Thoughts for Thursday

Hi Y'all!  Today, I'm so excited to co-host and link up with Annie and Nat today, for Thoughts for Thursday!  What a perfect opportunity to share a few things going on in this ole head of mine ;)





I have to admit, the first thought I had today when I woke up was....
TGIF!  It's the weekend!
And then I remembered it was Thursday.




But it's OK!  We have a fun day planned today!!

- I just joined a Princeton Mommy Group this past week, and we already have our third event of the week!  Today is an afternoon picnic at the pool :)  It's so nice to have a community of Moms with babies - after being home in Florida last week, I've really been missing my family and friends.
Hoping this group will provide some support and lots of fun activities for us!  

                                                         

- We are about to book a trip to the Poconos for Labor Day weekend!  Our parents will be joining us, and I am so looking forward to a week in the mountains.  On the agenda: kayaking, horse back riding, hiking, grilling out, and board games - the perfect "end of summer" trip!

via

- I just added a couple summer/early fall pieces to my wardrobe this week!
Both were on sale - and I think will be great transition pieces, especially the dress!




Old Navy Shift Dress
(will wear now with flip flops and a fedora.....later with a jean jacket and booties!)

J.Crew Pom Pom Top
(I've had my eye on this top all summer, and finally scooped it up after it was marked down.  Will wear now with cut-off jean shorts and sandals.....later with skinny jeans and a faux leather jacket!)


- Still working on my blog posts from our Florida trip!  I have so many pictures to go through!
Here is one of my favorites of me and my little man :)  Cannot believe he is 7 months old!




- Speaking of 7 months old....I know his 1 year birthday is just going to sneak up on me, especially because it's right in the middle of the Christmas holiday (December 23)!  Any advice on how to celebrate a winter/holiday baby's birthday??  I've heard of doing 1/2 birthday parties, or just celebrating them early or late....and no Christmas wrapping paper for his gifts!  ;)



 - I have to share this video clip with y'all.  My hubby and I went to college with Jay and Katherine, and they have been great friends to us over the years.  Their story is not only inspirational, but also one full of hope and faith - take a moment to watch!

   

   

   Hope y'all have a wonderful day!  And don't forget to link up below! 

   

  

An InLinkz Link-up

July Favorites

Is it really August?  Already?  Fall may just be my favorite season of all (especially up here in the gorgeous Northeast), but can it really just right around the corner? Eeeeeeeek.

I've got way too many things left on my Summer Bucket List!  

{making s'mores, strawberry pickin', catching fireflies, and kicking my butt into bikini shape!}

But for now, it's time for my Monthly Favorites...all the things I've been loving in July!  

Most of the fashion and beauty were things I traveled to Florida with, 

so they really got a lot of love!  :)

J.Crew Factory Earrings

These were a recent purchase at our nearby J.Crew outlet, and I love them!  They are so girly and feminine, and are actually quite versatile!  They are on major sale right now, too!

Target Swimsuit Top

I've actually gotten quite a few comments and compliments regarding this bikini top, so I thought I'd share it here!  I've been living in this all summer, it's a great top for coverage and support!   

Essie Bikini So Teeny

I've mentioned my love for this color before, and it was on my nails pretty much the whole month of July!  Love the creamy periwinkle color, and looks great with a tan!

L'Oreal Boozy Brunch

This has been a favorite of mine for years, and I'm so happy that I busted it back out this month!  It's such a pretty, bright orange, and looks great on the fingers or toes!  

(It's the color I'm wearing in the picture with the earrings)

MAC Pro Long-wear Concealer

This summer, I've been skipping the foundation, and focusing much more on the concealing.  This stuff is legit...I use it for under-the-eyes, and covering up any spots. Good good stuff.  (This is the next concealer I want to try, though!)

Tarte Bronzer "Park Avenue Princess"

After that concealer, I like to bronze up the face for an all-over glow with this Bronzer.  I used this  a few years ago, and have reached for it time and time again.  I wore it every day during my Florida trip...it's the perfect, natural shade of that warm, golden bronze.

NYX Cream Blush in "Boho Chic" 

For the apples of my cheeks, this has been my go-to blush lately!  I love cream blushes, and this one is a perfect pop of pinky/peach.  It has great staying power, especially if you lightly dust a powder blush on top (my fave).   I love the natural glow this gives me!   Cream blush can be tricky to apply, but the brush below works perfectly!

E.L.F Stippling Brush

Revlon Lip Butters

Bright, bold lipsticks have been a summer fave of mine, but what I really wear on a day-to-day basis are these lip butters.  I am a huge fan of the creamy, smooth, and moisturizing consistency of these babies...I think I own 6 or 7 colors!  "Creme Brûlée" and "Pink Lemonade" are my favorites, and I even love layering them together!

La Croix - Peach Pear

OFFICIALLY.  ADDICTED.  

Cucumber Salad

I recently whipped up this refreshing summer salad and we've enjoyed it several times since then!  John absolutely loved it, and it's so simple to make.  Perfect accompaniment to this pork tenderloin, or to bring to an outdoor picnic! 

And last but certainly not least...

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

These sweet and salty little bites of perfection have been my favorite after-dinner, breakfast, afternoon, mid-afternoon, midnight, etc.  treat :)  I love the Justin's brand as well, but these are cheaper, and I love the bite-sized version!  

Check out more Monthly Faves over at Mia's Blog!

*My June Favorites, if you missed them!*

And, Happy Wednesday!

Florida Vacay- Part 1

Last week, Andrew and I were blessed to have spent 8 glorious days in the Florida sunshine with my family and friends.  We had the best time, and it was an unforgettable trip!

My parents were a HUGE help when it came to taking care of the baby (hello mani/pedi's and girl's nights out)!  It sure is nice to have extra sets of hands around at all times!  Especially when they love your child just as much (and maybe more!) as you do ;)

We ate tons of fabulous seafood, hosted a baby shower for my childhood friend, soaked up some beautiful days at the beach, visited dear family, and even got some relaxing mixed in!
I took a few pictures (there may or may not be around 400), so I'm splitting the trip into a few posts!  And without further adieu......


Dinner out at one of my Pensacola favorites, The Oar House 

BEAUTIFUL Beach Day!

Delicious lunch with the fam at Jaco's

And, Pool Time with my Bestie!  

Stay tuned for Part 2 (and maybe 3 and 4!)

And Happy Monday!!  

Linking up with Biana today!