SAWYER | ELEVEN MONTHS

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

late to the party alert. my sawyer-muff was 11 months a week ago. 

but i can't skip out on a monthly update. she would never forgive me years down the road, or something like that. i mean...these archives of my gal's lives are gold...or they'll be super embarrassing in 15 years. 

plus...we've had some pretty solid milestones in the past 30 days that certainly deserve some documentation! 

kissing, walking, harassing your sister, talking on the phone...what i'm saying, sawyer is basically a teenager. (minus the fact that her sleeping these days more-so resembles that of a pregnant woman, what with her waking up 4902394 times per night.)

oh...and cling-master 5000. i remember in my not so distant past when i was able to get tasks completed throughout the day. now i have about 32 different projects 27% complete at any given time. and dinner? we can just go ahead and kiss that goodbye. dinner is only made if i want to hear sawyer cry your face off for 45 minutes. 

lord help me. 

regardless...my sawyer is 11 months and i'm still trying to figure out where the past year has gone.
this month you're my naughty girl.

somehow you have the ability to pick out anything and everything you shouldn't be getting into...then you get into it. and you have the go big or go home mentality.

diapers in totes - pull all six totes down and splay them across your entire bedroom.

mom's folding clothes - all of a sudden you hate your toys and either only want to be in my arms or you want to crawl // roll // unfold all the laundry i've just folded.

mom is going to the bathroom - crawl to the pantry and pull down all goods from the bottom shelf.

you guys...the list of naughtiness goes on and on and on.
nicknames | bitty, girlfriend, sister

height + weight | i gave her a little measurement on the wall and she has grown a bit, but i think she's still our little bitty. one day she'll probably catch up to her sister, but she's not going to be a giant like kaye is now.

sawyer is growing out of her 6 - 12 month clothing, and when i went to look for our tote of 12 - 18 month clothing...i can't find it anywhere. hmmm...

food | i continue to be absolutely amazed by what you can put down with just your two bottom teeth. it's super impressive.

you looooove love the fruit and veggie pouches, but i would say your favorite meal is baked chicken breast nuggets and sweet potato fries i seem to be making a lot of these days. i mean...they are healthy and the whole family enjoys them. win // win.

oh...let it also be noted that there is no question - you put down a substantial amount of food and definitely out eat your sister on the daily.
sleep | sleep. what is sleep? you clearly don't know. actually, you're a great napper, it's the sleeping through the night bit. you always wake up at least once. i just have to go in and replace your binkie, and then you're down until about 5:30 am. i'll nurse you, then you'll be down until about 6:30 am...even though you used to sleep until 7:30 am. what is the deal??!

nursing | nursing. oh nursing. i am absolutely SHOCKED that we are in our 12th month of nursing. i really thought i would shoot for six months and call it a day. but here we are, rounding out a year. let me take this opportunity to thank you for only having two teeth.

nursing at this point is so easy. once in the morning, once at night. done and done. in the next few weeks we'll get you down to just once before bed...and then none. that'll be that and my breasts will be my own once more. (i know...so motherly of me.)

looking forward to | girl. this month i'm looking forward to a few more words. you have mama and dada down. you even imitate the sounds of hello when you hold a phone to your cheek. so maybe you have a few more tricks up your sleeve?

i'm also looking forward to you mastering walking. you are SO much more cautious than your sister. when kaye started walking it was walking to running in a matter of weeks. even though you started walking this past month, you're just not that into it.

oh! and your teeth. i'll be jazzed when those suckers finally pop through. last month i was positive your top two teeth and come in. then, like magic, they went back up. how does this even happen? now, you have one top tooth cutting through (again). i can definitely feel it. i'm sure this means your other is close behind. teething is the pits.
my sweet sawyer - thank you for affirming that i am 100% done having children. you've left no question in my mind. between your sister and you (and your farmer)...our family has more personality than it can handle.

farm food | perfect pumpkin soup (with a kick)

Monday, September 28, 2015

first things first - who's with me on national beer drinking day? it's today. so grab a cold one (not at 9 am...how about about 5 pm) and cheers!

but on to todays post...

uh yes. yes. i too am obsessed with fall. is it a blogger thing? or just anyone who likes wearing scarves // layering // boots // pumpkin // crisp mornings // the feeling that farming season is coming to an end.

okay, that last one is just me. but yes. my farmer is rounding out his last cutting of hay, then we have corn harvest, then we're done. at least as done as we can be.

luckily, to make things super simple, the girls' birthdays coincide perfectly with my farmer's busy season and we have many-a-projet to work on around the house to get ready for that.

regardless...i wanted to share a delicious recipe that i whipped up this weekend full of all the pumpkin gloriousness you could hope for. (plus it has a little kick, which i'm all about.)

