Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! This week’s list is a random mix of my favorites with a busy weekend ahead! I’m so thankful it’s Friday! 😉

One.

My Mom found this magnetic onesie a few months ago for Capri. It was for when she was a little older and I finally was able to put it on her last week. Oh. My. Goodness! I love it! Instead of buttons or a zipper, it has a magnetic connector, which makes it SO easy to dress her. I have loved so many onesies but this one is just flat-out easy and fun!

Two.

The cold weather in PA came out of nowhere! It went from 80 degrees to 40 basically overnight! So when I saw these beanies for a Mom and daughter, I had to order them. 🙂 I got the tan color.

Three.
For my birthday last week, I got a text from my cousin telling me to expect something in the mail on Saturday. Saturday rolled around and I checked the mail to find the book The Remember Balloons and a note.

Let’s rewind for a second. My mom’s mom and I were extremely close growing up. When I was in middle school, her health declined and she suffered from alzheimer’s. A few years later she passed away. We actually chose Capri’s middle name because that was my Grandma’s middle name as well. She was a special lady and someone I still hold very close to my heart.

All of that being said, the note said, “This book is for you now but it is also for Capri when you are ready to tell her about Grandma.” The book is heartwarming and you are guarenteed to cry. It was such a thoughtful gift on so many levels.

Four.

Chicken and Kale in Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp white vinegar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 3 oz grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 lb boneless chicken breast, diced

Instructions

  1. Combine kale, water, vinegar, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until kale is wilted, remove from heat and drain, reserving the liquid, set kale aside.
  2. Combine the reserved liquid and diced chicken in saucepan. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in kale, heavy cream, butter, and pepper. Cook 8-10 minutes until mixture is hot, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir until melted and sauce thickens.
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From cold weather to sweet books, cozy food is always needed this time of year. I made this Chicken and Kale in Parmesan Sauce recipe last week and Eric LOVED it! I don’t have pictures to go with it but I thought I’d share. It’s super easy!

Five.

Bamboo Shine Silk-Sleek Brilliance Cream

And with cold weather comes trying to maintain hair. You know how Sephora always gives you a million samples? To be honest, I don’t use half of them. But the other week I happened to use one of their creams because my hair just needed help. I loved the smell and what it did for my hair that I ordered it…and you should too.

What are your plans for the weekend?

 

Guess How Much I Love You

I don’t think I could adequately describe my love for this little one if I tried. I know I’m not the first Mom to think or say this about their child but it is so true. It’s an indescribable feeling. I know food is normally the star of the show in this little corner of the internet but sharing the everyday moments at this stage of life seemed necessary, since I don’t have the power to freeze time. An ordinary day of reading books, turned into one of my favorite captured moments to date.

Capri, I love you to the moon and back!

Foodie Birthday Giveaway Winner!

Before we find out who won all of these goodies below, I want to thank each and every person for entering and following along on this journey. You have made it more fun than I ever imagined! So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

So who won ALL of this?

Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagennutpods Variety 3-PackBob’s Red Mill Organic Golden Flaxseed Meal

Stonyfield/ Bobs Red Mill Chia SeedVital Proteins Collagen Peptides, UnflavoredBobs Red Mill Flour Almond

Go here to find out! A huge thank you again to Vital Proteins, Stonyfield, Bob’s Red Mill, and nutpods for sponsoring this post! Happy Monday!

Twenty Eight

Yesterday I turned 29. Eric surprised me and took some of the day off so we could spend it together. It was the best and just what I wanted. 🙂 For my favorites today, I thought it would be fun to look back on some of my very favorite (and very random) 😉 things from 28! Eric surprised me with a beach trip last year for my birthday. It was THE BEST!  I made crustless quiches on repeat…I started my 4th year of teaching with a super sweet class and resigned in August to be at home with Capri.We kept a little secret from everyone for awhile and then shared the exciting news via Christmas cards!I ate avocado toast like it was my job……and could barely drink coffee anymore. Pregnancy does straaaange things. I was gifted these earrings, which I wear all the time. We bought this rug, which I’m obsessed with. (And it’s on serious sale right now!) I really got into listening to podcasts.The day after Christmas we found out we were having a baby GIRL! We lived by this motto as we soaked in every moment. We took some time to get away…I was showered by the most generous friends and family a girl could ask for. We started (and finished) watching Parenthood. And I’m still mourning the fact that it’s over. I tried by hand at a lot of new recipes.I became a Mom. 🙂We went on date nights.I soaked up every snuggle…
…and took in every little feature…..and watched this little one grow with each passing day.We celebrated three years of marriage.
I ushered in fall with open arms..and these muffins.

28 was far too good to me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. God provided beyond belief and I am so thankful for this life. It was definitely one of my favorite years yet. Here’s to 29 and all it has in store!

Also don’t forget to enter this! Only a few days left. 🙂 Happy Friday!

Melt In Your Mouth Crunch Bark

Sometimes you just need a little crunch added to the sweetness cravings. Anyone else? This combo might have you a little confused (quinoa?!) but I proooomise it is worth a try! Instead of a million additives to a candy bar, this will satisfy you just the same. Bonus? It’s so easy to throw together in no time! Your kids could even mix everything together once you cook the quinoa. You can’t really mess it up and it’s a healthy snack for everyone! Also, who doesn’t love a chocolate peanut butter combo? 😉 

Melt In Your Mouth Crunch Bark

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup + 1 tsp quinoa
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (not melted!)
  • 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Line an 8x8 cake pan with parchment paper. In a medium-sized pan on medium heat, add quinoa. Cook for about three minutes or until lightly browned. Stir occasionally. While it is toasting, in a medium-sized bowl combine peanut butter, coconut oil, and cocoa powder. Stir until mixed. When the quinoa is finished toasting, set aside and let it cool. Once cooled, add quinoa to mixture and stir until mixed. Pour into pan and spread evenly. Place in the freezer for at least 45 minutes or until frozen. Remove and break apart. (One of the best parts other than eating it!) Store in a sealed container in the freezer. Enjoy!
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