Month: February 2023

Home Depot Themed 1st Birthday Party.

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We celebrated Huxley turning one, Home Depot style! Online, you can order the kids workshop kits to be shipped for your home. You don’t get the choice of which kit, but it was still so fun for the kids. The table tennis kit was the one we were sent, and the kids loved it. Here is the setup of the kids workshop.

For the front door, I wrapped some boxes I had already in white kraft paper, and made some signs in Photoshop, and taped them on each box. Made a large sign for the front door that says, Caution 1 year old ahead! And a chalkboard sign that says, “Welcome workers, please report to your supervisor Huxley!”

Decorations as you walk into our living room area. Lots of caution tape, happy birthday banner, construction balloons, and streamers.

Part of the food area was the most fun part to make!
– Nuts and bolts = trail mix
– Wrecking balls = whoppers
– 2×4 = wafer cookies
– Pipes = red vines
– Nails = veggie straws
– Plywood = graham crackers

Cone shaped cups for all the kids. And the cake smashing zone, we put Huxleys high chair in the living room for when it was time to dive into his cupcake.

The cake table! I bought a larger cake that is orange & yellow colored to match the Home Depot theme, with a black #1 candle. For Huxley, a giant individual cupcake. I made rice krispie treats with colored chocolate on each one, and made a label that says caution, wet paint. Not pictured, I also made pistachio bread for something different to have for the sweets.

Other decorations throughout the house. The fireplace has some black streamers, caution tape, and a stoplight sign that says Huxley is 1. And then some random signs on doors, and things like that.

It was a little chilly outside, but overall pretty nice and sunny! The kids were in and out the whole time. Riding on Hadleys electic scooter, and their Papa’s scooter, and just playing. It was fun to see all the cousins together, at all different ages too.

Cake smashing time! He wasn’t really into the cupcake, he just picked off the tiny sprinkles. We let him sit there for a little bit, but ended up getting him down after a little while.

Huxley lasted about two presents of opening them, and then he was done. He just wanted to crawl around and play with everyone, and all the paper and toys. He got some good new toys, I can’t wait to see him play with them.

The table tennis craft, was a fun little game. Hadley and I played a few rounds before she went to bed.

We had so much fun celebrating our little one year old!

Party details linked below:
Invitations: blog post
Plastic shovel spoons: Amazon
Yellow snack buckets: Amazon
Orange cone cups: Amazon
White paper snack cups: Amazon
Gold chocolate coins: Amazon
Orange worker baby onesie: Amazon
Caution tape: Amazon
Construction party supplies/banner: Amazon

Weekly recap.

/ mandyjoyloves / 2 Comments

Recapping our week on the blog! President’s Day, playing outside, trivia night, and a birthday party!

Monday February 20
President’s Day means a day off of school for Hadley! We pretty much chilled at home most of the day, and then in the afternoon we went to Target. We haven’t been to Target in forever, and surprisingly we got out of there spending under $100! I always say I can’t ever go in there without spending at least $50! We have been slowly getting rid of bottles for Huxley, and today we did all milk and no formula! He’s doing so good with it!

Tuesday February 21
Huxleys actual birthday, his first trip around the sun! Trying to get the monthly photos were super super hard the last few months! We grilled steak and potatoes for dinner, and gave him a small cupcake! He loved it, but we only let him have a few bites. After dinner, I got my hair highlighted and trimmed. Feels so good getting the hair done!

Wednesday February 22
The only picture I took on this day, Huxley enjoying his breakfast. Eggs, toast, and yogurt.

Thursday February 23
After we dropped Hadley off at school, Huxley and I went on a walk at the trail. It was seasonably warm out and felt amazing. After Hadley got home from school, we played outside for a little bit. Huxley will sit in the bouncer thing for a little bit, and then after awhile he wants out and wants to crawl all over the concrete. So we put him in the grass while Hadley was kicking the soccer ball.

