Christmas is T- 3 days and I’m just in disbelief! I’m always so sad when the holidays are over but I’m ready for a New Year!

I’m linking up to share a few favorites as we finish out this year!

{one}

Logan graduated!

We had a small dinner to celebrate the graduate! He worked so hard and we’re both so happy he’s done 🙂

We often talk about moving away from the Minneapolis area and there’s just some friendships that we’ll truly miss!

But we don’t get too sad because these ones won’t ever end; such gems that we’ll have forever!

He’s already planning all the extra golf he’ll be able to get in starting in the Spring! Imagine that! 😉

{two}

Volunteering!

We volunteered with People Serving People and handed out Christmas gifts to all the kids! I’d never heard of the organization but it’s the largest homeless shelter in Minnesota, housing over 350 people (mostly kids) every night!

It’s fun to give back during the holidays (and any time!). We sponsored 4 kids with Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army this year as well – it feels so good to help others who aren’t as fortunate as us. If you can, organizations are always looking for volunteers! And you’ll get back much more than you gave 😊

{three}<
hristmas!

<
ts almost here and we're ready! We're traveling a little this season and we're ready to see family and relax a little bit!

{four}<
innamon Sugar Pretzels… need I say more?!

{five}<
enjoyed a massage again last week and I had to get some change for gratuity beforehand.. I stopped by Walgreens and Jess texted me to ask if I got Airheads! She knows me all too well 🤣 I had to snap this pic to send to her because duh I love these things!!

Anyone else love these things??

Enjoy the last Friday before the holidays! What are some of your favorites from this week?!

Kristi

Hello!! Happy Friday!

Currently, I have a Pumpkin Apple candle from BBW burning and a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand just before logging into work!  Isn’t that glorious?!  I’ll keep this one short and sweet 🙂

Today, I’m linking up with a few of my favorite bloggers to share 5 thoughts I had on this Friday!

{One}

We finally got our siding finished on the house and it’s a complete 180 from what we had previously!  I’ll let the pictures do the talking 🙂

We still have a few things that need to be done like gutters, A/C and screens but I’m happy the bigger things are done!

{Two}

All things fall… I can’t believe how fall-like the weather has been around here!! We usually get a few more weeks of warmer weather (or so I thought) before it really set in but this year… it’s been in the 60’s and low 70’s (if we’re lucky!).

I love all things fall like boots, fashion, candles, PSLs, etc but I’m not sure I’m ready for flip flops to be gone!

{Three}

London, Paris and Portugal… our trip is almost upon us and I’m getting nervous! Did I even mention on here that we’re going to all those places?! If you’ve been, I need recommendations – mainly about  my HAIR stuff! Logan seems to think I don’t need a curling iron, straightener OR blow dryer but seriously.. I need at least one!

Ladies, who traveled to those places, did you purchase an adapter AND converter?  Did you just purchase a cheap curling iron or straightener once you were there? I need your thoughts!   Also, the weather in both Paris and London will be in the low 60’s but high 80’s in Portugal so I really need to figure out how to pack efficiently! And I also need to know a good pair of walking shoes… I can use my tennis shoes but if there’s something better – let me know!

{Four}

Did I mention previously that I went to my Brother’s first football game last week?! I feel like I missed that one!  They finally played up by us (which has never happened) so Logan and I headed up there for a night of football!

I feel like I’m back in school when I go to his HS games. They make me feel young again 😉  Speaking of my brother – he and his wife are due around the time I get back from Portugal – I’m hoping Baby B stays in there a little longer to wait for me!

{Five}

This past weekend, we were finally able to spend time with my Dad’s side of the family and it was so incredibly nice!  The weekends go by too fast as usual but it was great to be able to catch up and celebrate my cousin getting married!

We have a pretty small family on his side (think 8 cousins, total including me and my siblings?!) so it’s always nice when we can get together! You can read more about it here if you missed it!

{Six}

One more for this Friday because it’s fall around here and I thought I’d share a story from yesterday…. I stopped by Starbucks to grab my yummy PSL before I headed into the office.  I was so happy because I could FINALLY use the Order Ahead app because PSLs are in there (I’m still trying to figure out how to order a Skinny Vanilla latte on those things – I know someone mentioned the caffe latte but I don’t know what to put in it to be the skinny vanilla?! Is it just me?!) so I was ahead of schedule! I got into the office and guess what… when I went to grab my purse and work bag on the passenger seat, my PSL spilled ALL OVER. I mean, it fell upside down and went all over my seat and my pants and under my pants… it was terrible.

