What's Up Wednesday

 

I found this blog series via Shay over at Mix & Match Family, and it seems like fun! Plus I haven't blogged much at all recently! So here we go. 

What we're eating this week...

Lately I've been making some sort of crockpot meat on Mondays, because we have swim class on Monday afternoon and those evenings are always pure chaos around here. So, having a crockpot meal to just serve when we get home is the perfect solution! Then I try to make one more meal throughout the week with that meat. This week I made BBQ pulled chicken- Monday was BBQ sandwiches and last night we had BBQ potatoes! Yummy! I also make mexican chicken for burritos, tacos or taco salad. All delicious!

What I'm reading...

 

This book is an easy, light read, but so funny! Andy Cohen seriously knows everyone!

What I'm reminiscing about...

 

You know that Time Hop app? I have it and love it, and recently I've been wondering why I didn't have any posts from last year...and then I remembered that I gave up social media for Lent! As hard as it was, it was such an awesome refresh for me! 

What I'm looking forward to...

We are getting Judd's lip tie evaluated and possibly revised tomorrow, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't super excited and so nervous about it. I pray it helps with our nursing issues. 

What I'm loving...

 

I bought a few of these boyfriend tanks from Old Navy and they're a really good transition piece! You can easily throw a cardi over them, or wear them alone with shorts. They're super lightweight and airy too. 

What we've been up to...

We've been spending lots of time outside the last few days and I'm LOVING it!

What I'm dreading...
 

Tomorrow's lip tie appointment. I just hope my baby isn't in pain and heals quickly!

What I'm working on...

I finally pulled out my Simplified Planner and started using it. It's definitely a work in progress, adding all our appointments and important dates, but I'm hoping it'll help get my shiz together!

What I'm excited about...

We finally caved and bought a Bob Duallie. I cannot wait to hit the trails with both boys!

What I'm watching...

All I ever really watch is Bravo. I'm kinda a junkie. Sooo Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules and I'll add in Fixer Upper because...it's awesome!

What I'm listening to...

Monsters, Inc. while little brother naps. Please tell me your kids watch movies like this too?

What I'm annoyed about...

It's been raining a lot here. The weatherman said we're up 1.38" for the year! Yuck! But I guess we need it. And how cute is that pug?

What I'm hoping for...

A March Madness victory! Stay tuned!

What I'm wearing today...

The usual. 

What else is new...

Jacob has now been going to Emler for 2 YEARS! Within the last month he's really taken off and is swimming on his own! I'm so proud of him and can't wait for the summer! 

What's up with YOU?!

Five on Friday + Oh Hey, Friday!

Hi friends!! Happy Friday! I am so glad to finally be back, posting a fun post instead of a boring bump update!

Jacob and I have been sick for 2 whole weeks and I think I can finally say we're both on the mend! I'm probably still more sick than him, but I think that has to do with being 8 months pregnant and having a weakened immune system. Blah!

Anywho- I wanted to share a few things I'm obsessing over and FINALLY link-up with my girls!



ONE. 

We bought Jacob this new humidifier and it is so cute! It doesn't emit quite as much humidity into the air as our old one, but this one has a demineralization filter for our super hard water! Hoping this will help solve the funky air problem we had with the last one. 

TWO.

 

Neti Pot + Nose Frida. They're like two peas in a pod. If your kid needs the Nose Frida, you most definitely could use a good flush with the Neti Pot.

THREE. 

I just started to dabble in essential oils and I'm kinda already addicted. I got this kid-safe Thieves alternative recipe from my OB and it smells divine! Plus I really think it's helping us. I've been diffusing it all day and putting it on our feet before MDO and before bed. 

FOUR.

It has been so friggin' cold in Dallas this week. I'm talking 30s all day. Today our HIGH was 37°! That is crazy for November! Someone on my Facebook joked that we totally skipped sweater weather this year. Ha! Anyways- I've been loving this infinity scarf. It's just so easy to wear! If you follow me on Instagram (@KateSoko), then you saw me bundled up in it ALL DAY yesterday! Brr!

FIVE.

 

I'm about 50 pages away from finishing Big Little Lies and it's killing me!! If I had more energy I'd totally stay up and finish it. Although let's get real, my bedtime is 9pm lately. But in all seriousness, this would be a good Christmas gift for any lady in your life!

Hope you all have a FAB weekend! Stay warm!

Five on Friday + Oh Hey, Friday!

Hey, y'all!!! Happy Friday! I am so so thankful it's Friday and the weekend is upon us! Jacob is napping, so I literally have hours until daddy is home. Woohoo! :)

 

Today I'm linking up with the lovely ladies of Five on Friday and Oh Hey, Friday! So, let's get this party started! :)

ONE.

Lately my patience has seriously been worn thin. I wake up cranky, I go through the day cranky, and it isn't until Josh gets home that I can truly relax. Makes for long days (and weeks). Jacob's pre-school posted this on Facebook this morning and it really resonated with me. After a wild trip to the park with friends this morning, it's just what I needed to read. Breathe and relax.

