creative tuesday

Today we made a robot out of recyclable materials.. We accomplished both efforts of being creative and green all in one project. Logan was very hands on in the making and assembling of this project. Once it started to actually resemble a robot,her interest grew even more. She showcased her superb tracing skills, came up with the earrings idea, helped glue it together, and named it. There is so much talent and creativity packed in this little girl-- proud mama over here! Since Robot "Benna" has been constructed, her and Lo have watched a  movie together, shared a snack, and have gotten in an argument... all in one day. Oh, the joys of this sweet creative little girl of mine.

      

birdies on a branch

I wanted to share a DIY handmade piece I made for Lo when she was just a wee little thing. As we begin to switch her over to a "big girl room" I don't know if it will make the cut [without revisions, that is.] When I was pregnant with Lo and planning out her room, I wanted a space for her that was simple, colorful, and included a little bit of nature. One night while out for a walk in the neighborhood, Scott found a really pretty branch. I really liked the look of it. I knew that would be my nature piece in the nursery, I just didn't know how. I came across a sweet mama blogger who made this here. It was exactly what I was looking for: simplicity, color, and a little bit of nature. I was inspired. I just had to make one for our sweet baby girl. And I did. 

What I liked most about this, was that it was a simple project for someone who doesn't really sew. I drew up a pattern for the birds and wings and cut them out of the felt. I sewed them by hand and stuffed them slightly with some cotton filling. I added button eyes and little craft bows for the girl birds. Then I hot glued them to the branch.

I'm thinking of re-doing it with a matured look, possibly using fabric, and making the birds bigger-- we'll see if time allows. Until then..we'll continue to enjoy it as is.

4/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Gorgeous glow in the winter snow. 

See more photos from this day here.

find + follow friday [co-hosting!]

So I am doing my first [woot woot!] co-host with a lovely fellow mama blogger friend Nicole over at Me + the Moon. Big thanks to all who will be joining in with us! 

Here's how it works:

1. Follow your hosts. 

They will be numbers 1 - 4 on the list. **I try to always follow back, so PLEASE leave a comment letting me know you're new here so I don't miss you! ** Sometimes it takes a little while, but I always get through every comment and follow back. :) My co-hosts this week are: Sara over at Melon Pea Shannon over at Imperfectly Perfect Grace + Shawna over at Doe Loves Buck! 2. Link up your blog's main page

3. Try to stop by at least 3 blogs and follow ones you love. 

I'm sure they'd love it if you left a comment, as well :)

4. Take a button! 

Sharing is caring :) The more awesome blogs = the more awesome bloggy friends you make.

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5. Tweet this hop!

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cauliflower crust pizza

In our house, we are big lovers of pizza. It would seriously be okay if pizza was on the dinner menu every night [lunch too.] 

We just fancy it, that much.  

But, unfortunately, my body doesn't fancy it as much as my taste buds do. And realistically pizza isn't exactly the healthiest of foods, especially for us as we are working our way towards a gluten free lifestyle. 

Womp, womp, womp.. 

We seeked out options where we could still enjoy a favored food. Which led me to "Cauliflower Crust Pizza." I was a little skeptical at first, but curious indeed. And, since having made it three times so far, I think it's safe to say, I'm hooked.

I found several recipes on the web but tweaked them all to make my own.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked riced cauliflower


3/4 cup shredded cheese


2 eggs, beaten


1 tsp dried oregano


2 tbsp Olive oil (optional)

Broccoli, Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Other additional toppings of your choice

Most of the recipes called for more egg and cheese than I had used in my recipe. We were going for a low-fat option. Because of that we also used fat-free cheese instead.

Directions: Take one large head of cauliflower, remove stems and leaves. Steam cauliflower on top of stove. Once soft, remove from heat and you can either add it to a food processor and pulse just until it looks like rice or you can mash it with whatever kitchen tool you choose.

Place the riced cauliflower in a large mixing bowl and add mozzarella cheese and egg together and stir until well incorporated. Add the oregano, garlic, and garlic salt. Transfer to the sprayed cookie sheet, and shape into a 9-inch circle. Brush the crust with olive oil to help it brown in the oven [optional.]

