1. Today my “baby” turns FIVE years old, and I still can’t even believe it. I mean, wasn’t he just born?!
Happy, happy birthday to my sweet Lucas! I’ve been doing lots of reflecting on this past year, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing soon, because four was a rollercoaster!
2. So one of the things that we always do while on vacation in Wildwood is stop at Douglass Fudge. I’m pretty sure they almost always have a “Buy 2 lbs, Get 1 lb Free” sale going on, and this year we took advantage since we were going to be buying 2 anyway. We gave a pound to my MIL for watching the house and Cody while we were away, and then we figured we’d keep a pound for us and then put the last pound in the freezer.
Well, that last pound has yet to make it to the freezer…and at this rate, I doubt it’s going to. Whooooops.
3. Is it just me, or is fudge one of the most dangerous (or, I don’t know, deceptive?) desserts ever? It’s right there, and you’ve got your little knife, and you think okay, I’ll just cut off a little sliver. And then you have another, and another…and before you know it, half a stick is gone.
4. Never did I think I could get a cut bad enough to make me bleed from the foil top of a can of almonds. Go figure?!
And that thing bled for a good 15 minutes!
5. So I was getting ANC (or dip nails, whatever you want to call it) for a couple of months, and I LOVE it, but decided to give my nails a little break. Ugh, they are SO brittle and gross now…this picture doesn’t do them justice.
I have this strengthening stuff I found in my arsenal of nail polishes, so I’ve been applying that 1x/day, but if any of you have any suggestions on what to use to help build them up a bit more, I’m all ears.
6. Where are all my jerky fans at?? I’m typically not all that into jerky, but Jay and I found this Korean Barbecue Pork Jerky on Boxed and it is SO GOOD.
It’s a little pricey, but cheaper on Boxed than on Amazon. Plus, if you use THIS LINK, you’ll get $15 off your first Boxed order of $60+! We order from them at least once a month for a lot of our household essentials (their Prince and Spring brand is great), as well as some different snacks that we and the kids fly through (like this jerky).
7. I had an appointment with my allergy/asthma doctor earlier this week, and while all is going well on the asthma front, my allergy-like symptoms have been crap. So for now, he suggested I take a daily Zyrtec, as well as Flonase Sensimist, on top of my already daily Singulair…Good. Grief. I’m actually considering going back to doing allergy injections, since our family’s deductible has already been met for the year and it cost significantly less to do it now. BUT, once January 1 rolls around, I’d be back to paying a lot. It’s also a bit of a commitment (1-2x/week, with having to sit and wait in the waiting room for 30 minutes post injection), but then again, if it helps with my constant runny nose and post nasal….decisions, decisions! Do any of you guys do injections? Did you ever get to “maintenance” (I didn’t when I did them before)?
8. Okay, my office is legit FREEZING in the summer. Any of my fellow working moms out there on the same struggle bus? You can usually find me bundled up in my big cozy blanket these days.
9. After finishing two rounds of the FB Strong program from Fitness Blender (you can read my blog post on that here), I decided to give their FB Mass program a try!
It’s another 4 week program, with a strong focus on strength training + some HIIT and cardio. I’m just coming towards the end of my first week (my workout on Tuesday involved cardio intervals with a jump rope and HOLY CRAP I AM SORE), but I’m already loving it. The split strength workouts (i.e., upper body, lower body, etc.) are totally my jam!
10. Aren’t these little activity books adorable?
We were recently sent a set of these I Can Do That! activity books from Gakken, which are filled with fun, super-easy activities like cool paper-folding projects, mazes, and other puzzles with adorable stickers.
Lucas’s favorites are definitely the stickers.
If you have any kiddos at home that would love these, too, I have TWO SETS to give away to TWO lucky readers! To enter, just leave a comment letting me know you’re interested on today’s post! : ) (*Open to US residents only)
Alright, I’m off to go spend my day with a very special five year old today! I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead, whatever you may be doing <3
Kylee says
Love those little activity books! I am
definitely interested!
Happy Birthday Lucas! Hope you all enjoy the day!
Maggie C says
My little one would love those books too as he grows!happy burthday Lucas!
Ashley says
My four year old twins would. Have a blast with the sticker books! Thanks!
Megan says
I would love those books for my little guy!
Melissa says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! I hope he has a great day!
Lisa Meyer says
First of all, Happy Birthday to Lucas!
