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.

Baby Wishes

Elley's 1st birthday is barely 3 weeks away! On top of that, her birthday is in December, which means not only is she going to grow up with birthday presents, but Hanukkah and Christmas presents as well. I've been stocking up presents for her, far more than really necessary, but even so there's still a few things on her birthday/holiday wish list.
Toy Cell Phone
Like most babies born in the twenty teens, Elley is obsessed with cell phones, likely because she always sees grown-ups playing on them. Technically she has her "own cell phone" which is really a calculator, but it works... sometimes. I'm not sure this will completely trick her into believing it's the real thing, but if it lights up it might hold her attention for a little while.

KidKraft Shabbat Set
I'm kind of obsessed with this toy Shabbat set and kind of want it for myself. It includes two candles, a wine glass, and a challah, everything a kid could need to celebrate Shabbat. We haven't yet started doing Shabbat with Elley, but that's mainly because she's not quite ready to eat a whole meal with us each night. Altough I have a feeling it will start to happen in the next year and this seems like a fun way for her to have her own Shabbat celebrations once she learns what they are.

Sports Toy with Balls
I think she'd love any type of sports toy but this Having a Ball 5-in-1 Sports Zone looks awesome! It includes pieces to play soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, and basketball which I guess would give her an early start on deciding which one she likes best.

Little People
I keep seeing commercials for this Little People Big Animal Zoo and think it looks adorable. It's funny in a way, because while I remember Little People from when I was little, I don't remember being a huge fan of them. But maybe Elley would be different? I'm sure she'd like any of the Little People sets, but I like this one because there's an elephant and a monkey. If only there was a Tiger too!

Books
Of course this is on the list! As for a few specific ones, we love the BabyLit classic series, but when I saw they had a book on California that's a landscape primer, I knew she had to have it eventually! Another good one that I love giving as a gift is The Day the Crayons Quit. As for some older options, she'd love more of the Angelina Ballerina books. The only one we currently have is Angelina and Alice. Not too surprising, I actually have a whole shelf on goodreads for her books on her wishlist, although it could easily have a few more additions to it.

KidKraft Jewish Holidays Puzzles
Yes, it's another KidKraft Jewish themed item. They actually have quite a few of them and make me wish they were around when I was little. This one is a set of puzzles each for a different holiday. With a puzzle for Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Shabbat they work all year round.

Although all things being equal, I'm sure what Elley will be most excited about is all the paper to rip and boxes to climb in. But you can't say we didn't try? (For fun, you can see Elley's holiday wish list from last year when she was only two weeks old here.)

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.

I'm the Nurturing Type

For a while now I've always been jealous of everyone else's Influenster boxes. Except now I can finally join the crowd, since I received my first complimentary box from them for review. Of course, it's the perfect box for me since it's a Nurture box for moms, something that's still fairly new to me as well.
First for the smaller items there were coupons for Uncle Ben's flavored rice and OreIda potatoes. I haven't had a chance to use these yet, as you'll see is the theme for most things here, but since they expire somewhat soon, I'll need to get on that!

Something that's more for me than Elley, is the Hada Labo Anti-Aging Facial Mask. I can't remember the last time I used a face mask (maybe in high school?), but I'm looking forward to making the time to relax a little and try this out.

Then there's something definitely more for Elley than me, skinfix diaper cream, the perfect size to throw in the diaper bag.

Next up is something that we can both use, Blue Lizard sunscreen in sensitive and sport versions. Sadly, I've yet to be in a bathing suit this summer. But we'll be heading out to California next month so not only will I hopefully get to spend time in one, it will also be Elley first trip to the beach. (And first plane ride too, but I'm trying not to think about that!)

There is one more item best geared for Elley, or at least her in a few years, and that's Attitude hair detangler. I remember how awful it was having my mom brush my hair when I was little, but hopefully this is able to make that process a little smoother for Elley.

Last but certainly not least, were my Red Vines. Out of everything in the box this is what I was most excited about which is a little silly since I buy them all the time. But seriously, I think there's Red Vine people in the world and then people who have only tried Twizzlers! I made quick work of these though and devoured them the last time the boy and I went to the movies.
All in all a package worth waiting for and I'm excited to see what else makes it my way from Influenster!

