My Summer Makeup Picks!

It hit 90 degrees in Georgia yesterday, so summer has officially arrived!

We spent most of the day on our deck playing in our fancy new splash pool.  Trips to the pool on my own with the boys is impossible.  Cole isn't the biggest water fan and Nate can't swim on his own yet, though he has already perfected the art of lounging in my float!

Summer heat means trying to stay cool by all means possible and also prevent your face from looking like a glistening/melty mess!

My equation for achieving a fresh faced look-

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20   
I had used cheap-o drugstore tinted moisturizer for long enough.  This stuff is magic.  It applies easily and has a fair amount of coverage.  No caking here!  The Nude shade is what works for my (pale-ish) skin tone, but there are 9 other colours to choose from. Wow!

Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara
Mascara is one of those things that I always seem to think there's something better out there that I just haven't found yet, but this mascara keeps calling me back.  There is also a volumizing  (though not available in waterproof) version that is fantastic as well.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 
This is my lip gloss/balm of the moment.  I received a birthday sample from Sephora on my latest visit.  Did you know when you go in and use your Beauty Insider card during your birthday month they ring a bell, shout "Happy Birthday" and give you a sample gift? Slightly embarrassing, but I'll take the lip gloss! 

Do you have other summer staples I should add to my makeup bag?

Target Loves Of The Month

I can't seem to stay out of Target.

Ever. 

I may have made two trips over the long weekend. 

I wanted to share of my few favorite finds with y'all because if there's one thing I'm really good at, it's being a shopping enabler.

Merona Waterfall Ruffle Top- $14.99

I really wanted to like the Lilly Pulitzer Cleo Top, but after trying it on and not adoring it I wasn't going to drop nearly $70 on a tank.  This Merona top is a good enough substitute, and comes in 3 Lilly coordinating colors, lime, coral and cobalt.  It fits true to size, maybe even a little big in the top, but because it's Rayon it's a little clingy.

Mossimo Womens Denim Boyfriend Crop Pant- $24.99

I have been having serious jeans issues.  I'm down to 4 pair that I can put on my body but none of them really fit right.  I think these are much cuter in person and I roll up the bottoms, otherwise they look like you're ready for a flood.  My mommy-middle appreciates the mid-rise waist and my trendy side likes the distressed details.  The tag labels these as a "skinny boyfriend" jean, a term I'm not sure I had seen before, but it seems to work for me.     

And earrings!  My jewelery kick continues, but for $5.99 I couldn't resist.  I purchased the coral and pink.  If you want these I'd go scoop them up soon! 

What have you found at Target lately?

The Years Go So Fast

It's been a wonderful long weekend so far.  Good food, trips to the pool and time for everyone to do their own thing.

Friday evening we decided to go to our local town center for the boys to play in the fountains. 

Some of our best family memories are from our town center (and most include Five Guys and/or Rita's, so how could they not be good?)  From the days where it was just me and Mr. Banker going to concerts and festivals, to taking Nate for his first picnic.

 

A family trip as three, so clueless that a month later we would be expecting a little brother

And now

Drinking from his own cup, playing in the fountain and then looking to make sure we're watching so he can wave at us.  Y'all, I just about died.  Someone tell me when this gets any easier.

I'm a Lilly Pulitzer Loving, Real Housewife of the Suburbs

I was so spoiled with birthday gifts!  A few monogrammed pretties, some great housewares, sparkly things and two Etsy finds I wanted to share with you today!

First, check out these Lilly Pulitzer painted letters!

Obviously my pink and green loving self is obsessed with these! My friend, Stephanie, picked them out from Say Hay Gifts! The shop also has monogram canvasses, Greek letters, trays and wastebaskets!

Thanks, Steph!  They are going up in my office this weekend!

Now Bestie picked out something that really made me laugh (she knows me so well!)

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Sweet Bohemian Life is a custom tee shirt shop which makes these "Real Housewives of your town" shirts!  Too much, right?  You know you want to go order one of your own.  A great tee to sport in the carpool line or when starting a fight during lunch at your local hangout!

Etsy is a great place to find unique gifts like these!

Do you have any other Etsy shops that you love to shop? 

Cheers to 30! My 30th Birthday Party

My birthday party was a huge success!  So much fun; I really have the best friends!

First things first- the invite!  This Paper Style invite was completely customizable, which was perfect because I couldn't find anything that was exactly what I was envisioning.

