Weekend Snapshots!

Perfect weather for hubby's week off! ♥

Some farmer's market!


and some carne asada!


Hope you all had a great weekend too! ♥

DIY flavored water!

I am upping my water intake even more as part of my bikini challenge! I am good about drinking my water but here is an idea for when  you want to spruce it up a bit! Add fruit to your ice cubes! Either slices of lemon, or pureed! It's simple, it adds a little flavor, and it's better to use fresh fruit than drinking the stuff they sell at the store!

Things I'm ♥ing Friday!

1. Rumor has it that Essie is going to be releasing this gorgeous "Mirror Metallics" collection! I am hoping it's soon!!! Photo Credit.

2. Eat Sleep Cuddle's gold leaf notepads! How pretty are these?! Must do.

3. Free People's Seafoam Flag Scarf! Love love the color of this! It's out of stock online but fingers crossed our store still has some in stock! :)

4. Kate Spade Ticker Tape Plates & Mugs. Well, this stemmed from all these ideas I see on pinterest where people organize their jewelry by simply setting it on cute little plates and bowls. So naturally, I started hunting for pretty plates & bowls and came across these. Sigh. Now I can't  picture my girly area without them. Photo Credit.

5. Wee Mouse Tin House! Such a cute idea! You can actually purchase the pattern as well!

Hope you all had a great weekend!!! The thing I am hearts;ing most of all this week is that hubby took some time off and we have the next NINE days off with him! ♥ Nothing too crazy planned just lots of family time which we are looking forward to!!

I am..slowly...pulling together some ideas for my Alex storage and I can't wait to share it all with you once it's done. Which...might be awhile! I don't want to even begin until I know exactly what it is I am going for!  So, my plan is to have it all pretty and complete by the end of May! I'll try to update as I go along but so far...I'm just trying to get an idea of what I want where, etc!  Wish me luck :) ♥

Less Processed. More DIY! DIY Brownie Mix, etc!

One of you lovelies wrote in this week and said you struggled most with eliminating processed sweets! Sweets...they get the best of all of us, right?! :)

Well, I have no magic trick. But here is my suggestion! Make it easier on yourself, you can premake your own little baking mixes, etc. so that they are just as convenient as running and grabbing some sweets from the store, etc! For me, the key is always doing things ahead of time so that they are still easy and convenient, you just don't have to buy them from the store and worry about what is in it!

So, pull out your favorite recipes...I needed to make brownies for my hubby's work potluck tomorrow, so I figured I would show you all brownies first! Just simply mix the dry ingredients. Put them in a ziploc and label it including the wet ingredients to add, temperate & time to cook it at! Easy as that! You can do this for just about anything using the same idea. Mix the dry ingredients in a ziploc, label the wet ingedients to add later. I like to make a few at a time so that again, they are there and ready and convenient for if I need them!



If you don't already have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, here is what I do!

Mix all dry ingredients into bowl, then slide it in a ziploc!
1/2 c all purpose flour
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup of white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

And here is what you need to add when you decide to use your mix, label it on the front of your bag!
2 eggs
1/2 c oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes

(Recipe from allrecipes.com, simply separated wet/dry ingredients!)

Dress up anyone?! :)

Look who!!!

It's the lovely Alex unit I've been staring at over at IKEA!

After searching online for the "perfect" storage for my girly things like makeup, jewelry, nail polish, hair stuff, etc. I decided that this was going to be the best option for me! As for now, it's just some drawers...but it has lots of potential and I am really looking forward to getting it all set up how I want it! Hubby had off today so we woke up and decided to go on a little IKEA adventure. Or,  maybe I did and he was sweet enough to come along and help with this...90 lb, yes, 90 lb box that Alex came in!

My hubbs gave me the task of figuring out what size I want the dividers now because we're going to do a mix of buying some dividers for within the drawers and then he's also going to make me some! It's pretty nice having a handy man around :) I'm really excited to get to work and will of course be sharing pics and ideas along the way as I get things sorted out!

Some Weekend Reading!

Loving the Magic!!! ♥ Hope everyone is having a great weekend! We did lots and lots of relaxing! The hubby has off tomorrow so we're going to get out and do some running around then when it won't be so busy!!

Things I'm ♥ing Friday!!

1. Pallet Art! Check out this one from La Famille, so cute!!!

2. Lily and Laura Bracelets! How gorgeous are these?! They are made by women in Nepal and you can find more info on them and numerous retailers over on their facebook!

3. Bird On A Cake's Earth Day Cupcakes! It's inching closer to Earth Day and these cupcakes are such a cute idea!!!

4. Mother/Daughter Jewelry! How cute is this set from Tiny Cottage Treasures on Etsy!

5. This pretty creamsicle dress from H&M

 Have a great weekend!!! ♥

Our Giveaway Winner!!!

It's my hubby's birthday today!! Yey! But, I wanted to pop on quick to let you all know that the winner of the Cheeky Thought giveaway is...........

Sarah Lewis!!!

Congrats Sarah!!! And thanks to everyone who entered and to Cheeky Thought for sponsoring this great giveaway!!

