Wordless Wednesday: September Beauties

These September days are glorious! So thankful.

Not So Wordless Wednesday || iphone edition

We went apple picking last Friday. It was very hot, but worth every minute in the blazing sun. The sky was beautiful, the girls got to enjoy a wagon ride with daddy, and we picked some delicious apples. We made apple crisp, and applesauce in the crockpot over the next two days.

This week, we've been busy little bees. On Monday, I did my first real "tot" schooling with Evie. I decided to forgo preschool this year. It's popular in our area for kids to start around 2 1/2, but I didn't feel that the timing was right. Instead, I'm focusing on one formal lesson each week with Evie. We studied fish! She loved the one on one time. Needless to say, it IS making excited for when she is ready for preschool! I'm already planning away for next week's lesson! The nerdy side of me is very excited.

Ella is crawling now. She's into everything! And she is very feisty. She has curls galore that frame her little face. I'll have to share her pictures I took from last month. I also need to take her pictures for this month! Slow down life...your making me a little crazy. ;)

Life is good. It's not what I thought I wanted, nor is it where I thought I wanted to be, but it is all good. It's beautiful, and challenging, and filled with God's grace. I'm where God wants me, and I've learned to make peace with that.

Happy Wednesday!

Fall Around My Home

Our home is finally decorated for fall! I started with the mantel in August, then put the rest up this month. It's not perfect, but it is very cozy. At least to me. :)

I added the candle, and the old window to my fall decor this year. The banner came from the $1 spot at Target (last year), and the candle is actually from Dollar General of all places. It's Apple Currant, and it's smells heavenly. The pumpkins were a gift from my mother in law years ago.

I had to pick up this pumpkin from Hobby Lobby the other day. I loved the old truck! Has a vintage, down earth feel to it.

My entry table. Sorry for the wonky angle, but the lighting was too weird otherwise. I love my cinderella carriage pumpkin. Disney & pumpkins just seem to go hand in hand. Ha! It's the kid in me, for real. ;) And it's 40% off right now at good 'ol Hobby Lobby. It's like they know how to win over our hearts with the cutest fall stuff!

Happy Thursday!

Two Girls & Their Giant Rubber Ducky

The weather was really nice over Labor Day Weekend, so I thought it would be fun to take a few pics of the girls playing with their giant rubber ducky. I realize I'm late posting this, but better late than never, right? ;)

I thought Ella would have loved the bubbles, but she was NOT impressed. She just wanted to eat the soapy water, and chew on the rubber ducky. Evie Grace, however, was all about the bubbles. Life with two, it's always fun!

The girls are getting so big. We've been busy at home, just soaking up life with our little family. Happy Tuesday!

What I'm Into August Edition

Books & More Books:

This was a slower month for me regarding books but I still found a few titles that were fun to read. One of the sweetest novels I read was My Mrs.Brown. The synopsis is that Mrs. Brown lives a simple life. She's faithful to the small things, and keeps a tidy check book. Her charcter is very plain, and under-embellished. But, it's her character traits, and willingness to keep her head high despite the gossip that draws you into her story. She sets out on a journey to buy a black dress...not any black dress, her black dress. But, the reasons, the pricetag, the location...it's all a bit curious. 

I also read Together at the Table (third in the Blue Door Trilogy), which was really good, but sad at the same time. A full review to come soon! And last, but not least, I read Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate. If you enjoy clean romance and mystery, I would highly recommend it.

TV & Movies:
We finished watching all the available shows for The Flash, and now we need something new. Any suggestions? I watched the second episode of The Good Witch, and it's pretty cute. I love me some cheesy Hallmark! We also rented My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 from RedBox, and it was a fun movie. Not quite as funny as the first, but fun none the less. ;)

Pinning Away:
Fall!! I love all things fall, and I've been busy pinning away fall decor ideas, fall recipes, and maybe even a few Christmas tradition ideas. 

Coffee & Tea:

The other day, I had a taste for Chai Tea. My favorite brand is not available in our community, so Josh found another substitute a while back. I had forgotten that I still had some. So, I added extra cinnamon, ginger, and a dash of cloves for an added spice kick. It was so good.

My favorite thing about morning time is my cup of coffee. Random fact: I drink it iced 90% of the time. I enjoy cream, a drop of pure vanilla & a dash of cinnamon, no sugar. Delicious!

What about you? What are you into? I'd love to hear!! Linking up with What I'm Into at Leigh's blog.

PS. Be sure to join me on GoodReads! I love meeting other bookworms and finding new titles to read!! :)

Taco Tuesday: Crockpot Taco Meat

I posted that I had made Crockpot Tacos the other night on Instagram, and several folks asked for the recipe. So, here it is! It is super duper easy...I'm not even sure you could call it a "real" recipe, haha!

3/4 Cup of Chunky Salsa

1/4 Cup Restaurant Style Salsa

1 Packet Low Sodium Taco Seasoning

8-10 Frozen Chicken Tenderloins

Place chicken in crockpot, then add salsa & seasonings. Let it cook for 6 hours on low. An hour before serving, you should be able to shred the meat using a large spatula. We topped ours with Verde sauce, and sour cream. Serves 6.

