My Friday Frills - Installment 4

So, I missed last week because we ended up going out of town for a few days. Here's what's been on my list for the past two weeks - TGIF!

1. The Beach House: I am lucky enough to have in-laws with a

beach house that they so kindly let us frequent. With some of the warm weather we have been having, I am so looking forward to spending many Spring & Summer weekends down there. Monkey is at the age where he is really excited about it as well, and has taken to both the ocean & the boat (and more importantly, the

life jacket because there was a time when we thought we could never boat again with the tantrums that ensued when putting that blasted thing on!!). I have so many memories from growing up of spending time at the NC beaches, so I look forward to creating some with my kids.

2. Swim Lessons: Oh, my son will learn to swim this Spring - he has no choice :) I say that jokingly because the thought of managing two children at the pool who cannot swim is a bit overwhelming at this point! Swim lessons start next week at the YMCA - this will be his first time with a group lesson, which I actually think will suit him better than the private ones he took this past summer. He loves the water, just hates putting his face in - We'll see how it goes...

3. Top Chef All-Stars: Have I mentioned how much I love this show? And, it's just a bonus that this season it has all of these wonderful past chefs on it. It is what I look forward to watching most during the week - I seem to always walk away from it feeling inspired, and somehow I manage to create at least one excellent dinner a week because of the inspiration. Do you watch? I'm rooting for Carla or Richard.

Capture the Everyday: Something You Can't Live Without

Thanks to Melissa, over at Adventuroo, I have another reason to try to blog at least once a week! This week's challenge - capture something that you can't live without. I'm pretty sure the photo below needs no explanation, and if I had to guess I would say a few more like it may grace today's posts for the Challenge!

Head over to Adventuroo to link up & participate!

My Friday Frills - Installment 3

Coming up with this list this week has seemed exceptionally hard - just been one of those weeks, you know? I'm totally ready for it to be warmer out, and some of these nice days have been a real tease.

1. My New Bed: We recently purchased a king sized bed, and I haven't looked back since! It has been so nice having the extra room - it's practically like having a Tempurpedic the way it doesn't move when the hubby gets in & out of bed. There's plenty of room for snuggling with kids, on those mornings when you just aren't quite ready to get up yet, and for my 6 foot hubby to stretch his long, long legs!

2. Little Girl's Bathing Suits: Why are they so darn cute? I have purchased 5 bathing suits for the Bean, and it's not even close to summer yet! In my defense, I have found that all the time we spend at the beach can really do a number of bathing suits, so I suppose it's good to have variety. Oh, who am I kidding - I really just like the idea of having something cuter than boy's bathing trunks! Here was a favorite purchase thus far - got a similar one for Monkey & we have loved these for the boat at the beach. Let's face it, when your kids are as pale as mine, you need all the SPF you can get!

3. Morning Coffee: I have come to terms with the fact that I simply cannot live without it. Lately I have been trying a few varieties from Trader Joe's, and with a hubby that isn't picky it makes it nice to switch things up a bit. Ironically, I ran out of coffee this morning and am home alone with a sleeping baby so mama will just have to wait to get her fix...

My Friday Frills - Installment 2

Here's what has made my life easier or more enjoyable this week:

1. Free Time with the Bean:

I forgot how carefree life seemed with one child, and especially with one baby - all the things we used to get done!! Dad took the Monkey for some much needed "guy time" yesterday, and Bean & I just strolled around the mall, ran errands & just laid around & played together. It was nice to have some alone time to enjoy all the new things she's doing at 5 months!

2. Self Control:

This week I have made the decision to try to finally lose some of this baby weight. Let's be honest - as much I have have enjoyed my love affair with ice cream each evening, swimsuit season is

creeping in. Last summer it was a nice excuse to be pregnant & not have to worry about fitting into summer clothes. I have one good week under my belt of trying to just be more conscious of what I am putting into my mouth - damn if it isn't hard though!

3. Smiley Faces:

Monkey is finally showing his crafty side & been sitting with me

at his table in the playroom to draw. He comes to me throughout the day with little surprises & pictures - some of which leave me guessing, and others which are getting easier to figure out. This was a recent favorite that I put up on my side of the bed to make me smile in the morning.