March Summary

I'll spare you the whole... it's going so fast make time stop. I think that is just a consequence of being an adult and having a kid. But I wanted to start doing blog posts on a summary of every month to see how it went.
What was AWESOME about March.
1. NEW JOB!! I got a new job which I am so excited about. I am going to be working for the city of Provo in the fleet/sanitation/water department. I am the new office administrative assistant and I am really excited for this new opportunity. I only work M-TH and I work early morning 7:30 am - 1:30 pm. I have babysitters lined up for Claire and I am just excited to start somewhere new.

2. We got a new entertainment center. You saw it in my post on Easter Decor. It's this one from Amazon:

I love it and I am excited to continue buying more decor for our home.

3. My Easter Decor. That post got a lot of views for me and it seemed like you guys really liked it. I loved putting it together and can't wait to do a spring/summer one.

4. Working out. I have been really enjoying the Provo Rec center recently. Since I got a new job I now have a free pass to Provo Rec center and that facility is just so nice. I have been going to the Barre (ballet workout) class there. It's a class I can really do and don't feel stupid for doing it. Zumba I'm not coordinated enough for and always feel like I look crazy but with Barre it was something easy I could handle and it 's a good workout. I also go and watch youtube videos while walking on the treadmill. Claire loves going to child watch and it gives me a good excuse to get out of the house.

5. Last but not least is Moana. Ha ha I know Moana. But really Claire is obsessed with it. She loves it so much and I love it because I can turn it on she'll sit and watch and I can do laundry/ chores around the house. It's a win win for me. It's a cute movie. The end gets me every time when she discovers who Te Fiti really is. It's just beautiful.

What was not so awesome about March.

1. Zack worked a lot of overtime this month. The only reason why it wasn't so awesome was because that meant we had less time together as a family. I like having our weekends together and having him work Saturdays really messed that up.

2. Laundry. Ha ha I feel like I can never get caught up on it though. I am looking into better laundry systems but honestly I just need to do it.

3. Working Saturdays. see above.

4. The Weather. There were a few glorious days of awesome weather but mostly it's been a drab month. We had snow at the very beginning, then the last week it's just been a lot of rain. I know we need water so that's good I just am so excited for warm weather consistently and beach days, lagoon, parades, festivals, etc. All of that is coming up in the summer and I can't wait.

So here is what I am looking forward to in April
- St. George Trip. After a month of not going we are ready for some sun and relaxation down in St. George.
- General Conference. My favorite weekend, I am seriously so excited.
- Easter. I have our easter baskets all planned out already. Claire is going to love all the activities we do, the egg roll, the easter egg hunts etc. It will be so fun.
-Tulip Festival. We've never been but I love tulips and it will be fun to walk around with the family and see all the pretty flowers. I'm pretty sure Zack will hate it but he loves us so he'll go anyway.

How was March for you?
XO
Caitlin

My Favorite Weekend!

General conference is coming up for the LDS church and it is my favorite weekend of the year. I am so blessed that I get that weekend twice. It happens the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October. Can you believe it's April already? Here is my blogpost on Conference from last year if you are interested in reading.
So what am I doing this week to prepare for conference?

1. Menu planning.
I know this seems like such a trivial thing but having good snacks on hand is key for me to pay attention and to keep our toddler occupied. So far on the list I have is to make muddy buddies (puppy chow), get a veggie tray, chips and salsa and Zack wants reese's eggs. Those are just the snacks. As far as meals go, we plan to go out between sessions on Saturday for burgers and fries. Then Saturday night making Lasagna. Sunday we are having a big yummy breakfast of French Toast, Bacon and Eggs. Then Sunday for lunch grilled cheese and then we are going to my in-laws for the last session on Sunday and enjoying birthday dinner for my mother-in-law. Having a food plan makes the weekend go by so much easier and I get really excited.

2. Go to the temple.
I really want to attend the temple this week. I might have to go alone so Zack can be with the baby but I am looking forward to that special time with God before the spiritual revelation that comes. I want to reflect in the temple on what I need to hear and what questions I have.

3. Get my nails done.
Doing this on Friday I think. It helps with taking notes and everything because you are excited with how cute your nails are.

4. Figure out what journal I want to use. I have a lot of journals, so I want to grab one and take notes during conference. Claire will probably sleep during Saturday afternoon and the rest of them she will be occupied with toys/snacks etc so I probably will be able to take notes.

5. Pray for inspiration and guidance.
I know that General Conference is a time to get spiritual guidance for what I need in my life. I find answers and peace for my life. Praying ahead of time let's me focus on what I really need and what I am willing to do should that inspiration come. 

