Lunch Life {5.13.2016}

It's Friday the 13th!!!!! Hopefully no bad luck today.  Either way, it's Friday and can't nothing be wrong with that!  Here is the last lunch for the week!

ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sammies// pretzels// oranges// flower cucumbers// daily vitamins 

Day in the life {5.10.2016}

Up and at em at 6:00 am!  I sat in bed for 15 minutes and check my email,

Facebook, and snapchat.  Then I headed to the kitchen and made coffee.  I usually use a tumbler since I will be taking it with me to the bus stop with the kids.

While I'm in the kitchen I filled up the kids water bottles for the day and made lunches.  Well, I make Amelia a lunch and Nolan a snack since he is only half day.  This was a super simple bento.  Amelia hasn't been too into sandwiches these days so this is my version of a lunchable.

After I packed lunches and snacks I packed the kids backpacks.  I make sure they have their assignments and anything else they need depending on what activities they have that day. 

Then around 6:45 I woke up the kids. I feed them breakfast. Today it was waffles and bananas.  I got them ready and we head out the door at 7:30 am to get to the bus stop.

Sometimes we walk to the bus stop,

takes about 10 min, but the summer heat is already upon us so we drove!

On Tuesdays I go to the grocery store.  I went there right after the bus left.  I'm one of those crazies that is there when the doors open.  I like being there early because there are less people and it's cooler out.  So by the time I'm done and I get home it's not scorching when I have to bring in all the grocery bags. 

After the grocery store I headed home.  I put all the groceries away immediately.  This afternoon Nolan and I had a play date with my friend and her son so I packed up some things for the afternoon.   

I picked up Nolan from school then we met up with our friends at an indoor parked called Mihama kids park.

We love going to this indoor park.  It gets so hot and humid in Okinawa that indoor parks are a must.  The prices are reasonable and you are able to pick how long you want to play. We opted for the 2 hour play time since it was already noon. Another convenience is that this kids park has a little cafe.  So us mamas got some iced coffee and we were able to order lunch for the boys. We had a great time there, it was a chance for the boys to play and us moms to chit chat. 

After a couple hours of playing the boys were good and sweaty.  But before we headed home we walked around the  corner to Blue Seal for "big dip day ", you get 2 extra scoops for the price of 1.

Around 3pm we headed home.  Nolan immediately knocked out in the car.  It was perfect timing because we were able to pick up Amelia at the bus stop right before we got home.

When we got home I put Nolan in his bed because he was still asleep.  I fixed Amelia an afternoon snack and we got started with her home work.  

Around 5pm I started prepping dinner.  It was Tuesday,  I generally keep it Mexican inspired on this day.  So I made shrimp

tacos, refried black beans, and a side of chips.  Not pictured was my margarita on the side lol.

Morgan works late on Tuesdays so we started eating dinner without him.

After dinner I put on Kung Fu Panda 3 (it's been on repeat in our house for the past month) for the kids while I clean up the kitchen.  

7 pm I started showers. Morgan got home around then too.  He was starving and immediately devoured dinner.  After showers we finished up the movie.  

8 pm the kids brush their teeth and its story time then bed time.  The kids are in bed and lights are out at 8:30 pm.

After that Morgan and I caught a couple shows and we were in bed by 10.  That was kind of a late night for us...we are such oldies! Lol

Christy Wears { 5.5.2016}

So patriotic in this one!  I do love the color combo,  it's classic and great for spring and summer!

Top// Old Navy • Jeans// Levi's • Purse// Michael Kors • Sunnies// Forever 21 • Sandals// Forever 21 • Necklace// Forever 21

Shurijo Castle

                                 

After 5 and a half years we FINALLY made it to Shurijo Castle.  I was told before that it wasn't very stroller friendly and to go when it wasn't scorching hot out.  The stars aligned perfectly  and we finally made it.

 It was a busy day when we went, lots of visitors.  The castle opens at 9 am, we left at 9 am ( took us about 30 minutes to drive there).   Unfortunately it wasn't early enough, all the free parking lots were full, but we were able to pay for parking pretty close to the castle.

