Friday, June 28, 2013

hey pretty mama

A Cup of Jo recently shared this little hint to feeling pretty...


Pretend you're a friend! I can't tell you how many times I've looked in the mirror and thought my makeup looks gross, my hair is a mess, and I look totally lumpy in these jeans. Lipstick on a pig, I tell ya.

But imagine you're a friend, and suddenly you're cute again! What a hottie!

In other news, I've become obsessed with Miroslava Duma.

Have a pretty weekend, darlings.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

baby daddies

One of the best things about being pregnant is feeling the little kicks, flutters and swishes of your developing little one in your belly. I can't tell you how many times I would tell Kell, "Ooo! Put your hand here! She just moved!," only to get him excited and then feel nothing.

What if this service were available to all daddies?



What will they think of next? I could probably come up with a few other pregnancy symptoms I'd like to share...

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut Muffins. These are like little bites of HEAVEN. A muffin that tastes like a doughnut, dunked in brown butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust. Then topped with buttercream frosting and fresh cut strawberries. Amazing.* A win for my Bulldogs. But they played their hearts out! Hail State anyway!

* I have the perfect shoes in mind for this dress.

* Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut Muffins? Those are four words I love seeing strung together.

* Tell me that's not a good-lookin' one piece!

* Motivation to work out. Ain't gonna happen.

What's your wish?

Friday, June 21, 2013

party idea round-up

I love everything about a party - brainstorming ideas, decorating, making stuff, party food, choosing an outfit... Hosting a party stresses some people out, but I think I thrive on it. Or maybe I just like a good excuse to do some things to my house and put on some extra eye shadow.

In celebration of my love of all things party, here's a little round-up of my favorite party ideas of late. I'd love for you to follow this board - or all my boards - on Pinterest.



(Clockwise from top left)

Sneak a donut hole into an otherwise-healthy fruit skewer. // Not exactly a party idea, but the cash-in-a-tissue-box is much more fun than a card, right? // I've always wanted to have a Redneck Party, and I think the hand-held Frito Chili Pies would fit right in. // Drop a Chick-fil-A Chick'n Mini on an Eggo Mini waffle, drizzle with syrup or honey, and you've got baby chicken and waffles! // If you love Oprah's Favorite Things, how about hosting a Favorite Things party of your own?

Have a great weekend, darlings. I hope you find a reason to celebrate!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

my heavens!

If you've been checking out my blog over the past few weeks, you probably noticed something was amiss. For some reason, the banner was missing! And after multiple (and I mean multiple) attempts to contact the designer, I gave up. Fortunately, I saved the email in which she sent the banner proof, so I installed it myself, and all is right with the world.







My little Eleanor is six months (SIX MONTHS!) old now, and I'm still working to get off the baby weight. All that "nine months on, nine months off" talk is absolutely right. So, Kell and I are trying to eat healthier. Trying.







One of my goals has been to incorporate Greek yogurt into my daily life. I've tried it several times before and nearly gagged each time. But this time it stuck. Why, you ask? Two reasons: fruit on the bottom and granola. Specifically this granola...



Honey Almond Granola




4 Cups Rolled Oats

1 Cup Sliced Almonds

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 Cup Wheat Germ

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/3 Cup Coconut Oil

1/3 Cup Honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl add and stir together all of the dry ingredients.  








Heat a small sauce pan over low/medium heat.  Add the coconut oil and honey.  Whisk together.  Can also be warmed in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat stirring every 30 seconds until melted and combined.  It's okay if the honey and coconut oil do not completely combine together.  Just warm and whisk until the oil and honey are melted.  







Pour over the oat mixture.  Stir until completely combined.  Dump the granola into a greased rimmed baking sheet.  Spread evenly and press down firmly.  Bake in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.  Cool completely before removing from pan.  Store at room temperature in an airtight container. 







I didn't add the wheat germ (that just sounds gross), and I added a cup of Craisins, a very wise decision if I do say so myself!