*Blog Makeover Reveal*

Hello!  I'm so excited to share my fresh, new space with you!  As you can see, there have been quite a few changes to the overall look and layout of the blog. I was craving something fresh and clean and wanted my readers to see a stylish, yet clutter-free format.

To begin, I've added tabs that you can easily click on to direct you to specific topics:

• "Meet me" is where you can find out all about me and the background of the blog...
  
• "Baby Favorites" include our favorite registry items, products, and overall everything pertaining to baby stuff...
  
• "Toddler Meals" is where you will find my ideas for some munchkin meals, our favorite plates and utensils, and some messy pictures of my munchkin eating:)
  
• "Recipes" is pretty much self explanatory, right?!
  
• "DIY" everything from house projects to smaller crafts...
  
• "Contact Me"  where you can find all of the info to contact me, whether you're interested in a review of your shop or products, hosting a giveaway or simply just to chat!  

Moving on, there are two super easy ways to subscribe to The Birds Nest.  I'm frequently asked how to become a follower or how to subscribe.  The first option is to subscribe via Google Friend Connect, which I almost always chose to do to follow my favorite blogs.  Simply click join and it will direct you to choose how you'd like to join.  The second option is to subscribe via email, which delivers posts right to your inbox.

To the side, you will see a bundle of social media icons if you'd like to follow The Birds Nest on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.  There is also an email icon if you'd like to email me from there directly.

There has also been a label cloud added, just below my blog archives if you'd like to search for a specific topic.

I'm so excited about my new space and I literally spent hours learning how to create, edit, format, etc.  One of the biggest, yet simplest changes, has been that my domain has changed.  You can now read The Birds Nest by simply going to www.thebirdsnestblog.com  So much easier to remember than nestdecorator.blogspot.com right?!  Either address will get you to The Birds Nest, but I'm loving the new, simpler domain.  I purchased mine from godaddy.com and used a coupon code for 80% off for a two year agreement...score!

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out the new and improved blog space!  I'd love to hear what you think about the new format...is there something that you love?  Something you think still needs some tweaking?  Please share! :)

*Don't forget to add The Birds Nest at www.thebirdsnestblog.com to your bookmarks!*

Under Construction

Hi Friends!

The Birds Nest is going to be under construction for a day or so.  Check back soon to see the new face-lift;)

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.