Retail Therapy

Saturday I went to the mall to buy some necessities for Nicholas and came out with some little goodies for myself as well, I just couldn't resist :)
During Nick's first year I stopped wearing strong perfumes and lotions because I didn't want to overwhelm his little senses with such powerful scents.  So since he's bigger and walking now and doesn't have to be carried and risk having my perfume transfer onto him and his clothes, I'm welcoming perfumes back into my life!  There were so many great options to choose from and it was very difficult to pick just one!  My perfumes of choice need to smell fresh, clean, fruity, a little sweet, and need to have staying power - but never so strong that people sitting at the next table from you at a restaurant can smell it {that happened to us before we went shopping - yuck!!}.  So, these were my options:

Hippie Chic won over the other three but it took me a while to finally make my selection.  Once this bottle runs out and I need a refill I might purchase the Bvlgari Omnia or the Armani one....oh who knows! By then there will probably be a whole slew of new perfumes to chose from. 
And then of course, I had to go to Sephora and pick up this super versatile eye shadow palette that I have been lusting over for quite some time now.  Urban Decay did release a new version, Naked 2, but I like the original better.

This super fab palette also includes a brush and a bottle of their lid primer.  I love how these colors can be worn solo for a simple daytime look but also layered to match a more dressy evening outfit.

Now I couldn't leave Jacob out of our little shopping fun.  His shirt of choice is usually a traditional Polo shirt and fortunately for my wallet Dillard's was having an amazing sale.  Almost the entire Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer collection was on sale.  Polos were half off!!    
And one last little treasure I discovered was a new store, Call it Spring.  A pair of some cute and comfy flats caught my eye and an awesome handbag.  I couldn't decide what color to get the bag in so I figured I would go back later if I really felt like I had to have it.  After walking around the store and looking over all the merchandise, I kind of felt as if I was inside Aldo but with much nicer price tags.  When I got home I whipped open my MacBook and hit up Google -  sure enough, Call it Spring is an Aldo Group brand.  And luckily I didn't purchase anything because once I was on their website, I saw an opportunity to get a 10% off coupon.  All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter.  So you see, good things do come to those who wait :)     
What kind of retail therapy have you indulged in lately?

Lovely to See You ATX

Last weekend, my Mom, Nicholas, and I traveled to Austin for a a little 4-day trip to visit family.  Nicholas has always done well in the car, whether it's short drives around town or much longer trips.  But I'm still always weary, fearing that this time is going to be the time he will have a major meltdown and I'll need to turn the car around and just come home.  But luckily for us, we can mark this trip as another success.  

Day 1 got off to a late start, not surprising since I hate packing and always leave it to the last minute (as in the morning of).  My Mom laughs at me and questions how I did it when I was in college and would come home for the weekends.  But it was much easier then.  I would literally just make sure I had the bare necessities - toothbrush, contact lenses & solution, glasses, makeup bag, & a change of clothes.  If I forgot anything, my backup closet at my parents' house would surely have something in case of an emergency.  But now with Nicholas, my packing list is more like - snacks, toys/books, baby shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, diapers, wipes, Desitin, pajamas, clothes, extra changes of clothes for emergencies, pillow, pack & play, crib/lullaby toys, baby monitor, and you can't forget those "what if" items like a thermometer, ibuprofen, bug spray, sunblock, and the list goes on and on.  Finally, we were on the road by about 2pm and were in Austin by 8pm and that's including a few pit stops.  I was pretty happy with our timing.
Days 2 and 3 consisted of making our rounds catching up and visiting family.  Because Austin is my old college town and ex-home of 5 years, I love to go back and try to squeeze in as many new places to see as possible.  Although I usually come back home with a list of quite a few places I wasn't able to fit in, I always tell myself that there will be a "next time."  
Day 4 came pretty quickly and I was sad to go but anxious to get back home to Jacob and to see all the progress he had made on the pergola (updated pictures below!).  After I made some "urgent" stops {Kendra Scott & Buy Buy Baby} we were back on the road at about 2pm again.  Nicholas and I are grateful to have had such a wonderful time!  We were able to get a lot done and manage to do it all with zero-stress which was fantastic!!  

1. Nick already digging into his Plum Organics snacks about 1hr into the trip  2. Pit stop at Whataburger  3. We made it!

My nephew Gabriel all dressed and ready for  his baptism

Top photo: my Mom, sisters, brother-in-law, Gabriel, and my nieces.  Nicholas was very excited for Gabriel and gave him a "high-5"

1. We just had to get some milkshakes from EZ's on our second night  2. Great view of the Capitol

 Nicholas was my lunch date at Jo's downtown in the 2nd Street District.  LOVE their Tuna Melt :)

Nick's Austin Children's Museum adventure with cousin Gabriel

Clearly the museum wore him out!  We barely had gotten out of the parking garage and Nick was already passed out!

1. Continuing our day at IKEA shopping for Nick's playroom  2. Of course I had to indulge my sweet tooth with the always delicious Tiff's Treats  3. Nick was finally out for the night

1. I couldn't leave Austin without stopping at Kendra Scott.  That place is dangerous!!  2. Food trailers on South Congress.  Too bad they weren't open for lunch yet

I gave Nick a little tour of my alma matter St. Edward's on our way out of town

1.  Nick debating what to eat for lunch at Chuy's  2. Back at home, Nick trying out his new circus tent...another fab find at IKEA :)

Thanks for a great weekend friends and family! Hope to see you again soon!

Pergola update:

It's almost done!!  Jacob managed to squeeze in the time to paint, cut, and nail (19) 2x6 beams in the scorching heat.  Amazing, right?!?  Pergola looks fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by!