5.25.2017

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale



(click on each picture to shop the item!) 

Goodness do I love a good sale! Especially one that is ON my birthday and from Nordstrom! It actually goes until June 4th I believe, but if you find anything you like you better buy it now because things are selling out like hotcakes. Most of the items I linked are 40% off so some really good deals!

My birthday is starting off on a real good note since I just walked downstairs to my favorite Starbucks drink that Billy just picked up for me, and he is helping Camden put icing on a birthday cake they baked for me! Heart melted and it's not even 10am.

Have a great day, friends!

5.23.2017

Grayson's Mini Photoshoot




I told myself I would keep up with printing out pictures//making photo books for each child but I've totally been slacking this time around with Grayson, which is why I'm so happy to have these pictures from a mini photoshoot with just him! My photographer friend Patti (who took both their newborn pictures) has an awesome home studio and offers mini sessions for little ones before they start walking. I am smitten over this current age, so I knew I would love having these pictures! I plan to get some on canvases for his room, too! 

How grown up does this boy look though?! I love his little smile and big brown eyes so much. 

5.22.2017

What Every Good Weekend Includes...


A family trip to the zoo when it's 70 and sunny! 
 (Cam is obsessed with The Lion King right now so of course we ended up bringing home a baby lion stuffed animal from the gift shop... he hasn't let go of it since!) 

Booking a trip to Colorado! (Taking a girls trip next month to visit my cousin in Denver!)


Finalizing a party theme for Grayson's 1st birthday (hint: horn went "beep!" engine purred...)


Park days & Treats after (this was actually from Thursday but had to share because of how cute these pics are of the boys!) 


Getting in and out of Home Depot with exactly what we went there for (mulch) and with 0 meltdowns or tantrums! Car shopping cart for the win...

Buying an inflatable pool for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend // Summer days! 
(This is the one I got after a few girls I know have it and love it)

And last but not least, the start of my birthday week ;) I'll be ringing in the big 32 this Thursday! Excited to celebrate with some girlfriends this week & my family. Birthday weeks (or if you drag it out for multiple weeks like me) are the best...

Hope you guys had a great weekend! 

5.18.2017

5 Things I've Learned Since Becoming A SAHM


You guys, I'm totally still a newbie when it comes to this SAHM biz. However, since I've worked part-time for the past 2.5 years I've picked up things along the way on the days that I stayed home with the kids, and I have definitely learned a lot this past month that I've been home full-time with them.

Here are some of my top tips that work for me and the kids at this particular stage (and season..since it's summer) in life!

+GET UP BEFORE THE KIDS DO TO GET YOURSELF READY! 

I found out VERY quickly that taking 10-15 minutes every morning to take a quick shower, change out of pj's, and put on some makeup that my attitude towards the day is much more positive. I'm more motivated to get out the house, and I just feel better and get a lot more accomplished. Does this mean I never lounge around in sweatpants? Heck no, I do it often but most days I do try to be somewhat ready. On the days I know that we aren't leaving in the morning, I will wait until nap time to shower and really get ready for the day then (which is around noon.)

+HAVE A PLAN FOR THE DAY

Getting out of the house at least once per day is big for us and keeps me sane. At the end of every week I look up local events or places (some free, some not) to take the kids during the next week. Spend time researching fun places you can go with your kids! I read a ton of local blogs // follow pages on Facebook to see what they have going on. I will look at the weather and what other things we have going on and plan out activities for each day. Lately we've been going to story time at the library so I know ahead of time what day that will be, and then I will just plan other fun things to do too. My go-to places that I've been (or plan to) take the kids are: the park, splash pads, the zoo, play cafes (we have a bunch of these here that are geared towards toddlers-you pay a fee but they are awesome and have so much for the kids to do!), trampoline park, Chik-Fil-A for a special lunch out and to play), or just get out of the house to go on a long walk! You all know it can take forever to load up the car and get the kids out of the house, but it's worth it!

Also, all of those places I mentioned are also a great way to make mom friends and socialize, too.

+STICK TO A ROUTINE, BUT KEEP IT FLEXIBLE

Both my boys thrive off of a good routine. They like to know what to expect next and it makes our days flow smoother. For example, after breakfast I typically read books with them. When Grayson takes his first nap, I usually will let Cam play outside on our deck or in our backyard. While I make dinner at 5, I put on a show for Camden (and I don't feel guilty about it-it is literally the only way I'm able to cook!) This really helps ALL of us.

