June Goals

Because there is nothing like waiting until the middle of the month to post these!

Here is how May went:

- Potty Train Felicity- Thanks to a princess potty and my amazing mother this is done!!! We still have accidents but no more diapers. 

Yes, I posted a potty on the blog!

Stay tuned to see how we used this to potty train! 

- Change her crib to big girl bed - she cried huge tears and demanded that I put her bed back together but she got over that. She still waits on us to come and get her out of bed - I don't know who's child she is or how I am blessed to have such a good sleeper. 

-Build new dresser that we have had for over a month and sell the old one (need one??) - Well we build the dresser moved it upstairs and brought the old one down but haven't even tried to sell it yet. 
  
- Send a letter to each of my Grandmothers - I have been saving pictures for them and meaning to write these since December! - didn't do this but did get to see one Mamaw while I was at a conference in Nashville for work. 

- Replace my iphone screen - done! I have made the move to the iphone5S and I am pretty happy. 

- Get my passport for our CRUISE! - DONE!! and it's already here. 

- Finish my MBA application essay - So here is the big news, I am not doing my MBA. When I sat down to write this essay I could think of no real valid reason for a Masters in Business Administration except I am a nerd and I love school and it would look cool on my business cards - not good reasons to sacrifice your family. So Jesse and I talked and I cancelled my application and I happy with that decision. I want my Master's I just want it in something I truly love. 

- hit up Disney a few more times before its so hot we can't breathe. - Yes and some in the last couple of days. 

Here's what I want to do with the rest of this month:

- Send a letter to each of my Mamaws
- Take pictures of my clothes for Instagram sale -keep it eye out @Homeof theRudolphs on InstaGram for new to you things!  
- I am currently going thru Tone It Up's 28 day book (not an affiliated link) I want to keep at it
- blog at least 2 times per week 

Lets see how this goes! 

Disney Birthday Adventures

We headed to Disney on Saturday with Aiden for our traditional birthday celebration. Aiden got to chose the whole day and Felicity stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Jen. 

He was so excited to do the things that he really loves and get to chose where we eat. We started our day at Hollywood Studios and made it to the gate before we realized Aiden didn't have his magic band! A semi-quick stop at guest relations got us a hard ticket and our free birthday pin. Tip: This one is pretty well known but just in case if you stop by any ticket counter or guest service counter and are celebrating ANYTHING they have a pin for it. First visit, birthday, engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, family reunion, or just a celebrating pin. Sometimes they have them in the stores too at the check out counters you just have to ask. 

First on our stop was the Animation Station inside The Magic of Disney Animation to draw a picture with the help of a Disney artist. We drew Winnie the Pooh and it's cool what a birthday pin and dimples will get you if you ask! Tip: You get to keep the drawing that you do. It's a cute little memento. I wouldn't recommend this attraction unless you have older kids. Aiden enjoyed it but I ended up helping him through most of it. 

Then we were off to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. Aiden loves this area and I feel safe picking a spot near the entrance/exit and letting him run and play. A nice 1 hour plus wait for Toy Story Mania (get fastpasses if you can! We already had Magic Kingdom ones so we couldn't) and onto Aiden's favorite place to eat Pizza Plant. I on the other hand don't usually care for the Plant of Pizza since their red sauce tends to upset my belly digestive tract. But it's Aiden's day so I get brave and ask for my pizza sans sauce due to my "sauce intolerance." Not a problem he says and I am awarded a pager and a slip of paper. I had to wait an extra 15 minutes for mine but look at that cheesy-veggie goodness. Worth the wait and I didn't feel sick later in the day! 

From there we headed out to Magic Kingdom! If you follow me on Instagram (mommyrudolph) you saw what happened! Sleepy boys! 

Once the boys had a siesta in the car we head off to meet Tinkerbell. No kidding that is what Aiden wanted to do first - I won't lie he loves all the Tinkerbell movies! 

A little ice cream break and strict orders "don't even think about it!" as we walked by the Starbucks were given as we headed to Enchanted Tales with Belle. This is probably my kids favorite thing to do at Magic right now. Aiden practiced the beast part while we walked in and was chosen! 

Our next stop was Tom Sawyer Island which is a favorite of Jesse and Aiden. 

