Valentine Favorites || 2017

I'm a little let down with Valentine things this year.  At least in the commercial stores such as Target, Kohls, Walmart, Hobby Lobby & the Dollar Store.  Everything I've found in stores all seem a little juvenile to put inside the home for decorations-like more something you would have put in your bedroom as a 13 year old pre-teen. LOL...  

I do have to say that the things for baking cute treats with your babes are spot on!  In almost every store:)  I have a guest blogger working on a post sharing fun things to do with your kiddos for Valentines Day so stay tuned;)  She is awesome!

After browsing through our holiday things in the garage this weekend...I've concluded that Valentines Day is the holiday I have the least amount of things to decorate with...

hmmmmm.  

So.  Here's a much labored list of my favorite Valentines items of 2017!

And I want all of it.

felt garland || pjs || valentine plush || strawberry cheesecake donut || graphic tee || mug || letterboard

<<SIDENOTE:  Though all their things are drool worthy & I love them...I really dislike endorsing Pottery Barn/PBK b/c they are SO expensive.  But their things are so a d o r a b l e & I like to get inspiration from there - then go & browse Home Goods or Antique shops to find something similar & cheaper.  Occasionally I'll splurge when it's in our budget, but it's totally not right now.>>

I'm totally random in this post today.  Bear with me.

The best things I've found this year would be the hobnail glassware in the Target "dollar bins" ranging from $3-5 in price.  You could really create a cute Valentines brunch with those adorable pitchers & glasses!  

P.S.  I think preteen taste is totally okay for a coffee bar. :P

e s p e c i a l l y when it costs under 10 bucks!

Bowl+stirrers+hobnail glass=Target Dollar Bins

Cut triangles out of felt & hot glue to ribbon for mini bunting!

H54F || Big Blessings

Wishing you all a happy Friday & weekend!  I hear it's supposed to snow this week...so I'm in my absolute happy happy happy mode.

 one. full laundry baskets

Family's all here.  Healthy.  +Happy.  

Trying to apply the verse I chose for the year thanks to this article!

Nobody complains more about their husband throwing dirty laundry in the floor than me:(  This changed my mind...

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Col 3:23

two.  valentine vibes

okay, once Febuary 1st arrives I'll be ready to start spreading some valentiney things around the house.  I've already started getting little things out for my coffee bar & the breakfast nook.  Our little caddy makes me feel like we have our own little diner.  I love tweaking it for each holiday.  It might be my favorite thing to decorate...

+ I secretly love getting pretty donuts to decorate my pastry dish with.  

Is that crazy?

Yes.  Yes it is.

Too bad you can't decorate with healthy food...

three. diet days

I ate a donut this morning.  My splurge for the week.  Speaking of healthy food...

  As you might have already picked up on, I've been working on dropping the habit of eating Halloween candy for breakfast & improving my intake habits for the past two weeks. I've experimented with the "Whole 30" ways, & I like it... but I just can't won't give up all my dairy.  I can do the low carb, lots of fruits & veggies...but my coffee creamer is important, y'all.  I've been doing pretty good but my diet is getting bland.  

Salad & eggs.  Eggs & salads.  Blah.

  My biggest challenge in eating healthier is that my boys just don't eat "healthy food" (lol) I've had to put my variety of healthy meal ideas on the back burner.  But this week, I think we've found an efficient way to compromise.  (Plus, I can't stand the thought of my family eating processed everything all the time:/ even if it's what they like) 

SO here's a little peek at our first meal- healthy with a side of macaroni, mashed potatoes & ketchup for the boys.  That solves the world problems, right?  You listening Trump?

Stay tuned:D

four.  chestnut praline is back for 2017

After looking diligently since Fall, I finally found a bottle of chestnut praline syrup for the evenings when I want to make my own little sweet coffee treat!  Now I don't have to wait until Christmas 2017 to taste it again...I'll have it all year long!:)  

P.S. >> If you love the peppermint based drinks, they had those on sale too!    

five.  BIG blessings

I got to see my brother for the first time in 7 months.  I know God has a special plan for him, pray that he would let God lead & direct him:)

+

We found a new pediatrician we love & Conley had a great check up!

+

We have started encouraging Cam to say a more mature blessing at three (almost f o u r).  After we say our normal "God is great" prayer, we go around the table & either say something we are thankful for, something we'd like to pray for or about, or both. He is catching on so quickly & nothing makes my heart happier than to hear praise or concern for another coming from his little lips.  

