Dandelion Days.

Some of my best memories of childhood are walking around picking dandelions as you go adventure outside just knowing it’s going to be the best day.

Spending a whole day outside getting dirty, swimming and being with family are my fondest memories and it’s what I strive for my children’s childhood.

Especially now.

So when my 4-year-old son came up to me while we were playing in the backyard after I was home from a long day at work and handed me a handpicked dandelion just for me I was so happy.

And then when my 2-year-old daughter followed suit and soon I was blessed with a bouquet of dandelions my heart burst.

So of course we had to make a wish on some of our dandelions, pick them apart and keep a couple as well.

As the days are becoming warmer and Summer finally is almost upon us I strive for dirt filled finger and toenails, chasing butterflies, bug hunting, riding bikes for hours, a day full of swimming.

There’s something so magical about a young learning mind. Creating fond memories for them that they will think back on when they are older just like me reminiscing on a dandelion.

So next time you see a dandelion, I hope you don’t get annoyed about the weed in your perfectly green lawn and think of it instead of happier Summer days spent soaking in the warmth that the world has to offer.

Peel apart the petals, make a wish and a perfect time to make some memories with your littles because it’s ones they will always remember.

It’s a gift.

How Did We Get Here So Fast!?

I swear, some days it feels like I just had my sweet babes. They sure were right when they said time flies when you’re raising kids.

I wish it would slow down.

I’ll tell ya what though, we have been BUSY. Busy busy with life and learning the new stage of “activities”

My son and I just went to kindergarten round up. Cue the waterworks because I can’t believe it, my mama heart is not ready! Even though I am so excited for him but secretly a little scared too.

T-ball sign ups are this week!! Let’s hope for some grass stained baseball pants and lots of fun.

Also, my two year old daughter has such a loud personality and needs to be busy so let’s throw in a fun dance class for her this Spring! I mean why not?

I just find myself all the time asking lately how did we get here already!?

What happened to the middle of the night bottle feeds and the sweet sweet smell of newborn baby.

I have loved every stage of motherhood no matter how hard it can be and I know I am still just at the beginning stages but I can’t help but feel sad about how big my babies are getting already.

At the same time though, it is so exciting experiencing all these firsts.

Motherhood is such a whirlwind.

Watching them become their little selves and learning and growing is such a gift.

I am just embracing this season of life.

Trying to slow down as much as I can and give my all to my family.

That’s what matters most to me.

So yay for early dinners because we have to get to practice and uniforms to wash.

Bring on this new season of parenting!

This mama is ready to take on the new title “sports mom”

3 Easy Game Day Appetizer’s.

Fun fact, my husband is a total sports fanatic and to say he is excited for football season is an understatement.

So game day appetizers are a staple in our house on the weekends.

I thought it would be fun to share 3 of our favorite game day appetizers to kick off the official start of football season!

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Cold Buffalo chicken dip

I love making this cold or hot but since it’s still warm out I am sharing the cold dip version.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
• Green onions

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
• Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

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Veggie Pizza

This recipe is delicious and so easy! Let me show you what you need.

Ingredients

• Package of crescent roll (I used the sheet pan one)
• 8 ounce block of cream cheese
• Ranch dry seasoning packet
• Chopped broccoli
• Chopped cauliflower
• Diced bell peppers
• Shredded carrots
• Green onions

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 11-inch by 17-inch or larger baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Unroll crescent roll and add to the baking sheet. Pressing to edges to form a crust.
• Bake the crust according to the package instructions, about 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
• Combine cream cheese and ranch seasoning in a bowl.
• Spread mixture onto cooked crescent roll.
• Top with your vegetables and chill before cutting into squares.

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Rotel sausage and cream cheese crescents

This recipe is delicious! And only 4 ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 original crescent roll packages
• Pork Sausage, I used Jimmy Dean
• 8 ounce block of cream cheese
• Rotel tomatoes and green chilies

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375
• Cook your sausage and drain well. Transfer to medium sized bowl.
• Add your cream cheese.
• Drain rotel and transfer to the bowl as well.
• Combine ingredients.
• Line your crescent rolls onto an already greased sheet pan. Scoop a small amount of mixture onto each crescent roll.
• Roll the crescents rolls up. They don’t have to look perfect.
• Bake for 15 minutes in the oven.