Project 365: Days 21 Through 28

Last weeks daily photos may not have made it to the blog, but they're still happening. At least I've been able to stay on top of something!
January 21, 2015 - 21/365: Cloth Diapers Drying. We're actually doing really well with cloth diapers. I don't have a huge stash, so we just wear them in the day to be able to wash them every other day. But so far I'm a really big fan of them. The boy, not so much, but we'll see if he comes around eventually.
January 22, 2015 - 22/365: Oreos Before Bed.
January 23, 2015 - 23/35: Lazy Chicken Lasagna. This was really only a jar of pasta sauce, a rotisserie chicken, a bag of spinach, pasta, and cheese. Not the most amazing dinner, but for how simple it was, it's pretty awesome.
January 24, 2015 - 24/365: Winter Themed Bookshelves in the Nursery.
January 25, 2015 - 25/365: Last Sunday I decided I needed a trip out of the house, so went to Target while the boy watched Elley during one of her naps. First I stopped in the Starbucks in Target for a caramel brulee latte and chocolate croissant. Then wandered the aisles picking of snacks for the week. Pretty crazy that I'm already to the point where a trip to Target by myself is an amazing escape!
January 26, 2015 - 26/365: One of those Target purchases, this cinnamon bagel and Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa.
January 27, 2015 - 27/365: I also bought these pumpkin pie poptarts. There were on sale since pumpkin season is over, but still don't expire for another year. Considering I missed most of pumpkin season with gestational diabetes, these were almost heaven sent!
January 28, 2015 - 28/365: The Face of a Baby After a Full Night's Sleep. Seriously! The night before we put her to bed after eating at 7:30 and she slept till 6:30. I even woke the boy up around 4 since I couldn't believe she was still sleeping. It's only happened once since then, but still, looks like we have pretty much an awesome baby!

Five on Friday (5)

It's my first Five on Friday of the new year!

So far, we have had a fairly low key new year. We spent New Year's Eve at home and New Year's Day at my in-laws' eating lunch and watching football. As for a few other random updates...
1. My Erin Condren planner arrived! 2014 was my first year with one, my first year with a written planner since college even, and it was a success. It definitely helped that I had all type of pregnancy related appointments to keep track up, but I used it for a number of other things as well, like writing down shopping lists and scheduling blog posts. After one year with one, I knew 2015 wouldn't quite be the same without a brand new one to carry around with me, and I can't wait to start getting use out of it.

2. I'm always reading new books, but something I don't do very often since getting into book blogging is reread favorite books. I did reread The Mennyms last year and had a blast, which is why I'm so excited to participate in the 2015 Reread Challenge. I know my overall reading will likely be down in 2015 with our daughter taking up quite a bit of time, but even if it's limited I still want to make a point to reread more in 2015.
3. Three-weeks-old isn't too young for an American Girl doll, is it? Because I'm obsessed with the 2015 doll of the year and think my daughter needs her. I mean she's a baker that's a francophile (and yes, I do realize it's a little odd for a French themed American girl). But still her accessories include macaroons and a slice of brie! Plus there's a French bistro set! And she's only here for one year, so would it really be that awful to buy her for my daughter now, since she won't be available once she's older?!?!?!

4. About two weeks ago we had newborn photos taken. We don't have the photos back yet, but our photographer, who blogs at Little Mrs. Married posted a behind the scenes sneak peak. If I already wasn't excited about them, that photo only increases the anticipation, and I can't wait to see how they all turn out.
5. Speaking of bloggers and babies, I was gratful to receive this gift from Lisa and Amber two of my longest blogging friends. There's definitely something to be said for the blogging community and the friendships that you're able to form with people across the world. I really wasn't expecting to receive anything like this, but I can't even express how excited I was to see it arrive in the mail.

If you're stopping by from Five on Friday be sure to say hello! And just for fun, how old were you when you received your first American Girl doll? As for me, I received Felicity for Hanukkah in second grade which would have made me seven-years-old.

Tiny Wishes

Last week I posted my holiday wish list, so this week I thought it only made sense to post the baby's wish list. After all while they may not be here yet, they'll definitely be here for the holidays and they'll need to presents to open... or well, presents that someone else will open while they're asleep.