They love to explore the caves, cross the barrel bridge, shot the riffles and just run and play. It's one of the less busy places at Magic so we take our time there. 

Then we headed to dinner. A few months ago we had dinner with our sweet friends Josh & Jill while they were visiting from Iowa at Whisper Canyon inside the Fort Wilderness Lodge - this was during the time that Aiden didn't really eat but on that night he was so entertained he cleaned that plate! So he was so excited to go back. They have Lincoln Logs (cause we don't have those at home!) to play with while you wait for your table. We were given a not so great time in the "library" so I kindly requested my husband go and ask for us to be moved to the main dinning room where the action is. I mean we booked it for the excitement and we even told them it was Aiden's birthday. No problem Disney magic took over and we were given prime seats and Aiden was in hog heaven. This isn't your typical dinning experience. They are sarcastic and have a good time with you if you so chose. Aiden was loving it...also ALWAYS ask for ketchup! Tip: While the all you can eat selection is $30 a person it is worth it! We didn't order that this time but we did the previous time. You will not be disappointed.  

A boat ride back to Magic and one more trip to Enchanted Tales with Belle. Someone else got picked for a part! By that time we were done! Aiden was asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot! 

I am so glad that we are able to do these special things with the kids - it was a great day! 

Ps - We celebrated Mother's day I promise with all my favorite things: a trip to the spa with my bestie, Target, and Outback (@home) Jesse got my gift a few weeks ago - a new to us car! I am pretty much in love with it - 2015 Ford Explorer in Grey - swoon :) 

May Goals

We will just pretend I accomplished loads in April! I did it was just mostly in my professional role and less in my personal one. But at last summer is here and onward we march.

Here is what I want to accomplish this month:

- Potty Train Felicity! She is moving to a new school in June and must be potty trained to start.

- Change her crib to big girl bed - we are firm believers in if she isn't crawling out - leave up the crib, we learned this the hard way with Aiden. Felicity will stay in her bed and be content until 8 - 8:30 and in parenting world that is just GLORIOUS!

-Build new dresser that we have had for over a month and sell the old one (need one??)
 
- Send a letter to each of my Grandmothers - I have been saving pictures for them and meaning to write these since December!

- Replace my iphone screen :(

- Get my passport for our CRUISE! 63 days but who's counting?

- Finish my MBA application essay

- hit up Disney a few more times before its so hot we can't breathe.

What are ya'll up to this month?

Friday Finds

Well this week just breezed on by. Tomorrow Jesse and I will take Aiden to Disney for his birthday. Sunday according to Aiden they all have to do "my work" and I get to lay in bed! :) There is a plan to get mani/pedis with my bestie so I am ready for that. 

This article touches on something I am very passionate about and struggled/struggle with as a girl from the True Love Waits generation.

Mother's Day is a great day to remember ALL women. 

These may have landed in my cart in a lighting deal of the day impulse buy. 

There are days with Aiden that I have to just walk away and come back and Ann provided a nice bit of encouragement when I was desperately seeking it.  

I am not a runner (unless I am being chased) but I have felt this desires to run (yea I don't get it either) so I am going to start out slow following this a 4 week plan and try to drag myself out of bed early so I can beat the FL heat! (the blog is currently down I will update when back up) 

I wish this was something more companies did. We drive a good distance to Felicity's school each day and it would be nice to just have one on campus or at Jesse's office. 

The kids and I are headed to Trader Joe's this afternoon for our monthly stock up. On our list: Kcups, waffles, orange chicken, cookie butter, chicken dumplings, and whatever else lands in that red cart. 

Have a fabulous weekend and celebrate the mothers (biological or chosen!) in your life! 

The boy is Six!

I say every year that I don't know where the time has gone and I still don't.

Six years ago this not so little guy (9 lbs - ya'll) came into our lives and made us a little family of 3. We had no idea what we were really getting ourselves into!

Look at all the squishy goodness - sorry no scratch and sniff.

Always our little ham! This year has been a year of adjustments and at times it's been tough but then there are the days where our sweet little boys just shines.

Aiden at 6:

When he grows up he wants to dig up dinosaurs. (archeologist) Also he wants to work and play a sport. 

His favorite color is green. 

