Today Sophia is 3 years old! My gosh it went so fast! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share Sophia’s birthday story with everyone!
**This will be a very raw post**
Let’s go back to the very beginning…..
Tag: love
An Unplugged Weekend
A week ago today my family and I spent a long weekend down in West Virginia to visit Grandma Carol. This is a trip that I have been trying to do for several years ever since Sophia was born, but life has gotten in the way of many things. This long weekend trip just fell onto my lap at the very last minute possible.
Thankfully, there was boarding at Jimmy’s camp so I was able to send him for a long weekend with his buddies. Jimmy loves camp so it’s definitely a win-win situation.
While we were driving down we all made bets whether or not Grandma Carol had wifi. I was the only one that said that should would have it.
But…
I was WRONG.
Jo’s Favorite Lemon Pie
When life gives you Lemons make…Jo’s Favorite Lemon Pie! I have been going through a wicked sweet tooth recently that I just can’t get a grasp on. It doesn’t matter how many yoga classes I take or how many times I try to distract myself…nothing and I mean nothing seems to be helping. Until….I came across Jo’s Favorite Lemon Pie.
But let me back up…I have a huge confession and obsession. I am a HUGE Joanna and Chip Gaines fan from HGTV Fixer Upper! My mom and I will watch them for hours. Their style is basically my style, everything they do I love. So when I came across Jo’s Favorite Lemon Pie recipe in their magazine…my inner obsession came out…
And I had to try it!
It is probably the best pie I have ever had. Hands down. I mean it’s rich, packed with flavor and lets say not legging pants wearing friendly…but perfect for a cheat day…or week. Whatever tickles your fancy…I will do a week cheat please!
Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortcakes
I stayed up late last night to make Sophia these Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortcakes. We had a rough day together yesterday..if Sophia doesn’t nap she becomes a little bear, especially by bedtime rolls around. I wanted to make these to let her know that even though we had a rough day together that I still love her no matter what.
Plus, Sophia’s favorite shape is the heart.
These Strawberry Shortcakes are the best…so good! So I am happy to share this recipe with you!
Sophia’s First Homemade Pie
Sophia is my little helper in the kitchen. No matter what I am doing she always ends up helping me out, and I LOVE it. It only seems to be natural that she enjoys being in the kitchen as much as I do, she comes from a family of cooks and bakers on both sides. It’s in her blood. I hope she continues to enjoy it as she gets older.
She always drags a chair over to the counter (like a foot away from where I am standing). Not matter what, as soon as I stand in front of the counter within seconds I have my Sous Chef!
Sophia climbs up and says “help..help..mama…peas,” with her big green eyes. It melts my heart every time…I mean..whose wouldn’t?
Top 5 Lip Glosses in my Make-Up Bag
When it comes to make-up I am definitely not a professional, but I love it. If you were to come over to my house right now, I bet you I am not wearing any. But I love lip gloss and lipstick, they’re my favorite to shop for.
I believe it can dress up any outfit.
Naturally I wear more pink and neutral shades of lip gloss, but it definitely doesn’t stop me from wear a bolder shade. I love a bold lip..I always have.
I remember as a child my mom rockin’ a bold red lip, I believe that is where my love for a bold lip started. It looked so classic on her.
My Top 5 Lip Glosses:
Starting with the top:
- Buxom in Nicole– I am fairly new to this brand. This is probably the most pigmented lip gloss I own. What I really love about this shade is that it gives you more color to your lips, for those days you want to spice things up a bit. Or if you need more color to your face…or even jazz up an outfit. Buxom Lip Gloss is also a plumper lip gloss, so it is a little sticky and it does tingle when applied to your lips. Honestly though I don’t see a difference in my lips which I fine by me. What I love is that the glossiness of my lips and it really lasts.
- Nars in Super Orgasm– If you are looking are a pinky color without it being hot pink, then this is your color. This color is so beautiful, it adds a little pop of color. It is not full coverage, but a sheer lip gloss.
- Tarteist Lip Gloss Paint in Goals– If you are in the market for a nude lip gloss, then this bad boy will meet all your needs. It’s beautiful. This beauty can go with any outfit or even a bold eye. Definitely won’t make you look washed by any means. What I love most about this lip gloss is that; it’s a creamy texture, no stickiness…and I can wear it all year around. It looks awesome on tanned skin or natural color skin. This is a winner in my book.
