PW's Bruschetta Chicken and Shrimp Taco Recipes

I tried two of Pioneer Woman's recipes this week and they are keepers! Both use basic ingredients and are super simple, quick and delicious! Which is exactly what I need with a toddler in the kitchen and hungry bellies. I have to get food on the table and in our mouths fast! Which is why I don't have any of my own pictures to show you. Both meals were also nice and light which is perfect with the 80 degree weather we've been having lately. And no, my 2 year old did not eat either of these.

Go on and get PW's recipes for Bruschetta Chicken

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Mindy on Pinterest

{Note: I only used red grape tomatoes because that's all I could find. Still delish!}

and Shrimp Tacos and Spicy Slaw

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Mindy on Pinterest

{Note: Instead of Mexican tomato sauce or enchilada sauce, I used leftover BBQ sauce from my go to BBQ spot, Pork Shoppe.}

Get your BBQ on this holiday weekend! We'd like to head to the lake in the 90 degree weather, but hopefully we don't encounter Memorial Day madness like last year.

We're Back!

Just wanted to pop in and say hi!

Every week, Kristen Duke is encouraging moms to get out from behind the camera and into pictures. No matter how imperfect the setting, your makeup, weight, or outfit is, you want your kids to see and remember you actually enjoying family time, and not just being that person behind the lens, never fully present in the moment. I made sure Doug took pictures of me and Mia on our short family vacation to sunny California.

We had lots of fun on our first trip to Disneyland!

{Although this castle seems tiny compared to what I remember of Disneyworld.}

 There were rides to go on...

Her favorite being the carousel...three times...

Anxiously waiting to meet Mickey...

But the 3 day vacation was also tiring - no one sleeps when you have a sick baby, one king size bed and princesses to see!

I'll be back with a DIY tutorial on our ears and a full trip recap once we get back into the swing of things.

Have a great week!

linked up here:

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

Today I can check something off my imaginary bucket/goal list! A party of mine was featured on the fabulously bright and modern Hostess with the Mostess blog! HWTM was one of the first blogs I ever followed.

Ok so it wasn’t a full party feature, but Erin’s pink & green polka dot 1st birthday party made into this week’s Party of 5 Roundup. Yippee! That’s good enough for me {for now}!

You'll also find Erin's party on A Blissful Nest and Creative Juice.  

 

Thank you for the features ladies! What a great way to end my Mother's Day weekend! I hope you enjoyed time with your mamas everyone, I had tapas and sangria at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Yummmm!

Surprise! Will You Marry Me?

So remember how I told you that last Friday was a photography first for me? Well…..I photographed a surprise marriage proposal! No, this was not an engagement session.  And yes, most proposals are surprises. But this was literally the moment the couple got engaged! In front of 30 of their closest friends and family! My friend rented out an entire restaurant to ask his girlfriend of 8 ½ years to marry him.

Although it may have taken a long time, multiple you tube videos and a friend's help, the birthday boy {yes it was also his birthday the next day!} successfully rocked his bow tie. How cute is his sign?

Natalia arrived at Jam in Logan Square thinking it was a girls' night out. When she walked into the intimate restaurant, she didn't say a word and was a little confused.

With friends and family lighting the way with candles {The Office style}, there was her man waiting for her....

After scanning the candlelit faces and finally seeing Rainier, she realized what was going on as he approached her on bended knee. I was caught up in the moment as well, but I'm pretty sure she said, "Oh my god are you for real?!! Yes...Yes...YES!

Already a beautiful blushing bride...

He successfully pulled off the surprise engagement!

A toast to friends and family for taking part in this special moment...

Showing her mama the bling!

Itty bitty girl is only a size 3 for her ring!

It was such an honor to document this sweet milestone!

Congrats you two ♥

{Sophie} - 7 months

I met Baby Sophie at Erin’s 1^st birthday party in March. Recently, Sophie welcomed me into her home to photograph her as she turned seven months old. 

When going through her images, I seriously sat there smiling at the computer picture after picture! How can daddy’s sweet pea not bring a smile to your face!?

And who doesn't love chubby baby legs and sweet soft toes...You have to enjoy them while you can - babies thin out faster than you think!

Mommy and Daddy love reading to their baby girl in their rocker...

Sophie was a tad fussy because she's teething, but the ever so popular Sophie the Giraffe made her feel better J

My nephew and daughter both made this exact same squishy face. Love it!!

The family’s home had beautiful lighting throughout and I’d photograph baby girl all day if she didn’t need a nap!

Even though Sophie was awake way longer than normal, Daddy said he’d never seen his baby girl so happy before.

*sigh* And that’s why I love what I do! I hope to see you for another portrait session sweet pea!

hehe - love big gummy smiles!


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Wedding Season Begins – As a Photographer!

This Saturday, I assisted Misha Media with our first wedding of the year. Last year when I announced the beginning of wedding season, it was as a guest. But this year, it’s as a photographer!

Friday was another photography first for me and I cannot wait to show you what a unique event it was!! But until then, would you be a dear and send anyone who needs a wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area {but also available for destinations} to Misha Media Bench Mob? My team and I would love you so ♥  

Have a wonderful week!

Kentucky Derby - What to Wear??

My friend is going to Arlington Park this weekend for the Kentucky Derby. And just like always, she came to me for ideas on how to whip up a random outfit. Not that I've been to the Derby or anything. But crafty lil mama can always figure something out! And I love playing dress up with Marian!

Now we {including Daisy sitting there like a good dog should} need your help! We worked with what we had, but which outfit should my friend wear in true Kentucy Derby Fashion? Please vote by leaving a comment, 1, 2 or 3! Now that I see these side by side, I vote #1! Probably because I love red. And the silhouette of the dress and belt is so flattering! Ok and I love the shoes, which I have yet to wear! What do you think?

**We should've photographed her with white wedges in #3, boo!**

 And this mini me had a lesson on how to pose people for photographs, despite being past her bedtime!

Have a great weekend!

Hopefully Marian will win some money like I did, betting on horses' names.

Bow Tie Pasta won me $50 my first time at the track!