Coffee Talk

If we were sitting across from each other sipping a hot cup a joe I'd probably be telling you this...

...first I'd become that mother and spend the majority of our time gushing about my sweet son. I meannn look how sweet he is with Santa! It's just so heartwarming. I will literally treasure this picture forever!

...also, remember I mentioned a few weeks ago that I thought George would start walking soon? Well, hello! We have a walker. I use that term lightly, but he's definitely walking across our living room. Yay for George!

... this was my scene Sunday morning. Perfect reading spot! I started China Rich Girlfriend over the weekend and have already finished it and I'm on to the 3rd book in this series, Rich People Problems. Highly recommend these books. So easy to binge read them too!

...speaking of books - I ordered the 2 books above from Amazon Prime and wouldn't you know it took longer then the free 2-day shipping. Why am I paying for Amazon Prime again?

...anyone else excited for the return of Vanderpump Rules??

...George was supposed to be napping recently and I looked at the monitor and found this sneaky little cutie reading!

...made 2 keepers for dinner recently that I must share - Baked Ziti and Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Both from the Pioneer Woman and as usual make a tonnnnn.

...currently burning this Yankee Candle. The scent combo may seem strange but don't let it fool you!! It smells so good!

...I've come up with the best company for mothers... drum roll please... a highchair detailing service. They would come to your house and detail your dirty macaroni and cheese filled highchair back to its original pristine form. Yay? Nay? How do you mothers keep them looking so clean? Especially the straps!

That's it for today! See you back here soon :)

Happy Friday Y'All!

Let's get into all things good this week!

one | design

The blog got a refresh this week! See how pretty....

two | reading

If you've been reading my blog for any time now, you know that I love me some Elin Hilderbrand! She has just come out with her newest book - Winter Solstice - and I can't wait to get my hands on it. It's the 4th book in her winter series which I wrote about here  and here. Great, easy read by the fire with your favorite candle flickering in the background!

three | latte love

We're still trucking along through our Whole 30 and doing well! I just came across this Whole 30 compliant latte and let.me.tell.you! Wow!! Like straight from a real coffeehouse. Amazingly thick, lattey goodness. Literally tastes just like a latte. Do you catch my drift? Am I being clear enough? No longer do we basic B's have to go spend $23.50 on an average latte. Make it at home! Novel idea I know.

four | ios 11

Has anyone else upgraded to the new iOS on their iPhone? I'm not convinced the iOS 11 is actually here to make our lives better. I think it's a conspiracy to make everyone have to buy a new phone. Battery life isn't great and my phone does more thinking than Einstein just to open and close apps... I no understand??? 

five | makeup

Has anyone else been sucked into watching live videos on Instagram of bloggers and influencers doing their makeup? Is it just me? Why would any normal person on a regular Tuesday need or want to do a 15 setup makeup process? Why are you showing me this contour stick and shadow palette again? Do I really need to contour to run to Target? And when did we all get obsessed with contouring and makeup palettes and lashes anyway? Did I miss something?

Happy Friday everyone! As always, I'm linking up with Five on Friday for this week's Friday Round Up!

Beachin' It

We're back from an amazing week vacation on Holden Beach, NC. If you've never been to Holden you should definitely add it to your list! It's 95% residential and rental homes with a very small commercial area which I love the most. Having grown up in a beach community that thrives on commercial establishments, it was nice to spend the week really removed and leaving behind the feeling of "having" to go somewhere. There really is nothing like taking time for yourself to relax, rejuvenate and renew, and what better way than to do it at the beach! 

This year was special as it was the first year our family [of 2!] and my sister's family went in together for a beautiful house right on the water. There is no other way to do a beach vacation than staying where you have your own walkway to the water. The weather was hit or miss, but we managed to spend almost every day either at the beach or pool. And as I like to say if you can't enjoy the beach while it's cloudy or rainy than you really aren't a beach person! Rain or shine for me and I'm still happy to be a) away on vacation and b) away on vacation!

I went into the week with only one goal, and that was to read, read, read! I managed to get through two books during the first half of the week. I would definitely recommend both books! The first was  The Summer of Good Intentions by Wendy Francis. For whatever reason this book made me boohoo cry! It was based around a family vacation house, love, life and relationships. It was such a great, quick summer read!! The second book I read was  The Glass Kitchen by Linda Frances Lee. This book was based around 3 sisters with a love for food and of course a little love story. Another great read!

If you've stuck with me until now you'll notice I literally took zero pictures the entire week or otherwise I'd be sharing! Next time I'll make sure to document better!

Until next time... Happy Tuesday!

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! TGIF! Just working for the weekend over here. We are sticking around Raleigh this weekend which will be very nice after our travels last month. Mr. B is looking forward to grilling and football on Saturday (go pack!), and I'll be off celebrating a special friend at her baby shower.  For now though, let's get to what's important... Five on Friday!

::one::
I have to call out a sweet friend of mine. Friend = sorority little sister. I specifically remember when we had our Big/Lil Sister Reveal. Back then each little sister had to dress up in something provided by her secret big sister. I remember waiting to the last minute and the only costume thing I could find was a full zip up dog onesie. The only problem was it was suited for a child. Oops! Anyway, fast forward, she's started her own family and blog - J.Glo Mom-life. She has dedicated her blog to the learning's of teaching her sweet daughter Spanish in an English world and all things fitness, family and fun. I know she's going to do great things with her blog, so jump over and visit her site regularly!

::two::
I finished Elin Hilderbrand's The Rumor right before our wedding. I highly recommend it for your next quick read. I also just downloaded her book Winter Street. So far so good! Winter Street is the first book in her winter series. She just released the sequel Winter Stroll. Can't wait to start that one as well!

::three::
Your next Pinterest dinner... 

Oven Roasted Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Ginger Glaze

Baked Tomatoes with Basil and Butter

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

...is your mouth watering yet?

::four::
Earlier this week I was looking through Instagram and came across this picture. My horoscope! I wonder if this is a foreshadowing? If Dorinda from RHONY and I were friends I would have called her up in disbelief. I think someone has tapped my phone.

::five::
 I love to listen to podcast's while I'm at work because it's a great way to pass the time! You may remember me mentioning my guilty pleasure of Straight Talk with Ross Mathews. I recently listened to WTF with Marc Maron's podcast with James Taylor. It's a great listen! Several years ago I had the chance to see James Taylor in concert, and it was exactly what I hoped it would be. He came out in a long blue grandfather looking sweater and was nothing short of amazing! Do you listen to podcasts, and if so which are your favorites?

Alright folks! Until next time...

If you want in on the fun, join Christina, April, Darci and Natasha every Friday!

Books for the win

The other night Mr. B and I had an impromptu date night. We went for dinner and instead of coming home to our favorite TV shows we made a pit stop at Barnes & Noble. Now, I don't know about you, but I love a book store. The idea of a new book is so fun to me, and something about Barnes & Noble makes me feel like I can take a seat right on the floor.

I picked up Lara Casey's new book Make It Happen. So far, this is really good and I'm looking forward to getting more into the book's content. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she lives right down the road in Chapel Hill, NC. If you want to learn more about Lara Casey's story jump over to The Lively Show with Jess Lively. 

Source: Amazon

I also picked up Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. I have to say I was totally sold just by reading the back of the book. Who would have thought! I can't wait to start this, and it looks like a great read.

Source: Amazon

Have you read any good books lately?