{Backyard Camping}

A few weeks ago, The Wendels did a little backyard camping. 

And It. Was. Awesome! 

All we needed was a tent, a fire, and some hot dogs...and we were set! 

 

We ended the night with s'mores and Castle on the iPad....next to our heater :) 

Okay...so we camped outside...with some modern amenities...I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to being cold... 

We're determined to go for real camping soon. Like go and hike into the woods and set up camp.

Soon Mr. Wendel. Soon. 

{Cowgirl...ish}

This is about as cowgirl as I get...sad, right?

Dress: Belk {super old} 

Jacket: Madewell via J.Crew Factory

Belt: Target {recent...finally sound one to replace my other that broke!}

Boots: Target {on sale right now!}

Purse: Philip Lim for Target

Bracelet: Ebay {search for J.Crew Pave Bracelet

So bad news bears ya'll...my camera is broken. I need to take it to the Dr. ASAP, but I'm hoping to steal my brother's this weekend to snag some pictures of the basement and a BUNCH of outfits! 

I'll be back tomorrow with our little camping experience from a few weeks ago! Yup...we camped out in our backyard...and it rocked!

{Birthweek}

Well...here I am...the slacking blogger! 

Ya'll...I just have been so out of the groove. I feel like I'm barley staying afloat between school, house projects, and keeping that husband of mine fed! 

But I do have a bit of an excuse...my birthday! 

And as ya'll remember from last year, Wendel does birthday's big! It's more like a birthweek! 

I failed at taking pictures of all the fun throughout the week, but here's a run down of what Wendel did {that over-achiever of mine}

- Everyday I would come out of school to something amazing in my car {flowers, nail polish, gift cards, pumpkin spice latte}...amazing end to my day! 

- He planned cute things for us to do in the evening, of which we fell asleep too early for two of them...but hey...it's the thought that counts! 

- He cleaned the house on Thursday so I would wake up to a clean home on my birthday {I was so exhausted when I got home at 9:00 that I was shocked and cried!}

- Then Friday...the big day...I woke up to this! 

Which was even more surprising because he was supposed to be at work. But no...he took off so we could play! That was the best gift of all! 

-Then Wendel and my madre took me bowling! I love this place! You get to bowl and have lunch and it's $8...you just can't beat that! 

My mama is a little shrimp...look how tiny she is! 

Then madre and I went for manis and pedis...but not before a pumpkin spice latte! 

After some relaxation, Wendel and I went for dinner at the 360 Restaurant with the most breathtaking view of our favorite city! 

After dinner we went to see Thor...romantic ending to our date, right? 

Saturday morning, Wendel surprised me with a cookie cake. I really love these things and they remind me of college dorm days chowing down with friends. I had mentioned that I wanted one for my birthday this year, and he came through! Next year...I'll ask for a slice...the whole thing and just the two of us was baddddd for my waist line!  

{And just so you know..Wendel and I finished this pretty much by ourselves...I feel a looooong gym time coming very soon!}

Saturday night we headed to our church's prayer experience with our small group. Then for Mexican....yum! 

Sunday night we had family birthday dinner...and it was the perfect way to end the birthweek! 

Now we're on to a normal week and I'm ready to get decorated for fall....just after I finish painting trim...so so much trim! 

Happy Monday...almost Tuesday! 

{I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaack}

Hey Friends! 

I took a little week long break from all forms of social media. And it was super refreshing. 

It also made me realize how much I really do love to blog! It helps me to get my thoughts on "paper" and update my family and friends on our lives.

Anyhoo...I'm back! 

I have nothing really prepared :) I haven't taken outfit pictures in forever, I have yet to take updated pictures of the basement since they've last been here, but...we took some family pictures this weekend so here are my "behind the scenes" until the real ones come in! Can't wait to share them! 

This man loves these kiddos! And they love him! 

Let's play...can you find the child?

As you can see it was the most beautiful day and we had the best park to take pictures in! So many amazing leaves and the light we just perfect! 

{Merlot and Black Jack}

Happy Monday! 

I have a short post for you this morning because we had a super busy weekend!

Let's just say it entailed lots and lots of painting a certain basement... 

Oh and guess what...my camera broke...wah wah...

Anyhoo...

Threw this outfit together really quick for church a few weeks ago and I was obsessed! So comfy and classy! I have a feeling you'll be bored of this blazer really soon...because I love it! 

Pants: Gap {similar} / Shirt: J.Crew Factory{similar} / Blazer: Target / Heels: Target {old} / 

Bag: Phillip Lim for Target / Sunnies: Ralph Lauren / Lip: Clinique Chubby in Chunky Cherry

Did you enjoy our power lines? I really hope you did :) 

I owe you a basement update so hopefully Wednesday I'll have an update ready...hopefully :) 

Oh and a local friend just started a new blog...check it out!  

Have a great Monday! 

{Ireland Recap: The End of Our Trip}

I can't believe it, but we're on our last Ireland recap post! 

Sorry this has taken so long! But I'm so very thankful I took the time to do this! It's such a great way to relive the fun we had, but also document for our memories! 

I wanted to start off this post with the B&B that we were blessed to stay at for two nights! We moved around a lot, and this was the only place we got to stay two nights, so we were thrilled! 

Wihitepark House is a precious B&B that we have affectionately named "Bob's" Why, you may ask? Well Bob is the owner and he is just precious! In Ireland they have an award for the best "Land Ladies"...aka people who run B&B's...and Bob won Lady Lady of the Year. 

Ya'll, he is absolutely perfect and I think should be a tourist attraction! He was incredible and we already booked our room for five years from now...with little bits in toe!

Brad and Faye stayed here last time they came and said that we HAD to come back! I'm so so excited we did! 

We arrived just in time for afternoon tea...which I really think needs to start happening in the States! Loved having a moment to sit down and relax in the afternoon! 

Then we freshened up, and grabbed dinner in town.

We tucked in early that night and got up early for our busy day! 

But not before our Irish Breakfast...Irish people know how to eat! 

This was just the first course...then came the eggs, sausages, and homemade breads. I miss these yummy starts to the day!

 After breakfast, we headed out for this crazy day!

Our second morning at Bob's, after breakfast, Wendel and I walked around to check out his beautiful yard! It was so very picturesque!

We were so sad to leave, but we needed to head back to Dublin because we were flying home early the next morning. 

 

After our drive back to Dublin, we headed to the Guiness Factory!

Ya'll...I'll admit...not sure it was totally worth it. But oh well :) 

 We got our pint {and by we I mean they...I got a diet coke for my non-alcohol liking self}

The next morning, we said bye to White Lightening, and headed home. 

It was an absolutely incredible trip! 

Thank you so so much, Brad and Faye, for the amazing experience! We made some phenomenal memories! 

You can check out a little video I whipped up!

Warning...so so so not professional! 

For More Ireland Recaps: 

Getting To Dublin

Waterford and Kilkenny

Blarney and Kinsale

Doin' The Dingle

Aran Islands

Northern Ireland

The End