Easter Basket - Toddler Style

Easter is right around the corner, and I'm so looking forward to it. Easter is a special holiday to me, not only because we're celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also because it's the day my husband proposed to me. So many great things have happened to and for us on this very special holiday.

Last Easter, baby B was just a few months old, so we didn't really go all out on his Easter basket. This year is another story. Ok, maybe we're not going all out, but we're certainly playing Easter bunny and stuffing that basket!

He's obviously (in my opinion, anyways) a little too young for candy. So, instead we're packing it full of toddler appropriate goodies! Instead of marshmallow peeps, I found these awesome Peep Bubbles at World Market, and let's be honest - what toddler doesn't love bubbles!? Also at World Market, I found some fun egg shaped chalk that I just couldn't pass up. Also, in lieu of candy, I picked up some bright colored plastic eggs that I'm going to fill with snacks, like Goldfish, cheerios, and puffs.

We're Mickey Mouse fans in our household, so Mickey socks are a must! Gotta love that Target discount bucket. I also included a Jack Mickey & the Beanstalk book, some bunny rabbit sunglasses, and crayons to spark his imagination -- just hopefully not on my walls. ;)

Easter festivities, here we come!

Oh, and Easter egg scramble, we've been waiting for you. Bring it on!

Homebodies

One word accurately describes us this past weekend: homebodies.

I've been trying to get over my strep-like sickness, which I think I passed onto my husband... and baby B is getting over an eye infection, so this was a good weekend to be sloth-like. Which I'm still feeling this morning as I try to get back into the groove of things.

For some fresh air, we hung-out and played in the backyard a bunch; one of baby B's favorite places to be. Took a few walks, and a quick trip to the grocery store. Gigi and Papa paid a visit, which was the first time they got to see their grand-baby walk (in person). Very exciting stuff, people.

In big news: we're transitioning out of the morning nap + late afternoon nap, which were both about an hour - if lucky - each, into one long after lunch nap. Practiced all weekend and have been doing wonderful! Saturday resulted in a 3.5 hour nap. I was shocked and had to gossip about it with my mommy friends because they understand.

I didn't get too many pictures from this weekend, since it was so low key (and because I'm trying to not have my phone constantly on me at all times), but here's a look into our weekend.

Mickey & milk, our favorite morning routine

exploring in the backyard

sleep. lots of sleep.

Hopefully the sickness that's filled our home is on it's way out... because I'm really looking forward to a much needed date night this weekend. :)

That's all for now. Have a fantastic week!

Weekend Happenings + Valentine's Day

We started off our weekend with grabbing lunch on Friday at this fun spot downtown. The weather was great, the food was delicious, and the noise was ridiculously loud. But that's downtown for 'ya!

The amazing weather continued through Saturday, so we hung-out in the backyard for a while - my kid would live outdoors if we let him. Bubbles, paint, and walking around the table while the dogs played were the main attractions. I really need to get some outdoor activities for my guy... especially since warmer days are ahead! 

Saturday night we hung out with some friends and their kiddo, who is just 3 months younger than baby B. It's funny to look back at times when we'd hang out... sitting around having a drink, chatting. Now, we're constantly chasing our boys and talking everything baby! Oh, how the times have changed. 

heart masterpiece

Sunday (a.k.a. Valentine's Day) rolled around and we all slept in till about 8:00, then hit the do-nut shop for some breakfast. Sleep + do-nuts = the way to my heart. :) 

Last Valentine's Day, baby B was just a sweet, teeny little baby. Now, he's walking and playing like a big boy! We spent the day playing in the backyard (again), a trip to the park, making some sugar cookies, and horsing around the house. A perfect Sunday/Valentine's Day if you ask me!

Valentine's Day 2015

those curls are everything!

I hope your weekend and Valentine's Day was just as great. 

Valentine's Day Printable

I'll admit, I'm not a Valentine's Day girl at all (please no teddy bears); however, I was totally excited for my little guy's Valentine's Day school party! In other words, it means I get to get crafty again. We all know those days of crafting hours on end are long gone, so when I'm given just the littlest of reason to make a craft I'm going to jump on it. 

Baby B's school throws small holiday parties and ask that the kiddos bring something to help out with the party. I already knew that I wanted his Valentine's treat to be something healthy (I'm 100% content with being that mom) for the kiddos to enjoy. So, when searching for ideas I came across this adorable printable and instantly fell in love. I decided to replicate the printable, but modifying the color to a brighter red. 

