Let us take a look, what's in your pocketbook? {Guest Starring Chelsey from The Paper Mama}

It's that time again.

First friday of month means a lookie into another bloggers bag.

This month the lovely Chelsey from The Paper Mama is gracing us with her presence.

I hate to admit it but I am relatively new follower of Chelsey's, but fell fast for her.

I love her candid look into her life, even the not so fun things like her birth story or her battle with postpartum depression. And her super creative side like her hair posts {girls got some hair to envy} and her shop. She is a momma to a beautiful little almost 2 yr old Rurai.

Seriously how freakin cute is she?

Ok now on to the "bag".

- Love backpack style bags, but never have bought one. Was that a strategic move after having Ruari? What do you look for in a bag?

Yes it was. When I went searching online for my bag.... I was specifically looking for a leather bag that doubles as a purse and a backpack. BUT, I didn't want it too big. I was finding I didn't need the huge diaper bag anymore since Ruari is now a toddler... and, this bag has been lovely! I usually randomly get a new idea about a bag I'd like... then, search EVERYWHERE for it. It must be under $35 (with shipping). If I find it thrift: that's a plus! I just cannot spend much on a purse... I change it so much!

- EEP, your iphone case, WANT. Spill the beans, Momma is in the market for a new case.

I love my case... and, it seems to be pretty darn sturdy. I've dropped my phone about 10 times. ;) It's a Cath Kidston case that I found used on eBay.

- I see you carry lipgloss. What are your fav makeup items to use just on the day to day to feel pretty?

Yeah, I have my lipgloss in there... only because when I DO go out it is the thing I always forget to put on. SO, I have it with me. :) I'm more of a chapstick girl normally. The makeup I love to help me feel pretty: just some mascara. It makes a world of difference when I put on just a little mascara. :)

- You are always posting beautiful images, do you carry your camera all the time? And is it cool enough to have its one digs?

I don't always carry my camera. I'm actually trying to carry it with me less. It does get in the way and I'm trying to BE a part of the moment... instead of the photographer of the moment. :)

- Love the fact that you carry a pair of earrings, how would you describe your style?

Yes, as a mama I always forget to put earrings on! Before I had Ruari I ALWAYS wore earrings. I would feel completely naked without them. These days I barely wear them. So, like my lip gloss, I carry them with me... just in case. I don't really know how to describe my style... I'm usually attracted to 50's ish and anything coral in color. ;)

Thank you so very much Chelsey for playing along with me!

The funny thing about these posts {I know this is only number two} but I feel I could go on and on asking questions. But I know these are busy Mommas so I find myself restraining from going on and on and on and on. But truth is I am a much more into asking people questions about their lives then talking about my boring one, ha.

Mom in the Shot {Dec 1st One for the Scrapbook}

You know the feeling of being all dressed nicely for a holiday and thinking,

"We MUST take a picture."

Last week at Thanksgiving dinner at my parents that happened.

It was one of those moments right before we all gathered, I had a crap we need to get a picture.

You know before sweet potatoes end up down the front of someone's shirt, OR red wine ends up on someone's lap, OR gravy works its way into the corners of your mouth, ok enough about Hubs :)

Then this happens...

And all in our little universe is right.

You know the deal...

9 years today, whoop whoop!

A couple of months back, Hubs was cleaning out his bed side table and came across something that he had saved.

When I saw it, I had a flood emotions.

Amazed he saved it.

Then I thought about it for a hot sec, and was like WOW I was a hussy.

It was the napkin that I wrote my number on for him.

Thats right, I gave him my number, ha.

Hussy.

But today we celebrate our 9 year wedding anniversary.

And that number hangs on our wall.

So I guess sometimes being a hussy pays off.

Happy anniversary Jeffie.

BHH.

10 years next year, its a BIG one.

We want to go somewhere.

Where would you go?

Two Minute Salsa.

We planning this for this upcoming weekend, I wanted to make a lot of stuff in advance.

When you are going to have 6 extra people around for 5 days, planning is key to a stress free weekend.

One thing I knew right away to make was this salsa recipe passed to me by my girlfriend Jenni.

It really is beyond easy.

What you will need:

- 3 cans stewed tomatoes {original}

- 3/4 onion {diced}

1/2 bunch of cilantro

- 1 tsp chili powder

- 1/4 tsp ground cumin

- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

- jalapenos {to taste}

- 6 shakes of red wine vinegar

- salt {to taste}

Ready for this, combine in food processor and push button.

And now you have salsa!

This recipe filled a large 24 oz mason jar AND a smaller 12 oz.

Which worked out perfect, filled the 24oz jar up, then add some more jalapeno blended for a hot version.

This is better after a day or so in the fridge.

Add chips and enjoy!

Off to check something else of my list.

