I haven't talked about it much on social media but last Friday, my uncle (my mom's oldest sibling) passed away. He was her much older half brother and was 85 years old. He had Alzheimer's and dementia and had been in failing health for a couple years now. I think we knew he might go soon but not this soon so it was a bit of a shock. I wasn't super close with him but as a kid we spent many holidays at his and my Aunt's house and I have many fond memories of him. My aunt only wanted his life celebrated and for that reason, I chose not to splash the news of his passing everywhere, to garner sympathy and what not. But thank you for any prayers and thoughts - we are at peace and I believe he is too; that's all we could want for our loved ones.  

Because of his passing and the funeral falling during the work week, I had to cancel attending an important conference in Houston with the rest of my team. It was for unfortunate circumstances but I was almost relieved to not have to go. I figured I'd get to work in a really quiet office and possibly have some flexibility to my schedule all week and I was good with that. But I got the best surprise e-v-e-r when my boss called me Saturday night and said because I'd be the only one in the office, to not worry about coming in and to just work from home as needed. ALL WEEK. Seriously? I couldn't believe it and could have peed my pants from excitement, y'all.

I really have made sure to take advantage of this unexpected week off, too. We've done a ton of sleeping in, started our Christmas shopping and of course spent a lot of time being silly with and loving on V (when she wasn't throwing yet another tantrum, that is. Oy.) I bought some paint samples to try in the kitchen, a guy's coming today to refinish our counter tops and the tree trimmers will be here shortly, too so lots of progress at the house! It's just amazing what a week it's been. Bad news early on but we're ending on a high note, thanks to so much extra time with my little family. I hope y'all have had a great week too. HAPPY Friday! (the 13th! Whoa.)

she might finally be liking her hat and it's the cutest ever.

//

terrible twos and public tantrums require wine. 

//

my new $3.99 mug from marshalls. I sure do love a good deal.

//

big girl ready to shop with her parentals.

//

being embarrassing is a requirement of momhood, right?

the weekend haps

Have I mentioned how amazing it is to not work a Friday for the rest of the year?! Thanks goodness for enough vacation time to be able to do that because I am loving it and plan to do the same next year! I'm having a blast having that extra time with my favorites and it makes me never want to work a Friday again. ha! This past weekend was so quiet and relaxing and made about 100x better by the crazy "Artic Blast" we got in on Friday. OMG it's been so cold (for South Texas!) and I don't ever want it to end.

Friday, we braved the crowd and went to Target, Hobby Lobby and then scoured Home Depot for some things for the house. We've decided to really make an effort to customize and update our house, a little at a time. Things like new paint, new light fixtures, french doors to replace sliding doors (we have three sets!?), new sinks in the bathrooms, etc. We've been slacking on that stuff since we bought the house two years ago (or maybe we've just been tight on money ;) but our goal in 2014 is to make it a priority! This Friday we're actually having the four huge trees in our yard trimmed (a big expense we've been putting off but I'm happy we can finally do it) and also having the kitchen counter tops refinished!!! Our old 80s laminate counters will get an new look and I can't wait! It's a much more cost effective way for us to get an updated look since granite counters aren't in the budget right now! 

Saturday, we didn't do much but hang out at home by the fire because it was that freaking cold and it was so so perfect. I also cleaned the house (my weekend duty. bleh) and then my parents came over and brought us pizza for dinner. That was so nice of them to do and Violet loved having time with him, I'm sure they felt the same ;)   

Yesterday, was a day that deserves its own post so I'll get to that tomorrow!

Random share. Buy yourself this goodness // Shopping with my loves // C - O - L - D
Searching for the perfect "greige" - any recs? // Her 2013 ornament, "Minnigey" // Cool baby V

Of course I have a wish list

One week from today, the madness of Christmas shopping will start (unless you're gaggy and perfect and have already started your shopping ;) and I have zero clue what to get anyone. I have my list of people to buy for and that's about it. But being the brat I am, of course I have my own wish list ready to go! ha

I put together a board on Pinterest and it's the easiest way to keep my selfish wishes organized. My mom's been bugging me for a list for a while now so I sent this to her and of course to Ronnie. My mom still gets me what she wants to get me (feeling the love, mom! ha) but Ronnie actually pays attention :) Like the year he got me the one Kate Spade bangle I wanted, or the year we said "no gifts" and he still surprised me with Old Navy and Target gift cards. I'm totally not that person who thinks gift cards are not thoughtful either. If you've thought about me, you know I really just love shopping so a gift card is the perfect thoughtful gift! Am I right?!

