my 2 year old!

A week ago the baby that made me a mommy turn TWO!  I don't know where time goes, honestly.  There was no big shindig this year but I made SURE my little lady felt special.  She had one request this year - a Big Bird cake.  Considering she didn't even have a sugar cake last year I felt it only necessary to get her very own 8 inch Big Bird cake.  She didn't leave much for the rest of us (likely we had cupcakes too!).  We celebrated at home on Thursday night (the birthday night) and then headed to my parents' house Saturday for more spoiling and more celebrating.  Sunday night my in-laws stopped by for even more birthday surprises.  Spoiled rotten and loved unconditionally... I'd say it was a good birthday!

**PS - I appologize for the quality of these iPhone photos but a 2 week old + sleepy mama = I tried my best ok?

Find me here: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Subscribe

two years

photo by jennifer simpson photography (gotta love the gold fish in her mouth!)

Two years ago this sweet girl gave me my favorite name - mommy.  Georgia Grace is has been an honor watching you grow and learn as you become the sweetest little lady I could have ever imagined.  I love your curiosity and zest for life.  I love the way you run wild and free without a care in the world.  I love your sweet, soft, nurturing side that comes out when you are feeling safe.  You are truly a gift and I pray every day that God equips me to parent you in the best possible way.  Because you desire the best baby girl.  I love you!  Happy Birthday!

Find me here: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Subscribe

family vacay = happiness

for the past week and half this little family of mine has been on the move.  we spent some time in Hilton Head, SC with matt's family for our yearly beach vacation and then headed to Myrtle Beach, SC to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday with my side of the family (happy birthday diddy we love you!).  we've been looking forward to both of these vacations all summer and i can say they did not disappoint.  there was wine, cards, laughter and lots of sun - and cousins!  oh the cousins!  between my sister and matt's brother we have 4 nephews and i just LOVE seeing them with G.  it makes my heart smile.  although i think all of this travel did my little lady in because we have been home all week sick :(  but she's feeling better slowly but surely and i think we have decided to bid summer farewell for now.  the temperatures are dropping a bit here in NC and it makes being outside so much more enjoyable.  so.  great vacays make my heart happy, but it's also good to be home.  because i'm a creature of habit for sure (i get it honestly - dad i'm looking at you) and i kinda like our little routine over here - dinners, errands, move nights in.  and sevilla!  i missed that mangy pup while we were gone.  so we're back.  our little family in our cozy home.  and i like it that way.  that's enough ramblings for today!  happpppy thursday!

xox

Find me here: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Subscribe

Healthy 1st Birthday Cake

As excited as I was for the adorable pictures of cake all over G's face on her birthday, I wasn't quite ready to give her a full-fledged sugar cake.  Do I think it is bad?  Of course not!  I just personally wasn't ready.  So I set out to find a yummy recipe for a "cake" using ingredients other than sugar.  And this is what we came up with!  I modified it a bit from the first recipe here but all in all it was a success!  I baked one on her actual birthday when we had the grandparents over for dinner and she really liked it.  No, she didn't smash it in her face unfortunately but she was pretty into it.  I made it again for her birthday party later that week and to be honest, she was slightly uninterested.  I even put Cool Whip on it for the party!  But to be honest, this really isn't a cake.  It's more of a banana bread.  So it's hard for little fingers to really dig in.  Since then we have had this as a breakfast go-to and she loves it - as does hubby - so it's a win win for us!  

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

a few sprinkles of cinnamon

6 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup sugar-free applesauce (I made my own using my baby food maker - so easy!)

1/4-1/2 cup whole milk (depending on consistency)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F

In a bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and cinnamon)

In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients (bananas, applesauce and milk)

Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and and mix.  If it seems dry, add a splash more milk.

Bake in a 9'' round pan for 60-90 minutes (testing the middle after 60 minutes)

Viola!

Yummy Yummy!  I used Organic, Sugar-Free Cool Whip for her icing.

Find me here: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Subscribe

Georgia Grace's 1st Birthday Party!

On Saturday, August 2 while the rain came pouring down, my mama, my hubby and I set up and prepared for my baby girl's 1st birthday party!  I have been planning it for awhile and decided to play off her name a bit with a "georgia peach" theme.  No, I am not from Georgia.  No I have no real connection with Georgia - but hey!  I thought it was cute!  So there was a theme.  We kept it small to only some friends and family in the area.  I served mostly "southern" foods and well.. I think everyone had fun!

Menu:
Chocolate Covered Peaches
Peach and Vanilla Cupcakes
Fudge Brownies
Pimento Cheese
Chicken Salad
Mac - N - Cheese Bites
Mini Peach Pies
Sweet Tea
Lemonade
Peach Soda

Sources:
Invitations - Paper Please Studio
Water Bottle Labels, Party Hat Stickers and Food Labels - A Joyful Riot
Tassel Banner for Georgia's High Chair - Blush Bazaar
"one" Pennant for Georgia's Cake - Cogdell Photography
Tissue Balls, Birthday Pup and Birthday Sign - Party City

Find me here: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Subscribe