Accent Vlog!

Here we go, y'all...

I guess I'll give a little background first.  I was born & raised in North Carolina and have lived in Metro Atlanta for the past 7 years.  My mom grew up in California until high school, so she doesn't have much of an accent.  We moved to a rural area when I was starting 3rd grade and I remember the kids asking me why I spoke so "proper."  I think I have a slight accent and definitely fall into it more when I am back in NC or around my MIL :-)

The instructions are to say these words:
Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

And answer these questions:
What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

Ok, that was fun, maybe...  So let me know if you think I have an accent and jump on in and do one yourself (and leave me a link!)

P.S. I talk faster when I'm nervous, so I'm really flying through this thing
P.P.S. That's an unfortunate face I'm making on the frozen video, yikes!

and because misery loves company I'm linking up over at Jenna's Journey, so hop over there to see more accent vlogs!

Feelin Wild

I have known for a while that my wardrobe is lacking an essential....animal print.

Aside from some really horrible pleather snakeskin print pants (awesome visual image, right?) that I had in college, I've never found the right piece that worked for me (not that those worked. at. all.)  I love the look of the leopard loafers that are hot for Fall



but my wardrobe is already wayyyyyy heavy in the shoes.  Uh oh, just saw that there are leopard Sperrys

ok, I may need those...

Anyway..........I saw this leopard scarf on Pinterest and saw that it was from Old Navy!

Source: oldnavy.gap.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I know Old Navy is very hit or miss and it's not stuff that you'll have forever....but when you are taking care of two boys everyday, you hate to spend a lot of money on what you wear because it's bound to get messed up.

While perusing I also spotted this

There is a 20% off coupon that expires tomorrow on the site (ONSAVE20) and Free Shipping over $50.  Also love that you can return in store so you don't lose any $ on shipping!

So ready for Fall clothes!  What's your favorite animal print item?

"Coming out" as a blogger

So if anyone was wondering, I did survive my Junior League meet & greet and have since had another meeting with some wonderful ladies that have joined our Provisional class.  During the "getting to know you" introductions I did something I haven't done very often...I mentioned blogging in my list of hobbies. 

Yep, I just put it out there and would you believe there was another blogger among the group! **I may have directly asked her if she was based on the fact that she had an Erin Condren Life Planner ;-)**

Kodi at A Brighter Yellow did a post last week that summed up a lot of my feelings.  I love blogging because I can take the time to edit and really put together everything I want to say.  It is an outlet that makes me feel a part of a community while I spend my days at home with my bears.  But in a way you can be a little embarrassed that you put all of this random stuff out on the internet. At least I know I'm the only person that likes to talk about myself endlessly :-)

When I started writing I wasn't sure how much I was going to share, but being anonymous isn't something that comes easily to me.  I was thinking maybe this would be a place for me to vent about situations that I normally wouldn't confront head on.  But with time I'm learning to leave my non-confrontational ways behind me and have more of a "take me as I am" approach.  I hope I come across exactly as I am in real life (and I'll count on my IRL friends to set me straight if I'm not!)  It is my sincere wish to sound genuine, because that is my intent with all of this.

At the end of the day I am proud of what I write here.  So why should I ever be embarrassed? Who knows...

With my new mindset I decided to use the awesome Minted deal for some blog business cards!

Aren't they pretty?


Now in a few months I still may have 25 cards in my purse, but at least I'll be prepared if I'm having a brave moment to put myself out there.

Can't get enough....monograms!

Well, I got a little over excited to post this and didn't realize my blogger pal was out of state for work...so he'll be posting this afternoon!   If you actually read the articles in Garden & Gun and Southern Living, and not just the recipes like I sometimes do, then you will fall in love with New South Essays!
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My friend Lance, author of New South Essays, is reflecting on monograms today, including some insights from yours truly!  So hop on over and enjoy the blog of a true writer (with degrees!) for a moment.  I hope y'all will still put up with my random ramblings after you see how well this blogging thing can be done!
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Growing up, I remember that things were really special if it had your name on it  With two younger sisters it meant that they couldn't steal it and it wouldn't have to be handed down.  It was also a house rule to put your name on any food you didn't want anyone else to eat!

Here's a rule to live by, in my opinion, courtesy of one of my favorites, Reese Witherspoon.

"If it's not moving, monogram it."

I took a little tour through the house to show y'all some of my favorite monogrammed things!

In the kitchen:

 A Homegoods find acrylic ice bucket with monogram decal from Etsy!

In the powder room:

frame from Hobby Lobby

On the couch:

 Throw pillows from Ballard Designs

In the office:

In the guest room: 

Candle from Hobby Lobby

In Big Bear's room:

Chez Ami

In Little Bear's room:

Bib by Buckhead Betties at Swoozies

Then lots to see in the master bedroom:

Bonannos

classics from LL Bean

Mr.'s robe from Restoration Hardware

and my latest addition, this umbrella from The Monogram Chick!

