SEVEN ON SUNDAY ~ WEEK 19

Soooooo....this week was interesting :) Not one I feel the need to repeat ANY TIME soon. Or ever. Let's get started!!!

Day 1: Sunday ~ Sarah was getting over the stomach bug that she had and was feeling a lot better, so we went to church and to Toys R Us so she could pick out her first bike!! We also got Buddy a bike and the kid learned to ride (finally) in a matter of minutes.

So proud of her Dora bike!!!

So proud he can keep up with big sis now!!!

The whole day I was feeling a little "off." I had felt super tired the night before and even missed a good friend's party because I was just feeling icky. On to...

Day 2: Monday ~ I woke up feeling MUCH better! I got up at my usual 5am, worked out, showered, took the kids to school. Around 9:30am I started to feel weak...and tired...and my tummy hurt. Let's just say it was all over after that. Scott had already planned to come home early for Buddy's baseball game and I told him to hurry up because I was down and OUT! Stomach flu victim #2!

I napped while Sarah napped, then pulled it together to pick up the kids from school. Buddy gets in the car and is not his usual, chipper self. He looked awful, said his tummy hurt and started crying. Here he is on the way home...poor guy...(don't ask what the gunk is on his window..just don't ask)

The second he got home he went to the bathroom...and yeah, it was all over from there. Third man down.

Day 3: Tuesday ~ I was still feeling awful, so I slept all day with Will and Sarah went to daycare. Scott worked from home. At about 1:00 we get a call from school. Pick up Brookey--"she's tired and her tummy hurts." GOOD LORD!!! This is how poor Brookey spent the rest of the afternoon/evening...4th man down....

But guess what??! Tuesday was also Sarah's birthday!!! And no one is stopping this girl from having a proper birthday!!! Scott took her to pick up her cake...

 

The big 3!!!!

She opened some presents and her daycare also had a party for her!!! So I think she was happy :)

Day 4: Wednesday ~ On Wednesday the kids and I ALL stayed home!! Brooke was feeling much better but still weak, Will was pretty much recovered just tired and I was starting to feel slightly human again. I didn't take a pic so here's my quote...Amen! LOL!

Around noon, Scott comes downstairs from his office and says he's starting to feel weak and his tummy hurt....I'll spare you the details. 5th man down!!!

Day 5: Thursday ~ By Thursday the kids and I were all MUCH better and back at work and school. Yay!! Scott is on the mend, so it was a short-lived bug! They were so excited to be outside after dinner!

We're not sick!! YAY!!!!

Day 6: Friday ~ Scott and I were set to go to a fancy bday dinner, but given the week and the fact that our tummies were still recovering...it was Friday Night Pizza and Red Box! :)

Day 7: Saturday ~I definitely felt the bday love!!! (Sorry, Sarah, you're too short!)

Fantastic way to end a cray, cray week!!

CHEERS TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY WEEK!!!


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Foodie Friday Faves

Happy Friday!!!! Oh, and dear Lord, I am GLAD it's FRIDAY!!!!!! This week has been, um...interesting. It always is when your entire family of 5 is hit with the stomach flu!! #shootmenow. Needless to say, there was not a lot of eating going on in this house this week!

I had a few new recipes to test this week and CLEARLY never got to it!!! So instead of leaving you high and dry, I'll leave you with a few of my (slightly summer-themed) favorite recipes. If you are new to this blog, you probably haven't seen most of these. I hope you enjoy and I'll be back on the wagon next Friday!! ~ XO

1. Backyard BBQ Corn Salad ~ This is a slightly modified version from one of my favorite bloggers, Mix and Match Mama. It's soooo good and perfect for summer!!

2. Grilled Chicken Quesadillas ~ Tastes just like the yummy goodness from a chain restaurant but whole lot healthier!

 3. Ham & Swiss Cuban Panini ~ I've never met a panini I didn't like and this one is no exception!

4. Bacon and Corn Pasta: This is so good. You have to make it. That is all.

5.  Avocado Chicken Salad: This is a great, healthy twist on traditional chicken salad. I love it stuffed in a pita, wrapped in a tortilla or just eat it with chips!

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Chino Love & Link Up!

