Happily Ever Mock

Back To School Style

I can’t believe summer is almost over and school is just around the corner.  Some kids are already starting to go back, but lucky little Hallie has a few more weeks of freedom.   Then it’s back to preschool with Kindergarten on the horizon! Where did my baby go? While we soak up these last few weeks of Summer, I am stocking up on school must haves.  So, here is our fun list of Hallie’s Back to School style.

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My favorite shop to snag mix and match basics is June and January.  Be Sure to check out their next launch this Friday, 8/17 at 9pm EST.  They are rolling out a few new colors and I can’t wait to stock up on Swing dresses, cardigans and tights! To get 20% off your first purchase of $50 or more, click here!

Due to Hallie’s love for anything Horse and Unicorn we snagged a unicorn lunchbox and my Aunt got her this precious Unicorn top. I just love the little navy horse shirt paired with the striped skirt.  They both have metallic details which as you can see, we are really big on this year! Finally, we topped our list with some sparky shoes and a few more basic dresses, and what do you know? All ready for school. Don’t miss the cute polka dot dress, on sale now for $8!  What are your must have items for starting the new school year?

Hallie’s Rainbow Unicorn Ice Cream 4th Birthday Party

How is it already almost August? I know, I have seriously been slacking here in the Blog department.  So today I have a treat for you! All the fun details from Hallie’s 4th Birthday party. FINALLY!

As Hallie’s 3rd birthday wrapped up last year, she insisted she already knew what kind of birthday she wanted when she turned 4.  “A Rainbow, Unicorn, Ice Cream” party.  When her enthusiasm didn’t fade, around February, I started putting this party together.  Hallie’s Godmother Jennifer was kind enough to let us use her house which had the perfect backyard for the Backyard games and photo booth Hallie wanted. I knocked out several DIY projects, ordered an adorable Unicorn cake and the party was perfect! I even set up an ice cream bar with custom sprinkles.

The cake turned our cuter than I could have imagined with the adorable ice cream cone horn.  The Lisa Frank-icorn Sprinkles are from Neon Yolk.

Confetti “Sprinkle” Balloons and a custom Whimsical Woolies yarn ball garland.

If you follow me on Instagram, you have already seen this canvas I made for the party. The colors in the canvas were my inspiration for all the decorations.  I also made the rainbow clouds shown below.

When I say the backyard was perfect, I wasn’t joking! They have a mini roller-coaster, Sandbox, water table, and adorable train! We turned it into an “ice cream train” for the day.

 The Ice Cream Train! I made the letters and the little garland with Popsicle and ice cream cones.

Unicorn Ring Toss Game.  I joked to Christopher that when we were done we can use it as a paper towel holder.

The roller-coaster and the ice cream lanterns I made.  Another thing you might have spotted in my insta stories.

Photo booth.  I made most of the props and hand painted the sprinkles on the white back drop.

Christopher and I were pretty proud of this sign we came up with!

The cutest Dollar Spot find! Ice Cream sidewalk chalk party favors! The ice cream sandwiches and bomb pops are so cute!

Face painting station! My sweet Auntie Janie did the face painting for the kids! It was a big hit!

Hallie’s letters!

The food table, complete with rainbow fruit and veggie trays.

Enjoying her photo booth!  Dress/ Shoes/ Unicorn Horn

Probably the only semi-good photo I got with my bean. My outfit: Top- similar here/ Shorts/ Sandals

Hallie showing off her facepaint

Fun on the Roller-coaster

At the ice cream bar, we served Chocolate, Vanilla and Market Pantry Unicorn Ice Cream.  For toppings we had chocolate, strawberry and caramel syrups, marshmallows, peanut butter cups, gummy bears, chocolate chips, oreos, M&Ms, cherries, fruity pebbles, sprinkles and graham crackers.  I also got color changing spoons from Amazon.  

Finally it was time for cake

It really was a fantastic party! I can’t wait to see what her creative little mind comes up with next year!

4th Birthday Snapshots

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! Can’t believe you are 4! You are the strongest, most beautiful, smartest, kindest, most hilarious 4 year old I know.  Your Daddy and I are so blessed to have you.  We love you more than words! 

