Friday Faves!!!

Hey, y'all! If you read my post yesterday then you know my Friday Faves consist of stuff from Nordstrom since they are having their huge anniversary sale and if you are a cardholder then you can start shopping NOW!! I was excitedly browsing all of the great stuff!!

Before I start with that, I have to share this picture. This just sums up my happiness this summer (of course plus Joey...hehe). Sweet summer and family...that is my number one fave thing this Friday....and everday.

 

Okay, so back to the big sale. Last night I ordered a new leopard scarf (HERE) and the LORAC skinny eyeshadow in navy (HERE). I only spent $30 for both....amazing!!! Remember, Nordstrom always has FREE shipping!!!



    
I can't get over that the scarf was only $12.90!!!

I was trying not to spend too much because I also added some items to my wish list. I love how you can make a wish list on Nordstrom's site because there may be a time where I like something but am unsure if I want to pay that much and while it's on my wish list, I will get an alert when it goes on sale.
A week or so ago, I liked a jacket that Pinterest Told Me To had featured on her blog so I added it to my wishlist. I didn't want to pay $68 in the heat of the summer for a light jacket so I was hoping it would go on sale and luckily I got an alert that it did and I paid about $40. I got it in black and love it!!! You can find it HERE!

So, here are the items on my wish list. Again, I am definitely not buying them all but I let them sit there a bit and see if they go on sale or if I still even want it. This may sound silly but I have been known to buy stuff just to buy it so I have been trying to make better choices in either buying something I need or something that I love!!!


#1 Longchamp Tote
I think this will be the next big "it" bag. Longchamp is a French luxury leather goods company. I have read about the bags on other fashion blogs and have seen them around Dallas more. They don't look fancy but they are supposed to be very durable and you can easily wipe them off if they get dirty...perfect for a momma! I have switched between my Michael Kors tote and Henri Bendel tote but this might be a nice, classic tote to add!!! This one is a Nordstrom exclusive and is on sale for $126 so it is not bad at all!!! There are other styles and tons of colors! Find it HERE!

#2  Kendra Scott Pendant
I was in love with the Rayne necklace (with the tassel) but I really like this necklace because it is simple and clean looking. I really like the grayish color because I can wear it with a lot especially going into Fall and Winter. This one I am thinking of ordering tonight because it is only on sale for the anniversary and will go back up to $78. Find it HERE.

 

If you are a Kendra Scott fan the earrings are in around $30 right now. If they weren't so heavy, I would buy them in a heartbeat.

#3 Tory Burch Cross Body

This is such a classic looking purse that allows hands to be free for catchin' kids. I love the color and I think this could be a great year round purse. It is on sale for $238.90 but will go back up to $425 after the sale. 

 

I hope you get a chance to shop the great sales!! I have definitely been enjoying it...Joey maybe not so much!

And I completely forgot to post Wednesday because I was a guest over at Lone Star Ginger Boutique's blog which you can find HERE, she is fabulous and so are her items!!!

 I hope you all have a great week and don't forget to check out Sum it Up Sunday!!!

Trendy Thursday: Rockin' a Denim Jacket

Today I had posted this picture of Lauren (her blog HERE) and I at church last Sunday rockin' our matching denim jackets. I think denim jackets get mixed feelings from people.

 

#1 They are awesome and they go with everything
OR...
#2 You think they look like they are from the 90's and you could never see yourself in one

Oh. M. Gee, I love my denim jacket and I couldn't imagine life without it. It transitions so many pieces from spring/summer to fall/winter. I remember it was my staple piece when I student taught. I would wear it with dresses everyday! I stopped wearing it and then last year, I was reading Pinterest Told Me To (find her blog HERE) and she featured the jacket. I wasn't crazy about it at first but then I kept hearing amazing reviews and she styled it with so many things and it looked so cute....so finally I bought one and not a day goes by that I regret it!!!

You can get one HERE! It is lightweight and the material is not a stiff denim, it's amazingly soft. I no longer see the exact color on Nordstrom's site but this one is the same jacket, just a darker wash.

