Toddler Town

We've been riding the toddler town train all week here...ever have one of those days? ;)  I love this little monkey so much, but we all have those days.

Where you say "Go get in your highchair, breakfast is ready", and they hear "Go grab the Italian bread and ride it around like a witch on a broom".  Those kind of days.

I've been browsing Pinterest for some fun ideas, yummy meals, and activities to soak up our last weeks of summer...and slow down the toddler crazy.

This cloud dough sounds so fun to make and it's taste-safe, which is perfect for toddlers!  Two ingredients and it's ready for some little hands.  This will most likely be an outside activity so we'll save it for a day filled with sunshine.

I bought a huge head of butter lettuce from the farmer's market and these Chicken Lettuce Wraps sound so delicious.  I can't wait to try this recipe.  Anything from Damn Delicious is normally amazing so I'm sure these will follow suit.

This Little Bunny Embroidered Sleep Set is perfect for the fall and how cute are these Dancing Cat PJs?! Perfect for Halloween!

Hope you enjoy the rest of your week! XO

Blogger Meet & Mingle || Mother Stressor

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Alicia from Mother Stressor with you! Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

My blog name is "Mother Stressor", which sounds like mother effer... I don't usually use curse words but I do get stressed out a lot, so I mumble things like Dangit and mother eff! And son of a gun. Lol. 

My blog site is "StressedButStillSmiling.blogspot.com" so I also use Stressed But Still Smiling a lot. I write mostly about trying to find humor in stressful mommy situations so I try to focus on smiling through the stress, and helping others do the same. I also challenge moms to take #stressedbutstillsmilingSelfies ... Which I repost on my Instagram to help show that it's possible to smile through the craziness that is motherhood! 

Tell us a little about your family

My hubby and I met when in high school and have had our fair share of ups and downs. But fifteen years after meeting, we are happily married with three beautiful daughters, who are 11, 8 and 2 years old. We are a blended family, but I go into more detail on that in my blog :) We love hanging out in our backyard, watching movies together, going out for frozen yogurt and walks, making ridiculous dubsmash videos together, and playing board games. Our absolute favorite place to go is Disneyland! 

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

Dove exfoliating bar! And I love my tuel face wash system! Also, and I know this sounds crazy.. But Vaseline, and Apple cider vinegar! Not together... I use Vaseline for everything.. Soft lips, soft skin, removing eye make up. And I drink 2-3 tsps of apple cider three times a day for clear skin and lots of energy! 

I never leave the house without...

Mini Vaseline (I HATE having dry lips/skin! Totally freaks me out!), gum, cell phone... Mainly for my gps and to add thoughts and notes to my notepad... I'm the worst ever at finding my way and if I don't write something down/type it out the second I think of it, it's gone for good! (Mommy brain!) 

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check social media, read a book, work on homework. Oh, and use the bathroom peacefully.

Favorite cupcake

Funfetti! And chocolate. Gimme all the chocolate. 

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

A good, comfy nighttime nursing bra! It doesn't have to be an expensive brand, I got my favorite one from Target! 

Boppy pillow... The real brand, not a knock off. I got a knock off brand first and it was not enough support at all!

And some sort of wrap/sling. I didn't use one with my babies because my babies are huge and I didn't find one that felt supportive or comfortable enough. I'd love to find one that works for me with our next baby! 

 

Currently obsessed with…

Iced coffee. Iced coffee all day!! And cucumber water. And kindof The Bachelorette, because this season is like a trainwreck... I can't look away even though I want to. 

Top three meals you make for your family

Sauteed Salmon

Spaghetti...They'd eat it every night if I let them.

Chicken...All kinds. Grilled or baked is our go to though. 

Every meal has some sort of fruit or veggie as a side, that's my rule!

Favorite blog & why 

I really like Baby Boy Bakery, because she's honest, raw and full of faith even in the dark time that she is going through. I also like alovingspoon.com because I love following the amazing adoption story of a member of my church who also has great healthy advice and is a dedicated woman of God. I also like reading thrilledbythethought.com, because it's beautifully written and relatable stories of motherhood. 

Social Media Links:

Blog: http://www.stressedbutstillsmiling.com 

Facebook.com/StressedButStillSmiling 

Instagram: @stressedbutstillsmiling 

 

Pinterest: @alicia209

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Alicia! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)

Blogger Meet & Mingle || Peace and Chaos

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Cole from Peace and Chaos with you! Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

My name is Cole and my blog is called Peace and Chaos. I started Peace and Chaos in early 2013 as a way to express myself. I've always loved reading, writing, art and photography - and basically any creative pass time - so it made sense to share that publicly. My blog is a lifestyle blog, with a focus on self-improvement and creativity. I named my blog Peace and Chaos because I always felt that life is sometimes peaceful, and other times chaotic, and that's okay.

