It's the Weekend | Number Nine

Prego belly and lots of prints. 

It's been raining again and I always love this weather. Just give me all of the coffee and we will all be okay. This week has been pretty normal in the grand scheme of things. I am no longer feeling sick from the flu from last week. Once I felt caught up in most areas of our lives, this week just carried on per usual. 

Next week, we are going on a mini-vacation up to Estes Park for a few days and I am looking so forward to just getting away and relaxing. This is the first time we are taking Marin with us to a hotel. We've been talking up the trip for weeks and she is very excited about the hotel pool. We might also take her to her first movie in a big theatre. I do wish we would have had her travel with us at a younger age, but it's better to start now than not at all. Vacation is so close and we are so ready. 

Here's where I've been clicking this week. My inner nerd is showing with one of these. There's some food posts per usual and some home stuff. I've also really been realizing how much screen time our kiddo gets and I'm not alright with it. It's too much. The girl loves Daniel Tiger with a passion and I love being able to keep my house somewhat picked up while she watches, but I also realize how bad it is to be in front of a screen too much. I'd like to change that. 

Heres are some decor worries to abandon. It's going to be ok. Your home is a process. 

Here are 6 household rules that you hated growing up but totally understand. Mom was right. 

I'm pregnant and I love food. I'd love to make this granola bark. This maple bacon grilled cheese (with Brie!!) looks amazing. Yum. 

I've been thinking a lot about maternity leave and returning to work. Here's how to win at work after maternity leave. 

Some fellow musicians have a kickstarter for their new album. These are good dudes that make great music and love Jesus. Win, win, win. 

In an effort to out myself as a total nerd, I am so excited that the X-files will be coming back to TV this fall. New episodes!! 

I need more ideas for less screen time in our house, especially ones that don't take a ton of prep. Here are 15 things to do instead of tv and 75 TV free activities for toddlers.  We played with homemade play dough at our Tot class the other day. The recipe is so easy and doesn't have anything weird in it. We will need to make this soon...

Have a great weekend! 

The Hollen Home | Christmas 2014

This blog would not be complete without some photos of our Christmas decorations. I toned it down a lot more this year than the years past. Most of that is due to the fact that all of the decorations were either put up at nap time or bed time for baby. I do think I want to revamp my decorations next year and try and snag some sale items after Christmas this year. It's time. I did buy a few ornaments this year though and for the second year in a row, we are rocking the white Christmas tree. I love the white Christmas tree. Geoff the cat hasn't been too much of a terror when it comes to the tree this year. Marin also hasn't attacked the tree....yet. We also, of course, have Blinko in the kitchen. He is a tradition. 

I love this time of year and how cozy our home feels. 

Currently Clicking: Week #16

Each and every week, I gather links of all of the places I have been perusing in the great, grand internet. There are plenty of people out there doing big things and small things. Some of these are practical, some are inspiring. This week, I am contemplating the amount of grass we have in our massive yard, obsessing over FITBIT with other people, dreaming about house tours and DIY tiles, and anticipating my first order from Stichfix to be on my doorstep sometime today. 

1. Eye Candy: 11 Inspiring Yards That Are Grass Free.   We live in a pretty hot, dry climate. I am always shocked by how much green grass is everywhere and how many gallons of water it takes to water it each year. Our yard is way too big for us. Living grass free would be awesome and also better for the environment and our bank account. 
2. It's no secret that I love my FITBIT. I hope to do a post on that soon. David Sedaris recently wrote a piece about it as well. He takes so many steps! He makes me realize that I should probably up my game! 
3. This house tour is my dream house tour. I love the dark walls contrasting with the white walls. I am a sucker for subway tile. The wallpaper in the entry way is what dreams are made of. Check out At Home With Sarah Brown. So good. 
4. Here is another game changer. Make a Patterned Floor With Linoleum Tile. I know I said linoleum. This is incredible. 
5. My first shipment from StichFix should be arriving today! Yippee! I can't wait to try on my first round of clothing that has been hand picked just for me. Here's some more information about how it all works!