Mr. Banker (and others) may laugh at my monogramming obsession, but he should have seen it coming...



yes, that ladies and gentlemen is a monogrammed watermelon at our wedding reception.  Now you have seen it all!  Our caterer prided himself on his watermelon carvings and suggested the monogram...who was I to argue?

So, tell me...what are your favorite monogrammed items?

Foodie Friday: Paninis

If there is one unnecessary kitchen appliance that I would endorse, it is definitely a panini press!

We bought our Krups PG70 on a whim several years ago at the Williams-Sonoma outlet (a very dangerous place for wannabe foodies!)  I want to say we paid around $20, as it was being discontinued.

Now that we are gearing up for Fall, there is nothing better than eating a panini grilled cheese on thick french bread with a cup of tomato soup on a Sunday afternoon watching football!

Last weekend Mr. Banker grilled a big hunk of beef (I'm not sure what it was exactly, so that's what I'm going to call it!) on his beloved Big Steel Keg.  We thin sliced the beef and had panini french dips with beef, provolone, caramelized onions and au jus!

The panini press also makes fantastic quesadillas!  It is so fast and easy and the results are sooooo much better than just pan "grilling" on the stovetop!

Do any of y'all have a panini press? What is your favorite thing to make with it?

Kids Clothing Deals!

This morning I am working my volunteer shift at my very first consignment sale!  Last night I took all of the goods I wanted to sell and it got me thinking about all the clothes I have for the bears (yes, wayyyyy too many clothes!!!)  But, I hardly EVER pay retail and I have some favorite tips to share!

**Be prepared, this post is long y'all!**

First, even though I have two boys, I have dressed them very differently.  I loved the "grown up" preppy look for Big Bear when he was little--button up shirts and khaki pants or jeans.  I did like the traditional clothes (bubbles, smocking, jon jons and longalls) but Mr. Banker wasn't the biggest fan so I didn't buy too many of those for BB.  However, with Little Bear my love for these classic looks has grown, and as he is my "baby" I fully intend to have him in one piece outfits until he tells me otherwise!

For dressier (church) outfits I try to not spend more than $20.  I will stray from this if I can get matching for the boys or if I am looking for a certain motif for a holiday or event.  More often than not I spend less than $15 per outfit.  Here are the places I buy most things for the boys:

Goodwill/Thrift Stores!

Shocking, right?  I have found things here and there for the boys...it is so cheap (less than $2) that I at least have to look when I am nearby--there is a Goodwill very close to BB's school, so if I have an extra few minutes before pickup I will pop in.

The red outfit is Strasburg Children and had the TAGS on it!  

and

TIP #1: Buy plain outfits you can monogram!

I will get the black overalls monogrammed when LB can fit in them....always wait to monogram in case the season doesn't line up with the fit!  Then you will have a personalized outfit for under $15 (my local places run between $8-10 per monogram)

Consignment Stores/Sales!

I have several consignment stores I frequent, as well as a sale Bestie and I go to twice a year in Charlotte.  I will occasionally hit a sale here in Atlanta.

A few of my steals from the latest consignment sale.  Again, some more outfits I will monogram for under $5 a piece!

2 sweet outfits from my local consignment store.

and 

TIP #2: Outfits with multiple looks are more bang for your buck!

I was dying when I found this outfit at a consignment store near Bestie's house!  I will get the main outfit monogrammed and then it has the reversible button on piece for 2 more looks!

Online/Catalog!

Some of my favorites are Ragsland, Orient Expressed and Blessed be The Name.

 This is another multi-tasker from Orient Expressed, with tabs!

TIP #3: Think Ahead!  All of these companies have amazing end of season sales. 

I purchased the above outfit for Little Bear when I was still pregnant last December.  This year's Easter outfits will be just as cute next year.  And sometimes you will find "Spring" outfits discounted in June that are just perfect for late Summer!  If anything, size up.  You can often adjust buttons and sometimes get 2 years of wear from some items.  Or better yet for you girl mommas dresses can later be worn as tops with leggings!

 A reversible "Spring" outfit from Viva La Fete via Ragsland

Zulily and Totsy are also great sites, but I really have to be in love with something because they have hefty shipping charges (usually $8-9) and can sometimes take a while to ship.


Outlets!


I was so excited to visit the Bailey Boys Outlet at St. Simons Island this Summer!  They have great reversible outfits (obsessed!) and I was able to get a few matching outfits for the boys.  I followed tips #1 & #3 and got some plain outfits to monogram and ones in bigger sizes!

