Happy Lady

I was one happy lady yesterday afternoon as I pulled into my driveway, only to find two boxes that were sitting on my font porch.  I knew what they were (because I was expecting them), and by them I mean my two silver Moroccan poufs that I previously blogged about here.  My heart skipped and I got all excited and such.  Then I remember that the hubs was working from home and I didn't want him seeing my packages right away. Darn. Why do things I order online always come on the days that he works from home....blah.  I knew exactly what he was going to say "no more house stuff" and "why did you get two".  I didn't want to have to deal with these silly questions right away, I just wanted to enjoy my poufs! Is that too much to ask?

So I did what any respectable wife does that likes to hide purchases until later and say "no, I have had that for awhile" {awhile being a few days} when asked "is that new?".  I hurried to the front door to bring the packages in.  I was trying to be so quiet as to not let him wonder what I was up to.  I'm usually up to something, if you haven't figured that out already,  Ha.  Not like in a devious way, just I usually have some sort of plan of attack or action that I'm up to.  I get it from my momma. My mom used to always hide her shopping bags, and when my sister and I would catch her she would say "it's not new". Now I know why she did it.  By the way, I have figured out that I am turning into my mom.

Anyhow, where was I...Oh, yes.  I was being quiet and bringing the two boxes in.  So I got them in and then I hid them in the under stairs closet.  Phew, mission complete...no one saw.  The rest of the day and night I was just stewing because I wanted to go see what the shiny, silver, fun poufs looked like in person and open up my boxes.  I had to wait.

Ok, at this point in the story you are probably wondering "why is she so obsessed with the poufs"?  Here is where I explain the method to my obsessiveness and insanity.  I have been wanting some Moroccan poufs forever, but at a price tag of $190+ for just one, I couldn't bring myself to buying one (I am a bargain shopper).  Once I heard about the Calypso St. Barth for Target line, which included the said poufs, and for a price of $59.99, I had to have them.  There, now you know.  I really am normal.  I just like poufs.  Totally normal {right?}.

So, I waited until this morning to open my boxes up when JDubs left for work.  It was worth the wait...they are even more lovely in person.  I am a happy lady.  Oh, and my kids love them.  They like to  play frogs and bounce all over them like lilly pads.

P.S.  The kids loving the poufs and the fact that these were a "Mother's Day" Present to myself was my justification to my husband when he did in fact ask; "what are these for?"  and "you got two?".  The later was more like a statement, with a connotation of slight annoyance.  In the end I won, and he just smiled.  He loves me.  I know this because he puts up with my shenanigans.  I love him because he just plain rocks my world.

P.P.S Totally unrelated, but I hate when I over-tweeze my brows.  Grr.  I let them get all gorilla like so I could re-shape them a few months ago, and somehow I went tweezer happy again. Boo.  Does that ever happen to you?  And if you are going to say, "just go get them waxed", then I am not listening.  I have never had a good experience with that.  I come out looking like I drew a line with a pencil for eyebrows. Not a fan.  I would really like thick eyebrows again...back to Gorilla mode.

P.P.P.S  I hope you have a great Wednesday!!! XoX

Giveaway Winner & Weekend Recap

I hope all the moms out there had a very well deserved day of rest and relaxation!  My boys didn't disappoint and it was nice to have a day to take a long (uninterrupted) shower, read my mag (in silence), and spend time with my loved ones (the best kind of day).  

Ok, on to the Winner.  I am excited to announce that my first giveaway has ended and a random winner was chosen!  

So, without further adieu, the Winner is.....

Comment #4!!

I am so excited that Randi over at Eye See blog won.  Go check her blog out, it is awesome.  Her photog skills rock, and she has an eye for all things adorable.  Randi, email me so you can pick the color combo you want (brittanyh@gmail.com).  YAY!  For all of you that didn't win, there is going to be another giveaway next month that includes another print that I featured here...So stay tuned.  Oh, and this month an awesome giveaway I am excited about may include something featured here (hint and wink). Lots to be looking forward to my fabulous blog-licious friends.

P.S.  In honor of post-mommy day, I had to talk about this book by Piper Weiss.

