FFF: What's Got My Summer Going

I'm looking forward to a good old fashioned Independence Day holiday close to home. Stay safe and have fun with your family!

{This post contains affiliate links.}
::ONE:: Cozi Family Organizer

Back in the fall, Mr. G and I were looking for a joint calendar that we could put all our appointments in, along with a working to do list, and grocery list. This app is exactly what we needed. So far, I haven't upgraded to Cozi Gold, but even that cost is less than the amount of money I usually spent on a paper calendar each year. I didn't even realize how awesome the shared grocery list would be. No more forgetting the list at home, and Mr. G is always great about adding the little things to the list that I would try to remember off the top of my head, then of course, forget to purchase.

::TWO:: Eagle Creek Black Pack-It Folders

I attempted to pack small for camp (details on that here), which led me to these Eagle Creek Pack-It folders. I grabbed one in the medium size, as it's the perfect footprint for my rollaboard suitcase. If you take the time to fold your clothes correctly using the included guide, you will be amazed at how wrinkle-free your clothes remain, as well as how many outfits you can stuff in there! I'm now considering grabbing the smaller size for smaller sized trips--it's that good. Found here.

::THREE:: Elta MD Tinted Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen

found here
I blogged about this tinted moisturizing sunscreen a few weeks ago, but I've really put it through its paces since then, with a day on the Guadalupe River and another full day at a water park. My goal was to come home as pale as I left, and this stuff worked wonders. It is my new favorite and worth every dollar.

::FOUR:: Pure Barre

After being out of pocket for around 3 weeks, I'm attempting to do my own personal 20 in 30 (20 classes in 30 days) this month, starting TODAY. I always see results when I get back to business with Pure Barre, and this is a great month to make it happen since I have a birthday coming up in August. If I think about it again today, I might even take my measurements. I ♥ Pure Barre and can't say enough good things about it! I've been taking for over three years now, have been an instructor for a little over one year, and it is the longest I've ever loved a workout. Take 10 classes, and you will not believe how quickly your body changes.

::FIVE:: Lululemon Running Skirts

found here
Whether it's the Pleat to Street (on sale here) or the Pace Rival (not on sale, but here) these are a great way to beat the heat and look cute doing it. I wrote a post a long time ago (found here) where I detailed my angst over the running skirt as part of my mom-athleisure wardrobe, and obviously, the running skirt won.

The Lululemon Experience Win

A few weeks ago, I saw where my local Lululemon posted on Facebook requesting people send in photos of how they sweat for a contest. Lululemon has a marketing campaign around the hashtag #thesweatlife, which is basically a reference for incorporating exercise (or sweat) for a healthy lifestyle. The winning photo submission would receive a Lululemon experience.

I thought about it for a split second and decided, "why not?" I figured they would just post the winning photo, and that would be that. I had no idea that they would post them on Facebook for voting. When it popped up in my feed, I weighed whether I should share it (posting anything personal on Facebook is a rarity for me) or just pretend it never happened. If my rear was going to be on the internet with giant stripes across them, I decided I might as well attempt to win. So in a cold sweat, I embarrassingly hit the share button.

I had no idea what a Lululemon experience was, but I was hoping it would include a least a free pair of pants. I practically live in wunder unders most of the week.


yikes! stripes!
The next Saturday morning, Lululemon FW posted that I did, indeed, win. I ran by Sunday afternoon to pick up my prize package which consisted of class passes to some local studios/gyms and a pick of something from the store. I ended up with a great pair of Aggie maroon crops I'd had my eye on. You can't see in the pic, but there are cute textured dots all over them to give 'em a little something extra and a really thick waistband to help a mama out.


Astro Wunder Under crop
Thank you again for voting for me. You're the best!

Chop Chop!

I made a hair appointment for Good Friday afternoon back in January. My hair stylist works part-time, and it takes a miracle to get a last minute appointment with her, so it's easier to just plan ahead. And I love her so no one else will do! Between January and now, I've been considering a change for my hair. With the Texas summer on the way, I thought it would be nice to have it shorter. Less dryer time, less pony tail, and hopefully less fuss? We'll see.


