This & That

I'm not sure about you, but I'm thankful that today is the last day of February. Despite the month being short, it was busy, our extended family had a lot of sad news, and I'm tankful that it's over. I'm looking forward to Spring, warmer weather, spring break, and a happier March. I have a little of this and a little of that for you today. 

First up, baseball season is here my friends! Shop the Soho has some cute tees for the baseball coach's wife, or the baseball momma! And pst- lots of these work for soft ball too! You can use the code ITSELAINEWELTE and save on your order! 

Spring cleaning season is here! I spent the weekend cleaning out our master closet and bathroom, the dining room, living room, and some in the kitchen! This weekend, I'm hoping to start on the upstairs and get it cleaned and organized. If Spring cleaning is on your mind, or you're needing a little motivation, you need to come to spring cleaning class on Facebook. I'll be chatting all of my favorite cleaning products and how you can save money with some super simple DIYs. 

Click here to join in on March 6. 

Last Wednesday, I picked Gretchen up from school early because she wasn't feeling well. After she rested, we decided we needed ice cream. It was 80 degrees and gorgeous, and we haven't had an afternoon where the girls are all home early and together in forever. We took Gabby and got her her very first ice cream treat from Andy's, and we all enjoyed a treat too.  

These girls are the best. 

As I mentioned above, I cleaned out our closet this weekend. It was a mess of shoes everywhere, Christmas wrapping paper, as well as school papers I wanted to save and other odds and ends. I grabbed a trashbag for trash. Dusted where I could, hung some more hooks for my hats & purses, cleaned out closed for donating, tossed empty shoe boxes, and organized bunches. 

It's been clean like this forr a few days now and it feels so much better walking in to a clean and organized space when I need to get dressed for the day. 

Friday night, Gretchen was babysitting. Megan was at gymnastics, DJ and Adalyn were at a soccer meeting. So after I finished the closet, Gabby and I layed in the bed to watch a show. 

DJ brought the camper over to fix something with the tires. I don't really know what he did- pumped some oil in to the tires. But, he had some cute helpers. 

Sunday morning, these two were coordinating for church. It was the sweetest and reminded me of days when I coordinated them when they were itty bitty. Gosh, I miss those days. (Sometimes.) 

Adalyn needed her picture too heading in to church. And DJ was way ahead of us waiting.. Ha! 

After church, I ran in to Target, while the family waited in the car. Megan and Adalyn were texting me to hurry up and sent me this picture. I told Megan I was totally going to post it on the internet. 

And pst- if you need a new phone case, you'll love the Walli case. It holds my cards like my drivers license or bank card, has a loop, and the loop also becomes a kickstand so I can set my phone up when I need to. It's the perfect all in one phone cover! 

What's Up Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! I'm so thankful we are close to wrapping up this month! It started off great, but got really busy, and kind of went down hill. I'm ready for March and warmer weather, and gasp- spring football. 

Today I'm linking up and sharing a little What's Up Wednesday. 

1. What We're Eating This Week:

I'm not the meal planning type, but this week, I actually wrote down what we'd have for dinner!

Monday- Sheet Pan Chicken w/ Potatoes, Bell Pepper, Carrots

Tuesday- Ravioli

Wednesday- Panko Chicken w/ Mac & Cheese, & Broccoli

Thursday- Tacos 

Friday- Pizza or a quick Costco meal 

2. What I'm Reminiscing About:

Our family camping trip we took at the begining of the month. We've tried booking another trip for Spring Break, but can't get in anywhere that we wanted to go, but I've also had more days off than I had anticipated this month, and I think we'll have a mini staycation or take a day trip. Anyway, our camping trip was a blast. I loved being able to unplug, hike, and be together as a family. We went to west Texas and expored Davis Mountain State Park, the UT Conservatory, and drove in to Big Bend National Park for some hiking. 

You can read part 1, part 2, and part 3 if you missed those. 

3. What I'm Loving:

I made a commitment to myself to workout every day for at least 30 minutes. On Sunday, I hit day 50. There were days where I was sick, or tired, or traveling, but I pushed through and got it done. 

I use the aaptiv app for workout videos, but also to keep me accountable. You can use my referral for a free 7 day trial. 

I've also been loving the Bible Recap. I have heard about this for years and never thought it was something I could actually do. I've tried reading the Bible through on my own and it was sometimes boring and hard to get through. The Bible Recap makes it so much easier! You can search for it on your Bible app, but also be sure to listen to the podcast as well. I listen while I'm driving to work or getting ready for my day, and the podcast makes it so much easier to understand what I've read that day. 

