Avacado/Tomato Bagel {Recipe} - Mal Smiles Guest Post

Original Post over on Mal Smiles!

 I love being Smile Sisters with Mallory - we actually got to meet before she moved out to Colorado and she's even more awesome in person!  Today I'm going to share a breakfast recipe with you, although I have been known to eat it for lunch or dinner as well.  So, to say that I’ve been obsessed with this breakfast would probably be an understatement.  Back In May, my girlfriend introduced me to this little gem.  Her family has always had these for breakfast, so she decided to bring it with her to a girl’s weekend at the beach. I've been thanking her ever since!

What you’ll need:

Bagel

Cream Cheese

Olive Oil

Oregano

Salt & Pepper

Tomato

Avocado

Onion (optional)

Smoked Salmon (optional)

Directions:

Toast the bagel.  While the bagel is being toasted, mix your cream cheese with a few drops of olive oil.  Then sprinkle in your oregano, salt, and pepper. Sorry ya’ll, I don’t do measurements, so this is all to your spice liking J

Once bagel is done, spread your cream cheese mixture on top. Then top with your toppings!  I stop after tomatoes and avocados, but my friend adds onion and smoked salmon to hers.

Enjoy! It’s delicious! 

My Fall Bucket List

Can’t wait to start crossing things off of this Fall Bucket List!  

1- Trick or Treating with the girls in our neighborhood

2 - Celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary on 10.10

3 - Picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch

4 - Apple Festival in Graves Mountain or Carter Mountain

5 - Washing D.C. Zoo & Aquarium trip

6 - VA State Fair

7 - Celebrating Daniel's Birthday

8 - Decorating our pumpkins

9 - Busch Gardens trip (which is THIS Sunday!)

10 - Celebrating Thanksgiving (my favorite)

11 - Black Friday Shopping (I'm one of those!)

12 - Having a football party/cook-out

13 - Baking a ton of pumpkin treats!

What's on your list??

Seasonal Bucket-List {Link-Up}

Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Today, Erin & I are really excited to have everyone link up their Fall Bucket Lists! We have been working on this it seems like forever (okay, so maybe it's only been a few weeks) and we have finally made it happen! 

So write up, draw up, think up, however you would like to show us those Fall Bucket Lists! We want to see what everyone is going to be doing this fantastic fall season! Are you going to carve pumpkins, take a hike, make a new delicious dessert, or try something new? Let us know!

I know I'm not the only one that seems to get things done if I write it all out! 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://teaberytrails.blogspot.com" title="TeaberryTrails"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/teaberrytrails/seasonalbucketlistbuttonpngjpg_zpsbabbe7f4.jpg" alt="TeaberryTrails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Hosts:

Erin at Harris Heart-to-Hearts

Brittney at Teaberry Trails

Here's what the schedule looks like so far for the rest of the Link ups:

12.10 - Fall Re-caps

12.17 - Winter Bucket Lists

3.11 - Winter Re-caps

3.18 - Spring Bucket Lists

6.17 - Spring Re-caps

6.24 - Summer Bucket Lists

9.16 - Summer Re-caps

So make sure you come back and link up the the recap of how your Bucket List played out and get ready for the others! This gives everyone a chance to get a few things done and show it off!

Have fun Friends! 

Cheeseburger Pizza {Recipe}

The other week I had some leftover hamburgers that I needed to get creative with.  I didn't want them to go to waste, so I started looking for some recipes online.  I found this one for “Cheeseburger Pizza” and made a few tweaks. 

What you’ll need:

Ground hamburger

Salt & pepper

2/3 cup ketchup

2 Tablespoons yellow mustard

Pizza crust

Sharp cheddar cheese & Mozzarella Cheese

Pickles

Tomatoes

First, I threw my hamburgers into the food processor to make it ground hamburger again. 

Next, I mixed the ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper and spread it on top of the pizza crust.

I topped with the hamburger meat, tomatoes, and cheese.

Bake the pizza until it looked done.

Then I topped each piece with pickle chip, so you got a pickle with each bite J

Don't forget to come back tomorrow and link-up your Fall Bucket-Lists with Brittney and I!

Linking up with Stephanie & Chelsea for Kitchenspiration!

Liebster Award!

I was excited when Diane told me she had nominated me for the Liebster Award!  It’s a way for smaller blogs to show their love for each other and network a little.  I’m late posting this, but I definitely wanted to get it done! Head over to Diane’s blog J

The deal is to share 11 things about you, answer the 11 questions that you were given, and then come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.  Here we go!

