The Sandbucket blog!

My super talented photog aunt has started a beautiful and uplifting family magazine/blog. She is keeping up her blog in between the quarterly magazine she is producing as well! I guest blogged yesterday about 12 holiday goodies under $100. Go check it out!

Hopefully this will get me back into the blogging world! I'm a slacker. Go follow the Sandbucket ASAP, you will not be disappointed!

She & Him - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Live)

She & Him - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Live)

She & Him

I will probably be pre-ordering this today.

Etsy: Seventytwostitches

Cute cute cute!

This crafty gal has some seriously adorable crochet items in her Etsy shop.

She even has some holiday goodies that I'm eyeing as well!

I've got my eye on you

It has been a busy summer. I am starting to get back into the swing of things, which will hopefully include updated the blog on a regular. I've got baby on the brain, so expect a lot of posts about new finds for our little addition coming in January. I will be needing advice and ideas from you all!

First things first, the diaper bag. I'm in need and this guy seems to be the top runner!

Find here

Tape for your walls

Sincol is a Japanese company that has these amazing interior tape designs for your walls. What might even have caught my eye even more in this picture is that esquisite door! I feel like I could look at it forever.

My love for cute chalkboards

What an adorable esty shop this is.

I can't wait to find a reason to buy myself one!

2 in 1 booster seat and backpack

I love multi-functional things! Especially something as useful as this. Ok, so it might not be that useful to me, but could you imagine if you were a family living in the city going from taxi to taxi? You can see more of them at this UK site here!

Lark Rise to Candleford

Check me into BBC series rehab

cuz I've got an addiction!

This series is so sweetly endearing.

The characters are charming and extremely lovable.

It sometimes even has me yearning for a more simple time.

And then I remember what child birth would be like,

and I quickly come to my senses.

I recommend these DVD's for some perfect summer entertainment.

So far, so very very good.

Urban vertical garden

Love this urbio indoor garden. It's modern and would add so much to an urban space!

summer staple...corn on the cob

I loved this easy and safe way to cut the corn off the cob!

boosters

I am hoping that I can get Naomi in a booster seat before baby #3 comes in January! She is a petite little thing, so I am hoping that she starts packing on the pounds in the next 6 months! Any advice on boosters? The full seat or the seat with just the bottom? Differences? I am really liking these Clek seats.

Fundraising auction

My church had a fundraising auction and it was a huge success! There was a silent auction and a live auction, which made it extra fun. I loved the theme, which made for some extra cute handmade decor. I thought I would share some pictures of the event since it was so well done!

(sorry for lack of posts, morning sickness is serious business)

Orzo & vegetable salad recipe

From the dinner party below, here is my mom's amazing recipe that you requested!

1-1 1/2 C cooked orzo (or farro, rice...whatever grain)

1C Mache or baby arugula
1/2 fennel bulb, core removed, thinkly sliced (I chopped finely)

20 snap peas, blanched and refreshed, cut in half at diagonal (I forgot to chop some veggies before I added) :/

20 baby carrots, roasted and cut in half long ways

1/2 C fresh peas, blanched and refreshed (I used fava beans instead, taken out of the pod, blanched and peeled)

10 asparagus spears, blanched & refreshed, cut into diagonal pieces

4 oz. feta cheese crumbled or cubed

1/3 C roasted hazelnuts, skins rubbed off (put in a tea towel after roasted and rub together, about 350 degrees for 12-15 min)

I also added blanched corn, roasted bell pepper and cherry tomatoes.

vinaigrette

2 tbsp pear vinegar

1 tbsp sherry wine vinegar

1 tsp honey mustard

4 tbsp olive oil

S & P to taste

(I used dijon mustard, added honey and used the pomegranite vinegar from trader Joe's)

Dinner party

I'm in a dinner club with some girls from my area and they are always a good time. The food is great, but the ambiance always takes it to the next level.

I loved how quaint Tiffany made her beautiful backyard. It was a perfect and relaxing night with good food and friends.

jars with candles

bread, caprese app and my orzo & vegetable salad (thanks mom)

the most amazing oil & tangerine vinegar for dipping our bread

(from the new oil & vinegar tasting store at the Spectrum)

Tiffany's mom's lasagna recipe. It was to die for!

Sharpie fabric pens

Growing up, I for sure loved coloring on my shoes and skin when I was bored in school. These brought back some serious memories. I love that sharpie has these fabric markers. I might even let Naomi try these out on some hats or shirts this summer for an activity. OUTSIDE and while I watch every second!

book shelf

You know I love this.

Sweetest 16 Photobooth

My little sister Camille had her Sweetest 16th birthday party. Photobooths have been done, and done and done again, but do they ever get old? Not in my book! Especially with these adorable props found here!

Here are some of my favorites:

birthday girl

I was mostly behind the camera, but I did manage to make it in a few!

Happy weekend friends!

Road Trippin' it?

I like this car organizer for the little ones.

Squirrels, really?

Our last beach trip, squirrels came to our spot while we were playing in the ocean and ate a huge hole in my beach tote! I was pretty bummed since I have loved that bag. I'm on a search for another one that is as cute, reasonably priced and quite large at the same time. Do you have a favorite beach bag?

This is calling to me.

Chalkboard project

Love everything about this idea. I'm on it as soon as I feel up to tackling a project with morning sickness! I've never been able to keep herbs alive very long since I don't think my yard gets enough sunlight. I'm not going to give up though. I use too many fresh herbs in my meals!

MamaRoo

Mamas out there, thoughts on the MamaRoo?

Yum

My food blog of choice is the always scrumptious smitten kitchen.

It never disappoints.

Creme Brulee french toast?

Yes please!

Great clothes, even better prices!

Fashionista Rachel has a blog selling her adorable used pieces! This is a win win!

Stacey also sells used clothing pieces at her Love & Photographs.

This is a great way to shop and save some serious cash on some great fashion pieces!

Happy shopping!

Downton Abbey

I've only watched one episode so far and I already know that this is going to be a great series! Thanks to my Grandma and mom for giving me the first season on DVD. I might have cried too, but I am extra emotional these days!

I can't wait to continue, but here...I...am...blogging...?

Find a way to watch this A.S.A.P