I had fallen into a bad habit of twisting it up into a bun instead of actually doing something to it, so I'm hoping this will cure me. I just feel better when I do my hair. Also, hopefully this will let all those little baby hairs--the product of post-pregnancy hair loss--grow back out together.


Dress: Anthropologie | Belt: Anthropologie | Earrings: Kendra Scott
When I climbed into the chair, we discovered that I had enough to donate and still keep it to the length I wanted! So, awesome, I sent a little over 10 inches to Locks of Love!

In an inconvenient turn of events, my curling iron died in spectacular sparking fashion yesterday so now I'm fixing it with my backup curling iron. Hopefully a new one will ship soon so I can figure out how to fix my "new" hair!

Five on Friday - Volume 6

It's a gorgeous morning here in Texas, and I'm blogging from our back porch. These kinds of mornings are few and far between so I'm loving it. I was up and at 'em for Pure Barre early this morning again, and tonight is the official grand opening party for the studio I attend, so I'm looking forward to that. And also pretty pumped about doing a massive clean out of our attic this weekend. My age is showing on that one.

I'm linking up with The Good Life blog for another Five on Friday!

ONE
I made no serious attempts to give up Diet Coke this week. One day I switched to Dr. Pepper, but that's only because the Taco Casa doesn't carry DC, and I am firmly opposed to Diet Dr. Pepper.

TWO
I absolutely LOVE two years old. I wish I could just bottle this time up with our little guy. Everyone tells me the terrible twos are a fallacy--that it's really the threes that are nuts. I would love for anyone to chime in and tell me their child's threes weren't bad either. Anyone?

THREE
I finally made an attempt at decorating for fall and put out my Bronwyn Hanahan front door decor. If you're looking for something fun for your home, she has super cute things. I'm thinking of getting a Happy Birthday cupcake since February will be such a big birthday month at our house! Both my kids were born in that month.

FOUR
My church is having a Pinterest craft day, where several ladies pick out a craft, and others sign up to come make them. You pay $10-15 and all materials are purchased and ready to go that morning. I'm leading a craft, and we'll be making a burlap wreath. I started making my mock up last night, and I'm pumped about it! I think we'll be adding some Christmas decorations to it, but ultimately, I want it to be re-usable for all seasons.


I bought too big of a wreath form so I don't have the finished product yet.
FIVE
I got a Vox Box from Influenster this past week and will have some reviews coming up. I was really impressed with the first product I tried! If you haven't signed up for Influenster, check it out!

Five on Friday - Volume 5

Good morning! It's a deliciously-close-to-fall rainy morning here in Cowtown. I kicked off the day with a 6 am Pure Barre class, and I'm looking forward to spending most of the day in my comfies with my sweet littles before a date with my husband this evening.

And it's the perfect morning to list out the randomness on my mind, so I'm linking up with The Good Life blog for another Five on Friday!

ONE
Sitting next to me is an adorable strawberry blonde blue eyed girl wearing these precious, ruffled Carter's pajamas. Normally, I would have her in footie pajamas, but these were just too cute to pass up. Now if I could just get her to keep her socks on overnight.


TWO
I'm thinking of giving up Diet Coke. Altogether. I drink two a day: one in the morning and one at lunch. Have you done this? It's mostly for the aspartame and NOT the caffeine. When it cools off more, I probably will start drinking Starbucks Awake tea as my caffeine source. I'm not completely committed, but I'm exploring my options here. I like carbonated drinks so I need another low-cal replacement.

THREE
This weather has me ready to decorate for fall, but I'm conflicted on changing out the Aggie sign on my front door for something with a pumpkin on it. Shopping for fall decor, I came across these adorable owl salt and pepper shakers from Pottery Barn. So cute!


FOUR
J. Crew is having a 25% off sale right now. Everything is on sale, so it's a great time to grab some fun fall pieces! We were in our local store earlier this week and had such a great visit that I e-mailed their Customer Service Team to tell them what a great experience it was (and they responded!) They were awesome with my kids, which I ♥. Great experience = fun new closet additions. Am I a nut for sending a Customer Service e-mail? In my former life, I loved reading what Customers sent in, giving our Company a pat on the back, so I figured, why not?

