Thursday, August 14, 2014

Dinner and Drinks

The weather has been absolutely amazing these past few days. Come dinner time, each night, it hits about 75 degrees and our screened-in porch feels just about perfect. We've been dining outdoors at sunset and it seems that our little outdoor space has become my very favorite feature of our new home.

I do my best at cooking, but I will openly admit that I am no Rachel Ray. The entrees I make are rather predictable and usually somewhat bland. Fortunately, Pinterest has been a real game changer for Kiel and I. My 'Good Eats" board has been a go-to as of late, and tonight I put together a little dish called Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas, courtesy of Kevin & Amanda. Four ingredient dinners are right up my alley and this one actually turned out really well. If your into Mexican, I would highly recommend giving it a go.

In addition to our yummy meal, we made a couple home-made margaritas. 

1 - 2 shots    tequila
           1 shot    Triple Sec
        1/3 cup    club soda
     2/3 cup    Fresca
                                1/2     fresh-squeezed lime

             Pour over crushed ice

With a little one who hits the hay around 7:30, and a husband who doesn't get home from work until after 6pm… a date night out can be a bit challenging sometimes. With that being said, we try and keep things fresh and fun by bringing date night to Belmont Street every now and again. These cool summer nights have made for the perfect setting so we have been taking advantage as much as possible.




Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Ten Things...

Ten Things, across the web, that caught my eye…

A cold remedy for me and for the babe.

19 Rookie mistakes new parents make. 
(I literally laughed out loud)

10 Amazing beauty tricks with coconut oil.
(I'm a believer)

A quick and easy beach hair tutorial.

Zara Kids Wishlist: one, two, and three

A lovely rustic and contemporary nursery.

Amy Poehler is pretty dang inspiring.

The perfect football Sunday meal.

An easy everyday necklace from Anthro.

Some first birthday party inspiration.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Purchased.

5. IKEA Succulents
6. IKEA Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

Alec's first birthday bash is right around the corner and it's going to be the first time we have held an event at our new home. We are expecting quite a few people to turn up so I am doing my best to get this place into tip-top shape ASAP. Above are just a few of my most recent purchases for our home. Our new place is still a work in progress, but I am really starting to love how it's all coming together. Look for a home tour on the blog in late August. 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

I'm not sure who said it... but I love it. Happy Thursday!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Eleven!



My bright-eyed boy soaking up the good weather we've had lately.
 Peek-a-boo. Alec's favorite game of all time. It never gets old, a guaranteed laugh every time.

Alec is over picture-taking. Like completely over it. Just last month he would totally ham it up for the camera, but ever since he started crawling... he is NOT remotely interested. Way too much to explore!
 He's getting pretty steady on his feet. And to think, I can hardly keep up with him now. 
He waves hello at Oliver every chance he can get. Just the other day, we were heading out the door, and over my shoulder I see Alec wave at the dog, and he says "Bye Dog." Totally unprompted. I couldn't believe it. This kid is one smart little cookie.
 Kiel and I got a piano this past month. It has been such a great investment. Each night after dinner, Kiel will play a tune while I clean up and Alec will sit either on his lap or at his feet, pressing a foot pedal or piano key whenever he gets a chance. It's our own little evening ritual. I see music in this little boy's future.
Alec is a pretty picker eater these days. He does NOT want to be spoon fed anything. He swats at the spoon whenever I try and inch it near his face. He pretty much refuses all fruits and vegetables, except for strawberries(which we just discovered he is allergic to, figures) and peas. I sneak some broccoli into his mac'n'cheese every chance I can get. He loves all carbs.. crackers, pasta, breads. He will still get down with the fruit and veggie packs, and he loves him some applesauce. I'm doing the best that I can to give him a well-balanced diet, but it can be really difficult sometimes. 

Alec is still napping twice a day, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. He claps along to "If you're happy and know it, clap your hands". He absolutely loves Mickey Mouse Club House (mostly just the hot dog song). He is drinking pretty well out of a sippy cup on his own. He is starting to pull himself up  on everything that he possibly can. He is learning how to crawl up the stairs (with constant supervision, of course). He  is extremely vocal, always babbling on, and I can make out a few pretty clear words/statements here and there.

His personality just keeps getting better and better. I love this kid more than life itself and I feel so very lucky to be his mama. I guess I better get party planning, ONE is just around the corner.