Festive Fourth of July Weekend

Hi! We're just finishing up our long weekend that was so needed! Lots of fun, sun, and food...perfect weekend to me. Friday was our five year anniversary so we celebrated going out to a nice dinner and spent some family time together.  I also met up with my girlfriends and their kids earlier in the day at a local park.  Fenced in park = toddlers running free! Surely they would sleep for hours with all of this fresh air.  Most of them passed out in the car on the way home then boycotted nap time, jokes on us ;) We're ending our weekend with some gardening and grilling.   

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Festive Nautical Snack || Blueberry Yogurt Bark

Hi! Today I'm sharing a super easy, festive snack that is perfect for the fourth of July and all summer long! It's no secret that we love our Re-play tableware.  It's perfect for kids and adults, too. I absolutely love their new Nautical line, which is a Kelly green, navy blue and bright white. 

Shop Re-play

I love making fun meals and festive snacks so this opportunity was right up my alley! When Olivia was a baby, I would make her frozen yogurt dots which she loved and it was perfect for sore, teething gums. Now that she's older, I thought yogurt bark would be perfect for her.  This is based off of an idea I saw on Pinterest, which used dried strawberries. 

Yogurt Bark:

Baking pan

Plain Greek yogurt (or flavored whichever you prefer)

Fruit 

1.  Line a baking pan with foil (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray) or parchment paper so the bottom and sides are completely covered. 

2.  Spread a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt in the bottom of the pan.

3.  Layer with fruit and gently press the fruit into the yogurt.

4.  Freeze for a minimum of two hours. 

5.  Break apart & enjoy! 

I stored mine in a freezer bag once it was broken into "bark" pieces and Livvy grabs one whenever she pleases. You could use all types of fruit...pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, or even for a sweet twist - chocolate chips, sprinkles. 

*Emphasis on a thin layer...the first time I made it, it was too thick and very difficult to break so a thin layer is perfect to break into pieces. 

To finish this fun Nautical breakfast, I added strawberry "shark fins" and some "life preservers" ;) Enjoy! 

Meet & Mingle || The Birds Nest

Hi there! Welcome to our first "Meet & Mingle"!  I chose the name "Meet & Mingle" because that's exactly what I envisioned happening when I thought of this series.  I want you to meet other bloggers and mingle together...ask questions, visit blogs, pin images, share your favorite posts - get to know each other in a fun way! Each week, I'll be featuring different bloggers and sharing a glimpse of their lives with you.  I've always loved getting to know the blogger behind the blog so here's your chance to do the same. To kick the series off, I thought I'd share a little about myself.  Hope you enjoy the first "Meet + Mingle"!

Your blog name & it’s significance:

Hi, I'm Kaitlyn! I started my blog, The Birds Nest, in 2010 when I was a newlywed. After reading my very first blog ever, Thrifty Decor Chick, I was inspired to start my own blog to share DIY projects, recipes, and newlywed life.  After a brief hiatus, I started blogging again after my daughter was born and it's been a mini-baby book ever since. I really enjoy connecting with other bloggers and it's been a fun road for me so far! 

Tell us a little about your family:

My husband, Rob, and I have been married almost five years (on July 3) and we have a two year old daughter, Olivia Grace.  She's a sweet, caring, compassionate little girl who is the light of our lives and she cracks us up everyday.  We also have a dog, Harper, and cat, Annabelle, who keep us on our toes (and help to make the furniture "cozy").  

Currently in my shower [favorite beauty products]...

I've been using L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 and really love how strong my hair has been.  I also use Matrix Total Results Color Care So Silver Shampoo about once a week, which is great for keeping my blonde highlights bright.  Dove bar soap is a staple and I love using homemade sugar scrubs to exfoliate.  This Coconut Almond Sugar Scrub is one of my favorites! 

I never leave the house without...

Chapstick, my iPhone, sunglasses.  Of course the diaper bag as well if I'm out with my little one, which contains my entire life. 

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself...

Sit down and relax with a cup of tea (my favorite is Harney & Sons Green Tea with Thai Flavors), browse social media, and catch up on my People.com ;) 

Favorite cupcake...

Ah, cupcakes are my weakness! I love them all! If I had to pick just one, I think it would be chocolate cake with mocha fudge frosting...or chocolate cake with coconut...or...lemon cake with coconut...I admit I have a cupcake problem. 

Top three baby items you'd recommend to new moms:

1. Summer Infant baby monitor 

2. Tubby Todd Lavender Wash

3. Baby wrap (Technically, I never had one with Olivia - we had an Ergo - but I'm dying to use a Solly wrap with our next)

Currently obsessed with…

OITNB.  I breezed through Season 3 so fast that I think I may need to re-watch it from the beginning of Season 1 because it's so, so good! 

Top three meals you make for your family:

1. Chili

2. Chicken Piccata

3. Pasta with sausage, kale & white beans

One of your favorite blogs:

I love Little Baby Garvin.  It's refreshing to read real life stories, complete with tidbits of not-so-perfect moments during the day, yet so many fun, inspiring ideas! I love her festive ideas, too! 

Share your social media links so we can follow you!

Instagram: @thebirdsnestblog
Facebook
Pinterest 
Bloglovin' 

That's it for my Meet & Mingle post! I hope you enjoyed the first post in my Meet & Mingle series! If you'd like to be featured, please email at: thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com, I'd love to have you! Please feel free to grab the above button if you are featured! 