Another favorite is Chez Ami.  They have have several weeks a year that they open their outlet, but also have one online.  I have happened to be visiting our families near Raleigh several times when the outlet has been open, so I have purchased some great things there

TIP #4: If you find something you like, buy multiples!

I love Chez Ami shorts for boys.  BB already has the green check pair in a size 2, but for $8 each I stocked up and got a 3 and 4, so the boys will match for a few years to come!

and TIP #5: Think outside the box!

Chez Ami also sells fabric and I was able to get 2 yards of matching fabric for $6!  I plan to have initial shirts made for the boys to wear with the shorts!  Would be cute to make a bag too!


Also upscale department store outlets like Nordstrom Rack, Off Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus Last Call are great places to find Kissy Kissy, Zutano and similar brands at fantastic prices!

Heirloom!

My Mother-in-Law kindly saved some of her children's clothes including many sweet outfits that were handmade by Mr. Banker's grandmother.  Here are the boys wearing one of my favorites.

I am saving some of my favorite outfits and many monogrammed ones in hopes that the boys may have juniors one day!

Other places...

Costco: Great place for pajamas (Hannah Anderson) and good deals on Carters play clothes.

Kohls: I love the Jumping Beans brand.  They have solid tops that I can get monogrammed and turtlenecks for layering

Etsy: I often get holiday appliqued tees from Etsy- endless options!

Ebay: I have a saved search for "boys Lilly Pulitzer" since they haven't made much in recent years.  Always a good place to keep an eye out if you are looking for something specific!

Facebook: Who would have thought we'd be shopping on Facebook?  There are tons of groups: Lolly Wolly Doodle, Smockadot Kids, Smocktions, Smocked Swap (let me know if I'm missing any good ones!)...some are resale, some are pre-order and others are selling overstocks.  You have to be ready to go for these sales though...there are lots of shoppin mommas!


Whew...so needless to say my boys are usually very well dressed ;)  Do y'all love shopping for your kids and any other tips to add?

First Blog Award!

I am so very honored to have received my first blog award from Kelli at Southern Blessed Life!

Rules:

Link back to the person who gave you this award
Complete the form below
Share 7 random things about yourself
Award 15 bloggers this award and notify them of the award. 

• Name your favorite color: Pink (duh!)
• Name your favorite song: Semi-Charmed Life...yes, I know it's about drugs, but it's catchy!
• Name your favorite dessert: Cheesecake...or Creme Brulee...or Tiramisu...do I really have to pick one?
• What ticks you off: People who seem to have no concern for others
• When you're upset you: probably rant to bestie or have a good cry!
• Your favorite pet: Sammy dog!
• Black or White: Black
• Your biggest fear: Anything happening to my boys or my husband
• Best feature: my booty?  haha I don't know...ability to ramble for hours on end?
• Everyday attitude: ha, on most days I'd like to think it's good.  Lately I'm just trying to make it through the day
• What is perfection: Snuggling with my boys
• Guilty pleasure: Real Housewives, Coke Zero (a lot!), shoes (lots of those too!)

Seven Random Things About Myself:


Wow, I'm just going to do a stream of consciousness here, cause I really don't know where to start...


1.  I was a math major, but I can hardly add in my head.  I'm not a "numbers person" but rather a problem solver.  I like math because there is (usually) only one right answer.  Don't you try to take away my calculator.


2.  I was never taught how to swim.  I guess I kind of acquired some skills over time so I don't drown, but my form is whack.


3.  My (and Mr. Banker's) favorite movie ever is Almost Famous.  If you haven't seen it you should.  


4.  Aside from California I've never been to any states not on the East Coast.  Sad, right? 


5.  I love owning a home, but I secretly dream of one day renting homes in all kinds of locales- city condo, mountain house, beach house, historic house in a cute tiny Southern town....


6. I have a crazy good sense of direction.  If I have been somewhere once I can usually get there again without directions.  


7. If I could have any talent that I don't have I wish I could sing.  Not be a famous singer or anything, just good enough that other people would enjoy it.




Ok, on to the tagging.  I hope y'all will participate!

And I'm The Lucky Mommy 

Follow That Dream

Gracie Beth

Southern Somedays

Your Southern Peach
The Transplanted Texan

I would love to tag more, but truthfully it's taking too long and I gotta get to some stuff!

Thanks again, Kelli!

The End of Endless Summer

**Updated: I got one of the dreaded emails that I missed out on an item.  I didn't get the shift, but was able to pick up the Ten Speed Murfee and with the $25 credit Lilly gave for the mix up (nice!) it only cost $11!

So in my sleep deprived state I'm going to attempt a little recap of the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer sale.  Sales started last night at Midnight for many online via stores, and then this morning at LillyPulitzer.com.  I was surprised by how much stock they have and am kinda mad I lost sleep when they had all the things (and more) that I was looking for.

So here's a few of the pieces I couldn't pass up...let it be known that I could have ordered one of everything, but I very much like being married and don't want Mr. Banker to leave me because of my shopaholic ways.

Tate skirt in Summer Mix.  I fell in love when I saw this print because, yes, I am old enough to remember cassette tapes!  I was wanting to try this on in store, but never found one.  I'm hoping it's not too short, but it seems that LP always tends to use 5' 10" models and I'm 5' 5".

I am a big fan of holiday-type prints, so I knew I wanted something in the Cherry Bomb print!  Will definitely be fun to pull out year after year!

Worth Shift in Hotty Pink Ten Speed.  This is another print that I hated to miss, but never seemed to find the right piece at the right price! So glad to have another shift that is more casual!

Maybe my favorite thing wasn't even for me.....a Dark & Stormy tie for Mr. Banker.  I've always wanted him to have a tie to match one of my dresses and I doubt he will complain about this one...it has a bottle of rum on it!

I also picked up a few tees to top off my skirts.  I guess I completely missed this sale last year, since I was pregnant, but it's made me rethink my Lilly buying strategies!  I had recently said that I would probably buy one item per season at retail so that I didn't miss out on something that I loved.  But I feel like they really had EVERYTHING on sale.  So hopefully I can wait it out for these sales and get 4 or 5 things instead of 1 or 2!


Did y'all take advantage of the sales today?

One Day

I started reading One Day last Monday and by Thursday I was finished!  I'm not the fastest reader (which I recently learned while trying to read over Bestie's shoulder) but once I got into it I couldn't put it down!

I'll give a brief synopsis without giving too much away.  If you want to stop reading now that's fine...just know that I RECOMMEND both the book AND the movie!

Emma & Dexter didn't think much of spending the day after their college graduation together, but that one day was the beginning of a complex relationship.  Each chapter takes a peek into their lives on June 15th, the day that they "met".  Over 20 years you see the highs and lows of their careers, families, relationships and their own personal development. 


Maybe this book struck a chord with me because I have the distinct pleasure of still being close friends with many people I grew up with (not quite 20 years, but getting there).  I rarely see many of them, but we do our best to keep in touch.  Knowing that we've seen each other at our best and at our worst, our relationships are rare in my opinion, which makes me treasure them even more.  Here is one quote from the book that resonated with me:

"In eight years not a day has gone by when she hasn't thought of him.  She misses him and she wants him back.  I want my best friend back, she thinks, because without him nothing is good and nothing is right.  I will call him, she thinks, as she falls asleep."

I've been so guilty of this...wanting and needing to reach out if it has been too long.  If anything this book will help you remember to fight against any anxiety of being the first to give in...a friend is seldom annoyed to be told that you were thinking about them.

I had high expectations for the movie (especially coming off of The Help!) but I was not disappointed!  The plot line was not majorly adjusted in any way (mostly just some locations...I'm assuming they were trying to not rack up a huge budget) and there was only one detail of the story that I wished they had included that they did not.  I love Anne Hathaway and Patricia Clarkson (Six Feet Under anyone?) and Jim Sturgess pulled off the "love to hate him" appeal of Dexter so well.  I'm sure I will want to see it again when it comes out on DVD, though it's pretty intense and emotional so I wouldn't count on revisiting it that often.

I hope y'all will let me know what you thought of the book/movie!

Foodie Friday: 3 new recipes

Along with getting more organized, I've also been trying to shake it up a little with some new recipes.  It seems like all Summer we were just throwing things together at the last minute.  Last week I tried 3 new recipes and ALL 3 were a success...amazing!

I had been wanting to try a stuffed peppers recipe and this one was great, even though it's not that attractive...

It is from The Big Green Egg Cookbook, but I adapted it to cook in the oven.  It made enough for 6 peppers, but I only made 2, so we froze the rest of the filling.  Hopefully it will reheat well.

Next up was Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos from Recipe girl.  This was THE easiest recipe and soooo yummy!  Even Big Bear liked it.  He NEVER wants to try what we're eating, but he was asking for more!

And the biggest hit was "Caldo Tlalpeno" (we're calling it Mexican Chicken Soup) from Eating Well.  I already make this again this week!  It is spicy, so I wouldn't recommend it for kids, unless you omit some of the peppers.

These recipes were great to make in the same week because you could use the same package of tortillas for the tacos and a quesadilla to go with the soup.  Also buying limes & avocados make great garnish and add flavor!

Y'all will not be disappointed if you give any of these a try!  Leave me a note in the comments if you have come across any great recipes lately!