Baked at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes, until the crust is browned and cooked through the middle.

Remove the crust from the oven, add your toppings. Place back in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow the pizza to cool slightly, [but not too much, as it tastes best warm] then slices and enjoy.

*This recipe makes 1 14-16 inch pizza. You can of course, lessen the recipe, which we often do too, for single servings. 

If anyone has any low-carb, gluten free dishes to share, please do so. I would love to see what other people are cooking up.

wednesday schednesday

“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things. The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful." — Plato 

I'd say these headless mannequin children grouped near the check out counter in Gap Kids are more than lovely and beautiful. Lo agrees. 

PS- This was every bit of fun as it looks.

elegant baby

Logan's baby blanket has been a favorite since the day she was born...actually, before she was born. It was the first thing I packed in my hospital bag. I think it's safe to say that I have a "thing" for blankets-- great blankets particularly. So when I came across this blanket from Elegant Baby, I just had to have it for my baby girl. We have even gifted Elegant Baby blankets, we like them that much.

What I liked most about this blanket aside from the quality was the size: 36x45. The perfect size for her to grow with-- quite perfect all around, actually. But lately, the blanket had begun fraying. It was constantly getting stuck on things and no matter how many times I trimmed the hanging strings, they would fray again. 

Consequently, the blanket's price matches the quality. Because of that I figured I'd try to contact the company. Why not, right? Worst case scenario, they say they can't help me out. But to my surprise, that was not the case. After an email back, I was told they would send out a new replacement blanket for Lo. They didn't have this exact blanket as it is a few years old now, but they offered to send out a similar one [of which I was able to choose of two.]

Today Lo's new blanket arrived, and it's so sweet.

       

She was very happy and super excited to try it out. This blanket is a little smaller in size than her first one, but it is still big enough to wrap around her, like she loves to do. I think it's safe to say she approves. A big thanks to Elegant Baby for being a wonderful company and for keeping your customers satisfied.

name change

So I've been thinking long and hard, and quite frankly, wayyy too much about this, and I have decided to change my blog's name. When I created this space, I kind of just jumped into it without thought [which isn't typically me.]

I feel like I need to make this space something that I can grow with, and "sippy cups" is hindering this. I think I can credit [or blame, you choose] this on the sudden realization that in less than a month, I will be the mother of a THREE year old. I can't help but sit here in disbelief. But this space is proof-- proof of a growing girl, proof of seasons changing, proof of endless loving. And because of that, I need to have it make sense for me.

With much research on the 'art' of switching up your blog, I've decided it isn't so bad. Apparently people do it all the time. For whatever reason. The best tip of advice on "the change" is to do it sooner rather than later. So that's what I'm doing. At 50+ followers, I want my blog to be an established place where I can grow, rather than dwell.

Aside from the title, much isn't changing here. The content will continue to be what inspires me, what moves, and basically what makes me want to write. Logan will be the focus, because, well she is my focus...my little pea.

I'm kind of teaching myself as I go along here with web design and photoshop, so any advice or any tips that anyone cares to share, I welcome.

On a side note: I will soon be sharing a recipe for "cauliflower crust pizza" that is so good-- a new favorite in our house.

Keep an eye out. 

3/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

"The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration."- Claude Monet. This quote made me think of my sweet little pea on this beautiful sunday morning. The weather is kind, and the yard is plentiful with much to explore. So, that's exactly what we did. Teddy tagged along. This made Lo's day, which in turn, made mine. We also gathered up some twigs, and tree bark for Lo's nature box, and most certainly for some possible future crafting.

a cozy little space

  

 Logan loooooves when boxes arrive at our house, not only because of the secret contents within, but because of the potential fun beneath that brown square. Our last box was transformed into a boat, with oars-- which were empty wrapping paper rolls. And it was such a hit. Since Christmas is now behind us, those things aren't easy to come by. So, we put on our thinking caps, fired up interest, and came across this. Within no time at all, we were applying the finishing touches to our house. Lo was a happy, happy little pea. Today she spent most of the morning in her new cozy spot. We can't wait to get our hands on another box. A little bigger. So daddy can fit in it :]

on task

Today I am eating a salad when I really just want a slice of pizza, or two.

