Fridays in the Fall

It's Friday, y'all! How about four straight days of sunshine to top it off? I'll take it. We have been outside soaking up as much as this fall weather as we can. However, the hubs has been gone three days this week - and this single parent thing is for the birds. The mornings have been entertaining to say the least. We miss you daddy!



Here's to a great Friday!! Linking up with the gals here and here to share five things on my mind.

{one} Last weekend I made these delicious hamburger sliders for game day. They were the perfect little bite-size snacks... that left you wanting more. #ishouldhavemadedouble

Recipe.

{two} It's been awhile since I crafted, but I came across an idea to bleach pinecones and I'm starting to think I need to go on a pinecone hunt this weekend. I thought these little white pinecones would make great decor for the fall and Christmas. Such a fun idea!

via Cupcakes and Crinoline.

{three} My sister-in-law sent the cutest package of fall bodies for little miss, including these adorable pumpkin rattles. They are super soft, include ribbons and have the perfect little rattle to them.

Annalee agrees. 

Interested in your own? A Rooster's Song can hook you up! 

{four} On Sunday we started the freezer challenge to try and get our grocery bill down. I only had $30 to buy meals for the week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Impossible, yes. But that's not all we're eating. We have lots of things in the freezer that we needed to eat. The goal this week was to put it to use. I must say that we did pretty good and didn't skimp on the flavor. We enjoyed turkey sausage dogs with peppers and onions, loaded baked potatoes, lasagna, shrimp salads, soup and grilled cheese, and a veggie pasta bake. It was a creative week - but we were actually able to throw together 4 meals and 4 lunches thus far. It was also pretty fun to do!

{five} I am dying to host a backyard outdoor movie night. It's been on the bucket list since I first moved to VA and started enjoying this beautiful weather. Then, I opened my Southern Living this month and there it was again - maybe it's a sign that this is the year.

How cute is this set-up from Samantha!

 Looking forward to a nice fall weekend ahead.... the leaves are so close to peak. 

Have a good one y'all!

Funky Gifts from Society6

I have Elise to thank for introducing me to Society6. A fun online shop that is stocked with fresh new ideas for gifts, totes, prints and funky household accessories. The best part - they are super affordable. Today we have a few of my favorites.

I Miss Your Face // $12

Navy Stripe Sparkle // $35

I Can't Even // $15

Breakfast  // $24

Treat Yo Self   // $20

Up! // $85

Yellow Van // $22

Happy Shopping!

Baptizing our Sweet Baby Annalee

On Saturday, September twenty-sixth we celebrated our baby girls Christening! It was a rainy day outside, but full of love, laughter, and lots of grace inside. Father Joeseph DeAurora preceded and about twenty-five of our closest Lexington friends and family gathered at St. Patrick Catholic Church to welcome our sweet baby girl into the catholic faith. My parents and middle brother, Roberto (also the godfather) both flew up for the occasion, God-momma Meg, her husband Matt and her sweet momma Josie drove over for the day as well.

Annalee's christening gown was worn by my sweet momma in 1951, her god-pappa in 1982, and me in 1984. It was a beautiful gown handmade in the Philippines. Auntie Karen sent her a beautiful sterling silver crucifix from Mexico that we pinned to her gown, and the ladies at church made a beautiful cross bib that she wore during the ceremony.

Following her baptism, we celebrated with a luncheon at Mulberry Hill. CHEFS catering pulled out a delicious spread for us, and Sweet Treats made the most delicious cake.

Annalee was showered with lots of gifts, love and prayers for a beautiful life ahead. Thanks so much to everyone who was able to be there to celebrate with us, and all of you sending your well-wishes form near and far!

Friday Favs for Fall

Happy friday friends! It's hard to believe it's the first Friday of October. I'm loving the cool weather and gigantic mums on my back deck... Now for a trip to the pumpkin patch. I thought I would join the link-up today and share a few of my favorite things lately. 

{one} Lake Pajamas. These sweet pj's on at the top of my wish list right now. So cuddly and soft, I love the short set and nighty. 

{two} Painted nails. I always love painting my nails in the fall and this is the perfect shade of red. Its OPI || Chick Flick Cherry. Thanks for the rec Natasha!

