{Happy Halloween and Frankengoblin Jello Treats}

Happy Halloween!!!  I hope you are having a great day and enjoying all of the fun festivities!!  We're excited about our sweet girl's first Halloween, and we can't wait to dress her up as a little lamb tonight.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share a delicious treat that's kid-friendly and fun for the adults, too!

{Frankengoblin Jello Treats}

Check out these Frankengoblin Jello Treats…How cute are they and what a clever idea to use an Oreo as the base.  Wanna add a little kick to this concoction for the adults at your party? Just spike it with vodka for some spooky shots. :) Read the full tutorial here, and have a spooktacular day!!

xoxo,
Katherine

{Last Minute Halloween Costumes}

Halloween is almost here, and there's still time to throw a costume together by tomorrow.  Ladies, do you have a little black dress in your closet?  If so, you can whip up a costume in a flash.  Click here to see 5 last minute costume ideas for your LBD.

Still looking for some cute costumes for your little ones?  Here are a few adorable yet simple options, and be sure to click here for all 39 ideas…

{Giraffe via Spoonful}

{Fisherman and Dogfish via Spoonful}

{Lovely Ladybugs via Spoonful}

{Soccer Star via Spoonful}

{Gypsy via Spoonful}

{Construction Worker via Spoonful}

Hope this helps!!

xoxo,
Katherine

{Halloween Classroom Treats}

It's almost Halloween, and I can only imagine how excited all the little ones are to dress up in their favorite costumes and overload on sweets and treats.  I have always loved Halloween, and one of my favorite memories from the holiday is making chocolate spiders with my mom. :)  We would always make a big batch of them for our school parties, family get-togethers, and neighborhood friends.

Are you looking for some cute and simple treats to send to school with your kiddos?  Here are 6 creative ideas that are sure to be a hit!

Apple Monster Jaws and Not So Spooky Oreo Bats by Our Best Bites

Frankenstein Cookie Pops and Candy Bar Covers by Skip to My Lou

Spider Treats by I Heart Naptime and Ghost Lollipops by A Thrifty Mom

xoxo, Katherine

{Last Minute Pumpkin Decorating Ideas}

It's crunch-time for your Halloween prep, and there are only a few more days to decorate your front porch before all those precious trick-or-treaters come knocking.  Don't fret if you haven't gotten a chance to carve your pumpkins yet...In addition to these no-carve pumpkins, here are a few more simple and creative ways to decorate your pumpkins and get them outside by Thursday.

{via lovesome}

{via lovesome}

{via lovesome}

All you need is a little glitter, chalkboard paint, and masking tape, and Voila!! Fun and festive decor for your front door!!

xoxo,
Katherine

{Five Favorites}

What a wonderful week...My best friend is getting married!!  That makes it so much more exciting than most, and the beautiful wedding will definitely be the highlight of this week! :)

Here are a few other things making me smile lately...

{Kate picked out her 1st balloon, and this is what she chose. :)} 

{I just love this little Halloween outfit I picked up.}

{Pita pizza prep...A lighter and healthier alternative.}

{Road trip necessities}

{Amen to that! :)}

 And now I'm off to my best friend's wedding!!!  Congrats to the happy couple, and I wish you all a great weekend!!

xoxo,
Katherine

{DIY: Monogram Mugs}

With the holidays right around the corner, I thought I would post some of my DIY ideas that will make great gifts for friends, family, coworkers, etc.

{Design Mom}

Monograms are one of my many obsessions, and the fun designs always catch my eye. I was instantly hooked when I saw this, and I can't wait to get my hands on these porcelaine pens so I can start making these super cute monogram mugs.  Thank you, Design Mom, for your great ideas!

{Design Mom}

I have always admired the lovely monogram mugs at Anthropologie, and I'm so excited about making my very own handmade version.  This is such an easy, inexpensive, family-friendly project, and I can already think of other fun designs I would like to add to my mug collection!  Check out Design Mom's simple steps, and start creating your own collection today! Have fun!!

xoxo,

Katherine

{Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt}

Throughout my pregnancy, I acquired a rather strong chocolate craving.  I've always loved chocolate, but while I was pregnant, I HAD TO HAVE IT!!  I satisfied my sweet tooth with Raisinets during my pregnancy days, but I have recently found a new treat to add to the rotation.

Since my need for chocolate has carried over into my post-baby life, I decided to experiment with some healthy alternatives to satisfy my craving...Here is my favorite...

Ingredients:

• 1 small container of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1tbsp chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate chips)
• Small pinch of sea salt (optional)

I mixed these ingredients, and then I put mine in the freezer to harden.  It was delicious, and it's the perfect treat when my chocolate craving strikes. :)

Enjoy!!

xoxo,
Katherine
 

{Simple Halloween Marshmallow Pops}

When this tutorial came through my e-mail from Little Miss Momma, I knew I had to share it with you. It is another super simple DIY Halloween project, and these precious marshmallow pops are the perfect treat to send to school with your kids or to display at your own grown-up Halloween party. :)

{Halloween Marshmallow Pops via Little Miss Momma}

{Ingredients via Little Miss Momma}

What You Need:

• 1 package of large or jumbo marshmallows
• Wilton’s Candy Melts in the color of your choice
• Sprinkles
• Candy eye balls
• Lollipop sticks or paper straws
• Styrofoam
• Festive container to present the finished pops
• Decorative paper gift basket filler

To make the pops, simply apply the marshmallows gently onto your lollipop sticks or straws.  Microwave your candy melts based on the directions on the bag.  ** Only do one color at a time because the chocolate tends to harden quickly.  Dip your marshmallow into the chocolate, and use a spoon to completely cover the marshmallow.  Apply sprinkles and any additional decorations, and stick in your styrofoam to dry.  Easy peasy!!!

