{Case of the Mondays}

I'm having a grumpy Monday.  Just "one of those".  You know -- no matter how many deep breaths you take everything annoys the crap out of you -- from talking to people at work, to your nose running, to it being that point in the summer where its just SO DAMN HOT  (even though we have actually had a very forgiving July here in The S outh).  Sometimes on days like this I also seem to let just plain insanity seep in.  Example: I didn't get to leave work on time and even though I left just a few minutes late there were still a million things to do but I wanted to attend my Monday gym class.  Because I vowed to go every Monday night until vacation.  I went.  But I was pissed that I went. It wasn't awful but I just didn't want to be there.  But...I would have also been pissed if I stayed home and missed class.  See -- I'm legit making zero sense.  

Anyway, I was sitting here in bed and just trying to think of the things that just make me feel good.  Instead of all the things that make me annoyed, or things that make me feel blah and angry and frustrated and crazy. 

Here is my Monday list: 

New shoes. Legit in my closet.

JCrew Factory Olive Cap Toe Pumps
{for those of us that can't afford Etta}

Snuggles with the dogs.  Seriously -- you can't even be unhappy because of all the gentle sweetness and cuteness of the pets.  

Being in love. 

Seeing your friends succeed and meet goals in their personal lives. 

Knowing on Friday after work I will be Savannah bound for Girls Weekend and a beach day at Tybee. 

What do you do to get through a bad day? 

~the single gal~

Lately...

Well, I started another new job on Monday. Pretty big risk but could be a pretty big reward. We will see! I try not to be super nervous and pray and hope that I think clearly and make the right life choices...and while everything always usually works out in the end it doesn't mean I won't have some hiccups in the process. So, that is the main reason behind the blog absence. I will have a lot of hard work in the next 6-8 weeks while our small team tries to get organized so my upcoming vacations will be very welcome breaks from reality! I just officially got some invites and notice our little sister will be in town one weekend in August, so the month hasn't arrived and I am already booked every weekend.

Even though I didn't get to my blog posts I did start a new job, get in 4 workouts, a visit to Elise and my Grandmother Saturday, two fun date nights with 3 Putt and also managed to give the dogs a lot of love and walks so I am going to call this week a win. I also managed a few home chores so I could start the week as organized as I possibly could. 

Here are a few pics of the last week -- including some from out visit to lake Keowee last weekend! 

You may not care but I am still over the moon with all this rain because it is late July and my plants are just gorgeous. The patio is so pretty! 

We can always be found on the screen porch when we visit my Uncle's house.  It also seemed to be the place with the least amount of breakables to keep away from the wee ones. 

Evening boat ride!!! 

Relaxing date night on Thursday at Food Truck Alley! The boys were very popular with the crowd and got lots of love! 

Hanging out with Grandmother! 

Looks like the boys are becoming best buds! Makes my heart smile! 

OOTN - Lilly skirt and white tank for our Saturday date! I love this print! 

Operation "get gold moosehead mounted above the bed" starts this week. Finally unpacked that giant box and removed it from my bedroom floor. 

What have y'all been up to lately?! 

-the single gal-

10 Things I Will Always Do

I was cruising my blog feed today and saw this post from Blair's Head Band and thought it would be fun to do. After all, a lot of you already know where I like to shop, what my dogs are doing at all times and where I am eating.

I will always...

-be a huge worrywart. 3 Putt's favorite thing to say is that he never worries because I worry enough for us both. 

-use a hard-copy paper planner no matter what technology is out there. 

-love to shop. 

-insist on good manners and proper etiquette. 

-prefer a good book over almost anything. 

-be a morning person. 

-believe you shouldn't leave the house without your makeup unless you are going to the gym. 

-have dogs at my house. 

-want to eat cheese dip for dinner.

-prefer the mountains over the ocean.

~the single gal~

Summer Reading

I have had a love of reading ever since I can remember. I worked hard every summer to get summer reading points and personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut. We grew up reading R.L. Stein, The Babysitters Club, and Sweet Valley High. While I'm sure we watched plenty of TV when we were younger we also played outside quite often and read many books. I have books that are my favorites and ones that I will always read over and over again. July always reminds me of Harry Potter because I believe all the release dates for the new book were in July. My mom was always kind enough to pre-order copies for all three of us. I tend to re-read the 6th or 7th Harry Potter every July. In fact, I was returning home from my honeymoon and couldn't wait for my copy back home in the States, especially with such a long flight, and purchased the 5th book at the airport in London. The one published for UK has a different cover. I'm not sure I have even cracked the spine of my original 5th book since I had the UK copy. I love books that are a series, trilogy, etc. I suppose if I really love the book and the characters it's awesome that they continue in another book. So here are some summer read suggestions!

