Friday, September 22, 2017
Friday Favorites
Happy Fall!!!! Football, hot soup, cool breeze, windows open, leaves dancing, it’s seriously one of the most magical seasons. I can’t help but feel lost in it’s beauty and at the same time feel like its slipping away all too quickly. We’ve been thoroughly the days we get with cooler weather, it’s so beautiful and we’re enjoying all the fall things. We just can’t help ourselves! Which leads me to sharing a few of our current favorites for this beautiful Friday!
My kids absolutely love pajamas! I’m constantly looking for fun, cozy pairs that wear well to last the whole year. They always get excited when a new holiday comes up because we usually can find some cute festive ones to fit the season. This year we got Burt’s Bees Baby shooting star jams for fall. They have cute and simple prints in their soft organic cotton sets. I love them because they’re affordable and the kids love them because they’re so comfy. I especially love that they also make family jammie sets so we can all look like festive dorks at Christmas.
My morning coffee has been traded in for Tazo Chai Tea Latte in Pumpkin Spice flavor. It’s so delicious and cozy, especially on cooler mornings. The spice is warm and gives all the fall feelings.
Remember last November when I shared how I roasted all our leftover pumpkins to make homemade pumpkin puree? I had nearly 20 bags of pureed pumpkin in my freezer and shared some with friends. Last weekend, I made a batch of our favorite pumpkin bars and used one of my Cinderella pumpkin purees. I also added nutmeg to my recipe (which is now added) and this was probably the most amazing batch that’s ever come out of my oven. Mike and I couldn’t get over the flavor of the pumpkin! Sure, roasting all those pumpkins took more time, but the flavor is so worth it!
Since Kensi has started school she needs all her items labeled. The first week of school I didn’t even think about this and used washi tape until my NameBubbles labels arrived in the mail. These labels are not only adorable and have a variety of prints + shapes to choose from, but they’re also dishwasher safe and the clothing labels are machine washable. How awesome is that!? Go check them out!
Hoping you all have a great weekend are able to enjoy some fall fun on this Friday!
My kids absolutely love pajamas! I’m constantly looking for fun, cozy pairs that wear well to last the whole year. They always get excited when a new holiday comes up because we usually can find some cute festive ones to fit the season. This year we got Burt’s Bees Baby shooting star jams for fall. They have cute and simple prints in their soft organic cotton sets. I love them because they’re affordable and the kids love them because they’re so comfy. I especially love that they also make family jammie sets so we can all look like festive dorks at Christmas.
My morning coffee has been traded in for Tazo Chai Tea Latte in Pumpkin Spice flavor. It’s so delicious and cozy, especially on cooler mornings. The spice is warm and gives all the fall feelings.
Remember last November when I shared how I roasted all our leftover pumpkins to make homemade pumpkin puree? I had nearly 20 bags of pureed pumpkin in my freezer and shared some with friends. Last weekend, I made a batch of our favorite pumpkin bars and used one of my Cinderella pumpkin purees. I also added nutmeg to my recipe (which is now added) and this was probably the most amazing batch that’s ever come out of my oven. Mike and I couldn’t get over the flavor of the pumpkin! Sure, roasting all those pumpkins took more time, but the flavor is so worth it!
Since Kensi has started school she needs all her items labeled. The first week of school I didn’t even think about this and used washi tape until my NameBubbles labels arrived in the mail. These labels are not only adorable and have a variety of prints + shapes to choose from, but they’re also dishwasher safe and the clothing labels are machine washable. How awesome is that!? Go check them out!
Hoping you all have a great weekend are able to enjoy some fall fun on this Friday!
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Simple + Quick Meals // Sesame Noodle Bowl
I’m constantly looking for quick and simple meals to throw together when the day has been crazy and I look at the clock and suddenly it’s already five o’clock and I have no dinner plan. When I fail to meal plan our week, this happens easily and frequently. I frantically breeze through the fridge to find a protein and a veggie and try with all my might to somehow throw this together into something amazing that Kensi will enjoy, Finn will eat and Olivia can eat. I love introducing new flavors to them and sometimes it can be a complete win and other times it’s an utter fail and my kids are eating oatmeal. However, this week my frantic throwing of food together worked well and it was a hit all around the table and took less than 20 minutes!