11 things about me

1. We all know Daniel and I want another baby in the future (I’m not pregnant) confession: I wouldn't mind having twins next. Not that we can control that or anything!

2. My most embarrassing moment was when I was in 7^th grade.  I was at the beach wearing my first two piece (a real one) and my best friend and I rode a wave in…we stood up and my dad is flagging me down “ERIN! Pull your top up!” Yep, awesome!

3.  We've had a boy’s name picked out since well before our engagement – it’s stashed away until we need it.  And if we don’t ever need it, then I’ll be sure to let you guys in on the secret!

4. I get goose-bumps at a concert when the crowd sings the song with the artist. Call me crazy – but I love it!

5. Daniel and I have been together almost 12 years! Holy moly!

6. I totally should’ve been a singer – I love being on stage and I could rock it…even though I cannot sing AT ALL. If I could sing, you would see me up there for sure.

7. I never skipped school growing up.  All I had to do was call my dad and tell him I had “lady problems” or “cramps” and he came to the rescue! suuccckkkeerrrr

8. I broke my leg when I was 4 or 5 on a tire swing.  I was too young to hold my weight up on crutches, so they gave me a walker. Uh huh…you read that right.

9. I got my tongue pierced a few days after I turned 18.  It didn't hurt, but I talked funny and could hardly eat for almost a week after.  I kept it for a few years, but ended up taking it out.  I could feel the judgment in people’s eyes when they noticed it.

10. I hate the movie "The Wizard of Oz".  If it comes on, the channel immediately changes or I leave the room.

11.  Baby laughs (and toddler laughs) are the best sound ever. Nothing compares!

Answer 11 questions

1. What is your one guilty pleasure?  Probably Candy Crush and my jigsaw puzzle app.

2. What is your go to movie when you just want to relax?  Something mindless.  I don’t really have a go-to movie.  I usually just put on pre-recorded Giulliana & Bill or Duck Dynasty.

3. Painted toe nails or fingernails?  Both when I have the time!

4. What is your favorite season?  Fall for sure.  I love the “feel” of it, the crisper and cooler air, the clothes, the colors, and the festivals!

5. You’re at the mall, what is your first stop?  A children’s clothing store probably.

6. If you went to college, what was your major? My first major was going to be Forensic Science, but Biology killed that dream.  I moved to Business Management because I knew it was something I was good at – I was going to double major in that and Homeland Security, but was done with school so I dropped by 2^nd major.  I kind of wish I finished that one up.

7. Favorite blog post you've ever written?  Hmm…Hayden’s Birth Story & Hadleigh’s Birth Story or a re-cap of our wedding.

8. If you were stuck on a deserted island, who would you want to be stuck with?  My little family of course!

9. Have you ever met someone randomly and ended up spending a super fun day with them? When? (If you feel like sharing, please do)  No, unless you count back in middle school meeting people at the local amusement park and hanging out with them for the day.

10. What’s your favorite moment of 2013 so far?  That is way too hard!

11. If you could have 1 thing for breakfast every day, what would it be? A bagel with tomato & avocado.

11 questions for my nominees

1. What's your favorite thing about each season?

2. How many kids did you grow up wanting?

3. Beach or mountains?

4. What's your most embarrassing moment?

5.  Pet peeve?

6.  Do you have a daily routine?

7. What's your dream job?

8.  Are you already thinking about your goals for 2014 - personal or blog goals?

9.  What kind of car do you drive?

10.  What was your favorite toy growing up?

11. iPhone or droid or flip?!

My Nominees

TeaberryTrails

DashingTales

KeepingUp With Kaitlyn

DesignerIn Teal

Rock Me Mama

A couple weeks ago, Daniel and I went to see Darius Rucker with some friends. 

Not pictured - but I was definitely sporting my cowboy boots!

I love Darius so when I saw that he was coming to a local outside venue, I hopped right on buying some tickets.  He didn't disappoint either. 

I opted to get lawn seats, which was fine because everyone was standing up anyway.  But I know I’m getting old…I’m totally buying actual seats next time. Less people and less crowds you end up having to deal with. Really?  I also had another “I’m getting old” moment when my friend and I were standing in line to go to the bathroom.  My friend looked at me and said “do you find yourself looking at girls in their teens and immediately get annoyed?” (Referencing the way they were dressed) to which I followed up with “Do you think they look at us and get annoyed that we look so MOMISH?!”  I don’t think I want to know the answer….ha!

• Do you listen to Darius too? Country or Hootie and the Blowfish days?
• What concerts have you been to this summer?
• Do you opt for seats or lawn?