So before I got ready for bed tonight I wanted to show you how versatile it can be. I love it because I can wear it over sleeveless or strapless dresses to make it work or church appropriate. This saves money when switching seasons! I can add it it tanks and pants to look more put together. Joey took the pictures...that is all I will say....haha! My neck looks freakish in some pictures because I was looking up (no makeup and crazy hair)!

black and white clearance tank with red pants and leopard shoes, long necklace is from Groovy's, monogram necklace is from Francesca's

old navy clearance dress, Groovy's necklace, and Groovy's wedges from awhile back

maxi dress and navy necklace from Groovy's

clearance dress from old navy, scarf from Nordstrom, fun wedges from TJ Maxx

again Joey was taking the pictures and I was fixing my collar.....clearance dress from Old Navy, fun belt from Francesca's

My style is very simple with tiny touches of fun. I am a bit classic and boring. I like big accessories at times for the most part and I like clean, simple lines. I also like to mix super cheap pieces with good quality, more expensive items. If it is something I think I can wear for years and is a staple piece, I will definitely spend the money (black jacket, denim jacket, black heels, boots) but almost everything else I never spend more than $50 unless, again, it is a staple piece or something on my wish list.

Speaking of clothes and shopping, I have seen so many posts today about the BIG Nordstrom anniversary sale! If you are a card member, you can check out all of the goodness now. I ordered a couple of items tonight!! You can get a credit or debit card (which is what I have...remember no credit cards in our house). The debit card is amazing because you can get rewards (think $20) when you get so many points! Many people think Nordstrom is super expensive but if you shop sales you can get some great stuff! So, tomorrow for Friday Favs I will be sharing my wishlist and the items (which are super cheap) that I ordered today! See ya' tomorrow!!

Tuesday's Tip: MORE Simple, Summer Fun and LEARNING!!!

I guess if I had a theme this summer it would be simple, summer fun. I think I have used those exact words about 100 times but I am realizing how amazing the little things are. I see how drawing at the table and cutting paper (oh my word....it looked like it snowed) can be so fun for the kids. It doesn't have to be a "big to do."

One blog that I have fell in love with is QuirkyMomma which you can find HERE! When I say fell in love...I mean...Oh.M.Gee I want to share everything they post!!! They have craft ideas, printables, and organized ideas for moms along with a lot of tips and tricks!!!

Next week, I am starting the week long coloring sheet mural with them. They color a sheet each day and at the end of the week it creates a mural. You can get it HERE!

 

Since I am in a house full of Star Wars fans, we will definitely be making the toilet paper roll Star Wars characters shown HERE!
 I am sure my sweet hubby will like them! Just a side note: Him and his friends actually have a ministry where they use Star Wars characters. It truly is amazing and draws a crowd...and the best thing yet, they get to hear the gospel. Here is a picture from our church's 4th of July outreach.

Okay back on topic....The amount of ideas and activities are truly endless. They have pages and pages of outdoor easy play ideas and inside. They also have activities listed by age starting from babies. All of their printables are FREE! We are about to make the bookmarks before we head to the library this morning!

Another blog I am loving is the Moffatt Girls. Even though it is summer, I still have the kiddos working and sharpening those skills. With Ella, we have been working on literacy. We have identifying letters and sounds down, writing her name, and now we are really focusing on blending phonemes. I am also starting to introduce sight words. It makes me feel like a Kinder teacher all over again and I secretly am loving it!!!

Grayson has been working on reading chapter books and with comprehension. We are also working on writing stories and remembering punctuation, writing properly on the lines, etc. I found a writing program called Write Shop and it is very similar to writer's workshop. I tried some sample lesson plans on The Moffatt Girls blog HERE. I also bought a workbook for him that focuses on basic math skills. When I was a first grade teacher I remember hitting addition and subtraction so we are making sure he can recall those quickly.

