Friday Favorites

It's Friday again and that means it is time for some of my favorites for the week.

One. I am needing this beautiful cami in my life. I would love it in both colors, but black is more versatile. I would get so much wear out of it that I think I HAVE to buy it.

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Two. I came across this photo on my IG feed this week and I LOVED it. Rory says he needs one of these suits to wear to meetings. Do you watch Million Dollar Listing New York? We are addicted. We also watch the LA one. I am addicted to this show.

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Three. I am eyeing both this dress and this bag. They would be perfect for my upcoming vacation. But seriously, how cute is this palm tree dress?

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Four. I have been searching for the perfect sandals. I need a new pair of black ones after I have majorly scuffed up the toes of my current ones. Sure I can still wear them and I continue to, but I am eyeing these. Too bad they are sold out in my size. I could go for the more expensive option, but that just isn't in my budget right now. If it was, I would get the tan/nude lace up wedges I wanted a few weeks back.

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source (more expensive - $99.95)

Five. Father's Day is right around the corner and I have a blog post coming next week with different gift ideas for that special guy in your life. I did the research so you don't have to. Plus I am sure many other bloggers have as well, but my list is the best (really, but not really). I also have a special treat for you all next week. A little giveaway. Stay tuned.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Here is to a weekend with no sickness, lots of sunshine and some beach time.

P.S. I have 10 days until vacation in case you lost count because I haven't.

I am linking up with April and Karli.

Confessional Thursday

It's time for Confessional Thursday and I have a lot on my mind, so get ready for a lot of confessions.

Wanna join in on the fun with Lynn and I? Grab this button, write your confessions and come back here to link up.

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I confess that this has been a very rough week for me. Between the plague being back in our house (go away sickness, no one likes you), coughing fits from the girls all night which allows no sleep for the parents and teething toddlers, everyone is exhausted and cranky. Ok maybe it's just me that is cranky.

I confess that I overdid it at the gym Tuesday. I did my run workout for the day and then decided to do lunges with barbells and squats with barbells. I could barely walk after that and I am still SOOOOO sore. I took yesterday off as a rest day and I am back at it today. Running that is. No lunges today. OUCH.

I confess that I had too much wine last night. My best friend came into town from Oklahoma (finally) and we had the best time catching up. We met up at Campo (a local Italian favorite), had lots of wine, lots of food and lots of fun. Seriously some of my most favorite people in one room were there. So I guess no regrets on the wine. Until my run this afternoon. Then I might regret it.

I confess that I am in desperate need of some ME time. Time to go to Target alone, time to have an evening with my girlfriends, time to do something for myself and not have to rush home right after.

I confess that I was soooo proud of Jessica for writing this post and showing off her mom bod. She is incredible and she wrote about having a mom bod in the same way that I feel. Or how I would like to feel about my mom bod. So please check it out.

I confess that I fell asleep watching The Bachelorette on Tuesday. I made it through about an hour before I couldn't keep my eyes open. I will force myself to stay up each Bachelorette night so I don't read spoilers the next day. Priorities people. And when they have two nights of it, I have a hard time staying up until 10 or 10:30 two nights in a row. #oldpeopleproblems

I confess that I felt a pang of jealousy when seeing my friends at the beach this weekend. Where was my invite? And how do they all look that good in bikinis. Oh ya, most don't have kids yet. There I go with the mom bod talk again.

I confess that I barely made 4,000 steps yesterday. That is so little steps. My legs hurt so much.

I confess that I really loved my cuddle time at the girls daycare with Avery yesterday. She rarely wants to cuddle me and while Rory was giving Sutton her breathing treatment, Avery laid her head on my chest. My heart swelled a bunch.

UPDATE:
I confess that we had to clean up the worst blow out EVER this morning. After Rory changed Avery and got her dressed, he yelled for me that there was an emergency. I came in and there was poop everywhere. Her fresh diaper blew out and she had poop on her hands, her shirt, her shorts and her legs. But she had played in it (for about 5 seconds, seriously how can poop get everywhere in 5 seconds) and it was on the carpet in two big piles, on their foam alphabet mat and three toys. Chaos ensued to keep Sutton out of it and get it cleaned up. We were scrapping poop off of clothes, pre-treating them, giving Avery a partial bath, cleaning the carpets, cleaning the toys, sterilizing everything all the while trying to get ready to leave for work. So gross and I feel like I can still smell poop.

