Five on Friday

Thrilled to be linking up with April for a long overdue Five on Friday.

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November 9th was National Redhead Day. Having a fiery little redhead makes me notice gingers everywhere we go. I read {these facts} in a few locations, but here are a few that I found interesting.

- Only 2% of the worldwide population has red hair.

- Redheads usually need more anesthesia for dental and medical procedures.

- Redheads probably won't go grey since the pigment fades over time. Most likely they will go blonde or white.

two

In an effort to save some money and be kinder to the environment, we started cloth diapering this week. So far so good. I just built enough of a stash for us do a hybrid system of cloth during the day and disposables at night. Hopefully I can keep up with getting them washed in time to reuse them again.

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Speaking of laundry, my washer has a time delay feature that I adore. I load it with laundry and detergent in the evening, set the delay to the early morning hours, and have a freshly washed load of clothes when I wake up. I have been in the habit of starting a load in the morning, but I frequently forget to put in the dryer. Problem solved. I have tried to have a laundry day, but it doesn't work for us. Now I just need to keep up with getting everything folded and put away.

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I have an ongoing to-do list that rarely gets completed, but I have been scheduling time for myself to sew while our oldest is at preschool and our youngest is napping. Current project: toddler infinity and cowl scarves. Next up: new dance bag and matching pajamas for the girls.

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Emma is putting everything in her mouth and *maybe* teeth will make an appearance soon. Thanks to my local babywearing group I discovered nummy beads. We love the necklace, but the kind that can attach to our lillebaby carrier are my favorite. Emma loved our stars teether until we lost it in the airport. She will be getting a new carrier teether in her stocking, but I am torn if I should replace the stars or get the new heart one that has the moveable ring.

star     //     necklace     //     heart

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Since I am feeling like a rule breaker today I just had to share some pictures of my blurry little turkey in honor of Thanksgiving. 

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

Linking up with April, Christina, Darci, & Natasha for another Five on Friday!

one

Sophia has decided that she no longer needs an afternoon nap. Perfect timing in my opinion since she is about to become a big sister and I will certainly need a nap. She will tolerate a rest time in her room, but I need to do a better job of providing her with some quiet time activities. Sometimes it sounds like a herd of elephants are in her room while she is 'resting'.

She has a little more than a month until she turns three, but this article resonates with her personality right now. The pictures below are from instagram - follow along @jenhimmel.

hot chocolate with the grinch; showing her sassy side; giving Baby Sunshine a kiss (on the wrong side)

two

I am going to attempt to join in on The 52 Project for a second year. I know that having a new addition to our family will complicate the process a bit, but I am hoping to keep up with taking a portrait a week. If you want to know more about the project head over to visit Jodi.

"A portrait of my little love, once a week, every week, in 2015."

I just received our 2014 photobook from Shutterfly. Thanks to some amazing coupon codes I only had to pay shipping and I love how it turned out!

three

Sophia wrapped up her semester at The Little Gym. She loves her classes and teachers. She has participated in the parent-child classes up to this point. She graduates to independent classes when she returns after the baby joins us. I can't wait to see what she is capable of!

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Nesting is in full effect at our house. For some reason I feel the need to organize all the things, but the house cleaning has taken a bit of a back burner. I have been much more interested in stocking the pantry and freezer in preparation for our new addition in February. If you have a favorite freezer recipe, please share! We are stocked up on chili, soups, meatballs, and taquitos, but I am hoping to add a few more meals to the stash.

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Do you know that song Closing Time by Semisonic? I saw this on facebook via Grounded Parents. I never realized what this song was about. As we are about to have our second child, I was just a bit misty-eyed listening to this song.

A Festive Five on Friday

Happy Friday!
Linking up with April, Christina, Darci, & Natasha for another Five on Friday!

 

one

Sophia had so much fun decorating our tree. We have the most random assortment of animal ornaments and she spends time each day talking to the animals and playing with them.

I made Sophia a felt tree and she has had so much fun decorating and redecorating it. A hammer has become a necessary tool to put the ornaments on. Shortly after making it I saw a super cute version at Target if you want to get one for your little one.

Target felt tree

two

We made our second trip of the season to the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. We took advantage of a warm evening when Dave had a night off. It was a bit crowded so we didn't get to ride the train, but Sophia loved looking at the lights from atop Dave's shoulders, riding the carousel, and visiting with the Man in Red.

 I am hoping to make one more trip this year - hopefully while snowing!

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Sophia is a HUGE fan of Santa this year so we had to make a trip to the aquarium to see Scuba Santa. I wasn't sure what to expect, but Sophia really enjoyed herself. Before Santa arrived, she decided to be the pre-show entertainment.

She did a great job of sitting through the show and loved looking for the reindeer in the tanks.

four

One of my favorite traditions for Christmas is wearing matching pajamas to bed on Christmas Eve. I thought it would be a challenge this year trying to find a matching set, but Sophia picked hers out and made it easy for me to coordinate. Since I am pregnant I will be wearing men's pajamas this year (which are awesome since they have nice deep pockets). I already know which (super cheesy) sets we will be wearing next year when there is another little one to dress.

