The BEST Gluten-Free Donuts EVER

I could handle the season of FALL year round. Seriously, the first day that it dropped down
to 68 degrees I had to stop myself from busting out my scarves, wearing boots, lighting candles,
making pumpkin pie, and sipping apple cider all at the same time. Pace yourself, Brittany.
But last winter was seriously scarring. I have not forgotten the polar vortex or the irony of the
movie "Frozen" being released and played on REPEAT in every house, including ours, across America.

So we are taking full advantage of every day now to enjoy "all the fall things" to the fullest.
Apple, pumpkin, cinnamon and sugar - windows open, candlelight, warm drinks, fresh baked donuts...

I had to share the recipe. I've made several attempts at a gluten-free donut in the past couple
of years and it was all just "meh". But THESE babies. Hold me back. They can keep up with any
apple orchard or pumpkin patch fare out there. Yea, that's what I'm saying.

This recipe is not my own. I wish I had come up with this deliciousness, but no. I found this in
the "Simply Sugar and Gluten Free" cookbook / blog. This girl knows what's up.
Standing "O" going out to Amy!!! We LOVED the chocolate + apple-cider versions of this recipe!!!

Fall just feels better when donuts are involved, no?!

Spider-Man Birthday Party

I always felt like I was more of a "girly girl" and that all the femininity would just spill
over and produce a flock of baby girls for me. But no. I am mother to a small band of brothers
and I can't believe how PERFECT it feels. The whole "boy mom" gig is totally my thing.
Their wild, adventurous, fearless spirits absolutely have my awe and attention.

I love to make all their boyhood dreams come true. Even if it means letting them jump off the arms
of couch in their super hero capes or run around the house in their underwear, in the name of
"Tarzan". They bring dirt, sticks, rocks into our home -- seeing the potential for EVERYTHING to
be wielded as a weapon. They tell me to "calm down, momma" and it makes me smile...

their masculine hearts telling my own, so very different, that they've "got this".

It's really an experience beyond anything I could have ever imagined. My "girly girl" world
is beautifully tainted with all the wonders of "boy". There are flowers on the table and a candle
lit on the piano, but it wouldn't feel complete without their bucket of trucks, tools, action
figures strewn across the floor. It all compliments well.

This year, Judah wanted a "Spider-man" birthday party - and it was so much fun!!!
Thanks for letting me be part of your boy world, baby!!! We love you so much.




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We should go to parties together...
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Becoming a Party of Five

The other night I had to run out to pick up some groceries, and my husband had to pry our 3 year old
off my legs so that I could actually walk out the door minus the cute, but extra, accessory. Apparently
he cried for a long time - only to be mildly consoled by praying for me. He kept saying he wanted a
"family night" - for momma to come home. Heartbreaking, I know. I almost, almost, suffered a
bout of "momma guilt" - and then the gigantic, "I'm so pregnant", emotional wave passed and I was like,
"Dude, I went out to get FOOD!"

"He doesn't act like this. Ever." I told my husband.
He must know, he must sense, that his whole, little world is about to change.

I feel it too. Any day now. Our routine, our rhythm, is going to be gloriously interrupted,
rearranged, by a tiny newborn - that my kids still innocently believe is going to "pop out" of
my belly button. They actually tell people this - with a complete confidence and certainty
that would make you think they're actually midget OBGYNS.

Our hearts and home are full of anticipation.
I can't believe it was just this past January that I was about to throw away all our baby toys...

"With not being able to conceive a third child - and no promise of conception in the near
future - I was shouting 'FINE, God... You've let my body betray me! So I will stand
with my hands on my hips, eyes laser-focused with cheeks glazed in tears, jaw clenched -
and roar back at You..' by throwing away all the baby toys?! Can we say hormonal?"
(read more)

In the midst of my confusion and frustration, God broke through, blessing me with tenderness and
one million tears. I took those toys and packed them away in a paper Trader Joe's bag not knowing
when, or if ever, I would unpack them again. But the word "LIFE" was resounding in my heart -
loud enough to give me hope.

