Friday, August 15, 2014

Oh Hey Friday: Being a Homeowner

Here are a few things I have learned by being a first time homeowner.
1. The dishes don't do themselves.  The longer they sit and wait to be washed, the worse it will be for you.  In case you were like me and very rarely had to load the dishwasher (I was more of the unloader) you don't realize that when food is left unwashed it can become extremely difficult to get off.  So moral of the story when you are done using your plate, spoon, knife, etc. rinse it out and put it directly in the dishwasher.  Also a side tip, as soon as the dishwasher is done, put everything up.  You can't load the dishwasher with your dirty dishes when your dish washer is filled with clean stuff.  You also don't want the dishes piling up because of my first rule.

2. It is embarrassing having people come over to a messy house.  Before I was like it's not a big deal. No one really cares if your house is messy.  Wrong.  My misguided 20 year old self really truly believed that.  Now my 21 year old self is so much wiser (ha).  Well right after Allison was born Cam and I stayed with his parents for a few days and then mine.  We had Allison's newborn pictures scheduled at our house.  It is safe to say that our house was a total mess when the photographer came over.  I'm hoping she didn't think we are gross people because we just had a baby.  I would say that has to be a pass.  But here nor there, it was still embarrassing to have someone in your house who you only met one other time.

3. You need to have a lot of laundry baskets.  I am one to drop the ball on laundry almost all the time. Unfortunately I don't have a maid to do my laundry, only in my dreams.  Sometimes it is easier to wash the clothes and just put them back in basket.  So I have a basket for clean clothes and dirty clothes.  On a side note if you decide to do this, make sure everyone in your house has their own basket for their clean clothes.  FiancĂ© got mad at me one time because all of our clothes were in one basket and he couldn't find what he was looking for.  Be forewarned though, there is a big chance that a lot of your clothes will be wrinkled so you might be spending more time with the iron.  But if you are like me, just shake out your clothes and your good to go!

4. Dust is real.  Okay, I knew that dust was real but I never had to worry about it because my mom took care of it.  So now it is up to me to periodically dust unfortunately.

5. The lawn should be mowed.  Last summer was our first summer at the house and well the grass doesn't cut itself.  We definitely let that go to the wayside all summer.  I know what you are thinking. You are that house.  Yes that was us.  Now that lawn cutting season has come around and we had to pay about $200 during one month to kill weeds.  Yes if we just hired someone to cut our lawn we probably would have spent that over time, if not more.  But really it is easier to pay over time then pay it up front.  And it's totally worth it to have your house looking nicely manicured on the outside.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Packing Essentials: For Baby

Essentials

  • diapers
  • night diapers
  • wipes
  • tylenol
  • thermometer
  • blankets
  • baby carrier
  • stroller
  • gas drops
  • nail clippers

Clothes

  • onesies
  • outfits
  • jacket
  • pants
  • shirts
  • socks

Swimming

  • swimsuits
  • hats
  • sunscreen
  • swim diapers
  • beach towel
  • sunglasses

Sleep Time

  • pack and play
  • sleepers
  • books
  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • monitor

Diaper Bag

  • diapers
  • wipes
  • formula
  • bottles
  • toys
  • bib
  • spoons
  • food
  • burp cloth
  • changing pad
  • butt paste
  • extra outfit
  • nasal aspirator
  • fuzzy blanket
  • light blanket
  • diaper bags
  • formula divider
  • high chair cover

Bath time

  • bath tub
  • towels
  • wash cloths
  • soap
  • lotion
  • brush

Feeding

  • bottles formula
  • sterilizer
  • drying rack
  • water
  • bottle brush
  • bibs
  • spoons
  • bowls
  • cereal
  • food
  • burp cloth
  • boppy
  • boppy cover
What other essentials can you think to add to the list?

Monday, July 14, 2014

Packing Essentials: For Her

So I am pretty positive I made the ultimate packing list (ha just kidding).  Well I tried my best really.  This list definitely took 3 drafts.  I had an "other" column on my list and I filled about 3/4 of that spot.  So now you should be ready and prepared to go almost anywhere (except maybe camping, ha)!

