Oh What Fun

It's always so exciting receiving a new VoxBox in the mail! Size-wise this was actually the smallest box I received, but I think the things inside were some of my favorites.
Starting in the back, there's a case of Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. I already use Cetaphil every night to wash my face. I do always intend to put on moisturizer afterwards, and well... rarely remember. Which is awful, especially with such dry skin in the winter. I love that this is the perfect travel size and think this may be coming along on my next vacation.

These packs of Biscoff cookies were so delicious! I think I ate both packs within 24 hours of receiving my box. I had meant to take a photo of the cookies themselves, but I couldn't help myself.

I used to always use Sephora brand eyeliner but they recently changed their formula and I'm not a fan. I've actually been looking for a new everyday eyeliner and this NYC City Proof 24 Hour Waterproof Eyeliner has been amazing. I've used it practically everyday since it's arrived and haven't had a complaint yet.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I painted my nails. I'm not actually sure I own any nail polish. Till this box arrived that is! I'm now the owner of Pure Ice Nail Polish in Shore Bet. I guess this means I can end my drought of polish-less nails?

While I have worn nail polish before I've never actually worn fake eyelashes. This kit of Kiss True Volume Lashes and Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe does look a little intimidating, but maybe I'll brave them the next time I need to get dressed up.

For more food, there's a coupon for Ore-Ida Tater Tots because honestly who doesn't love tots? I don't believe Elley has had her first tot yet, but I'm pretty sure she'd love them.

Speaking of Elley the last item in the box was specifically for her. It's a Rapunzel from Hallmark itty bittys. She actually already had a Wonder Woman so it looks like the two of them can keep each other company.

Disclosure: I was provided these items through Influenster. All opinions expressed are my own.

Once Upon a Time

We're taking a trip back through time so I can finally share with you all Elley's first birthday. I'm sure you won't be that surprised but I decided to go with a children's book theme. I actually spent way too long on Etsy looking for the perfect customized invitation, but instead wound up finding one on tinyprints that I think was a great preview of things to come
I tried to keep decorations low key and went with a pink and gold theme. I hung up with monthly photos on the wall framed by pink and gold scrapbook paper.
We had pink tableclothes, pink and gold steamers, and I even hung up a gold happy birthday sign. Not that this is the best photo of me or the banner, which has its th upside down, but it is the only photo I have of it.
We had bowls of various type of goldfish out representing One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
Also as appetizers we had The Hungry Caterpillar's cheese and sausage.
I also made Stregna Nona's pasta salad and Deviled green eggs using this recipe from Katie Lee for avocado deviled eggs.
The boy contributed a gumbo as the main course. We also had a hot chocolate bar, although with the temperature being around 80 it wasn't really used. There was still dessert though and I used Blueberries for Sal to inspire the cakes.
I used a Martha Stewart recipe for the actual cake and this awesome recipe for whipped buttercream frosting.
As for the birthday girl, she seemed to have a blast. After everyone ate their lunch we opened presents. Although Elley's wasn't all too happy with the fact she couldn't take each present out as she opened them.
There were a ton of presents, and she got a little distracted by the end, especially with all the people around.
But eventually we made it through, and it was time for cake. I'm not sure I've ever seen a baby eat a smash cake like Elley since instead of eating fistfuls of cake she literally picked the entire thing up in both hands!
She had a blast with that cake though!
She actually managed to get through a good portion of it, of course turning herself blue in the process.
Overall I thought it wound up being a really fun day. Although it's crazy to think my baby is a year old! I'm not quite sure how I let that happen. I'll do my best to make sure her second birthday doesn't get here as quick!

Let's Get Comfortable!

It's that time again, time to share my newest influenster box, the Comfort VoxBox! (I bet you weren't expecting that, were you?) But influenster once again decided to send a box my way, kind of surprising since I'm barely able to blog lately, and these are the goodies I received for review.
Starting in the back is a bag of Fishers Nut Exactly Snack Bites, Almond Popcorn dipped in Milk Chocolate. I had never heard of these before receiving them but they are so, so delicious. A perfect mix of sweet and salty. I'm trying not to eat too many at once and savor them, which is difficult, because I could easily eat the entire bag in one sitting.

Next up is Tide Ultra Stain Release which is great because as a new mom I'm always doing laundry and more often than not have crazy random stains on my clothes that I'm trying to get out.

We then have a coupon for a free jar of Ragu sauce, which is awesome because I'm obsessed with pastas of all kind.

Then there's a jar of Fiber Choice Immunity Support Fruity Bites which are a great combo because not only are you getting fiber but a ton of vitamin C. These actually taste a bit like gummy candy and I have to stop myself from eating more than one.
With more deliciousness is a box of Annie's Creamy Tomato and Bunny Pasta Soup. I'm actually not a huge fan of tomato soup, although do love tomato bisque which is a little crazy, but still enjoyed this soup. Especially the pieces of bunny pasta.

Last up is Sure Fresh & Cool Invisible Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant another necessity, and one I don't always think about needing to buy, so it's definitely much appreciated.

I love getting this boxes because it means I get to try things I've never heard about (like Snack Bites) or things I've been meaning to try (like Annie's since I'm sure as Elley gets older I'm going to start buying their cheddar bunnies). Plus it's always a blast to get fun packages in the mail.

