Nest of Posies

happy weekend

2012-06-01T10:40:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to throw a "sip & dip" party for all my closest friends. Perhaps one day I will.

Loving this table set up from PB. In fact, I'm drooling over it.

Thanks so much for all the comments & heart filled emails from yesterday's post. Gosh, you all made me feel like a millions bucks.

;)

Have a lovely weekend.

Can you believe it's June...already!?!?

xoxo

the FREEDOM to be wearing white pants...again

2012-05-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

They call it the Nova Sure Procedure, but for me, it's the freedom to wear white pants again - procedure.

I hesitated in writing this post, because, umm well it's rather personal. But the thoughts of sharing this continued to enter my mind. I mean, I know 99.9% of my readers are female. Why can't I talk about my struggle with heavy periods or periods that would last 10, 15 sometimes 20 days at a time? We as bloggers share our birth stories online, we write about breastfeeding, or how some have struggled with infertility. I thought why not share about this simple procedure called Nova Sure, so that others will know about it. They say this procedure has been around for years, but I didn't know a thing about it until recently.

I've struggled with heavy heavy periods for quite some time. After I finished breastfeeding the twins, my periods were never the same, they became a major curse to my life. Let's face it, it was sooooo very nice to not have my period while I was pregnant with the twins & while I breastfed them for 22 months. I mean that whole entire part of it, was WONDERFUL.

But after the breastfeeding, my periods of course, returned. Heavier than ever before. I'll refrain from giving all the details, but the periods I was experiencing were life altering. Social changing. Activity changing. Mood changing. And zapped all the energy right from under me. I never knew they could fix this problem without having a complete hysterectomy. I always thought I would have to deal with it, until menopause.

I was so wrong.

A good friend of mine had the Nova Sure Procedure done a few months ago. This was the first I had heard about it. I just couldn't believe what she was telling me.

"Really??? What? No, way! You mean to tell me that they can get rid of whatever causes you to have your period in 5 minutes? In the doctors office? Really?"

She said it really was nothing. It was done in like a few minutes & the only thing you experience is major cramping the day before the procedure & the day or two after. But it was worth it! It seemed to good to be true.

But sure enough, I'm here to tell you ~ IT''S TRUE. I had the procedure done about 2 weeks ago. I already feel different. My mood is different, my outlook is different. It is amazing. Their claim is that for some women, you may still have some spotting, but nothing like a full period. For others you will have nothing. It's done, it's over with. Obviously, you can click on the website or ask your gyno & they can give you info. But I can't tell you the difference already. I am no doctor, not even close to a nurse. But I know I should have had this done a long time ago. I think we as moms, put ourselves last for everything. "I'll do it when the kids are a little older" or "There's no time, I'll wait until we can do it." Let me tell you, if you are suffering from heavy periods, and are done having kids - do it! Life is too short. Don't allow your periods to control your life.

It's freedom, it's opening up doors again to real social life, your moods will be different, your outlook on life will be different. It's amazing the freedom I already feel from it. Remember, I am not a professional. I'm just a mom, who is kicking herself in the rear for not having it done sooner! I'm the mom who is now wearing the white pants or the white shorts (even though my rear is really too big to be wearing white) - I don't care. I feel like we can go, be, do whatever we want. I'm not holding us back now. Looking back, it's hard to realize how much it really did hold me back on doing a lot of things. I never really realized until recently how much it did. Life is too short to limit yourself and your whole entire family. Yes, the procedure was for me, but I realize it was also for my family. They are the ones who have to live with me & deal with me. So it's freedom for all of us, with no restrictions.

If you have questions here's the website. This is not a sponsored post or anything. This is just me, excited about a new outlook on life for me & my family. If you are even thinking about it, check into it. You'll be amazed just how good you'll feel shortly after it's all done. I really feel like I can do almost anything now. It's the best feeling - ever!

glimpses from the past few days

2012-05-29T08:28:00.000-04:00

We are so blessed.

I got the kids up early yesterday to experience *this* very moment above. I'm so glad I did. My oldest could grasp only a small portion of it. But that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Small steps of learning, showing, explaining our history.

