A Few of My Favorite Things

Pattern

2012-05-23T15:52:00.000-06:00

I am thinking about adding some fun patterns in my apartment with drapes and pillows. These are some of my faves so far, but most likely I will have to get whatever I can find at the fabric store...

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Summer

2012-05-22T15:43:00.000-06:00

I think summer is finally here in Utah. I wish we had more fun things to look forward to this summer. At least without many plans it will last longer, right?

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Dream Kitchen

2012-05-21T15:35:00.002-06:00

Lately I have been daydreaming of the perfect kitchen...

Granite counter-tops with white or cream cabinets...

A pretty, rustic table with pretty chairs and a pretty chandelier...

Copper or bronze hardware, toe kick, and outlet covers...

And another pretty chandelier over a kitchen island...

Anyone have any experience with copper sinks?

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Getting Out

2012-05-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

Right now I am craving a hike in the mountains, a road trip, or just a night out...something out of the norm. How about you?

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Mother's Day

2012-05-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ummm...happy Mother's Day to me:

Oh, and of course to all you moms out there! ;)

Colors I'm Crushing

2012-05-11T09:52:00.000-06:00

I am not one to decorate with a lot of color...I actually love whites and neutrals, but lately I have been loving color palettes of blues, greens, and yellows:

images here

Baby Essentials: A Baby Bouncer

2012-05-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

I thought that I would share some of the baby essentials that I have loved with Allie and now with Macsen. Today I have a guest post for you written by Catherine M.L. on the benefits of baby bouncers:

Being a new Mum or Dad is the best thing in the world. You can’t believe that you

and your partner have made this beautiful little thing, lying in front of you.

You never knew you had it in you, but being a new parent also comes with its fair

share of responsibility. You’d love to be able to sit there all day, just staring in

amazement, but there are bottles that need preparing, clothes that need washing

and jobs that need doing. So sometimes – even though you really don’t want to –

you need to be able to get on with other things.

That’s where the baby bouncer comes in – and a few months later, the baby walker.

You can put your little one in the bouncer and let them jiggle and wriggle around,

making the bouncer move whilst stimulating their little minds. At that age everything

is new, so wherever you put them, they’re going to be learning.

A well-earned break for Mum and Dad

Of course, this little break will also give you and your partner a bit of time to

yourself. You won’t get much free time when they’re this age, so make the most of

it. Just sit back, relax, and think about what a whirlwind it has been over the last few

months.

A stationary bouncer for a new born or very young baby is a very safe place to be

– providing you use some common sense when placing it in the home – so whilst

they’re happily occupied there, you can get on with the day-to-day stuff.

Physical and mental stimulation

After a few months they will have grown out of the stationary bouncer, and

progressed to a walker. Although this requires a closer glance at some of the safety

concerns, provided you do your homework, a walker is a great way for your little one

to explore. They’ll be able to move about and get some exercise, before they can do

it completely unsupported.

Having a bit of independence – not to mention physical and mental stimulation – at

an early age is a really good thing, and there are plenty of benefits to baby bouncers

and walkers for both you and your child.

Use a bit of common sense, plan well, and they will really make those first few

months all the more special. After all, it’s a time that you’ll really want to make the

most of.

What's Cooking?

2012-05-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

So, my new year's resolution this year was to "lighten up" my life. This includes my cooking. I have been making lots of stir-fry,chicken, and fish dishes with brown rice and sandwiches. I need some more variety though! Anyone have any good healthy meals they make often?

Here is one of my newest faves:

Curry Salmon with Broccoli

1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice (substitute brown rice)
3 cups water
2 pounds broccoli, chopped
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of celery soup (fat free)
1 cup mayonnaise (fat free)
1 cup apple juice (you can also use white wine)
2 teaspoons curry paste (or curry powder)
2 pounds salmon fillets, bones and skin removed (mine was already cooked-leftovers)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bring the rice and water to boil in a pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 minutes.
Arrange broccoli in the bottom of the baking dish. Mix the cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, wine, and curry in a bowl, and pour 1/2 evenly over the broccoli. Cut salmon into chunks and place in baking dish. Top with remaining soup mixture.
Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until broccoli is tender and fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve over cooked rice.

This sounds weird, but believe me- it is delicious!

I made a full 9x13 pan of it on Sunday and had my brothers up for dinner and we finished it all!

Rue La La

2012-05-05T12:35:00.005-06:00

Now through May 14th, Rue La La is offering a $10 credit to new members! They have only done this a couple times before...Just go here to sign up and use your credit any time before June 15th!

Happy shopping!

Southern Belle?

2012-05-04T15:28:00.003-06:00

I was just talking to my mom today about how excited I am for the new season of The Bachelorette and how I loved Emily from the previous season of The Bachelor...and how she is just a sweet, polite Southern Belle. Which also gets me thinking about the derby, and I stumbled on this outfit on Brown Eyed Belle and had to share:

Now if THAT doesn't make you want to be a Southern Belle I don't know what would...

Happy Friday!

Go Get It!

