Friday {September's First!}

Welcome friends!  It is the first Friday of September, the first Friday of a new school year here, and the unofficial last Friday of summer.  Wow, that's a lot.  This week was busy and fast paced.  Here are some of my favorite moments and things you just throw on a blog for a Friday 5!

Linked up with Katie because she's one of my most favorites and linking up with Andrea!

1.  Hello Third Grade!

New hair, new shoes, new outfit (its from Justice of course and says swim, fitting!)  Big smile!

My baby girl is now in the third grade.  This is a big year, as many of you mamas know, she gets to participate in standardized EOG testing.  She's all worried about it and I'm sitting here looking at her with a duh kind of face going - "It really isn't a big deal."  Because for her it won't be.  I'm not bragging but she's got the brains and she'll be fine.  Unlike her mother she is an over-achiever.  #truthhurts

I think we're in for a great year.  Her teacher is fabulous.  She also has a whole new administration team at her school that has brought a lot of changes and I am LOVING that!

2.  Hello Swim Team Prep Season!

I should just call this Baby Girl Friday Post huh?  She's going to show up again in the post too ha!  On Monday she also started her first year of swim team prep with TYDE.  That girl LOVED her first practice.  She swam so hard and I was super proud of her!  I was not very excited at the fact we probably need to invest in some contacts so she can see when she is in the water.  Bless her heart for getting mama's bad genes.  Oh and swim mixed with the first day of school?  Somebody slept super well!

3.  Four year old check up!

My little man is growing so well, praise God!  He's 43 inches tall and 41 pounds and so full of energy!  Unfortunately, he was up for four shots. We celebrated with a Happy Meal!  He also got his back to school haircut the same day.  Later I would get a phone call that the nurse had administered OLD vaccine to him.  Needless to say after a few years of wondering if it is time to find a new medical practice I got my answer.  So I'm looking for a doctor for my kiddos...

4.  Preschool Open House

Little Man is ready for school to start up again for himself!  When he has ventured with me to take his sister he's always bummed he can't go too.  Wednesday we met his teacher - who I just adore!  She and I actually worked down the hall from each other when she was still teaching third grade (she retired in June of this year).  All the teachers at the preschool are so wonderful, loving, and creative it really is a great place for your littles to get ready for "big school" at!

5.  Other notes...

I guess this is my miscellaneous grouping of stuff!  This week was super busy and felt longer than those weeks we had in summer break (oh so long ago...hahaha!)  I juggled work, school, swim, exercise, and the preschooler quite better than I thought I would.  The blog got placed on the back burner this week and I will work on that over the month (maybe, lol!)  

My poor husband finally got a chance to go fishing at the coast (he's never been. I swear I'm the sportsman of the family thanks to my past) and you know who is beating down on NC?  Two tropical storms.  I haven't had a chance to talk to him but I doubt they get out on the island for obvious reasons.

Thursday was a Target day; among other stores.  The Dollar Spot has some really cute Halloween/Fall things out so check your own Target this weekend.  I didn't go crazy but did get a few things...and put a few things back.  

Since childcare was out on Thursday I took my little guy with me.  He loves Tractor Supply and since chicken feed was on sale there I ran by and picked up fifty pounds and also got the horses some treats because well all my animals get over fed on treats.  While we were there My little mister found some boots he liked and tried them on - super cute.  But the hat he decided to sport in the store....my goodness.

I've been bad this week at reading and my book has only been picked up twice.  It is a good book and I hope to really put a dent in it this weekend.  

Speaking of this weekend it is my girl's ninth birthday!  That means we are in full on party mode.  Tomorrow afternoon I'll have a small sea of her friends coming over for a slumber party.  The taco bar is ready to go, the popcorn is patiently awaiting, the nail polish, yogurt masks, and KidsBop are on queue.  I really hope this goes well and all the girls enjoy themselves so much!

And finally...it is Friday and I have one house on my book --- MY OWN!  So let's get to that.

Oh and yipppeeeee for a Wolfpack win last night!

This week on the blog...

Monday brought you a recap of our really busy weekend.  We did A LOT!  From throwing a birthday party to Fantasy Football we had a super fun weekend.  Check it out!

Tuesday was tasty for the kid's lunchbox.  I posted up what the daughter was having in her lunch this week.  We always need ideas so why not share what we are doing!  

From last year.  I hope we get to go to a couple more games this year! 

Tuesday was also a link up day!  I love Shelly to pieces, she's my SnapChat number one :)  and more proof I may have been born in the wrong state.  I swear Texas should have claimed me; particularly the area in which Emily & Shelly reside!  Anyway, she and Katie (two queen blogs, love it!) regularly do a Spiel the Beans link up session and I joined in for Who Ya Rootin' For?  A great way to kick off football season in blog land!

Wednesday was the last one of the month of August and that means What's Up?!?!

Alrighty, lovies you go have a fabulous long weekend.  I hear it is going to be cooler and rainy thanks to the hurricane.  If you're in the south be careful!  Everyone enjoy the end of summer and football!

xoxox-

Amanda

The Last Friday of Summer Break

Cue the sad violin music.  Summer is ending.  Well maybe not the heat and short wearing, tank top sporting, flip and flopping summer but summer as we have known it is ending.  I can admit this is a hard transition in my house.  My kids love school so the difficulty is for me - the mom.  In place of the pool bag are book bags and instead of late night movies we have a set bed time starting back up.  Oh just pass the rum - ho ho hum hum.

So here are some of my favorites from this week.  Per the norm I am linked up with the lovely Katie and the cute Christina!

1.  Fall House Projects

Totally stoked to start planting!  Hello fall vegetables and flowers!

I just said fall - oh my.  Well this week the husbandito has been working on our yard and a few projects.  I may have wanted a garden in March/April and he may have not had the chance to ge around to building my beds but he sure did make up for it this week.  I now have three garden beds right at my chicken coop he built this summer.

Why am I thinking about red wine right now?

He also put in his fire pit.  I think this will be a very welcome addition for the weekends when the air is cool and crisp as those apples that will be celebrated in Wilkesboro, NC in October.

2.  Pool Time

Swimming under the water.  I know it looks odd.

We had two great pool days this week.  The weather started off relatively cool for NC in August so I was quite chilled when I got in!  The kids though - they don't feel the difference!  They both had a blast swimming and splashing. 

3.  Birthday Boy

Nana took him out for Sweet Frogs!

Four?  No way!  He loved this sticker face book!

My son turned four this week!  We enjoyed cake for breakfast and a fun day celebrating our favorite little boy.  He just feels my heart with such joy!  He is so full of energy and happiness.  All birthday morning he kept thanking me for his little cake and presents. 

4.  Girl's Day

All grown up - well she thinks so!  I'm starting to see it too.

My daughter and I spent Thursday together - no boys!  We went to Kohl's where she picked out new sneakers for school.  A Sam's trip helped us get our birthday party/back to school/pantry restocked.  We had some Chicfila for lunch.  Then Lizz gave her a new look (goodbye five inches of hair) for school.  After all that we had a nice trip to the library where she stocked up on a series she loves and I checked out Eleanor & Park and another book that I cannot wait to read!  (Sorry, I forgot the title.) 

5.  Open House

This is a big year.  Third grade is a huge transitional grade and we're ready for it!  I think I am?

I guess it is official that now we have a straight up third grader in our home.  WOW!  I was told once my kids hit elementary school the years would fly by and that was no lie.  I remember her kindergarten open house like it was yesterday and now we're starting third grade?  This year will rock out - I'm loving her teacher and I'm pumped at how excited my child remains about school. 

Last week we were on vacation in South Carolina.  I recapped our favorite pieces of vacation on Monday.  Check it out for the beauty of Brookgreen Gardens and to get your beach fix!

Tasty Tuesday is BACK!  This season I'm giving you menu plans!  If you need help with dinner ideas for next week then click here to see our menu plan.  This post is totally kid friendly and simple.

Wednesday was the day I brought a sweet little boy into the world!  To celebrate him my post was devoted to him on Wednesday.  

