Full of Joy

I haven't had my morning cup of joe. I feel like a zombie. So, we are gonna yawningly kick things off. There is a red squiggly line under yawningly. That is totes a word. And if not, Webster Dictionary is gonna owe me a big check for coming up with that one. Just saying.

Let's talk shoes. One of my favorite kid shoe lines is Joyfolie. In fact, I'm in lust with every shoe and wish they had my size. Jessica Haley is the brains behind this amazing eye candy. She started by selling a pair of shoes on Etsy that she handmade for her daughter. Now, she is on her way to being a shoe powerhouse. I guess that's how all great things start. A small thought that turns into a genius idea. One never knows what road they'll end up on.  Poetic, if you ask me. 

These shoes are amazingly unique. They have just the right amount of hipness, but still have a classic little girl vibe. Ugh. I want just about every pair for my little fashion queen. In every size. So she can wear them forever. And ever. The end.

All photos from Joyfolie.com

Shabby Chic Sunday

My child still sleeps in her crib. She hasn't once tried to climb out. ::knocks on wood:: I think she feels safe and secure in it. I'll probably let her stay in it until she wants to take the big girl bed plunge. Which, I hope isn't anytime soon. But, I couldn't help myself and have been looking at kid's rooms. I have fallen in love with these.

                                                                 Source: marieclairemaison.com via 9emesymphonie on Pinterest

                                                                            Source: cool-kids-rooms.com via Erin on Pinterest  

                

                                                                                 Source: hgtv.com via Michelle on Pinterest

                                                                                Source: google.co.uk via Norita on Pinterest

                                                                                  Source: hgtv.com via Hope on Pinterest

                                                                               Source: spearmintbaby.com via Lisa on Pinterest

                                                                        Source: theroxie.tumblr.com via Libby on Pinterest

                                                                         Source: projectnursery.com via Betsy on Pinterest

                                                                       Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via Lisa on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: simplyseleta.com via Cara on Pinterest

                                                                                  Source: google.com via Ally on Pinterest

                                                                           Source: propertygossip.net via Mindi on Pinterest

                                                                                  Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

                                                                      Source: urbanstems.blogspot.com via Miranda on Pinterest

                                                                      Source: dearlillieblog.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Weekly Wrap Up

Gosh. This week has flown by. Didn't I just do a weekend wrap up, like, yesterday? 

SIDE EYE

And boy do I love that look. 

ANIMAL 

We dressed up our cat Ellie in one of Adrienne's baby outfits. Ellie wasn't having it.

CRAZY

I totally caught Judge Judy doing this little gem. I had to do the double rewind and pause. Either she has no control over her finger moments or was so fed up with the ungrateful garbage disposal in front of her. The jury is still out, but I'll go with the latter.

SWEET

Something about a child and a mini ice cream cone just pulls at my heart strings. 

BREAKFAST

Blueberry strudel cake. Yumhola.

INNOCENCE 

Aunt TayTay and Hil got Adrienne this adorable tutu bathing suit. I wanted her to try it on to see if it fit, but then she had to wear it the rest of the day. I don't blame her. I would if I could, too.

Chick On The Shelf

Since Easter is around the corner, I thought I should capitalize on all the Elf On The Shelf hoopla, and make a Chick On The Shelf tradition. I couldn't come up with a good word that rhymes with chick. This past Christmas, my child was obsessed with finding Peppermint, our elf, every morning when she woke up. I think about a million other kids awoke doing the same thing. That elf business was insane. But, I succumbed to it. If she started getting out of line, it was awesome to say, "Peppermint is watching you. He is going to tell Santa what happened today if you don't shape up." Genius. Worked every. single. time. 

Adrienne got this chick, that peeps when you sit the thing in your hand, last Easter. They have been around for years and years, because I know I had them in my baskets as a kid. As I started getting out the Easter decor, I came across this little guy and just knew he had to be put to work. 

So, basically the concept is the same. This Easter chick reports to the Ole Bunny each night if the child has been good or bad, while the kiddos sleep. He returns in the wee hours of the morning and flaps his little wings to a new hiding spot. I need to market this. Now. Book deal. Here I come.

I also got this sweet Easter tree with ornaments from the Dollar Tree. Yes. I know. An amazing two dollar find. I have a thing for Easter trees. This is the third one that will be displayed around the house. My little fashion queen had a blasty hanging the eggs and carrots on it.

American Moments

Phew. These past two days have been nerve racking! We have a new addition to the family! Baby Elizabeth! This is William's older brother and his wife's second baby, and she was born on Leap Day! How cray cray is that? Congrats!

I wish I could hold this sweet little nugget. Baby Elizabeth reminds me of Adrienne when she was born. ::tear:: I almost miss having a newborn around. Almost. As I can hear my child yelling numbers out to herself from her baby bed. She is supposed to be sleeping. She must be counting sheep. Yea. That's totes it. My two year old is so amazing.

I also found out yesterday that my older sister is preggos! Glad her and not me. This will be her sixth child. More power to this incredible mama! I love you. And all you chillrens!

On another note, I want to really thank you all for being so supportive. Thanks for all the good vibes and prayers that were sent to my older brother and our family. My brother just got out of his ten hour surgery. I haven't gone into detail about the accident, but in January, my brother got shot with a shotgun during a botched robbery. It still brings me chills thinking about that night. He is such an incredible brother and dad to two wonderful kids. He didn't deserve this pain. Today, the doctors tackled the reconstructive surgery, and it went incredibly well. 

Life is precious. I always have to remind myself of that.   

Alright, let's talk food! I want to share a delicious lasagna recipe that gets made pretty often in my kitchen. Cheers you guys!

American Lasagna

|| ingredients ||

1 lb Ground Beef

1/2 lb Lasagna Noodles

1 can Chopped Tomatoes

2 cans Tomato Sauce

1/4 cup Chopped Onion

2 cups Cheddar Cheese

2 cups Mozzarella Cheese

2 Eggs (beaten)

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

Fresh Garlic

Spices: Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Parsley, Basil, Red Pepper, Salt, Pepper

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9 baking dish.

- Cook beef and onion. Drain. Stir in tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and seasonings. I usually just season to my liking. Simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile boil water and cook noodles according to the directions.

- Beat an egg. Layer noodles on the bottom of baking dish. Then add meat sauce, cheeses, and egg. Repeat noodles, meat sauce, cheeses, and eggs. 

- Top with Parmesan and bake for 40-45 minutes uncovered. Tah.Dye.Fore. I have also added cooked bell peppers a few times.