Weekend Wrap Up || squared edition

We kicked the weekend off with a couples get together on Friday night. We all have young kids, and it's usually spent chasing said kids around, but it's tons of fun none the less. Also, look how big my girls are now!! Ella thinks she totally a toddler now, and Evie of course thinks she's a grown up. Haha! Don't let those innocent faces fool you, they are a MESS. But, I sure do love them. ;)

On Saturday morning, we ate breakfast and headed out for coffee, yard sales, and to visit with Josh's family. The first sale I stopped at had girls just older than mine, so I ended up walking away with pretty much an entire fall wardrobe for $20 for BOTH girls. That included a coat for Ella that still had tags on it it, hoodies, sweaters, dresses, holiday outfits, leggings, and cute fall-ish themed shirts. All in nearly new condition. I was ridiculously happy.

On Sundy, we spent the afternoon outside. Ella discovered grass for the girst time! Evie played in the water the entire time. We also did a quick craft, and then watched tv before the girls had to go to bed. I was a really nice weekend. Now, I'm ready for Monday, and the rest of the week! :)

An Overnight Getaway

We were heading out of town for a wedding, so Josh decided to make an overnight trip out of it. We stayed at the Arlington Hotel. It's very old, and quaint, and I loved the antiques sprinkled throughout the hotel lobby. It had a very regal feel to it!

The room had a beautiful view, and I didn't want to leave the comfy bed. I may have binged watched "The Bush People of Alaska" for hours. I'd never watched the show, and found it fascinating, if not, a bit different, too. Ha!

We enjoyed dinner in the dining room that included Crab Legs!! My favorite! We also walked around town, enjoyed room service (I forgot to take a picture...but I had Salted Caramel Apple Pie...SO GOOD!!). We also tried tons of other food: chocolate & caramel apple treats at a little candy shop across the street from the hotel, pancakes for breakfast at one of our favorite places, and warm mocha's made from Belgium chocolate. I may have been on a sugar high for the rest of the weekend! And with that, I'll leave you with a picture of the ridiculously good caramel apples we feasted on... ;)

TGIF! Friday Favorites

{One}

I love that I found this super cute fall plaque at the Dollar Tree. I think I may need to get my nerve up to share all my favorite dollar tree finds. They have the cutest holiday items. Anyway, I hung this on our doorway for now, but I will probably make a wreat out of it this weekend. Ha!

{Two}

I am loving these placemats that I found at Target. They were colorful, and at a great price. I bought two to use for dinners for just Josh, and I, but I think I should buy more to set the table with. I thought the color scheme was festive enough to use for both summer and fall! Plus, they match my Fiesta dinner plates! Also, I'll have to share a recipe of that Chicken & Wild Rice soup, soon.

{Three}

If you know me in real life, I am a purse girl! It's one of the few things in life that I will splurge and not bat an eye (normally, I'm frugal fred mertz, ha!). Anyway, I saw this red bag at TJ Maxx, and it had been marked down from $100 to $30. So, I guess in the long run, I was still pretty frugal, but scored a sweet bag! Red is my go to color for everything. Also, those books you see? Larkspur Cove was AMAZING, and My Mrs. Brown was a really sweet read. Check 'em out if you are looking for something fun to read! ;)

{Four}

When I'm out and about running errands, I love to get me a good 'ol dose of Starbucks. But, when the temps were 100+ I was leaning towards Ice Cream. However, my need for coffee wore out. I ended up ordering a Coffee Frappuccino with whip. I forgot how good those are! I love that it's super creamy, but you still get a strong coffee flavor. I love when an oldie become a goody. He he. ;)

{Five}

These girls...those dresses. Two Jelly The Pugs scored at a consginment sale by Grandmother. It's just the cutest thing when their outfits coordinate or match. I've turned into one of those moms. Hee hee! And I make zero apologies for it. They are only little once. 

Ok, that wraps it up for today. Happy Friday!! Linking up with Friday Favorites today. :)

Favorite Dinners: Ultimate Black Bean Nachos

A few weeks ago, I was talking with someone and they asked me what some of my "go to" dinners were. When one of my responses was Black Bean Nachos, they gave me a funny look. "Black Beans?" 

Yep!!! We make these at least once a week, sometimes even twice a week. They are super yummy, can be customized to your tastebuds, and seriously, it is SO easy to make. Here's my recipe:

Ultimate Black Bean Nachos

2 Cans Black Beans (drained)

1 Can Rotel 

1 Packet Taco Seasoning

Tortilla Chips

Bring first three ingredients to a low boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Immediately serve on a bed of tortilla chips, then top with your favorite items. We love cheese, salsa, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole! 

Happy Homemaker Monday Vol. 22

The weather...
Pouring rain! I am so thankful for the cooler temps. It's in the 70's. Perfect weather for me. I took Evie outside over the weekend to jump in puddles, and play with her froggie umbrella. She had a blast!

Right now I am...
Drinking Ginger Water, and blogging. 

Thinking... 
About things I need to do around the house. Potty training. Etc. ;)

On my TV...
The Flash

What I'm Reading... 
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore

On the menu for this week...
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Chicken & Green Beans
Chicken Cheddar & Broccoli Rice
Breakfast for Dinner

On my to do list...
Pick Up Living Room
Fold Laundry
Wipe Down Countertops

Linking Up with Diary of A Stay at Home Mom!