Five On Friday

I am sitting here at the computer on a late Friday night, collecting my thoughts and linking up with Darci for 5 On Friday- no surprise there!

1.)  Maddox is Five

 I cannot believe my sweet nephew is 5.  We celebrated his birthday at mom and dad's last weekend and had so much fun.  My sis did an amazing job decorating with the fish theme.

2.)  Nike Free

I've seen several running friends on Insta post how much they love these shoes and I couldn't agree more.  I'm super picky when it comes to shoes and these are perfect.  I've switched between the Asics Gel Nimbus (too heavy & cushioned- better suited for walking) and the New Balance Minimus (not enough cushioning) and these reign supreme.

3.)  Lunch Dates

My friend Ricarda and I took our babes on a lunch date Wednesday and it was too much fun.  We plan to make it happen more often and hopefully next time with Kyria in tow.  The kids were as well behaved as kids can be and I think we rocked it.  Ricarda is the only momma I know who juggles a babe on one hip with 4 inch heels and never misses a beat.  Did I mention her lipstick never fades either?

4.) Germs

Mom and I went shopping this week and turned the kids loose for probably an hour in one of those horrendous mall playgrounds..You know, the ones you swear are full of kids with way too much energy and snotty noses?  Yeah, I'm totally mom of the year.  I passed it up for 2 1/2 years with Carsyn, but I"m living dangerously these days!! Do y'all just give in too?

5.)  Fall Clothes

Forget women's fall clothes...the kids clothes this fall are to die for.

Does this come in my size?

Five On Friday

Its Friday and that means I'm linking up with Darci again!


1.) Monogram Necklace

I was on a quest to find a big, white, scrolly monogram necklace. I found it.  Moon and Lola are just the prettiest...And, if you're local Monkee's in Lexington can hook you up!

2.)  Dollywood

We went to Dollywood this weekend to celebrate Maddox's birthday (per his request and my delight).

We had so much fun and rode the Blazing Fury ride, which I think was my very first roller coaster ride.  

3.) Minnie Mouse Birthday

Carsyn has been insisting on a Minnie Mouse party for about 10 months.  I've finally agreed..Can I make this cute? Will y'all help me?

4.) Bowling

I love to bowl.  I am the world's worst bowler.  I decided to take Maddox and Carsyn to our Young Republican's Club bowling event.

As you can see, they both beat me.

5.)  This Outfit-

Being tall is pretty nice 90% of the time. But, I grieve over not being able to wear some of the lace shorties I've seen for this Fall.  Has anyone seen any that might work for this long legged momma?

Happy Friday Friends!

When the Lights Go Out

 My kids are adorable.

See? And darn lovable if I do say so myself.  I catch myself being one of those moms who stare at them with adoration in public places.  Who catches herself telling strangers "my daughter knows all the words to pontoon!"  (Yes, I'm aware that's a lame thing to brag about, but the girl's got talent ;)

But, on days I work they go with me.  On days I shop they go with me.  When I pee or shower, they go with me.  Are you seeing a pattern here?

I cringe when I hear myself utter or think "I need a break from my kids." But, I'm human. And I do.  I've spent a handful of nights away from Carsyn and none away from Hank.  I'm ok with that.  If W came home tomorrow and told me he booked us a trip for 2 to Jost Van Dyke would I take him up on it? Yeppers. But do I need it? Not really.

You see, there's this little space of time when all of the lights are out.  After the kids are asleep and W is adorably snoring on the sofa (just kidding honey..you don't snore).  Its me time.  And truthfully I've always had my me time..even before I was married.  In fact it dates back to my teenage years.  Mom and dad would go to sleep and I'd tiptoe to the kitchen.  I'd make a scrambled egg sandwich and watch Baby and Johnny for the 277 time or talk to my friends on the phone until 2 in the morning.

In college I was the same way.  Luckily my roomie was too and he'd go get us Hardees breakfast at 4 after pulling all nighters.  (Yep, I cohabitated with my male cousin and sister throughout college.)  She'd be dressed and sipping her coffee when I scrambled out of bed at 8:15 late again for my 9:00 am class.  Old habits people. I always envied her ability to be a "morning person."

I'm just a night owl.  An affectionate term my mom gave me when I was teensy after sitting up with dad late at night watching Bond movies.  Truth is being a night owl works for me.  I pour a glass of wine and catch up reading blogs.  Sometimes I watch the latest Real Housewives episode.  Sometimes I work on scrapbooks.  Sometimes I watch youtube videos of Springsteen for hours.

I kid.

Not really.

Sometimes I read on the front porch and listen to the frogs.  Sometimes I take a really long bath with a stack of neglected magazines.  And rarely I throw a workout video in the dvd player and get some endorphins going.  Usually its 2 in the morning and I realize I really need to go to bed!

The mornings one of the kids decide to get up before 8 are a little rough, but usually they sleep til 9 or so.  I'd love to be a morning person and be up hours before them, but then I think, what's the point?  I'd probably just sip coffee and try to be quiet.  Though it would give me time to try out another hairstyle beside the side braid or ponytail...

How about you?? Are you an early bird or night owl?

Happy Wednesday friends!! I'm always happy when a blog post title is a Springsteen song!

Five On Friday

It seems by the time Friday rolls around I can manage to collect my thoughts and write on the blog.

