Make Lemonade /  by Katie Brightbill


How hard is it to get back to real life after a holiday weekend?? My weekend was SO ideal in L.A. with my little family and friends, so I'm definitely needing a pick-me-up today. The saying goes "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade..." While I wouldn't call today a "lemon," per say, getting back in the groove may be a bit simpler with a little fresh, homemade lemonade!

I never knew how simple it would be to make. My in-laws gave me a citrus juicer last year and it makes things a little easier, but really, it's almost just as quick with a hand-held squeezer. If you don't have either of those, just buy a few extra lemons and use some extra strength. VERY simple, I tell you. Get as much juice from each lemon as you can into a pitcher - you don't need much - add water, add sugar (you DO need plenty of sugar), then taste. Add or subtract as necessary! Perhaps you've noticed by now that I do nothing scientifically according to any recipe... I just make and hope for the best. :)

There's absolutely no need to buy pre-made lemonade when you can squeeze your own!


Before and After: Toms Shoes /  by Katie Brightbill

Hello, we have our first guest post today! My brilliant friend Natalie gave new life to her daughter's old, grungy Toms shoes, and I asked her to share the how-to with everyone here! Also, visit her blog at rockyriverfarmhouse.blogspot.com 



I've learned not to get my expectations too high when picking outfits and fixing hair for my strong-willed firstborn daughter. Somehow, what I envision for Greta doesn't translate to reality. My recent enlightenment is that I ask her opinion before we buy and we pick outfits right then and there together so that we can avoid future morning disagreements. Enter Toms shoes. The most expensive shoes this little girl owned and she wouldn't wear them. They were faded, scuffed, and "yucky." One afternoon, I took out my fabric paint in all their glory and let her pick whatever she wanted.We agreed on light blue and got started painting them together. The next day I suggested we snazz them up with a heart and her eyes got wide and she said, "I would love that."I used more of a fine tipped paintbrush to freehand the heart and filled it in with a bigger one. If you are hesitant, just start with a small heart and even out the edges little by little until they match the way you like them.

Greta loves her new favorite "kindergarten shoes" (and I love that they're no longer her "yucky" shoes). Give it a try! Nothing to lose.

Before & After
Supplies: 


*A word about the Rocky River Farmhouse blog: I have a lot of projects that I'm proud of, but my most recent accomplishment is my 3rd child-- and the reason I haven't blogged since July of last year. So feel free to dust off the cobwebs and take a look around! Hopefully I can soon get back to writing all the things that have been happening this past year! *Natalie

Fill 'er Up /  by Katie Brightbill

{Timi & Leslie}
When I found out I was pregnant I could not wait to pick out my diaper bag. I have an obsession with handbags, so naturally, it became a diaper bag obsession. I was looking for style and function. Function is more important with a diaper bag than with a normal purse, because you need pockets for all the essentials. No one wants to be searching a giant bag for wipes or a bottle while their baby is screaming. Function & proper pocket placement is crucial. My final decision? The Timi & Leslie Hayley bag... it has been perfect!

My other favorites:

{Marc Jacobs}
{Storksak}

{Petunia Picklebottom}

Plus have you seen this super chic daddy diaper bag?

{Petunia Picklebottom:Scout}

Maggie's First Birthday Recap /  by Katie Brightbill


Today seems like a good day to recap Maggie's first birthday party! She was pretty pleased with the whole deal. Everyone was paying attention to her, she got to hear people sing the "happy birthday" song (one of her favorite songs ever!) and she got her first lollipop. She wasn't a big fan of birthday cake, but we made up for that by feeding her her favorite: enchiladas.

I made one paper puff and hung it in the middle of the drink station with some papel picado (handmade, it's easy! see the tutorial under "sources" below) and I cut the letters quickly by hand.  My dad made agua frescas for the party with fresh strawberries and melons. Tasted just like a taqueria... actually, better! The juice was a big hit with the kids and Maggie got her first taste and loved it. The entertainment was a pinata for the kids, who took home more candy than their parents probably preferred. We sent the little girls home with the bow hair clip favors that I made and attached to pretty paper from Paper Source and slid into cellophane bags. 

 It was a perfectly bright party for our sweet, happy baby! 









Sources:
* Maggie's party was featured on Apartment Therapy Family today too! Take a look HERE. :)

Quick Tip: Eggs /  by Katie Brightbill

My husband loves eggs with runny yolks. I am about average in the kitchen as an overall rule, but when it comes to eggs, I am considerably sub-par. I cannot- for the life of me- get that egg yolk to stay intact. I'm talking 3/10 ratios here. Most end up scrambled in the pan... until recently...



We have this griddle that I got for our wedding. I've used it from time to time, but since I tried using it to make eggs, it has changed everything. I want to make eggs all the time now. I can do eight at a time! The yolks don't break... I don't even have to spray or butter the surface, which is a nutritional bonus. Just crack the eggs on to the pan, salt and pepper them, turn them over when they look ready, and voila! Eggs intact for everyone in the family.

Try it. Seriously.

Similar Presto Griddle found here.