Lego Birthday!

I realize that is has been a really long time since I last posted.

I have been so consumed with all the little things,

so blogging has suffered. sorry!

I has been a month already and my little boy has turned 6!!

He really wanted a Lego themed party.

My mom is the crafty one.

She made this banner that we hung in our dining room:

Lego crown for the birthday boy:

{can you tell he loves wearing it?}

I made some chocolate legos out of a mold

I got from Bake it Pretty.

My mom used some duple blocks to make a

utensil holder.

My husband made some lego man templates for me

and I made the boys some t-shirts

with the transfer printer paper:

Lego cake...credit goes to my mom again!

{I just can't do cakes}

{cake stand made with Lego duple blocks}

I also used mason jars filled with small lego bricks

at the kids party. I used them as balloon weights, forgot to take

a picture.

My 6 year old boy:

Getting a Jump Start on the Holidays!

I know some of you may think its a tad too early to be thinking about the holidays, or maybe I am just plain crazy...but I think its better to be ahead of the game than fall hopelessly behind.

I love the holiday season and I love having more time to spend enjoying it rather than worrying if my cards are done, the gifts are bought and the menu is planned.

I love sending photo cards for the holidays and I love receiving them as well.

I am a loyal customer to Shutterfly.com. I have used them for my holiday cards, birthday notes and several photo books. I have never been disappointed and I love the wonderful selection they offer.

This year I was thrilled to see the new selections for holiday cards.

I think my favorite is the Merry Bright ZigZag.

I love the pop of colors and the youthfulness it lends. It truly represents our crazy, fun family!

It is also a pretty neutral holiday greeting which fits our family well. Not too holiday-ish.

I like that it is simple and to the point without being flashy.

I also love the “What Fun” card.

I am just loving the rainbow color over the black and white photo.

Now, I may decide to go a little more “formal” and I do think the “Tree all Aglow” is so pretty with a black and white photo.

{can you guess we will probably be using a black and white photo?}

I usually do one of just the boys, but I love the way this family photo looks.

Really, there are so many beautiful and fun cards to choose from. I am certain you can find one that suits your family’s personality.

Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q

Well, Hello October!!

My how time has flown!

I can't believe we are almost halfway through

October, which happens to be my favorite month!!

So, I thought I would share some things I am loving right now.

Popped into the mall quickly last night and was thrilled to find

these on sale:

We are big fans of Pottery Barn Kids.

I have several sets of their utensils and they last forever.

These were their Halloween collection, which happens to match

my everyday decor.

So at $3.99 they were coming home with me.

Wish they made an adult version!

Next stop Anthropologie!

My bangs have grown out and this unseasonably humid

weather is not helping my hair!

I splurged on these:

Although, not exactly all the same colors though.

Then I stocked up on these because they were on sale and

I happen to LOVE them:

They are yummy smelling and tasting.

JCrew had an extra 30% off sale items...

This "September Sweater" came home with me.

Not sure how I feel about it.

{think a diet is in order now!}

I shall make it work.

I did spot this baby:

and this one...

Both now added to my "wish" list.

If you are a mascara freak like me,

you must try out this mascara by

Hard Candy:

"Curl up and Dye"

It is awesome. I love it. You can get it at Walmart.

It just ROCKS!

Oh, since I am sharing loves...

I am totally crushing on these Fryes:

I love all my frye boots and I have one pair of loafers.

I am praying these go on sale and are really comfy.

So, that is my little list.

Hope you all enjoy a fabulous fall weekend!!

xo

Scarf Swap!!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I am linking up with Meredith over at The Tichenor Family .

She hosted her 3rd Annual Scarf Swap and I am so happy I signed up!!

I was paired up with the sweet and lovely Courtney of

Courtney's Organized Chaos .

If you haven't check her blog out yet you really should.

I think she is just about the sweetest person.

I love reading her blog.

I totally goofed on taking a photo of what I sent Courtney, so I am

going to "borrow" her photo. {thanks Courtney}

I was so unsure about what to buy.

She and I have very similar tastes. We are very "basic" in our color

palettes, but she mentioned she liked a "pop" of color.

I saw this and thought it would be perfect for her:

{after seeing her post today and how good it looks on her,

I think I may have to go get one for myself}

And she was dead on perfect in her choice for me!!

So perfect and neutral.

I have worn it TWICE already!!!

I love it!

I love the pattern, it is perfect!

Thank you so much Courtney!!

And thank you too Meredith for hosting such an awesome swap,

I can't wait until next year!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

School Days

We officially entered Kindergarten!

So far we love it!

Here are a few first day photos...

{Please excuse the quality...it was dark and yucky that day}

{you know I had to coordinate their outfits}

{they love being silly for the camera...you know I wanted a nice shot!}

{Coop's face cracks me up...this is his serious/mad face}

{Poor Coopie...he was asking, "Where's Case?"...all day!!

He was getting it confused with where daddy goes and was telling us

"Case at work"!