It was a gorgeous morning & to be quite honest, I was so overwhelmed with emotion because it was so surreal & beautiful all at the same time. So much loss for our freedom. How blessed we are to be Americans!

I'm almost scared to admit that this has always been on my "photo bucket list to do" it seems disrespectful to say. But it has. I've always wanted to get up early & come when the flags are out at our National Cemetery.

Do you all have a bucket list of PHOTOS you've always wanted to take?

I've started a list for this summer. I'm anxious to try to do them all. Of course, we all have lists of what we want to do with the kids/family activity wise, but this list is for me. Because I do love taking photos. Obviously, some pics will involve the kids, but it's just something that's personally for me to aim for this Summer.

Below is some {insta} pics throughout the last few days.

Wowza! Looking back, it was a busy week. We are officially in Summertime mode over here.

And of course, our A/C went out over the holiday weekend.

And of course, no service calls took place.

It's hot.

I'm grumpy.

But our saving grace for more than one reason, is that we brought out our blow up mattresses in the front room & had a big slumber party. Pure enjoyment for the kids & more coolness for us because we brought all the fans to the front room. It was a win/win.

But boy, does it look ugly!

Service guys is on his way. I'm saying a prayer it can be fixed today. Otherwise we're headed to a hotel...with a POOL!

Have a super week!!!

Be back soon!

xoxo

the last day of kindergarten eve

2012-05-25T00:11:00.001-04:00

Never in my wildest dreams did I think a boy could love school so much.

He ran into school everyday. Anxious & willing to see what the day had in store for him.

It's the last day of kindergarten Eve & I can't help but think of how far this little guy has come. I guess that's the normal thing that happens after a school year. Kids are suppose to learn a ton, change a lot, grow socially, lose some teeth, mature - you know all the important stuff that is suppose to happen when they go to school.

But I can honestly say, this year has been magical to watch as his mom.

This boy has always been my challenge. Not in a naughty way, but he has always needed extra in everything. Lawd have mercy, the boy had FULL TIME colic for the first 9 months of his little life. (That's morning, noon & night colic.) I think those 9 months must have got his body used to being so active, used to stretching those vocal cords, and constantly moving that he just couldn't stop when the colic stages were over. We were the parents in that car commercial that drove the baby around in the car just to get some peace & quiet. I can remember vividly taking turns falling asleep while the other one drives, just to get a break.

It's a good thing gas didn't cost so much 6 years ago.

But then he finally grew out of it.

It was a miracle!

Ever since then it's been stepping stones, like it is with life. But those steps haven't always been the easiest. He is my first & the one I'm learning to be a Mom with first. My steps as a Mom haven't been the easiest for him as well. We have learned, developed & grown together. We're still at the beginners' course. Hoping to make it to the next stage, perhaps with a B grade. I would never claim, I'm an "A" parent. Because I'm just not. Heck, I'm lucky to get a "C" some days!

I don't know what he'll be when he grows up. We have a few guesses. All we know is that we're so thankful he beats to his own drum & it's a slower beat now. Not a fast beat. One that is observant, creative, passionate and factual. We owe a ton to his Kindergarten teachers. Those two teachers brought calmness into his routine & allowed him to find his niche. We are so grateful for his teachers who have been a lighthouse of direction for this little guy.

Now, once again that torch for direction has been passed to me full time for the next 3 months.

I'm scared, nervous & excited for Summer.

I'm excited for having carefree days, nervous that we'll all go stir crazy & drive each other totally insane, anxious *for me* that I can keep the learning direction going.

This school year was over in a blink of an eye.

Just like that.

I swear, I'm bound & determine to make Summer move slowly, try to learn & do something new everyday & eat ice cream all along the way!

Red White & Sweet Blue Ice Cream

2012-05-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it ~ this weekend kicks off the lazy days of Summer!

Red, white & blue holidays ~ baseball, hot dogs, apple pie & fabulous homemade ice cream.

I'm more than ready!

I thought I would go ahead & practice (wink wink) making Sweet Cream (BLUE) ice cream. To be honest, I've never tinted ice cream before, but I knew I wanted a fun blue color for the coming holiday weekend. So I got to work. Well, it was more like fun. Because if you have one of these puppies...the process is so quick!