Sesame Noodle Bowl
1 box Whole Wheat Spaghetti
2 cups Broccoli
2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
Salt + Pepper
1 cup Soy Sauce
6 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
4 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 inch pieces Fresh Ginger, grated
2 Tablespoon Cilantro, chopped
Cook pasta according to package directions. With 3 minutes left on cooking time, add raw broccoli to pasta and water to cook. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
While pasta water is heating to a boil, season chicken strips with salt + pepper and cook in a large skillet with oil, until cooked through. (The thin chicken strips will cook quickly).
While pasta and chicken is cooking, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic and ginger in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Once everything is cooked through, add pasta, broccoli, chicken and cilantro to the sauce in large mixing bowl and toss everything together. Top with sesame seeds and serve.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Best Oil Recipes for Kids
Oils are a huge part of our everyday routine over here from diffusing them instead of candles to rolling them on our feet to help battle the icks and everything in between. They are a total game changer and we are so thankful we chose to dive into them whole heartedly these past couple years.
Every night during our bedtime routine each of my kids happily stick their their feet out to me so I can roll our oils on. We use them for immune support, sleep routine, sniffles, upset tummies, temperatures, and boo-boos. Our kids literally don’t know what medicine is because we rarely have it in the house. I’m constantly sharing our love for oils with family and friends and how they’ve changed how we treat our symptoms from day to day. If someone is ever hesitant about trying oils, I always ask them what do they have to lose? Nothing, but to possibly gain a different perspective.
Consistency is vital. I’ve been one to only use it here and there and didn't see much of an impact. However, once I started using them daily we saw a huge change in our children’s behavior and immune support. Below are our favorite recipes we always have mixed up to help support the health of our family and home!
Every night during our bedtime routine each of my kids happily stick their their feet out to me so I can roll our oils on. We use them for immune support, sleep routine, sniffles, upset tummies, temperatures, and boo-boos. Our kids literally don’t know what medicine is because we rarely have it in the house. I’m constantly sharing our love for oils with family and friends and how they’ve changed how we treat our symptoms from day to day. If someone is ever hesitant about trying oils, I always ask them what do they have to lose? Nothing, but to possibly gain a different perspective.
Consistency is vital. I’ve been one to only use it here and there and didn't see much of an impact. However, once I started using them daily we saw a huge change in our children’s behavior and immune support. Below are our favorite recipes we always have mixed up to help support the health of our family and home!
Immune Support
5 drops Thieves
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Add to a roller ball and roll on bottoms of feet morning and night.
We do this daily, especially since Kensi has started school. We’re two weeks in and she hasn’t gotten sick yet. I love this recipes because Thieves has so many magical properties that help keep our immune systems strong!
SleepyTime
10 drops Lavender
6 drops Peace & Calming
6 drops Cedarwood
Spritz Bottle: Add oil drops to a 2oz spritz bottle and add a pinch of epsom salt and fill the rest with distilled water. Spritz on pillow, snugglies and sheets before bed.
Roller Ball: Add oil drops to a roller ball and fill rest with fractionated coconut oil. Roll on spine and big toe before bed.
Witching Hour Diffuser Blend
3 drops Stress Away
3 drops Lavender
Add to diffuser with distilled water. Perfect for the witching hour when the kids lose their minds and dinner needs to be prepped!
Happy Teeth
5 drops Orange
4 drops Copaiba
Add oils into a roller ball and fill with fractionated coconut oil. Roll on baby’s spine and massage onto jaw line with finger.
Copaiba is also gentle enough to use without a carrier oil. Add a drop to teething toy or necklace for added relief.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Favorite Dips for Football Season
We have thoroughly enjoyed the last couple Saturdays of college football! We waited to put our Husker flag up while the hurricanes made their way around us, but we are so ready to show our love for our home state! There’s something cozy and nostalgic that happens in our house when we hear the sportscasters picking their team and game for the weekend, delicious food is baking up in the kitchen and cold brews are chillin’ in the fridge. Saturdays have become my favorite day with Mike and the kids and as the seasons change we are always thrilled to be able to settle into a fresh and familiar routine we missed over the year.
