The Weekend after Thanksgiving (and other things)

Wow, that was a pretty busy week err two weeks we had.  Life has been great and we have actually been pretty busy. 

Let's just talk about the Thanksgiving recap that I just know you are dying to read about, ha! 

We had a great day that started off with a trip to the Doughnut Shop and now that is all Ellie wants to eat... We decided to start setting up our Christmas Tree and when we brought the stand out of the garage it was so cold that I couldn't get it open so Thomas tried and he busted it.  Thankfully (get it ;)) Walmart was open to save the day and we could continue our plan to decorate the tree, although while I was at Walmart I did a little more shopping and picked up a new tree for Ellie's room.  When I got back we started on the tree and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I just love our tree and it is so much fun opening up all the ornaments wrapped in tissue and remembering each one, it's like a sort of Christmas.

After a little while we got Ellie down for her nap and then I started to make our contribution to the feast, Pioneer Woman Sausage Apple Dressing.  Totally not the traditional route but I have to admit that it was actually pretty good, there were random bites of the apple that was a nice surprise.  While Ellie was napping we started to get ready for dinner, I even curled my hair...which lasted about 10 seconds and then Ellie woke up and it was time to go.  Thomas' brother was hosting this year and it was great to have a change of venue.  I have to say it was a really great night and we totally outstayed our welcome - which is always a plus with family ;)

Friday morning we woke up at the leisurely hour of 6:30am and started the water for our coffee, our coffee maker bit the dust quite a while ago so we have just been making French Press every morning and I have to tell you: I don't think I'm ever going back! and put on a show for Ellie.  Then we loaded up the truck with a load for the dump (we replaced the carpet in our house and needed to get rid of all the demo) and then to Lumber Liquidators to return the unopened boxes of flooring, a stop by Lowes and we picked up this, since ours is pretty bad, and then we had lunch at BWW.  Thomas and his dad went to see the new James Bond movie, so Ellie and I headed back to the farm for her nap and so I could start decorating the inside of the house for Christmas.  I also did some online shopping and was able to cross one person off our list.  I was also able to narrow down a time and place for our family photos!!! When Ellie woke up we headed over for dinner at the Inlaws and she had a blast just making everyone laugh - and she likes Salmon, so lets add that to the protein list along with bacon, sausage, and chicken!! When we got home we checked out a few more online sales and grabbed one more present so we are almost done shopping!

Saturday, we woke up to the babe demanding more Doughnuts (good thing we got a dozen) and then we headed out to the mall so I could grab a sample of foundation for our family pictures.  And while we were there we had to check out a couple more stores so I could pick up some more holiday/Christmas inspired clothes for Ellie since I realized that we don't really have any this year and that just simply will not do, I grabbed these pants, this top, this outfit, and this outfit and I cannot wait to see how cute she is! We got home and it was time for Ellie's nap so we got her down and I finished up some more indoor decorating while Thomas headed outside and started to put up lights on the house, hands down one of my favorite parts of Christmas.  When I finished up inside, I stepped outside to help untangle some strands of lights and get them up on the trees/bushes.  

When Ellie woke up from her nap she hopped into the car with her Nanny and Papa and cousins and they headed to a nearby park to see some Christmas lights. Thomas and I had a mini date night and watched a little bit of P.S. I love you and dreamed of Ireland.  Then we met up with his parents and Ellie for pizza for dinner!

Sunday morning we got up and had our morning coffee and Ellie had her doughnut, we watched Jingle all the Way and then it was time to get ready for our Family Photos.  Our photographer was actually one of the cheerleaders I coached back in the day and it was so fun to catch up with her, I am so proud to see how well she is doing and has her own photography business!!.  She is such a hard worker and so dedicated to making her clients happy, it was so COLD y'all like 29 degrees this morning while we were taking photos.  I know that is crazy but we were totally bundled up in between shots, Ellie did awesome and I was bound and determined to get some family photos of us and this was the best weekend for it! I have already gotten some sneak peeks of them and I love what she captured.

After our photo session we headed to Costco to get the essentials: diapers, wipes, and Egg Nog.  Then my dad came over to visit and drop off his dog, as he is headed on a vacation and we went to a tree stand to get him a tree.  One day I will be able to get a real tree, but not in the near future since our sweet little Cooper pooper is allergic to pine, spruce and fir...I mean what dog is allergic to trees??  We also got the rest of the lights up on the barns and I am in love!! Bring on the Christmas.