Friday February 24
Hadley had a field trip today to the aquarium, she had fun! Tried to get a workout selfie with Huxley, and he raced to the phone before the camera went off. Had fish for dinner, first Friday in Lent. We had fish sticks and mac and cheese, everyone was a fan of the fish except Miss Hadley.

Saturday February 25
Trivia night at Hadleys school, for the parents. We had fun, and left feeling not so smart haha We didn’t come in last place at least!

Sunday February 26
Breakfast in the morning, and finished getting ready for Huxleys birthday party. I have a post planned for tomorrow, all the details and more! We had a great time celebrating our little man turning one!

Happy Monday everyone, have a great week! And thanks for reading!

Friday Favorites – Shower phone case, Paw Patrol outfit, dreamy bedroom, and a breakfast sandwich.

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Hi friends! Happy Friday! Here are my favorites this week.

SHOWER PHONE CASE
We watch our phone in the shower a lot, when time allows that is. Kevin will usually watch The Office or Duck Dynasty, those are his favorites. I’ll watch random things, right now it’s the Murdaugh trial! If you haven’t noticed on my Instagram, I’m a little obsessed. Phone case can be found here.

PAW PATROL SWEAT SET
The only reason I’m sharing this is because of the price! It’s $105 dollars! Am I living under a rock and not familiar with the Andy & Evan brand? I mean, who in their right mind would pay that much for a toddler outfit that they will grow out of in a few months??? Sweat set can be found here.

PEPPER JELLY BREAKFAST SANDWICH
I found this recipe on Mix & Match Mama and thought it looked so good! I want to try it. Recipe can be found here.

DREAMY BEDROOM
Hadley wants to add some touches to her bedroom, putting more things on the walls, maybe rearranging her bed, things like that. When I came across this dreamy bed, I thought of my daughter immediately! How cute does this look? Bedroom can be found here.

BANANA SUSHI
I am constantly thinking of new things to feed my kiddos, and this looked like something fun and tasty to try. Just the name banana sushi sounds all fancy. Recipe can be found here.

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend! And as always, thanks for reading!

Birthday Wish List.

/ mandyjoyloves / 4 Comments

My birthday is next Friday, so in about a week. I don’t really have big plans or anything, maybe get my nails done or use the massage gift card I still haven’t used. So, I thought it would be fun to make a wish list! Most of these items are higher priced, and I would not normally buy right now but it’s fun to have a wish list!

So here are the items…

Aquamarine ring – My birthstone is aquamarine, and I’ve been looking for a nice ring for awhile now. I like this one, and I especially love how you can add two bands to the ring also. I love the thick chunky ring look!

The Encyclopedia of Cocktails – I’ve heard so many good things about this book, I’d love to have it on my bar cart to display and to just use. The book features over 1,000 different cocktails to try!

Rothy’s – I want to try these shoes so bad, but I can’t seem to spend that much on shoes! They look so cute, soft, and comfy. I follow a few influencers on Instagram that rave about these!

Jewelry Cabinet Armoire – I need a good mirror for our bedroom, and I’m in desperate need of a jewelry box. I still have the same one since high school, it’s so tiny and old. My earrings don’t fit in my current one anymore.

Coco Chanel Mademoiselle – It’s been years since I’ve found a really good perfume that I like. The last perfume I loved was Sarah Jessica Parker, and it was discontinued. I want to try Coco Chanel and see if it can be my next favorite.

Popups Tote Bag – I think I saw this on a Facebook or Instagram ad, and it looks like the perfect summer pool/lake bag! It has pockets and compartments that would be perfect for trips to the pool or weekends at the lake.

Romwe Short Sleeve Blouse – This top looks super cute and dressy for the upcoming warmer months. I love the puffy sleeves.

It’s fun looking for wish list items for my birthday! What’s on your birthday wish list?

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a very small commission if you click through or make a purchase.

What’s Up Wednesday.

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Happy What’s Up Wednesday! On the last Wednesday of every month, Shay and Sheaffer host a link up party of what’s going on with you right now. It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post. I thought it would be fun to join along!

