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How I'm going to try to stay sane on a road trip with kids...

Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Are we really crazy for doing this upcoming drive? Nineteen hours, one way, with a 3 year old and an almost 9 month old. Brian even mentioned bringing the dog but no way! Flying just wasn't the greatest option considering how expensive it is and the fact that we would need to buy three tickets. Our plan is sort of simple and hopefully it will be the easiest on the munchkins. We'll be leaving around 8 pm, their bedtime, and I'll be driving through the night until we get to South Carolina the next morning. Brian's grandparents live there so we will be staying with them for the day and through the night. I'm not too nervous really about that drive because they're both great sleepers and I'm more of a night person when I have to be so I think it'll go just fine. That drive is thirteen hours, the big bulk of our time. 

Why am I so nervous for the six hour drive? I know I'll be tired from doing the over night thing so maybe that's a part of it. I decided that I would pull together some fun things for Braxton that didn't involve screen time. Don't get me wrong, we'll be bringing the iPad with some of his favorite movies, but I would ideally love to save that for last, it'll be the back up plan aka the saving grace. Lucky for us, where Braxton's birthday is only 4 days after Christmas, we usually have an overhaul of unopened toys and other fun things. I will usually hide them and bring one out on a rainy day or something but this time it's perfect. I'm packing basically all of the little stuff haha I also bought a cheap cookie sheet for him to use for coloring or even eating, as well as some fun little stickers that he can put on the window...gel stickers, of course. 


Crayola Color Wonder pads and markers are seriously the best invention for little kids. There's NO MESS! 

The Etch a Sketch I think could be fun because it's totally a new idea for him and once again, mess free obviously. 

Now I'm totally not above bribing when it's reasonable so the Jelly Beans are perfect. Not too much sugar where he's trying to bounce out of his car seat but still a little treat. How awesome are the Disney villains though?! 

Bubbles are pretty much the most amazing thing ever to kids, I don't know why, but I'll take it. We got some mini bubbles from a party favor bag which are the perfect size. 

As for the Play-Doh I'm still not 100% sold on it because it could be a disaster (Play-Doh smooshed all over the car) but I'm still going to bring it. The little containers are great because I don't have to worry about loads and loads of the stuff everywhere and then it drying out. 

Snacks are probably the best part about road trips. Am I right or is it just me? My goal is to do a little bit of everything in moderation. I also want to avoid a huge mess everywhere so before we leave we'll be putting a sheet under their seats as a shield. Yes, I'll have cookies and other "junk" but we'll be having a great, homemade breakfast before we hit the road and we'll also be eating semi-healthy for lunch so I'm not too concerned. The important thing about packing snacks for little ones is single portions and mini bags. It's no fuss and it's not likely that they will go to waste. 


Mini muffins are Braxton's favorite so of course they're packed.

100 calorie snack packs are amazing because there's just enough to them so you aren't crazy full but you're satisfied...unless you're Brian who could eat like five of them haha 

Granola bars are awesome for both toddlers/pre-schoolers AND parents. 

Popcorn. I seriously LOVE popcorn. I'll wait until we're at a gas station with a microwave and then surprise Braxton with it because he loves it as well. 

I'll be picking up a bag of trail mix from BJ's but who am I kidding, it'll be for me. 

Where Braxton is potty trained but this will be his first big trip, I'm a little nervous so we'll be watching his fluid intake haha 


For the whole traveling with an infant thing, that's where most of my nervousness comes in. Ava is a great baby but will she be great stuck in a car seat for that long? I sure hope so...We're switching her from an infant seat to a convertible seat (don't worry, always rear facing) so she's a little more comfortable for the drive. Depending on how much room the two seats take up in the back I may be able to squeeze in between them for some entertainment for her. I learned the key to happiness with a baby is follow their schedule as much as it's humanly possible. For the bag that I'll keep her diapers in I'll have a changing pad, obviously diapers, a few Ziplock bags (to put used diapers in just in case we're doing a car change), diaper cream, an Aden + Anais bamboo blanket, and my Solly baby wrap. 


