Double Denim

 top: jcpenny   jeans: old navy   shoes: ?   necklace: old navy 

I feel like its much fewer and farther between these days that I find an outfit that I really like.  The biggest part of that is due to the fact that my day to day far requires me to get dressed for real, and I spend so much less time getting ready.  But this outfit I really like.  

I know I've read people who say that getting dressed for the day regardless of if they are going anywhere, makes them feel more energized and ready for the day.  While a shower may do that for me, I have to say if I'm staying home there is no way I am getting dressed in jeans or "real clothes."  

I know denim and denim is old news and I'm late to the game.  But this statement necklace? I got it at Old Navy for $2 way before statement necklaces were "in" so I was at least ahead of the game in something. 

What's your most recent favorite outfit? 

Just a few

I haven't really made resolutions the last many years but wanted to this year.  I love making lists and love having goals and think it would be helpful to pick a handful of things I hope to work on this year.  I already wrote out a word for the year and learning how to relax is something I want to focus on.  But here are a few other things I hope to accomplish this year: 
To be more disciplined with quiet times.  Before Addilyn was born I'd wake up pretty early before having to get ready for work and read my Bible or journal.  While I wasn't always consistent I did it much more regularly than I do now.  I pray often these days, during middle of the night feedings or when I'm napping with Addilyn, but I have read my Bible so few times in the last five months and want to change that. 
Get  back in shape. I want to get back into my pre-pregnancy shape and would love to eventually get back to the weight I was before I starting all of our hormone treatments a few years ago.  I am working on eating less sweets and still trying to work out at least three times a week.  I really miss feeling strong and in shape.    Run a race.  I haven't decided yet if I'm going to sign up for the Chicago marathon but if I don't do that one then I want to at least do a half marathon this summer.  
Stop comparing.  I struggle with comparing myself to others, my mothering, my baby, my blog and in general need to work on not being jealous and being content and confident in who I am and all the things God has given me. 
Thankful project. I'm really good at being thankful during the month of November and I love that Chris and I have a poster that we write on each year.  I want to make something that we put in Addilyn's room and we write down one thing we're thankful for each day.  
Be more intentional.  I want to be more intentional with my free time, with my time with Chris and in my friendships.  I want to continue to work on initiating things with friends.  I want to not always be on my phone or computer when Chris and I are together.     Not I just need to reread this often and make an effort to work on them!  Cheers to a new year!

Looking forward to . . .

sweater: old navy    pants: target    boots: dsw   necklace:  c/o curated by kelly

Wearing comfy sweaters like this one.  I finally got out my fall/winter clothes and am excited it is finally fall weather.  

Taking Addilyn swimming.  Chris' aunt has an indoor pool and I am thinking we should take Addilyn swimming in it soon. All she needs is some baby swimming accessories and some cute swimwear and she'll be ready.  Thankfully I found her a little bikini at Target a month or so ago for only $2.50 that she needs to wear! 

Trick or treating.  And eating any candy that I steal from my niece and nephews.  I'm not positive if we will even go trick or treating because it's supposed to rain, but Addi will be in costume and I will be eating someone's candy.  Have you seen a cuter cow? 

Getting more canvases for our house.  I recently got this canvas from Easy Canvas Prints, which is the same place I bought the ultrasound one when I was pregnant.  I love how they both look on the wall in Addilyn's room.  I finally got around to picking out which newborn pictures to use for canvases to hang in our living room and I am so excited to get them.  They always have the best deals and turn out great!

My birthday.  Saturday is my birthday and Chris and I are planning on going on our first real date without Addilyn.  Excited to spend some alone time with Chris, but also to celebrate my birthday this weekend as a family of three!

Five

pants: loft   shoes: kohls  necklace: c/o curated by kelly

1. I've wanted a pair of boyfriend jeans forever and recently got these and another pair.  My problem is that I think they make my legs look even shorter.  I may need some style help with them.  Hopefully the answer isn't that they just don't work with short legs. 

2. On Sunday we went to the forest preserve after church and brought lunch.  It was so fun to do things as a family and I think it may become a new weekend routine as long as the weather is nice. 