P U M P K I N  S O U P

ingredients

+ 28 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling. that would be so disgusting.)
+ 6 cups chicken stock
+ 1 yellow onion - diced
+ 2 cups half + half (or cream or whole milk...i've used each and they are all tasty.)
+ 2 ribs celery - finely chopped
+ jalepeno (i use the sliced and jarred version as opposed to slicing fresh. so much more convenient.)
+ 2 whole basil leaves
+ 2 tbsp butter
+ 1 tbsp olive oil
+ 3 tbsp flour
+ 2 tbsp thyme


1 | start by chopping your onion, celery stalks, and jalepeno, then melt your butter and add your olive oil in a large soup pot on medium // high. once your butter is melted, add your chopped veggies and bay leaves, turn the heat down to medium and let those cook for about seven minutes. season with salt and pepper. (i'm a salt fan, so i usually add quite about of ground sea salt.)

2 | once your veggies have soaked up all the glorious butter and olive oil, add in your flour and thyme - stir it all together. cook for 1 - 2 minutes.

3 | whisk in your chicken stalk and bring to a bubble.

4 | more whisking! whisk in your pumpkin puree and keep whisking until it's completely smooth.

5 | simmer your soup for 10 minutes to thicken it up! now add your half + half.

6 | reduce your heat to low until it's ready to serve!

my sister really likes to serve this soup with a grilled cheese made on sourdough, and you would never ever catch me saying that the combo isn't absolutely delicious. you could even try a fancy cheese (swiss // gruyere // smoked cheddar) if you're feeling very adult-ish.

i really really wish i could remember where i snagged the original recipe. i've modified it here and there over the past few years. i think the original called for hot sauce...which would make this really spicy. give it a shot?

oh hey, friday! | a good old week recap

Friday, September 25, 2015
we did it. we made it to another friday.

you guys...i feel like a crazy woman. not only because i am actually a little crazy, but because i'm trying to tackle so many things at once...and wouldn't you know it. this blog was the first thing to get the boot. straight to the back burner. and i guess that's just going to have to be how it goes until i find some consistent babysitting action.

you see...i have quite a few party + paper projects in the pipeline. this is so exciting! but gals, my farmer can't watch the girls every week! he has farming to do! you know...that little thing called HARVEST. i mean...as much as he and i would both love him to watch the girls every day...party + paper doesn't exactly pay the bills.

anyway...in all my spare minutes i've been plugging away at my different design projects and it just affirms how much i love making all your paper goodies. i'm learning new skills every day and i hope i get to continue doing so!

anyway...i did manage to eek out a few minutes to get my link-up on, and you should too!

ps. be on the lookout for a new autumn-themed button for next week!

1 | grab this here snazzy summer-themed button and link back to Sept. Farm.
2 | link up your post at the bottom of this post.
3 | tell all your friends + have a fantastic friday.

M Y  F I V E
1 | super her-i-o (pronounced like cheerio according to kaye)
it's official...we have a super hero in the house...also known as kaye's halloween costume! i'm still working on getting the final pieces together, but she was suuuuuper excited to try on her mask and cape when it arrived in the mail...and mommy's new necklace.
2 | pigtails
i never ever thought i'd see the day, but my very best gal officially has hair. as in...she's allowing me to put her crazy curls into the very cutest of pigtails! it's even almost long enough for an actual ponytail! granted...this has taken the better party of three years, but we've arrived. 

3 | party + paper
i just can't seem to stop talking about it. amy asked me to design her an invitation for her annual harvest party again, and i couldn't say no! i'm in love with the diamond backer pattern i created. you can't tell in the picture, but those white dots are tiny little leaves. super cute!