What's Hap-Pinning Lately

I'm back with another installment of What's Hap-Pinning and today I have a ton of random pins. So get ready to pin away.

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I love these shorts. They seem to be light, airy and I love the print. They are a bit short for this mommy, but still beautiful nonetheless.

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This romper is everything. Blush pink, the light fabric, the deep v and the small circles. I would have loved to wear this about 5 years ago (body wise).

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I swoon over this dress. It would be perfect for the upcoming wedding I am going to. I love the flare, the high neck and the colors. Get in my closet.

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I would wear this necklace daily if I had it. The rose gold, the tear drop shape and the gold chain. Definitely needs to be around my neck.

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Heaven. A Boozy S'More Milkshake. I am in love. This would be perfect for my upcoming Graeagle trip which is in 12 days by the way!

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Everything about this breakfast sounds amazing. I am always looking for new healthy breakfast recipes and this fits the bill. Especially for work days when I only have time to grab yogurt, fruit and some granola. Why not make it ahead of time into something even better?!

Today I am linking up with Jessi and Jenn

Weekending

So it's Monday, I'm exhausted and patiently (not) waiting to get ahold of the girls' pediatrician. Sutton's cough has gotten worse and my mother-in-law said she was super wheezy this weekend, so we are going to take her in this afternoon (hopefully) to make sure her cold isn't bronchitis, pneumonia or something like that.

Last night was the best sleep I have gotten in almost a week. Their coughs weren't as bad last night, but today they still sound awful. Thursday night Sutton coughed so hard, she threw up her dinner and milk all over her bed right after Rory left to softball. And she had just had a bath. So I had to clean her bed, give her another bath and use my hands to get all the throw up chunks off her sheets, blanket and sleep sack. Such is the life of a mom. I had a large glass of wine that night.

Friday, we worked all day long and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (spoiled). I took the girls to Target to return the sunshade and shop around a bit. I almost bought a dress that Evelina mentioned but it fit way too tight across my chest in the XS and the Small was too big in the waist even with the ties cinched. Bummer.

After our outing, we went home to meet up with Rory and take the girls to dinner. They did so well for about 3/4 of it and then Avery had a fit and we had to finish quickly and head home. We did some packing for our trip after putting the girls to bed and relaxed.

Saturday we got up bright and early to drive to Walnut Creek/Orinda, CA for a family gathering. We stopped at our favorite coffee shop for breakfast in Truckee and made it to Orinda about 15 minutes before the event started. We celebrated my sister-in-law and her upcoming arrival of baby Mayer. We also celebrated Rory's great aunts passing. There was lots of food, mimosas and fun with all the kids. My girls had a blast even with their colds.

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Cousin Amanda had the touch with Avery

After the party, we grabbed some milk at the store and headed to our hotel. We checked in, fed the girls some dinner, grabbed some happy hour free drinks downstairs and put the girls to bed around 6:45 since they were exhausted from the day. My in-laws including my sister-in-law and brother-in-law came to our hotel (it's across the street from their apartment) with dinner. We watched the Sharks game and enjoyed some quiet family time. 

Sunday we slept in a bit and had breakfast downstairs. It was chaos and a mistake, but everywhere in the city was packed with brunching people. We met up with my in-laws again, grabbed coffee and then headed over to Rory's grandfather's assisted care home to finally meet the infamous Walter. Rory and his sister haven't seen their grandfather in years and I have never met him, so it was the perfect time to go visit. My girls got to meet their great grandfather, I got to meet my grandfather and everyone reconnected. There were tears, hugs and amazing moments. One too funny and obscene to mention here. Let's just say, I know where Rory gets his naughty mouth from now. We took too many pictures to count on our real camera and I haven't gone through them yet. So I will save those for another post.

After that, we headed to lunch at this Italian deli and it was soooo good. Then we said our goodbyes and headed home. Next time I see my sister-in-law, she will have a beautiful baby. I can't wait. 