If you don't have one ~ trust me, you'll use it like crazy this Summer!

Okay here's my recipe for

Sweet Cream (Blue) Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 cup of whole milk

1/2 whipping cream

2 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

2 1/2 Tablespoons good vanilla extract

15-20(?) drops of blue liquid food coloring

Combine creams & milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to almost a boil (about 6-8 minutes) Reduce heat to low.

Meanwhile beat yolks, sugar & vanilla in a separate bowl about 2 minutes until mixture is a nice yellow color.

Add 4-6 Tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to your bowl of yolks & stir together. Then gradually add your yolk mixture slowly into the cream/milk mixture. Stir continuously so that the eggs don't become scrambled. Cook together over low heat until the mixture thickens & it starts to stick to the spoon. About 4-5 minutes. *let cool completely*

Once your mixture has cooled, drop several drops of blue food coloring in your mixture. Stir & see as you go for your desired blue color.

When cool pour into your Ice Cream Maker, turn the machine on & let it do all the work for you. Around 30 minutes or so. To serve harder ice cream, you will need to store in the freezer *in air tight container*, more than likely overnight or at least for several hours.

Now for the Patriotic Cones:

It's like 1-2-3 & you're done, I promise.

I used of course, Wilton's White Melting Chips. (half a bag will make a box of sugar dipped cones)

1 box of sugar cones

red, white & blue sprinkles

melt the white chocolate as directed. i use a glass measuring cup. it's just easier that way, because you can see through it.

i dipped the cones in one by one - twirled them around in the melted chocolate.

placed them on wax paper & sprinkled with sprinkles.

I do declare these are the perfect way to welcome Summer & celebrate the holiday.

I even sprinkled some with pink sprinkles for you-know-who in the family.

For the love of all things holy - this sweet cream ice cream, melted white chocolate & sprinkles blended in with a sugar cone, might be the closest thing to heaven on earth.

Happy Summer, Y'all!!!!

what I wore - beach edition

2012-05-22T08:13:00.000-04:00

Have no fear.
I wouldn't dare share a photo of me in my bathing suit for this beach edition of what I wore.
The only thing somewhat close is me in a tunic.
Yep, that's as far as I would go to bare it all for you!

Anyways, my wardrobe wasn't too exciting & I did forget to take some pics, but here goes.

This is what I wore for our looong road trip down to Florida. 8 hours to be exact. Remember I have 2 toddlers that have to pee every 10 minutes. Or so they think.

I'll call this my stripe on stripe action outfit + some 6am coffee spills.

Navy shorts - Target

Navy & white stripe shoes - Target last year (LY)

coral & white stripe tee - Gap - older than dirt

White cotton cardy (one of my faves) - Target also older than dirt

Black & white stripe tee - Walmart

Tangerine shorts - Target

Tangerine sandals - Target (LY)

The tunic that you'll probably see all Summer long....

Tunic - Boden 2-3? years ago

flops

white cotton hat - 7 years old. no kidding. it has been bleached, I don't know how many times.

Gray embroidered tunic - Garnet Hill
White jeans - Ann Taylor Loft
flops

This is a close up of beach frizzed hair. I can do it up right, let me tell you when it comes to frizz!

shades - Target

Tangerine cotton sweater - Target
white tank - Kohl's
Navy shorts - Target
wedges - TOMS

Mint green cardy & tank - Target

gray & white stripe maxi skirt - Anthro

orange & hot pink clutch - Lauren's Darlings

tangerine sandals - Target

(p.s. that dark spot inbetween the brows - umm, yeah that would be bronzer that I never blended in. Geez!)

The teal & green stripe cotton dress, basically I lived in it the entire time while there...

Walmart.

Unseen - Black halter bathing suit - Old Navy

Last but not least - I also lived in these puppies.

Both bathing suits are from Old Navy.

The stripe one is from last year - love it!

The black is from this year.

linking up with:

The Pleated Poppy & Mamma Go Round

Baked Brie with homemade Apple Butter

2012-05-21T08:06:00.000-04:00

Baked Brie. Oh how I love it.

