NEVE LOUISE: 6.5 MONTHS

Your smile brings so much happiness . You just learned how to roll over . You won't eat baby food . You love the sunshine . You need to start sleeping through the night . You are so content . You light up when you see your brother + sister // 6.5 months old

WHAT TO WEAR: TO THE OFFICE (WOMEN)

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1. This dress is feminine and such a cute length - but of course, appropriate for the office.

2. These neutral pair of pumps are a fabulous everyday staple. 

3. A long pencil skirt is a great option. This mustard skirt is a fun pop of color to pair with a basic top or go with a neutral for a wardrobe staple.

4. These gold bracelets don't need an explanation!

5. A blazer is an essential - this one will dress up your outfit while giving it a little edge.

6. Every woman, working or not, needs a solid bag. I love this brown leather tote. 

FAVORITE RECIPE: SALTED CARAMEL SNICKERDOODLES

I found this recipe on Two Peas and Their Pod (this is not my recipe or photos). But, I love it so much that I had to share it with you!

I mean, come on! Brown Butter Salted Caramel Snickerdoodles - too many good words in one title. These are perfect to make on Sunday afternoons with the family or when you need to impress your friends at a party you are hosting :) But for reals, you will thank Maria + Josh. Make sure to check out their site for other mouth watering treats.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cupe unsalted butter, sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup caramel squares, cut into 1/4's
• For Rolling the cookies:
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Sea salt, for sprinkling on top of cookies

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
2. To brown the butter, heat a thick-bottom skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced butter, whisking frequently. Continue to cook the butter until melted. The butter will start to foam and browned specks will begin to form at the bottom of the pan. The butter should have a nutty aroma. Watch the butter carefully because it can go from brown to burnt quickly. Remove butter from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the brown butter and sugars. Mix until blended and smooth. Beat in the egg, yolk, vanilla, and yogurt and mix until combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Form the dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can chill the dough overnight.
5. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 360 degrees F. Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten the ball with the palm of your hand and place a piece of caramel in the center of the dough. Wrap the cookie dough around the caramel, making sure the caramel is completely covered with dough.
6. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Roll the balls into the mixture. Place dough balls on a large baking sheet that has been lined with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Make sure the cookies are about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the cookie tops with sea salt.
7. Bake the cookies 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The centers will still be soft. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, or until set. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely.

HOME DECOR: KITCHEN INSPIRATION

I have been living in a small 2 bedroom Los Angeles apartment for the last 4 years and there is not one day that goes by that I am not dreaming of my future home (I mean, cross your fingers for me please)! When I daydream, it seems that it's the kitchen that I think about the most.

I am definitely drawn towards simple white space with natural elements to warm up the space. Grey countertops are a given for me! I love gold accents and light fixtures. A girl can dream, right?!

I love the marble + wood combination shown above.

Can we talk about the hood for a second? GORGEOUS!

I love the pennant lighting and the reclaimed wood flooring on the left.

ALL IMAGES FOUND VIA PINTEREST

WHAT TO WEAR: TO SCHOOL DROP-OFF

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1. Throw on these casual but stylish New Balances so the other mom's think you are put together ;) I       mean they are metallic after all!

2.  Cover the greasy bed-head with this cute baseball cap

3. I am all about the stylish jogger pants. These ones can be dressed down or up.

4. We only want good vibes, and this tee is the perfect color.

5. Don't want to put your bra on? Throw on this hoodie. You can't tell me you don't do this!

MY 2015 MANTRA

2015 is going to be a big year for our family. Dental school graduation is upon us and we have some big decisions to make: what job to take, where we want to raise our family, what our priorities are, etc. I have waited 10 long years for this day -  to be done with school - and now it seems like it's all happening too fast. There are so many unknowns, it's making me shake in my boots a little bit.

But what I do know is that through all of these question marks, I need to focus. I need to bring it all in and be intentional with my time. I need to cut out the fluff and hone in on what matters to me and the people I love most. I think the word I am searching for is... simplify! Yes, that's it. Let's deem this year, the year Megan learns to... 

PRINT COURTESY OF MELANIE BURK

CHRISTMAS IN KAUAI

I am so grateful for my parents and the amazing vacation they gave us for Christmas. Christmas in Kauai was one for the books - we'll never forget it. 

Rowan was the only one up for a little photo session! Christmas Eve on the beach ain't so bad if I do say so myself.

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