Easiest dinner ever

Take tilapia and add gobs of butter (we use "earth balance" vegan butter) plus bay seasoning and wrap in foil. Put in oven at 350 for 20-25 minutes and you'll have the best buttery fish ever, promise.

The messy bits in between

 I'm trying to be more intentional about catching the messy bits in between and not just living from big moment to moment like the next vacation or any other big event. So I busted out the camera during G's bath time the other day and captured his merry-making in the tub. It wasn't a huge milestone or anything extravagant, but I'm pretty sure when he's 8 or so he won't be playing in the tub like he loves to do now. Here's to catching all the itty bitty messy moments in between the big ones, cheers!

Favorites Friday: Juxtaposition

I love the juxtaposition of something rough with something romantic, its makes an interesting combination in any area like interiors, photography and even food!

 This weekend I'll be scouting out the perfect contrasting locations for upcoming photo shoots, fun fun! And might be picking up halloween costumes for the kiddos, wait till you see what I'm thinking!

via

via threadsence

Also for your weekend delight:

A plum perfect nursery

Simple ways to decorate a white apartment

Autumn outfit

I love a good bookcase

Matthew 6:34

Happy weekend!

Inspiration comes from the funniest places

I literally prayed the other day, "Lord give me inspiration" as I was prepping for a maternity photo shoot. She is having twin boys and I wanted to show that off in a tasteful way without holding a sign across her belly that said twins. At that moment I came across this card I gave to my husband for our anniversary...

And here's the shot:

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Go here to see the rest of the maternity shoot!

Must have minestrone

As soon as the season changes I instantly crave soups and comfort food. This is my go-to minestrone full of kale, white beans, chickpeas, carrots, and whole wheat penne. The difference between this and your run of the mill minestrone is in the white wine, which brings it to a whole new level. 

Level favorite, yum.

Recipe here. 

Who wants a camera lens?

I'm selling my canon 24-105mm lens, which has gently been used for a year. This lens is perfect for those looking to buy their first lens and step outside of the standard kit lens. Its best feature is its near and far capabilities, perfect for sneaking up on kids unnoticed and also capturing the whole picture.  Pictures all captured with this lens, well except for the first one!

Email me for details and pricing at maria@johns.cc

Baby wonderland {2 months}

 Babydoll (my latest nickname) turned two months and I continue to live in baby wonderland. If you heard my babytalk all day long you would laugh out loud, I'm totally in love. With my first I was a nervous wreck, up all night, and had no idea what I was doing. This time, I still don't know exactly what I'm doing, but I am enjoying every minute. Help me Lord to savor each coo, one sided smile, and his sweet milky breath because he changes in a blink.

Favorites Friday: Fall Kickoff

Getting so excited about all things Fall... fallen leaves, layered clothing, and the pumpkin farm! Were finally expecting a chill in the air and I couldn't be more thrilled. I think I'll celebrate it this weekend with an apple pie.

Fall-like links:

pumpkin ice cream

fall outfit

perfect knit hat

things to think about

our new bible study starting up again

Happy Fall!

One dreamy gown

Guess what? We are invited to two military balls this year, the chaplain corps and Marine corps ball! Since I've been to my fair share of balls and have quite a collection of gowns at this point, I'm looking towards possibly thrift store for special finds!This gown would be a dream, love the color, silhouette, and especially the sleeves! 

Here's last years gown and the year before!

I quit my job

It was one of those bittersweet decisions. While I love my work family, I love my baby more! This is a very personal decision for everyone and right now this is right for me. I mean, look at those bright eyes, how could I leave those?!

The pants that go with everything

via jcrew, lateafternoon

The kale that saved the weekend

Husband got snatched away to work this weekend so for a pick me up, I tried this new delightful recipe. Kale with potatoes, mushroom, and sausage (we used vegan sausage!) topped with a fried egg, yum. Can be made for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and loaded with protein and healthy greens. Have I convinced you yet? Recipe here. I also snapped a few pics this weekend, take a peak!

Favorites Friday: Rain

We've been waterlogged this week with no signs of stopping! Looking forward to some downtime and a  get together while attempting to stay dry!

image via

Cheery links:

Gorgeous color

Finally got these in Red in light of all our rain

Beautiful picture of worship

Pretty rain drops

Have a lovely weekend, dearies.

Next week, were talking about ball gowns, be sure to check back!