That being said- how blessed I am!  I talk each Friday about the little things I love throughout the week but I fail to talk about the h u g e things I love about my life everyday.  I have been SO blessed to spend two extra days a week enjoying my boys.  I can't express what that does for me.  There's nothing in this world that makes me happier than to be with them when they are little.  It might not be everyday, but other than that, it really couldn't be any better.  Praising Jesus for that precious gift<3

Linking up with the girls of H54F!

TGIF

  

WIWW || Winter Green & Plaid

Yep, posting for "What I Wore Wednesday" on Thursday.

It's been a while since I participated in this link up & when I recently found myself trying to maximize new & different outfits out of the clothes I already have, I knew it might be time to join in for a post.  

I saved this style inspiration from Pinterest back in the summer thinking it would be a really cute idea for Fall & never found anything in my closet to match at the time.  But, I happened to remember it Tuesday night & ended up finding all the pieces to create something similar for winter:)  Especially when it's been in the 70's this January & it involves the color OLIVE.  I may never get over this color.

*Style Inspiration from fashionsgirl.com

Lo & behold, it hung out around 37 DA-GREES for most of the day Wednesday...so I added the leggings so I wouldn't freeze my legs off!  Brrrrr N E L L I E!  Bring on the snow!

Scarf || Hillbilly Swag

Dress || Simply Sage Market via Jane.com

Booties || Lucy Avenue via Jane.com

I borrowed this scarf from my momma:)  (I don't think she had ever worn it).  The dress & booties are from our Christmas pictures & of course Jane.com;)  My life will never be the same after finding that site.  Hehe.   And I must say...this little outfit is so comfy & cozy for a cold winters day.  Did I mention how much I love the color combo? ;)  

Oh, & I'm pretty sure I'll live for hiding my face in big blanket scarves this winter...

I love talking clothes & all-but I don't think I'll ever be able to post something about clothes & beauty without including 
this verse.  I never want to forget where T R U E style & beauty comes from.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:25-28
I fail at living this verse everyday.  Would you pray with me that we as women would come together & strive for THIS rather than the worlds definition of beauty?
Happy Thursday!

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I Want YOU! || A Mom Community

Alright, girls.

This has been on my heart since late in 2016 & I'm finally ready to share it with you.

Peaches & Pearls started out as a place to document my own memories, thoughts, & journey through life.  It really was just a personal little journal type of place, yet it has somehow refreshingly turned into a kind of small community of friends that have a common purpose.   A common love.  A common lifestyle.

What exactly do I mean?  I have had several girls contact me about something they read here or something they seen that they could relate to.  Whether it was a "oh, I'm glad I'm not alone!" kinda response or maybe a laugh out of something they totally get- we connected!  

If y'all are in, I'd like to do 2017 a little different around here.  I no longer want to bore you with JUST my life.  If other people are truly reading, I want us to connect even more.  On a whole other level.  One person is limited to the amount of beneficial things they can share.  

While I never want Peaches & Pearls to lose it's small blog feel or forget the reason I began blogging in the first place, I want to learn & share more with other girls going through the same season of life.

So here it is.

Say you're great a cooking up a mean supper, love to coupon, craft, or putting together comfy budget friendly outfits for moms.  Or maybe tried a new item on the market that you'd like to share it with other people that could really benefit from it.  Maybe your a teacher & you found something kids LOVE to do in your classroom while secretly learning the entire time they participate.  Or you spend your days as a nurse & have some tips for helping us keep our babies healthy through the sicky time of year...please contact me!  God may even have laid a thought on your mind & you feel like you need to share it!  If you read Peaches & Pearls, you know the type of things I blog about here.  I'd love to have guest posts & learn from you as well as hear about your own sweet families in the process:)

Girls, let me just tell you.

I get so much more out of reading something about a "real" person rather than keeping up with the Hollywood gossip.  I think that's the beauty of blogs.  I love to read about real people, just like myself!  It's so refreshing & encouraging to be able to feel like you have a community of people you don't see everyday that just "get" what you are going through!

So what are your thoughts?  Do you have a knack & some stories you'd like to share with us?  I'm excited to hear from you & get this started!
  
Contact info here.  Once we decide on a topic, I'll send you a format & a little questionnaire to include about your family to share with us!

P.S. And if you don't volunteer I may just hunt you down & ask;)

H54F|| Inauguration Day

Happy Fri-yay, friends:)

I know you'll be happy when I quit complaining about not feeling good, but I sure will be too!  Good news is that after a week of antibiotics, Conley is a new baby this week!  Praise the Lord for that:-)  

Myself however...

