Saturday, October 19, 2013

Date Night // Bowlen Wedding

Since Baby Logan graced us with her presence almost 4 weeks ago Troy and I have been so blessed to have been able to share these first few weeks at home together with the baby. Most men have very limited time off when the baby arrives and having Troy here every day to learn what to do with this little angel of ours has been amazing. Although we’ve spent every waking moment together the last few weeks, it has been all about Logan. And rightfully so, but we both strongly believe that it is SO important to maintain a healthy relationship between the two of us which calls for a date night. Before Logan was born we agreed to set aside at least 1 date night per month, if we can squeeze in a couple more, great! But at least 1 night a month. 

Our first date night came rather quickly, she still seems sooo tiny to be leaving her, but it was much needed. Last night we attended the wedding of our good friends Erin and Ben Bowlen. My older sister Jenny and my niece Ella were beyond willing to spend the evening with Logan while Troy and I went out and celebrated with our friends. I was not at all nervous leaving my little one with my sister, which made for an amazing evening with my guy. 

Erin looked absolutely stunning and Ben looked so sharp. =] Congrats my beautiful love birds! 

My bestie Chelsey and the beautiful Mrs. Erin Bowlen!

I’ve heard from so many new parents that they talk about doing a date night all the time but never actually get around to it. The way we’re going to keep ourselves a priority is to buy LivingSocial Deals and Groupon Deals for our favorite restaurants as well as new ones we haven’t tried yet. That way there are no excuses for “not having a place to go”, and the deals all have expiration dates so we’ll be more apt to actually go!
I hope you all are having an amazing weekend! =]

Skinny Snacks // Apple Cinnamon Protein Bars





Ingredients

1/2 cup almond meal/flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 cup Splenda or Stevia
medium apple - grated (large holes)

Directions

Spray an 8-by-8 inch glass dish with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine protein powder, almond meal, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Whisk together and set aside.
In a smaller bowl, combine egg whites, splenda, cottage cheese and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated and then add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix again.
Fold in grated apple and mix until combined.
Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Makes 16 squares



Beer and Diaper Party//


A couple weeks ago I shared some of the amazingly creative gifts we received from our friends at the Beer and Diaper Party. I didn’t really get into how helpful this party was and really how simple it was. I really wanted Troy to feel included in all this baby excitement so we thought a fun “baby shower” where Troy could invite his friends and celebrate would be perfect.

Check out how stocked we are for diapers! Most places are really easy to exchange diapers for a different size if you got a million packs of size 2 diapers so not to worry about wasting any!  



If you haven’t decided already to host a Beer and Diaper Party – I would highly suggest considering it! It’s a much more laid back get together with you and your hubbies close friends and a great way to get a good diaper stockpile going.


Here are the invitations we sent out! =]

Friday, October 4, 2013

Baby Logan is Here!

Little Logan Jean made it into the world last week at 8lbs 11oz! =D I've been off the map for a couple weeks and I'm excited to get back to blogging! =]


She looks gigantic in these first photos! Hahah



 Proud new daddy.



My little brother Cole and holding his new niece! 






Presley snuggling up to Logan. =D



Courtney Sargent did Logan's newborn photos! This is the teaser we got on Wednesday, I cannot wait to see the rest! 











Friday, September 20, 2013

September Giveaway Winner // E.l.f. Cosmetics

Hi Gorgeous!

The September Giveaway wrapped up last night and I was thrilled to see all of your entries! =] I appreciate everyone’s participation and support – I’d love to hear what type of products you’d like to see on next month’s giveaway!!

I’m so excited to announce that the lovely Miss Stacy D. is the E.l.f. September Giveaway WINNER! =D Stacy mentioned that she has never used E.l.f. products before so I’m anxious to see how she likes them!




Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this month’s giveaway. Make sure and check in for October’s Giveaway! =D

Have a great weekend lovies!



Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Quinoa Pizza Bites




Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup fat free shredded mozzarella
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
pinch of salt
pizza sauce for dipping






Directions:
1. Cook your quinoa! Boil the quinoa and 2 cups of waterand cover. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender).

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all of your ingredients (except the pizza sauce) in a mixing bowl until it is well mixed.

3. Lightly spray the bottom of a mini-muffin tin with olive oil spray. Using a Tablespoon, scoop - 1Tbs into each muffin tin.

4. Bake them for 15-20 and let cool. 

5. Serve them warm with pizza sauce to dip in!




Logan’s Nursery // Sneak Peak


I’m so excited to give you a small peak at Logan’s Nursery. I can’t believe we’re 9 days away from seeing our little munchkin and I STILL HAVE THINGS TO DO! That’s sooo unlike me! Ahhh.  I WILL finish it this weekend if Little Lo doesn’t show up before then. =]

So I wanted to share these adorable nursery prints with you! I didn’t stick to a theme for the nursery  and it looked very sophisticated but I thought it needed a “little friend” touch – I think these prints are just right! =]








 Many of these prints can be found on Pinterest or Etsy however, I’ve slightly tweaked these myself and saved a buck! 




I printed them out at home, put some thick scrap book paper behind for matting and put them in some dollar store frames.