Single Gal has posted about this book before and I started it a few days ago. Love, love, LOVE! I mean, as long as you're into historical fiction and time traveling....which we are. It makes me a little sad it's on my kindle because I tend to want the books I adore on my bookshelves. Even though I do agree with Single Gal's point of such a large book being easier to tote around. It's also a series so even more points for this.

Also a series. I just finished the third book and it was wonderful. The second one was also very good but this one and the third one are my favorite. I lucked out and have been able to borrow each of these via my prime account on Amazon. I love a library I don't have to drive to or re-check out a book every two week. I have no time for that. 

Susanna Kearsley has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I read this at the beach last summer which I had thankfully ordered it as an actual book because there was The Death of the Kindle. While I love my Kindle Paper White batteries do die and electronics can meet an untimely death. If you drop a book well, it just makes a loud noise. I want to order her new book The Firebird and The Winter Sea is an all time favorite. 

Anyone reading any other good books you can send our way? Happy reading! 

The Housewife

Weekend Recap - The Wedding Date

Not a super eventful weekend for this Single Gal. Or I guess I just didn't take a lot of pictures. I got in a nice dinner date with 3 Putt on Friday night, a run with The Housewife, cleaned the downstairs, walked the dogs, and had a lazy Sunday that involved me watching 2 seasons of Suits. 

I guess the big thing was that I FINALLY got attend a wedding with an actual plus one. Not a hasty selection just to have someone there but attending with my special someone. What a wonderful thing! As you all know I have been going the wedding gig alone for a bit. I'm not bitter about it -- all those weddings were fun but it is different to have a full dance card rather than squeezing in with your Dad and brother-in-law or even making The Housewife do the electric slide with you. Like I didn't have to drive myself there. Pull out my own chair. Suffer the nudges for all the "Single Gals" to run up front to catch the bouquet. And trust, when you are 30, it's just you and like 3 high school girls out there that are cousins of the bride.  

It was a really different night for me and 3 Putt. As long as we have known each other we were really never in "that place" where you go to weddings, family events, etc. We danced for the first time. He wore his suit.  We shared wedding cake. Had too much wine. 

It was really nice. 

Beautiful church at Agnes Scott College where Beth and Rick had their ceremony! 

One of our two decent pics of the night (Preesh on the no filters Instagram). 

Monday Obsessions: Beach Essentials

I was text messaging Single Gal (big surprise) about some things I wanted to grab before we go to the beach in September. Y'all, I actually found something the Single Gal didn't know about! The charming Beach Spiker. Single Gal was all, "What is that?" I explained, "Dude, it keeps your beer out of the sand."  Hello, I was 31 weeks pregnant with twins last year and I get to drink this year. Turtle owes me because he and the Single Gal were going through Coors Light like they were never going to find anymore once we left 30A. I was on nap duty with #1 back at the beach house. 

Happy Thoughts Gifts via Etsy

I'm also pretty sure we need some cute monogram ball caps for the beach this year too. We are dorky twins like that and definitely don't mind being seen in similar things at the same time. We do draw the line at wearing this one dress we both have though.

via Etsy Alley Oop Boutique 

This is my favorite sunscreen for the little people. I came across it last summer because nothing was keeping the pink off #1's cheeks even after several applications/re-applications. I use this on my face as well to try to combat the dreaded melasme I suffer from with sun exposure. Zinc me!

 I adore all things nautical lately and came across this breezy Emily and Fin Too Much Fun Dress in red anchors on Mod Cloth. It would be cute to stroll around Seaside in except I'm not a XXS. It's just such a nice cut for me since I'm constantly picking up little people and don't have to worry about straps falling down, etc. A strapless dress would be out of the question.

image via Mod Cloth

What are y'all loving for your beach and pool time this summer?

The Housewife

Things I Absolutely Must Stop Baking OR I'll Be 300 Pounds.

There are two things that I have been baking like cray here in the Housewife casa, granola bars and Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both are to die for and I simply want to eat them until I explode and die a happy death. Seriously, especially the cookies.

The Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is from a website I have enjoyed frequenting of late, 100 Days of Real Food. These cookies are so fabulous I have no foodie pics of them even on Instagram because we just eat them up in about 24 hours. Please check out the entire website and read about one family's pledge to eat better. This website and The Whole 30 have opened my eyes and really made me read my food labels. Do you know how many labels say 0 % sugar only to have it listed in the ingredients at the bottom?


I'm going to go ahead and mention my friend gave me this recipe and I do not know the author (is that even the right term?) of it. I am not claiming anything as my own.

