Friday, September 23, 2011

Welcome Fall

If you know me, than you know how much I love the Fall. Everything about it, the foliage, the smells, the decorations...the list goes on. I love it so much, that I already got some pumpkins and decorated my mantle for the happiest season of the year.
Some other mantles that I adore...

Ashley


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Breakfast for Success!

In my quest to find easy school morning breakfast ideas, for at least once a week, I came across a familiar one that I had been meaning to duplicate. This recipe was one that my sister had shared with us last Christmas morning and it was a big hit amongst all of us. (Especially me since I could just sit back, relax, and not cook for once)


Baked Prosciutto and Egg "Cupcakes" (sounds fun, right?!)

You'll need:

*6 thin slices of prosciutto
*2 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed)
*3 large basil leaves or 3 tbsp of pesto (I chose to use concentrated pesto sold in a tube. just mix 1 tsp of pesto with 1 tbsp of olive oil and mix well)
*6 eggs
*ground pepper

First preheat oven to 375 degrees and coat 6 cups of cupcake pan with cooking spray. Fit each cup with one piece of prosciutto, like this...





Next crack an egg into each cup and place 4 small cubes of mozzarella on top. Spoon pesto or sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top of each cup.





They will look alot like this before cooked.


Bake in oven for 10-12 if you prefer runny yolks or 15 minutes for firm, thoroughly cooked yolks.




When done cooking, let stand for a few minutes. Then run a knife around the cups to unmold and scoop out with a large spoon. Serve on a school morning, at your next brunch, or for a special Christmas morning treat. I ate mine with a little clementine on the side...but it's delish with canteloupe or  fresh strawberries. Enjoy!

                              Kirsten

Friday, September 16, 2011

"The Vintage Leaf"

Time to put away the seashells, seaglass, and citrus scented candles. Fall is here, and it's time to make your home feel warm and cozy with all the wonderful elements of this time of year.
My favorite things are the cool mornings, leave piles, and warm apple pie!

Although, I do love this time of year, I find that a lot of stores carry autumn decorations that are just a little too much for my taste. I like to hint subtly, so I came up with this pretty craft that keeps true to my decorating style.

"The Vintage Leaf"

For this craft you will need:
~A vintage book that you wouldn't mind having a few pages missing
~White cardstock paper
~Mod podge
~Frame

To make...
Cut out a template of a leaf, trace it on to a page from a vintage book. Apply a thin coat of mp to the back of the leaf and a thin layer to the cardstock. Apply the leaf and even out any air bubbles. Let dry. Apply another thin coat over the leaf. Let dry.






 

Enjoy!

Sarah

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fall Lookbook

Back to school shopping is always the best kind of shopping there is...even if both my kids are under three. I still had fun to say the least. Here's to all the mom's out there that are looking for cute Fall outfits without making a huge dent in the wallet.
First up...
Toddler Boys
5 pairs of pants,
4 buttondowns,
10 shirts,
2 pairs of shoes,
6 hats,
3 jacket/pullovers,
13 outifts!
Buttondown- H&M
Tee Shirt- H&M
Jeans- H&M
Hat- babyGap
 Shirt- Target
Jeans- H&M
Jacket- 77kids
 Shirt- Target
Pants- Carters
Hat- babyGap

Fedora- H&M
 Shirt- H&M
Cordoroys- Carters
Shoes- H&M

Buttondown- H&M
Pullover- Crewcuts
Cordoroys- Carters
Beanie- H&M
Buttondown- Target
Tee Shirt- crewcuts
Jeans- H&M
Shoes- H&M
Shirt- H&M
Jeans- H&M
Hat- babyGap
Vest- Gap Kids
 Shirt- H&M
Pants- Carters

Buttondown- Gap Kids
Shirt- Gap Kids
Jeans- H&M
Beanie- H&M
Buttondown- 77kids
Shirt- Carters
Jeans- H&M
Buttondown- Target
Pullover- Crewcuts
Hat- Gap Kids
Jeans- Gap Kids

Denim jacket- Gap Kids
Tee Shirt- Target
Pants- Carters
Denim Jacket- Gap Kids
Buttondown- H&M
Pants- Carters
Next up- Infant/Toddler Girls Fall Lookbook...coming soon

Ashley

Friday, September 9, 2011

Special 1st Day of School Breakfast!

School has finally started...after being postponed for more than a week due to no power from Hurricane Irene. My girls couldn't be happier to be in their morning routines again, to see their friends on the daily, and to meet their new teachers. What better to get them started on the right foot, than a special breakfast on the first day of school. Every year I come up with something special, something that I wouldn't normally have the time or energy to make on a school morning, something other than cold cereal. (Just being completely honest and I'm sure most mommies could relate to the chaos that insues.)

While flipping through one of my fav mags one day....



which ends up looking alot like this when I'm done reading it...





I found this one simple recipe for a breakfast item that included all the components that my daughters love...so I decided it would be perfect to debut on the first day of school.

The recipe....

Banana "Cigars"

~8 egg rolls wrappers
~3 bananas, sliced
~3 tbsp. of Nutella
~2 tbsp. melted butter (I used yogurt butter to make it less fattening)
~1 tbsp. confectioners' sugar

With point of wrapper facing you, place 4 banana slices in center.
                                                                                                                                                                        



Next, top with Nutella.




Brush edges of wrapper with melted butter and roll up like a burrito.




Brush entire roll up with butter and cook in nonstick skillet over medium heat for 8 minutes or until each side is crispy and golden brown.






Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm with your fav beverage. My daughters choose to pair their Banana "Cigars" with vanilla soymilk, where I opted for a Chai latte.














Hope you enjoy at your next special breakfast or even at a fun brunch! What did you make your kiddos their first days of school?


Kirsten


Monday, September 5, 2011

A Simple 1st Birthday!

So, the day has come and gone... and our little girl is now one!
Our plans for a big birthday celebration were brought to a hault with dilema after dilema, but we still managed to make her day special!!!
Happy 1st Birthday, my dear, Chloe girl!


I made the cake from scratch with this recipe:
http://www.marthastewart.com/355501/tender-lemon-cake









We are blessed to have you in our lives... I hope that one day you look back on these photos, and appreciate all the frilly ribbons of pink buttercream, that I made especially for my one, and only, princess!
We love you!

Thanks!

Sarah