Seeing the castle was pretty cool.  You are able to walk around outside and check our the castle grounds for free.  There is a small fee to go inside the castle and tour the rooms.  When touring inside the castle you are not allowed to wear shoes.  The staff hands out plastic bags to carry your shoes around.  Inside the castle was like a museum, lots of artifacts and information.  The kids were not that into it.  They shuffled quickly from room to room, while Morgan and I tried to read up on the displays.  All in all it took about 1 to 2 hours to tour the castle and the grounds.  It was a nice morning trip with the Oki Fam and finally checking this site off our Oki Bucket List.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

The Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on now!  Well, actually its going on now for  Nordstrom cardholders, who get early access {July 9-16}, then it opens up to the public after.  Since I've been cooped up indoors due to the typhoon I've had lots of time to browse online and fill up my cart to an astronomical amount!  I love Nordstrom and I love their sales.  They offer great products and have impeccable customer service.  I live an ocean away, I get my orders shipped for free, I get my returns shipped for free and they usually arrive less then a week after I place my order.  What's not to love?!  The anniversary sale happens to be my favorite sale, I usually stock up for fall during this sale.  Annnnnnnd I love fall clothing.  It doesn't cool down in Okinawa until about November, so I'll be saving these items for awhile but the sales are just too good to pass up!  I've got my top 12 picks for the sale, all cute, great additions to a fall wardrobe, and nothing over $80

Going from Left to Right, Top then Bottom

M.A.C Look in a box in "Fashion Lover":: $29.50 originally $47
Lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss in a fabulous color all for under $30 that is a steal!  This color is gorgeous for fall and will go great with any fall outfit!

Street Level Bucket Bag:: $31.90 originally $38
Vegan leather bucket bag.  Comes in brown or black.  I opted for the brown one this time but I could really have both of them!  Every gal needs a 'go to' bucket bag in their wardrobe, not just for fall, for always!  So easy breezy and cute, it adds a lil boho!  This one looks big enough to carry my own stuff and a few onsie, twosies that the kids hand me to hold for them.

Emperia "Maiken" Satchel:: $33.90 originally $52
Another vegan leather bag.  This one more structured and edgy.  I love the details of this bag.  The gold, the perforated sides, the handles, and the strap.  This bag reminds me of a Rebecca Minkoff but at only a fraction of the cost.

BP "Trott" Bootie:: $79.90 originally $119.95
This is the most expensive item on my list.  These booties are perfection.  You can wear them with shorts, a dress, jeans, a maxi skirt, you can wear them with anything.  I love the worn look and I love this color.  Its very versatile and can go with most color combos easily.

Sam Edelman "Alaine" Scalloped Topline Flat:: $64.90 originally $99.95
These are so pretty!!! I scalloped detail is everything, that will set them apart from the plain Jane ballet flats.  These come in array of colors, but how could you not get them in gold glitter?!  They are a must, easily wearable for daytime and night time festivities.

Halogen "Olson" Pointy Toe Studded T-strap Fats:: $59.90 originally $89.95
These flats come in a number of colors also.  I pick the black and gunmetal studs.  They look edgy but have a classic touch.  These flats are my spirit animal.  Love them!

Vigoss "Tomboy" distressed skinny jeans:: $44.90 originally $68
I'm obsessed with distressed skinnies!  These are no exception.  Buuuuuut I'm not a fan of the distressed denim that is too distress, like hanging on by a tread {pun intended}! I just like a lil bit here and there.  This pair has a great wash and has a good amount of distress.

BP long textured open cardigan:: $31.90 originally $48
I love a good chunky knit cardigan in the fall.  They are a perfect layer for those summer tanks you were living in recently over the summer.  This one looks so comfy and cozy and can turn any outfit to  instant fall, especially in this olive green color.  Put it over a summer tank, a plane white tee, or even a floral dress, comfy and cute...perfect for the brisk fall weather.

Lush "Karly" shift dress:: $31.90 originally $48
Love this crimson color and love this dress.  Wear this to the office, to church, to a coffee date with your girlfriends....its so wearable.  The shape is simple and chic.  I could go to a buffet and be fine, no need to suck it in! Hahaha  OMG, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!!! To wear this in the winter, I would throw on some black tights, ridding boots, and a cute scarf, done and done!