TWO.
On the subject of wild and crazy, please look at this picture. This is how Jacob insists on eating his lunch. Ha!

THREE.
I rescheduled our maternity pictures for mid-November, so my bump would be bigger, which gives me a little more time to plan our outfits. We're taking them outdoors at a nature preserve, so I'm thinking creams/oranges/navy. I loooove this picture and plan to recreate it, with Jakey in the middle. :) Thoughts?



source

FOUR.
I also started thinking about our newborn shoot. I love the lifestyle look, like in our own house. But I really want some pictures like I did with Jacob, in front of the backdrop. Soooo I dunno?! Making decisions while 7.5 months pregnant shouldn't be allowed! :) Here's our outfits for that.

Picking out outfits for 3 guys is actually so much fun! I love coordinating with different prints And it's nice because dudes don't have accessories (which is not really my strong suit). I get so giddy just thinking about future photo shoots with all my boys, especially once Judson can crawl/walk and show off his outfit. EEK! Loves!

FIVE.

 

Accessory Jane is running a pre-order for these goooorgeous Tartan Plaid Blanket Scarves that are so hot right now. $28 is a great price and AJ is a lovely business, I've always been extremely happy with everything I've ordered from them, and these ship in 2-3 weeks!

Hope y'all have a looooovely weekend! We have our diaper shower on Sunday, which I am so looking forward to! Can't wait to see all our friends and family, and celebrate sweet baby Judd!

Five on Friday + Oh Hey, Friday!

Linking up with all the lovely gals for Five on Friday again this week! And this week, I got invited to join Oh Hey, Friday! Sooo...we're linkin' up double time! FUN! Sharing a few items that I've already put on my Christmas List. So, Santa- if you're reading....hint, hint ;)



ONE.

With Baby #2, I think I'll be doing a lot of babywearing and nursing in public. Neither of which I did much of with Jacob, because I didn't really have to! I'm thinking this breastfeeding cover that turns into a scarf is genius and the perfect accessory!

TWO.

I've been on the hunt for a great wallet/wristlet that can hold all my credit cards, money, cell phone and keys. I think this one is totally versatile and would be so easy to throw in a diaper bag or yank out when I'm out alone (gasp).

THREE.

Something I've lusted over for a year now is this Herringbone puffer jacket at JCrew. It's just so beautiful, and would go with everythang!!

FOUR.

I wear two "J" necklaces every singe day. I never take them off, even for showers or working out. They were pretty cheap and are starting to get a little tarnished (and dare I say rusty!), so I'd really like to "upgrade" to better quality necklaces, considering I wear them 24/7. These Stella & Dot necklaces are gorgeous, high quality and I can have the entire name engraved on them, which I love!

FIVE.

And last, but certainly not least. I need/want a new watch. My MK watch has been through the ringer. This one is classic.

What about y'all?? Have you been eyeing anything for Christmas already? Or am I really just that shallow? Cheers!!

Easter Basket Blog Hop

Hi, friends!! Happy pre-Friday! Hope you're having a great day.

 

I'm joining my friend Darci at The Good Life Blog for a super fun Easter Basket Blog Hop!

 The rules are very simple- share the above logo, link back to Darci's blog, and share you little one's Easter baskets! So, without further adieu.... here is Jacob's Easter basket... 

 

 

I have been hiding all this stuff in the garage, and literally threw them all in his basket over naptime. Unfortunately, the lighting 'round here sucks with all these clouds! Ick! So, I apologize for the terrible lighting.

I detailed all of his goodies here, so be sure to check it out!

 

Cheers!

Easter Brunch Ideas

Happy Friday!!! I hope y'all have had a wonderful week so far. I'm so so looking forward to a fun-packed weekend, starting with a yummy lunch with my sister today!! Yay!

We're having some family over after Easter service, and I've been thumbing through my brunch recipes trying to decide on the perfect menu.

I've narrowed it down to these options, so I thought I'd share them along with the corresponding recipes...

 

My french toast casserole is seriously bomb. And the best part is it's EASY! You can make it, pop it in the oven and get on to the egg hunting!



original recipe

As a kid, my parents made this no flip pancake nearly every weekend. Its so so good. It requires a bit more prep (sifting flour- ick!), but it's sooooo delicious! For the 7 of us, I'll probably make two double batches. It's that good.

 

Ingredients (for a single batch, which feeds 2-3 people)

6 eggs

1 cup sifted flour

1 cup milk

4 tbs. melted butter

1/2 tsp. salt

 

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 400.
2) Beat eggs until well blended.
3) Slowly add flour while still blending.
4) Add salt, milk and butter.
5) Pour into greased 9x9 pan (if you double the recipe, you need to put it in a 9x13).
6) Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.
7) Let sit for 5 minutes. Serve with melted butter, powdered sugar and syrup. YUM!!