4 | kaye + sawyer are having a birthday
for those of you who don't know...my kaye was born on october 30th and sawyer was born on october 24th nearly two years later. i'm lucky enough to say that this was the plan...that way i could just plan one big birthday bash to celebrate my two best gals!
well, since i've been keeping busy designing your paper goodies i decided i didn't want to do my own. so, i partnered up with minted and snagged one of their party packages! this is just a quick snap of the darling invitation // backer // return address wrapper...and wait until you see the rest of the goodies. i can't wait to put it all together!

5 | my most favorite season
visit the link below to print!
via
alrighty! get linked up!

guest post | kelsey @ the peacock roost + pendant necklace giveaway!

Wednesday, September 23, 2015
who thinks the first day of fall is one of the best days of the year? (praise hands emoticon)

third only to christmas and my birthday, naturally.

let's everyone bust out the boots, the blanket scarves, and the utility jackets and layer layer layer - fall...i love thee. 

i love that it gets dark earlier at night and stays dark in the mornings. i love the super crisp mornings that catch your breath when the air hits your face. i love pumpkin bread and pumpkin soup and apple cider and chili and really anything warm and hearty. 

what i'm saying is - fall is the sh*t. <----- (i never say this. really. only in blogland, apparently.)

and you know who else loves fall? my gal, kelsey who so wonderfully is guest posting here today. she visits us from the peacock roost and she's basically the cutest. she has great style (i'm ordering one of her suggestions today...striped dress, thank you), but she's also super generous with a WONDERFUL giveaway! 
via
hello gold necklace...i want you.


so, let's all read about our new best friend, kelsey and learn all about her top 10 fall essentials. then take a minute to get entered to win that necklace!
Hi!  I'm Kelsey, the lifestyle blogger behind The Peacock Roost!  I'm so excited to be guest blogging here today!  I love reading Karli's blog & am so happy about getting to connect with some of her readers!

Since today is officially the first day of fall (!!!), I decided it was the perfect day to share my Top 10 Fall Closet Essentials with you! I'm really focusing on cleaning out my closet for the fall & only adding items that I love and will wear a lot during the fall & winter season.  I compiled this list to keep me on track & hopefully help you find great fall items too!  I decided to do the list in a splurge vs. steal format so you can pick which price point best fits your budget. 

See my top 5 below and then visit my blog to see 6-10!  Also, don't forget to enter the fun giveaway below to win one of my favorite fall essentials!

1. Blanket Scarf

Zara Blanket Scarf
Splurge: Zara Tartan Plaid Blanket Scarf found here.
ShopbellaC Blanket Scarf
Steal: ShopbellaC Holiday Blanket Scarf found here.

I found a blanket scarf similar to both of these at a local boutique the other day & I can't wait to pair it with leggings & booties!

2. Long Pendant Necklace

Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant
Splurge: Rebel Pendant necklace found here.

BP Chevron Necklace Nordstrom
Steal: BP Chevron Necklace found here.

I love easy accessories!  Simple long necklaces are perfect for fall because you can throw them on with any top or sweater to complete your look. 

3. Rain Boots

Red Hunter Rain Boots
Splurge: Hunter Rain Boots found here.
Target Rain Boots
Steal: Target Rain Boots found here.

Rain boots are so fun & comfy!  I currently own Target rain boots similar to those above but I've heard such great things about Hunters!

4.  Plaid Tunic

ShopbellaC plaid tunic
Splurge: ShopbellaC Vail Lumberjack Plaid Flannel found here.
Target Plaid Tunic
Steal: Target Plaid Flannel found here.

I own the Target plaid tunic and LOVE it!  Be looking for it in an outfit post to come soon! A plaid tunic is perfection with leggings & booties in the fall.

5. Oversized Cardigan

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan Nordstrom
Splurge: Barefoot Dreams Cardigan found here.
Bobeau Cardigan Nordstrom
Steal: Bobeau Handkerchief Hem Cardigan found here.


When the cold fall & winter nights start arriving, there is nothing better than a good cardigan to keep you warm and cozy!  I bought two of the Barefoot Dreams cardigans in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale & cannot wait to wear them!

