The Friday Five

I know.  It's been awhile...

Halloween hoopla, big birthdays, and still sick.

But, I am back today, to share what's good in my world...

1.

Chris Stapleton + Justin Timberlake

Anyone catch this performance on the CMA's?
I'm not the biggest country music fan, but dang!  Their voices are on point!

2.

@eastcoastcreative on Instagram

Need some new home design pornography to add to your feed?

This awesome mama + designer + DIY'er has some serious game.

I love her completely-put-together-yet-slightly-eclectic style.

3.

Bone broth

I wish I did, but I don't, have time to make my own.  Bone broth is incredibly nutritious and health-boosting, not to mention super flavorful and full of protein.  Thankfully, "Pacific Natural Foods" has single serving sizes that can be warmed up in a mug for an instant, soul-soothing lunch!  Try the chicken lemongrass or chicken ginger flavors.  And since all the antihistamines and inhalers and cough drops in the world aren't helping me feel much better, why not delve into the "natural healing" department? ;)

4.

NP Week

As you may have read this earlier this week, it's national nurse practitioner week!  I am still off service, but I had the complete pleasure of participating in "career day" at my son's preschool.  Each week, they've had someone come in and talk about the importance of their job.  Needless to say, these 3 and 4 year olds are pretty awesome...and I foresee a medical career in several of their futures!

5.

"This is Parenting"

Read this little ditty over at The Pregnant Chicken.

So very true.

And and a few more fun links, just because...

Ugh, her House of Mackage jacket. #want

Dear Perfect Mom on Facebook... yassssss.

And similarly, more truth behind Instagram posts. ;)

Oh, and another 40 awesome websites that will ruin your productivity today.

Finally, I've been gravitating towards this little mantra lately...

Hope your weekend is super relaxing and fun!

Xo, b

~ images via @eastcoastcreative on Intagram, Pacific Natural Foods / pics by bitsofbreezy ~

The Friday Five

Hey, party people!

Happy Friday!

Here's what's good in my world...

1.

Sufjan Stevens.

Then again, he's good in my world every week.  Just sayin'.

2.

Zumba (on crack) with Luis Diaz

A ridiculous blend of authentic Latin dance & cardio funk that will leave you in a pool of sweat.  I can't think of a better way to dance off the pounds and burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour.  If you live in the Milwaukee area and like to dance, it's definitely worth checking out one of his amazing classes at Studio 611!

Note:  Not for the faint of heart.  Bring lots of H2O.  And a towel.

3.

Pumpkin Pie Lust

Perhaps one of the only "pumpkin" beers I can actually groove on.  This one is a nice, amber-y color with just the right blend of spices (a.k.a. not too overpowering).  Cheers!

4.

Honey Crisp apples

Crispy.  Sweet.  Little bit of tang.  Great for snacking... and even baking.

We lucked out and snagged over 20 lb for $20 last weekend at Barthel Fruit Farm up in Mequon, WI.
They're seriously the best.  End of story. 

Segue to...

5.

Make memories...always.

Big ones, small ones.

Build traditions.

Be present.  Be affectionate.

Give them something to look back on and smile.

Not every day is easy, but every day is a gift!

I wouldn't trade those two biscuits for the world.

:)

And a few more links, just for fun...

This mashup of famous dance scenes set to "Uptown Funk" totally made my day.

On the contrary, this photog's depiction of how addicted we are to our phones was totally disturbing.

As the leaves continue to fall in droves, I think this will be our next art project.

Three surprising design tips, ala Emily Henderson.

An eye-opening piece on single parenthood.  Bless you, people.  Seriously.

Conversations between parents and children.  Pretty much spot on.

Adorable hostess gifts, no?

On that note, I probably need this shirt.

;)

Have a kick ass weekend, m'loves!

~ photos by bits of breezy / Zumba image via Studio 611 facebook page, quote image source unknown ~

Mama Mondays : To say or not to say

Last week, I overheard a stressed out mom in the Target parking lot tell her 4 year old that he needed to "get a grip on his emotions RIGHT NOW!"  I laughed to myself because I'm sure I sound that ridiculous on several occasions every. single. day.

