What's In My Cart | Back to School Clothes

**Affiliate links are included in this post.
Believe it or not, but school is right around the corner. I've already started looking for some great deals on back to school clothes, so this week I'm sharing some of my favorite finds for girls. I try to keep things simple so not a lot of thought has to go into putting together an outfit. Anything to make those early mornings go a little smoother.

Find these styles from Amazon here.


I'll be sharing some deals for boys soon so check back! And let me know if you catch any great deals. 


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Easter Weekend 2023

We had a really sweet Easter weekend. We celebrated with friends and as a family - baking, egg hunting, dyeing eggs, and church + brunch.

We were invited to a friend's house to celebrate and I jumped at the opportunity to make an Easter bunny cake. Probably not the best one ever but the kids and I had fun making him, and he tasted delicious!

It was a beautiful weekend to be outside and enjoy all the fun activities! I'm pretty sure we'll be eating egg salad and deviled eggs, and candy, for a couple weeks. But the kids had such a great time with their friends enjoying the holiday weekend. 

Hope you and your family had a very happy Easter too!

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An Easter Tradition | Resurrection Rolls

Happy Good Friday, friends! Easter, like Christmas, is one of those holidays that can easily get lost in the superficial, and lose all meaning and purpose. It's really important to me to remind our kids of the true meaning of why we celebrate Easter, and not just celebrate with candy and more stuff. One of the activities that I enjoy doing with them are Resurrection Rolls. It's hands-on and visual, but also involves food, so it's big hit.

It's pretty simple and only involves a few ingredients and they all are symbolism for something deeper. It can be a great time to have deeper discussion with your kids and talk about the symbolism of each ingredient.

• Marshmallow - Body of Jesus
• Crescent Roll - Tomb
• Melted Butter - Oil of embalming
• Cinnamon & Sugar Mix - Spices for anointing

• Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375º. 
• Separate the crescent rolls into eight triangles. Combine the sugar and cinnamon. Dip each marshmallow (or if using small marshmallows you may use several) into the butter, then roll in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, and place on a triangle. Pinch the dough around the marshmallow, making sure it's sealed tightly or the marshmallow will leak out. 
• Once all crescent rolls are filled and sealed, lightly brush remaining butter over the top and sprinkle with sugar-cinnamon mixture. 
• Bake for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool then enjoy.

Would love to know if you have any Easter traditions you do with your children.

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What's In My Cart | T. Swift Concert Edition

**amazon affiliate links in this post**

I'm fairly certain the most searched for items right now are outfits for the Taylor Swift Eras tour. And it is no different for me.  I'm not-so-patiently counting down the days until her show here in Boston and I  spend my days contemplating what I'm going to wear. I  certainly know it will include pink and sequins! 

Here's a little round-up of what I'm thinking about and wanted to share in case you too are shopping for the event of the year...or quite possibly decade!

Would love to know what you're planning to wear, or what you did wear if you've already attended The Eras Tour!!


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What I Eat in A Day

The beginning of February I visited my doctor for my yearly health physical. I was pretty aware that my weight had gotten a tad out of control but I was not prepared for what I was told. Basically that my "bad" cholestorol had gotten a little too high and I needed to lose 7-10 pounds (more like 20 in my head).

The first week I basically cried and stressed about what to eat and where to even begin. Especially when it came to my coffee. I love my morning creamer and coffee, or coffee and creamer...however you view it, but I knew it had to change.

I'm now down 7 pounds and feel like I have a little handle on things, so I thought I'd share what I typically eat in a day. Depending on the day, I eat 4-5 small meals a day.  And, for the most part, nothing I eat takes too much time or energy...because who has time to spend on food. 

Morning: 
- No Bake Granola Bars
- Proffee (1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder + coffee)

Mid-Morning Snack:

- Chobani No Sugar yogurt w/ KIND Cinnamon Oat Clusters

Lunch: 

- Quinoa & Black Bean Quesadilla

Afternoon Snack:

- Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

Dinner:

- Salmon Patties & Quinoa

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What's In My Cart | Skincare Routine Edition

**post contains affiliate links**

As I slowly climb to the wonderful age of 40, I have been trying to invest and take better care of my skin. Especially my face. And I will be the first to admit that I am not the best at following through with skincare routines, but I am definitely working on it. These are several items that I've been eyeing lately and have been wanting to purchase. 

 

Now I am definitely not your "beauty guru blogger" and do not claim to know a ton about skincare. But I  will share a few things that I use and a little routine that I do using these products. 

Nighttime: 

• Cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Hydro Boost moisturizer 
• Aloe Vera mask (that I leave on)
• Jawline mask (couple times a week)

Morning: 

• Rinse face with water
• Revitalift Triple Power
• Hydro Boost Moisturizer

L'Oreal Hyaluronic Acid | Aloe Vera Gel | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser | Neutrogena Hydro Boost | L'Oreal Revitalift Triple Power | V-Line Lifting Jawline Mask

Would love to hear what you're currently using and love!