See essentials 6-10 here!  Thanks for having me Karli!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
See more of my fall inspiration by checking out my fall pinterest boards!
Follow Kelsey Mann Peacock's board Fall & Winter Style on Pinterest. Follow Kelsey Mann Peacock's board Fall Recipes on Pinterest. Follow Kelsey Mann Peacock's board Fall on Pinterest.
_________________________________________________________

yay to kelsey for such a fun, fall-inspired post...and a killer giveaway! don't be shy about showing our gal some love! 

aaaaand...if you would like to be featured here on sept. farm i'd love to have you! check out your advertising options HERE!

cheers to my 32nd birthday

Tuesday, September 22, 2015
yes yes. we're still talking about birthday fun over here, but let me tell you why -

you see, my farmer and i got each other exactly zero things for our birthdays this year. yay romance!

honestly, i thought about getting him a nice set of workout headphones, but then i didn't. he'll just leave them in a tractor, never to be seen again.

and i got myself these frye booties...so i didn't feel like i really needed anything else for my birthday. know what i mean? granted...i kind of gift myself a lot of things throughout the year, so when it comes down to birthday // christmas // mother's day...my farmer is usually at a loss.

instead...my farmer gave me the gift of time! he took the entire weekend (thursday - saturday) off and we headed out to...you guessed it, mccall.

and what a birthday treat, for the three hour drive, the girls...slept! granted, kaye was awake until midnight that night, but it sure makes for a peaceful, stress-free road trip.

on friday my farmer's parents took both the girls so my farmer could take me out to breakfast. we ventured all over town doing this, that, and the other (vague, i know)...but the beauty of it all is we were kid-free. then we ate our second meal sans children! this is such a rare treat. to finish off the day we met back up with my farmer's parents, took the girls to a park, ate some pizza, and called it a night.




i know, i know...this doesn't exactly seem like the perfect birthday. but really, it was wonderful. i mean...i may be leaving out a tiny tiny (huge) detail that i hope i get to share soon...but it's not 100% yet...so you (mostly me) are just going to have to sit tight and hope everything goes through.

so what i'm saying is - hold onto your horses and cross your fingers and toes for me! i know i am.

on saturday farmer, the girls, and i rented a tandem bike and rode all over town checking out the different neighborhoods with farmer's mom...who conveniently pointed out a brewery we didn't know about...and we can't wait to check out. apparently there's a beer there infused with jalepeno...i'd like to test how that goes down.

pair that bike ride with a stop at our favorite milkshake spot and it was another wonderful day.

that's it. that was the birthday celebration with not one complaint!

here's to eight more days of celebrating all the september birthdays!

oh hey, friday! | birthday time!

Friday, September 18, 2015
shameful. i had every intention of posting something today for oh hey, friday!...but friends...

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

i know...i've been yapping enough about it that you probably thought my birthday was last week, or even the week before. but no...it's today! i'm 32 and fabulous. 

or...

32 and i have -  

+ a mimosa in my hand.
+ my farmer and my best gals in mccall.
+ a day date planned (sans children).
+ lots of wrinkles on my forehead.
+ super short hair. 
+ still fit in my wedding dress five years later (i try it on from time because i'm crazy like that).
+ wear yoga pants darn near every day.
+ still working on party & paper...a brand new, fancy schmancy website is in the works!
+ a nearly 3 year old and a nearly 1 year old that are funny and sassy and naughty and keep me on my toes.
+ a farmer who is funny and sassy and naughty and keeps me on my toes.
+ a blog that i'm a little too attached to.
+ which brings me to oh hey, friday!

1 | grab this here snazzy summer-themed button and link back to Sept. Farm.
2 | link up your post at the bottom of this post.
3 | tell all your friends + have a fantastic friday.


it's time to get your link up on!

but before we do that, i wanted to remind you of the ridiculously awesome giveaway i have going on right now! if you like gorgeous necklaces, pillows, leggings, holiday signage, and cash. $200 to be exact. so if you like those things...get entered!


drunk history + sweet carolina bourbon + a giveaway

Wednesday, September 16, 2015
i just need to get something off my chest here today - i am in love with drunk history.

what is drunk history you ask? oh. em. god. it is a hilarious show on comedy central that everyone probably already knows about...and now it's finally hit idaho. five years behind the curve out here. five years. no seriously...it's been around for awhile. i think it started on the website funny or die.

here's what i'm saying. have a look. thank me later.