I would love to have these for the adorable neighbor girls I watch every Tuesday night. I always bring a project with me for them to do, so this would be perfect! They are 6, 4 and 17 months. Until my adult boys have children, they are my “practice grandchildren!”
Have a great weekend!
Christy says
We love activity books for the car and restaurant, those would come in super handy!! Happy bday to Lucas… we still have a few months but I am already having a hard time thinking about Aubrie turning 5! And don’t get me going on kindergarten!!!
Emma says
My son Henry would love those sweet little activity books! He’s a big time sticker lover and I’d love to get him into folding, etc to improve his dexterity.
Molly Petsch says
The boys would love these activity books (and would keep them busy while I’m unpacking 4,267 boxes 🙄)!
Also, do you if the Fitness Blender has specific post partum workouts?? I NEED to get back in the game!
And you look amazing so I’m taking all your secrets!
Courtney says
Happy birthday lucss!
My son would love those books. How fun!
Caroline says
Would love the activity books for my littles!
Tracey says
Happy Birthday Lucas!
Noah would definitely love those books so Interested :)
And I getting allergy shots (the most you can get 4 lol) but they seem to really help me. I have been doing them for about 2 years now. I was 1x a week for a little over a year and now i go once every other week.
Nicole Lindsay says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! Those books would be great for my 3 1/2 year old for quiet time while her little brother (2 on Monday-HOW?) naps.
Jenny says
We’ve got two little bookworms over here that would love those activity books!
Jocelyn says
Ooh, those activity books would be perfect for my 4 year old!!!
Alaina Mabrey says
Rhett, our 3 year old, would love the books!
Emily says
I got allergy shots for almost five years because they were fully covered and I was afraid of losing the benefits if I stopped. But then my insurance changed and they weren’t covered so I stopped for financial reasons and I r been fine!!! Maybe slightly sneezy in the spring but totally manageable.
Liz says
Happy Birthday Lucas! 🎂
My son would love those books so interested! Thanks for the giveaway!
Katie says
My 3.5 yr old loves activity books! We have one Usbourne wipe clean dinosaur book that is a big hit! He would love more!
Kerry Caulfield says
No recommendations for your nails. I’m a bitter and just getting a regular mani helps me. My son is four and would love the books. We have a few usborn already and love them !
Jill says
Those are cute! My kids would love them.
Nikki S. says
Happy Birthday Lucas!!! Hope he has a great birthday! And this working Momma is also freezing at work ALL DAY LONG!!! I wish I could sit with a blanket and gloves on b/c I am frozen! haha. Have a great weekend!
Carrie says
My son Alex is starting preschool this fall and he would love those little activity books to work on!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I’ve used Fitness Blender workouts on YouTube before – they’re perfect for when you don’t have the time to get to the gym and need to do a workout at home. I’ll have to check out the mass program!
Heather says
I’ve been loving your posts! When I worked my office was chilly too! My kiddos would love to be in the drawing for the books.
Happy Friday!
Carly McNeil says
Those books look so fun! My 5 year old and 2 year old would love them! Happy birthday Lucas!
REBECCA says
Love those activity books!
Jen says
Happy Birthday Lucas!!! He is a handsome little guy. I’m drooling over that fudge..yum..yum
Debbie says
Funny I have some Usborne sticker books my 3 yr old just decided he liked so I’ve been looking for some cute and little unique activity books. Definitely interested.
I don’t think I would have the patience for weekly shots but I also don’t have constant allergies annoying me. That would probably change my perspective
Alaina says
Happy birthday Lucas! I hope my 4 yo can check out these awesome activity books, too!
Liz says
Happy birthday to Lucas! I think that my kids would absolutely love those books!
Erin says
My 5 year old would love those books, we are sticker obsessed over here!
Jessica says
Happy birthday to your son. My 4 year old daughter would love these! And I bet my six year old son would too. :D
Christine says
I love seeing your favorites from the week!
Jen says
My son would love the activity books!! Happy birthday Lucas!
Kelli Rudolph says
My little girl would love those activity books! She’s all about stuff like that right now. :) Side note – because of your recommendation I am currently doing the Fitness Blender strong 4 week program. You’ll have to keep us posted about the mass one because if it’s good I’d like to do that one next. :)
Mandy says
I’m totally interested in the books! Happy Birthday, Lucas!!!
Brittney says
I’m interested in the books/stickers! My kids LOVE stickers :) Happy Birthday to Lucas!
