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Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes

August 29, 2013

 

:: 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…]

Filed Under: Food

{weekend} lovelies

June 29, 2013

 

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

 

Hi, Everyone! The weekend is finally here! The Fourth of July is next week…. {it’s so hard to believe}! We decided it’s high time to prepare for the upcoming holiday! It is after all, one of our favorites! For further inspiration, visit our ‘American Sparkle’ board on Pinterest {image above via: glitter guide, tumblr}! Have a lovely weekend! {xo}

 

Desserts for your Celebration // Martha Stewart

1. Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle| 2. Independence Icebox Cake | 3. No Cook Cheesecake | 4. Vanilla Raspberry Sundae’s yum x 4! 

   [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lovelies

Picnic Favorites

June 17, 2013

  

 

 

We completely *love* picnics {my husby actually proposed to me during one on the cliffs of Laguna Beach}! They’re perfect for an afternoon of much needed family-time or a date with your special someone!

We searched high & low for the best quality products that are also lovely to gaze at! These eight made it onto our “Picnic Favorites!” If you’re not shopping for yourself, any one of these would also make a charming hostess gift, or summer wedding present!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lovelies, Simply Obsessed

Family Date Night

November 18, 2012

The last two nights, we have had family dates.

In my opinion, these are just as important and special and

our normal husby-wifey date nights.

Two nights ago we made an indoor fort in our family room,

using an abundance of couch cushions,

and settled in to watch the first Harry Potter movie

{Ryan has been begging to finally watch it!!}.

We ordered pizza from one of our favorite local restaurants

and stocked up on licorice.

It was a wonderful night…

{if you don’t count the slight case of food poisoning that Husby experienced – bummer}.

Yesterday, since Husby was still recovering,

we neglected our daytime errands.

When he was finally up and about, we set off to do some

much needed grocery shopping.

As we were making our way to Trader Joe’s,

we decided instead to head to the Irvine Spectrum

{one of our families faves}

and eat dinner at Wahoo’s, walk around, and go to Target

{since they also carry grocery items}.

My wafu bowl {highly recommend – tofu & veggies}

was fabulous, as always. The ambiance was perfect….

we were able to sit outside in their new seating area

and enjoy the coolness of the evening.

Afterwards we walked around.

I captured a few night-time shots of the ferris wheel…

We made our way to Barnes & Noble to browse the books

and their toys {for Christmas ideas}.

Ryan was in heaven when he found the Harry Potter display…

Miss Sophia Blue wandered by the Barefoot Contessa and shouted,

“Mama, LOOK! It’s Ina!”

I couldn’t resist making her pose {do you see the pure happiness}…

Today, I started thinking about great, low-cost, family date nights.

Here is the list that I came up with to share with you:

{Dance Party}

Put on some oldies but goodies and teach the kids how to do the Bunny Hop, the Electric Slide, and maybe even the Cha Cha! You may need to watch a few YouTube videos for this one!

{Around the World}

Have the kids pick a country. Research that countries customs, traditions, and historical facts. End by making a meal to cebebrate the country.

{Flashlight Tag}

Kids LOVE flashlights! Do this one in the backyard or even in the house!

{Homemade Pizza & Sundae Bar}

Have the kids roll out the dough and top their individual sized pizzas with the toppings of their choice. Set up a sundae bar for dessert, complete with fruit, graham cracker & cookie crumbles, sprinkles, hot fudge and whipped cream! Yummy!!

{photo via: homemade pizza}

{Bowling Night}

Always a fun family favorite! Get those bumpers ready {not for the kids… unfortunately, but for me!}.

{Silly Dress-Up}

Have the kids put whatever they want on {you could even get some silly props, or use extra items from your own closet}. Have a fashion show and don’t forget to take video and/or photos!

{Picnic & Star Gazing}

Find a good spot to have a family picnic and follow it up by spending time gazing at the stars. Teach the kids about the various constellations and moon cycles. Click {here} for a good book to help teach the kids.

{Photo via: star gazing}

{Scavenger Hunt}

Do this either in your home or break up into teams with one parent in each group and do the scavenger hunt around town.

 {Board Games}

Who doesn’t love board games? Our family favorite is Uno right now.

{Family Bike Ride}

Take the whole family around your neighborhood or on a local trail for a bike ride {preferably before dark}!

{Photo via: family bike rides}

{Book Reading using Different Accents}

How funny would this be? Skippyjon Jones books lend themselves well for practicing your Spanish accent!

{Hide & Seek}

A good indoor, night-time game!

{Campout}

Either in the backyard or inside where it’s nice and warm! Using boxes, card tables, couch cushions, and lots of cozy blankets….make a tent or fort for the whole family to enjoy! Make indoor s’mores and read bedtime stories using flashlights or a lantern.

{Photo via: indoor tents}

**I don’t recommend making your family tent/fort near a lit fireplace!!** 

 {Photo via: summer bohemian fort}

{Viking Meal}

Husby actually does this one at the firehouse! Cover your dining table or eating area in aluminum foil. Dish up dinner directly onto the foil in front of your kids. Everyone must eat using only  their hands to eat the entire meal! No table manners here!

{Movie Night}

Inside or outside on the lawn {weather permitting, of course!}.

{Photo via: outdoor movie night}

We would love to hear some of your families favorite date nights! Please share with us by posting your comments below!

Filed Under: Family

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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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