Five on Friday

1. Snow Day

We finally got our fix! Tuesday through Wednesday morning our area got a mix of sleet and snow, completely shutting down the town for two days. The snow was nothing, but that sleet left a layer of ice  and the streets weren't touched with a bit of salt. Stephen took as many naps as Weeks, and I got to spend some time working on my chandelier, so all in all I was pretty happy. Yesterday we finally got out of the house for a grocery store run. I was starting to go a little stir crazy! 

On Wednesday it was still bitterly cold and windy. We took Weeks out for a few minutes but he wasn't impressed. He could barely open his eyes because the glare and arctic wind blowing in his face!

And since we don't have a sled, we did it southern style...in his wagon!

2. Waterlogue

The next big app, and I am in love with it! This app takes your photo and turns it into a watercolor. I see some printed pictures in my future for a gallery wall addition!

3. J.Crew Parker Boots

Proud owner of these beauties that just came yesterday, on sale and additional 40% off!! The leather is gorgeous and I think they are a little dressier than my Fryes. I just checked and there are a few sizes left, but almost every size available in the extended calf. I'm not sure how much bigger the extended calf is but they are worth every penny! Thanks Mom! ;)

4. Superbowl Sunday!

We are rooting for the Seahawks, in honor of Russell Wilson who was the quarterback at NC State! But, I'm not gonna lie...food is my favorite part of the big game day. What will you be making? Trying to decide between these....

Queso Fundido

Artichoke Bread

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

5. Other J.Crew Picks...
There are some major deals and these are just a few favorites. Absolutely check them out! 

Enjoy your weekend!

Winter Weather in the South

Tofino Boot

Ansley Slipper

Jayda Mittens

Annandale Jacket

Brighton Wave Scarf

Staying warm the best way I know how, indoors with my Ugg slippers on, in front of the fire. Hope everyone else is staying warm and cozy too. Today is the perfect day for some online shopping, am I right? Loving these winter weather essentials that would brighten up the dreariest of days!

Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

I have been really into smoothies as y'all know from my posts here and here. I really have enjoyed trying different combinations and having a new way to get servings of fruits and veggies. That's always something I can improve on. We have experimented and found some real winners that I definitely will be sharing with y'all. First up, a protein shake, for when you need that protein fix. It doesn't hurt that it tastes like dessert. But there is a banana hidden in there, so that's nice!

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN SHAKE

-1 Banana

-A little less than 1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Powder (or you can do 1 whole scoop for more flavor if you want)

-1 tbsp PB2

-6 oz water

-5 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

So I usually don't fill my scoop all the way with the protein powder, but if you want to go right ahead. It will be very chocolatey and probably taste better but I prefer to go a little lighter with the calories.I also have used vanilla protein powder and it is really delish as well!I usually only put 5 ice cubes because that is all that will fit in my Magic Bullet. But if you are using a blender you can definitely add more if you like yours icier. Speaking of the Magic Bullet, I have not stopped using it since I bought it several weeks ago. If you are looking for an easy way to make smoothies, this is your ticket. 

Enjoy! 

Beaded Chandelier Inspiration

On Saturday, we picked up two chandeliers from Lowes after seeing a few DIYS online here and here.   I have been waiting for the right thing to come along for over our breakfast table. When I saw the two different sizes, I couldn't decide. Then an idea popped in my head...why not get both of the chandeliers {both on major sale!} and use one for the entryway and one for the table. That way they are slightly different, but tie the whole hallway together. The entryway has a cheap {crooked!} IKEA chandelier that was just a quick fix. 

I think this is going to really dress up the front hallway with out being too matchy matchy. After looking online for inspiration, I realized just how good of a deal these really are. Wowzers....these babies are a pretty penny. But, I am loving the color combinations of these seen below.

via

via

via

via

Which one is your favorite? Wish me luck. I'm hoping I'm not in way over my head as I attempt this during naptimes! 

Merino Sleep Sacks

Since our little man was only a few weeks old, he has been sleeping in sleep sacks. When he was in the hospital, the nurses did a fantastic job of keeping him swaddled, but however, once we got home we realized how hard it was to make a good baby burrito. He wiggled himself out of it time after time, no matter how tight we thought we had it. Loves to move! But we needed something to keep him warm in his crib at night. When I heard about Merino sleep sacks, I was willing to give it a try since our tall boy was about to outgrow his others. 

I love his new sleep sack. It is a little heavier than the ones he was using, making it great for winter. They are made of a luxurious merino wool, which is good for regulating babies body temperatures. This particular one makes getting in and out of it easy- and I just noticed there is an option for using in the car as well if necessary. He loves his little sleep sack and knows it's bedtime when it comes down to the crib and his sleep sack. There is plenty of room for movement {necessary for him!} and definitely room for growth since these are designed for babies 0-2 years old. That is a long time in the baby clothing world! Most everything else he outgrows in a matter of months. This is the one we got and he is loving it! 

Is your baby a sleep sack lover like ours? I definitely think these are worth a try if you are looking for something long term for your sweets to sleep in! 

Snow Days Past

via

via

via

I am so jealous of everyone getting snow! Don't get me wrong, I love living in the south and enjoy 364 days of the year with out snow...but one day a year it sounds nice. And then it can warm up the next day and melt it all away. The first two years I lived at the beach we had snow...since then, not much. Stephen and I were glued to the weather channel before bed looking at the snowy forecasts for everywhere but here. I can't think of a better day than to stay warm inside with my boys and Dixie, have some hot chocolate and a fire. Here's a few pics from our snow days past. I think you can assume that our dogs love snow!

When you think of snow, you rarely picture it on the beach. It's really beautiful!

Our first married Christmas was a white one! Cozy by the fire.

Enjoy your snow day and stay warm! 

Major Bargain Activewear = Amazing

I am all about feeling good in some fresh workout wear. I don't know about you but it inspires me to be more active, get that workout in and feel good at the same time. I have a mountain of a stack of yoga pants but I always seem to have less tops and wear my favorites over and over again. When I was in  barre class the other morning, I got the downlow on some seriously cute tops. Where from? Hold your breath. Wal-Mart. Yes, I'm officially in love with my new steals.
Don't burst my bubble here and tell me I'm the last to know about these now!

These are all by the Danskin line for Wal Mart, coming in at a whopping $7 each. All of them are fleece lined, making them perfect for around the house, throwing on over a tank for working out, etc. The fleece is so soft and cozy! I got a small in all of them {didn't want to bother to try on} and they all have plenty of room for size small. I think an XS would have worked too.

I wasted no time in wearing them, of course. Wore this yesterday on a walk/jog with Weeks and it was such a great weight for a mild day. I think the contrast drawstring makes it look a lot higher end than $7!

After showering/getting ready I went straight back into comfy clothes. I thought this was a cute set, so I got the leggings to match for this jacket for $9.

And this morning for the gym I wore this with a tank underneath. Love the funnel neck with tie {which is actually the one that I saw in class}. I saw it was sold out online but our store had pink left.

So I spent $30 on three jackets/pullovers and one pair of pants. Is that a deal or not?!

Run...don't walk, to your nearest Wally World! ;)