Bitty Basketball - Season 1

I've been meaning to post about this for a couple of weeks now, but it's one of those photo-heavy posts that took forever to put together!

In January, Brantley and three of our neighbor boys joined their first ever basketball league.  This six-week league through the Kansas City YMCA included three Saturday "practices" and three Saturday "games".  Now, I use these words loosely, as we're talking about 3-year olds here.  There weren't a lot of baskets being made and there definitely weren't plays being drawn up.  Needless to say, it was all pretty comical and good Saturday morning entertainment if nothing else!
 

For the record, the boys played for the Ballhawks.  Their team color was purple and they were coached by one of our neighborhood dads, Coach Tanner.  The sessions were 50 minutes long, which is pretty lengthy for the 3-5 year age range!  It's no wonder they got restless towards the end!  Awards weren't given (except for a participation medal) but had they been, Brantley would have most definitely won for "Best Dribbler".  This kid has some serious dribbling skills and impressed me quite a bit!

 

Brantley was so excited for week four (the Ballhawks' first game), but his excitement was short-lived.  After the pre-game huddle, he and the rest of his teammates were running towards our side of the gym.  His feet got tangled up with another player's causing him to trip and fall face-first into the metal step on the bleachers.  I still don't know how he escaped stitches...for the third time in his little life (first, second), but somehow a bruised forehead was the worst of his injuries.  I was afraid that that might put an end to his interest in this basketball league, but much to my surprise, he was right back out there the next Saturday and played his little heart out.

Perhaps the best play of the entire season came in the final five minutes of the last game.  This poor boy in blue had no idea what was coming, but to everyone's surprise, Brantley ran up from behind and stole the ball right out of his hands!!  Although it was a pretty great play, the ref told him it wasn't allowed and she gave the ball back to the sweet, little boy in blue.  One month later and I'm still laughing about it...and the photos show the whole thing!

Here's a brief video of Brantley with the ball during the final game.

And finally, a proud Brantley with his participation medal.

And the group and individual professional photos that were taken.

A successful first season of basketball in the books!  Next up, soccer (in April/May), followed by baseball (in June/July)!

Freshly Picked The Next Step Shoe Review

 My poor, poor second child.  Rarely does he ever get anything new, as all of his clothes, shoes--even his nursery--have been hand-me-downs from his older brother.  I feel bad, but then again, I am thrilled to get to re-use all of the cute things I purchased for Brantley!  (Is it sad that one of the reasons I want a third boy is to make use of the clothes for a third time??)  Anyway, when I got the opportunity to review a new line of hard sole shoes by Freshly Picked, I didn't even question which child would be the lucky recipient.  I was excited to choose a brand new pair of shoes for none other than my second born, Holden.  And I'm so glad I did.  Because he absolutely adores his new shoes and I must say, he rocks them way better than Brantley ever could have! ;)

Though we have never owned any of the ever-popular FP moccasins, these Next Step shoes are as cute as the original moccs--if not cuter!  They are, however, a much better option for active, on-the-go kiddos--Holden, for instance!  He's almost two and these are a perfect shoe for him!

 

 They are made from 100% genuine leather and include elastic no-tie laces. The shoes are really easy to slip on, but perhaps my favorite thing about them?  Holden's inability to get them off!  Does anyone else get so angry about having to put shoes and socks on after every two-minute car ride?!  #TheNextStepsforthewin

We sized up a bit.  Holden isn't quite in a size 7, but that's what I ordered mainly so that he'd have room to grow!  Even though they are a tad large, he ran around in them all weekend and never once seemed bothered (i.e. didn't trip any more than usual).   Freshly Picked recommends sizing up, as these tend to run a 1/2 size small.  They are available in children sizes 7 through 13.

 

I choose the Beehive State color since they go with about anything, but there are about nine additional color/design options to choose from.  Minus the few that are ultra girly (blush, gold, and leopard print), I now think we need one of each thanks!! ;)

 

And did I mention how proud Holden is of his new shoes?

 

*Disclaimer: I was gifted this pair of shoes in exchange for an honest blog review.  However, all opinions--and the cute kid--are my own.

Oreo Ice Cream Dessert + A Giveaway!

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, I thought I'd share a St. Patricksy recipe!  This has been a go-to of my mom's for years.  It's cheap, it's easy, and regardless of where she takes it, it always gets gobbled up quickly.

