A Practical Mother's Day Wishlist

Every year Adam asks be for a Mother's Day wishlist.  Some people might think it's dumb that I essentially pick out my own gift, but I love it.  If we're going to spend the money on something I would rather he pick out something I've been eyeing anyways.  Given that Adam has been unemployed the month of April, I have kept this list pretty practical.

1 | I've been eyeing this mirror since we moved to this house in 2018.  It would look perfect between our kitchen and living room.  It's a darker area {I realize this is relative since we have 20945098345 windows in our house and nobody would ever call it dark} and would add so much to the space.

2| I have Joanna's original cookbook and {aside from the fact I had to buy a stand to keep it open!} I love it!  Every recipe we've tried has been amazing, so I really want to check out her new cookbook!

3| Super practical, but I want to start replacing all of the doorknobs in our house {okay, maybe a little impractical since the doorknobs we currently have work, but these are adorable and fit the 'look' of our house so much more!}  I would love 4 more to complete the top floor of the house!  Bonus that they're currently on sale!

+ I would also love a few hanging ferns for the porch!
+ This would look so good with the rest of our travel decor.
+ This cheese board would look awesome in our kitchen.
+ I have also wanted this book for so long!
+ Two of these would be great for our out of control silverware drawer!
+ Now that we've painted the cabinets & redone the counter top, I've been eyeing this backsplash

+ A splurge that I wouldn't be sad about ;)
+ Speaking of splurge, a totally indulgent thing that the kids and I can get enough of is this towel warmer, currently on sale for $75!  The kids have been begging me to get them one for their bathroom.  It might be out of season, but if you're trying to buy for a mother that has it all, I would encourage you to look at this!
+ Now that I've completely transitioned to splurges, this necklace has been on my wishlist for a few years now & a couple of these chairs would be perfect for our back deck!  And if this would ever come back in stock, I would love to add it to our kitchen!

How my 'No Online Purchases in February' is going...

I had to order the following from Zappos because they were truly necessities -- Adam's work shoes got a hole in them and Jordyn's snowpants no longer fit {a necessity for February in Iowa}

Snowpants | Shoes

The following are 20 of the 37 things currently in my Amazon cart that it's killing me not to pull the trigger on... 

Blanket | Table Topics | Book | Under-eye Creme | Swing | Tile Cleaning Power Tool | Car seat gap filler | Mirror | Diffuser | Clothing Rack | Empowering Notes for Kids | Skirt | Swimsuit Cover Up | Shoes | Toilet Paper Holder | Watch Band | Champagne Straws | Color by Sticker | Pajamas | Valentine Book

19 for 2019

Celebrate 10 years of marriage

Complete a daily devotional

Cook more dinners & meal plan weekly

Finish Jordyn & Cullyn's baby books {18mo-6/7yrs}

Make a life journal

Monthly dates with Adam

Paint kitchen cabinets

Paint upstairs doors white

Read 50 books

Read the bible to the kids
{Re}learn the Books of the Bible song

Replace bathroom doors w/ barn doors

Run a marathon

SAVE & pay off car

Send more paper mail

Start 'Self-care Sundays'

Take cabinetry to garage

Take Lola on more walks

Travel to a new state

Bucket List Update

Bucket List {Updated}
Originally posted September 2010

Get married
Become a mama
Get my MBA
Purchase a house
Travel to New York [& see all the touristy stuff]
Take the kids to see the 7 Wonders of the US
Join a book club
Go to an NFL game
Run a 5K
Make $100k myself
Go sailing
Go to a MLB game
Start a Business
Go to Fiji, Bora Bora, and Turks & Caicos
See the Grand Canyon
Travel to Europe & Australia
See Mt. Rushmore
Have a picnic in Central Park
RV to the Yellowstone
Drive a motorcycle
Paddleboard
Swim with Dolphins
Hop on a plane spontaneously {for fun}
Drive through Vermont in the Fall
Enjoy wine country with Adam
Run a half marathon
Spend a Christmas/New Years at a cabin in Colorado
Parasail
Zip line through the jungle
Shop on Rodeo Drive
Ride at least one day of RAGBRAI
Give a stranger $100
Shoot a gun
Visit Time's Square on NYE
Travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras
See Las Vegas at night
Go on an African Safari
Take a vacation by myself
Go to the Kentucky Derby
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
See the Boston Marathon
Eat along the NE coast with Adam
Swim in the Pacific Ocean
Travel to/through all 50 states..
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Is there anything else I need to add to this list? Something you've done that is a must?