His favorite thing he did this year was removing the training wheels off his bike and braving the kiddie coaster at Magic Kingdom. 

Puppy is still his favorite animal and his favorite thing to sleep with. 

His favorite cereal is cinnamon toast crunch. 

He loves yogurt in all forms and most fruits. 

His favorite veggie is broccoli. 

He still loves Disney Jr. shows but Star Wars Rebels and Amazing Spiderman are giving them a run for their money.

He loves to jam out to the whole 1989 album by TSwift and Walk the Moon's "Shut up and Dance with Me"

He is a typical boy who loves movies. He couldn't chose just one.

He loves riding his bike, swimming and going to Disney. 

We feel pretty blessed that God gave us this boy when he did. 

Stay tuned to see his Jake and the Neverland Pirates party. 

Friday Finds & Prepping for the end of the year

There is one week left until the campus becomes somewhat of a ghost town. These next two weeks can get a little crazy and it's best if I prep for them ahead of time.

Just for reference:

- last week we did Spring Cleaning inspection
- there are at least 3 online orders that need to arrive before next Friday
- there is a study night in the library that I oversee (I am 30 ya'll staying up all night KILLS me, but it's so fun)
 - we have Baccalaureate and Student Life Awards to hand out
- grading and surveys that needs to be entered
-  saying goodbye to my current RA's
- saying hello to my new RA's
- finding a new student worker for next year
- celebrate my current student workers (they are pretty great)
- a wedding
- Graduation
- Closing the apartments
- and closing it out there is a little boy in my house turning SIX!!

So with that I keep tissues handy (cause my kids are graduating!), I go to bed earlier so I can prep for the all nighter. There is a LOT more coffee and thanks goodness the RaceTrac Sodapalooza cup is already here because you know we already have ours! But most importantly I pray for these students - I pray that the ones graduating take what they have learned and apply it. I pray that the choices they make and the people who influence them lead them closer to God and not away from Him. I pray for the students who are returning that they make good choices and remember who they are in God. I love these students! It has been a great year and it has gone by so fast!

I am headed out to get my kiddos and were headed to Disney to do a little unwinding form this week and before we do our own Spring Cleaning tomorrow but I leave you with these:

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I am on count down for that yummy drink above! Fact about Whitney - she LOVES all things s'mores

I get the worst pregnancy/mom brain and these make me feel so much better!

This little trailer was kind of a big deal and the nerd in me and my Harrison Ford crush are very excited.

Strawberries are a favorite in this house and Ruthie's muffin recipe is going to be a hit here I just know it.

Jen already shared this but it is defiantly something I want my children to see in me and learn. Side note - Jen's blog is my absolute favorite! I love her Saturday Snippets - well actually I love it all!

Ya'll have a great weekend!

Currently

Planning: Ellie and Alex's I Do BBQ! We are under 100 days until their big day and we are excited to celebrate with them. Also I have a little one turning 6 in less than a month! I am feeling really behind on this one - I haven't even done his invites yet - YIKES!

Cooking:  This week I have cooked....ready for it - tater tots. It has been a crazy week and I was traveling Monday and Tuesday with my mom for Dr. appointments, then a work event on Wednesday for me - so tater tots and grilled cheese for the kids and Jesse, and last night we did our usual Chick-fli-a and core group. I will share that I picked up Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers - I popped those in the microwave for lunch today and was very happy. My mom makes them from scratch and Trader Joe's were a great alternative.

Wearing: Tank tops - Here in sunny Florida we have reached the high 80's - there's a rumor we will reach 90 today. I picked up this top at Target last week and I am in love. It's light weight and just the right amount of flow. It looks great with white and dark jeans!

Loving: The sweet memories we made this past Easter weekend. after church and the church ege hunt for the kiddos, Jesse and I hosted parts of our family and some sweet students that we consider family. We had a yummy meal in the back yard and an egg hunt that involved stealing and tickling. We piled on the couch to watch Into The Woods and took tears napping. It was a great day to celebrate our Lord.

Hibernation

I know it's Spring and this is the time when the animals are coming out of hibernation but I feel like the last two weeks I have been hibernating - hence the lack of blog posts and social media sharing.