During one of my trips shopping for maternity clothes I was swayed to subscribe to Parents magazine for a few extra dollars. I love reading magazines, so it was well worth it to me. Anyways, their December issue had a list of the top toys, and while our baby may not be old enough for most of them, I thought this Skwish Stix is definitely something they could grow into. Plus it looks like a lot of fun.



One thing that I really want to make happen with the baby is cloth diapers. I've already built of a stash of 9 diapers, but I'd love to have at least 15 or so. My original plan was to have a stash of both bumGenius 4.0 and Flips since I've each is better in different situations, but so far I just have 4.0s (as well as one accidental bumGenius Elemental). At this point part of me thinks it may just be easier to stick with the 4.0s, but I'd still love to add either type to my collection.



On a similar note, I know eventually I'm going to need a diaper sprayer. I probably won't need one for several months or so, but I'd definitely love to stock up on one know just so I won't have to worry about it later.



I've posted before about how I recently went through all my children's books and added them to the baby's library. But surprisingly there's a few classics missing that well, I think are pretty mandatory. One of these would be Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.


The second, from a long list actually that I'll likely never complete, is Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt. Although I wouldn't call the stuffed bunny a necessity.



I actually meant to buy our car seat/stroller adapter when I used the completion discount on our registry, but sadly it was out of stock at the time. Definitely something our baby is going to need especially for all those long walks I'll be taking... or I guess when we're out and out, since as much as I may have dreams of walking with the baby around the neighborhood I realize it's not necessarily likely to happen.



The baby doesn't actually have many pacifiers, which means I'm sure we'll be buying a ton in the months to come. But I can't get over how adorable the WubbaNub pacifiers are. Plus I've heard that the stuffed animal actually helps the baby keep hold of them.



While LSU may not have had the best season, they're still on their way to a bowl game, and sadly the baby has nothing to wear while watching it. Honestly, I don't really care what the baby will be wearing as long as it's LSU. And maybe the baby will be LSU's good luck charm for a win?

I do realize it's a little crazy to be writing out this list for a tiny human that may not even exist yet. But at least I had fun doing it. And I'm sure each year from here on out it's only going to get more fun and they express their own opinion on what they're really looking forward to receiving.

When You Wish...

I feel like I'm incredibly late coming up with my holiday wish list this year. Actually it's a proven fact considering my wish lists from 2013, 2012, and 2010 were all posted in November. I guess I may have just been a little preoccupied by the fact that a baby will be joining our house in about a week! But since I'm not yet officially a mom, I guess I can still be a little selfish and list out of few things I'd love to take home this holiday season.


Pajamas from Victoria's Secret used to be my go-to holiday wish, at least until I stocked up on a drawer full of them. But all the ones I have are either tank tops or t-shirt tops, which don't really lend themselves to middle of the night feedings. So I'd love to have at least one button down pair to add. These ones with pictures of Paris, London, and France appropriately called City Girl Print are the favorites that I've found.


We don't really have a ton of decorative plates in our house. These ones while they're meant to be used as Hanukkah, would likely work just as well for Passover in my opinion. Plus well, pretty much any other Jewish holiday.


The first concert I ever went to was Garth Brooks and actually the first cd I bought was also by him, (except by cd, I actually mean tape...) so he's definitely a long time favorite. I have pretty much all his other cds, and I'd love to add his newest to my collection.


We do have a dish towel that I love that we keep on the stove, but it's starting to show some wear and tear. I'm not quite ready to retire it, but I'd at least be willing to rotate it with this one of French cheeses.


After what feels like years of not being able to eat desserts, once the baby is out all bets are off. Well, not really, but still, I'll be eating desserts again. While we may not have an actual See's store in Louisiana, during holiday season there is at least normally a cart of this amazing-ness at the mall. I'd love to have a box of their soft centers.... or maybe their peanut brittle... or both!


We do have two casserole dishes, but they're both clear and kind of boring. So I'd love to add a pretty Le Creuset one to our collection. Plus both of our dishes are rectangle, and this one is square, so clearly we need to diversify.


I did get my pump through my insurance, but recently realized I'll actually need something to carry it to and from work each day. Not only do I like the way this one looks, but it's specifically made for the type of pump I have.


