What's Up Wednesday (February 2018)

Well well....it is time for my favorite linkup of the month and I am happy to see that it is one more day closer to Spring!  Can I get an Amen?

Linking up with Shay, Sheaffer and Mel HERE

Here it goes....

What We Are Eating This Week

Still battling coughs and my cold so lots of soup!  I made two homemade soups that we ate last week and can still eat this week

Slow Cooker Detox Cabbage Chicken Soup (I omitted the beans).  Find the recipe HERE and my very own recipe of Spinach and Sweet Potato Soup (will post the recipe soon).  Just what the doctor ordered! We will be away towards the end of the week and it will be restaurant central for our meals

What I'm Reminiscing About

Summer Fun...because I cannot wait for it to be here again!!

What I'm Loving

Election Season in town...I know I have talked about this quite a bit here...it is always so educational and so much fun!

 and....some new beauty products....

Michael Kors Exotic Blossom Perfume- perfect citrus and floral scent for the spring!

Clinique Hydrating Lip Gloss in Caramel Pop

and L'Occitaine Almond Shower Oil- so moisturizing and luxurious!

What We've Been Up To

 Diana has been enjoying voice lessons

We enjoyed a fun family dinner at the Partingtons and the following week we partook in their First Friday of the year!  So much fun with great friends!

Mama enjoyed an overnight in Ogunquit with Besties

While Daddy was away we kept cozy and made our annual Valentine Snack Mix

Mama enjoyed her first book club!

Diana has been rocking the basketball court especially when Big Brother comes to give her pointers

We had a fun day with the Fournier girls as we partook in a fundraiser- Fired Up For Finn!

We did some Valentine baking

and we have been enjoying the Olympics- the USA Girls' Hockey Team taking the Gold was a definite highlight!

We celebrated the beginning of the Lenten season....

Diana has been really enjoying gymnastics

Eva loved having her nails done for the "Dotty Dance"

Daddy and his band enjoyed getting all decked out and playing at a benefit in town

Mama helped Shannon do some campaigning

and Daddy and Eva cut up the rug at the Annual Daddy Daughter Dance!

and last Wednesday here, it hit over 70 degrees and Mama and Jill enjoyed an awesome lunch outside at Red's- pure bliss!

Mama enjoyed wine club and even more so with some new recruits- Cass was the perfect hostess- excited for the next year of learning and laughs!

What I'm Dreading

Nothing at the moment!

What I'm Working On

Some major PTA events right now- Our School Board Candidates Night and our 2nd Annual Educator of the Year Event...lots of work but so much fun at the same time!

What I'm Excited About

Girls' Weekend in Fort Lauderdale- I am excited for the sun, the warmth, the ocean and the quality time with my friends who are like family

What I'm Watching/Reading

It has been mostly the Olympics and my daily news for the past couple of weeks.  Also some local political shows.  I am excited for my regular shows to return like This Is Us, American Housewife, Greys and Scandal

and I read two books this month....

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand (the one she told us was her favorite one to write- I can see why- she nailed it- definitely one of my faves of hers)

and the second was disappointing- Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta- I thought it was just pretty silly- no substance

What I'm Listening To

A Whole Lot of Charlie Puth

What I'm Wearing

It has been warm, cozy winter wear for the most part- business dress 2x/week and casual winter attire the rest of the week....also my gym attire a few times/week too.

Check out my post from yesterday that talks about some of my Lilly sale snags AND what I am packing for my trip!

You can see all the fun outifts HERE

What I'm Doing This Weekend

We are hitting The Cape Codder Resort for some indoor water park fun for the kids....it is our February vacation week and we wanted to do something fun so my friend Beth and I came up with this little getaway to keep the kiddos entertained.  Next year, we are joining the rest of our tribe and doing a big family trip to the Carribbean.  We have been saving for years for this one and I cannot wait to go- T minus 365 days!

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Spring Weather, Celebrating My Mom's 70th Bday in Boston, Celebrating Papa Bob's 80th Birthday in town.....and of course, my girls' trip!