McDonald’s, steak, chicken, and chili this weekend for the birthday party! Nothing really new lately.

Reminiscing back to when Huxley was born, a year ago yesterday. All the memories come up, and we are yet again, reminded of how fast life really goes.

When I get my hair done, it’s something I look forward to. Most of the time I go by myself, which is nice and relaxing. Some months I take Hadley if she’s getting a cut too.

Hadley had her first basketball game last Sunday, we’ve been lucky with some warmer weather and getting outside for some fresh air for a little bit, and President’s Day was a day off school for Hadley. We ventured out to Target to pickup a birthday gift for one of Hadleys friend, and just to go to Target because it’s been awhile!

Not really dreading, but the train derailment in East Palestine, OH had me worried a little bit. Our water company is assuring everyone that the water is safe, but I still bought a few cases of water to have as a backup. You just never know! And one more thing, I haven’t received my W2 from my previous employer still and I’m dreading contacting them ugh.

Planning Huxleys first birthday! Love all the detail that comes with planning parties.

Seeing all the cousins and family this weekend, to celebrate our little one year old!

The Murdaugh trial! Watching this long trial that is still going on! Day 21.

Same ole, leggins and t-shirts, and pullover jackets.

Trivia night, and celebrating Huxley turning 1!

Turning another year older, and St. Patrick’s Day!

Huxley has officially started drinking whole milk! No more formula, no more bottles! Which means two things, he’s growing up and more money in our pocket with not having to buy formula anymore!

Previous What’s Up Wednesday posts:
What’s Up Wednesday – December 2022
What’s Up Wednesday – January 2023

Huxley is 1.

/ mandyjoyloves / 2 Comments

Our Huxley Beau is one year old today. One year old. We did it dude. We survived your first year on earth. I think I spent hours looking at all the photos I’ve taken on my phone, and reminiscing to those first few weeks we brought you home. Those are the hardest times, but also the fastest times. It feels like forever when you’re in the midst of it all, but then it’s all over in a blink. And here we are, an entire year later.

Huxley is a lot more self-sufficient now, as I pull him in, when he cuddles up and needs me. Because truth is, he just doesn’t need me as much as he did a year ago. He’s always on the move, exploring, learning. Not just lying on my chest, as I sit pinned to the couch. He’s doing everything he’s supposed to do, and everything we taught him.

We are going to celebrate this weekend, and with all the balloons and big feelings, all the strolls down memory lane and birthday cake, I’m not going to forget to celebrate myself too. As a Mom, what we do the first year is worthy of it’s own smash cake, and maybe even some champagne.

So here’s to all the moms out there, cheers to you too.

And happy first birthday Huxley Beau, we love you so much.

The last twelve months, we’ve managed to put Huxley in this firefighter outfit our Aunt and Uncle gifted us. As he started getting bigger, it became more and more comical trying to fit him in the outfit. So the last few months are too funny, blurry photos and all. I could care less about getting the perfect photo, or hiring a photographer to take photos, these are real life memories and that’s what I want to remember. I love seeing the different facial expressions for each month!

With all the monthly firefighter photos, it would make sense to do a firefighter themed birthday for the first one but we are going a different route. I figured this kid is going to have the firefighter thing his whole life, with this dad being a firefighter and all, so I thought I’d wait awhile on that until he can choose for himself!

We are celebrating this weekend, Home Depot style! Stay tuned for more details on the party!

Happy first birthday my sweet boy!

Weekly recap.

/ mandyjoyloves / 2 Comments

Recapping our week on the blog! Valentines Day, fresh air walk, birthday planning, and a sickness.

