Giving Thanks

As an adult, Thanksgiving has become my most favorite holiday.  I always appreciated Thanksgiving as a child but it was always in the shadow to Christmas, probably because it did not feature any gifts.  Sad but true.  Now that I have a family of my own, I look forward to spending a day amongst friends and family, truly reflecting on what God has blessed me with this year and all that I am thankful for.  Today I will be present with my children, love my husband affectionately, savor each and every bite, listen attentively, and appreciate all of my loved ones.  I will have time to rush through the day tomorrow, today I will consider it all and be blessed.  

Wishing you and yours a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving!

How gorgeous is this table scape? Will you be the cook today?  Our family shares in the cooking responsibilities and I will be bringing this gorgeous fall salad.  One of my absolute favorites.

Baby Field Greens Fall Salad

Ingredients

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup walnut halves

2 tablespoons water

8 cups baby field greens

12 slices bacon, crisp fried and crumbled

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup minced shallots

3 cups olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Candied Walnuts: Cook the brown sugar in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat until melted.  Add the walnuts and water.  Cook for 10 minutes or until water evaporates, stirring constantly.  Spread walnuts on a sheet pan and let stand to dry.  Store in an airtight container.

Vinaigrette:  Combine the vinegar, syrup, shallots, olive oil, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid, shake to mix.  Chill

Salad:  Mix the field greens, bacon, cheese, and walnuts in a large salad bowl.  Drizzle 1/2 of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Note:  This recipe makes a lot and is great for large gatherings.  If you are feeding a smaller family I would suggest halving it.

{image via Pinterest}

Outdoor Texas Wedding

In July I travelled down to San Antonio to be a part of my sweet friend Lisa's wedding.  We met in college and she has been such a dear friend through the years.  It was such an honor to stand with her at the alter while she married her soul mate and best friend.  While it was a long time coming, everyone knew the day would come.  And let me tell you, it was worth the wait!  They are the kind of couple that are constantly laughing with each other and make everyone around them at ease.

Lisa was very involved in the planning and it shows.  She was inspired by vintage weddings and her love for Pottery Barn, the perfect juxtaposition of old and new.  Complete with monograms and burlap, their wedding was perfectly Southern and rustically elegant.  And check out the awesome TCU grooms cake!  Everything was simply gorgeous, and she was the most stunning bride I have ever seen.  The couple was married at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church and the reception was held outdoors at Alamo Heights Country Club.  For the beautiful professional photos by Peacock Photography go here.

Mrs. Fabs Baby Faves

1.  Everyone loves Sophie the Giraffe, but I had mixed reviews with my daughter when she was teething.  Cade began to show signs of teething right around when Sophie the Giraffe So'Pure Vanilla Teether came onto the market, so I decided to give it a try.  We love it!  The smaller size is great for little hands.  I like to keep it in the refrigerator for a little extra soothing power.

2.  Some babies prefer soft fabric to sooth their aching gums and Angel Dear Blankies are the perfect solution.  The blankets are super soft, come in a variety of colors, and feature a number of animals.  Nubs on the four corners and running down the back are popular chewing spots.  Sometimes I will soak the nubs and put the blanket in the freezer when the little man is super grouchy.

3.  On those extra drooley days, when your baby is spouting spit like a fountain, reach for Green Sprouts Waterproof Absorbent Terry Bibs.  There are a number of color options and while the exterior is soft on your babies sensitive skin, the interior keeps your child's clothes dry.

4.  If your baby is anything like mine, and attracted to all of your pretty dangly jewelry you have got to get your hands on a Chew Beads Jane Necklace.  Made from 100% silicone, the beads are non-toxic and safe on those sweet little teeth and gums.   Not to mention they look great with day to day outfits.  Even my toddler wants to wear them!

5.  Vivi loved the Lifefactory Multi Sensory Teether.  Also made from 100% silicone, this teething ring is easy to hold and has different patterns for little mouths to explore.

6.  Hyland's Teething Tablets are a safe and all natural way to relieve your baby's pain from teething.  We use these very often and provide relief most of the time.  But if your baby has all 4 front top teeth coming in at once turn to trusty infant acetaminophen, and be sure to check proper dosage, as guidelines have recently changed!

