Making Memories Monday

This weekend was all about family, friends and taking another leap of faith. I have been intrigued with skin care for many years, trying to find the perfect line for my finicky skin. I've had chemical peels, microdermabrasion, traditional facials, and even resorted to Accutane. My skin abhors stress and shows off during these times. Isn't that just wonderful...you're already stressed and your face breaks out which leads to more stress. This can create quite an ugly cycle. Pun intended.

I believe there are no coincidences; every event is purposefully placed in your life. I kept seeing friends join a company that I didn't know anything about. Intrigued, I started talking to my sweet, honest friend, Laura, about her decision to get on board.  I knew she would give me the straight up answers I craved.  No sales pitch.  No selfish backing.  After talking, praying, and researching, I'm excited to announce that I'm a Rodan+Fields consultant! I cannot wait to see my personal results with these products. I cannot wait to help others find the right products to end their frustrating search for a regimen that works. If you're interested in learning more about the business, I'd love to chat with you. If you're interested in trying out products or ordering (there's a 60 day, empty bottle guarantee...they must be good!), I'd love to chat with you, too!

After making this decision Saturday morning, it was time to celebrate!  We had a birthday party for a friend's precious daughter. My mommy brain ruined that. We showed up as the party was wrapping. I thought it was from 2-4 instead of 12-2. How embarrassing!  We tried to make it up to our disappointed little man with ice cream and lake time. I think spending the afternoon with Pappy floating around was the perfect medicine!

While Ham was playing with Pappy and Parker was playing with Noni, Jared and I scooted off on the golf cart to check out new construction in the area. We have always loved walking through houses as they're going up.  Our dream is to one day build our forever home.  There's something about seeing the foundation of your family's home being built that is so special to us.  And we figure if we didn't kill each other building our first home in our first year of marriage, we'll be just fine the second time around.

That evening we celebrated our dear friends, Brian and Shannon, and their sweet, sweet news that they will have a little girl in November!  I am beyond thrilled for them! I know Collins Elizabeth will be a salve for their wounded hearts.

After church on Sunday, we played on the lake all day.

Feeling refreshed after a fun weekend, I've got to get my booty in gear. The hubs turns 30 this week!  Finally, he's joining his cougar in the 30's club!!  The boys and I have a few surprises in store to make it a special week for him.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere...

There's something about sitting outside (or inside on these 90+ degree days) with a drink in your hand and winding down from the day.  I've started a habit of having a glass of wine every night.  I figure I deserve it after busily chasing Hamilton and Parker (yes, he's low crawling it these days!).  What better way to enjoy your drink of choice than in a monogrammed cup.  The cups are BPA free and double wall insulated.  The vinyl is an outdoor vinyl meant to hold up through washing.  At this price, everyone can afford to personalize his/her toddy cup!

Bev2Go $15

Brew2Go $18

Cheers, y'all,

Let Freedom Ring

While I love celebrating our nation's independence and all the fun that comes along with it, this holiday always marks the halfway point of summer.  Summer flies by after the Fourth, and then it's time for school to start back. This year I can truly enjoy the holiday. I don't have to worry about counting down the days until I'm back to work. So let true freedom ring, y'all!

On today's installment of "Fashion Friday," I'm sharing my favorite Patriotic looks.

We all know how hot it can be in this day. I love this tank. It's a statement in itself.

Holdfast Printworks

Target Merona Shorts

Lilly Pulitzer Foster Knit Shift Dress

Splendid Maxi Tank Dress

Book Recs

I love to read. It is my escape. It is my therapy. It is my guilty pleasure.

My favorite genre is contemporary romance. It has been my favorite since I began reading Danielle Steele in the seventh grade. My mom was just glad that I was reading, so she didn't fight the battle of WHAT I was reading.  I'm so thankful that she didn't hound me to read the classics. As a reading teacher, it is imperative to have choice. I want to read what I want to read. And so do kids. It's as simple as that.  With that said, I'm not trying to persuade you to read the following books; I'm simply sharing what I've enjoyed reading.

My favorite book so far this summer is Emily Giffin's The One and Only. I have yet to start another book because I'm so invested in the characters that I do not want to move on to new characters. Have you ever felt that way after finishing a great read?  It almost feels like I'm cheating on the book by starting a new one.

Click here for a synopsis of the book.  I don't want to give anything away...I'm bad about that!  All I'll tell you is that it combines football with hopeless romance. It had me right there. It's my perfect book!

