SCENES FROM THE WEEKEND | ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

Just popping in to share some pics from the weekend. Munchkin had fall break and we took full advantage and headed down to visit my sister and brother in law in their new home in St. Augustine, Florida. The weather was AMAZING. Cobblestone streets, super cute shops and restaurants…  The oldest city in the United States has SO MUCH charm and OUTLET SHOPPING!! I'm from Jacksonville which is a stones throw away and have been down to St. Augustine before, but have never experienced it like this. We spent some time at the beach, visited the Castillo de San Marcos Fort, and grabbed lunch and treats down town with Grand mommy and Granddaddy  - we made some serious memories and I'm so glad we were able to head down. There is still so much to explore - can't wait for our next trip!

That (Kilwins) ice cream cone was the beginning of the unraveling of all my plans to avoid sugar and fit into those jeans I refuse to get rid of.  Vacation calories don't count right? Currently detoxing from all the fun.. BOOO! Protein and salads YAY!!

Oh before I forget a couple of things!

Launched the Giggle Girls Book Club website WOOT! Its been kind of a secret while I work through some of the bugs! Starting tomorrow opening up for November subscriptions. If you love me (or even like me a little) and know a budding young bookish (girl) munchkin - please consider GETTING A SUBSCRIPTION. Its the perfect gift!

Extending the Mint Julep Boutique Giveaway til the end of the month!! More chances to enter to win. Click here for details.

Did you do anything fun over the long weekend?

xxB
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HELLO SEPTEMBER - LOOKING FORWARD TO FALL

photo

I've got tons of these little guys still growing outside.. so I'm digging up recipes to try and make sure I don't waste a one. Ran across this photo and recipe which totally reminded me that FALL IS LOOMING and I"M SO EXCITED. It is definitely my favorite season. The prelude to so much fun...

We've been going to the same little church yard Pumpkin Patch for years… Maybe this year we'll do the corn maze, hay ride route?!

Now that school is underway, we are starting to get the munchkins together for {Giggle Girls} book club… We've got a new format and a new calendar and will be focusing on themes (adventure, friendship, travel...) this season. Now I need a book club of my own… Any local atlanta mom's (or ladies) down?

The State Fair! Going to the fair was so much fun for me as a kid - cotton candy, candied apples, and funnel cakes YES PLEASE. Hopefully I will have been able to buckle down long enough on this little healthy eating detox I'M GIVING MY BEST SHOT to splurge a little.

Oh and this chocolate chip banana bread.. I'm addicted:-(

I know it's not quite fall yet but,  It's SOOOO HOT OUTSIDE!!! I'm talking in the 90's every day.. So I'm pretty ready for some cool crisp air and even more ready to dive into fall porches, sweaters, and warm drinks.. and chili… yes please - the list goes on.

For more Fall Inspiration, here's what I'm drooling over, over on Pinterest.  Oh and find the recipe for these gorgeous heirloom tomatoes with parmesan crumbles here.

Is it just me, or are you looking forward to fall too?

xxB

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CAMP MOMMY: SUMMER SCHEDULE IDEAS

Yay Summer!??

Anyone else brave enough to not put their kids in summer camp this summer?  I decided that I wanted a break from having to hit the ground running every morning.. So CAMP MOM it is!!

With that in mind, I have been looking forward to and dreading the start of summer with equal enthusiasm.  A little nervous about how to occupy, entertain, engage, keep them quiet these little people all summer long while not sitting them in front of the TV at all all day long. I'm not trying to schedule and control every minute of the summer as much as I'm trying to make sure we have a plan to get out and have some fun!

We're a week in, and I'm pretty sure, I'm working much harder than is necessary than during the school year... But as a special OCD Type A mom, I just can't help myself. *please help me*

I try to do a a bit of all of this every day. Here's what we're up to:

Summer Bucket List
Make a list of fun things you'd like to do this summer (biking, hiking, splash pad, zoo, museums... ). And then stick em' on the calendar. Then tell all of your other CAMP MOM cohorts to join the fun. My goal is to check at least one of our bucket items off a week. Some days we don't go anywhere but we do get outside (event if its in your front yard in the plastic pool..) EVERY DAY.