Granola Bars

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 cups Rolled Oats
1/4 cup Wheat Germ
1/4 cup Flax Seed
3/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup honey
1 Egg beaten
1/2 cup Canola Oil
2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x9 baking pan. 

In large bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in wet ingredients. Mix well using your hands. Pat mixture evenly into the prepared pan. 

Bake 20 minutes. Cool for 5, then cut into bars while they are still warm. 


These bars are also really great to take on a long road trip. I have posted before about trying to eat Paleo and being interested in trying a Whole30. However, I also discovered the 100 Days of Real Food website. So when I cannot or am not eating strictly paleo my goal is to at least be eating "real" food.

I know I have been a little absent on the blog. Things are hectic like everyone else's life and I know that isn't a good excuse. I am making all of the twins baby food and have started cloth diapering them again. The baby food is killer. It's hard to keep up with it but I'm managing it and am really glad they are eating real food! I do give them yogurt and I obviously don't make that but mamma needs some kind of a break. To also be honest I'm counting calories like a Victoria Secret model lately to see if I can get these last 10 pounds off. So while I've sworn off these goodies feel free to indulge. I evidently have no self-control.

The Housewife

What Makes You Happy?

Lately I've been thinking a lot about where I was and what I was doing this time last summer as opposed to this summer.  I ran a lot.  I was sad a lot.  I probably wrote what was my most popular post of all last summer about my split with 3 Putt.  I felt foolish.  I saw my friends a lot.  I read lots of books.  Later on, Em came to live with me.  I took my first week long vacation in years.  I've seen two jobs come and go in that time.  I have felt lots of love around me. 

It's pretty crazy how far you can come in one year.  A whole journey that even I couldn't have imagined.  And I sure tried.  Any given day try to look back and think what you were doing and where you were a year ago -- it really can freak you out.  I never would have told you that I would be here.  With a new job.  With the person I love.  With a new dog.  Stronger friendships.  New friendships.  Lots of summer rain.  Flowers on the patio that are actually still alive.  I still feel lots of love around me.  Some things don't change.  

What I really focused on this week was feeling happy.  Obviously there were things I did last summer and things I have done this summer because they have made me happy.  Some are the same and very constant.  Others are a bit different from the year before.   And I felt like they were worth listing.  And if you would care to leave a little comment on anything that makes you happy, well that would make me happy.  

walking the dogs

cooking

fresh flowers

honesty

nail polish

books

my sweet nieces (got two more after last summer!)

new beginnings

a certain tall, redhead 

laughing with my best girlfriends

a glass of red wine

a good, long run 

summer storms

~the single gal~

Weekend Recap

Happy Wednesday! I have to say, I kind of loved all the rain we got over the holiday weekend. I had Thursday off but had to work again on Friday so I basically got up for a treadmill run with The Housewife and spent the day at home.  3 Putt and I grabbed an early dinner at our favorite Mexican place and stopped by The Housewife's place to see little people and hang out for a bit later that day. 

Other than that my weekend pretty much revolved around workouts, household chores, reading, the Wimbledon finals and catching up on DVR since 3 Putt had to work most of the weekend. 

Here are some pics! 

Sleepy puppy.

Finally able to get Rocky groomed!!! 

3 Putt and #1 making America a birthday cake. 

Fresh flowers! 

Little H loves Jack Rogers, too. 

Fancy table setting for at home brunch with Em while we watched the Wimbledon final on Sunday. 

I even made dessert. And threw the leftovers away. Then the dogs got in the garbage later and ate the rest of them. 

Spoils from Homegoods for the guest room makeover. 

A little pic of the measuring Hedgies from

anthro I got Monday! 

That's all I have! Hope everyone is having a great week! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~ 

Monday Obsessions

It was kind of a big shopping week for me due to all the holiday sales. I seriously tried to resist but I just couldn't.  A few things came home with me, a few others I still have my eye on.  I have not been budget friendly lately! 

These cuties live at my house now!

Anthro Hedgehog Measuring Cups.  

You can never have too many sleeveless blouses or striped blouses...

JCrew Factory Striped Sleeveless Popover
{marked down to $45}

I have a fairly fancy wedding to go to in August. I'm thinking of my first Rent the Runway item. This Milly dress is killer, no?

What are you obsessing over?