 

What You'll Need:

1 package of Oreos

1 box of ice cream*

1 stick of butter

Hershey's chocolate syrup

*I used mint-chocolate chip in honor of St. Patrick's Day, which I totally recommend.  But you could use any flavor really!

What You'll Do:

1. Take the carton of ice cream out of the freezer so that it can begin to soften.

2. Crush the Oreos.  I usually put them in a gallon-sized Ziploc and use either a rolling pin or hammer to crush them.  The great thing about this recipe is that the Oreos need not be finely crushed.  Large chunks are fine.

3. Melt the stick of butter and pour over the crushed Oreos.  Stir to mix well.  I swear this is the secret ingredient.  There's just something about buttery Oreos that mmmm mmmmm good!

4. Spread about 1/3 of the crushed, buttery Oreos in the bottom of a 9x13 pan.

5. Next you need to completely open the box of ice cream.  Like flatten the box until it can't be flattened any further.  (In math terms, this is called a net....you didn't know you were going to learn geometry, did you?)  Then, use a knife to cut layers of the ice cream and lay them on top of the Oreos.  (See pictures 4, 5, and 6 below.)

6. Using a spoon, smooth out the ice cream.  I usually put the spoon under hot water first; it helps to smooth the top and merge the individual pieces you cut.

7. Top with Hershey's chocolate sauce.

8. Top that with the remaining crushed, buttery Oreos.

9. I typically freeze for a few hours before serving just so the ice cream is firm again......but if you can't help yourself, there's no harm in digging in right away!  Enjoy!

And now for the extra fun part of today's post.  In honor of St. Patty's Day one week from today, I've teamed up with some of my best blogger friends and we are giving away one $150 gift card to Starbucks!  The winner will be announced next Thursday on St. Patrick's Day!  Enter via the Rafflecopter below!  Here's hoping that the luck of the Irish is in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go Blog Social

If you follow me on Instagram or follow my blog's Facebook page, you likely saw the multiple photos I posted while spending my day on Saturday at the Go Blog Social conference.  I learned a lot, but to be honest, there was also a lot that was either a) way over my head or b) of no interest to me.  Yes, blogging is a passion of mine, but it's also just a hobby (+ my scrapbook), and there was some girls who were uber-serious about upping their blogging game.  Some days, I think it'd be fun to be a big-time blogger (ahem, make good money doing it), but other days I'm perfectly content with my minimal following and the small network of mom bloggers I'm a part of.

That being said....there were some definite perks of the day.  The gift bags, for instance.  The unlimited coffee.  The giveaways (too bad I didn't win).  The company.  The uninterrupted {by kids} conversation.  The venue--complete with an outdoor terrace that overlooked downtown KC.  The weather.  The food.  And the fact that you didn't need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about photographing each and every moment throughout the day!! #bloggerslovetakingphotos

 

 

Here's a recap of the day. 

Intro and Q&A with the GBS Team

Session 1: Photography for Bloggers with Allison Corrin

 Obviously a favorite since I love photography, but it was a 45-minute crash course and she really didn't say anything I didn't already know.  However, really great info for those who don't know much about shooting in manual mode!

Session 2: Business + Legal Basics with KC Fashion Week

This session was a bit confusing to me.  Was it meant to promote KC Fashion Week or inform us of legality aspects in regards to blogging?  In all honesty, it kind of freaked me out and now I feel like I need to create a fictitious name and get an LLC for my blog.

Session 3: From Blog to Biz with Fashion Column Twins

These twin sister bloggers are just adorable and really fun to listen to!  Though they talked mainly fashion blogging and their new clothing brand, Local E, it was interesting to hear their story and they have obviously made some very smart and successful decisions in the blogging/social media world!

Lunch Break

Session 4: SEO Tools + Strategies with Kelly Rivard

This girl is not only an amazing speaker, but a genius when it comes to all things Internet.  She was so, so fascinating to listen to.  I understood a lot of what she said, but let's be honest, I'm not a big time blogger, so there was also a lot that went in one ear and out the other.  Perhaps this is how my students feel on a daily basis?

Session 5: Influencer Campaigns with Acorn Influence

 Influencer networks are all the rage in blogging right now (and how bloggers make money) so I was extra interested in hearing from Acorn.  However, I can't really say that I took much from this session.  Perhaps I was just too anxious and excited (and on the lookout) for the keynote!