Pretend and Create
All those toys and paint and play doh, and remote control cars and junk toys. Those fancy colored pencils they got for their birthday from Seed Factory. Halloween costumes.. those too. Pretend Play time!! Pull that out EVERY DAY. Threaten to throw all the toys out if they can find something to play or do.

Reading/Relaxing
Thirty minutes to an hour depending on the age and tolerance of the child. I still have a napper and and a first grader. So his nap time is her quiet time. Reading, puzzles.. something we can do quietly together for a few minutes and then she's on her own so I can have a few minutes to regroup:-)

Play Dates
All those pals from different schools you don't get to see during the school year or the school pals you won't get to see over the summer. Put a play date at least one day per week on your calendar. Block that off. You will be glad you did.

Weekly Routine (examples)
Pen Pal Mondays (complete with trip to the post office)
Library Tuesdays, we're checking off this list.
Pool Day Thursdays
Play Date Fridays

The Cafe
Breakfast, Lunch and Two snacks. Let them help.

Big Kid To Do List
Ours looks like this: Make Bed, Brush Teeth, Get Dressed, Chores (put silverware, socks away). Munchkin can earn a "coin" once all these are checked off which equals 30 minutes of TV or  iPad time..

The Witching Hour
Websters definition is scarily accurate.. This is when I pull out the TV card if I have to.

Some other things… 
- Starting in July, I'm going to use the same Kindergarten readiness tutor that I used last year to work with munchkin twice per week just help keep her mind sharp (I have just a smudge of Tiger Mom in me).
- I used these books during the school year last year and just got a new one in the mail yesterday to use during pretend play. Let's "play" school!!
- Swim and Music Lessons

This is just a rough plan. I feel free to abort mission and eat popsicles at home anytime. The goal is always to get to bed time as smoothly and swiftly is possible. Just me?

On another note, can I just say 'ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK' may have me doing an allnighter. What are you up to this weekend - will you be watching?

xxB

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P.S. This does not sound like the hazy relaxing summer I had in mind. I'm a crazy person….

SUMMER! | BUCKET LIST

- Find a song for the summer and play it every day really loud. Thinking about this? Or this:-) Or can I get a PG version of this? SING!! DANCE.
- More Reading (actual books and not just articles on my iPad. Two books per month. I just finished this (a great beach read!!) currently reading this, and this is next!
- Weekly library visits, just like Lola. Here's our summer reading list - all books that build character
- Swim lessons for Avery
- More writing in my journal.
- Take the kids to visit my family in Florida (without H.) I haven't done a road trip without him yet.
- PenPals for Andie (write weekly letters)
- Start Potty Training Avery
- Go to the Drive-In
- Summer Hair!
- Finishing Touches on Photo Gallery, Kids Rooms, Play Space, Entry Way
- Grow veggies on my side deck garden
- Old Maid and Bingo Fridays
- More al fresco meals on the back deck
- Peach Picking at Southern Belle Farms

- Visit the Community Gardens (Oakhurst, East Lake)

- Picnic at High and Fernbank Museums and the Botanical Gardens
- Hike Stone Mountain
- Bike Silver Comet
- A weekend getaway with H.
- Camp out in the Back Yard
- Some DIY projects from my Pinterest Pile
- Summer smoothies and juices
- Make our own popsicles (just ordered this popsicle mold)
- Organize Party/Craft Closet, my closet
- Summer Cocktail Porch Party!
- Run!! I figure now that I don't have to get everyone dressed and out the door I can run in the mornings before H. gets off to work.

What's on your list that I missed?

spotted this photo over here (among other goodness).

xx,
Bunnie
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SO MUCH FUN | ROSEMARY BEACH

This is the second year we've gone down to kick off the summer down on the beaches of South Walton/30A. We rented a house on Rosemary Beach with some good friends and their kiddos and spent the week laughing, and lounging. We bought enough groceries to last us the week and we grilled and hung out at the beach and pool.. We took long bike rides, had dance parties and a talent show and the kids stayed up late and woke up (way too) early. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Such great fun and friends etched in my memories forever.

xx,

Bunnie

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p.s.  thanks again to my talented friends Maria and Denise for guest posting last week. I was so thankful to have you and really enjoyed what you shared. I hope you did too.