Campus Book Rentals

Although I’m not in college right now, I once was.  Books were expensive then and even more expensive now.  I found out about campusbookrentals.com a few years too late! Oh how I wish it was around when I was in college!  Just think of the money It could save you – you could put more $$ towards partying loans J

Here’s just a few perks of renting textbooks:

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices

-free shipping both ways

-can highlight in the textbooks

-flexible renting periods

-largest selection in the Nation

And I think one of the biggest perks is that they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented.  So you’re saving money and doing something good at the same time – jackpot!

They also have a new program, RentBack, which is more $$ in your pocket too.  For those books you have already purchased, you send them to CampusBookRentals.com (they provide free shipping label) – and they put it in their database for students to rent from.  Every time your book is rented, you get paid! So easy!

For a compete run-down on how it all works, please see the following video.

Now go sign up with them!  You have to buy the textbooks either way, you might as well save some $$  J

Seasonal Bucket List Announcement

Hello Friends!

Brittney and I are so excited to announce a link-up we've been working hard on these past few weeks.  As you may already know, we were paired together in the Bigs & Littles program and have become fast friends!  We're trying to schedule a blate too, so stay tuned!

GFC/Bloglovin/Twitter/Instagram

GFC/Bloglovin/Twitter/Instagram

Without further ado:

We know you guys have a ton of fun ideas and things planned for the fall – and we can’t want to hear all about them!  We will be doing this link-up at the start of every season and also incorporating a re-cap post at the end of every season to see how we all did.

Here's what the schedule looks like so far:

9.24 - Fall Bucket Lists

12.10 - Fall Re-caps

12.17 - Winter Bucket Lists

3.11 - Winter Re-caps

3.18 - Spring Bucket Lists

6.17 - Spring Re-caps

6.24 - Summer Bucket Lists

9.16 - Summer Re-caps

Fall Bucket List post will go live on 9/24 – come link-up and checkout others’ bucket lists – who knows?  Maybe you will add a few more “to-do’s” to your list!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://harrisheart-to-hearts.blogspot.com/" title="Harris Heart-to-Hearts"><img src="http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/eringharris/seasonalbucketlistbutton_zps7cf36d05.jpg" alt="Harris Heart-to-Hearts" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Hadleigh's Birthday {Re-cap}

Part I: Birthday Party

Hadleigh’s party was so fun and for the most part stress-free J  We had it at our local Children’s Museum, so after the party all of the kids could run around and enjoy the museum.  It was a successful day! 

 

We didn't have much to set up – other than where to place the food, cake, and drinks.  I didn't realize they would have a princess throne waiting for Hadleigh. She was REALLY excited to sit up there like a pretty princess – and a pretty princess she was. Once friends and family arrived, we ate some pizza and let the kids play for a bit in the room.  We then opened presents and sang “Happy Birthday”.  Hadleigh absolutely hates being the center of attention and hates being sung to by a big group of people (she doesn't get this from me…obviously)Poor thing, but Gran was there to the rescue (while Gramps snapped pictures!)

She recovered quickly and had some cake icing before playing in the museum. 

Part II: 8.29.13 Hadleigh’s Actual Birthday

I took the day off to spend with the girls and Daniel for Hadleigh’s birthday.  Daniel worked in the morning, so the girls and I played in the play room and watched princesses on TV.  We weren't in any rush!  Daniel finished up and we headed out to lunch to Hadleigh’s favorite spot – Chick-Fil-A (surprise!) J  She even got to play in the play area there as well. 

After lunch, we dropped Daniel and Hayden off at home, so we could have some girl time and get our nails done.  Hadleigh loves getting her nails painted and does so well.  She is such a big girl – she picked pink, blue, and sparkles for her toes and pink with sparkles for her fingers. 

Linking Up for Wildcard Wednesday!

Charles Emerson Designs

Who doesn't love jewelry?! I stumbled upon this local business about a year ago and I’m so glad I did!  Not only is the jewelry super cute, it’s affordable AND local (as I mentioned already).  Erin (owner’s pretty awesome name) is really sweet and can answer any questions you may have.  She ships quickly too!

I mean look at some of these pieces…

Now go check out Charles Emerson Designs and get 10% off your entire order with promo code: PartywithErinHarris

Pimento Cheese {Recipe}

Daniel and I have been a little obsessed with pimento cheese recently.  The pre-made pimento cheese at Kroger is so good! But, at almost $5 for a small portion I figured I would try and make some myself.  I still don’t have it perfect to match Kroger, but I’m still working on it!  This recipe was pretty close, and pretty delicious!

