Friday Favorites: California Bound
Happy Friday! This morning, my daughter and I are California bound to visit some of our family. I can’t wait for our mother daughter trip and my daughter’s first trip to the West Coast. But first things first, today, I am linking up with Erika, Narci and Andrea for Friday Favorites. I’ll share a peek into our last few days and some of my favorite finds of the week.
*Some affiliate links used
Photo Challenge
My first favorite was getting organized with my photos! Monday, I shared my photo organization ideas for the Clear the Clutter Challenge. I admitted that I still have some work to do, specifically with pictures on my phone. But, I’ve made a lot of progress. One of my favorite ways to use pictures from the year is with a photo collage from Collage.com. I love it because I can use so many pictures (up to 160)! We line the pictures on a wall along our stairs.
Next month, the focus will be on bathrooms and medicine cabinets. You can join the Clear the Clutter Facebook group for more inspiration and motivation!
Valentine’s Day
We had a great time celebrating Valentine’s Day! It was a little chaotic leading up to Wednesday as we worked on our Valentine’s Day treats last minute. If I’m being honest, I felt very nutty getting it all organized. However, it was all the worth our efforts for a fun day!
My kids came home and opened their treat bags together and even made trades on candy and trinkets! It felt like a mini-Halloween. Seeing the kids so excited about their cards and treats was a big favorite of mine this week.
I was one of the volunteers for my son’s 3rd grade party, so I made a few (semi) homemade treats. The sugar cookie recipe I used was from Jamielyn at iheartnaptime and was so yummy! (Highly recommend following her food blog!) This recipe had a secret ingredient-cream cheese-which you would never know. The recipe suggested sprinkles, but all I had were heart candies—worked out just as well!
I also dipped vanilla creme cookies in chocolate and added some sprinkles!
I picked up some heart shaped marshmallows at Aldi and my daughter and I came up with a quick treat to bring into her class.
Marshmallows + Melted Chocolate + Heart Candies = Easiest Dessert Pop Ever!
I’ve already gotten ideas on how to make these marshmallow pops a festive St.Patrick’s Day treat.
It’s always a little sad to wrap up another holiday but my family always loves to look forward to the next event. In the next few weeks, I’ll be swapping out my Valentine for some springtime touches!
I’ve got some great Easter finds to share soon!
Two Tiered Wood Tray | ‘Rae Dunn’ Option
Self Care for Moms
Wednesday, I linked up with Erika and Shay to talk self care for moms. I shared my ideas for finding time for yourself. I really believe spending time to recharge equals a happier and less stressed out mom!
This week I managed to sneak in manicure before picking up my youngest at preschool! A few minutes of pampering is always a favorite of mine!
I’m done with dark nail colors–time to think spring! I don’t get my nails done often, but when I do I opt for gel polish. My nails do not last more than a day with regular polish!
California Bound
Finally, my last favorite of the week is a our big trip to California. My daughter and I leave today! I am so excited to spend a little girl time with my new eleven year old. We are specifically going to meet my new niece and her new cousin that was born in the fall! Yay!
My daughter and I were packing for the trip and I was a bit jealous of her new Nook she received for her birthday! I am definitely putting one of these on my birthday wish list!
We went back and forth on whether this Nook or this Kindle was the best option. Reviews are fairly comparable and the prices were the same. In the end, my daughter asked for the Nook because it’s waterproof. Which might not seem like a necessity, but my daughter was interested in the feature for bath (and lounging at the pool I guess?!)
The other day, I found her in the bath, using a new bath bomb she had received for her birthday, while reading her Nook! Can I say serious #goals?!
I picked up The Nightingale for my reading entertainment. It is rare I make time to read, so I am very excited about the opportunity I’ll get while on the plane!
***************************************************
Well that wraps up my week! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! ♥
Love the nail polish color and love Kristin Hannah- have a wonderful trip!
That’s good to hear about Kristin Hannah–can’t wait to read. Have a great weekend!
LOVE all those simple yet festive Valentine’s treats! Enjoy your trip and some reading time 🙂
Thanks Rechelle! Have a great weekend too.
I love the Rae Dunn mugs! Where do you find them? I never see them at our Home Goods? I am loving how you decorated the tray with them!!
Thanks Angela. I have the most luck at Marshalls but sometimes Home Goods. I feel like it’s all or nothing–sometimes a ton of them for a few weeks and then a dry spell for a while.
Love the Rae Dunn things! The Nightingale was so good. Have a good trip!
Thanks Dara! It’s hard coming back as it was a great trip!
Have a great time in California! Loved all the Vday treats! Sooooo CUTE!
Thanks Erin! Hope you had a great Valentine’s Day with your family!
When I have some time I’m removing my dark polish and using that happy pink as well! I hope you guys are having a wonder and WARM time in California!
It’s nice to wear lighter colors even though winter isn’t quite over!
Omg loved The Nightingale!!! Enjoy your trip to CA with your daughter.
Thanks Kelli!