Tell us a little about your family

I live with my 7-year-old daughter and fiance. I was a teen mom. Nick and I have been together almost nine years now and we've always supported ourselves since my pregnancy. We work hard, and we play hard, and we love life.

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

I'm not big on beauty products, but currently in my shower is some handmade soap, generic shampoo and conditioner. I use a variety of different makeup, but always my Maybelline master precise liquid eyeliner. 

I never leave the house without...

My giant purse full of stuff, which always includes: my phone, a notebook and pen, umbrella, gum, wallet (money!), lip balm, sunglasses, napkins, hand sanitizer, etc. People always say that if they need something on the go, I probably have it in my purse!

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check my email. I'm a little bit obsessed.

Favorite cupcake

Vanilla, with vanilla frosting.

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

Stock up on receiving blankets and a baby swing  

Currently obsessed with…

Iced coffee! Since the beginning of spring I've been making iced coffee at home and drinking at least two a day.

Top three meals you make for your family

Nick is a vegan, so meals tend to be difficult. We either eat a vegan dish, or have to make two different things. Typically, we like to make spaghetti with veggies, chicken and veggie burgers with salad or stir-fry. 

Favorite blog & why 

I have quite a few favourite blogs that I check on frequently. I love The Laughing Medusa because Sarah's writing is so honest and fun. She offers great advice on living an exciting life. I love Uncustomary Art because Mary is so much fun, colourful and happy! Her blog makes me want to dance! And I love reading The Nectar Collective because Melyssa shares the best advice on building a successful blog and business. 

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Cole! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)

Alley + Rae || Softest, Stylish Tees for Littles

Hi friends! I'm so excited to share Alley + Rae Apparel with you! Olivia was sent two shirts, a Fierce Tee and a They Didn't See Her Coming tee and let me tell you, they are the softest tees ever!! Seriously, I wish it was my size because I'd live in it. Great, great quality and so many quotes to chose from.  Olivia is wearing size 18 months and it fit her perfectly.  For the fall, I'd probably order a 2T so she has a little room to grow.  

A little background to Alley and Rae Apparel ... 

Alley + Rae is a modern lifestyle brand handmade in Utah. Our mission is to spread positivity and create clothing that speaks to you. We want each piece to make a statement or tell a story about the person that wears it. We love to incorporate bright colors, fun graphics and encouraging messages into our designs. All of our clothing is printed on sweatshop-free apparel, made in the USA and packaged with eco-friendly materials in an ongoing effort to support sustainability. We are always looking for ways to make the world a more awesome place. (www.alleyandrae.com) 

Some of my other favorite tees include She Loved Life, Courageous Bear, Wild Flower, and Bussin' Tee.  Great options for boys, girls, and adults.  Raglans are coming soon so I'll definitely be checking those out too! 

They were so generous to offer my readers a 15% discount off of your purchase so head over and order, using code: BIRDSNEST.  This code expires 9/15/15 so be sure to stock up on some fall goods for your littles! 

Be sure to check out their social media links below:

Website Link: www.alleyandrae.com

Facebook: facebook.com/alleyandrae

Instagram: instagram.com/alleyandrae

Twitter: twitter.com/alleyandrae

 Thank you so much Alley + Rae! XO 

Brand New Blog Makeover!

Hello!  I'm so excited to reveal my blog's brand new makeover!  As you can see, a lot has changed around here.  To start, how gorgeous is that header?! Love the mix of florals and watercolors. 

It's also much easier to navigate to find previous posts, labels, and popular posts.  To the right, social media links are a breeze to click through and follow ;) 

Template is from The Sunday Studio on Etsy and the designer was so helpful and prompt in answering all of my questions.  It comes with a full tutorial to install or optional install free of charge.    Take a look around and tell me what you think! XO

P.S. - If viewing on a mobile device, simply click on view "web version" on the bottom of the screen to see the new look;)

Blogger Meet & Mingle || And Hattie Makes Three

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Jen from And Hattie Makes Three  with you! I  always enjoy reading her Weekend Wrap Up posts...seriously, you need to check out her Chocolate Pudding Pie recipe...yum!!!!  Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

And Hattie Makes Three was created in early 2015 after the birth of my daughter. I was looking for an outlet to share all the fun things that we did and all the fun frugal finds we found while out and about. For years I had a coupon blog, and I decided it was time for a switch!

Tell us a little about your family

I've been married to Jeff for 7 years, but been together for 11. We have Miss H who is 18 months and our fur baby Riley Sue who is 9. We live in St. Louis, we're avid Cardinals fans, love BBQing, Friends, and enjoying all that St. Louis has to offer! I'm a SAHM to Miss H and we are super involved with MOMs Club, MOPs and more. 

