birthday

Crystal Faye Review and Giveaway

Published April 30, 2013 | By Rachel

Have you ever shopped with Crystal Faye? She has some of the cutest stuff and of course, since it’s monogrammed, it just doesn’t get any better than that. I am in love with the Clover Collection Lucite Tray. I’ve been eyeing one of these acrylic trays for MONTHS, thinking it was just what I needed for my ottoman in the living room. Crystal was kind enough to send me one for my birthday.. it even showed up like a birthday present! I immediately took it out of the box and laid it on the ottoman.

Only to come in the next morning to this:

No. That’s just NOT gonna fly. Plus… my ottoman is huge, so it really wasn’t doing the tray justice. (Just keeping it real, folks. This is what my ottoman ALWAYS looks like in some form or fashion.)

So, I made the wise decision to move it in to my closet with my jewelry.

A much better place for it, don’t you think? I already had a tray here, but I just swapped them out.

I love how much deeper the sides are on this tray than what I had here originally. It helps keep my bracelets stacked nicely. (Yes. That’s a pearl tiara. Doesn’t everyone have one? No? Just me?)

This tray is so versatile.. it could really just go anywhere.

I think this tray is a much better option here on the ottoman. Although, I still think it needs some work.. I’m just not sure what! I’m not good with the details of decorating.

To help celebrate my birthday, Crystal Faye is going to give away one of these fabulous trays to one of you lucky ladies!!

Be sure to follow Crystal Faye on all of her social media platforms, she is always posting cute stuff to Twitter and Facebook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in birthday, blog awesomeness, Giveaways, reviews, Uncategorized | 19 Comments

It’s Official. I’m 29.

Published April 23, 2013 | By Rachel

Well. I turned 29. There was no stopping it, much as I didn’t want it to happen. And… I have no choice but to be okay with it.

Good news? I got everything I asked for… minus the pajamas. So, I cannot complain about that. I honestly have the best friends and family. Becca couldn’t break tradition.. she got me the pink TOMS wedges and they are fab. Part of my present from J was to go see Dave Matthews a few weeks ago.. I absolutely love Dave. From way back. He played some amazing stuff… and I would share with you some of the pictures if I could get my iPhone to upload to photo bucket properly.

I also got a new HOT PINK Lululemon skirt from Philly and the girls. I ordered the Epiphanie bag with the money my mom and step-dad gave me. Dad and Karen gave me a fabulous necklace and my beloved Thorlo socks in some super fun colors. My sweet friend Mary sent me a lululemon gift card instructing me to buy something cute and fun with it.

No birthday is complete without some good food and I think I surprised Philly with my birthday requests… a local restaurant called The All Steak that I generally don’t like. They moved and got a facelift, so I wanted to try it out.. it wasn’t fabulous but the atmosphere was very cool. Saturday, I worked and I am officially sick, so I didn’t want to do much. J picked up Full Moon BBQ (say whaaatt?!) on his way home. I had the vegetable plate, since I hate BBQ and it was delicious. Sunday, we met Dad and Karen at Outback.. I was craving some cheesy fries and a Bloomin’ Onion. It didn’t disappoint. On the way home I told J that I wanted to go check out the new Barons baseball field at some point and he looked at me like I had grown two heads. I’m generally not a baseball fan, but that place looks pretty cool. He demanded to know what had been done with his wife and this alien was a terrible impostor and didn’t know it’s subject.

Anyway, this birthday was extremely low key, and I have decided that the BIG 3-0 needs to have a righteous party. I have a whole year to embrace the coming of my 30′s, right? Obviously, we need to start planning this right away.. what are your ideas?!

Posted in birthday, Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Claire Turns 4…

Published February 1, 2013 | By Rachel

For Claire’s 4th birthday, she requested a Sleeping Beauty birthday party.

I was happy to oblige. But I wanted something sweet and not cheesy..

Of course I waited until the last minute, and basically the party started falling apart on me late Saturday night… (party was set for Sunday.)

Lesson Learned… Don’t let your husband call in the cupcakes. You will receive 2 dozen MINI cupcakes instead of regular sized.

