it's still a work in progress! Anyone have any recommendations? 

I'm so tired.

Whenever you're pregnant people always ask, "How you feeling?" With the boys, the answer was pretty much always, "Feeling great!" Sure I had my moments but for the most part I had the easiest of pregnancies. I remember being really tired with George and then getting pregnant with Jude and thinking oh this is what tired is. But I have to say, this pregnancy, the answer to that question is "I'm so tired." I have never been more tired in my life. I mean, we are talking didn't know this kind of tired existed. Like can't get up in the morning and sleep until the boys wake up, and then as soon as they go to bed at night, curl up on the couch! People will say, "Oh it must be a girl!" And I say, I don't think it's a different pregnancy rather different circumstances. With both my other pregnancies I was working and was fortunate to have a very easy, flexible gig. This go around, not so much. I am non-stop all day, everyday {and wouldn't have it any other way!}. Even an easy day with no real plans still involves chasing wild toddlers, loading and unloading them in and out of the car and constantly going up and down our stairs with my 30 pound nineteen month old in tow. When nap time finally rolls around {best part of the day!}, I'm too pooped to do anything productive and find myself just crawling into bed. I thrive on projects and productivity and have really struggled with feeling so worthless that much like my toddlers, I too require a daily nap. Trying to recognize it's just a season and listen to my body and embrace the needed rest. Plus, I should probably welcome the opportunity to take a nap considering in three short months it will be hard to come by! But in the meantime, I'm thinking I need this shirt!

{via}

Love me some Easter

Can you believe Easter is next week? Are your baskets filled? Eggs stuffed? Menu planned? If you're looking for some last minute Easter DIYs, check out these darling offerings!

{Treat bags}

{Bunny cupcake toppers}

{Painted egg cartons}

{Sprinkle party favors}

{Bunny ear macaroons}

{Chocolate dipped Peeps}

{Bunny jars}

Scenes from the weekend...

You know you're getting old when two kids' birthday parties, a Costco run and dinner at Chick-fil-A make for the perfect Saturday! It was a whirlwind day but the best kind. Pre-kids, I loved kid parties. Amazing food, usually some booze and fabulous, over the top decorations. You could go and actually mingle with friends. Now attending these parties with kids, it's rare that I get a moment to eat or drink or even notice the decor and mingling is replaced by chasing two toddlers. However this weekend's festivities were different. The boys had the best time at back to back parties. Started the morning off with PJs and pancakes celebrating the sweetest little lady. The best part for the boys? A bounce house! The best part for this preggers? Alcohol-free champs for mimosas! A girl can pretend, right? The boys snagged their donut party favor and were out the door to party #2. We made it just in time to catch the train! It was the cutest thing ever. We all rode the train around the neighborhood and then the kiddos played outside. Thank goodness for nice weather! I am happy to report I actually sat, chatted with friends and even enjoyed some "rail mix." How adorable is that for a train party??

The rest of the weekend was spent being productive! After church, B cleaned off our sitting porch, and I cannot wait to sit and sip a mocktail in this gorgeous Spring weather. He and G managed to organize the garage and put in some new shelving in between a little March Madness basketball watching. Thankfully I got a much needed long nap and did a little meal planning for the week followed by a family trip to Trader Joe's. Always entertaining! Just picture, Jude on B's shoulders shoving a banana in his mouth and George roaming and rooming the aisles pushing his own cart. Luckily no one was injured, and we are set for the week. Let's make it a great one!

Five on Friday

{ONE} Easter Sundae Kits -- In case you didn't notice yesterday, I'm in full on Easter mode. So excited for one of my favorite holidays and am all about egg decorating and basket stuffing. Thinking I'm going to add this darling setup from Sweet Lulu to our plans. These ice cream sundae toppings kits are too cute and would even be perfect for a little cookie decorating with the kiddos. Be sure to check out how they packaged them up as well. I'm a sucker for pinwheels! 

{TWO} A Powerful Reminder -- As fun as it is to get caught up in the excitement of Easter and all the candy, eggs and baskets, I think it's important to not lose sight of the true meaning of this holiday. I came across this verse thanks to Thrive Moms the other day and was so convicted. It was one of those days where I was struggling to find the joy in the tantrums and piles of laundry but was quickly reminded of what matters.  