I am so excited for this weekend.
XO
Caitlin

Easter Decor 2017

This is the first time I've really gotten into holiday decor. Having my own home to decorate makes it easier and I want to save these pieces for years to come. I am excited to decorate for the holidays and seasons in our new home. For Easter this year we went with mostly pastel colors. The color palette was peach, teal/mint, pink, white, and gold. I purchased almost all of the decor from Target, but also thrifted some pieces and went to Michael's.

Our front door is painted yellow and I kind of hate that color. I really want a red front door. I have been obsessed with red doors for the last five years or so and this summer we are painting this door. I am so excited for that. Anyway this door hanger is from Walmart and I love the look it brings right when you walk in. The speckled pastel eggs went perfect with my theme for the rest of the house.

Upon entering the house you see the entryway table and I added this cute bunny that I thrifted on top of the console. I also got the carrot's from Walmart. The rose gold planner is my on the go planner and it makes it easier to grab and go when I have it on the table.  This photo just screams spring to me.

Next thing you see is the piano. It was hard to get a really good picture of the decor here because of the big window it sits in front of. The jar on the left is from the dollar tree and the eggs inside are from Target. The tulips are from the dollar tree as well as the vase that's holding them and then the white candle is from Target. I wanted to keep it simple on top of the piano since I teach piano lessons twice a week and use the space. 

 

We have a few bookshelf's in the living room and this one is painted this teal blue color and it actually fit in perfect with the decor. On top of the bookshelf I have this metal bunny from Michael's. Claire loves this guy and loves pointing him out to me, "mommy look bunny". The tin tray is from Michael's as well. The egg's inside are from Target. The jar with the pink bunny lid is from Michael's and the eggs are from Target. 

Next you see our TV stand. I put this egg garland (from Target) up but my 18 month old discovered it and would carry it around so I moved it over to one of our other bookshelf's and it turned out pretty good.

Onto the Kitchen. On the dining room table I put some magazine's down and this cute egg vase from Target. I love having magazine's on the table because we like to read while eating breakfast so this gives me something fast and easy to pick up and flip through. We have the Magnolia Journal as well as some church magazines.

 Also on our kitchen counters we have this egg basket from Walmart and this mint candle from Target. This candle smells amazing and reminds of spring so much so I burn it a lot.

Well that is it for my Easter decor for this year. I like that it is simple.
XO
Caitlin

What's In My Everyday Makeup Bag

I've been getting into makeup a lot more lately. I have really enjoyed it as a hobby and that probably has a lot to do with my skin care. My skin has been really clear and makeup really just enhances my natural beauty so I've been loving it a lot. These are the products that are currently in my everyday makeup bag. Most of my makeup is from the drugstore because you can get really great products from Walgreens, Walmart, CVS etc. You don't have to spend a lot of money on.

First off the makeup bag. 

 This marble makeup bag is from Society 6 and I got it here from Amazon. I love it. Marble anything is right up my alley so this bag is just perfect to store all my makeup in.

 Here is my overview of what is in the bag and all of this really does fit in it.

My Makeup Brushes.

 

 Most of these brushes are from Real Techniques and yes they are dirty cause I just used them. I have a few coastal scents, morphe and makeupgeek brushes thrown in there. They are affordable brushes that I love so if you are looking for brushes check out any of those brands.

Concealer

 I have two options for concealer and they are both high end. Mac prolong wear in shade NW20 and Nars creamy concealer in vanilla. I love both but use the Nars one more often. I have both in so I can switch them up and use them up. Once I do use them up I am going to try some drugstore ones.

Primer

 Again I have two options. One from Covergirl and one from Loreal. The Loreal Magic Lumi primer is my favorite and I really can only use it during the winder when my skin is extra dry. During the summer it's a little to greasy but it looks amazing.  The covergirl one I haven't tried a lot yet but so far I like it.

Foundation

 Again I have two options. The Loreal infallible pro glow and the elf flawless foundation. The elf one is my favorite right now and I seriously wear it every day. I wear the loreal one when I want to look extra fancy and put together but for every day use the ELF one does the job just fine and you can't beat the price $6.00!

Powder

 The Wet N Wild contour palette is what I use to lightly contour my face. I love it! The Loreal True Match powder in C3 is my favorite for setting my foundation. I am going to hit pan soon on this product because I use it so much.

Blush and Highlighter

 This Tarte blush in exposed is seriously the best blush ever. It is my perfect shade and just make's my cheeks look healthy.
For highlighter I am using Becca Champagne Pop because I need to use it and I do really like it. I don't go to crazy with it and you have to use a really light hand but it's an awesome shade.