After finishing a book on my Kindle, I stumbled upon a new author on the recommendations page.  I loved Catherine Bybee's The Weekday Brides series. The first book is Wife by Wednesday. In a nutshell, Blake Harrison is a self-made millionaire who also happens to be a Duke. In order to meet the clause in his father's will, he needs a wife by Wednesday; therefore, he contacts Alliance, a matchmaking firm, to procure him a wife who will agree to a marriage of convenience. This is a modern day fairy tale. It's skimpy price tag ($0.99 on Amazon) and adorable characters will have you smiling and laughing right along with them.

The same author also has another series that I enjoyed; it's the Not Quite series. The first book is Not Quite Dating.  It's the familiar story line of a single mom who is waitressing to make ends meet and a millionaire who wants someone to love him for more than his money. I know I'm a pathetic, hopeless romantic, but I love a sweet romance. 

I'm going to make myself start my next book tonight. It's SC native's Dorothea Benton Frank's annual low country summer read.  This year's release is entitled The Hurricane Sisters.  This review actually has me a little excited to get started.

Put on that Swimsuit

As I sit here sipping on my spinach protein shake, I come upon this article.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5521937?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

My heart needs this reminder.  No matter the facade I try to hide behind, I'm not comfortable in my post-baby skin. I miss my six pack. I miss my tricep cut. I miss my thigh gap. Furthermore, I have a confession about Monday's post. I didn't post a picture of Ham and me because I look fat.  I didn't post a picture playing with my toddler because I look fat. How selfish!

A few months ago I sat talking with my doctor about my weight loss, or lack there of. He said something to me that has been in the back of my head for awhile. I guess he knows me too well!  He said, "Lindsey, you don't want to be sitting at the pool this summer and people to see you and think, 'Damn, that second child got her!'" He's exactly right. I do worry too much about what other people think.

I am an example to my boys. I want them to be strong, confident men one day. They hear what I say under my breath about my own body. They read into my body language. If I want them to be strong and confident, I better change my ways.

So here's the picture my mom snapped of me and my first born. And here's to a step in the right direction:  embracing the body God gave me to serve Him.

Mock Crab Cakes

In the south, our squash comes in by the bushels in the hot summer heat.  In order to use it all, I remember having squash prepared a million different ways.  We eat it sauteed, boiled, fried, casseroled; you name it, we've probably tried it!  My family loves crab cakes, especially when they're freshly pulled from the creek. Combine our love for squash and crab cakes, and voila, the mock crab cake is born!

Mock Crab Cakes

2 cups grated squash or zucchini (about 2 large squash)
2 eggs
1 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
3 green onions, chopped
2-3 teaspoons Old Bay
1 teaspoon mayonnaise (Duke's, of course!)
vegetable oil

Grate squash.  If you do not have a food processor, it's worth the money!  I find myself using it more and more these days.  I love how it turns a tedious task like grating into a quick step.

Drain well, pressing between paper towels.  It's going to take a few papers towels!  Squash are filled with water.

Combine squash and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl.  Divide mixture into 8 portions, shaping each into a patty.  Pour oil to the depth of 1/2 inch into skillet.  Fry patties in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side.  Drain on paper towels after cooking to remove excess oil.

And this is where I got slack with my picture taking.  Sorry guys, just form the patties and fry them.  It's really simple; I promise!  There is one trick to frying them and keeping them together.  Place the patties in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Lemon Remoulade

2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup creole mustard
2 garlic cloves, pressed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 teaspoons chopped parsley (fresh is best)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons paprika
3/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Whisk cover, and chill for 30 minutes.

I hope y'all enjoy this new take on squash.  Even my big boy loves it!

Making Memories Monday

Some of my favorite memories of summer took place around our pool. I miss having a pool in the backyard where neighborhood friends  trickle in as the day progresses to play "Shark," "Categories," and "Marco Polo."  Maybe it's the Pisces in me, but I think it's so important to accustom children to the water at an early age. I love the water, and I think everyone else should, too!

We started off the week with a trip to Spartanburg to play with my mom, affectionately known as "DeeDee" by her grandbabies. My sister, Leslie, and her two children, Allie and Walt, joined in on the fun.  Unfortunately, I didn't get my phone out until after Leslie left. We were too busy playing for pictures!  Nevertheless, here are a few of my favorites from our morning with DeeDee at the pool.

My fish swam the whole time we were there. He would live in the pool if he could!

DeeDee relaxing while Parker napped. I hate I didn't get any pictures of P in the pool. His frog kicks kill me!

Happy boy is up from his nap!

Summertime's Calling Me

Despite the heat that takes your breath away as you step out of the refuge of your air conditioned house, I love summer. Summer means gathering with family and friends near some body of water and making new memories!  As a child, a day at the beach meant I needed a swimsuit and my canvas raft (do y'all remember those?). As a teenager, it meant that I needed my chair, a towel, and a good book. As a mother, it means that I need 50 bags filled with snacks, toys, tents, diapers, towels, changes of clothes, etc. I look like a pack mule!

