Friday Favorites || I GET to + Giveaway Winnner

I've had some sick little boys over the past two weeks.  I guess it's to be expected with Cam around so many new little boys & girls at Preschool, but man, we are ready for some days of wellness!  But you know-even in the sick days, the to do list keeps on coming & that's enough to drain anybody.  I really like for Fridays to be a day to reflect on something positive to uplift myself for the next week! 

"And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of an inheritance.  For ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

 

Ironically, this was actually the verse that I claimed for 2017. 

My life as a mama, wife, daughter, sister, friend, worker, & church member bring me so much joy.  My life revolves around it all...but, that doesn't mean I (& we) don't get tired from all the to do's these roles bring.  My little devotion book encouraged me to use this verse & to consider changing the "to do's" and "have to's" into the "I get to do..."  



Not only that, but I read something else this week that really spoke to me about training our brain to think positively.  That is my prayer for the rest of the year in reference to "my verse" of 2017.  Our family depends on mom to set the mood so much of the time!  If I do it for no one else, I want to do it for them.  It really is true...I get to do a lot of pretty important & amazing things for the people I love.  Such an undeserving blessing, right?



But before I get too carried away, I'm so excited to announce the winner of the freshly picked giveaway! Drum roll, please...

Congratulations, Misty C! I can't wait to see what color you choose and how much your babe will love them (and mama too!)😉. And a special thanks to Freshly Picked for the collaboration!  Thank you for all who entered & come back next year for another chance!

one. early fall flashbacks

How did all of this get away from me?  I was looking back at my pictures & there were so many I didn't write about here.  Cam and I started getting out our Halloween things yesterday, & I kinda got a bit sad putting the fall-y things away. It's like we blink and the seasons change! What am I saying though...the real first day of fall was last Friday😂. I'm just always an early bird. October is seriously Sunday though!  Can you guys believe it?

 

two. maple pecan latte

Happy international coffee day!  One of my favorite treats in the whole world😝

Again, with my spontaneity.  This may be my favorite flavored coffee

...really tastes similar to Chesnut Praline at Christmas!

three.  "boobs."

Well, we've added a new word to the vocabulary. I can't forget this moment.  As we were strolling toward the groceries last weekend, we passed the bras (we naturally take the long way around to make sure we see everything...it IS Target ya know).  Conley began quietly saying, "boobs.  boobs.  boobs."  Over & o v e r again. 

I have no idea where he heard this word, as I don't use it around him for fear of such things happening in public.  Judge me over that, that's ok-I know this can be a heated topic -- ha!  Yet if you only knew my children, you would know why I don't choose to tell them these things.  They would say it ALL.  THE.  TIME.

For heaven sake, Cam calls them "targets" & he is FOUR. 

Quite the laugh out of t h a t! 

I had to get a picture to keep with that kind of memory...

four. coupons

I've been doing this for about two weeks now & oh, the load it has taken off of me by eliminating SO many arguments the four year old teenager/toddler wants to start!  He now gladly (even excitedly takes naps now, picks up his messes, & does kind things!)  all to earn something he sets a goal for. 

This is working MUCH better than allowance ever did.

I like it so much that I'd like to do a post on this soon ;) 

five. conley party planning 

I imagine when you have 3 + kids you feel like party planning is all you do.  As I kinda already see it that way!  Ha.  But, I believe "Moo, Conley's Two" may be the most fun one yet (though I say this everytime).  It's going to be super small & for immediate family because (he's two & has no friends yet...bahahaha) & parties are costly, yall!  But I loved the theme so much I couldn't resist a little invite to print...How cute is this by my very talented sis...

 I can't get enough!

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

 Come back Monday for one more fun fall giveaway...

XO

15 Things to Consider When Decorating for Fall🍂

Do you ever find yourself in a decorating rut?  Especially when the stores start sharing all their new holiday items & you feel like you need everything!  All the things!!? 


 Well, I'm no expert, but I am a normal person, (*unless you want to add scatter brained run dry mommy) with a normal home that isn't picture perfect all the time.  If you're looking for a home that is, you've come to the wrong place.  Our sweet space is kid-friendly (except for the felt letterboard...they mess it up everyday) & very lived in!  One of my favorite things is playing around with our house, e s p e c I a l l y around the holidays🎃🍁🦃🎄

I don't know about you guys, but sometimes, I find the things I like clashing & being ALL over the place.  I love industrial, farm house, boho, transitional...the list could go on all day.  Things like this can drive a girl crazy.  And then throw in holiday decorations?  
Forget it.

Though, that's right up my alley & I'm always up for the challenge.

However, not all people are & if all else fails, & you need some help, check out Havenly.com.   You can even take a quiz & find a designer to match your personal style for a little extra help!  Whether it be for a holiday project or the design of the entire room-you can get style advice, product recommendations, or the full out design WORKS...they've got ya covered. 

