The Happiest Dog In The World
Just wanted to share some photos of the cutest happiest dog in the world! That would be my little Yorkiepoo named Tallulah Mae Ackerman or LuLu for short. She is now 4 years old and still as happy as can be.
Enjoy 🙂
Meet Baby Matthew Scott Gilpin Jr. (aka MJ)
Seems like my family is just popping out babies lately! My sister, Jessica who has been supplying the Baby Bump photos went into labor 2 weeks early on Thursday, July 30th. Matthew Scott Gilpin Jr. was born at 7:35am weighing in at 6lbs 11 oz and is 20″ long.
After getting to spend a lot of time with baby MJ, we have discovered that he is super duper strong! Also, if he’s upset and you give him back to his momma he calms down!
We are very blessed to have another baby to love!
My Top 10 Recipes on Pinterest
Here are my top 10 recipes that I have tried and LOVED from Pinterest. I’m gonna try and make this not all desserts! LOL
1. Easy Taco Pie Paleo Pie. I LOVE this recipe! I change it up and put everything into a pie pan. This recipe makes a little more than necessary to put into the pie pan so you can freeze it and have it ready for another time!
Easy Paleo Taco Pie
2. I know it’s not Thanksgiving, but this Sweet Potato Casserole is delish!
Sweet Potato Casserole
3. Alright, couldn’t hold out forever. These are my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies on Pinterest. I’m a huge fan of soft cookies over hard cookies!
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Drinks count as recipes… right? Try this.. Strawberry Lemonade Vodka
Strawberry Lemonade Vodka
5. Who doesn’t love an Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe?
Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
6. I love to spice up a good Alfredo with some sausage! My tip is that I use andouille sausage!
Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo
7. Hot Crossed Buns… who knew these things even existed? I didn’t until I read a book by an Australian Author! I’m not a fan of raisins so I just leave those out.
Hot Crossed Buns
8. When I was doing the Atkins diet, this Low Carb Breakfast casserole was my goto! I still make it about once a month!
Low Carb Breakfast Casserole
9. Talk about an easy dessert… Churro Cheesecake… you drooling yet?
Churro Cheesecake
10. Tuscan Chicken Skillet– I love to cook in my new skillet and this has become one of my favorites!
Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Baby Bump- 38 Weeks
Happy Bump Day and a special bump day shout out to my mom, Heather Cooper Carlomagno, cuz it’s her buuurfday!!! Sorry mom, looks like MJ isn’t budging today frown emoticon But as of Monday I was 80% effaced so that’s close right?! Now that I got my issue taken care of last week, I’m not really miserable…but I do want to see my little man soon, so he can come whenever he wants!! On the agenda for today and tomorrow…cleaning (yuck!!) – Jessica Campbell
Romantic Wedding Inspiration
One of the happiest day in my life was when the love of my life (of 5 years) asked me to marry him in Cabo San Lucas!  I said yes and started searching Pinterest instantly!
I looked all over Pinterst and put together my wedding inspiration.
Here was my inspiration for the wedding:
Wedding dress was Eddy K Couture 2014 –Â http://eddyk.com/portfolio-items/ct112-ct112tt/?portfolioID=10440
Headpiece was my something “old”. My grandma and mom both wore the headpiece at their wedding as well!
Silk Garter was from Etsy–Â https://www.etsy.com/transaction/258855419
Bride’s and Bridesmaid shoes were from Betsy Johnson Blue line-Â http://www.betseyjohnson.com/product/SHOES/All-Shoes/Betsey-Blue/SB-PEARL/pc/3902/c/3982/sc/3956/236551.uts?sortByColumnName=Relevance&selectedColor=SIDE&$MR-THUMB$
Mint and Capri Bridesmaid Dresses were from David’s Bridal– http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_long-strapless-chiffon-dress-and-pleated-bodice-f15555_bridesmaid-dresses-all-bridesmaid-dresses
Groom wore a Hart Schaffner Marx Grey suite and the groomsmen wore darker grey pants and a white shirt
Found the ties to match the David Bridal dresses online at Bows-N-Ties.
Flower Girl’s dress were also purchased on Etsy with the custom blue and mint colors-Â https://www.etsy.com/listing/117275225/flower-girl-dress-ivory-vintage-lace?ref=shop_home_feat_1
The ring bearers wore a white shirt and these cute Janie and Jack shorts with suspenders-Â http://www.janieandjack.com/shop/dept_item.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443477716&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303716097&bmUID=1424813133868&productSizeSelected=0
The pink bow tie came from Etsy as well –Â https://www.etsy.com/listing/196175127/suspender-bowtie-set-light-grey?ref=shop_home_feat_3
Photographer- Rachel Mathew Photography
More on the wedding decorations soon!
Meet Reed Thomas Campbell
Reed Thomas Campbell entered this world on Thursday, July 23rd weighing in at 7lbs and was 19″ long.
With Campbell Baby #4, my brother and sister-in-law decided to not find out the sex of the baby because they have both boy and girl clothes! It was a long 9 months without knowing but a lot of fun trying to guess the sex of the baby by the ultrasounds!
The family showed up to the hospital in either “Team Pink” or “Team Blue” clothing. Of course, some remained “Neutral”.
I made two different banners with the girl and boy name that they choose. Had the big brother hold both of the banners while we were in the waiting room. That way we could use either one when we knew the sex of the baby!
We also got the entire family together and hold the sign up to show our support.
If you would like to get one of these Baby Welcome Signs you can get them here on my Etsy site for $19.99.
