Loreal Lip stain- THANK YOU LORD!

 Does anyone else have the issue of reapplying your lipstick about a million times?? I certainly do. But I now have the answer to all my problems-

EASY Coconut Creme Pie- The In-Laws are Coming!

       I'm usually not very adventurous-some when it comes to desserts but I had just a few days before tried a coconut creme pie and it was simply amazing and was pretty determined to make one versus paying $5 for a slice. Now, if you're a coconut hater don't be judgmental, it's still delish! I was also pleasantly surprised to find how easy it was.

Roasted Chicken With Carrots and Parsnips- The in-laws are coming

           When was the last time you made something with parsnips? I wondered why they even sell them in the grocery stores...they are the best kept secret when it comes to roots! On vacation we stayed in DC with dear friends and little did we know they are marvelous chefs as well. They shared this delicious recipe with us and I had to try it myself!

Clean(er) eating on vacation- Marmee's Ways

    Whew finally back from vacation and really had a wonderful time! I was so happy with the food I packed, although not COMPLETELY healthy they were way, way better than stopping at the gas station grabbing a drink and snack and making pit stops at fast food restaurants. So here is what I packed-

Undercover Mama Review- Marmee's Ways

          Does anyone else get so extremely tired of straps everywhere and confining tanks while nursing? I get so annoyed my Motherhood Maternity tank tops really are a hassle! I found the answer!!

5 Quick Tips for a Better Photo Shoot- Marmee's Ways

  We just got our family pictures taken and here are 5 quick ways to make family pictures easier!

Stir-fried Chicken with Snow Peas- The In-Laws are Coming!

      I'm always looking for tasty recipes that have low sugar but they MUST be easy...This stir-fry look  a little longer than my 5 minute prep(making rice and veggies)...it was so worth it though! I made a few changes to the recipe since I forgot a few ingredients...oops. It tasted great though!

Baskets in the Master- Marmee's Ways

I know so many people use baskets for organizing so its no big surprise, but it has helped us out tremendously! I find its so much easier to put something away when it has a specific place. So here are just a few ways I used my boxes in our master bedroom.

Benefits of Coconut Oil- Marmees Ways

     Coconuts are absolutely incredible they can help improve health, weight loss, hair, skin and much more. To begin with, I despise the taste of coconut oil....like completely hate it. I have found a coconut oil that has NO coconut taste(due to steam deodorizing) and is reasonably priced so coconut lovers and haters unite!

Chocolate Enchiladas- The In-laws are Coming!

Ok So this may sound nasty/weird, if may not be on the list of Top 10 Healthiest Desserts BUT it is indeed amazing and delicious. Ladies and gentlemen I introduce to you.....The Chocolate Enchilada-

New Laundry Room- That Thing Called a Budget

  Does anyone else needs bright colors to entice you into your laundry room?? I sure do! I just needed something bright and happy to keep me from thinking it is just a black hole... So I chose a bright color named

Organizing My Fridge- Don't Open That!

 Does anyone else have a hard time not wasting food??  In our first house I had the standard white fridge, freezer on top and fridge below. It was so difficult to see what you had which unfortunately lead to a large amount of waste, I am constantly looking for ways to keep my fridge clean, open, and organized! I love my new wide fridge I can see everything! Here are a few of my ideas-

Quick Garage Organization- Don't Open That

Don't you hate that garage clutter and just want to get rid of it?? Me too! So I dragged my amazing husband to the garage at 7pm and we just knocked it out! I'm soo pleased with it and I didn't spend a penny!

Making Healthy Seals Simpler/Meal Prep- The In-laws are Coming

   I have firsthand knowledge about the difficulties of staying on a food budget AND it being healthy as well... I have found that meal prep is my saving grace! I do my bulk shopping at the beginning of the month and here is what I buy and why.

what I bought at Sams Club-

My Favorite Healthy Snacks- Food for Thought

I have struggled to find healthy snacks that can boost my milk supply so here are a few of my favorites with high protein/ low sugar

Quiche Recipe- The In-Laws are Coming

 

I love making this Paula Deen basic quiche and being able to change it around however I choose!

Mommy Daddy Dates- Marmee's Ways

   As you wonderful mamas know how it is truly amazing having of baby and all those great perks. Of course there are several things that have a little tweaking such as date nights with little babies and when you don't have a babysitter...bedtime is at 7pm and boy if you are a minute late you may have one screaming baby on your hands. So rather than trying to have a quiet dinner out I have been trying to bring fun meals back home...here are a few things I have been trying to do with my husband at home.

Let it Go, Let it Go Baby Fat- Marmee's Ways

   We all know that baby fat that won't disappear! You poor husbands that must endure this conversation for not only 9 months but even more so after the baby arrives! I know everyone's bodies work differently and sometimes nursing your baby can shed that fat or do the exact opposite- HOLD ON!

How To Get Your Money Back - That Thing Called A Budget

           Sometimes picking up the phone can save you plenty of money! This past week just by calling because there was a problem with my product I was refunded $24. Sams Club boneless chicken had a bone and my granola bars tasted as if they hadn't been sealed well enough, it may seem petty and silly to call but it definitely saves money.

