Favorite Things Archives - My Perfectly Pretty Mess

Thoughts for Thursday: What Everyone Needs Before They Pack for Vacation

July 12, 2018

Our little family was gone on a couple different vacations pretty much the ENTIRE month of June! I knew space was going to be limited- so between reading blogs, watching Instagram stories and reading Amazon reviews- this momma was prepared this year!

1// Packing Cubes– These are a game changer, friends!! First trip of the summer, I didn’t get the hype. Second trip is when it all clicked, but it wasn’t until I was packing for us to come home. Everyone had clean clothes packed in their own cube and it went straight to their room when we got back. It was AMAZING! I was able to fit so much more in one suitcase then I would normally be able to. The price on these are really good, too!

2// Toiletry Bucket- This was probably my favorite purchase. It holds full size products, its waterproof (just incase there are any spills) and it is a fantastic price point. You could also carry your makeup in it. These are one of those pieces that every member of our family will be having!

3// Travel Makeup Train Case– There is plenty of room in this makeup case and the separators can be moved around to fit your specific needs. I have been on the hunt for a functional makeup bag/case and finally my look is over!

4// SCOUT 4 Boys Bag– I like big bags and I cannot lie!! There is nothing better than big ole’ bags to fit all of your stuff in! I personally like to pack little bags into bigger bags. For example- the packing cubes into the Scout 4 boys bag. Or when the girls were younger or still sometimes now, I will pack outfits into ziplock bags. In one ziplock it would have everything they need- dress, pampies (that is what Millie Cate calls her panties and it has stuck), little shorts to cover her pampies, bow/headband/hair ties and socks if she would need them. That way whoever is getting the girls dressed could just grab a ziplock baggie and go!

We have driven to all the places we’ve been this summer and there have been a few things that have been really nice to have in the car! Side note- I am the worlds worst passenger in the car. I HATE CAR TRIPS, ROAD TRIPS OR WHATEVER YOU’D LIKE TO CALL THEM.

I believe it was on another blog, but I ran across this potty and it has been a complete lifesaver while we are in the car. Brynlee has always been good about going to the potty before leaving the house. Millie Cate is just Millie Cate and she marches to the beat of her own drum and always HAS TO GO while we are in the car, whether it is around town or on road trips. We also have to have Sweet-tart Rope(me), Starbursts(Bill and Brynlee) and Skittles (Millie Cate) for our road trips. Lets not forget about watching “Belle Beast” and listening to “Be” and “Middle” on repeat! These are the days, right?

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Linking up with East Coast Chic, Home of Malones and Davis Duo for Thoughts for Thursdays!

Five on Friday…on Sunday

June 24, 2018

I didn’t quite make it on Friday, so here we are on Sunday afternoon and I’m getting my FRIDAY five post done. Oh well! We are in the car on our way to Kiawah for a little vacation and are ready to be there. Someone didn’t feel like same way about us leaving. He will be in good hands though!

One// We had our family vacation with my husbands side of the family two weeks ago and it was so much fun! We had SO much help with the girls. We were able to sleep until 11am almost every day! How amazing is that? The girls had a blast. I love that the family still gets together every year. The trip is already on my calendar for next year! I didn’t take nearly enough pictures, but that was because I left my phone up in our room most of the time. I just wanted to unplug and be with family! It felt good to be away from it!

Two// I picked up a new bathing suit for our trip this week and it is just too cute! I wore it to the pool on Friday and got so many compliments. The girls MAY have bathing suits in the matching pattern?

Three// How is it almost July? I can’t believe how fast this summer is going. For the month of July, I am going to start monthly goals and share them here. Maybe that will keep me accountable too? Do you have monthly goals?

Four// Lets talk about Monat! Have you ever tried it? Do you love it? Could you live without it? I drank the kool-aid and ordered it last week. I washed my hair and used the blow dry cream today and so far I really liked it! The blow dry cream smelled AMAZING! I also have been a big fan of the dry shampoo this week! Time will tell how much I will really like it and I’ll be sure to keep you updated!

Five// I’ll leave you with my favorite part of summer. Unexpected naps…

I’m linking up with Christina for Friday Five and Andrea for Friday Favorites!

Friday Five: Current Wishlist

March 9, 2018

Thank goodness it is the weekend! Being a stay at home mom, you wouldn’t think it matters that it is the weekend- but it does! That extra set of hands is SO nice! Today we are going to play a little game! We are going to pretend that mommy has a credit card and someone else is paying the bill, so she can buy what she wants! Doesn’t that sound like so much fun? I’m going to share with you five things that are on my wish list, and they’re a little all over the budget!

One: Karen Walker Women’s Super Duper Strength Sunglasses

I LOVE these glasses and have for the longest time! My husband on the other hand hates big sunglasses. He would say that I look like a bug. I currently have a pair of Ray Bans that I am a big fan of, but these are next on my list, whenever that may be.