7.  I love the entire line of Angel Deal baby clothes, particularly this sweet Angel Dear Urban Coverall in grey and blue stripes.

8.  We have never used wooden teethers but I love the idea.  The Little Alouette Wood Teether Giraffe, is a sweet and eco-friendly option.

{background: Annette Tatum Fabric}

Fab Find Friday

The hunt for the perfect phone cover is never easy.  Lets face it, our phones are basically an extension of ourselves.  The market for iPhone covers is ever expanding and with all the choices available finding the perfect one to fit your style can be quite the task.  Our phones say a lot about us, why not make a statement?  I snagged this little gem from JCrew a while ago, but just now found it available online.  I love the casual leopard print, definitely not too high maintenance and it adds a little oomph to any outfit.   You can find this phone cover and various other patterns in stores or online jcrew.com.

I also have to give a little shout out and thank you to Fabulous Florida Mommy for making the JCrew catalog available online.  Check out the November catalog here.  It baffles me that they removed it from the site.  One can only hope that they are in the process of making it even better, maybe similar to the super easy to shop option that Nordstrom has?!

Mrs. Fabs Baby Faves

Recently I have been receiving a lot of baby shower invitations, which always gets me to thinking about my favorite, must-have, baby items.  It's amazing how quickly those must haves can change with each new phase of the first year.  As such, over the next few weeks I will share my baby faves your baby's first year.  These are all wonderful products that we used with Vivi, Cade, or both!

1. I am particularly partial to jammies.  There are so many options out there to choose from and in my vast search I found that Hanna Andersson's are the softest and easiest to zip.  Recently, the brand partnered with Serena and Lily and now features sleepers in many classic Serena and Lily patterns.   Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Sleepers are the most comfortable and stylish jammies around.

2.  We received a Little Giraffe blanket for Vivi when she was a baby and were instantly in love.  They are the softest, most cozy blankets I have seen.  There are many options to choose from but the Little Giraffe Luxe Faux Fur Blanket is our favorite.

3. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddling Wraps have grown in popularity since I had Vivi in 2009.  Made of 100% cotton muslin, these blankets are extra large, perfect for that tight swaddle, and get softer with each wash.

4. There are so many different swaddling devices out there, but with Cade I fell in love with the Organic Woombie.  The easy zip ensure that the baby will not bust out of the swaddle and the design allows them to move around comfortably without the newborn flailing.

5. Kissy Kissy Converter Gowns are the best newborn outfits in the world.  They convert from a gown to a romper by snapping the buttons differently making them easy for mom and dad.  Not to mention the pima cotton washes beautifully and is gentle on newborn skin.

6. In my opinion Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream is the best lotion on the market, and I have tried a few.  The formula is extra creamy and will help keep mild eczema at bay.  Use it morning and night for extra soft baby skin.

7. Most new mothers use Dreft, but my second child has ultra-sensitive skin that even Dreft irritates.  Method Baby Laundry Detergent is plant based and contains no toxins, phosphates, or dyes.  So you can be rest assured that your little one will not be bothered by harsh chemicals.  I also run an extra rinse cycle just to be safe.

8. We used the My Little Lamb Fisher Price Cradle n Swing with both of our kids and it is truly a godsend for the first 5 months.  The cradle creates the perfect cozy little nook for your baby to snooze  or relax while swinging peacefully.  As an added bonus, tt also provided me with a few extra zzz's here and there.

9. The Blessed Nest Nursing Pillow provides perfect support for both nursing and bottle feeding.  Unlike other nursing pillows, the Nesting Pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls that conform to you and baby, preventing the baby from slipping out of position.  

10. I am a huge fan of BlaBla products and their mission.  Handmade in Peru, their products use all natural fibers and are knit by local artisans.  It is always nice to find a company that supports local communities and creates beautiful products.  Cade's favorite is the BlaBla Monkey Rattle.

11. If you appreciate heirloom pieces, you will love Mother Stork's Baby Book, a beautifully crafted and classically designed keepsake book that you will be excited to fill out and proud to show off.

{background: Serena & Lily Aqua Trellis}