We drove home only making two stops and got home around 5 pm. We fed the girls, cooked some stuff for daycare and went on a long walk. Then it was bath time for the girls and off to bed for them. We order delivery pizza and it was heavenly. We caught up on some shows and went to bed early. 

It was a pretty good weekend even though I don't have many pictures to show. Emotional weekend, but a great one nonetheless.

How was your weekend?

I am linking up with Biana today.

Friday Favs and Happenings

It's Friday and I couldn't be happier. Well I could if I was off half day like normal. It's time for some Friday Favs and Happenings.

One. After our children car mirror search, now I am trying to find sun shades for the girls' windows. We bought one blindly at Target the other day and it sucked, so it's going back there after work. The suction cups were bent and it wouldn't stick to the window. So much for Rory's idea on just picking the cheap one. Since I had some time to look at Target and Babies R Us online, I found a couple others that might work. I am thinking the static cling ones will be our best bet for now. Do you all have recommendations? I have to pick one up tonight since we leave to the Bay Area tomorrow. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. At least I get another Target run tonight.

Two. I completed my first week back to running and it feels great. Sure, my legs feel dead, sore and on fire, but I live for that feeling. I can't wait to be able to run long distances again with ease. I also have been incorporating other leg exercises and weights into my routine to change it up. Seems like I need change in lots of areas in my life...exercise, meals and my closet.

Three. The beach is calling my name. I saw a bunch of photos of friends at Lake Tahoe last weekend and I can't wait to go. Part of me wanted to take today off and head up there for half a day, but I need to save my vacation time for my upcoming vacation (which is 17 days away). But now I am trying to plan a beach day next week so I can soak up the sun and dip my feet in cold Tahoe. I.CAN'T.WAIT.

Four. I want to make this or drink something like this this weekend. Cucumber Watermelon Rose Sangria. It has some of my favorite things in it...watermelon, sparkling wine, rose'. It seems like a lot of ingredients and work, but it would be the perfect drink for a summer party.

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Five. I am on the search again for a dress for another wedding I have next month. My old co-worker is getting married and I can't wait to celebrate with him and his bride-to-be. Lombard and Fifth didn't let me down with my dress last time, so I am trying to decide on a new dress from them. They always have new styles, so I might hold off for a bit, but these two I have my eye on. What do you think?

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Today I am linking up with Karli and April.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Confessional Thursday

It's time for another round of Confessional Thursday. So grab your coffee or glass of wine (depending on when you are reading this) and enjoy my confessions and all the confessions of those linking up.

Wanna participate? Grab this button, write your confessions and come back here to link up with Lynn and I.

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I confess that while I love holiday weeks (extra day off), I hate the policy my company has. I work 4 9 hour days and then a 4 hour day on Fridays. This way I can take care of any errands or make appointments without having to miss work. Well during holiday weeks, it is mandatory to work 8 hour days. This means full work day Fridays and no one likes those. Sure, I am super blessed to work a flexible schedule otherwise, but you get used to the routine that it throws you off.

I confess that I wanted to cancel our trip to the Bay Area this weekend because Tuesday night was hell with the girls. Many tantrums, throwing up from crying so hard, screams at the top of their lungs and complete craziness in our household. I didn't want to deal with that again come Monday after being away all weekend and their schedules getting messed up, nor did I want to deal with crazy toddlers at family functions. But as long as my girls are still behaving by then, we are going to go.

Speaking of going to the Bay Area, I really want to stop at the outlets and/or my favorite stores that I never get to shop at and go crazy on all things summer. I could use some more clothes for work.

I confess that we could use a date night. I think the last one we went on was in April for our friends wedding. I would love a dinner out with my husband free of kids picking stuff off my plate or throwing a tantrum. I love my girls, please don't mistake that. We just need date nights.

I confess that I really hope my bikini is ready by this Friday. My friend ordered one a week before me and she got hers last Saturday. So pretty.

Her bikini, not mine

I confess that I am finally planning my work European trip and I couldn't be happier. This trip has been in the words for a year now and my co-worker and I are finally going. I can't wait to explore more of Europe.