Mother's Day Wish List

Hammock | Sleep Mask | Picnic Blanket | Diffuser | Jojoba Oil

I could also use an insulated waterbottle, a bike light, a lawn edger, or this plastic wrap cover.

I usually dream of sleeping in a being served breakfast in bed, but we'll be gone over Mother's Day this year, so I know that isn't realistic.  Nor is my wish of one day with zero arguments between my children. #Someday ;)  At any rate, here are a few things off my 'wishlist' this year.
What is everyone else asking for these days?

Previous Mother's Day Wishlists

2015 | 2014 | 2013

Mother's Day Gift Guide $20-50

We have been so incredibly busy this April, that Mother's Day totally snuck up on me!  How is it next weekend already?  We have been so blessed this year {a new house, a new car, a dream vacation}, that I truly don't expect anything this year.  In fact, a nice brunch with my family {who happens to be in town next weekend} and an afternoon nap would make my weekend perfect!  However, that doesn't stop me for sharing a few things I've been eyeing! :)

Shirt | Earrings | Flowers | Necklace

Earrings | I've been loving all of the druzy jewels lately!  And with a $20 price tag, I'm all in!
Shirt | Anyone that knows me know I love tees, and hashtags, and anything mom related, so this is exactly what my yoga pants have been asking for!
Necklace | I've been dreaming of a necklace like this since I had Jordyn write 'GRAM' and made into a necklace for my mama.  I would LOVE one with her little capslock handwriting that says MAMA.  While you couldn't get it here before Mother's Day, I promise, this necklace is worth the wait!
Flowers | Who doesn't love flowers on any Mother's Day?  These are adorable, eco friendly, and last forever!  Use code 'ECO25' for 25% off!

*None of these products are sponsored in any way!  They're just a few things I been loving, purchased for a gift, or seen from a friend. 

House Projects

Operation 'make this house a home'...

Outside

Re-side

Build a playhouse for J
Get a swing-set for C

Inside

New white interior doors

New white trim

New hardwood everywhere {except the living room}

New living room carpet

Dining

New Kitchen Table

Add chair rail

Kitchen

In the very long run, I would like to update all of this

Hardware for the cupboards until then

Living

New Furniture
White build-ins around the tv/fireplace

70" TV 

Other projects

Paint the laundry room 

Paint the garage

Add a stand up shower to the downstairs {guest}bathroom

New flooring for our bathroom

All bathrooms could use new sink/vanities
Purchase a white Dresser for J

Bucket List | 2015 Update

It's year end, so I thought it would be an appropriate time to update my bucket list.  This year I was able to give a stranger $100 &ride a day of RAGBRAI.  If 2016 goes as planned, I'll be turning 30 in NYC & spending some time in the Turks & Caicos.
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Bucket List [Updated]
Originally posted September 2010

Get married
Become a mama
Get my MBA
Purchase a house
Travel to New York [& see all the touristy stuff]
Take the kids to see the 7 Wonders of the US
Join a book club
Go to an NFL game
Run a 5K
Make $100k myself
Go sailing
Go to a MLB game
Start a Business
Go to Fiji, Bora Bora, and Turks & Caicos
Travel to Europe & Australia
See Mt. Rushmore
Have a picnic in Central Park
Drive a motorcycle
Paddleboard
Swim with Dolphins
Hop on a plane spontaneously {for fun}
Drive through Vermont in the Fall
Enjoy wine country with Adam
Run a half marathon
Spend a Christmas/New Years at a cabin in Colorado
Parasail
Zip line through the jungle
Shop on Rodeo Drive
Ride at least one day of RAGBRAI
Give a stranger $100
Shoot a gun
Visit Time's Square on NYE
Travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras
See Las Vegas at night
Go on an African Safari
Take a vacation by myself
Go to the Kentucky Derby
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
See the Boston Marathon
Eat along the NE coast with Adam
Swim in the Pacific Ocean
Travel to/through all 50 states..
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Is there anything else I need to add to this list? Something you've done that is a must?

