I try my best everyday to spend a least a few moments counting the things I am thankful for and being thanksgiving today I thought I'd share a few of the things that I am most thankful for in life....

I am thankful for 

- My husband. Steadfast, caring and always willing to "listen" to me. Even if it's a 45 minute rant about work the minute I walk in the door. He smiles, gives me a kiss and apologizes for the craziness I just underwent for 13 hours. 

- My son. My precious, first born son. I will never be able to put into words how incredibly grateful I am for this boy. He is by far my largest blessing in life. He challenges me, keeps me on my toes and some days downright frustrates me but the smiles, hugs and silliness certainly make up for it. 

- My family. My mom, dad, brother, sisters. Though there has been times though out life that we haven't been close. And times we probably downright loathed each other in the end we are always there. In times of joy. In times of sorrow. We come together and all the disagreements, pinches and stolen toys are forgotten. 

- My nursing license. I fought hard for 4 years to earn this for myself. The days where crazy and the nights spent studying in hopes of passing the next test. The weeks often turned into 60+ hour weeks with work, classes, preceptor-ships, clinicals and studying but I made it through. And now I'm able to help save lives. I'm able to comfort family in times of need. I'm able to hold the hands of the dying as they take their last breath. I'm able to see patients come back from strokes, heart attacks, addictions and dreadful diagnoses. 

- My home. While we're trying to sell to move onto bigger and better this house stores so many memories for us. 135 will forever be in my heart as our first home. 

- My friends. I don't see them near as often as I'd like but when we get together it's like we never missed a beat. I know these girls would be there in an instant for me if I needed them and for that I am grateful. 

Those are just a few of the things I'm grateful for in my life. There are so, so many more but those are the ones nearest and dearest to my heart! 

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A {26th} Birthday Wrap-Up

I feel like there's one word that sums up my 26th birthday...perfect. I had three days off of work (Saturday-Monday) and I am always a fan of that happening.  Hubs let me sleep in a bit and I was awoken to my boys giving me a birthday card, an adorable "I love you to the moon & back" necklace and a lovely silver bracelet that reads "Mother's hold their child's hand for a moment but their hearts for a lifetime" So beautiful.

Garrett has been quite the stinker lately with sleeping and picked that particular day to be all off schedule. We'd planned on wandering around some stores that morning but ended up staying in with our feisty little 14 month old. He finally went down for a nap waking up just minutes before we had to leave. Steve had made the plans for our night all on his own and kept them a secret until that very day. It was quite the big deal as he isn't the most patient person when it comes to keeping secrets. In fact, he has a habit of giving me early gifts because he can't contain his excitement of waiting until the actual day for me to open them. 

So, we headed out and dropped Garrett at my parents. He's told me we where just headed to dinner and I was alright with that. I love date nights with my husband and having time alone with him on my birthday was extra special. By this time I knew where he planned on going...to a little town miles and miles South of hometown. The very town where we said our "I do's"...Mayville, WI.

We headed to the Audubon Inn home of Nola North Grille. The Audubon Inn is where we had our rehearsal dinner and where we stayed the weekend of our wedding. It's gone through some massive upgrades and renovations since we where last there but looks aside it holds such a special place in my heart. It was nearing dark by the time we arrived there so I wasn't able to snap many photos but I'll share some off of their website because I just can't not...

Part of the upgrades that The Audubon Inn has went through since we where last there had to do with their restaurant and bar. They've left much of the structure the same but the food and "theme" of the restaurant is vastly different. It's taken on am authentic New Orleans feel. Now, I've never had New Orleans type food so I must say I was a bit leary about this. I am not an adventurous person when it comes to my food. To say that I left there completely in love and perfectly stuffed would be an understatement though, the food was INCREDIBLE! 

We started our night with a couple drinks. Spotted Cow beer for the husband and a hurricane for me. We knew that dinner was sure to fill us so we skipped the appetizer menu.  

For dinner Steve picked the special which was some sort of salmon over rice topped with shrimp. If I was a better wife I would have paid more attention but in all honesty I was too busy chowing down on my own plate of delicious. I'd picked the Chicken Pontalba. It was a grilled chicken breast atop smoked ham and brabant potatoes topped with a bearnaise sauce. Let me tell you something...HEAVEN ON EARTH! I have never, NEVER had something so delicious in my life! I was stuffed when I finally finished it but kind of wanted them to keep bringing me plates of it. So amazing! We left NOLA happy & stuffed! We took a little drive then through Mayville and up to the golf course where our wedding and reception took place. We joked about crashing the recpetion if there was one happening but sadly there wasn't. 

We headed back to my parents then and picked up Garrett and headed home. We spent the night cuddling on the couch after Garrett went to bed. It was a simple day, spent with the ones I love most!