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I have been pulling inward which is not like my usual outgoing personality. I have been focused on nothing and thinking about everything. I've gone to bed early and slept in (thanks to my mom for keeping Aiden during his Spring Break). I've stayed up too late watching tv and avoided exercise. I've had mental arguments with myself. I've had an open conversation with God about so many things that are hurting me. I've focused on spending time with my family and not documenting, just enjoying it.

Here's what you need to know if you are feeling confused about my seemingly sudden hibernation, five years ago what I knew to be normal fell ripped apart. I come from your basic family of 4 - a dad who served as a youth minister until I was an adult then transitioned into a lead minister and the spiritual leader of our house, a mom who is Betty Crocker and Martha Stewart rolled into one amazing woman of God and a younger brother to pick on love. Our life was pretty good, I mean there were hard times but they don't outnumber the good times. If the church doors were open you would usually find us there and we were happy to be there. As we were preparing for Easter and Aiden's first birthday my dad shared with my brother and I that he would be leaving the church and taking a new job with the state and that him and my mom would be separating - he was leaving us and the church. I would love to tell you more about this but to be honest that's my dad's story to tell not mine but I can tell you that I was angry and disappointed. There were so many lies and hurtful things that were said and so many times I just knew my dad would have a light bulb moment, I even told him he was "giving the devil a foothold," but it never came. As we helped him pack up his office I was crushed that all the photo albums of youth events over the years made it into his trash pile - that was my childhood, and I felt like he threw it away; those albums never made it to the trash. The choices my dad made eventually led to my parents divorce. The dad that I once knew was no longer there and I am still mourning him. For the first time I found out who I was in God and that is the silver lining but I still miss MY dad - the one I grew up with and the one who walked me down the aisle, that guy is gone. So I struggle during this time of the year because it's been five years and there hasn't been a light bulb moment. I struggle when he doesn't come to birthday parties or return my text messages. I struggle when I am at events and people who have known me my entire life ask about "my parents" or ask "how's your dad?" or avoid me, because divorce in the Christian church is contagious you know. So this hibernation for me has been about mourning and moving on...again, because I much as I think I have moved on I still struggle as times.

Here's what I've learned during this hibernation:

1. Who I am in God is so much more important than any name I have or person I am without him. He made me who I am today not a person, thru him I am able to share this story.

2. Shopping really is my favorite choice of therapy and thank goodness Jesse had been getting some overtime because Target is loving me the last 2 weeks, not to mention Old Navy.

3. I am ever grateful for my father-in-law who will buy me Chinese food and just listen to me vent about life and work and let me watch the Evening News with Scott Pelley with him. I am grateful for the qualities that Jesse learned from him about being a great dad. *The other daughter-in-law is due to have a baby on his birthday so I am trying to earn some brownie points here ;)

4. Hibernation is good for my soul sometimes but I don't have to shut out my whole world to do it.

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Weekend Update on a Wednesday

You know it has been a week when it's Wednesday and you are just getting around to blogging. The students are on Spring Break so I thought I would have time to get a lot done but work has been stressful with no one there and issues popping up. Add that to runny noses and coughs and late nights and it's Wednesday! But we had a great weekend and I want to share it.

Aiden and I started Friday was yummy treats from the bakery down the street - we were so good we only ate half of each. That was just enough sugar to convince him to go to Goodwill and we did a little damage there before heading home for dinner and playing outside in the extended sunlight.

Saturday we headed to church for family fun day and Felicity and I did a great job supervising all the fun relays! Aiden loved it and was so excited.

We figured since we were already sweaty we might as well give my car a much needed bath and a good vacuum and then reward ourselves with Sonic!

We came home for showers and put the finishing touches on a dinner for friends in our core group who have a new snuggly baby at home.

Peanut Butter Cookies

After we dropped dinner off we headed to Target for our weekly trip.

I taught a wild sweet room of 3 & 4 year olds about Jesus at church on Sunday and then we headed home.

Grandpa & Grandma came and picked up Aiden and Felicity for a fun day at the pool while Jesse and I headed out for a Disney date. It was a wonderful day and the park wasn't too full. We had some disappointing moments but over all it was good - the mine ride was down, which was the whole reason we went :( . We then headed to Downtown Disney for dinner nachos and a movie with my best friend and her hubs.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! 