Now he knows he's at school.

We love his teacher, she is so sweet and kind.

Adjusting to all day school has not been easy, but he is a pro now.

He is lucky to have his older cousin at school...which has been a complete Godsend!!

{Thanks Han!!}

So fingers crossed for a super year!

Prayers

Prayers today for the loved ones senselessly lost.

Prayers for those heroes who gave us hope and restored faith in the common man.

Prayers that we can continue to grow this great nation and rise above.

We will never forget.

Fun Finds

Days away from school starting ( cringe) and feeling like I need a little
"pick me up" we stopped into Home Goods and I was thrilled to see they had some
Lilly items. Mostly stationery, but they had these:

I had to pick one up, since they were only $4.99 and the bag is really big.
I recently purchased one from a school fundraiser and paid twice that.
They also had lots of these: 

A these for the little ones:

Super prices, just wish I had a little girl to give them too!!

My sister Kiki is expecting a boy after New Years!!! Any baby boy suggestions are welcomed!!

So we are busy getting our last minute things for school next week.
Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday weekend!!

xo

Waiting For Irene

All stocked up

and totally freaked out.

Praying that the damage is minimal.

I doubt that we will be getting any sleep tonight.

I still can not believe this storm.

Never thought NY would see something like this.

I stopped to get milk and bread today...

big mistake.

No bread at all and the storm just

brings out the CRAZY in people!!

We are staying put and praying that all our loved ones are safe.

{My sister Riri - you lucky dog! Stuck in Vegas!!}

wish I was stuck in Vegas right now!!

xo

Burlap Dreams

Have you seen Ballard Designs lately?



They are always adding some new things that

I just have to go and fall in love with.



Here are a few that I am totally head over heels for:

{Memo board}

{Burlap Cube}

{sweet pillows}

{storage bench}





On my wish list...



just saying!



xo

Things I am Loving Right Now

It certainly has not been the Summer I dreamed of.

Way more stress involved that I had expected.

We are all healthy, for the most part, and alive.

Right about now I wish I had one of those gigantic Valentine Heart boxes of

chocolate.

You know the ones that the used to raffle off in those old fashioned dime stores,

like Woolworth?

I miss Woolworth.

My grandmother actually won one of those gigantic heart boxes of candy.

We attacked it.

The chocolate was not that good, but it was an amazing sight to see.

I still ate the chocolate....because you can't ever let chocolate go to waste.



Anyhow, I am a total candy stress eater.

I would devour a ginormous box of chocolate right now.



So, instead I will list the things I am loving most this Summer...

maybe you will find something you like too!



This tunic from Anthropologie:

It is super comfy. I love it over jeans or leggings.

I actually think it looks cute on and it is on megga sale right now.

Primal Elements Glycerin Soap:

I have never really been a soap girl, but my MIL turned me on to this.

It is super creamy and smells so yummy.

{Orange Cantaloupe}

Essie Nail polish:

{Meet me at Sunset}

I love a good orange hue.

Makes my non tan skin look somewhat tan!



My perfect Summer pink:

{OPI Elephantastic Pink}

I love that it is not a shockingly bright pink, but it is perfect for your Lily!

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer:

I absolutely can not live with out it.

I use the PM moisturizer and the facial cleanser.

I love the whole line.

{You can get it at CVS}

CANDY!!

My local supermarket has the Halloween candy out already!

I live for these Peppermint Patty Bats!

Why do they taste better than the regular patties?

Mmmmmmm!



So here is my sweet little list.

Let me know what's on yours!

Getting Ready For School

I can't believe it is almost August!
Time is flying by and school is just around the corner.
Casey will be going to Kindergarten!!
{still can't believe it}

I have always been crazy about back to school shopping.
I loved picking out my school supplies...still do!

We don't have a list yet, but I have been stocking up on
some of the great deals at Target.

I am obsessed with labeling everything
and I have been searching for some simple
labels for school supplies.

I saw this deal on another blog at Vistaprint.

140 personalized labels for $3.41 - includes shipping.
{I think you can get it as cheap as $3.11, but it takes longer}

Here is what I chose:

I did Casey's name {first and last}
with 140 labels I think we are set for awhile!

You can go here to check out the deal for yourself.

Happy School Shopping!

Where Oh Where Have We Been?

Summer is just flying by.
Camp started last week for Casey and he loves it.

He did however, come home Monday afternoon
with a pretty high fever, which
has turned into a viral thing.
{yay...missed 2 days of camp already}

Guess what?

He is going back tomorrow.
Two days of being home and he is bored out of his mind!!

So, I think its safe to say he is feeling much better.

It has been so hot here.
Ridiculously hot.
I am really a Fall person.

Anyhow, the kids came along to the supermarket today...
remember they were bored.

And I promised a reward for good behavior...

Can you guess what their reward was?

Thank goodness for those ridiculous car carts!

