Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, Friends!

It's Friday, which typically means FRIDAY FAVORITES for me, but today we're off for the beach!  I'd love for you to follow along on our adventures over on Instagram.  You can follow me here.

In the mean time, Narci and Andrea, are holding down the fort.

I'm taking the time off to soak in all the family fun and I'll be back to see you when we return.

Have a great weekend!

XO

An InLinkz Link-up

Beach Trip Prep

Hey Everyone!

Hope your Thursday is looking great!  Like I said yesterday, I'm knee deep in packing ALL THE THINGS for our vacation.  We leave tomorrow to head to Rosemary Beach.  This is so my life right now...

Hahahahaha!!

Because I'm the lady on the left right now and all of my thoughts are revolving around things I should do, items I should pack, or how I'm going to fit it all in I decided I'd give you a peek into my planning mind.  :)

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When we travel to the Florida beaches, we always stay in a condo or house.  I'm a huge fan of that...it gives us more space, we can easily wash laundry, and the list goes on and on.  But do you want to know my least favorite thing?

The Grocery Store

{Imagine hearing that duh, duh, duh music right about now.}

Most beach rentals during the summer rent from Saturday to Saturday so everyone is checking in/out on the same day, which means the grocery stores on Saturday and even Sunday are Black-Friday-type-CRAZY.

This time I decided I needed a new system and I found Be My Shopper Concierge Grocery Shopping.  I'm like GIDDY excited about this!  I went online and ordered all the groceries we want for the week.  Their website doesn't have everything you'd see in a grocery store, but it has a ton of items.  There is a place to add items you don't see online, but I didn't need to add anything extra.  The service costs $50 and a percentage of your total, but you guys {this is the best part} the items are all delivered before we even check in to our condo.  I'm gonna say that again just in case you missed it.  When we arrive at the condo, our grocery store items will already be there WAITING for us.  I asked Tab if he'd like to shop to save the extra money this service would cost and he told me it sounds like the best money we've ever spent.  #notafanofthegrocerystoreeither

I want to add this is not a sponsored post, but I'm seriously pumped about this service and thought someone else traveling to the beach might want to take advantage.  I'll be sure to give you a review of the service when I'm back.  :)

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A beach and a good book just goes hand-in-hand.  Right?

A few of these were recommended by friends and a few I found in the back of my book cabinet {no clue who recommended them}.  Here are a few of the books I'm taking on the trip....

The Wife Between Us

A Nantucket Wedding

Eleanor and Park

The Light Between Oceans

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A few of the new things I bought for the trip...

*This pineapple Target cover-up.  I sized up to a medium because it's junior sizing.

*Coral Beach Dress-this one was calling my name.  You know I have a thing for coral. ;)

*This fringe Target cover-up is junior sizing as well, so again-size up. 

*Druzy Stud Set for cute, affordable earrings that can be worn to the beach or out to dinner.

*Floral Romper-When we need a little break from the sun, I can see myself strolling around town in this outfit.

*Lemon Pajama Set-apparently I'm having a moment with fruit right now.  :)  I tend to never buy myself new pajamas until I'm headed out on a trip.  Then I buy several new sets and trash the ones falling apart.  {Do you guys have those too or is it just me?}

*Bracelet Set-I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this, but I decided it was a cute little set for a great price that just happens to scream, "BEACH!", to me.

*Beach Hat and new sunglasses made the cut as well.

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My kiddos are pretty great about a road trip.  I let everyone buy a new DVD for the car.  We'll pack some other oldies but goodies along with snacks, a few books, and blankets so everyone is cozy and be SET!

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Okay, I'm off to double check all my lists, finish the laundry, and make one more run to the store before calling it a day.  Hope you have a good one!

XO

What's Up Wednesday-A Week EARLY!

 I'm joining Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up!  And I'm linking up a week too soon.  :)  #earlybird

What we're eating this week:

Am I the only one who makes their family hunt for their own dinner the week before a vacation? 

I have no clue what my family will be eating the next few days, but I promise I'll feed them.

