The Ultimate Memorial Day Menu

Photo Credit: Chichacha

This week will be all about salads because Memorial Day Weekend is going to be a pig out sesh!!!

My Dream Cookout would taste like this:

Mexican Layer Dip
Fruit Salad
The Perfect Burger (The LA Burger)
The Chicago Dog
Southern Corn Bread
Barefoot Contessa's Mac and Cheese
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Patriotic Berry Trifle And/Or Mixed Berry Cheesecake (probably more And, not Or....)

Generous Amounts of these too:
The Worlds Best Frozen Margarita
Miller Chill (my summer staple)

There is more there than what I could possible eat in one sitting (try as I may), but that's what the whole weekend is for ;)

Join me over on Pinterest and take a look at my Memorial Day/Fourth of July Board!

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out Menu Plan Monday! 

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Friday Pics

Today I am sharing some pictures.  Some are from my Instagram feed and others are from my personal collection.

{New Shed // Hula Hooping // Baby Feet // Mother's Day Gift // Fairy Catching // Me // Flowers //Sunset}

How To Dry Nail Polish Quickly

As a busy mom, I often forgo the simple luxuries that I once took for granted.  This includes nice looking nails.  I love to get manicures and pedicures, but I can't bring myself to pay for them.  And scheduling the time to do it is even worse -  I just don't go.

Doing my nails at home is the only way they get done at all, but then I have to find the time to let them dry and that means that I can't be doing anything else so I don't mess them up.  That doesn't happen either.

What's my trick?

Drying my nails in the the shower (or washing dishes)!

Sounds counter intuitive, right?

I didn't believe in it at first either.

My aunt once told me that she noticed if she did the dishes after painting her nails, they seemed to be dry faster.  She hypothesized that it had something to do with the dish soap.  I considered it, but I was a teenager with loads of time on her hands.

Fast forward to now - three kids, no privacy or time to myself unless I'm in the bathroom (and that is only about 40% of the time...)


 

1.  Swipe nail polish remover over the old polish, not necessarily removing all of it, because this allows some cleanliness and texture for the new polish to adhere to.
 

2.  Apply 1-2 coats of polish (depending on your brand).
 

3.  Wait 1-2 minutes to let it set.
 

4.  Hop in the shower.  DONE!

I take about 10-15 minutes in the shower and by the time I am done, my nails are dent proof :)

This same technique can be applied to your manicure if you choose to wash dishes or simply soak your hands in a bowl of ice water and apply dish soap.

I do this for my daughter, too, because she's four, loves her nails painted and can't sit still very long.

And no, this doesn't seem to affect the integrity of the polish.  Mine chips much sooner using one of those quick dry top coats.

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Color Obsession {Coral}

Coral is my current Spring/Summer obsession! Look- I got Poison Ivy just to match (not that funny and super itchy!) So far, I have worn it twice this week.

Black and Coral Sweaters from Target

Coral Blouse from Target

Brown Top Apt. 9 from Kohl's (about 4 years ago)

Photo credit:  CVS, edited by me.

My Pedi is even CoverGirl Outlast Coral Silk.



What is your color obsession?

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I'm linking with What I Wore Wednesday @ The Pleated Poppy :)

"Terrible" Two's, Three's and Four's: This Mama is Tired

photo credit:  jinterwas

These last few months have been a challenge and the challenge has not been the new baby.

They claim that the two's are "Terrible," but what they don't tell you is that the 3's and 4's are worse.

Yes, a 2 year old can give you a run for your money.  They are completely mobile, make bigger messes and are learning how to use their words to express themselves.  It's all part of growing up and only seems "terrible" because we compare them to the adorable little babies they just were.

When they turn 3 they take all that with them and then add an attitude of entitlement to be independent..  It's wonderful that they want to be independent but they simply will not stand for someone doing something for them (unless you can't or won't, of course). 

"ICANDOIIIIIT!  LETMEEEDOIIIIIT!  NOOOODON'TDOOOOIIIIIIIT!

There is a lot of that.

Then there is the 4's.

The problem with the 4's is that they absolutely know the difference between good and bad behavior, they know right from wrong and they show signs of maturation.  It lulls you into a false sense of security.  You think you are finally getting somewhere and then BAM!

I have a 3 and 4 (almost 5) year old.  And I swear to you, they tag team.  If one isn't going off, the other is.
And the behavior has escalated since bringing Nemo home.  I know that it is a natural process when the balance shifts in a home, but I am worn out!

I have been feeling very defeated.  My little baby is healthy, happy and thriving but I feel like my other two hate me most of the time.  It seems like all I do is discipline, and really it's a team effort between my husband and I.  He takes them on for a little bit and then I step in and vice versa.  Are we doing this right?  Are we bad parents?  I know it runs through my mind on a daily basis.  I needed encouragement.

I had no idea what or if to write this morning and I decided to just browse my reader to see what the other bloggers I follow are up to.  I was met with messages from these women that seemed to be meant just for me.  Their trials and fears are my own.

I often struggle with why I write or what it is I think I'm doing here, but when I read what others have to say and it speaks so directly to my heart, I want to offer that to someone else. 

If you are feeling the same things as I am ....and these other women are...this is my offering of encouragement to you.

My Inspiration Today:

When I Need a Shelter, When I Need a Friend - Oh, Amanda
I Have No Idea What I'm Doing - Take Heart
BattleCry - Naptime Diaries 
Consistency in Parenting - The Momma Bird
Dear Moms - The Momma Bird


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