What Else Is New

Our neighbor passed away this week.  He was only 50 years old.  I had the pleasure of working with him for years on the Baseball/Softball board in town.  He was still on the board to this day (roughly 10 years!) It is such a shock and so very sad for his wife and daughters.  I am praying for them...God Speed Jim.....
 

Bonus Question Of The Month:
What is Our Family's Favorite Spring Break Destination?

I would have to say anywhere we are together.  Last year, we went on a road trip to Niagara Falls and we had so much fun!  This year we were planning on going to Amish Country in PA but we may have to come up with a Plan B because several attractions are closed until May.  The Batsons are joining us this year and we are in the midst of planning so stay tuned!  Can't wait to read what you all have been up to!

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Finds and Vacation Packing

SO...I am finally getting around to trying on my finds and taking pics of the different things I snagged at the most recent Lilly sale in January.

Reason being?  I am getting ready for a girls trip- a nice long weekend in sunny Florida and I want to be prepared with "options."  That is why I have trouble packing lightly.  I can't just pack one outfit per day.  I need a backup plan in case I am not feeling it that certain day.  Anyway, I digress.....

Here are some of the things I snagged and plan on wearing on my little trip! (I apologize in advance for my pasty white skin and the items tossed on the floor as I was organizing and packing)

 After sharing my Lilly finds, I am going to share a couple of other outfits I will be including too (not Lilly- I know shocker!) :)

Bay Dress in "No Problem Llama"

The name right?  Oh friends..the names keep getting better!  I love the print on this dress-busy and bright!

Bay Dress (yes again- reminds me of my fave Lilly style dress of all time- the Marlowe) and this one is in "Multi Play That Trunky Music"

My fave find from the sale- lilac and romantic LOVE the print and LOVE the color and can't wait to wear this one!

 Essie Dress in "Multi Catch and Release"

The Essie Dress is so so comfy and feminine- I actually have worn it as a coverup in another print in the past (you will see below)

(This Essie Dress was not from this year's sale- it was a purchase two years ago BUT I still love it!  We had Mommy and Me portraits done that summer and I wore it...I wore it to the beach as a coverup and to several other events...it is one of my faves of all time and this print is called "Pink Pout Barefoot Princess"

and here are a few times I wore it- I love how the colors just POP!

 Georgia May Palazzo Pants in "Beckon Blue Sparkling Grotto"

This item was not from the sale.  It was a full on Lilly splurge.  Oh I love these pants- so bold- so comfy YET hard to match...both color wise AND style wise.  The sweater ruffle top I got a Dillard's just did not work.  It made the look much too baggy...not flattering.  A white tee is just ok with them but I thought they looked best when I paired them with a plain navy tee.  So...the outfit is so comfy I figured I would wear it on my last day back to the airport...and will probably go with the navy tee but packing the white one just in case :)

Zia Skirt in "Tiki Pink Royal Lime"

Oh is this one bright..and comfy and adorable!  I am having trouble deciding however, if I will pair with a plain white tee OR a knit Lilly top I already have..  I am showing you both and welcome your feedback...packing both of course...like I said...I need options!!  Ha ha!!

(I also included the White Crossbody that I snagged)

Non Lilly Outfit #1

J Crew Factory Yellow Tank and Loft White Kick Crop Capri Jeans (I am most likely going to changes things up with this one- I think I am going to pair this tank with my dark blue cuff capri jeans)

Non Lilly Outfit #2

Blush, Gray and White Outfit

I was so determined to put together an outfit to really blend my favorite color combos lately- that is how I ended up here

I took my Loft white kick crop capri jeans and paired them with a white tank and then topped it all off with a blush ruffle sleeve cardigan and gray suede wedges...oh yeah and a blush handbag to finish the look (carry on!)  This is the outfit I am going to wear on the plane on my way to FLA.

I am also going to pack my Lilly skorts and toss in some tees...you know I really need options!