If you followed along with the blog last year I shared some football food favorites including chicken bacon wraps, Nebraska Runzas, and our favorite white queso dip. We love making up a mix of old favorites and trying new recipes each game season. One dish that never gets left out is some form of dip. We’re total snackers over here and our kids love being able to dip pretty much anything. Not only is it always tasty, but it’s just fun to eat! Below are some of our favorite go-to dips for lots of different occasions, but they all work for game day. The newest recipe we’re adding to our dip roster is Garlicky French Onion Dip. Everyone always has some form of this on their table and usually made with the dry onion soup mix, but I’m telling you this one kicks it right between the posts! With a recommendation from my mom I swapped out the mayonnaise for cottage cheese to lighten it up and pureed the sautéed onions for a smooth texture. If you love french onion dip then you must try this one!
If you followed along with the blog last year I shared some football food favorites including chicken bacon wraps, Nebraska Runzas, and our favorite white queso dip. We love making up a mix of old favorites and trying new recipes each game season. One dish that never gets left out is some form of dip. We’re total snackers over here and our kids love being able to dip pretty much anything. Not only is it always tasty, but it’s just fun to eat! Below are some of our favorite go-to dips for lots of different occasions, but they all work for game day. The newest recipe we’re adding to our dip roster is Garlicky French Onion Dip. Everyone always has some form of this on their table and usually made with the dry onion soup mix, but I’m telling you this one kicks it right between the posts! With a recommendation from my mom I swapped out the mayonnaise for cottage cheese to lighten it up and pureed the sautéed onions for a smooth texture. If you love french onion dip then you must try this one!
Garlicky French Onion Dip
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 cup Sweet Onion, chopped
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
4 cloves Roasted Garlic**
4 cloves Roasted Garlic**
1-1/2 cups Cottage Cheese 4%, pureed in blender or food processor
3/4 cup Sour Cream
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Ground White Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the onions and 1/4 tsp of salt. Cook and stir until the onions are caramelized to a nice golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove onions from the heat, let cool. Once cooled, transfer onions to a blender or food processor and puree.
Mix together the pureed cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, white pepper, and remaining salt. Stir in the pureed onions. Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours before serving with potato chips.
**I love roasted garlic and will either wrap an entire bulb in foil with olive oil and bake it in the oven 350 F for about 40 minutes, or I’ll add it 4 smashed garlic cloves to my caramelized onions about 15 minutes in to keep the garlic from burning.
**I love roasted garlic and will either wrap an entire bulb in foil with olive oil and bake it in the oven 350 F for about 40 minutes, or I’ll add it 4 smashed garlic cloves to my caramelized onions about 15 minutes in to keep the garlic from burning.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
1 (8 oz pkg) Cream Cheese
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
3 Jalapeños, diced (Remove seeds and ribs)
1 Jalapeño, whole
1 (4oz can) Diced Green Chilies
Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise together. Add diced green chilies, jalapeño, parmesan cheese to mixture. Layer in a 9 inch baking dish. Add a whole jalapeño in the center for garnish. Bake 350 degrees F until bubbly.
1 (8 oz pkg) Cream Cheese
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
3 Jalapeños, diced (Remove seeds and ribs)
1 Jalapeño, whole
1 (4oz can) Diced Green Chilies
Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise together. Add diced green chilies, jalapeño, parmesan cheese to mixture. Layer in a 9 inch baking dish. Add a whole jalapeño in the center for garnish. Bake 350 degrees F until bubbly.
Hot Artichoke Dip
c/o our sweet friend Rochelle
2 (14oz) cans Artichokes, drained + chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon Worchestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Transfer to a small lightly buttered baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 20 minutes. Serve warm with crackers.
