Crock Pot Spaghetti

 

:: Crock Pot Spaghetti ::

Welcome, Back to School!  That being said, things are about to get crazy around here… time to pull out the crock pot and make a little plan ahead Crock Pot Spaghetti for dinner.  Whew! With the kids in soccer, school, and therapy we have a busy Fall season.  Meal planning is something Sara and I are really trying to add into our weekly schedules.  It helps to run a smooth household, as well as, fewer trips to the grocery store.  This Crock Pot Spaghetti Recipe is one that I created based on my favorites… pasta, chicken sausage, and turkey meat.  These little gems from my neighbor’s backyard, inspired me to think of a sauce that, though canned {tomatoes}, can be full of flavor over a slow cooking process. [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 

  

 :: Weekend Lovelies ::

It’s so funny how only a couple of months ago, Nicole and I were both enthusiastically awaiting warm, carefree summer days… and now our minds have completely made the switch to Autumn. We are currently daydreaming of crisp weather, fallen leaves, cinnamon, cozy sweaters, apple cider, full moons, pumpkin carvings, boots, warm crackling fires, cuddling close, autumn colors, scarecrows, salted caramel hot chocolates, wool blankets, football season, baked treats, thankfulness, visits with friends & family, hay rides, snug scarves, candy corn, costumes, pumpkin spice lattes, harvest festivals, weekend naps, movie nights, caramel apples, corn mazes & good books! Oh Fall… how we love thee!

It’s still scorching hot in Southern Califonia… but we can dream! With this edition of Lovelies we are welcoming Fall with open arms and happy, eager hearts! Enjoy & let us know what you are most excited for in the coming season! {xo}

 

Fall Street Style  // Uniwigs

  

[Read more…]

Let’s Be Friends, Blog Hop

 

Hey friends!

It is time for the Let’s Be Friends Blog Hop #29!

Link up to gain new followers on GFC or bloglovin’!

Promote this blog hop by putting the button on your page, or throwing a shout out at the end of your post today or tomorrow.

The more link ups we have the more our blogs will grow!

Invite a friend, tweet it, or let your Facebook friends know! 

Make sure to follow the hosts and co-hosts!

PS- I have some great giveaways going on right now and coming up!

Scroll down to check them out and stay tuned also!

Have fun and meet some friends! [Read more…]

Nearly a Decade…

 

Nearly a decade…. I can’t believe it, Ry. It’s been nearly a decade of hugs, kisses, cuddles and sweet, thoughtful conversations with you. Nearly a decade of reading books, exploring the outdoors, answering your questions, going on walks, praying with you, and tucking you in at night.

Being my firstborn… it’s amazing how much I remember about your sweet personality growing up… your likes, dislikes, and little quirks. I remember each major milestone as if it’s permanently etched into my mind. It’s so special being the first… in so many ways. You see, you will always hold such a sacred space in my heart, because you were the child who first made me a mother. The child who taught me patience, and an unfathomable type of love {the most exceptional form}, that which is unconditional.

When you were a baby, you loved looking at books from the earliest age. In fact, when you were only weeks old, you were completely mesmerized by my colorful psychology books placed on the shelves. When you were slightly older, you would wake up and spend several minutes thumbing through board books. If I came in before you were finished, you would get upset… indicating a desire for a few more minutes with your books. It was the sweetest thing! By the age of three, you were doing 100-piece puzzles in a flash! By the age of 4, you told everyone that when you grew up, you were going to be a Paleontologist. You have always loved learning… for the sake of learning! It is so beautiful to bear witness to….

[Read more…]

Watermelon Lemonade

 

 

:: Watermelon Lemonade ::

Summer is not over on my calendar yet! I still have one more day before the back to school routine starts.  I don’t know about you, but this week has been HOT! That being said, it’s time to cool down with a lovely drink of Watermelon Lemonade.  Mocktail or Cocktail this drink is a must on a warm day.  It’s sweet and tangy and will leave you feeling cool as a cucumber.  I don’t know why I didn’t share it with you earlier in the summer {thanks Erica for the reminder, wink}, but hey… I know you still have time to whip up this easy drink!  The heat doesn’t kick up a notch until September for us here and in Southern California.  With less time for trips to the beach, or a dreamy Hawaiian in the future, this cocktail will make any celebration a reason to say “cheers” to the end of summer! [Read more…]