FIVE
I had a post on packing a preschool lunch earlier this week on Fort Worth Moms Blog. If you're looking for some lunch ideas for your littles, click on over there! And feel free to leave me some comments with some successful lunch options you've tried!

Have an excellent weekend!

Five on Friday

Here are five things I'm loving right now!

ONE
The Lululemon Bang Buster. I instagrammed this several weeks ago. I bought one to keep my hair out of my face while I was in labor. I've since added 3 more to my collection because I love them that much. They don't squeeze the life out of my head, they come in fun colors, and? Two words: baby bangs. Enough said.


TWO
The Fort Worth Zoo. We can't get enough. Our zoo pass was renewed about two weeks ago, and I think we've already gotten the full ROI on it. And to be quite honest, I'm not a big fan of zoos in general, but it gets us out of the house. Plus, my little guy loves it, and I'm a huge fan of that. Personally, my favorite part of the zoo is the fudge shop in the Texas section.


THREE
Speaking of getting out of the house, my blog post at Fort Worth Moms Blog today. We try to get out of the house everyday for a little bit. I should call myself a stay out of the house mom. Not really, we're home some too. Some.

I'd love it if you clicked on over there and even if you're not a Cowtown mom, tell me your favorite summer activities with your babes.


FOUR
Pure Barre. I mentioned that I got a package for part of my Mother's Day. It's taken some getting used to, but I really like it. I haven't felt this sore in probably 4 years, and it makes me feel like I'm doing something great for myself. I'm going to do a longer post on just this topic but want to give it a couple of weeks. Don't worry--no gratuitous before and after pics.


FIVE
Last, but certainly not least: my wonderful husband. I had a moment out and about with my babies earlier this week where my heart was just so full to be home with them and share their fleeting childhood. As a working mom turned stay at home mom, I've been hustling so hard for two years to juggle it all, so to now have time for daily simple and quiet moments with them is priceless. Before, we'd been going 100 miles an hour nonstop. (I would categorize myself as being at least back to the speed limit now.) He's giving me this gift of the little summer vacation that is their childhood, and I will be forever grateful.

Hi! I'm still here!

Despite the fact that I am obviously having some weird issues with my header and pictures, I'm still here, and the blog isn't going anywhere.

I'll be back next Monday to catch you up on some of my goings-on. It's been a busy few weeks around my house.

Have a great Thursday!

I Was With The Band @ SXSW

In honor of my 500th post, this Wednesday I'm hosting a great
giveaway that you won't want to miss! In particular, it features one of
my favorite things--accessories!
Last week was so far out of our normal schedule that I don't even know where to begin to get us back on track this week. My mom was in town from Sunday until Thursday keeping Jack on her spring break. It was especially a huge blessing for her to be here since he ran fever until Wednesday. Wednesday! Fever, how dare you!

Mom was supposed to leave Thursday to go home and load up with my dad to go watch one of my brother's shows at SXSW in Austin. Well, my dad had the flu. Very sad. Here is where I cut to the chase and tell you that I took Friday off, and my mom and I went to Austin for SXSW, leaving the baby with my Aunt on Friday. (Thank you, Aunt Sheri!)

I haven't talked about my brother's band here in a while, but hold on to your electronic device because I am about to brag ALL over this page. I'm so proud I could just burst. Seriously. I never know how much I can share, but I guess if they have announced in on their FB page, then it's free for distribution right here on Being Mrs. Gentry.


My brother plays bass in a band called Sundress. They've signed with a wonderful management company. (Ever heard of Nirvana? The Beastie Boys? They managed them.) Sundress toured the East Coast in the fall, the West Coast in January, and seriously, they are coming your way in the future, as they just signed with a big time booking agency.

Last week they played a couple of official showcases and unofficial shows at SXSW and were chosen to record at Converse Rubber Tracks which is this cool pop up recording studio that visits all the different music festivals. They will get their track, and Converse will feature it on their site. My understanding is that free studio time is like gold. My mom and I got a quick tour and as we walked in, they were mixing (I guess? what do I know about this? nothing!) my brother's bass line. I was like, "Is that you??!?" He laughed. (It was.)