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Bring on Fall and football season! I hope these 3 recipes make game day and party appetizers easier for you.

To The First Time Preschool Mama.

I’m struggling with the fact that I have a preschooler.

Where did the time go?

You were just a little rolly polly baby asleep in my arms yesterday, I swear.

Time is such a thief.

Even at a young age, you try to give your child all the tools they will need to succeed in any new adventure in life.

When the time comes to use the tools though, it’s both exciting and scary.

I feel like a tiny part of your innosence will be chipped away as we enter school age, even if it is preschool.

Yet, I want you to flourish and meet new friends and learn all you can at the same time.

Bring me home all the fun crafts you do each day to display, I hope I see a big smile at the end of each day and hear nothing but re-telling of fun things that happened while you were at school.

I know drop off’s will be hard and pick up’s will be exciting and it’s all apart of growing up for both you and me.

I swear, being a mom is the biggest emotional rollercoaster there is.

But just know mama’s, your baby will be fine.

I’m here to convince both you and myself.

Trust the teacher’s.

Trust that you raised a brave, smart and fun little one who will be nothing but great and kind.

And know it’s ok to cry, just hold it in until after drop off as to not scare them.

Know that they are ready, they have all the tool’s you’ve given them.

I know the hardest part will be getting yourself ready though.

I know how hard it is to let them grow, and even harder to let them go just a tiny bit.

Let’s get through the first week of preschool together mama’s!

We’ve got this and know as always, we are in this together.

Love,

A preschool mama.

Fall Tiered Tray Idea’s.

I love tiered trays.

In my opinion they are one of the greatest things to come out for decorating.

There are so many different things you can utilize them for and I just love it!

September is upon us and it’s finally that time of year where I just get “the look” from my husband when I start to bring my seasonal decor out.

So I am showing you two Fall tiered tray’s I have put together because at least I can tell him “It’s for the blog.”

I love using traditional Fall colors, all the oranges and burgundy’s I think are so beautiful.

Tiered tray

My tiered tray is new this year and I am obsessed. I used to have a 3 tiered one but I love the look of this double!

Adding a bed of leaves to the bottom is such a nice filler especially when you have a lot of space to cover.

Most of my filler pieces are from Hobby Lobby, they usually have 40% off their holiday decor.

The back is not as full but like I said adding leaves really helps make it look that way!

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I also made a small lazy Susan type tray for next to my coffee pot. I kept it a lot more simple but it still gives that cozy Fall feel.

The lazy Susan and small coffee blocks are from Target dollar spot last year.

Adding warm LED lights to any of these also gives such a soft glow and feel, I usually do that as well!

I hope these tiered trays gave you some inspiration for your own home this Fall!

Big Mac Slider’s.

Oh my goodness, I have found theeee best football season dish to make!

If I didn’t love sliders already because Hawaiian rolls are life, I love them even more after making this recipe.

BIG MAC SLIDER’S!

Yes, I said it. Big Mac sliders and they are absolutely delicious. I cannot wait to make this for all the big football games we watch as the Fall season is upon us.

Let’s talk ingredients

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped and divided

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 6 slices American or sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup iceberg lettuce , shredded

• 1/4 cup pickles , sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Hawaiian rolls

You could also add sesame seeds to the top to make it a true Big Mac type slider but this particular day I did not have any on hand.

The true star of this show though is the sauce. Definitely chefs kiss. It did not make it soggy at all either which was a relief.

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons relish

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Now let’s assemble.

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• In a large pan on medium-heat, add the ground beef, half of the diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Cut the rolls in half lengthwise.

• In a bowl, combine the mayo, relish, mustard, ketchup, onion powder and garlic powder and mix. Spread half of the sauce on the bottom layer of the rolls.