Here are a few things I've learned or loved over the years:

1. Find a style & stick to it! I make this mistake so many times. I love so many interior styles, that I often have a weird mixture of things that do not complement one another as they should. When I reel myself in & focus, that's when I see magic happen.  But most of all, I seem to find the biggest statements are in simplicity & balance.

2. Halloween or fall? Personally, I love both. So much so, that I decided to separate the two this year! I always do both together...but I always find that I feel like everything is clashing.  So this year...I'm trying "Fall-y things" for September & the beginning of November & Halloween in October. That way I'm constantly changing things up & nothing gets boring- & there isn't one holiday that gets "more love" than the other.

3. Establish a color scheme. Colors are also strategic in design. I love neutral walls as they compliment any color palette I dream up. For fall, I am personally sticking to bright pumpkin orange, olive green, shade of teal, & bronzy golds.  Right now, my inspiration comes from my front porch wreath.

4. Add personal touches & memories to evoke nostalgia. I cover my home in seasonal pictures to take me back to those sweet times that make this time of year so special to me.  I challenge myself to add to those memories with the current memories we are making.  Pictures, though my home is still in the beginning stages of decorating, (all in time is a hard concept🙈) are one of my favorite ways to decorate as it makes it that much more personable.  

5.  Let your kids add a little something special to their room or corner.  I always joke & say I'm raising mini Clarks (for those who aren't Christmas Vacation fans...I'm referring to Clark Griswold), but it really adds to their excitement & let's them feel a part of the fun.  And just for the record...it doesn't have to be much.  The Target dollar bins are gold...these little garlands were $3.

Cam's Spider Shelf

garland

And Cam's "Pider" lights on his tee pee.



6.  Fall scents & pumpkin everything.  This is a given.  Cinnamon.  Nutmeg.  Cloves.  Cardamom.  Pumpkin.  Candles, air fresheners, or oils...what ever your preference. It just sets the mood!

7.  Mix textures.  I love smooth, rough, shiny, dull, bumpy.  You name it & it makes the space pop!

8.  Words.  I love any opportunity to add a quote or a few words that inspire during a particular time of year.  Whether it be chalk board, magnets, or letter boards.  If you get bored with it, you can switch it up in no time.

9. Have I mentioned garlands yet?  I have a problem.

garland

10. Use your kids art work!  Let them know you are proud of their hard work.  I have a little magnet board in our "mud room" that we switch up just about every week;)
11.  Integrate recipes & seasonal foods or drinks.  I love the thought of displaying fall/Halloween cookbooks in the kitchen & I try to add an easy seasonal favorite drink close by.  For winter-hot chocolate, summer-lemonade, & now, for fall-Russian tea! 

12.  Coffee bar.  Because, coffee is such a seasonal thing- you really have no excuse but to make it a festive little area.  Again, I reference the Target dollar bin.  But they always have such fun things for a coffee bar.  The dollar store is great here, too!

13. Fresh Flowers of the season.  If you know me, you know I love a fresh vase of flowers.  These bring in those jewel tones of fall from my wreath!

14.  Fall playlist, AC up (if you live in the South), fire ablaze.  Perfect fall day ;). Even if it is in the 80's!😝

garland
15. Treasure those old pieces. I've been on a purge in my closet lately, but I can't do that with my holiday things. You may get bored with some things-but remember how many years you have been through with that piece! That will mean something one day:). I know it takes me back when I see a piece from my childhood still used to decorate to this day at my moms or nanas. Ahhhhh, sweet memories are everything!💕

Shh-wew!

How's that for a Monday post?

Have a wonderful week, sweet friends!

We 💙 Freshly Picked Moccasins || Review + Giveaway

Happy First Day of FALL! 
You guys.

You don't understand how e x c I t e d I am to finally begin this fall giveaway series!  

I love small businesses & the uniqueness they bring to our homes & style.  Especially baby style.  I have partnered with several brands this fall to share them with you!  

First company up... Freshly Picked.  We have loved this brand from day one.  It's been almost five years since we hopped on board the mocc train & to this day, our love for them grows.  They have only gotten better with time (if you haven't looked in a while, just go drool over their patterns...😍). 

I MEAN-they have JACK - O - LANTERNS & CANDY CORN right now...
And now they offer so many other cool products besides just moccasins. 

It's definitely worth your time to stroll on over to their website & check them out. 

 The only thing I'd change about them is wishing they had more sizes to fit my BIG FOOT four year old who wears a SIZE ONE/TWO right now.  

Yikes!

Why do we love them you may ask?  Well, I'll just tell you!  Easy to put on, comfortable like butter, unique, & they capture your babies foot print right on the sole of the shoe with time.  They are also very size friendly & help you get your bang for your buck!  It has always taken us a while to outgrow them with their elasticity.  

Simple & straightforward.