Shop Spotlight: Sometimes Sweet Studio

What Sometimes Sweet Studio Is Known For || Sometimes Sweet Studio is known for it's mixture of hand made goodness! From hats to garlands, wooden signs to scarves, handbags to string art Sometimes Sweet Studio has something for everyone! Ran by Jessica the shop opened in January 2014 and has been growing ever since! Jessica is such a sweetheart and I've enjoyed getting to know her a bit better though featuring her shop! By day she's an architect and when she found that not to be as creative as she'd hoped she began using her nighttime hours to let her creative juices flow! From that Sometimes Sweet Studio was born! Jessica is also engaged (to her high school sweetheart) and momma to an adorable two year old, Autumn! When she's not busy with all of that she's chasing after her pup, Jack and doing a little blogging as well! 

My Favorite Products || I love the sign that Jessica sent us! It is such a lovely addition to our holiday decor. I love that it's a bit rustic with the wood but yet a bit modern with the straight edges of the vinyl lettering. I think it's one of those items that every year I'm going to have a hard time packing away as I just want to keep it up for ever and ever. But really isn't summer "the most wonderful time of the year" too?! And maybe spring? Autumn?

In addition to that fabulous sign I'm totally digging this chunky knit cowl scarf. I want one in every single color! Seriously though, that'd be heaven around my neck during these Wisconsin winters! While I love all of the string art I keep going back to this Boo string art as my favorite! It's so darn adorable! This Crochet heart garland is a must have for any mantel around Valentine's Day if you ask me! It certainly is on my list of "to-buy's" for our new house (as I'll FINALLY have a mantel!) And, well I could go on for hours about everything I like from her shop but we'll stick with those three for now...

Quality + Craftsmanship || The quality of this sign is superb! The staining and lettering are just perfect! Jessica sent it wrapped up pretty with a personalized note so I know that she really puts her heart into her work! Something I greatly admire about small businesses!

Overall Opinion l l On top of a wide variety of items to choose from, great quality and craftsmanship Jessica is also such a dear to work with! She's up for customization on her signs and was ever so happy to change it up a bit to better fit my style. Her items also ship so quickly, just 3-5 days for her wooden signs! 

Value + Recommendation l l Sometimes Sweet Studio joins the list as another Etsy shop I'd highly recommend! I really feel like you won't be disappointed with any purchase! I'm fairly certain that her signs would make wonderful Christmas gifts as well! Hint, hint to those who need to do some shopping still!

Giveaway || Jessica is graciously giving away one of her wood & vinyl holiday signs! Enter via Rafflecopter below. Winner will be verified. Also, if you're looking to pick up a Christmas gift for someone on your list (or just want to buy yourself something wonderful) feel free to use the code: DANCE10 for 10% off your order! And if you're even more into deals keep an eye open for special Black Friday sales & coupon codes! ;) Your welcome my friends!
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Five On Friday

Oh Friday, how I do love thee! I work today but have off the weekend and for that I am grateful! It's actually my 26th birthday tomorrow and while I don't have a clue what we're doing I know that hubby has a surprise up his sleeve...

- One - And what would a birthday be without birthday treats? I whipped up these Melt in Your Mouth Pumpkin Cookies yesterday to bring to my co-workers. I'd never made them before so here's hoping they enjoy them! 

- Two - Christmas shopping is in full swing! There's been packages arriving everyday for the last week and there's TONS more coming as I am a huge fan of online shopping (especially with a toddler in the mix!) I love finding great deals online and stacking it with savings from Ebates! It allows me to get a bit more for every person on my list all while saving money! 

- Three - We went shopping for bridesmaid dresses for my sister's wedding last weekend and I'm thrilled with her pick! Her wedding is in May and she'd picked navy as her color. We headed to the local bridal shop and found the most wonderful dress in record time. Here's the winner: 

It will of course be navy in color but how gorgeous is that?! I am a HUGE fan of anything lace so the dress is right up my alley! Plus, I feel like it's something that I could probably wear again in the future...not like the typical bridesmaid dresses that get stuck in the back of a closet.

- Four - Question for y'all. Know of any great fleece lined leggings? I've been on the hunt for some that aren't athletic version as I'd really like some to wear under sweater dress & tunics this winter. Wisconsin gets so cold that regular leggings certainly won't cut it! I'd love to know your favorite brands!

- Five -  I feel like the goodness just keeps on comin' here this holiday season and this lastest excitement leaves nothing to spare! Advocare just released their newest (limited edition) Meal Replacement Shakes in White Chocolate Peppermint! Can I get a heck yeah?! Seriously, how much more wonderful could life get? Healthy and delicious is totally the way to go if you ask me! If you're interested in purchasing some just give me a shout! I'll warn your though, they sell out fast! The Pumpkin Spice ones sold out in just two weeks this past fall! 

Also, don't forget to enter the SkinFood By Tanya giveaway! Her products are 100% organic and do NOT disappoint!