Here's my haul.
I paid $23, that includes tax.
I had a coupon for everything except the ice pops.
But they were my bribe, and they were on sale!

What are you up to this week?

Trip To Target

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
We have been getting ready for camp next week and
slowly stocking up.
Here is a trip we took to Target this morning:

total out of pocket = $10.01

• eggs = $.99 with target mailer coupon
• bread = free with target mailer coupon
• Kool-Aid Jammers = $1.70 on sale
• (2) Lunchables = $.99 each with target mailer coupon
• (2) Kraft Salad Dressing = $.59 each - $1/2 target printable coupon & $1/2 manufacturer coupon
• Cottonelle Wipes = $.89 each - on sale for $2.01 each - used target printable $1.25/2 & $1/2 manufacturer coupon.
• Scotch tape - free with $1 printable manufacturer coupon
• (2) Papermate packs of pens - $.02 each with 2 target printable coupons for $1 off each
• Sally Hansen nail polish - $.04 -used $1 off target printable and $1 off printable manufacturer coupon
• Sharpie pens - $.52 - used $1 off target printable coupon

Not bad. I did it in two transactions because of the coupons.
The cashier was not very nice.
One of the Target coupons was not going and she insisted I did not have the item.
Even argued with me over it until I pulled it out of the bag and proved to her she did scan it.

Why must they be so nasty??
I am a legit couponer!

Anyhow, this is the exciting stuff going on over here.
The boys are water logged from swimming everyday at Grammy's.
The weather is forcasted to be yucky tomorrow, but the weekend is supposed to be nice!

Hope you enjoy the day!

Quick Trip to CVS

Not very exciting, but I got all this
for $3.60 including tax.

-Simply Smart milk on sale 2 for $5 - used $1 hood printable coupon
-Dove soap $4.39 - used $4 coupon from RP insert
-Almay mascara - $8.49 - on clearance for $2.12 -used $1 coupon
-Oreo minis - $1 each - used Nabisco $1 off 2

Not bad for a quick trip!

Always check clearance and bring your coupons with you!

Don't forget to swipe your CVS card when you walk in. It printed out 3 coupons Dove bars, Twizzlers and Pringles.

Have a super weekend! Happy Fourth!

Dust Bunnies

So, Mr. Coop has an obsession.
Its become a ritual around here...
He can't stop checking his toes!

It may seem a little gross...

But we can't help but get hysterical
at how through he is!

Seriously, he must have had lint once stuck in his
toe and now he is OBSESSED!
I mean at least 3 times a day he takes off his socks
and does a check.

I am laughing as I type this because he is so
serious about his toe checking.
Casey said, "Oh Mommy, he is just checking for Dust Bunnies"!
{hee hee hee}


Hope you have an awesome day!!

This Weeks Target Deals

Took a quick trip to Target this morning with the kids.
It is always stressful shopping with them so
I have a very detailed list {keep it short}
and lots of snacks on hand.

{the little guy is the toughest to shop with -
he knows the drill and asks for the snacks
as soon as he is in the cart seat}

So here is my haul:

My grand total was $23.72 for all of this.
Please keep in mind I do live in NY my stores
do not have the great deals that other
parts of the country offer.

I did 2 separate transactions to maximize my savings.
I made sure I went early to the store as to avoid long lines.

{There were still eyes rolling behind me...coupon haters!!}

Anyhow, here is the break down:

-Starbucks Coffee - on sale $7.99 - used $1.50 printable coupon = $6.49
-Hefty ONEZIP Bags - $1.97 - used Target printable coupon for $1 off = $.97
-Salad - on sale for $2 a bag - used Target mailer coupon for $1 = $1

- 4 Ponds Facial Wipes - on sale for $4.49 each used 2 ($2) off 2 Ponds Target printable coupon; 2 ($1) off Ponds face product coupons & 2 ($1.50) Ponds face wipes {RP 6/26 insert}
total paid= $9.46 { $ 2.36 each! }


-2 Sally Hansen Nail Polish - on sale for $1.83 each - used 2 ($1) off Sally Hansen printable
Target coupon & 2 ($1) off Sally Hansen printable manufacturer coupon. = free +$.34 overage!

- 2 Hot Wheels Cars - $1.09 each - used 2 ($1) off Hot Wheels printable Target coupon= $.09 each. { I can handle that little treat for the boys! They were excited to get to pick out a toy}

-2 Johnson & Johnson Hand and Face Wipes (double value pack) - on clearance for $3.48 each. { note these were sitting right next to the individual packs marked $2.99 each} - used

2 ( $.50) off any Johnson & Johnson product { not sure which insert} = paid $5.96 (1.49 each!)

Always be on the look out for those read clearance stickers.
I ended up paying 50% off the store price using my coupons to take
the extra off the clearance price.
We go through wipes like crazy and these are small in size
and fit easily in my purse.

Don't forget, I did 2 transactions because many coupons are limited to
one transaction so be sure to read your coupons and check your store policy.

Did you find any deals?