BOOTS.
Hailey picked these pink beauties out at Target the other day and has been obsessed ever since. When I went into her room yesterday morning, the first thing she said to me was “boots peeze?” How could I say no? So much for sandals. The girl is ready for fall! …and a rodeo.
Not Staging Food.
I’s sorry for the WIAW fail, but I was so excited to construct Hailey’s pretty breakfast, that I ate my own like it really appears- straight out of a measuring cup. So why bother with Hailey’s food? Well, MUNCHKIN MEALS link up is tomorrow, so please join in! Plus, it was a special day…
First Day Jitters.
Were there tears? Nope! I reserve tears for the really big events, like haircuts. And as for Hailey, she did great. The teachers said she was so polite and played happily the entire time. One even whispered to me that she claimed her for the year because she loves her so much. I know, it’s not even an attempt at being humble, but my heart just about exploded with pride.
Red Pepper Flakes.
Is there anything better than having a delicious, hot meal ready to go? Yes, the meal plus red pepper flakes. I promise there is some spaghetti squash and meatballs with marinara underneath the blanket of red pepper flakes.
Learning new tricks.
Because evidently the tin foil makers KNOW that the roll doesn’t stay in place, which is why they made these handy-dandy push-in tabs to hold it in place. Mind = BLOWN.
Dry pasta.
$5.00 worth of cheap elbow macaroni has proven to be the wisest investment in child rearing to date. Forget college funds and warm clothes for winter, pasta is where it’s at.
Not taking pictures of every bite of food.
Because I figured you all know what a handful of almonds, a couple slices of cheese, another bowl of spaghetti squash and a carrot look like.
Freshly scrubbed and polished toes.
I promise to be more productive during Hailey’s next day of preschool.
Better than Bouillon
Because it doesn’t have MSG or trans-fats, which DOES make it better than those little cubes.
Make-ahead meals.
I made chicken tortilla soup during nap time. Every so often I get nervous to make an old recipe. Was it really that good? Well, yes, yes this one is. MAKE IT.
Loyalty.
It can be hard to find people that are as loyal as your dog. Always there, even on the busy days, happy, licky and tail-wagging. OK, long wog today just for these sweet puppy eyes.
Putting the camera away in the evenings.
Because it wouldn’t be appropriate to post a picture of David in just boxers. 
Plus, it’s nice to put the gadgets away and just relax with my sweet husband once he gets home.
What is one thing that makes you smile on a daily basis?
Lauren K says
Those boots…and that first day of school picture…too much! Well deserved pedicure for you too! Your food always looks so yummy…going to search your recipes for some new ideas! After all this summer travel, I am ready to have a routine again.
Lisa @ Exercise eat repeat says
Ahhh those boots are so cute. My nephew started school today and he was so excited. It is just such a lovely and special time.
Your chicken soup looks lovely and i am doing to have to check it out. your food always looks yummy. Many things make me simle but i love walking past a little lake to work and looking at the nature there.
Karen says
OMG, I cannot get over her…Hailey & Keely would be best friends with their love of boots…lol!! Where is she going to preschool at? K turns two in January and I would love to get her into a two day a week program. Seeing her smile everyday makes me smile.
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Those booooots!!! Cute. 🙂 I hear ya about turning off electronics at night. I don’t always do it, but it’s really enjoyable when I do.
Brittany Dixon says
I can’t always do it either, but I’m trying! 🙂
Chantal says
I should get some dry pasta for Penny… that sounds like a fun activity that she can’t eat as easily! lol
Christina says
Yay for a great first day of preschool!! My sweet girl makes me smile every day, especially in the evenings when I pick her up at daycare, and she comes running up to me and immediately begs for my keys, then proudly marches out the door with the keys in her little fist. It makes me smile every single time!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my goodness, that sounds so cute!! Aren’t they spunky? So sweet!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Hailey in those pink boots–cuteness beyond belief. Glad to hear she had such a great first day! My reasons to smile include starting my senior year of high school next week (I guess that’s more of a smile-frown) and looking forward to cooking with all the fresh herbs my mom bought yesterday! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Ah- what a big year! Exciting things ahead. I hope you have a great year!
Heather Murphy says
What a sweetie! My son’s silly, kindhearted nature always makes me smile!