{THREE} The Perfect Tote -- I keep seeing this bag pop up different places and am loving it! Everyone says it looks way more expensive than it is. Has anyone seen it in person?? Thinking I'm just going to order it and find out!

{FOUR} Dressing the Bump -- And speaking of online shopping, I did a little this week at my go-to for maternity clothes. Picked up some fun sundresses and snagged this lovely as well. I'm headed to the ACMs with B next month and have been dreading dressing the bump. Not wanting to spend a lot on a one time wear cocktail dress, I'm hoping this one does the trick. Thinking some fun accessories and fabulous shoes, and I'll be all set!

{FIVE} Jude's Picnic Party -- One of my favorite new blogs, The Nashville Mom, is featuring Jude's picnic party. Be sure and check out all the fun from Jude's big day!

Today I'm linking up with...

Friday Favorites at Momfessionals

Oh, Hey Friday at September F A R M

High Five for Friday at Bright on a Budget

Friday Favorites at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Five on Friday at Hello! Happiness/A.Liz Adventures/Carolina Charm/The Good Life Blog

Friday Favorites at Life in Leggings

Friday Favorites at Meet @ the Barre

Easter Goodies

Two weeks from today we are heading back to Big D for Easter weekend. I am just so excited for time with family celebrating the beauty of this special holiday. Oh and an egg hunt of course! I cannot believe it is Easter already? Luckily I've been picking up some goodies along the way for my little men to make their day eggstra {sorry I had to!} special.

1. This yellow shirt is one of my spring favorites for little boys. Luckily snagged it and some others during Friends and Family!

2. Jude is on a frog kick and loves saying "ribbit, ribbit!" so I knew the boys needed these darling pjs. Cannot wait to see the little men rocking them Easter morning.

3. My guys are all about some accessories and love them some sunnies. How fun are these?

4. I purchased a similar set to these last year and it was perfect for our egg hunt. Highly recommend!

5. Did I mention the boys like accessories? They are all about some hats!

6. George and Jude are obsessed with my instant camera {as am I!} so I know they will get a kick out of this close-up lens and selfie mirror. And how appropriate it's a bunny??

7. It's not Easter without a bow tie.

8. My George is all about some Curious George and every holiday we get him a Curious George book. This one has stickers, so he will be thrilled!

So what Easter goodies are going in your Easter baskets?

Lucky you!

Happy St. Paddy's Day friends! We are busy eating plenty of Lucky Charms {or at least the marshmallows!}, sipping green milk and making leprechaun bracelets but wanted to pop in and share some lucky deals with you. So many of my favorites are offering fabulous deals today so check them out and treat yourself to a little luck of the Irish!

Gap -- use code TODAY for 40% off your entire purchase and the last day for Friends and Family

Piperlime -- use code LUCKYME for an additional 30% off all sale items

Old Navy -- 27% off with no code needed

J. Crew -- use code SALELOVE for the last day of 25% off

Jennifer Zeuner -- use code LUCKY20 for 20% off all clover jewelry

Sugar Bit -- use code LUCKY for 17% off your entire purchase

Brit + Co -- 25% off your purchase with discount taken at checkout

Scenes from the weekend...

Can I just say warm weather does a mama good! B was under the weather all last week, so there were days I felt like a solo parent. That coupled with rain and clouds each day made me more than ready for the weekend and more than ready for some nice weather! 

What is it about little boys that even rain won't hold them back? A friend's bounce house birthday party turned into a wet, slip and slide but loads of fun for the little men. Standing out in the rain was made even better thanks to plenty of cupcakes!

The sun managed to come out Sunday and the temperatures soared! It was truly a glorious day. We tried out a new restaurant after church and the boys were definitely more into their Krispy Kreme milkshake than the rest of lunch. Are we surprised?? I loved my "fauxlafel" burger!

Luckily everyone got a nap {is there anything better than a Sunday afternoon snooze??}, and then it was park time! A wagon ride, basketball and some baseball made me realize just how much I've missed being outdoors with my little men. It also made me realize how big they are! I just kept staring at them hooping it up with B and could not believe how much they've grown. They are big boys now!