Clothes
  • shirts
  • blouses
  • shorts
  • nike shorts
  • yoga pants
  • dresses
  • jacket
  • swim suit
  • pajamas
  • eye mask 
  • jeans
  • slacks
  • cardigan
Shoes
  • beach shoes
  • tennis shoes
  • sandals
  • flip flops
  • sperrys
  • socks 
  • heels
  • wedges
Make up
  • mascara
  • face wipes
  • face wash
  • eyeliner
  • eye shadow
  • powder
  • blush
  • moisturizer
  • brushes
  • tweezers
  • eyelash curler
  • clarifying lotion
Beach
  • beach bag
  • sunscreen
  • beach towel
  • water shoes
Toiletries
  • body wash
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • razor
  • shaving gel
  • sponge
  • pads
  • tampons
  • towel
  • lotion
  • deodarant
  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • q-tips
  • cotton balls
  • nail clippers 
  • perfume
Essentials
  • phone charger
  • blanket
  • pillow
  • laptop
  • laptop charger
  • camera
  • batteries
  • umbrella
Comment below with anything you can think to add! I will make a comprehensive list in a pdf.  Soon I will be posting packing essentials for him and baby.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Oh Hey Friday: Vacation Plans

In just a few short days... six to be exact... I will be on my way to California with my Allison, my mom, my sister.  Cam will fly out and meet us there.  I must say that 21 hours in a car will be quite interesting with Allison... possibly crazy really.  Any vacationing tips with a baby would be greatly appreciated!  Below are a few places we will be visiting on our trip!
1. Disney Land- I can't wait to take a picture with Cameron, Ally & Mickey.  Allison just ADORES Mickey!
2. Roswall, NM- On the way up we will be stopping here and visiting a UFO musuem!
3. Hollywood- We will definitely spend a day here.  I am beyond excited!
4. Venice Beach- Okay so I am not 100% sure if we are going to Venice Beach, but we are going to a beach.  Last time we talked, this was what was decided.
5. Universal Studios- More scared than anything because I am definitely a fan of the more tamer rides.  Yes I am a wimp and no I am not scared to admit that.  Once upon a time my fiancĂ©, boyfriend at the time, and best friend decided to carry me all the way to the front of line at the batman ride in Six Flags.  It is safe to say I proudly walked all the way back and waited while they rode it.  Ha!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Wedding: A Direction

Finally I decided on a direction for the wedding.  Definitely going to be a rustic chic wedding held in a barn with lights and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  We also finally decided on a for real wedding date.... June 12, 2015!  Yay!!  After looking at all the prices, we decided a friday wedding would be best.  I am also pretty... almost... well sort of certain about our wedding colors.  For sure blush/ light pink and gold.  I want a third color and I am on the fence about mint or a light turquoise.  Who knows what I will choose.  I have changed my mind several times already so let's hope these plans stick!
I know I definitely want a sparkler exit!

Love the lights and colors here.

This chandelier is just gorgeous!

Love the string lights.

I really want mason jar centerpieces.

Love the colors in the table scape!
Sources for pictures:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Wedding Wednesday


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Allison's Six Month Pictures: Part 1

Here are the first half of Allison's six month pictures! Woo hoo.  She definitely was not happy that morning.  Allison is completely capable of sitting up by herself but as soon as I set her down to start posing, she started toppling over.  After that the water works started.  She didn't even fall, I totally caught her in time.  I guess maybe the different environment scared her.  They did turn out good though.  I am very impressed that the photographers caught some smiles.  Part 2 of her pictures will include her outfit change. :)









Monday, July 7, 2014

Bluebonnets

These pictures were taken back at the end of April when Allison was only four months.  She was not super excited about getting pictures as you can see...  But sure enough as soon as we got home and she pooped she was all smiles!  She still sure does look gorgeous, my little beauty!



Really, this one is my favorite.  Allison just looks so pretty here.  (Not that she doesn't look pretty all the time because she totally does!)




She's like, "Mom and dad can you not kiss me at the same time?"




Thursday, July 3, 2014

Allison is ACTUALLY 7 months today!

Did you see that?  That means I am officially caught up with all of her monthly pictures on her.  Sad thing is that y'all won't see any more monthly picture until after august 3rd!  I can't believe my sweet girl is seven months already.  It really is a beautiful thing to watch my little girl grow up.  She is such a perfect little blessing that always brightens my day.





She's like, "hey, my feet are so funny!"  On a side note, she really loves feet.  Her feet, my feet, your feet, every bodies feet!  She seriously start laughing if I start twisting my feet.