Eyes

 Mascara: Covergirl supersizer. Best Mascara ever! Eyeliner Loreal black basic felt tip eyeliner. Inner corner highlight Nyx pencil in Milk.

Eyeshadow Palette

 Lorac Pro 2 palette. I love the cooler tones of this palette and really want to use it more. My favorite shades are nectar, rose and mocha.

 Elf Aqua beauty molten eyeshadow in Rose Gold. This is a pretty shade and perfect for when I want a little bit of extra pizazz in my eye look.

Lips

I have the Christian Dior Creme de Rose lip product . I love this just for making them feel hydrated while I get ready in the morning.
If I want to wear lipstick then I stick to the lipsense products. This color is First love and it's amazing! I also have the glossy gloss and oops remover in my bag. Lipsense is the only lipcolor I put on my lips now because it really does stay put all day.


There you have it. What products should I be trying? Anything you've fallen in love with?

XO
Caitlin

My Favorite Planner Sticker Shops

If you've been following this planning community then you know it's kind of exploded into an awesome hobby for so many people. I love having sticker kits in my planner and kit's that represent the week and what's going on. Follow me on Instagram @holladayplans to see all my planner spreads over there.
A lot of time people will ask what shops are the best to start purchasing weekly kits from so I decided I should make a list of my favorite ones. All of these shops have stickers for the Erin Condren Life Planner which is the planner I use. Use this link to get $10.00 off your first order, and if you haven't heard their planners are 50% off right now so it's a good time to try out the brand.

Full Weekly Kits
1. Scribble Prints Co. Andrea creates beautiful kits. They are kind of on the pricey side but she has 6 employees, and she also has a business to run so I understand the price. I feel like they are only marked up by a few dollars though so it's not outrageous. Usually I can re-create most of the kits she brings to the shop because I have figured out how to use the silhouette software and where to buy digital paper and clipart. Some of the kits are just to good to pass up so I buy those ones. I also get some functional stickers from her like my cruise countdown stickers.

2. The Glam Planner. If any of you are Elle Fowler fans then you will love the glam planner. Elle has been on YouTube forever and I feel like she and her sister Blair started the whole beauty guru thing on YouTube years ago. Anyway she now owns and runs a sticker shop. Her kits are really nice and beautifully done. I like Scribble Prints Co a little better because more items come in the kit and I hardly have to pull anything extra to use. With Elle's kit's I sometimes have to pull in a lot more functional stickers to make the spread work for me but that's half the fun of planning for me. I know some people might not like that so I thought I would mention it. Her kits are a little more reasonably priced but not by much.

3. Planning Roses. I love Jenna. Her style and everything about her is just something I gravitate toward. I love her lifestyle YouTube channel so much but her sticker shop is my favorite. She comes out with really unique items. Uses some clipart that other shops use but not much and her kits are just unique because of that. Her Easter kit was my favorite one because it was more mature and I wanted to use that one in my planner this year.

4. Shop Jessica Hearts. I discovered her shop last year in May. She creates gorgeous unique kits and this Marble one she did as a mystery kit is probably one of my favorites. She hasn't brought it back to her shop since but all the stuff she continues to create is beautiful and fun.

5. Creating and Co. I love her unique kits. She really loves Harry Potter and has some great kits out around that theme. She does a lot of movie themed kits like Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, etc. She does have some other unique kits I fell in love with like this Bloom kit. I want to use it in March but I don't have any space in my planner with all the kits I currently have so I'll have to use it in May. Paige does great work and I really love her kits and her matte paper. Her paper feels so nice.

Functional Stickers/ Character Stickers
1. Once More With Love. This post wouldn't be anything if I didn't mention the famous munchkin shop. Seriously her munchkin's are so cute I have such a hard time resisting purchasing all of them. I have 3 sheets of each of my favorites because I use them every week.

2. The Coffee Monsterz co. I love the emoti's she has. They are so cute and she is one of the few shops that has grandparent stickers that I like. I try and call my grandparent's once a week because I am lucky to have them around still so I want to treasure those times.

3. Fox and Cactus. This is an Australian shop and it's surprising how fast the shipping is. I love the quality of her stickers and they are so cute to add a little bit of fun to my spreads. My favorite are the payday ones, and the laundry ones.

4. Scribble Prints Co. They released a line of girls called Scribbler's and I love Jennifer the most. The mom life of Jennifer was a must have for me so I picked up three of those sheets. They are usually released during her $2 Tuesday sales so you can get them for a steal.


If you are looking to get into the planner world then definitely check out these shops cause I think you'll love them.

