To Have & To Hold

I love weddings and I secretly love going through Pinterest finding new inspirations.  I helped a friend recently with a few things for her son's wedding and I was so excited with how it all turned out that I threatened to crash the wedding just to see how it all looked.  With my handy dandy Silhouette Cameo and a few late nights this is what we created.

The letters on the suitcases were cut out of vinyl.

We made the two signs hanging in the entryways.  See close ups below.

I love the colors of this mini banner.  

Instead of a traditional guest book the couple wanted their guests to sign a fabric square which will later be sewn into a Memory Quilt

My favorite sign turned out awesome.

The letters of this sign were cut with the machine.  

Many blessings to the newlyweds and may this new journey be filled with lots of love and happiness!

Apple Picking

We had such a good time this past weekend apple picking.  Now that Tink and her little friends are a bit older we all jumped on the opportunity of driving a few miles away to the apple orchards.  Everyone was looking forward to picking yummy apples except Tink.  Ms. Moody wasn't having it.  Good thing with kids, they get over it rather quickly and I was happy to see she was in better spirits as the day progressed.

This is how the lovely morning started.  Someone didn't want to pick anything.

All of Tink's friend had a great time picking their hearts away.

Waiting in line for the pony rides.  I was very hopeful that if Tink saw her friends riding she would too.  Didn't work that way.

Since Tink didn't ride, little brother had no problem taking her spot.

Here are the awesome goodies we came back home with.   We had to tap into the apple cider while we were there,  couldn't wait.  

These bad boys were so good!  Apple cider cake donuts anyone?

After a fun filled day of apple picking, pony rides, and a wagon wide everyone was pooped.  Looking forward for the next time.

Crock-pot Pork Stew

Here is another easy peasy recipe.  I have my hubby's seal of approval on this and I know it's true because he kept going back for more.

Ingredients:

2-3 lbs of pork, chunked

marinade of choice

2-3 tbsp olive oil

2 carrots, chopped

4 potatoes, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 small can of tomato sauce

1/2 c. red wine

2 cups beef broth

water as needed

Marinade pork chunks over night in marinade if possible.  I had some left over marinade that consisted of garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and hoisin sauce.  

When ready, brown pork chunks in large pot with olive oil.

While that browns, place chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery in the crock pot.

When pork is nice and brown, place over the veggies.

Poor tomato sauce and wine over everything.

Add beef broth last.  Make sure you add enough liquid (more broth or water)  to cover pork.   Let cook for 4-6 hours on high.

My apologies for not capturing the finished product but believe me it was GOOD!  My guests had multiple servings.  The pork was very tender and fell apart.  Left overs tasted better the following day.

Buen provecho!

 

 

Organization Tips/Tricks

I am always looking for ways to simplify the day to day things I do as a Mommy.  Throughout this journey some things have worked and some have not.  That is why when I do find something that has been successful I love to share it.  Here are a few things that help keep my sanity,  for the most part.


You can find one of these over the door shoe things at just about any store.  I went the inexpensive route and found mine at Walmart.  It is made out of canvas and the pockets are mesh which I like because they have a tiny bit of stretch.  Originally, I kept complete outfits for Tink when my mom watched her in the beginning because I always found she got creative with the baby's outfit selections. So, to keep it fast, simple, and coordinating, I loved this option.

Now that Tink is developing an opinion on some days and doesn't want to wear what I select, she is given the choice to pick something in a pocket.  It's working out well.  With 24 pockets there is plenty of room to prepare 2 weeks worth of outfits and still store some shoes.  This is a great time saver for any working parent and it takes the guess work out.  As I fold the laundry I coordinate outfits to slide away.

This was a big one for me.  My lovely sister has blessed my child with a wide selection of hair accessories.  Thanks sissy!  For a while I didn't know how to organize/display them for easy selection.  After keeping them in Ziploc bags for while I discovered this nifty jewelry organizer at a bargain store.  You can clip them on or slide into the pockets.  It is double sided and has pockets of many different sizes.  I just love how everything is displayed and it makes the selection process much quicker.    

I have gone through a fare share of diaper bags and when I had one baby the cute ones seemed to work ok.  With two kiddos now I find that I need my hands a lot more so I opted for a hands free approach.  Between two sets of diapers, wipes, snacks, sippy cups, etc. I always drove myself crazy with multiple little bags.  So, I found this backpack on clearance recently and figured I'd give it a try.  Sorry, practical won over cute and I might add that I like love it so far.  It is lightweight, has many pockets/compartments, and water resistant.

Two smaller pockets in the front for quick access items like cell phone, paci, etc.

I keep my wallet here along with the kids snacks and cups.  Has plenty of room for more.

Diapers and Pull-Ups along with some wipes.  I can even fit an extra change of clothes for both.

This is what it looks like with pockets open.

Here all pockets closed.  It's not bulky like I thought it would be and fits nicely in the stroller basket.

So there you have it.  This is what works for me and maybe can work for you also.  Good luck!

September Recap

September was full of birthdays, fun and sunny days.  Many times we take good pictures and just file them away and forget.  So, to remember what made this month so special here are few that just stood out for us.

Days at the park with Daddy are so much better!

Someone discovered their love for chocolate dipped cones.

Little man had come ice cream as well.

On dry dock.

Pool for one.

My three loves.

Play date with Prima and Tia.

... and Primo.

In photos like this is when I realize how big she is getting.  

Come on... you can do it.  Get up here!

"The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege."  

- Charles Kuralt