  

PS- look at these old school pictures and our OG oven! Woof!



I've been addicted to poached eggs over buttered toast lately. The combo of the runny yolk and butter seriously can't be beat! Poached eggs are suuuuuper easy to make, but they do require attention, so making for a group might not be the best idea.

 

Here's a quick tutorial on how to make poached eggs.

First- bring water to a boil in a frying pan.

Once the water is boiling, crack desired number of eggs directly into the water and let it cook in the boiling water. You can make multiple eggs at a time- I've made up to 3 in a small frying pan.

While your eggs are cooking, put bread in the toaster. Butter once done.

Next- after a few minutes (maybe 3-5), scoop the eggs out of the water with a slotted spoon, and lay on top of buttered toast.

 

 

That's it! Your goal is to keep the egg runny. (I clearly didn't accomplish that this time because the eye doctor called twice while it was boiling- ack!) Sooo yummy!!!

My next option are these scrumptious and simple ham and egg cups. I feel like these would be a good "side" item to go with one of the above (probably not the poached eggs, too much egg?).  



via

I haven't actually made these yet. They look pretty easy though, and I think you could add hashbrowns to the bottom, instead of serving on the side. Here's the original recipe.

 

What are y'all planning on making?? Any good ideas? I love a good brunch recipe!!!

 

Cheers!


Linking up with: [the good life blog], Not Just a Housewife, Lewis Lane Designs, Cherished Handmade Treasures

Jacob's Easter Basket & Stuff

With Easter less than 2 weeks away (how is this possible??), I thought I'd share all the goodies Jacob will be getting this year from the Easter bunny!

Itty Bitty Boo with Swim Trunks | Etch-a-Sketch | Bubble Gun | Happy Easter, Mouse | Duck & Goose, Here Comes the Easter Bunny

Hoooowwww cute is that Boo?? Jacob is obsessed with Boo. He has the large one, and another small one with a "bear hoodie." I thought this one was sooo cute and perfect to kick off spring/summer.

The Etch-a-Sketch is really my next attempt at "arts and crafts" with Jacob. He either draws all over the house or has NO desire to do it. So, I thought maybe he could draw on this?? We'll see.

 

I'm not entirely sure how appropriate a gun is for Easter...but this Bubble Gun will surely be the key to my sanity this spring. I am already soooo sick of blowing bubbles. God help us!

And of course, Easter books! He already has many religious Easter books (this, this and this are my favorites), so I thought I'd get him some mainstream books.

Jacob has already been sporting this crazy-cute Easter tee.

 

 

And on Easter Sunday, he'll be wearing this handsome aqua gingham shirt with khakis.

 

Can't wait to see and hear about your Easter basket picks, and of course- the egg hunts!!! I love this time of year!

 

 

Linking up with: Lewis Lane Designs

Easter Egg Explosion

Easter is one of my favorite holidays to decorate for. Not sure if it's because it coincides with spring cleaning (and we all know I love a good deep cleaning) or if it's just the general uplifting feeling that spring brings- sunshine, warm temps, flowers, bright colors, etc. Either way- I'm totally game!

This year I decided to spruce up my Easter decor and try to do it on a budget. I think I nailed this one. 

Easter egg explosion at Casa de Sokolewicz...

I went to the Dollar Store and grabbed about 8 tubes of Easter eggs (4 of the pastel colors and 4 of the brighter colors, 24 eggs in each tube). I'm no math major, but that's like 200+ Easter eggs.

 

The Dollar Store eggs are awesome for crafting because they have holes on both ends, so you can easily string them.

 

I literally took 24 eggs, strung them on fishing line and hung them on my little nails on my mantel and called it a day. This little pop of color really does make a huge impact in our family room!
 

 

For each holiday/season, I fill up this vase on our dining room table with various items. I love that its one of the first things you see when you walk in our front door, and it just sets the tone for the entire house. I actually got those little wooden baskets at Emporium Pies (they put their to-go slices in them- how cute, huh??), but I found similar ones here. Just fill them with some Easter grass and you've got some adorable placecards or, in my case, a little Easter goodie for Easter brunch! (more on that later)
 

I can't even count how many times I've said this, but no holiday/event/season is complete without a wreath! I'm seriously in love with this one. I first hot glued eggs (probably 70-80 eggs, y'all) to a foam wreath form. Then just used some Easter grass to fill in the spots where you could see the wreath form. There weren't that many spots, but I had to add some more to even it out. I'm so glad I made this guy. Love it!

 

I took a little LBG inspiration on this chalkboard, but I'm really happy with the way it turned out!

 

I'll be back next week with Jacob's Easter basket and some ideas for a yummy Easter brunch!

 

Cheers!

 

 

Linking up with: Not Just a Housewife, Hope Studios, House of Rose, Living Well Spending Less, The Dedicated House, Lewis Lane Designs, Cherished Handmade Treasures