The Rancics are Preggo!!!

I don't know about ya'll, but I'm a huge fan of the show 'Giuliana and Bill'

I've been quite the loyal follower, watching every season

always on the edge of my seat for their 

BIG announcement.

That day is here and they just announced via the Today show that finally they're expecting a baby thanks to their gestational carrier!

I'm such a dork- of course I cried! 

{and searched for the video so that I could watch the announcement- because this girl is a GMA watcher}

My husband I'm sure thinks I'm completely nuts now!

What a way to send my hubby off to work by me crying at a celebrity being preggo!

In all seriousness though I am sincerely very happy for them!

In my line of work as a mother baby nurse sadly it's not as common as one would think to see a family that really wants and is super happy to have their little baby.

I know it's sad.

So seeing their incredibly long journey play out and finally have a happy ending is just so nice!

They definitely we're due for some good news!

Now I just am dying to know if it's a boy or girl!

Congrats Rancics!

Laundry makes me smile!

Hello!

I'm still here- just very busy and haven't have much time to blog lately!

Slacker I know- I do promise to get better- please don't give up on me yet!!

This is completely random but I have to share a picture that made me so happy this morning. I came home to tons of laundry folded by my sweet husband. ALL of our crazy amount of laundry was folded neatly and organized on our bed. 

How two people can make SO much laundry I don't think I'll ever understand.

You are probably thinking.... ugh well where did he sleep?!?!

On the couch of course!

This is where he sleeps almost every night I work ha ha!

I like to think it's because he can't sleep without me in bed beside him....

but not so much! ha!

The boy can sleep anywhere, through anything.

True story- I've gotten off the elevator and have heard his alarm going off from down the hall.... and walk in to find him fast asleep.

The boy is a PRO sleeper!

He has gotten MUCH better thank goodness!

Lord knows I'll be hoping this changes by the time a little bambino comes around!

Well a girl can hope :)

Anyways I know it's something so small, but this sweet gesture 

COMPLETELY made my day! 

He does help me around our place with cleaning and chores some but I have voiced lately I feel like I'm doing a LOT more....glad to know he was listening and cared enough to do something that for him is no big deal (clothes everywhere doesn't bother him in the least) but to me is something very important!

So one good husband point to you babe! 

{Lately we've been giving each other points for good spouse moves... what the points bring... no clue! But it cracks us up and makes us want to work even harder to keep that spark!}

Aveda Product Lovin!

A recent trip to a new salon ended with me purchasing a new shampoo and conditioner.

I was suckered into the purchase!
 I couldn't say no because I had just had a wonderful haircut and style, and the products left my hair smelling so great!

Man am I glad I splurged, because I'm never going back now!
I'm normally a Dove or Pantene girl- anything that can be found at target worked for me!
Well after using Scalp Benefits shampoo and conditioner by Aveda my hair is like brand new!
I have a lot of hair but the texture is fine- which means it gets greasy pretty easily- I have to wash it daily.
This shampoo has breathed new life into my hair!
It's easy to style, doesn't frizz as easily, and stays clean despite my constant hair twirling
 { I do this when I'm tired, which has been quite often lately}

I bought the 8.5 oz bottles because I wasn't sure if I would like it. On the Aveda website you can purchase the two bottles together for $28.00. I've been using the shampoo for almost a month and have only used about 1/3 of the bottle. Only a dime sized amount is needed so the product really does go a long way! 

Now if only I could style my hair like this..... still struggling with my curling iron. Why must I be so curl challanged?!?! ha ha!

Smoothies - it's what for breakfast!

Breakfast around our house during the week typically consists of cereal.

I needed to change it up a bit- but with something that's just 

as easy and non-time consuming.

I happened upon these Yoplait smoothies while at Sams. 

They are healthy, with 10 grams of protein and are made with greek yogurt!

Each smoothie is a mere 170 calories! Score!

I haven't looked to see if they're carried at other grocery stores- but I can't imagine they aren't available everywhere!

It's easy peasy- all that's required is 3/4 cups of non fat milk and one smoothie pouch.

Mix in your blender and wha la a delicious smoothie! 

The back of the bag gives more fun recipes for smoothie variations. 

I got a tad{ha} fancy and added some pineapple pieces I had in the freezer! 