Toddler Gift Guide

How is it December already?!

Table & Chairs | Wooden Tools | TEGU Blocks | Lovie | c/o Felt Matching Game | Travel Chalkboard | Art Easel | Wooden Gun |  IG Camera | Slingshot | 

If you're looking for a gift for a toddler this holiday season, here are a few of our favorites.  Everything listed here is under $50.  As you know, we're into {wooden & metal} unisex toys for the most part.  The table & chair set and art easel are especially cheap & are a blank canvas to fit your space since they're easily paintable. We don't have the travel chalk board, but we're in the car {10+ hours each week right now & my kids love chalk, so I think we're going to need to get a set of those asap.  We already have a teepee, kitchen and many dolls and accessories, so this year we're adding more cars {we already have this and these and a bunch of these Wonderworld vehicles}and a car mat to the mix, sleeping bags, and a doll house for Jordyn, &  tons of TEGU blocks {they're wooden and magnetic and awesome for building--I can't wait!}  I would still like to get them some superhero capes.  We got the felt matching game set {& a few other games like Trouble, Hungry Hippos, etc.} for Jordyn since she loves learning so much.  Plus we can teach Cullyn to count with them {double win!} Adam and I are also throwing around the idea of a real guitar for the kids to learn on.  Because our house is so quiet & all.  Ha!

When Jordyn was born, we started the Something you Want, Something you Need, Something to Wear, Something to Read {plus a large, unwrapped gift from 'Santa' & stocking stuffers}.  Oh, and a special gift from the elves on Christmas Eve {jammies, a movie or game, & hot cocoa}  We've always been into quality over quantity, so it's been perfect for our family.  And since we were living in a condo, and now we're all in the {1400 sq. ft.} lakehouse, space has always been an issue. 

My favorite Toddler Gift Guide & Stocking Stuffers {from last year}

A few more ideas here and here.

Birthday Wishlist | Me

My birthday is coming, less than a week away already.  It really snuck up on me this year!  I suppose it's because we're crazy busy or maybe it's because we won't be celebrating on my birthday {I decided to book a last minute wedding instead of going to the Ozarks with friends}  Regardless, I'm just hoping to spend Sunday with my family and be able to eat cake with my kids. :)  With all that's going on, we decided not to do gifts, but I still have to post a wishlist because I've been craving shopping so terribly lately!  So get ready, these requests are all over the board...

a new cell phone case!  these earrings.  this picnic blanket.  a necklace like this. or this.  or this. or this. or this. the perfect glass cake stand & lid {yet to be found}.  some new shirts {also yet to be found}.  these distressed shorts.  this handmade beach tote.  a shawl like this. a new suit jacket.  these lounge pants {I just made my first Lululemon purchase and I am HOOKED!  This is not going to be good!} patio furniture like this. Keens.  Bike Shorts. I need a light for my bike & an insulated water bottle. Plus a Kayak or Paddleboard {I've contacted someone off Craigslist about a kayak, but I'm waiting to hear back}

How's that for 'not doing gifts' {eek!} On a positive note, I've got a great start on my Christmas list! ;)

My Mother's Day Wishlist

Necklace | Candle | Earrings | Bar Cart

I always feel silly thinking of what I want for Mother's Day since it really is just a honor to be a mama, but if I don't have something in mind, Adam will just keep asking, so it's best to just make a list. :)

Other gifts that didn't make the list...golf clubs, a gray couch for the lakehouse, a bike {for Adam, so we can go on family bike rides}, a heart rate monitor for my Garmin watch, a giftcard for a mani/pedi, or facial, & flowers.

My dream day...sleeping in {unlikely since we'll be staying in a hotel out of town with the kids}.  Brunch on the patio.  Perfect weather {duh!}.  No fighting from my kids {I wish!} A picnic dinner with Adam & the kids.