Disclosure: I was provided these items through Influenster. All opinions expressed are my own.

Project 365: Days 215 Through 224

I just finished recapping our trip to California, so in a way it's fitting that this week's Project 365 update includes photos from our trip.
August 4, 2015 - 215/365: Trying out Oreo Thins, which sadly aren't as good as the original. We both that the cream to cookie ratio was just a little off.
August 5, 2015 - 216/365: Flying to California.
August 6, 2015 - 217/365: Splashes during our first time swimming.
August 7, 2015 - 218/365: Playing with a Gift Bag.

August 8, 2015 - 219/365: As I mentioned in my recap from this day, I was to busy visiting with family and didn't think about taking a single photo all day long.
August 9, 2015 - 220/365: At my Great-Great Aunt's 100th Birthday.
August 10, 2015 - 221/365: It's hard to tell from this photo, but inside her little fist is her first ever In-n-Out french fry.
August 11, 2015 - 222/365: Meeting Anna and Elsa at Disneyland California Adventures.
August 12, 2015 - 223/365: Back home in Louisiana, relaxing after a long day of travel, playing Kingdom Builder.
August 13, 2015 - 224/365: Getting into Trouble!

Project 365: Days 195 Through 204

It's that time again... a never ending attempt of catching up on my daily photos! Let's see how this goes...
July 14, 2015 - 195/365: A Bowl of Amy's Red Lentil Soup.
July 15, 2015 - 196/365: I think there's one of these in every Project 365 post, a passed out baby.
July 16, 2015 - 197/365: Birthday Cake Shake from Smashburger. Topped with Golden Oreos, it was just as delicious as you'd imagine!

July 17, 2015 - 198/365: So this is actually the first day without a picture. Pretty impressive getting through half of the year though first. But even though my Project 365 may be more like a 360 or 340 or less, I'm still going to attempt to take as many daily pictures as I can. Which brings us to...
July 18, 2015 - 199/365: Morning Smiles.
July 19, 2015 - 200/365: Playing with an Airplane.
July 20, 2015 - 201/365: Salmon with Artichokes & Asparagus.
July 21, 2015 - 202/365: We recently had a Newk's open near my work and it's becoming my new favorite place to eat. Plus it's right next to Starbucks, so I'll eat lunch there and then grab a frappuccino on my way back. I've tried several of their pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, but this day's selection was a Shrimp and Avocado Salad.
July 22, 2015 - 203/365: Not Amused.
July 23, 2015 - 204/365: Chewing on My Rings.

Project 365: Days 185 Through 194

I'm not yet adding to my California recaps, but I promise I will in time. Especially since I know everyone out there is dying to know about our trip. :) First though, since it's even more behind, another edition of daily photos.
July 4, 2015 - 185/365: So maybe it's not the most patriotic way to celebrate the 4th of July, but I really wanted to make French toast for breakfast.
July 5, 2015 - 186/365: A slightly more American option, a burger on brioche with veggie fries.
July 6, 2015 - 187/365: The last of the new frappucinos, the cupcake frap.
July 7, 2015 - 188/365: Home of the Free Because of the Brave.
July 8, 2015 - 189/365: Someone wants to steal my dinner.
July 9, 2015 - 190/365: Passed Out in Bed.
July 10, 2015 - 191/365: A Night Out at Book Club.
July 11, 2015 - 192/365: 7 Months Outtakes.
July 12, 2015 - 193/365: Playing with Crincklies. This was at the boy's last baseball game of the season after she stole this toy from another baby.
July 13, 2015 - My July Graze box, which sadly it doesn't look like I'll be managing to blog about.

Project 365: Days 175 Through 185

Posts two days in a roll!?!? Of course I do have a number of things I've been meaning to write about, but since it's fairly it's to post about, it's another update of my Project 365.
June 24, 2015 - 175/365: Not Sure About This Banana. Of course, bananas are actually one of her favorites, this was actually just one of the first times where she had actual pieces instead of it all mashed up.
June 25, 2015 - 176/265: Steak with Roasted Broccoli and Smashed Potatoes.
June 26, 2015 - 177/365: I Want Those Carrots!
June 27, 2015 - 178/365: Homemade Biscuits with Egg and Sausage.
June 28, 2015 - 179/365: After seeing the Red Robin commercials for years we finally had one open near us. Although I'm pretty sure I remember eating there growing up. Sadly though, the burger did not live up to the hype.
June 29, 2015 - 180/365: I spent most of this summer obsessed with this Power Kale Caesar Salad from Panera. I wasn't sure I would like it, but clearly that wasn't the case. I normally change up what I pair with it, this time it was a Mediterranean Flatbread.
June 30, 2015 - 181/365: This was probably my least favorite of the summer's frappucinos. Although it really did taste just like cotton candy.
July 1, 2015 - 182/365: I had forgotten about this ice cream until I went to write this post, but it was so, so good. Of course now I kind of want to run out and buy and brand new carton to devour!
July 2, 2015 - 183/365: Lamb with Roasted Vegetables.
July 3, 2015 - 184/365: Winning at Love Letter; a recent game the boy and I discovered.