Trendy Thursday: Shopping for Sales!!

Okay, y'all. Today we had a little family visit to Grapevine. Our kids love Grapevine. We usually go stay at the Gaylord, Great Wolf, or just have a day trip. They always leave happy and we are never bored. Today, we took them to Legoland and ate lunch and went shopping. It was all kinds of fun but maybe it is just my exhaustion talking...but I am so done shopping. I am tired of it. I need a break. Well, I do have to stop at Groovy's tomorrow....

I didn't plan on really getting anything since we went shopping last week at Northpark and my hubby is the master budgeter/saver. Well, oh.my.word. They had such cute stuff on sale. I didn't keep up with how much I spent....I just picked out what I liked and paid. We just got home and Joey was entering everything into his Excel sheet and I only spent around $100. That is like a good pair of shoes or a nice pair of jeans but wait til you see how much I got. My BFF Amanda is the queen of shopping sales. She gets amazing stuff at a great price. I wasn't necessarily checking out clearance but the things I was drawn to were all on sale....that's a first. I am sure she will be proud.

So this post is dedicated to showing you how far you can stretch a dollar....well about $100. Let me, first, say that these pics aren't that great but these things are so cute on. I am in my pj's and am way too lazy to take pics in all of this...lol! They look very blah but they are very fitted and cute!

Got this Under Armour hat at the Under Armour store for $8. Great for no makeup days at the park with the kids.

This is SO cute on. What looks like the waist line actually hits at mid/upper thigh. So cute and it was only $7.97 at Old Navy. Originally $29.94

So classic and very cute and fitted at the top and kind of flares at towards the hip area. The top is cut neat and makes it look much more stylish on! $9.97 at Old Navy. This was originally $30 something.

This is blurry but is the perfect little black dress. It is very fit and flare and is a nice material. This could be dressed up or down. Old Navy $9.97, originally $40 something.

GAP 3/4 sleeve fitted cardigans. They had so many bright fun colors but I have those and just needed the basics. Originally $48 each, got them for $9.99 each

I love Francesca's! If you haven't been, go!! You can find them HERE! I have actually been getting things from there much more often. It is very boutique-ish. I LOVED this and it was only $16!!! Looks so pretty on!

Francesca's: gray tights ($1.99), a fun cute belt that can go with any of the dresses ($9.99), and earrings ($8)

Francesca's navy sheer jacket...my fav item. This was originally $50 and I got it for $14.98. This is perfect for maxi's, over a tank with white jeans, or over a strapless dress to make it work or church appropriate

My fav part is the detailing on the back and sleeves

I got these simple pieces because they are so versatile. I can dress them up or down, carry them through different seasons by adding tights, boots, a jacket, wedges, pop of color....and they were super cheap!

I also wanted simple things so that I just need to add a fun necklace or bracelet to jazz it up...yes I just said jazz it up...haha!

So, there you have it... 6 pieces of clothing and some accessories thrown in for around $100 that you can pretty much wear all year round!!! 

Don't forget to check out Lauren's blog HERE!! Her post soooo makes me want to get my nails redone. I had gel nails done 4 weeks ago (pitiful I know) and they are half grown out. Super embarrassing....so if you have seen me covering my fingers lately, that's why!! She did a great post about some cute nail ideas for the summer AND I am so proud of her and you will see why!!!

Don't forget tomorrow is the last day of our Instagram challenge. We will announce a winner of the Lia Sophia necklace Monday!!!

The best anniversary gift

Four years ago, Joey and I received the BEST anniversary gift. Ella Grace was born on June 24, 2010 at 8:03 a.m. weighing in at a whopping 10 lbs. 5 oz. To say we were surprised was an understatement. Grayson was a big baby at 9lbs 2 oz. I remember him coming out looking like he was 2 months old but when Ella came out it was such a surprise that I almost fainted...for real. She looked like she was big enough to crawl around...okay now I am just exaggerating. She was a huge baby, take a look.

This was the next day after I had her. Look how cute Grayson is.