I think you all know my love for anything involving a dip, carbs or cheese.

Well, let's just say baked brie is of all my loves combined.

Most know how to do this, but I was surprised that some have never tried it.

To those of you who haven't, what are you waiting for?

I mean, you're depriving yourself of one of the best things in life.

This particular recipe is so.very.easy. Most baked Brie recipes call for brown sugar or jams. Using Apple Butter eliminates the need for brown sugar because of the sweetness of the butter & also the tangy sweetness of the Apple blends perfectly with the Brie. It's one of my favorite combos when baking Brie. Plus it so easy to throw together.

If you have some apple butter in the fridge homemade from your mom (like I do) or perhaps you have a jar from Cracker Barrel ~ all you'll need is 4 ingredients. It's that easy.

Baked Brie with (homemade) Apple Butter:

1 (Pepperidge Farm) puff pastry sheet - thawed
1 egg - whipped
1 round or wedge of Brie (most say not to remove the rind, but I personally do)
1/4-1/2 cup of Apple Butter - depending on your taste

spray a cookie sheet lightly with Pam.

lay your thawed puff pastry out on the pan.

place your Brie in the center of the pastry

top with Apple Butter

Then gather all the corners up over the Brie. Usually my Brie turns into a folded square.

Brush lightly with the egg mixture. *Note* I do not use all the egg.

Bake at 350* 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Ovens will vary so check on it after 25 minutes.

Let it cool 5-7 minutes

And serve it up as a appetizer or as a main dish.

On busy nights or when I just don't feel like cooking a big meal, my husband & I will have this with fruits & nuts. Luckily my husband loves this as much as I do.

It's filling, fattening & delicious!

;)

linking with:

Tatertots and Jello, Tidy Mom, 30 Handmade Days, Positively Splendid, Tip Junkie, Todays Creative Blog

nothing like....

2012-05-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

This was just to classic not to share. As far as the video, I promise she went on for what seemed like an hour before I discreetly recorded her. What can I say, the girl loves to use her vocal cords.This was the long road trip to Florida for our vacay. Don't worry I have tons more pics to ~~bore~~ share with all of you.
Hope you all have a lovely Sunday!
xoxo

the kids 1st wedding

2012-05-18T21:30:00.000-04:00

There's something about seeing my boys in bow ties, that made me what to squeeze them a little harder on this day.
Of course, having a little girl that was so excited to wear a "fluffy white dress" did something for me too.

My husband's cousin was the gorgeous bride. (well, I guess she's my cousin too - come to think of it.)
It was a gorgeous, simple, elegant, county wedding. They were married on the family farm, where my husband & cousin's Grandma used to live. It was sentimental & perfect in every way.

I do believe my favorite photo was of the boys trying to get the bugs out of the bride's dress & all her layers of ruffles & lace. Well, come to think of it, the last photo is pretty great too. I love how Graham is looking at the Groom.

It was a magical day full of memories for all of us!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

happy weekend

2012-05-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'm claiming this post as future blackmail....as in maybe 20-25 years from now.

I taught the boys how to make a "Surfs Up, Dude" sign with their hands. Lets just say, Mason is still trying to learn it & as for G - it's.all.he.does.now.

I mean, ALL he does now.

I love it though. There are no words to describe how much my oldest loves the ocean. Did I mention he got physically sick with excitement on our drive here? He just loves it that much. He's never played sports. He has had asthma all his little life, although we think he's starting to grow out of it. (thank goodness) But here at the beach - it's like he's in a new body for a few days. He can run, swim, jump & do whatever else he likes to do. He has no restrictions & we try our hardest to not tell him "no" ~ proving again that the beach is a magical place.

And, goodness gracious - the boy can tan in a heart beat down here. gah! As for me, I'm bathing in SPF 30 & struggling not to get burnt.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

last day of kindergarten photo sign

2012-05-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Thankfully G's kindergarten teacher asked me if I was planning on making a "Last day" sign like I did for his "First day". I had almost forgot about it, I've been so crazy busy lately. But thank heavens for those extremely organized kindergarten teachers!!! I made some copies for her & of course, one for us to use as well.