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Mother's Day 2014 -- My favorite one to date!
2014 Wishlist
Mother's Day 2013
Mother's Day 2012 -- My 1st!

2012 Wishlist
2011 Wishlist

Cullyn's Birthday Wishlist | 2 Years

Keen Sandals | RoseArt Sidewalk Chalk Paint | Boon Snack Box | Plexiglass Easel | OK to Wake Alarm Clock

One month from today, we'll be celebrating Cullyn's 2nd Birthday!

I know it sounds silly to label this Cullyn's wishlist considering he will only be two and wouldn't care if he got anything at all, but since family is always asking for ideas, I try to come up with a few things I think he needs/would like.  

The truth is, he has everything he needs and more already, so this basically a list of luxury gifts that we don't already have.  Aside from the sandals, which are a legit need, the rest are just things I think he {and his sister would like}.  He got these same sandals for his 1st birthday and wore them all.the.time!  We'll be getting him {them} new beds/bedding for their room.  Since we will be transitioning him out of his bed {next week}, I think the alarm clock that changes color when it's an acceptable time to get up will be helpful.  The kids love art & being outside, so I'm positive the chalk paint will be a hit!  Since we take picnics {all the time!} I know the Boon Snack boxes will be loved!  As for the plexiglass art easel, I'm assuming he won't get one {they're so expensive, and time consuming to make}, but he {they} played with one this weekend and absolutely loved it!  

Bucket List | 2014 Update

Since all of our summer activities allowed me to cross so much off my bucket list, I figured it was time for an update.  Plus it's 11/11, which means make a wish, so it got me dreaming.  It looks like I have a lot more traveling to do! :)
--------------------------------------------------------
Bucket List [Updated]
Originally posted September 2010

Get married
Become a mama
Get my MBA
Purchase a house
Travel to New York [& see all the touristy stuff]
Take the kids to see the 7 Wonders of the US
Join a book club
Go to a NFL game
Run a 5K
Make $100k myself
Go sailing
Go to a MLB game
Start a Business
Go to Fiji & Bora Bora
Travel to Europe & Australia
See Mt. Rushmore
Have a picnic in Central Park
Drive a motorcycle
Paddleboard
Swim with Dolphins
Hop on a plane spontaneously {for fun}
Drive through Vermont in the Fall
Enjoy wine country with Adam
Run a half marathon
Spend a Christmas/New Years at a cabin in Colorado
Parasail
Zip line through the jungle
Shop on Rodeo Drive
Ride at least one day of RAGBRAI
Give a stranger $100
Shoot a gun
Visit Time's Square on NYE
Travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras
See Las Vegas at night
Go on an African Safari
Take a vacation by myself
Go to the Kentucky Derby
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
See the Boston Marathon
Eat along the NE coast with Adam
Swim in the Pacific Ocean
Travel to/through all 50 states..
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Is there anything else I need to add to this list? Something you've done that is a must?

Birthday Wishlist | 2014 {28 Years}

Pretty much every year I end up making a birthday wishlist.  And even if I don't end up getting anything off of it, I always find it fun{ny} looking back at these lists.

Last year we didn't exchange gifts, instead Adam took me to several different restaurants I had ever been to and we tried all kinds of new food & drinks. I loved this idea and told him I want to do it every year. So, this year, I would be happy trying a few new restaurants again.  However, I would also be happy if we skipped big gifts and fancy restaurants {we've been blessed with several kid-free date nights recently, plus both are every expensive and we've had a spendy summer, and lastly our schedule is just crazy the weekend of my birthday} and instead shared a homemade chocolate {BTS, preferably} cake baked and decorated by my husband and kids.  Two kids sitting on my lap helping me blow out all 28 candles is not optional, but a must!  :)

wishlist 2010 | 24th birthday recap 2010 | wishlist 2011 | 25th birthday recap 2011 | 26th birthday recap 2012 | 27th birthday recap 2013

Mother's Day Wishlist

Update: This was a scheduled post.  Scheduled before we found out we need to buy a new heating and cooling system for the lake house.  So now, I'm dreaming about one night at a hotel {in the area} to sleep and drink wine.  I just want to be selfish for one day!
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With Mother's Day less than 2 weeks away, I'm making my wish list.  I may not have gotten these for Mother's Day last year, but I have gotten all of these since last year.  I'm one spoiled mama! :)  Most everything on my list this year is either running or vacation related since that's what our lives are filled with in 2014. :)

I know many of these items have been popular for years, but until now I haven't had a huge need for a nice coat {hello, I'm always pregnant} or rain boots {I'm learning with photography, these boots are needed!} 

What am I missing... what is on your wish list?!

