Coffee Talk

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm showing up here two days in a row so cheers to that! If we were sitting across from each other with a perfectly crafted coffee here's what I'd be spilling the beans about...

... I just came across these adorable number toys for George called Number Bots. Have you heard of them? Each number turns into a little robot. Adorable.

... I'm finally getting a much needed haircut and color today! Thank the good Lord. It was getting really bad. I snapped a quick before pic this morning and it's unshareable. I look like I'm 10 and stuck my finger in a socket.

... On the haircut front, are swoop/side swept bangs too circa 2008?? I was definitely on the bob train for many years. Should we bring them back? A mom friend pointed out they are very high maintenance which is true. Thoughts?

... I started Little Fires Everywhere maybe 1.5 years ago or more and I'm just getting around to finishing the last 100 pages. It's honestly a really good book and I think Resse Witherspoon is adapting it into a limited tv series? Don't quote me.

... Anyone out there a Corona, Landshark type? Then you're probably sleeping on Modelo. Yep, we're going there people. Stick a lime in it.

... Mothers! Swim diapers! Am I missing something? Swim diapers leak and regular diapers blow up in the water. What's the solution? Do we knowingly turn a blind eye to the leaking swim diapers and run with it? Also, at what age did your child do swim lessons? Is George already behind at 2.5y?

... Speaking of coffee talk, how do you make your coffee? Our coffee has had some serious highs and lows lately. Sometimes I'm drinking what actually tastes like coffee and other days I feel like I'm drinking from the bottom of the garbage can. What's your ratio?

... Anyone out there heard of Faster Way to Fat Loss? It's a program focusing on carb cycling and intermittent fasting which I'm into, but it comes with a $199 price tag. I love Whole 30 because it works and well it's free! Is the cost of Faster Way to Fat Loss worth it? I would love to learn more about carb cycling, low/high macros, etc but for free. Anyone want to share the goods with me?!

Alright folks, I'm running off to get my hair beautified. Have a great day!

A Photo Essay: Patio Season

Since we moved into our house a little over a year ago we knew we wanted to turn a section of our yard into a large patio for grilling and hanging. It has been a huge labor of love from Mr. B who has the technical expertise and vision to make something beautiful and that he did indeed! So, from start to finish our patio adventure took about 3 months, 2,000 wheelbarrow trips, 1 trip to urgent care and as Mr. B says each paver has been touched probably 4 times. We love having an outdoor living area that feels like our own oasis!

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday friends! I hope everyone has had a wonderful week and gearing up for an awesome weekend. I'm hitting you with the fast five for Friday, but before we dive in I just have to put out this PSA: kiss and hug all your loved ones today! You don't have a blog if you don't feel all the emotions in one week or day do you? Lots has been on my heart in the last couple of days about how quickly life can change and we have to celebrate the ones we love every chance we get. I heard on a podcast the other day to greet your spouse like a puppy and the same rings true for all the people we love in our life. So, go out have a great Friday and let's try to greet all the people we love like a puppy!

one | Mommas listen up! My sister turned me onto this product to use at the beach to avoid chafing and irritation for George while wearing wet bathing suits and diapers and it works!! You don't need Gold Bond or any other anicent potions. This will do the trick!

two | Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Salad = Best and easiest summer salad you'll make all season! I whipped this up while we were at the beach and served it along side crab cakes and roasted potatoes and it made for the perfect meal. This is so easy and flavorful!

three | Basic and I'm ok with it! Yes, I've turned into an Erin Condren planner gal and I'm cool with it. Just got in my new planner and I love being able to see our memories all year along.

four | I think I'm late to the party on this one but I just started following the Busy Toddler Instagram account. She has thousands of great [and simple] ideas and activities to keep your kiddos busy. Go check her out!

five | Are you an Elin Hilderbrand book lover? If you're reading this you've probably read all her books and wish one day you could be transported to Nantucket just for a summer. Well, I saw this on Instagram and had to share. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

I hope everyone has a great weekend - Cheers!

This Way to the Beach

We're back from an amazing week at Holden Beach. So many great memories made. So many sandy snacks. So many self made pools. We played well. We ate well. We biked. Hammocked. Relaxed. It was truly one of the best vacations we've had in a while! There isn't one specific reason, but it just felt great. Ya know when you come back from time away and sometimes you feel like that was fun, but not greeeaaaat? This was truly great and we can't wait to do it again next summer! Holden Beach just feels special. It's not commercial or built up, so you can really sink into the sand for an entire week without feeling like you're missing out on activities. I set out last Saturday with the intention to renew, reconnect and rejuvenate and all was accomplished!

Also, the best end to our beach week was celebrating Father's Day on Sunday. If we're being truthful I don't think I've physically been with my father on Father's Day in many, many moons (15? 20 years? We can't even remember) and it was really special.

My heart is so full! Now back to grocery lists and email :)

Saltwater Gospel

Hello from the beautiful shores of NC: sea salted to perfection with the right touch of ocean breeze and eastern NC swagger. We have a week to renew, reconnect and rejuvenate all that’s happened since the last time our toes were in the sand. Having grown up at the beach its always been the place I feel most centered and myself, and I’m hoping in 7 days I leave feeling excited to start anew - whatever that is... outlook, routines, you name it. The lyrics from Eli Young Band’s song Saltwater Gospel always speak to me...

When I go down and sink my feet in the water
And I soak up that sun and I watch it set
Yeah, I can feel the power of the saltwater gospel
I'm as close to God as I can get....
I'm in heaven watchin' all these waves roll in
Amen
When I'm lost I know where to get found again

Short and sweet this time friends, but I’ll leave you with this sweet sandy bottomed little lover!