What I'm Reminiscing About:

Our last trip to the beach.  The Slaughter Six are READY!  We leave on Friday for our roadtrip to Rosemary Beach, where we'll be enjoying a week of fun in the sun.

What I'm Loving:

I'm loving that Britty is a big fan of the water this summer.  She absolutely loves the pool.  She's a fan of jumping in...off the steps, off the side, and even off the diving board.  Earlier this week, she competed in the Cannonball Contest at the pool and WON!   {I have no doubts it was her cuteness that won the competition instead of her actual cannonball.  She hasn't mastered that just yet.}

What We've Been Up To:

I partnered with Nordstrom again to share a little more about their amazing gifting services.  Their wide range of price points and gifting services makes gift giving throughout the year super seamless.

I'm highlighting a few of my favorite baby gifts to give {and what new mama wouldn't love to receive these?}...

One gift I always loved receiving was a really nice baby blanket.  I have a girlfriend from high school who bought me a Little Giraffe blanket every time I had a baby and she'd add their monogram to the blanket.  I cherished those blankets so much.

They're super great quality blankets and would make a great gift.  This brand also makes other items a new mom would love.

Sidenote...I wanted to wrap up Britt to feature the blanket, BUT she played hard with the big kiddos yesterday and was napping like a boss!

You guys know how much I love a gifting set for myself...imagine how much I'd love this one for a new baby.  It's the perfect way to try a variety of different products and decide what will be your go-to's as a new mom.  The Honest Company also has other gift sets for new babies, diaper cakes, and diaper backpacks.

I always preferred gifts that I wouldn't normally splurge on for myself or my baby.  Like these Ugg boots {similar to Britt's in the picture}...I would have flipped to open those up at a baby shower.

You can shop all kinds of baby gift ideas below...

In order to highlight these items, I ordered online but selected the "Pick Up In-Store" option.  You guys!  SO EASY!  I received a text from Nordstrom the second my items were all bagged and ready that looked like this...

When I got to the front of the store, {please note, we all stayed in the car...no lugging kids inside to grab one or two items} I called the number and Andrew, the nice associate at my store brought the items right out.  It took under three minutes for this to happen.  Keep this in mind if you're ordering and want something ASAP!

And thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring a portion of this post!

What I'm Dreading:

I'm always the worst about leaving my house clean before a vacation.  I always have big goals and then it just never happens.  I'm making it a goal {again} and am dreading it a bit because it sounds like so much work.

What I'm Working On:

This is SO my life right now.  I'm packing for myself, all four kids, and then trying to also include beach stuff, house stuff, etc.  Tab will throw a couple things in a bag about thirty minutes before we leave.  Sigh.

What I'm Excited About:

AHHHH!!!!  I'm looking forward to this.  The good food, no schedules, no responsibilities, not cooking {much}, sleeping in, and spending time with my people uninterrupted.

What I'm watching/reading:

I just started reading Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery.  I can't remember where I saw a Summer Beach List 2018 and this book landed a spot on that list, so I ordered it.  Thought it'd be the perfect book to get me in the beach spirit.

I cannot WAIT for the Big Brother premiere on June 27th!  Set your DVRS!

What I'm Listening To:

We've been listening to all the summer stations we can find on Pandora.

What I'm Wearing:

Shocking...I was in something other than a swimsuit and cover-up one day this week!  I'm loving this new top paired with my favorite denim shorts.

What I'm Doing This Weekend:

Oh my goodness!  This is SO us!  Every time!

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:

All things Red + White + Blue, the 4th of July parade, fireworks, more swimming, and more SUMMER!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  XO

Tuesday Talk

Hey Tuesday!

Once a month, I join Fancy Ashley and we host Tuesday Talk.  We invite you to join us to chit chat about any and everything.  Here are the list of topics we've discussed in 2018...

In January, we talked about key fobs.  Yes, for real.  I had a major issue with my key fob situation and asked for your help.  You guys came THROUGH for me!

In February, we discussed any and all speech recommendations.  Britt is progressing in so many areas, but she's struggling in the speech department.  You guys had some GREAT ideas for speech delays.

