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Life
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June 18, 2015

Bye Bye 24

2424.
 

Twenty-four will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year, I wrote a post about the 23 lessons I learned at 23 and I briefly thought about writing a similar post, but I didn’t think it would do this year justice. My birthday week last year was one of the saddest weeks of my life; It started out extremely rough with the passing of my grandfather. And continued to be sad with the funeral and then passing of my other grandfather.

 

However from all of the sadness, came excitement in August when we found out I was pregnant with Brooke. To add to the excitement, a few days later, Kevin and I left for our trip to Washington D.C. and New York where we took in the history of D.C. and the sports of New York. We got to go to the U.S. Open Finals, a Mets game and a Yankees game. We knew this would be our last vacation as a family of two and we soaked in every moment together.

 

We had unexpected sadness with the passing of aunt in October the same day our family was opening their mail to our pregnancy announcement. I learned the strange feeling of overwhelming joy and sadness at the same time.  For my family, our pregnancy announcement was a breath of fresh air from all of the death.

 

The rest of the year was filled with preparing for Brooke’s arrival. I had two awesome baby showers and to our surprise, Brooke arrived 5 weeks early. She has brought so much joy to my life in these past two months. 24 will forever hold a special place in my heart, because it was the year I grew her in my belly and got to hold her in my arms.

 

24 will always be the age I became a mom to my sweet baby girl. I wouldn’t trade this year for anything. I am looking forward to 25 and all that it brings as we learn the ins and outs of being parents. Watching Brooke grow and learn is going to be so amazing. She is the best present ever and makes 25 not sound so bad to me (I can’t believe i’m actually going to be that old in a few days).

 

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Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

I'm a modern mom of two, who strives to encourage women throughout marriage and motherhood. I embrace life as it comes with kid meltdowns, family dance parties, and snacks galore. I believe that laughter is the best medicine, simplicity is perfection, and that life is breathtakingly beautiful.

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  • Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥

Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool.

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They have the same delicious chewy taste and texture we already love, and each bar has 5g of protein and 10g of whole grains, making them an easy addition to our snack boxes. They come in Caramel Chocolate Chip and Maple & Brown Sugar flavors - both are equally amazing!

What’s one snack that’s always in your after-school rotation?

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  • #HelperPartner School nights can get really busy, and I need a dinner on the table fast that everyone will love! Helper helps with that! 🍔

I turned @helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, a pound of ground beef and simple toppings into a Loaded Cheeseburger Bar with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions.

Helper helps you feed your family for less while making it easy to create a delicious, comforting dinner in under 20 minutes. I love that everyone can make it their way and build their own bowl!

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I’m teaching my daughter how to actually use a planner this year, and @pilotpenusa FriXion Vibe Erasable Pens are the MUST HAVE. Because assignments, tests, activities and plans are going to change and I don’t want her planner covered in confusing, crossed-out dates. 😂

I also love that she can choose her colors based on her vibe. We’re using ZenFocus for schoolwork and assignments and DreamGlow for goals, creative ideas and the things she’s excited about this year. 💚💙💗💜

Middle school is a big enough adjustment. If I can help her feel a little more organized and prepared going into it, I’m calling that a win.

#FriXionPens #FriXionVibe #AllMoodNoMistakes
  • Save this for your next couples getaway near Houston 🤍✨

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From the gorgeous Texas coast views and poolside cabana (the fruit + champagne were such a nice touch 🥂) to an amazing poolside lunch, it was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy some time together.

We spent the evening at Grotto + grabbed gelato, started the next morning with an incredible breakfast buffet at Blake’s Bistro, and finished our getaway with a couples massage at the spa. 🧖‍♀️✨

A beautiful resort, good food, time to unwind, and quality time together… honestly, what more could you ask for? ❤️

📍 The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX

Save this for your next couples trip from Houston!

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  • If you’re heading to @homedepot anytime soon… SAVE THIS! 👀🧡 I found SO many good home finds on my trip to Atlanta for Home Depot Unmatched, and these made the list!

✨ My favorite: this fan! Our old one was putting out basically ZERO air, and this one has completely changed the game. It’s functional AND so chic… now I want to replace every bedroom fan in our house 😂

🔥 Kevin’s favorite: the grill — and yes, it has a SEAR ZONE!

The RYOBI detail scrubber kit is another must-have (seriously, cleaning just got a whole lot easier), plus the clamp fan kit and so many other smart home finds you’ll want to see.

🧡 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the links!

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  • Back-to-school teacher gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. 💕 Fill a clear zipper pouch with everyday essentials, add this Teacher Survival Kit printable gift tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift any teacher will love!

✨ Comment “SHOP” for the printable and links to everything I used to make this adorable teacher survival kit! 🎀

Save this idea for back-to-school and share it with another parent looking for an easy teacher gift!

#TeacherGiftIdeas #BackToSchoolTeacher #TeacherSurvivalKit #TeacherAppreciation #FirstDayOfSchool / https://liketk.it/6kU34
Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥

Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool.

If your kid is into baseball, they’ll love these pieces! Use code MCLARKE for 10% off on your own gear. 🙌

#BL101Partner #Baseball101 #BaseballStyle #LittleLeagueStyle #KidsFashion
Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥

Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool.

If your kid is into baseball, they’ll love these pieces! Use code MCLARKE for 10% off on your own gear. 🙌

#BL101Partner #Baseball101 #BaseballStyle #LittleLeagueStyle #KidsFashion
Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥

Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool.