We actually do have a good amount of our china, but still, you can always have more... at least until you've completed it. One thing we don't have are any serving platters, like this medium sized one.

What are some of the items on your holiday wish list this year?

November in Review

It's my last monthly recap without a baby! Crazy to think, right? So I guess we all know that the highlight of my December recap will be, at least assuming I find time to write one. But since we're still a week or so away from inviting in a new tiny permanent house guest, here's a look back at November.

In November......I attended my baby shower
and was thrown a second shower at work.
...I traded in my old car from high school, seen above right before my brother and I drove it from L.A. to LA back in 2006, for a new, far more baby friendly car. In particular an Acord, which basically met my need of having 4 doors. Plus it's a pretty bit upgrade from my old car which had both manual windows and locks!
...We celebrated Thanksgiving, and while I tried not to go crazy, it's still pretty clearly not the most gestational diabetes friendly plate. As for my contributions, I made the oyster stuffing that my mom, grandmother, and I think even great-grandmother used to make, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
I'm not sure if it was the fact I haven't had much sugar lately, but I really do think this year's pie came out better than it ever has before.

...I posted reviews of 4 books and 1 movie
The Lost Daughter by Lucy Ferris
Mennyms Alone by Sylvia Waugh
Husband-Coached Childbirth by Robert A. Bradley, M.D.
Mennyms Alive by Sylvia Waugh
Big Hero 6
Maybe somewhat surprisingly considering the number of books to movies, my favorite this month has to be Big Hero 6.

...4 years ago, in 2010, I wrote how American Girl was retiring Felicity.
Although I do have high hopes that since they brought back Samantha earlier this year, they may eventually bring back Felicity as well... only time will tell.

What were some of your highlights from this past November?

Thanksgiving Traditions

Growing up football on Thanksgiving was never really part of our tradition. I knew games were on, and I remember my uncle mainly sitting down to watch them, but I never really gave them much thought. I couldn't have even told you that certain teams played ever year let alone who those teams were.

Except the more time I've spent with the boy as a couple, the more football has become a part of my life, so much so that I now know Dallas and Detroit are the teams that play every year on Thanksgiving.

But there's more than just NFL on each year, there's also college teams. Until recently you always expected to see Texas A&M and Texas play each other, but no longer since they're aren't in the same conference. LSU didn't officially play on Thanksgiving, but normally the day after against Arkansas. Except this has changed as well.

This year for the first time LSU will be playing Texas A&M on Thanksgiving for the start of a new tradition. So on top of enjoying a delicious meal of my favorites today (stuffing and pumpkin pie mainly, which so aren't gestational diabetes friendly, except I'm giving myself a pass this day), you can count on the fact that we'll also be cheering on the Tigers.

Speaking of that whole pregnancy thing, it does make dressing for games a bit difficult. I'm pretty sure I only have one single purple top that fits (although I do have the dress I wore to my baby shower as well).
The boy on the other hand doesn't have this problem, especially when he's wearing his Dockers® Game Day Khakis like in the photo above. You can't quite tell in the photo, but the back pocket is embroidered with a purple LSU, and inside the waistband it says Geaux Tigers again in purple. So while the boy may not look like he's showing his team spirit (with his expression or clothing), I promise you there's a tiger fan inside!

Do you make football a part of your Thanksgiving tradition each year?

Disclosure: Dockers® provided the boy's Dockers® Game Day Khakis. All opinions expressed are my own.

Trendy Tot Tuesday - Janie and Jack

I remember hearing about Janie and Jack on various blogs back before I was even pregnant. I thought their stuff was adorable and knew once we had a baby I had to make sure they had some of their items to wear. Which is why on my trip to Houston earlier this year, when I saw there store I had to stop in. Especially since there isn't one in Baton Rouge. Lucky for me we were in there in the middle of a sale, which made me feel far better about picking these things up.
First was the pink sweater from the boy's section. It can definitely be hard to buy unisex clothing but I figured this was perfect. Yes, it's pink which says girl, except technically it is meant for boys, so it could easily work either way.

In the middle is a crab onesie with matching socks. While I realize it may not be the best theme for a winter baby, I figure we can definitely make it work.

Finally on the right there's elephant pajamas with a matching hat, which I have a feeling I'll be making the most use of.