MAKING MEMORIES: SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN SERENBE

If you live in or near the Atlanta area you HAVE to make it down to Serenbe. Next to Palmetto Georgia it is the most perfect little community that is the best mix of modern and quaint. We headed down last week after playing hooky from church for their May Day celebration, and I can't wait to go back.

We ran into Dorothy from the Serenbe Playhouse. And the little munchkin was beside herself.

This new 2 year old climbed up on that horse and said Yee Haw (un prompted) and proceeded to ride that little beauty like he had been doing it all of his (2 years?) life. He almost had a nervous breakdown when we pried his little white knuckles from horn of the saddle. HE LOVED every minute of it. I on the other hand was a wreck as I tried to push all thoughts of the horse catapulting him to the ground. In the process of trying to find him a miniature rootin' tooting' cowboy hat.

Mommy's little equestrian. Sadly we didn't make it down to the in to see the baby farm animals, but will be sure plan for another trip down later in the summer to enjoy without the crowds.

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all you awesome mama's out there. I hope you get some relaxation time and quality time with your littles. I will have both sets of parents in town and at the house for the weekend and munchkin's ballet recital. A house full of mama's can go either way:-) Keep me in your prayers...

What are you up to this weekend?

xx,
Bunnie

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MAKING MEMORIES: THE WONDER YEARS | 12/52

Fishing with the folks at Fort Clinch (Fernadina Beach, FL) Spring Break 2014

I've been channeling my Norma Arnold lately (after recently binge-watching the Wonder Years on Netflix). I recently read an article discussing the quest for perfect parenting and living a "Pinterest Worthy" life. Not excluding being a baking, crafting, decorating DIY maniac all in an effort to raise happy and constantly culturally curated kids (that was a mouthful). When if you really think about it (or it least when i do) my parents never even played with me (that I can remember), let alone made a 15 layer chocolate cake with matching aprons. But what I do remember is going down to Daytona Beach, staying in the Days Inn (and wondering how in the hell my mom ever got any sleep with my dad snoring that loudly), watching my dad fish and really just doing nothing except being together as a family. I felt safe, and loved, and lucky (no idea that the Days Inn was not the magical fortress I thought it was). I'm relieved to come to this realization (about life and re Days Inn;-). Maybe now I can cut myself some slack. And just enjoy being their mom. And even enjoy being myself without feeling like I'm scarring them for life or taking away any of the joys of being young and learning all you can. Because they will do just that. Whether we bake the cake together from scratch or just watch Nigella do it on TV (just this once).

did you do anything fun for spring break?

xx,

Bunnie

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HELLO SPRING! | MAKING MEMORIES: 9/52

Happy Spring! 

I'm running on fumes over here. Munchkin had a repeat of Strep. The amoxicillin didn't work. Days at home with sick and demanding daughter. Little boy who likes to be physically attached to me at all times. Disney's Frozen on repeat. Playing musical beds at night. Its all a blur. I had so many plans to be productive this week. Not even close… Yesterday I did not even take my pajamas off. I do not remember brushing my teeth (too much info?) This is all I could muster up. These are from last week. I pulled out the camera to get a good shot of Ave for this birthday photo card invite. We will be celebrating the day before Easter with an Egg Hunt!

Yes! Mommy's little chocolate bunny is turning two!!  All kinds of mischief around these parts... 

xx,

Bunnie

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P.S. I've started doing ribbons in munchkins hair (instead of headbands) I think this is going to be her new "big girl" look?!!

MAKING MEMORIES: CATCH-UP | 8/52

A rough start to the week. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS has me making breakfast while its still dark out and drinking an extra cup of coffee in the afternoon.