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

Nivea In Shower Lotion - Total Game Changer for getting ready quickly. 

Bumble to Bumble Hair Dresser Oil -  Perfect right out of the shower, I've had the same bottle for 2 years! 

Peter Thomas Roth - Years ago I worked at Bath & Body Works opening the first flagship store in St. Louis and PTR was by far one of my favorite clinical brands. Anytime Sephora has a fun kit, I always get it. The face wash and strawberry scrub are to die for! 

I never leave the house without...

My Tory Burch Mini Clutch and Buxom Dolly Lip gloss. I purposely bought it last year to hold my keys, my iPhone, cards and a lip gloss. I can toss it into a diaper bag, a big purse, or just use it for running quick errands. 

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check my Phone or grab a snack - I always forget to eat! I've been really bad this past year about spending WAY too much time on my phone, so I make it a habit to put my phone out of sight out of mind when Miss H and I are around the house. Nothing is that important that it can't wait till nap time. 

Favorite cupcake

Yellow cupcake, chocolate frosting and sprinkles, of course!

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

Nose Frieda - You'll thank me later. It's so gross, but totally works. 

Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles - J. Crew has the cutest ones right now! 

Kiinde System - if you are a part time pumper, this is perfect! I've never washed a bottle in my life! 

Currently obsessed with…

Kon Marie Method - I just recently finish reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and we're on a mission to declutter the house! 

Iced Tea - So many options, so little time! My favorite right now is Passion Tango Tea. So good!

Swimming Pools - Miss H and I are going on a swimming pool tour of the city! I purchased a Splash Pass to check out all the local pools and we are well on our way! 

Top three meals you make for your family

1) Tacos Every Tuesday!

2) Beef & Broccoli 

3) Breakfast for Dinner

4) Mystery Recipe - Every week we try a new recipe. Some of my favorites from Mystery Night were Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Divan!

Favorite blog & why 

Fancy Ashley - I've followed her for years and her style seems so effortless, but she always looks put together. Bonus, she has super cute kids she dresses adorably! 

Social media links:

Blog - www.andhattiemakesthree.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/andhattiemakesthree

Instagram - www.instagram/andhattiemakesthree

Twitter - www.twitter.com/andhattiemakes3

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Jen! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)

Blogger Meet & Mingle || The Little Things

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Kelly from The Little Things with you! I really love her "Ten Little Things" posts...what a great way to think of the joys in your life!  Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

My blog is called “The Little Things” based on my mission to find as much joy in this life as I can.  I believe that there is joy in every day, even the ones that don’t seem so great, we just have to be open to seeing it.  My joy is typically found in my family and doing what I love most, creating!

Tell us a little about your family

We’re a sweet, southern family from Georgia consisting of myself, my hubby, our 3.5 year old son, Gavin (aka Mr. G on the blog), and our crazy cat, Tybalt.  In September, we will be growing by one more handsome little man who I refer to as RC.  I’m so blessed to be able to be both a SAHM during the day and a working mom three nights out of the week as a dance teacher. 

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

I usually change my products to whatever is on sale.  I’m sure that’s not the best reason to buy a product but it’s good enough for me at the moment.  My favorite face wash though, the one thing that never changes, is Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup remover.

I never leave the house without...

My phone

Burt’s Bees Chapstick (it’s attached to my keys)

Tums…pregnancy heartburn!

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check Instagram/Facebook

Favorite cupcake

Anything that is called a cupcake is ok with me but is I have to choose just one flavor, I love anything caramel.

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

A swing – my son loved his and it gave me so much freedom to get things done around the house.

A carrier/wrap – I didn’t carry much with my first but plan to with my second.  Nothing better than being hands free when you have a toddler running around!

A Sound Soother – My son still uses his sound giraffe to this day!

Currently obsessed with…

Starbucks bottled Skinny Vanilla Latte – It’s pretty much the only coffee I really enjoy right now during my pregnancy. 

Top three meals you make for your family

Spaghetti – not fancy, but always a hit!

Crock Pot Chili

Thai Curry Chicken (I use the Campbell’s Skillet sauce, it’s amazing!)

Favorite blog & why 

A Beautiful Mess – Those ladies are so inspiring and I love their style.  Their DIYs are incredible and usually very simple with inexpensive materials.

Social media links:

Instagram – https://instagram.com/thelilthingsblog/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/lilthingsblog/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thelilthingsblog

Twitter – https://twitter.com/thelilthingsblg

Bloglovin – https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/little-things-11235873

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Kelly! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)