Toddler Fashion

3.31.2014

Sometimes you just need to let them wear what they want.. because it makes them happy.. and let's face it, she can make any outfit look cute.

If only I could do the same!

I'm pretty sure she would be on cloud nine if she had a tutu in every color of the rainbow.  Good thing this little one has a birthday coming up in just 2.5 months (seriously?).

Bubble Guppies t-shirt,  black and white floral leggings, pink tutu, and moccasins, and a gray /white polka dot sweater...





I love that silly, sweet face to pieces.

Project Life; Week 4

3.28.2014

Here's the overview for Week 4 of my Project Life..


And here's the left side, with the weekly title card.. and then the right side.



I really like how this layout turned out.  Here is a closer look at a couple of my favorite cards..



I think simple is more my style, from here on out.. I'm just a simple kinda gal.  ;) 

Veggies in Space! {review & giveaway}

3.12.2014

You're thinking.. say what?  But guys, I'm super pumped because the new VeggiesTales movie came out YESTERDAY (March 11, 2014)... "Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier".  I really don't know who was more excited... me or Clara. 


 Behind that DVD is definitely a big ol' smile!

This movie's message is about sharing.. an important lesson for all young children, no?  I love that the bottom line of this movie is, "When you have enough to spare, you have enough to share."  I've already caught myself saying that to Clara few times.

VeggieTales never disappoints!  Clara has already grabbed all her Veggie stuffed animals (Larry, Bob, and Petunia.. gangs all here!) and watched "the outer space movie", as she calls it, multiple times.  But not only does it have good lessons, it has a big dose of humor - even adults will catch themselves giggling at it.  And those new silly songs they sing?  You'll never get them out of your head.  ;)  Here's a quick synopsis of the movie;

  • "A Lesson in The Power of Sharing! Join Captain Cuke (Larry the Cucumber) and his loyal first officer, Mr. Spork (Bob the Tomato), as they embark on an out of this world adventure to bravely travel where no Veggie has ever been. The entire USS Applepies crew takes on Luntar the Looter, a power stealing space pirate, but they're in for a big surprise when they find out what's motivating him!" 


    )

    Also, if you're interested, VeggieTales has some super fun printables and coloring pages pinned on their pinterest right here.. could make for a good family fun night.. watch the movie, discuss, and have some fun with some coloring activities.  You can visit the VeggieTales website to purchase this DVD and other goodies.  And you can connect with VeggieTales via Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

    Want to try your hand at winning a copy for your family?  Enter below using the Rafflecopter form.  :)  Giveaway ends on 3/26/14.  US only please.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Disclosure:  As a VeggieTales blogger (and supporter!), I received Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier from VeggieTales for review.  Opinions are 100% mine and Clara's.  ;)

    Stitch Fix #2

    3.08.2014

    First, I feel I need to do a little recap of how Stitch Fix works.

    • All you do is head over to their website and fill out a style profile and make any extra notes as needed, and pay a $20 styling fee.  
    • A stylist will pick out 5 pieces for you.. clothing, accessories, etc.  I tell them I don't want accessories, that I only prefer clothing.  But that's just my preference.
    • When your box arrives, take a peek at the styling suggestions and try it all on!
    • Within 3 days you need to log on to your account and tell them what you liked & what you didn't.  Then you can pay for what you keep and drop everything else back into the mail (they send you a prepaid bag for returns.. no hassle or extra $$$!)
    • The $20 styling fee goes towards whatever you decide to keep!  Cool, right?

    I'm like a kid on Christmas whenever my Stitch Fix arrives at my door step!  This time I requested more spring/summer items, since the cold weather is close to being over.  I didn't want to spend any more money on warm clothes.  My stylist did a rockin' job at catering to my requests!  She even took a look at my Style & Fashion Pinterest Board (I provided my link to them when I ordered my box).  

    I love that the stylist writes you a little note, and they stick in styling suggestions for each piece.  It really helps when trying to get an idea of how you would wear that item.  Admittedly, I need a little help in that department.. One reason why I love Stitch Fix.  The other reason being they help me try something a little different and out of my "box"!


    Now, here's what I received...

    1  ::  Antioch Lurex Detailed Striped Sweater by Mystree

    I really liked this sweater!  It's a lighter weight, so I could wear it well into spring (on those more chilly nights).  It's a navy blue and gold-ish color, and the design of it is just my style.  And it's very comfy & cozy.  Keeper!

    stitch fix

    2 ::  Ritz Mixed Pattern Front Pocket Knit Shirt by Ezra

    When I first opened the box and looked at the clothes (before trying them on), I really liked this one.  It was unique and fun, and I liked how the front & back were different.  And the little floral pocket on the front was a cute detail.  However, when I got it on it wasn't very flattering to me.  It was very "boxy" and just kind of hung off of me.  I wasn't impressed with the cut... so this one was a no-go.

    stitch fix

    stitch fix

    3  ::  Wilfred Abstract Print Tank by Renee C

    I adore the bright colors of this tank top.  And the fact that it was airy and would be nice and cool for summer.  But the first thing I thought when I put it on was... I look pregnant.  That's not how you want to look when you're not pregnant.  Haha.  Needless to say, this one also got sent back!