All you need is:

• the you're my main squeeze printable (found below or here)
• white cardstock
• fruit squeeze packets (we used apple sauce)
• string/ribbon
• scissors
• printer
• hole punch

Just download, print, cut, and assemble. Super easy, affordable, and a lovely Valentine's treat idea.

You can download the full sized printable here (and don't forget to write your little one's name next to the heart).

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lumberjack Bash (First Birthday Party)

My sweet baby boy is officially a big one year old boy! We celebrated his first birthday on Friday, and we partied our axes off on Saturday with a Lumberjack Bash themed birthday party.

Complete with maple bacon cupcakes, the best sugar cookies, apple orchard punch, and a Frito-pie bar, his party was so much fun to plan and put together.

matkinso | co

Chocolate Dipped Tree Logs (chocolate covered pretzels) + Do Not Feed The Bears (cinnamon Teddy Grahams)

S'more Graham Krispie Treats + Birthday Cake

Maple Bacon Cupcakes + Sugar Cookies 

Apple Orchard Punch (spike if ya like)

Frito Pie + Fixin's

He really doesn't eat a bunch of sweets, maybe some pancakes on the weekend and a cookie here & there, but we totally made the exception for his birthday. A month prior, he did a cake smash and had a great time indulging in the cake. Same goes for the Mickey Mouse cupcake, which didn't stand a chance, he got on his birthday. So, I was a little surprised he didn't want much to do with his cake at his party, but I'm sure the teething fever the poor boy had played a part in that. 

One tradition I want to carry on to my kid(s) is that their birthday cake will always be baked by mom (or dad). It's such a simple thing, but my mom always did that with my brothers and me, and looking back, a little thing like that really means a lot. Baked with love!

Banner

Overall, it was such a fun way to celebrate our little bear. I still cannot believe he's one! Happy first birthday, my little love. Thanks to everyone who helped make his day so very special and for all the love, near and far.

I really couldn't have pulled this party off without the help of my amazing mother-in-law. She really does go above and beyond and will do anything to make her grandson smile. I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law, Gigi to my son, and friend! I wood log to say THANKS, Shelly, for all your time and hard work in helping me make this one heck of a bash for my sweet boy. Now, when are we quitting our jobs and starting our party plannin' business?? :)

That's all for now. I'm plaid you stopped by! (No more puns, I promise.)

Kitchen Reveal

I never, ever realized how difficult it would be to live in a home while it's undergoing remodeling. Now add a 9-1/2 month old + two [crazy] dogs into the mix... talk about a rude-awakening. The place we called home was a construction-zone for three weeks straight; everything piled-up in our living room. While I thought we'd surely never survive, we did (insert violin music here).

I grabbed this before-before picture of the kitchen from when it was for sale back in 2011. This is how it looked when we purchased the home - salmon colored cabinets and all (barf). Luckily for us (trying to stay positive here), the previous owners decided to take with them all the door knobs and light fixtures, so this faded gold handle you see here was one of the very few left behind... and later ended up in the garbage, in case you were wondering. 

This is our kitchen before the actual remodel took place. Fresh coat of paint, new microwave & dishwasher, breakfast area light fixture and door knobs were added (and the excessive amount of fake, dusty plants - is that still a thing?).

Let the remodel begin! We were beyond thrilled to say good-bye to the super-white-counters-that-show-every-single-crumb. :)

And this is pretty much how we lived for three weeks. Including lots of ordered-in pizza + wine in solo cups. #classy

This is our kitchen now! It underwent a complete face lift - from paint to tile, and I could not be happier. I love how clean and bright the white cabinets and back-splash make the kitchen appear, while the granite just pulls everything together (and hides those little messes). Cleaning dishes just got a whole lot better.

Dinner Party

It's been about a month since we had our kitchen remodeled (post coming soon!), so what better way to celebrate than by having our best friends over for dinner!? It's been a while since we hosted any type of party at our place, so I was really looking forward to having everyone over.

As usual, I decide on the menu and my personal chef husband executes it. :) Have I mentioned how thankful I am for him?? Anyways, this get together I thought a family-style dinner on the patio would be perfect.

We ended up going with homemade lasagna, tossed Italian salad, garlic bread, and root beer floats for dessert (which were a total hit).

First time to cook homemade lasagna, and he totally nailed it.

The weather was perfect, a bit chilly, but nothing a fire pit couldn't solve. I had way too much fun planning, setting up the patio table & chairs, and spicing everything up with some fall flowers and themed table cloth. It was such a great evening. Even if we ended staying up until 4:00 a.m. :)

I can't wait to host the next party... which looks like it'll be our handsome little guy's first birthday. Where did the time go?!