When I found out I was pregnant with Ella, before I knew what she was going to be, I was totally okay with either gender. I loved being a boy mom and I am super girly so having a girl would be fun, too. I remember having stomach pains and my sister Megan went with me to the hospital and they did a sonogram to check on me (I was 16 or 17 weeks). I was too shy to ask them to see if they could tell what it was so my sister asked and they said they were pretty sure it was a girl. I was so excited and knew this would start a very special bond with my soon to be little girl.

Ella is so much rolled into one. She is shy, sweet, sassy, spunky, intelligent, scares me, a helper, a fighter, and everything else in between. She knows what she wants and has her mind set on just that (she gets it from Mommy). She has given us a run for our money but is growing to be a sweet girl with wonderful manners. She loves ponies, dresses, bows, and manicures. She adores her brother and I could not have prayed for a better sibling duo. They fight like crazy but are always so worried about each other. She loves hugs and being silly. She is our special girl and I look forward to all the memories we will make. I pray that she has a heart for God and will treat others with compassion. We love her so much! Happy Birthday, Ella!

Now to the other big celebration. Joey and I celebrated 8 years of marriage on Tuesday. I can't believe it has been 8 years. I feel like it was just yesterday we were starting our life and now we are in our 2nd home, have 2 kids, and have experienced so much! Words can't express how much he means to me. I could go on and on about how amazing he is but I will keep it simple. He puts God first and his family second. He always puts my needs before his and truly treasures me. He is always a gentleman and his mom and dad could not have raised a better man. We have learned so much about marriage in just 8 years. We have learned that if God is not first and both of your priorities it will be very difficult. We realized that we have bad days and are grouchy...and that's okay and normal. We found that no matter how wonderful things are or perfect things seem, marriage will always be work. But that is the beauty of marriage, there are always things we both can do better and ways we can work harder to make us stronger.

So...happy anniversary to the guy who fit my "perfect boyfriend" checklist I made when I was 16. To the guy whose dimples, guitar playin', and love for God stole my heart. I love you!

Neiman Marcus Bars Recipe

I am linking up with Momfessionals for her Recipe Club. This is a classic recipe that I made for a party at work last year when I was at the elementary school. They loved it and it is so easy. I love it, too, because I like simple flavors...I like chocolate, but am not a huge fan of it...I know....it's hard to believe.

Ingredeints:

1 box cake mix (white or yellow-no pudding)
3 eggs
1 stick of butter, melted
1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese
1 stick of butter
2 eggs
1 box powdered sugar
1 cup of chopped pecans (optional)

Grease 9x13 inch pan. Pour cake mix into pan and top with sliced butter. Mix powdered sugar, eggs, and cream cheese and pour over cake and butter. Sprinkle the pecans on the top.

Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.


I got this recipe from a book that was given to me but I have seen so many variations of it and hope to try a different one next time even though this one is pretty good!

Tuesday's Tip!

Hey y'all. I know, I know...it is Wednesday but I have been at training since Monday and yesterday just wore me out. Yesterday was also Ella's 4th birthday and me and Joey's 8th anniversary. Joey and I celebrated last week and Ella's party will be later this week. Bless their hearts...I cam home exhausted. I gave Joey, Grayson, and Ella cuddles and the kids made me a "play food" meal and I went to bed at like 7:15. So sad...I know! I will be posting about my sweet guy and Ella on the blog later today.

My Tuesday Tip this week is EATING!! Unfortunately, I won't be entertaining you with a decadent dessert recipe. Instead I am going to tell you about My Fitness Pal. I love this app/site sooo much! It has helped me tremendously with my stomach problems. Whether you are tracking calories for weight loss or keeping a food diary to know what upsets your stomach, this is a great app. I downloaded it on my phone and log everyday.

This, along with having to change how I eat for the sake of my tummy issues, has helped me to lose 12 pounds in a month and a half. It is also amazing to see what goes in your body. It breaks down the carbs, fats, protein, etc. I love it and it is FREE to download on phones and FREE to use the version online.