The Moffatt Girls blog has a lot of resources for reading, writing, and math. She is a past teacher who now homeschools her children and creates amazing activities!!! Some of her activities are FREE and some you have to purchase...but they are so worth it. Next on my wishlist is her color by sight words for Ella.

 

So what I do is similar to lesson planning. At the beginning of the week, I look at different activities and do some prep. I print them out and put them in a folder. I would label and sort etc but I don't exactly know which day we are doing them because we have playdates and activities in between. I just have them all neatly in a folder so when we have some down time or quiet time, I can pull them out!!!

Well that's all for today, we are heading to the library and for fun with friends! Have a great day! Don't forget....if you have any questions or topics you would like to see in a blog, email me at: melroseacker@yahoo.com

Don't forget to check out Lauren's Must Haves HERE!  They are some good ones!!! : )

What's On Your... Menu Linky Party

Hey y'all. Today I am linking up with Andrea over at Momfessionals for her What's on Your...Menu Linky Party. I would love to say I have a super cute weekly menu planned out along with a grocery list but that's not how meal time works in our house. When I grew up, we just ate what was on the table and loved it. In our home, we all eat differently.

My hubby eats a lot of plain protein. He doesn't like sauce or much seasoning, no vegetables, nada. So what I do for him is usually a Sunday prep of baked potatoes (plain), brown rice, baked chicken breast, and turkey burgers.

I have a lot of stomach issues and really watch what I eat. I have gastroparesis and crohn's disease. So I usually prep boiled eggs, salmon, baked squash, etc for me. I try to find recipes that are easy on my stomach that I can enjoy. I also eat about a dozen egg whites a week or more plus salads. I love trying new foods and make exceptions if I am eating out...I just may pay for it later. I grew up on super Southern food (my dad's side) and Filipino food (my mom's side) so I do eat a lot of different things when not at home and love trying new stuff. I could live on Sushi and Starbucks,,,,for real...everyday.

The kids rotate through the usual: chicken nuggets, baked chicken, quesadillas (I do chicken or just cheese), tacos, chili....the usual pre-school aged type of food. They are a but picky but have added some more veggies and fruit to the mix. I will give them props because they are branching out more.

So....to sum it up....our meal planning is usually consistent. My hubby has a sensitive stomach and is a bit picky, I have stomach issues that limit what I can eat, and the kids are your average picky eaters.

Now I will say the one area we have fun is....DESSERTS!!! We don't eat tons of sweets but I feel like this is the area where we all enjoy it!!! So, today I am sharing two recipes. One easy dinner recipe that I prepped on Sunday for me to eat. It is healthy and I read it is good for people with stomach issues.

The other recipe is for homemade ice cream. This will be my new, fun summer recipe that me and the kids....and Joey will love changing up each time we make it.....so here ya go!!!



Homemade Ice Cream (without an Ice Cream Maker...YAY!)
My BFF made this and it was delish. She put real chopped cherries and chocolate chips. When I made it I added just a touch of chocolate syrup and it was pretty good. It tasted like a Frosty with more of a thicker, creamier ice cream texture. It is very rich! It was gone in a day!!

Homemade Ice Cream (from Woman's Day)

2 cups very cold heavy cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 14oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1. Using an electric mixer beat cream, condensed milk, and vanilla in a large bowl on medium high until stiff peaks form 5-10 minutes. (Amanda told me to do 10 minutes so I did and it was perfect). 
Gently fold in add-ins (ex. strawberries, chocolate chips...we are doing butterfinger and reese's next)

2. Put mixture in a freezer safe container/pan. Freeze until set (at least 4 hours). Once set, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks.

I think I will double the recipe next time so it will last a little longer!