To see more about these adorable marshmallow pops, check out the full tutorial here.  Have fun!

xoxo,

Katherine

{Barbells and Bellinis & a Bride-to-Be}

This is such a special week...One of my very best friends is getting married on Friday, and I couldn't be happier for her.  Remember last week when I was talking about how lucky I am to have been blessed with the greatest friends a girl could ask for?  Well, she is one of them.  We clicked from the start, and our friendship has only gotten stronger over the years.

{Having fun in NYC...circa 2008}

We live right down the street from each other now, and some of my favorite times are those spent sipping wine with her and gushing about life.  I luckily had the opportunity to have one last wine night with my dear friend over the weekend before she becomes a "Mrs.", and it was such a perfect evening...She already has that new bride glow, and I can't wait to see her walk down the aisle in a few days.

Not only is she my best friend, a successful lawyer, and a stunning bride-to-be, she is also the extremely talented author of the beautiful Barbells and Bellinis blog.  If you haven't clicked over, you must do so now....You won't be disappointed, and her food is absolutely amazing!  Doesn't this look delicious?!?

{Barbells and Bellinis}

Her daily doses of food and fitness tips are truly inspirational, and I'm so proud of the woman she has become.  I feel so lucky to call her my best friend, and I can't wait for her wedding festivities to begin!

So here's to you, beautiful bride-to-be...May this week be the best of your life!!

xoxo,
Katherine

{Five Favorites}

Happy Friday!!  How was your week?  I hope it was a nice one filled with bright moments and big smiles.  Our week flew by, but we took time to enjoy the little things and savor special times.

Here are a few of them...

{Mani/Pedi and lunch with my amazing mom for her birthday.}

{Getting a "kick" out of little Kate in her high tops. :)}

{Cracking up at my girl who likes to sit like this in her high chair.}

{Admiring a beautiful Murrells Inlet sunrise.}

{Impromptu date night.}

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
Katherine

{Comforting Words for all the Mamas}

I feel so blessed to have such a great circle of friends around me.  They each hold a very special place in my heart, and the point at which they entered my life varies from time and place.  Some I met growing up in Greenville, others in college at USC in Columbia, many I met through mutual friends, and I'm thankful for each and every one of them.  They have a way of brightening my days, and I love them for that.

Yesterday, I got the sweetest e-mail from a beautiful girl I met through one of my best friends.  She has become such a great friend of mine, and the fact that she thought of me when she came across these words makes her even more special to me.

{Short Stop Blog}

She had read this blog post, written by Sarah Short of the Shortstop Blog....It's funny how things happen in life at just the right time.  This was one of those times.  I needed that e-mail, and it warmed my heart.

As I read Sarah's post entitled "Hope For Weary Mamas: Gently, He Will Lead Us," I felt like I could hear her speaking directly to me.  Honestly, each time I read it, my eyes actually fill with soothing and happy tears.  I love when words touch me in that way, and it was so comforting to read.  I immediately e-mailed Sarah to see if she would mind if I shared her story.  She was so kind, and I'm happy to know there is such a strong and supportive network of moms out there.

So here it is...All you moms out there, click the link below, and always remember that He is gently leading us.

"Hope For Weary Mamas: Gently, He Will Lead Us"

xoxo,
Katherine

{20 Ways to Use an Ice Cube Tray}

In my Household Tips and Tricks post from last week, one of my favorite ideas was to freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays for future use.  That got me thinking..."What other cool things can I do with my ice cube trays?"

Here are 20 of them...

{Freeze baby food for future use.} 

{Freeze buttermilk for future use.} 

{Freeze homemade chicken and vegetable stock.}

{Make chocolate-covered cheesecake bites. Recipe here.}

{Make chocolate ice cubes and add them to vanilla milk. Recipe here.}

{Make your own peanut butter cups. Recipe here.}

{Make fun cocktails. Recipes here.} 

{Make coffee ice cubes for your iced coffee.}

{Freeze fruit juice and add it to seltzer water.}

{Freeze greens to add to smoothies.}

{Freeze herbs in olive oil so they don't go to waste. Tips here.}

{Portion out and preserve homemade cookie dough.}

{Make hot chocolate on a stick. Recipe here.} 

{Make these blueberry martini jello shots.} 

{Freeze homemade pesto for future use.} 

{Make mini popsicles like these strawberry banana pops.} 

{Make chocolate-covered strawberries. Directions here.} 

{Use ice cube tray as a sushi mold. Recipe here.} 

{Freeze homemade tomato sauce.}

{Freeze Greek yogurt and bananas for your smoothies.} 

I can't wait to put my neglected ice cube trays to good use with these tips.  Enjoy!!

xoxo,
Katherine