If your kid is into baseball, they’ll love these pieces! Use code MCLARKE for 10% off on your own gear. 🙌

#BL101Partner #Baseball101 #BaseballStyle #LittleLeagueStyle #KidsFashion
Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥

Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool.

If your kid is into baseball, they’ll love these pieces! Use code MCLARKE for 10% off on your own gear. 🙌

#BL101Partner #Baseball101 #BaseballStyle #LittleLeagueStyle #KidsFashion
Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥

Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool.

If your kid is into baseball, they’ll love these pieces! Use code MCLARKE for 10% off on your own gear. 🙌

#BL101Partner #Baseball101 #BaseballStyle #LittleLeagueStyle #KidsFashion
@marquis_clarke
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Back to school gear unlocked ⚾️🔥 Baseball season (and everyday style) just got a major upgrade. Kev is loving his new fit from Baseball 101. It’s the perfect mix of sporty, comfortable, and seriously cool. If your kid is into baseball, they’ll love these pieces! Use code MCLARKE for 10% off on your own gear. 🙌 #BL101Partner #Baseball101 #BaseballStyle #LittleLeagueStyle #KidsFashion
1 day ago
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@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
#ad If your afternoons feel like a sprint, save this easy snack idea! ✨🙌🏻 Before school pickup, I pack quick snack boxes with pretzels, fruit, cheese, and the NEW @QuakerChewy Protein Granola Bars, so everything is ready when it’s time to head to activities. They have the same delicious chewy taste and texture we already love, and each bar has 5g of protein and 10g of whole grains, making them an easy addition to our snack boxes. They come in Caramel Chocolate Chip and Maple & Brown Sugar flavors - both are equally amazing! What’s one snack that’s always in your after-school rotation? #AfterSchoolSnacks #MomHack #SnackIdeas #QuakerChewy_Partner
2 days ago
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View on Instagram |
2/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
#HelperPartner School nights can get really busy, and I need a dinner on the table fast that everyone will love! Helper helps with that! 🍔 I turned @helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, a pound of ground beef and simple toppings into a Loaded Cheeseburger Bar with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions. Helper helps you feed your family for less while making it easy to create a delicious, comforting dinner in under 20 minutes. I love that everyone can make it their way and build their own bowl! Shop Helper now and create your own easy weeknight dinner spread! #HelperHelpsWithThat
3 days ago
1,76056
View on Instagram |
3/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
No gatekeeping here… this is my #1 planner tip for middle school. ✏️📓 I’m teaching my daughter how to actually use a planner this year, and @pilotpenusa FriXion Vibe Erasable Pens are the MUST HAVE. Because assignments, tests, activities and plans are going to change and I don’t want her planner covered in confusing, crossed-out dates. 😂 I also love that she can choose her colors based on her vibe. We’re using ZenFocus for schoolwork and assignments and DreamGlow for goals, creative ideas and the things she’s excited about this year. 💚💙💗💜 Middle school is a big enough adjustment. If I can help her feel a little more organized and prepared going into it, I’m calling that a win. #FriXionPens #FriXionVibe #AllMoodNoMistakes
4 days ago
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View on Instagram |
4/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Save this for your next couples getaway near Houston 🤍✨ If you’re looking for a relaxing Galveston, Texas resort with a little luxury, put The San Luis Resort on your list. From the gorgeous Texas coast views and poolside cabana (the fruit + champagne were such a nice touch 🥂) to an amazing poolside lunch, it was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy some time together. We spent the evening at Grotto + grabbed gelato, started the next morning with an incredible breakfast buffet at Blake’s Bistro, and finished our getaway with a couples massage at the spa. 🧖‍♀️✨ A beautiful resort, good food, time to unwind, and quality time together… honestly, what more could you ask for? ❤️ 📍 The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX
 Save this for your next couples trip from Houston! #GalvestonTexas #HoustonGetaway #CouplesGetaway #TexasTravel #GalvestonGetaway
5 days ago
1,42456
View on Instagram |
5/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
If you’re heading to @homedepot anytime soon… SAVE THIS! 👀🧡 I found SO many good home finds on my trip to Atlanta for Home Depot Unmatched, and these made the list! ✨ My favorite: this fan! Our old one was putting out basically ZERO air, and this one has completely changed the game. It’s functional AND so chic… now I want to replace every bedroom fan in our house 😂 🔥 Kevin’s favorite: the grill — and yes, it has a SEAR ZONE! The RYOBI detail scrubber kit is another must-have (seriously, cleaning just got a whole lot easier), plus the clamp fan kit and so many other smart home finds you’ll want to see. 🧡 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the links! #AD #HomeDepotCreator #THDUnmatched #THDInnovates #HomeImprovement
6 days ago
1,25332
View on Instagram |
6/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Back-to-school teacher gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. 💕 Fill a clear zipper pouch with everyday essentials, add this Teacher Survival Kit printable gift tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift any teacher will love! ✨ Comment “SHOP” for the printable and links to everything I used to make this adorable teacher survival kit! 🎀 Save this idea for back-to-school and share it with another parent looking for an easy teacher gift! #TeacherGiftIdeas #BackToSchoolTeacher #TeacherSurvivalKit #TeacherAppreciation #FirstDayOfSchool / https://liketk.it/6kU34
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