Things I Love Thursday // 3.12.15

• Having my brother, Bobby, out visiting (all the way from California) for the week ~ Cannot say how much I enjoy this time with my little brother (who will forever be the "baby" no matter his age). I love watching him interact with the girls: whether it's giving them a hard time, playing driveway tennis, riding bikes, or listening to them play their instruments. He gives them his undivided attention. 
  
• These adorable woven slip-on sneaks I found at Target last week
• Grabbing a pre-made dinner and literally dumping it into the crock pot ~ It's been a while since I wrote about my crock pot. It's worth directing your attention back to an older post describing some recipes you can pre-make and freeze for use at a later date. We've enjoyed quite a few in this miserable wet weather. It's crazy convenient. 
• The stunning bouquet from Roseland Flowers ~ The hubby was out of town when I got my braces (yes!) last week. He knew I was in a bit of discomfort (and also that I was feeling a bit self-conscious with my new permanent accessory) so he sent me flowers and a little note that sweetly began, "Braceface, …" 
  
• Bee Bomber Body Scrub ~ I know! I just wrote about their awesome lip balm a couple weeks ago and now I've had a chance to try the Apricot Orange Body Scrub it smells amazing and it leaves my skin incredibly fresh-feeling and so soft. I love it. 
• Whenever I have a chance to stop by their school and join the girls for lunch ~ It's so fun to surprise them--but more so, I love seeing them having fun and enjoying their friendships. This really is a special time with them in the "sweet spot" and I want to soak up all of it before they decide that having me come to their school at lunchtime is embarrassing.
• This really funny meme ~ It really keeps it in perspective when my own kids decide to be challenging about food. I love how it reminds me of all the small and sometimes creative (dishonest) things we have to do as parents. And really, who doesn't love sneaky butter? :) 
  
• The amazing "Love Has No Labels" video ~ It is well worth a few minutes of your time to take a look.

Cheers!