Product Review Thursday came at you this week!  Emily from Simply A Rough Draft and I are teaming up to bring you reviews on products from our Influenster boxes.  You'll get totally honest and often differing opinions on new products.  This week we shared our reviews on Snackwells newest item and Shea Moisture shampoo!

And if you haven't tuned into my Snap Chat yet then now is the time.  I have started a new series? called Blog & Jog.  I take you with me for a few snaps (or ten) and chat while I am on my morning jog.  Topics are random and so far it has been so much fun!  I hope you'll add me and join in!

Have a great weekend!  We'll be birthday partying and fantasy drafting!
xo-
Amanda

Last Week...

I am currently en route to vacation!  Looking forward to time away and salt air in my hair, anyone else?  Here's the recap of the blog from this week.  I will see you all in the near future!  Enjoy your weekend and week ahead!

On Monday I posted a weekend recap.  If you follow the blog then you know I never do that.  However, last weekend was pretty much filled with a lot of fun so why not place it in my memory bank?  From new chickens to new antiques to date night...we had a blast!

My second post for Monday was introducing you to my awesome blog friend Emily at Simply a Rough Draft.  She's the best!  I love her posts so much.  We're working on some stuff for the remainder of August and maybe the fall.  Please go visit her!

Most of last week was prepping for our vacation.  On Tuesday I posted a couple of my packing tips.  Every year I gain a few new ones that I feel the need to share.  This year...Ibotta.

Currently, we are in Murrell's Inlet, SC.  Most of you are going - where?  Ha!  Well on Wednesday I posted some of the awesome things we'll be doing on this vacation.  Check it out!

Influenster box in hand I started reviewing on Thursday!  My first review is of Tresemme's Reverse System.  Read this before you try it.

Friday was super jam packed with more packing, cleaning, and a bestie date to see Bad Moms.  But first I gave you a post reaccounting my week being the coolest mom on the planet...ha!

Ok friends, have a great week and I'll see you on the other end of the pier or beach!

xoxox-

Amanda

H54F #10/52

A true sign of the season changes  camellias in bloom!

MARCH!  Yay for March!  Is it OK to admit that I adore this "gateway" month?  Gateway meaning that it is the transitional month for winter to blossom into spring, short days to grow longer, and temperatures to gently begin crawling up the mercury!

Oh how I love March!

Here's how my month 'o the Irish or whatever began...

1.  The BEST weather.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

GORGEOUS WEATHER!  I was wearing shorts and t-shirts after work.  The sun was in super bright mode and the skies were Carolina blue (I do have reservations using that term, Wolfpack for life.)  Good weather = Happy Amanda.

Of course now we're freezing with a possibility of snow greeting us this morning but meh next week is in the 70s!!!!

2.  The FIRST sleepover invite.

Monday my daughter was a nut job.  Why?  Because she was invited to her first sleepover birthday party.  I'm not a fan of the idea of sleepovers but this is a family I wholeheartedly trust and I know that it will be a super fun time for all the 8 year olds!  I also think the mom is super brave to take on a group of giggling, silly, second grade girls for an extended period!

3.  The BOOKING of a girl's weekend away.

My husband is heading off with his guy friends sometime in the next two months.  I hear its a gambling weekend to help boost the Native American economy of North Carolina.  Well my bestie and I are planning a little escape ourselves!  A weekend with no housework, child referreeing, or wifeyhood.  Just a weekend to decompress and have fun.  I'm so excited!

4.  The UPPING of my work out.

I'm adding more "work" into my workouts.  YAY!  I love pushing myself to the point I want to give up and I just cannot stop.  That's the sign of a good workout, ya know?

On Wednesday I had a fun chat with a lady that is always at the gym when I am.  She only does classes and I said well I only do machines and weights and this was our convo:

Lady:  I feel weird in there.  I get bored easy so I find myself looking around at people while I'm on a machine.  Then I think they think I'm the weird psycho watching them work out when really I'm just so bored.