- Buxom in Sophia– This is probably my ideal pink color on lips, probably because when I wear it, it looks really natural up against my lips. It’s practically the same color of my lip. I think anyone can get away with this color and look beautiful on them. This lip gloss goes everywhere with me, it is my go to shade!
- Bare Minerals Marvelous in Moxie– This is a sample color that I received for purchasing some Bare Mineral products in the past. This shade is a tad bit more pigmented than the Buxom in Sophia. Let me just say that this lip gloss smells amazing, ‘pepperminty’ scented. It does give a slightly tingly sensation on your lips, but it feels nice and refreshing.
** Brands and name of lip gloss in blue are links. This is not a sponsored post**
These shades of lip gloss would make an awesome stocking stuffer for christmas!
Because…….
I am selecting one winner to win one of my favorite lip glosses!
The rules:
- Comment what is your favorite childhood holiday memory and what state you live in.
**Contest Ends Monday December 12th and will be announced December 13th**
Oh Christmas Tree..
Growing up we always had a white Christmas Tree. I remember the reactions of friends when they saw our tree. Many were astonished that our Christmas Tree is white rather than green.
So I always knew one day I was going to have my own white Christmas Tree.
Typically I always have a ton of ornaments on our tree, but this year we brought out the non-breakables.
Sophia little hands seem to be in everything in a matter of two seconds.
Not that I blame her…I mean she’s exploring her boundaries.
Mint Hot Chocolate
I am kicking this season off with Mint Hot Chocolate. I stumbled across this recipe off of Pinterest several years ago. I believe I saved it to my “must try food folder,” never actually got around to making it.
The intention was there.
The other night at Target I was searching for an Advent Calendar and I came across one that just so happens to be my background in the photo above.
I have no decorations up yet…except for Sophia’s Advent Calendar…so it’s definitely serving a purpose!
On December 1st I made Sophia her first Mint Hot Chocolate!
Did she try it? No.
She said “ew no mama.” I wasn’t expecting that reaction! I think it was the green color…
Thoughts?
So not judging by Sophia’s reaction…the drink was really good…sweet…and oh so easy to make. A great holiday accent!
What You Need:
2 Cups of Milk 1 tsp. Peppermint Extract
2 Cups of Half & Half Few drops of Green Food Coloring
1/2 bag of White Chocolate Chips Crushed Andes Candies & Whipped Cream
Instructions:
- Heat Milk and Half & Half in a pot over medium heat; be careful not to burn it.
- Add White Chocolate Chips..stirring constantly.
- Add Peppermint Extract, then add your few drops of food coloring
- Andes Candies and Whipped Cream for garnish (optional)
Milk and Half & Half are heating up. I stirred mine quite frequently.
Then I added the White Chocolate Chips. Please stir it constantly…you don’t want to burn the milk of chocolate.
I put the Peppermint Extract in the mixture. Stir…then I immediately added the Green Food Coloring. I also found that 8 drops of the Green Food Coloring was the perfect mint color.
Mix the food coloring until well combined. At this point your Hot Chocolate should be hot. If not let it heat up a little bit more…if it’s hot take it off the heat!
Garnish if you desire an extra kick!
What do you look forward to the most this time of the year?
Any recipes you would like me to make this holiday season?
Any fun weekend plans?
I’m ‘nebby,’ aka noisy… just throwing in some Pittsburgh lingo…
My Moms Ultimate Turkey Brine
We have 24 hours until the annual Thanksgiving celebration begins…24 hours until we are in a turkey comatose state…and 24 hours before you have indulged in the best turkey ever…because..
I am going to share with you my moms ultimate best Turkey Brine!
It has even made it into her “bible of recipes,” which is a picky selection of recipes that consists of an over-stuffed periwinkle binder.
I think we get the picture!
Brandied Sweet Potato Pie
Nothing reminds me of Thanksgiving more than pie. One of may favorite parts of Thanksgiving is after dinner and everyone is in a Turkey comatose state, I love sneaking off downstairs to the game room with a piece of pie; and watch t.v. of course.
I was reading in a magazine earlier this week that stated “northern states prefer Pumpkin Pie over Sweet Potato Pie. Whereas Southern States prefer Sweet Potato Pie over Pumpkin Pie.” That got me thinking because every Thanksgiving we never have Sweet Potato Pie only Pumpkin Pie.
So I thought I would switch things up a bit this year and make Sweet Potato Pie..and boy was I glad I made it.
This recipe came from Food Network Magazine “Time for Turkey,” edition. And let me just say I am a sucker for those food magazines by the check out lines at the grocery store.
Sarah Chavis Blog 