but i have more to say! today is a ridiculously awesome day because i get to share two lady-ladies and their blogs with you!
blogbloglovin' | facebook | twitter | instagram | pinterest

in no particular order...the first would be mascara. i rarely wear a full face of makeup. however, a coat of good mascara is a must before i head out the door. it is a simple and quick way to define your face and draw attention to your eyes. i consider myself a mascara expert as i have most brands on the market. i keep my makeup simple and highlighted my routine in this post - The 5 minute Fresh Face

the second thing would be my adoring husband and loving pup. (karli says - that's two things.) they are the highlight of each day and our pup, charlie, has the ability to bring a smile to my face, no matter what.

last thing - i can't live without my water bottle // tumbler. i always drink at least 60 ounces of water, daily. now that i am pregnant, i am constantly thirsty! so, you will always find me with my tumbler by my side. this post highlights my favorite tumblers and infusion recipes!


 F A V O R I T E  P O S T S



blog | bloglovin' | twitter | instagram | pinterest

1 | a good highlighter

2 | bourbon

3 | a big purse


F A V O R I T E  P O S T S


the last single girl


but wait! did you think it was over? our bourbon-lovin' gal lindsay is about to get this much cooler because she's snazzied up her very own little giveaway. basically, she wants you to know that she supports your coffee habit, and ps. she wants to buy you a few drinks...coffee drinks.

thanks lindsay!

get yourself entered here...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

oh! and maybe you want to get yourself in on one of these fun features? check out my advertising options HERE!

the biggest giveaway i've ever organized

Monday, September 14, 2015
the birthday celebrating isn't done yet! we still have two weeks to go in the month of september, and we're kicking off this week with BIG, fabulous group giveaway!

(sidebar - a HUGE happy birthday to my farmer...the hunkiest farmer ever.)

you guys...i'm not going to waste any more of your time telling you about how i'm nursing a hangover or that i didn't get out of my yoga pants all day yesterday. i'm actually pretty lucky i brushed my teeth. no more time wasting. read all the details below about all the giveaway awesomeness!

ummm...yes. one lucky winner is going to get themselves this super amazing xo necklace from jamison rae jewelry. allow me to get my braggy pants on, but this gal is straight from idaho! boise, in fact. i've been a fan of her jewelry for YEARS...and it just keeps getting better and better. i strongly encourage you to check out her website...and if you happen to want to buy me something for my birthday, feel free. xoxoxoxox all of her goods.


friends...the holidays are right around the corner and wouldn't this little sign on your wall or mantle or kitchen counter or or...countless other places look oh so cute! because, seriously, it is the most wonderful time of the year.
not only that, but jessica also makes homemade body scrubs! the winner of the giveaway will get to pick out their very own from jessica's etsy shop! have a look! i have my eye on the rose sugar lip scrub.

not only that, but should you want to pick up some additional goodies, use the code FARM15 for 15% off your purchase!

does lou lou made need an introduction? basically if you have had a baby or are thinking about having a baby or you're getting ready to have a baby...you need to look at olivia's shop! she has the best little goodies for your little muffin! crib sheets, blankies, nursing pillow covers, changing pad cover...and PILLOWS! like...pillows for your home! which is what olivia is giving away to the winner! this one in fact! isn't it suuuuuper cute!?
not only that, but should you want to pick up some additional goodies, use the code SEPTEMBERFARM for 15% off your purchase!

L U L A R O E  L E G G I N G S
do you like super funk, hip and with it patterned leggings? well, this shop is for you! 

laura of the everyday joys is giving away a pair of your choosing to the lucky winner! (don't worry, if funky isn't your thing...they offer solid black as well!

last thing...until we get to the MONEY!

A D  S P A C E !
YAY! ad space! katie of a worker at home is giving away a 150x250 ad space! check it out HERE.

and don't worry! you didn't think i'd let you down! we've also joined forces to bring you


$ 2 0 0  P A Y P A L  C A S H !

all you have to do to win these goodies is get yourself entered below. you know the drill...rafflecopter style. there will be one winner so it's quite the take-home!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
katie | josie | karli
alexis | courtney | amy | mackenzie
annie | brittney | laura | nina
lolo | mar | sara | karissa


want to get in on next month's group giveaway? check out your ad space options HERE!



@karlibellmeier