{three} Draper James. Has anyone had the chance to stop by Reese Wtherspoons new digs in East Nash? I'm dying to go. I love this adorable iPhone case. It just might be the inspiration I need for a new phone. 

{four} Fall Mule. This is by far my favorite cocktail, but it is more of a summertime sips. I am so excited to try this fall version with apple cider. 

via 

{five} Pumpkin Muffins. I have been restraining myself from popping some of these suckers in the oven, but this morning was the perfect occasion for some yummy treats. Of course chocolate chips were included. 

Have a great weekend and stay dry out there! It's going to be a wet one for most of us, which means lots of football, friend time, yummy food, and cocktails. 

Annalee Estelle | Four Months

Dear Annalee,

Every day with you keeps getting better and better! You are laughing so much these days and are such a delight to be around. You wake up with the biggest smile on your face and are even starting to recognize mommy and daddy's voices when we walk in the room. Your snuggles are the best, giving big hugs when we pick you up. You love sitting up and being able to look around at what's going on, so your frog seat from Auntie Meg has been your new favorite lounger this month. You've developed quite the grip these days, holding onto your Daddy's finger, WubbaNub, rattle, Sophie, or mommy's hair. We are happy to report you are filling out 3-6 month clothes and 6 month footie pj's. You have started sleeping longer and longer each night, and now usually sleep anywhere from 8-10 hours, with a couple of naps during the day. You also have gradually started taking down more milk in the bottle this month (4oz) and reducing your number of feedings to 6-7 in a day. Time with Mimi has been great and mommy enjoys coming to visit during her day to nurse. The most exciting thing this month has been your laughter and giggles--you are such a joy! You loved your first trip to the beach and meeting all your Mango's. We also had a special visit with GranDe's family, and you got to meet your Great Grandmother and Grandpa. We also celebrated your baptism, surrounded by family and friends, and it was such a special day. We chose your Auntie Meg as your God-momma and your Uncle Rob as your God-pappa, giving you a good mix of old Virginia and South Alabama. :)

Four Month Highlights:

• 13 lbs, 1 ozs., 24.5 inches, 15.7 in head circumference, bright blue eyes and blond hair
• Wearing 3-6 month clothing and 6 month pajamas \\ Pampers size 1 diapers
• Nicknames: Anna Banana \\ Sweet Pea \\ Pumpkin \\ Little Bit 
• Tricks: Holding your head up on your own \\ Following objects around the room \\ Grabbing your Wubbanub and getting it back into your mouth by yourself...sometimes \\ Talking up a storm \\ Holding onto toys...including hair, jewelry and clothes
• Favorite toys: Taggy Blanket \\ Sophie \\ Frog seat \\ Wubbanub
• Favorite books: Panda Bear, Panda Bear 
• Food: Momma's milk
• Trips: Mangofest \\ Trip to GranDe and Papa Sam's \\ Nelson Co. Wine Tour
• You had your first fever, and were so pitiful. Of course, it was during your first Mangofest too.
• We celebrated your first Labor Day at GranDe and Papa Sam's and your first trip to the beach, which you loved!
• By 15 weeks you were sleeping through the night. Going to sleep anywhere between 7-9 p.m., and sleeping until 5 or 6 a.m. 
• You are laughing so much and talking up a storm!
• We celebrated your baptism on Saturday, September 26 with lots of friends and family.
• Your newest chew toy is your fist. You love to chew on your entire hand.
• You love your "Mimi" and have so much fun with your new friends at day care.
• You love sitting up to play now that you can hold your head up, and your frog seat has been your favorite place to lounge.

Four Month Favorites {Items We Couldn't Live Without}:

The Bob Stroller \\ Wubbanub \\ Paci clip \\ MommaRoo \\ Swaddle Blankets \\ Footie PJ's \\ Baby Bathtub \\ Sound Machine \\ monitor {for mommy} \\ Frog seat \\ Playmat \\ Humidifier to help with congestion \\ Bibs...lots of bibs for drool

Pictures from this month:

First beach trip

Four generations of Kelly girls.

83 years of life between these hands, and so much love.

With Mommy's baby doll.

War Eagle!

Mango Tango 2015 ~ sporting mommy's bikini

Hanging with the twins! Tummy time y'all.

In my frog.

I love my fists.

Christening Day ~ Sept. 26, 2015

One // Two // Three