Since I'm always going to have a plethora of bags in tow, I might as well have coordinating ones, right?  That's why I love this line!  Everything coordinates...even my sunscreen case!

Navy Anchors Beach Bag

My favorite features of this bag are the zippered closure, the outside pocket, and inside zippered pouch. It's perfect for your phone, license, and debit card.

Navy anchors Large Cooler Tote

With two young chaps, a cooler is a must!  Who knows, you might need a beer by 10:00!  Just kidding, well maybe. This soft cooler easily collapses, so it won't take up much space when you're packing.

Navy Geometric Fun Tote

This bag is made if laminate material. I like to use it for all of the toys. When we come back from the beach, I just hose the bag down. 

Navy Anchor Accessory Bag

I use this bag for all of my sunscreen. I cannot stand for sand to get in my sunscreen, so this bag helps with that issue. 

I have to have a bag for everything, so I know exactly where everything is. It's one of my flaws, but it makes a day at the pool or beach more relaxing!  What are your favorite bags for summer outings?

Who likes shopping for swimwear? NO ONE!

For right now, my days of donning a bikini are over.  My new modest swimwear drives the hubby nuts.  He's always nagging, "You're not 50!  You've just had a baby..."  I still have my preggo line for crying out loud!  No one wants to see all of that.  While I appreciate his compliments, I'm just not comfortable baring that amount of skin right now.  Everything has shifted; nothing is where it used to be.  Looking in the mirror, I find myself stuck in that scene from the road trip on The Sweetest Thing.

My favorite place to find swimsuits is TJ Maxx.  They have been having the best selection lately.  This week I found 8 pieces that I liked, and I bought 3.  I think that is a personal record!

I'm not quite to the point that I want personal pictures in a swimsuit for the whole world to see, so the models will just have to do.  Trust me, they're much easier on the eyes!

Badgley Mischka 

And the back is my favorite!  The back of a one piece can be tricky and very unforgiving.  This low back and cute detail are very flattering.

Bleu Rod Beattie Brighton Bandeau Tankini

I love the pattern on this one; it's bright and fun!  See, who said tankinis had to be blah.

Instead of the matching bottoms, my suit came with the solid sea colored bottoms.  

Bleu Rod Beattie Midas Halterkini 

What are your favorite styles for mommas?

Cooking for the Littlest One

I know it's tempting to take the easy route and just throw the jars of baby food in the cart at the grocery store.  However, this gadget has made cooking for a baby so, so simple.  In addition, you know exactly what is in the food you are spooning into your precious baby's mouth.  I'm going to show you some tips and tricks of how I cook and store food for my Park man.

First and foremost, run to BuyBuyBaby and pick up this product!  It will save you so much time and money that it will pay itself off.

While you're there, snag this accessory.  A cheaper version of this would be to use covered ice cube trays.  The reason I prefer the $20 BEABA version is because the nifty spatula that you see pictured above contours to the flexible silicone container.  Secondly, the portion size is larger (2 oz as opposed to 1/2-1 oz).  Have you seen my chunky monkey?  If I gave him an ice cube size of squash, he would start swatting at me.  True story.  He doesn't play with his portions.

Now that you are properly accessorized, let's get to "cooking."  Today I'm preparing squash and sweet potatoes.  Peel and chop your vegetables.  Place the chopped vegetables into the steamer basket.  Add water to the fill line of the BabyCook.  Turn the control on the front to cooking.  In less than 15 minutes the vegetables will be cooked, preserving the natural vitamins and flavors.

Take the basket of steamed veggies out, remove the water in the bottom of the cooking bowl, and dump the veggies back into the cooking bowl.  Turn the control to blending to puree the vegetable.  Add breastmilk or formula to get the right consistency.  Pour the puree into the freezer tray.  Cover and freeze overnight.  

In the morning, use your spatula to remove the frozen puree from the tray.  Do this by inserting the spatula into the tray and moving it around the outside edge to loosen.  Then, place the frozen portion into a freezer ziploc bag that is labeled with the date.  Frozen food will keep for 3 months.

When you are ready to use some of your frozen supply, just take the desired amount out of the freezer bag and place it into the Babycook steaming basket and add water to the top of the appliance.  Turn the control to the cooking setting.  After it has reheated, just puree it again to make sure there are no clumps.  If you're in a hurry, just microwave the frozen portion, stir, and serve.

It's that simple!  And as an added bonus, the bowl, basket, freezer tray, and spatula are dishwasher safe!

I'd say my little man loves it!  I couldn't resist adding a few pictures of him!