Boo!

So, naturally, now that the first birthday is over, I am on to thinking about the next event. Which is Halloween. I am not a big Halloween fan, it's just has never been a holiday (is it even a holiday-don't think so) that I have gone overboard on. That doesn't mean that I do not surf the world wide web trying to find the cutest costume ever. Problem is: it is still in the 90's around here and all these costumes seem so hot.

 Isn't this precious girly owl costume adorable?
P would never keep that thing on her head, but those layers are too cute right?










It's a lobster!
This made me giggle.  Definitely not for a walker, but it's unique, cute, & funny.






 
 This is probably the cutest witch outfit that I have seen. It is from Chasing Fireflies and they have a ton of cutie pie, slightly over the top costumes for kids. So, if that is your thing, check it out. I am storing this away for next year, when, fingers crossed, my child likes hats. Yeah, right!

What little girl doesn't want to be a flamingo? Pottery Barn makes   this sweet little costume. Check out the side view on this, it's too funny. P could rock this, but I don't think the husband is going to go for a $60 costume. He will say, "you are only doing this for pictures." (ugh)

I am thinking I will go with a Halloween related outfit. I kind of find them cuter anyway. Like this one to the left from Etsy, or you can always count on Mud Pie to have precious seasonal outfits for toddlers. P wore one last year, see below. She wasn't even 2 months old in that picture. I remember this day, I had all these pumpkins and blankets out on the porch for a photo shoot. I was swatting away mosquitoes, shaking all kinds of toys in front of her, making weird noises and the neighbors were sure I was crazy. This was also the first night that she slept through her night feedings. It was a very memorable Halloween. ;)

First Halloween 2011

Three things I wish I invented

I have seriously said "Why didn't I invent this?" like a million times since I have had a baby. There are so many products out there that make your life easier and some of them are so simple, but so brilliant. If I would have been a mom like 10 years ago (thank God I wasn't) surely I would have thought of one of these. None that less, I am thankful that someone did! I am starting with 3 items on my mind lately.

Plum Baby Spoon

First off, I am a huge lover of anything Plum Organics. It is the only store bought baby food that P ever ate. I am the kind of mom that tastes everything before I give it to my child, and I am telling you this stuff is yummy! The fruit blends are delish and they have so many combinations of flavors. They sell this little spoon that twists on to their products that makes feeding in restaurants or in the stroller or in the car a breeze. It even has a case! I still use this occasionally now when she decides that she would rather squeeze her applesauce snack all over her instead of eat it. The spoon fits just about any squeezable baby food, so you don't have to use it on Plum Organic products only.

Indestructibles

The most amazing books ever! I was just recently introduced to these by my mother in law and I wish I had known about them when Presley first started looking at books. They are chew proof, water proof, they can be rolled up and stuffed in your diaper bag, and they so not tear. It is impossible for a toddler to look at a book without tearing the pages, they only books I keep in P's room are board books, but those aren't practical to travel with. These are awesome and they make that crinkle sound that babies love (similar to magazines). I think the mom who invented these is so genius. We already have 3 and I am ordering more off Amazon now!

Inch Bug Labels

I am a new inch bug customer, but a very pleased one. Another mommy friend told me about these when I was looking to label all P's bottles and sippies before starting back at school. They offer great customizable adhesive labels that can go in the dishwasher and mirrowave. I ordered a pack and now feel the need to label everything. My favorite thing is their Orbit Labels, they are reusable, stretchy bands than can go around just about any cup or bottle. We use these for sippy cups right now. They are also microwaveable and dishwasher safe. The name is visible, but not to flashy. One thing to note is that they do not fit Dr. Brown's bottles. Those bottles are super skinny. I'm a Medela user, but I have 2 Dr. Browns that I tried out in newborn stage (too many parts in my opinion).

And because it is just about against my religion to have a blog post without a picture.....

 GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!! 

(check out her Tom's, they are so stinkin' cute)

Our girl is ONE

It is crazy to me to think that it has been a year since we went to the hospital and came home with a beautiful bundle of love. It has been such a fast year and I only get teary because it has been so wonderful and because everyone was right-they do grow up too fast. We celebrated Miss P's first birthday with a bang this Saturday. I did not so much have a theme, just lots of pretty colors, simple cute decorations. It turned out just like I imagined and was seriously such an amazing day! Here is a photo recap....and I will warn, this is kind of lengthy.

Used our entry table for the favors. I decided to do little treat bags with note from Presley. Guests filled their bags will dried cranberries, M&M's, and iced animal cookies. I apologize for the sugar highs that occurred after the party.

 Cakes were made by Eggleston's Edibles and they were such a hit. She did an amazing job incorporating all the colors and the cake matched the cake on the invitations perfectly.

 This is an awful picture, but I hung her monthly picture from clothespins so we could all see how she has grown.

 

We rented a moonwalk to keep the kiddos busy. It was sure a hit by kids of all ages....from age 1 to age 28. 

 Cake time!!! Everyone was commenting on how neat and tidy she was being, until she realized she could put it in her hair. She really enjoyed it!

Family pic time. Her precious birthday outfit was inspired by something I saw on Etsy. My very talented mother in law sewed it for her, we found the perfect fabric & added the little suspenders so the skirt would stay put. She's amazing and now I just added sewing lessons to my Christmas list. Spencer's says I am old, I say I am a crafty wanna be.

 It gets harder and harder to get her to cooperate for pictures. Oh well, I take what I can get!

We added a wagon our collection of toys with wheels. Actually we added several new toys with wheels. The girls had so much fun pulling each other around.

It was so much fun to have our new house filled up with people for the first time. It feels more like home now! We are sure lucky to have such great family & friends.

Recipe Share

You'll never believe it...I tried 3, count them, 3 new recipes last week and all were huge hits in this household. I have a new board on Pinterest called 'School Year Dinners' and my goal is to pin and try at least 1 new recipe a week. Well, I started off with a bang.

I am sharing what I named 'Cracker Barrel Chicken' tonight. The recipe did not have a link or a name on it, but it seemed easy so I have it a go. It tasted like something you would be served after church on Sunday after waiting 45 minutes at Cracker Barrel. It was pretty delicious.

Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts
New quartered potatoes, quartered
Green beans (canned or fresh) or any other green vegetable
Packet of Italian dressing mix
Stick of butter

Arrange the chicken and veggies in a 9X13 dish.  I used a can of green beans and then some broccoli. Sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning. Melt the stick of butter and pour over the chicken and veggies. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through. Time could vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.

photo credit: Pinterest

So, the stick of butter totally throws healthy out the window, but it's pretty much worth it. Served up with some mashed potatoes or a salad....perfect! I actually assembled it the night before and just popped it in the oven when we got home. Spence gave it two thumbs up and he is pretty tough to please when it comes to chicken dishes.Wish I could figure out who came up with this to begin with, a big Thank You!

Add it to your list!