+MAKE THE MOST OF NAP TIME! 

My number one goal since I had Grayson was to try to have his longest nap be at the same time that Camden takes his nap (which is from 12-230ish.) Luckily for me this plan worked out and he sleeps when Camden takes his nap, and often sleeps a little bit later than him until 3 or so. On a good day, this gives me at least 2 hours (minimum 1.5) to get things done around the house, or to just SIT DOWN without interruptions. Of course there are days that I am flat out exhausted and choose to sit on the couch for a lot of it, but most days I really take advantage of this time that they're both asleep because it is so hard to get things done when they're awake and I really try to be in the moment and play with them! During their naps I will pay bills, get a workout in on the treadmill, do laundry/clean, organize the house, do a Kroger click list order for groceries, meal plan, etc. I legit run around the house like a crazy person, as I'm sure do many of you!

+GET USED TO THE MESS

My first week home I remember picking up the house during the day constantly. I would spend so much time in the kitchen or putting away toys for them to just be taken out an hour later. IT WAS EXHAUSTING and it took time away from actually hanging out and having fun with the kids. Now I've learned (forced) myself to just let the mess be (aka toys everywhere) and only pick up at nap time and at the end of the day. I also try to involve Camden and have him help me pick up! I've learned to give myself a little grace and know that a dirty house means fun is being had, and one day I know I will miss the mess.

This is only the beginning of my SAHM journey, so I'm sure I will learn a lot more of the next couple months! Honestly some days I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing but the next I feel like the best mom on the planet. That's just how motherhood goes...right?

PS: If you're a rookie SAHM and have other helpful tips to share or things that work best for your family, I would love to hear them!!

5.16.2017

Mother's Day 2017




I can't think of a time when my heart has been this full. With 2 kids under the age of 3, it is close to impossible for a weekend to go exactly as planned (actually it never does), but somehow this past weekend for Mother's Day everything seemed to go just perfectly. The only way it could have been better if is my mama would still be here, but she was (like every year) missed and thought about often.

My three boys spoiled me all weekend long and I felt so loved. It was a perfect mix of getting time to myself (had a lovely morning to myself getting coffee and highlights in my hair + was able to plant flowers all in our yard which I've been wanting to do for the past few weeks!) + getting quality time in together as a family. JUST what I wanted.

They took me to brunch at Third and Hollywood in Grandview (mimosas, please!) where we had the most delicious entrees + the boys were little angels the whole time. Again, rarely happens when out to eat at restaurants. Obviously they wanted to give their mama a break, right?! Billy also got me an adorable "best mom ever" wine glass, new earrings, and he made a card with Camden and Grayson's handprints traced on it. I got home from getting my hair done and Cam rushed to me when I walked in the door and gave me my gifts...it was absolutely adorable.


The rest of the weekend was spent grilling out, spending time with my stepmom and dad, and playing outside with the kids at the park because the weather was just perfection. Words can't express how lucky I feel to have these two little boys...they give my life so much purpose + are my entire world. I love being their mom so much.

To all the other mamas out there reading this-I hope you had the absolute best weekend as well, you deserve it! xo.

5.12.2017

My Top Mothers Day Finds: Treat Yourself!


Happy Mothers Day weekend everyone! Since this day only comes once a year we all (fur mamas count too!) deserve to treat ourselves to something special this weekend! 

Here's a round up of my favorite finds, including what I got: 




This was my gift this year :) I HAD to have it because I'm obsessed with all things marble right now. You can get 20% off right now by using the code SAVE20!


Also love: this dress (so pretty!) and this adorable cover up!  


I need this - also comes in a gorgeous navy and black! 




Kate Spade iPhone Case (on sale for $26)

Lastly...this is more of a splurge but I'm really liking this lash enhancing serum so far. Super easy to use (and isn't irritating to my eyes or skin) - I put it on at night before bed. 

Have a great weekend friends!

5.11.2017

Grayson: 9 Months Old


(those cheeks!)

Here we are...9 months old and mama is getting ready to start planning his big first birthday party. Actually I've already come up with some ideas in my head but that's neither here nor there. What's wild is that soon I will have a 2.5 year old and a 1 year old. HOLD ME.

So, Grayson is now crawling across rooms like he's been doing it his whole life, and has also added some yoga moves that resemble downwards dog to his resume. He is trying to pull up on everything now, so basically my days of him being a little baby are pretty much over. Insert mini sob fest here. He reminds me a lot of Camden when he was at this age...I think it's because he looks a little more like him but also because they have the same exact laugh!