While I love Janie and Jack's clothes, it's expensive enough that I know it likely won't be a common purchase. But I have a feeling every once in a while I won't be able to help myself to bring home an item or two!

Spirit in Style {Sponsored}

This post is sponsered by Dockers® Game Day Khakis
A few weeks after I first moved to Louisiana it was time for my first LSU football. Except as I quickly learned I had practically no purple and gold in my wardrobe. Thankfully I managed to find a single yellow shirt, which I wore to my first tailgate, and a single purple shirt which I wore to my first game.

Me & one of my Bridesmaids at our first tailgate

At Tiger StadiumIn the years since I've greatly added to my purple and gold collection. In fact when I'm buying clothes more often than not if it's an option I'm likely to choose purple.

Celebrating my 25th Birthday

At Alex Box StadiumMy LSU clothes have been with me at some pretty big occasion from shopping for my wedding dress,

With that same bridesmaid and my MOHto meeting blog friends,

With Melissa from Little Miss Mariedto the release of the newest Backstreet Boys cd.

With A World Like ThisThey even traveled halfway around the world with me to Japan.

At Tokyo DisneyThe boy on the other hand, having grown up in Louisiana has always had a big collection of purple and gold. But that doesn't stop him from wearing the same shirt, without washing it of course, for an entire season just because it's good luck.

The boy wearing Dockers® Game Day Khakis

Drenched in Death ValleyHow do you show your school spirit? And is there one color you wind up buying for yourself most often?

The Dockers® brand has announced the US launch of its Game Day Khakis collection, a new line of khaki pants specific to 10 college partners including Louisiana State University, University of Minnesota, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, University of Michigan, University of Missouri and Washington State University.The brand’s first collection of licensed college apparel will consist of two different khaki styles that incorporate the college logos and mottos. Blending the rich traditions of college sports with the versatility of Dockers® signature styles, Game Day Khakis give fans the ability to express team pride through their everyday wardrobe.

Prepping for Thanksgivukkah

It feels awfully early to start thinking about the holidays, but with Hanukkah starting so early this year (before Thanksgiving even!) it will be here awfully soon. So in what's becoming somewhat of a holiday tradition around here, it's my holiday wish list. (If your curious these are my lists from 2012 and 2010.)
Pottery Barn towels
John Besh's Cooking From the Heart
Soup bowls in our china pattern
zLes Miserables Deluxe Edition Soundtrack
The Pioneer Woman's A Year of Holidays
Serving bowl in our china pattern
Pitch Perfect Soundtrack
DVD of Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing

What's on your holiday wish list this year?

Apple-icious {Giveaway}

If you've been reading blogs for any amount of time, I'm sure by now you've probably heard of Shabby Apple. Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses, and they have offered to give away $50 to one of my readers.

I haven't actually purchased anything from Shabby Apple before, so I can't quite vouch for the quality, but do think some of their dresses are awfully adorable. If I won, and had $50 to spend, here are some of the dress I just might purchase for myself.
Now I may not able to purchase any of these dresses for free, but you can! (Or at least use $50 towards your purchse.) Just enter to win using the rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wishing & Hoping Again

Two years ago I wrote this post with my holiday wish list, and I thought it would be fun to bring the idea back this year. I'm not really expecting anyone to buy things from this, but just thought it would be fun. Plus I think it's interesting looking at what I wanted two years ago, and see all how many similarities there are, and just what is different.
Pasta Maker from Sur La Table, which was actually from our wedding registry and never gifted.
Madame Serpent by Jean Plaidy
While this exact book wasn't on my last wish list, there still was another Jean Plaidy title I was lusting over (and have since read).
Soup bowl in our Vera Wang china pattern from Macy's, also left over from our registry.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Duvet cover from Pottery Barn
And yes, this was also left over from our registry.
The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
And again, while this exact book wasn't one my list two years ago, there was a Greggory book on it.
Towels from Pottery Barn
The boy actually received the purple towels he wanted, but these are the blue towels I wanted. Do we really need separate towels? Probably not, but this is a wish list, not a need list after all.
The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Taylor Switf's Red
Finally, while Red wasn't on my list from two years ago, I bet by now you can guess what was on my last one.

What's on your wish list this year? Are you lusting over any of the same things as me?