Friday Finds

It's Friday and I am ready for this weekend, but not ready for next week since my college kiddos are all on Spring Break and leaving me :(

I am so proud to be a UCF alumni and love Iron Man even more after this!

As a mom to a sensory kid  these clothes are exciting.

You have probably seen this on Facebook but I thought it was too sweet.

We are going on a CRUISE! I am beyond excited and might be counting down the days. I also already picked up this tankini and these boyshorts. You know typical mom suit. I have a bikini on the back burner if I continue my semi-healthy eating and exercising.

Also love this dress, even with the zipper down the front.

I am off to spend the afternoon with Aiden and beg bribe him to go thrifting with me!

Have a fabulous weekend!

March Goals

I write these goals in my planner so I can see them on a daily basis as well. Sometimes that works.... sometimes it doesn't

Here's how February went: 

Send 2 letters - nope didn't happen

Clean up and organize the craft nook - did it! 

Sort and decide which pictures to hang - got the pictures all out and didn't find too many that I wanted to hang :(

Continue with my daily devotions  - slow and steady

March

Find pictures that we actually want to hang. 

Date Night to see Cinderella! 

Finish Ellie's Wedding invite

Clean the upstairs bathroom - honestly I don't remember when I cleaned it last ......oops

Get rid of clothes I no longer wear that have been sitting in a bag on my floor 

Linking up with the Tiny Twig.

 See previous months here!

Weekend Update

Friday was the typical Rudolph movie night with Cinderella showing. I am just gearing up for the new one opening this weekend! *Did someone say date night?

Saturday Ellie and I road tripped to Fleming Island for a friend's bridal shower and totally forgot it was Bike Week! ugh traffic was awful but we made it and had a great time.

We then rewarded ourselves with a little shopping here!

On our list: pizza dough, waffles, chocolate covered almonds, and corn puffs! We still both had cookie butter so it didn't make this list. Yummy!

Sunday was so nice we just enjoyed the day even with losing that hour of sleep! With our usual stop here.

with a little Starbucks too!

While the kiddos played outside, Jesse and I cleaned out my car - I pretty sure we collected a trash bag worth of trash out of it! But at least we can see the crumb covered floors now!

Oh well on to a fabulous week here! It's the week before Spring Break for my students and Aiden's the following week so let the craziness begin.

Weekend Update

What a weekend we had!

Friday we headed to Disney for a little fun in the dark!

This cutie got to play the beast at Enchanted Tales with Belle and he was awesome! Felicity even joined in the fun as a salt shaker. 

Then we waited in a shorter then normal line to meet these lovely ladies! 

Honestly these sweet moments made my whole weekend! I know we did other things like clean and a Target trip, some church and some cooking, a little laundry but these were the real highlights.

Have a fabulous week!

Friday Finds

Friday! Friday! Friday! Yippie!


Tomorrow is suppose to be a rainy one so I think Aiden might love making these.

These devo plan..yes.

When I was doing my Dressing Me post I did a little drooling over this, this, and these.

We love the Crockpot around here and I think this would be convenient.

Thinking one of these may help with our little huge lego collection.


We are off for a Disney night!!

Dressing Me

I am not the most fashionable dresser but at times I can put together cute outfits. Thanks, Pinterest!

Most of my clothes are a few years old and I just find ways to restyle them. I have bought or been given a few new pieces but for the most part they are older or second hand (thrifted or Instagram sales.)

I do this post to show how I make what I have work - most of the pieces I have are no longer available to purchase but maybe you can find something in your closet to make it work. If I can provide a link I will - if not have fun in your closet!

Necklace: Target - old

Cardigan: Banana Republic (Instagram sale: thecuratedcloset)

Tank: Target - old

Pants - JcPenny's -old similar

Shoes: Target similar

Braclets: Alex + Ani

Cardigan: Target similar

Top: Elle (Instagram sale: thecuratedcloset)

Skirt: Target - old

Top: Loft - no longer available

Skirt: Loft - no longer available

Shoes: Target - similar

Bracelets: Alex + Ani

Clearly I am not a fashion model but I hope this helps you put together an outfit and helps me with outfit choices. 

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy. 

Weekend Update & a Disney Adventure

Friday was Rodeo day here in Osceola county and I was at the ABHE Annual Meeting so Aiden got a Mimi day. By the time I got home it was bedtime. 