XO
Caitlin

Claire's 18 Month update!

Claire turned 18 month's on February 22 and I seriously am in awe that she is already a year and a half old. She is the best!

Birth:

7 lbs 8 oz

19 inches long

Two Week Appointment:

8 lbs 8 oz 75%

20 inches long 75%

Two Month Appointment:

12 lbs 4 oz 75%

 21 inches long 75%

Four Month Appointment:
  16lbs 5oz  75%

25 inches long 75%

Six Month Appointment 

19 lbs 75%

27.5 inches long 95%

Nine Month Appointment

20lbs 3 oz 75%

28.5 inches long 75%

1 year appointment

22 lbs 0 oz 80%

31 inches long 95%

15 Month Appointment

23lbs 12 oz 50%

31 inches long 75%

18 Month Appointment
25lbs 4 oz 70%
33 inches long 80%

Stats: 

She is still wearing size 18 month clothing although most of them are getting to be a bit tight on her. All her new spring/summer clothes I am purchasing for her are in the next size up so either 24 month or 2T. 

Her sleep schedule is still the same as it was at her 15 month update. Sleeps through the night and has about a 1-3 hour nap depending on the day. 

 She is turning into a bit of a picky eater. I gave her a ham and cheese sandwich today and she ate the bread and the cheese, she pulled out the ham. She also loves fruit snacks, pretzels (prezzel), anything little she can hold in her hand and walk around and eat. 

She walks, runs, skips, all of it. It's fun to watch her. 

She dances a lot more now and does this cute swaying thing where she stays in place and moves her hips back and forth. Ha ha, I love it. 

She knows all her body parts, animal sounds, and some colors. 

She says about 50-60 words right now which is a lot. That's usually the amount that 2 year old's know so she is definitely ahead there. 

 Her hair is much longer now and depending on the day is either really red or just strawberry blonde. 

She is so fun and we love having her. We are so blessed with a happy beautiful baby.

 

 XO 

Caitlin

 

Day in the Life 2.27.2017

I love watching youtube videos where people film a Day in the Life. I decided I should do a blogpost on that with a picture from every hour of our day. So this is from Monday February 27. This day happened before I came down with a terrible head cold and was out for two days so it really came at a perfect time.

9:00 Wake Up.

 view from my spot in bed

 I stayed up way to late the night before and Claire didn't get to bed until 9:30 so we slept in this morning which was nice.

9:15- 9:30 Scroll through YouTube and start watching a video. Usually Monday's is full of Plan With Me Videos. It usually takes me all day to watch it because I keep pausing it to get stuff done around the house and take care of my baby but it's nice to get 20 minutes in before I get out of bed. 

 9:30 Get out of bed, wash face, get dressed and then go wake up the baby if she isn't already awake by 9:45.

She usually is awake by now but sometimes I have to get her up. I change her diaper first thing and let her run around in her room.

10:00 since the Laundry is across from her room I start a load while she is busy playing.

 10:15 Breakfast! We always have a late breakfast and lately Claire's consist of Blueberries, strawberries and a little bit of the cereal I am eating. Sometimes it's eggs.

 10:45 Breakfast is finished so we settle down for some play time. Today she wanted a show and asked for Moana (mana)

 I do like this movie! Good thing cause I watched it twice that day.

12:00 She cut her finger somehow so I put a band aid on it and she hated it. She kept trying to pull off the band aid which was funny

 12:30 After the above incident was taken care of it was time to fold laundry

 12:50 We take a look outside and it was a white out. Now all this snow has almost melted, crazy February weather.

 1:15 Put Claire down for her nap. While she is napping I get some work done upstairs in my office.

 2:30 She is up now and we finish Moana while she slowly get's her energy back.

 2:30 - 4:00 is play time and I didn't get any pictures cause I was busy playing with my girl. We sometimes do a craft but not very often. 

4:00 I start dinner. We recently signed up for Hello Fresh and I am loving it. It's nice having a quick meal (most meals are ready in 30 minutes) and having all the ingredients organized so it's easy to cook. I can also skip a meal anytime I want to which I also appreciate. Today we had the Melty Monterrey Jack burger with zucchini fries.

 4:30 Zack is home and dinner is done so we eat. I teach piano on Monday nights from 5:00 - 7:30 so we usually eat early. After dinner we had to go shovel some snow so my piano students good get to the front door.

 5:00 Claire wanted to watch Mana again so Zack cuddled her this time.

They ended up moving into his office to watch while I taught piano and that was the end of our day.
Nothing crazy but it's all real and I love our life. 

XO
Caitlin