Shop Spotlight: SkinFood By Tanya

What SkinFood By Tanya Is Known For || SkinFood By Tanya is a shop which sells 100% organic beauty and skin care items. Tanya works as an animal nurse by day but starting creating her own skin care items when her first child was an infant. He seemed to be allergic to most everything she tried on his fragile skin so she began creating his lotions out of top grade organic ingredients. His skin was instantly! Now, as a momma to a 2 year old with her second baby on the way her creation list has grown and grown! Her shop is filled with mainly beauty needs but she also creates their own laundry detergent, carpet powder, hand soap, all purpose cleaners, skin/shower scrubs, bath bombs & floor cleaner! Making needed items is something I really admire and that's what attracted me to her shop! 

What Sets SkinFood By Tanya Apart? || Tanya's body butters, lip balms, foot scrubs, facial scrubs & body butters are made out of 100% organic ingredients. No artificial scents. No artificial colors. Just 100% what it reads on the tag. I would say the varitey of her shop is what sets her apart from so many others. She offers facial scrubs, foot scrubs, lip balms, deodorants, shaving creams and more in her shop with so many choices for scents! 

My Favorite Products || Tanya sent me quite a few items to review! And all of the them where great! She sent us the Anti-chap Lip Balm in Peppermint, the Lemony Face Scrub in Tea Tree, the Whipped Body Butter, the Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass, the Whipped Aloe Shave Cream & the Sweet-N-Tangy Raw Honey Scrub. 

Out of all of the items I have certainly picked a few favorites! The lip balm quickly became a favorite of mine. I love the peppermint scent and I love the way it leaves my lips feeling-fresh and soft! I also love the facial scrub! My skin is especially sensitive and picky so I was a bit hesitant to use this on my face. And let me tell you...I love it! In all of the products I've tried this one certainly ranks in the top! It leaves my skin so refreshed and clean looking! And it always feels so, so soft after I use it! The shaving cream is also another favorite of mine!

Quality + Craftsmanship || I love that with each item Tanya includes an ingredient list. We've grown quite fond of organic items and knowing exactly what we're putting in/using on our bodies here at the M household so it's a no brainier that Tanya's shop would certainly be a great fit for us! I'm sure that anyone would be able to find something in her shop that they love though as she has such a variety! And keep your eyes open because she let me in on a little secret...there's new items to come! 

Overall Opinion l l  I love SkinFood! I love Tanya's ambition and yearning to do better for herself, her family and her customers! I love that she works, is a mother (to almost two) and finds time of the side to create such wonderful beauty items! 

Value + Recommendation l l I (of course) would recommend Tanya's shop to each of you! So many times you pay a great deal for organic beauty products but that's another perk of her shop! It's so affordable! I mean lip balm for $2?! Deal! She has many different sizes and scents to choose from so there really is something for everyone here! 

Giveaway || Tanya is graciously giving one of you lucky readers the chance to win a $20 shop credit! It can be used for anything you'd like in her shop! You choose the goods. You choose the scents! Can't get any better than that right? She is also offering 10% off any order for my readers! Just comment below if you're interested in using the discount and we'll be in touch!

Enter via Raffelcopter below. Winner will be verified.
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Finish This

And, it's officially offical! The ground here in Wisco is officially covered in white! There's been big fluffy snowflakes coming down all morning and while it's lovely coming from the sky it's the collection on the ground that drives me a little batty. I'm spending the day today taking down all of our autum decor and fighting the itch to deck the halls. I mean if it's going to look like Christmas/winter outside it should probably look the same inside right?! I thought we'd spend the day with another round of Finish This-talking about my favorite...traveling! 

1. If I could fly to any destination tomorrow, I’d go to...Rome. While there are so, SO many places that I'm dying to travel to Rome has always been at the top of my list! I love looking at photos of the architecture, the views, the food & the culture of Rome just seems so incredible to me. If I had to pick somewhere a bit closer to home I'd pick California. I've yet to make it there and it's another place that I'm fascinated with. I'd love to see wine country, the Redwoods, Hollywood and all of the other great tourist spots of Cali! 

2. My best advice for traveling is...dress comfy, pack light & go with the flow! I am a believer that traveling should be relaxing! I love to sight see but making extensive plans for a vacation just isn't me. I like to be able to wander, to stop and check interesting things out along the way without worrying about being late to the next adventure. 

3. I like to travel because...seeing new sites is so invigorating. Trying new things is sometimes out of my comfort zone but while on vacation I'm usually more open and willing to try things that I usually wouldn't.

November 17th

November 17th takes the cake as one of the most difficult days in my life, ever. It is the day that six years ago I said goodbye to one of my best friends. Killed in a tragic car accident there was no goodbye hugs, no I love you's, no final words. There was just a call saying she was gone. 

