Five on Friday

Hello lovelies and Happy Friday.  I've being going through this week just trying to survive.  We had a great Thanksgiving and trip to see Jason's family.  Unfortunately we came home with a sick baby which was pitiful since he has never really been sick like that before.  Work is crazy and I'm hyperventilating that we are majorly into December and the shopping days are ticking away!

My goal is to get some presents wrapped and under the tree this weekend so I will feel a little better.  Hope you have a great weekend and stay warm!

--ONE--

How was your Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday?  I took advantage of a few online deals for Christmas gifts on Monday.  Since we were out of town I didn't get any shopping done on Black Friday - out or online...except for this sweatshirt from Hello Apparel.  At 50% off and free shipping, the deal on Instagram and was too good to pass up.  I purchased it on my phone while nursing...boy how I get myself into trouble!

 

This will likely be my uniform leading up to Christmas paired with skinnies, tall boots and gold jewelry. 

--TWO--

Bad news: I lost my phone this week.  I'm 99% sure I left it on the roof of my mom's car when I was installing a car seat for her.  Good news:  I upgraded to a new iPhone 5s in gold and loving it. 

--THREE--

The Purifoy household is officially decorated for the season (except the outside...who knew Christmas light stakes for the ground would be so hard to come by), Jack's room included.  Perhaps I've gone a little overboard this year, but I don't care.  Be sure to check out Houston Moms Blog early next week to learn more about the advent calendar I hung in Jack's room. 

We need to upgrade next year from our skinny "apartment" tree, but it works for now and looks pretty from the window outside.

"Just Because" flowers from Jason this week

--FOUR--

Our Christmas cards arrived yesterday so I'm hoping to get them addressed and in the mail by Monday!  Here is a sneak peek from the photos we took.  For the card we went in the opposite direction of your typical "perfect smiling family" picture!  I'll post it once the cards have it the mail.

--FIVE--

I'm blogging over at Houston Moms Blog today about ways to give back during the Christmas Season.  Some of the post is Houston specific, but most of it is pertinent to anyone!

Citrus Lane Reveal Vlog November 2013

Jack and I wanted to open our third Citrus Lane box with you! All of the products that we received are listed below in order of how we opened the box.



Previous Box Reviews: September and October 2013

1.  Tinyprints Four Sets of Address Labels & Free Shipping Coupon
2.  Tug Boat from Green Toys, Retail value: $14.99
3.  Bye-Bye Dry Moisturizing Therapy Wash from BabyGanics, Estimated Retail value: $6.50
4.  Lip Comfort from Purlisse, Retail Value: $16.00
5.  Super Bib from Bumkins, Retail Value: $6.95
6.  Zoo Bowl from Skip Hop, Retail Value: $4.00

We've already used (and love) the Tug Boat, Zoo Bowl and Super Bib.  Other products that we have received that Jack LOVES and use on a daily basis include the Boon Bath Toys, Innobaby Teether, and Skip Hop Chime Ball. 

Total retail value of September's Box: $48.44

Paid: $25.00

The cost per box for Citrus Lane is between $21-$25 depending on which membership you go with. I'm doing the month to month for $25/month. I love this option because you can cancel at anytime. 

 

Click here to get $10 off your first box!!!

See you next month when we review December's box!

Mini Break

Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

I'm taking a mini-break from the blog while I'm traveling, spending time with family, stuffing my face and {hopefully} getting a nap or two in. 

 

In my absence, jump on over to Houston Moms Blog to read what I'm thankful for this year!  Also, if you are local, check out our Mom's Guide to Holiday Events in Houston.

 

See you next week when I plan to share my holiday decorations, shopping experience at The Vintage Pearl and a vlog starring Jack!

...And I'm Also Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope you enjoy your special day tomorrow with your family, friends, computer for online shopping or just some quiet time alone.  We will be spending the next few days with family. 

Heather and Amber are hosting a great link-up today about what we are also thankful for.  The obvious ones being our friends and family.  You all know I am so incredibly thankful for my precious son, husband, pup, mommy and all of my family and friends. 

 

This year, I'm also thankful for:

 

• My neighborhood Starbucks...even though I'm mostly drinking Decaf these days, it give me an emotional boost when I'm tired or cranky.  Plus the baristas are quickly becoming my new friends even noticing little haircuts or changes in my makeup when no one else does. 
• Target...why is this store so perfect when Jack and I need to get out of the house, but have no place to go
• My home and neighborhood...I just get happy every day when I drive into my neighborhood.  I feel like it's exactly where Jason and I are supposed to be
• Ugg slippers...just go try some on and you will understand. 
• Houston Moms Blog...what an amazing community of friends I am so blessed to be a part of!  Be sure and check out our post tomorrow about everything we are thankful for. 
• My little bloggy community...I talk about all of you as if we are real life friends that I've met.  I love "seeing" you on the blog and instagram everyday even if we are miles away!
• The Internet...how would I get my Christmas shopping done this year without it (among many other things)
• Studio Ainsley Photography...several people have mentioned that I may have a problem with professional photo sessions and my son.  My response?  Why yes I do now let's move on. 
• Stretchy and curvy jeans from Loft...my post pregnancy, busy, lazy (oxymoron) body is thankful for you. 
• Instagram...my current social media obsession and how I've survived nursing.  Follow me @ChelseaPurifoy

What are you also thankful for this year? 

 

Weekend Recap

Hope you had a great weekend, survived Monday and are ready for Thanksgiving!

Friday

After work, Jason, Jack and I attended my step-brother's gun store opening.  Nothing like a baby being surrounded by a wall of guns.  We are some good parents I tell ya!  He was pooped after the party, but alert enough to try his first vegetable, an avocado.  Success!  He couldn't get enough.  Just like his mama. 

