12/7/18

I'm Baaaaack!

It's been a minute!

This two-kids-thing has really done me in ;). Anyone who knows my kids can tell you I have hiiiigh energy children! Literally there is no pause button. From the (super early) minute they wake up to the minute they go down they are GO GO GO. 

We are in this new phase I never thought I'd be in, where we never leave the house before noon because it's too hard to get all three of us fed and dressed and loaded up by then. Where we basically stay home minus the occasional preschool pickup or (dreaded) grocery store run. Where I turn my back for two seconds and kids are climbing on the counter eating the hidden cookies and pulling out knives. Where I haven't exercised consistently in weeks. Where the McDonald's drive thru girl knows I want one soda for now and one without ice for later ;). 

Honestly it's been good for me. My old days chock-full of museums and errands and home-cooked meals are currently replaced with setting up train tracks with Cannon, wiping up the sticky fingerprints everywhere, rolling play dough pancakes with Lydia, throwing in a load of laundry, and microwaving frozen lasagna for dinners. And that's okay! These kids are stretching me every second and I can only run so fast. I've had to learn to say no, which us people-pleasers really suck at! And I've had to learn to shift my expectations for myself. Having a clean house and clean hair simultaneously is too much for me right now, but I CAN sit and read books with the kids for 20 minutes. I'm teaching myself to not feel guilty that I should be doing more. And I remind myself daily that this is a season. And as insane as some days are, I know it will fly.

So here's a massive photo dump and quick update from the last few months!

HIGHLIGHTS: 

- Michael is done with the 4 months of away rotations!! PRAISE BE. So now he's traveling 3-4 days a week for interviews, ha. But this is so much better than just straight up gone! March 15th is the magical Match Day when we find out where we'll live for the next 5 years for residency, and then May 17th is graduation - Michael will officially be a doctor! I am so proud of him. I have no idea how he does it all and does it all so well. We love you boo!

- Disneyland! Lots of Disney. (Think I've finally converted my parents and sisters - YAY.)

- Trick or Treating was one of the best nights of the entire year. Lydia was old enough to run up all on her own and Cannon was brave enough to follow her! Super fun watching them ask for candy haha.

- This newly budding cake hobby! Ever since my terrible attempt at Cannon's 1-year-old smash cake in March, I was determined to get good at cakes! It's been such a fun new skill to learn, especially with Michael being gone so much. Cakes take a TON of time (and freezer space), but I've really enjoyed feeling crafty. A few favorites have been a banana nutella smores cake, a spice cake with gingersnap and candied pecan crumbles, and a German chocolate fudge cake!

- Disney on Ice date with Lydia :).

- Big instagram sale! I was lucky enough to sell a ton of stuff which always feels so refreshing! Love a good closet clean out.

- Awesome Thanksgiving break in AZ with both families.

- Turkey Trot featuring the Huish gang and my really exciting spray tan! Hahah. I was actually pretty stoked because I finished 7th for my age group?! Okay I KNOW THAT'S NOT BRAG WORTHY but I was happy when I saw it online! 

- Followed by a not-so-awesome 12 hour road trip home to Utah, just me and the two kids. HA. Lydia was an angel, Cannon was a pterodactyl. 

- We've reached minivan status!! Sort of. My mom is lending us hers for a while since she is almost an empty nester and really should not be driving a minivan anymore ;). HeLLOO sliding doors.

- Temple lights with med school friends!

- S N O W (a highlight and a lowlight let's be honest).

- And now I'm finalizing Christmas shopping and looking forward to helping in Lydia's preschool Christmas party next week! 

(photo by Lydia :) )
I'm not addicted I'm committed. 













12/6/18

My 10 Go-To Shoes for Fall/Winter

I'm excited to share over the next few weeks my go-to favorites in all different categories - tops, jeans, jackets, makeup, dresses, snacks, accessories, etc. I think it's so fun to see what people use on a daily basis so I thought I'd let you in on mine!

Today I'm starting with my fall and winter shoes. 