Honestly, what a fabulous idea for a book.  It embodies the simple fact that out moms aren't just "our moms".  When we are younger, we see them as our peanut-butter sandwich maker, our laundry go to lady, our homework helper, and our chauffeur.  As we mature however, we start to see that they aren't just these things, but they are these fabulous, stylish, bold, beautiful women. This book is amazing and I don't know about you, but as I have come across old photos of my mom when she was younger, I have thought to myself "I wish she would have saved those awesome bell bottom jeans for me"!  My mom was such a stylish fashionista with her hippie style and long blond hair.  Today, she still is my style icon, but in other ways.  Her never-ending smile, her giving hands, and her bright eyes that shine, and even her lovely smile lines (that show just how happy she truly always is). Thank you mom for being my style icon from the inside-out.  I love you.

My beautiful mom with my twin sister and I

This book also reminded me to not just feel like a slumpy "stay-at-home" mom. Which I tend to feel like a lot these days.  I need to remember that it is ok to get dolled up (even if we are just going to chik-fil-a) and enjoy it.  It is fun to go to a fashion show (even if the fashion show is you walking down the hallway {runway} at home for your kids).  Be a style icon and have fun doing it.  Don't let being a mom and having mundane daily tasks and a busy life stop you.  Enjoy every moment and remember that the best accessory you put on is a giant, happy smile.  Enjoy your Monday!! Here is a weekend recap via pics.... XoX.

Chubby-licious.

The art of the burrito.

I see you.

Mama & her Monkeys.

lonely stools.

Captain Crazy & Mr. Delicious.

Loving right now

I can't believe it is May already!  It is going to be fall again before we know it...time goes by sooo fast {too fast}.  With May brings all things Spring (which I love) and here are some other things I am loving at the moment in the blogsphere world.  Enjoy and Happy Tuesday.

I don't know if it is because I am a mom (aka homemaker), but I want {need} a sewing machine.  I asked for one for my birthday (which is next month).  My husband laughed and said "do you want a blender too?". It is sort of funny, but I want one.  I want to sew quilts for my kids, I want to make baby stuff, and I want the feeling of accomplishment when I make things for loved ones with my own two hands.  Dorky?  Maybe, but I will never forget the fact that my Grandma made my wedding dress with her two hands. She even sewed in a tag that said "made with love".  It was amazing, it was special, it was made with love.  I want to do that for people.

via pinterest.com

Ok, anyhoo.  The blog "Wren handmade" made me want to sew even more.  It is an awesome blog.  Laura is so crafty and has such a great eye for pretty things. She recently posted a tutorial to make soft baby blocks and it is my mission to make some for 3 friends that are having babies soon.  What a cute gift!  Maybe throw in some handmade burp cloths?  Love it!  Check out her blog and tutorial here.

image via Wrenhandmade.typepad.com

Another idea I am loving and so doing for Father's day (I think it would be a great project for the kids to help with) is the "Envelop Surprise" that Jordan Ferney posted on her blog.  If you don't read her blog, you need to.  It is fabulous, she and her little family live in Paris, and they are cool.  Find the tutorial and her blog here.

image via Jordanferney.blogspot.com

Two words: Atlantic-Pacific.  You need to visit this lovely fashion blog.  She is a serious style maven and she rocks.  Her outfits are inspiring and fun.  Find her here.

via pinterest.com

I am obsessed with Coconut Water.  It is delicious.  It is good for you.  I could drink it all day. Go get some.

High Beam is my favorite (along with Poise tint)!  I hardly sleep (I have insomnia & a snoring husband) so this seriously helps brighten my tired face and skin.  

I LOVE Method.  It isn't new, but I have just recently switch to only using all their stuff.  I love it, it smells good, and it is good for Mother nature. 

The Wooden Wagon has such fabulous and different baby and toddler toys...I am a huge fan!  We are very big into playing games and puzzles in this house over just "toys", so I am always on the hunt for cool puzzles.   I am loving these ones from the Wooden Wagon right now.

images via woodenwagon.com

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway (you have until midnight Friday). XoX

Giveaways, Weekend Recap, & Muffins

First things first....why does the weekend have to go by so fast?!  Ugh.  Another weekend come and gone, but this one was exceptionally great.  Not because we did anything spectacular or different, but we did spend time as a fam the whole weekend just playing, and that is my favorite type of weekend.  Might I mention that the weather had a big part in our happy demeanor.  It was an 80 degree, full sunshine with a bit of breeze type of weekend...bliss. Our allergies are killing us, but being outside 80% of the weekend was well worth it (plus I got a tan line, bam). I hope you all had a great weekend!

