fashion – Picking up the Pendricks

Back to School: Favorite Places To Shop For Boys

What probably should have been a “Favorite Things Friday” post is obviously taking place on a Sunday because I can’t seem to stick to my schedule and also because I’ve procrastinated buying the boys their back to school stuff and we didn’t go until yesterday. With that being said, I’ll keep this short and to the point! I’ve received a few Instagram messages lately asking where my favorite places to shop for my boys are, or where I’ve gotten specific shirts and pieces. Well, I’m not one for keeping secrets, especially when it comes to shopping or where I found a good deal.

A very short back story: When I first found out that Marek was a boy, I was so excited. I could FINALLY look for baby clothes at the stores. To my disappointment, when I got to the stores I would find only a tiny back corner section for boys clothing whilst the entire front and center section of the store was jam-packed with girls clothing.

Since it’s a little more difficult (in my opinion) to shop for little boys, here are some of my FAVORITE PLACES to shop for my boys. Most of these places run sales FREQUENTLY. You don’t have to be rich to dress your kid nice, trust me I’m a bargain shopper from way back (shout out to my mom, Mary!).

Nordstrom Rack- Four words- NAME BRANDS FOR CHEAP. We found almost all of our name brand stuff for the boys there. Vans, Under Armour, Nike, Urban Republic, etc. All found there, all for a very cheap price.

DSW– The best place for shoes in my opinion, although this time around we didn’t have too much luck since the one in Grand Rapids was pretty well picked through. Apparently they start school next week so they had all of the last minute parents and guardians scooping up all of the good steals. Among our shoes this year are Nautica tennis shoes which I will link HERE, Sperry’s for our dressy days which I will link HERE, Vans Classic Checker Slip-On’s which I will link HERE, and Nike tennis shoes which I will link HERE.

The very beginning of our haul- not pictured- a million shirts and many more pants, and backpacks.

Old Navy– Old Navy is a staple for the graphic t-shirts. Especially if your kids are anything like mine and obsessed with Mario, Yoshi, Sonic, Batman, Captain America, Spiderman, etc.

Coat- Urban Republic- Nordstrom Rack. Shirt- Old Navy. Shoes- Nordstrom Rack.

The Children’s Place & Abercrombie Kids- I do all of this shopping online because I know the kids sizes and what fits them best. When they run sales, they run SALES- so get it while it lasts! The sizes seem to sell out fast. BTW- These two stores are my FAVORITE places to get jeans/pants. They don’t wear out fast and they’re not made cheaply.

So as you can see, back to school shopping doesn’t have to break your bank. Almost everything I bought for them was half off or more, you just have to put in the effort and know where to look! Not that there is anything wrong with hand-me-downs, or second hand stores such as Goodwill, but why have used clothes when you can buy brand new ones for similar prices???

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday, and is preparing to have a wonderful week!

Until next time,

Em.

“Soft Launch” of J&M Co.- A New Adventure

Happy Friday Y’all! So I know I’ve been promising exciting stuff coming up, and it feels like it’s taken forever… I also promise that I have good reasoning for being so inconsistent with my posts lately, so here it is- I’ve been working on a little side project and I’m so happy to announce the “soft launch” of J&M Co. Designs! I’ve been working on various different creations for months now, and after lots of practice and learning new techniques I’m excited to finally be able to offer personalized apparel, clothing, glassware, etc under our new “business name”!

67650278_905051453177512_2172865216797212672_n — Logo courtsey of Alyson Fink Designs!

The name obviously comes from my boys names, Jayce and Marek, “J&M”. Wow, super original, I know… *Que eye roll* but I think it’s cute.

With that being said I’ve been waiting to get our official logo finished up by Alyson Fink Designs, as well as waiting to launch our business Facebook page, and Instagram page. (If anyone is looking for any kind of logo work, or designs in general, I HIGHLY suggest checking out Alyson Fink Designs. You WILL NOT be disappointed). Moving on, there is potential for us to eventually set up an Etsy page, but with us working to get on our feet we figured we would start with these two for now and see how this all goes. With still working a full time job in Human Resources and Accounting, it’s been a juggling game trying to find the best balance and routine.