Here's what else has been new with baby Gray (I WILL continue to call him this forever, obviously) this past month...

Milestones//Special Moments: 2nd trip to Florida (and 2nd time on a plane!) // 1st haircut this past month! // Can sit up and pull up from a crawling position // 1st time sitting in the front of the shopping cart! // Interested in drinking out of a sippy cup and does pretty good at it // Has been a little more clingy this month // 1st time eating Chik-Fil-A :)

Weight/Height: 9 month apt is this Friday, will have to update once we find out! He has the most delish thighs though! I just want to eat them!

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Clothes: 12-18 months (he seriously grows out of clothes so fast!)

Diapers: 3's 

Sleeping: Down to 2 naps per day now! If we're home and I see he's a little tired, I will put him down for a little cat nap around 330 and he will usually fall asleep for about 30-45 mins.

Likes: Bath time with his brother // Shape Sorter (he's gotten really good at finding where each shape goes!) // Swinging // Eating (boy can DOWN some food!) // Being goofy at bedtime // Playing with balls (I think he sees Cam playing with them all the time that he is even more interested in them!) // Trucks and playing with their wheels // His wubbanubs (the love is STRONG!)

Dislikes: When people are eating and he isn't and when his food is all gone!

Eating: Down to 3 bottles per day and is mainly off purees (I will give him a pouch out of convenience when needed) I'm a little nervous how I will get this child off of bottles because he is obsessed with them.

Health: We are so thankful that he hasn't been sick at all these past few months! Phew!

favorite pictures this month:



5.08.2017

CURRENTLY...




LOVING: All the fun we packed into this weekend! The weather was not the greatest (I'd like our 70 degree days back!) but Friday night we didn't want to miss out on celebrating Cinco De Mayo so we all went to our favorite local Mexican restaurant and were in and out with our bellies happily full by 6pm. One of the perks of eating early with kids is not having to wait for a table because you get there at about 5pm. WORTH IT! On Saturday we took the kids to an indoor recreation outlet here that has trampolines, playground sets, basketball courts, and soccer goals/nets that the kids can play with. It was our first time going and Camden couldn't have loved it more. Basically all his favorite things in one place! I'm sure we will be back there often. My parents came over in the afternoon to play with the boys, and then me and Billy got lucky and got to sneak out for a date night once they were in bed!

On Sunday morning Billy and the boys had guy time while I went with my girlfriend Ashley to a street festival that had a bunch of local food + clothing vendors! Walked away with some really cute things and had some girl time so that was a win, too.



WAITING FOR: Our A/C to start working because we found out last week that it has suddenly stopped working! Wah wah wah. Looks like we'll be having to get it fixed this week.

THINKING ABOUT: How much I love being a stay at home mom. I guess this would be a good time to give a little update on how it's been the past few weeks! Truthfully, there is no way for me to properly express the amount of happiness + fullfillment I have felt since being home with the boys full time. I love beginning my day with them knowing that we have the whole day together to do whatever we want, and not have a job to report to...I'm just not sure there is anything better!

I've noticed how much less stressed I feel everyday because I have more time to get things done around our house + actually have time to cook dinner (that's on the table before 8pm!) I've also been making it a point for us to get out of the house and do something fun at least once a day. Last week we started going to story time at the library (which they BOTH loved!) so I plan to do that once a week, and we also started exploring different parks! I already started saving a bunch of fun summer events that will be happening around the city to take the boys to as well.

 who would hate getting these cuddles all the times?

TRYING THIS: NeuLASH lash serum to grow my eyelashes! I just started using it but I know a bunch of bloggers rave about it and love it.

FOLLOWING: Lately I've been following the cleanmama on instagram for her cleaning schedule. I like it because you focus on one thing per day and so far I've found it's easy to keep up with. (Not sponsored at all - I just knew that now that I'm staying home with the kids that I wanted more of a cleaning schedule to go by!)

LOOKING FORWARD TO: For Mother's Day this weekend I have an appointment to get my hair done, so I'm pretty excited about that! And of course to go to brunch with Billy and the boys too. May is kind of my favorite because my birthday is at the end of this month, too.

HAPPY THAT: 1) We got a new car and I got that third row I have been wanting! We got a Buick Enclave and love love love it. It's such a nice car and is the perfect size for us. I seriously love driving it! 2) Grayson had pictures taken last week by Patti Rose Photography in her new studio and I am SO excited to see them and share them!!