How was your holiday weekend?  Did you enjoy your four days off? Get any crazy good deals from Black Friday?  Tell me all about it!

♥ Ashley

{Wishlist Wednesday} - For Her

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe how quickly the holiday's snuck up on us and that Thanksgiving is tomorrow!! We have a lot to be thankful for this year and I am so grateful with how God has blessed us this year. 

With Thanksgiving nearly hours away that means that Black Friday is that much closer.  Now normally I don't do a whole lot for Black Friday (my life was tainted for this shopping day back when I used to work in retail) But I have learned over the years that it can be nice to take advantage of all the sales.  I don't have any plans to get out of the house at the butt-crack-of-dawn tomorrow but I will be shopping online - preferable through Ebates!! Have you heard of it before? You just sign up (use my referral code here) it's totally FREE!! and most of your favorite retailers are already on there.  You just find the store you're looking for and click the "Shop Now" button and you are on your way to earning cash back on your purchases - Ebates, where it really pays to shop online!

And if you are looking for some shopping inspiration here are some things I'm hoping to find under the tree.  As you get older the "toys" you want change.  Now my life revolves around making our house our home and updating our kitchen stuff.  I used to think my mom was always so boring wanting new dish towels every year but now I get it!!

Christmas Wishlist by lifeonthefarm 

Drying Mat's are where its at!!  My dad used to call the counter beside the sink the "draining board" because he would put down a kitchen towel and place all the handwashed dishes on it. But with the drying mats the counter is cushioned and they soak up the water better.  I've had one for a few years but it has lots of stains on it (from my dutch oven) and it is time for a new one.

Dryer Balls are the best invention and I don't know why I didn't get them sooner.  There are a few different kinds but you use them instead of dryer sheets.  They help reduce static while also fluffing your clothes to help them dry faster.  I had four of these but we forgot to take them out when we replaced our dryer last week....so I am in need of some new ones, because our comforters and bedding really did dry so much faster!

We live on a farm (obvi) and that means that we have farm duties.  Over the years I have invested in some cheap rubber boots to wear during fowl weather to run out in the muck to feed and water our animals, but they always get cracked and start leaking.  Over the summer I got super lazy and just wore a pair of flip flops - well that isn't cutting it anymore with all the rain we've been having lately and it's getting pretty cold in the mornings.  Thomas has a pair of these boots and I want them too.  They slip on and have traction, two things that are a must while doing the chores quickly and in a rush in the mornings before work!

When we had our garage sale earlier this Fall I sold our wire fruit basket because I have had my eye on this bowl at Target for the longest time.  I envision all the lemons and oranges in it with an apple or two as well.  It will bring in the touch of nature I feel like our kitchen is lacking and I won't have to worry about the mess on the counter anymore!  I am so smitten with it that if I don't find it under the tree come Christmas, I am going to go out and buy it!

This Marble Pastry Slab has been on my mind for years, I love to make pies (with homemade pastry just like my mom taught me) and I know that rolling the dough out on a cold surface will make my life that much easier.  Plus the marble is so beautiful and I know that new countertops are not in our near future so we are sticking with the 1989 laminate for a while longer.  I think having this slab will help me hold out!!

My love for the Pioneer Woman has grown this past year, with watching her show on the Food Network, getting her cookbooks, and now her new line of goods at Walmart.  Our knives are so old (like 7 years old) and I think its time to get some new ones, we're not ready to invest in my dream knives so this set will do just perfectly.  Because brand new sharp knives can do wonders for your slicing and dicing skillz (yes I put a Z on it!)

And then I just fell in love with these measuring spoons, they're rectangular in shape so they can fit into spice jars....be still my heart.

what's on your list this year?  Remember to shop online through Ebates to get cashback on all your holiday gifts!!


♥ Ashley

{Toddler Tuesday} - Ellie's Christmas List 2015

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week and that we are less than 6 weeks away from Christmas!  

We already have several items for our Advent Calendar already purchased and scheduled, but now it's time to start thinking about presents, for the Babe specifically.

So for this week on Toddler Tuesday I am talking about some gift ideas for the Toddler in your life!!

Ellie's 3rd Christmas List by lifeonthefarm on Polyvore

I have to admit that it was a little difficult coming up with items for Ellie's list because she already has so many toys...and she gets to play with a lot of other ones at the houses we work at.  I want to be practical with the items she will receive and that they will have longevity because I just don't want to have a lot of stuff.

