Let’s Be Friends, Blog Hop!

 

 

Hello there! It is time for the Let’s Be Friends Blog Hop #24! 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!

Have fun and meet some friends!

 
Lauren from Marked By Grace
 
Jessica from Blissfully Miller

 
Lena from Lena B, Actually
 
Nicole and Sara from Simply Happenstance
 

Rachel from Brachel Boulevard [Read more…]

Decadent Frozen Banana Bites

 

  

:: Decadent {frozen} Banana Bites ::

Naming this post was a bit of an issue for me! You see… these aren’t your average frozen banana bites dipped in rich, creamy chocolate! Oh no! These are WAY more decadent! These little frozen banana bites are wrapped in chocolate chip cookie dough, and dunked in a thick layer of chocolate!

Clearly, I had a moment of weakness in making these! It was a week prior to our big family move and I needed the stress relief of whipping up something tasty! For me, the process of baking has always been a coping mechanism when I need to unwind or take a breather from life. These banana bites were successful in getting my mind off the never ending to-do list that comes with moving a family of six. They also provided the kids and I with a delicious frozen summer treat that brought back some of my favorite childhood memories of going to Balboa Island in Newport Beach and indulging in the famous Frozen Bananas & Balboa Bars!

[Read more…]

Balboa Park

:: Balboa Park ::

This summer has been one of big change and big family events.  We have had my In-Laws sell their family home of 30 years move a couple hours away, as well as two of my sister’s have recently given birth to healthy baby boys.  With all of this celebrating, we have had quite a bit of extended family time.  Some of this time has been spent meeting in San Diego for both the baby shower and birth of our latest nephew, Sebastian.  Because Mason and Madeline are the older cousins and have a tad bit of energy, Shane and I decided it would be a wonderful idea to sprinkle some scenic family time at some of San Diego’s most iconic and historical spots. [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

  

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Happy Weekend, Friends! I hope you are all having a safe, healthy & fun-filled summer! This edition of lovelies is an eclectic mix of my recent faves! I took a brief hiatus from lovelies with our move, so I’ve collected quite a few inspirational finds over the last couple weeks! Take a moment for yourself and enjoy {image above via: jou jou papillon}! xo  [Read more…]

Let’s Get Our Kids Outdoors!

:: Let’s Get Our Kids Outdoors ::

One of the greatest gifts of having this blog, for Nicole and I, has been the online community of other bloggers we have met in the past eight months. Not only have we gathered helpful advice and guidance from these accomplished women… we have also been exposed to their wealth of knowledge and talent through reading their personal posts, freelance writing pieces, and photography. It’s been incredibly inspiring!

One of our favorite local bloggers is Michele from Fun Orange County Parks. In addition to her amazingly helpful blog {where she highlights local places to play & explore}, she also contributes thought provoking articles to the OC Family Magazine. This month her story made the cover {Congratulations, Michele}! I was thrilled when contacted by her a couple months ago when she asked permission to use bits and pieces of my post {Family Time} to quote in her article! 

 

{click the image above for a digital version of the July, 2013 issue of the OC Family magazine}

 

[Read more…]

Book Review

:: Book Review ::

We are very excited for a Book Review from our friend Kim over at Book Reader Chronicles.  Are you bored with summer television shows? Check. Want a good book suggestion? Check. Want to get in on this book before it comes out in the movie theaters next month so that you know what the hype is all about? Check and triple check.  If you don’t know what is popular or a must read, head over Kim’s site at Book Reader Chronicles or check her out on Facebook.

[Read more…]

Weekend Lovelies

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

This weekend lovelies have us thinking of family outings and camping.  Loving the mountain inspiration print above by Uncovet.   Sara has just moved to the local mountains and is enjoying her natural surroundings, while I am thinking it’s time for a family camp night.  As a child our family vacations were centered on boating {fresh water} and camping, and I mean tent camping {or no tent at all}. I think we all often think of big family vacations that cost a pretty penny and we worry when we don’t have one booked, but in the end, our family is happiest doing the simple mini excursions.  A special night at a local campsite or even backyard camping is what my kid’s ask for the most. Bonding over marshmallows and campfire talk make for wonderful summer memories.  So here is to remembering that simplicity is best, enjoy! [Read more…]

Peanut Butter Malted Crunch Ice Cream

 

:: Peanut Butter Malted Crunch Ice Cream ::

Okay, so I am dealing with a slight addiction to ice boxed treats! I blame it on the heat, and the kids love of ice cream! Peanut Butter Malted Crunch Ice Cream has to be my most favorite ice cream recipe that I have made {as of late}.  Yes… I did say that about my Strawberry Ice Cream {but that was last weeks favorite flavor, wink}. This recipe is a creation based on my husband’s uncanny addiction to malted milk.  He always has to have a malt, not a shake, whenever we are at Ruby’s.  It inspired me to combine this with my love of peanut butter and white chocolate.  I apologize ahead of time! This ice cream recipe is addicting! I pray that I make it through the summer without gaining 10 pounds from this and any upcoming ice cream recipes. Making ice cream is easy and sharing is caring… so let’s make up a batch to beat this summer heat! [Read more…]

Weekend Lovelies

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

The summer seems to be floating by like a warm ocean breeze.  Some days seem longer, while some seem shorter than others.  We are enjoying the time at hand with less runaround. We are  dreaming of sitting in one of these pink chairs {image above by-ZsaZsa Bellagio}.  I just came back from a wonderful family trip to the Central Coast of California, while Sara has been packing up for a big family move.  An exciting, yet busy summer for both of us.  Now that it is mid-summer, we are trying to find ways to keep everyone happy {even Mommy} while on this summer break.  Small moments of quiet to just “be” is something we are striving to find on busy days so that we can re-evaluate what needs to get done and what can wait for tomorrow.  Baby steps of course…  but I hope that maybe some of you out there may have found a way to fit in small “moments” of peace, so that we can go on with our day with energy and patience. We hope you are all having a lovely summer! [Read more…]