Tell me if you've posted a wish list too this year, I wanna see it!

Follow Jessica Wish List on Pinterest

Current Wants

I feel like on any given day I can name about 10 items I just "have to have". Of course now that we're on a budget, that number's just about tripled. Gah I just want to shop and spend all the money!!!! I seriously have a problem.

Here are some of the more affordable (as in, I might actually be able to get at some point) items on my current wish list!

What do you have on yours? (I know I'm not the only one with a running wish list!)


Relic Erica Cross Body bag // Baby pj's & top // Bracelet set

A rep from Kohl's contacted me after this previous post and gave me a blogger code for y'all!

 Use code BLOGS10 for 10% off of your purchase at kohls.com.

This offer can be stacked with other coupons and is good through 5/10/13.



Color Blocked Canvas Tote (OMG!!!)
Striped Fit and Flare Dress // Canvas Boat Shoes // Eyelet Crepe Blouse

Plus Size A-Line Dress // Pink Satchel Handbag
Lavada Slide Sandals (Thanks, Corrin!) // Chevron Sham Pillows 

House + bebe talk

I am finally moving my ass and getting into decorating our house. Oh, just over a year since we bought this place! Things have been looking bland and I HATE IT. I know Ronnie does too. We need color, we need things, we need it to feel cozier! I blame the fact that we moved into the house just 2 1/2 months before Violet arrived so we honestly have never had the time to properly decorate! So I've started picking up a few things here and there and was surprised at how many cute things I found at Kohl's! I haven't really shopped there lately but we had some gift cards from Christmas so we've gone a couple times recently. I've added many things to my wish list for when they go on sale ;)

I think just picking up small things like rugs and wall decor really gets me excited for bigger projects! Last time we went, I picked up these rugs, one for the entry way and one for the kitchen. They're both so so cute in person!

Chevron  // Striped

Then I picked up this picture for our entry way gallery wall that is finally in progress and I had to grab the frame for my desk at work.

I can't believe how much she's grown since those pictures were taken!

We still have so many more things we want to do to the house but I think next up is PAINTING!

We (as in Ronnie) painted the house right before V was born and we hate the color (remember?) and fully DESPISE the color in the kitchen (lime green that sampled pale but painted BRIGHT. Yuck.). So that's what's been going on in my hizzy. Hopefully this painting business will get done soon. As soon as mama gets her tax refund, it is ON! ha

Now, I'd like to take a moment to get all whiney and sad because it is exactly 3 weeks until my girl turns ONE. I had a full on sob session last night when I was watching videos of her on my phone. The one that really had me sobbing was this one from when she was 5 WEEKS OLD. She had finally started smiling and LOOKING at me and would just stare into me forever while I held her. Oh, my heart.

Please ignore my annoying voice (I'm pretty sure my nose was stuffy) AND please oh please ignore our horribly messy house! We were way tired ok and not in any condition to clean! haha

The last birthday post, I promise.

After a week of being spoiled, I'm so bummed it's over!! I'm a brat, what can I say. I'm not sure about you but in my world, the actual birthday day is just a starting point right? ;)

So the day after, birthday money in hand, I went shopping during lunch and got sucked into all that is Versona. Do you have one in your area? It's like Charming Charlie's but I think it's a good mix of more of the "older" jewelry and accessories that my mom would like (ha) and a lot of trendy accessories. I was overwhelmed with the jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses, you name it! Super affordable too.

On Friday, my boss took the office to PF Changs for my birthday lunch then that night, Ronnie and I dropped V off with my parents and he took me to Kona Grill (my favorite!!). Good thing I was wearing an old maternity dress that day - I so needed that extra space. ha! I had some of the yummiest sushi AND we split a ginormous red velvet cupcake! The cupcake was ridiculously good and totally on the house for my birthday!

