embracing summer heat with strawberry popsicles

it is summer indeed!

i've lived here in wisconsin for six years now and this is my favorite season.

strawberries are at its peak as well.

perfect timing to make some strawberry popsicles for the kiddo {and me}.

blend together 1 cup strawberries, 1 tbsp lemon and 2 tbsp maple syrup until smooth.

then transfer the puree in a popsicle mold & freeze. {makes 4 popsicles}

i can tell...she enjoyed it!

well...not for long.

i guess this popsicle makes for good art work too!

an eye for bargain (4)

it's shopping time again for this mommy!

{honestly, ive never shopped this frequent since i quit my job last year}

for father's day, i bought three shirts for jepoy at macy's.

for the little girl, two summer outfits (2T) also at macy's.

another summer dress (5T) at jc penny {will visit more often because they have a lot of clearance items in the kids' department}

a 2 piece bathing suit at old navy {got an online coupon for 50% off}

yes, this three piece outfits (2T/4T) are for boys! but i can't let it pass. i got them at farm and fleet. my vision is to mix and match with a different top or bottom.

found this merona duffle on clearance at target - 25% off {still cant afford the tyler rodan}

and finally, i used target coupons
for this items:

*scotch scissor - $0.99 after $1.00 off

*up baby wash - $0.87 after $0.50 off

*up wipes - $3.64 after $1.00 off

*up panty liner - $1.24 after $0.75 off

oh the joy's of cheap shopping! {priceless}

my healthy oatmeal blueberry banana muffins

baking from scratch is very intimidating for me.

ending up with shoe leather cookies or hard as a rock cupcakes

was my reason that i shunned from this task.

the only thing im good at is baking from a box.

however, im trying my very best to eat healthy nowadays.

a few weeks back, i found this recipe & decided to give it a try.

the end result was dry muffins.
{later, i realized that i forgot to add oil}

i didnt give up. i made another batch.
i tweaked the recipe. and this time it was perfect!

im so proud of myself!

so here is my recipe for

healthy oatmeal blueberry banana muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• dash of nutmeg
• dash of cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 medium sized bananas, mashed
• 2 cups blueberries, rinsed and drained

Directions

1. Combine oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Mix in milk, egg, vanilla, oil and banana; mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in blueberries. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
2. Bake at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Makes a dozen muffin.

perfect for breakfast or snacks!

add some spreadable butter on top & you are set for the day.

{next time im using wheat flour}

DIY - jazz up that vase

how many of us have tons of vases laying around in the house or probably squirreled somewhere?  i know i do!  i love to pick fresh flowers from our garden this time of the year. 
and its the only time i get to use my vases. 

yesterday was a perfect day to do just that. 

but this year, im giving my vases a makeover. 

yep!  decorate it and jazz it up!

so here is my ever trusty vase...nice but a little boring.

and i only used tape (its just temporary for a couple of days), pair of scissors and a piece of ribbon
(got a lot of them because of my business)

and viola!  simple and quick!

i think i did it in less than a minute or maybe 30 seconds

(no kidding). 

i know my fresh carnations are already pretty on its own.  but a piece of ribbon certainly made a difference.  its an additional accent and a good contrast to the flowers as well.

here it is!  enjoying my flowers by our living room window.  i cant put it anywhere else because the little girl grabs on
to anything in her sight.

more simple projects soon....stay tuned!



this made my day

feels great to have one of my topics featured by mom blogger kristin of couponing to disney. check it out here.

my dearest little girl (19 mos)

how are you feeling today? in two weeks, its officially summer. it has been warm & humid this past few days. i have never seen you sweat as much today. your hair was all wet & cheeks all pink & rosy.  you are indeed daddy's girl - cold blooded.

another month has gone by. i've noticed more adamant behavior & independence. changing your diaper ignites screaming fits all the time. the baby gate gets a lot of shaking as well because you want to go to the kitchen. you don't like to be spoon fed anymore. but i found a way to do it still. i gave you finger foods while spoon feeding at the same time (mom wants to make sure you eat your mashed fruits & veggies). and the list goes on & on....

i always thought i have a lot of patience. but you have broken it. i get frustrated, you get frustrated. i know this is just the start of more things to come. but nonetheless, i want you to know that i am trying my very best to be the best mom for you. each day that we are together will always be a learning experience. i will always love you no matter what....

reading time starts when mom says: " get your books avery." and you hand it to me, one by one.

swimming with daddy @ sleep inn & suites indoor pool