Namely, I am guilty of at least 5 of these:

My worst offenses are probably "be careful," "hurry up," and "great job."

In the right situation, they're absolutely appropriate; however, I know I say each one at least five times a day.  And usually, it's to appease my own worries and/or impatience.

According to the article in Parents magazine (from April 2014...yes, I'm that far behind on my mags) constantly praising your child (especially when it's unwarranted, e.g. for doing something they should already be doing, like picking up after themselves, etc.) reinforces them to be dependent on your affirmation rather than their own motivation.  Makes sense, no?

Overuse of "be careful" distracts their focus from whatever it is they're trying to do, whether it be climbing a ladder at the playground or painting a picture on your precious dining room table.  Like I said, this one usually is said on my part due to my own anxieties, not theirs.

And "hurry up" just makes whatever the situation is more stressful...for both parties.  You may be five minutes late for school that day, but it's important for your little one to put on those sneakers all by himself, okay?

(And when in doubt, refer to this.)

Needless to say, I felt pretty down on myself as a parent after reading all this, as you might imagine.  However, the article ends with some encouraging things you can say to your children...which I already say anyway!

"What could you do instead?" (Encourages problem-solving.)

"Yes." (Whenever possible!)

"You can always tell me everything." (Remind them often!)

"I'm sorry."  (Shows them how to own up.)

"I love you."  (You simply cannot overuse those three words.)

So, there you have it.

Guess I'm not completely failing as a mom.

;)

~ image by Parents magazine / photo by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

Happy Friday m'loves!

Here's what's good this week...

1.

M. Ward.

Love.  Just love....

2.

Toasted Graham latte

A new fall flava from S-bucks.
Not too sweet and oh-so-yum!

3.

Steve Madden booties

Namely these casual ones...super comfy and instantly add a little polish to your errand-running attire.  Recently marked down at DSW!  Extra love.

4.

$5 Farmers' market bouquets

The dahlias are especially radiant right now @ the Fox Point locale on Saturday mornings!  Oh, and an honorable mention to all the Yankee Candle fall scents.  You're kind of amazing, too.

5.

October

Arguably one of my favorite months.  

I just love everything about you, October.

And a few other links I'm loving this week...

Good examples of how Ikea can look amazeballs. (for all the #haters)

Crimson lips are "in" this fall.  Thoughts?  (A little too dark for me.)

This touching video literally shot chills (the good kind) down my spine.

Some fun date conversation topics.

How to prevent anxiety in your children.

A great deal on diapers, for all you busy mamas out there!

J. Crew's puffer vest game is seriously on point.

Thank you, Dwell, for showcasing that modern design doesn't have to be ridiculously expensive.  LOVE!

Hope your weekend is extra fantastic!

xoxo

~ images via DSW.com, inspiredrd.com / photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

Happy Friday, m'loves!
And what a gorgeous one it is.
Here's what's good this week...

1.
I probably can't pronounce his name correctly (Gregory Alan Isokov), but this little tune popped up  on my Pandora feed the other day, and I absolutely love his peaceful melodies.

2.
vest with a dress
We all know it's easy to add in scarves during the transition to fall, but how about that herringbone vest?! What an adorable fall look.

3.
Pickles
'Tis the season to start pickling (if you haven't already).  We've done everything from standard cukes to more exciting green beans and beets.  Fun on sandwiches and salads...and even more so in a Bloody Mary.

4.
Rodan + Fields
I recently started using (and distributing) their skin care products and I am absolutely in love.  In just 2 weeks, my skin is more clear and smoother than ever.  (insert:  happy dance)

5.
23 Things I Wish I'd Known at 23
{HERE}
A pretty amazing list, I must say.
I think this one is my favorite, because it couldn't be more true:

And a few more fun links to get you to your weekend...

OMG these two guys are adorable.