In March, we all shared some gifting ideas...think baby shower, new baby at home, wedding shower, etc.  You guys came through with some awesome ideas via the comments.  If you have a shower you're attending soon,  go read the comments!  Or if you have a girlfriend coming home with a new baby, go read the comments!  Thanks for all your recommendations!  They are GOOD!

In the month of April, we discussed how we raise grateful kids.  You guys had some great ideas for helping us all do better at making sure our kiddos are thankful for all they have.  The comments are great on this one too!

Last month, Tuesday Talk fell on Britt's Gotcha Day so we celebrated with a post all about Britty.  I know I've said this before but I'm saying it again...that little girl has changed all five of our hearts in big, big ways.  Adoption is amazing!

Today, I'm keepin' it real for you and sharing a funny mom story.  :)

This past spring Nixon was playing in a baseball tournament early on Saturday morning and there was absolutely no breakfast food in our house.  So we stopped on the way to grab breakfast sandwiches and just ate in the car on the way to baseball.  

No big deal.  Right?

Two days later, I picked up my kiddos from school and also one of Ebby Lee's friends.  On the way to our house the sweet little friend asked, "Why is there a patty in your floor?".  

Hmmmmmm.  Come again?

I'm pretty sure I responded with a, "What did you say?".

And the little girl said, "There's a sausage patty in your floor."

Chalk that up as things I never thought I'd hear, but yes, I realized later I'd been driving around for two days with a sausage patty indeed on the floor of my car.

That's keepin' it real, friends.

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What about you?  Do you have a fun "mom" story that might bring us all a little laugh today?  We'd love for you to share!

Hope you have a great day!

XO

An InLinkz Link-up

I Like Big Bows and I Cannot Lie

Hey, Hey Friends!

Happy Monday!

I want you to know I had plans to add this as a portion to my Friday Favorites post and the more I thought about it, the more I decided this topic deserved it's own post.

I've got a confession....I LIKE BIG BOWS AND I CANNOT LIE.  :)

 I mean...isn't she the cutest?

The second Ebby Lee entered the world she pretty much had a bow or headband of some sort in her hair or on her head.  And Britt is following the Slaughter trend.

I think it's partially a "Southern" thing and partially just a preference.  Ebby Lee does her own hair on most days and she puts a bow in her hair all on her own.  She still prefers to wear one daily {and I'm totally okay with that}.  I know she'll grow up sooner than I'd prefer anyway, so the longer she wears bows and ruffle pants-is totally fine with me.  #whywouldirushthat

Do you know where I get all of their bows?

From Casey at One Stop Bow Shop, of course!

{Keep reading for a coupon code, girls!!!}

I met Casey years ago {Casey is Shay's cousin} and she's so sweet.  With two girls of her own, she has an eye for accessorizing and her bows are amazing!  Do you know you can wash them?  They hold up so well in the washing machine and then I just sit them out to dry.  They're the best quality bows I've ever seen.  If you have a daughter, niece, granddaughter, or some sweet little girl in your life, I highly recommend them!

Here's a little more proof our love for One Stop Bow Shop runs deep...

I'm telling you we love us some One Stop Bow Shop around here.  :)

The bows come in a wide range of sizes.  We have a variety of sizes, but most of the time Ebby Lee wears the "XLarge Jumbo" and Britt wears the "Large".  Even though it looks like Bowen did that for me, it was actually me.  ha!

Have you heard of One Stop Bow Shop's Monthly Bow Box?  This would make an awesome baby gift for a little girl, first birthday gift, or just a special gift for a mom to be to help her start her bow collection.  The subscription cost is $20 per month and you receive five bows varying in size, four are solid and one is a print that coincides with the season.  

Check out the June box!!  So cute and all the colors you'll need this summer.  The June boxes are shipping now.

This mermaid bow is so cute it deserved to be seen.  :)  Isn't that bow CUTE?

And the July box {you can pre-order} is just as darling.

Ebby Lee flipped over this unicorn bow.