Today we are painting instead of wataching TV.

Today I am going to the gym, despite the fact that I started my day with advil.

Today I am scheduling my dentist appointment.

Today I cooked dinner when I would have preferred to order in.

Today I used up my cell battery within half of the day, while tending to bridesmaid duties.

Today I am doing research that I have put off for far too long.

Today I caught up with an old friend.

Today I am on task.

2/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

[Project 52]

The slight break in the weather attracted us outdoors and down the street to the park. Lo's biggest feat: dominating the "big, huge slide."

not as cold

Today we went to Newhope to walk around town and take advantage of the slight break fom the harsh cold that has become the norm. We brought with us some bread to feed the ducks. It's one of Lo's favorite things to do in town. We've been coming to this spot to feed the ducks for some time now. I like it for many reasons including: 1.)the fact that it's on the river, 2.)there are always ducks there, and 3.) they have a spot where you can get food if you forget to bring your own [or if you run out like we did.] But my main reason for such fondness of this spot is because of that trusty black gate there. You know, the thing that keeps our feathered friends just far enough away. Side note: I am not fond of birds. They creep me out and I do not trust them, which  probably has something to do with a duck feeding trip gone wrong from my childhood. Haha. No, not really, I blame my older sister. :]

I love, love, love this picture of logan and her "best friend" and cousin, Angelo. She adores him, and loved him tagging along with us today. Fortunately, he is equally as fond of her. Such a cute two. 

 We had the BEST lunch ever at a little charming Italian restaurant called Villa Vito. They claimed to have "the best Cesar salad in town" and they were not fooling. Not at all. It was delicious. I can't wait to go back with my sister, and fellow Cesar salad enthusiast, it was that good. Scott and the kids equally enjoyed their pizza.

 We crossed the river when we walked over the bridge into New Jersey. Angelo thought it was so cool that he was walking in from one state to another.

Once we got to the other side, we walked around Lambertville for a little while. It's such a pretty old town.

Such beautiful towns. 

Such a beautiful day.

1/52

A fellow blogging mama posted about a photo project that she was taking part in, found over at Che & Fidel. The project includes one photo a week for 52 weeks of your child, pet, lover, whatever. I will be photographing Lo, well because, that's just what I do. I don't know which avenue I want to take yet. I'm thinking maybe an outdoor photo theme [in hopes that we'd get outside more, mainly during these colder months] or maybe  photos while doing art projects [which could result in a little art book for her later on.] I could also have Scott do the photo taking. He would love the challenge. The options are endless. Whichever way I take it, I'm sure it'll be fun.

a special gift

Logan's doll house from start to finish was a group project indeed-- my vision, my dad's craftsmanship paired my mom's push and a deadline, and Scott's willing to help out with whatever [and in playing along with all of my abstract ideas.] 

Credit->

Pop-pop [with Grammy's as his lovely assistant] built it and assembled the real-life roof. 

Daddy painted it [bright white] and spray painted the furniture. 

Mommy decorated it with craft paper [and bought a few house plants at Lo's request, because really, what's a house without plant life?]  

Santa furnished it [with some thrifted pieces which he then spray painted with silver and cream paint, to give it a brand-new look and some new pieces that light up, flush, and brew-- lamp, toilet, and stove.] 

And, Logan l o v e s it. This may be an understatement. She completely adores it. And I adore that. I love to sit and watch her be creative and max out her imagination. She is such a smart little thing and often realistic in her play too. Many times we'll find a naked doll sitting in the bathtub, cups on the [way too small] kitchen table, the hand soap at the sink [seen in picture,] and someone always tucked in bed. Her little brain is perfection.

The house still needs a few things, like some wall art, flooring, throw pillows, etc... but that's mostly for my entertainment. For Lo, it is totally perfect, as is.

yesterday we painted

Yesterday we painted, and painted, and painted. Logan is truly in her glory with a paint brush, some blank paper, and an array of colored paint. So, happy was she ever. To make this activity even more fun and more exciting-- just add daddy! The two painted pictures with rainbows and pictures with "wots of dots." My little artist.