Not only was it wasteful of my drink but I was soaking wet! At work, we don’t have the dryers either so in the bathroom I went with lots of paper towels… It wasn’t the best start to my day, that’s for sure! Here’s hoping today’s better 🙂

Please oh please, let me know any tips for traveling as we’ve never been out of the country so far! And also… have a great Friday!!

What are your weekend plans?! Mine include another wedding and more fall things 🙂

Kristi

Happy Friday!

Hope you have some fun plans this weekend – know what mine are?! Celebrating this girl…

It’s Bachelorette weekend for her at her cabin and we’re all pretty stoked for the festivities! She’s having a small wedding, AKA none of are invited so we need to celebrate big until her reception in November 🙂

One month ago today, I shared with y’all about my new journey with Lipsense and so many of you have reached out to me to check on how it’s all going.. So guess what I’m doing today?! Sharing just that 🙂

To recap in case you’re new around here… I tried Lipsense, loved it and then decided to sign up as a distributor.  In reality, I signed up because I have an obsession with lip colors and knew I couldn’t stop at just one and the discount would definitely help with my obsession – but shortly after signing up, I had multiple people ask about it and WHAM I decided I’d order some to sell as well.

My mindset was if I could make a few extra bucks a month sharing products that I truly love and wear then that’s a pretty simple deal! And let me tell you… after a month of trying and selling the products – I still really love it and am so glad I jumped in!  I am not someone who would have ever thought I’d enjoy doing direct sales – I mean, who does? – BUT I like that it gets me out of my comfort zone and I love to share products that make women feel beautiful!

I had a Lips N’ Sips party with friends and all of them loved the products.  I’ve sold from Facebook (and instagram) as well and every time I’ve reached out to friends and customers to see if they received the product and how they like it – it’s been a resounding “Love it! I need more colors!” which just makes my heart so happy!  I’ve gone way out of my comfort zone and have done quite a few Facebook Lives and honestly.. I’m so nervous doing them but I love it at the same time! I love having a conversation with all of you ladies and even if you’re not buying, it’s still fun to chat about what’s going on and ask any questions!

Also… my calendar is open (for the most part) for FB parties! Super easy and guess what you get as a hostess…?! Discounts and prizes – and it’s fun! So if you’re interested in that, let me know and I can send you more info! 🙂 And as always, if you have any questions – drop them in the comments below or shoot me a message! I always love to help!

That’s it for now, I believe… and after work, I’ll be off to celebrate the Future Mrs. Spinner! And don’t worry, she’ll be wearing her Lipsense too so I’ll be sure to take pictures of it all to document next week 🙂

PS – how many times can I say “love” in one post?!

Kristi

Happy Friday!

I’m back and linking up (again) with these lovely ladies to share a few favorites from the last few weeks!  Although, to be honest, I’ll probably be sharing more about my fun little Lips N’ Sips party that went on last night… but we’ll see 😉

{One}

My sister, Mama and myself are hosting a small baby shower for my brother and SIL in Eau Claire this weekend and it’s going to be so much fun!  We have a few games picked out and we’re going to grill out a bit – simple so we can admire the Baby Mama and gifts 🙂  It also may or may not include some Sangria!

It’s always a fun time when we can all get together!

{Two}

Lips N’ Sips party!

I had about 10 girlfriends come over last night to try out the infamous Lipsense!  It was a huge hit and all the girls loved it! The only issue: What color to go with?! And how can we try more colors?!

They were amazed that it really DOESN’T come off! Jess even sent me a picture this morning with it all still intact from last night!  I’m so excited to see all the pictures of these girls with it on.  It becomes addicting after you get one or two colors 🙂

{Three}

I shared about our Crawfish Boil last weekend yesterday and I’m still reminiscing about how much fun it was!  It’s such a good time to just be home and have friends and family over!

{Four}

This one is a shocker to myself.. but going to the gym!  I hadn’t gone in 23 months (I know… it’s ridiculous to keep paying for it!) but finally I gave in last week and went two times!

I went twice this last week as well and I’m actually really enjoying it! I just feel so much better after – even if I’m only doing 25 mins on the elliptical and a few machines to start!