I picked up a little mirror from Walmart to keep her entertained when needed. She seriously loves looking at herself so I think she'll love it, especially with the cute little owl on it. 

Wegmans have these great organic puffs that come in all sorts of flavors. Apple and banana are the perfect little snack for her. 

The v-tech tablet was a Christmas gift from a family member that I think she'll enjoy, especially since it's new. 

Anti-bacterial baby safe wipes are pretty much a necessity. 

The Lamaze octopus is one of her favorite toys and I thought it would be nice for her to have something familiar from home. 


An extra change of clothes is so important because accidents happen. It couldn't hurt to have a change of clothes for yourself close by either. For Braxton I try to pack something a little darker just in case he spills something on himself. Stains are the bane of my existence haha Also- don't forget to pack the extra clothes in Ziplock bags so if you do have to use them, you can just put the dirty clothes in the bag. You don't want wet, dirty clothes just hanging out. 

Of course, these aren't the only things I will be packing but they're the most important I think for the drive. I'll have all of Braxton's toys and treats in his little backpack by his feet, Ava's things will go in a smaller bag behind her carseat, and the snacks will be up front with me. Another semi-important thing to keep close would be Tylenol, band aids, etc. just in case...you never know with little ones. I'm hoping this is a smooth trip and I'll be a pro after this. Wish me luck? 

Monday's Obsessions

Monday, February 24, 2014
It's the week of our vacation! I'm so excited but of course there's a little bit of anxiety there. I need to go shopping for car snacks and other essentials, lists need to be made and checked, and I need to start packing officially because mentally packing only gets you so far. I have all of Braxton's clothes he will be wearing folded and set aside, as well as some of mine, so I'm kind of there. There are a few outfits for Ava to wear the first couple of days but I'm going to hold off and go shopping once we're down there for everything else. I'll just pack loads of headbands and accessories and she'll be good to go. I'm on the hunt for some playlists for this upcoming road trip...I'm totally up for suggestions. (Please)

This past week was kind of tiring. Brian went into work early each morning and, as usual, both munchkins were up early ready to go for the day. Somehow I'm still not a morning person...it takes me a little while to officially wake up. Think of the person who says "don't talk to me until I've had my coffee" only this person doesn't drink coffee. Once I'm going though I'm great. Braxton had no school the whole week because of Winter break so we took him to open bounce to play. While he was going through one of the bounce houses a kid a little older than him decided he was going to pick on him. I heard Braxton kind of yelling but I couldn't see him so I pulled my boots off fast and climbed in. Once I got to them this kid was basically sitting on top of him and just being rotten while his parents weren't even paying attention...so annoying.

On Friday, we had a baby bestie dinner date with Marissa and Mila, as well as a little retail therapy. I've mentioned them before here. We try to get together at least once a month but this was the first time we have taken them out to eat together. It was actually Ava's first time going out to dinner since we try to stay home because Braxton isn't the best in a dinner setting haha They did great though and chowed down on some steamed broccoli and plain sweet potato fries. They were so interested in each other and it's always so sweet.



Brian and I had a semi "argument" this past week over who's better...Jimmy Fallon or Conan. I pick Jimmy, all the way. A couple days later this happened and it just proves my point. Anytime they get together is magic.

Thanks to Lena Dunham, I am now obsessed with Old Loves It's so addicting!

I'm fawning over all Anthropologie furniture but oh my, their Orianna Chair is so perfect. Gah, if only....

This dress is on my wish list.

Easy recipes are the best and this chicken and black bean enchilada casserole is one of my favorites.

I really enjoyed the post on Perfect Parents Bum Me.

Proof that I'm not crazy for using Ava's baby products. I have switched my fancy soaps and lotions for Burt's Bees and California Baby.

I've been loving this blog

Something that's outrageous to me is the fact that this anti-gay bill was passed in the Arizona state Senate and House of Representatives. It's sad that people still live with that much hate for others.

Can I just put fun garlands all over our house? 

I have tried quite a few sea salt sprays for my hair but Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist is by far my favorite. It's not drying like all the others and it smells amazing. 


