Five Things

A few days late but didn't want to wait another week.  Happy Sunday!

Last Day of School


Lauren's just finished her last day of "pre" pre-school before we left for our vacation.  She was actually really sad to leave.  She enjoyed all her friends, projects and teachers.  

 

 We had to get a last day picture to compare to her first day.  Before leaving for the summer, we stopped in to meet her teacher for next year.  Lauren loved the room and her teacher was so sweet.  I hope we'll see a lot of her friends next year too!

Teacher Gifts

I wanted to give Lauren's teachers a little gift, nothing crazy but just something to say thank you. Found on Pinterest, of course. Potted gerbra daisy from Trader Joe's. Add a little the message to a #2 pencil and your good to go. One of the teacher's wanted all the details so she could do for her children's teachers.  I think we did ok:)

Mani/Pedi 


A little pre-trip pampering and mommy/daughter date. I thought I would have waited until she was a little older but we needed the one on one time. She picked pink for hands and yellow for her toes and was so good and polite!

Just a Little Something


I purchased a planner from Erin Condren last year and upon receiving it there were a few labels snuck in that are adorable and have actually come in handy.  I always keep these clear cellophane bags on hand for any impromptu gift or goody bag filled with freshly baked cookies.  Tying a cute ribbon is certainly enough, but adding the labels makes it even more personal.  I think I'll be ordering soon.

We're Back...

I hope you enjoyed the posts while we were away on our vacation.  I completely checked out from blogging but had a few things scheduled for my most loyal readers:)  We had an amazing vacation in the Outer Banks with some friends.  I will be back later this week to post about our trip.  Here are a few...

  

Beach Chic

Sporting our matching hats

One of my favs!

Five Things

I took a break from this weekly post, but I'm back today:)  While I've been posting more lately I didn't feel like I had anything to share for this. Well, I do now!

Snack Time

I had to bring a snack for Lauren's play group and a friend shared a little butterfly idea with me.  I changed it up a little but couldn't believe how easy it was.

*Pipe cleaners (cut in half)

*clothes pins (smiley face optional)

*snack size baggies

*cheddar and cupcake Goldfish (You could do mini crackers and cheese too)

Scrub-a-dub

With summer fast approaching I wanted to find a body wash that was also a scrub to wash away the winter skin.  Softsoap's coconut scrub is fabulous.  Not too harsh, not to smelly, and drug store prices are nice too.

(Mark, so sorry to stray from P&G.  I tried:) )

Call Me, Maybe

I'm gonna apologize first for getting this song it stuck in your head.  It's been in my head for a good week (thanks, Joc).  In my head so much I'm lying in bed and humming it.  Best part, toddlers love songs on repeat and so do I.  Yep, we've listened to this about 25 times in the last two days.

 

Lauren's Style


I think I need to start a little fashion blog for her.  This is what she comes up with on her own.  No help from me.

This is what I helped with for school this morning.  

Lauren was in new clothes as soon as we got home, taking 15 minutes to get something new on.  I would have taken a picture but we had an accident.  If I help for a particular reason...play clothes or certain outfit for school, she changes as soon as said activity is over.  

Fast forward ten years and we'll be waiting in the car for her after lord knows how many outfit changes.

Brie and Brisket Quesadillas

On the menu for this weekend.  Don't these look tasty?  Not sure I"ll tackle the mango chutney, store bought may be the route we go. Check the recipe out here!  After we make it I'll post a mini review in the comment section.

XOXO

Aubrey

Five Things

Closet Fashion Tips

My friend Courtney has a clever little fashion blog, Closet Fashion Fix.  She goes shopping in your closet to create new and improved outfits out of everything you already own.  This week she posted some great fashion tips.  Her tip about using a safety pin to hold your belt in place works!  Hope you guys find some of these helpful.  Thanks Courtney!




Brave


Check out Disney's newest trailer, I'm sure it will be a hit.  By request, we've watched the trailer a few too many times already:)  In theaters June 22nd...dinner and a movie, anyone?