Summer Bucket List 2018

Summer is in full swing! We have so many fun and exciting things happening.  Hallie’s birthday is just around the corner and things are booming at the store.  Though things have been hectic, I am looking forward for a little slow down once the birthday festivities are over.  Today I am sharing all of the sunkissed moments we are planning to have in the form of a Summer Bucket List.

What are your summer plans?

Hallie’s 4 year Birthday Wishlist

Hallie’s 4th birthday is uncomfortably close.  I know I say this every year, but it baffles me how time can fly so fast.  This year has been a BIG year of growth and learning for Hallie.  I am so proud of my girl.  We have been chatting about her wishes for her birthday, and no joke friends, she wished for clothes. She asked for books (so she can learn to read) but very few toys! When I asked if there were any more toys she might want, she responded “I think I have enough toys Mom!” What?! So here is a list of things her little heart desires!

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Hallie is mostly wearing 4T now for length.  We still have a hard time with waist bands.  I have to adjust all of her pajamas to fit her tiny little waist. She usually requests to wear dresses which is fine with me because it eliminates the waistband issue! Hallie is also between an 8 and 9 shoe. I have been sizing up to a 9 because girlfriend grows so quickly these days! Gone are the days of wearing one size for 6 months+.

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Hallie is showing so much desire to read.  She is sounding out words and figuring out what sounds letters make. Beginning reader books and site word flashcards are high on her wish list!  Hallie also loves animals and is set on becoming a vet when she grows up.  Her favorite show is Spirit Riding Free.  Daddy and I can’t wait to give her the Spirit horses! Hallie also enjoys building and artwork. She loves the magnadoodle at her cousins house and it would be the perfect toy to play with in the car!

Do you have a 4 year old? What are their interests?

Dear Mothers

Dear mothers of children all ages, you are so loved and appreciated for all of your hard work.  From kissing boo boos to helping with homework, your love and devotion to your child does not go unnoticed.  New and expectant mothers, you are holding a true gift. The sleepless nights, backaches and swollen ankles are sacrifices you are making to bring your darling child into this world.  As you nurture and rock those precious babes, know that their coos and smiles are their thanks for all that you do.  And especially to those mothers of angels in heaven.  Know that your darling babes are looking down on you from Heaven.  Though this day is painful to you, I ask God to comfort your hearts.  I celebrate you and am sorry for your loss.

To my Stepmother Linda, thank you for all that you do for our family.  I know it must not be easy to inherit 3 new children and 2 Grandchildren, but you make it look easy, by loving us as your own.  Your positive nature and giving heart are truly amazing.  We hope you know how loved and appreciated you are.

To my dear Mother in law Beth, your devotion to your family is the most incredible thing about you.  I admire you so much and we love you and are so thankful for all that you do, including driving 400+ miles round-trip every other weekend to spend time with us.  You are truly a blessing to us.

This weekend I thank my husband and my own daughter for making me a mother.  Hallie Anne, your mother is so thankful for you.  You are my greatest accomplishment.  Though some days as a mother are not easy, you make is so easy to love you.  I thank God every day that he chose me to be your mother.

Happy Mother’s Day weekend fellow mothers.  This weekend I am wishing all the Moms out there a day of love and peace.

Finally, to my dear friend Larissa with Purple Moments Photography, thank you for the lovely Mother’s Day photos.

  

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is fast approaching! We have just a little over a week to buy our gifts and sign our cards.  If you don’t have your gifts yet, please don’t fret.  I have some great ideas for you no matter your budget.  

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Serve Mom breakfast in bed with this adorable breakfast tray in a new cozy robe.  Both from the Hearth and Home Magnolia collection from Target.  While you’re at it, give her these precious ice cream PJs or toss in a papering lotion gift set!

Want a more personal gift? Get mom a personalized name necklace with her children’s names or an initial ring.  Choose one of her favorite family photos and place it in this beautiful Kendra Scott frame.  Another fun idea is for the list maker mom. Grab some of these adorable Rifle Paper Co journals. I know I am always grabbing for a journal to write down an idea for the blog or make a grocery list.  If you’re looking to snag something stylish for Momma, pick out a pretty Summer dress or some sandals. I just love this floral dress from J Crew.