Saturday: We all slept in and then enjoyed the warmer weather outside. 

Then we loaded up and headed to Oviedo for a co-ed baby shower for Jesse's brother and sister-in-law. We are pretty excited for Baby Emma to make her debut.

Jesse won 3rd place (copper bottle) in the bottle chug challenge! He was pretty proud - excuse my side pictures I was competing with the big cameras and I only had my iphone :( 

My kids know how to party. 

She loves her Uncle Jake! It must be a red head thing. 

Sunday we headed to church. 

Someone picked out her hair bows, socks, and shoes by herself. It was a little over kill but she was happy.

We headed home for lunch and changed and headed to Animal Kingdom for some afternoon fun.

But first Starbucks!

The Festival of the Lion King was our first stop. This is one of our favorite shows. 

So excited to see our favorite characters. 

Then we headed to the Safari. 

Clearly they are really excited!

The animals were pretty active. The safari can be hit or miss but this was probably one of the best ones we have been on. 

Here's my Disney tip of the week - Each park has a baby care center - inside the baby center they have nursing rooms, changing tables, and a room with seating and a disney movie or show on and it's air conditioned!! We stopped in to fill up our water bottles - they also have water dispenser and ended up staying for a quick snack and A/C break.

We headed home and got the kiddos in bed by 8 - I am so glad they can't tell time yet! Then Ellie came over and hung out with the sleeping kids (aka - watched our Netflix) while Jesse and I had a grown-ups only grocery trip to Target. {ps - Yoga pants are $10 this week!!}

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

Friday Finds

Because you can never have enough Peeta.

This may or may not have made me cry. #disneyside

Have you used zulily before? I usually order my Toms from here when they are available. But I couldn't resist this shirt for Felicity. There may or may not have been Toms in my cart as well!

Sign Language and Let It Go...be still my heart

Breakfast on Saturday

I hope everyone is having fabulous Friday - I am enjoying the ABHE annual meeting!

I leave you with my cuties!

*if you order from zulily I get a $15 credit

Rocking the Lunch Box

I have shared on here Aiden's lack of eating during lunch at school so when I was offered the chance thru Influencer to sample some great lunch options I was really excited. Aiden was also pretty excited. I waited not so patiently for my envelope of coupons for free products to arrive. We got coupons for Annie's Homegrown, Honest juice boxes, Rudi's bread products, and Applegate. We headed off to Target for a little shopping fun. Aiden got to pick out the items which he had a great time with. 

He settled on cheese pizza bagels, a multi pack of Annie's snacks(it came with cheddar bunnies, chocolate chip bunnies and square cheddar crackers), Rudi's whole wheat bagels, and the ham & cheese half-time. - I have no idea why I didn't take a picture of all his goodies but by the time I remember he had gobbled them up!

On Monday we packed a nice lunch. I added peanut butter for the bagel but Aiden wasn't impressed with that. He loved the Annie's bunnies - He made sure that I sampled them too and I agree with him - they are pretty tasty. So the next day we switched out the bagel for the cheese frozen bagels (We cooked them the day before and I slip them into snack bags) those were a hit! 

That sweet boy could not wait to show me his lunch box and we have been on a roll ever since. He is so excited to share his empty lunch box each day. 

The pizza bagels made for great lunchs and a nice afternoon snack - we both enjoyed those. 

The Rudi's bagels weren't a huge hit with Aiden so I ended up eating most of them. There were okay but not as good as fresh ones. I think next time I would chose something else, like the tortillas. 

The Applegate half-time snack was a great afternoon stack for Aiden. I am glad we didn't send it to lunch with him since he had some trouble getting the packaging open. But he gobbled it right up. He just wanted to know where the drink was!

Aiden loved the honest juice boxes as well but they were a little hard for him to open sometimes. We ended up adding the Annie's multi-pack and bagel bites to our weekly shopping list. 

My mom was so proud of me that I came up with this whole Rock the Lunchbox idea and I felt bad when I had to break the news to her that it really wasn't my idea but thanks to Influencer, Aiden has been rocking his lunch box the last 3 weeks! 

You can join in the fun too, click here for coupons to help you #rockthelunchbox

~ I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.