I am a Honey Bee

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Happy 2nd Birthday Brinkley

Hey, Mom… this hat… not cool…

Yeah, I couldn’t resist this for Brinkley’s 2nd Birthday.

In fact, it was from Autumn’s 1st birthday. ha!

 

Our sweet Brink turned 2 on the 30th. Autumn and I wanted to celebrate the occasion with a fun treat for her. We made pupcakes for her and Kemper to chow down on.

I think that Brink just tolerated dressing her up with the hat since the big jar of PB was out and she was looking forward to some. They can’t resist pea nut butter!

I mean, how can a sweet little doggo not love a Peanut Butter filled and frosted pupcake?! And a tiny treat to top it off, perfect!

 

Both Brink and Kemper enjoyed the pupcakes. They were a wonderful treat for them. Brink basically dove for it (see how her foot is off the ground!?) and Kemper was licking his chops waiting for me to give him his pupcake.

We are so thankful that our derpy little Brink is in our lives. Love her affection, spunk, silliness, and kisses so much!

Recipe for those scrumptious Peanut Butter Pupcakes will be on the blog soon!

Father’s Day Gift Guide- 2017

Did you forget that Father’s Day is this Sunday?

Oh, only me then…

Well, I’ll use the new baby as a decent excuse, but what’s your excuse?!?!?!

It’s time to get shopping!!!

I hopped over to Amazon for ya to check out some awesome stuff. Amazon has tons of great products and the majority of them are Prime eligible. Some are even available for Prime Now, depending on where you live.

Let’s be real, you’re an amazon addict if you’re a parent. It saves ya when you need to order diapers or tub toy organizers (like what we needed to do this past week after our daughter Hulk’d her organizer off the wall and broke the bracket!)

-Bath and Body-

Essential Oil Diffusers – Monq $120 for 7

Okay, so this won’t arrive in time to give to Dad for Father’s Day but… it’s still an awesome gift. Like, maybe he won’t mind if you put an IOU in his card.

I have been using Monq for the past 6 months and I love it. I am a big fan of essential oils and love the benefits that they provide. These are portable diffuses so they can be tossed in a bag or pocket. I find that they really help with giving me an afternoon pick me up or helps me relax before bed.

Beard Oil – Mountaineer Brand $12

For the dad’s with some facial hair, a beard oil is a must. It helps keep the hair soft and helps condition your skin underneath the beard.

-Technology- 

Tripod Mount for Smartphones – Studio Neat $30

This is great for the Dad who loves Instagram or who loves to share family memories on Facebook. Having the tripod mount for smartphone devices is great for capturing moments of the whole family together.

And make sure dad snaps a self timer picture of everyone on Father’s Day with his new tripod!

Digital Laser Measure- Bosch $30

I have been using laser measures at work for years. They are so awesome. They are really precise and easy to use. Dad will love having one of these around for his next big home project.

-Food and Drink- 

Grilling Cookbook – America’s Test Kitchen $19

It’s time to fire up that grill! I love cookbooks from America’s Test Kitchen as they are clear and easy to follow. They are packed with great, helpful trips and tricks. You know Dad is gonna love to share his new found knowledge with you while he grills up a big steak, some kabobs, and some beer can chicken.

Smoker Box – Char-Broil – $13

If Dad likes grilling, then he might like to try smoking as well. This smoker box is a great way to start that. You can get all different kinds of wood chips for him too!

6 quart 7 function Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot $100

No place for a grill? Or dad doesn’t enjoy it? Then give him an instant pot. I bet he will love making pulled pork or batches of mac and cheese in there. Shoot, my husband loves that he can hardboil 18 eggs in there at once.

-Staying Active- 

Baby Bike Seat –  CyclingDeals $60

Family bike outings are always a blast. These bike seats are great for young kids so they can join the family. Having them right behind you lets you talk to them and play ‘I Spy’ while out on the trails.

Bike Trailer – Via Velo $400

Have 2 kids? This bike trailer is perfect for both of them.

And if they are doggo kids… they are great to hang out in there too! ha!

Insulated Water Bottle – KINGSSO $12

While Dad is hauling everyone around with his bike, make sure he is well hydrated! A sleek looking water bottle will help him stay hydrated and looking cool.

 

-Wear-

Graphic Tee’s- $20+

These Fun ‘Drink Local‘ Tee’s are great for the Dad’s that love local brews and live in CA, DC, MA, NY, TX, and WI.