Hey pretty girls! So big news--I'm in LOVE!!! I'm in love with something I kicked to the curb long, long ago ~ CHINOS!!!! I betrayed chinos years ago, but they've forgiven me and we're back together again!!! XOXOXOXO

There were just a few things about chinos that rubbed me the wrong way...first, reminders of 10th grade when I used to wear chinos, baggy sweaters and penny loafers...like, everyDAY. I was the uncool prepster for sure.

Then, in my first advertising job many moons ago, my first client was Dockers...you know, "Nice Pants?" Does anyone remember these ads besides me??? Let me refresh your memory:

Um, yeah, so let's just say after that job I was pretty over "chinos."

I don't know what possessed me to give them a try again--possibly just fate. I was walking through J. Crew Factory last week and I was looking for cargo green or coral JEANS. Well, low and behold they had a table full of cargo green and coral...CHINOS. So I gave them a try and it was love as soon as I put them on! Typically J. Crew pants don't fit me well...they're more for the less hipp-y, less booty-y-type gal. But I'm telling you, these were heaven.

I threw together some quick ways to style them, but I'm telling you, the possibilities are endless! They are the perfect, perfect alternative to jeans or shorts...lightweight, but give you a some coverage.

Here are three ways I would wear the cargo green ones ~

1. Pink Lace Top & Heels ~ Most people think chinos are casual but they can be dressed up too!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Lace Top: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar)
Nude Heels: Payless (exact)

2. White Shirt and Bright Flats ~ Love the pop of color! I kept my shirt untucked to keep it casual.

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
White Button Down: Michael Kors (similar, similar)
Coral Flats: Payless (exact)

3. Striped Tank & Sandals: This is my ultimate casual spring/summer outfit. Sooooo comfy!!!!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Striped Tank: Loft (similar, similar)
Sandals: Similar, Similar

The coral colored chinos are beautiful in person. A happy medium between muted and bright ~

 1. Grey Tee ~ I love coral/red and gray!!! Always a classic pairing.

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
Gray Tee: Express (exact)
Leopard Flats: Similar, Similar

2. Navy Top ~ If I had a printed navy top, it would be even better but I just love coral and navy!!

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
Navy Blouse: Loft (similar)
Nude Flats: Payless (similar)

 3. White Tee, Denim Jacket, Aqua/Mint Necklace ~ This one would be perfect with or without the jacket! Perfect, relaxing spring/summer colors!

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
White Tee: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Denim Jacket: Kut from the Kloth (similar)
Aqua/Mint Necklace: Similar, Similar

And if that's not enough, look at all the ways these gals are ROCKING OUT the chinos!! Who KNEW??!!!

I just love the casual vibe of these pants!!! You know me, I am always striving for casual and comfortable, yet pulled together. For size reference, I found these fit true to size. I'm wearing a size 2.  I'm also 5'4" and if I unroll these (which I will probably never do), they are a little long. If you have never shopped at J. Crew Factory, their stuff goes on sale all the time. Wait until these are at least 40-50% off. I paid $31 total with my teacher discount :)

Happy Chino Hunting!!!


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Today I am co-hosting the Turning Heads Tuesday link up with the beautiful Jess, of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Not only is Jess gorgeous inside and out, her style embraces practical, comfortable, yet stylish outfits. Jess is my kinda girl,  right??

Link up is open at 1am, Eastern Time, so get linking!!! XO

Link up your fashion or beauty post below and meet some new friends! Please follow both Jess and I on Instagram and Bloglovin ~

Jess ~ Instagram
Jess ~ Bloglovin'

Casey ~ Instagram
Casey ~ Bloglovin'

An InLinkz Link-up

SEVEN ON SUNDAY ~ WEEK 18

Day 1: Sunday ~ Bathtime bubbles :)

Day 2: Monday ~ So every time I forget to take a picture, I'll share a favorite quote :) I love this one!!

Day 3: Tuesday ~ My 'lil poser at the park. Our dimples match :)

Day 4: Wednesday ~ Early morning visit to the hospital lab for a follow-up X-ray after her pneumonia attack :( Hopefully, all is well!

Day 5: Thursday ~ Baseball & Friends :)

 Day 6: Friday ~ So much fun on this crazy, crazy day!!! First up was Mr. Will and quite possibly the worst day of his life...exhibit A...