Me:  Yeah I am very guilty and getting bored and watching other people go insane on machines or while lifting.  Then they see me watching and I smile really big like CAUGHT YA!

Lady and me:  Evil laugh

5.  The FUNNY in life.

My daughter emailed me - yes emailed me (smh) - "Mama, what is Taylor Swift's email address?  I need to know because I want to talk to her and her talk to me.  Reply fast!  I love you."

See we mom's are supposed to know everything.  Her face when I emailed her back (she emails me from ten feet away) was just so very sad.

My son flushed a Happy Meal toy down the toilet.  Dear hubby fished it out (a long process, it was way down in there.)  So I had a heart to heart with my kids about flushing items down the toilet.  My son (three years old) gives me a kiss and says, "It be OK mommy.  It be OK.  Don't worry mommy."

****

And here's the recap for the week on the blog!

On Sunday I published the week's menu.  Salsa Verde Chicken (crock pot), lasagna (didn't do it), and pork roast (sooo good!).

Monday had a post in the morning:  List No. 2 Revisited and I shared my Spring Bucket List with you.  Lots of projects going on in A Brownie World's World this spring and we love it!

And the evening post was my weekly cleaning post but with a twist: My take on the popular KonMari Method.

Tuesday is always tasty!  I gave you a bit of a twist on the normal recipe posts and shared a day in my food life.  There was a lot of discussion on this one and I loved it!

Wednesday was all about the first two weeks of March in North Carolina.  A few fun and a bit varied experiences to try in NC the first half of March 2016!

Around the Home came back yesterday!!!  Lots of new projects around the house and I let you in on item number on on my Spring Bucket List!

*****

And adding this week:  The pins I'm in love with this week:

This shirt...pin here.

Smore Brownies Anyone?!?!

This little number!

True dat!

Happy weekend, guys!

Its like this and like that and like RECAP

Happy Saturday, friends!!!

I'm sitting here sipping my coffee, with the sun beaming in my kitchen window, and the kids are still asleep!  

SCORE!

We are closing a chaotic week that began with snow and ended with warmer weather and sunshine.  Ahhh yes, sunshine!  The best news is that the 60 degree temperatures are pushing our way and that makes me one happy chick.

To celebrate I am taking the kids swimming today!  I am a bit stressed over that because indoor pools are gross to me BUT it is water (highly chlorinated) which is my element.  Of course I will be the only one trying to keep my three year old in check but I think maybe I can win over the lifeguard?!?!?

Alrighty let's move to on to this week on the blog...

I started the week with the menu planning - per the norm.

My week of menu planning was pretty messed up thanks to the snow storm.  However, I am happy to report that we had a successful week of eating from that menu I made.  

Some of the items?  Salmon cakes and Orange Glazed Pork Chops.  

Check it out for ideas for this week; or you can wait tomorrow!  

Yes, I am moving my menu posts to Sunday effective this coming week (ah hem, tomorrow!) 

I freshened up the look of my menu posts as well and I hope you do enjoy that.  I love playing "pretty" with design here and there!

Tasty Tuesday - I love to share!

This week I shared my recipe for my very own version of Italian Soup.  

As you know I am not a pasta fan so this recipe is lacking pasta (carb conscious folks will adore this recipe!)  This soup is very healthy and will warm you up by, of course, being a soup but also by dumping in as much red pepper and fennel as you want!

Give this soup a try!  Pin it too!

Can you believe it is the end of January?

The last Wednesday of the month is reserved for What's Up Wednesday.  This is where I share with you good things (my addiction) and bad things (a 34 year old who cannot get enough Bieber in the earbuds.)  Check it out and compare to see if our crazies match in any way, shape, or form.  My favorite email I got off this blog post was - "Why can't we live closer together.  I think combined we would be a total and complete riot."  Be still my heart!

Evaluation of List No. 1

If Dr. Oz or Dr. Phil or Dr. Whoever-Is-Yet-To-Come decides that list making is a disease then go ahead and send me to the show.  (Please just make sure it includes a beach, a spa package, and some free shopping!)  Each month I make a list of things I hope to accomplish.  I am extremely honest with you about the list at the end of the month - therefore, you should totally go check this one out because it may be the only time I get a result that good.

