2017 Summer Reading List

Hey guys!

This week, I'm finally diving into my summer reading list!  Since I'm off to a late start, I'm keeping it short and sweet with 5 books that I'm really dying to read. 

What I love most about this list is that each story brings something different to the table.  Some will inspire you, others will make you laugh or cry or gasp out loud.  But there's one thing they all have in common - you won't be able to put them down!  Hope you enjoy!

The Guilty Pleasure

Oh, man. I'm SO excited for this book!  Liane Moriarty's writing is always a little outrageous, a lot funny, and so hard to put down!

Truly Madly Guilty begins when three married couples get together for a barbecue.  From the very first chapter, we know that something big happens between the friends - but you'll have to read the whole book to find out what!

 

The Feel-Good Inspiration

Like everyone else in America, I love love love the show Fixer Upper.  It makes me want to buy an old house and start renovating right this second ... and Chip and Joanna Gaines are just. so. cute!

Now they're sharing the story of their life together - where it all began and their journey to becoming America's dream team.  It'll leave you feeling mega-inspired and upbeat for days!

The Nostalgic One

This short story is sweet and tender - and it's only $0.99 on Amazon!  It tells the story of Lucas and Isla, two unlikely friends on the verge of adulthood.  It'll take you back to what it means to be a kid ... the struggles of finding your place in the world and the heart-warming friendships that help you along the way. 

On a personal note, I've been following the author (@virtuallymarisa) on Instagram for a while now and she's always been so lovely and gracious in our interactions.  It makes me love her work even more - and I hope you'll love it, too!

The Page Turner

Whenever I'm interested in a new book, I always read the first page on Amazon - and this one had me from the very first sentence: 

"On our wedding day, my fiance, James, arrived at the church in a casket."

Eeek!  That's just the start of a plot full of unexpected twists and unsettling discoveries.  You won't want to miss what happens next!

The Expert Love Advice

It's been a while since I read The 5 Love Languages and I could use a refresher.  It's the ultimate guide for staying in love - and I think that's something we ALL want in life!

So what kind of lover are you?  Do you thrive off Words of Affirmation?  Are you happier with Quality Time?  Or is Physical Touch the most important thing in a relationship?  What about for your partner?  This book will help you figure it out - and you might be surprised at the answer!

What books are on your summer reading list?!  I want to hear about them in the comments below!

With Love,

Lace

*Photography Credit*

The main image featured in this article was captured by Pineland Photography.

All other images were sourced through Amazon.com.

The Secret to Staying Crazy-In-Love

Hi friends!

Sometimes I can't get over how much I love Kris.  Like, really love him.  And it's not just the everyday, comfortable kind of love.  It's the kind where your heart beats faster when he walks in the door.  The kind were you sneak kisses in the middle of a crowded room or bite your lip because he's just. so. good. looking! 

It's that twinkly-eyed love you just can't get enough of. 

Even after 10 years, I'm crazy-in-love with my husband.  It's still exciting and fun and a little insane sometimes.  And after all this time, I think I finally figured out the *secret* to staying that way.

Want to know what it is?

You sure you're ready for it??

Okay ... 

The secret to staying crazy-in-love is this:  EFFORT.

Ugh, it's annoyingly simple, right?  But it's the truth!  Kris and I both put so much effort into our relationship.  We take the time to tell each other how much we care, to talk through our struggles, to give each other what we need.  We apologize when we should, forgive our imperfections, and make time for each other every single day.  And every one of those things takes effort.

It's not a perfect system.  There are times when we let each other down or things feel a little one-sided.  Luckily, the other one is always there to pick up the slack and get us back on track.  It's a mutual thing and I think that's why it really works.

If you're struggling to stay crazy-in-love, here's my advice:  Figure out what your partner needs and give a little more effort in that area.  Actually, give a LOT more effort.  Try to do this even if you feel like the other person isn't giving enough.  And if you need a little help, stick around for our 30 Day Happy Marriage Challenge later this year.  It's (almost) guaranteed to get your relationship back on track :)

With lots of love,

Lace

P.S. If if you're completely lost and not sure what your partner needs, snag a copy of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman - it's on our upcoming Summer Reading List and will help you figure out how to love your partner in the best way possible.  Good luck!

*Photography Credit*

The image(s) featured in this article were captured by Pineland Photography.

Saying Hello to Year 29

Hey guys!

There's something I really like about birthdays.  It's a chance to start fresh and refocus .... to look back at where you've been and think about where you're going.  Every year, I feel a little bit more myself.   Like I'm slowly becoming the person I'm really meant to be.  At 28 years old, I'm surrounded by people who make me happy and it just feels good to be alive :)

But tomorrow I'm turning 29!  It's my last year of being a twenty-something, the cap on another decade, and that's kind of a big deal.  I already know that this year will have it's challenges just like all the others.  But it's also a chance to spend more time doing the things I love ... to put down my phone and pay attention to what's really important.  It's a chance for more baby snuggles, goodnight kisses, and mornings at the park.  And I'm just really, really happy about it.

Year 29 - 1.jpg

I'm also really, really tired because it's way past my bedtime!  Seriously ... how is it almost midnight already?!   It's time for BED, people!

See you on the other side!

Lace

P.S. Visit White Gold Boutique to purchase this super comfy off-the-shoulder dress!  Full disclosure ... I was paid in popsicles to model it :)

*Photos by Caroline Basquill-White*

 

 

Patriotic Pancake Recipe

Hey America!