Scotcharoos


I can't believe I haven't shared this dessert before.  One of our family favorites and always the first to go when I take it to a party.  I once saw the same guy eat half of the plate.  We will be home most of the weekend and this sweet and easy treat is perfect.  You won't make regular rice krispie treats again:)


Mama Moment


I rarely get both kids napping at the same time, but today they are.  After William went down I could tell Lauren was fighting sleep and she insisted "I don't want to take a snooze."  But I held her and sang while I watched her eyes get heavier and heavier.  Before they even closed I had tears in my eyes thinking how long it's been since I actually sang her to sleep and how rare this moment is.  I snapped that mental picture and tucked it away.  




Clap your hands


My baby surprised us on Monday night with some clapping!  We've been working on waving "hi" and "bye" for over a month and nothing.  But I showed him how to clap his hands for the first time and he nailed it.  

XOXO


Aubrey

Five Things

Dentist

We checked that first visit box this week.  In true Lauren fashion, she got all dressed up for her big appointment, even brushing her teeth extra good.

BEFORE....

 DURING...

AFTER...
It's blinding how much cleaner they got:)  No cavities and was an exceptional patient!

Banana Pops

This sweet treat was much easier than the dreaded cake version.  We did a family movie night last weekend and since we were letting Lauren stay up a little late, a sugar buzz wouldn't hurt too.  Just slice up the bananas, melt some chocolate and serve up with some toppings.  The only thing I would change next time might be the size of my slices or the sticks I used.  The link attached used these vintage straws I keep seeing everywhere, they might work better.

For the Love of Gingham

Spring always brings out my inner prep and I'm just warning you that when you see me next and the time after that, I'll most likely be wearing check.  These suckered gingham shirts are light-weight and breathable...so they work now layered and into the summer.

 I will not eat green eggs and ham


I caught this little moment of her reading out loud this afternoon.  She just got Green Eggs and Ham for Easter and can already recite almost the entire book.  Hopefully she'll become an avid reader just like her dad.

Bloom


One of my favorite blogger's wrote a book and it's a beautiful story about her daughter's first year of life, a daughter they unexpectedly welcomed with down syndrome.  I started it a week ago and am almost finished...getting to have a real time book club with Beth over our favorite paragraph's and discussing how honest her writing is.

My copy will be making it's way to another Kelle lover, so if you can't wait, go get this book...otherwise, I'm happy to keep passing this along.  There is something for everyone in this book.


XOXO


Aubrey

Five Things

On Top of Spaghetti

This is our latest library find and it's a cute and fast read.  I grabbed it as we were heading out because what child doesn't love spaghetti and dogs?  And I thought there was a song I was remembering from way back when:)  Grab it, your kids will love it.  And to take it up a notch we served a spaghetti and meatball dinner last night with Italian music playing on pandora and our book on display.  Lauren loved it and I'm a total sucker for anything themed!

via amazon.com

Oompa Loompa


At William's one year well visit, the doctor had a simple fix for my picky eater.  Stop giving him so much to drink.  Wow, apparently I needed to go to medical school to figure that out because its worked.  Three helpings later...

Lamb Shanks braised with Cinnamon and Honey


When my Canadian cousins visit they always bring copies of the quarterly LCBO magazine, the cover was this picture and I knew right away I wanted to make it.  A few weeks later a friend was visiting, noticed the magazine and had just made the cover recipe.  Saying it was "AMAZING."  My mom then made it and I just cooked it Sunday.  Amazing it was and if you are attending my first ever Easter dinner...it made the menu:)

You can find the recipe here, but I wanted to include it below just because these links seem to come and go.