If you know my son, you know that he wants NOTHING to do with getting up on front of people, dressing up or dressing up like AN ANGEL!! He had to do all three for the annual May Mary Crowning Mass at school!!! He was a trooper, though and did great with his little performance in front of the entire school! I don't think his 8th grade Buddy was any happier about wearing angel clothes, either!

Right after that it was off to the City Track Meet! SUCH a fun experience for the kids! And me, too actually! They had Olympic Gold Medalist Pole Vaulter Stacy Dragila there working with all the kids and teaching them to pole vault! She also ran in fun relay and if you've never seen a Olympic Athlete run in "real life," you're missing out! It was AMAZING!! (yeah, she was fast!)

Brookey was so excited to meet her and get her autograph. She'll always remember this day!

She also did  awesome in the long jump--still awaiting official scores, but I am guessing she got at least top 3. She beat her personal best by a foot and a half, so she wasn't messing around yesterday!! Her relay team stunk, though :( Oh well!

Day 7: Saturday ~ Well, we were going to have an awesome day celebrating Sarah birthday, but this happened....

She woke up barfing and was down and out all day. PLEASE! I just need healthy kids!!!


Have a great week!!!


Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

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Foodie Friday ~ Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

So a few weeks ago, I mentioned that we had given up pizza for Lent and since then, we have been getting really creative with our Friday Night Pizza Night! This "Easy Gourmet Pizza" is one of my favorites, but this Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza...I mean, what's not to love??!!!

We looked at so many different recipes for "Cheeseburger Pizza"--some were really authentic in keeping it like a real Cheeseburger (ketchup for the sauce, pickles and lettuce for the toppings) but we kinda just made ours up with what we thought would taste best....i wasn't sold on ketchup for sauce :)

This pizza is awesome! The only other thing that would make it great would be to swap out the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce! Bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce....ah......

Here's the Rooney version of Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza!

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

1 Boboli Thin Pizza Crust (my current fave)
1/2 of a 24oz jar of marinara sauce
1/2 lb lean ground beef
6-8 slices of bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 small onion, chopped
Scallions, chopped (optional)
2 Roma tomatoes, diced (optional)
Jarred pickled jalapenos (optional)
1-2 teaspoons of seasoning salt (or salt and pepper)

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. In a skillet with a little olive oil, brown ground beef. When almost done, add onions and cook for a few more minutes. Add marinara sauce and season with seasoning salt (or salt and pepper).

3.  Spread meat mixture evenly on pizza crust. Top with cheese, cooked bacon, tomatoes (optional) and jalapenos (optional).

4. Bake at 450 for 9-11 minutes or according to package directions.

5. Top with sliced scallions and enjoy a slice with your favorite frosty beverage!

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Outfit Formulas & The Spring Style Challenge ~ Week 3

The Spring Style Challenge is still in full swing, but I can't believe it ends this Saturday! Arghhh!! Stayed tuned for news about the Summer Challenge coming soon! If you missed this one (Spring), you definitely need to get in on the action for Summer!

Here's my recap of Days 9-14. If you missed Weeks 1 and 2 you can find them here: Week 1 & Week 2. Each week, I have been giving the "outfit formula" for the day, along with my interpretation of it.

ALSO! I'm co-hosting a link up today with the beautiful Liz from Shopping My Closet. See all the details below and link up your post!

Week 3--here it is....

Day 11: Thursday ~ Striped Dress + Bright Flats

I wore this same dress in Week 1, but it's surprising that the jean jacket and the bright flats give it a totally different look and feel than my cardigan and sandals from Week 1. That's when you know you have a versatile piece of clothing.

