Daycare and donuts

With school delays and a not as busy work season, I have been taking and picking up Emma from school most days.  I really don't mind, because I like spending the few extra minutes with her.  Sometimes she puts up a fuss about getting dressed - she hasn't been that into going to school and getting out of the house lately (who can blame her?), but usually a bribe of donuts gets it done.  

This isn't the best for me, because if you're going to buy one donut, you might as well buy two (duh).  And I haven't been able to workout because of the pleurisy since December (just call me lazy chunk).  

Emma gets a chocolate frosted donut, and I usually get a maple frosted one.  She eats hers on the way to school, and I usually eat mine after I drop her off (I'm the lady stuffing her face with a donut while driving down I-40)

I know it's so unhealthy for both of us, but Emma just thinks she is so cool because she gets a donut.  Usually, the chocolate is smeared across her face so that the other kids probably envy her all morning until someone washes it off.

When I picked Emma up yesterday, she insisted on wearing her backpack - she must have seen another child do it, so naturally she has to as well.  It was adorable, but seriously....where did the time go????  She'll be in highschool before I know it:(

I think I have finally gotten rid of this lung crud, so I am attempting to workout later in the week - prayers that we don't have another relapse (and that Dunkin Donuts comes out with some healthy version of a donut, if that's even possible!)

Life lately....Snow edition

What can I say??  We got snow, so I am a happy camper!  Here's a recap of the last week and a half at the Talley house:)

Warning: This post has a lot of pictures!

Brent has had to leave early some mornings, so he and Emma have been Face-timing when she gets up.

Emma plays so well by herself.  It actually makes me feel guilty because I can get so much done and I probably should be playing with her:(  

I just love this pet tea party she is having with her stuffed animals!

Emma also loves to snuggle with the cats...and by the looks of it, they aren't minding too much either:)

Tuesday night, I went to see Matilda at DPAC with some girl friends (it was great!), and I snuck in later that night to give Emma a kiss.  She was hugging her bear, so I had to take a picture.

I discovered the Pork Carnitas (in the pre-made refrigerated section) at Trader Joe's and we made nachos one night.  It was absolutely delicious - I am really loving that store lately!

MLK Holiday, my mom and I went to the mall to shop and have lunch at Nordstrom Bistro (my favorite!)  Emma was cracking me up - she insisted on bringing this tiny Bible with her.  And she also insisted on sitting in this store window front with it.  Does anyone remember the UNC Pit preacher?  That's all I could think about!!!

Emma was also infatuated with this mannequin in Athleta.  She kept sitting with her and talking to her (weird or normal for a 3.5 year old?????)

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Maybe it's normal...but then she decided the lady needed a bra, so I'm calling it weird now:)

Friday was an awesome day.  They had been calling for snow/sleet/ice all week to start Friday morning.  So of course, I had stocked up and schools closed Thursday night.  Brent had to go in for about 3 hours in the middle of the day, but was home for the rest of the weekend.  It was heavenly.  Usually, he has to work and Emma and I get super bored with each other pretty quick!  Plus, entertaining a toddler in the snow as a solo parent is not ideal.

We were super pumped when dad got home!!!

We ventured out later that afternoon.  It was sleeting/snowing for most of the day, and if it was sleeting, it was a bit uncomfortable outside getting pelted with ice.  But Emma insisted, and I've learned she is a snow lover!!  In years past, she really hasn't been old enough to enjoy it, but this year, all she wanted to do was sled, make snow angels, and play.

This is Mr. Carrot, our snowman!

Saturday morning, it was snowing and so beautiful out.  I decided to take myself on a walk - BY MYSELF.  I love my family, but sometimes it's nice to get out alone.  It was so peaceful - I don't have words to describe how peaceful and beautiful it was.  I went about 7:45am, so there was not a soul or car in sight.  

We enjoyed lots and lots of fires over the weekend.  I caught up on a lot of knitting projects.  And we snuggled...a lot.  Emma thought the 3 went well together - snuggles with cats in scarves by the fire:)

Saturday morning, we walked to Food Lion (I LOVE being able to walk places!), and also Joe Van Gogh Coffee (after sledding on the way, of course).  We warmed up with some hot cocoa.  It was THE BEST hot cocoa EVER!  Seriously - if you are in Woodcroft in Durham, try this cute local coffee shop!

My parents came over for some more sledding (we went out several times a day!!)

Again, Emma loves to snuggle with the cats:)  They are so tolerant.  I know a lot of people don't like cats, but mine are so sweet.  I have a friend who calls them doggettes because they're really not cat-like at all:)

Sunday, church was cancelled and we thought we better hit the sledding slopes one more time before it all melted.