3. I've slowly started working out again.  Although it's only happened a few times, it feels good to break a sweat (not from hormones or when I'm nursing and get overly hot).  I still hate Jillian Micheal's voice and mute the tv.  

4.  I forgot to share this sweet bracelet that Chris got me after we had Addilyn.  It came in the mail the day we had to come home while she was in the nursery, which was such perfect timing.  I LOVE it. 

source

5. I am ready to start decorating for Fall, even though the weather isn't quite there.  I bought a chalkboard pen yesterday and want to do something like this on the chalkboard by our front door.   When do you start decorating for fall? 

I hope you have a great weekend!

Pet Peeves

skirt: target   cardigan: old navy   boots: old navy  necklace: wild about jewelry 

I'm actually really surprised that I have yet to write a post about my pet peeves.

Mostly because I am probably one of the most easily annoyed people in the world.  One time my sister told me that there is this real thing where some people hear little noises louder than others and it triggers something differently in their brain.  Something like that.

Well I've held on pretty tight to that bit of information and tell myself I can't help it.

Because to be honest almost any noises annoy me.  Clicking, smacking, chewing, tapping.  You name it.

I guess I actually did mention in one post a few annoying things that Chris does, like picking his teeth.



But here are some of the top pet peeves on my list:

finger or pencil tapping
chomping food or gum
hitting a fork with your teeth when you eat
throat scratching or clearing
slurping

Now Chris' only pet peeve is that I have so many pet peeves.

What are some on your list? Please tell me I am not alone!

Dear Lauren and Lauren,

dress: discovery (worn here)  shirt: jcpenney  necklace: old navy

It figures that my Laurens not only share a name,
but have birthdays within two days of each other.  

Dear Lauren, 

I know I say this often but you are truly my best friend.   I am so thankful to have a sister that I can laugh with, talk about anything to, and get encouragement and advice from.  I'm thankful that we share a love of coffee, blogs, Target trail mix, shopping, clearance clothes, and desserts. 

I admire the kind of friend, mother and woman of God you are.  You are one of the greatest blessings in my life and I am beyond thankful for our relationship.  

Dear Lauren in Law, 

I couldn't be happier with the woman my brother married.  Not only did he get lucky, but our family did too!  I love your sweet, funny and loving personality.  I am beyond happy that you live 5 minutes from me and can't wait to spend time more time with you.  

I admire you for your outgoing personality, your humor and your attitude.  I am so lucky to have an amazing sister in law who I know will be one of my closest friends.  

Happy birthday Lauren and Lauren.  I love you both SO much and know I am one lucky sister!

Love, 

Summer Katie

 dress: discovery  necklace: world market  

sandals: tjmaxx

A few summers ago, once school ended Chris referred to me many times as "Summer Katie."

Implying that in the summer I am a different person.

At first I was offended, thinking he must think (and then make others think) that I am unhappy, crabby and not as fun during the school year. 

Then I was honest with myself.  Let's be real here. 

Who wouldn't be more relaxed, enjoyable and more fun to be around when they aren't working?

I'm pretty sure I am.  

Well with today being the last day of school hello Summer Katie!  

pleated poppy   rolled up pretty
the letter 4   

Dear Lauren and Lauren,

dress: banana republic outlet  belt: old navy  necklace: world market

I went to World Market last weekend to buy Chris some olives, cheese and crackers for his birthday.
(Yep, we roll out the expensive gifts around here for birthdays.)

And I found this necklace for $6.00.  I love it! 

I am SO excited for this wedding weekend ahead!

It's funny because I almost feel like I've been more involved in your wedding Lauren then in my own.  Maybe that's not true and maybe I don't remember well enough since it was seven years ago.  But I was also pretty much a baby when I got married and my mom helped me an unbelievable amount, so maybe it is true.  

Either way I've been looking forward to this weekend for a long time!

Lauren I can't wait to see you and give you a huge hug tomorrow night.  

Lauren in law you will make a stunning bride and I can't wait to see you marry my brother.  

Getting to be with both of my Laurens is right up top on my happy scale. 

Love you both! 

Love,

pleated poppy    what I wore
whatever wednesday   what I love wednesday