I confess that I wrote a scathing email to Ubbi yesterday after I was so mad about the expensive diaper pail. Here is to hoping they have awesome customer service and want to do something about it. Let's hope!

I confess that I bought some jeans during the Nordstrom sale that were recommended to me and I am praying that they fit. They are in my normal size, but I have never bought this brand. So please fit me and look good. Thank you. They should arrive on my doorstep today.

I confess that I giggle over some of my male co-workers pants. Seriously so many of them wear high waters and it kills me. High water slacks aren't in style.

I confess that my legs are jello after two days of running and one of those included a leg day of weights. I have one more run this week (today) and then rest until next week. The pain feels good and I really missed the way running makes me feel.

And that's all I have for you today. Join in on the link up fun below. See you back tomorrow for Friday Fav's.

What's Hap-Pinning Lately

I have a serious all over the place list of pins I have been pinning this week. Everything from baby to running and anything in between. But you can see for yourself below. Welcome to the world of Danielle's chaotic brain this week.

Today I am linking up with Jenn and Jessi.

First up, is the ongoing search for the perfect diaper pail. Is there really any diaper pail that is GREAT? Probably not. We used to have the Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail for about a year and a half. It was starting to smell and we were at the end of our supply of bags, so I searched amazon and so many reviews of diaper pails and ultimately decided on the Ubbi Diaper Pail. After using it for a few weeks, I am finally ready to say that I HATE this diaper pail. Yes, you read that right. Hate. Sure it is prettier than the other brands with the outside being made of steel, an easy sliding door and the ability to use any kind of bag you want. The bad: the so-called childproof lock is dumb. It is a small quarter turn and it is locked and keeps toddlers out. No it doesn't. My girls got in within seconds this morning and were trying to pull the diapers out. Odor control...only when it is closed. If you open it, even for a second, the odor wafts out and stays in the air even after you close it. We tightly wrap their diapers shut and only open the pail for a second and the odor consumes us. Yes, we have toddlers so their poop stinks more, but this doesn't help with the odor. Changing the bag is easy, but when you open the top to get the bag out and have to put a new one in, you gag so much from the smell that you throw up in your mouth. True story.

I am so disappointed in this diaper pail. If you have a newborn to 6 or so month old, it will work great because the baby can't get into it and their diapers don't smell as much. But if you have roaming toddlers like I do, try something else.

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I used to be an avid runner. I loved running and would hit the gym and start my workout with a 30 to 45 minute run. I had long, lean legs and love the way my body looked. Then I got pregnant and had to stop running when I was 6 months pregnant. I have been wanting to get back into running since having the girls and I had started only to have surgery on my umbilical hernia and now I am back to square one again. I am dreading the start up again, but I have to do it at one point or another otherwise I won't have those long and lean legs I strive for. Apparently, I have been doing the elliptical wrong and have bulked up my legs (gross) instead of toning them like I wanted. So yesterday, I started a couch to 5k program. Sure, it seems easy and I feel like I won't need the 8 weeks, but you never know. I needed motivation, so here is to hoping it works out for me.

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So I got my hair done on Friday and I am happy with it, but not sure it is EXACTLY what I wanted. I went in with the idea of doing bayalage and having more natural looking hair that I could go even longer in between appointments. So off, my stylist went. I was looking for a butter blonde bayalage like this...

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It came out more like this one. More of an ash blonde bayalage.

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While I still like it, I fret that it looks like I have silvery grey hair in certain light. Maybe I am freaking out over nothing and it looks great. Who knows, but I have a follow up in 5 weeks to make sure I like it and to change anything I don't. I ended up only trimming it a tiny bit and I am rocking the wavy curls everyday.

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I feel like I am in a food rut lately. I make the same meals day in and day out it seems. We want to change it up and try new things, but some I don't research new meal ideas that often before I go to the grocery store or we pick things that we are more used to. We need some new inspiration. I have seen a ton of these companies all over blogs and facebook and want to know which you like best. We are open to trying a few of them and seeing which we like. So who likes Blue Apron? Sun Basket? Hello Fresh? etc.