It's a big day, ya know! Just to document the growth & change in look alone. Not to mention the beginning & end of a school year & all those trips to & from school. Whoo.

So, once again ~ here's a very basic printable version for you all.

I highly recommend printing out on white cardstock.

You'll need to copy & paste in a picture file & print from there.

(I know, I know - I need to start using a printable program.)

It's amazing how much they change. Missing teeth & all. Gosh, I can't believe Summer is around the corner! All the more reason to document the end of the year, because it all goes by too fast!

linking with:
Tatertots & Jello, Tidy Mom, Positively Splendid, 30 handmade days, Oopsey Daisy, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog

I'm guest posting today....

2012-05-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

hello lovelies!

i'm guest posting over at Amanda's blog today. Serenity Now. i love Amanda! i have always thought she was a sweet person, but recently i've had a chance to get to know her a little better. she is so genuine & real. i value her opinions & i know she has tons of info to offer to anyone.

so head on over & to check out Amanda's blog & say hello.

Amanda has also written a series of "How to Blog Party" (think link party) it is full of info & good basic stuff that would be helpful to anyone out there in blog land.

but i think my all time favorite one of Amanda's is this one here. where she talks about comparing yourself to other blogs. i truly believe that post was the beginning of a turning point for me. i am so thankful for that post & what she had to say in it!

wishing you all a lovely day!
xoxo

2012-05-05T23:21:00.000-04:00

The suburban is packed to the gills.
We're suppose to be getting up at 4am tomorrow. If you're taking note, that's in a few hours from now.
I doubt I'll sleep a wink.

We've been counting down for this trip ever since we left the beach last summer.
Yes, we're die hards over here.

I'll posts some pics along the way ~ soon!

#photoadayAPRIL link up party!

2012-05-03T21:44:00.001-04:00

hello hello!

welcome to the #photoadayAPRIL link up party.

basically it's a link party to recap your month in review. you can do your post however you'd like because it's all about you & your story. there are no rules here. *thank goodness*

i don't know about all of you, but when i started this back in january, it was a no brainer. i mean, i love instagram & the thought didn't seem to be too hard to take a photo a day. now, as time has progressed & the year is rockin on by this photoaday challenge is such an interesting & fascinating hobby. i absolutely adore it. not just for the pictures, but to see every one's perspective on the theme of the day or to see how creative one can be, or perhaps see a part of the country i've never seen before. it's just fascinating to me. i never get tired of it!

sure, i do miss some days & i play catch up on the next, i think that's only natural. but it is such a fun & creative hobby to be involved in! if you haven't tried to do it, at least for a month - do it! seriously!!!

i think you'll like it as well! for me it's all about perspective. seeing it in the pictures, being inspired by it & also sharing your own - that's the beauty of this challenge.

okay, enough about my blah, blah, blah spill on how i love instagram - now it's your turn to allow us to take a peek inside your world for the past month!

link up your post in review for april. it doesn't matter whether you're doing this with a regular camera, cell phone or instagram. all are welcome to join!

if you're new around here - you can find me on instagram by clicking here!

i'm known as @nestofposies on there too!

April #photoaday ~ link up coming soon!

2012-05-01T11:32:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it's May? Good golly!
May, I love the month of May, but it's all going by so fast.

So....since I missed doing last month's link up party, I wanted to make sure we did one for April.
Hopefully, this is enough time for you all to get your posts ready. The link up party will be this Friday ~ May 4th!!! It doesn't matter whether you are taking pics with your cell, regular camera or via Instagram - you are ALL welcome to link up your recap post for the month of April. They're no rules to this party. (My fave!) Just bring yourself & your story through your pics.

In case some of you are on the fence about joining here's the themes for the month of May. I use what the ever so inspiring Fat Mum Slim has thought of. She is simply amazing! But again, anything & any style goes!

Hope to see you on Friday for the #photoadayapril link up!!!

a post about crap, as in organic crap

2012-04-30T08:14:00.000-04:00

*This is a re-post* If you were around last year, than you have already seen this, but for those of you who weren't, hopefully you'll appreciate my crappy gardening tip. It's good, I tell ya. Very good!

