FASHION PASSION

So, as you may or may not know, I enjoy fashion.

There is a blog that I follow that is incredibly inspiring and tasteful.

Called GIRLWITHCURVES.

Her name is Tenesha. Not only does she have incredible taste, but she regularly styles her hair with its natural texture, and uses minimal makeup. Look how awesome this dress is.

I would love to hang out and go shopping with her.

But for now I am doing my best to add my voice to the Seattle fashion scene. At the beginning of this month I entered an H&M contest called 50 States of Fashion. (Probably the reason I did it was because I didn’t fear much competition from Seattle-ites who are known for not being the most fashionable. Don’t believe me? click here.) I entered a few pictures, but so far the most popular outfit I entered is this one:

It looks like I am pretty close to being top-voted for my state! If I can get some more votes, maybe I can get there. If not, it’s still fun to show my love for H&M! (which is finally open for online shopping!!!)

So what you can do is, click on this link: 50 states of fashion

Then, you can either search for my entries by typing “betsyhcroft” in the search box or head to the “sort by” section and click STATE (choose WASHINGTON) and then MOST VOTED. From there you should see my pictures and you can help move up my most popular outfit! Just click on the picture and a little heart should come up.

The contest ends August 21st. Thanks to all those who have already voted. You are the best.

Projects

We’ve all been working on projects here:
Micah just got this cool game called Mice and Mystics and decided to paint the miniature playing figures.


It is serious work.

I even painted one of them them myself! Lily is the cutest mouse!


I have been working on an embroidery project. I shall post pics when it is finished!

Miss Pippa has been working on growing twice as tall while sleeping,

being snuggly,

And being potty trained! HOORAY!!!!!!!!

This is the last picture I will post of you sitting on the potty. I promise.
Oh! And here is a video of the bottle band Micah and I performed in on the 4th of July!

Hardcore July the Four

What kind of a crazy person would take their toddler out camping, you ask.
WE DOOOO!!!!
After breakfast with all the Seattle Mormons…

We set up camp at Ensign Ranch.

Pippa LOVED IT!!!


What made it better was having our friends come along too.


The grill Master!


And she even slept in the tent. Didn’t see that coming.


I didn’t even get to say the “she was not a happy camper” phrase. Because she actually was a happy camper.

She does not get this from me.

WHAT THE BIRTHDAY

So…
I hesitated to write this post because…
I can’t stop time.
Not to alarm you,
or make you afraid,
but…

Pippa turned two.
And there’s nothing I can do about it.
She sure had fun getting presents…



…playing with friends..

…Going to park on a hot hot day…

…eating her delicious pizza dinner…


…and eating some fabulous Oreo cookie cream chocolate BIRTHDAY CAKE!



A Birthday done right, I say.

A New Nom.

My sister and I made these cookie bars for my Aunt’s birthday and I cannot stop thinking about them, so I am posting the recipe here. They are:
Chewy Gingerbread Bars!

**Note: If you would like to double this recipe, use a large jelly roll pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Allow the bars to cool, then frost and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Gingerbread Bars:
3/4 C butter, melted
1 C sugar
1/4 C molasses
1 egg
2 C flour
2 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ginger
1/2 t cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese (half a brick), softened
2 T butter, softened
2 C powdered sugar
1 T milk
1/2 t vanilla
dash salt
INSTRUCTIONS!
1. Pour the melted butter, sugar and molasses into your stand mixer, or large mixing bowl. Beat until well combined. 
2. Add the egg and beat until smooth. 
3. In a separate bowl toss together all of the dry ingredients. 
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the mixer and beat, just until combined. 
5. Spray a 9x9 pan with cooking spray and press the dough into it. 
6. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, do not over bake. Stick a knife into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean...remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. The bars will continue to cook a bit as they cool. Once frosted the bars will be put in the fridge for an hour...this will also help the bars to set up and not be too doughy. 
7. Mix all frosting ingredients together in your stand mixer. Beat until nice and smooth.
8. Spread the frosting over the top of the cooled bars. Refrigerate for one hour, cut and serve!
Store leftover bars in the fridge, or freezer.