Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

It's a common known rule that when a July Thunderstorm hits...you dance in it. 

You take advantage of not having to water your plants. 

But most of all, you do the stinkbug walk!!!

And when that loud clap of thunder hits, you hightail it back into the garage and in the house as fast as you can. 

And finish watching the storm from inside. 

And when the Sun finally peeks through the clouds, you wish you were as smart as the neighbor kids and put on your swim suits to take advantage of the flooded storm drains. 

I have only seen this drain overflow flood one other time in the last five years. Usually it's completely dry, but today it was at least 5-6 feet deep. That's what a torrential downpour does on a July afternoon. 

With all these rain storms, we haven't been able to get outside much, so I decided to get a head start on some Christmas projects. We intend to get Maggie a play kitchen for Christmas, so I wanted to whip out an apron to go with it and use some of my scraps. 

Not to bad for having no pattern. I just used a small dessert plate to cut the curve in the body of the apron. 

Happy Tuesday

XO Kelli

J Crew Factory Wishlist

I can't believe that it's already time to start back to school shopping. I feel like Summer has flown by and my absolute favorite time of year is right around the corner. As I made my way through J Crew's Factory site the other day I couldn't help but put together a few of my favorite pieces to add to my wish list for both myself and Maggie. I am especially looking forward to some Mommy and Little matching outfits with the camo and chambray. 

Here is the best news....take an additional 30% off new arrivals. Hurry before the sale ends. 

24th of July

We get an extra dose of Summer Celebration here in Utah with the 24th of July Pioneer Days. Nothing says Summer like small town parades. They have quickly become a favorite of Maggie's. She gives her undivided attention and an extra special applause to the fire engines and the high school marching band. 

I would give all the sour patch watermelons in the world to have her sit this still at home. 

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to snap a photo of the Jazzy Couch!

After the Parade we headed over the park for fun and games, and some Giddy Up time. She was a little unsure at first but she warmed up pretty quick. I can't get enough of her squinty little nose when she really smiles. 

We opted out of joining the rest of the family for fireworks, since Maggie goes to bed so early. When I heard them all going off I decided to wake her up and let her experience them. Living on the side of a mountain has its perks. We had a view of the entire valley, and about 50 different fireworks displays. She loved the fireworks, but she was more fascinated by the stars. For someone who goes to bed before the sun goes down, she hasn't had many opportunities to see them. 

I love to have someone remind me of the little things. 

Geez these Summer sunsets never get old. Too bad it takes a bunch of forest fires to make them so beautiful. 

Happy Weekend. 

Thursday Loves: Beauty Products

I'm always on the hunt for new and inexpensive beauty products, that also deliver amazing results. I also believe that some products are worth spending a little extra money on. I wanted to give a quick run through of my daily use products that I absolutely LOVE and to let everyone know where they can find them to try them out as well. 

Aquaphor: This is an intense moisturizer that I use everywhere, cracked heels, chapped lips, eczema patches, even stretch marks. This stuff is amazing, and can literally be found anywhere. It's made by Eucerin which is a company devoted to products specifically made for eczema and I love it. They also make Baby Aquaphor which I consider to be a MUST HAVE for newborns dry skin. I didn't even buy lotion for Maggie when she was born, I just used this stuff.

Denman Hair Brush: This brush has been a recent purchase for me, but something that I have wanted for a while. I have the slightest natural curl to my hair and attempting to get it perfectly straight and keep it from getting really Staticky during the day was next to impossible...until this guy. The coated bristles are embedded in rubber and treat the static as you brush through it. The brush is also really heavy and the weight of it helps make your hair extra straight while blow drying.

Elf Brushes: I cannot justify spending loads of money on makeup brushes after trying out Elf's Studio line of Makeup Brushes. These are an absolute must in my daily makeup routine. I use the large Stipple brush for applying my foundation and it gives it the most flawless application. I use the small stipple brush as my blush brush and it applies the color so well, and I use the powder brush to apply my setting powder. I don't think I spend more than $5-6 dollars a piece for each of these. GET THEM. You won't be disappointed.

Elf High Def. Powder: The Best Translucent Powder out there...and get this. It's only $6.00! Enough Said.

Physicians Formula Happy Boosting Blush: I am the pickiest person when it comes to blush. I have such pale skin that softer, more raspberry pinks are the only colors that I can pull off. However all other brands with this color never really last all day and I was constantly reapplying. This stuff however is the complete opposite. I put it on with my Elf Small Stipple Brush and it lasts ALL DAY! I LOVE IT.

Mac Studio Finish Concealer: This is product I have to admit I would go cheap on until recently. A Friend had me try her Mac concealer and immediately I was hooked. Chasing a 14 month old I admit there are many days that makeup doesn't done, but sometimes a quick trip to the grocery store is required. A little dab of this under the eyes and any red areas, and some chapstick and i'm out the door with flawless looking skin. I use color NC15.