A door decoration is always important to me for these parties…luckily my sister had something I could borrow.

Yes, I know the picture is off center in the middle of the wreath. It was the best I could do.

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I would like to thank the good people at the bakery, for helping me out and making sure I had proper sized cupcakes to serve!

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Although I had other ideas for the banner, I think it turned out pretty darn cute!

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The kid got NO presents..

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Dad made a buddy with Rebecca’s youngest, Avery…

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And it wouldn’t have been a party if Claire hadn’t woken up pouty and crying. She wanted me to send everyone home.

She eventually came around and had her entourage to help open gifts!

Me and my two husbands…

The only family pic of the day… I’ll take it!

After everyone left, we had to have some Just Dance 4 time….

Posted in birthday, Claire, Sleeping Beauty, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Gymnast turns 6.

Published October 31, 2012 | By Rachel

Sweet little Addy turned 6 a couple of weeks ago. We celebrated with dinner at Carlton’s.

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Yep.. about right for pictures. PS Chances are photographers have terrible pictures of their own kids. No patience left.

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What. A. Ham.

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Birthday gal!

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Getting her American Girl doll.. McKenna.

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Love at first hug.

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We celebrated her party the following Sunday at the gymnastics place.

Splits… Can’t everyone do this?!

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There may or may not be video of me doing this…

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BFF’s since age 2.

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I’m sure this isn’t why Pa Bill’s knee hurts…

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Honey Badger don’t care that her underwear is showing.

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Umm.. Hi Addy’s arm muscles.

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Family pic.. Imagine. Claire wasn’t feeling it.

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So, we all made pouty faces. Except for J. He is making a 13 year old girls duck face.

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Happy Birthday to my sweet and sassy 6 year old!!

Posted in Addison, birthday, Blogtober, family, gymnastics, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

An Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party

Published October 19, 2011 | By Rachel

We did Addison’s birthday party Sunday and it was Alice in Wonderland themed.

I honestly poured my emotions into the decorations for this thing.

My sister made this sign.. she is so crafty with her scrapbooking supplies. It’s almost a little scary.

Her Mad Hatter cake.. Yummy. I had a Mommy surprise in that the top hat was a rice krispie treat!

I made strawberry cupcakes and I ordered the toppers from The TomKat Studio on Etsy and cut them out with a scalloped circle punch and attached them to toothpicks.

Chick- fil-a nuggets.. did you now you can order these as a cold tray and warm them up?

Sarah helped with the “drink me” labels. She refused to do the “eat me” ones for the food.

Addy opening all of her presents.. it was hilarious. I should upload the video b/c the things she was saying would have you rolling.

We played Croquet outside..

Then we sang “Happy Birthday”

And took some family pictures… Not sure how I feel about this one? Textures aren’t really my thing but I felt like this picture needed it.. What do you think?

All NINE McPhillips in one place. It’s a miracle… and I suspect a Christmas card. We will number 10 this summer.. Joseph and Tracie are expecting!!

Hope you enjoyed our Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party.. I certainly enjoyed planning it for my sweet A-A.

Posted in Addison, Alice in Wonderland, birthday | 18 Comments

Happy 5th Birthday, Addison.

Published October 18, 2011 | By Rachel

How can it be?

How are you FIVE already?

I knew this day would be hard for me, last year when you turned 4. And I promised myself I would treasure every day for the next year.

You’re officially a big girl now.

You dress yourself. You can get in and out of the car and buckle yourself. You’d brush your teeth, if you wanted to, but I think you secretly like for me to do it for you still.

I cannot explain how proud I am of you.

You are so smart. I can see the intelligence in your eyes.

You are so funny too. You can spout off the one-liners with the best of them.

Your athletic ability is uncanny- I’ve never seen anything like it.

Your personality is 100% SPUNK, girlfriend.

We may go head to head in a few years, but your determination is something that should be admired.

Let’s not forget you are beautiful. With all of your other wonderful qualities, it’s hard to forget.