Brittany K says
My daughter loves her boots too and has been wearing them THROUGHOUT the summer. At least Hailey’s are cute ;)! Such a cute cheesing picture for preschool too!! Our dog passed away yesterday! There is nothing like the loyalty of your dog, you are so right! and I will be trying this soup soon!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, I’m so, so sorry to hear about your dog. Koda is my first one and I just try to never think about day she won’t be with us anymore. I know it must be hard! <3
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I love this post for so many reasons! Those boots…adorable. So glad her first day of preschool went so well! 🙂
Stefanie says
Those boots are awesome. The girl has good taste!
Danica @ It's Progression says
Dogs really are so loyal – no matter what kind of day it was, I can always count on coming home to her excited to see me 🙂
My husband ran his very first 5K last night (we ran it together). He said he had a lot of fun, and the smile from it all still hasn’t left my face.
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
Suchhhh a cute post! Confession: I don’t even like kids haha
Amanda @runtothefinish says
ok this is why I love kids and their total honesty about life…she loves them so she will wear them fashion police be darned! A good reminder to embrace the things we love whole heartedly!
Neil Butterfield says
It’s great that you have so many incredible reasons to smile Brittany.
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Awe! Hailey looks so cute in her first day of Preschool outfit! Boots and all! Glad it was a great first day and I’m sure I would have the jitters too! FYI a great place to get noodles, rice, etc. for play is the dollar store!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Better than Bouillon is amaaaazing! I love that they have so many vegan-friendly versions!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Love this post! So glad Hailey’s first day went so well- I love those sweet compliments from others, they make such a difference! L had the same pair of boots a friend passed down to her. They don’t fit her anymore, but she was equally obsessed. Yay for pedicures!!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Such cute boots on Hailey!
I loved this post. I wish I would turn off my electronics at night MORE!
char eats greens says
That first picture with the diaper and the boots on….I die!! So adorable. I couldn’t find a fresh organic jalapeno (for dinner tonight) so second best is so red pepper flakes. I was ALL over thinking that one up instead of fresh jalapeno! I haven’t even met Hailey and I’d still claim her for me also haha!
Devin@Home Made Healthy says
Oh MAN!!! So Taco Slop has been my go to favorite “Mexican” type dish, but I made your chicken tortilla soup a week or so ago and HOLY COW!! I was in love! Seriously our new favorite meal!! My 20 month old loved it too! Total winner in our home!
Brittany Dixon says
Ahhh! Awesome! I’m so glad you liked it!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
You SHOULD be proud! that is so adorable!!! 🙂 I’m so glad she had a good first day of preschool!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
<3 red pepper flakes!
Munchies and Munchkins says
Awww those boots. I read your blog post every morning via my email subscription before I even get out of bed(I’m in the UK not just lazy) ou always inspire me with what you eat and I rarely comment which just makes me feel bad! I love the H updates and wow I want to try the chicken tortilla soup. The only thing that frustrates me is when you use ingredients that I can’t get over here but mostly it’s ok as you use nearly all fresh veg etc which I can almost always find or grow myself. I am very jealous of all of your amazing foodie shops! Very glad that H had a great first day at preschool. We don’t start until age 3 over here x
Michelle says
Livie picked out some boots from Tarjay last weekend too and man, they are so cute. Especially with her school uniform. Why don’t they make them like that in our size???
Yum on that tortilla soup. Soup like that makes me feel like fall is really on the horizon – even when it’s 95 degrees here.
Sarah says
Be careful with the Better than Bullion. Anyone sensitive to MSG will find that it does in fact still contain plenty of free glutamates. I am moderately sensitive and this stuff instantly gives me an aura migraine.
It doesn’t look like it’s in the Chicken on, but many of the Better than Bullion flavors have “autolyzed yeast extract” which can contain up to 78% free glutamate before it’s labeled MSG.
http://www.naturalnews.com/033560_yeast_extract_MSG.html
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
ok, that first pictures. seriously?! i dieeeeeeeeee…the cuteness
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Those boots are just too cute! And the tip with the tin foil was something I found out in the last year and I was blown away!
A guaranteed smile, and usually laugh, comes from both of my cats and my wife. Always.
Brenda says
Yay for the Better than Boullion! Glad you tried it.
Also, H’s first day of preschool outfit is adorable!