Moroccan Oil: You have probably seen many duplicates of this item in the drug stores and beauty supplies labeled as argan oil, etc., but nothing beats the real thing, trust me I've tried the others and there is a difference. Nothing makes your day two hair look as good as day one as this stuff. Taming frizz, static and flyways and it smells amazing without leaving your greasy or oily. It also gives amazing shine and a little goes a long way.

NYX Hi Def. Photo Concealer: I consider this to be my brightening and contouring staple. I buy it in porcelain and use it for under eye brightening. It's awesome and only about $5.00.

Brazillian Blowout Thermal Straightening Balm: Remember my slightly curly hair that I mentioned. Well mix the Denman Brush with this stuff and you will have yourself the most perfect blowout ever. A pea sized amount of this, and I emphasize "PEA SIZED", otherwise your head will be giant grease ball. Rub it all through your damp hair focusing mainly on the ends and about half way up the hair shaft. It's formulated to cut drying time and offer a straighter result to naturally curly hair. Seriously I cannot live without this stuff. I use it Everytime I blow-dry for probably the last 6 months and I have only used about a tablespoon of product because it requires so little product. I love products that make the most of my money.

Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer: I have been blessed with two very unfortunate genes, Pale Skin, and extreme susceptibility to Skin Cancer ( Grandmother died of Melanoma, and many family members have had moles and small skin cancer spots removed). Needless to say, sun tanning is not for me, but I still yearn for that perfect summer glow. Natural Glow is right up my alley. I have used this for years. I usually start in April and carry it through October or what I like to refer to as "Leg Shaving Season". Start Gradually, applying every other day to avoid over applying in certain areas. Once you have achieved your desired color, you only need to apply once-twice a week. Use it sparingly around your knees, ankles and feet but make sure to blend well to avoid streaks and make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS when you are done.

Beauty Blending Sponge: This is my go to for blending in my NYX Concealer under my eyes. These sponges are great to have on hand and give your makeup that flawless, professional finish.

Cover Girl BB Cream: To say that I have tried many BB creams would be an understatement. It's probably close to about a dozen different ones. I had the mentality that the more expensive ones were going to be a better quality and match my skin tone better. Not True. After failing to find one that really matched my skin, I decided to just buy an intensive one and give it one last try. Success. This has been my daily go-to moisturizer/sunblock. I put this on daily in the summer, even under my foundation because we spend so much time outside. On my no makeup days, it goes on in 10 seconds flat and still gives my skin the SPF and moisturizer it needs daily.


I hope you give these products a try. Comment and let me know your thoughts on any of them and let us know what some of your favorite beauty products are.

Happy Thursday (And Happy 24th of July if you're in Utah)

XO: Kelli

Weekend Recap

Friday, Grant and I celebrated 6 years of Wedded Bliss (Universal Applause)....cause 6 years is BIG! 6 years of Happy and Still in Love is even BIGGER! Due to unfortunate circumstances on our One Year Anniversary (Grant deployed to Afghanistan the following day) we weren't able to celebrate as we had hoped. Our Air Conditioning was not working and we were dying to get out of our 90 degree house and our minds off of the year ahead. We pretty much decided to go out to eat at the next place we saw a  commercial for...It was Red Lobster. We decided then that we would make it our Traditional Anniversary Dinner and we would only be allowed to eat there on our Anniversary, and no other time during the year. So Friday we carried out Tradition and had us a night on the town. Okay we really just ate dinner and then went home, but we were still without the Wee Maggie so it counted. 

I of course had to rock my Anniversary Wardrobe. 

T-Shirt and Necklace: Here/ Diaper Bag/Purse: Here 

We tackled a project that has taken us, ahem...5 years to complete. We could never agree on how to landscape this side of our yard and we hummed and hawed over it every year trying to decide what would be best for it. Finally we both just agreed that we wanted it done and fast and with as minimal work as possible. So we finalized on this. 

This ham has been such a character the last few days. She has taken it upon herself to help me out each morning by removing her diaper and throwing it across the room. At what point it comes off I don't know, somewhere in the 20-30 minutes of deadly silence she gives after she wakes and we don't know it, but out of 5-6 times we have only had one accident. I'm hoping it's a sign of early potty training.  She also walks around the house now mimicking any sound she can with a gurgling growl. The toilet flushes....grohgaohlhs, the vacuum turns on...grarohaaouhs, dogs bark....ghrouahgoush, it's great fun. She popped her top right tooth through on Sunday. I only knew she was teething because she took a 4 hour nap, no swelling, no fever, no drooling baby. We really lucked out. Saturday she decided to chill on the couch and watch Clifford while drinking her milk. She never sits still like that so I had to document. 

After 14 months of making, buying and deciding, I finally today put the finishing touches on her room. I never really felt happy with the completed project when she was first born, so I have since been looking for just the right touches to finish decorating it. I will be posting a room tour and product list soon. 

Happy Hump Day!

XO: Kelli

Wednesday Wish LIst

I have been loving any makeup product that gives that highlighted glow. I have been wanting to try both of these NYX products. The Illuminating Powder found Here and the Liquid Illuminator also found here. 