2 cups shredded sharp cheese

8 ounces cream cheese

½ cup mayonnaise

Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

1 jar pimentos – mostly drained, but I left a little bit of the juice to add to the cheese.

1 jalapeno pepper – diced

I found that I wanted it to be a little cheesier, so I added a bit more cheese.

linking up with Chelsea & Stephanie for Kitchenspiration! 

Hadleigh's Three!!

We officially have a three year old –where did this year go??! Hadleigh is so smart, loving, fun, funny, sassy, and challenging all rolled into one. She hasn't stopped keeping us on our toes!

3 Year Stats

34.5 pounds

38” tall

She’s going to school 3 full days a week and does really well there.  She still cries every morning when I drop her off…I’m wondering how long that will go on for!  Once she’s there, she’s fine.  She loves her teacher and talks about her friends in her class often.  I think she only has another 6 months in that class before she moves up!

 

Hadleigh is a very picky eater.  It seems she only eats junk!  I only buy Carnation Breakfast essentials chocolate milk to make sure she gets the extra nutrients she needs.  She doesn't eat breakfast at all, just that chocolate milk. Sometimes at school, she won’t even eat lunch.  I’m not sure if it’s a control thing or if she just doesn't like what they are offering.  Within the past few months, her learning and speech has skyrocketed – the things she knows! Daniel and I sometimes look at each other and wonder where the heck she learned what she just said - it’s crazy.

She loves to wear dresses and skirts – she’s definitely a girly girl.  She will get upset some mornings if I don’t put her in a dress.  She will also get upset if she isn't wearing the same type of shoes that I am. She will tell me, “Mama, I want flip flops like you!”  Her favorite toys are dolls/babies, anything princess, and playing doctor.   

Hadleigh and Hayden play really well with each other, but neither is very good at sharing – especially Hadleigh.  She will start to pile things on top of tables because she knows its high enough to where Hayden cannot reach.  For a few weeks she was having some accidents because she didn't want to leave and have Hayden get whatever she was playing with.  Thankfully that didn't last.

Hadleigh loves to sing – she has started picking up the words to shows and songs on her CDs.  It’s super cute! We have a nursery rhyme CD, Sofia the 1^st, and Fresh Beat Band which she asks to listen to all the time.  She loves One Directions song “What Makes you Beautiful” too.  She came home last week singing:

A,B,C,D,E,F,G Thank you god for Feeding me, Amen (to the tune of the ABC’s) J

 

Funny things she says/has said:

“Those f'ing chips” Daniel and I weren't sure if that’s what she said one day, but she said it a few times – and then said “poopy chips”. Awesome.

H: “Is that a pocket on your shirt dad?”  D: “Yep, it sure is” H: That is so cool.

“I'm not 3, I'm 29!” On her birthday after she was told how old I was.

“Huga” What she calls Nene & Baba’s horse – Sugar

While watching Cinderella: H: mama, you go to kitchen. I watch Cinderella with Hayden

M: mama wants to watch Cinderella too. What do I need to go in the kitchen for? H: you go to the kitchen mama M: well what for? H: you make food. M: You're hungry? You just ate. H: No, daddy hungry.

Labor Day Weekend Festivities!

Hey ya’ll! Glad to be back after a week hiatus!

This past weekend the girls and I packed up and headed to the Rivah to spend time with my family.  My sister and her family were in town, so we definitely wanted to get in some time with them as well.  Hadleigh and Hayden have so much fun with their cousins.  We got there Thursday night and came back Saturday evening.  Daniel had class, so we came back to get some quality time in with him on the long weekend.

Our only plans were to head to the beach during the day and take it easy at night.  Friday was a stressful day on the beach for me.  Once you have kids, you never really relax on the beach anymore.  But Friday, was even more stressful than normal.  The girls wanted mama the entire time.  Yes, while this is very sweet and I should “cherish every moment” blah blah blah – It.Was.Exhausting.  I finally got Hadleigh to sleep on the beach (which was a miracle in itself), but then Hayden was crying/whining to be with me that entire time.  Just a needy day for them – and it didn't get better when Hadleigh woke up.  Kelli took her back up to the house to watch a movie, but I was up there within 20 minutes with Hayden.  So, no sun for me on Friday. 

Saturday was much better! Hayden and Hadleigh did so well – total 360 from the day before.  They had so much fun playing in the water and the sand.  They were asleep before we even got out of the neighborhood to drive home!

The rest of the weekend was very laid back. No plans at all, so we just hung around the house and ran a few errands. Perfect end to the holiday weekend!

Linking up for Wildcard Wednesday!