Saturday, May 31, 2014

food: black bean brownies

When I first heard of black bean brownies, I didn't think I would like them. Beans and brownies don't typically go together and it doesn't sound good. But would y'all believe this is a black bean brownie?!


 It is and it's amazing! Even my four year old is a big fan of these brownies! 

Here's how you make them:

1. Use any box of brownie mix and one can of black beans.
2. Drain and rinse the black beans and then put them back in the can.
3. Add water to the can and then purée beans in the blender. 
4. Mix bean purée with brownie mix {nothing else- no eggs or oil}.
5. Bake according to package instructions.

I can't even taste the black beans. Nutritious and delicious! Full of protein and fiber while still being moist, chocolaty, and sweet!

fashion: May favorites

Hello, June! The month of May was so busy and fun- it flew by! I obviously really enjoyed bright colors and patterns in May. My favorite looks from May are below. Shop each style via the links.


top left: // shirt // shorts {similar} // purse //

top right: // shirt // jeans // shoes // watch // 
// bracelet 1 // bracelet 2 {similar} //

bottom left: // shirt {similar} // skirt {similar} // sandals // 

bottom right: // shorts // shirt {similar} //
 // bracelet 1 // bracelet 2 // shoes //

fashion: neon comfort

I needed a comfortable outfit yesterday. Tackling errands and grocery shopping with a two year and a four old in tow is serious business. They keep me on my toes and I have to have a game plan. This flowy top and stretchy shorts was the perfect outfit for a busy Friday.


// shirt {similar} // shoes // shorts {similar} //
// bracelet // necklace // watch //

Friday, May 30, 2014

fashion: pattern + pearls

Yesterday's outfit was something I thought up in my head and just decided to go for it. It was a much bolder pattern mix than I've ever tried. Typically I keep it safe when I mix pattern. I love the blue and pink together and I am glad I decided to try this mix. I loved how this outfit turned out! I have another fun pattern mix planned out for my outfit tomorrow. Getting dressed should be fun!


// shirt {similar} // shorts // shoes // necklace // 

fashion: Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Here are this week's Friday Favorites. I recently purchased these shorts {text PERKY to 23743 for a code for 25%} and I love them! They are so comfortable! See this post for how I styled them. I am also loving the big hat! It's so perfect for summertime beach days! Have a great weekend!
Friday Favorites

// shorts // tank // hat // tote //
 // bracelet // sunglasses // sandals //

Thursday, May 29, 2014

fashion: dots + glitter

I'm fairly certain that yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far or at least it felt like it. I feel like my accessories get less and less the warmer the weather gets. This outfit was so comfortable for the warm weather. This top fits loosely and these shorts fit perfectly. I would have loved to be in a pool somewhere yesterday! I only have five more days of work for this school year {bittersweet} and then it's full-time summer mommy mode. I am looking forward to lots of fun with my girls this summer! Happy Thursday!


// shirt // shorts // sandals // 
// purse // bracelet // necklace {similar} //

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

fashion: colorful shorts

When the weather gets hot, it's all about comfort and staying cool. This outfit met my warm weather criteria. These shorts are so comfortable and colorful! I plan to live in outfits similar to this one for the remainder of the spring and summer months.


// shirt // shorts // necklace //
// purse // sandals // bracelets //

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

fashion: on sale!

My favorite romper is on sale! It's 50% off right now! It's mommy friendly and modest but still so super cute. Follow the link below to scoop one up for yourself! It will be your new go-to this season.



fashion: pleated floral

I wore this fun, floral dress to Julianna's recital on Saturday. The weather was extra warm so I needed something cool and comfortable. I found this dress on clearance at Target last Spring and I have gotten so much wear out of it. It's very flattering and so pretty!


// dress {similar} // necklace // bangles // sandals // 


fashion + family: Memorial Day pool day

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day! I am so very thankful for of our troops past and present. 
Josh was able to be off work yesterday as well so we took full advantage of it by heading to the pool for the first time of the season. 


// swimsuit {similar} // sandals // headwrap {similar} // 


The girls were a little unsure of the water at first, especially Olivia. But after 5 hours at the pool, they didn't want to leave! We had a such a fun family day together and I can't wait for more pool days this summer!