The only possible accompaniment for this rustic dish of tender lamb shanks is mashed potato but, in a pinch, hunks of crusty baguette will mop up the flavourful juices nicely too. Since frozen lamb shanks often come in packages of three, feel free to braise all of them; the meat from the leftover one would be perfect added to a shepherd’s pie or tucked into a wrap with crisp salad greens and tzatziki. 2 lamb shanks, about 10 oz (300 g) each ¾ tsp (4 mL) kosher salt ¾ tsp (4 mL) freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon 1 cup (250 mL) low-sodium beef or chicken stock ¼ cup (60 mL) liquid honey 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled 2 tbsp (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce 4 bay leaves Finely chopped parsley for garnish  1 Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). 2 Pat lamb shanks dry with paper towels, then sprinkle on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook lamb shanks for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove lamb shanks to a large plate. 3 Reduce heat to medium and add onion to fat remaining in pot. Cook, stirring often, for 4 to 6 minutes, until onion is golden brown. Add cinnamon and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until fragrant. 4 Stir in stock, honey, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to scrape up any brown bits from bottom of pot. 5 Return lamb shanks to pot, cover tightly and transfer to oven. Cook for about 1½ hours or until lamb is very tender, turning lamb shanks over halfway through cooking time. 6 Remove lamb shanks to a warm plate, cover and keep warm. With a slotted spoon, remove garlic and set aside. Discard bay leaves. When garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic from skins and mash smoothly. Whisk garlic into cooking juices and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until juices have reduced and thickened slightly. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary. 7 Place lamb shanks on 2 warm plates. Spoon cooking juices over shanks and sprinkle with parsley. Serves 2

Clownin' Around


Grandma's school was going to the circus this week and an invitation was extended to Lauren.  Even though she told me she loved everything but the clowns, she seems pretty happy here.


Thank you so much for taking her, we know she had a blast!

Kids Say The Darndest Things


Don't they?  She had put her baby to sleep and explained to me that I needed to be quiet.  Then proceed to tell William....


"William if you are bad, you will never see your daddy again."  


She has repeated a zillion things I've said, but I swear I've never uttered those words.  I need to start writing more of these down because some can be so funny, but some just melt my heart.  The other day we talked about what makes everyone different and did she know?  Her answer "magic."  




XOXO


Aubrey 

Five Things

Monday Funday

Major props to Billy for suggesting this dinner out on Monday.  We don't go out to eat often, it's usually easier to just cook in and cheaper too.  But I gotta say, I loved having something fun to do on Monday night.  It was nice to not have to cook and we all got dressed up....another love!

On Monday's at the restaurant around the corner from the office there is a magician, a character, and free food.  Well, kids eat free!  Lauren was a little shy at first, but warmed up by the end.  Needing to say goodbye to Sponge Bob about 25 times!

 

Double Stroller


Some of have wondered how I got this far without one, but its been easy.  I normally don't go anywhere with both kids where I would need one, like the mall.  When we have gone, Lauren walks and its a one stop shop.  In and out.  At Target or the grocery store we use the cart.  And last summer for walks, I used the baby bjorn.  I realized that my method wouldn't work this summer unless I was wanting to add to my already bad back.


Facebook finally did me some good versus being the usual time sucker.  (Nope, I don't care what articles you read this morning, but apparently I do because I'm clicking....)  Moving on...I posted that I needed one and by the end of the day I was offered a FREE one!  I picked it up on Wednesday, thank you Kristen!  It did need a little TLC, but I'm really happy.  We went out for a walk and it rides well.  Lauren looks sooo big in it!

Meyer Lemon Cookies


My newest obsession from Trader Joe's.  Nine cookies for 130 calories.  Ok, they are paper thin but nine still feels like a lot...especially when bathing suit season is fast approaching.

Mad for Plaid

Even more of an obsession was finding this bathing suit.  I was on a mission to get William prepped out in this little number, but they were sold out everywhere in his size.  But the power of the universe was on my side because after getting a text message at 10:30pm from Beth that it was restocked, I was one click away from ordering.  Now he will match his Florida buddies on the beach in a few months:)

via

Balance

Is it just me or is it a struggle for everyone?  I follow these other blogs where they do all this DIY stuff or another one where it appears they effortlessly play for hours with their kids.  Maybe they just don't sleep?  Must be it:)  I wish I had some magic formula where I could get enough quality time with everyone in my life, have a clean house, cook great meals, workout, and enjoy some trashy tv.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope you don't think I'm that blogger that is doing it all.  I'm not.  I have to try some weeks to really find the time to blog or to really find the time to have quality play time with the kids.  It's a give and take.  When the house is clean, I haven't played with the kids.  Or the laundry may be done, fridge stocked, bills paid, but my hair hasn't been washed in two days.  Super mom doesn't live here!  I could never be super mom....I drink way too much:)