Paparazzi

Daddy love

Cruising...

and cruising more.

little feet

messy face

Peace & Jamba

His "treasure" map

he wanted to order and pay himself

his new favorite thing...

love that my boys have a love for art

 pulling the babes

Ok, now on to my FIRST Giveaway!  Boo-ya!  I mentioned here that my giveaway would be one of the prints I featured.  Well, it is your lucky day, because one of you readers will get your own 8X10 "You are My Sunshine" print from Fern Tree Studio.  You will get to choose the color (added bonus).  This print is by far one of my favs in my home and it will be yours too.

**To ENTER** simply push the "follow me" button to follow my blog, or you can follow my blog via "bloglovin" and then leave a comment on this post letting me know that you follow me.  If you are already a follower (thank you), just simply leave a comment on this post letting me know.  That is it...simple!  A winner will be chosen at random and the giveaway will be closed to entries on Friday (you have a whole week).  YAY!!

Ok, now on to the next thing, Muffins.  What post is complete with out muffins?  Why am I so in love with muffins? Am I becoming the Muffin Man?  Why so many questions?  Haha.  Ok, I am rambling {again}...You know I am a lover of Muffins, so of course I made some over the weekend (my 4th batch of muffins this week).  On Sunday I made "Mimi's Spice Muffins" for breakfast and they were a fabulous accompaniment with eggs.  Here is the recipe from Mimi's Cafe and adapted by me where indicated **.  I hope you all have a fabulous Monday!

MiMi's Buttermilk Spice Muffins
Ingredients 
Muffin Batter:
1 cup Sugar
½ cup Butter or margarine
3 Eggs
2-½ cups Flour **(I used 1 cup flour and 1 1/2 cup wheat flour)
2 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Nutmeg
½ tsp. Cinnamon
¾ cup + 1 tbsp. Buttermilk
Nut Topping:
½ cup Sugar
1 cup Walnuts (finely chopped) **(I did not add the walnuts, but I am sure they are delicious)
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
** I also added 3 Tbl Ground Flax Seed (for added Fiber and Omega-3)
Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and the butter together with an electric mixer. When they are thoroughly mixed, add eggs and beat one more minute.

Sift the flour into a separate bowl, together with the baking soda, nutmeg and the cinnamon.

Add the flour and the buttermilk to the first mixture, mix at low speed until smooth. To avoid lumps in the batter, add the wet and dry ingredients alternately, in small amounts.

Make the nut topping: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.

Grease muffin tins with butter or margarine. You can also use paper baking cups. Fill each cup 3/4 full of batter. Add a full, rounded tablespoon of nut topping on top of each muffin cup of batter. Bake immediately or the topping will sink to the bottom of the muffin.

Bake at 375° for 20-25** (I only baked them for about 19) minutes, until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the middle of the muffin should come out dry. Home ovens heat differently from commercial ovens so you may need to adjust the temperature or the baking time accordingly.

Recipe yields 12 standard-size muffins, or six Mimi's-size muffins. If using the jumbo muffin pans, reduce the oven temperature by 25° and increase the baking time 5-10 minutes.
Via

Weekend Via Pics

 I hope everyone had a great Easter Weekend!  Here is a recap of our weekend via pics. Happy Tuesday!! XoX

My sister's 7 layer Strawberry Cake...HEAVEN. Click here for the recipe

Me and Mr. Delicious

Captain Crazy at his finest (Orange Juice Mustache and all).

See below the post for this French Toast recipe 

I had to fill his eggs with Cheerios and Goldfish Crackers since he can't eat Candy yet ;)

Little Artist.

My husband really does exist.  Meet JDubs.

French Toast:

Ingredients:

6 Slices of Thick Bread (Texas Toast works awesome)

2/3 Cup Milk

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

Directions:

Heat Griddle Pan on Medium Heat and coat with a non-stick cooking spray.  Whisk the Milk, Eggs, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg well in a bowl.  Dip each slice of bread (both sides) into the Egg mixture and place on Griddle pan. Cook each side till golden brown and top with berries and Powder Sugar or Syrup.  Sooo easy and delicious (my husband can even make it)!  Enjoy!