 Session 6: Keynote Speaker - Social Influence with The Bachelor's Jade Roper-Tolbert

Let's just say that Jade could have stood on stage and read the phone book and I would have been in awe!!!  I know she's just another person, but she's pretty famous in my book!  I don't know that she had anything super riveting to say, but she seemed very genuine and appreciative of both her supporters and her current 15 minutes of fame.  I think the best part was the Q&A session at the end.  Among the questions asked: What's your favorite part of living in Kansas City?  Was it weird having Chris Soules and Kaitlyn at your wedding?  How much of The Bachelor is produced?  Will you continue your high level of social media presence after you have kids?  Who do you think will/want to win Ben's season?   Do you have any inside insight on the next bachelorette?  (Hellooooo that was announced last week!)

 Jade was definitely the icing on the cake of the conference for me.  But the most amazing part?  She stuck around afterwards and we were able to talk one-on-one with her!  Yes I did, in fact, tell her about our neighborhood Bachelor watch parties complete with Bachelor Wine and Yoga Pants tanks!  I also said 'I'm pretty sure you have the same one!" #stalkeralert  She was also sweet enough to pose for photos with each of us, which was the highlight of my day year.

A great day, indeed!  I was hoping to meet a few more {mommy/lifestyle} bloggers like myself, but there just didn't seem to be many present (most were fashion bloggers or fashion blogger-wannabes...and I totally don't mean that in a mean way....they were very fashionable girls who intend to start blogs soon!).  Also, there weren't a ton of opportunities to connect with others.  In fact, I connected more on social media after the conference was over by searching the hashtags and the location of the event.  And those blog business cards??  Yeah, I think I handed out a total of six...and two were to the girls I attended with!  

 

In the end, it was a whole lotta fun being in the company of other bloggers (many KC based) and girls who love social media as much as I do.  And a day spent in downtown Kansas City with a good friend is always a great one in my book!

Linking up with Erin @ Her Heartland Soul, a another midwest blogger from the conference!

Yay Friday!

Not only is it Friday, but it's MARCH!  I'm pretty sure I've said the same thing in years past, but March always brings about such happy feelings for me!  St. Patrick's Day, Spring Break, SPRING, daylight savings, heck even March Madness is exciting when I compete for money in a tournament draft!

This first weekend in March is even more exciting because I'm headed to a blogging conference, Go Blog Social, all day tomorrow with my fellow blogger friend and neighbor, Vanessa!  Nerdy?  Maybe.  But I'm super excited for a day of blogging...or something like that!  HUGE thank you to my hubby for agreeing to fly solo with the boys all day so I can go do something fun!

In honor of this conference I have five blogging/conference related things.

via Instagram

| one |

Don't laugh, but I threw together some blogging business cards.  I mean, the conference info says to bring 100 of your business cards in order to network with others, so it only seemed necessary!  I paid $2 on Canva to create these bad boys and had them printed for $17 on heavy-duty, shiny paper at Office Max.  I cut them myself with my Fiskars rotary paper trimmer....which I had to do in shifts, because the paper is so heavy that it took a lot of pressure (read: energy) to cut through it!!  It was basically a mini-workout and my arm muscles have been sore from cutting all week! #wimp

However, they do look good if I do say so myself!  And I've never felt more official!!

| two |

I also threw together a media kit, which is basically a fancy-pancy PDF document that describes both me and my blog.

| three |

Which reminds me, I've got two product reviews in the works right now!  Stay tuned...

| four |

I mentioned yesterday that I'm unsure about what to wear tomorrow.  It's kind of a big deal, you know, and I want to make sure I'm dressed appropriately.  Here are a few options.  I've already ruled out #2 (too dressy), but I can't decide between the others.

What's your vote?

| five |

And finally, as if the conference isn't already crazy-exciting to me.........JADE is the keynote speaker!!!!  I'm ridiculously excited to be in the same room as one of my Bachelor faves!!

via Instagram

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!  Be sure to follow me on IG (@sarahbsides), as I'm sure there will be one or two (or 18) Jade conference instapics!