Let It Snow / Snowflake PJs

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I will be making my favorite homemade hot chocolate mix this weekend. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups dry milk powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, 1.5 cups white chocolate chips, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until the chocolate is finely ground. To serve, mix 1/3 cup of the mix with one cup hot milk. Store in an airtight container.

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I usually top my hot chocolate with an obscene amount of marshmallows, but I really want to try this peppermint whipped cream.

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Five on Friday

Happy Friday!
Linking up with April, Christina, Darci, & Natasha for another Five on Friday!

one

I am so thankful for the warmer fall days that we have had recently. I am not a huge fan of cold weather so I will take all the warm days we can get (even though I know they are numbered).

two

I always procrastinate when it comes to sending out holiday cards, but unlike last year when my cards arrived late, I am determined to send them out on time this year.

I placed an order with Shutterfly and they gave me a promo code for ten free cards if I share with a friend.

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{You have to be new to Shutterfly to qualify.

Good through November 26, 2014.

I am eligible to get free prints if you use the link.}

Click here to take advantage of this offer!

three

I bought my first pair of boots and they are not quite what I was looking for, but I love them. I had my heart set on riding boots, but could not find a pair that fit the way I wanted within the price range I wanted to spend. Just for fun I tried on a pair of BEARPAW boots and fell in love. I was also thrilled that amazon had them at a fraction of the price than I found in the store, I can't wait for them to arrive!

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four

I have always been a breakfast person. Usually I eat cereal, but Baby Sunshine has requested baked goods in the morning. My new favorite fall breakfast (and dessert) is apple crisp.

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Recipe from Barefeet in the Kitchen

4 cups apples (thinly sliced)

1/3 cup butter, soft

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (I used Trader Joe's)

1/2 cup gluten free flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a small baking dish with butter. Spread the apples evenly in the pan. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium sized bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake for about 30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown.

five

Please tell me I am not the only parent whose entire week has been turned upside down thanks to Daylight Savings Time. Baby Sunshine has me up early and hungry all day long. The toddler has given me a few rough spots every day. Thank goodness she still takes an afternoon nap so I can rally for the evening fun. Things are getting a little better, but I miss our version of normal!

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Five on Friday

I'm linking up with April and the Ladies for another Five on Friday.

Cheers to the weekend!

one

I am loving pumpkin flavors this week. Two of our favorites are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and Pumpkin Apple Quinoa. The toddler is not a huge fan of quinoa, but she loves this for breakfast with chocolate chips added.

two

I am on the hunt for a dress for maternity pictures. I hate it when I have something in mind, but am unable to locate anything that matches my vision. I was hoping for a flowing long-sleeve dress, but I did find a top that I love.

While I was trying on clothes, Sophia discovered the baby belly that newly pregnant ladies can wear to see how clothes will fit. She loved wearing it around the store while I made my purchases.

three

We have visited the zoo each weekend this month for Hallzooween. Sophia has dressed up as Minnie Mouse, Hello Kitty, and Super Sophia. We will probably visit again this weekend so Little Red Riding Hood can make an appearance this year.

Dave finally decided on costumes for Sophia and himself. Fortunately I am able to dress up to match the theme he picked. I have my fingers crossed that everything arrives in time for Halloween since we ordered online.

four

I recently bought this remote for my camera and it has made taking weekly bump pictures so much easier. When I was pregnant with Sophia I could rely on Dave to snap a quick picture for me. It got a bit more difficult trying to bribe the toddler to cooperate. Using the self-timer worked, but Sophia loves being in charge of the remote when we take pictures together.

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My birthday is next week and this quote rings true for me right now. Looking forward to all that the next year is going to bring.

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Five on Friday

Happy Friday!
Linking up with April, Christina, Darci, & Natasha for another Five on Friday!

one

Soggy ground and the threat of more rain kept us from the pumpkin patch as a family this week. We did pick up pumpkins that we carved last night and are planning a trip to a farm soon.

At least Lovey cooperated for a picture.

two

via Trader Joe's

If you love pumpkin spice you have to try Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pancakes. They are so yummy! They were a huge hit with the whole family.

We ate them as 'breakfast for dinner' the other night with sausage and sweet potato hash (roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed onions, brown butter, and sage).

I wouldn't wait if you want to try them. I headed back to TJ's to pick up a few more boxes and they only had a small amount left.

three

Our house is a little Halloween obsessed, but I am stumped as to what we should wear for family costumes this year. You would think that with how much we love the holiday, we would start planning before October. The husband likes to dress scary and I am pregnant so we are limited. I think I will let daddy and daughter coordinate outfits this year and I will sit this one out.

Little Red Riding Hood 2013 (Dave was the Big Bad Wolf and I was Grandma).

four

Hair help, please! I am loving having shorter hair, but I am struggling with styling my thick frizzy hair. The first time I did it myself was not pretty. The biggest problem is that I still need to improve my round brush/blowdryer skills. I am trying a few new products, but would love advice on favorite hair products that won't break the bank.

five

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