2012-05-03T18:00:00.000-06:00

I just had to share this great deal today for Rapid Lash on Groupon. I have been using this stuff since the end of December and my lashes are thicker, longer, and possibly look even a little darker? Today only you can get it for half the price ($25)- although I would say it is even worth the full $50! Plus FREE SHIPPING!

Go here to sign up for groupon. Then go HERE to get the deal.

Seattle Barn Reception

2012-05-02T13:21:00.000-06:00

If you want to see more pictures of my sister's SUPER cute barn reception, go take a look here.

In Case You Were Wondering...

2012-04-30T14:35:00.000-06:00

If you haven't noticed, I have been a little distant from this blog...and I have all sorts of excuses, but here are a few recent ones:

Been on vacation to Seattle to help out with my sister's barn wedding reception (I will post more pic soon)

Been spending lots of time with this guy, who is getting close to crawling! Ahhh!

Getting outside as much as possible with the gorgeous Utah spring weather.

What have all of you been up to?

Friday Giveaway!

2012-04-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am excited to share some gorgeous jewelry with you that a friend of mine creates, along with her mom. They have an Etsy shop together called Tortuga's Design.

Their creations are amazing and unique. Here are a few of my faves:

The ladies at Tortugas Design have offered to give away a pair of these earrings:

Aren't they so cool? They remind me of The Hunger Games...

Anyway, to enter the giveaway, follow the Rafflecopter directions below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Computer Issues

2012-04-26T16:07:00.000-06:00

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Having computer issues right now...Don't you hate how that feels? It's like nothing can just work out or be easy...kinda the story of my life right now.

Come back tomorrow for a giveaway you won't want to miss!

Flying With Children: Tips and Tricks

2012-04-19T19:58:00.002-06:00

As I thought about all the things I do now, flying from Salt Lake to Seattle multiple times a year and from the experiences I have had with children in tow, I thought I should share them with you since traveling season is upon us.

First of all, traveling with 2 kids is much harder than just one, especially since you only have 2 hands. When flying with both parents it is much easier, but even so I am sure some of these tips will still come in handy.

1. Don't pack lightly. I never regret bringing extra stuff, but always regret leaving those things I thought we could do without.

2. Make sure your kids are comfortable. Sometimes I keep Allie in her pajamas to fly, but I always make sure that I dress her in layers. Some airplanes are freezing cold while others are steaming hot!

3. Don't be cheap, and use the skycap!!! Especially when you are checking 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, etc. It is always worth a few bucks to get dropped off right at the curb and have your luggage taken for you without all that extra hassle. Worth EVERY penny! You really only need to tip $1-$2 per bag too, so just do it and save yourself the grief!

4. Use a diaper bag that is easy to carry on your shoulder and easy to get into with one hand. For example, my "diaper bag," which is actually a purse, has straps that are the perfect length for me to get into with the same arm that is carrying it ans are also leather so they don't slip off my shoulder constantly. They are attached with metal chain so they can bend easily, and the bag is just open at the top without extra clips, etc. that makes it hard to get into.

5. Organize your diaper bag like you are OCD. You are going to want to know exactly where everything is, especially on the plane with limited space and time when your kids are screaming and crying and need something :)

6. When you go through security, you don't need to take off your children's shoes under 12 years of age! This also saves you a LOT of hassle when you are trying to do a million things at once at this time.

7. You also don't have to take off your baby carrier! They will have to "swab" your hands to make sure you haven't been handling certain materials, but its much easier and quicker than trying to carry a baby while you are gathering your items and putting on your shoes.

8. Wear flats or some type of shoes that you can easily slip on and off (while going through security)

9. Bring your nursing shield (if you are breastfeeding) and feed your babies during takeoff and landing. Give your toddlers suckers (and bring a few of them since landing will take about 25 minutes.) Gum also will work. These things will help "pop" your kid's ears.

10. If you are worried about your kids being noisy on the plane, sit behind the wings, as the engines are loudest there and people around you won't be disturbed as much.

11. Make friends with your flight attendant. They bring your kids snacks, drinks, and sometimes they have changing tables next to where they sit.

12. If you don't have changing tables on your flight make sure you pack some of these in case you have to change them on your lap. And also bring a couple grocery bags to put a messy diaper into.

13. Lastly, I bring a couple things to keep my toddler entertained. First, snacks. Second, my iPad. I download new children's apps, books, and movies for her. Third, new Dollar Store toys. These are also great for long trips in the car- bring out a new one every hour!

I hope these tips help and that you all travel easily and safely this year!

images via

2012-04-16T11:13:00.001-06:00

Well, I am headed out to visit my family in Seattle tomorrow, so I may or may not be updating the blog for the next week. I thought I would share some inspirational interiors that I found from a new favorite blog Arcadian Home.

Have a great week!!

Easter

2012-04-10T11:37:00.000-06:00

I realized that I hadn't posted anything about Easter! And this is probably my favorite time of year! So, here's a late Happy Easter!

Here are those cute seersucker outfits I was telling you about- thanks Mom!

Boutique Sweet Cheeks Giveaway!

