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Archives for May 2014

Weekend Lovelies // doTERRA Giveaway Winner

May 17, 2014

Choose joy ....

:: Weekend Lovelies // doTERRA Giveaway Winner ::

I love the quote above… it’s such a good reminder that we need to choose joy daily. It’s honestly more of a mindset, don’t you think? Some people are so good at seeing the bright side of things, finding the good in all circumstances, and learning life’s lessons in every trial. For others, it’s definitely a struggle.

I tend to be one of those optimistic people… however lately, I’m not sure if I’d describe myself as such. Life has a way of wearing you out, doesn’t it? I know I’ve written about this before… but for me personally, I get bogged down with the day-to-day things of being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mama to four young children. I have this internal fight in me of wanting to go back to my profession as a school psychologist, but then also wanting to stay home with my kids during these years when they’re little. Of course, there is more than the mundane day-to-day things that get me down at times… it’s also the situational things that arise, as well. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lovelies

Cafe Rio Copycat Crockpot Chicken

May 15, 2014

Cafe Rio Copycat Chicken:: Cafe Rio Copycat Crockpot Chicken ::

Have you all had the opportunity to dine at a Cafe Rio? I know they’re not everywhere… which is unfortunate, because their food is so fresh and delicious! It’s the perfect place to take the kids! I love, love, love their chicken tacos topped with shredded lettuce and fresh pico de gallo! What about their homemade tortillas?! Oh my… talk about pure deliciousness!

We live about 45 minutes from the nearest Cafe Rio, so we are only able to go once or twice a month. On Pinterest I saw loads of copycat recipes for their famous chicken. I thought it was worth a shot to try to replicate the recipe for myself! {Of course none of us have that secret recipe… so we can only guess as to how they exactly make it.} This recipe is for crockpot chicken. It takes no more than 5 minutes to throw it all together, which makes it the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight. The main ingredients, besides the boneless skinless chicken breasts, are italian dressing, a ranch dressing packet, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, and a little water! Super easy, right? 

Easy Crockpot Chicken {Cafe Rio Copycat} #caferio #copycat #chicken 2Your house will smell so delightful while the chicken is cooking all day! {That’s one of my favorite parts about a crockpot meal!} Once the meat is fully cooked, you can shred it by simply using two forks, or by pulsing {briefly} in a food processor. The meat comes out completely moist, and full of robust flavor!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

doTERRA Essential Oils // Giveaway

May 13, 2014

doTERRA Essential Oils

:: dōTERRA Essential Oils // Giveaway ::

Hello, friends! Nicole and I have such a fabulous treat for you! We are sharing a guest post, written by our dear friend, Kari! She is going to fill you in on how, and why, she began using essential oils in her everyday life. In addition to her story, she is also putting on a LIVE webinar for our readers that will hopefully answer questions you have regarding use of the oils. To top it off, Kari is also hosting a GIVEAWAY on our site! One lucky person will win a dōTERRA essential oils introductory kit {lavender, peppermint, and lemon oil}! The rules to enter are simple… and are listed at the bottom of this post! The winner will be announced in our Weekend Lovelies this Saturday!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First and foremost I want to say THANK YOU to Sara and Nicole for featuring me on their blog. I’m so very thankful for this amazing opportunity to share with you all something that is so near and dear to me, and has changed my perspective on health and wellness. My mission began on March 3rd, 2006 the day that my first daughter was born. I, like most first time moms, had so many overwhelming emotions, so much joy and happiness, and also a little bit (or a lot-o- bit) of fear and anxiety. Is she hungry, gassy, or tired? Is she too hot, too cold? Does she have a fever? Is she getting enough milk? Does she even LIKE me? Why is she crying? How do I DO this?!?!?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Family, Simply Obsessed

Weekend Lovelies

May 10, 2014

Mother's Day Poem

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend, friends! Welcome to this edition of Weekend Lovelies dedicated to whom else?!?….Mom! We are sharing with you the “My Handprint Poem.” I received my first one of these poems 4 years ago when Mason was in preschool.  It really touched me; in fact I kept the poem and handprint hanging for some time on a bulletin board in my closet so that I could see it every morning.  It was a lovely reminder that our little ones are only little for so long.  The days may be long, more often than not, but the years are short.  Yes the house is a mess, the kids are fighting, but they are oh so cute! I know that Sara and I will look back years from now and reminisce about these days.  We would like to wish you all a lovely Mother’s Day! {A Happy Mother’s Day, as well, to our Moms, Step-Moms, Grandmothers, and Mother-in-Laws!} We hope you all get a little time to relax and enjoy this special day! 

  1. Shopping, yes please!! We love a good outfit from Reverie The Shop.  Better yet we love a good discount too, Reverie is offering free shipping and a free tote for orders $100 or more. Promo Code-Simply Happenstance.
  2. Pink, pink, and more pink….I don’t think our husbands will go for these pretty Pink Kitchens, but we love them.
  3. Mommy loves flowers, but plants are always a good gift.  This DIY Hanging Planter is a must make.
  4. Are your kids scared of the dark? These Casita Night Lights are perfect for taming their night fears, and they are lovely too!
  5. A good margarita is a must, but as a Skinny Margarita Popsicle? Can’t wait to make these for those long hot summer days.
  6. We are thinking of putting in a fire pit, this fire bowl looks perfect for backyard entertaining.
  7. Still need cute Teacher Appreciation ideas? Loving these Teacher Appreciation Tags from River and Bridge.
  8. A Mother’s Day Brunch is all we need on this special day….hint hint.
  9. We will take it all, 11 Links We Love For A Happy Mother’s Day Weekend.
  10. And let’s end the weekend with a slice of Coconut Cloud Cake. Yum!

 

Filed Under: Lovelies

Lemon Vanilla Macaroons on Live Laugh Rowe

May 9, 2014

gluten-free lemon vanilla bean macaroons

:: Lemon Vanilla Macaroons on Live Laugh Rowe ::

Hey guys! We are beyond excited to be guest posting on the fabulous blog, Live Laugh Rowe today! We’d love for you to go check out our {gluten-free, paleo} recipe for Lemon Vanilla Macaroons! These cookies are so delicious… made from the freshest ingredients and free of refined sugars! While you are there, you must peruse all the fun DIY projects Kelly has on her blog! She is so creative and crafty! Enjoy! {xo} [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

Skinny Pomegranate Margarita

May 5, 2014

Skinny Pomegrante Margarita Recipe for Cinco De Mayo. Made with fresh lime juice and pomegranate limeade.

:: Skinny Pomegranate Margarita ::

It’s Margarita Monday, better yet it’s Cinco de Mayo! Let’s shake it up a little with a Skinny Pomegranate Margarita that is sure to make you do a little cha cha after your first sip! Hey, did I mention I LOVE margaritas? If you don’t know that already, it is my favorite adult beverage.  I love that they are the perfect combos of salt and sweet, and I love them fresh….no sweet and sour mix for this girl.

Skinnny Pomegranate Margarita Recipe. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

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About

bioSara and Nicole are sorority sisters that simply “happened” to end up in the same small town. They have many things in common, which have set the tone of their blog. They hope that you will join them in their journey of motherhood, dreams that may be, the daily life, and their passion for cooking, yoga, fashion, and design!

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