Ellie has been really into what she wear lately so clothes are for sure on her list.  I am loving these pants, this top, and this top, and in an effort to have her be more girly I think this dress is adorable. But also adding in some fun accessories is always a good thing, so I am loving this style of necklace for her and maybe some bracelets too!

I am all about encouraging her imagination and this Little People cottage is perfect, combine that with her current obsession with neigh's and I think we have a winner winner chicken dinner.  Plus these toys are so cute and will fill her love of Disney quite nicely.

I am loving the Montessori inspired toys that have multiple uses.  Not only will Ellie get a better handle on her colors (because we all know she needs some help in that department) with THIS, but she will also get to work on sorting (a math skill) and fine motor skills with using the scoop to pick up the colors, not to mention some problem solving skills on figuring out how to actually accomplish that!!

It's never to early to start with number and letter recognition and these bath foam letters will help Ellie with that as well as work on her color recognition.  Additionally these puppies aren't only for use in the bathtub (Thanks Susie!!) and I can bring them to my nanny house give the littlest babe something to grab off the wall/window!!

What is on your toddler's list this year?

♥ Ashley

Ellie's 2nd Christmas List
Ellie's 1st Christmas List

Friday Five - A Stitch Fix Review #5

How is it Friday already?  And I just realized it's the 13th...you're welcome.  I have a good one for you today full of all sorts of fashion goodness...and not so much.

Well I got my fifth fix in the mail the other day...it came right around naptime so you know that's a good thing!  I was really looking forward to this fix since my last one was a total hit out of the park.  I wasn't disappointed with this one it just didn't quite capture my style as well.  

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix before its a fashion subscription where you can schedule your fixes for as often as you want.  What you do is sign up (use this referral link) and fill our your style profile, write a note to your stylist and schedule your fix.  You will then be matched up with a stylist who will send you a fun little box of five items.  You do pay a $20 styling fee for each fix but they take that off if you choose to keep any items and if you keep all five you get a 25% discount on the whole thing!  What makes this so great is that you get to try on the clothes in the comfort of your own home and try it out with other items in your closet and see if you have anything similar already.  I really like it because I just don't feel like I really have the time to go shopping any more and lets be honest - I really don't like dressing rooms, you have to take your shoes off and I don't even want to know what kind of ickiness is on the floor... So getting items that are hand picked for me and sent to my door? Sign me up! Oh wait I already did, haha

For my 5th Fix, I decided to only ask for tops (since I finally got a pair of jeans that worked!) and all of their accessories have been misses, I don't want to waste an item on one. I was hoping to get some more fall to winter transitional pieces and some fun holiday festive looks.  So here we go!

The package at my door...ok I actually brought it inside since it was raining and put it on our awful 1989 carpet...you're welcome.

I always do the same thing with each of my fixes.  After opening I pull out the styling card and read my note from my stylist (I actually got the same one as last time!!) and then glanced at what was in my box.  I don't know why I always do this because I usually am not impressed with any of the items when shown on the card...and the same went with this one.  I wasn't a fan of the color of the red shirt, I have way too many cardi's, never imagined myself in a poncho (too many memories of the one from Mexico from 1993),  was unsure about another lace overlay but loved the green color, and then thought the dress was pretty daring - though it was floral so it got a bonus point.  

But like they say..."Don't judge a book by it's cover"..."Don't judge a fix by it's style card"

And then I thought I would throw this photo in...all the items folded up on the tissue (apparently it's an artsy type of photo...) I prefer the old layout I did.

::ONE::

Papermoon Lamont Lace Detail Blouse in Burgundy

I had a photographer this time (thanks Thomas!) and we switched to taking photo's in Ellie's room because she gets better lighting. I have to say that I just was not a fan of this top from the beginning. The cut is weird and I couldn't lift up my arms.  I am not sure if it was the weight of the tags or the lace detail itself but it made the back of the collar really heavy and the neckline kept creeping up.  While I like my tops to be fairly loose fitting this one felt like a tent...and the sleeves were not good at all.  They did have elastic around the wrist so they stayed up at my elbows but that still didn't make it better.

The length of the shirt was decent but when I raised my arms up it was just not good.  I wasn't a fan of the pattern or color of fabric. Also worth noting...it was a challenge to get off.