Look at those cowboy boots!

Saturday

Pretty lazy Saturday.   We all slept in too long so I missed my morning workout.  I did manage to fit in a hair cut, trip to Target, Mimi visit and getting out all of the Christmas decorations.  We didn't finish decorating because someone wouldn't sleep.  We tried the cry it out method, but that didn't last very long.  We are wusses and still trying to find the perfect method for getting the little guy down.  I hope he isn't a night owl like me, but after nine months of being in my night owl stomach, I wouldn't be surprised.   

Jack rocking his new Gap Christmas PJ's (and not sleeping)!

Sunday

We attended church on Sunday and attended a meeting afterwards about the Christmas Pageant...we are supplying the Baby Jesus!  Afterwards we took my mom and stepdad to lunch for his birthday.  Jack was such a good boy during the entire meal and sat in a restaurant highchair for the first time (loved using the Itzy Ritzy highchair cover and Tiny Diner). 

We ended the day doing more decorating, {trying} to watch the American Music Awards and hanging out with my sister-in-law.  I guess Jack was too excited to see his AJ (Aunt Jeanna) and didn't want to sleep...again!

I'm happy to report that Jack went down great on Monday night after we made a few modifications to his bedtime routine...here's hoping we have a repeat tonight!

Five on Friday

Very random Five on Friday edition today!  Hope you have a great weekend (and if you are in Houston, be careful in this weather). 

--ONE--

Yesterday was a doozie.  I got about 3 hours total of sleep (thanks Jack).  We ran out of coffee filters, Our pool guy blocked me in so I was late to work...then he ran through our yard with his truck.  Our cable, electricity and Internet all went down.  I could only pump 1/3 of what I usually pump (tmi)? 

But even crappy days like yesterday, I still get to come home to this face and all is okay!

Jack playing with his new Pottery Barn Kids Farm Plush Blocks from Adrienne!

--TWO--

Thank you to everyone who linked up yesterday to show us "What's in your bag."  Ashley and I are so appreciative and loved seeing everyone's must-haves.  Go check it out now!

 

--THREE--

Parenthood is the best show ever.  I dare you to make it through an episode without crying.  {I was watching it while typing this post}.  Speaking of TV, did you catch the Billy Joel episode of Glee last night?  Love me some Billy Joel!

--FOUR--

I'm doing something this weekend that I've NEVER done in my. entire. life...decorating for Christmas BEFORE Thanksgiving!  I feel a Target run in my future as I'm loving these items for the living room:

Perfect timing to decorate now that Jack's stocking was delivered yesterday to match ours!

--FIVE--

I got some new boots yesterday!  Nothing crazy expensive, just some good basics to have.  I didn't buy any new boots last year so the ones I had were in desperate need to replacing. 

 

Taupe Boots

Black Boots: Ralph Lauren from DSW - Can't find online, but similar here

What's In Your Bag?

Ashley and I are so excited to share what's in our bags with you today!   I opted to show you what's in my diaper bag as I often use it for my purse so I'm not constantly switching bags.  This is why it was so important for me to find a diaper bag that looked like a purse and didn't scream MOMMY.  I didn't want to run out the door to a work meeting with a bright, floral backpack.  It's hard enough being taken seriously sometimes in the male dominated industry I'm in.  I don't need cutesy things drawing attention to my gender!    

Bag Details: Burberry Diaper Tote Bag

I love this bag for so many reasons.  I love that it doesn't scream diaper bag!  The material is nylon so it is all wipeable and easy to clean, but the straps, and bottom are durable, real leather.  I use the two shoulder straps, but that bag also comes with a detachable long cross-body strap.  It comes with a removable changing mat and has lots of compartments to be organized including 2 great side compartments. 

I was very adamant about finding a tote because I love that you have easy access to grab anything out of the bag without worrying about flaps, zippers and clasps (although there is a zipper on this bag if you want).  I'm used to carrying this bag as my purse so I knew I would love this style.

For Mommy:

• Sunglasses
• Wallet (Kate Spade Outlet): similar here
• Small Makeup Bag for essentials only like powder, lipstick and Chapstick 
• Pen
• Nursing Cover
• BabyGanics Hand Sanitizer - love that this stuff is alcohol free
• iPhone
• Optional (Items that I throw in only when needed): Business or Mommy Cards, Camera, iPad

For Baby:

• Diapers (I use Pampers Swaddlers)
• Wipes galore: Pampers Sensitive, Boogie Wipes, Johnson & Johnson Hand and Face Wipes, Pacifier Wipes...can you tell I'm a new mom!  Really the two most necessary are the Hand & Face Wipes and the Pampers wipes. 
• Teethers:  Sophie and Life Factory
• Toys:  Jellycat Cordy Roy Gator (small), Angel Dear Lovie, Oball, Crinkle
• Burp Cloths - I love the Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs
• Change of clothes
• Hoodie
• Pacifiers: a WabbaNub add an extra Soothie
• Diaper baggies
• Optional (items I throw in only when needed):  Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator, Saline Nose Drops, Tylenol, Swaddle Blanket, Shopping Cart/Highchair Cover

  Now it's your turn!  1.  Write a post showing us what's in your bag...purse, diaper, makeup bag: anything! 2.  Grab a button (below) and link back to both of our blogs 3.  Add your blog to the list below 4.  Visit everyone's post and leave comments to make new friends 5.  Join the conversation on Twitter and Instaqram using #whatsinyourbag   <a href="http://www.ashleyandwentzel.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee323/abouwer/LinkUp300_zpsc303d5cb.png" height="150" width="150"/></a>