(besides our family's never ending sinus festivities in January) 

I've been taking prescription strength Ibuprofen (sometimes numerous) times a day just to be able to eat & sleep d/t intense tooth pain on both sides of my mouth.  Long story short, I f i n a l l y made it to the dentist on Monday & once my numbness wore off-MORE pain.  I don't know whether it was tooth related or another bug, but Tuesday evening hit me like a rock.  I felt so bad that I fell asleep at 6 p.m. & didn't wake til the next day.  If you know me that does NOT happen.  Ever.  Wednesday I gradually felt better throughout the day-but MAN.  I'm done with you yucky SICKNESS & blah feelings!  Leave our home & never return!

After that week, I'm just ready for the weekend! 

Here are my high fives for the week!  What are yours?:)

one.  numb giggles

In reference to that little dental trip, I forgot to mention that the Mr. & I hadn't ate a n y t h i n g previous.  We were starrrr-ving after I finally got out at about 2 pm.  So regardless of the fact that half my face was numb...we went for Japanese goodness.  And laughed the whole stinkin time.  Y'all.  My face was so funny!  My whole face contorted when I tried to sip from a straw or tried to eat my chicken & rice.  But buddy- that didn't stop this girl from eating!

two.  diet smiet

I totally focused on low carbs this week.

I worked out.  I was feeling a flatter stomach.

And then.

Once we got home & I started planning our grocery list for the week.  I came to terms.

It turns out trying to eat healthy with three boys, being in two different states & two different homes every week+ failing to go grocery shopping either place+very tight budget can end in diet sabotage.  

I've practically s t a r v e d d/t lack of planning/time/money to prepare.

Right now...the whole "whole 30" thing is on the back burner.  No more hangry mommy this week.  I guess my focus is  going to be geared more toward workouts & all things in moderation to tone the mom pooch until I can give a little more attention to nutrition.  Like our Home Alone meals my Mr. suggests are best for us & our lifestyle.  Aye.

three. built-in shelving planning

It will probably be 2030 before this happens, but we had someone who I found via Houzz (anybody familiar with this site?) come in & discuss ideas/browse my pinterest board/measure for a complimentary quote on built ins around our tv in the living room.  It's all I can see in this room, especially after taking our tree down!  I'm excited to get more information & start a savings plan.  

2030-we're coming for you- HA! 

four.  cam in chewy pj's

really, there's no commentary needed for this one, except...

  When he put them on... he looked at his Chewy & said, "now we match Chewy!"

  so. stinkin. a d o r a b l e.

five.  mailbox love

I've been looking at these vinyl address decals for our mailbox forever.

I ordered this from Jane a couple weeks ago & we finally got it put on<3

Also, I was catching up with Fixer Upper last night, & I apologize for how much my commentary sounded like an episode on our little house tour yesterday.  I'm such a nerd.  I got on my own nerves with all my plans.  Too excited with my dreaming:)

I hope you all have a lovely Friday!

I guess I have to make a comment on Inauguration since it IS my main caption.  My prayer is that regardless of our beliefs or opinions, we will all come together with respect for the man nominated to be our next president.  We are all human.  All most certainly make mistakes & have a past.  And if we don't treat each other with kindness, respect, & tons of prayer-we are all destined to fail!  Besides, Jesus is in control of this thing.  

NOOOOOT us, praise the Lord!

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Mini Home Tour || Adams Abode

Welcome to the Adams Abode.

I'm gonna spare you all the long, drawn out, gory details of house hunting.  FYI: It's nothing like House Hunters on HGTV.  You don't look at three homes in one day, put in an offer, & get the keys next day.  

Nope.  Not even close.  

I'm just going to keep it basic with you & condense our experience into a nutshell.  We physically began touring homes about March 2016 & didn't close on the perfect one until November 30th, 2016. We house hunted from two different states, so half the time it was via Skype & speaker phone conversations.

Yikes!  

Yikes is r i g h t.

Our time, our realtors time, & money spent on inspections for t w o homes...GONE.

It was enough to drive us bonkers, but the good Lord brought us through it all!  He will never leave us in hopeless situations...though I know this is low on the totem pole of hopeless.  All the same.  I like to think of his hand working in every situation-& we can always find that all works out for His purpose. 

*Both were at least 20 years old, "fixer uppers," & at the top of our budget.  As immature home buyers...we were out of our league & I'm glad everything worked out the way it did!

We are so very thankful & excited to be moved in & in the process of settling in.  

Let me tell you, moving ain't easy. 

 Like, never want to do it again.  E s p e c i a l l y with babies!  I was so i n c r e d i b l y blessed that Cade was able to be with us since closing on the home.  I don't know what I would have done had he not been by my side helping to move everything in, hang things up, & put things away!  