Weekend Lovelies

 

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Welcome to weekend lovelies! Oh summer can you hang on a little longer?  Sara and I are holding on and soaking up the last moments of summer vacation. We are trying to remain perfectly present before all the lists of “to do” and “must do” starts next week.  Summer has been good to both of us.  We have both had our share of change and growth and are looking forward to a lovely Fall season full of seasonal treats… but for now, I will slow things down and not think too far ahead and share some of our favorites, a song, some fashion, a little DIY for Labor Day Weekend, and of course a reason to cheers!  We hope you sit back, slow down, and enjoy!

[Read more…]

Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes

 

:: Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes ::

What do you think of when you hear the word, “funfetti?”  You think of cake, sprinkles, confetti, & fun…. right?! Exactly! I knew when I heard of this cake batter milkshake that I had to blend up a batch for the kids! After all, what kid doesn’t love milkshakes & funfetti cake? The combination of funfetti cake mix + vanilla ice cream + milk = pure heaven {in my world}! I promise… it was just that!  [Read more…]

Avocado and Mango Smoothie

:: Avocado and Mango Smoothie ::

Oh my I don’t know about you, but I have been in a total downward spiral with food this summer.  This Avocado and Mango Smoothie is the perfect way to help you to get back on track.  These past couple months have been filled with cotton candy, s’mores by the fire, cheese paired nicely with a glass of wine, and a few other summer time sweets…not to mention a whole lot of ice cream.  Wonderful food and memories make summer time a blast, but now it’s time to look ahead to a successful upcoming school year with a little menu planning and a few quick and easy breakfasts that can get the kids out the door and Mama off to a great and energetic start to her day.  This Avocado & Mango Smoothie is creamy, filling, and healthy. It is a cinch to make and with the abundance of local {California} avocados in season and a mixture of bananas, Greek yogurt, orange juice, and a staple of frozen mangoes, packs this meal with protein. All of which I think we lack a little at breakfast time.  I am a firm believer that breakfast makes or breaks your day.  When we are running behind and I don’t plan ahead, I often find myself hungry throughout the day.  This smoothie helped me feel satisfied until lunchtime.  Sara and I have been looking forward to planning a little ahead with some of our favorite easy weeknight meals, a few healthy choices, and of course some sweet fall dessert favorites.  Stay tuned to our upcoming “back to school” recipes.  Enjoy! [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

 

Inspiring Family Documentary // Wildflowers Photography Blog

I can’t say enough about this inspirational family! I am completely reeled into their sweet life on the road!  A couple of weeks ago I shared with you their blog and journey as a family of six {view lovelies here}…. Since then, I’ve kept up with their travels through Joy’s blog and candid Instagram feed. Her photographs take my breath away. They truly tell a story. Here is a short video of their beautiful family and plan for the year ahead….

 

 

Modern Bohemian Loft Design // Home Adore

Hello, Gorgeous!! This is my kind of design! A modern, boho feel! I’m infatuated with the light walls, bright pops of color, and eye-catching art pieces! 

 

 

[Read more…]

Blueberry Banana Coffeecake

 

:: Blueberry Banana Coffeecake ::

You already know that I’m a bit obsessed with warm, wholesome muffins. What you don’t know, is that I have the same obsession over coffeecake! For me… it started many, many years ago. I was fortunate to have a mom who let me explore the kitchen and come up with “concoctions,” as I liked to call them. I spent my Saturday mornings as a young child whipping up what I thought to be delicious creations with whatever I could get my hands on {baking soda, flour, vanilla extract, eggs, green food coloring — you get the idea!}. I would then try to feed my tasty “concoctions” to my family {they must have loved me!}. Luckily for them, by the age of seven, I started making coffeecake from scratch. Warm, comforting, sweet, buttery, cinnamon coffeecakes! Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of variations. Last week, I had bananas that were overly ripe and a carton of fresh blueberries to work with. After a little recipe research, I converted a standard banana bread recipe into this delectable, moist breakfast treat! Yum! [Read more…]