Nikki says
Happy Birthday Lucas! My daughter is 4 and would love those books!
Abby says
Happy Birthday, Lucas!!! I’d love either book, but my son would love to try an activity book!
Anisha says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! I still remember when I stumbled onto your blog… it was the post that you announced you were pregnant with him! How crazy is that??
So there any times you post out questions to your readers…for instance today, you are asking for tips on how to strengthen your nails.. is there any chance you could share the answers/responses you get with us in upcoming posts?? Did that make any sense at all?! HA. I often want to know the answers to the questions you ask too! Just a thought :)
Lastly, I would love to be entered in a chance to win those books for my babies! Although they aren’t Usborne, they are still cute!
Have a good weekend girl!
April V says
I love those little books!! ♥
Shah Jasmine says
Happy Birthday to Lucas!!! My 4 year old would love the books
julie says
For my seasonal allergies, I take Quercetin with Bromelain supplements. My boss swears by it so I started taking them this spring and I have to say my symptoms don’t seem as bad as previous years. (This could also just be a coincidence — I’m certainly not a medical professional.)
I can definitely relate to freezing in the office! College Humor has a funny video called Why Summer is Women’s Winter — you’ll appreciate it :)
Indhu says
Love the activity books
Caitlin says
Those activity books look awesome! My 4.5 yr old would love them!
Kayla says
Happy birthday to Lucas!!!! I can’t believe how fast time is going by, my nephew Gio is going to be 5 next month too :( I just want to go back in time to when he was a baby and scoop him up again! They get SO big SO fast!!
It is also freezing at my work, it’s a daily struggle because my Mom likes it freezing because she runs hot and I am always cold. A blanket sounds like a great idea, now I wonder if I can get away with bringing one here ;) Lol!
Have a great weekend, Courtney! Xoxo
Jillian says
Happy birthday Lucas! My daughter will be 4 in October and my son will be 2 next month. Where does the time go?!!?! I am a working mom, and just like your office, my office is crazy cold too. People look at me like I am crazy in some of the outfits I wear to work (it’s currently 100 degrees….California girl!) So yes…I feel you.
My daughter would love one of those books! Have a great weekend Courtney!
Gitisha says
My 5 year old would love this activity kit!
Megan says
Those activity books look like something my 5 year old would love!
Allison Dearman says
I have 2 girls almost the same ages as your boys. I’d love to try to activity books!
Marissa says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! Also, those books like awesome, my kiddos would love them.
I feel you on the allergy front – I have had a pretty awful sore throat/post nasal issue situation for a few months now and haven’t been able to get much relief :( It’s so frustrating! Hope you feel better soon!
Rachael says
I have boys ages 4 & 2. They would love these activity books.
Happy Birthday Lucas!
mkcubed says
I’m on the constantly runny nose/post nasal drip train too. Taking a daily Zyrtec but not seeing many results. Boo.
My little one would love those books. Thanks for sharing about them!
Amy says
My three-year-old would love those sticker books and I would love them while nursing my three week old!,
Madeline says
My daughter would love these! She loves crafts and activities in every form :)
Kim says
I’d love those activity books for my son! We’re taking him on his first plane ride soon and these would be great to keep him busy!
Kaitlyn @ Powered by Sass says
Gah, the nail thing seems so frustrating. I heard that the dip isn’t the best for your nails because they alter the natural surface of your nail in order for the whole dip process to work, so perhaps just giving yourself a little break from that! I noticed that once I started incorporating collagen into my diet and giving my nails like a week to breathe free of polish, they became stronger and less brittle. I also don’t do gel anymore. Just typical polish. I’ve noticed a difference! – Kaitlyn | http://www.poweredbysass.com
Stephanie M says
Would love these for my little girl!
Erin says
Oh Courtney – FIVE!?! Jesus. Joey turns 5 in October and I am so not ready for it. Obviously, if I’m crying because your guy turned 5. Happy Birthday, Lucas!
