Steph's Pick - My Goodreads

I'm thinking it's about time for another Steph's Goodreads update. What do you think?

1. The Help - by Kathryn Stockett - I was encouraged to read this a couple months back but was still trying to figure out time to read with an infant. Boy am I glad I started this book - set during the civil rights movement in Jackson, Mississippi, this is an incredibly optimistic and uplifting novel.

2. MOPS New Moms Guides - by Susan Besze Wallace and Monica Reed - Perfect for the expecting mom or the new mom in the first few months of raising an infant I found all 4 of these books very informative, encouraging and practical.

3. Lone Survivor - by Marcus Luttrell - Those of you with a good memory might remember that this was on my previous goodreads list, but I hadn't read it at that point. It is back on the list b/c I have now finished it and would strongly encourage anyone to read this. If you're looking for a story that showcases both American heroism and Afghani humanity, this is the book for you. Ladies - although it might sound more appealing to the men in your life, it really is a great (and true) read about the service so many men and women are providing for this country.

4. Pursuit of Honor - by Vince Flynn - OK, again, I'm putting a book on my goodreads list that I haven't read. But - this is actually a suggestion to read ALL of Vince Flynn's novels. If you like 24 - or anything espionage - these are the books for you! I think Pursuit of Honor is his 11 book so you'll have to start reading :)

5. The Going to Bed Book - by Sandra Boynton - How could I not include a children's book? Seeings how I actually spend more time reading these than adult novels now :) This is one of Nora's favorite nap/bedtime books. We have a handful of Sandra Boynton books on her shelves and love them all!

For other Goodreads recommendations see Steph's Goodreads Part I and Part II

Read more...

a sweet pea

...our little sweet pea...

For all of your photoshop-lovers - I found a great video tutorial on making the eyes "pop" in photos. Check it out at Becoming Mom's blog.

Read more...

the Bib Club 2009

I have the greatest friends! Joy, one of our dear friends, watches Nora for us while we're both at work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Although it's only for a few hours I can't image what her home is like with two little ones. Her daughter, Reagan, was born just 6 weeks after Nora. Can you imagine? Two under 4 months! Some might think she's crazy, but she tells me she actually likes the challenge (I'm still hoping that isn't just to make me feel better about leaving Nora with her). The other week she took some pictures of these two together with their bibs and has since been referring to them as "The Bib Club" ever since. Are they not just the cutest??!!! Some might be wondering why these two little ones are wearing bibs already :) Well - I can't speak for Reagan, but as I've mentioned in previous posts, Nora is a Master Drooler. We're hoping that means she's teething early??? We'll have to see. I'll keep you posted.

Read more...

♥

Love

I was having a hard time determing how to highlight the photos Kim Bee took of Nora (a couple months ago) and recalled a post Nealy did.

Perfect!

Read more...

Steph's Pick - Pumpkin Cupcakes

I'm one of those weird people that doesn't like pumpkin pie (texture thing) but I LOVE pumpkin flavored treats in the fall. So I'm always on the lookout for new pumpkin desserts. With that said, you'll understand my excitement when I found this recipe in my Real Simple Sept magazine. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting = Delicious!!! And like everything - one of my favorite parts about this recipe is that it's sooooo easy. If you cheat like I did and just buy the cream cheese frosting (not saying I'd recommend it - it just makes it all that much easier) the recipe is a simple yellow cake mix recipe where you use pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice instead of water.

Ingredients
1 18.5-ounce box yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients called for in the package directions)
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
2 8-ounce bars cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
24 pieces candy corn

Directions
Heat oven to 350° F. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners. Prepare the cake mix as directed but with the following change: Add the pumpkin pie spice and substitute the can of pumpkin puree for the water called for in the package directions.
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tins and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool.
Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Spread on the cupcakes and top each with a piece of candy corn.

For another great Fall Treat check out my Butterscotch Pumpkin Bundt Cake - it's incredible.

Read more...

♥ me some baby legs

Believe it or not it's actually a high of 64 degrees in Phoenix today! Finally - the beginning of BabyLegs season (aka cooler weather)!!! There is just something about cute little BabyLegs. Love me some BabyLegs... :)

On another note (well kindof) - we've been wondering if we're supposed to dress up a nearly 4 month old infant for Halloween. I've been thinking no; however, now that I see these Hero BabyLegs I'm thinking a pair of these with a cute little super woman onesie might be worth it. We'll have to see...

Read more...

Steph's Pick - DIY Mod Podge Letters

Before Nora (BN), I had seen dozens of nursery pictures with cute little letters. Now I knew I wanted to do something with her name, but I had a hard time deciding what. Here's what I did....

Supplies:
Wood Letters (can be found at any craft supply store)
Scrapbook Paper
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
Scissors
Pen

How to:
- Trace letters onto scrapbook paper and cut out (Note: be sure to cut paper a little smaller than traced letter so it adheres well to the letter)
- Brush a layer of Mod Podge on the back of the scrapbook paper and adhere to letter
- Brush a layer of Mod Podge on front of paper (after attaching it to the letter) to give it a nice glossy look
- That's it - super easy, huh?

** Note, you can also do this with many other things. I've Mod Podged paper to a cheap ($1) wooden frame at Michaels. Use your imagination.

Read more...