Social Sunday

It's Sunday Funday!  I'm linking up as always:

1. What is your favorite thing about Spring? The weather gets warmer, the days are longer (daylight savings time) and everything starts to turn green again!  It's all so cheerful after a cold, gray winter! 

2. Favorite kind of flowers to grow or receive? Lilies for sure!  If Nick ever buys me flowers he usually gets me something with lilies, orchids, or alstromeria.  I love the lilies in our garden because they're SO easy to maintain, they come back every year, and they multiply like crazy!  

One of our backyard gardens in the summertime. 

These tiger lilies overtook our mailbox...we switched them out for day lilies now!

Love the pops of color my lilies bring to our garden!

3. What is your favorite nail polish color? Pink!  If I got out my (ridiculous) nail polish collection, I bet about 80-85% would be varying shades of pink.  I like light pink, dark pink, medium pink, hot pink, neon pink, barbie pink...you get the point!  You might have seen some examples in my nail of the week posts!

4. What is your favorite out door activity? Does laying out count? ;)  I love just relaxing in the warmth of the sun!   I also love snorkeling ....preferably in Hawaii!  Hiking is fun too as long as it's not too hot!

5. Do you have any fun Spring plans? Details  So many fun things to look forward to this spring!  Carson is going to celebrate his first Easter (so excited to finish putting his basket together), my little sis is turning 23 and will be graduating from college (what?!), we're going on another family vacation (so blessed), Carson will be turning ONE (make time stop), Nick & I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary (time flies!), and so much more.  I'm so excited for the warm weather and celebrations!

Can You Help Me? Also, I'm Brilliant.

First thing: I'm going to Florida in about a month!  We'll be gone for a week and I'm looking for some lovely volunteers who would like to do a guest post for me!  I've thought about this and considered sending email requests to specific bloggers, but honestly, I'm scared of rejection!  If I put this out there and get no responses, I can just pretend nobody read it.  Just being honest here!  If you're interested or have any questions, email me at emilyp524 (at) gmail (dot) com. 

I don't discriminate...grandparents are welcome to apply! ;)

Now onto how I'm brilliant: We use our ottomans as toy storage for Carson, but I also like to have something that he can search through while playing.  I don't know why, but I just find something so cute about him digging through his toys to find the perfect one!

I had this 31 large utility tote just sitting in a closet and I figured it was the perfect size for his toys in the loft. But then I realized it was super sad and droopy and would constantly collapse on itself.  That is when my moment of brilliance occurred.  I had this diaper box waiting to be recycled and it's [almost] a perfect fit!  I cut the flaps off the top and put some packaging tape over the edges so they wouldn't be sharp.  Please don't laugh at me.  I promise I've had some wicked paper cuts from cardboard!

Carson had to check it out right away!

"Ta-da!"

(He's eating Cheerios, ha!)

Anyone else have a moment of brilliance lately?  ;)

Buckeyes: An Ohio Treat!

It seems so weird to me that some people don't know what buckeyes are!  Growing up in Ohio, the peanut butter and chocolate treat was a dessert staple!  (At least in my house it was!)

Wikipedia even has an article on Buckeye Candy:

Buckeye candy is a confection made from a peanut butter mixture, which is partially dipped in chocolate. Named for their resemblance to the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, this candy is indigenous to the state of Ohio in the United States. Buckeyes can be homemade, but are also available in mail order catalogs and candy shops.

When I saw Katie's post about buckeyes, I knew I had to try her recipe!  I've made countless "buckeye" desserts, but never actual buckeyes!  I usually make buckeye bars because they're a little less labor intensive.   Making real buckeyes is totally worth it, though!  I decided to make these for my husband's welcome home treat after a 2 week business trip in London!

What You Need:
2 cups peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1lb. powdered sugar (you won't need the whole bag)
1 12 oz. pack of semisweet chocolate chips 
2 tbsp Crisco or shortening

How To Make Them:
Using an electric mixer, combine peanut butter, salt, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.  Stick your mixture in the microwave for about 30 minutes to soften.  [Mine was already pretty soft but I still stuck it in just in case....it didn't seem to make much of a difference.]

Mix in the vanilla extract and slowly add in the powdered sugar until combined.  Your mixture should have the consistency of dough.  I made the mistake of not adding enough powdered sugar initially which resulted in a super soft and sticky peanut butter mixture that was almost impossible to roll into balls!  I suggest adding powdered sugar a little bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency.  You won't need to use the entire 1lb. bag!