I will take my Holidays one at a time, thank you.

Traditions are designed per the individual.

And one tradition I hold dear is not over shadowing

Thanksgiving by decking the halls before hand.

Over this past weekend there was SO many photos popping up of

Christmas trees, mantels, and elfs on shelves.

Not in our house.

This week is all about the bird and giving thanks for all we have been blessed with.

Last Friday Buggie had her Thanksgiving Feast at school.

All the kindergarten classes gathered and gave thanks.

Every child pay $3 and the parents organized the event that was catered by Boston Market.

I am thankful for being a SAHM that has a husband able to adjust his

schedule so I can be there to capture these moments.

I am thankful for the friendships Buggie has made over these past months. And what a wonderful transition she has made into kindergarten.

I am thankful for this group of kids, that call me "Avery's Mom". They are the sweetest.

I am thankful for hosting my first Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for Hubs family from Boston coming to give thanks with us.

I am thankful for 80% off fall clearance at Hobby Lobby.

I am thankful for the beautiful handmade table cloth, that was passed down to me from Hubs grandmother.

I am thankful for so much more and Thursday I will sit at our dinning room table and reflect on them. But not with the glare of a Christmas tree behind me.

I am thankful for all of you.

They all can't be winners.

Sunday I wrote out our meal plan for the week with the idea of trying ALL new meals.

Not just new meals but using my crockpot {or as auto correct likes to call it "crackpot"}.

Monday:

Pot Roast

We came out of the gates running with this one.

It was AH-MAZING.

Hubs said top five meals I have made, and lets be honest people that pretty high standards here :)

The only I changed for our was instead of putting the potatoes in the pot, I made mashers. Which is just cause my kiddlets prefer them that way.

Oh and do not forget get the loaf of crusty bread to "zamboni" that plate clean.

Tuesday:

Orange Chicken

Going into Tuesday we had some big boots to fill after the pot roast.

And lets just say those boots were not filed, even the little drop.

This meal was disgusting.

Worst part it was in the crackpot all day, smelling up my house. Giving me the sensation that it was going to be EPIC. Yeah it was EPIC alright, EPIC FAIL.

Live and learn.

The taste was over powering, and NO ONE liked it.

We ate cereal.

Wednesday:

Tortellini Soup

This was the only non crackpot meal I made.

It was good.

It was easy.

And it made up for the night before.

Mind you it was not Pot Roast, but they all can not be a "pot roast" type of meal.

I did make my Cheesy pull-apart bread to go with it.

Thursday:

Angel Chicken

I knew this would be our redeemer.

And it was.

Full of flavor.

Everyone loved it.

Even my non-mushroom eaters.

We all agreed it will go into the "routine".

Random side job:

Apple Butter

When I pinned this, I knew it would be a gift for Buggie's teacher for Thanksgiving.

I just thought after reading the directions it would take around 10 hrs, well tack on 6 more hrs and you have yourself some apple butter.

Its good.

REAL good.

Worth the time.

I think were I went wrong was the apples I used were REAL juicy, so it took longer for the liquid to evaporate.

But make it.

The before:

The after:

That cute Thanks little tag came from here, they are free!

Ok so there it is, the low, the skinny, the nitty gritty, the good, the bad, and the REALLY REALLY good.

I encourage you all to take a week and plan a new recipe for each night. Just remember there might be a night you end up eating cereal!

Mom in the shot {Nov 17th A sick little Bean,

Knock on wood, my kids rarely get sick.

But when they do, oh boy, they are out of commission.

Sunday Nolan started showing the signs.

A little sneeze here or there.

His eyes started getting a little glassy.

And by bedtime we knew.

The fever came.

Monday morning I got him up and we headed to our peds office.

Thats one of my favorite things about them, the 2 hrs in the morning that are just for walk ins.

It's such a relief to wake up at 7, throw on some clothes and not have to call or wait.

As you can see in his little face when waiting for the dr, it had been a LOOONG night. After a quick checkup his diagnose : ear infection. Reason two to love my dr's office, our two dr's carry those little laptops, where they already now our preferred pharmacy, and my dr simply sends over the rx for Bean's prescription with a flick of his finger. So I just leave and go straight home without having to swing by and drop off the rx and just go get it when it was done.

Yeah it was a rough start to our week. Poor guy.

But I can report that my little dude is back on the upswing!

We got to leave the house yesterday!! Even if it was the grocery store.

{Talk about a reflection pic, this is a reflection of Bean through the window reflected on the back of my phone and my image on the window, crazy right, kinda really love it. Even with the dirty window}

As you can see he was all smiles.

***Having one of this days or weeks for that matter, when you think you are losing. Losing against your kids, read my cousins blog post, and take note that you will WIN.***

Did you see his birthday party?!

Linking up with Em.