What better way to start off the holiday than with a giant, fluffy pile of patriotic pancakes?!

I love a good made-from-scratch recipe as much as the next person ... but holiday weekends are always so busy!   That's why I'm keeping things simple this 4th of July.  These pancakes are made using Tenda-Bake Buttermilk Premium Pancake Mix and they're so easy to make!  All you have to do is add water and toss the batter on the pan.  Which means I'll be spending less time measuring ingredients and more time watching Luna make a complete mess!

I think my favorite part of this recipe was the Smucker's flavored syrup!  This was actually my first time using (or even hearing of) flavored syrup.  I was running through the grocery store looking for ingredients and happened to see them up on the shelf.  Strawberry and blueberry went with my red-white-and-blue theme so I snatched them up and I'm SO glad I did because they're AMAZING! 

The trick to perfect pancakes is to allow the pan to preheat completely before you start.  I usually give it about 5 minutes, spray it with olive oil, then use a measuring spoon to dollop the mix onto the pan.  Each of my pancakes takes about 4 tablespoons of mix!

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You'll know the pancakes are ready to flip when the bottom turns golden brown (usually 20 - 25 seconds).  Once they're done, stack them into three piles. I used 5 - 6 pancakes in each stack!

Fill in the spaces around your pancake stacks using freshly rinsed strawberries and blueberries.  Then it's time for the really fun part - the toppings! For the first stack, drizzle strawberry syrup over your pancakes.   Afterwards, top with whipped cream and add red sprinkles.

For the white stack, start by topping the pancakes with a small handful of white chocolate chips.  Then drizzle plain syrup on top and add whipped cream.  You could also add white sprinkles - I just didn't have any at the moment :)

For the blue stack, drizzle with blueberry syrup, top with whipped cream and add blue sprinkles!

And then you're done!  Like I said - this recipe is SO easy to make and super festive.  But more importantly, it's DELICIOUS!  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!

Servings:  15 - 18 pancakes

Total Cooking Time:  15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

For Pancakes:

  • 4 Cups Tenda-Bake Buttermilk Pancake Mix
  • 2 Cups Water

For Toppings:

  • 1/2 Cup Strawberries
  • 1/2 Cup Blueberries
  • Red, White, & Blue Sprinkles
  • Whipped Cream
  • 1 TBSP White Chocolate Chips
  • Smucker's Strawberry Syrup
  • Smucker's Blueberry Syrup
  • Regular Syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat stove top to Medium and spray with cooking spray.  Mix pancake ingredients.  Pour batter onto pan.  For even pancakes, use about 4 TBSP of batter per pancake.  Cook until the bottom is golden brown (about 15 - 20 seconds) and flip.  

Once pancakes are done, make three stacks of 5-6 pancakes each. 

Add strawberries and blueberries around the stacks.  For the first pancake, drizzle with strawberry syrup and top with whipped cream and red sprinkles.  For the second stack, drizzle with regular syrup and top with white chocolate chips and whipped cream (white sprinkles are optional).  For the third stack, drizzle with blueberry syrup and top with whipped cream and blue sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Lace

Beach Essentials for Older Babies

Hey mommas,

Are you ready to hit the beach this summer?!  We are!  Especially now that Luna is toddling around.  I'm already imagining her squealing as she runs from the waves and tossing sand in the air ... probably right on top of me!

I don't want anything to ruin our summer fun ... like accidentally forgetting something we really need.  That's where this list comes in handy.  You already know the everyday things to pack (diapers, wipes, bottles) but here are 8 extra beach essentials for older babies:

A CUTE SWIMSUIT

Here are two reasons for your baby to suit up this summer:  First, it helps protect baby's sensitive skin from the harsh summer sun.  Second, babies in bathing suits are just really cute. 

swim diapers

I've been known to take Luna into the water in a regular diaper ... and it always ends with little bits of gel all over the place!  That's why I use swim diapers now.  They're specially designed to go in the water and you'll be thankful you have them when it's time to leave!

A BEACH TENT

A classic umbrella is great but a beach tent offers even more shade.  It's a good "home base" where your baby can enjoy a snack, take a nap, or have a few minutes of quiet play time.

SUNSCREEN

Most doctors don't recommend sunscreen for babies under 6 months.  After that, your little one should be wearing it on a daily basis - and especially at the beach!  To make things easy, skip the lotion and go straight for the spray.  Just be sure to cover your little one's eyes and reapply every 30 minutes or so!

A MINI FAN

Your sweet babe will probably get cranky from the heat at some point.  A battery-operated mini fan will help cool her down ... and you, too!

SAND TOYS

Pick up a small pail and shovel before heading to the beach.  Even if your little one isn't building castles yet, she'll probably have fun banging on the pail and throwing sand inside!

A TOWEL

Bring an extra towel just for baby.  Use it to dry her off, cover her shoulders while she plays, and bundle her up when it's nap time!

A WOVEN TOTE

Mommas, this one is for you.  Because if you have to lug your baby's things around anyway, you might as well look good doing it!

Swimsuit | Swim Diapers | Beach Tent | Mini Fan | Sunscreen | Sand Toys | Beach Towel | Tote | Swim Trunks

Who else is heading to the beach with your babes this summer?  Do you pack anything special that I haven't thought of? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Happy Beaching!

Lace