1. Starting Thursday off with crazy haired V! // 2. Shopping on Thursday!
3. Oh the goodness. // 4. Big ass cupcake // 5. Me looking poofy and lip color-less. Oh well. Real life, y'all ;)

Saturday was the birthday party dinner for me and my cousin who was turning 50 on Sunday. For the past 5 years or so we have celebrated our birthdays together with all the ladies in our family and I love that! I'm so grateful for my mom, aunts and cousins. I'd post more of the pics but I look pretty awful in most of them so lucky you, this is all you get ;)

1. my doll baby // 2. my presents!! // 3. me and my cousin, Mandy
4. Mom, tired V and me // 5. Mom made margarita cupcakes for us! // 6. Precious girl
7. Hanging out with cousin Milo // 8. Us with Milo & Amy // 9. V finally met cousin Connor!

Sunday, I shopped again! Ronnie graciously offered to keep the baby (during FOOTBALL, y'all!) and I met up with Kerbi and we went to Ulta and B&BW, then to Orange Leaf for froyo! We spent a long time talking and before we knew it, we'd been out nearly 4 hours! ha. This was my second time hanging out with Kerbi and I had a lot of fun with her! Maybe next time we'll actually take pictures. Afterwards I went home to take V off Ronnie's hands and she and I went to Old Navy and Target. Nope, shopping never gets old :)

Overall, best birthday week ever. And my thoughts on 30 now that it's been nearly a week?

Best age ever. It's like something clicked with me and I'm just completely loving it. So for all of you youngins, don't be nervous about 30, it's awesome!

   

Scarf + Nail Polish Favorites

I'm obsessed with all things scarves and nail polish (obviously!) so here are some of my current favorites. If you're participating in the Just Add Color Fall Swap, maybe you'll get some ideas! If not, you'll just hate me because after seeing this cuteness, you'll be forced to go spend some money ;)

For the swap, the max to spend is $20 which may not seem like a big enough budget but it totally is! Especially when you keep an eye out for a good sale! And I don't know about you but the challenge of finding a bargain excites me!


Open Knit Scarf - F21
$9.50

Houndstooth Fringe Scarf - F21
$9.80

Mossimo Brown and Black Cheetah - Target
$11.99

Dove Print Scarf (my personal fave!!) - Old Navy
$12.00

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Golden
$2.59

L'oreal Color Riche - Greycian Goddess
$5.99

ULTA - Green & Wear
$7.50

Essie - Bahama Mama
$8.00

See? So many good ways to spend your money, y'all!

I think I'm gonna go shopping tonight - what about you? ;)

Updated to add: Thanks to Coley, I found out that Ulta polish is currently $2!
You can load your partner UP!! haha

Shopping lately...Old Navy & Target

Thanks for the response to yesterday's post, y'all!! I'm so excited to get to work on that!...If you can call shopping, "work" ;) Speaking of which, I'm excited about the goodies I found at Old Navy and Target this weekend! If you know anything about me it's that I am obsessed with these two stores. Then again, who isn't?

I recently opened up an Old Navy credit card account and honestly, it's bad news. All I want to do is shop there now! I make sure to pay off the card and all but then I just want to go and spend on it again. I might have a problem. But even though I love to shop, I'm ALWAYS frugal about it. I love a good deal!

I went into Old Navy armed with two $5 rewards certificates (that credit card comes in handy!) and a savings code I "won" using the Old Navy app. I found two tops for me (love the sleeveless one for fall with my fave pink cardigan), flip flops for Ronnie and some beer boxers for me (yes, for me. because they're so damn comfy as pj's. and duh I love beer :). I also found Violet a couple of cute tank tops for next summer and some Halloween jammies for her and her cousin Milo. All for only $44, y'all!
So FYI, Old Navy lets you use three discounts at once. They had a 10% off totals over $50 offer so I got that and I also used the $5 off $25 code from the Old Navy app and one of my $5 rewards certificates. Then after all of that, I also got $20 in "Super Cash" to use in September (I have $30 more from a previous purchase too!). Gawd I love Old Navy!

Then there's Target, my other lovah. I've been ogling these two dresses for a while and decided I would finally bite the bullet. But once I was there, I couldn't freaking decide between the two! So what's a girl to do but turn to Instagram for help! The verdict was half coral, half blue. ha! (Seriously - thanks for the help, ladies!!)

I should've just waited to decide after trying them on because my mom pooch decided for me. Let's just say that a bright color like coral + clingy fabric across mah belly = no bueno. So I decided blue - especially with a cardigan, that'll be cute for Fall! But I still didn't buy one. Why, you ask? Because, my friends, I saw that other summer dresses had recently been put on sale so I'm going to hold out until this one's marked down!