2 (14oz) cans Artichokes, drained + chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon Worchestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Transfer to a small lightly buttered baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 20 minutes. Serve warm with crackers.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Fall Style
The last few days it’s been fall like and we’ve been loving every second of it! Being able to have the windows open and letting the crisp fall air blow through the house has been magical! I could hardly believe I needed to pack a sweatshirt and a light jacket for the kids this past week, but I was more than happy to do so! I’ve also been so excited picking up a few new pieces for our growing children this fall, full of polka dots, tutus, long sleeves and stripes.
I always love the mix of patterns for this season along with black and white. I’m really digging the burnt orange for Finn and adore the sweatshirt I found at H&M last week. We officially brought out all the fall a few weeks early with homemade pumpkin bars and hot cider over the weekend and we’re enjoying every bit of it!
I always love the mix of patterns for this season along with black and white. I’m really digging the burnt orange for Finn and adore the sweatshirt I found at H&M last week. We officially brought out all the fall a few weeks early with homemade pumpkin bars and hot cider over the weekend and we’re enjoying every bit of it!
Monday, September 11, 2017
Spooky Bat Wreath
I love decorating for fall and halloween, and I especially love to keep it simple and chic. Over the weekend we put together this spooky wreath, it’s so easy and the perfect piece to dress up any front door with just the right amount of spook to give your guests a little chill. Kensi loved helping me make this and couldn’t wait to decorate the rest of the house with our fall decor and maybe even a little halloween sprinkled throughout.
// Supplies //
Sunburst Grapevine Wreath
Plastic Sticker Bats (found here)
Alligator Clips
Hot Glue Gun
1. Choose 5 to 7 bats of various sizes to use for the wreath.
2. Hot glue an alligator clip to the back of each bat.
3. Clip the bats onto the branches of the wreath.
4. Hang the wreath on door or window of choice!
I typically like the traditional grapevine wreath, but I really like how the branches fan out for this one because it adds more space for the bats to attach and it adds a little more spook to the door. The best part...the whole project cost less than $15 when using a craft store coupon, BOOM! I hope you can create this same look for your front porch and be Halloween ready for all the Trick-or-Treaters next month!
// Supplies //
Sunburst Grapevine Wreath
Plastic Sticker Bats (found here)
Alligator Clips
Hot Glue Gun
1. Choose 5 to 7 bats of various sizes to use for the wreath.
2. Hot glue an alligator clip to the back of each bat.
3. Clip the bats onto the branches of the wreath.
4. Hang the wreath on door or window of choice!
I typically like the traditional grapevine wreath, but I really like how the branches fan out for this one because it adds more space for the bats to attach and it adds a little more spook to the door. The best part...the whole project cost less than $15 when using a craft store coupon, BOOM! I hope you can create this same look for your front porch and be Halloween ready for all the Trick-or-Treaters next month!
Friday, September 8, 2017
First Day of School
This week was full of first days for our oldest with dance, soccer and most importantly...school. Our sweet Kensi girl turned five earlier this summer and although she was eligible to begin kindergarten this fall we opted to hold her back and send her to pre-kindergarten instead. Mike and I struggled with this decision throughout this last year, but this week assured us we made the right choice for our girl. She was so anxious the day before she started. Scared because it was new and she wasn’t sure if she would know anyone in her class. When her first day came, we all went to walk her to her classroom. She found her hook for her backpack and slowly walked over to her seat to begin coloring. Watching your baby step into the big world is not only hard, it’s terrifying. I found myself wondering if she would be brave, try new things, if she would be okay without us, what would happen if she got upset, would the other kids be kind, would she be kind? I hate it when we are blindsided by the enemy and he floods our minds with these terrible thoughts and questions. We know our child. We know she is caring, loving, intelligent and kind. We know she can be a leader. We know she has an incredible teacher. We know God heard our prayers and He has her. I watched Kensi take a deep breath in her seat and pick up a crayon to begin coloring her paper. She knew it was time to be brave and take on this adventure. And she did.
When we got home and Mike went to work, I sat in our living room with Finn and Olivia who went into complete destroy mode getting every toy out of the playroom. I sat there waiting for the time to pass to go pick up Kensi. This was one of our longest mornings to date. When the alarm on my phone went off to start packing the kids up, I quickly loaded the car and drove to her school where I waited in the pick up line for her. When she walked out of the school and to our car my heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t wait to hold her. The first thing out of her mouth was “It was SO much FUN!” She began telling me all about her day, the new friends she made, the books they read, the games they played and I was overcome with emotion and tears of joy. She was so happy and I knew we made the right choice for her schooling.