I'm telling you WE LIKE BIG BOWS AND WE CANNOT LIE.

And we just so happen to love One Stop Bow Shop as well.  :)

I have GREAT NEWS...Casey is offering a code for us to receive 10% off the June or July bow box.  If you enter, "Erika", at checkout you'll see your discount.  Thank you, Casey!

Happy Monday, Friends!

XO

Friday Favorites

Hey, Hey Friends!

The first official week of summer has been a big success.  We managed to hit up the pool three times, host friends in our own pool, attend two camps, and have a lot of fun with our people.

I'm joining my girls, Andrea and Narci, to share our Friday Favorites.  Each week we host the link-up and invite you to join us.

My list today is a hot, random mess of faves...

Just yesterday, Ebby Lee had a fun little girl's night with Marla and they made this cute coaster for me.  Marla said it was so easy to make, but you guys know how creative Marla is.  I'm not sure my average person creative skills could whip this out so quickly.  ha!  She said that it's tiles from Lowe's or Home Depot, use Sharpies for the design and then add drops of rubbing alcohol.  Turned out super cute AND I really did need it for my desk.  

They added those little felt dots to the back to keep from scratching my desk.  Tab doesn't know this but he has one for Father's Day.  It'll be perfect for his office too!

This was my afternoon cup of coffee yesterday.  :)  I was one happy girl.

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Nixon got this Electronic Battleship for Christmas a few years ago.  This past week Tab was out of town several nights so the kiddos and I stayed up past our bedtimes and had GAME NIGHT.  This was the game of choice and it was so much fun...a new family FAVORITE!

Tab and I used to have to always help with the coordinates and such, but now that they're old enough to play me...super fun!  :)

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I mentioned my kiddos attended two camps this week...Ebby Lee went to volleyball camp in the afternoons with Kensington.  Can you see them in the middle of the circle leading stretches?

While Nixon and Bowen attended football camp in the morning all week long.

Bowen won the "kick" competition for his age group.  He was pumped!

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I finally finished Sophia of Silicon Valley.  You guys!  I hadn't lost my mind at all when I said that I thought it was similar to "Devil Wears Prada".  That was correct!  I'd say it's a Silicon Valley and "Devil Wears Prada" mix, if that makes any sense?  This story is "loosely based" on one woman's real life, which was super interesting to me.  Sophia comes from a family with overbearing parents and really feels the need to prove herself to them.  She slowly works her way up the Silicon Valley ladder bouncing from company to company under MUCH stress and intense situations. She has to decide if making it to the top is really worth it after all. 

I thought it was good, and definitely worth a summer read.

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I told you this already once this week, but it's a favorite that deserves to be mentioned again....Bowen and I are obsessed with this Lavender Lotion.  I'll find him sneaking into my bathroom for just a little more.  

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If you missed my How We...Wednesday post, I shared how I plan summer vacations.  I mentioned some of the destinations on my bucket list and lots of you guys gave your recommendations, helpful tips, and other tricks in the comments.  Definitely check out the comments!

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Okay, everyone...set your DVRs for June 27th the new Big Brother premiere of 2018!  You know me...I cannot WAIT!

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I've eaten at Zoe's Kitchen a handful of times and I'm pretty sure every time I order the wrong thing.  Yesterday at the pool,  Shay and Brooke ordered for me and you guys...my food was SO good! 

We had the protein plate, grilled prosciutto and cheese sandwich, and hummus.  (And all shared/tried all the things.)  If you've never had those items, go today and try them.  Then let me know what you think.  My lunch was so good I wanted to go back to Zoe's for dinner.

If you get something else that you love, please share!  I need to expand my Zoe's horizon.  ;) 

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And one last thing for you today, our sweet friend, Meagan, wanted me to share this...

"Due to the sensitivity of the matter, we cannot share any details at this time but please know we're so thankful for all the support, love, and prayers.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!"

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I think that wraps it up for today.  Don't forget to join the link-up if you blogged your faves too.  Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday!

XO

An InLinkz Link-up