I moved on and found Ronnie scoping out clothes for V (I love that even though he hates shopping, he always wants to buy HER stuff!) and he had this adorable sweater dress in his hands. Hello, soul mate. How did he know I was looking for something just like that!?! It matched perfectly with the little boots I had bought from Old Navy while I was pregnant! I bought them with her first Thanksgiving outfit in mind - I just didn't have the outfit. Now I do (for only 15 dollas!) and I'm kinda dying just picturing her in this and some little tights for her first Thanksgiving! ;)

So maybe I have a problem or maybe it's because I can finally buy for Fall but I'm getting the shopping bug BAD lately and loving what's out there!!! Tell me what good deals you've found recently!

my thursday thoughts

Oh Friday, you are so close I can taste you!
(What does Friday taste like? Like pure goodness!)

-So I finally bit the bullet and changed my Twitter handle. I'm now @colormejesss. Yeah yeah, I had to do the triple S thing but I wanted the name so badly, y'all!

-I love my daughter more than words can say but dang she is hard work. I daydream about the day when I'll sleep again. zzzzz...

-Have y'all seen that Secret Starbucks menu floating around on Pinterest? Well, according to every article I've read about it, DO NOT TRY AND ORDER THEM BY NAME! You will look like a dumb dumb! Instead, know the ingredients and ask for those specifically. You're welcome.

-I have an awful zit on my chin that will not effing go away. Help, please! I need ideas.

-I'm so jealous of a girl who works in my building who always has the best outfits and knows how to color block like it's her job! Yesterday she had on all kinds of blues and purples with awesome purple heels just like these. Girl was rocking it!

-Why is it that right when you think you're gonna have a little extra money, you have to spend it on something boring like new tires and tune ups? Ugh. I'm selfish and wanna spend my money on myself, ya know?

-Do any of y'all watch Dallas?? Holy finale twist, man! Please tell me if you watch it so we can chat. I don't know anyone who watches it!

-I've already started listening to this. Don't judge. It makes me happy :)

-Not making me happy? My baby sister leaves for college in Corpus Christi next week. I'm so excited for her but I'm being an overprotective big sis who doesn't want to see her go. She was just a chubby, giggling baby! :(

Isn't she gorgeous? I just love her and I'm already missing her so much! :(

What's going on with y'all today?

My IKAT obsession

I'm so behind on the ikat trend and yeah it's the popular thing to love (aside from chevron and bubble necklaces!) but it's just so pretty. I mean obviously I love color! And eclectic and even a bit ethnic patterns are totally my thing too.

There are just so many ikat beauties I want right now. Some, attainable. Some, well they'll never ever be within my little ol' South Texas budget but who said I can't look?! ;)


Ikat Mugs, Set of 2

$11.98





Rosanna Ikat Red Pouch
$24.00



Clairebella Monogram Cutting Board
$42.00-53.00

Ikat bracelet (in 3 different colors!)
$58.00

Ikat dot pattern tote
$95.00

Set of Two - Adras Ikat - Decorative Pillows
$180.00

Slipper Chair - Indigo Ikat
$369.00

Raspberry Ikat Pull-Up Chair
$1,298.00

^^Isn't this one especially gorgeous?!^^

A couple of these FOR SURE are making it onto my 30th b-day wish list
(just over a month away. eek!)!

What trend are you in love with right now?

P.S. I just want to say thank you and WELCOME to all of my newest followers. I'm at 190 now and am in serious shock over that (I know, every blogger says that)! Truly though, it means a lot to me so thanks!

*edit* Lost a follower yesterday so I'm really only at 189. That's ok though ;)
As a token of my appreciation, I want to have an awesome giveaway when I hit 200 followers! So spread the word and also if you have an Etsy shop  and would be willing to help a sista out with the giveaway, let me know! ;)

Just some thoughts in my brain

-Can you believe tomorrow is AUGUST? It gets me excited for Fall. Like goosebumps excited. I can't wait to have my house smelling so cinnamon-ey all the time and I can't wait to be able to take Violet out on nightly, breezy walks. I'm getting tingly just typing this.

-It's still hot as shit though and will be for a long while so I really need more summery clothes. I lost 10 lbs. after the pancreatitis debacle and my usual size was already feeling big so now I think I need a size smaller. woohoo! I'm seriously eyeing this dress from Target (in both colors!) and these new tops at Old Navy.