Short and sweet this week! What are some of your highs of the week?!

Have a great weekend!

Kristi

 

Happy Friday!!

I’m so happy it’s Friday and almost the weekend! I can’t wait to almost sleep in until 7:30 😂

I’m linking up with a few of my favorite bloggers to share some favorites of the week!

{One}

I met Jess for mani/pedi time with some queso and margaritas mixed in Wednesday night!  It was such a fun girls night and I was home at 7- perfect!

{Two}

I totally drank the Lipsense kool-aid and now i’m in love!! I tried Kiss for a Cause thanks to April and I totally love it! I have it on in the above picture!  I tried it yesterday while at work and y’all… I put it on at 5:40 am and it stayed on ALL day!! I took it off finally around 6 and it was still looking great.  Now, I feel the need to get all the colors because #duh.  Or maybe I just need to become a distributor so I can get a discount 😉

{Three}

The #Nsale… as if you didn’t expect this to be one of my favorites!? I ordered a few things online yesterday and checked in store yesterday on my lunch!  I wasn’t as crazy about it this year as last but I still found so many things I swear I need 🙂 Did you shop it?!

{Four}

I am totally one of those crazy people who LOVE Christmas… if you’re new around here, beware! 🙂 Some of you are thinking i’m crazy and annoying while the others are totally on board with me!  I already purchased our tickets for How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Children’s Theatre and I’m so excited because Hallmark has their “Christmas in July” for the week!  I plan to watch a few Christmas movies this weekend to hopefully get my fix!

The weather was a high of 65 yesterday and it just seemed like fall already! It’s supposed to be back to 90 defeees tomorrow though so I’m happy to report summer is still around 🙂 

Hope you have a great weekend! Do you have any fun plans?!

Kristi

Well, this last weekend was one for the books!  Want to know why?? We put in a patio with pavers from SCRATCH!! Who does that, right?!

I’m linking up with some of my favorite bloggers to share a few of my favorites from life lately- mainly our new PATIO! 😍

My inlaws were in town for the 4th of July weekend and we are so thankful for all their help!  We didn’t realize how many people we really would need to achieve this project but it really took about 10 people – and we probably could have used quite a few more the first day!Looks really fun, right?!The patio took about 2.5 days to put in and it was a lot of work!  We managed to only have a few bumps in the road; ordering the wrong set of pavers and realizing it AFTER almost all 1500 were manually moved to the back of the house, not ordering enough sand from the landscaping company, a terrible sunburn and an almost broken foot thanks to pavers and flip flops!It was definitely an experience to say the least! I think we’ll hire out next time 😉

Once the patio was FINALLY finished – we set out for a few drinks and apps on a patio 🙂

And also decided to give Glow-in-the-dark mini golf a try since regular mini golf wasn’t really possible with my poor SIL’s sunburn!

After mini golf, we headed back home to eat some leftover brisket and mac n cheese and settled on a few episodes of Ballers!​​

We had SO many sparklers left from our wedding, we thought we’d give those fun “boomerang” videos a try… and seriously they are hard to make cute! 😂​​​

How cute are my sister in laws?! So much fun!​

That’s it for life lately! I’ll try to refrain from all the patio pictures – it’s still a work in progress (decor wise)!

Happy Friday!! Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?!

Kristi

 

It’s Friday AND it’s a 4 day weekend… 2:00 can’t come soon enough!

We’re putting in our patio this weekend and I can’t wait! We’re doing it ourselves, so it should only take a few hours, right?? 😉 Ha! Funny story… I was telling Logan what I was thinking for patio furniture last night (i.e., couch or sectional vs table?!) and his response was “were getting patio furniture now too?!?” Haha! Um what else would we do on our new patio?! 😂

Like usual, I’m linking up with some of my favorite bloggers to share some favorites for the week!

{One}

I finally got a chance to see this girl (and her sweet little one) this week!  It was so much fun catching up over a glass of wine! Wish we saw each other more often!