We have a long way to go, but this little abode is slowly morphing into our home.  

We are supposed to be getting our shudders installed around Valentines Day (which I can't wait - too creepy without them!) & the next project will be a fence for our back yard.  What turned out being a selling point for us (huge backyard-hello we have BOYS) has kind of turned into a burden=having to put up a massive fence to cover it!

I swear.  

Eeeeeeeeverything home related is SO expensive!  Can I get an amen?

Entry

I imagine a big but simple statement lighting fixture here.  

And a little entry shelf & mirror to the left when your looking at the picture.

Conley jail

Living Room

Love all the natural lighting our bottom floor has, but the yellowish tint to the paint doesn't give the blank canvas look I'd like.  The lighting fixtures & paint is on our to-do list in time.  My Mr. could murder me over those flurry pillows.

And of course there's the toys.  

Unless we hide them as needed in the closet beside the stairs;)  As you imagine, that happens NEVER!

Kitchen

My coffee bar is tiny.  I think about switching it up sometimes, but I like that it has it's own little nook in the corner.  And.  I love the ninja!

+ I love to decorate the bar:)
Breakfast Nook

Take it away, Scouty:)  This is one of my favorite spaces in the house.  I love to sit here & drink coffee or have a meal with my favorite peeps.  There's something about a small round table that makes dinner more intimate.  It's so cheerful here with all the lighting, too.  These orange chairs are the only way to go with two messy marvins-they clean easily & don't show stains!  I don't know what it is, but I love this space:)  I can't wait to find the perfect light to hang here! 

Dining Room

I love the wainscoting in this room!  I would like to restain this table a grayish color so that it compliments the flooring better & you can't see it but I would love to add a gallery wall on the buffet table wall.  I'm collecting pics & frames now!

Mud Room

I shared this room last week.  I still love it.  
I'd like to add hanging candle lanterns on each side of the magnet board that 
we have in storage, a few smaller baskets below, & a round jute rug. 

Downstairs Powder Room

Stair Landing

Another favorite space.  I can't wait to add holiday pillows to this bench.  I already have an idea for Halloween that I'm the most excited over.  Too soon?  I'm thinking of hanging a white faux deer head at the top...but I'm not sure this is the exact place for it.

Play Room

The boys LOVE this space!  And so do we.  Simply b/c we can let them run wild & get out their crazys!  On the other side is the "man cave."  But it's not in showing shape.  I still want to bring their Gotham City up here & attach it to the wall under the goal (they are obsessed with this basketball goal) so Conley won't get smushed as he tries to climb on EVERYTHING!  I'd like to add some book shelves to the right wall & get a little table to sit in the center of the rug to & go with the chairs we already have.  

All the bedrooms & hallways are under construction.  The boys room is my absolute favorite to dream about.  I just have to get my ideas to match each other-that's the problem.

 In addition to the shudders & fence, we are anxious to paint everything with a fresh coat of fresh neutral kid friendly paint (aka washable), personalize a few of the lighting fixtures, & install built in shelving around the fireplace in the living room - ALL in the budgets time.  Which is like probably 20 years in the future!  Lol:)  That doesn't stop me from hanging things though.

 I gotta go ahead & get my hang on. 

Idea Boards 

Already have the shelf.  Waiting to hang until we get the blinds installed!

I have to have this sign in my kitchen.  B/c.  We a l w a y s dance in here.

Gallery wall pictures

And I simply have no idea what to do here yet d/t all the controls placed in the middle of the wall.

  This is the area between the dining room & kitchen.

A designer came by this afternoon & measured to give us a quote for built-ins on this wall.  It's so empty in here, so I can't wait to start saving to install them!  I can just see them all decorated up for Fall & Christmas!  All the heart eyes:)

It's easy to get overwhelmed thinking things we'd like to be done!  I love decorating & dreaming up how to make everything "us," (& don't let the hubby fool you-he's as bad as I am!).  But then I go back to the pure fact that God has blessed us with a home.  Our own h o m e!  What a blessing that is.  We can practice patience & thankfulness, while all the "things" can wait.  And on that note, this really isn't even our real home, is it?  That would be heaven!  So easy to forget & get caught up in the here & now.

Ah.  The life lessons you learn along the way

I digress.

I'll update with (obviously) *holiday decorations & new updates as they come.  Not necessarily because you care, but partly because I like to pretend I'm Joanna Gaines on a project & also b/c I love love l o v e interior design;)  

Hehe.  #sorrynotsorry  

Happy Thursday, you guys!

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