Easter Photos 2016

It's hard not to take Easter pictures when the outfits are so cute and the weather is so nice. Let me tell you, it's hard getting good shots of a toddler! There was a lot of chasing, making funny noises, and wiggling fluffy toys around. Needless to say, I was out of breath by the end. I did my best though, and I think they turned out alright! Also, this is the first time I tried pigtails on Lizzie. Simply, the best. Happy Easter!

Easter Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies are one of my favorite treats to make. Everyone loves them, and you don't have
to use the oven! I also like that you can make them festive, so this time I'm throwing Easter into the Muddy Buddies by adding Easter M&M's. Here's the one downside to this delicious treat...it's super addicting. For this reason, I try to only make these when I'm going to a party so I don't eat it all myself. Enjoy!

Ingredients
9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powder sugar
1 bag Easter M&M's

Directions
Measure out Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. In a quart sized bowl, melt together chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then place in microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed to completely melt together. Pour chocolate mixture into the large bowl with the cereal and stir around until evenly coated. Pour it all into a gallon (2 gallon is even better) ziploc bag, add powder sugar, close the bag tight, and shake shake shake until evenly coated. Pour the Muddy Buddies into a serving bowl and let cool. Once it's cooled, mix in M&M's - as many as you like!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Just for fun, I want to share a few favorite things of mine. They aren't necessities, but they make my life a little easier. I try not to spend a lot of money on things I can live without, however, to me these are worth the extra bucks.


1. Toni&Guy Dry Shampoo - Dry shampoo is such a game changer. I hate washing my hair because that means I have to blow dry it...which takes forever. I love how much time is cut out of getting ready when I can skip washing my hair and use dry shampoo instead. I've tried a lot of different brands and have been pleased with most of them, but Toni&Guy is my favorite so far.

2. Fawn Design Diaper Bag - I can't believe it took me 3 tries to finally figure out that a diaper bag which can also be a backpack is the way to go. It's so much easier to carry Lizzie or anything else when I can just throw the bag on my back. I'm picky when it comes to diaper bags in that it can't scream, "I'm a mom!" This Fawn Design bag is stylish and can carry all the baby needs. I am so glad I got it!

 

3. Otterbox Phone Case - After Lizzie broke my old phone (which had a weak case on it), I decided it was time to invest in a case that will fully protect my phone from toddler hands. Otterbox cases are typically bulky; I got the Symmetry Series because it's slim yet still protective. I never have to worry about my phone when Lizzie has it; she has thrown it and dropped it multiple times already without denting or scratching it.

4. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer - Most of you know how wonderful this is. Since I love baking so much, a Kitchen Aid mixer is a must. The mixer does all the work and my arms are spared. It can shred chicken and mash potatoes well too! Mine is an adorable ice blue color, but I don't have a picture of it now because it's packed away until we move.

These are only a few of my favorite things. I may do more lists like this in the future as I find more products I love. Have a great weekend everyone!

Lemon Basil Salmon

Tyler and I are not seafood lovers at all. However, this is one seafood recipe that we always enjoy. I got this recipe from my mom, she makes it all the time. It's easy and, bonus, it's healthy! The recipe says to cook it in the oven but it's also terrific when grilled. Serve it with some rice and veggies to complete the healthy meal. 

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets

3 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp fresh basil (1 tsp dried)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp minced garlic

1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

Place salmon into a baking dish. Mix together the rest of the ingredients and pour over the salmon and let it marinade at least 30 minutes. Broil (or grill) salmon for about 8 minutes on each side. Enjoy!