 Verdict: RETURNED

::TWO::

Skies are Blue Burton Lace Overlay Top in Dark Green

No.  I don't even know if I can talk about this one.  It does have two things going for it in theory...it's green and it has lace.  That is where it ends.  The fit is all wrong, hits at the worst part of my hips, the neckline is weird, and the sleeves are something that Anne would be all over ... back in 1908, not me.  And the elastic on the wrists was super tight it was uncomfortable when pushed up to my elbows.

Verdict: RETURNED

::THREE::

Market & Spruce Denver Cable Knit Elbow Patch Cardigan in Brown

Another Market & Spruce item made it's way into my box, furthering my belief that they have a collaboration with SF.  I loved the detailing of the cable knit (I am actually really drawn to it) and I love the elbow patches and the fun leather buttons.  The yard was smooth and soft and a very comfortable sweater ... not too tight on the arms.  It was a good length and over all a pretty good fit.   (also I decided to change up my hair and put some makeup on because I was a little embarrassed of my appearance)

I love that the cable knit continued on the backside and y'all know I have a love affair with pockets.  The only problem is that I have a nearly identical cardigan in grey (see in item #4) that I got for a steal about 4 years ago at Zara.  I couldn't justify getting a second one, not to mention I have at least 15 cardi's already.

Verdict: RETURNED but major props to Erika for picking out an item I already own - she knows my style!

::FOUR::

Skies are Blue Shenay Dress in Navy

I was unsure about a dress but then it was in my favorite floral and navy combination...so there's that. Oh and its called the "Shenay dress" which may or may not have been my alter ego name back in the day...(too much?)  I am so glad that this dress got sent to me because I love how they look on the models but would never actually try it on.  It's the perfect bit of modesty and if I was still teaching would be a perfect teacher dress.  The floral pattern is just right (although I would have been totally ok if it was a bit more busy...give me all the floral!)  The sleeves were great, the neckline awesome and the waist hit me in the best possible spot.  The length was attractive and I love the slight pleating of the skirt (brings me back to my old high school cheerleading days)

It would work perfectly with a cardigan...like the one they sent me...

...Or like the one I already own.  They are so similar aren't they I almost tricked your eyes into thinking it was the same cardi ;)

Oh and lets pretend I can do a fashion pose!

The only problem I have with this dress is that I already have a navy and floral dress, it's a little more risque but has a very similar look and fit.  But once again, major props Erika for knowing my style so well!

Verdict: RETURNED only because I already owned a dress similar.

::FIVE::

Colourworks Gerda Lace Detail Pullover Poncho in Light Grey

I honestly thought I was going to hate this one.  I really don't need any more grey in my wardrobe but I'm a sucker for it and always have been.  But I couldn't have been any more wrong, when I put this baby on it was love.  It was so comfortable and roomy.  I actually liked that it didn't have long sleeves and the cowl neckline was just right.  I have a thing for lace and this has just the right touch.  I definitely need to wear something under it because it is a poncho and might be a little too revealing on the side slits.

It's just loose and flowy and I love the length.  Even though it has been completely confirmed that I will never be pregnant (except for IVF) or breastfeed this top would be perfect for both.  It is so forgiving and would be the perfect nursing cover.

I just couldn't get enough of it and had Thomas continue to take lots of photos...

more...

more...

and then to try it on with a long sleeve from my closet and I still love it.  I actually wore it around for most of the day and almost to my MOPs meeting that night...but I refrained, somehow.

Verdict: You guessed it KEPT

Have you tried Stitch Fix? Do it!!

♥ Ashley

Stitch Fix #1

Stitch Fix #2

Stitch Fix #3

Stitch Fix #4

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Thursday Confessions

I always love reading these posts so I thought I would do one!

~ I wasn't going to go here...but I am.  I guess there is some big thing going around social media regarding the Starbucks Red Cups.  I have to admit that when I got my first red cup last week I didn't notice anything different about them - but apparently there is and I guess it's supposed to "mean" something.  I have been a self proclaimed "I don't care about the holiday cups at Starbucks" and honestly I don't...they don't signify anything for me and with the uprisal just makes me think it's ridiculous, the cups are red - get over it!

~ we got matching pajamas for Christmas and we may have already started wearing them...

~ we both had the day off yesterday and took advantage of it being super early in the 'season" and got Ellie's Santa pictures taken, we were first in line and I am so happy to cross that off our list.  

~ continuing with the Christmas theme we have purchased tickets to ride the Santa Train and the Nutcracker Ballet, I sent out my evites for my annual Ladies Christmas Tea, and we have been drinking Eggnog like its going out of style for over two weeks.