4. What We've Been Up To:

Megan and Gretchen both attended DNOW with our church this past weekend. This was Megan's first big church activity and she had lots of fun! Gretchen loves youth group, and I'm hoping that since her play practice is over, that they'll both be able to go consistently again. 

While the big girls were at DNOW, DJ and Adalyn went to the Texas basketball game on Saturday and Adalyn scored herself a free shirt! 

Then they went to the Austin RV Expo to look at campers. We've thought about upgrading several times and we have a few campers that we love, but while ours is small- it was the right price, we can pull it easily, and we're not actually in it that often while we're camping. And as fun as it would be to have a big, bright, shiny, new camper- we always find a reason to talk ourselves out of it 

While DJ and the girls had a weekend full of activities, I went home for my uncle's funeral. I didn't like why I had to go home, but I'm thankful I had the chance to. I wen thome last Wednesday, and had a family dinner with my parents and brother's family. My mom and I went shopping on Thursday, and I spent Friday and Saturday with my extended family. I was reminded about the strong women in my life and the influence they've had over my life. I'm so thankful for them. 

5. What I'm Dreading:

Both Megan and Adalyn have decided to try out for their school's spirit teams. Megan is trying out for 7th grade cheer and Gretchen is trying out for her high school dance team. I'm so excited for both of them, but clinic and tryouts are on the exact same days, and they'll both find out next Friday. 

I have full confidence in them both, but gosh, I'm nervous, and the fact that they both find out on the same day is low key freaking me out. I'm not sure what I'll do if one makes it and one doesn't. I've already talked to them about being excited for the other one, but that it's also okay to be sad. Wish us luck! 

6. What I'm Excited About:

Spring Football is right around the corner, and while I never look forward to the longer hours, being able to take the girls to practice every once in a while and to the Spring game is always fun! 

7. What I'm Watching/Reading:

I read Layla on our camping trip. It may be my favorite Colleen Hoover book so far. 

I've spent my nights watching Friends re-runs or Golden Girls. I'm about to start watching YOU, but I need to make sure I'm not too tired because I know i'll want to binge a few episodes. 

8. What I'm Listening To:

I've been listening to the End Zone Wives podcast recently. I was interviewed a few weeks ago, and I've spent a lot of time in the car, so I've listened to a few of their interviews. 

9. What I'm Wearing:

As always, I'm wearing my favorite leggings on repeat. 

I found this thermal top at Old Navy on clearance and knew it would be perfect for work or cozy days at home. 

I needed a new dress to wear to my uncle's funeral and found this tiered linen dress that has the most beautiful lace detail around the hem. It also comes in pink and would be great for Easter! 

And grabbed this luxe top as well; it's perfect with leggings! 

10. What I'm Doing This Weekend:

Resting. I feel like we've been on the go every weekend in February, and I'm looking forward to just relaxing and keeping it low key. 

11. What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month:

Spring Break, Spring Football, and warmer weater please. 

12. What Amazon Purchase I Loved This Month:

Gretchen's 15th birthday bash was this month and I found the best 90s themed party favors for her. I ordered slap bracelets, butterfly clips, and tamagotchi dupes. 

Thanks for stopping by! If you're new here, I'd love to see you over on Instagram! 

Costco Haul

 I had to make a mid month Costco haul and you guys know I love sharing what we grabbed and hopefully it will give you some ideas too! We needed a little bit of everything, but I was also not trying to go overboard and really keep this haul to under $400.00. Which I did... barely.  

We needed a little for dinner, a little for lunch, and some snacks. Here's what I grabbed. 

Blueberries!

Tip- to wash- fill your sink with Thieves Fruit & Veggie wash, and water, lay your package of berries right in to the water. Let them soak, and then dry. I also store them right in this package. 

Grapes. I do take these out and wash right in the sink while the blueberries are washing. 

We were completely out of sandwich bags, and they had a box of just sandwich sized bags, so I grabbed them. I'll be honest- I wish we had a ton of reusable sandwich bags, and while we do have a few, we don't have enough to get through 3 girls for a week. So yes, we use plastic bags when we need to. 

We love Rao's spaghetti sauce because it's really low on sugar. 

Bell peppers. The girls love eating these plain, but i'll also use for crockpot fajita's, or in salads. 

These are the best pickles. There are no food dyes or additives. 

In the winter, we love whatever soups we can find from Costco. I wish I had more time to make homemade soup, but I don't usually, so these work great. 