That moment

I finally had that moment, the moment of contentment. For me those moments tend to be fleeting because I typically have a restless spirit, which drives me crazy. But this week with my big kiddo at school, I'm home with babyman and its wonderfully quiet and blissful. Help me to stay in this moment instead of longing for the next thing, Lord. 

"A heart at peace gives life to the body" 

Proverbs 14:30

My mommy favorites (newborn)

The baby product world is completely overwhelming. So this is my list especially for you first time mommas out there of items I can't live without and use everyday with honeybee!

Joovy Caboose Ultralight stroller: This has been wonderful to use with both kiddos and just the baby. I actually bought hooks for the handle and use it for grocery shopping too. I can steer it with one hand and it only weighs 20 lbs so lifting in the trunk itsn't too bad either.

Swaddles: One of the many secrets to baby sleep is swaddling. In fact by the grace of God Bo is pretty much sleeping through the night which is a dream come true, literally my first never did that until a year a half. uggghh!

Baby Bjorn: I know there are tons of carriers and slings out there, but this one is my favorite and officially approved by my first kid. I do hear wonderful things about the Ergo as well and may look into that when he gets bigger! I love how easy and fast this carrier is to get on and Bo even falls asleep in it, win win.

Aden & Anais blankets: These are wonderful and new to me! I received them as a gift and use them for everything....burping, swaddling, and keeping warm plus the patterns are adorable too.

Deluxe fold and go: This handy dandy folding pouch holds diapers, wipes, and its own changing pad.

Robeez crib shoes: These are wonderful leather shoes that don't fall off come in many cute designs and look adorable. P.S They have the cheaper versions now at Target and Old Navy.

White Noise App: This one is free and out of everything on my list is a must have for my baby. I play this next to him and he is out like a light. If you have a smart phone download for free here.

Nursing Cover: An essential for a nursing mama! I highly recommend this brand not only for the wonderful patterns it comes in but you can keep a visual on baby while nursing due to the neckline, genius.

I'm gonna stalk the school bus

The big day is here, first day of kindergarten! I'm excited, nervous, and sad. My biggest concern is whether he will make it to his classroom which is why I'm following the school bus there! I know its a little crazy, but I'll wonder the entire day if he made it there. Good news is I can meet him for lunch! Ha!

Go here for more of our back to school shoot and to see the other shoots I did this weekend.

Favorites Friday: I love birthdays

Husband's birthday was yesterday and I had a blast throwing together a little family shindig, even bought my own helium machine, yep. Looking forward to a busy weekend with two photo shoots and our last weekend before Gideon's kindergarten debut. I'm thinking of following (stalking) his bus on the way to school...is that weird?!

Labor day links:

Christina really has a knack for design, check out her room 2 ways

Kendi does pink and sienna so well

Naomi's fall picks are fun

Pretty hair

Chalkboard place mats

Have a lovely Labor day weekend one!

The corn cakes that saved the day

The consistent lack of sleep is starting to take its toll so I needed these highly anticipated corn cakes with avocado salsa to taste good so the day wouldn't be in complete vain! They were delicious just what the doctor ordered for an end of summer treat and one worn out mama, recipe here.

Also, happy birthday to my sweet husband, so glad God gave me you!

When iron sharpens iron {8 years} plus a butterfly blouse

It was 8 years ago yesterday that we said "I do" and our bliss comes from alot of iron sharpening iron! We are exact opposites and really confound each other with our differences most of the time! However, those differences strengthen our weaknesses and thats where the magic happens coupled with alot of prayer and grace!

About that butterfly blouse...butterflies always symbolize God's faithfulness to me, particularly during the season that I prayed for a husband! What better occasion to wear butterflies than our anniversary dinner of 8 years! 

When the lights go out {Irene}

Northern Virginia has now survived an earthquake and hurricane in one week! Irene took our power for two days, but that's a given considering our tree heavy location back here in the country! We're giving serious thought to purchasing a generator due to our frequent power outages that come even in winter. Although I must admit, no electricity makes for interesting bonding times in our household. 

 This is the "I made it up pasta!" sausage, spinach, basil and tomatoes in a white wine sauce!

Gideon watching "Irene" rolling in through the window.

Running laps in the house.

Bo's pretend motorcycle ride!

Neighborhood walks

The glow sticks I forgot to pass out at his birthday party came in handy in the darkness!