Once you have reached your desired consistency, roll your peanut butter into balls.  I used my cookie scoop then gently rolled after scooping.  Place the peanut butter balls on a cookie sheet and stick it in the fridge for about an hour.

Once your peanut butter balls have chilled, melt your chocolate and get ready to dip!  I just melted my chocolate in the microwave according to the directions on the back of the package.  Don't forget to add the shortening here...it makes your chocolate nice and smooth!  You can also use a double boiler technique to melt the chocolate if you prefer.  I suggest putting your chocolate in a deeper container like a mug because it makes dipping easier, especially when you start to run out of chocolate!

Using a toothpick to pick up the peanut butter balls, carefully dip each ball about 3/4 of the way into the melted chocolate.  Return the balls to the cookie sheet.  When done dipping, place your buckeyes back in the fridge to harden the chocolate.



Please remember this was my first time making these.  They didn't all look perfect.  Here's one of my fails.  It still tasted good, don't worry!  This is from the portion of my mixture that didn't have enough powdered sugar!  Oops.

I'm linking up with Steph and Katie herself, the source of my pin!

Here is my original pin: 

Source: mykeepcalmandcarryon.com via Emily on Pinterest

Baby's First Easter Basket Ideas

Any other moms out there excited to put together your little one's Easter basket?  I make one for my husband every year, but this is the first year I get to make one for Carson and I'm so excited!  He's only 10 months so I didn't want to go overboard and I wanted to get things that we would use.  It took me a while to decide what to put in there so I decided to share some ideas for boys and girls!

Where to Find Everything:

Bunny Sippy cup via Target (these were recalled in 2012 so make sure you're getting the NEW cups!)

Medium Jellycat stuffed bunny (SO soft) in "Bashful Beige"

Peter Rabbit plush teether

Argyle pastel bowtie via Etsy

Carter's blue Easter bib

Plum Organic Super Puffs (or any of your baby's favorite snacks!)

Board books about Easter & bunnies (Carson LOVES the Touch & Feel series!)

The Children's Place bunny stretchie PJ's

Carter's 2-piece Easter set

Where to Find Everything:

Bunny Sippy cup via Target (these were recalled in 2012 so make sure you're getting the NEW cups!)

Medium Jellycat stuffed bunny in "Bashful Blossom"

Bright Starts pink bunny teether (Carson has a similar giraffe and loves it!)

pastel flower headbands via Etsy

Carter's pink Easter bib

Plum Organic Super Puffs (or something else like Yogurt Melts!)

Board books about Easter & bunnies (Pat the Bunny is a fav in our house!)

The Children's Place bunny stretchie PJ's

Carter's 2-piece Easter set

Carson's basket isn't complete yet (I'm still missing the most important part - the basket)!  I did get him a jellycat bunny (the same one listed in the boy basket ideas.  After I heard everyone raving about them I had to get one and I'm so glad I did, it's SUPER soft!  He's also getting the Bunny Baby Touch & Feel book.  We've checked out quite a few of those books from the library and some of the stuff they have to touch/feel is pretty questionable.  This bunny book has so many soft bunnies to pet, I know Carson will love it!  I didn't get him a teether or sippy because he doesn't need those right now.  I did get him a little Easter outfit from Target but it's a little different than the one I posted.  He's also going to get some puffs and yogurt melts in his basket.  Like I said earlier, I wanted to make sure to get stuff we'll actually use!

**I was not compensated in any way for promoting these products!


I'm linking up with Jamie today!


P.S. I love you all.  Thank you for this:

Weekend Happenings! Spoiler Alert: Carson WALKS!

I feel like a lot happened this weekend.  So of course, I had to share it with you all!

{Friday}
Remember my March goals?  My first goal was to start "training" for my first ever 5k.  Well big news over here, we got a jogging stroller!  I can no longer make the excuse that I can't go because I'm with Carson all day!  {Although I can make the excuse that it's too cold for him....stupid Ohio weather!)  Friday the weather was warm(ish) so we went to the park and took our first ever jog together.  I'm going to be totally honest, I'm out of shape.  Like, beyond out of shape.  It's embarrassing.  My muscles don't get sore but my breathing is what gets me (especially in the cold air).  Any tips?!

Carson after our jog!