This morning I got up a little late. I prayed for AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES!! What I got was a few let downs instead. Stats and unique visitors make me want to throw up can I just say. So. I've got a few extra hormones happening today which doesn't make matters easier.  I want to sulk and cry and put some Baileys in my coffee and watch the Bachelor finale and totally focus on nothing.

But I won't. At least not for long. These little people depend on me. And I depend on me. So I will download while the little naps today. And start again.

Playing catch up this week. Although my camera is never far from reach I've been a bit delayed with retrieving them. Here are a few of my fave from the last few weeks.

I decided to experiment with black and white this time. I'm hoping that this project will help me to learn more about my camera, fine tune my "eye" and do more research/learning on photo editing.   I've been using the free tool PicMonkey for a while, but recently downloaded the Adobe PhotoShop free trial for 30 days to see what I think (and if I can figure out how to use it). I used it to create this product collage and was pretty proud of myself!

So these are the kiddos over the last few weeks. The weather has been all over the place, but if the sun is out then so are we. I'm so excited that they are starting to play together and communicate with each other. He gets super excited when they see each other after being apart. And loves to ask her to read to him. He  says, "book!" or "reeeeaad!" It takes some of the pressure off of me when I can use a little break. I'm all like, "hey! read your brother some books!"

So in my attempt to build some skills here are a few online tip sheets and tutorials I dug up:

Some simple instructions on fine tuning your photos on Design Sponge.
- A whole slew of photography tips from lifestyle to interiors on A Beautiful Mess.
- Tutorials galore on 121 Clicks including this one on kid photography..
- And I haven't had a chance to explore this Canon DSLR basics site I stumbled on, but have it    bookmarked. It has virtual learn, play, challenge sections!
- Oh and I'm stalking following Clickin Moms on Facebook, a great resource for photography inspiration, learning and sharing.

Do you have any tips or references you could share?!

xx,
Bunnie
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P.S. Did you watch the Bachelor Finale? WHAT THE WHAT?! #burnJuanPabloburn 

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: MY VALENTINE

bunnie and H, circa 2006

we had an anniversary this week. 8 years - woot woot! he gets on my nerves. daily. these last couple of days snowed in with him and the kids was a real test of wills. where neither of us was the winner. we BOTH were. after many fights about whose turn it was to change the stinky diaper, or who sneaked in a nap (or a shower) while the other was doing all the work.  we climbed into bed and made fun of the Juan Pablo and the ladies on The Bachelor and laughed (and did our nightly binge on social media) our selves to sleep.  

definitely winning in this life with you.

happy anniversary and happy valentine's day lover.

xx,

Bunnie

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photo by John Heredia

MAKING MEMORIES: 5/52

52 Project; a year long weekly portrait series of my little crew.

Last week, because of a couple of a couple of snow days, I had these guys all to myself. It doesn't snow here in Atlanta much so we took full advantage.  H was in rare form and proceeded to make the biggest snow angel I've seen (as a demonstration of course). and little h only insisted that we blow bubbles (not an easy task in arctic temps)?! SO MUCH FUN.

loving all of the snow pics. would love to see yours.

xx,
Bunnie

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MAKING MEMORIES: PROJECT 52 - WEEK 4

I picked up my camera to sift through the photos to see what I had snapped during the week - empty. The iPhone - nada. What in the world happened?!

And then there was this - SNOW!

Just in the nick of time and and a pleasant and welcome surprise on yesterday. Mostly. This little winter storm brought Atlanta to its knees, literally.  I had just put h. down for a nap when it all started. I had joked with H on the phone that morning that I'd let munchkin sleep at the school before I woke him up from a nap to pick her up early. Sadly, some people were stranded and really did have to sleep at schools all night.  As for us, as soon as we hung up H saw flurries and decided to work the rest of the day from home and hurried over to pick the munchkin up from Kindergarten (and dinner and firewood) and made it home just before all hell broke loose in the city.

Although the kiddos were able to bundle up and take advantage of the snow day we had been hoping for. I was heartbroken and very prayerful for those who were stuck in gridlock traffic in the cold trying to get to their families.

Last night I was SUPER GRATEFUL FOR JUST THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. Shelter, Heat, Warm Clothes, Food, Peace of Mind.  I was also encouraged and proud of all of the Atlanta residents that lent a helping hand and welcomed people into their homes and businesses to get out of the cold and have something warm to eat and drink for the night.

I've been calling this Project 52 "Making Memories". And that we did. This is one we are sure not to forget, for more reason than one.

xx,
Bunnie

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MAKING MEMORIES: PROJECT 52: WEEK 3

Another week in the books!  What I need to know is HOW DO I GET INTO SOME OF THESE PICS??!! I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, and  she was saying that she has lots of pics from when she was growing up of her and her brother and dad, but not very many with or of her mom?

Um, because her mom was always behind the camera! I think I'm just going to have to become a celebrity so that at least I will have all of the pics from the paparrazi... How do I do that?

Oh. Well, will have to settle for either teaching munchkin how to take pics or handing the camera over to the husband.

Last week and the long weekend was pretty cool. Threw the ball around a bit with little h for the first time and took the training wheels off munchkin's bike (YAY 5!)!! She was not very happy about it. But she was brave and although she fell a gazillion times (and cried a couple), she kept getting back up and on. So proud of my courageous little girl!

Speaking of (Courage, Confidence and Character), I took the littles up to H's office so that munchkin could sell her Girl Scout Cookies!! Did I tell you she was a Girl Scout?!

So am I for that matter... Troop Leader - Woot Woot!! I know. Super Lame Cool Right?!

What have you been up to? Any advice on teaching this little squirt to ride her bike without training wheels? 

I think when the time comes we are going to start little h off with a balance bike?

xx,
Bunnie

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MAKING MEMORIES: PROJECT 52 - WEEKS 1&2

Hey!

Life has been a little challenging lately as these two are not sleeping very much..

On the 30th buddy decided to climb out of his crib so we converted his crib to have the toddler rail which means that he gets up pretty much every hour and comes into our room. We just politely walk him back into his room and he gets back into his bed no problem. Apparently he takes a short nap and then decides to come visit us again.

Although munchkin has been doing much better over the last couple of days, she's has jumped in on the party and keeps visiting us through the night as well. I've tried everything I can think of (chocolate usually works for me). But it seems that threatening to cancel our summer beach trip has done the trick (don't judge me). I'M SLEEPY!!

So yes, it seems that these two are a little team. I was worried with having them so far apart and even the boy/girl thing would hinder them having a playful and close relationship. But she is such a good big sister. She loves to read to him and take him on rides (now don't get me wrong, she also locks him out of her room and tells him to leave her stuff alone!). 

I didn't witness it, but it seems that over the weekend he gave up coming into our room and decided to go into his sisters room and get in bed with her instead.. AWWWW! He can keep doing that I as far as I'm concerned if that means I can sleep a little later).

As part of our new routine now that school is back in session if it is warm enough to wear a hat and scarf and be okay we make sure to hang outside for a bit until snack time. It makes the afternoon go by more quickly and less time to turn the t.v. on which I'm really trying to keep to a minimal these days.

In an effort to make good on my goal of taking and printing more pictures I've been leaving the camera out on the counter and in high traffic areas and taking it with me in the car as much as possible so that I can pic it up and snap whenever the moment hits.  Maybe its because I'm the middle child but there aren't a whole lot of pics of me as a kid?!

I really ant to make sure I capture these moments. I know its corny, but this is such a magical time. Watching them grow and learn. Teaching them and helping them. Building this little family is my life's work and I don't want to miss a thing.

So to make good on my goal of taking and printing more pictures i've decided to join a little challenge of sorts. I was motivated by Lesley and Mimi and will be hitting print on these pictures in iPhoto, and putting them in our family photo album for the year.

I joined a little late, hence the combination of week 1 and 2 (these are pics i've taken over the last two weeks). I plan to do this every week. So today's the 14th and I'll be back on the 21st for week 3.

I'd love it if you'd join me. We can watch EACH OTHER GROW this year!

xx,
Bunnie

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