~ Ellie has started to say "Oh My Gosh" and I think it's twelve kinds of adorable (I know many may disagree but I don't care!)

~ I watched this video and I couldn't help but laugh

~ I get really irritated when semi-trucks drive in the fast lane (because they are usually going at least 5 under) but they also scare the hell out of me when driving that if I can I make sure that there is a lane between me and them when passing...then I realized the struggle I have with driving my car that it would be a nightmare if I ever tried to drive one of those!

~ I hate it when the diaper change stations are inside a bathroom stall...even more so when they open up over the toilet - an accident just waiting to happen. Or when there is no change table at all (I'm talking to you HomeGoods)

~ The struggle is real for us shorties, having to climb up on the counter to get a coffee to go mug on the top shelf is annoying, but not being able to reach the yogurt you want at the grocery store is embarrassing.

~ Our family pictures got rained out last weekend so now we need to find a new photographer and set up another time for them.  Hopefully that can happen sooner than later.

~ I love to laugh but not everyone gets my humor.

~ When my nose itches or is runny it takes every ounce of everything I have to not lose my cool, it's the most obnoxious thing and usually makes me want to rip all of my hair out because I am sure that is whats tickling it.

~ I used to have to read everything.  All of the blog posts on my feed (every word) and every page of the magazines I get.  It became such a time suck and didn't put all the value in my life, so now if there is an article in Martha Stewart that I am just not interested in...I skip it and I don't feel guilty.

~ When I first wake up in the morning I have to brush my teeth.  Morning mouth is the worst.

what do you confess?

♥ Ashley

Our weekend

Is it just me or do the evening seem to drag on for forever now with the time change? Ellie was acting a little cranky last night so I figured it was probably close to bedtime (which is 8:00) but it was only 6:45, so we busted out the fish I got from our IKEA run the other day and some playdoh...there is just something completely wrong about the sun setting at 4:45 in the afternoon.  Ellie is also super obsessed with coffee right now and will request a cup, so I just grab her teacup and fill it with some water - that seems to satisfy her just fine!  Also we have been talking about replacing another appliance in our home since everything is from 1989.  We were trying to decide between a new dryer or a fridge.  Well the decision was made for us when our dryer stopped working this week.  I did a quick search online and then made my way to our local Lowes, they had a brand new GE dryer for almost 50% off because they came out with a new model.  I am must be getting old because I am pretty excited for a new dryer - but we have to wait until the 15th for it to get installed.  I guess we will be doing a lot on line drying in the bathrooms until then!

I gave a sneak peek on Friday's post about some of our IKEA haul. 

Here is a refresher:

Not only will you notice that I got Ellie some of the play food (I think I really like it because you can throw it in the washing machine to clean it up!) but also some things for her room.   I have been having the most challenging time finding some curtains that match the design I have in my brain, well I picked up these curtains at IKEA despite Ellie saying "NO!" and turning her head away when I asked if she liked them (which seems to be the trend these days whenever I show her something girly...) but then once they were up in her room she came around and admits that she likes them, and I actually really like them (especially for $25 for the pair!).

Friday when I had an unexpected day off (#notcomplaining) I got to work in Ellie's room in the morning.  So here the curtains are hung up temporarily until I sew the blackout curtains on them and hang them properly by the grommets.  I am also thinking that I want to sew on some PomPom trim because I think it's so cute, I just have to decide if I'll do it the green or pink color...though I am leaning towards the green!  I love them so much and they have really lightened up her room considerably and brought in the touch of girly whimsy I was hoping for.  Not quite like the inspiration I had but definitely a perfect alternative!  Also I picked up the the TEJN faux sheepskin and she loves it so much and I love how it feels between my toes (I might need to pick up two more for our room...)

The room is definitely not complete, it's a work in progress but I love how each element is bringing my vision to reality!

I really had my A-game going on so Ellie got dressed up in her finest plaid and posed for this sweet little picture when we were heading out to library story time - I mean come on!  Also that sweater is one of a kind knit by my mom, I love having these little pieces of her.

I also "matched" with the babe for Flannel Friday and Plaid Friday. It's November now so I get to wear plaid and flannel, right?

