Weekly Wears: 90s Dreamin'

Well, somehow Friday is here again!  Our band is playing a big show tonight and some of our friends are coming to town, so it's shaping up to be a great weekend.  I'm especially looking forward to a big brunch and some serious quality time with friends... and a slightly slower pace this weekend.  I try not to constantly talk about how busy we've been lately, because really, everyone's busy.  I'm just ready for a little breather and a long weekend.  Oh, and some end-of-summer swimming because we're jumping back into school on Tuesday.

Dress: c/o ModCloth;  Flannel shirt: H&M;  Shoes: c/o Free People;  Backpack: Bali ELF;  Glasses: BonLook (these are "Dolled Up")

I realize I've been known to throw around the words "dream shoes" before, but SWOON.  I have a feeling these shoes will be on my feet for the rest of eternity.  Okay, probably not, but I can tell these boots are the kind that just get better with age.  I have several pairs of boots that I've had for years and years that just get better.  Those are the best shoes.

Happy weekend, friends!  I hope it's a good one!

Getting Back Into Cooking

I'm a gal who loves cooking.  During the fall and winter months, I adore being in the kitchen. Once spring hits, though, it's almost as if my brain says, "Well, we're too busy now.  See ya in the fall, stove."  We do typically start getting busy in the spring, and then especially in the summer, but I've realized lately that I've been missing it.  When I was contacted by Blue Apron to try out one of their boxes, I got pretty excited.  They send you a box full of fresh ingredients and a step-by-step recipe alongside.  I was a little nervous about food sitting on my porch while we were out the day it arrived, but the refrigerated box was sealed up tight and everything was still cold by the time I opened it.


(Side note: my garlic press is one of my very favorite kitchen tools.  I cook with fresh garlic as much as possible and I used this gadget like nobody's business.)

As you can see from the photos above, everything from Blue Apron is laid out for you and the directions are very simple to follow.  I was a little nervous about cooking with a few of the things like fresh lemongrass and ginger, but it was super simple.  By the time I was done I was asking myself why I've never tried before!


Part of my family doesn't really eat meat, so I was curious to find out how the vegetarian options would taste.  The food was delicious and gave me even more eagerness to get back in the kitchen.  I think I'm ready to try more fresh ingredients I've never used before!!  All in all, this was a really good experience for us.  :)

What do you think?  Do you like cooking?  Do you think an all inclusive service like this is something you'd be interested in?  I'm curious!  xo.

**The first 50 readers to sign up here will receive two free meals with their first Blue Apron order.

**This post is sponsored by Blue Apron but all opinions shared are my own.

Snapshots: For the Summer

People are starting to talk about Pumpkin Spice Lattes and sweaters and I'm just sitting over here, wondering how this summer sped by so quickly.  I'm going to hang onto every little bit I have left, so don't mind my total and complete denial that it's almost over.

**Andy's date
**Morning time
**Road trips
**Trampoline
**Back seat goons
**Taco truck!!
**Outdoor movie night
**Float trip

These are some snapshots from my iPhone that never got posted over on Instagram.  Sometimes I end up having so many pictures on my phone that never see the light of day, that it seems like a shame.  Snapshots: iPhone edition.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Minnetonka for Hello Kitty Moccasin Giveaway!-- CLOSED

As promised, here is an opportunity for you to win your own pair of Minnetonka for Hello Kitty moccasins! Actually, TWO winners will each receive a pair of adult Hello Kitty moccasins and a pair of kiddo Hello Kitty moccasins.  It's kind of a mommy-and-me giveaway, but even if you don't have a little one of your own quite yet, you should still enter!  Surely you could find some adorable relative or friend to share the wealth with!  ;)


The winners for this giveaway are:

To enter, just visit the Minnetonka for Hello Kitty page and leave a comment here stating which pair you love the most!  You can gain additional entries by liking on Facebook, following on Twitter, or following on Instagram!

This giveaway is open to US residents only.  The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, September 2nd and announced shortly after.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Good luck, friends!

Mother, Daughter

I've been in love with Hello Kitty since I was a little kid.  Growing up, we didn't really have the internet or eBay, so coming across Hello Kitty stuff was a REALLY BIG deal.  It made all the Hello Kitty things in my collection extremely special to me.  I love that my kids love her as well, because it's the best excuse to buy all things Hello Kitty.  In celebration of Hello Kitty's 4OTH ANNIVERSARY (what??), Minnetonka has collaborated with Sanrio to release a collection of moccasins featuring that wonderful kitty.  There's a collection for kiddos, of course, but I was ecstatic to find out there is also a collection for women!


And, geez louise... how long has it been since my last mother/daughter post?  It feels like forever.  Poesy's almost getting to the point where I can't lift her above my head anymore, and before long Hope will be as tall as me.  Slow down, girls!

On Katie //  Shirt: Marshall's;  Shorts: ModCloth (cut offs);  Backpack: Bali ELF;  Boots: c/o Minnetonka

On Hope //  Shirt: Hello Apparel;  Overalls: H&M;  Headband: ModCloth;  Boots: c/o Minnetonka

On Poe //  Shirt: MamaCase;  Shorts: Garanimals;  Flower Crown: Handmade;  Moccasins: c/o Minnetonka

I'll be back later this afternoon with a giveaway for your very own pair of Minnetonka for Hello Kitty moccasins!  xo.

Happy Birthday, Hope Larissa

Hope turns 12 today.  TWELVE.  For those of you who have been hanging around this blog a while, you are probably feeling as baffled as I am.  How in the world did that happen so quickly?  More than that, how has she turned out to be the most sensitive, thoughtful, intelligent, hilarious kid I've ever met?
I'm so thankful for these past twelve years.  I love my little Hope Larissa.  She is truly the best there is.  (Now excuse me while I go cry my eyes out.)