The funniest story came from her lunch experience. She discovered I had packed two Starburst candies for her and she excitedly ate one first. A student next to her told her she shouldn’t be eating her candy until she had eaten the rest of her healthy food. Kensi said she sat there and when the student got up to get something, she quickly unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth. “I was thinking, it’s my lunch and I can eat it how I want to eat. Right, mom? Plus! It’s was only two candies, not a whole lot!” Sure baby girl. She was less than pleased to be told by another classmate how she needed to eat. Oh sweet girl, you are so cute and funny in how you see world. We are so
excited to watch her grow and bloom this year in her awesome preK class!
When we got home and Mike went to work, I sat in our living room with Finn and Olivia who went into complete destroy mode getting every toy out of the playroom. I sat there waiting for the time to pass to go pick up Kensi. This was one of our longest mornings to date. When the alarm on my phone went off to start packing the kids up, I quickly loaded the car and drove to her school where I waited in the pick up line for her. When she walked out of the school and to our car my heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t wait to hold her. The first thing out of her mouth was “It was SO much FUN!” She began telling me all about her day, the new friends she made, the books they read, the games they played and I was overcome with emotion and tears of joy. She was so happy and I knew we made the right choice for her schooling.
The funniest story came from her lunch experience. She discovered I had packed two Starburst candies for her and she excitedly ate one first. A student next to her told her she shouldn’t be eating her candy until she had eaten the rest of her healthy food. Kensi said she sat there and when the student got up to get something, she quickly unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth. “I was thinking, it’s my lunch and I can eat it how I want to eat. Right, mom? Plus! It’s was only two candies, not a whole lot!” Sure baby girl. She was less than pleased to be told by another classmate how she needed to eat. Oh sweet girl, you are so cute and funny in how you see world. We are so
excited to watch her grow and bloom this year in her awesome preK class!
Monday, September 4, 2017
Olivia’s First Birthday
Over the long weekend we celebrated our sweetest little star turning one. We kept her celebration simple with a small cake topped with fresh flowers and a sweet chalkboard design. This was her first taste of cake and since she is showing signs of a dairy allergy we opted for a small special order vegan cake for her. She was so excited to dig in, but she was cautious as she spent a few minutes poking her fingers in before she ate a bite. Once she enjoyed her first taste of sweet frosting it didn’t take her long before she was smashing it with excitement and flinging cake all over herself and the floor. Kensi was so eager to help Olivia celebrate and couldn’t wait to ‘help’ her open her gifts. Finn was more about getting his own cupcake and playing with Olivia’s new gifts and most excited about her new shape puzzle.
Olivia’s First Birthday
22 lbs 4oz
2 Teeth, Breaking her Third
Favorite Foods : Blueberries, popsicles, beans + chicken
First Words: Mama, Dadda, Mermaid, Baby, Kazee (Kensi), Inn (Finn), Hi There, Bubba (bubble), Wawa (water)
Favorite Things: Dancing + Singing, Snacks, Baby Dolls, Playing Legos with Finn, Ocean + Sand, Going to the Park
Our sweet little surprise baby has brought us more joy than we could ever imagine and she has taught me so much in the last year. We had no idea how much our little family needed her big personality as she constantly reminds us what’s truly important in this life and to value family, fun and the simple things more than ever. Olivia, you adore baby dolls and love snuggling + taking care of them. You also love playing with your big sibs even though they still think you're out to destroy their creations. You’re always loving on each of us and eager to smother us with Eskimo kisses. Happy First Birthday to our sweet, silly, intelligent, beautiful littlest girl. We are so proud of you and excited to watch you continue to grow! All our love to you sweet darling.
// Sources //
Cake | Whole Foods
Flowers | Trader Joes
Cake Stand | Amazon
High Chair | Vintage
Star Pom Pom Garland | Hooray Everyday
Pink Tissue Garland | Amazon
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