After deciding on a pink & black color scheme I chose a "Cheers to 30!" theme. 

Napkins from For Your Party, champagne favors & the deco mesh wreath that nearly killed me!

 

Cake from Publix and {alcoholic} cupcakes from Millionaire Cupcakes

A little shoe fun!

My ensemble- Rebecca Taylor dress, Kate Spade Charm Heels

Amazing chalk skills by my Bestie!

And my favorite part of the party- the photo booth!  Everyone really loved it, especially the guys.  Hand them some silly mustaches and they go crazy!

A view of the setup- I plan to do a post on the workings of the photo booth, but need to get with Mr. on that one for the details!

And, pictures!  Sorry for the overload of me, me, me pics.  There are some really fun ones, of course, but I don't think my friends would endorse me posting them on the internets.

The bestest Bestie ever!  Things would have been a mess without this girl (and you too, Steph!) ...can't wait to return some party help for her awesome 80's bash in August!

My Junior League girls & fellow bloggers, Nicole & Hether!

And a few silly poses with this guy!  Thanks Mr. Banker for being the best party {and life} co-chair a girl could have.  Love you.

The Family I Don't Want To Become

The boys spoiled me on Mother's Day with gifts and hugs and then we decided to go out for supper.

This was a big deal because we never all go out unless it's for Chick-fil-a or pizza.  I was excited and hopeful that it wouldn't be a disaster.

We chose a hibachi restaurant, thinking that Nate would enjoy the "show."  Soon after we were seated another family joined us at the big table- a mom, dad, ~12 year old son & ~8 year old daughter.




Throughout the dinner the mom, dad and son were playing on their phones.  The mom did give a side-eye to the dad for looking at his phone while the chef was cooking, but once they had finished their meal their eyes were all glued to the tiny screens.

Suddenly having to tell Nate ten times that I would get him some chopsticks and picking up edamame that Cole had thrown on the floor seemed like such a privilege.  They still need me and want to engage with me. 

The family fascinated me.  How did it get to the point where they hardly talk to each other?  Why did they even bother to go out?

It was a great reminder that we already need to be thinking about setting standards for our family.

As a couple we often ate dinner on the couch watching television, but now we all sit down at the table and the t.v. is off.  Making those changes is just another aspect of being a parent. 

I'm sure it's easy for things to get out of hand quickly.  I am guilty of checking my phone at some inappropriate times, but I need to keep in mind the example I am setting for the boys.  And I'd like to think that in 10 years they won't be taking me out to dinner and barely speaking to me.

Have you ever seen a family that you didn't want to become?  Leave me a comment with some boundaries you have set within your family.

Time With My Littlest Guy

I had a great morning with my littlest guy yesterday.  We did a little shopping, he caught a quick nap

and we had lunch before picking up big brother.

(Yes, there was an outfit change; a standing one, no less, in a changing table free restroom. Thanks, Zaxbys)

 
I don't know the last time we had lunch out on our own.

Nate's last day of school is Friday, so my alone time with Cole is going to be put on hold for a few months.

He'll be 17 months old on Saturday.  It's so hard for me to think that the last time I had a 17 month old I was 5 months pregnant!  His personality is starting to come out so much and I want to make sure I'm giving him the attention he needs.

I can look forward to some more one-on-one time with him this summer when big brother goes to "Nana Camp" for two weeks.  But in the meantime I could use a little advice on ways to make time for each of your children.  Do you have a schedule with separate time for each one? Do you get a sitter for special outings?

How do you balance your time between your children?

Guest Post at Nautical by Nature

I am starting a new routine of not posting on Wednesdays, but today I am guest posting for Kate at Nautical by Nature.  I hope you will go check it out!

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival 2012

On Saturday, we attended the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival!  This was the second year (we attended last year as well) and they really stepped up their game.

The weather was fantastic and the tents were packed.

Though being in the South, every accidental bump or squeezing through the crowd was accompanied by "Excuse me."  Everyone was so friendly!  

I couldn't pass up a free mini jar of Duke's.

The tasting tents are arranged by type of food or drink.  There were plentiful samples of BBQ, seafood, tacos, fried chicken, pork, lamb, snacks, beer, wine and bourbon!

A little spit roasted lamb in the afternoon.

Of course Mr. Banker made his way around the bourbon area (while I was waiting forever in the line for Blackberry Farm)

Maker's Mark was dipping glasses!