Perhaps Five on Friday speaks to me because I can be random. And I LOVE being random.

So, here I am linking up with Darci again!

1.)  Picnics-  Tuesday morning Carsyn declared she wanted to have a picnic and basically in attempt to let her have anything she wants I obliged.  After we went grocery shopping which (not to freak you out moms of 2) is the most horrendous task ever, we headed to the lake.  Hank is SO happy outside and it was a great way to expel some energy before nap time.

2.) The Marion Satchel-  I flipped through the Fall Tory Burch mag the other day and saw this.

She spoke to me.  She said, "Jen, you need to come to grips with the fact W is NEVER going to buy you a Chanel.  I'm a nice substitute."

3.)  Laziness-  Hank's first birthday was 2 weeks ago and I still haven't got all my pics uploaded.  Maybe I'll just post one a day until I've shared them all.  The ones of him eating his cake are the best!

4.) Kacey- Do you have the Kacey Musgraves album?  If not stop what you're doing and go purchase right. now. You're welcome.

5.) Big girl bed-  Carsyn has started fighting bedtime again.  After I put Hanky down at 9:30 I tell her she can watch TV until 10 and then we'll read stories and go night night.  She plays me like a fiddle.  At 10 she says "But I want to watch Jake really bad!" (Darn you Disney Jr).  At 10:30 we go to her room and sing and read approximately 3 stories.  Around 11 I tell her its time to sleep and I leave the room and watch her on her monitor.  She proceeds to sing and play with her dolls sometimes until 1.  Crazycakes.  I have no problem with her sitting up.  She's pretty nice company.  But the mom in me tells me I need to make some boundaries.  I'm thinking of switching her into a big girl bed and putting her in her room with lights out around 10.  She can read or watch TV and do whatever the heck she wants.  Is this a bad idea?  She sleeps so well once she goes to sleep right now.  Am I opening a can of worms?

watercolor

We went back to Watercolor several weeks ago and despite baby boy coming down with strep mid week we had a great time.

We stayed at the same house as usual, laid on the beach all day, visited a few new and several old familiar places.

We ate ice cream with extra sprinkles..

We took strolls on the beach at night..

We let Rosie spoil us rotten..

We shopped at local boutiques..

We visited Baytowne Wharf and Carsyn and Hank had their first carousel ride (I think I enjoyed it more than them!)

We attempted pictures of happy loving siblings..

(And Failed.)

But managed a few grins for momma..

See you next year 30A!!

Weekend recap- big hairbow edition

I didn't work on Friday and it was quite wonderful. There's something about a 3 day weekend that leaves you feeling a bit more recharged. I think I might make that tradition (sorry pops).  Hank climbed all over every thing possible Friday morning (typical) and Carsyn and I tried to be lazy and watch our comedies.

We went to Walmart and picked out a toy and I put both kids down for naps when we got back.  Carsyn woke up before Hank and we played dress up in my closet.  She loves doing my hair.

I asked Carsyn what she wanted to do Saturday and she said go to a shopping mall with my baby brother.  The closest one is almost an hour away so we loaded up after naps and went.  For some reason they were both so well behaved-Carsyn even set in her stroller most of the time.  I'm thinking the secret is long naps beforehand and bellies full of froyo.

 

I got to sip on Starbucks and browse the bookstore which felt like Heaven.  I picked up the latest Dorthea Benton Frank and look forward to the kid's sleep strike ending so I can read it.

I think I was on a well behaved kid high Sunday morning so I tackled taking the kids to church and they did so well! Hank actually stayed in the nursery the whole time.  Of course Carsyn had to also, but I'll take it!

We went to my MIL's for a awhile afterwards and then a pool party for my friend's daughter. 
Carsyn and Hank had so much fun splashing and playing.

 

 

I also feel the need to document I wore a dress, fixed my hair, and wore makeup for three days in a row.  Epic.  (Don't worry-I'm back in my workout clothes and ponytail today;)

If you follow me on Insta you've likely seen all of these pictures!  It seemed like the weekend of big hairbows and lots of people commented.  I just adore girls in big bows and all Carsyn's are bought at local boutiques.  If you're local and want to know where just shoot me an email.

Also, it seemed we wore a lot of Matilda Jane this weekend.  I really LOVE their stuff.  Like super duper love. If you need a trunk keeper contact mine is awesome and I'd be happy yo pass her info along to you.

Happy Monday friends!

Five on Friday (beauty faves)

I thought I'd switch up my five on Friday a little bit and do something different.

Soooooo...today's 5 on Friday is brought to you by this hot momma...

Meet my sweet friend Ricarda, mommy to Kyria (pictured) and Kasyn- a beauty guru, hair master, and fashionista.

When we're together we're often too busy chasing toddlers and switching babes from hip to hip to chat girl stuff, but she recently shared her 5 must have beauty products. Here they are!!

beauty faves by jenhts featuring tarte

1.) Mac Eye Kohl in Smolder

2.) Tarte Blush in Blissful

3.) Loreal True Makeup Lumi

4.) Smashbox Photo Primer

5.)  Mac Fix +

**Pssst.. if you're on Instagram be on the lookout this weekend for the awesome giveaway we're hosting in honor of our birthday month! You have a chance to win all of these and a favorite of mine also.