I took Carson to the shoe store to get measured for big boy shoes!  We didn't end up buying any [yet] but the salesman was very helpful and very nice.  He even gave Carson a balloon when we left which Carson LOVED!  Seriously, he wouldn't let go!

{Saturday}
We all sported our green all weekend long.  No pinching in this household!  Carson had a few different St. Patrick's outfits to wear and we did some mini photo shoots Saturday!

Saturday night we put Carson to bed and his Memaw came over.  Then Nick & I went downtown to meet some friends.  Downtown.  I haven't been there for years.  I was worried I would feel old, but it wasn't so bad!  I had my first drink since January (I had one glass of wine for our anniversary!) and that's only my 3rd or 4th drink since I got pregnant in August 2011!  Go ahead, call me crazy.  Even though we were only away from home for about 2 hours, it was a nice little getaway and I loved that I could check on Carson from my baby monitor app!

Sleeping soundly while Mommy & Daddy were out!

{Sunday}
Our little family of three went to the auto show to check out some of the 2013 cars.  Nick is starting to look at what he might want next (he's currently driving my old car...a 2003 coupe)!  It's nice to be able to get in all the cars and check out the features without an annoying pushy salesman right behind you!

Our team, THE Ohio State Buckeyes are Big Ten champions!!  Let's go Buckeyes!

Now for the biggest event of the weekend, Carson started walking!  I guess his goal was to walk before he turned 10 months and he succeeded!  (He turns 10 months today.)  He's obviously still learning but he's getting better and better all the time....he loves practicing!

I'm linking up [for the first time] with Sami's Shenanigans!


Also, I'll be the first to admit I'm totally lost on this entire Google Friend Connect issue. I understand that GFC is going away and most bloggers are moving over to Bloglovin'. That's about all I understand though. I've created my account at BL but I haven't started following anyone yet....still working on finding time to do that! Any tips to make it go faster? [I don't currently use Google Reader.] Make sure to follow me over there!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Social St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope everyone did something fun to celebrate...especially if you're Irish!  I don't know about you, but I'm American (aka I'm a mutt).  I do have some Irish in my blood, but I also have Polish, Scottish, English, German, Italian, etc....such a mix!

1. Favorite thing to do on a rainy day?  I love to stay inside!  (I'm sure that surprised you, right?)  I love watching movies, cuddling up with a blanket, reading, etc.  Carson LOVES to watch the rain!

2. Favorite thing to do on a Summer weekend? One word: POOL!  I love going to the pool in the summer time and I can't wait to do it again this summer...I just purchased my pool pass yesterday!  I also love hanging out in the backyard.  Last year we bought Carson a little inflatable pool on sale and I'm so excited to see what he thinks of it this year!  Look how little he was last summer!  I miss it!

Testing out his pool in our backyard. 

Carson in his tent last summer at our local pool!

3. Favorite Spring accessory? Bright colors!  I don't accessorize a ton mostly because Carson's goal in life is to rip off any jewelry I'm wearing, haha!  I love bright nails (can't wait to do some neon pink) and bright shirts!  Coral is my go-to color for spring/summer!


4. Favorite way to spend a Winter day? Pretty similar to how I like to spend a rainy day...inside, snuggled up with my loved ones, relaxing!  I also love having the fireplace on in the winter and some yummy candles lit - so cozy!  I'm trying my best to be a fun mom and let Carson decide on his own if he loves or hates snow.  As you can see, so far he's taking after his Momma!

Carson is not impressed with the snow!  

5. What is your favorite season and why? Summer because I hate cold weather and snow and LOVE the sun and warmth of the summer!  I also love soaking up my Vitamin D and catching some rays (in a safe way, of course)!


6. Best birthday you ever had? You can read about my 15th birthday party here.  Other than that I'd probably have to say my last birthday was pretty amazing.  We got some tasty drinks and went for a long walk at the park.  Nothing fancy or extravagant but spending time with my family is my favorite!

Nails of the Week {Mint Edition}!

I'm jumping on the mint bandwagon this week! I was thinking these would be good for St. Patrick's Day but this color is definitely more of a blue than green. Either way, I kind of love it! It's so different than my typical pink. :)

The color I chose this week is "I Need a Refresh-Mint" by Wet'n'Wild. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I'm loving this brand for an affordable polish! I don't feel guilty buying "riskier" colors because it's so cheap! The brush is actually really nice!  Please ignore the fact that my rings are super loose...I was cold!

As always, I'm linking up: