Christmas gifts for the men in your life

I'm sure we can all agree that Christmas shopping for our husbands, dads, boyfriends and brothers is by far the hardest. My husband is super picky and hard to buy for. Throughout the year I really try to write down things he mentions that he wants so that I can surprise him with gifts that he will love. However, I still struggle to come up with unique gifts for he and my dad because I feel like they both already have everything! Here are some things I have rounded up that he is getting this year or that were his favorite gifts in the past.

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This Yeti cooler is by far Garrett's favorite gift that I've ever given him. He uses it every single day to take lunch to work and we use the heck of it at the beach in the summer. Pricey but you absolutely can't beat the quality.

My husband has been dying for a watch like this for a while. Watches are his "thing" and this striped nylon band is so fun and makes it a little less dressy than his other watches.

What guy wouldn't like to try new barbecue sauces and meat rub? The perfect stocking stuffer for any man!

Garrett got this speaker last year and we use it all the time. It is bluetooth compatible and waterproof which makes it perfect for the beach.

I gave this Barbour vest to my husband for his birthday last year and he wears it all the time. And it looks SO handsome! Ladies, get this for your man!

These whiskey stones will keep his drink cold but won't water it down. Last year I put these ice molds in his stocking and he uses them allllll the time but they do melt and water his expensive bourbon down.

Everyone needs a S'well bottle. Personally I like S'well bottles better than Yeti mugs because you can throw them in your purse, gym bag, golf bag, etc. without having to worry about your drink spilling.

A man can never have too many pocket squares.

 A man can also never have too many pairs of tennis shoes. My husband has a tennis shoe problem and he has been wanting these for a while. Maybe Santa will surprise him.

These wireless earbuds are perfect if your guy likes to work out with music. My husband can't stand having a cord attaching his earbuds to his phone when he is trying to exercise. Bluetooth compatible and comfortable in your ears.

These silicone wedding bands are perfect for the active man. It's a Christmas miracle that G hasn't lost his wedding band yet... he takes it off and leaves it everywhere (gym, ledge of the shower, by the kitchen sink, you name it). This silicone band could be left on at all times and wouldn't get messed up when exercising, swimming in the ocean, hiking, etc.

These powerblock dumbbells have been on Garrett's wish list for a while and I think he will finally get them this year. By now I'm sure you've realized that he loves exercising and lifting weights and having these adjustable weights at home makes an at-home workout possible so he doesn't have to leave us to go to the gym.

How awesome is this bluetooth meat thermometer? He can program it to his phone so he doesn't have to go outside a million times to check the grill.

Mizzen + Main dress shirts are machine washable, wrinkle resistant and SO soft. They fit so well and look great on. I'm sure this brand is going to explode pretty soon.

Grab the button below and link up with Emily, Brittany and I for your Christmas gift guides post. Share your post on Instagram and tag us @mrsordavis, @threeboysandagirlblog, and @brittanywhitacre.

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The BEST white chicken chili

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We had the absolute best long weekend at my in-laws. Spending time at their farm is so relaxing and feels like such a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Anyways, this time of year we have soup or chili every Sunday. I love being able to hang out around the house and watch football on Sundays knowing that a yummy soup is cooking in the crockpot. This is the best white chicken chili. A delicious mix up if you are tired of traditional chili.

White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

-2 medium onions, diced

-1 tbsp minced garlic

-2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

-1 tbsp olive oil

-2 lbs cooked chicken, cubed (I used 1 whole rotisserie chicken)

-32 oz low sodium chicken broth

-4 cans (15.5 oz) great northern white beans, drained and rinsed

-3 cans (4 oz) diced green chiles

-2 tsp salt
-1 tsp pepper

-2 tsp ground cumin

-2 tsp died oregano

-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

-1 tsp chili powder

-8 oz low fat cream cheese, cubed

-1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil and lime juice until onions are cooked well.

2. Add in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, beans, chiles, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then reduce heat to simmer. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes or until thickness you desire. Stir occasionally.

3. Turn off heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese. Stir constantly until cream cheese melts and incorporates completely. Stir in the heavy cream.

4. Serve with toppings: shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, you decide!

**You can also make in a crock pot. Complete step 1 then add all ingredients to a large crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4. Once hot and thickened, continue with step 3.**

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Don't forget to link up with us tomorrow with your gift guides for men!

Baby essentials months 6-9

I cannot believe my baby is 9 months old (tomorrow)! When I was pregnant I loved reading about other momma's favorites for their littles. I think its great to read other recs so you can get an idea about things that your little might love as well. I posted about our favorites for months 0-3 here and for months 3-6 here. Here are my favorites for months 6-9!

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+ Baby Bjorn carrier. We have used the heck out of this! Once she was officially too big for the Solly Wrap, we transitioned her into this and have been so happy with it. Sometimes we face her in and sometimes we face her out. It is very supportive and doesn't kill your back.

+ Teething egg. She has been teething for the past 2 months straight basically and she loves chewing on this egg. I could attach it to her clothes so that she could grab it whenever she wanted.

+ Ikea high chair. For $20, you absolutely cannot beat this high chair. It is easy on the eyes, easy to wipe down and you don't have to worry about fabric getting nasty and covered in puffs and baby food. Take my word for it: do not spend $250 on a high chair!

+ Singing elephant. By far her favorite toy right now! It sings and flaps it's ears and she laughs and smiles every.single.time.

+ Banana teething toothbrush. It is flexible and has handles so it's super easy for them to hold onto and chew on. Doubles as a teether and a toothbrush and added bonus that it looks super cute!

+ Aden + Anais sleep sack. We transitioned her out of the Merlin's magic sleep suit into this sleep sack when she started rolling and thankfully it was a smooth transition. She is hot natured so I like that this sleep sack is pretty thin but we put long sleeve pjs on underneath. They do make some that are thicker and warmer like this one.

+ Ride Cruiser Car. She is obsessed with this thing. We could literally push her around for hours and she'd hold on to the steering wheel, happy as can be. So dang cute!

+ Puffs. Need I say more? I buy organic so that I don't feel quite as guilty about giving her half a container of these every night to keep her occupied while I cook dinner.

+ Teether paci. Loves this when going through rough teething days.

+ Colorful suction spin wheels. These are so fun for bath time. She loves to watch as I pour water over them and make them spin. She also really loves these stackable bath boats and so do I because they don't get gross and mildewed like some of the squirt toys do. Also, they are stackable which saves space and makes them easy to store.

+ Bath sponge. I have had SO many people ask me about this. Vivi hated her bathtub when she was a newborn because she wasn't fully immersed in water so she got cold. I bought this cheap sponge which we just put in the bottom of the tub and lay her on it and she has loved bath time ever since. Now she just sits on it to prevent her from slipping and sliding all around.

+ Outdoor swing. She loves being outdoors and loves swinging too! Sometimes it even puts her right to sleep ;)

+ Sippy cup. At Vivi's 6 month check-up our pediatrician suggested that we start introducing water in a sippy cup so that she will be comfortable drinking out of them when we stop bottles at 1. I got these and at first she had no idea how to drink from it but now she's a pro! I've heard great things about these Dr. Brown's sippy cups and I will definitely introduce these spill-free sippy cups when she gets a little older.

+ Bead Maze Cube. One of her favorite toys right now. All the different sides keep her entertained for a while and she loves standing and holding onto it (with my assistance!).

+ Music activity table. She wants to be standing 100% of the time. She loves standing up and playing on her table with the lights and music.

+ Push walker. She still can't do this on her own yet but she loooves when we support her while she "walks" and pushes it. She gets so proud of herself, it's hilarious!

+ Light and music bar. The perfect toy for tummy time. It has a little stand so you can prop it up. There are three modes: animal sounds, colors and music. Also three languages but we stick to english ha!

Alright mamas, what am I missing?!

Weekending: cute (and cheap!) holiday shirts!

Happy Monday friends! Today is an exciting day: it's the first day at my new job! I feel like it's my first day at a new school... so many new friends to meet and who will I sit with at lunch?!

Anyway, this weekend was our first weekend at home in forever. I was so great to have no plans but we still managed to do so much and I was exhausted by Sunday night. Friday morning Vivi woke up just not acting herself. I looked in her ears (perks of working in medicine!) and indeed she had an ear infection. We were at the pediatrician by 8:00am and they confirmed that she did, in fact, have an ear infection and they sent us on our way with antibiotics.

Well when I got to the car (with a cranky baby who didn't feel good and was supposed to be at home napping) it wouldn't crank. A dead freaking battery. My entire family was out of town and my husband was at work and wasn't answering his phone. After about 10 minutes of waiting and wondering what to do Garrett finally snuck away and came to save us. Needless to say, my Friday wasn't starting off on a good note.

 Friday night we had friends over for dinner and I took the lazy easy way out and picked up a few big chicken parmesan dishes from a local italian restaurant and threw together a salad. We had the best time chatting and letting the babies "play".

Saturday morning I snuck away to the gym for the first time in forrrrever for a cycling class. It felt amazing to work out! Then my husband told me to go shopping for a few hours while he kept Vivi... twist my arm. I scored 4 tops on major sale and I can't wait to share them with y'all!

top | shoes

This red blouse from Loft is on sale from $50 to just $30! I got it for work but how cute would it be with a black skirt and black heels or booties for a Christmas party?! 

top

This dark green top from Old Navy was just $18! The prettiest color for Christmas time. This top has bell sleeves but they are simple and not dramatic... perfect for work.

 top | necklace

When I saw this red velvet top at Old Navy, I knew 100% that it was coming home with me. For only $12 (!!!), I almost got it in every single color. I am considering wearing it for family pictures this weekend, thoughts?! And every single day in December ha!

top | necklace | shoes

I have a terrible habit of finding a top I love and buying it in multiple colors. That's exactly what I did with this top but you can never have too many black tops, am I right? This will be on repeat for work and dressed up for dinner dates, girls nights, etc.

Saturday night my niece spent the night and we watched Christmas movies, had candy and popcorn and fell asleep way too early. It was so fun! Sunday morning Vivi was feeling better so we went to church, gym, grocery store... our usual Sunday routine. So that is our boring but great weekend in a nutshell!

The end of a chapter

Today is my last day at my current job... my first "big girl" job as a physician assistant. It is truly bittersweet. I have been here for 2 years and we are like one big family. I am comfortable here but feel like I have "plateaued" in terms of learning. I absolutely love learning and expanding my knowledge of medicine and treating patients which is why I am super excited for the next step in my career.

Back story: I wasn't even looking for a new job but one fell in my lap and it was too good to pass up. It is amazing how God opens doors for you and His plan is always best! I will now be working at a super high-esteemed orthopedic practice just 5 minutes from my house (as opposed to my 30 minute commute now). I will be part of a group consisting of eight surgeons and six physician assistants. A much bigger practice than I am at now. The best part is I spent 4 years here before PA school so I already know everyone! It feels like going home and I am so excited.

My new job is at a Level I trauma center and it is the biggest orthopedic practice in the eastern half of our state so my days will be much more exciting (and busy!). The surgeons and PA's I will be working with are brilliant and some of the best in the country. I cannot wait to learn from them and expand my orthopedic knowledge. And getting to assist in the operating room with incredibly talented surgeons is the icing on the cake.

So, while I am so sad to say goodbye to my coworkers and work family today, I am pumped to be stepping out of my comfort zone and into the next chapter. Change is scary but necessary for growth!

Christmas gifts for ladies

Happy Wednesday! Today is all about Christmas gifts for the women in your life... your mom, best friend, mother-in-law, sister, or heck even yourself [send this gift guide to your significant other ;)]. I feel like women are the easiest to shop for but often you see the same gifts over and over. I tried to gather some of my very favorite gifts I've ever received and I can't wait to steal some ideas from you guys!

Christmas gifts for ladies/moms/MIL's/girlfriends

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These J.Crew pajamas have been on my wish list for a while. I would never splurge on pjs for myself so this would be a perfect gift for your mom or even yourself! These pajamas are much prettier than the ratty t-shirts and pajama pants I usually wear.

My husband just gave me this personalized gold bar necklace yesterday and I'm in love. It is simple and I plan on never taking it off. Perfect for layering with other necklaces. You can personalize it with your child's name, anniversary date, or any other special memory.

I am obsessed with this Tory Burch leather clutch. Not cheap but TB products last for years and years and are absolutely worth the money. You get what you pay for, right? I am swooning over the red for Christmas parties.

For Mother's Day my husband totally blew me away with a watercolor painting of Vivi and I. He ordered it here. This is such a thoughtful, unique gift that anyone would love... your mom, MIL, or any other lady in your life.

I have had this exact Hobo wallet for 7 years and it is still in great condition. I love how it keeps everything organized and has multiple pockets for chapstick, lipstick, bobby pins, etc. It can also double as a clutch if you don't want to carry a purse.

You can never go wrong with perfume. This Jo Malone perfume is my very favorite and I find myself "saving" it for special events because I want it to last forever!

I am always on the hunt for new healthy recipes. This cook book is perfect for the lady in your life that loves to cook.

I have these Kendra Scott earrings in multiple colors and they are basically the only earrings I wear. Not too heavy and super cute with any outfit.

How precious is this gold cuff bracelet? I say this to Viv and Garrett all the time and it would be such a sweet reminder of them on my wrist.

Every lady needs personalized stationary. I think hand written notes are a lost art but I still make an effort to send snail mail frequently. A letter on monogrammed stationary presents so well.

I use the heck out of my S'Well water bottle and I'm dying for another color. It keeps water cold forever and I love that you can throw it in your bag and not have to worry about spills.

I just got these leopard print flats for my birthday. They have been on my wish list forever! I can't wait to wear them all.the.time.

This camera instantly prints polaroid pictures, how awesome is that? Such a fun gadget to have.

I have these exact tennis shoes and love them. I think every woman needs a pair of black Nikes. Bonus: they are 25% off right now!

Y'all already know how much I love champagne. These plastic, shatter-proof stemless champagne glasses are a must for all champagne lovers. I was sold at "you can throw them in the dishwasher"!

Grab the button below and link up with Emily, Brittany and I for your Christmas gift guides post. Share your post on Instagram and tag us @mrsordavis, @threeboysandagirlblog, and @brittanywhitacre.

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My best friend's wedding weekend

Guess what today is? My birthday! I plan on hanging with my baby girl all day and my mom is cooking my favorite meal tonight so it should be a great day! So very thankful for another year!

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This past weekend was my best friend's wedding. We kicked off wedding weekend with a bridesmaid's luncheon on Friday. Everything was beautiful and it was so nice to relax and enjoy time with all the girls before things got crazy.

 We headed to the church Friday afternoon for the rehearsal and then to the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner was so sweet. There were so many toasts from friends and family. Also, I went with the purple dress and got so many compliments!

 dress

 Saturday we were up bright and early for hair and makeup at the bride's parent's house. We sipped mimosas and got pampered, it was so much fun. The reception was in her parent's backyard under a huge tent. The weather was absolutely gorgeous [but cold!] on Saturday but however it rained so much last week that the ground was soaked and so muddy. Her parents had parts of the yard replaced with new sod and had huge blowers to try to dry the yard out but it was still pure mud. By the end of the night we were all covered and the bride's dress was ruined. But no one cared because it was the best night ever! The dance floor was packed all night and it was one of the best nights ever!

Also, every wedding needs a photo booth. We had way too much fun and the photo booth guy hated us by the end of the night.

 I'm still recovering from a weekend full of way too much fun. It's a good thing best friends don't get married every weekend.

FoF

[O N E]

I mentioned on my Insta story a few weeks ago that I finally met Emily in real life. We had lunch and it felt like we had been best friends for years! I could had chatted with her all day long. She is the sweetest mama of two precious boys [arranged marriage please?!]. That is the absolute best part about blogging. I have made so many friendships and I feel closer to some of my "blogging friends" than I do with friends I've known IRL for years. 

jeans [only $17!]

[T W O]

My amazing mama's birthday was on Tuesday and we sent her gorgeous tulips through The Bouqs Company. I have used this company multiple times (and received flowers through this company) and have always been super impressed. Not sponsored, just love their product. Use this code to get $15 off your first bouquet delivery!

[T H R E E]
I am on the hunt for a new camera. I have a huge Nikon that I just have not been able to figure out how to use. The pictures on auto are not great and I don't have time to learn how to shoot consistently in manual. I want easy to use that takes super clear pictures. Any recs?

[F O U R]
Thank you to everyone who linked up with Emily, Brittany and I on Wednesday for our Christmas gift guides for kids! Don't forget to link up with us again this Wednesday with your gift guides for ladies (yourself! your mom, MIL, friend, sister). All you have to do is grab the button below and link up to share your ideas and get ideas from other ladies! My plan is to accidentally send my husband the link to my gift guide ;)

[F I V E]
Last but not least, it is finally my best friend's wedding weekend! We have been friends since we were 1 year old, crazy! Yesterday we all got manis and pedis, today we have the bridesmaid's luncheon, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner and tomorrow is wedding day! I am so excited to celebrate Molly all weekend. She is the kindest person I know and deserves all the happiness in the world!

Linking up with April and Amanda