Friday, November 30, 2012

Sofa Cleaning

We've had our couches for almost five years. Living with a dog, a toddler and mr Mr. has not made an easy life for them. We do our best to keep them clean, but being that they are made of microfiber suede -- cleaning leads to watermarks! The watermarks are impossible to get out. The more you clean, the worse they get.

So I did what any logical person would do and googled it. Sure enough, I found this amazing tutorial. (I vacuumed the cushions, sprayed them with rubbing alcohol, scrubbed with a scratchy sponge, let dry, then went over with a dry scrub brush to fluff the suede)  Surprisingly enough, it worked!! I followed the instructions exactly and voila! They turned out better than I could've imagined.

Before
After


And I even had a little helper! 



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Fake Cries & Reading

Too adorable not to post! Here are some of the faces little man makes when he doesn't get his own way ...or mom's iPhone. (Check out all these teeth!)



Here is a video of him "reading" a coloring book, enjoy! 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Monday, November 26, 2012

Thanksgiving Wrap-Up

We had a great time visiting our aunts, grandmas and grandpas in Ohio for Thanksgiving. The car trip was easy, we read books, ate snacks and played iPad the whole way there and back. Here are some photos from our trip:

Mmmm
Hanging out with Aunt Ashley
Chasing the kitty-cat
Snuggling with Gram Mindy
Cool dump truck!
Playing with Aunt Jenn
Showing my belly, drinking my juice!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Sunny Days...

... chasing the clouds away.

We had some nice weather and were able to get outside for some play :)

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Here is a little turkey for you :)




I used a fabric paint marker to list the things little man is thankful for: mom & dad, books, hot dogs, "my songs," bath time, apple juice, Skype, remote controls, my family, iPad, cheese.

Here is LAST YEAR'S Thanksgiving photo. He has changed so much in one year!
Last Year's Thanksgiving






Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Peanut Blossoms

I'm taking these cookies to Thanksgiving Dinner. What are you bringing?


1 3/4 c. Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 c. Sugar
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Margarine
1/2 c. Peanut Butter
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla
Hershey Kisses

Roll cookie dough into balls then roll in sugar. Bake at 350 for approx 10 min immediately press in kiss when you take them out.

Here is my little taste-tester. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Pants Dilemma

We have a bit of a problem with our pants. Size 18 months is too tight in the belly. Size 24m/2T are too long. We have been rolling/cuffing but it doesn't seem to last and eventually we end up with no pants on! I decided to take matters into my own hands and hem baby clothes.

Pants are tooo long!

See, right there.  Too long.

It was easier than I thought it was going to be. I used a fold-over method so that I could remove the hem if needed.



I am NOT a good sewer. It takes me 30 mins reading, and re-reading the manual to figure out how to thread the bobbin. But this DIY was easy enough that even a beginner could do it! ... 13 pairs of pants later, project complete!
Newly hemmed pants, wohoo!

Perfect Length!


.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Sitting Around on a Saturday

We have had a quiet and relaxing Saturday. The hubs watched football, I made some Chex Mix and the little guy ... well... he entertained himself by taking laps around the kitchen island dragging his rocking chair. Totally normal, right?! He made 3 laps in all. Here are some pictures and a video.


He also has been talking a storm. Just jibber jabbering with an occasional Mama, Dada! He is officially 15 months today!!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Christmas PJs Are Out!

Who are we kidding... They've been out since the day after Halloween :) We can't wait to deck the halls!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Boy In A Basket

Little man emptied all of the blocks out of this basket and climbed on in! He is so funny!! :)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Winter White Coat

I know you're not supposed to shop for yourself right before Christmas. But when i saw this coat online for half off so I thought I would just head to the store to try it on... see how it fits. I was thinking I would get the coat in hot pink, but when I saw the ivory, I knew it was a must-buy! Originally $70, old navy had a half off all outerwear special, making the coat $35. In NJ there is no sales tax on clothing, which only sweetens the deal. I HAD to buy it.

Naturally, I paired the coat with a leopard scarf, but I think it will also look nice with my light pink or teal pashmina. Take my word for it, it's even cuter in person! 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Caps in a Bag

I have been saving caps from apple juice bottles, milk jugs... anything that little man won't choke on.  I ran them through the dishwasher and threw them in a bag.  He likes to take carry around the bag, empty the contents and fill the bag back up.  It is simple entertainment and provides him something different then his usual toys!  
Action Photo!  Pulling the bag around the kitchen



Sunday, November 11, 2012

NJ Police!

Gift from Gram Min & Gramp Kenny.  Yes, of course it lights up and plays multiple varieties of LOUD sirens.  Little man has figured out how to climb on/off and how to rock.  He loves it.  He also likes to push/drag it around the kitchen. Thanks guys! 

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Easy Apple Crisp

This is a classic recipe for an easy apple (or peach, cherry, blackberry) crisp. My mom gave it to me when I first got married. It's a recipe that's hard to mess up and so delicious!! The hardest part is peeling the apples. I like to make it while dinner is cooking and then throw it in the oven once we're clearing the table.


4 c. Apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
2 T. Flour
3/4 c. Sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Mix above and put in casserole dish (8x8 or 2 qt size).


1 stick butter, melted
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Flour
3/4 c. Oats

Mix above and crumble/pour over apples.


Bake at 350 until top is nicely browned (approx 45 min but this can vary depending on size of pan used)

Tips/Tricks
- I used 4 apples (it doesn't have to be exactly 4 cups, just approx)
- I don't measure the cinnamon just sprinkle generously. Don't skimp on the cinn this is what makes it so good! But is okay to skimp (but not skip) on the sugar, especially if you like to keep the tartness of the apples.
- Be sure to wait for the crisp to really brown on top, not just a little but as done as you can without burning. This helps to be sure the inside is done. The longer you can cook it the more "set up" it will be.
- Instead of apples you can substitute peaches, blackberries-- fresh, frozen or canned. Can also use pie-filling. In my opinion, fresh cook up the best and keep your crisp from getting too gooey.
- Serve with ice cream for extra goodness!

And here are some pictures of little man eating pretzels in his rocking chair.  He likes to reach inside the bag and pull them out one by one.



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