This has quickly become a tradition that we look forward to annually.  One year we hope to attend some of the cooking exhibitions or even one of the swanky chef dinners!

Have you been to one of the Food and Wine Festivals?  Or do you have a local food festival you enjoy attending?

Starting My Thirties In Style

I have a little surprise for y'all today, so if you read by RSS or email hop on over to my web address- www.4ever29blog.com

There yet?

Ta-da!  Check out my fantastic new blog design!

I had been contemplating a new design for a bit and decided it would be (another) great birthday present.  It was becoming increasingly obvious to me that I didn't have the time or knowledge to put the page together the way I was envisioning.

I did a little snooping around blog designers and came across TKC Designs.

Working with Tiffany was AMAZING.  I can be a little picky about most everything the way I want things, but she gave me tons of options and listened to all of my ideas and little tweaks along the way!

Lucky for you I have a discount code if you would like a new look for your own blog!

Use code forever29 for 10% off a simple design or 20% off and all out design!

Thanks again, Tiffany!

And I'd like to invite you to check out my new Facebook page (check out that neat little button on the left) and also the other fun places you can find me, if you don't get enough of me already- Twitter, Pinterest, or RSS! 

Birthday/Mother's Day/Blogiversary Extravaganza!

Today is a big day for me.  I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm still a little out of sorts about the whole *whispers* 30 thing.

Thankfully I get to distract myself with Mother's Day AND my blogiversary!

(A very happy Mother's Day to all my mom friends!)

The past year has been amazing. 

I watched my boys continue to grow.  There have been plenty of hard days, but there is nothing I love more in the world than their sweet faces.  

I traveled. I returned to old favorites and also discovered some new, amazing destinations.

I got healthier.  And while I'm still coming to grips with the fact that my body will never be the same after having two babies (tummy tuck & breast lift are now on my permanent wish list) I know that I am making great strides towards living a healthy, maintainable lifestyle.

I made new friends.  Women who are across the country and others that right in my neighborhood.  

I found an outlet in blogging that has me excited to get up at 5am.  

I learned more about who I am.  I'm starting to understand that this comes most through experiencing life.  Yay for getting older and wiser.

I've loved getting to know so many of you and appreciate your encouragement over the past year!

 

Final Before 30 Update!

Two days left of my 20's (cue freak out!)  Time for my final Before 30 update.

Sadly, I didn't complete everything on my list.  Nothing says "you're a grown up" like having to make practical decisions.

After a few unexpected expenses (house air conditioner dying, car air conditioner dying, new tires, yada, yada, yada) and also realizing that time just wasn't on my side, I decided to forgo a few of the items on my list. 

These are things I will definitely get to one day, but pushing to do it for the sake of a list didn't make much sense.

Here is my list, with a few ramblings.

1. Run a 5k  I would really like to make this a yearly thing.

2. Tree Camping or ropes course/zip lining Swap for skeet shooting! Skeet shooting will happen one day!  Hopefully at Blackberry Farm.

3. A trip by myself Mommy Getaway to Palm Beach & meeting Lilly!  Trip of a Lifetime!

 

4. 30th trip with Bestie Cruise is booked! Less than a month away!

5. Take a cooking class at Whole Foods  Passed on this for now.  Hope to take one of their date night classes with Mr. Banker.

6. Sponsor a child Done through Compassion International; found David in Kenya whom I share a birthday with!

7. Visit Alabama  Yes, one day I will get to Alabama. Mr. wants to take the whole family to space camp one summer (no, I'm not kidding.) So there's that.

8. Go "offline" for a weekend (includes tv) Unplugged and should do it more often.

9. Host a blog giveaway KJP Bracelet

10. Buy something (besides jewelry) at Forever 21

11. Workout on vacation

12. Do a "day in the life" post(s) Busy days with my boys

13. Go to a painting/wine class Was supposed to go with Junior League, but Mr. had a work conflict. Boo hoo.

14. Pay it forward and buy someone's meal/drink in line behind me   This was fun and the person ordered a cheapie drink, so I feel like I should do it again.

15. Have 3 days of no complaints  Um, not sure what I was thinking on this one.  Maybe I'll add "on social media"

16. Get a physical and go to the dermatologist This is only happened as a fluke.  I went to the dermatologist today.  I am free of any suspicious spots but I have a rash all over my chest/torso from a virus.  There is no treatment and it can last 6-12 weeks.  I'm really excited about that seeing as how I'm going on a cruise in 4 weeks.   