On Saturday we had a lazy bit of a morning but then headed our to finalize and sign off on the measurements for our new floor...I am finally getting rid of the "vintage" 1989 builders wall to wall carpet in our house!  We don't have an install date set up yet but will hopefully get the floors in by the end of the month (if not sooner - fx).  I will go into more detail in another post.  After we went to the flooring store we stopped by Chick-Fil-A for lunch. It was our first time ever going to a CFA and I have to say that it was pretty good,  Ellie loved playing in the kids play area too, so that is another reason to return!

During Ellie's nap I got my chalkart on and did a new design on our pantry doors, I have to say that I am in love with it.  I do all my designs freehand while looking at an image for inspiration and I have to make sure to get a picture of it almost immediately before Ellie decides it's lacking her touch of art...

Then we invited Thomas' parents over for dinner and I made Roast Beef, Popovers, my new favorite side: Shredded Brussels Sprouts, and sauteed Mushrooms.  (recipe's coming) The meal did not disappoint and I am so glad we have some left overs because those brussels are so good and I cant wait to thin cut that meat for some sandwiches.

Sunday we got up early and went out for Donuts...Girlfriend loves herself some donuts and was pretty excited to eat hers once we returned home.  The donut shop we went to this time is only about 8 minutes away and I have a feeling we will be going there on the regular.  Ellie got a cake donut with vanilla frosting and sprinkles (she picked it out) and I got a glazed buttermilk bar - I haven't had one in years and it was so good.  Thomas had a chocolate bar.  Next time though I am trying their pumpkin pie donut...I hope it's as good and I think it will be.

The rest of the day we did some cleaning up around the house, got all the storage boxes I filled up from cleaning our Baby #2's room up in the attic, and did some major yard work.  I cleaned up about half of the vegetable garden and cut back all the peonies...our compost bin is now officially FULL!  Thomas did some organizing in the garage and put up an inflatable Minnie Mouse in the yard.  After Ellie's nap we went out on the farm and played on the swings, chased the goats and fed the animals.  

That's our weekend...how was yours?

♥ Ashley

That Friday Five Post

I can't believe that it is already Friday...I have a feeling that November is going to go by in the blink of an eye.  I am really hoping to get into a better bit of a routine and accomplish more at home when I am here, including some holiday decor.

Okay lets get into this post!

::ONE::

I took the kids out shopping on Tuesday to browse JoAnns for some fabric for Ellie's curtains in her room (because I still cannot decide).  Shopping with 3 under 3 is definitely a challenge but these kiddos made it easy.  And no I did not find any fabric that I fell in love with, so the search continues...


::TWO::

I made a stop at Starbucks because even though I am not one of those red cup people...I wanted a red cup.  I tried the Eggnog Latte and oh my word it's delicious.  We love our Eggnog on the farm (Ellie included) and Darigold is the preferred brand.  So I am pretty sure that the Eggnog Latte will be a staple order this holiday season!

oh and of course someone got a cakepop!

::THREE::

On Wednesday we were blessed with a beautiful day and I only had one of my families that day.  So Ellie, myself and my nanny kiddo headed back to the farm to have a farmdate.  The kids love going out to see the animals and Ellie is definitely a fan of the goats.  She loves to pet the goats and sometimes gets a little rough with them...but it never fails that when she trips or falls down and the goats smell her she cries like they're attacking her!! which of course they are not.

::FOUR::

We went for donuts for breakfast this week because it was my One Year Anniversary working with one of my nanny families.  I love these kiddos so much and sometimes think of them as Ellie's siblings.  I can't believe how much all three of the kiddos have changed and grown over the past year and I just feel so blessed to be able to spend time with them.  Ellie was pretty excited about her doughnut as well!

::FIVE::

I randomly got to have the day off yesterday.  Okay that is a bit of a lie, I got off at 10am.  So what do you do on a weekday when you don't have work? You go to IKEA of course.  Truth be told we tried to go a couple of weekends ago but couldn't even get in the parking lot, so we just went home.  I found out the reason why it was so busy - they tore down the parking garage and are building a whole NEW store right there! So the parking has been reduced by at least 85%.

We had a successful trip where I got some organization stuff for our pantry (because it's a MESS) and kitchen and then also got some great things for Ellie!  Girlfriend was an excellent shopper and only asked to get out of the cart one time and then quickly got over her tantrum and sat there the rest of the trip.  We were only there about an hour and she fell asleep while we were waiting in line for checkout - best toddler ever!!
We are in the market for a new kitchen faucet and I totally snapped a picture of this and this oh and this has been calling my name for years!

Happy Weekend!!

♥ Ashley

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