Getting to Know Me: Part 1

Hi everyone!  I thought I'd introduce myself a little more to some of my new readers (and old) in a little get-to-know-me series. I always love reading about other bloggers and seeing who's behind the blog.  I swear sometimes I feel some of us could be best friends, is that weird?!  Here's a few true to life things about me, in no particular order:

1.  I have a twin sister.  We're literally #twinning in real life.  We've always had a pretty good relationship growing up, but now that we're both moms she's really turned into my best friend.  Our babies are growing up together (they're 8 weeks apart) and we see each other almost everyday.

{This is a wedding day picture of a picture, fail.  I'm on the left and she's on the right.}

2.  I'm obsessed with soup.  I love it.  Every kind, flavor, style, you name it.  In fact, due to this rainy day, there's a similar version of this soup simmering away in the crockpot.  Fact: My husband hates soup.  Hates, hates, hates it.  I'm calling it an "Italian Stew" tonight.  Sorry hubby.  Olivia loves soup too, so therefore, 2 against 1.  We win.  

{via}

3.  I love picnics.  Anywhere, anytime...ok, no.  I hate when it's cold and rainy so let's leave those times out.  My favorite picnic blanket is this one, from Ikea.  

4.  When Olivia was born, I became a stay at home mom.  I was an elementary teacher and I hope to go back to teaching when she's a little older. Sometimes my days and long and my nights are short.  I love being a stay at home mom and certainly feel blessed to be able to stay home with Olivia.  That being said, some days are no joke.  It's the hardest thing I've ever done and I completely understand why my mom used to say things like, "I need my own island" while we were growing up.  Totally get it now mom, totally get it.  This is how I normally accomplish making dinner. Seen on my Instagram: @kaitlynbird

5.  A true test to my sanity is a rainy day while my hubby is gone until late at night and I'm trapped home with the baby...and the dog.  This is Harper.  Harper likes to eat Little People toys, frozen teething rings, breakfast covered bibs, sandwiches off the kitchen counter, and favorite stuffed animals...just to name a few.  Olivia has mastered telling her "no,no,no" and by the end of the day I can't wait for bedtime.  For Olivia as well, not just the dog.  She's a good dog (when?!) and her and Olivia are best buds.  

There you have it, five facts about me.  I would love to get to know you as well!  Feel free to follow me on Instagram @kaitlynbird if you'd like to see more of my daily life.  I'd love to hear some fun facts about you!  

THE Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've searched far and wide for a good cookie recipe, besides my mom's, and I think I've finally found it.  It's the perfect mix of chewy, chocolately goodness.  I used this recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction, found on my Pinterest here.  They're SO good.  The cornstarch in them makes them extra chewy and fluffy.  I used a mix of Ghiradelli bittersweet chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips.  I didn't add nuts, but you could certainly add pecans, walnuts, etc.  Also, refrigeration is key.  If you're anything like me, you'll wait the minimum hour in the fridge and start;)

I loved this recipe because not only does it use simple ingredients, but it's also quick and easy to throw together.  These will not last long in our house!  Do you have a favorite cookie recipe?  I'd love for you to share.  Happy Baking! 

Keepin' It Real

Hi friends! Hope all of you are enjoying this beautiful fall weather.  It's been so nice here lately and we've certainly been enjoying cooler mornings, crockpot meals, and pumpkin pecan waffle candles burning all day long!

This past week has had it's ups and downs with busy schedules, a cranky/happy toddler and just every day life getting in the way.  I've decided to share our night with you, simply to keep it real.

Last night, I made a simple turkey meatloaf with kale and sweet potatoes (mixed in for added veggies), sauteed asparagus and roasted red potatoes.

(Plate set from Re-Play, amazing quality)

Normally, Olivia will always try different things and if she doesn't like it, she does the baby-spit-out-food thing.  She's a great eater most of the time...picks veggies over meat, loves fruit, yogurt, etc.  Then there are times where she eats a cheese stick.  Literally, a cheese stick for dinner.  Keepin' it real.  Last night, she was a hot mess of over-tired-hungry-toddler.

She was to the point of crying but not knowing what she wanted.  Of course I'm not normally snapping away pictures of my child crying, but sometimes I think it's refreshing to see real life, everyday happenings.  Sometimes, you just need some dinner, a cereal cup, two bibs, and a milk cup and it'll all be okay.  