Two: Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal

I mean there isn’t much to say once you look at these. I am LITERALLY DYING. I DON’T KNOW HOW I AM NOT GOING TO LIVE WITHOUT THESE THIS SUMMER. Am I being dramatic? Maybe? Do I care? NO!

Three: Indiana Stripe Short Beach Dress

I’ve always loved these cover-ups, but have never bought one because it would be dirty in 2.5 seconds with two small kids and with that price tag it would stress me out! One day it won’t though! For now, I will enjoy cheap cover-ups and my girls being little!

Four: Happy Tassels Oyster Shell Necklace

Another one where I feel like a not a whole lot needs to be said. It is simply stunning. If you’re local to Raleigh, NC like me then it is made right here in the triangle. All I can think about is how AMAZING this will look with Lilly or down in Wrightsville. Its really a must, right?

Five: Intimately FP Adella Longline Bralette

I have seen these for a while now and have also wanted one of these, but haven’t pulled the trigger. Maybe soon? I’ve seen a lot of people wear them under sweaters and they look so cute! Maybe I’ll catch one on sale.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Brynlee is supposed to have her first sleepover at a friends house and we are doing something special here with Millie Cate. We will see IF Brynlee makes it all night!

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I’m linking up with April and Christina for Friday Five.

I’m also linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites.

31 Things You May or May Not Know About Me

March 5, 2018

Happy Monday, Friends!! This post is going up much later than I wanted it to, but it has been a Monday! I’m sure that my birthday falling on a Sunday didn’t help, because I didn’t get my normal Sunday things to help me get ready for the week done!

I thought it would be fun to make a list of 31 things that you may or may not know about me since I turned 31 yesterday! As Brynlee would say, “Let’s get started”:

1- My first name is not Brooke. My first name is Jessica. I hate going by my middle name, but I always have! My parents thought about calling me JB, thank goodness they didn’t!

2- I’m an only child and also married to one. We have zero sharing issues. Do you believe me on that one?

3- I am a complete product junkie. I just feel like I need all the things! It used to just be makeup, but it is starting to be the same with skincare since I am starting to get older. It may have something with number 2, I’m not sure!

4- I love to cook! There is nothing better than getting in the kitchen. I just hate cleaning up after!

5- I have a blanket that I take everywhere, including the hospital when my girls were born. It is called the elephant blanket. I’m not talking a little blanket. It is like a size of a twin bed blanket. It is literally the best thing in the world. Besides my family, of course!

6- I don’t like chocolate, unless it has some sort of nut in it.

7- I talk to my momma and memaw multiple times a day, which a lot of people find odd!!

8- I thrive off of structure. If our calendar isn’t filled out and my to-do list isn’t done, I can barely function. I think Brynlee is going to be the same way. Millie Cate on the other hand, she is happy and can just go with the flow!

9- My favorite type of shows to watch on TVs are medical shows- Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor and The Resident are my favorite right now!

10- Brunch. No other explanation needed.

11- My dream vacation would be to charter a private yacht in Santorini or one of the other beautiful Greek Islands. I’ll just keep dreaming…I mean really, I’d be happy with a fishing boat in Wrightsville Beach! I just love a good vacation!

12- Fresh flowers and plants in my home make me happy!

13- I love to be outside, but I hate bugs. Do you see my problem?

14- I took dance for 7 years growing up and I have NO rhythm! All of that time and money, right down the drain.

15- Working out is just not my favorite, I want to love it, but I don’t.

16- There is nothing I love more than being organized. However, getting organized and staying organized can be a challenge!! Especially with two small kids.

17- When I was younger, I loved to tent camp. My parents would sleep in the camper and I would beg my dad to set up the tent for me.

18- Packing lunches and bedtimes are my two least favorite mom duties.

19- Getting them out of their bed is my favorite! It doesn’t get better than those sweet smiles.

20- Do you have problems throwing stuff away? Because I do! I’m talking birthday invitations, cards, random scribbles…mommy keeps it all.

21- Getting my nails done is my absolute favorite self care thing. I really wish I could do my own nails, because getting them done can be expensive. I just can’t! My whole finger ends up painted and the paint ends up smudged 30 minutes later. I’ve tried all the polishes and top coats- I’m throwing in the towel and headed to the salon for them to do it and wine!

22- Speaking of wine- Sauvignon Blanc is my big girl drink of choice!

23- I died my hair dark one time and it was HORRIBLE. Like so so bad.

24- I still have close friends that I met in Kindergarten and love them dearly! A couple of them were in my wedding!

25- I hate tequila and milk, they are both terrible liquids!

26- Do you know what is better than Lilly Pulitzer? Matching Lilly Pulitzer with your minis!

27- Happy Hour or really any hour on a patio can make any day instantly better.

28- Growing up I would watch Alice in Wonderland on REPEAT! Millie Cate’s first birthday was Alice in Wonderland and this year both girls are taking dance and their gala theme is Alice in Wonderland. This momma is so excited!

29- I love to do crafts, but only when they go my way and turn out how I want them to!