These were the shoes Conley wore home from the hospital & once he was out of the new born phase, we have only had one pair that he STILL fits in & he will be turning two.  I love that they don't fall off (make sure you get the right fit) of newborns (I always had that problem with Cam) as they are snug enough to stay put (all the praise hands, right?🙌🏼) 

 And they can keep up with a toddler on any playground.  Conley loves them just as Cam did.  Cam wore his up until he sized out of their hard sole shoes.  Which we loved as well...

For fall, we ended up choosing the camo print! 
 I've always wanted this pattern for my boys, but always end up going with a neutral color instead.
  I was spontaneous (a quality I'm finding myself sporting lately...😂) & went with the camo & let me just say, I'm not disappointed!  They go with all the fall things & I'm sure we will be able to pair them with his winter things as well. 
Thank you Freshly Picked, for such a fun, quality product that my boys love.

 Now, as a gift to my Peaches & Pearls readers, we want to offer the chance to win a free pair of any color/pattern of freshly picked moccs for YOUR babe, a friend, family member, or baby shower gift!:) 

All you have to do is make sure you follow Peaches and Pearls here on blogger, and Freshly Picked on Facebook.  If you've already done that, comment below what you love most about fall.  We will be checking to make sure the person who wins has followed through with the requirements.
😘


This Rafflecopter link will randomly select a winner next Friday, September 29th, 2017 & I will post it here...so stay tuned!a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Always let me know if you are having trouble entering...because...technology.

Good luck, sweet friends!  And Happy Friday🎃

Healthy Fall Meals for The Bored Plate

When my boys first started eating solid foods, it seems as though they would eat a n y t h i n g I gave them. Fruits and veggies were basically their favorite foods. I had a proud mama moment at how great that went, gave myself a good pat on the back, & then reality happened. These days, I have one seasoned picky eater & another one on deck whose doing his best to catch up. Neither like meat or any sign of vegetables.  

We are blessed that we've never been diagnosed with any food allergies as so many kids are these days, but all the same, this mama rides the struggle bus everyday to find ways to get them to eat healthier.  

Today, I am going to share a few fun & fresh ways (inspired by the SkinnyPop snack brand, www.skinnypop.com) to break the boring day to day school lunches & dinners at home, while inspiring fun, creative, & nutritious meals they'll look forward to each day!  Cam isn't allowed to bring his lunch to school this year (preschool rules) & with our crazy lifestyle these days, he'd even be lucky to get a Capri sun & a fruit roll up😂. But I do SO look forward to the day when we are settled in one place & I can pack his lunches for school! Until then, I'll just serve him with all the love at home😉

  By no means is this meant to be a realistic day of cooking for mamas (myself included!). I just wanted to sprinkle a little inspiration & seasonal twist on meals & snacks we eat throughout with gluten free & healthy options for all families. I hope you enjoy!

Creativity with Meals:

-Raid the dollar bins! These places are GOLD MINES for little accents to throw in your food to make it fun & exciting. This time of year? Spider rings to top off a rolled piece of meat. Ghost tooth picks to stick in cheese or meat balls! 

-Find inspiration in their interests & then, find a way to incorporate it into their meal or snack! Do they like Spider-Man? Cut up red apple with the skin intact, peel thin pieces of cheese for the web, & then add blueberries for the eyes. They will love you forever.

-Stick a fun note or joke in the lunch box on occasion.

-And as always, Pinterest.

*If all else fails, & sometimes it does, you can always take note from the mama in A Christmas Story & slam your face into a plate of mashed potatoes and oink like a pig💁🏻 #imnotaboveit

Breakfast

I just followed the recipe on the box & added a little orange essential oil...

pancakes in the freezer for weeks!  🙌🏼  And these are one of the easiest foods to jazz up!  The possibilities are endless & so much fun!

Snacks

because in my house, it's these that are the most important...

Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix:  Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, SkinnyPop Popcorn, Peanuts

Ninja Turtle Apple: Cut in half (cut the core out of the back & slice where it is easy to pull apart), slice fruit roll up into strips & into a mouth, blueberries for eyes.

Orange Smoothie:  1 banana, 1/2 c. orange juice, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 cup ice

Lunch

Mummy Pizza:  mozzarella, pizza sauce, olives, gluten free english muffins

and if I were packing a lunch for school...I think I'd do something similar to this:  💕

Supper

Jack-O-Lantern Tamale Bake:  I used this recipe, but but down in the steps a bit & just carved the cornbread to make the mouth & added some extra meat filling to accentuate & cut pieces of a yellow bell pepper into triangles for the eyes & nose. 

 *The boys really like this even with the meat & veggies inside!  I was so excited-very yummy!

Halloween Roasted Veggies:  The veggies we had were sweet potatoes, white potatoes, & beets.  I followed this recipe & the boys were very excited to try these because of the shapes, but I caution you...this was time consuming!  (And beets just aren't for us😝...they make pretty witch hats though for those who do!)

And there you have it friends!  A bunch of gluten-free, healthy kid friendly recipes for this wonderful season of fall.  I'd love to hear some more recipes from you!  Any favorites?

Happy Monday👻