So, basically when you eat a meal, you can scan the barcode of whatever you ate or do a search to add calories it is so simple. I can't imagine life without it. I remember last week getting so sick and being able to look at what I ate and realize....okay...I ate the bread on a hot dog and that is what triggered my pain. It tracks your calories and weight loss goals and everything. With weight loss, there is no magic pill or drink or whatever. It is as simple as cutting calorie intake and working out. After my husband telling me this for years and him having a degree in it....I finally listened and was able to lose some wight I had been wanting to get rid of plus find an easy tool to track my food intake to see what triggers my problems. Hope you use it and find it as helpful as I have!

Please let me or Lauren know if you ever have any questions or ideas for posts.

Melanie: melroseacker@yahoo.comn
Lauren: laurenlou5644@yahoo.com

Don't forget to check out her fab post HERE!!!

Instagram Challenge, Giveaway, and Summer Q&A!

Oh.my.word! If you know me this is one of my sayings...I mean big time. When I taught Kinder, my kiddos knew if Mrs. Acker said "Oh.my.word." it was a pretty big deal. So today is no different. Lauren and I over at Williams Party of Four have been planning and eating lots of chips and dip and chattin' away and came up with some goodness, y'all!!!

This week we will be doing an Instagram Challenge and we would love if you joined us!! All you have to do is post a pic of the topic for the day and put #landmgiveaway (The days/info is below)
On Friday we will look to see who all participated and will draw a name of one lucky winner to win this Lia Sophia gem!!!!

It is so unique and has some pretty gorgeous colors!!

Here are the topics for the week and Lauren and I can't wait to see your pics and feel like we are havin' a little meet and greet!!

Today, instead of our Mommy Must Have Monday we thought it would be fun to do a little Q&A! Each month we will do a different topic...and since we are both educators and it is the most fabulous season for us because we are off....we are doing a little SUMMER Q&A!!!


1. What is your go to outfit?
Last week for Trendy Thursday I posted THIS showing what some of my play date summer outfits are. For me it has been a swimsuit and cover up or shorts/capris and I love me some maxi dresses..it's dressed up and down all rolled into one!!



2. Go to Lunch for Kids/Self....
I don't have pictures but I usually eat a lettuce wrap with turkey and light laughing cow cheese and iced tea. I rotate between that and 3 egg whites and fruit. I wish I could say it was something cooler but with my stomach issues....that's about it unless I am going somewhere for lunch!!
For the kids (and they are SUPER picky) it is usually chicken nuggets, quesadillas, or pb& j with applesauce or yogurt and veggies straws.

3. Go to outfit for kids:
Grayson likes to keep it classic and simple. I LOVE dressing boys!!! As soon as I found out I was having a boy I could not wait to shop because I love BOY clothes. I love the 50's simple/classic look of polos, stripe and solid tees, jeans and khakis, and some converse. In the summer, he sticks with simple tees and shorts and flip flops. Most of his clothes come from Old Navy. I LOVE their stuff because it has the simple, classic look I love and it wears well and is priced great!

  Now, Ella loves dresses. She prefers maxi dresses, sandals, and a big ol' bow! I get her dresses from everywhere. Lately I have found some cute ones at Dillards, Gymboree, Old Navy, Target, and TJ Maxx has had some unique ones. Now Lauren loves her some Matilda Jane and I think it is precious but I am in love with Janie and Jack!!! I love how classic (yes, I said it for about the 5th time) their clothes are. I am thinkin' I will have to do a post on kids' clothes later!!

4. Fav Summer Memory
I would have to say I have a couple.....
My Aunt Cindy always took me and my brother and sister cool places. Once she took us on a road trip to the Grand Canyon and I think that may have been the coolest road trip EVER. We even made a stop in Roswell and went to the UFO museum...hilarious but so fun. One of my best memories. She is amazing!

Another would be when my family and Joey and I went to Caddo Lake when I was 7 months pregnant with Grayson. It was so fun because my parents, brother, and sister, and their families went plus my cousin and his family. It was simple, summer fun!


And of course, last summer was so fun when we headed to Disneyworld as a little family of 4 along with Joey's parents, and his sister (my blogging buddy) Lauren and her family!! How can you not have fun in Disneyworld????


5. Fav Summer Hangout: would have to be the library and our pool....they are both FREE and plenty of fun!

6. Fav Summer Recipe: I would have to  say this smoothie recipe that the kids LOVE! I do not add the cranberry juice or the blackberries. You can find it HERE! It is a healthy, quick treat!!

7. Fav Thing about Summer: I get to be at home with the kids making memories and revisiting that feeling when you're a kid and it's a summer. I KNOW I could not have a job where I didn't get summers off...being an educator is a perfect balance between kiddos and work for me!! I feel like I get to be a part time stay at home mommy!

8. Fav Summer Drink: It is my fav everyday drink!! It is a venti iced coffee with 3 splendas, extra extra nonfat milk, and light whip. It gives me super powers and is only $3.19!

9. Favorite Vacation Destination: DISNEY WORLD!!!!

I have been other cool places but this always ends up being my fav!

10. Favorite Play Date Idea: Swimming and picnics would top my list because they are fun and free but anything where I get to meet up with fellow mommies and our kiddos can have a good time sounds like a great time to me!!

 Go check out Lauren's post HERE! I can't wait to read her Summer Q&A!!!  And don't forget to join us on Instagram!!

Instagram Fun and a Giveaway!!!

Hey y'all! Lauren and I are so excited to announce our first Instagram challenge! On top of all that fun, one lucky participant will be chosen to win a gorgeous Lia Sophia necklace. Check out all of their jewelry over at my friend Cappie's site, which you can find HERE!

All you have to do is post a pic on Instagram that coordinates with the days listed below and put the hashtag as #landmgiveaway and enjoy the fun!! We can't wait to see all of your pictures!! A winner will be announced next Monday!!!

Also, don't forget to check our posts tomorrow as we link up doing a little Summer Q&A!!! You can check out Lauren's blog HERE!

Friday Faves!

Hey y'all! I am a little late on today's post. We enjoyed having a pool play date and then were enjoying a little family night! I first want to say Lauren and I have some exciting things coming up next week! I can't wait....we have an Instagram contest AND a giveaway!!! So be on the lookout on the post with all the info this weekend!!!! To follow us on instagram, find Lauren at laurenlou5644 and Me at melroseacker

Now to my Friday Faves!!!

#1  My Maybook
Lauren blogged about her love of Maybooks HERE and I was all like, "Nah...whatevs" but quickly changed my mind. After reading her post I ordered one immediately HERE!!! I love it and can't wait to jot down notes when I am out and write my constant "to do" lists. She was so right about it being the perfect size to throw in your purse!! Mine came in today!

#2 This Anthropologie Mug
It is just so pretty, I leave it on the Keuring when I am not using it just for decoration. It's a good size and was only $8! These make great gifts, too. I bought some as gifts for my aunts' bdays! You can get your own HERE!

#3 Hunter Rubber Buffer
I love this stuff. I picked this up at Nordstrom the other day for $12 and it is like magic in a bottle!! My Hunters were getting "cloudy" looking and it broke my heart! I used my Christmas money to buy those babies and they supposedly last for YEARS and YEARS! So when I was in the shoe department, I was talking to the sales guy and he told me about this stuff and they are like new and SOOO shiny! Love! You can get it HERE! Ella wants a pair for her birthday so this will be great to use on hers too. How cute are these little Hunters??

Before and After

That's all I have for y'all today!! I hope you have a blessed weekend!!! Don't forget to check out what Lauren's Friday Faves are HERE and remember to check to see how you can link up with us on instagram. It will be so much FUN plus you will have a chance to win a beautiful Lia Sophia necklace. Interested in Lia Sophia? Check out my sweet friend Cappie's page HERE!