Also, don't forget--even if you didn't win you can still score any of the gorgeous bracelets on etsy for 20% off until May 1st by entering the code "TheBabySteps" over at the Cheeky Thought shop on Etsy! I received the gorgeous MINT color and it so perfect for Spring and Summer! I can't wait to pair it with some mint and coral colored denim!

Shop away friends ;) ♥

What are YOU reading?!

 Something about Summer and books just go together for me! Right now I'm reading Pay It Forward and The Magic! I realized even though I've watched the Pay It Forward movie I've never read the book. So, I'm going backwards and reading the book after! Then I have heard really great things about the Magic and I love books like this so I decided it was definitely worth a try! What's everyone else been reading lately?! I would love any recommendations you might have! :)

and just for fun. How cute are these little ballerinas cheering each other on?! SO precious! They are getting all geared up for their very first recital!! ♥

Motivation Monday!

Well, I did it! I signed up for a get ready for summer, bikini challenge! It started Sunday! I am all about my pilates and that is what I do on a regular basis, but I love mixing in stuff from the  Tone It Up girls too and was really excited to take their 8 week challenge! I'm going to kick it up a little notch to get ready for summer! It's not too late to sign up if you haven't yet! You can click their link and find all the info there!

One of our challenges was to make our vision/motivation board! So I figured I would share mine today!


I know I won't see a huge difference but for me it is more about the feeling I know I will have after! I think the bulk of my confidence comes from eating well and working out! So, I'm going to go ahead with it and do it anyway! If anyone wants to join, let me know! We can be challenge buddies! :)

Have a good week! ♥

Some Weekend Instagram! ♥

if you like grapefruit, this tastes soo freshhh!


Lex being a Snuggle Bug ♥



and...did you see?! I got my Leighelena!!!!!! Totally in L♥VE!


Have a good week everyone! ♥

Things I'm ♥ing Friday!!!

1. Giulina & Bill! Oh my how I ♥ them! I think they are just the sweetest couple and love watching their show!!!

2. Vitatops! If you follow me on instagram you know I have been loving me some vitatops this week! We get the Banana Nut & Deep Chocolate flavors and we love them both! I would say banana nut is my fav! They are a great healthier alternative to typical "sweets". Plus, they are frozen and you can warm them up in the microwave for a bit so they are nice and warm. Pefection! ♥

3. BlaBla Kids Lillipop & Luigi! Aren't these the cutest?! Our family has a huge love for Blabla products! Both of the girls "loveys" ended up being Blabla, some might think coincidence, but I don't! They are just so soft and cuddly and the girls both love them, I think these new ones need to eventually find their way to our home!

4. Nars Kutki Polish! This is such a pretty color! I added it to my wishlist!

5. Jewelry Organization Inspiration! I have declared this upcoming week as my week of spring cleaning. I just want to get a few things reorganized and jewelry is one of the things I am stuck on! So I have spent a lot of time hunting on pinterest for inspiration! Let's see what I can come up with!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!! ♥

Miss Ava & some Tamale Pie!

I am a pretty proud mother when I say that my 3 year can crack an egg totally on her own. Literally, no mess, no shell in bowl! She L♥VES watching me cook and maybe a few weeks ago, she asked me "Mommy, Can I crack the egg?" I agreed, prepared for the mess I knew I was probably about to witness...but to my surprise, she really can do it! The first time she did make a little mess but not at all how I picture it would be.


and now, she's a champ!

I try to involve her as much as I can when cooking! My mom always let me help and I know my love for cooking came from her!

Here's some pics of Ava doing some cooking tonight. I mean really, she made our dinner almost on her own. Partially because she is just that amazing and also because it was a pretty easy meal!



Ava's finished Tamale Pie! Now, I love tamales but I had never had tamale pie before. I was a little leary and of course it's not 'quite' as great as tamales! Butttt, I was pretty impressed with this recipe! It was yummy and SO simple! We did use a regular egg in place of an egg substitute. Ava just has way too much fun with the real thing :)



Hop over to Pinch of Yum for the recipe! Hubby liked it so much he requested we have it again next week. I'm sure Ava will not mind helping out again!

Cheeky Thought Giveaway!!!

Remember this sweet little thing included in my things I'm ♥ing Friday a couple weeks back?!

Well, Shanna from Cheeky Thought was kind enough to contact me about doing a great giveaway for you all! I was really excited and I knew that you all would be too! Not only will one of you receive that adorable pink hex nut wrap bracelet, but she is going to include this one for the lucky winner as well! One lucky winner will receive both these bracelets! She was also sweet enough to offer ALL of my readers a generous 20% off! Details found below!

The TWO requirements for this giveaway are as follows!

1. Follow the Baby Steps Blog (Using the "JOIN THIS SITE" button to the right).

2. "Like" Cheeky Thought on Facebook!

THEN. Leave me one comment below letting me know that you have done both of those required entries and the best email to contact you at if you win! Simple as that! For a 3rd. (Optional entry) Go check out Cheeky Thought on Etsy and let us know in your comment below what your favorite item is! 

Just to clarify you should leave one and only one comment below per person. Like So!