This ‘For Fox Sake’ shirt is great for the dad that has a fun sense of humor.

Bike Messenger Bag- Manhattan Portage $120

This messenger bag is great for the stylish Dad who commutes to work on public transportation. It’s compact but still manages to hold a lot of stuff with

Vintage Canvas Backpack- Hotstyle $35 or less

Or maybe a messenger bag isn’t his thing? This backpack is pretty awesome. It’s waterproof and looks really stylish. Plus, it won’t break the piggy bank for less than $35.

Cool Diaper Bag- Diaper Dude $25+

And for the dad’s to be, a cool diaper bag is a must. My husband has a messenger bag from diaper dude and has loved using it over the past few years. It’s comfortable and has plenty of storage, including pockets for smart organization.

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What are you getting Dad for Father’s Day?

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide- 2017

Woohoo! Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Are you ready?!

Resist the urge to take mom out for brunch. Everyone does it and it’s a madhouse out there. Also, resist the idea of making breakfast in bed for her. Unless you make everything, give her the breakfast, and walk away to clean EVERYTHING up. Let her eat in peace. Personally, I think it’s a better idea to let her sleep in while you take a gremlins out of the house, and you bring back her favorite donuts/bagel/pastries and a giant coffee. Again, you leave her alone to eat in peace.

Have you caught on yet?!?!?

In addition to that, some gifts would be nice. Feel free to go while and get some fun things. Maybe you should skip that spinning stone necklace in exchange for these awesome goodies.

-Bath and Body-

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A Great Lipstick- Melted by Too Faced $21

I am loving lipsticks from Too Faced lately since they have great coverage and colors. Nudes are classic but bright colors are fun for summer. Just get her one that will make her feel wonderful.

 

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Her Favorite Perfume – $60+

It’s just wonderful how when you give your mom a big hug and you take in a deep breath, breathing in her perfume, it takes you back to memories of your childhood.

Getting her a fresh bottle of her signature scent is a winning gift. Or pick up a new scent for her that is sure to become a classic.

-Technology- 

Key, Wallet Tracker – TrackR $30

If mom misplaces her keys or wallet as much as I do, then she will probably love this gadget. It will make getting out of the house with keys in hand quickly and stress free. Instead of running around like crazy looking for her keys, she will be able to quickly locate them with the app on her phone.

Ultra Compact Portable High-Speed Charger- Anker $17

For the moms on the go, these portable phone charges are great. They help you stay connected, or at least on Instagram while at the park.

-Food and Drink- 

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Pineapple embossed wineglasses –  Luminarc $32 for 6

Pineapples are super trendy now. Yay! So you can’t go wrong with gifting these fun glasses and a bottle of wine.

Then walk far away from mom so she can enjoy a glass of wine in silence. shhhh!!

7 In 1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker– Instant Pot $99

This could be tricky. She might be offended that you are giving her a kitchen gadget, but

the risk might pay off when she tries it and falls in love with it. I am loving mine so I hope she loves hers too.

A fun mug- $15

I swear that it’s a real victory if I can manage to drink a cup of coffee without reheating it in the microwave. Why are morning so crazy?!?! At least a new  large mug will be a cute addition  to her collection. Hopefully, it will give her a good laugh when she retrieves it out of the microwave again and again.

And don’t forget to gift her favorite coffee or tea along with the mug!

Delightfully Delicious Macarons – $15- 90

Online order some macarons or stop by a local bakery to pick some up before visiting mom. I bet she will get a kick out the inventive flavors, like passion fruit, lychee, or lavender.

-Staying Active- 

Activity Tracker- Fit Bit $99- $150

I have used a FitBit for the past few years and I have loved every step of it. There are all different styles of fitness trackers so get one that you think mom will like. The low profile Alta or the Charge with the heart rate monitor? So many options, so many mix and match bands to accessorize with it.

Fitness Membership  – Orange Theory

If mom likes to push herself then have her check out an Orange Theory class. She will love to see how many calories she burned and how many splat points she earned during class. Then she can calculate how many glasses of wine she can have in exchange for the calories she burned during class. ha!

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Margarita Sweet Rolls

We had our first trip of the year to the beach this past weekend.

It was perfect. Minus the sunburn. But still perfect.

We headed to the beach with our friends Nichole and Josh with their daughter Sophia since Autumn wanted to play with So-Fee-ya. Yes, that is how she says Sophia, she enunciates each syllable like that. Love it.

