Organization tip: snack station

I usually don't post things that I read about on other websites and blogs, but this one was too good to pass up.  It seems so incredibly cute as well as organized so I just had to share.  Check it out here.  And if you have never been to Ohdeedoh, it's seriously amazing!

  

Obsessed with: target diapers

I have tried all the different brands of diapers.  I have to say Target diapers are the best, their wipes are good too.  Their brand Up and Up has great packaging, it looks so fresh and simple, it really does make it fun to buy the basics like diapers and wipes.  Good job on the marketing Target, you got me!  Plus, the dots are super cute.

xo.  

Organized moment: 6:00 wake-up.

For the first time in a while I am up early.  Maybe it was the little jet lag from our recent trip to San Francisco or the fact that I am nearly 5 months pregnant but I just can't seem to get out of bed in the mornings.

Well this morning I was up at 6:00.  I made my bed, dressed in gym clothes (even my sneakers), paid some bills, let Dexter out and fed him, ate my breakfast, packed our school / gym bags for the day and wrote this blog post.

Hmmm? Now what should I do?

xo.

Obsessed with: birthdays

I am definitely one of those people who love birthdays, not only my own but others around me.  Last week was Darren's birthday.  We made him a little party in the house, no major guest list there, just the 4 of us, and Dexter of course.  We kept it super simple.

We bought a chocolate cake at the market and decorated it with strawberries.

We decorated the "birthday chair" and chandelier with beads. 

 

We usually eat dinner at the dining room table, but instead we ate at the kitchen table. 

It was super cozy and fun. 

We made a beautiful birthday sign. 

The birthday guest got to wear at special hat. 

We made his favorite dinner. 

Whole wheat pasta w. turkey bolognese

Okay, maybe his favorite is real pasta w. meat sauce but a healthier version is okay too. 

We ate the cake. 

We also had a musical presentation. 

Notice the beautiful backdrop.  

xo. 

Organization tip: beach minimalism

One of the best things about summer in my opinion, is going to the beach.  But as fun as the beach is, it can also be a bit messy and a little bit of a pain with the packing, snacks, diapers, swimsuits, etc.

Luckily for us in Charleston, we get to go almost all year round.   So I have become a bit of a beach minimalist which makes the whole thing a lot less chaotic and a bit more... organized!

I dress the kids in their suits.

I bring:
1 beach chair for me, it is the backpack kind so I am handsfree... although its a little dorky.
1 bucket of toys.
1 tote bag with snacks, drinks, and a change of clothes for after, 1 towel and a plastic bag for wet suits.

That's it!

When we come home and while kids are still in car, I put away the chair and the toys back on the porch.  I bring in the tote bag.  All the wet items go right in the washing machine, the snacks get mostly tossed at the beach.. and that's it.  Totally unpacked.

When the kids are super sandy, I fill up the kiddy pool and they have a little bath in it (with ice pops of course... no sticky mess!)  I also rinse off all the flip flops, suits, etc and leave outside to dry.   This way they don't even enter the house all sandy...  

We just left the beach an hour ago.  We are all unpacked, kids bathed, fed, and now ready for naps.  And I can relax....  

xo.

Obsessed with: kale chips

Our CSA started up again a few weeks ago.  The last few weeks have been full of greens.  In an attempt to make something delicious while also being nutritious we made some kale chips.  It was also a great way to use up a ton of kale, and was entertainment for my little assistant.  He really did most of the work!

Here's what you do:

Preheat oven to 350.
Break off kale into pieces removing it from the stem.
Place kale pieces on non-stick baking sheet.
spray with olive oil spray.
sprinkle with sea salt.

Organized moment: SF packing list

I feel like we just got back from New York and now we are heading to San Francisco.  I didn't draw out my outfits for the New York trip.  I thought it would have been too much for a 10 day trip.  And as it turns out my clothing options were sort of awful.  Maybe it was the lack of planning or the unpredictable weather.  Hopefully I will be better prepared for San Francisco this week.

When the drawing was scanned, I also made a copy so I could highlight and cross things out as they were packed so nothing was forgotten.

xo.

Obsessed with: Calypso for Target

Ok so this was a big weekend, and it had nothing to do with the Royal Wedding.  I actually didn't even pay attention to all the media surrounding the nuptials of Kate and William as I was eagerly obsessing and awaiting the arrival of Calypso at Target.

Among my friends and I we all had our calendars marked for May 1.  The day when the beloved clothing line, Calypso arrived at Target.  We arrived Sunday morning at 8:15 to snatch up some goodies before they were all gone.    And believe me, there were people that were waiting outside before the opening of the store at 8:00 and they really went on a mad shop, totally "supermarket sweep style."

I think I got some goodies...  Did you get in on the Calypso Target action?

girls' smocked tiered dress

red sequined tunic

white ruffle pajama set

gold earrings

baby bubble romper (heaven!)

baby flip flops

xo.