{Two}

I met up with a few girls to start planning Jess’ bachelorette party in August on Tuesday evening and it’s going to be so much fun! Full disclosure: I wasn’t sure how the night was going to go!  I know one of the girls a little bit and she’s super sweet but I didn’t know her other friend very much so I was just hoping we’d all get along and have mutual ideas – and guess what?! That’s just what happened! Jess (and all us girls) is going to have so much fun for her weekend! I’d love to share more (and might but not specifics) but Jess is one of my biggest supporters of this blog so I can’t give it away! 🙂

{Three}

I bought peonies yesterday from Trader Joe’s and they are always a big favorite!

{Four}

Fourth of July is such a fun holiday and I’m excited to have my in-laws in town to celebrate and help us with the patio! We have a few friends planning to stop by this weekend too which means Logan will be a smoking machine 🙂 He’s planning a 24 hour brisket, smoked chicken, smoked salsa (that’s a thing apparently?!) and smoked mac n’ cheese again! We’ll definitely have enough food to go around and our guests won’t be disappointed 🙂

{Five}

My Mama visited last weekend and I shared about our weekend over here! We had so much fun at the winery and movie that it was hard when it was over! Time goes just way too fast! It’s always so hard when people visit and leave… and same when we leave family! One day we’ll live close enough to more family but for now, we’re soaking in all the time we get!

I hope you’re celebrating our independence this weekend and remembering all those who gave their lives for us to have this weekend!  Chat with you after our patio is finished 🙂

Kristi

Hello and happy Friday! Two posts within 24 hours?! What is up?! 

It’s Friday and therefore I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea to share a few of my favorites from the week!

A random note first, I have loved having 4 day work weeks the past two weeks and I can tell it’s already going to be rough next week when I’m back to normal 5 days!

{one}

These shorts.. they look lighter in the picture but they’re the same ones I’m wearing (and same color!).

I am not usually a big “jean shorts” girl because let’s be real… I can never find a pair that fit well and aren’t too short but I finally found THE pair! They are so cute, comfy and under $40!

{two}

I shared the rest of our Charleston trip last night (who am I??) and it makes me sad to think it’s been two weeks since we were there!

I don’t even feel like we were there at all! So I’m happy to reminisce about it all!

You can read about the first part of our trip here!

{three}

We’re finally seeing these fun folks this weekend and we can’t wait!

Random fact: this picture was our first double date over 7 years ago! 

I can’t believe we haven’t seen them since August! Way over due 😊

{four}

It was my birthday on Wednesday, which is always a favorite! I am so thankful that I am able to get older every year but at the same time, birthdays just aren’t the same when you’re getting older!

Case in point… I worked all day (my sweet coworkers took me to lunch) and then went for drinks and dinner with a few favorites; Logan, Jess and Jeff!  Then home and to bed.. I mean.. Logan was sleeping by 8:30… it wasn’t anything too crazy but it was nice to be able to sit on a patio outside!

And I’m always so excited to get some beautiful flowers!

{five}

A good night out trying to take a selfie with good friends! 

This picture just makes me 😂 take 322 and still no good pictures!

{six}

Tory Burch Miller Sandals… yes, they are expensive but oh my.. they are amazing! I heard mixed reviews about them before I purchased but thought I’d take the plunge since I’ve wanted them forever! 

Honestly, they are so comfy and cute! I brought 5 pairs of shoes to Charleston (wedges, flip flops, heels, etc) and the only shoes I wore were my Millers, aside from at the beach! They’re a pair that will last for many years to come as well! They go with everything and are definitely my “go to” for summer! 

Well, I think I’ve covered a few favorites from the week 😊 What are your plans for the weekend?! I hope whatever you’re doing this weekend, is fun and eventful or nice and relaxing!

Kristi

Happy Friday!!

I haven’t posted all week and now I’m here, not to share my favorites but actually some frustrations from the last week!  Who do I think I am, right?! 🙂 I just needed a mini vent session and thought some of y’all could relate!

So if not, I’m sorry you had to read this but if so, let me know I’m not alone! Now onto the week…

• Traffic… can we just talk about that for more than 2 minutes?! A) How is there ALWAYS traffic and B) Why is there never a reason?!  Like for example… I only go into the office 2 days a week and every time I’m in there, I think “I should come in more! I enjoy being in here!” and then I literally take one turn to get on the highway (3 feet from my parking lot) and immediately remember why I don’t… TRAFFIC! NO matter how early I leave work, it’s always there and some people are just ridiculous!  There’s no construction going on anymore on my way home, no accidents and clearly NO reason for traffic, yet it’s always there.  It seriously, makes or breaks my day on the way to work and then immediately breaks it again on my way home from work 😦 Anyone else?!