30- We have a cat/dog named Carlos. Most people don’t even know we have a dog because he literally lays around and barks from under the covers when someone comes to the door.(Which is why we call him a cat/dog, he is more like a cat than a dog!) He is the laziest dog ever. It’s ok though, poor guy has had a tough life. He wandered up to our door, you could see every bone in his body, he was yellow from going potty all over him self and he had chunks missing out of his ears. He is living the life now!

31- Last, but not least! Some people say I am nosey- but I like to say I am inquisitive and ask the right questions! To tell you the truth, that is one reason I started my blog! I like to know things (not intimate details of your life unless you’re one of my besties, then I want to know it all) but just other random things- like what shade of lipstick you’re wearing or what you’re cooking for dinner. And if I find great things, I want to share them with you!

Well if you made it to the end of this, we should probably sit down and have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Friday Favorites + A Giveaway!!

August 11, 2017

Happy Friday, friends! I’m so excited for two reasons! One- hello weekend!!!! Two- today is my last day of my infusions!

My current view while getting started with the last infusion and desperately hoping this helps!

Do you remember this picture that I shared on both Facebook and Instagram last week?

Almost everyone voted for choice B, while my favorite was A! Nordstroms is letting me swap b for a larger size to see if it will be looser in the arms. It should be here today! I’ll let you know what I decide! Side note for those thinking of ordering, they are both xs/s and I am exchanging B for a medium. Choice A also is a little softer! Both are amazing though!!

A//B

Did you see my Stitch Fix review this week? It was a great first box and I am looking forward to my next fix that will be delivered the end of September! Be sure to use my referral code if you decide to try a box!

I ended up only keeping this sweater and I can’t wait for it to cool down so I can wear it!

This is our last weekend of summer and I am both happy and sad! I am looking forward to getting back on routine, but I sure am going to miss my girls while they’re at school! Brynlee will be going Monday-Friday 8-2:30 pm and Millie Cate will go on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-1 pm!

This was last year on the first day of her 3’s class! I’ve also gotten a few new traditions that I plan to start on Thursday, which is her first day! Millie Cate doesn’t start until the last week of August!

Our Whole30 has been going pretty good! I’m not going to lie, a Coke Zero sounds amazing right now with all of the medication that is getting pumped through me! Being prepared has SAVED US this week and Monday’s post will be all about our first week of Whole30, including day by day feelings and recipes! I am also planning to start back with my beloved Pure Barre tomorrow to see if that will also help with the headaches! Let’s hope I don’t leave half way during warm up! We are hoping to hit up Trader Joe’s when we leave here depending on how I feel! Any Whole30 items that we must pick up while we are there?

And I saved the best for last! I am giving away two stainless 20 oz personalized tumblers of your choice! That is one rambler per person- so two separate winners to clarify! Head on over to Instagram to find out how to win! Contest ends on 8/16 at 9am and winners will be randomly chosen and announced that afternoon!

I hope you all have the best weekend and that it is filled with all of your favorite things! I know mine sure will be minus the wine!!

I’m linking up with April, Christina, and Andrea!

Five Favorites

July 25, 2017

I’m back! I was really hoping to hop on here yesterday, but true life- I just couldn’t get myself together! Momma can’t hang like she used to be able to! We had such an amazing weekend in Savannah, GA! I’ll share more this week!

Time to share some favorite things of mine!

One: This ended up in my cart on it’s way to me once it comes off of backorder!

Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Lite® Coastal Hooded Cardigan

I mean, how cozy does that look? I will go ahead and apologize to those that see me on a regular basis, because I will be wearing this 24/7.

Two: A little over a year ago I discovered Beautycounter and I quickly became obsessed! Not only are their products wonderful, but their mission is too! You can read more about their mission here: Beautycounter’s Mission

These are the products that I CANNOT live without- Essential Nourishing Collection, No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil, Charcoal Cleansing Bar and No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask

**Full disclosure- I am a Beautycounter consultant. I started because I LOVED the products that much. I’m happy to answer any questions and I promise the blog will not be about Beautycounter all the time!

Three: Stop what you are doing and go buy the Power Air Fryer XL right now! It has been life changing for our family!

Not only can you make dishes healthier by using this, but cleanup is so easy! The recipe that I am sharing tomorrow is cooked in our AirFryer!

Four: Last week I picked up a PopSocket and so far have really liked it. Brynlee is in love with it because it makes watching her makeup tutorials on YouTube easier! She is just too much! I couldn’t find the one I have online, but you can find several color options here: PopSocket

Five: I’m probably one of the last people to here about these, it usually works that way!

Embarrassing confession- I heard Despicto for the first last this week! Hey- its not my fault that it isn’t on the Trolls sound track! Anyways- Spiked Seltzers are AMAZING and my new favorite summer drink! I couldn’t tell you how many cases of these 13 girls went through this past weekend!

In my opinion this brand tastes the best, but it is the highest in Weight Watchers Points (5 smart points) so I probably wouldn’t continue to buy it! I will probably go back to White Claw when I run out of these!

Well, thats it! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!