Finally, if you really want to blow Mom away this Mother’s Day, don’t miss the Freshly Picked Sale starting this Friday 5/4/2018, for Fringe Members (who get an EXTRA 20% off) or for non members 5/8/2018. Get 20% off The cutest diaper bags for Mom and shoes for babe! Trust me, Mom will love you! In addition, Fringe members get early access to the sale, will be permitted to stack their discounts and receive Free shipping! Sign up for Fringe now, so you will be ready! Mom will thank you!

What’s on your wish list for Mother’s Day?

Momma Spring Style

As a mom, sometimes I forget to shop for myself.  I spend so much time wearing yoga pants and old Tshirts running around town.  Last weekend, my Mother in Law was in town.  She spoiled me with a couple new wardrobe staples and it got me thinking that I could really use a wardrobe makeover! Here’s what I have come up with!

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I’m a big fan of dresses that can be dressed up or down.  This one I snagged in a  jewel tone green and it is precious paired with these sandals. The dress and sandals are both on sale for $15 right now, so act fast! This hooded pullover is everything for the busy mom on the go.  I have it in teal and wear it at least once a week with some joggers.  Big surprise, I am wearing it right now as I type this! T-shirts, drawstring shorts and comfy slip-ons finish out my list! How cute is this flutter sleeve top?

So, what are you wearing this season?

Spring Kid Style

Spring is in full swing here in Texas! There have been plenty of rain puddles to jump in balanced by warm sun shiny days.  Allergies aside, we are loving the cool mornings and warm afternoons.  Dressing in layers has been the perfect way to plan for these Texas spring days.  Here are our favorite wardrobe staples this spring.

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My sweet mother in law took Hallie and I shopping over the weekend, and got her this adorable denim jacket! Hallie and I are both obsessed with it and she has been sporting it with every dress she owns.  Speaking of dresses, the little striped dress is on sale now!  The polka dot swing dress from June and January is a perfect dress to transition from Spring to Summer. You can get 20% off your first order with June and January if you follow this link!

Hunter boots and adorable sunnies are perfect Spring staples, and these precious Toms Mary Jane’s are also on sale!

What are your Spring Must Haves?

 

Currently April

If April showers bring May flowers, then May in DFW is sure to be beautiful! It has been a very rainy spring so far, but Hallie is loving it! Her new favorite thing to do is jump in puddles! Spring sure is flying by though, and we are getting pumped for Summer vacation! It will be nice to have my baby girl home with me all Summer long before sending her back to school for her FINAL (HOW?) year of Pre-K! Besides jumping in puddles and watching the calendar pages fly, here’s what we have been up to!

READING:

I have been writing a lot more than reading lately. If you missed it, I started writing monthly posts for the Dallas Moms Blog.  Here’s my latest article about “Threenagers” and how I am “The worst Mom in the world!”Check it out!

I do however have an AWESOME kids book to share with you! Bertie and Blue– a tale about a giraffe who lives a humdrum life.  Then he meets a new friend who  looks different than him and teaches him to accept things and people who are new and different.  

WATCHING:

Christopher and I are binge watching Quantico on Netflix, and I am currently catching up on season 6 of New Girl!

EATING:

Did you catch my Caprese Chicken recipe on Pinterest? It is so delish!

WORKING ON:

The Birthday Prep continues! Are you following my Instagram Stories? I like to share all the details on party prep there! I also have the honor of throwing my dear friend Sindi her baby shower at the end of June, so I am just starting work on that as well!

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

My best friend Joyce is having a birthday next week! I always enjoy celebrating with her, then of course, my birthday is right behind her.  Here is a cute photo from our birthdays last year! And a link to our cake smash photo shoot. Can’t believe we will be 31! #oldladystatus

LOVING FOR MOMMY:

It’s Sandal weather in Texas! And I am digging these! 

LOVING FOR HALLIE:

You guys! This ice cream dress is EVERYTHING! And it’s under $15.  Hallie’s gonna need it!

What are you up to? I want to hear!