I am not ready for you to grow up. But your Daddy says you have to.

And so do you. “But Mama, if I don’t grow up, how am I supposed to reach stuff that is really high up?”

The amount of questions you ask may annoy me at times, as well as how you sing-song everything throughout the day, but I am also secretly so proud that you do both.

I also secretly love how you refused to have your picture taken at school stating, “I only like my Mama to take my picture.”

You love attention but also get embarrassed by it.

You smile is infectious. As well as your giggle fits.

And your love for Alabama football? It will rival your Daddy’s one day.

I love your crazy hair in the mornings.

I love your stinky feet.

I love how you want to be big enough to not need snuggle time, but jump at the opportunity to have just a few minutes of it on the couch.

I see you turning into a little Mama with Claire, and I love it.

I love watching you at gymnastics- it’s amazing how good you are.

I don’t care what you are when you grow up, as long as you are the best Addison you can be.

I love you so much, baby girl.

I want to tell you as much as the thought enters my head, just so you know.

I love you more than a hog loves slop.

Love,

Mama

Posted in Addison, big girls, birthday | 13 Comments

Claire turns 2…

Published January 9, 2011 | By Rachel

Dear Claire,

It’s hard to believe you are 2. Officially a toddler. Two years ago, I couldn’t wait to meet you. We wondered if you would look like your sister, and you do. You were quite possibly the easiest delivery ever documented. I pushed for 2 and a half minutes. I can remember looking at you in the picture below and couldn’t believe it was you. You weren’t supposed to come out so quickly!!

Lately, Addison has really taken the Big Sister role and you love it. You are a text book Little Sister. You follow her around and do whatever she says.

You may not be talking a lot, but you definitely get your point across. You are quite possibly the sweetest child I have ever met. You are so girly– it makes me smile so big.

Much like Addison, you love Mickey Mouse and Sleeping Beauty. You are an extremely thirsty child. You drink more than you eat and are quite the picky eater. No white foods. You live on hotdogs and goldfish crackers.

You love to twirl you hair when you are going to sleep and when you are drinking something. I love to watch you so much. You like to organize things by color.

You love your Mama. You follow me around and want me to hold you all the time.

You love to open and close doors.

You love to give hugs and kisses.

You love Trixie.

You still hate to be messed with.. wiping your nose or changing your diaper. You do like to wear pretty clothes and hair bows.

You love books too.

Your laugh and smile are infectious. I love to listen to you and Addison just giggle away in your room at night when you think we aren’t listening.

You are our little Linus– taking your blanket with you everywhere.

You love to sleep… preferably in your own bed.

I love my days with you. You are such a joy to be around. Your personality is so much like your Daddy’s– laid back and loving to make people laugh.

When you pout, it’s hilarious. You cover your eyes and run into the next room or hang your head and sneak looks to see who is watching you.

I love you more than words could ever express, Sweet Girl.

Happy 2nd Birthday.

Love,

Mama

Posted in birthday, Claire | 11 Comments

Happy 4th Birthday Addison!

Published October 19, 2010 | By Rachel

Dear Addison,

I haven’t been ready for this day. I can remember so clearly the day that I found out that I was pregnant with you. Sitting on the couch waiting for your daddy to come home so I could tell him to news. I blurted out the news as soon as he walking in the door.

I also remember everything about the day your were born. All of that excitement. Your Aunt Sa Sa had snuck into my room and decorated it the night before I was to be admitted for induction. It was complete with Princess crowns.

I also remember the very first time I saw you. You were so alert and wide awake. All bundled up in that blanket.

I have loved every second of watching you grow up into a little lady. You are so beautiful, inside and out. You ask me questions every day about God. You never forget to say the blessing when we sit down to dinner and you try so hard to be patient with your little sister- even though she refuses to talk. I sometimes catch you totally acting like the big sister you were born to be. You love her so much.

You are a Daddy’s Girl, through and through. He loves you so much and you love him. You have a such a bond that at times, it has made me a little jealous.

You love bath time. You are a whiz at the iPad. You hate going to bed. You are sassy and a little bossy.