2012-04-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted a Bumbo so bad when I had Allie, but since she was my first baby I had a million other things that I needed to buy and a Bumbo was lower on my list. With Macsen, I already had most of the baby stuff I needed so I could buy a few more fun things. I bought a mint green Bumbo so I could use it for another boy or girl, but I started wondering if he would even like it in the summer when he was hot and his skin would stick to the rubbery, non-breathable surface...

I found Boutique Sweet Cheeks on Etsy and was sold on her adorable and functional Bumbo covers.

The fronts have 2 loopy tags to attach toys to keep your baby entertained by himself. You can also attach a binky with a binky clip or whatever else your baby might want.

They are really easy to slip over the Bumbo and they can be machine washed!

They come in all sorts of SUPER cute patterns and also come in super soft minky fabric.

The back has a pocket to put whatever you need in it- especially great if you are taking the Bumbo outside and need to put their binky, wipes, a diaper, or whatever else you don't have enough hands to carry.

Since mine is over a mint green Bumbo, the green shows through the white a little- I love how it looks! Very chic and matches my home decor :)

I also love the minky fabric on each side for baby's arms to rest on- Boutique Sweet Cheeks has really thought of everything for these covers!

Boutique Sweet Cheeks has offered to giveaway one Bumbo cover to one of you! To enter the giveaway, click on "see more" below and use the rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What I'm Loving

2012-04-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Right now I am addicted to all these amazing juices (Naked and Odwalla to name a couple)

You can buy a pack of 2 32oz bottles at Costco for about $5.70 right now- totally worth it!

Forever 21 Girls is so fun to shop online! I love this cardigan:

And I just bought this tank for Allie:

I just started washing my hair every other day and I use this Suave dry shampoo:

Not only does it work great, but it smells SO good and I also like how my roots are not as easy to see when I blend the white spray into them :) For just under $3 at Target it's a steal!

My new favorite sunless tanning lotion:

You can read all about it here.

This is still my all-time favorite mascara and lately I have been loving using it with this eyelash growth serum

The Rapid Lash serum not only makes my eyelashes longer, but since it helps them stay in longer, they also look fuller.

Lastly, I am loving that the weather is getting warm enough for walks!!

And Macsen is loving it too! :)

What are you loving right now?

Florals

2012-04-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Florals never go out of style. I am pretty sure I was posting about florals this time last year. I love Spring and all the bright colors and florals associated with it. Here are a few I am drooling over lately:

Find image credits here

To Splurge or Not to Splurge?

2012-03-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

So, usually I am a pretty thrifty gal. We're talking a single-ply toilet paper-buying person that also doesn't use paper towels hardly ever to save money. However, I have been on the fence when it comes to buying clothing. Do I buy the well-made expensive brands and only buy classics that I can wear forever? Or do I go with the cheaper stuff because I get sick of my clothes every half a year?

Lately I have been on this kids clothing kick and have decided that instead of getting a lot of clothes that I kinda like I would rather buy a few things that I LOVE. Allie usually cycles through her 3 favorite shirts and 2 favorite pants anyways...

So, here is the question: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hunter Rain boots and SO want them for my kids, but $50 for a pair of shoes? Really? Do any of you own some of these? What do you think? I can't find any knock-offs that are just as cute. Are there any out there? Also, would you go with the youth style (above) or the baby/toddler style that is a little cheaper (on the right?)

I am thinking that just MAYBE I could justify these if I buy colors that my boys and girls can wear so they can cycle through all of my kids...I am loving these green ones, but also could buy red or navy blue...

Turquoise Cabinets

2012-03-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been seeing the prettiest kitchens ever and most of them have painted cabinets! I think if we buy a house with ugly cabinets I am going to have to convince my husband to let me paint ours. Right now I am loving the turquoise ones, along with some neutrals like grey, white, and beige...what about you?

Maybe if I am too chicken to do my cabinets I would do a small kitchen cart instead:

You can find image credits here

The Maxi

2012-03-26T17:11:00.003-06:00

I am trying to decide if I need a maxi skirt or dress...they seem to be popping up everywhere and sure do look comfy.

image credits found here

What do you think? Do any of you own and love maxi skirts/dresses?

Saving Yourself Some Money

2012-03-19T11:16:00.000-06:00

There are many perks that have come along with blogging and saving money is one of them. In "blog-land" there are all sorts of couponing blogs that are really helpful when trying to cut back on groceries. I had a friend that was asking about the ones that I use most often and I thought I might as well share them with all of you. Click on each site's banner to bring you to their blog:

Now, a few of these often have the same deals and coupons, but when I am using Google Reader to go through all the blogs I follow, I often skip over some that I will catch with other posts, so I don't mind a little repetition.

Here are the posts that I use most often to save myself some money:

1. Posts linking to grocery coupons for items that I actually buy (don't just try to buy everything with a coupon because you will end up spending more money than usual and will just waste food)

2. Posts with online deals for diapers- I have gotten as many as 300+ size 1 diapers for only $26!

3. Posts for other online deals- shopping with 2 kids is so much harder, so if there are some good deals online, I am ALL about having it sent right to my door.

4. Posts for free samples- SOMETIMES it is worth giving the company your mailing address, email, etc. OTHER times it isn't. You be the judge.

Hope this helps some of you save a little money! Anyone have some favorite deal blogs they want to share?