Here are some photos of the cutie Reed Thomas:
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- Anna Loves her new little brother!
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- Newborn Baby Reed Thomas
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- Newborn Baby Reed Thomas
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- Nana holding Reed
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- Carter taking pictures to remember the day his brother was born
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- Anna getting a closer look
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- Carter holding Reed
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- Granny holding the new baby
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- Carter taking pictures to remember the day his brother was born
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- Carter taking pictures to remember the day his brother was born
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- Pap and Reed Thomas
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- This daddy is proud of his new son!
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- Mimi is happy holding Reed!
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- Reed with his favorite Aunt JoJo
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- Reed getting some love from his Aunt Lis
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- Brother love
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- Aunt CoCo loving on Reed
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- Aunt Lexi holding Reed
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- Friends showing their love for the new baby
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- Katelyne showing some love to Reed!
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- Denton holding Reed
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- Big Brother Brook and Big Sis Anna Claire
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- Granny and Reed
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- Nonno holding Reed
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- Mama to Be holding Reed and thinking about Reed and MJ being best friends
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- Uncle Map getting some love
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- Beautiful Momma and baby Reed Thomas
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- Beautiful Momma and baby Reed Thomas
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- Look at that face!
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- Mama and some of her boys!
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- Pap getting some more snuggles in!
Baby Bump – 37 Weeks
Happy Bump Day!! If you ask me how I’m feeling, the response will be this…miserable. I’m miserable. Basically everything that can hurt does hurt. With that being said, whenever you want to come out and play MJ, mommy is ready for you (even though I know it’s better for you to stay in for a bit more…I’m having a hard time convincing myself of this lately). – Jessica
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Master Bedroom Decor
Getting into this married routine can be a little bit challenging. But, I am loving decorating our home and making it ours! Some things since we bought them are no longer available but I have found similar items!
Wall Decor:
“LOVE Metal Marquee Sign Light” found here on ETSY. I also used this as a decoration in our wedding!
Bed Frame:
I got the bed frame from West Elm, my favorite shop! Unfortunately, this on is no longer available but here is a similar Nailhead Upholstered Headboard
Mattress:
We went on Black Friday and got a mattress from Sleep Number. People either love or hate their sleep number, WE LOVE OURS!
Duvet Cover:
The duvet cover we got from Pottery Barn is no longer available, but I found this one that is similar from Pottery Barn
Mr. & Mrs. Pillow
Got these Mrs and Mr. Pillow from Hobby Lobby. We also used these in our wedding as decorations! We also used them at our friends wedding as well.
Safavieh Nailhead Tufted ”X” Bench
My mom bought us one of these benches for Christmas and then I got another one to use it in front of the bed! It also works as a great stepping stone for our dog to get up on the bed. These nailhead bench comes from Kohls.
Rugs:
Got the Diamond colorful rug from my Grandma. It is a handmade Navajo Rug. The shaggy sheep rug came from Amazon.
Fireplace:
I found an antique wooden fireplace that would stand up by itself. Then I put candles that I got from Target in the fireplace. This fireplace was actually bought to be used as a altar in our wedding but it also fit perfectly in our bedroom!
Side Table:
IÂ got the wood from an old barn that we have. I bleached the wood to kill anything on it. Then stained it black. The legs came from Hairpin Legs online.
Laundry Baskets:
Under the side table we have 3 laundry baskets that are for light, darks and towels. These baskets came from Target. And they come with a little chalkboard on the front and you can write “Lights, Darks and Towels” on them so your hubby knows which basket to put his clothes in. FYI: Do not put wet towels in the baskets. They will mildew.
Wall Mirror:
Got this beauty from WestElm.
Baby Bump- 36 Weeks
Week 36 Bump Day!! Getting so close now! We got the hospital suitcase packed, car seat installed, and the nursery completed! We are good to go anytime after 5pm on July 25th because I’m getting my hair done at 1 that day lol What I’m doing this week while waiting for baby: FINALLY decorating this house! Have a great Wednesday everybody!! – Jessica
Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers
Since I have been 5 years removed from being a Texan, I have to get my Tex Mex in somehow! One way IÂ make my belly happy is with this Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers recipe from my mother Heather.
What You Will Need:
• 1lb Lean Ground Beef
• 3/4 Cups Chopped Onion
• (2) 10oz Cans Diced Rotel Tomatoes (mild, original, or hot to taste)
• (1) 15oz Can Red Kidney Beans
• 2 Cups Quick cooking Brown Rice
• 6-8 Green or Red Bell Peppers
• 2 Cups Water
• 2 tsp Chili Powder
• 2 Gloves Garlic, Chopped
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheese
Instructions:
1. In a deep skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. I use about 1-2 tbs of olive oil to brown with the ground beef.
2. Stir in tomatoes (undrained) and beans (drained and rinsed), and all other ingredients except cheese and peppers.
3. Cover and simmer.
4. Clean peppers. Remove tops and seeds. Place in a casserole dish. Add 1/2 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap.
5. Cook on high in microwave 4-5 minutes, or until just starting to soften. (check often)
6. Stuff with meat mixture. Bake at 350º for 15 minutes.
7. Top with cheese and continue baking 15 more minutes!
You will have enough ingredients left over to freeze and stuff about 2-3 peppers for a fast dinner another night!
Alterations:
* Really good stuffed into poblano peppers
* Try meat mixture over cornbread or corn chips- really good!
Tips:
* I can not tell you how cooking is so much easier now that I have Calphalon pans! Definitely worth the price!