Being with the band on this particular day resulted in some free new chuck taylors for a certain Mrs. Gentry.

If you are looking for me, I will be with the band from now on.

In addition to all this braggety bragness on my brother (oh alliteration, I love thee), we also saw one of their shows, and caught the Kate Spade pop-up shop/bus which was parked out in front of The Hard Rock Cafe in Austin. Kate Spade sponsored a nationwide talent contest to select a girl band to open for the Vivian Girls at the major music festivals throughout the US. We shopped through the bus, and I decided that I needed that "Eat Cake for Breakfast" shirt. Need.

The day was such a blast!

Dear Francine Pascal

Dear Francine Pascal:

I recently read your latest chronicle of some of my favorite fictional characters as a young girl. I can't decide if you deserve a shame on you or a well done, you. So for the purposes of this letter, I will give you both.

Shame on you for taking the bloom off of the rose of my opinion of some of my favorite Sweet Valley peeps, for introducing them as potty-mouthed, lying, cheating, backstabbing, soap-operatic style shades of themselves. Not even Elizabeth was spared from your black-eyed pen!

Well done, you, for redeeming some of the most heinous of the SVHS villains and giving me closure to the series that, quite honestly, I hadn't thought about in years until I saw the cover on Amazon. As much as I was disappointed with the main conflict in the book, you wrapped it up in a way that I could live with. That is to be commended since I nearly threw it at the wall when I realized who and what the conflict was about.

Thanks for the memories, and the board game.

Regards,
Mrs. Gentry

Catching my breath today.

Last week I briefly mentioned that I had 3 events going on during the same week, one of which was Jack's birthday, and the other was Monday afternoon where I was responsible for feeding a large group of people for an event at work. All that to say: I am so tired, and it's just barely Wednesday of a non off-Friday week. So here are some random thoughts for today:

• I write all of my blog posts in html like the geek that I am. I feel like it gives me more control over spacing and all sorts of other things, like bulleted lists. (And it's really not hard.)
• I was bathing Jack last night and thought to myself, "I actually paid to take a class to learn how to bathe this kid." Funny how a year will put things into completely different perspective. Not that I'm some professional kid bather, but some things are a little common sense like...don't get soap in the baby's eyes.
• I am thinking of having the boy's picture made with live bunnies for Easter. If you live in DFW and have any recommendations of a photography studio doing this, please let me know. I know they have them at NorthPark, but I wasn't impressed with the quality of the Santa photos (although Santa, himself, was amazing.)
• Today I start counting my points again. I took a few days off for birthday celebrations and all that. Time to get real again.
• I discovered that HEB (an awesome TX grocery chain) had Texas A&M re-usable grocery bags, so I had my mom pick some up for me. (We don't have HEB in DFW.) I've decided to go green on my shopping bags simply to show school spirit. That might seem a bit ridiculous, but regardless, I'm sure the environment won't mind.

Hi! My name is Emily, and I put birds on things.

My brother sent me this YouTube video for what will become obvious obvious reasons. (See below.) I don't watch Portlandia, but this is enough to make me think I should watch it and/or move there despite my incredibly conservative values.


These are my people.

Put. A. Bird. On. It.


I even sewed that pillow in the window seat, then put a bird on it.

I probably have more, but these were the most immediate around me.

Real birds need not a apply.

In Honor of December 1st

I give you what might be the creepiest/most awesome Christmas music video of all time. George Michael making moony eyes at his faux ex-girlfriend while they are on a ski trip with her new boyfriend? Awkward and totally 80s?

It's ALL in there.

Friday Favorites: Too Much TV

Overall, I have less free time than ever before, yet I find myself watching more TV that I ever have in my entire life. (One major exception being the summer before 8th grade when I was laid up with a full cast on my leg, and my brother and I discovered that through the magic of syndication we could watch up to 3 hours straight of Saved By the Bell across 3 channels.)

The only reasonable explanations I have for this phenomenon are that 1. I have finally caught on to this 2004 technology called "DVR" and 2. I am busy rocking or feeding the baby and putting him to bed around 8, at which point it is too late to do any housework (at least, that's my story) and too early to go to bed. So bring on TV!

Here's what I'm "taping" on my DVR these days:

1. Parks and Recreation: This is hands down the funniest show on major network television right now. Every single character is hilarious. If you've never seen it, I'm going to need you to tell me why in the comments. You will find B and I rolling over it every Thursday night.

2. Revenge: I find myself strangely drawn to Revenge primarily because of Emily Van Camp's hair. It is simply beautiful, as is the gorgeous set where they are filming. Also, I can't wait to see how the whole "revenge" thing is resolved. There can't possibly be any winners at the end of the series.

3. Person of Interest: I'm watching this one with B also. As much as I didn't like Ben in LOST, I really like Michael Emerson in POI, and he seems like almost the same character! (For good, not evil though.) That being said, the show has a great premise, but we think it would do better on a Monday or Tuesday night rather than Thursday. If you've not watched it, each episode is a story unto its own, so you can jump right in at any time.

4. Once Upon a Time: I really wanted to dislike this show. I'm not a big fan of at least one of the actors in the show, and the premise reminded me too much of Enchanted. Honestly, I would not be able to handle that amount of sweetness as a series. That being said, I watched two hours of this and loved it. If you like fairy tales, I think you would like it too.


Honorable mentions: Body of Proof and Castle

What's filling up your DVR that I should be watching?

Royal Watching

This is a hoot.

Am I the only one excited about Kate and Wills's matrimonial adventure?

One of these things is not like the other.

So I was re-organizing my cabinet space a few weeks ago to make room for Jack's bottles and came across this. I'm not entirely sure when I decided Edward was special enough to reside with my crystal, but he has now been banished to the random unmatching plastic collection that includes A&M football game and Dickey's BBQ cups. {All of the crystal has been moved up a shelf to make room for baby's things too.}

It's a new world, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Welcome April.

It feels good to step outside and feel the temperature rise a little higher each late afternoon. It's lifting my spirits to see God renew His creation. I'm excited watching more and more bluebonnets pop up on the side of the Texas roads I take to work. These are the days that I love commuting.

While I am rambling and since no post is complete without a picture, here is one of us at Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. The movie was not nearly as weird as I expected it to be, and I can't decide if I am glad or sad about that. Did any of you see it, and if so, what are your thoughts?

Something Beautiful {a contradiction}

Last Wednesday, coming in the middle of one of the craziest weeks of my life, Brad and I had tickets to see Muse, an alterna-rock group (at least I guess that's what you call it) at the Fort Worth Convention Center. This is one of the loudest shows, volume-wise, that I have ever been to. Hearing did not return to normal until the next morning.

The show was electric. I think the light show was worth the price of admission, but the quality of the live performance vocally was wonderful. Lest you think I am some sort of rocker chick, I have to tell you that I'm not. But I am a fan of talent (whether that's country, Celine Dion, or else), and this band layers instrumental talent along with vocal talent in a manner that I dig.

As I listen to their music, I am reminded of something my piano teacher would say when I was learning to play Bach back in the day. She would have me practice the left hand separately from the right hand, then put them both together. Both hands would be doing something totally different, then come together in the most genius of ways. While I don't know that Muse compares to Bach, I guess I'm trying to articulate that there is multi-layering with piano, guitar, etc. there that just works and transcends the label "rock music."

Also, you probably know one of their songs "Supermassive Black Hole" from the Twilight movie. It's in the scene where the vampires play baseball.

Below is a video from a Chicago performance that Matt forwarded to us, so maybe you can get an idea of it. NOTE: Turn down the volume on your computer before playing this video. I'm not kidding around.

Happy Monday!

How cute is this video? I want to dance in the library.

She & Him - In The Sun from Merge Records on Vimeo.

What in the world.

Does anyone else recognize their favorite 80s pop singer in this movie trailer or was I the only fan?

I am at a loss for words.

Public Service Announcement

{From Etsy seller 3LambsGraphcs}Their stuff is cool.