It's hard for me to swallow the fact that it's been six years for it feels like both yesterday and so, so long ago that I was listening to her speak in her silly British accent. It feels like just yesterday we had our usual all night text sessions. It feels like just yesterday I got a big ole hug accompanied by a "I love you sis". And then again, it feels like 100 years ago. 

Either way, just yesterday or 100 years ago I miss this girl like crazy. I miss the laughter. The honesty. The silly jokes. Her passion to help others. I miss her. 

Miss you & Love you Little "Sister"
You are and forever will be in my heart. 

Shop Spotlight: Carolyn Nealen Cloth, LLC

What Is Carolyn Nealen Cloth, LLC Known For || Carolyn is a work from home momma using her quite moments to create some of the most wonderful handmade baby items. She opened her shop, Carolyn Nealen Cloth, LLC in May 2013 and since it has grown to be filled with many whimsical-modern items, many of which are made with high quality natural cotton. From headbands to swaddles, sheets to leggings, library bags to teethers there are so, SO many wonderful items in her shop!

What Sets Carolyn Nealen Cloth, LLC Apart? || Carolyn uses some of the most vibrant, unique fabrics that I've seen! Her Christmas line is one that my heart can hardly handle as it is filled with so much goodness! As I mentioned above, Carolyn hand makes each item on her own. I have such respect for mommas who run shops from their homes, during those quite moments which sometimes are so rare! 

My Favorite Products || Carolyn graciously sent the most adorable owl library bag and mint herringbone teether to review. The teething ring is made of all natural wood and fabric which of course is super important to me! We try to be as natural/organic as possible with Garrett so her teethers are definitely some of the "must haves" on our baby list! And the library bag? Swoon! I am overly obsessed with it! I am an owl fan through and through and this bag just makes my heart happy! We've gotten so many compliments on it! Just yesterday we headed to the library and Garrett insisted on stuffing his little stuffed pup "Slush" in it. Talk about cute! He filled it with Christmas books and was ever so happy to dig his books out of his bag once we arrived home! 

Those certainly aren't the only things I love in Carolyn's shop though! In fact, there are many items that I'd love to have in our home! I'm a firm believer that every momma should have a wetbag in their diaper bag! They are perfect to toss soiled clothes, diapers or a wet swim suit in! And this Heat-Sealed Ellie Family Wetbag does not disappoint! I mean how cute are those little elephants?! The Coral Tribal and Mint and Gray Chevron Handbands are on the order list should we ever have a daughter! I'm fairly certain that this Christmas Tree Teether should be in every little one's stocking this year! I am in love with the colors in that fabric-so vibrant and cheerful! As this Gray Tribal swaddle? Perfect gift for those baby showers! 

Quality + Craftsmanship || The quality of Carolyn's items is impeccable! Seriously, the teether and library bag are some of the highest quality items I've ever received from a shop! It's easy to see that she really gives her all into her creations!

Overall Opinion l l Carolyn's shop has quickly become one of my favorites! Her items are unique, 1-of-a-kind and so well made that topping her seems impossible! She is also so easy and wonderful to work with! Her shop has such a wide variety but she's also open to custom creations which is something that I value in shops that I work with/buy from! She is such a sweetheart all around!

Value + Recommendation l l If you haven't picked up from all my gushing above I obviously would highly recommend Carolyn's shop! The items are great, the prices are fair and I'm sure that you'll love whatever you order from her!

Giveaway || Carolyn is graciously giving away a $25 credit to her shop! Enter via Rafflecopter below! Giveaway will be open for one week! Entries will be verified! Good luck! 
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Finish This

How is it possible that it's already the middle of November? Didn't we just start 2014 like yesterday? I feel that the older I get the faster the days go. It's a scary realization because in all honestly these are the days I'd like most to savor. It's Wednesday and I'm working today so I'm taking the easy route with today's post. Another episode of Finish This: 

The best physical feature on my body is... I've never really had a favorite feature on my body. I'm certainly not in love with my (lack of) boobs, I usually feel like my arms are too long for my body and my legs slightly resemble a chicken's. I've never thought I was ugly I suppose but there's never been an area of my body that I would claim as my "best". Until quite recently when I realized that my little self has been developing some muscle, it's not much but here's a recent photo: 

I'm a little proud of it. Now to get a little more definition in those abs. Where oh where did that eight pack I had during my dancing days go? Oh, and I can't complain about my tush these days either. It's got a nice little shape going on ;)

The best physical feature on my spouse’s body is... His arms. Talk about a turn on ;) Now, I have to clause this and say that I've never been attracted to the big, over ripped sort of men. But I do appreciate a little gun action under the shirt sleeves. And hubby, he's got it. Just the way I like it. 

Have a great rest of the week friends! I just have to get through today and I have four days off work! FOUR! Thanks goodness! I am so ready for that!