WISHING: My husband would stop putting his clothes right NEXT to our laundry hamper. But hey, you win some you lose some right? At least he's close...

Happy Monday, friends!

5.04.2017

KETO Diet For Beginners


If you follow me on snapchat/instastories (both @katiewkrysh) then you have probably seen me post about the ketogenic (keto) diet. I have heard a lot of great things about this diet the past few months and decided to give it a try because I was really intrigued by the concept and the different foods you can eat. They're completely different than what I would normally eat (I'm talking about you, bacon...ranch dressing...steak...etc.), so I knew that they would feel "new" (if that makes any sense) to me, and I'd probably feel more satisfied because I wouldn't be bored with eating the same things.

A KETO diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low-carb (which turns the body into a fat burning machine!) On a ketogenic diet your body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. In return, fat burning increases which is wonderful if you’re trying to lose weight, but there are other benefits like less hunger and a steady supply of energy (my biggest reason for wanting to try it.) With this diet it's important to track EVERYTHING you eat so that you get into ketosis (I created this Pinterest board that has a bunch of charts that has helped me learn what to eat and what to avoid), but once you do that for a few days or a week it's easy to get the hang of it and know what you should or shouldn't be eating.

The first 3-4 days weren't really that hard because I never felt hungry. I actually felt way more satisfied. Day 4 I felt kind of crappy (I think they call this the KETO flu), but once I hit day 5 I felt so good and had a ton of energy! Shortly after I started (about 3 weeks or so ago, so I'm still new to this too) I found out my girlfriend Blayne has been doing it. She's had a lot of success with it and feeling the best she's felt in a long time and has lost a lot of weight. She has been a tremendous support system to me, especially that first initial week when I had a ton of questions. Her and her sister started this Facebook page that you can join to see sample meal plans, ask questions, hear from others who are on the diet, etc. They didn't ask me to post about this at all - I just wanted to share in case any of you want to try a KETO diet as well! They know much more about this diet than I do!

Since I received a ton of questions about this diet on my snapchat and what I eat everyday, I wanted to put together a quick graphic showing what I eat on daily basis. Please keep in mind there are SO many different things you can eat, or yummy recipes you can make on this diet (search on Pinterest!), so these are just things I like to eat.


Two big things that I've learned: If you drink coffee, you should switch out the creamer for heavy whipping cream. And also it is pretty easy to stick to this diet when eating at restaurants or at fast food places! For example-at Wendy's you can get a double cheeseburger without the bun. They will wrap it in lettuce if you ask for it.

Once I've followed this diet a little bit longer I can do a more detailed post, if that would interest some of you!

Do any of you follow a KETO diet or heard about it?! Share with me!

5.03.2017

Favorite Vacations Finds

Vacation Favorites

I don't know about you guys but shopping for vacations (or just for summer if you don't have a trip planned soon!) makes me incredibly happy. As you know we just got back from Florida last week and the weeks prior I had such good luck finding some seriously cute things!

I wanted to share what I took with me on our vacation and the things I really wore (some multiple times...) All are very affordable and things I know I will continue to wear as the weather gets warmer.

Gingham Check Pull On Shorts: My goodness, how cute are these?? They are the best!

Tasseled Sandals: Only $25!!

AEO Tomgirl Shorts: These I pretty much lived in everyday. They stretch a bit (which I prefer in jean shorts because I like how they look when they are a little loose) so keep that in mind when ordering. Not too short either!

Chambray Romper: This also doubles as an adorable cover up! One of my favorites!

Palm Tree Print Cover-Up: I got some questions about this! I wore it as both a top (tucked in a bit) with shorts and also as a cover-up. Love the palm tree print.

Ruffled Racerback Romper: Perfect casual romper to wear to the pool or beach!

Zella Impulse High Waist Leggings: My go-to pair of leggings to travel in...the cut outs are the best and since they are high waist they suck you in and hide that muffin top. Trust me when I say you will LOVE these. (also come in black)

Gorjana Power Turquoise Bracelet: These bracelets are beautiful. The turquoise is perfect for summer, but all I can think about is how badly I want the Howlite/Gold one too!

Tory Burch Miller Flip Flop: If I had to pick one pair of sandals to pack for vacation these ones would be it! I wear them constantly in the summer - they truly go with everything!

Happy hump day!!