Socialite High Neck Dress:: $24.90 originally $38
The LBD for my fall wardrobe

Treasure&Bond High Rise Flare Jeans:: $64.90 originally $98
I love me some skinnies, but I love big flared jeans even more.  Unfortunately I have short legs, but big flared jeans elongate my stubs and I love them for that.  Plus the fit is so flattering, to any size woman.  Add a great chunky wedge shoe and you are golden with these babes!

BLANKNYC quilted faux leather moto jacket:: $63.90 originally $98
Another staple piece for any closet would be a great leather jacket. But not some brown leather jacket, black is where its at when it comes to leather jackets.  Its classic and edgy {there I go again}. This piece is not just for fall, but also for winter.  This jacket is a steal and is super cute.  I mean, the model is literally wearing a tshirt dress and it still looks hot!

Hopefully you found somethings that you liked.  I try to pick items that have longevity for my closet, fashion forward, and affordable.   I really love them all but will probably edit my cart again. I gotta look for my kiddos too, there are great deals for kids!  Hello school shopping!

What's in My Bag {beach bag edition}

We are spending our long 4th of July weekend at the cabins at white beach this year.  We actually go to the beach annually for 4th of July with our Oki Fam.

Here are my essentials in our beach bag::

Bag// Thirty-one Large Utility Tote

I love using this bag because it's a great size for all the stuff we need.  It's water proof and easy to clean.

Towels// I always bring a bunch of towels to the beach.  Something always happens to one and one always ends up super sandy.  Extras are a MUST!!

Sunscreen// Another MUST when spending anytime in the sun. I like to use at least a SPF 50.  We always lather up while putting our suits on and I bring the bottles to reapply while we are at the beach.  For the 4th we usually spend the whole day at the beach and I reapply a couple times throughout the day.  Can't have too much sunscreen on, especially the little ones!

Water Bottles// I like using these water bottles because they keep the water cold for 8-12 hours.  We also bring a cooler of drinks but having the water bottle handy keeps us from using so many plastic water bottles and keeps the kids from constantly getting in the cooler. 

Aloe Gel// This stuff feels the best after long sun exposure.  When leaving he beach we usually rinse off all the salt water and lather the aloe gel on to cool our skin.  After we get home and take real showers I put this on again. It's very soothing and cooling.

Baby Powder// I actually saw this trick on YouTube taking off the sand with baby powder.  When at the beach sand gets everywhere!  No matter how many times you wash off it always finds its way back on you.   Baby powder works like a charm!  

Chapstick// I like to get Chapstick with spf in it to help protect our lips.  I apply this regularly because I hate chapped lips.

Camera// To capture memories, duh!

Snacks// You gotta bring snacks to the beach!  We usually BBQ at the beach and for the 4th we have a big BBQ potluck with our friends.  But the potluck will likely be at our cabins and not down at the sand.  So I like to pack a few snacks in my bag.

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

                 

This recipe is PERFECT for the summer! No cooking inside required! It's already hot enough in the summer,  I don't like to turn on the oven or make a big mess over making a meal.  This requires just firing up the grill and a lil knife work.  Not to mention how light and refreshing this is.... this won't leave you feeling sluggish or heavy.

Fire up the grill.  Prep the salsa first, it will need some time to chill in the fridge.

Mango Salsa//

1 Mango; peeled, seeded and chopped

1 Red Bell pepper chopped

1/2 large Red Onion

2 tablespoons Cilantro chopped

1 Jalapeno chopped 

2 tablespoons Lime juice

1 tablespoon Lemon juice

salt to taste

In a bowl, mix mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and lemon juice.  Lastly add salt to taste. Cover, and chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.

Salmon//

2 salmon fillets {buy wild caught for flavor}

2 tablespoons Coconut oil

2 tablespoons Lemon juice 

Salt & Pepper to taste

 Drizzle coconut oil on fillets, front and back.  Add salt and pepper to taste and drizzle lemon juice.  When the grill is hot and ready cook the salmon.  Put them down skinless side first. The salmon will release itself from the grill when it's ready to flip. It will not be long,

It cooks pretty quickly.

Plate salmon first, then add salsa on top!  Super easy, flavorful, and a great summer dinner!