• Top with the cooked beef, sliced cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top and place the top half of bread rolls on the sliders.

• Brush the melted butter on top of the sliders.

• Bake the sliders for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

• Cut the sliders into 12 individual slices.

Seriously I can’t wait to make these again! They were delicious and will definitely be a party favorite.

Let me know if you’ve tried these! And if you do try this recipe share with me how it turned out 🙂

Mom Friends and Coffee Chats

Hello friends!

You want to know what I think one of the biggest blessings in life are? Mom friends.

Even more specific, mom friends and coffee dates!

Seriously, it’s so nice to have someone to talk to who knows what you are going through, or at least has been there before. Everything just seems a bit more manageable when you have someone there that is deep in the trenches of motherhood just like you.

Sporting those messy buns, dark circles and weird stained clothes because for some reason, I don’t know about you but I find a weird stain from my kids yucky fingers on something I am wearing almost daily? Hope I’m not alone in that one.

Anyways, you just feel less alone! And let’s be honest here, motherhood can be extremely lonely.

A walk to a cute coffee shop, sunshine and some chit chat with a friend though? Could cure the soul I swear, even with kiddo’s tagging along.

Marissa and I did just that yesterday, she was kid free but I instantly squashed that when my little’s had to make the trip with us to an adorable coffee shop in our town, The Electric Coffee!

It’s such a cute spot with a fun seating area to chat, work or read a good book!

I just feel like I can take a deep breath when I get myself ready for the day, get outside in the sunshine and have an iced coffee in my hand. It sounds so cliché’ I know but in my life it really is the little things that make me the happiest.

So let’s talk about 5 ways to make yourself get out of the house and call up your mom friend because who says kids are the only ones who get to have play dates!?

Go for a walk.

One of the easiest ways to both enjoy your kids and friends is defiantly taking a walk. Find a trail to get some exercise. Walk your downtown area. Grab the bikes or rollerblades to make it extra fun for the kids.

Visit your favorite coffee shop.

Coffee dates are the best, chatting over coffee is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so relaxing and it is a great way to meet up with your friends and catch up.

Wine tasting.

Something I love as much as coffee? Wine! Wine nights are so fun and if you enjoy wine, I feel like wine tasting is the perfect moms night out!

Workout together.

Take a workout class together! Yoga or Zumba are always fun. Take a hike somewhere you both enjoy walking. Join a gym and plan weekly workouts.

Start a book club.

I love reading and so do a lot of my mom friends! So why not start a book club? You get to do what you love and share your favorite or least favorite parts with your friends.

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So make sure to connect and make some time for yourself and your friends. They are so needed to survive this crazy adventure of motherhood.

Most importantly enjoy your favorite cup of coffee at your local coffee shop and chit chat a little, I promise you will feel refreshed! 🙂

Top 3 True Crime Podcasts

A fun fact about me, I am a huge true crime junkie. So why not make it into a blog post?

Also though? I get super scared during scary movies. Like jump out of my seat and eyes are covered scared.

Kind of funny but oh well.

I have been loving podcasts lately, as a busy working mom, they are so easy to turn on while I am cleaning around the house or even during a long drive while the kids nap. Specifically True Crime Podcasts so I am here to share my favorites that I have been listening to lately.

There is just something about a voice that keeps you hooked.

Plus I love that during a lot of True Crime Podcasts they shed light on cases and give families potential to get justice or to even get unsolved cases solved.

Here are my top 3 favorites I have been hooked on.

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Crime Junkie

Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, these girls will make you feel like you have met new friends! I love Ashely’s voice and her story telling is phenomenal. They banter back and forth and I love how they exchange their theories to each other. These two girls have a soft spot for the cases they talk about though and I love how they advocate so much for the victims discussed on their podcast. By far my favorite to listen to and if you aren’t already it just might make you a true crime junkie as well. Listen here.