It's that time of year, when most of us have the great outdoors on our minds or as HGTV would say, "Adding some curb appeal" to our house. Before you start planting your flowers or garden, I have some crap I would like to share with you.

it will make your flowers grow & bloom like crazy!

are

you

ready?

It's available at all your hardware (ACE) or flower nurseries.

The most I've ever paid was $5.99 a bag. Typically it is on sale this time of year for $3.99-4.99 a bag.

Trust me, this will do wonders for your flowers.

Yeah, I know. I am probably the only one in blog land that would blog about Composted Cow Manure, but it is my cheap organic little secret.

This post is proving that I am such my Mother's daughter right now, it's not even funny.

But if you could see my Mom's flower garden, you would believe me in a heartbeat.

My Mom calls this stuff - GOLD!

Here's a few beginnings & midways through Summer pics - or the best I could come up with when I got this crazy notion to blog about cow manure with you.

The one on the left - barely planted. Some are the smallest flowers available to buy - others are from a huge pot, that I separated after purchase. The one on the right - same planter just a few weeks later.

As we all know, buying flowers can be so expensive. I could spend a lot of money on flowers.

I try really hard not to.

I usually buy the smallest/cheapest annual flowers available or the best bang for my buck. Because I know I have the *crap* to help me out & make them grow in no time.

here's another example of baby beginner plants on the left below

a few weeks later.

The one on the left looks like there is hardly anything in there. But trust me there is ~ and soon, they will grow to be like the one on the right.

It just takes small doses of cow manure to add to any baskets or in the ground.

I place a handful of the GOLD{cow manure} in the bottom of the hole so it will be right there when the roots of your plant hit the hole.

Then I place a smaller handful at the top of the dirt once your plant is planted.

I know all you peeps who are not familiar with the composted cow manure, have one question on your mind...

Does it stink?

The answer is "NO!"

I think it smells like earth or dirt. I don't really mind the smell. I guess, I'm a big flower lover at heart & love them all around. This bag of crap will do it for you. It's gold, I tell you!

The crap will be your secret bff. And I know, you'll thank me later.

;)

To see the rest of the original post where I talk about dividing plants click here.

best selling bag of the week!

2012-04-29T21:57:00.000-04:00

Is a vacation in your near feature?

Perhaps a weekend getaway with your hubby?

Maybe the beach is just around the corner?

Well, let me tell you, this bling jute bag is perfect for any Summer activity.

I personally carried this bag all Summer long last Summer. The sequins just glisten in the sun. It truly is a fun bag to carry!

Don't forget the shop is closing tomorrow for about 3 weeks.

I have quite a few in line to make before we leave, so what's a few more, right?

Just click the button below to head to the shop!

what I wore to SNAP!

2012-04-28T23:37:00.000-04:00

TRUTH: I used to do the WIW (What I Wore) posts all the time. I feel so funny & awkward taking pictures of myself. I mean I take like 10 pictures at one time in one setting hoping my double chin doesn't show in at least one of the 10 pictures.

But...I decided I would do a WIW post from last week while I was at SNAP & share some fun tidbits along the way.

Alrighty...about the above pic. Yes, I puckered up & braved the orange lipstick that I posted about a week or so ago. I even wore it for 2 days! I had corally/orange nail polish on as well.

I got shellack-ed.

Another words, I had shellac put on my nails.

Never heard of it - you say. Well, I hadn't until a month ago.

I didn't realize what I was missing! Thank goodness for Instagram to keep me informed of all things fashion related!!!

It's a gel polish that they put on your real nails. It is NOT fake nails.

The polish sticks on your nails for about 10 days. You put your hand under a low UV light for about 2 minutes - 2 times & you're done. D-O-N-E, I tell you. It's so easy & so fast.

You can read about it here, but I will testify loud & proud I am one of those girls (with a double chin) that cannot hold nail polish on her nails longer than 15 minutes. For realz.

My shellac lasted for 10 days. Looked shiny & new all throughout the 10 days!!!

I was truly amazed!

Okay ~~~ on with the outfits.

