Hey y'all!

Another birthday has arrived.. and left lol (this is a super late birthday post). Along with this world wide pandemic, we have been busy with packing and.. MOVING! YAY!

We finally moved into our new place in Dallas and I have been busy, excited, preoccupied and every other feeling or emotion that ties along with it lol. 

So since we were moving, we really didn't get the chance to do anything special for Italy's birthday except have her favorite meal. Thankfully, kids are very forgiving and understanding. I plan to make it up by making brownies secretly this week lol.

Now... onto one of my favorite traditions, birthday interviews! Want to see how Italy has changed since last year? Check out her birthday interview from last year HERE.

Italy has grown into such a sassy, bright and funny little girl that keeps us on our toes and laughing all day long.  If you didn't know this before, you can easily see her personality come alive in these photos lol. 

This is 7:

1. What is your favorite color? Pink

2. What is your favorite food? Macaroni and cheese 

3. What is your favorite subject? Language Arts/ Art

4. What is your favorite activity? Play with my toys, eating snacks, coloring, dancing, working out and that's about it..

5. What is your favorite movie? Frozen 2

6. What is your favorite show? Watch Cars, Nexo Knights, Raven's Home

7. What do you think 7 will be like? good, funn (<< typed by Italy :D )

Italy, we love you soo much! You keep us all laughing and our home filled with joy. Daddy and I are proud of you and we look forward to who you will become. You dance to your own beat and you shine like the sun!

What do you do special for your little ones birthday? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y’all!

Earth Day is approaching and I have the perfect Earth Day craft for you and your kiddos. But before we start, what exactly is Earth Day and why is it something we participate in?

Earth Day originated in the 70’s and has become celebrated each year around the world to draw attention to our environment and how we can take care of it and keep it thriving while we inhabit it.

What can you do to celebrate Earth Day?

For starters, you can focus on minimizing waste, excessive water usage and put the 3R’s into action. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

For this craft we took the second R (reuse) and create this super easy Earth Day craft. We reused some  paper that had a few printing mistakes on them from school assignments. This craft doesn’t require much and can really be done by kiddos of any age.

This Earth Day craft resembles the Earth in the palm of our hands. It serves as a reminder that while we are here, we should treat it the way we would treat our homes. Keep them clean by not littering, producing air pollution and making sure we are not using up our natural resources unnecessarily.

Now, onto the craft!

You will need:

White paper

Colored paper

Pencil

Scissors 

Glue stick

Green and blue paint +paint brush (or anything you prefer)

STARTING with the white paper, trace out a medium to large sized heart. I just found one on google and traced it. The size of the heart will determine the size of your child’s hand. If they are younger, you will more than likely use a medium sized heart.

Once you trace the heart, use the green and blue paint to mimic the Earth! This doesn’t have to be accurate as it is a craft, but if  you want it to be more accurate GO FOR IT! It’s easier to paint your heart before you cut it out so you can make sure it is completely covered. Once it’s painted, set aside to dry and move on to the next portion of the craft.

HANDS! It’s time to create the hands. On a different color sheet of paper, simply trace bit of your child’s hands. Once they are traced, cut them out as smoothly as possible. After you cut them out, be sure to erase any pencil lines that may still remain.

NEXT, your Earth heart, once it’s dry cut it out and and get ready for the cutest Earth Day craft!

Using the hands with both thumbs centered, fold a small flap towards the palms. 

FINALLY , place the Earth heart into the crease of the flap with the painted side facing the fingers and adjust the hand cutouts to cradle the heart. Once in place, glue the tabs to the back and the bottoms of the palms/fingers onto the front of the heart.

NOW, isn’t that the cutest Earth Day craft?! 

If you make this craft with your kiddo, I would LOVE to see it! Share it to tour Instagram and tag me in it!

What do you and your family do to celebrate Earth Day? Will you make this craft? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y'all!

Since my last birthday post for 2020, so many things have changed. Covid- 19 is on the rise, everything is shutting down and I honestly am starting to struggle with some of the day to day changes that keep happening.

Thankfully, I have moments like this where I can wander off into la la land and have a nice distraction through writing.

April is a month that brings many things. For one, Spring Holy Days are starting and I for one love them! This year, since we have all been in quarantine I had no choice to host The Night To Be Much Observed... something I have always wanted to do! And while it wasn't my original vision, it was still lovely and one of the happiest moments of my life.

Another thing about April is it's a whole new month of birthdays in our family. First up in April it's Baltimore!

Baltimore is turning 9 this year and he has literally been counting the days. Just last evening we were watching a movie (Midway, which is great!) and right in the middle of it, he turns looks at my husband and I and says... " it's midnight, now I only have 11 days until my birthday...". He was not amused at that statement either lol. 

We typically don't do a big thing for birthdays in my family. I make a hand picked meal by the birthday boy/girl and we enjoy a nice birthday treat and THEY LOVE IT! Next year however, once this whole covid-19 thing goes away and life is back to nOrMaL, I will definitely make it even more special as two huge milestones will be happening.

So anyways, enough about that!  Here is how Baltimore has changed over the year!

1.What is your favorite color? Green

2. What is your favorite show? Pokémon 

3. What is your favorite subject? Language Arts

4. What is your favorite food? Wings, buffalo and BBQ

5. What is your favorite sport? Football

6. What is your favorite animal? Penguins

7. What is your favorite activity? Playing on my iPad

8. What is your favorite movie? Ninjago Movie

9. What do you think 9 will be like? I don’t know... different. 

Baltimore, you are our sweet, loving, protective King #2. Daddy and I love you more that words can describe. We love that you are growing up into a respectful young man that loves to ask questions, dance and even roast us from time to time. You are the best son ever and we are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for being the young man that you are. We love you to the moon and back!

the worst flu

always a prankster

  

Hey y'all! 