We love their pulled pork! I take the bag out and then put in a crockpot of water, so it's ready when we get home. We'll eat this two night's in a row. The first night is with sandwiches, and then we use it to make pulled pork nachos. 

Orange juice for the girls. 

Apple Sauce pouches. 

Chicken Breast. I use to buy their packets, but they usually only had 2 breast in one pack, so this big bag allows me to take out exactly how much I need. 

We love the Made Good brand! We not only get these small packages at Costco, but i'll buy the bars at Target. 

Baby carrots. 

I've had a lot of questions about these chicken nuggets the last few times I've shared them. They are gluten free and they're really crisp when we bake them. Honestly, the girls have eaten this brand for years and we love them! (DJ even eats them- ha!)

I was at Costco on Super Bowl weekend, and DJ asked for wings. I picked these up for the game for him and Gretchen. 

I picked up this salad kit for lunches. I divided it out in to 3 containers and added chicken from the chicken skewers to the top. It was a great lunch option! 

We love the Siete brand too! 

I bought taco seasoning from Costco and it lasted forever, but we're out, so I needed more! 

We love the Tillamook cheese. I take half of the package and freeze it and then put the other half in the fridge. 

We also love their mandarin oranges. 

I picked up these fruit rolls for the girls. No added sugar- real fruit- yes, please. 

I also grabbed ravioli for an easy dinner!

I use  to buy these all the time for lunches and I decided to pick them up again. I can take one patty and eat it for lunch along with carrots and hummus. 

These are the chicken skewers I'll eat for lunch too. You can put them in a wrap, or just eat alone, but I also added these to the salad mix I bought. 

We're big fans of Costco and I know many of y'all are too! I hope you enjoyed today's haul! 

She's All That! Gretchen's 15!

Gretchen's birthday was in January, but we had to wait until this past weekend to celebrate her! We opted for a smaller sleepover party this year, because next year she turns 16 and we are going all out! She came up with a 90s theme sleepover and I went to work! I had ordered a kit on Amazon, but it didn't arrive in time, so I went to Party City the day before her party and found a ton of decorations that would work! 

We had a pink table cloth for the table and the purple placemats, as well as the black confetti. We had some bright colored confetti, a centerpiece, and the table was set. 

On our hall table, I added some confetti, 90s signs, a little "radio", goody bags, her birthday hat, rubbix cubes and slinkies! 

I found obnoxiously large glitter candles as well! 

I  wasn't going to make a balloon arch, but when I was shopping for decor, I just couldn't help myself. We used bright colors and attached some of the cut outs to the balloons along with two paper fans. 

I added some cut outs along the hall pictures too. Megan's was talking on a cell phone, and Adalyn had funny glasses and a microphone. I totally cracked myself up adding these. 

I made a candy-chuterie board full of air heads, bubble tape, cosmic brownies, pop rocks, and rock candy. 

The cups had 90's sayings on them- so fun! 

Oh my gosh, her cake! Because we weren't doing a "big" party, I figured I would be able to find a simple cake with confetti sprinkles. But, she wanted chocolate and I went to HEB, and the only chocolate cake they had was way too fancy! I decided to stop at Target, and there was a simple chocolate cake with blue and yellow icing. The cake decorators were decorating other cupcakes and I asked if they could add some to the cake I found and explained what I was looking for. The main baker went in the back, found a chocolate cake wtih white icing lined with lime green. She was sweet enough to add more polk a dots in bright colors and sprinkles! It was perfect and y'all, it tasted so good! 

The birthday girl was ready for her friends to arrive!  Her little sisters were invited to a friend's house for a sleepover, so she was excited to have the upstairs to herself and that she wouldn't have little sisters bugging them. 

And yes, I made her take pictures in front of everything. 

Her friends arrived, we ordered pizza, and then we opend presents. 

I have a friend that makes beautiful paintings, and I asked her to make Gretchen a bible verse book mark, and y'all, she's gifting these paintings for free. Be sure to give her a follow on Instagram! 

Gretchen received this to-do marker board and was so excited! Things like this are right up her alley! 

And books! 

Another friend bought her the most beautiful gold clutch that she can use for school dances or events! 

And a hopping chick! Ha! 

After presents, it was time for cake! 

We also played 90s trivia! Gretchen won with 6 points out of 20! LOL! 

These girls are besties and I love their friendship! Many of them have been friends since we moved here in 5th grade; it's definitely special! 

We loved getting to celebrate her 90s style! The girls played game, fell asleep watching She's All That, and woke up to breakfast doughnuts! 

Happy Birthday Gretchen!