Monday February 13
Huxley loves to play with Hadleys toys, it looks like a pole but it actually has an attachment that is a mop. We leave the mop part off and he just plays with the pole all over the place. It’s hilarious to watch. When Hadley got home from school, Kevin had a surprise waiting for her. He bought her a catchers helmet! The helmet was brand new in the box, originally $300 something bucks, and he got it for $40! It’s a bidding site called Bidfta, if you haven’t heard of it check it out here. We celebrated Valentines Day early due to Kevin’s work schedule. While I cooked dinner, Kevin took the kids on a short walk since it was nice outside and to get some fresh air.

Tuesday February 14
Put the last heart on Hadleys door! She loved them, and this is something I’ll definately be doing every year. Fourteen hearts full of reasons why we love her. I posted Huxleys first birthday invites this week, and thank you all for the kind comments on Instagram!

Wednesday February 15
Started to get out the birthday party things, and organize them and start getting everything ready. Took a walk on the trail when Hadley got out of school. It was soo nice out, and Hadley took the lazy route and brought her electric scooter.

Thursday February 16
Today is when I started to feel not so hot, I still managed to move my body a little bit but took it easy the rest of the day. It’s so hard when you don’t feel good, to still take care of your baby. I stayed my distance, and tried not to breath on anyone! Organized and stocked up on wipes and diapers, it’s much less stressful having more than enough than constantly running out of things.

Friday February 17
In the morning, I slowly tried to organize underneath the kitchen sink with those clear bins I bought a few weeks ago but they wouldn’t fit! I’m terrible with figuring out if things will fit or not, I just eyeball it. Unfortunately, we had to postpone the birthday party due to Kevin getting sick, and then I got sick. Luckily, I did not feel nearly as bad as Kevin did. I’m much much better now thank goodness, it was just a virus that had to run it’s course. The Murdaugh trial, good lord it’s insane! They showed an indepth timeline of Alex Murdaughs cell phone records, which pretty much shows him at the scene of the crimes! I’m obsessed. Love getting pictures of Hadley at school. Due to not feeling the best, I kept Huxley in his jammies all day it’s just easier somedays.

Saturday February 18
Girl scout cookies came in, and I wonder how many I can NOT eat??? And, the size of the boxes have shrunk! Goodness they are so small now. Kevin was finally able to go to an indoor soccer game this session, and Huxley was loving it too.

Sunday February 19
Hadley had her first basketball game. It’s rough to watch at this age, I know they are just learning. Kevin is coaching, and it’s always interesting to hear some of the parents comment on plays and things. It’s second grade, instructional basketball people! After basketball, Hadley went with Kevin to the games he reffed. It cracks me up how she loves to go with him. Huxley and I went outside for awhile, and then put him in the back of my car with the trunk opened, and he loved it. It was like a giant playpen! Huxley had ravioli for dinner and he’s a fan. After Hadley got home, she had to ice her scrape she got from falling in the gym. We watched American Idol, and then headed to bed.

Happy Monday everyone, have a great week! And thanks for reading!

(Linking up here).

Huxleys 1st Birthday Invites.

/ mandyjoyloves / 3 Comments

If you don’t know by now, I love to make anything with paper! Invitations, thank you notes, signs, even made my own wedding invitations! Here are the invites for my sons first birthday!

We are having a Home Depot theme! I cleared out our address and phone number for privacy reasons, but here is the invite! I even created a QR code for his wish list. I was so excited I figured it out, and it was really easy. If you are interested in learning more about QR codes, maybe I can write up a post about it.

I ordered orange envelopes off of Amazon, and used a black/white striped washi tape that I already had on hand for the back. I love using washi tape on envelopes, it gives it an extra touch don’t you think?

When you click on the QR code on the invite, it opens up on your cell phone and this is what comes up! I created a wish list for Huxley for people to decide what they’d like to get him. Personally, I’d prefer money for his account because he’s only one years old and will not remember anything he gets. Kevin and I are going to get him a few small things, but nothing crazy because he outgrows things so fast. Having a list, lets people decide what they’d like to get him and still gives a pretty open range for them to pick something.

We are excited to celebrate our little Huxley man this weekend! He turns one next week, but are celebrating this weekend. Home Depot style.