I finally left the neighborhood that afternoon for a trip to Trader Joe's and Great Outdoor.  Emma cracks me up here - I'm guessing she's upset because the snow is melting!

It was a wonderful week and weekend.  I was so happy to share these moments with my family.  Snow can be an inconvenience, but it is so beautiful and for a small moment, life slows down and people are forced to live simply.  I know I'll get some dirty looks for this, but I sure hope it wasn't our only snow this winter:)

Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!

Friday faves

In case you need a reason to spend money, here are some things I am loving lately:)

These Target pajamas 

I have been wearing old shirts from middle school with mismatched pajama pants my whole life.  I noticed many of these items had holes in them - holes where there should never be holes.  And while I have not thrown these pieces out yet, I did invest in a few more respectful night time outfits.  I almost always wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to bed, even in the summer.  So when I saw these at Target, and felt the tencel, cozy material, I had to have some!  I have the animal print and the grey, and if they go on sale again, will get another pair.  My friend posted about another, more luxurious brand that she just recently fell in love with - so it will be my next pair.  For now, I am living in these from about 6pm to 6am:)

Pajamas for Em

Hanna Andersson ran a $10 clearance event one day last week, and I stocked up on pj's for Emma.  She has never worn their pajamas (because honestly, I am too cheap to spend $44 on a pair of pajamas for a 3 year old - sue me).  But when they went to $10, it was a no brainer!

I picked up these prints, and a pair for next year.  She is sort of in between sizes, so I went big and I think she could get at least 2 years wear out of the size I bought.  

Trader Joe's Mini Heart cookies

Just do yourself a favor and buy these. 

 Dark chocolate covered chocolate shortbread cookies.  

You're welcome.

Jen Hatmaker's Devotion book

I've been getting up early in the morning and reading this with my breakfast.  I love the way she writes - real, funny, and honest.  The readings are about 2 pages long, and there's a question and prayer at the end.  I LOVE starting my day this way and can tell a big difference in my attitude.

Bath and Body Works Winter candle and wallflower

This is by far the best winter home fragrance.  I don't like to spend $22 on candles, so I always look for them to go on sale.  They are half price now, and while most area stores are sold out of the candle (trust me...I looked!), they are still online!

J. Crew Pixie/Gigi Pants

I own both versions of these, and can honestly say they are well worth every penny.  I have had them for over 5 years and get soooo much wear out of them.  I have the 5 pocket style and the legging style in black.  I wear them to work with flats, heels, or boots and also around town with Ugg's, Hunter boots, or casual boots.  They are so comfortable (I love elastic!!), but still dressy enough when you want them to be. My only complaint - dry clean only. 

I've tried other alternatives (Target has similar ones in stores now), and trust me, it's not worth it.  They don't stay up, and don't flatter your body like these do.  And probably won't hold up as well either.  J. Crew Factory ALWAYS has a sale running, and if you're a student or teacher...you'll get an extra 15% off.  They run slightly big, in my opinion.  I wear a 0 in these, but that's not my typical pant size (Clearly.  Have you seen these hips?!)

Pureology Hair Products

I discovered this line at Ulta, and really only bought it initially because it came in travel sizes and I LOVE travel sizes.  It's a great way to try out new products before committing.  But I also find that I like to use different shampoos and conditioners depending on the weather and what my hair is needing at that particular moment.  I color my hair every 10 weeks or so, and I also wash it almost every day.  I know it's supposed to be better if you don't wash it every day, but I really feel gross if I don't wash my whole self.  I'll rinse off and bathe my body, but still feel like I never really showered.  You know??  Maybe I'm crazy...but I just need a REAL shower most days.

Anywho...I also love L'oreal Professionel Series, but it's pricey and you can only buy it in salons.  My current faves with the Purelogy line are the Nano Works shampoo, Strength Cure conditoner, and Precious Oil conditioner. And actually, I don't own any full size bottles...the travel sizes last a really long time and since I alternate, they work well for me.  I have found that I really like the Nano Works shampoo, so I'll be shelling out a pretty penny for the full size bottle.  But it works for me - the perfect amount of moisture while also cleaning my hair. It's one of those shampoos that you know is awesome because of how luxurious and thick it feels in your hands, yet suds really well. Oh...and the most important - this whole line smells amazing - natural and not too overwhelming.  It reminds me of Aveda's hair care line but not as earthy:)  I don't want to smell like moss and dirt...am I right???

That's all, folks!  Greg Fishel is talking about snow on Sunday...so I'm off to do my snow dance and stock up on wine and baking supplies!!!