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)
Denim Jacket: Kut from the Kloth (exact)
Coral Flats: Payless (exact)
Red/Navy Bag: Stella & Dot (exact)
Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Day 12: Friday ~ Camo/Patterned Pants + Bright Tee + Wedges

I confessed my love for these Express tees last week, but let me reiterate: I.LOVE.THESE.TEES!! This cobalt color is so bold and vibrant and so are all the other colors. You guys definitely need a few in your life :) For size reference I am typically between a XS and S, and I'm wearing a Small for the more "slouchy" look. They shrink the TINIEST bit, but not much at all! I loved the wedges, but changed to flats because it was a heavy errands-running day :)

Cobalt Tee: Express (exact)
Camo Pants: Loft (similar)
Wedge Sandals: Target (similar)
Cognac Flats: Payless (exact)
Flower Necklace: Similar

Day 13: Saturday ~ White Jeans + Neutral Tee + Cardi/Vest  + Wedges

I just LOVE this neutral color combo of black, white, cognac and military green. If you've been following this blog for any amount of time, you know I am ALWAYS reaching for this cargo vest. It's definitely a closet staple. I purchased it in the fall at TJ Maxx/Marshall's but I recently saw them there again! The brand is Max Studio. :)

White Jeans: Loft (exact)
Tee: Express (exact)
Cargo Vest: Similar, Similar
Necklace: Similar, Similar
Wedge Sandals: Target (similar)

Day 14: Sunday ~ Striped Dress + Floral Scarf + Sandals

It's the striped dress...again! You might be tired of it, but repeating a piece of clothing in different ways just shows how versatile the piece is! This is actually the exact outfit I wore for Easter :)

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)
Floral Scarf: Target (exact)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Hoop Earrings: Stella and Dot (exact)

Day 15: Monday ~ Printed Top + Colored Pants + Sandals

This outfit is ME in every way, shape and form. More about these pants in another blog post, but I have fallen in love with chinos...and I've fallen HARD!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Striped Tank: Loft (similar, similar)
Cognac Belt: Similar
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Hoop Earrings: Stella and Dot (exact)

Day 16: Tuesday ~ Printed Skirt + Black Tank + Cardigan + Wedges

I followed this one pretty much to the T except I subbed in flats instead of wedges since it was a work day. :)

Striped Skirt: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Cardi: Old Navy (exact, in Mini Mint)
Black Tank: similar
Ladder Necklace: Jane.com (similar, similar)
Cognac Flats: Payless (exact)

Day 17: Wednesday ~ Striped Dress + Chambray Shirt + Bright Flats

I had my doubts about this one...I KNOW! It's the striped dress AGAIN! But now, with the chambray on top, it's more of a skirt! I'd say I got a whole lotta bang for my $15 bucks with this striped dress!!

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)

Chambray Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)

Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Coral Flats: Payless (exact)

I definitely felt the most comfortable on Day 15, but Day 17 was also an unexpected favorite! Do you have a fave? Would you try any of these outfit formulas?

Next Wednesday, I'll be wrapping up the last 4 outfits from the Style Challenge. I can't believe it's nearly over! Again, if you missed any of the Style Challenge posts you can find them here: Week 1 & Week 2.

See what the other Style Me Bloggers came up with this week, too!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama |
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe |
Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds |
Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side |
Quilty Joy Joy | Curls and Cardigans | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |
My Running Stitches | From Plaid to Pearls | Stashed Blog | X-tremely V |
 A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

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As I said above, I'm excited to be co-hosting a link up with Liz from Shopping My Closet!!! A little about Liz:

Meet Liz, the blogger behind Shopping My Closet.  Her style approach mixes high and low, dresses up closet essentials, and pairs the timeless with the current. Follow her as she illustrates how you can have an on-trend and timeless look by incorporating the items already in your closet into a stylish everyday look (Liz is my kinda gal!!)

Ways to follow Liz ~

Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11718217

Instagram: http://instagram.com/shoppingmycloset

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoppingmyclosetblog

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shoppingmycloset

The LINK UP ~

Welcome to the weekly Style Me Wednesday fashion link-up! The Style Me Wednesday fashion blog link-up goes live every Wednesday and is meant to be a venue for you to showcase what you're wearing or a favorite look. It's the perfect opportunity to discover new bloggers (and friends!) and styles. Simply follow the steps below to join Style Me Wednesday fashion link up!

 STYLE ME WEDNESDAY LINK-UP GUIDELINES

1. Follow your host, Shopping My Closet, on Bloglovin', Instagram, and Facebook  & follow your co-host, A Little Bit of Cheer, on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest
2. Link up using the widget below to your specific blog post (i.e today’s post), not your blog’s homepage
3. Grab a button to share on your blog post about Shopping My Closet's blog link up

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