Mother's Day 2011 | Mother's Day 2012 | Mother's Day 2013 

Fill the Stockings {gift ideas for kids}

I don't know about you, but I'm a last minute stocking stuffer, so if you're on the hunt for last minute gifts, maybe you'll find our gifts helpful.  We kept Christmas pretty simple this year {something to wear, something to read, something to play with, and something they need plus a santa gift of course} and the stockings were no exception, mainly necessities.

Girl::Holiday Cookies, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Music Egg, Silverware, Chapstick & {similar} key

Boy:: Holiday Cookies, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Music Egg, Silverware, & Microphone

Unisex:: Undershirts, Socks, & Twig Color Pencils

I will blog again...

someday!  Until then I'll just use this space to complain about everything…work, weight, friends, money, holidays….

While everyone else is busy seeing taking their kids to see Santa, hanging holiday decor, hosting holiday parties, buying thoughtful, elaborate gifts, and making magical memories...I'll be sitting behind my computer being grumpy and eating my kids Advent chocolates.  The truth is, I have zero motivation for anything right now.  Adam and his dad hung the lights outside at the lake, I threw a little bit of Christmas decor up this weekend, and I've done a decent amount of shopping {from my computer, of course} but other than that…NOTHING!  I just don't 'feel it' this year.  I'm not happy and excited.  I'm broke and exhausted.  I can't even muster the strength to give either of our parents Christmas ideas for me.  It's just that I am so unhappy with how I look that I don't even want to leave my house let alone go and try things on at the store.  Plus everything is so darn expensive that it's hard to justify anything.

If you want my real Christmas list, this would be it…

a weekend in a cozy hotel, out of town, where they would color my hair, massage my body, and bring my room service.  And I could sleep the 'bags under my eyes' away.

or

a weekend by myself at home, where I could sit and finish all of the photo books & blog posts that I've started over the past year.  Where I could actually clean my entire house, like ceiling fans and sheets.  And I could sleep until my heart desired.

I would like all of this without the guilt of being a selfish mom {impossible!} and without feeling like my kids were inconveniencing anyone.  

Mother's Day Wish List

With Mother's Day less than one month away I'm posting my wishlist.  Considering I couldn't think of one thing I wanted for Valentine's Day, I feel like I'm doing GOOD!

[T] Table for the lakehouse | [L] Burley D'Lite Bike Trailer | [R] Tint for my car windows

Help! What are some of your favorite things?

Okay, I realize this sounds totally pathetic, but I can't think of a single thing to put on my Christmas list for those asking this year! Rough problem, right? Here's the deal...

1| I haven't been shopping in months so I don't even know what things are out there.
2| I've never been a very trendy person, so it doesn't lead me to ask for all kinds of things
3| Everything I can think of is too big [read: new doors/windows for the lakehouse, a minivan, new flooring for the condo, etc.]
4| I do want some new clothes and a new winter coat, but I'm really hoping to loose some weight after this baby, so they're pretty pointless purchases right now.
5| I can only think of things to get my child[ren], husband, or home [& nobody better buy me a kitchen appliance for Christmas!].

So...what is on your Christmas List?  Any ideas you can share with me?

Mother's Day Wish List

Is it too early to start my Mother's Day wish list?! :)

A New Lens

$500



Golf Clubs

$200





Backdrop & Stand

$150

Kindle Cover

Gift Card

for Kindle Books

And as always...a massage or pedicure is welcomed! :)

And because I'm old...I would LOVE a minivan or new stove & refrigerator for the lakehouse!

But most of all...I would like some photos of my family...ya know, the 4 of us.  Since we haven't had any taken since J joined the family...LAST FALL!

Photos via