This tote was the perfect compliment to my swimsuit. Isn't it cute?! 

Julianna: recital 2014

Julianna has completed her first year of dance class and she has enjoyed it so much! She had a natural gift for dancing and follows instructions so well in her class. We are excited to see what the future hold for our little dancer.

Friday night was her dress rehearsal for her recital. She loved being on the stage so much! She loves to perform and isn't afraid of people watching her. 


She was such a leader. She knew most of the movements. We are so proud of her!


She didn't want to get off of the stage to go home. 


Curling her long and super thick hair wasn't an easy task. 15 sponge rollers, lots of hair spray, and about 14 hours later...


We had lots of bouncy curls!


She also was so excited for a little makeup. A touch of mascara, blush, and lipstick to complete her recital look.






It was pretty much impossible to get any pictures during the actual recital but she's on stage in this picture.


She did an absolutely wonderful job and nailed her first recital! Way to go, Julianna!





Julianna's cousin, Clara, came to cheer her on. They had so much fun playing after the recital.


We are planning to sign Julianna up for her next class next weekend. She is already excited to start a new class and learn more about dance. You are a star, tiny dancer!

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Olivia: 2 year checkup

Olivia had a her 2 year checkup on Thursday. She currently weighs 25 lbs. (50th percentile) and is 33 inches tall (27th percentile). She had her iron checked via a toe prick (which she didn't mind at all) and one shot (which she hated). Olivia is perfectly petite and healthy! We are so thankful!


Julianna was such a good big sister during Olivia's checkup. She wanted to sit on the table beside her to make sure she was okay. I love these little girls!

Friday, May 23, 2014

fashion: Friday Favorites

Happy Friday and Happy Birthday to Olivia! She's two today! We will celebrating our sweet girl all day long. More details to come soon about her second birthday festivities. 

For this week's Friday Favorites, I have combined glitz and comfort for a fun, spring and summer look! I love all of these items so much and they are affordable, as always. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Friday Favorites
// heels // bangles // hat // necklace //
// shorts // top // pouch //

fashion: rompers aren't just for kids

I'm fairly certain I haven't worn a romper since I was a child. I've seen them in stores here and there but I wasn't impressed. About a month ago, I was browsing for my Friday Favorites and I stumbled across this adorable black and white striped one from Target. I ordered it to try on at home since I get free shipping... and it's perfect! So incredibly comfortable, just the right length (#mommyfriendly), and cute! It met all of my criteria so I definitely kept it. I am loving my first adult romper! 


// romper // sandals {similar} // necklace {similar}//
// purse // bracelets {similar} // watch //


fashion: Friday Favorites

Hello, Friday! It's going to a busy but fun weekend here! Julianna is dancing in her first dance recital! She is beyond excited and so are we. I can't wait to see her shine like a star on stage. She is such a good little performer! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this week's Friday Favorites- filled with color and pattern!
Friday Favorites
// shirt // necklace // skirt // purse //
// heels // bracelet // shorts // shirt 2 //

fashion: candy colors

My favorite necklace has been on repeat this week. I love how the candy colors go with pretty much all of my Spring/Summer wardrobe. Each time I wear this necklace, Julianna always tells me how much she loves it. I tell her it's my favorite and she says she knows... probably because I wear it so often. Check out the link to get a necklace like this of your own. You will wear it so much! It's my go-to!


// shirt // maxi {similar} // sandals // 
// necklace // bracelet 1 // bracelet 2 // watch // 



// shirt // shorts // shoes // 
// bracelet 1 {similar} // bracelet 2 //

Thursday, May 22, 2014

family + fashion: strawberry pickin'

On Tuesday morning, the girls and I went strawberry pickin' with my mom group for a playdate. The customer service wasn't fabulous that day but we still had a great time and came home with tons of delicious strawberries. Our feet were muddy and our clothes were stained red. Strawberry pickin' is something I look forward forward to every Spring. I frozen most of my picks to save for cobblers, smoothies, and sorbet. Strawberries are my favorite!


// shirt {similar} // shorts {similar} // flip flops //
// bracelet // necklace {similar} // hat {similar} //