True Crime With Kendall Rae

Hosted by Kendall Rae, the passion she has for the victims she talks about and their families is remarkable. Another thing I love about supporting Kendall’s podcast though is she is always raising money for good causes and she truly connects with her fans. On top of all that goodness though she really knows how to hook you during her podcasts. I first started out watching her Youtube video’s which are amazing as well but I was so happy to hear she brought her stories to the podcast world because now I can bring her along on the go. Listen here.

Crime Weekly

Hosted by Derrick Levasseur and Stephanie Harlowe. So I first decided to listen to Crime Weekly because I absolutely love Stephanie Harlowe! She first created YouTube videos as well and she is awesome. When I heard she was on a Podcast though I was so excited and her and Derrick make a great team! Derrick is a retired police detective and private investigator so it is awesome getting his take on the stories they talk about and he gives great tips! Listen here.

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Of course Serial and My Favorite Murder are favorites as well and are just iconic that first started the fame of true crime podcasts, I love finding ones I can really connect with and that tell stories just as well. These three are defiantly worth listening to and I look forward to their new episodes every time!

To the mama’s having a bad week.

I am right there with you.

For a patient person, my patience is thin and you know what? It’s ok.

Do I feel guilty about it? Sure.

Do I wish that every day could just be rainbows and butterflies? Absolutely.

This motherhood journey is not all rainbows and butterflies though, and boy don’t we know it.

The other day both my kids were crying. One because he couldn’t have a snack right before dinner and the other just because her big brother was crying and she thought she needed to as well.

A glass of wine and a bathroom break with the door actually shut and not being opened or pounded on sounded so amazing at that moment.

I feel like sometimes the pressure just builds up for us with every cry or every tantrum and it’s tough to not be bothered.

Throw in a long day at work and I am just exhausted thinking about it.

It’s hard to keep your head up as a mom.

I think sometimes we just feel beat down. Weather it be a rough night of sleep, a bad potty training day, a crying baby you just can’t seem to soothe, a guilty day of work when you just wish you were home, a sick kiddo that has you feeling miserable as well.

The list goes on and on.

It’s all ok though and I really hope you know that when you feel this way, how great of a mom you are.

It’s the toughest job in the world that you show up for every single day. But the reward? It’s the greatest of all time.

Keep your head up, make sure you take the breaks you need.

Take time for yourself, use your tribe of people when you need the help and DO NOT feel guilty about it.

Take a deep breath and know that the guilt will subside and there will be far more better days than bad ones.

Just know that you’re a wonderful mother and we are all in this together.

Driving While Pregnant – Cooper Hurley

Summer Bucket List Ideas For You & The Kids!

Warmer weather is finally here!!

There is just something about Summertime with your kids.

The days are longer and you just feel a sense of freedom for them and yourself. No more cold cooped up days.

Making the most of Summer matters so much for us moms. Anyone else feel the same?

It’s just such a great time to make special memories and just slow down. Soak it all in, take a breath of fresh air.

I feel like moods are lifted everywhere.

The sunshine and warmth just does wonders for everyone.

I thought it would be fun to come up with a bucket list for my family to check off this Summer.

Beach day

Fair Day

Zoo Day

Exploring your town

Slushy run

Summer sports

Park day and picnic

Long naps

Camping

Swimming

Outdoor movies

S’mores by the fire

Splash pad

Long walk

Bubbles

Baseball game

Outdoor concert

Ride bikes

Boat ride

Wilderness exploring

Watch a sunset and sunrise

Painting outside

Firework shows

Summer parades

Star gazing

Road trips

Putt putt

Cookout

Ice cream date

Lemonade stand

Make our own popsicles

Water gun/ water balloon fight

Dance in the rain

Read in a hammock

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I am just so excited for Summer with the kids and my husband! Definitely checking off as much as I can on the Summer bucket list and adding as we go!

What’s on your bucket list this Summer?

Any exciting plans?

Get outside as much as you can and just enjoy every moment.

Slow down, take it all in and soak it all up 🙂

Enjoy those dirty little barefoot feet running around.