So on to the good stuff- what does J&M Co. offer? Good, I’m glad you asked!

We offer various different things such as apparel, drink ware, kitchen and bathroom accessories, and home decor. We’ve been busy making baby onesies, t-shirts for both adults and children of all sizes, coasters, personalized wine glasses (both with stems and stemless), custom cups, koozies, etc. The list is ENDLESS. I will include some photos below of some of the things we have been working on lately.

Custom Traverse City Wine Glasses (Rose Gold)

Sippy Cups/Snack Cups are the perfect little gift set idea!

More Michigan Wine Glasses- I can’t get enough!

So there you have it, just a few of the MANY projects we’ve worked on. If you have any custom requests or inquiries, please feel free to message me on our Facebook page or email me at jandmco.2@gmail.com and I will get back with you! Also feel free to spread the word, we love to be busy. Mostly- I’m just excited that the fun I’ve been having with my crafting has turned into something that others can enjoy as well. I’ll include links to our Instagram page, as well as our Facebook page below. I would love some feedback on suggestions, as well as any kind of constructive criticism.

J&M Co. Instagram

J&M Co. Facebook

Also, if you’ve bought anything from us previously, please feel free to share around and let us know by using our hashtag #jandmconorthernmich

We are also excited to announce that we can ship anywhere in the United States, and shipping costs will vary depending on location.

As always, thank you to all of our family, friends, and strangers alike for the constant support. We couldn’t do it without you!

Until next time,

Em.

One Year Review!

I apologize for being absent the past few weeks. Not only have we been really busy, but we’ve had a funeral and various other family related matters that have needed our attention.

As of Tuesday June 11, it has officially been one year since I started writing here on Picking Up The Pendrick’s. WOW. One whole year! At the time I had no idea how much positive feedback I would be getting from my friends, family, and complete strangers. The expansion of my writing and creativity has really brought me so much joy, and has really given me something positive to invest my time in. What began as a “journaling activity” to help me relax and sort my thoughts has turned into something so much more than just that. I truly enjoy being able to share advice (whether it’s wanted or not), my favorite products, recipes, and our everyday life journey with anyone willing to read.

Since it’s our one year anniversary I figured I would do a review of the one year here at Picking Up The Pendrick’s (and boy what a year it’s been), as well as another giveaway!

Before I get into the giveaway let’s have a quick recap of what’s gone on in our lives and on the blog since June 11 of 2018.

Brian turned 30!

Jayce started 1st grade, and Marek started pre-school.

Jayce turned 6!

Brian and I got married!

& we went honeymooning in Nashville.

We enjoyed our first Christmas married (and our 3rd Christmas together as a family of 4).

I accepted a new position at work. No picture for that, just lots of excitement.

Marek turned 5.

I graduated from Baker College with my bachelors degree & with my sister! (WOO HOO! We did it!)

We got a new puppy, Nellie!

Yeah, it’s been a busy year. It has my head spinning all over again even thinking about all of the stuff that we jam packed into the last year. This year we plan on having a much more relaxed year, with a few less events. So far this summer in Northern Michigan hasn’t even been warm enough or dry enough for us to really enjoy ourselves outside but once it starts warming up (if it starts warming up) we have plans to camp and be out on the boat!

The boys have been enjoying the trails on their dirtbikes/quads, rain or shine.

Anyway- now that we’ve done a quick recap and a few new updates, let’s get onto the giveaway!

I have two wine glasses with the opal holographic vinyl that say “Partners in Wine”. I’m going to be doing another e-mail automatic drawing for every one of my followers that is subscribed to Picking Up The Pendrick’s via email. If you haven’t subscribed yet, go to Picking Up The Pendrick’s and on the right hand side there will be a box that gives you the opportunity to enter your email. I will be picking an email by this Friday 06/21/2019 at 5pm Eastern Time. (I think that’s what Michigan is in, right?) I will let you know via email if you’ve been the selected winner on Friday! (Shipping is available within the U.S).

I can’t thank each and every person enough for continuing to follow along with us and our lives. I truly appreciate each and every reader, and I hope you will all stay tuned this upcoming year because we’ve got some more fun stuff and news to share!

I hope everyone has a fantastic week, and I’ll be back on Friday with a new one!

Until next time,

Surprise Post Saturday! 5 Tips For Making It Through Family Pictures

Hey guys! I know I don’t usually post on Saturdays, but I am dying to share these family photos and these tips that go along with them so I’m doing a little “Surprise Post Saturday” if you will… If you really know me, you know that family pictures are on my list of top 5 favorite things ever. Is it necessary to have family pictures done as much as we do? No. But you guys, the kids change so fast and I just love having cute family pictures to cherish forever. Plus, my walls need frequent updating with new pictures as the boys change so there’s always that.

Since this is CLEARLY not my first rodeo, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite tips for making it through family photos without your spouse killing you, and without your kids causing you to absolutely lose your mind.

Find the right photographer. Find one who can work well with your kids, is patient, etc. Our photographer Alyson Fink is AMAZING with us and the boys. She has no problem getting in there and moving everyone where they need to be. She’s so great with the kids and keeps them laughing and keeps the whole shoot fun. All of the stress really just goes away when you have the right photographer.
Know what you want ahead of time and communicate that to your photographer. Pinterest the poses and pictures ahead of time and communicate what you want with your photographer. If there are certain poses/shots that you want, communicate that with your photographer and they will try their best to capture what you want if possible. (I feel like it should go without saying though, to be realistic when it comes to your photos. Don’t be that client who has completely unrealistic expectations, just don’t.)
Choose your outfit first. I like to pick my outfit first and then plan everyone else accordingly. Selfish? Not really, it has always just been the easiest starting point for me. Plus, if I am feeling confident in something that I am wearing I really worry less that day.
Bribing your kids is 100% okay. You can almost bet that if we had family pictures done, it ended with the boys getting ice cream. Honestly, it’s usually the only way I can get two kids (boys nontheless) to participate.
Be alright with candid. The perfectly posed smiling picture is a rare one, and if you can get it, rejoice from the highest hill. The best pictures in my opinion are the candid ones where you kid starts saying “smile where you poop from” and then everyone bursts out laughing. These are truly great moments to capture.

Now with that being said, I’ll share some of our most current family photos from last weekend at Pier Port in Bear Lake Michigan, courtesy of Alyson Fink Photography. I am IN LOVE with them and so happy that the weather and Lake Michigan were able to cooperate for us.

So there you have it, our new obsession! I am so happy with these, and I highly encourage anyone to spend the money and make the investment in family photos. These are memories and years that you will be thankful were captured looking back.

ALSO: I’m linking where I got my dress here because it was so comfortable, it had pockets, AND IT WAS AN AMAZON STEAL!

I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend! I am catching up on cleaning and laundry before our big day of CPL classes that we are hosting tomorrow.

Until next time!

Favorite Things Friday Is Back!

Can I get an Amen?! No? Okay. Well, I guess I’m hyping this post up a little bit because I’m super excited to share some of my current favorite things with you after the “FTF” posts were taking a sabbatical.

A little back story to this- I was having a discussion with Brian the other day (I’m sure he was paying super close attention while working on something in the garage), but anyway… I was talking about how the internet, specifically social media, puts unrealistic expectations on life and can sometimes cause stress, anxiety, and mixed feelings about yourself as a person/mother. I was following so many of these “rich mom” bloggers who were showing off their lavish $800,000 houses and driving their Lincoln Navigator “Black Labels” costing around $105,000. Most of these moms were stay at home moms, but not my normal idea of a stay at home mom. These moms went to get facials, and get their nails and hair done weekly. They were traveling to places like Hawaii, Paris, and Australia. They were working out and shopping while their nanny took care of their children. I’m not even going to lie and say “I would never want this kind of lifestyle” at any point, but the truth of it is that this lifestyle isn’t realistic for me. We are a middle class working family, and comparing myself, my family, my income and my tangible assets to those in a completely different tax bracket wasn’t good for my mental health.

So what did I do about this? I regrouped my entire Instagram/blog world. I unfollowed those who didn’t bring me inspiration and good feelings, and now my news feed is full of positive people who actually inspire me on a daily basis. It’s full of people who I can generally relate to in real world terms. So today on my “FTF” post, I’m going to share my top 6 favorite and most inspirational Instagram’s/blogs.

