Thursday, February 27, 2014

Matchy-Match

I am becoming my mother!! My mom and I would match in Easter dresses as late as elementary school and I was not thrilled, you can imagine that our Easter pictures weren't always great when I was frowning.....but sure enough, I have been blessed with having a girl of my own and all I want to do is find ways to match with her!! So since a few people have asked about where I get these items (So maybe I'm not alone in the desire to match my daughter?!) - the leggings are both from White Plum Boutique BUT I waited and timed it just right where I was able to order them both about 50% off from the online clearance etsy/boutique shop called Jane.
We have only worn them once and had a lot of people ask about them online and in person, so that was fun and did make me feel like I'm not crazy..... :) :)





These dresses were from Zulily  and I'm glad I ordered them because I'm not finding many mother-daughter dresses anywhere that I shop! This brand, Nouvelle is actually on Zulily right now but I'm not loving their options, but I'll check back from time to time :)




See maybe Lucy will never think I'm weird for matching us together - see she loves matching her dolls - what's the difference?! :) (she may feel differently in 5 years, but we will see.)

Friday, February 21, 2014

Pasta

You have to try this. I love, loved the flavor - it was unique and super yummy. ALL family members ate it which is a miracle.
*did not have pecans so I just omitted that from recipe...

All photos and recipe from:
Half-baked Harvest - check out the full recipe & photos

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo | halfbakedharvest.com
INGREDIENTS
Brussels Sprouts
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
15-20 large brussels sprouts, stems removed and sliced
1 clove garlic, minced or grated
1/4 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Pasta
1 pound regular, whole wheat or whole grain fettuccine
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups milk (I use 2%), plus more for thinning if needed
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and prepare according to directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet with high sides over medium-high heat and cook bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but one tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan and then add 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the brussels sprouts in a single layer and sprinkle with brown sugar and salt. Let sit 1 minute and stir. Continue to saute for another 4-5 minutes, until bright green and tender. Now add the pecans and cook another 3-5 minutes. Remove everything from the pan and carefully wipe the pan clean.
  3. To the same pan add the butter, milk and mascarpone cheese. Bring to a boil and simmer until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the parmesan, parsley, crushed red pepper, pepper, salt and nutmeg, whisking until the cheese has melted. Simmer the sauce 3-5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the pasta and brussels sprouts to the sauce and toss well, cook another 1-2 minutes to warm through. Serve immediately with fresh parmesan.
  4. If your skillet is not big enough to toss the pasta in transfer everything to a large pot or serving bowl and toss well.


Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

"3"

My girl is 3. Wow - how did that happen?!
This photo montage of Lucy over the past year is not for the faint of heart...lots of photos in here. But really, you should all do one of these of your own kids (whether you post it or not) because seeing all these pics reminded me what an amazing year we had. So many fun memories recorded, smiles, laughs, special moments and visits to places we love. This was a very good and helpful thing for me to do today as I'm in the thick of sickness and being cooped up on these frigid days, feeling overwhelmed and like a bad mother who plays too many videos because we are all out of creative ideas. Seeing this year in review was good for my soul and makes me so very excited for spring and all that will come in the year ahead for us all and for my precious girl.
Lucy is so full of life and joy. She loves princesses and purple, dresses and lip gloss. She loves swimming, visiting her grandparents, going to the arboretum and monkey joe's. Can't imagine our family without this girl. Lucy Joy - your name couldn't describe you any better, for you are our Bright Joy.











Photo: Ready for the snow. Poor Noah in pink pants... :)

Photo: Snow fort: momma and Lucy


Photo: She said her girls are all ready for dance class (with Angelina ballerina) :)


























































Had to add in one of these....feels like this was just yesterday (or asterday as my girl says...)






Saturday, February 15, 2014

Soups Galore!

Check out these soups from Iowa Girl Eats

The chicken and wild rice was great and easy!
http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6041206


My pics of the taco soup - first one with cheese, cilantro and chips on top!

http://iowagirleats.com/2013/01/21/cheesy-taco-soup/

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I realllly want to check out ALL her recipes - they all look amazing!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Breakfast, Dinner or Dessert?!

Saw this on pinterest and really want to try! It's just cake batter into a waffle maker!
Maybe a fun bday meal for my girl since she loves ANYTHING chocolate! Oh, and ice cream too :)

Cake Mix Waffles

Photo from The Black Peppercorn

Monday, February 10, 2014

oh kids....

I couldn't not share these............
SO true for me..... :)





Funny Cry for Help Ecard: Cleaning your house while your children are home is a lot like brushing your teeth with Oreos in your mouth.

Found these little jems at This Blessed Life
It's a good blogpost - check it out! :)