Bedroom Ideas

With our "Big Girl," turning 5 yesterday, we've been wanting to do something. Something special! Lauren has pretty much, had the same room, for 5 years. It's beautiful! Lola designed it for us. Sewed everything! Cari painted beautiful murals.

But Lauren is 5 years old. And we think, it's about time, that she got a "Big Girl" room. Something more special. More Lauren. So we talked to Joe. A good friend of ours. Who is also a very talented carpenter! And Lola. A very talented designer, and organizer! We've decided, to give Lauren, a new bedroom.

So I've done a little research. A little digging around. With Lauren a bit. And a bit on my own. And this, is what we've come up with, so far.



Maybe something "Fairy Tale" inspired! Believe it or not, Billy and Joe found this. Lauren LOVES it! And from what Joe told us, this is very doable!



How about a Cinderella carriage? Maybe a little over the top for us! But this definitely reminded me of Sarita!



How about this? Much more Lauren's style! But honestly, would my daughter, ever get rest? Would she sleep? Or would she want to play all night?



This is the same idea, but I think is a little more "sleep friendly." A place that Lauren, could actually sleep! But still have some fun in. :)



Or should we go with something more "Grown Up?" Something that Lauren can "grow into." That say, in 5 or 10 years, she can still use.

So many decisions! But our Big Girl deserves it! We might not know, what the details are. What "theme" we will go with. But Lauren did tell me, it's definitely going to be pink! Oh sweet girl! I wouldn't have thought differently. This from the girl, who dreamt of pink Christmas trees!

What do you think? Are we crazy? Do you have any ideas? I do know, it's not going to be as detailed, as Miss Emma's Snow White room. But it will be something special. Just for Lauren!

~Manders

Shoe Heaven!

I've been dreaming of these shoes for a while now. I've seen them on a few blogs. And one of my really good friends has a pair. So cute! I finally broke down yesterday. And I bought them! The best purchase of this trip!

I wore them last night to work in. So comfy. And really cute. I got them for $20. Because I had a coupon, and they were having a sale. Do I need to say anymore? These are a "must have!" Now let's see what else I can find to buy. I really do enjoy shopping in Las Vegas. :)

~Manders

Smashbox Burlesque Set

I've had a few friends ask me about the holiday collections that are coming out. One that I would not pass up, would be the Smashbox "Burlesque Set."



Especially if you've never tried Smashbox Cosmetics. This is a GREAT buy! And you get a little of everything. I personally have this case. And I'm a fan. It's a great buy, and you get to play with so much makeup! I'd say, add it to your "Santa Wish List."

~Manders

My Date with Lauren

I have to admit it. I'm very lucky. Our family is very lucky. We have some amazing people that love us a lot! How much? Enough to travel with us! By that I mean that both my parents and my in-laws having been traveling with us.

We're on our 2nd week of work. I haven't worked full time since Billy and I got married. I've really only done Lola's gigs. Stuff with the BBs mostly. To be honest, the band is really been slowing down for the last few years. All the guys are getting married and starting families. To be completely honest, this was just a hobby for them.

But they are so good! And every year, there are a number of gigs that they have contracts for. Without trying. They just land these big shows. And we travel. It wasn't so bad before. When we just had Lauren. But add into the mix, our twins, and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to handle all of this.

Then my parents and my in-laws offered to come with us. My parents had such a fun time last week! Really spoiling my kids. And this week, they're sharing their grandkids with my in-laws. Allowing Billy and I to work. Is it still hard? Yes, very much so. Because I'm still breastfeeding the twins. The gigs are a little crazy and spread out. And most nights, we're working from 4pm-3am. It's a long night!

But we have an amazing support system. And to get the chance to be creative a couple of times a year, it's honestly a blessing! So we embrace it. And the kids love being with their grandparents!

But tonight, I had some time off. And I wanted to take Lauren out. We got all dressed up. I curled her hair. And she even asked for lipgloss. Which I was so happy to give her! We started off with manicure/pedicures. Let me tell you, my daughter was over the moon to have her little feet soaking, while her fingernails were being painted pink!

We went out to dinner. Thanks to our amazing bosses, we got to go to a very fancy restaurant. Lauren was so excited to have such a fancy dinner. With a big girl drink...a Shirley Temple. She just loved the cherry! We even split a molten chocolate cake with ice cream. Just thinking about it, makes me so happy!

And we wouldn't be girls if we didn't do some shopping. My little girl is finally starting to grow a bit. So we bought some fun new clothes. She modeled them for me when I took her to try them on. And we laughed so much.

It was such a blessing to spend so much time with Lauren. Since the twins were born, I've felt a little guilty. Because it used to be just me and Lauren. But she loves her brother and sister so much. I know that she is happy. I just need to remember to plan more of these evenings.

As we were driving back, she cuddled into me. And told me that she loves me to the moon and back! The whole way, she held tightly to my hand. And as I put Lauren to bed, she told me this was the bestest day ever! I feel the same way. Love you big girl!

~Mommy Manders