Here's to a good week xx

Journal Day #1

Thursday, February 20, 2014
I'm joining in on Dani Hampton's Journal Day. Each week she's giving a prompt and then an opportunity to share which I think is great. 

Everyone has a time in their life they view as a crossroad. Sometimes you can see it as it's happening, and you're able to choose one way or another. Other times you may not realize you're there until you look back, and see what a turning point it really was. This week, write about a time you view as a marker in your life; a distinct place where things changed, for better or worse. 

I have had a few crossroads in my life. I like to think that I lived life quite fully in my 25 years. There have been some incredible experiences that have made me who I am today, and not all have been good, but I'm still here. I believe I'm a better person because of it all and it has given me a stronger sense of life. It may be cliché but motherhood was my turning point in life, it gave me a true reason to live, and it showed me that I needed to change. 

When Braxton was a little squish and one of my favorite pictures. 

If you knew me before I had children you wouldn't recognize me now and I'm actually okay saying that. Before I got pregnant with Braxton my life revolved around ME. Having fun was my main priority and I enjoyed having basically zero responsibilities. My mom supported my lifestyle and I was really just spoiled to put it simply. When I say spoiled I don't mean in the "here, have anything and everything you want" kind of way but I just wasn't held accountable for much of anything. Looking back, it's kind of embarrassing to even admit to when I think of where I am now in life. Getting pregnant with Braxton was the best thing to happen to me, even if it wasn't "planned." I have talked about this before here and I don't want to sound like a broken record but it's amazing how this experience was my crossroad. I will forever be thankful for him. 

Before I had Braxton I went out practically every night. I would go to the same bar in Orlando with my friend Burgundy because that was our place to hangout. We would sit on the same counter (not meant for sitting), next to our favorite bar tender whom we were friends with, and just people watch while we drank. Once we got home, at 3 or 4 am, we would sleep until the afternoon the next day and then do it all over again. As I write this I'm literally shaking my head but when you're 21, it's fun and it seems like that is the only thing to do. Once I was pregnant I knew I had to change so I did and I don't regret a single thing. 


I'm sure every mom will say that the birth of their child (or children) was the best day of their life. It's just one of those days that you will never forget. On December 29, 2010 I started my new journey in life. Cue Bright Eyes' "First Day Of My Life" because that is how I feel about Braxton. That day for me really was a new beginning. I said goodbye to the person I used to be so I could make a better life for the little boy I had just brought into this world. I learned quickly how strong I really was; not only because of the 2 day unmedicated labor/delivery, but because I had this little human depending on me. I realized I actually had a purpose now and I swore to myself that I wouldn't fail him.


Now, as a mother of two, all my hopes and dreams are for them. They are my priority and my driving force to be the best I can be. Just this morning I got a text from my sister saying "I'm so proud of the person you grew up to be!" My mom says similar things randomly, and pretty often. Hearing that makes me happy and it shows me that I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do. I don't really know where I would be if Brian and I didn't make Braxton. And on that note, I don't know where I would be without Brian...because of him I have the opportunity to be the kind of mom I want to be. I enjoy my simple life now and I'll forever choose story time and bed time over going out and drinking. One of the things that amazes me the most is just how responsible I am now. I'm proud to say that I don't depend on anyone, besides my husband, to help me take care of my children. I'm responsible for two beautiful little babies, a great marriage, a home...it's the life that I always wanted and it's a life that I will never take for granted. 



"Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone- we find it with another" - Thomas Merton 

Baby Spam

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Yesterday we had a beautifully sunny but cold day so I brought out my camera to take some pictures.  Braxton was napping but it was still fun to just get some of Ava. I think yesterday was the first time in awhile she wasn't wearing some sort of pink haha I ordered some early Spring headbands for her from @minalovesbows and a cute blue one came which I think is my favorite so she wore that along with a shirt from H&M and some Carter's leggings. They're the perfect play clothes for at home. Her little ballerina doll was a Christmas present we got her from Sophie & Lili and she loves playing with it. It's her first doll and I love how soft it is. We also bought her baby bestie Mila one for Christmas! 