The truth behind Instagram photos.  So great.

17 secret Google Chrome tricks.  (Worth reading!)

Saw this Asian beef recipe on The Chew last week, inspired by a dish at the famous (and delicious!) Vietnamese restaurant - The Slanted Door - located in the San Fran Ferry Building (favorite spot!).  Can't wait to test it out!

The best hair colors for this fall, in case you need a little inspiration.

Wish I'd seen this handy breastfeeding website the first time around...

Thoughts you have while watching HGTV's "House Hunters".  Amen!

And alas, one more hilarious bit before you go.
(I mean, if Donald Trump is doing it...)


Hope your first FALL weekend is fantastic!


~ images via twentiesgirlstyle.com, lambertslately.com & my domaine.com / photos by bits of breezy ~

Mama Mondays : Nature

I came across this article and was truly horrified.

How sad (and true!) is this?!

Thankfully, both of my boys adore the outdoors, so I have not come across this issue...yet.  (They're still little and have no choice - ha!)  And, we are so blessed to live in an area that is full of fun things to do outside.  We spent Sunday morning walking the trails at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside.  The flowers and butterflies were stunning.  There were abundant trails leading through the forest right down to the shores of  Lake Michigan.  We skipped rocks, planned an engaging scavenger hunt, learned all about owls, and even got to feed a giant snapping turtle!

Did I mention that fresh air tires energetic toddlers out?

;)

There's a time and place for all the wonderful technologies of today.

Not only is spending quality family time in nature fun, but it is also critical to instilling a healthy conservation ethic into our little people.  Pick up garbage on your hike...whoever collects the most "wins"!

So, please don't let your kids/family suffer from "nature deficit disorder"...

With fall just days away, weather is nearly perfect.

The leaves are about to change color.

Pumpkin farms and apple orchards are getting underway.

Not to mention, this is an ideal time for a trip to the zoo or park!

It is truly gorgeous out there...so get exploring!

Xo, Breezy

~ photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

1.
George Ezra, I'm feelin' your jam.
I call this perfect laundry-folding, freezer-meal-assembling music.
Dare I say, "mom music"?!

2.
navy + pearls
This classic combo looks fresh and new by pairing an on-trend vest + chunky pearls.  A perfect transition to cooler weather, no?

3.
Cauliflower Stir Fry
...ala the one and only "Pioneer Woman".
Healthy and ready in less than 10 minutes.
{HERE}
You can substitute any hot sauce or sambol oelek for the Sriracha.  I also add a pinch of brown sugar or honey, because I just love that "spicy-sweet" thing that Asian cuisine's got goin' on.  Eat alone for lunch or serve as a side with dinner.  Either way, make this and your taste buds will thank me!

4.
Essie "Beige" nails
In case you're not ready to jump on the dark train just yet, any of these beige colors would be a pretty neutral pick for early fall.

5.
"It's not you, it's them."
Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you're constantly on the brink of insanity?  Well, this has been one of those weeks for me.  With everyone battling allergies/colds (and therefore sleeping like shizz-nits), I am one irrational tantrum away from a trip to the loony bin myself.  But thankfully, it appears I'm not the only one!
{HERE}
Meanwhile, I'll be repeating her mantra...

"You are good and normal and reasonable.  It's them.  The crazy is not in your head.  It's in your house.  We have to wait them out.  We just have to smile and wait them out.  We have fought too hard for our sanity to lose it now."

Oh, you thought I was kidding...



And a few more links, just for fun...

9 home truths we tend to forget.

Need a low-light house plant?  Look no further.

Adorable (and printable!) housewarming invites + moving announcements.

5 books to read this fall.
(And a few more if you need a good laugh!)

14 incredibly interesting (and useful!) psychology tricks.

And a quote to kick off your weekend:

Amen, my friends, amen.

See you next week, m'loves!


~ images via sortra.com, norstrom.com, & engelta.hubpages.com / photos by bits of breezy ~

Back to school

How has this day already come and gone?

Didn't this just happen yesterday?