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Dining Room Refresh

You know how people sometimes say, Wait to buy that until you think about it...and think about...and think about it some more, and if you just can't stop, then it's meant to be? No?? Oh, well, that's kind of what happened to me with our dining area and these beautiful shelves. 

Where these beautiful shelves are now, used to be landscape photographs that we took on one of our many adventures. And yes, they were beautiful but they didn't serve a purpose or really bring warmth and charm to the space like I wanted.

When I first had the idea of adding something to this area I was originally thinking a bar cart, or something along those lines. But given the small space of our dining area I knew I would be limited to what and where I could add it. 

I came across these shelves in early January and immediately became obsessed with them. But given the price tag, and my guilt for wanting to spend so much money, I continued looking and trying to find something to fill my love of these shelves. Even calling the company and asking for a discount on shipping. Really a discount of any kind.

Then a Sunday in February came when I opened my email and found a free shipping code. And I had high doubt, given they had to be shipped via freight truck, but I once again added them to my cart...and low and behold, it really was free shipping (saving me about $100). I've never bought something(s) so fast! 

And I am even happier now that we have them hung and I love the beauty and warmth they've brought to our little dining space. 

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Quinoa & Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

This is one of my new recipes that I've been enjoying on repeat lately. I typically keep some cooked quinoa on hand and ready so I can put together a recipe in a quick pinch. Quinoa can quickly be seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and garlic and it's ready to go.

I threw this quesadilla together one day for lunch when I was hungry and short on time. It's full of protein and fiber, and best of all, it's very tasty. I was even able to get Hayden to eat some one night when I made the recipe for dinner. 

Let me know if you give it a try and what you think! 

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Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

When your doctor suggests losing some weight and lowering your cholesterol, you take it to heart. I'm already down about 7 pounds and my journey continues. This is a recipe that is so simple and quick to make, whether you're in a hurry in the morning or need an easy afternoon snack.  

One of the things I've been trying to do the past few months is make better choices when it comes to my diet. I've been incorporating a lot more fiber and protein, and a lot less dairy and processed foods. This has become one of my go-to smoothies that I make several days a week. It includes the protein with the peanut butter and the oats are an added bonus to help your heart.

Would love to know if you make this recipe and what you might add to mix it up even more! Maybe a splash of vanilla or a TBSP of honey, yum!

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What's In My Cart | Easter Attire Edition

It's Thursday, so again I have another round-up of What's in My Cart. This week is all about Easter attire and finding the perfect outfits for kids for that special day. I put together a couple different ideas from different stores and different price points. Let me know what you like & happy shopping!

This outfit collection is all from Wal-Mart, and spoiler, I've already bought the girls these matching dresses. I went pretty simple with this grouping because I  wanted everything to be reusable for other events or occasions. And yes, I'm now shopping in the men's section for my oldest.

Toddler Polo | Toddler Khakis | Boy Shoes | Dress | Cardigan | Sandals | Polo | Khakis | Shoes


I absolutely love this combo from Old Navy . It can definitely be a little more, or less, matchy-matchy, depending on how you like to style. And the best part is they offer the same dress and shirts in adult sizes, so if you love a good family outfit, you're set. 

Dress | Cardigan | Sandals | Boy Shirt | Navy Pants | Boy Shoe | Toddler Shirt | Toddler Joggers | Toddler Shoe 

Umm, but okay, this bunny dress is so precious. I'm slightly obsessed with it. Love the pink mixed in with this combo; makes it feel just like spring.  Gymboree is killing it with their Easter attire this year so get it while you still can. 

Suit Set | Shorts Set | Button Down Set | Boys Shoes | Bunny Dress | Sandals

Let me know if you shop any of these outfits. I'd love to know which is your favorite!


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Weekend with my Girl

If you live in or around Boston and you have not had the chance to visit the Citizens Bank Opera House in Boston, you have to put it on your list. It's literally one of the prettiest buildings I've ever set foot into. And luckily, between ballet and broadway, they have shows running year round. 

This weekend I finally got to use one of my Christmas gifts and see Hamilton with my oldest daughter! It was not my first time seeing Hamilton, but it is by far one of my favorite broadway shows, and I could not wait for Stella to see it.  

Hamilton did not disappoint and was just as good the second time around - still bringing tears to my eyes. And Stella enjoyed the atmosphere, music, and her snack. Even having been there before, we still couldn't get over all the beauty.

We had the chance to see Wicked over the summer and I think she's officially been bitten by the theater bug. We're already planning for shows next season, and Frozen is definitely on our list! 

I would love to know if you've had the chance to visit the Citizens Bank Opera House and what show has been your favorite. 

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