It's the Little Details- Don't Open That

  I have been trying little by little to organize my home, finally after two years of marriage, I'm getting places. I love organizing... A little confession the first thing I did after returning from our honeymoon was matching my husband's socks and folding his t-shirts...men! Finally after moving into our 3rd house in two years I'm getting the hang of it.

Great Gifts Under $15- That Thing Called a Budget

      It can be difficult to find a meaningful gift on a budget. Especially when you're in Target and after purchasing a few small gifts, wrapping, and a card it's around $30. With a large extended family and at least 2-3 birthdays a month it adds up quickly.

Bedroom Re-do on That Thing Called a Budget

              I decided to give my room a much needed makeover since it looked pretty sad and really haven't been a fan of the lighter wood(that's what happens when your spouse buys furniture BEFORE you meet-haha), I started my Pinterest search for chic bedroom yet still on the traditional side...Here are the before pictures-

Baby Wearing- Marmee's Ways

     Being pregnant and trying to imagine carrying around more than my big tummy along with a car seat and diaper bag  was difficult since I am pretty short. So I had to find another option. A friend let me try her Ergo on and I loved it but she made the mistake of showing me her ring sling as well. I couldn't decide which one and she assured me I would use both so I bit the bullet and bought both. I wanted the color to be grey, in order to work for boy or girl.

What's in My Diaper Bag- Marmee's Ways

  I love my Petunia Pickle Bottom bag (and peonies)! As I tried to convince myself I didn't need it, the one in the clearance would work just fine, I was completely in love with it and my convincing wasn't working. Diaper bags are so pricey even the Carter's simple bag was $65 I loved the tote style but when I look at other totes there were no pockets, and that wouldn't work. So I had the baby, tried to ignore it but when my dear great-aunt sent us a check and old me to get something I wanted not needed, I knew exactly what I would get.  I love that its easy to wipe and it works for either girl or boy.

Less Can Be More - Marmee's Ways

   While expecting my little man I vowed to dress him in real clothes every day. I know as for myself if I am not fully dressed with makeup on my day is a wreck... I want my baby to feel ready to take on the world. I have always wanted to dress my babies in a manner that they woudn't look at their baby pictures and say "Marmee, why did you put that on me? "

Organizing My Letter Writing Supplies- Don't Open That!

    I love writing letters, there is something so special about a handwritten that beats any email or text any day of the week. Therefore I have several different types of envelope and paper and located in several different drawers and rooms...eeek! It seems I am never able to find the correct envelope for my letter size and so you simply buy a thousand more envelopes because you can't seem to find the one hidden, squashed in the back of the drawer. So I decided to fix that problem. I cleaned out all my drawers, found every sneaky loose envelope and piece of stationary and organized them in one bin.

Amazing Baby Stain Remover- Marmee's Ways

     

 My oh my...life with a baby boy....and his stinky diapers. I have a little confession I adore Janie and Jack....major addiction to the clearance rack! Well their clothing is the most adorable clothing ever. I bought an adorable white and blue striped overall. Somehow he knows his Janie and Jack clothing well since he only has blowouts while wearing J&J. Well needless to say he had a major explosion while wearing this precious outfit. I regret I didn't get a picture before since I was running as fast as I could to the sink, it was only his second time to wear it. But you mommies know what explosions look like... Must I remind you?

The In-laws Are Coming- Cherry Clafoutis (a quick yet delicious dessert)

    The in-laws are coming and you have no idea what to make other than your favorite boxed brownies, which is never impressive. This recipe is simple yet amazing. Cherry Clafoutis is what you may call a firm custard and will come out looking a little rubberish, but just wait until you take a bite!  It is extremely light and perfect for breakfast with coffee. It wasn't that pricey a can of cherries $1.89, slivered almonds about 50 cents and Amaretto or almond extract about 50-75 cents worth.

                                  

Schedules and Bills- Don't Open That!

My hunny is super organized....in ALL the things I'm not, finally after two years of marriage I think I am getting close at organizing bills and paperwork. I am also probably the biggest list person you'll ever meet....ever! So if I have a list and schedule I am able to get my work done...without one my day may look like this-

What's for Breakfast and Lunch- The In-Laws are Coming

We all know how much your breakfast and lunch in the workforce... expensive! I thank the Lord every day that I am a stay at home mother because my poor husband has to pass an Einstein Bros Bagel EVERYDAY- if it were me-  I would give in everyday, yes every single one!

All Things Bright and Beautiful

 So....this whole blogging thing... I've had a personal blog but I would love share the ways I have tried to brighten my house by organization, cleanliness, and on a budget. I am always looking for ways to save money no matter what. But I have noticed that most budget blogs involve tackiness and I try to avoid that at all costs. I am trying to build a lovey classic home for my husband and children and I find its the little things that make  it elegant and classy. Saving money is really a badge of honor for me. I am always love to tell my husband how much money we save...poor man! Sometimes I find my husband saying things like "just spend the extra $2"

Here are a few facts/things I love-
My husband and babies
Target
Wearing pearls
Words with Friends
Pumpkin anything
Purple
Saving money
Peonies


So welcome and I am going to give this a shot!