father's day + food trucks

 Last summer was our first experience with food trucks + we absolutely fell in love. Durham, NC hosts a Food Truck Rodeo three or four times a year in their downtown district and we loved it so much last year, we decided to make a day of it as part of Joel's Father's Day gift. We grabbed some AMAZING food (yes, it was that good), found some shade + enjoyed our day together. 

 

So thankful for Joel and the wonderful daddy he is to Lincoln. My heart is full of love for my sweet little family. I am blessed.

Hope you had a wonderful Father's Day!

-Rebecca-

6 months!

My baby boy is 6 months! I can hardly believe it. How did half a year slip by so fast? I'll never really know. We're finally starting to enjoy solid foods, especially sweet potatoes. Green beans? Not so much. He can sit up on his own but not for too long (we've done a few face plants into the floor). And crawling just might happen before we know it. This kid seriously just wants to go. 

I am truly amazed at the development + learning these little ones do in their first year of life. It goes by fast but I'm thankful I get to experience these milestones with him. 

happy 6 months, little man! mommy + daddy love you so much!

 

a rainy day.

I like rainy days. Always have.

I think it makes me slow down + really take the day in.

my little man watching the rain.

 

hope you're staying dry today.

 

happy weekend!

 

banana pudding anyone?

I have a major sweet tooth + banana pudding is simply one of the best desserts ever created. I know that earlier this week, I said that s'mores were my favorite (still are) but banana pudding holds a close second. I mean, who doesn't love banana pudding? I'll admit that I've had pudding that really wasn't that great but I contribute that to the fact it wasn't being made the right way. Don't ever use banana flavored pudding. Not ever. That gives you that artificial banana taste. That't not what we want here. If that's what you were doing before, you'll thank me after trying it this way. Trust me.

Banana Pudding:

Ingredients:

1 oz. package cream cheese

1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1 5 oz. package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups of milk (I use less than what's directed on the pudding box.

Makes it more creamy)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed

4 ripe bananas, sliced

1/2 package vanilla wafers

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk + vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.

Line the bottom of a 9x13 dish (or bowl like I did above*) with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipping topping. 

Chill + Enjoy!

*If you use a bowl like I did, make sure to reserve half of the wafers, bananas + pudding mixture so you can do two layers. I personally prefer it this way. Makes it pretty to look at + I like the pudding to banana/wafer ratio.

 

Happy Thursday!

holding onto the good.

This kid has been extra clingy lately + even though it's been a rough couple of days, I still love being his mommy. 

The hard days make the good ones more special. Thankful for these reminders in my moments of struggle. Holding onto the good.

 

 Happy Wednesday!

 

all things s'mores

  Nutella Candied Bacon S'mores 
photo cred: diane, a broad

If you take a look at my Pinterest boards, you'll soon find that s'mores are one of my favorite desserts. It's the perfect year round treat + has so many delightful textures. You have the sweet crispy cracker, a toasted, gooey marshmallow and let's not forget that melted chocolate. Oh yes. You know what I'm talking about. I truly love all things s'mores + enjoy switching it up every once in a while. Here are few that I want to try out soon. 

 

 S'mores Cookies 

photo cred: the girl who ate everything

Campfire Bars 

photo cred: sweetened with honey

S'mores Ice Cream Cake

photo cred: annie's eats

 What's your favorite way to make a s'more?

Happy Tuesday!

farmer's market + the beatles

Our weekend started with an early morning. Lincoln decided it was a good day to get up a 5:45 am. I'm trying to embrace the fact that I will never sleep in again but it gave us a good start to our day and we decided to walk to the farmer's market. And wow, summer is definitely here! It has been so hot this week! Makes me extra thankful for air conditioning. Joel spent the rest of Saturday shooting a friend's wedding with film! How cool is that? And Lincoln and I braved the crazy weekend crowds + headed to the grocery store. I've been putting it off for a few days now but shopping on a weekend reminded me why I shop on a weekday in the mornings. Ugh. It was a rough stop. Why do they only have a few registers open? And I saw three workers standing around  on their phones. Seriously, what gives? I guess most people shop at Wal-Mart for the low prices NOT the wonderful service. That's definitely my reasoning. 

my poor baby was tired. ha, not in the mood for a picture.

Happy Monday!