Spring is officially here and you know what that means.. warmer weather, fresh air and trips to the farmers market. Another thing about spring is the amazing combinations of fresh produce that seem to go hand and hand with these warmer months. Thus making salads a star through the spring and summer months!

Is there one food that you just love no matter the weather, or time of year? Yes? ok then we are on the same page lol. For me it is Salad! I consider myself a salad connoisseur, I could eat a salad all day everyday for every season. So, it's only right I shared some of the BEST salads for spring!

These salads  (as with most food) are great in appropriate portions as well as nutritious. So grab a notepad, pencil,marker..... crayon.... lol, whatever you write with and start making that grocery to pick up some of these key ingredients to make the best salads you will ever eat!

(ps, this was originally written before many stores were limiting hours, produce and availability due to Covid- 19. If reading this, please stay safe, indoors, wash your hands and only shop if needed. You can always PIN this for later :D )

Now, lets jump right in with this list of the best salads for spring, starting with my personal favorite, the Berry Almond Chicken Salad!

Get this recipe from Joyful Homemaking

1. Berry, Almond Chicken Salad- This spring salad is my favorite for many reasons. I personally love the strawberry and Asiago cheese combo. It is something that you wouldn't think to put together. I first had a berry almond chicken salad at Wendy's a few years ago believe it or not lol. Once I had it, I immediately went to the store and grabbed all the ingredients to make this mouthwatering salad at home . This salad contains blueberries, strawberries, sliced almonds, Asiago cheese, grilled chicken and raspberry vinaigrette atop a bed of spring mix. Truly one of the best springs salads ever. 

Cobb Salad from Food Network

2. Cobb Salad- Another favorite of mine is the Cobb Salad. I make this one regularly simply because it has ingredients we use almost daily.It is full of protein and is actually on the cheaper side for most salads. For a cob salad, grab some romaine lettuce, boil up some eggs, bacon bits( we use turkey bacon and make our own bacon bits), chicken, cheese and tomatoes. Traditional Cobb salads also uses avocado and blue cheese but we happily omit those ingredients. As a side note and fair warning... blue cheese and avocados are big no's for me! 

Waldorf Salad from The Pioneer Woman

3.Waldorf Salad- The Waldorf salad is light, fresh and crunchy.. the perfect combination for a spring salad!When I first had this salad I wasn't much of a fan. After a few more times here and there, I started to appreciate it's uniqueness and combo of sweet and tart flavors. A Waldorf salad consists of apples, walnuts, chicken, celery (I am not a fan of celery lol), and green leaf lettuce. You can also add in fresh fruits like dried cranberries, raisins or pomegranate seeds.

Recipe from Downshiftology.com

4. Berry Spinach Salad- This simple salad can be enjoyed with or without meat. Spinach, strawberries, apples and a light vinaigrette are all you need. If you do decide to add a protein, chicken or chopped walnuts go perfectly.

Recipe from McCormick

5. Southwest Salad- Another delicious salad in spring is a southwest salad. Fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, onions, corn, black beans and steak make this a huge crowd pleaser. I like to serve mine with avocado ranch or drizzle with regular ranch and BBQ sauce. 

Chef Salad from Sargento

6. Chef Salad- A chef salad is a pretty basic salad, but when you throw in a few extra items, it really takes it over the top. For my chef salad I use turkey or chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, boiled eggs, tomatoes, raisins, sunflower seeds and crackers. Whenever we head to a salad bar, this is one of the first things on my plate!

Recipe from Dinnerthendessert.com

7.Chicken Salad- In my house we go back and forth from tuna salad and chicken salad. Yes, I know these are technically not a salad, but they are delicious! Over the years I have become more and more fond of chicken salad. For one, it's easy to make and it's very inexpensive. Second, it is very fulfilling and nutritious. In my chicken salad I use fresh chicken, boiled egg whites, mayo with olive oil ( so GOOD), yellow mustard, diced onions and Best Maid pickles. I'll tell you like I tell everyone. Best Maid Pickles are THEE BEST! My husband likes to eat this chicken salad with crackers or bread. I personally love putting some on a leaf of romaine and eating it as a wrap!

Recipe from Betty Crocker

8.Steak Caesar Salad- Forget Chicken Caesar Salad. Steak Caesar Salad is king in my book! Especially when the steak is cooked to perfection. Add some salt and pepper with a squirt of lemon and you are ready to go. This is another go to salad when we are dining out at places like Outback or Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.

Recipe from Foodie Crush

9. Greek Salad- I have tried to make a Greek salad many times. Every time I do, something always ends up missing. So for this one, I ALWAYS enjoy this one outside of the home lol. Most Mediterranean/ Greek restaurants offer traditional Greek Salads which consist of greens, onions, olives, tomatoes, feta and a cucumber dressing. My favorite place to grab a Mediterranean salad is Kebabs To Go. So if you are ever in the DFW area.. you must stop by!

Recipe from Hungry Enough to Eat Six

10.Fruit Salad- Nothing says spring like a fresh fruit salad. My personal favorite is strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and blue berries with a little honey drizzle or a dollop of Greek Yogurt. Talk about dessert/snack/salad all in one lol


There are so many ways to make a salad great... these are some of my personal fave that are perfect for Spring! What is your favorite? Have you tried these? Let me know in the comments below!