When I look at you, I see the best qualities that I have and the best that your daddy has. You are a perfect combination of sweet and sassy.

I love you so much, baby girl. Happy 4th Birthday.

Love,

Mommy

Posted in Addison, birthday | 3 Comments

Birthdays and Such

Published June 5, 2010 | By Rachel

I guess it takes being a vacation to get me to blog about things that are a month old, but, oh well. My nephew Joseph, who just turned 14, and my sister both have birthdays during the month of May.

Joseph’s birthday was first, but John seems to think it was second.

No birthday party is complete without pizza.

or lipgloss.

Claire thinks she sees something outside, but it’s just a dog.

My Grandpa… he always sits in this chair at Moms, with an Alabama shirt one, which is weird, since I’ve never known him to know a score of a game. Unless it’s the Braves.

Sarah had some technical difficulties getting the candles lit.

Go Bearcats.

That Aunt Rach.. she’s a practical joker with black icing.

Bill… we don’t normally let him in pictures.

Sarah’s birthday was just a couple of weeks ago. She got overshadowed since she happened to be born on the date of the LOST series finale.

Claire enjoyed her pizza from Sa Sa’s birthday.

The Birthday Girl is fashionably late.

James… I think he is my apprentice for photography.

You can’t let these two out anywhere together.

Addison loves to help open presents.

James charm that he picked out for his Mama.

Sarah thinks that black suede and leather are appropriate summer shoes.

She also has a good appreciation for raffia tied bows.

Oh James. I have a kindred spirit in him.

I think they had some good birthdays. As they are always filled with love and cake.

Posted in birthday, pictures | 2 Comments

Birthday Swag

Published April 26, 2010 | By Rachel

My birthday was good to me, people. Like, real good. Turning 26 might have been traumatic for me, but atleast it came with good presents!!

My mom and step-dad got me my camera bag(SCORE!) and an apple green Nike running tee. This is the Jill E Medium dark pink bag. It’s fabulous. It holds my camera body, both lenses, and has room for either another lens or a flash-which will be my next purchase. It has all kinds of pockets for EVERYTHING and even a little purse to hold fun stuff.

Even though John wasn’t supposed to get me anything because my real birthday present was running at Disney. Plus, my new camera and two lenses, AND a new computer- I think I had enough new stuff and REALLY tried to put my foot down, but John said he couldn’t let me NOT open anything on my birthday. ( Seriously people, he is part of the reason I am so spoiled. I love him and you cannot have him!)

I love me some Life Is Good pj bottoms!

I don’t know if you are ready for all of the Nike swag. I really hope someone had some Nike stock, b/c my birthday could’ve made your house payment.

PS My photography skills were lacking due to the fact that Desperate Housewives was coming on and I wanted to watch

Here is heaven wrapped up in a running sock. The Thorlo padded cushion socks and like clouds surrounding your feet while you run.

I got three new single running shirts( PS I’m ADD and group things together)

I am LOVING the apple green- I need the matching tempos! Dear Nike- this Hot Red color is Fabulous!

IN LOVE with this neon green and graphite!

Matching Hot Pink? Yes, please~!

JoJo and Tracie showed up with the fabulous blue and black. Me Likey.

I don’t know if you are familiar with a lot of the Nike stuff, but they have these little tabs to keep your ear bud cords from bouncing around. Fabs!

Seriously good swag… this brings me up to NINE pairs of Nike Tempo shorts. Be jealous!

My friend Jennifer who just had multiple babies got me the cutest red picture frame and a decorative “M” houndstooth towel. I love friends because I have the best ones!! My sis got me a rocking Tervis Tumbler (You know how I love those!) and some money that she specified for my new camera strap from Phat Straps. Which will be here in a couple of weeks!

Posted in birthday | 5 Comments

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Crystal Faye Review and Giveaway

It’s Official. I’m 29.

Claire Turns 4…

The Gymnast turns 6.

An Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party

Happy 5th Birthday, Addison.

Claire turns 2…

Happy 4th Birthday Addison!

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