For as much as I love shoes, I really only gravitate toward my same few pairs day after day. My main qualification for shoes is being able to instantly drop everything and sprint down at least three Costco aisles in said shoes ;). (Thank you Cannon for keeping my interval training going strong amidst my gym hiatus!)

1. Killer black leather booties
I really researched hard for these bad boys last Christmas. I wanted the perfect mix of timeless style and wearability and these hit the jackpot! The pointed toe makes your legs look a mile long (especially with black skinnies) and the super low heel keeps these easy to run around in. Definitely a favorite of mine!
Mine  HERE, similar  HERE,  HERE or  HERE

2. Neutral tennies
Epitome of millennial mom shoes. Cute tennis shoes can really go with anything! In Utah I've been wearing these with jeans and a leather jacket, but in AZ last week I wore them just as easily with a fitted striped dress! I searched forever for a financially realistic version of THESE shoes, ha. (Like really who is buying these things??) And I was so shockingly surprised when I got these in the mail and LOVED them! I wore them all day at Disneyland without even remembering I had on shoes. Sizing tip - I'm usually an 8.5 (39 or 40) and had to go all the way up to a 41 in these!
Mine HERE

3. Cognac mules (or loafers!)
I clumped these two together due to similarity, but I love them both! Brown mules literally go with anything - skinny jeans and sweaters, jumpsuits, mom jeans and tees, dresses - you name it. Such a versatile staple. I wear the backless in fall and the loafers with socks in the winter.
Mine HERE and HERE, similar HEREHERE and HERE

4. Fun rain boots
Without fail every time I wear these I get stopped! The color brightens up gray days and the lower cut makes them much easier to wear than the knee-high version. I've worn these to church, concerts, the zoo, errands, seriously everywhere. 
Similar HERE, HERE AND HERE (loooove these!!)

5. Flat booties
Are you even a Utah mom if you don't own a pair of cut-out booties? ;) These have made their way across the web for years for good reason - they elevate any outfit while elongating your leg! Again, versatile and comfortable. I'm predictable, ha!
Mine were a knock off - similar HERE or HERE, real version HERE

6. Black loafers
Similar to the cognac flats above, these make any outfit seem instantly put together. I've worn these with leggings and a jean jacket just as easily as dress pants and a sweater. Probably one of my top three most loved shoes of all time!
Mine are old from Target, similar HERE, real version HERE 

7. Leopard mules
Can you tell I have a thing for flats... haha. The pointed toe is so feminine and I totally deem leopard as a neutral. Fun fact: I wore these with a cream jumpsuit and wide-brim hat to Jolley's way back in June when I pitched my energy balls! ;) 
Mine HERE, similar HERE and HERE

8. Slip-on tennies
Such an easy shoe - literally! Just slip on and go. Perfect for busy moms or students. I wear these all the time with black leggings or skinny jeans. 
Mine were Target but they're out of stock! Similar HERE, also love THESE

9. Neutral weather boots
Although these are labeled as a rain boot, in a snow storm I actually prefer these to my actually snow boots! With a chunky sock they're totally warm enough and with all the rubber I'm not worried about ruining them. 
Also out of stock from Target, but great price point HERE and HERE for the real deal!
(Also really wanting THESE :) )

10. Guilty pleasure fur slides
Okay it's a little embarrassing how much I love these shoes. Best $10 I've spent! My little sister had these on and I fell in love and bought them the next day. These were fantastic in the fall when I wanted to add a little something special to an otherwise casual outfit. I wore these with jeans and sweaters or tees, lounge clothes, even a denim skirt! Rock on, faux fur.
Mine HERE

Honorable mention: Snow boots
A shoe that probably should be getting a lot more playing time but isn't. In theory these are the perfect Utah winter boots! But I feel like the huge ankle opening makes my legs look really short? So I end up putting them on weekly and then taking them off and grabbing rain boots instead. But if you're interested in these cuties try them on in store first - they look really good on a lot of people!
Mine HERE, updated version HERE



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