This next recipe I didn't get a picture of but it is delicious. I was researching recipes good for stomach issues and came across this. I also found this info on cabbage (the main ingredient) on Wikipedia:
Cabbage is a good source of vitamin K,^[79] vitamin C and fiber.^[79][80] Cabbage is also an excellent source of manganese, vitamin B6, and folate; and a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, tryptophan, protein, and magnesium.^{[citation needed]} Studies suggest that it, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, may reduce the risk of some cancers, especially those in the colorectal group.^[81]

Believe it or not I had never had cabbage rolls or unstuffed cabbage rolls, it will now be part of my meal rotation!! Plus if you are looking to lose weight, this is a very low cal, no carb recipe....unless you add cornbread to the side or rice with it. I loved it by itself but may add rotel in placed of the diced tomatoes....it needed a little more of a kick!


<sup>Unstuffed Cabbage 
Ingredients:
1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey ( I used ground turkey)
1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small cabbage, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt

Heat the Olive oil in a Big Skillet (use medium heat) Saute the onions until tender, and then add the ground beef (or turkey) until the meat is browned.

Add the garlic, cook an additional minute before adding the remaining ingredients. (This is the point you would add the  if you would like. Bring them to a boil, Cover, reduce the heat and simmer about 25 minutes (or until the cabbage is quite fork tender)

Yield: Serves 6 to 8


I hope y'all have a great rest of the day. See y'all tomorrow for Tuesday's Tips.</sup>  

Sum It Up Sunday!!!

This past week was so nice. I mean, spoiled me nice. The kids and I woke up late (think 8:30 a.m.) and just had fun. Going back to work is always bittersweet. I love my job but being home with the kids and doing whatever we feel like is just too stinkin' nice!!!

Next week, we have VBS and dentist appointments so it may not be as fun! Haha!

So here is a glimpse of our past week!

I met up with Liz (my new counseling partner) so that we could chat and plan which ended up being more chatting and laughing. We met up for tea at Maudee's which was so cute and had amazing tea (I think I had an iced apricot tea) and we caught up some. She was an intern on our campus this past year and I was so glad we got her. We then decided we needed a cupcake from Sprinkles but made a stop to check out the gorgeous new Chi O house at SMU.

Chi O

Then she showed me a shop over in the University Park area called Swoozies. Be still my heart. I literally almost had a panic attack because I was so overwhelmed by the cuteness and most importantly you could monogram ANYTHING!! I love stationary and monogramming so I was in love. Since we will be co-counselors we just had to get Kate Spade planners...monogrammed of course for the school year!! I need to go pick mine up but will definitely share a pic when I get it! You can check out all of Swoozies' goodies HERE!

We had a fun playdate at my BFF's house and celebrated her little one's birthday! She made amazing ice cream that I will be sharing the recipe for tomorrow. Of course, we also made a stop at Firewheel. We ran around to pick up some little things and it was gorgeous out. Oh and thank you to those who suggested Bath and Body Works' 3 wick candles. That is now all I will ever buy. Amazing.

Caught this sweet moment of them holding hands

Grayson also started golf lessons and he loved it. Right now, we are really wanting him to explore different things to see what he will enjoy and where his talents are. He loved golf and we will see if he wants to continue it after the summer.

Ella enjoyed the big rocking chairs on the back of the clubhouse. She looked pretty relaxed watching brother.

We enjoyed a Chick Fil A play date with Lauren over at Williams Party of Four. They enjoyed some sweet cousin time then we headed to a friends' house for a little hanging by the pool. Grayson loved hanging out with buddies from school and I loved hanging out with the sweet moms.

I know...pretty amazing...we got 4 kiddos to all look in the same direction!

We had our sweet friends over for a 4th of July play date and then day 2 of golf.This day was the day Grayson decided he wants to one day play for Alabama....haha.

Then it was the 4th!!! I can't believe how fast that got here. We started the morning with a video about what the meaning of the 4th of July was. This is so important to Joey and I that the kids' understand the meaning of every holiday...it makes it so much more meaningful for them. I found this video on youtube....and we kicked it old school.

Then we headed to our neighborhood parade and met up with Lauren. The kids were so cute but one of them was just not feelin' it that morning. Can you guess who?

Then after being so hot, we headed to the house for some popsicles.

And we ended the night doing an outreach for the church which was so fun!!