Linking Up With:

Momfessionals and A Little Bit of Everything for Friday Favorites 

September F A R M for Oh, Hey Friday

A.Liz Adventures for Five on Friday

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Confessions - Round 2

Confession #1: Ever since participating in this link-up two weeks ago, I've kept a running list of new confessions in my phone so that I could participate again!  I mean, who knew I had so many confessions??

I confess that...I was ready to pour a glass of wine last night at 5:45.  Anyone else's kids been beyond challenging this week?

Speaking of, I confess that...I haven't purchased a bottle of wine in months.  Bota boxes all the way!

I confess that...I have a love/hate relationship with other blogs.  All the sponsorships, all the "know-it-all" posts, and all the posts just aimed at gaining more popularity really irk me.  I'm all about sharing and making a little extra cash if you're able, but it's also easy to tell a genuine blogger from one who is not.  I love, love, love sharing with others, but at the same time, I hope my blog never becomes inauthentic and annoying.

I confess that...I'm reeeeeally close to seeing what Reality Steve has to say about The Bachelor finale.  Trying to stay strong here, but two weeks is a long time to wait!  (P.S. I'm rooting for Lauren and I think she's the true front runner.  But I also think he's enamored with JoJo and something tells me she's going to be the one standing in the end.) (P.P.S. No spoilers please!!!)

Yesterday I mentioned that we went to the Blake Shelton concert last Friday.  I confess that...I've never loved Blake or his music, but a kid-free night with friends sounded like a grand ole plan when we bought tickets five months ago!  

And it was.  I confess that...I may or may not have had a tad too much fun at the concert and I may or may not owe Craig big time for watching our kids a good portion of the next day.

I confess that...when I moved to Kansas, I refused to go to Sonic.  They are on every street corner here, but I had no idea how to order!  So I just didn't go.  Until a co-worker found out and demanded to take me for "training".

I confess that...I'm also intimated by car washes.

I confess that...I'm a total snoozer in the mornings.  I set my alarm for a good 15-20 minutes before I have to get up, and even after snoozing once or twice, I lay in bed and browse social media.

I confess that...I'm going to an all-day blog conference on Saturday and I've been stressing all week about what to wear!

I confess that...I do 95% of my grocery shopping at Walmart and I'm proud of it.  It's hard not to with their low prices and Savings Catcher app!

I confess that...last night, while I was making dinner Brantley threw Holden's sock in the pot of boiling pasta.  And we still ate it.

And that sounds like a great place to end today.  Happy Thursday!


Linking up with Jessica @ The Newly

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One Year in Our House and More Grateful Than Ever

Even before Timehop was a thing, I was big on reminiscing and dates.  Perhaps it's because I'm a numbers girl and I tend to remember important days, years, and anniversaries.  So it's no surprise that I've been very aware of this day that has been sneaking up for a few weeks now.  Today, March 2, marks exactly one year since we closed and moved into our new home.

One year ago today was a very emotional day for me.  Leaving our first home, no matter how long I'd wanted to do just that, was downright hard.  In between the pressure of packing, the stress of the paperwork, and the excitement of a new home were lots and lots of tears over leaving the sentiments of our old one.

And I'd be lying if I said our new home--this gorgeous, brand new, and expensive new home--felt right from the get go.  It did, in a sense, but it also took some time for it to really feel like "home".  I remember coming home from school and not knowing what to do with myself because I never felt like I was home.  I remember spending time outdoors in those early weeks and no matter how warm that sun felt, something about it also felt so cold.

Yet here we are, one year later.  We have gone through all the seasons and celebrated all of the holidays.  We have found our new grocery store (one of the worst parts of moving) and adjusted to not living next to a Target.  We have found a nearby church that has been very welcoming and one in which we both enjoy attending.  And most importantly, we have found an amazing group of friends--friends who are supportive, friends who are great company, and friends who are in the same life stage as us with kids the same ages--to live life with.

Just last weekend, we went to the Blake Shelton concert with some of these friends and I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was.  We were out on the town with these people who, one year ago, we didn't even know existed!  To say we have been blessed would be a  huge understatement and I couldn't be more grateful.

As cheesy as it sounds, I feel as if we were meant to live here.  Like this house, this neighborhood, and these people were meant to be in our lives.  In fact, we had debated moving year after year, searched for houses, and even found a few we really liked.  Yet in the end, it was never the right time.

And now I understand why.

One year later and not only does that sun shine warm once again, but our house feels like a home in more ways than I could have ever imagined.

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