-Which reminds me, don't get an Old Navy credit card unless you have self control and won't buy everything in sight just because you now have the card. Just saying, I know of a girl who's done that.

-I was reaquainted with this song the other day and can't stop listening to it yet again. If you listen in, the actual song starts at 1:30 and is just the best. I catch myself humming it to Violet all the time now <3

-There are just 49 days until my 30th birthday. Happy for the celebration and giftage, sad because I'm leaving behind my 20s. No big deal.

-I'm finally meeting my bloggy friend KERBI tonight!!! There are so few SA bloggers (that I've found at least) so I'm glad to have such a sweet friend nearby and I mean, really nearby. We live like 10 minutes from each other! Tonight we dine on Mexican food and drink margaritas!

-Ronnie always texts me random pictures of V during the day and I got this one yesterday with the message "Twins". Pay no attention to my lovely face, mid talking. But we are kinda twinsies, no?

:)

Baubles Before Baby

Thank you 100x over for all the sweet comments yesterday. I'm not feeling so hot lately with gaining 19 lbs. and while I *know* that's not a lot, being an overweight girl to begin with, it's been killer. I never appreciated my plus sized pre-baby body but now I'm just dying to get back there! and then lose some more of course...which only makes me think of SHOPPING!!

I've been dying to buy some cute Spring clothes but I know I should wait until my body adjusts to well, whatever it's going to look like after this baby girl is outta mah belly! I know I won't go back to my usual squishy self, this will be a totally different squishy self! ha! So I'm gonna hold off on buying clothes and for now just stock up on my favorite thing to shop for, jewelry! Jewerly is something that looks great no matter your size ;)
So all of the stuff I'm eyeing right now is from Bauble Bar. They did not ask me to post this, I'm only doing it because I love the products on their site! If you aren't signed up, do it now. The prices are so affordable AND you'll get $10 off your first order!

And if you didn't already know, I'm obsessed with COLOR. And as a kid of the 80's, I tend to lean towards neons a lot and Bauble Bar actually has a neon section that is to die for...so check these babies out! ;)

Crayola Links Necklace $26
I used to have one just like this but have no idea where it went so I might need to replace it with this one! :p

Octagon Initial Bracelet $50.00

I'd love this with a "V"! The colors are customizable too!

Acrylic Monogram - Medium $56.00

This I am just fully obsessed with!! They have a few different colors and I would love one with baby girl's initials.

Studded Ring Duo $62

I'm still loving the double ring look and this one's pretty edgy which I like ;)

 

Gem Stoned Drop Earrings $26

These are SO 80's right? Love it! They come in pink too.

Cord and Chain Bangle $38

It's like a grownup version of those corded friendship bracelets from back in the day. LOVE!

Phospho Necklace $38

These necklaces are everywhere lately and I've been wanting one so bad!

Atari Glam Cuff $38

Love the chunky stones in this one! It comes in pink/orange too.

So what do you think? Are you a fan of neon??

There's more where that came from so go sign up and start shopping!
Tell your hubbies I said it was ok ;)

Target Tuesday

When I decide I want something new, whatever it is, it becomes all I can think about.

Until I finally get that something new. At which point, Ronnie can return to his normal life, where he doesn't have to hear me talk about stuff he could give a crap cares oh-so-much about :D At least until I find something else to be obsessed with. {Poor guy.}

So right now, my obsession happens to be with purses. Not that I NEED a new purse for summer but you know how I roll - I likes to spend the money! And I blame Target for being an enabler. Target can do no wrong, you know?

Check out what I'm loving and Link up too!

Merona Tote - Pink/Purple

Nicole Lee U.S.A. Two Tone Dot Satchel - Blue

Merona Crossbody - Yellow

Nicole Lee U.S.A. Laser Cut Tote - White

{Who is this awesome Nicole Lee and why are her bags only available online?!}

Mossimo Supply Co. Double Handle Handbag - Blue

What are you loving at Target on this wonderful Tuesday?

{Besides, just about EVERYTHING!! :)}

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Also, I'd like to thank Kit for hosting her amazing giveaway week last week!
I won Friday's giveaway and am super duper excited about it!!
Check out her blog and wish her a Happy 1 year Blogiversary :D