My baby is two

Two years ago, my sweet angel came into the world three weeks early. She is talkative, friendly, very inquisitive (like me), kind, cute, and funny. Eliza loves to take her purse and cell phone and tell me "bye"(but doesn't forget to give me a kiss), eats full bowls of pesto pasta, knows the words to "I am a child of God," enjoys walks and the park, and has both parents wrapped around her little finger.

Although I overplanned for the month of October, I could not pass up going all out for a princess-themed birthday party. After buying, cutting, taping, baking, and glittering, we got to celebrate.

The decorations were Disney inspired.

I dressed Eliza like the princess she is.

And the guests arrived.

The cake was inspired by Flora the fairy's unbaked cake on Sleeping Beauty. I just didn't have a broomstick to hold it up.

Eliza opened gifts.

And we took a group photo of the kids.

We told Eliza to kiss one of the princes.

Mimi became a princess too.

Happy 2nd birthday little princess!

Fashion Fave #6: Navy square dress

When a dress rich with color and embroidery reminds you of Rapunzel, you must buy/wear it. Maybe it's the length and cut or maybe it's the bodice, but this dress makes me feel like a maiden or peasant from a fairy tale novel (the kind where you walk around barefoot in the forest with whimsical objects like waterfalls and fairies (yes, here goes my fairy feddish again)). 

This dress is another favorite from Tropikalia Bazaar. The dress had enough going on that I did not accessorize (notice even no shoes.) The colors and patterns are gorgeous and lively, yet classic and calm. Eliza matched me with a navy blue damask romper bringing out her stunning blue eyes. These captured moments encompass our special week of bonding and having a growing love of the ocean.

Thank you It's All About Time by Lauren Rae. 

Taco Soup and Conference

I had a beautiful, warm, peaceful weekend. My little family and I watched eight hours of General Conference, enjoyed the company of good friends, and savored delectable bowls of savory taco soup.

Some of my favorite quotes of conference that I felt were just for me were...

"Once we see the divinity in ourselves, we see the divinity in others."

"Exaltation is our goal. Discipleship is our journey."

"Focus on the simplicity in Christ."

"The Sabbath purifies us."

"Maternal love is divine."

"No darkness that light cannot overcome."

These words strengthen me, uplift me, and give me hope.

Eliza played well, but the second the Mormon Tabernacle Choir started singing, she ran to the TV and stared, mesmerized.

She let me hold her for a talk or two.

The taco soup recipe was easy. I found one on the internet and added my own flare. I'm from Ohio, so I love colorful Cincinnati chili; this taco soup was similar.

You'll Need:

2 cans of pinto beans

2 cans of chili beans

2 cans of black beans

2 cans of kidney beans

2 cans of diced tomatoes

1 can of green chilies

1 pint of beef broth

1 package of frozen corn

1 lb. of beef

1 taco seasoning packet

To garnish:

Mexican shredded cheese

Cilantro

Lime or regular corn chips

Sour cream

I combined the beans, tomatoes, broth, chilies, and corn and cooked the meat separately. For more taco flavor, add a second taco seasoning packet to your soup.

The soup was warm, cheesy, rich, and perfect for a chilly, cozy weekend.

Tangy cherry pie and strawberry ice cream for dessert.

Once we were in our food coma and started watching the last session of October conference, the girls settled down and colored.

Win win.

I celebrate General Conference like a holiday; until next April!