Lizzie's First Birthday

We were so lucky to be able to celebrate Lizzie's first birthday at the beach.  The kids and I had been out for a week before that and Brandon flew in on the day before.  We wanted to do a Minnie Mouse theme, but kept it pretty simple.  So many family and friends made the drive to the beach house to show their love for our little girl.  We swam in the pool, had a big lunch, cake, and presents.  The typical birthday party.

Her cake was from Publix Bakery.  Publix is seriously the best grocery store out there.  I always shopped there when I lived in Florida and I WISH they had them out west.  They give you a free smash cake as well.

Publix Bakery

In addition to cake, my amazing and talented Aunt Sheri made cupcakes and cookies to go with the Minnie theme.  She also created a really cute banner.  I made Lizzie's onesie using my Cricut machine.  

                                          

This girl was all in on her smash cake! She loved all the attention and wasted no time digging in.  I have to also thank my cousin Paige (IG: psinkphotography) for her insanely talented shots you see below.

 

Bib: Disney Baby

I am still in shock that this girl of mine is ONE!  She is truly a joy.  Always happy and smiling, she has been the perfect addition to our family.  We love our Lizzie Jane!

Mommy Style Monday: What's For Lunch?

What's for lunch? Mommy Style Monday for June is all about my go-to lunches for the babes and me!  I will start with the kiddos and then share some of mine.  We don't have a huge variety, but they are quick and easy.  

Brecken usually eats turkey, cheese, fruit and sometimes crackers.  Below you will see a few of the lunches he had last week.  Lizzie gets some of the same things, just fed by me.  We also do Spaghettios and sometimes leftovers (especially pizza).  

Leftover pizza

Turkey, Graham Crackers, Cheese, Carrots
Dollar Store Frozen Plate for the win! 

Notice a theme?
Turkey, cheese, strawberries

Over the last six weeks I have been striving to follow healthier eating habits.  I use the philosophy of Carli Williams "Nourish First Satisfy Second" as the basis for what and how I eat. I always have a green smoothie and then another serving of veggies and fruit.  Most days I add a peanut butter and honey sandwich  Occasionally, I get more time and can make a flatbread or big salad.  

            

                              

           

Leftover Turkey Burger, Salad, Fruit
BOLTHOUSE dressing is AMAZING + 45 Calories! 

  

       

Flat bread from Carli's meal plan -- super easy and so delicious!

Check out our other Mommy Style Monday Contributors:

Kiana at Glitter&Donuts

Madeline at CaseyLand

Alexis at Witt Family Happenings

You can click THIS to sign up for the next Mommy Style Monday! 

Mommy Style Monday: Cleaning Routine

This month on Mommy Style Monday we are sharing our cleaning routines.  I have a few things I stick to, but I am always looking for ways to simplify and be more effective in how I clean.  Below I am going to share my weekly cleaning routine, as well as some deep cleaning I do throughout the year.  I would love to hear what routines y'all follow! What chores do you enjoy? I really enjoy laundry and vacuuming.  I dislike bathrooms and mopping!


Weekly Cleaning Schedule: I focus on one chore and a living space each day.  This isn't a deep clean (except for the kitchen), more like a tidy up.  Laundry is followed loosely.  I do one or two loads a day, but what I wash depends on what needs to be cleaned most.

Daily: pick up clutter/toys (5-10 minutes at night), dishes, wipe down kitchen counters and sink.

*Brandon cleans our bathrooms because that is my least favorite chore.  Isn't he the BEST?!
** Brecken has some age appropriate chores.  He is responsible for helping clean up his toys and putting his dirty clothes in his hamper.  He will also help me move laundry around and sometimes with dishes.



Deep Cleaning: 

Kitchen: Fridge/Freezer/Pantry gets cleaned out and organized every week or two.

Closets: I usually go through and clean out all our closets 2-3 times a year.  I box up the kids' clothes that are too small and reorganize.  This includes our hall closets, too.

Windows: I get to those less than I would like, maybe once a month and even then they get smeared by Brecken pretty much instantly.

Capsule Wardrobe:  This year I have implemented a capsule wardrobe.  Basically, I have a small wardrobe for each season that I rotate.  It has made my closet so much easier to clean and I have very little to no clutter.  To read more about how I did this, click here.


Like I have shared before, we currently live in a house that my parents will retire in. We don't have a ton of our own space, but there is a lot of house to keep clean.  Our things stay in a few pretty organized areas and I do my best to maintain the rest of the house.


Check out other great cleaning ideas from these lovely ladies:

Kiana at Glitter&Donuts

Madeline at CaseyLand

Alexis at Witt Family Happenings

IF you are interested in joining our Mommy Style Monday Blog click here!