She's totally starting to copy me, and she loves sticking her tongue out if I do. 

The other day we were snowed in...wait, who am I kidding, we're always snowed in lately...anyways, I decided to play a little dress up with Ava since we weren't even thinking of leaving the house. Leopard print and a pink tutu! It's fun because even at 8 months old she doesn't mind when I change her clothes over and over. She just hangs out, smiles, and laughs at me while I make funny faces at her and sing in a not so beautiful tone. 

Monday's Obsessions

Monday, February 17, 2014
Wow, it's Monday already...really?!

On Valentine's Day I said we had planned on going to Cheesecake Factory for dinner...it didn't work. We got there around 8:45 and there was a 3 hour wait! I wasn't surprised but come on, 3 hours?! We ended up going to Cantina Laredo where they only had a 1 hour wait, and while we waited we walked around the massive mall and did some shopping. Finally at 10 pm we were seated and didn't even start eating until about 11 pm but the food was good so it was a win. It was totally past my bedtime by then but Brian and I had fun getting out since it really doesn't happen often.


I did this for Brian's Valentine's Day present. Thanks Pinterest for inspiring me! Since we usually go big for Christmas I always try to be sentimental for this holiday. I made 10 cards/letters with a couple surprises in them for him to open when the time is right, as well as the top card for that night that I purchased from Etsy. I wrapped them up with red ribbon and gave them to him after we were finished with dinner. I think it's safe to say that he was surprised. 

The rest of our week was pretty simple minus the fact that Braxton and Ava have been waking up way too early. Early as in 5 am early. They both sleep well usually so I don't know what's going on. I didn't have dark circles under my eyes when I had a toddler and a newborn, I don't know why I have them now that they're both older haha At our local mall I just found out that the inflatable place with loads of bounce houses does a toddler day on Thursdays that only costs $1. We went there on a whim, expecting to pay full price, and were pleasantly surprised. Braxton had a blast so I think we'll be going more often now. 


On Thursday I did this to my hair. I'm loving it. 

I've really been dying over Zara baby for Spring clothes for Ava. 

I loved reading these wedding vows because it's a perfect way to be in a relationship.

I'm really not a Taylor Swift fan but I can't get this song out of my head and I DON'T KNOW WHY!

AG Hair Cosmetics makes the absolute best deep conditioner. It's my favorite and a life saver.

I read this book to the kids the other night and I have never been more tongue tied.

Ava's birthday is almost 3 months away so obviously I've been "planning" it for a couple of months now. 

This recipe is a go-to for me. I made it last night with a twist compared to how I usually make it. Instead of the vinegar I added 1/4 cup lime vinaigrette and I cut down on the brown sugar. We had it with roasted onion potatoes and some fresh corn, everyone loved it. 

I'm probably the only person who loses their Naked2 palette but I'm so sad. It's been missing since November. I don't take my makeup anywhere, it stays at home, so I genuinely don't know what happened to it. I think it accidentally got thrown away by Braxton because I have looked seriously everywhere. Smashbox makes a palette that I want and would use very often.

My best friend Denae has been blogging and she's such a great writer. I keep encouraging her to do more because she writes from the heart. 

I know Valentine's Day is over but this is so cute and you can make them for anything, especially with Spring coming up! 


Here's to a good week xx

Our journey with speech delay

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Having a three year old has to be the most fun. Braxton is the sweetest little boy who is also the busiest boy I have ever met, seriously. The best and most simple way to explain him is this…”go, go, go.” He has always been somewhat of a challenge, especially when he was a baby, but I’m really enjoying him at this age now. With a speech delay, however, it’s frustrating…not only for him but for the whole family because of course we want to be able to communicate. At the age of three a child should be forming sentences and they should have 300-500 words they can put to use. My son can’t say anything more than a 2-word sentence, which we’re still working on, and he only has about 20 words that are significant where we know what they are. Sure, he has his own language, and he is a pro with that but getting him to really talk has been so much harder than I ever imagined.