I'm not sure what to say about the last days of my twenties.  I haven't been in the best spirits recently.  It's hard to tell how much of it is in my head about my birthday.  This virus/rash hasn't been helping and then yesterday our main computer died and Mr.'s car starter broke.  Thankfully these hits that keep coming are small in the grand scheme of things, but it's still hard to not get down.

But on the bright side I'm looking forward to my new blog design that will be up next week!  The next few weeks will continue to be busy with exciting events.

Here's your chance to tell me how awesome my 30's are going to be!  

A Mother's Day Debate

I count on my local radio show, The Bert Show, to keep me up to date on pop culture and for glimpses into the crazy problems of others around my city.

Yesterday I caught the end of a heated debate regarding Mother's Day.  The discussion started with a report from Huffington Post which stated that the website AshleyMadison.com, a site for married individuals looking to have an affair, sees a spike in new memberships from women on the day after Mother's Day.

Yikes.

They were really just trying to communicate that to women being appreciated for the hard work we do as mothers is crucial, and this is obviously more important than being showered by our husbands on Valentine's Day.  Well, I guess if you're at the tipping point and the kind of person who would sign up for a website to cheat on your husband.

Then the call came in that they weren't expecting--the guy who argued that Mother's Day is the day to celebrate HIS mother.  Period.

Obviously tons of debate ensued and people have strong opinions on the matter.  I really can't imagine my husband leaving me and the boys at home to go spend the day with his mom, as this caller described.  Maybe this is the kind of situation that makes women turn to that find-me-a-boyfriend website.

I'm not sure if events and holidays are universally a bigger deal now, or if it was just the bubble I grew up in that kept things more low key.  We weren't serving up breakfast in bed for my mom or sending her off for a day at the spa.  I still send her a card each year, but I do think that Mother's Day IS more for the moms that are currently in the mommy trenches.

While I can make wishlists of prezzies I'd love to receive, ultimately all I really want is to be told we-don't-know-what-we'd-do-without-you.  And maybe a cookie cake.  Any holiday is a good excuse for cookie cake. 



I can hope that the boys will always think I am a good mother.  I also hope that I will have raised them well enough to not be complete momma's boys and when the time comes they will know to celebrate the mother of their children on Mother's Day.  Easy enough to say now...I also pray that my future daughters-in-law can pick out a good Mother's Day card.

How do you view Mother's Day?  It is always for your mother, or should it be more about you as a mother or those currently raising children?

Remembering 29

After kids, celebrating your own birthday can definitely take a backseat.  This year will be a little different though as BB gets the concept of birthdays and he knows mine is coming up.  (Oh and the fact that I'm throwing my own party and taking a trip.  I'm a spoiled girl.)  He keeps reminding me that there needs to be balloons, presents, cake and candles-thankfully he says I only need five.

Over the past few years it's been a special treat just to get to go out with Mr. Banker and do anything to get out of the house.

A month before my birthday last year I was searching info about a new singer I kept hearing on our satellite radio, Brett Dennen.  He happened to be playing a show on my birthday at a smaller venue, Variety Playhouse.

Done.  We'd channel our younger days, grab paella & mojitos and hopefully be able to sit down and enjoy a concert- you know, because we're old.

We arrived shortly after the opening band, Dawes, had gone on stage.  Not surprising that we hadn't heard of them, but we really liked their music.  And when the concert was over we decided we ultimately liked their music better than the headliner we had gone to see.

Fast forward 9 months and we're in much more familiar territory of watching tv on the couch.  Parenthood is one of our favorites and Dawes was featured on an episode!





We felt redeemed that maybe we won't always be the last to know about everything!  Dawes is now one of the go to artists on our playlist and reminds us of that night.

Do you have a favorite birthday memory? 

 

Visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum and Touring Churchill Downs

Tomorrow is Derby Day (and Cinco de Mayo, so enjoy a mint julep and a margarita!)  After inundating y'all with too many pictures from our Kentucky vacation I decided wait to share this recap until today!

The Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs tour exceeded our expectations!  We spent about 30 minutes in the museum but there was still more to see.  

A plentiful collection of colorful Derby silks.

You can even design your own silks!

 

There were tons of interactive activities- Mr. Banker took a spin as a jockey.

Then we took the behind the scenes tour of Churchill Downs.