XOXO

Aubrey

Five Things

Shamrock Shake

We enjoyed our first ever this week.  It's sweet and minty all in one sip, or would that be a slurp?  Billy and I tried to get one last Saint Patrick's Day as my last meal pre-labor but they were out.  Seriously?  On THE day?  It was worth the wait.


Wine and Weights (title props to Joc)


In the reverse order actually.  Post shamrock sugar high, I met up with my girls for a little  intense workout. It was nice to break up the week with some girl time even if we only had a few short hours to catch up.  Our dinner was healthy and we kept the wine to a minimum as to not totally defeat the purpose of calorie burning:)  I'm really hoping that Billy's travel schedule is going to slow down and we can try and do this every few weeks.  


Yogurt Parfait

I'm always trying to feed Lauren (and now William) some healthier snacks, and I haven't found that go-to-good-for-you-snack.  I always find myself going back to a bowl of fishies.  Well, a friend introduced me to these yogurt parfaits.  You can make it however you want, but we love greek yogurt at our house.  A couple spoonfuls of whatever flavor you like (vanilla-honey was my choice), sliced strawberries, and top it all off with grape nuts.  (My friend used rice krispies)

Jack Rogers


These are top on my spring/summer wish list.  Actually, they are the only thing on my wish list.  My online window shopping has been lacking as of late.  I own one pair and have been lusting after these black babies for almost two years.  I'm adding these to my closet!  And yes, they are expensive but they LAST and can be dressed up or down.  The perfect summer sandal.  

And you know who else had 'em?  One of my style icon's....Jackie O.  She made them famous.

Where's William?


His new fav...

Cracking himself up while hiding behind the curtains.

Of course, another comedian:)

XOXO

Aubrey

Five Things

Black Honey

During my trip to California, Kristi and I did a little shopping and she totally turned me on to this Clinque lipstick.  It's suppose to look good on everyone and Kristi confirmed that all her friends own it...blondes and brunettes; it compliments everyone.  The color is reddish and totally works with red or oranges, but its not this overpowering red.  I think it will look great in the summer with a tan because it gives a natural look too.


GTL


Wills was sporting the Jersey Shore look today.  I wish I could have gotten a better picture, but with him so mobile he just starts running to the camera!  He was our little guido all day!

 (Thanks Tiffany for the hand me downs...he was quite the little stud:) )

 Water Bin


What to do?  What to do?  It's hard to find something to entertain both kids.  William can't do everything Lauren can do and some of things he can do, she isn't willing to share.  Idea:  fill an empty plastic bin with water.  Add toys.  Strip kids.

(Of course Lauren used the moment as an opportunity to put her swimsuit)

This idea was 65% genius, 35% what were you thinking.  They played well for almost thirty minutes, then the splashing began...

and then I had two kids sitting in the bin.  I'll know it was a hit if Lauren asks to play again!

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

I caught one of my favorite cook's on the Today Show last week, Giada De Laurentis making meatloaf and potatoes two ways.  I had to try it!  

Check out all four recipes here!  Hopefully the link won't get taken down.  If so, I have them saved if anyone needs them.

I made the meatloaf parmesan and baked mashed potatoes with peas, parmesan and breadcrumbs.  The meatloaf was soooo good!  Billy said it was the best I have ever made.  A keeper for sure.  I went rogue on a few things.  Used jarred sauce instead, baked it like a regular meatloaf and skipped the marinara and cheese topping.  It didn't need it.

The Lorax

We are really into Dr. Suess books over here lately and it's fitting because the movie The Lorax is coming out next week.  I don't remember the books growing up, but Billy has many memories of all the tall tales.  I'm enjoying them now and even picked up a few at Target this week because they were 2 for $10....great for an Easter basket, right Beth? :)