;)

tangerine sweater - Tarjay

denim shirt - Old Navy

Posie cluster - Nest of Posies

Skirt - that I found from pinterest - Piperlime

My bags for the SNAP! conference!!!

Pink Jute bag - via Nest of Posies (of course)

Hot Pink & orange clutch - Lauren's Darlings

wedges - TOMS

*Nice head cut-off pic, huh?*

my most favorite tunic of all time - 2 years ago Boden USA

mint jeans - Ann Taylor Loft

gray wedges - TOMS

hoops - Tarjay

Lime green cardy & tank - Tarjay
Coral pink rosette necklace - Allora Handmade
gray & white stripe maxi - Anthro last year (LY)
coral flops - Tarjay (LY)

And because my cousin Maegan & I were basically inseparable during the entire conference, I thought I would include her in this post.

It had been 3 long years since I had seen her. It was awesome to be with her! We did almost everything together. This is one of my favorite pics throughout our time together.

This is the outfit going home. Let's focus in on my feet. Dear heavens, I had some serious blisters from the conference. Thank goodness I brought my cheap DIY Walmart flats for the plane ride home. There's nothing like comfort! nothing!

This is me, back at home the next morning. Dropping off G at school.
No makeup.
Shades - Tarjay
Posie cluster & scarf - Nest of Posies
real coffee - Hallelujah! made by me. (Utah's coffee was yuck!)

linking with:
The Pleated Poppy, Steppin out Saturday, Real Mamma Real Style

photo dump of blog bags

2012-04-25T19:27:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned the SHOP is back open for business???

Did I also mention that it will only be open for just this week?

I know, covering my eyes with my hands, right?

Well, truth is ~ we have saved & saved to take a long family beach vacation & it's coming up quickly + we have an upcoming family wedding to attend.

So...the shop will be closed for about 3 weeks.

eek!

So ~ if you're on the fence about ordering a bag, a scarf or some posies = NOW is the time!

Here's some very recent bags I just finished before SNAP! the blog conference. I didn't take a pic of all the bags, but here's some fun examples!

I can do the flowers in almost any color. I mean some colors may vary slightly from your exact blog colors, but for the most part, I can promise they'll be in the same color family.

and if you need a mother's day gift idea....

here ya go ~

I know, this post is kinda much, isn't it? But it is always fun to share blog bags. It's even better this time around, because I was able to meet the person behind most of these blog bags while at SNAP!

So fun!!!

So just give me a holla if you'd like to partner with me to create a one of a kind bag for your blog, business, you or your mom!

Shop is open until Monday April 30th!

click the button below to head to the shop!

a Stickygram coupon code just for you!

2012-04-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

hello hello!

I'm pretty sure you all know my love for all things Instagram! So when Stickygram decided to help sponsor me to the SNAP! conference it was truly a relationship of pixel love! You know, Stickygram are your instagram pictures turned into magnets.

Right now, Stickygram is offering 20% your order of Stickygram(s) by using the code: SNAP

so totally cool!
You can use the code for any of your pictures! From your SNAP! conference Instagram pics or from your everyday pics...the decision is all yours! It's for a limited time ~ so hurry!!!

......................................

p.s.
I plan to post my recap post of SNAP! either tonite or tomorrow.
I do believe I had the longest travel day on Sunday, when I returned home. I was "t" totally wiped out yesterday. Plus having the day to soak in my kids' giggles & cuddles was the best.

......................................

p.s.s.
Nest of Posies SHOP is back open for business!!! I'll post some of the bags of SNAP! as well in a coming post. ~ If I do say so myself, they were all fab!

arriving in style to SNAP! {ahem...}

2012-04-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I made it to Utah and the SNAP! conference.

