Five on Friday

Joining the Five on Friday girls this week as we head into the long weekend and kickoff Summer! 

{ONE} Will's last day of school was yesterday and, as expected, I was an emotional mess. We loooooved his teachers and were so thankful that Will spent his school days with them. He has grown so much this year and it's been a joy to see him blossom. So corny, but so true. Also, please note the crazy comparison picture below. This kid is almost a whole head taller! I just love him and could not be more proud. Speaking of the end of the school year, how cute are these free printables from my friend Jen's shop, The Polka Dot Posie!? Perfect for those last day of school photos. 

{TWO} With the official kickoff this weekend, I have summer cooking and cocktails on my radar. This marinated mozzarella melon salad is going on my Summer menu ASAP.  And Rose cocktails- I can get on board with these! If you're a tea drinker, add this Birthday Tea to your stash! It's sweet and fruity and I think it would be delicious iced during the warm Summer months! 

{photo via}

{THREE} I just finished this book by Rachel Cruze and I cannot recommend it enough. It's full of all the good stuff. In a world where everyone else's lives are constantly in our faces (ahem, social media), this was much more than a personal finance book. So many good tips and reminders for money and LIFE. 

{FOUR} I'm finally on board with Ebates and I'm kicking myself for not signing up sooner. I've already made almost $50 back in the past month or so. I was even able to get 10% cash back on my last order of contact lenses! If you shop online (doesn't everyone!?) and aren't a member yet, use my referral code HERE. 

{FIVE} Our favorite online children's boutique, Sugar Bit, is offering up to 30% off sitewide this weekend! So many cute things for your little ones.

P.S. I am sooooo behind on photo albums and am vowing to get back on track this Summer. So, question for all of you, what is your favorite website for making photo books? I have used My Publisher in the past, but they recently shut down as they were bought out by Shutterfly. Artifact Uprising albums are amazing quality and I've used them for newborn, wedding and professional photo albums. I don't necessarily need albums on that scale for our family "yearbooks". Help!

Enjoy the long weekend! 

Friday Faves: Five on Friday

Linking up with April and the Five on Friday girls this week for my Friday faves! 

March 23 has come and gone and as it seems every year, each birthday is better than the last. I slept in a little and started my day with my family (and a giant cup of coffee). I enjoyed my favorite ever latte with a favorite friend and our little ones, a visit from the one who brought me into this world (my wonderful mom) and a nice long run in the gorgeous weather WITHOUT a stroller. My little family had dinner at Ilios Noche and we came home and celebrated with birthday cupcakes from Gigi's. Everyday should be a celebration but yesterday was extra special. And Will thinks we are going to Target so that he can buy me a new Paw Patrol pup...he said he's going to share with me! Ha! Oh little buddy, birthdays are way more fun with you and your sister.  

               

                 

How cute is this stationery!? Check out Perfect Peanut Cards on Etsy. Ashley is one of my oldest and best friends and one of the most creative people I know. Her designs are one of a kind and just the cutest! 

This Everything Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's is, well, everything. I cannot get enough and may need to start stock piling. It's great on eggs, avocado, roasted vegetables and most recently roasted chicken that we added to Mediterranean Kale Bowls the other night. The addiction is real. Will even loves it sprinkled on top of his hummus

I'm super late to the Podcast life but now I see what all the obsession is about. I just finished Making Oprah and loooooved it. The end of her show was the end of an era and I loved listening to how it all evolved. 

And closing out with a picture of my two little lovies because I'm so glad I snapped this before our gorgeous Azaleas died. The wonky weather totally ruined our bushes before they were in full bloom. Our neighborhood is gorgeous when all of the azaleas are in full bloom and it doesn't look like it is happening this year- womp womp. 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Five on Friday

It's Friday and I'm excited to finally link up with my very first Five on Friday post! I love reading through many of these each week and decided it was time that I join the fun. (Thank you for hosting April, Darci, Natasha and Christina!)

Here's what's on my mind this week.

ONE

As much as I love Fall and everything that comes with it, I'm a little sad that this Summer is coming to a close. Summer of 2013 will forever hold a special place in my heart since it was the summer that we brought our sweet baby Will into the world! We spent nine months in anticipation of this little lovie...getting our home and our hearts ready to meet this tiny person and this summer was ALL ABOUT HIM. I never want to forget the excitement we felt as we waited for our first baby. We love our little boy so much! As we transition into crisp weather and pumpkin flavored everything, we are looking forward as we continue making more memories with our little family!

TWO

Speaking of the little mister, I'm excited to report that he has been sleeping through the night consistently for two weeks now! Needless to say, everyone is smiling in the Moore house. 

THREE

You all know by now that I am a huge fan of healthy sides that are quick and easy for weeknight cooking. Skinny Taste wins again with this Skillet Mexican Zucchini! I made this last night and Mark and I both loved it. My friend Ashley suggested adding black beans- a great addition in my opinion! While the zucchini is still in season, make this! 

{source}

FOUR

Our home renovation is FINALLY winding down. We have been under construction since April. April! If we have learned anything through this it's that these projects always, always take longer than anticipated. We are down to countertop and backsplash installation, and detail work like new crown moulding and painting cabinets. In our long quest to find the perfect slab of granite, we were recently introduced to quartz. If you have any experience with this material, or have it anywhere in your home, I would love to hear your thoughts! I love, love, love Carerra Marble but it is so impractical in a kitchen, especially in a kitchen where serious cooking takes place. Many of the quartz options provide the look of marble without the maintenance! I was going to go with a light, creamy granite, but the quartz is so tempting. A crisp white kitchen has always been my dream! I'm also on the hunt for the perfect grayish-taupe color to paint the island. 

{I cannot locate the original source of this photo}

FIVE

If you are a do it yourself manicure person like me, a good top coat is a must. I used to swear by Essie Good to Go but I have found a new love. This Seche Vite is by far the best topcoat EVER. It goes on smooth, leaves a shiny finish and dries super fast. My nails stay for days. 

Enjoy the weekend everyone!