It was wonderful getting to get some fun and tons of sun in the mix between the million things around the house that are still keeping us really busy. (I will have a room by room update soon, I swear!)

The worst part about going to the beach is the walk back from the spot to the car. You’re tired. The kids are tired. You don’t want to be lugging all the crap back. At least when you were heading towards the water at the start of the day you were eagerly looking forward to plopping your butt in a beach chair. Now, it’s the journey back across the Sahara desert to the parking lot where you need to wash off the kids, get the uber hot car, pack it up, and venture back home.

And why, oh why, doesn’t my kid pass out once she is in the car?!?!?! Oh no, she needs to spend half the hour long car ride recapping the beach day. That’s cool, we know you played with Sophia,that you used your ‘surfboard’ (kickboard), and you ate chips. Blah Blah Blah. How about you chill and sleep so we can decompress in silence and you get a nap in?!?!? No, okay, that’s cool…

That is when I wish I could run into the house and grab the bottle of tequila and give it a big chug before getting started on the wet, sandy laundry. Only 35 day left until baby #2 arrives!!!

Until then, I’ll be licking my fingers clean of this sweet, zesty icing. It’s so dang good. It’s the margarita mix in it. Dreamy.

Margarita Sweet Rolls

Makes 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 Cup warm milk (100-110 degrees)
  • 1 packet yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (but not hot!)
  • 4 Cups flour
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest

For the Icing

  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons margarita mix or fresh lime juice

Process

Sticky Bun Monkey Bread

It’s Babymoon time!!!!

We are going away for a quick Babymoon this weekend. I am so excited!!

Last time, we took a trip to the Florida to visit The Keys for a long weekend but since we are here in Florida now, we are just staying local. I’d love to take another trip to The Keys but I didn’t feel like flying, err spending money on flights, really.

Price found a local resort and spa for us to visit. The idea of a prenatal massage and bumming it by the pool without a toddler asking you to go in and out and in and out again is pure bliss.

Generally, I feel good at 32 weeks but I am so blah and sore all over so I just need my slightly ever present charlie horses to be worked out. (Seriously, they are the worst things ever to wake up to in the middle of the night!!!) Thankfully, Price snagged the last one available for the day and I picked up the required doctor’s note so I am just counting down the minutes until the appointment.

The worst part is that I keep reading things included in our package and it just makes me want to stay forever. Well, more specifically, go back AFTER the baby is born for the unlimited drinks. Hello, unlimited mimosas at brunch!

If you aren’t going away this weekend, I insist you make this Sticky Bun Monkey Bread. It’s stupid good. And goes great with mimosas too. (Truth be told, everything goes with mimosas. It’s a fact!)

 

But seriously, this Sticky Bun Monkey Bread is a real crowd pleaser. It tastes just like a sticky bun with the sticky caramel syrup that you drizzle all over the cinnamon and sugar coated biscuit pieces.

I used refrigerated canned biscuits to make this process easier, but you can follow my recipe for Homemade Monkey Bread for the dough, and then add the nuts and caramel sauce to it.

The caramel is everything. Whatever you do, don’t just dip a finger in there to try it. Nor is it a good idea to immediately grab a piece of monkey bread right after you flip it out on to the serving platter. No, I def didn’t try that and burn the crap out of my fingers and then my mouth as the quickest thing I could think of was ‘ahh my fingers!’ so shoving it in my mouth was the next logical thing to do. Nope…

Let’s fast-forward to the weekend, shall we?

I’ll be ready for my prenatal massage and you will be ready to enjoy this Sticky Bun Monkey Bread. And a few mimosas in my honor.

Sticky Bun Monkey Bread

Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

  • 3/4 Cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 biscuits per can)
  • 4 ounces of chopped pecans
  • 3/4 Cup butter
  • 1 Cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 Cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Process

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Spray a tube pan with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle 1/3 of the nuts in the bottom on the tub pan.
  4. Cut the biscuits in 4 equal pieces. Roll them in the cinnamon and sugar mixture
  5. Add half of the coated biscuit pieces into the tube pan. Sprinkle with 1/3 more nuts. Add the rest of the coated biscuit pieces and then the remaining chopped nuts.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Melt together over medium- high heat. Mix in the cream and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
  7. Evenly pour the caramel mixture over the coated biscuits.
  8. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
  9. Flip over onto a serving dish. Enjoy!