The tour took us through the jockey's locker room,
Millionaire's Row, press room, winner's lounge
 and a rooftop view of the Twin Spires.

This mural depicts every winner of the Kentucky Derby since it's inception in 1875.  Our tour guide impressed us with his knowledge of many of the winning jockeys.

I highly recommend the Kentucky Derby museum if you are ever in Louisville!

If you are a Derby lover, you certainly know that before the running of the roses the Kentucky state song, My Old Kentucky home, is sung.  Before planning the trip I had no idea that there was an actual home, Federal Hill, which inspired the song.  It is in Bardstown, KY and right down the road from the Heaven Hill distillery. 

I hope y'all will sing it loud tomorrow!

My Old Kentucky Home 

The sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home

'tis Summer, the people are gay, 

the corn top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom 

while the birds make music all the day. 

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor 

all merry, all happy, and bright. 

By'n by hard times comes a-knocking at the door, 

then my old Kentucky home, good night. 

Chorus: Weep no more, my lady, 

oh weep no more today. 

We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home, 

for the old Kentucky home far away.




Get your bets ready, coverage starts at 4pm EST on NBC and post time is 6:24 pm.  I'll be watching from the couch, mint julep in hand and big hat on my head.

Do you enjoy watching the Derby?  Any memories or favorite aspects of the occasion?

New Favorite Show: Girls

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While everyone is busy talking 50 Shades this, Insurgent that (No hate to my bibliophile friends; I've just recently realized my own reading preferences are more of the non-fiction variety.  Who wants to start a book club with me?) I'm catching up on my DVR or thinking about what we will watch that evening.

There is no lack of great television right now, but HBO has me hooked on their new show, Girls.

The series follows four "girls" in their early twenties, particularly the main character, Hannah, who is trying to figure out life in New York after her parents cut off her financial support.  

Meant to address the tough years where Gossip Girl leaves off and before Sex and the City picks up, the show can be a little hard to watch at first.  I squeal through awkward moments (which are plentiful) but little parts of me identify with each of the characters.  

You can catch up on the first three episodes on HBO's website (the third is my favorite so far) and set your DVRs for Sundays at 10:30-yes, sadly it overlaps with Mad Men. 

Have y'all seen Girls?  Any other new shows you're loving?

What Should I Pack?

Bestie and I are counting down the days (37) until our 30th birthday celebratory cruise!  Of course this has sent both of us into a little shopping frenzy! 

I know a few things I'm in need of for summer, but I can barely remember what I packed to wear the last time I cruised 8 years ago (I do know there was a tube top, and that's definitely not happening anymore!)

I had resisted trying these Old Navy dresses, but over the weekend they were 20% off (that made them $12!)

 Stripe Tank Dress

 Racerback tank dress

They are so comfortable and I absolutely love them!  I know they will be great to throw on over a bathing suit and I'll get tons of wear out of them through the summer (it was already 90 degrees here yesterday!)

 

  Are any of y'all professional cruisers with some packing tips for me?

My Birthday/Mother's Day Wish List

It's my BIRTHDAY MONTH! Woooo!

Ok, I'm probably not that excited.  But another excuse to make a list of goodies that I'd love to have?  I'll take it!

My birthday falls on Mother's Day this year, so along with my recent posts of pretty things you can also consult these great posts for lovely Mother's Day gifts to bulk up your own wish list.

It was love at first sight with these monogrammed sunglasses!

 Pineapple Grove Gifts

 I love these birthday thank you notes!

Ashley Brooke Designs

My newest obsession, Bridier Baubles.  

Coco Necklace in Snow

The Hills Necklace


Both of these pieces would look gorgeous with this top!

Braxton Top from Anthropologie


and no wish list is complete without a pair of shoes....

Sperry Top-Sider Angelfish in Gold Python

I won't count on getting any of these pretties for now, since I may have bought my own birthday gift months ago & am throwing a party for myself.  Self-absorbed?  Maybe.  But really, who can ignore an excuse to throw a cocktail party?


Oh, and I have a beautiful, fresh new blog design that I am in LOVE with and will debut after my birthday/Mother's Day/Blogiversary extravaganza!


I hope you enjoy my picks and that you have a wonderful Mother's Day, being loved on by your kiddos or spending some quality time with your own mom!


**edited to add- none of these endorsements were compensated nor have I received any pre-bithday gifts from these lovely vendors.  However, if you would like to send cards, flowers or prezzies let me know**