    stitch fix

    4  ::  Wisteria Weave Detail Knit Tank by Mystree

    This tank top is so comfortable!  I really like the neckline, and also the detail of the pleats in the front.  It's a pretty light gray color that would look great with some dark bermuda short (or American Eagle's midi shorts.. I love those).  Keeper!

    stitch fix

    5  ::  Tiburon Floral Print Tank by Fun2Fun

    My first thought of this tank top when I saw it in the box, was that it was kind of old lady-ish.  But when I got it on, I actually really liked it.  The colors are very pretty, and it would pair nice with some white shorts in the summertime.  This is also a keeper!

    stitch fix

    stitch fix

    This has been my most 'successful' Stitch Fix box yet.  My stylist did an awesome job.  I'm already looking forward to getting another box.  What did you think of these picks?

    If you want to order yourself a Stitch Fix box, go ahead and do that HERE (referral link).  It's a pretty fun experience!  And if you do, let me know how you liked it (or leave your link in the comments if you blogged about it!). 

    Check out my Stitch Fix #1

    Project Life; Week 3

    3.04.2014

    So here it is, my week 3 of Project Life.  I'm a little behind, but I went into this knowing I would always be a little bit behind - and I'm fine with that.  My wonderful husband built me a desk, and that definitely makes my scrapbooking time a little more productive since I now have everything in one place. 


    And here are close-ups of some of my favorite ones;


    My title card is a bit eclectic this time, though I must say I'm really diggin' watercolors.  They're super fun to play around with.  I have this set that I bought from Michael's.  Lots of fun colors, and the price is awesome ($5, I think?  And if you have a coupon.. even better!).



    For the most part I just kept things simple for this layout, and kind of let the photos stand out for themselves.  My favorite is definitely the one of Clara dancing on the couch.  Makes my heart melt every time I look at it.  I just love that kid.

    Oatmeal Cream Pies {recipe}

    3.01.2014



    I've been wanting to try to make these oatmeal cream pies for a long while.. and I decided to make them this past week to take to work.  They were gone by the time I left, so I think they were a hit.  ;)  I did save some for us to keep at home too, and of course those didn't last long either.  They taste very similar to the well-known store bought version.. even better, actually.. because homemade is always better.  Don't let the ingredient list scare you.  These cookies aren't that much work, and they're worth it!  When I first saw the ingredient list, I thought how strange that cocoa powder and dried apples were in it.. but they looked so good, so I stuck it out.. and I don't know how, but everything just meshes so well together.  I have to eat mine with a big glass of milk.  :)

    Oatmeal Cream Pies
    recipe from Annie's Eats

    For the cookies: 
    8 oz. (1½ cups plus 2 tbsp.) all-purpose flour
    4 oz. (1¼ cups) old-fashioned oats
    ½ ounce (2 tbsp.) unsweetened cocoa powder
    2 oz. (1 cup, packed) dried apple rings
    3 oz. (6 tbsp.) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    2¼ oz. (¼ cup plus 1½ tsp.) canola oil
    7 oz. (1¾ cup plus 2 tbsp.) sugar
    1½ oz. (3 tbsp.) molasses
    3 oz. (6 tbsp.) corn syrup
    1½ tsp. baking soda
    ½ tsp. baking powder
    ½ tsp. kosher salt
    ¼ tsp. ground ginger
    ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
    1 large egg
    2 ounces (¼ cup) milk

    For the filling:
    2 cups marshmallow creme
    4 oz. (8 tbsp.) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
    Pinch of salt
    ½ tsp. cream or milk

    Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.  Combine the flour, oats, cocoa powder, and apples in a food processor (I used my Ninja) and pulse a few times, then process about 2 minutes, until no large apple bits or full oats remain.  Set aside.

    Combine the butter, oil, sugar, molasses, corn syrup, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl of a mixer.  Beat on medium-high speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.  Mix in the egg and beat 1 more minute.  Blend in the dry ingredients and the milk just until incorporated.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat 30 seconds more.

    Use a dough scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 tablespoon per cookie, leaving ample room as the cookies will spread while baking.  Transfer the pans to the oven and bake, rotating halfway through, until the cookies are set around the edges and puffed up in the center, about 4-6 minutes depending on your oven.  They may seem too soft but remember that the original is a very soft cookie so that is the desired texture here.  Also remember the cookies will continue to bake a bit longer once they are out of the oven.  Do not overbake, this will result in a hard cookie instead of a soft and chewy one.  When cool and set enough to move, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    For the filling, combine the marshmallow creme and butter in a mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed until smooth.  Blend in the confectioners’ sugar and salt and whip until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes more.

    Pair up the cookies by size.  Then transfer the filling mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a medium round tip.   Or you can do what I did and just use a spoon to dollop some in the center of the flat side of the cookie, then sandwich together with the other cookie and press gently so the filling goes to the edges.  Store in an airtight container.  Yields 2-3 dozen cookies, depending on size.