Ok, allergy injections. YES THEY WORK!!! So I started before I got married (ie really no obligations) and was once a week for like a year. Then I slowly worked my way up the dosage chain (I had 4 shots, allergic to so much, would always get at least quarter-sized reaction) and went to once every 2 weeks, then once a month. That was glorious. But it took so long – I did the shots for at least 6 years. In that time, I had 2 pregnancies (miscarriages) that bumped me down the dosage chart, as well as having to work my way back up to maintenance again. Then got pregnant with Joey, bumped down and worked my way back up to full maintenance. Then got pregnant with Ali and doctor and I decided that I was feeling good, time to be done. So it’s been about 2.5 years since I’ve done my last round of shots (doesn’t that sound more fun than it is!) and I still feel pretty great. I still take one regular Zyrtec once a day (but not the decongestant) and I do the nasal spray during spring to supplement. The injections really, REALLY made a difference for me. But the time commitment with 2 kids…that’s a hard choice. Unless you’re able to go during your work lunch hour or something? Anyway, I obviously had lots of thoughts on this subject near and dear to my heart. I would not hesitate to do the injections in the future if my body needed it again though. Hopefully decades from now when I am not responsible for 2 small children, haha. Good luck, I feel for you.
Jen W. says
My grandbaby would LOVE those books – especially the stickers!
Jessica says
My boys would love those books!
Kristin Allen says
Yay Lucas! Happy number 5! My 4.5 year old artist would have so much fun with these!
Lauren says
My toddler would love those! Definitely interested.
Beckie Scott says
For your nails, I suggest upping your collagen intake. My nails were hit hard but after two weeks of 2xdaily scoops collagen powder, they looked amazing!
Rebecca says
My daughter loves stickers and they have been a great distraction since my son was born a few months ago!
Erin says
I would love to win the activity books!!
Happy birthday Lucas!!
Fiona MacDonald says
I’m sooo glad you’re loving the FB Mass program, I just love how much more weight focused it is, sometimes I find the other programs more HITT and cardio and mama needs some weight lifting action! I get my cardio running after my toddler!
Also I am soo with you about the fudge..I MUST stay away or it will be GONE !!!
Hope you had a great weekend!
claire says
Those would be great for my preschooler! Happy birthday, Lucas!
Kristen says
🙋🏻♀️ My son would love these!
Kerry Shanley says
My little newphew, arthur would ADORE these books! When ever I sleep over, Arthur always say: “auntie kerry…just one more??”as we’re reading books before bed. He would love this, and my sister just told us she pregnant with another, so now i’ll get to spoil TWO kiddos and not just one!
KV says
My nephew would enjoy the books & stickers.
Robyn says
I’m very interested in the activity books! Im always looking for new books to keep my little guy occupied :) and yes – that jerky is great! We’ve bought them several times from Costco and they were gone in a day! Happy birthday Lucas! :)
Amanda R says
I love the activity books! My little guy is about to turn one a month, and I’m drowning in a puddle of tears! Time really does go by too quick. He’s become very interested in books lately, so I’m hoping that he continues to get excited about them every day!
Amy says
Fudge-yum! Im going to my favorite store on the Vineyard in 3 weeks and I can’t wait! My 3 year old would love those books!
Alyssa says
My daughter loves all things stickers, so we would love a set of the books!!
Elizabeth V says
These would be great for my 3 year old!
ChristyL says
My daughter just turned 5 last month. Right, where does the time go? Is Lucas ready for kinder? Those books are great and like Lucas, my daughter loves anything with stickers. Happy birthday little man!
Lisa says
Interested! My four year old is obsessed with activity books. I also use and live fitness blender workout programs!
Kelsey says
My son just turned 5 on July 29 and would love these books! We are in Wildwood celebrating his birthday this week. We seem to have similar taste in restaurants and ice cream down here and we hope to get to them all soon.
Also, my son does allergy injections and is about a shot away from maintenance. It’s not easy convincing a 5 year old to get a shot every week but he’s a champ and it’s now no big deal. Compared to other people who have allergies, he rarely suffers any symptoms. I’m so thankful we stuck with the injections for him. We have stopped all other allergy meds for him at this point because of how well he is doing.
Jill says
My four year old, now entering pre-k (cue all tbe tears) would love those~
Olviya says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! My little one will be turing 4 soon, and it’s so wild to think about how quickly the years have flown by. He would love those books! <3
wordle today says
Arthur, my young nephew, would adore these books! Arthur always asks, “Auntie Kerry…just one more?,” whenever I stay with him. as we read books before going to bed. My sister just informed us that she is expecting another child, so now I get to spoil TWO children instead of just one, which he would enjoy!
Quordle today says
whenever I stay with him. as we read books before going to bed. My sister just informed us that she is expecting another child, so now I get to spoil TWO children instead of just one,
Quordle today says
thankc for your efforts