• Starbucks.. Ok, this is a #firstworldproblem (as if the traffic issue isn’t!) BUT Starbucks just started this online ordering (or at least I just learned of it so it probably started like 3 years ago) where you can order ahead, pay and basically just run in and grab your order.  Sounds amazing, right?! I think so… especially after I’ve been sitting in traffic to get INTO the office those two days (only days I usually get Starbucks).  What’s the frustration right?! So, the other day, I logged into the app and searched the menu for a “skinny vanilla latte”, the most BASIC drink ever and seriously y’all…. IT’S NOT EVEN ON THERE!!!!! I can’t even reap any benefits of this so called app!! Ugh, so now I have to choose to wait for 20 minutes in the drive thru (because going in, takes forever too!) or skipping it all together… not my favorite!

is not normally a small!

• Customer Service and not just any customer service.. my not at the moment favorite.. Lilly Pulitzer.  I ordered something for my trip next week (and a little something for my Mama for Mother’s Day) and I clicked the 2 day express shipping and put in the promo code to get it free while checking out… When I got the receipt emailed to me, it said “Economy 3-6 days” umm… what?! So I immediately emailed them (per the receipt/email) and said can you check this?! And guess what…. NOTHING!! No response and instead at 10:00 last night, I get an email for my order shipment which is set to arrive NEXT Wednesday… again, what?! I contacted them again this morning, to no avail.  And honestly, I knew at that point, there was nothing they were going to do for me, but I still NEEDED them to know I was upset because I matter! ha! I finally received a response today… at 3:45 basically saying nothing except they could maybe re-order my stuff (and charge me) and try to overnight it but since it’s after 12 EST, it most likely won’t go out until tomorrow and they don’t deliver on weekends………. again, WHAT?! So frustrating when THEY didn’t contact me until way after they could even do what they were offering! Again, #firstworldproblems I totally know but sometimes it’s just frustrating.  And seriously… it’s not my first shipping error from them and they are never so sweet to correct it!

I’d like to say I was going to be boycotting Lilly going forward but let’s be real… I’ll just order it from Nordstrom instead!

Sick of my rants yet?! I’m just keeping it real today… but I promise I’ll add a few happier notes at the end 🙂

Last rant….

• I ordered this super cute pink dress for a friend’s wedding this weekend and I was so sad that it didn’t fit! I mean, for real… I had to clip the back with my hair clip (real classy, I know) just so I could show you how cute it is.  They just restocked it all, which makes me excited but they don’t carry it in our store (another frustration! You’d think Mall of America would have all the stock… but instead they have no stock!) so I can’t get it in time for the wedding. Totally not a huge fail but just a bummer!

Now, if you’re still reading this (shout out to you because #boring) then it’s the good part! Or at least the less ranting part….

• We bought a smoker last weekend (or my husband did… and how many times can I use parenthesis?) and we used it finally and the chicken was so good!  We’re smoking some pulled pork, chicken and corn tonight for friends and can’t wait for a nice warm night!
• 
• We spent last weekend at my Grandma’s helping with stuff around her house/yard/garage and it was so nice to be with everyone for the day!  We also had a few cocktails so that’s fun too.Not the best picture but it’s all we got! Missing a husband who would rather take the picture… some days at least!

  

• On another note, I think I sound like a lush some days on this little thing because I love me some margaritas and wine but on a real note… I rarely drink during the week unless I’m meeting some sweet friends for Happy Hour but if not, then I’m sans wine for the week!
• 
• On another another note… I shouldn’t have to justify myself to anyone so… skip the last phrase!

Alright… this is the longest post ever – apparently I really missed you guys! 🙂

I have some actual consistent posts coming in the near future (like next week!) so hopefully that will keep me more on track! If anyone really noticed me gone all week that is… 😂

One question before I bid you adieu.. do you like when I do fitting room finds?! I was thinking of doing a “Try on Tuesdays” on the blog and showing some of the pieces that worked for me.  It wouldn’t be every week because I’m not sure if it’s a favorite or not for you… is it?! Do you want to see pieces that are total fails too? Just a thought since I’m shopping quite often 🙂

Thanks for reading along and letting me vent! Have a great Friday and weekend!

Kristi