 As a young first time mom I really didn’t have any idea what I was doing but I have always tried my best. I would read things on BabyCenter about development and at his pediatrician appointments we would talk about things but I wasn’t worried when, at 12 months, he still wasn’t talking. He would babble some and I kept in my head that all babies are different and that he’ll just be a late talker. At Braxton’s 18-month check up, his doctor said he was a little concerned that he still didn’t have real words so he referred us to a program called Early Interventions. They came out a little while later to do an evaluation where it showed that he did qualify for speech services. The director told us that it was still early at his age but if we wanted to do speech therapy we could, so we did. We have done services at our home since then. Every week a speech therapist would come in once a week, along with another therapist on another day, just to work with him. Basically all speech therapy is for children is a play session which works their brain without them even noticing.

Braxton, at 18 months, right as he went into speech therapy.
As time went on, we saw a little progress, but nothing like I had expected. At two years old he still wasn’t having the conversations my other friends talked about having with their little ones. I started to kind of detach myself from things like that because in all honesty, it was hard reading at times. I didn’t want to compare my child to theirs, it wasn’t fair to Braxton and it wasn’t fair to myself. I still have those days though, and I think it’s normal. In May of last year we upped the speech sessions to two times a week, and he didn’t qualify anymore for the other therapist because he had made some progress with her. In July we ended up switching therapists because we felt his other therapist just wasn’t doing the best she could with him. I felt like he got too comfortable with her and maybe she was a little too comfortable with him because there wasn’t much “teaching” going on. We were told that it happens, and it might be good to mix things up for him. I learned that I needed to set aside my feelings of makings things awkward and just go for it, for Braxton’s own good. It was hard to make the choice because she had been in our life for over a year but it was needed for his progress…and I’m happy to say that he has made quite a bit of progress since then!

In September he started nursery school two times a week. It was the first time he had ever been away from me but we thought it would be perfect for him…turns out we were right. He loves it there! I think it was at his 2-½ year check up when I asked his pediatrician about autism. I was so scared to even say the word but he said he was confident that he didn’t see that in him. Even his new speech therapist said that, and she works with plenty of autistic children. Around that time I was told that we should look into getting a hearing test done. How did I never think of that before?! I immediately called and got a referral to an audiologist. At that appointment we were told that Braxton had major fluid in his ears and that he had a moderate hearing loss…basically he could hear like someone who’s under water. I instantly starting asking myself if this is why he’s not talking…has he been unable to hear us well all this time? It was frustrating that he still had fluid build up because he had been having ear troubles for over a month by then, and was on antibiotics to treat the reoccurring ear infection. The only reason we found out about the initial ear infection the previous month was at a check up so I wondered if he had been having ear troubles long before that. I’m not the kind of mom who takes him in for every little fever but maybe I should have. I mean of course he couldn’t technically tell me that his ears were hurting him…what if he has had all this fluid for awhile now and I just didn’t know. If you can’t tell, I still feel guilty about that.

To make matters even more frustrating, when we went to a local ENT in November after the hearing test, he confirmed the fluid but said he wouldn’t do anything to Braxton except “prolonged antibiotics” which I adamantly disagreed with. He had already been on antibiotics and they did nothing, I’m not going to subject him to something like that for just no reason…antibiotics will do nothing for fluid, only an infection which he didn’t have at that time. The doctor didn’t feel comfortable doing tubes on Braxton because of a medical condition…he just should have said that instead and saved us time and our $25 co-pay. After that fiasco we were referred to Upstate Hospital's ENT where they are incredible but also incredibly busy. We had been wait listed since the beginning of December until one of our other doctors in the same hospital found a loop hole and squeezed us in there, 2 months ahead of when he would have been seen. That appointment was just this past Friday, Valentine’s Day. They attempted the hearing test again but could only get so far because yes, he still has the fluid build up. After that they said he was a good candidate for tubes so we’re going to go ahead and do it. Unfortunately we still have to play the waiting game, it’ll be another couple of months since it’s an elective surgery, but it’s something! I’m so interested to see if progress is made after this surgery.


In regards to speech delay I have so much advice for others but the first, and most important thing, is it can’t hurt to ask. Just bring it up to your pediatrician because there are so many resources that can help you. It’s never too early either. I wish I thought about doing a hearing test ages ago, Braxton might have been talking by now. As a mom it’s hard to see your child behind, in any way, but I just keep reminding myself that I have to be optimistic. Sure, there are bad days, but those pass. You have to stay positive when it comes to your children because you’re their biggest advocate. Don’t take no for an answer unless you’re sure about it. Read up on things and trust your gut because you know them better than anyone else. If your child is already in speech therapy make sure you know what they’re currently working on so you can practice the same stuff at home when the therapist isn't there. I point out everything to Braxton and I pronounce the words all dramatic so it gives him a chance to see it and hear it. Don't be so hard on yourself either, that's a big one for me especially because I'm a stay at home mom. I used to think I was the reason he was behind, like I didn't do enough, but I know that's not the case. 

I’m always open to talking to other moms who are dealing with the same thing because it’s not something that’s talked about often. I want to extend the opportunity to share ideas and stories for other moms to know that there’s never the perfect answer to this struggle but instead there are a million different ones. Every child is different but this journey of being a parent dealing with speech delay is similar so I would love to connect with anyone going through it. Even if it’s just a “hey, I feel ya” type of thing or more, I’m all for it.

-UPDATE- 
 March 28, 2014

Braxton now has his appointment set for the tubes! May 7th is the day and the only thing I can think of is how much I hope that these make a difference. If you can keep us in your thoughts that would be amazing. Wish us luck! 

A quick little Happy Valentine's Day

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day! I love this day, especially now that I have little ones. Each year I do some fun little crafts with Braxton for Brian but this year I got something he made at school. Seeing it today was so special and I was instantly in love with it. I mean how precious can you get?! And those mini cupcakes...oh yes. I haven't yet had a full cupcake though because anytime I try to take a bite he asks for it nicely by saying "pleeeease?" He's saving me from extra calories, right?

Speaking of extra calories, Brian and I are going to attempt a date night tonight at Cheesecake Factory. We may be a little crazy going out on Valentine's Day, on a Friday night, but here's to hoping it works out. They recently opened up kind of close by so it will be nice to get out to try it...I haven't eaten at a Cheesecake Factory since before I moved from Florida. We're doing a late dinner in hopes that it won't be crazy busy and so the munchkins can already be asleep when we leave. That's the easiest way to do it. 

I hope everyone has had a nice day, and an even better night coming up! xoxo





For the love of sweets...

Tuesday, February 11, 2014
My friend Maria Giacona owns a bakery here called La Dolce Vita Bake Shop and she's super talented.  She is a twenty something, successful business owner which is a big deal! Any time I see a new cake of hers I'm always in awe. She has made quite a few cakes for us, including Braxton's baby shower cake and his very first smash cake, and they always taste amazing. I wanted to share a couple of her cakes on here and do a little Q and A with her. She was also generous and shared a little recipe of hers for a Valentine's Day treat.  




When did you know that you wanted to be a pastry chef?
A: I always liked to cook and bake, but my real passion was in art. I mostly did sculpting and clay work which isn't an easy means to make a living (especially in central NY haha). I tried to figure out a way where I could still express myself artistically in a more "practical" way…and had an aha moment to enroll in culinary school.

How did you start out with your own business?
A: I was working for a large catering company that enabled me to learn high production pastry/cakes but I really loved the detailed custom cakes. It was extremely difficult starting out without any financial backing or loans but somehow I pulled it off. It was a real gamble. I can still remember the fear I felt because I wasn't sure if I would have enough to cover my bills some months. As I established a solid reputation, things picked up very quickly. I think we live in a great community where word of mouth travels fast and everyone had pretty great things to say about my work!

What is a piece of advice for someone just starting out with opening their own business?
A: Keep your overheard low and don't give up. The beginning is what makes or breaks you…but if you work hard and deliver a good product/service it will pay off in the end. 

Most memorable moment of your career so far would be…
A: I was asked to make a cake for Victoria Mackenzie-Childs for her 70th birthday. It was amazing to see her reaction when she was told the piece of "pottery" on her kitchen table was a cake. She couldn't believe it.

What is your favorite thing to bake?
A: I love it all…except bread…that's not for me haha. 

The easiest way to screw up a dessert is…
A: Not reading the recipe all the way through before you start. I know it sounds dumb but it's true! I can't tell you how many times I've added the whole egg when I was supposed to whip the whites in a later step!

What are three things you should always have in your kitchen? (Besides the obvious)
A. Whisk, a few good baking sheets, and ice cream…just in case your dessert does not come out well. Ice cream makes a great bake up dessert :) 

Dessert trends come and go pretty quickly, what's in for 2014?
A. 2014…French Macarons are growing in popularity. Oh, and of course, the infamous Cronut which is super trendy in NYC. Basically it's doughnut made with croissant dough and filled with custard. 

What are your favorite kinds of designs for cakes?
A. I love girly cakes. Ruffles, pearls, flowers…oh yeah.

One thing you should never skip out on when baking…
A. Use butter. You can tell a huge difference when the recipe is made with butter as opposed to margarine or worse, shortening. 

Make sure you check Maria out on Facebook for some amazing cakes that will blow you away!



Almond Paste Cookies

Ingredients:
1 #4oz of almond paste
12 ounces of powdered sugar
3 egg whites at room temperature
1 teaspoon of pure almond extract
Pinch of salt

Beat egg whites with whip attachment in Kitchen Aid mixer with salt and extract until medium peaks form. (It will hold it's shape)

Set aside in a separate bowl and add almond paste and sugar alternatively until the mixture looks crumbly.

Add one third of the whipped whites to smooth out lumps and then fold the rest in.

Let sit in the fridge overnight…This is my key step.

The next day pipe batter on a parchment lined cookie sheet and garnish with slivered almonds or halved maraschino cherries. (My Italian grandfather loved the cherries!)

Bake at 300 degrees until the edges are starting to look toasted or until the bottoms slightly brown.

Allow to cool, then enjoy!

Monday's Obsessions

Monday, February 10, 2014
Hello Monday...


Our past week has just been filled with snow. I really can't seem to get myself out in this weather with two munchkins unless Brian is with us. It's just too icy and cold to go out unless we have to so I've been doing fun little crafts with Braxton to keep away cabin fever. Ava has had a hard time with the top two teeth that are coming in so we've had a week of bad sleep, crankiness, and a runny nose. I feel so bad for her. Brian said last night to one of his co-workers that two people in the house have been sleeping well and those two are the dog and Braxton. I took some simple pictures of the kids for Valentine's Day to send to my mom. They sort of turned out okay but she loved them. On Tuesday we went to my in laws for dinner and it was nice to get a night off from cooking, and cleaning up. From the last time we were there they did the opposite of baby proofing and added a bar with loads of glass but I have to say, Braxton behaved himself and he did so well...even if he barely ate dinner and only wanted the pudding cups in the famous snack cupboard that both him and Brian flock to as soon as we get there. Like father like son I guess.

I have been sort of busy planning our upcoming trip to Florida. I'm getting excited to get out of this cold weather and finally see my family and friends again. We may be semi crazy because we'll be driving down but I think we can manage it. Brian will be doing this with his friends in New Found Glory while we stay with my mom. I won't lie, a big part of me is jealous he's going on a cruise but I had the option to go and turned it down...I can't imagine being on that kind of cruise with two kids that are still so little and I definitely couldn't ever leave them. I have also been working on my blog. I'm starting to make plans for it and I did some subtle changes to the layout that I think I like more. I'm going to get some pictures taken coming up and I'll be pushing the blog once we're home from Florida. There are some fun things in store!


Ever since I heard Lana Del Rey do Once Upon a Dream I have been totally obsessed with it.

These pictures are just adorable. Fun Fact: I tried for months to convince Brian that we should name our girl Harper, but after him saying no no no we decided on Ava.

This wrap kept a teething and sick Ava perfectly content the whole time we were grocery shopping the other day.

Here and here are some cute Valentine's Day printables for this week.

I'm enjoying this blog.

Bip and Bop is one of my favorite brands I have come across because of social media. For our anniversary in October, Brian got me this and I seriously never want to take it off. I kind of have my eye on this for a layering piece.

I've been on a carb overload lately. I'm doing the opposite of what I should be doing but it's just so good. Last night I made a version of Betty Crocker's macaroni and cheese. My mom has used that recipe for over 30+ years. I just double the recipe and add chicken, and sometimes bacon, for a full meal and loads of leftovers.

Also, Oreo is going to make me gain 10 pounds just with their marshmallow crispy cookies.

I have been trying to clean up my Pinterest boards and I don't know why it has taken me so long. Everything was/still is kind of a mess but it's a work in progress!

I want this Essie color on my toes for the entire Spring.

Piggy Paint is my favorite for Ava when it comes to nail polish and this color is next for her.

For Valentine's Day I told Brian that I only wanted my hair done so Thursday I finally get to go see my lovely friend Avril who does wonders on this mop of mine. This might be a little bit of inspiration.


Here's to a good week xx


Fashion: Spring 2014

Thursday, February 6, 2014
I know I'm not the only one who can't pull off a runway look but I still love checking everything out. Everything is just so crazy but I try to take some key pieces from it to add to my wardrobe each season. Now that we're almost through with February I'm really thinking of warmer weather clothes and I can't wait for Spring to arrive. It will be so nice to get rid of bulky coats and a million layers in lieu of light jackets and pops of fun colors. I will always say that comfort trumps a lot but that doesn't mean you have to forgo style. I have adapted a sort of laid back mom style that I like, when I actually have the time to pull myself together. For Spring there are actually a few things I'm excited for...black and white together, metallics, and girly things are on my radar. Now I'm just counting down the weeks to Spring...




I have seen quite a few tulle skirts lately for Spring 2014 and I'm lusting over them. I want to wear one but have to find a way to wear it. It's weird wearing fun things when everyone around you wears sweatpants and Uggs/flipflops. (I'm not hating on any of those, I own them all, but you get where I'm going with this.) When I moved here from Florida I started dressing down a little so people here wouldn't look at me weird haha Anyways...I love tulle, if only it were more socially acceptable for a 25 year old to wear. When I think of tulle skirts I think of the opening of Sex and the City. Did you know that skirt was pulled from a bargain bin for $5 from the SATC designer? You see Carrie in this girly tutu skirt and a simple white tee shirt and it was brilliant. I have my eye on a blush pink skirt, buttoned chambray shirt, and black flats. I think it's perfect. I also like the idea of totally dressing it down with a regular tee shirt and a light jean jacket. You can find loads of ways to style tulle skirts here.


Black and white stripes seem to be everywhere. Stripes don't look the best on me but sometimes I can make it work. If I'm wanting to wear stripes I'll usually do a striped shirt and then try to wear something over it to break it up like a black blazer or denim jacket/chambray shirt unbuttoned. You will quickly realize I turn to black, denim, and chambray for basically everything. I also like the pairing of black and white together in a more simple way like I found here.








As for the metallic trend I'm not quite sure if I can truly make it work clothing wise but I love the idea of metallic accessories. Chunky statement necklaces, clutches and large bags, and shoes are the perfect way to work the trend while not being a slave to it. I have a pair of gold BCBG flats that I covet and I'm excited to wear them coming up. Stella and Dot have such great metallic jewelry!





I really try to balance everything. I'll either do a messy bun or wear my hair down with some waves.

This makeup is perfect.

 I took a little hiatus from my obsession with lipstick because I've been so busy kissing baby skin but I'm thinking the Spring makeup trends are going to suck me right in. Bold lips are back like each Spring and now it's bright reds, oranges, and shades of bright berry. I'm a fan of matte lipsticks and Revlon is actually one of my favorites. Anytime I do a bright lip I will have a more neutral face, with minimal eye makeup. Usually I'll just do a little eyeliner on my eyelids and then lots of black mascara.



All sources are cited with links. 



 
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