She was showin' her new rain boots which are now her fav pair of shoes ever. Guess we will get our money's worth.

And today we are relaxing....don't forget to check out the blog tomorrow. It will be two recipes! One healthy...and one not so much! Can't wait to see what Lauren posts about. Check it out here!

Spread the Love....

I know my blog post title sounds very hippy-ish today. Today, I wanted to share something that we will be doing with the kids before they go back to school. Every year, I see all of these neat ideas on Pinterest about Random Acts of Kindness and every year I say we will do some and we don't. Heart.breaking. We did make cards for the nursing home and did a shoe drive for those in need but I feel like that is not enough.

I feel like there is a strong need to teach our children compassion. Now, don't get me wrong my kiddos are pretty stinkin' sweet but I want them to think outside their bubble. I want them to see that there is pain and hurt in the world and not everything is picture perfect. I blog about fashion, playdates, and things I buy or want to buy but I know there is so much more in the world than that. There is so much more outside of us. I praise the Lord each day because this blessed life I know is not guaranteed. Lately, I have been reading The Voice of the Martyrs and my heart just aches for them. Their stories are heart breaking but so inspiring and it has made me think so much about how me and my family are reaching others and being a reflection of God. How are we being Christlike?

So, I made a list of the things we plan to do this summer and all year. I am starting small and realistic at first so they we can really make it happen.

1. Make cheerful "kid made" notes for nursing homes in lower income areas. I feel like our local ones have so much support but there are a lot in run down areas that can be forgotten.

2. Make cards for soldiers. They protect our freedom everyday and sacrifice so much for our countries and bless their families' hearts who also sacrifice their families being complete.

3. Write letters to imprisoned persecuted Christians in other countries. I used to do this and used the Voice of the Martyrs website because it will allow you to choose encouraging phrases and scripture and will translate it for you so you just have to print it and mail it. You can find the site HERE. Click GET INVOLVED and click LETTERS TO PRISONERS. These are people who have been imprisoned for following their Christian faith. I DO NOT put a returning address when I send these for safety purposes.

4. Toy/My Closet Clean Out with the understanding they won't be replaced. We always clean out toys before Christmas and before birthdays because we know they will be replaced with bigger, better things but I think it would be good to get rid of  items to help others knowing they do not need to be replaced. To put us in the mindset of I am giving this up to help someone and I am not necessarily getting something to do it as opposed to I am cool with getting rid of this because I get something new.

These may seem simple or little but I want to instill in our kids' hearts to have compassion, love, and grace towards others just as God has shown to us. I would love to hear some ways/ideas that your family pays it forward or serves others? Feel free to comment below or on Facebook.

Before I go, I MUST share this picture of our little group today. Lauren and I met up at Chick Fil A and we actually got all four kiddos to look at the camera...now that is down right AMAZING!

Don't forget to check out my counseling blog HERE! and Lauren's update on sweet Jansen HERE!
See y'all tomorrow for Trendy Thursday!

Tuesday's Tip: Bible Studying

Today's tip will be simple and sweet. I am having some cuddle time with the kiddos and don't want to miss it!!

If you are like me, you may want to read your bible but aren't sure where to start or get super overwhelmed. I want it to be meaningful and not just something I feel I need to do. So, a couple of nights ago I was looking up different ways and found the SOAP method. You may be familiar with it but I had never heard of it.

Basically, you follow the acronym: This was taken from soapstudy.com

Scripture: Write the verse or verses that stuck out to you in your reading.

Observation: What did you observe about the scripture? This can be one sentence or a whole book.

Application: How can you apply the observation so that it affects your life today?

Prayer: Write out a prayer that helps you apply the verse in your life.

I also found some great Summer Bible Study Plans on Women Living Well which you can find HERE.

I also wanted to share my absolute two FAV worship songs, as well. I swear they both just speak to my heart!!! Click Play!

Hopefully, this will be as helpful to you as it was to me!!! : )

Don't forget to check out Lauren's post HERE!