~the single gal~

{fourth of july}

Happy Mid-Week Holiday, everyone! I don't know about you but part of being an American and "living the dream" will involve me going back to work on Friday.  But for now -- celebrations.  Whatever you like to do to celebrate your freedom know we are wishing you a safe and happy fourth! 

the single gal and the housewife

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I was making a Target run the day of the NKOTB concert and I was in desperate need of a new bottle of top coat for my at home manicures. After stocking up on some ZBars and large bottles of water to take with us to stash in our hotel room I ran through the nail polish aisle. I grabbed some Essie top coat at first but for the price obviously there was probably something a few dollars cheaper. I turned around and the Revlon was behind me. So I grabbed some top coat but also a bottle of their gel base coat. Now, nothing against Essie because I came home with a bottle of Fifth Avenue to use so chill out people. Essie rocks my socks off but I've got mouths to feed. All I can tell you is that I did another manicure with the Revlon Gel Base Coat last Wednesday and it's still on my nails for the most part with no crazy chips. Obviously the ends of my nails have really worn off because I Crossfit and wash manic amounts of dishes, bottles etc. I couldn't find a great image of this product and it was confusing me because some bottles just have "long wear enamel" and do not specify "base coat" but it appears to be the same thing. Grab some and you won't be sorry if you need to paint your nails at home like me.

Via

I know I'm late to the party on a lot of things but it's because I'm just not a shopper. I'd love to be. Trust. I just don't have a ton of time to keep up with these things right now. It's why I love having the Single Gal around to keep me in check. Most of the time I run around in workout clothes anyway.  However, I decided to order some Twistbands with some left over birthday money and also snagged her a cute three pack. I love these things. I think they are the greatest things for Moms. It means I can put my hair back when I'm playing with the twins or trying to feed them and if I actually took a shower and spent time blow drying my hair it's not a complete waste. I signed up for emails and they sent me a free shipping code. They also carry fun prints in addition to these solids.

via The Twistband

Turtle had to travel to London recently and he is always so sweet to bring us back little gifts from abroad. He picked up this book for #1.  She is so funny. She picks it up and tells me, "Mommy, I'm reading Kate and William."

via

Anything you guys are loving lately? A new pug?  Ha, ha, ha! Love you Single Gal.

The Housewife

Weekend Recap - Single Gal Edition

All in all, it was a really great weekend.  I'm having a few blues lately because as a golf pro 3 Putt's summer hours are very long and frequent.  Some days its hard for me to eat dinner at 8:30 p.m.  So, this weekend we mandated a Friday date night since 3 Putt was off fairly early.  Actually, I felt like we were in that couples rut of just saying, "Oh hey, where do you want to eat tonight" so I nixed that talk and asked 3 Putt to just plan it all out and pick me up.  We had an amazing meal on a beautiful patio at Vin 25 in Roswell.  I may have had too much wine -- but we were just having such a good time! It made my 5 mile run with The Housewife in 100% humidity very hard the next day. 

3 Putt/beautiful patio at Vin 25

Meanwhile, Hogan is still wondering why Rocky hasn't left....

In other noteworthy news, I think my hunt for an affordable maxi dress that I really love is over.  I made the executive decision to comb through TJMaxx on my way home from work Friday and it paid off.  I snagged a Walter Baker 118 printed maxi for $40 that was originally $200 (I truly did feel like a "Maxonista") and a black Jersey one for $39.99 with a racer back.  

Spoils from TJMaxx

3 Putt is the master of breakfast.  Any time he makes something involving poached eggs it turns out beautifully.  

Took the new guy to the vet.  The were in emergency surgery so we have to go back for a few things on Friday.  Also note that the reason his nails are so long is probably because he freaks out like crazy when you just look at his feet.  So...he's probably going to have to be sedated to get them clipped.   But seriously, his Bon Qui Qui nails have Got. To. Go. 

Had a happy Sunday morning! 

Monday Obsessions: Things I'm Stalking Online...

Most of you know that I have been working on a bedroom re-do since late March/April.  I kind of have a feeling this will be a year long project based on finances, time,  furniture repainting, decision making, etc.  I've come to terms with that.   I've also found that I like decorating over a longer period of time because I find things that suit my vision as a go along and don't like to rush the process (or the  budget, ha).  I think rooms turn out better that way.  

I was really pleased to get the beautiful art from The Housewife for my birthday and it kind of inspired me to get the ball rolling on a few other items.  

West Elm Gray Stripe Euro Shame $24

The big le duh item my bed needs...that 3rd Euro Sham.  Going from a queen to king size bed was a new thing for me and I didn't really do the math very well on that. And I'd obvs like to get that sucker a nice big monogram. 

Clarendon Notched Headboard in Coral Sale price $359.99

Some new hardware for my dressers/night tables. Not really all that cheap but if I keep my existing stuff probably worth the investment. 

Lee Valley Hardware

I also wouldn't mind adding a "ghost chair" somewhere in this house.  This one from Amazon seems pretty affordable, no?

Now to just paint that furniture......

~the single gal~