Follow along: Pinterest Instagram Facebook Bloglovin'

Farmer's Market + Wacky Lemon Cake

Today was a beautiful day and my sister and I decided to try a new farmer's market just a quick ride away.  It was huge and I'm so glad we tried it!  I love farmer's markets and I always prefer to buy my fruits and vegetables there instead of at the supermarket when I can. There were so many stands filled to the brim with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, beets, radishes, fresh bread, pastries, fresh strawberries, honey...just everything you could think of! We loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies and bought some treats to enjoy on the grass along the park area.  We bought warm chocolate chip cookies and homemade strawberry scones to snack on in the car.  And while we spent most of our time chasing after the girls running in two directions, it was still an enjoyable trip.    Bring on summer and fresh everything! 

Have you ever heard of the Pinterest famous wacky cake? If you haven't tried it, it's delicious! I shared on Instagram (@thebirdsnestblog) that I made the lemon version last night. Super easy - no eggs, milk, or butter and it comes out super moist. I've made the chocolate one quite a few times and the lemon one was just as good.  I used this recipe from Pinterest.  Perfect for a quick dessert when you need a little something ;)

[Image via: SweetLittleBluebird] 

Follow along: Pinterest Instagram Facebook Bloglovin' XO

Easy & Delicious Tikka Masala [Slow Cooker Recipe]

My sister made Tikka Masala a few months ago and I've been craving it ever since.  [Side note: I always say "Tikki"...whatever;)] This recipe is easy and super yummy! I love using my slow cooker and use it frequently, which is a lifesaver for busy days, so this recipe is great for our family.  I based my recipe off of this recipe, which I found on Pinterest and changed it according to our taste.  Olivia ate almost her entire plate, which also shows it's a keeper! Here's how I made mine...

[Follow along on IG @thebirdsnestblog]

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless thighs (enough for your family)
1 shallot (or small onion)
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 can of crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups of plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp Garam Masala
1 Tbsp Cumin 
1 Tbsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 bay leaf
Salt + Pepper to taste
-------
3/4 can coconut milk
3 Tbsp cornstarch 
-------
Jasmine Rice
Lime Wedges
Parsley or Cilantro

Directions:
1.  Mix together the onion, garlic, tomatoes, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Garam masala, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper.  Pour mixture into slow cooker.
2.  Dice chicken thighs into bite-sized bites (skip this if you'd prefer shredded chicken)
3.  Add the chicken to slow cooker and coat with sauce mixture.
4.  Add bay leaf and cover.
5.  Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
6.  Add the coconut milk mixed with cornstarch and stir to combine.  Cook another 15 mins or until hot.
7. Serve over coconut rice with fresh lime wedges.  

Coconut Jasmine Rice: I love, love, love coconut rice...so good! I make mine using 1 cup of jasmine rice and 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk.  I always use my rice cooker, but if you prefer the stove top just follow the directions on the bag.  The coconut milk makes it really creamy and it's a nice addition to this meal. 

If you'd like to see how much Olivia enjoyed this, I'll leave you with this ;) 

Enjoy! XO

Follow along on: Facebook  Pinterest  Instagram  

Five Summer Reads You Won't Be Able to Put Down!

[Image via: Pinterest]

Isn't reading peaceful?  Especially as a mama, I can completely appreciate the quiet. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm pretty sure I haven't finished a book in approximately two years...as in since the day Olivia was born.  I tend to skim magazines and browse People.com [to keep up with my reality stars;)] but I rarely take the time to sit down and read a good book.  As summer approaches, I'm determined to change that! I love a good thriller but only read it when my hubby is home and I'm also feeling the organization bug so here's my mixed list of can't-put-down-books...hope you enjoy! 

1.  Big Little Lies

2.  Gone Girl

3.  Fringe Hours

4.  The Kitchen House

5.  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

What are some of your favorite reads? Have you read any of those books?  I'm half way through The Fringe Hours and I'm loving it. If you have recommendations, I'd love for you to share! XO

Celebrate Dad: Fun Gift Ideas for the Men in Your Life

Father's Day is always a fun day, filled with some quality time, special gifts and of course lots of bacon (if your hubby is like mine.) It's easy to get stuck in a tie rut, so I came up with some fun gift ideas that you may want to give the special men in your life. 

Shave Butter //  Dad Tee //  Tactical Daddy Diaper Bag //  Grillin' 6 - Pack // Shark Bite Hot Sauce  

Rob won this tactical diaper bag from the Tactical Baby Gear company and loves it.  He hates lugging around my diaper bag if he takes Olivia out somewhere so this is perfect for the new daddies, or seasoned dads in your life ;) He also loves to grill & loves hot sauce so those are some fun gifts...double points that they're edible.  I love the tees from The Blue Envelope! Olivia has a "2" shirt and it's the softest shirt ever, so this I'm sure will be a hit.  If you haven't heard of Dollar Shave Club, you definitely need to check it out. I actually steal these for myself as well and it's so worth all of the money you save.  This would be a great gift for your brother or brother-in-law as well. What are some of your ideas for Father's Day? Do you have a favorite tradition?  There will definitely be some grilling and hammock swinging on our agenda that day.  Enjoy! XO