Fri-YAY Link Up Day!

Friday was so nice!  I went back to worky work but that isn't what this post is about.  Nope, I did my regular Friday deal and shared a few things from the past 7 days with you.  It all gets shared over to a Link Up, my most favorite Link UP #H54F.  This week I shared...well you'll just have to go see!

So here we are in the middle of the weekend and I'm hoping to soak in every ounce of sunshine possible.  Next week is busy around here so I went ahead and put together posts for four days!  I hope you will check back for menu planning, a great recipe from my kitchen to your's, some fabulous ideas of things to do in February in North Carolina, and some pretty fabulous Superbowl 50 party stuff (ahem, Panther Nation!)

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Join me on Facebook this weekend!

http://www.facebook.com/abrownieworld

A Week in One Day (Recap!)

Hey gorgeous.  Is that a cinnamon bun you're eating or am I hallucinating?  I guess I am PMS-ing because I'm craving all things fattening and loaded with sugar.

But that is beside the point.

Today is recap day!

But before I begin - a rant and a question....

Rant:  Did you know All You is no longer going to be published?  Yep, they pulled the plug on one of my favorite magazines in December.  I was a subscriber so the lady in India or Pakistan (guessing from the bad connection and very thick accent) said I would get a voucher at some point in my life for another magazine.  I really loved that mag dang it.  Grrr.

Question:  Should I move my menu posts to Sunday?  I received a handful of emails from friends/blog friends/random strangers who said kudos on the menus but they do meal planning on Thursday or Saturday or Sunday.  I mean the real point of me publishing is that I love food, I love sharing ideas, and if I spark someone's interest in a meal then woo hoo.  However, do you think I should change my post day?  I want you to tell me what you think.  It really comes in handy because I kinda like majorly heart my readers.

Business adjourned!

Now for the recap....

I did a Sunday post recapping last weekend.  I always think it is odd when you recap the weekend during the weekend but hey now I am guilty too.  We had a fun time looking at campers!

Monday was the menu!  Very fun, very easy, very delicious.  Next week's (hmm not sure on the day I will publish it yet) is going to be super fun with new things I'm whipping up in the cocina.

Honesty:  I have missed doing Tasty Tuesday posts!  I really had fun with this one and there is another super fun one coming up next week.  This week featured white chili, yummmmmmmy!

Hump day I posted about raising a daughter.  My own daughter is eight years old and I never in a million years realized how difficult this age can be.  I fess up about my fears and tears and hopes and joys in this post.  Thank you so much for the feedback.  It is always great to know you aren't all by yourself.

Thursday was the one month point before Valentine's Day!  I shared my little decor on a dime.  No go on and scramble to Goodwill, ladies.

High fives all around for Friday.  I did a lot of planning this week and am proud of that!  A couple of dates and a trip to share.  Also, I shared two other successes for the week!  Woo Hoo Friday!

Blog Recap 11.16.15-11.21.15

I'm really hoping you are warm and cozy with a cup of whatever as you read this.  See, I'm probably not.  I'm out at a 5K with my daughter and her friends for the morning.  We're celebrating their running club with their first 5K - the Turkey Derby.  Prayers please LOL!

Here's the past week on the blog:

Last weekend was nothing exciting.  But I recapped it anyway!

Tuesday I introduced my new Let's Eat.  No more of me listing what we're eating.  Instead I'm picking a food theme and running with it.  This week I shared Thanksgiving side dishes.  It is potluck season so why not?

What's Happening This Weekend in North Carolina?A whole lotta holiday is truly what is up.  This is a longer post with TONS of events.  Click here to find out more from Wednesday's post!

Thursday I was all festive again with some beautiful tablescapes for Thanksgiving.  Needless to say I'm not going all out this year but I have some great ideas for next year!  I also posted some of my favorite Thanksgiving looks in Fall Fashion #5.

High fives all around for the end of the work week on Friday!

See ya later, gators!