One more thing I will do next time is add a splash of orange juice. 

Enjoy!

Girl Chat

I consider myself SUPER lucky to have such a wonderful group of girlfriends.
 Most of us have been friends for 9+ years!

(Ugh I feel old all of a sudden)

This past Tuesday me and two of my besties : Lizzy or "Lizam" and I call her in my most crazy country voice you can imagine and Molly went to Nolens Kitchen for a girls night!

It was meant to be because it was also 1/2 off bottle of wine night!

SCORE!

I NEED this glass badly! - urban outfitters

A little (or a lot) of girl chat, LOTS of laughing, great vino, yummy food, and an awesome patio setting... well it can't get more perfect!

 It was just what the doctor ordered to power me through the rest of this week!

The weeks just keep more and more busy, and flying by in the blink of an eye.

I feel like the older I get the more this happens- the days just disappear. 

I feel like this is me quite often- the silent laugh and clapping of the hands ha ha! 

We shared lots of good quality girl chat! When we got up to leave we headed out to our cars and then somehow managed to stand in the parking lot for another 20+ minutes still chatting it up! 

That's how you know your wonderful girl friends it's hard to stop the chat and go home!

Looking so forward to this coming weekend and celebrating Molly's big 27! 

Weekend Recap!

This past weekend was a quickie but a goodie! I worked Friday night and we were absolutely slammed at work- LOTS of deliveries! 

Why do all the babies always have to come all at once?!?! 

I was exhausted but very excited for a weekend at home, even if it was just 2 days! 

Hubby had everything packed and ready to go- we hit the road as soon as I got home! Two hours later we were home! 

My adrenaline at this point was still going strong. It was beautiful weather and we sat outside with my parents talking non stop and catching up! 

Finally I was ready for a nap, my parents and Joel went to the driving range while I slept. 

I hated to miss it but a nap was necessary. 

We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with walking the dogs and making a fabulous dinner. 

We always make time for a family shot! And I'll be retuning this shirt since I totally look preggo here ugh! 

My Mom is SUCH a good cook, she NEVER uses a recipe and just comes up with the most amazing dinners EFFORTLESSLY. 

We made pork tenderloin that she marinaded in garlic, cilantro, and Montreal steak seasoning ha ha

We seared it in a hot cast iron skillet (I need to purchase this kitchen staple ASAP) 

on both sides and then added some butter, mushrooms and a splash of red wine. The into the oven for 20 minutes to finnish cooking. The end result was super tender and juicy pork with mushroom and a little gravy sauce. We served it with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. 

I'm a big fan of asparagus- its really simple to roast in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. This time we added slices of lemon on top. I will never go back to the old way! This is such a simple step that adds a TON of flavor and aroma! i love how lemon can really freshen up any dish! 

We definitely enjoyed dinner! 

Dessert is something that I can't say we're always as good with! Mom and I and are self proclaimed "baking challenged". It's not really something we try to master- we're not the best at it, and we don't really care because we don't exactly enjoy baking. We do however LOVE to eat sweets ha ha!

We made a very simple and easy dessert though that didn't disappoint!

Store bought pound cake... yes we cut corners with this step!

Homemade whip cream.... we didn't slack off here!

Fresh strawberries!

DELISH!

cooking up a storm!

homemade whip cream YUM!

Saturday morning we were up at at em' early! My Mom made her special pancakes (always my request)!

We then left the boys and home to hang and enjoy the basketball games while Mom and I hit up our normal shopping stores target and TJ Maxx! 

Joel and I then headed over to see some of our best friends! The Negrea's! They recently bought their first home, and we recently became their first born- sweet Emalyn's God parents. We hadn't seen them since Christmas so we had a TON to catch up on! Jen and I are super close and it's really nice that are husbands are great friends as well. We always say Joel and Gabi are like two peas in a pod!

How stinking cute!!!
We spent the beautiful day on their back patio relaxing, sipping cocktails and grilling out. 

Pink sparkling Moscato to celebrate sweet Emalyn

The boys exploring in the creek

Hudson has always been crazy in love with Emalyn

The feeling was mutual! ha ha!

love this sweet little munchkin!

SO good to spend time with a wonderful friend!

sporting her new dress!

A true natural :)

It was the perfect weekend at home! We can't wait to visit again soon!

