Goodness me. I am so glad it’s Friday! It’s always a long week when the hubs is traveling and this week was no exception. It also didn’t help that he’s been in Ireland, so I’m hearing about all the food and places he’s seeing while I’m sitting there with a cranky 4 year old who won’t listen to anything I’m asking her to do. Thanks man, rub it in.
But luckily we have some fun things coming up next week that I’m looking forward to recapping for you soon, including Little A’s first time on skis! It should be highly entertaining.
Here’s what I got for you on this lovely Friday.
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1 // I know that so many of us bloggers and moms love having a big old planner to keep track of our day to day activities, blog posts, stats, etc. And for the last few years I’ve gotten a large planner that I somewhat utilized. But I’ve been wanting something a bit more compact that I could easily carry in my purse. Plus, I never utilize the large planner like I should, and it feels like such a waste to me.
I’d been eyeing the Sugar Paper planners at Target for about a month before I finally took the time to stop and flip through them. And this little gem came home with me. It’s the perfect size (5″ x 8″) for me and still allows plenty of space for me to write out my to do list, activities, blog post ideas and much more. And it was only $10. Sorry big, bulky planner, I’ll take the $10 version over you any day.
2 // I shared this photo on Instagram a few days ago, when I brought out Olaf, our elf on the shelf.
I was regretting us getting the elf on the shelf a few years ago, but Little A looked forward to it, so I continued bringing him out and moving him each night. She kept saying, “Thank you so much Olaf for my special breakfast.” It was precious.
But by the end of the day she had decided that Olaf was just a toy that I bought. She literally said, “I think Olaf is just a toy that you bought and threw away the plastic.” Can’t put nothing past this girl. We talked about about it, but she was firm that he really isn’t real and doesn’t watch her for Santa; Santa watches her. So now he’s just a toy she plays with.
And I couldn’t be happier. Praising the angles that I don’t have to move that flimsy elf every day for a month.
3 // A few weeks ago I was contacted by the folks at PINCHme box and they asked if they could send me their blogger box. I wasn’t familiar with them, but figured there was no harm in checking it out. After some research I learned that PINCHme is a free way to try out samples of products. Like really it’s free, no cost to you. Not too bad if you ask me.
When my box showed up it had a variety of products, some I like and found useful (like the full size Clinical Strength deodorant. I NEED the clinical strength stuff), some I may never ever use, but I had no expectations and it was a good variety so I liked that. And you can also get free samples as well. You just go to their website, fill out a short survey, they send you samples based on your survey results and you provide them feedback on the samples they sent. Pretty easy for free stuff! You can join any time, but new samples are coming out on the 15th so be sure to go HERE on the 15th to fill your box!
4 // I ordered a few more maternity items this week, including a winter coat. I’m pumped to get them in time for our next trip. I’ve never shopped at Pink Blush Maternity but a lot of women rave about them so I figured I’d give them a shot. They have a huge selection and really great prices (especially with the deals they always have) so I’m hoping the quality is good as well. I’ll do a maternity style post if all goes well.
5 // K and I have been really struggling with Little A lately. Things are definitely better than they were 3 months ago, but we still feel like we can’t get through to her and are failing as parents. She is a very emotional little girl. She feels everything so intensely, whether it’s good or bad. She’s very perceptive for her age and talks like a child much older than she is. I was talking to my bestie the other day and she recommended books about spirited children. So I picked Little A up from preschool and we headed to the library. And what did I find when I searched for books on “spirited children?” This gem.
You guys. I’ve barely started this book but the first chapter spoke to me. Not all the behaviors the author discusses describe Little A, but a lot of them do. She’s intense at times, sensitive, very perceptive and persistent. My goodness is she persistent (she seriously negotiates every single thing in her life if it’s not exactly what she wants. At 4 years old! She’s going to make an amazing adult some day.). I am so excited to get into this book so I can learn more about spirited children and see if this really fits my child (I’m sure it does).
Linking up with Amanda, Karli and April today.
I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!
I was totally going to get that planner and then realized I dont need two planners for 2016 haha!! Happy Friday! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I love that line of planners too- you can’t beat the price, I have a monthly one I got last year that I love for blogging things, and you just reminded me I need to get one for next year if I can find it. I love Little A’s response about your elf on the shelf– she is so smart, haha, but I’m glad she still enjoys it and has fun with it. It sounds like that book will have a lot of good information for you guys. Happy Friday!
That planner sounds great. The one I had this year was just way too big. Little is the way to go!
It must be such fun having Olaf back!! So festive!
Haha! My hubs learned to simply not tell me about how nice his hotel is or the steak dinners and fancy bottles of wine he treats his clients to while he travels – and to CERTAINLY never tell me he’s tired from a late night out! No sir, you walk in that door and you pitch in, I don’t care if you’re recovering from a night of cocktails with clients. Nope. No sympathy!
Man, I never got into Pink Blush Maternity! Everything was so loud and print-overload and pink and lace all over everything… But hey, what do I know, I recommended Pea in the Pod to you and look how that panned out! (I hope it did end up working out, btw!)
I mean I just want to smack him sometimes. He’s so tired from 17 hours of flying. Business class mind you!
Pink Blush does have a lot of prints, but like you, I do not love prints. So I got a striped cardigan, plain sweater, tank and pea coat. Nothing wild for me, no thank you!
That planner is so pretty! Sorry you had a long week, hope you get to enjoy the weekend with the hubs <3
Green Fashionista
I’m so glad you found a planner that you love. I think it’s so important to find one that just fits. I’m working on a post for next week comparing my old one verses the new one I just got.
Little A sounds like a very smart little lady. 🙂
Little A is so smart! I actually forgot to move our elf French Fry the other day, and when my son woke up he was like “WHAT!?” But I moved him during nap time so it was no biggie haha. Also, I loved the PinchMe box, too! Clinical strength is where it’s at!! And I’m glad you are trying out PinkBlush Maternity! I love them!
Oh yay!! I’ve been thinking the SAME thing about the planner which is why I haven’t bought a 2016 one. I almost bought a small one from Office Max but it was $25. I’m going to check out the Target ones. I did love my Plum Paper one but it’s just too darn big.
Hahaha…Little A – so smart! Glad the Elf on the Shelf thing will cause you less stress!
So this box really is FREE?? Always? Or you just get one?
That seems like a great planner! I love mine!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
I love a good planner! My current one is one I found on Etsy – EYC Studio. I love it! And it fits in my purse too. 🙂 We haven’t joined the Elf on the Shelf club yet, but I’m really wondering if we should! My oldest is 5 and I often feel like I’m failing. He’s very emotional and much like you described. I will have to check that book out! Happy Friday!
I don’t know where to start! I love so much of this!
First off, we must be on the same wavelength… I usually get the large Passion Planner but this year I opted for the smaller version because then I can carry it in my purse. It’s okay – I can write small!
That blogger box looks AWESOME! So many cool things in there!
Yay for new maternity clothes! I can’t believe you’re pregnant and I can’t wait to “meet” your little one!
I think Little H and My Little H are kindred spirits – everything you descibed about A is my H. I may have to read this book… after I finish my current parenting book of course (I always have a parenting book on the go).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo