Notes from the Nelsens: July 2015

Friday, July 31, 2015

July's Favorite Finds

I'm excited to share some of my favorite finds from this past month and would love to hear what your favorite finds are too! Just leave a comment below the post and let me know what you're loving and what I need to try!

And don't forget to check out Elizabeth's post from Sam and Scout to see what her favorites are for the month!

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Kitchen

This toy is GREAT! We were looking for a kitchen to get Ryan for his birthday, but they all seemed to be so big (and so expensive!). This kitchen is just perfect. There are multiple sound settings that allow it to play music, say words, or make the sounds that items in a real kitchen would sound like. There's also a light that is controlled with an on/off switch that Ryan is a big fan of. So if you're looking for a toy that won't take up much space and will offer lots of entertainment, check out the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Kitchen here.

Old Navy Shirt Dress

I have loved this dress from Old Navy this summer, and I was so excited to share it with y'all because it's an extra 40% right now, but between starting this post and publishing it, it's now out of stock! Bummer! However, all of Old Navy's women's items are an extra 40% off with code yesplease, so maybe you'll be able to find something else you love?! Click here for a link to their other fun dresses.

Bread and Wine

I loved this book! I plan to write a full review but I had to put it on my list of favorites for this month. I felt like I connected so much with the author, sharing in her love of cooking and food, and felt like I was friends with her by the time I got to the end. I can't wait to share more about it next week!

Blueberry Lemon Crescent Ring

I made this when my parents spent the night while Matt was on a golfing trip with his dad and WHOA was it good. So easy and so delish! This was the picture I took before serving it- too pretty not to photograph, right?! I'm a food nerd. I know. But you must try this recipe- you can find it here.

Pet Store Play Dates

Maybe an odd "favorite find" but with as hot as it's been this summer, I feel like indoor (and FREE!) activities are where it's at when you're not at the pool. We had the best time looking at all of the animals and playing with the puppies. It's like the zoo on a much smaller scale, except you get to touch the animals and it's free (and the animals are slightly smaller and not-so-Safari-like). So PSA- take your kids to a pet store for some air-conditioned, free fun before summer's over.

Whoa. I need to stop buying Ben & Jerry's. I don't need any more favorite ice-creams. Just read that description.

so. good.

Have a great weekend y'all!

And don't forget to tell me what you're loving in the comments below!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Birthday Fun + 12 Month Stats & Photo Shoot

Two days ago, this little buddy turned ONE!

Matt took off for the day so we could enjoy a full day of celebrations.

We started off the morning playing with blocks in the kitchen,

and then headed out for breakfast at J. Christopher's.

Tal cracks me up in this pic- it's like he knew what we were celebrating and he was being the proud big brother, hahah.

After breakfast, we dropped Tally back at home and headed out to the zoo!

It was HOT which made us all a little tired by the end, so we all took a little snooze when we got home!

After nap, it was time for more playing with blocks and balloons.

Then we picked up a little birthday pastry from Henri's for an afternoon snack.

Later that day, Nonna came to town! We did Ryan's 12 month photo shoot and played some more and then Nonna insisted that Matt and I go out for a dinner date to celebrate Ryan's first year. Love that Nonna so. :)

The next morning, Nonna and I took Ryan to his 12 month appointment and then went to the Aquarium! Sweet boy LOVED seeing all of the fish and made his little fish face every time he saw one.