Lynli is ALMOST one!!!

How has a year flown by so fast?! Now I know what parents (and Kenny Chesney) mean whenever they say "Don't blink!" When you have kids, life flies by and it's the best way I want to spend it! Making memories and watching Lynli experience everything!

I just can't believe my baby girl will be one in a few short weeks!! I took a little photo shoot of her eating some cupcakes in a tutu, bow and diaper! I made the tutu with left over mesh, painted some cardboard letters and made a crown out of a toilet paper roll! She had a blast consuming all the sugar and playing with the icing! Hope you enjoy these pictures and in a few short weeks, I will have pictures from her birthday party! 

XOX-necole

Apple Braid Bread

Wow! It's been awhile since I've blogged but it feels great to be back! My hubby and baby girl are sleeping and I am having ME time! FINALLY! :) As I'm eating my midnight snack and watching my recorded 20/20, I am going to share this recipe with you because it is simply AmAzInG!! This is a Pinterest recipe and I think it was a success lol here's the link==>>http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2011/09/apple-braid-bread.html!

As I was reading this, I thought it would be hard to braid the bread but it was SO easy! Ya'll have to try it!

okay first step is the APPLE FILLING: Preheat oven to 350. Peel your 4 apples, slice apples very thin and then cut them in half

Put the apples in a 8x8 baking dish. In a seperate bowl, mix together 3 tbsp sugar, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 2 tsp lemon juice. Pour into baking dish with apples and get everything coated. Put in oven for 15 minutes.

While apples are baking, make the BREAD: Mix 2 1/2 cups bread flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp instant yeast, 3/4 tsp salt. Next mix 1 cup warm water and 2 1/4 tsp vegetable oil into the mix. Either use an electric mixer or a spoon and mix until its a soft dough. Knead it for a few minutes then roll it out on a surface that has been coated with cooking spray...Spray a rolling pin also. (THIS IS A GREAT TIP THAT I WILL USE FROM NOW ON!) Roll out the dough in a rectangular-ish shape LOL obviously mine isn't close to a rectangle but it works!! 

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut strips on each side, leaving enough space in the middle for the apple mix. They don't have to be perfect, mine weren't and I'm okay with that! 

Now, put the apple mix in the middle.

Braid it girl, BRAID IT! It's fun and easy and fun!! lol Let it bake in the oven for 25 min or a little bit longer till its golden on top!

I didn't take a picture of me making the GLAZE ICING but it's just 1/3 cup confectioner's sugar, 5 tsp whipping cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of kosher salt and pinch of nutmeg. Whisk together and pour on bread right after you take it out of the oven. Let it cool or dig in! AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE CALORIES! Life is too short ;)

So this was my slice.....second slice but who's counting!

Enjoy your weekend & hug your loved ones! 

xoxoxoxo necole

New Year...New Me!!

Ya'll, can you believe 2014 is over?!?!?! It flew by and I'm sure it did for ya'll too!

Last year was the best year yet! Becoming Lynli's mom was the GREATEST experience that could of ever happened to me! Staying home with her is the best job there is and I'm so grateful to my husband! I love being a mom, always have and always will......but sometimes I do need that precious hour to myself LOL! Are you with me, moms?! Now that 2015 is here; there are dreams that I want to accomplish and goals I want to meet!

1) Deepen my relationship with the Lord and become more involved in church
2) Stop comparing myself to others---its a joy killer!!
3) Love myself for who I am!
4) Stop worrying about what others think of me. Just STOP WORRYING! - God has it under control!
5) Get organized!!!
6) Eat healthier <<< THIS IS ON MY LIST EVERY YEAR >>>
7) Stop waiting and start doing...if I want something, I need to go after it!
8) Exercise at least 20 minutes a day---use my Beachbody dvd!
9) Be positive/optimistic in all situations!
10) Have a date night every month! Thankful for my amazing hardworking husband who I love so much :)
                                      **(Grandma/Glammy, get ready to babysit)**
11) Blog weekly or daily!
12) Read a book or two-------any suggestions?!?!
13) Do a couples devotional!
14) Meet new people and make new friends :)
15) Bake/Cook something new every week!

This year, I pray to be a godly role model to Lynli and others. I pray that Jesus is brought back into our schools and homes. I pray that our President looks to Jesus for guidance and knowledge to lead our country. I pray that we love everyone and judge no one. Finally, I pray that I live a life that honors the Lord and that I spread His love wherever I go!

Now that I've shared my resolutions, its time for ya'll to share yours!! Ready, Set, GO!

xoxo necole