Life with toddlers is hard, and messy, and rewarding all at the same time.  I find it refreshing to read other mom's stories and know I'm not alone.  I mean, we've all fed our child deli turkey out of a sandwich bag while racing around Target right?! That happened.  That was me.  My child was the one eating handfuls of turkey while in the Nate Berkus aisle of Target.  Keepin' it real.  

Toddler Meals: Part 2

Hi! This is part two of my toddler meal posts.  You can find part one here.  I really have so much fun making these fun meals for Olivia. She always giggles when I put them in front of her and actually understands that they're fun for her! Overall I'm very happy that she is a good eater, but of course sometimes she is picky depending on the food or day...aren't toddlers so fickle sometimes;)

Most of the meals that I make her are very simple and quick to put together.  I always think that kids are more willing to eat food that looks fun and appetizing to them, don't we all?

Here are some of the toddler meals I've put together lately:

Mini pita pizzas with green beans

Salsa chicken with black beans and corn

Avocado and zucchini bites

Whole wheat tortilla triangles

Homemade pumpkin spice muffin

Nectarine and cucumber slices

Breakfast bunny with fresh bread and homemade apricot jam

Strawberries and blueberries

Ingredients for chicken meatballs 

Recipe on first toddler meal post 

Can toddler pajamas get any cuter?

I'd love for you to share your toddler meal ideas!  Hope you enjoy your weekend! 

Bathtime Favorites

Livvy has been seriously loving her bathtime lately.  Every night she has a bedtime routine and it includes a bath, book, and bottle.  She's had the same routine since she was a newborn, but now it's even more fun because she loves to play with bath toys and loves "washing" her own hair, which entails dumping a little bucket full of water over her hair all by herself.  She's such a little ham!

Here are a few bath time toys and products I'm loving for her:

Arbonne products are great for babies who have sensitive skin because they're fragrance free and very moisturizing.  I was given the Hair and Body Wash, the Herbal Diaper Cream, and the Body Lotion, all part of their ABC product line, to review and I'm really pleased with the products.  All of the products were very gentle on Olivia's skin and hair, and I love that they're tear-free as well.  The Herbal diaper rash cream includes zinc, avocado and peach as the key ingredients...so cool, right? I think this gift set would be the perfect present for a mommy to be or as part of a baby shower gift basket.  

(via)

Another bathtime essential is a big fluffy bath towel.  I don't know about you, but it drives me batty when Olivia can't fit in her bath towel, leaving me with a squirmy, wet baby.  These animal themed bath towels are perfect for her.  I absolutely love the bunny one! 

(via)

I'm also loving these non squirt bath toys by Boon.  Seriously, how gross is it that most bath toys grow black mold inside when your little ones are sucking out the water. Olivia is certainly known for that on occasion, whoops... These are called Odd Ducks and they are adorable, and hole free so no chance of slimy toys! 

I think it is so important that babies have a bedtime routine and I love ours.  I'm so happy that Olivia loves her bath time so much and it's so fun to watch her splash around and play!

Note to self: clean the mirror...

What are some of your favorite bathtime toys and products? What is your bedtime routine with your little one? I'd love to hear! If you are interested in purchasing Arbonne products, please contact Katie at katie.parsells@gmail.com.  

Garden Fresh Salsa

Hi friends!  Hope you're all enjoying your weekend.  Our garden is currently in a jungle like state, not that I'm complaining, but we're getting an abundance of tomatoes.  Yesterday, I made the most delicious homemade salsa and wanted to share this quick and super easy recipe.  I'm a wing it type girl so this is a recipe that you can adjust to your liking.

4-5 beefsteak tomatoes, cubed (or other large tomatoes)
Half of a Vidalia onion
1 medium bellpepper (or 2-3 small)
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Tsp salt
Tsp cumin
Handful of parsley or cilantro
1/2 a clove of garlic
1/2 small jalapeno (I'm a baby)

Put all of the ingredients into a food processor and you're done! You can choose a chunkier style or smooth, spicy or not, so many possibilities.  It was so good and fresh!

Enjoy!

The winner is...

Congratulations to entry #66, Kayla W.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You've won one pair of Freshly Picked moccasins and one headband from Jumping and Jellybean!! Please check your email at the address you provided via Rafflecopter and let me know the size and color moccs you'd like!  You have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen! Thank you all so much for your entries and check back soon for another giveaway! Have a great day!