I'm in love with bright colors for Summer and these Essie Polishes are the perfect addition to add to my collection, while still being rich enough to carry into fall. 

I am on a Turquoise kick for decorating lately and I fell in love with this Houzz Turquoise and Gold Heart Pillow (also available in other colors). 

I'm all about comfort this Summer and simple and fun T's fit the bill perfectly. This Hello Anchor T is must have for simple jeans and top knot day....which is pretty much everyday. 

Am I crazy because I have never owned Clinique Happy? Perhaps, but that is why it is finally making my wish list. 

These Mason Jar drinking glasses are awesome, found here and here. I actually found some similar to these that are more of the Melamine (spelling?) plastic material, which means in the hands of a 14 month old, they are indestructible. We use them all the time for our morning green smoothies. 

Lastly cute running Nike sneakers are a must. They are cute enough to pair with non-workout outfits, but still make working out fun and fashionable. 

Happy Wednesday

XO-Kelli

Summer Cupcake Recipe

At our house, Summer means more Zucchini than we know what to do with. It usually results in anonymously leaving it on neighbors porches or my personal favorite....Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes. My Mom made these all the time growing up and I could never figure out why Zucchini was in the name, because they certainly don't taste like it. Even Maggie couldn't wait to get her hands on these. Definitely give these little tasties a try this Summer. 

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes

½ cup butter

 ½ cup oil

1 ¾ cup sugar

Cream butter, oil and sugar together. Add remaining wet ingredients.

2 eggs.

1 tsp vanilla

½ cup sour milk or ½ cup buttermilk

In a separate bowl mix together dry ingredients

 2 ½ cups flour

3 tbsp dry cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp salt

Combine wet and dry ingredients, mix together then add zucchini and walnuts. 

2 cups peeled, grated zuchinni

¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Coat Muffin Cups with non-stick cooking spray, fill 2/3 full. Sprinkle the tops with Milk Chocolate Chips

Bake at 325* for 45 minutes

Yields approx. 36 cupcakes 

Patriotic Weekend

One of my oldest memories I have as a child goes back to when I was about 18 months old. I very distinctly remember my mom rocking me in the living room chair and giving me a late night bottle. Why I remember this I don't know, but I do know it has very much affected the way I parent. You never know what the first memory is your child will remember. I always anticipate these amazing holidays, and somehow the plans I would like to make, never really happen. Instead something better happens, we wind up getting these simple, memory filled days that make this little girl extremely happy.  

We had a laid back 4th. We went to a Splash Pad we haven't been to yet with cousins, and it quickly became our favorite. Maggie decided to start walking, and was all over the place. She is so proud of herself. Later we went to the Freedom Festival in Provo and walked around the booths and had a picnic on top of a parking garage while we waited for the fireworks to start at the Stadium. 

Last year Grandma and Grandpa were serving an LDS Mission back in Philadelphia, so needless to say they were excited to be home with Grandkids for the 4th. Grandpa makes for an excellent jungle gym. We had an amazing view of the sunset that night and I couldn't help but snap a pic of it reflection with a patriotic flare. By the time fireworks started, Maggie was going on four hours past her bedtime and was not a happy camper. I tried to snap a few pics of fireworks but they were all blurry, thanks to the squirming, screaming child I was holding. She's a ball of fun when she is tired. Up until that last half hour though, she really was a blast and was so into everything that was happening around her. Unfortunately Daddy was at work that night and wasn't able to join in our family picture. Maybe next year. I couldn't help but post a flash back of her from the 4th of July last year, 2 months and 1 day old, wearing the same hair bow. We will see how many years in a row we can get her to wear it. 

I hope you all had an amazing Holiday. I love this time of year, and love being in Utah even more, because in 2 weeks we get to celebrate again for the State's 24th of July Celebration...until then, onto the pictures. That is what you came for after all right?

XO: Kelli

Must Have Toys

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I haven't done a "Must Haves" list in a while. In the process of organizing and de-cluttering for my last post, I came across of lot of toys that brought back memories of Maggie playing with when she was just a wee-baby. I decided to break them up in to 6 month age groups, and focus on 0-6 months for this one.

For me this was the hardest time period to find toys for. They are so curious at this age, yet still not yet coordinated enough to actually handle and manipulate certain objects. With the exception to her play mat, which you can find here, these were some of Maggie's favorite (they got the most reaction and at times excitement out of her) toys. I also find it funny that many of these toys were either discovered when we would be at others houses or they are the staples that even I grew up with. 

I learned quickly with a new baby to take advantage of the greatness, otherwise known as "Amazon Prime". It was a lifesaver when we were constantly buying new toys and had no clue what to get. Their recommended lists were lifesavers for us and I knew I was always getting an amazing deal. 

So if you are looking for some new toy ideas for your little one, I definitely recommend giving these a try. They have held up great and will be awesome to have on hand already when the next baby comes along. 

XO-Kelli