Alyx Blauwkamp- I would be doing everyone here a total disservice by not including one of my very best friends. She is a Beach Body coach who I will be joining for the next 80 day challenge, and her Instagram and Facebook page are absolutely inspirational for anyone looking to join the fitness community. There is also MAD humor from a mom perspective as she goes through her fitness journey and includes her two littles along the way. It’s witty, and motivating, and I cannot love her, or her page more.
El Hubbard has been one of my favorite mom/yoga figures to follow for quite some time now. She’s raw, she’s real, and she’s awesome. Her Instagram “momjeansyoga” is one of my absolute yoga favorites and I love following her journey.
Ashly Fritch– Not only is she a fellow boy mama, but she has THREE BOYS. And, her boys ride dirt bikes too! I love following her because she’s always positive and upbeat, yet is honest about the trials of parenting, the importance of a healthy relationship/marriage, and she’s got wicked style for both fashion and home. She’s one of my all time favorites and I always look forward to her in my feed! Her blog Beautiful Kind of Chaos is out of this world.
Molly Wey & Family– Another #boymom of three! Capturing the busy lives of moms with boys, an incredible fashion sense, and amazing fitness tips and tricks, this mom truly is the full package when it comes to a blog/Instagram with inspiration. Her blog is the cutest, also.
HarlowandKatie– If you’re needing an inspiring mother/daughter duo, look no further. This mom is tough as nails, her kids are so adorable. I love following their journey, and watching her daughter Harlow continue growing along with her little brother Brixton by her side. Her stories are raw and real, and this is one of my favorite things about her. She has also recently opened up a lot about the importance of mental health in mamas, and overcoming anxiety.
Micah Folsom & Family– Another of my favorite fitness mamas! Four kids, working from home, the Father, the meal prep, and all things fab. She’s truly a goddess and I love watching her positive videos.

So there you have it. My current obsession with blogs, and all things awesome on Instagram. I always love when people can inspire styles, give advice, and parenting tips. I don’t find myself comparing myself to these people, I just find myself feeling like I need to do the workout I wanted to do, or be a more patient mom. Or paint my living room, and rearrange my furniture. It’s so nice to find a positive corner of the internet with everything going on in the news lately, and of course everyone has an opinion about it. I do too, but it’s sometimes nice to just have a day where I can go almost completely unbothered and just keep my positive tune going. It’s something I struggle with daily, but something I will continue to strive toward until I can call myself a master.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Tune back in on Tuesday for another post, I’m trying to get back onto my Tuesday & Friday routine for posting consistently.

Until then,

Favorite Things Friday!

Happy Friday!! Woo-hoo! After being off work a good portion of last week, I never thought Friday would bless me with its presence. I’m finally getting myself back in sync with my regular posting routine (Tuesdays and Fridays) and I’m feeling pretty accomplished because of it. I’ve been in a time management funk and it feels so good to be back in a regular, caught up routine.

Any-who, I know you’re all dying to know what I’ve chosen to feature for my favorite things Friday so I’ll get down to the meat and potatoes, I promise this post will be short, sweet, and to the point. We all know how much I love small, family owned businesses. I am generally a huge advocate for local business, small business, and supporting your friends, family, and neighbors businesses. Because I love these family owned and operated businesses so much, it should be no surprise why Nickel and Suede is one of my favorites!

If you click on their “about me” tab on their website, you can read their story about how they began this business in the basement of their home, and how since then they’ve grown in incredible ways. There are few things in this world that I love more than seeing businesses like this develop into something much bigger. I also love following their business and their family on the owner Kilee’s Instagram, she’s definitely one of my favorites when it comes to styles of any kind.

They make lightweight leather earrings, bracelets, rings, shirts, hats, a candle, water bottles, and more.

I should be getting my spotted cork leather earrings in the mail sometime this week, and when I do I’ll be sure to feature a photo on Instagram for you guys to see!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and we will be back to touch base on Tuesday with some Valentine’s Day stuff!

Until then,