I have to take a minute and reflect at what feelings sending my first born off  to school stirs in me...

Like, why do I feel so incredibly guilty leaving him in the arms of his teacher, whimpering, as I leave him there to learn and play?  Haven't we read "Llama Llama Misses Mama" enough times for him to know I'll be back and that school can be fun?!

It's the right thing to do, isn't it?

Enrolling your kids in a well-researched preschool?

It's an expensive thing to do, that is for sure.

And some children certainly may benefit from a little more time at home.

So, I can see that it's not for every family,

which is why I'm always second-guessing my own decisions.

And most importantly,

how did my little baby turn into such a grown up little man?

While this is who I see walking in front of me...

...he'll always be this delicate little newborn in my heart,

the one who made me a "mom".

But alas, off he goes...

He is a little sponge, absorbing all this new knowledge and vocabulary,
spewing out fun facts right and left.
His social-emotional development is also spurring right along,
and I couldn't be more proud of the sweet, outgoing little man he is becoming,
making all sorts of new friends...
who also has his fair share of "three-nager" days.

;)

I'm sure each year will pass more quickly than the previous,
each "age" more busy than the one before.

I'm also quite sure that it won't get any less sentimental for us mamas.

Before we know it, they'll be packing up and heading out for college!

Waaaaaaaa!

Hope everyone's little (and big) ones out there had a great "first day of school", whenever it was, and that their loving parents are hanging in there, too!

~ photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

"Five" rhymes with alive, which I am...in case you were wondering. ;)

Here's what's good this week...

1.

Joshua Radin

Throwing it back this week....though not this far back.

#BestDreamEver

2.

Weekend getaways

Over Labor Day weekend, the huzz and I went to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX to watch the Badger football season opener against 'Bama.  While unfortunately we got our asses kicked lost, I thoroughly enjoyed my first long trip away sans children!  I know, I know...my oldest child is 3.5 years old.  Why did it take this long?!  Well, this is why.  I couldn't have said it any better.

Alas, everyone survived, and more importantly, had a blast.

I think I even see some glimpses of my 22-year-old-self in these photos...

A good reminder to "treat yo'self!" from time to time...and leave the worrying behind.

3.

The Container Store Private Party

Doors open to the public this weekend!

The pre-party was a much bigger shindig than West Elm's, but sadly, couldn't purchase anything.  Guess I'll have to trek back to Mayfair once the "big rush" is over!

Note to self:  This place is the mother-lode for Secret Santa gifts + stocking stuffers come December.

P.S.  Also coming soon to Mayfair:  Nordstrom + Kate Spade.

Woot woot!

Now just bring me Ikea and I will feel complete.

4.

Fall fashion

It's almost time!!

Here are 9 trends this fall.

I can pretty much groove on all of them, minus the high-waist pants.

Trying to avoid "mom butt" for as long as possible, thank you very much.

5.

...but let's keep those last summer days for as long as possible, please!

Now with both boys being sooooo active and energetic, I have no freakin' idea what I will do to keep them entertained come the dreaded Wisconsin winter.  Taking any and all new ideas...

And a few more links, just for fun...

Grandparents Day is this weekend - and what better people to celebrate!

Um, hello "most-amazing home makeover ever"  ...will you do me next?

Joey Fatone:  A role model to One Direction?  This is amazing.

Mindy Kaling's new book comes out next week - add it to your reading list.

And this documentary about marriage (and how much we don't actually know about our own parents) sounds kinda fascinating.

The truth about being a dad, by some pretty funny ones.

I turned 33 two weeks ago, and these age charts are hilarious.

Ingredients to keep in your freezer for last-minute, healthy meals. #pinning

Thinking about lighting like this out on our sun porch. Ethereal, no?

And some final food for thought...that Laura Ingalls Wilder, so wise and always there for a girl when ya need her...be it at age 8 or 33. ;)

Have an amazing weekend, m'loves!

~ images via onmilwaukee.com & popsu.gr / photos by bits of breezy ~