Holly Cox: holly@holly.com

I have followed the Baby Steps Blog.

& Liked Cheeky Thought on Facebook!

I love the purple hex nut wrap bracelet!

And last but not least, don't worry if you are not the lucky one to win. Cheeky Thought was kind enough to provide us with a discount code for all my readers for 20% off her etsy shop! Simply use the code "TheBabySteps"! This is valid until May 1st! This leaves you plenty of time to purchase any of her lovely things you've been eyeing! ♥ enjoy!

Another huge thank you to you, Shanna! We really appeciate your generosity!!!

Giveaway ends April 19, 2012 12:00 midnight PST 

Open to US Residents Only

Winner will be selected via random.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: the products included in this giveaway are in fact provided by the manufacturer/designer. All opinions stated are my own.

Some sweet gifts from a sweet friend! ♥

Amy is at it again and made Ava some really precious birthday gifts!! She made Ava this adorable dolly & also the dress that Ava and the dolly are wearing! So cute and we are so grateful! Thanks Amy ♥




So glad that it's Tuesday already! I hope you all have a great week!!! ♥

Happy Easter!!! ♥

This year we kept it super simple for Easter! The bulk of their baskets were filled with Homemade Play Dough Carrots! I used a simple homemade play dough recipe, then cut a ziploc in half diagonally to make the cute carrot shape!



flower pot cupcakes!





my girls ♥





snuggles after a long day!



Hope you all enjoyed your Easter too!!!!


♥

Things I'm ♥ing Friday!!!

1. Leighelena White Jigsaw Bracelet! I am in love with this. I don't know what else to say about it. I can't stop staring at it! I think I need it. Okay I do not need it...at all, but I do really want it!

2. L*Space Matching Mommy & Baby Fringe Suits! I feel like this is the image I always had in my head of how I thought it would be when I had a baby girl(before I actually had a baby girl). But of course we would have dark hair and not blonde. It is just so precious. I wanted that bikini before and this is just making it 10 times worse. They did it on purpose ;)

3. Okay, moving on from my wish list. How cute is this?! A pink handbag for little girlies! It's from Zara.

4. Also from Zara! This cute pink blouse! It has really adorable little gold pyramid buttons too. ♥

5. Lastly, a fun little project! The "Best Playdough Recipe" from AdelynSTONE. This is on my to do list for the week!

That is all for this week! I hope you all have a fun & safe Easter weekend! ♥

Some fun new learning tools!

 We decided that at least for this year, Ava will be "preschool"ing here at home! But I want to make sure I work with her on things and prepare her the best I can. So! I'm slowly building up our little preschool stash of learning goodies! I wanted to share some of the things we've gotten that we are really enjoying so far!


We purchased both on amazon! Big Preschool Workbook Here! & Rainbow Bear Family Here!


the bear counters are really great because of 1. the different colors! and 2. the different sizes! This leaves you with all kinds of different ways to let the kids sort them! The easiest way is by colors, I like to just cover cups in scrapbook paper with each different color and let Ava sort the bears into the appropriate colored cup. Then from there you can dump them out, and have them sort the different sizes, etc! They actually make entire books of different pattern ideas

where the child can just set them right onto the cards! I haven't purchased them yet but you can find them HERE!

& yes that would be Ava wearing glasses inside. She had just gotten them and insisted on wearing them, lol. ♥

Let me know if you have any fun learning ideas!! :)

Spring & Summer Jewelry! ♥

I have been so excited to welcome the spring & summer seasons! I love all the fun colors and trends that are out right now and one of the things I've been having the most fun with--is new jewelry! I have always been a huge jewelry fan and love the way it can add a different twist to a basic outfit!

I figured I would share some quick pics with you all of some of the new things I've gotten that I'm enjoying!


this chevron necklace is one of my favorite pieces! I had an awesome seller on etsy do this as a custom for me and she was able to match the color I wanted perfectly! I won't lie...I got this color to coordinate with my new bag & all the PINK and "romantic" color hues I wear with it! It is a longer length which I love because I can layer it with other shorter pieces or wear it on it's own as well!

You can find her here: Foudre Blanche on Etsy. Great prices too! She has the same necklace available for purchase now too!

then another favorite, are my new Kate Spade bangles! My sweet hubby got these for me! They are from the Kate Spade Idiom line and each one is engraved with cute sayings! On my birthday he got me my first one that was a gold bangle that read "Heart of Gold". I thought it was SO sweet and I love it, well, the line comes out with new colors each season and this time, he chose some NEON ones for me. I am so in L♥VE with them.


don't mind my instagram shot, I forgot to take a pic with the cam, lol.

Alright, that is the last of my random jewelry post! I knew they wouldn't all fit in my things I'm ♥ing Friday so I figured I'd do a seperate little post! What's some of the jewelry you guys are loving this season?! I'd love some new ideas!

Weekend Snapshots!

Some quick photos from our weekend! When we let the girls "choose" a toy, it never fails that they both choose the Disney store's figurine sets! They both love them so much, Lex chose the 101 dalmatians and Ava was excited to get Snow White! :) Overall a nice yet busy weekend! ♥