My bag, shoes & I tried to make a cute entrance on the plane. I guess we succeeded for a few minutes. Shortly after take off, I managed to spill almost an entire Venti size coffee on myself. ~ I guess that's what I get from tweeting, that I was trying to guzzle down coffee before I entered ~~Mormon nation~~, uh, I mean Utah. ;)

Of course, the SNAP! peeps tweeted me back & assured me they would have coffee here for all of us caffeine addicts. But, the thought of not finding coffee for a few days, made me worried & for a couple of hours yesterday morning, I became a guzzling fool. ;)

On the plane I met Natalie from Johnny in a Dress & Jen from Scissors & Spatula! They are the sweetest! I had the deer in the headlights look when they turned around & asked me if I was this girl on Instagram (while pointing to my picture.) I should have had the mindset when I boarded the plane, thinking that some bloggers could be on the same plane. But I didn't, dummy me. I was in my own bubble.

I'm sure they thought I was one crazy nut. Because I just froze & didn't say a thing for a few seconds.

Anywhoo...after the coffee saturated plane ride, my cousin Maegan arrived on her flight & the four of us shared an interesting taxi ride to the hotel.
We arrived in style to the hotel.
Our taxi had faux fur lined seats.
I'm just wondering if anyone else arrived in such rock star style?

..............................

Speaking of Instagram.....

I'm thrilled to be sponsored by Stickygram for the SNAP! conference!!!
You know...they're the people who turn your Instagram pics into magnets! So fun!
I'll be handing out some little goodies & a coupon for some Stickygram while at the conference.

here's the coupon code for Stickygram:
enter the word: SNAP
at checkout for 20% off your purchase at Stickygram

You can also follow my Instagram stream and/or my twitter stream to see all the details! And of course, see some crazy pics along the way! If you're at the SNAP! conference come find me & I'll be happy to share the deets!

To SNAP! or bust

2012-04-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

I've been in all out prep mode for SNAP! the bloggers conference for a few weeks now.

I'm flying out first thing in the morning. I'm so excited! Salt Lake City will never be the same!

It's been all about posies & blog bags around here!

I can't wait to match faces to all the blog bags!

Once I finished most of the bags, it was time to get myself ready.

I got the roots taken care of...

Even though, I really don't know if I'll actually wear it, I bought some cheap orangey/coral lipstick.

So I can pucker up with some big orange lips.

It seems to be all the rage these days...orange lips, that is.

And some of you regulars know, how I'm drawn to those trendy/rage things.

And I think I have planned all the outfits that I plan on wearing.

Which basically means, I've packed my entire closet!

The next few days, I'm sure will be a whirlwind. If time allows, I'll post some pics from the conference & share some highlights & maybe even share some of the fashion at SNAP! I love seeing how creative people can be with their wardrobe!

I can already tell you what the highlight will be for me while at SNAP!.....

Me & Maegan 10 years ago!

I get to be roommates with my cousin Maegan! We haven't seen each other in 3 years. She's the whole reason why Nest of Posies was ever created. I'm down right giddy about being able to hang out with her! She's flying in from California & me from Tennessee!!!

Like I said before, watch out Salt Lake City & SNAP!...here we come!

pastel goodness

2012-04-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

i couldn't resist sharing these beauties, i'm just now downloading pics from the past 3 weeks.

kinda amazing knowing these kiddos are all mine.

avocado, corn, tomato & lime salad

2012-04-16T10:42:00.000-04:00

and all the avocado lovers say, "AMEN!"

it's the beginning of outdoor dining here in the South & I can't think of a better dish to kick it off!
it's one of my faves!
it's so easy & perfect with any *almost* summer meal.

2 avocados chopped
container of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
2-3 ears of corn kernels -shucked & cut along the cob
cilantro ~ the more the merrier, in my book!
juice from 2-3 limes
s&p to your liking
mix & devour

some people might prefer a cilantro vinaigrette like this one here. in fact, this is where i got the inspiration for this salad. i just don't grill my corn. it's easier just to shuck it.

i like easy.

i did an entire post last year on avocado creations, inspired from pins from pinterest, if you would like to see it here.

here's to easy summer salads & dishes, outdoor entertaining & dining, but most of all simply delicious!

linking with:
tatertots & jello, tidy mom, tip junkie, 30 handmade days, positively splendid, oopsey daisy

I'm baaaack!

2012-04-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

I really do think of you all as my friends, ya know.
So pretend for a sec - that I have your digits in my cell & this is me, calling you to tell you my computer is fixed!

Happy weekend!
xoxo

image from: weheartit