Aloe Up..... Sunscreen

Two years ago while on vacation to California I came across the line 

of products called Aloe Up. 

I purchased their sunscreen at Glen Ivy Hot Spring and Spa with my now Mother-in-law and sister-in-law! If your ever out in California or the San Diego area this is a must visit spa! It's reasonably priced, absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a girls spa day!

I have sensitive skin and so I was always trying new brands of sunscreen- especially for my face.

 My search ended after finding the brand Aloe Up! Aloe Up is different from other brands because all of their products come from Aloe Vera plants organically grown and processed in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. 

By using Aloe Vera gel as the base of all of their products their products are: non- greasy, sweat resistant (will not run in your eyes and sting), moisturizes while it protects, and absorbs very quickly into the skin.

Also every Aloe Up product starts with Aloe plants that are organically processed in the USA! 

GO USA!

You can only purchase there products at specialty retail stores and online! On their website you can locate a store or place an online order. 

LOVE this sunscreen

This is a sunscreen for people who are active as it lasts for 8 hours and is waterproof. 

This is a dry lotion sunscreen. I had never herd of this before trying it! 

No- it's not a powder, it is a lotion. However it rubs in very easily and is non-greasy. 

I cannot stress more how easily this product soaks into your skin and doesn't leave you with a film of lotion all over. 

As a contact lens wearer this is really nice because it will not sweat off or get into your eyes and cause burning. 

I bought the SPF 15, but will also buy the SPF 30 this summer when I visit!

The best face sunscreen EVER!

This for the face sunscreen can even be used as an everyday moisturizer for sensitive skin. 

It is very lightweight, non-greasy, non comedogenic (won't block your pores) and hypo-allergenic. 

I carry this is my purse with me everywhere!

Check out this line of sunscreen- you won't be sorry.... or burned! 

Meet my fur baby Hudson!

Hudson

Our almost 3 year old (sigh) French Bulldog

 Our forever fur baby

The sweetest dog I've ever met

My little sound machine always snorting and snoring

A complete bed hog

My constant companion- even in the bathroom

The only dog I've ever known that LOVES going to the vet

Giver of unconditional love and kisses

Spoiled and proud of it

Our little "monkey", "butterball"& "angel"

The best car co-pilot always wanting to tag along for a ride

Famous (well sort of!) he was in a commercial for our vet!

You brighten my day with just one little look!

Our complete pride and joy

I LOVE you sweet little guy!

Hudson's first picture at home the night we picked him up at the airport!

He slept like this always when he was a baby- he loved to nestle into our necks

Even a sweetheart after his "fixing"

kisses 

The Heimbigners 

 Couch cuddles

the best sleeper

Angel face

A Frenchie Santa

Bath time! 

tongue always out

happy happy happy

  "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. 
                 You are his life, his love, his leader. 
         He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat 
 of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
                                                          Unknown

Poolside Style

I confess, I'm a bag lady- and with summer quickly approaching I've 
been on the hunt for a new beach bag! Can you ever have too many bags?!? 
The answer is simple... NO!!!
One of my favorite brands is Scout Bags. 
They're affordable, chic, and come in a variety of different patterns and colors. 


You can't go wrong with the origional Dean-O bag!

This wristlet style is perfect for replacing your wallet in your beach bag. 
It is made with water resistant material and it also has a slot for your ID! 
You'll be ready to buy all those yummy summer cocktails!

 

This matching bag would be prefect for all other accessories needed: cell phone, sunscreen and lipgloss!

Coolers are another beach trip must have! 
I received this super cute Mud Pie cooler as a gift at one of my bridal showers! 
It is as practical as it is cute! The lining inside makes clean-up super easy!
I have also doubled this bag as a carry on for trips out to CA!
This cooler has accompanied me to CA, Puerto Rico, Tybee Island and many more places to come!



Floppy hats are not only stylish but they are a great way to help protect your skin! Like most women I love having a great tan, however I want it without the wrinkles! My favorites are from Marley Lilly. 

cute colors + monogram

I really can't decide if I want all black classic or a pop of color!

Down South we had a very mild winter and as expected Springtime heat has already arrived!
I can't believe I've already had two pool days and it's only March! 
With these items I'll be lounging poolside in style!