That month we got pregnant.

I took out those baby toys the other day - just to see. It was humbling and beautiful all at the
same time. God gives in HIS time. A lesson that seems to be on REPEAT for this momma. I moved all
the small gadgets - the soft ones, the ones that light up, that sing, stack, and hold the imagination,
fascination, of such tiny minds - and put them into a soft bag with Christmas-like excitement...

Any day now.

I am looking forward to the moment we introduce the baby to the boys. Yes, this little one
will change their world - but I will pray away the anxiety and call down that radical joy
that comes from having siblings! Isaiah keeps telling me he is going to "hold the baby's head" -
aaaaand BODY... I remind him!!!

I am looking forward to feeling my heart EXPAND with love. It's crazy how a mother's love does
NOT divide among her children, as if she has a certain capacity, but multiplies, spills over,
becomes greater, deeper - more crushing, more fierce with each new child.

I am looking forward to recovery. Quiet, family time. We might be living in our pajamas, eating
peanut butter and jelly like it's going out of style, and watching WAY TOO MUCH Netflix...
but it'll be great.

I am looking forward to the scent of fresh baby. Enough said, right?

I am looking forward to sleeping on my stomach again. And my husband is looking forward to me
not begging, doe-eyes and all, for massages every night. I've loved being "host" - but it's time.
Eviction day is coming. Let's keep it quick and easy, baby!!!

I wish I could hug and thank each and every one of you who has prayed for and with us -
before we got pregnant and throughout this pregnancy. It means so much. I still think of and pray
for all who have shared their own struggle with infertility (secondary) with me. You are so loved.

LIFE. HOPE. THANKFULNESS.
Party of five? It's happening!

Judah || My Lion Turns 3

You are wild and wonderful!!! My lion-hearted baby - roaring and marching to the beat of your
own drum since the day you were born. There are not enough words in the English language to tell you
how greatly I love you. I'm glad God chose you for me - and me for you. (birth story)

I didn't know how much I was going to enjoy having you and your brother, Zay, so close together, but
God knew. Best surprise of our lives (miracle story). You two are inseparable. Mistaken for twins by
the public eye multiple times a week - you are the peanut butter to Isaiah's jam - so it makes sense.
I pray you always have each other.

You are strong-willed, determined, friendly, out-going - making friends wherever you go - smiling all
the while. You have a knack for memorization, a magnet for disaster, and the cutest, little "man" voice
that makes me laugh. But when you reeeeeeally want something you use this tiny, manipulative, baby
voice that none of us can resist. You'd think it would get old. But no.

Your name means "PRAISED - FIERY ONE"... and I think it's fitting.

I can't believe you are THREE today. You still seem so "baby" to me. But you like to remind me on
a daily basis that you are NOT the baby - and that the REAL baby is inside my belly button. I'm glad
God gave us all this time with you as our "little one" - it is ALWAYS a JOY to be with you, learn
from you, watch you grow!!!

I love you so much.
Happy Birthday, J-baby XO

- momma

Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread

I feel all warm and fuzzy inside when we slide a pan of this zucchini bread mix into the oven.
The cinnamon, fresh grated nutmeg and maple syrup - it smells like fall! I usually end up burning the
tips of my fingers as I try to "gingerly" slide a piece out of the pan well before it has cooled - so
that I can slather on some grassfed butter and celebrate Thanksgiving in my heart!

I always make two loaves - because the first one is mainly just for sampling purposes of course.
Actually, this bread freezes well (3-4 weeks) and I like to have a loaf or two in the freezer...
to make me and my family happy!!!

______________________________________________

Preheat over to 350 and grease two bread pans //

Mix together:

2 C. finely shredded (drained if needed) zucchini
1/2 C. melted butter (coconut or sunflower oil works well too)
1 C. sugar (or 1 1/2 C. pure maple syrup)
4 eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg (or 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. xanthan gum

Then slowly add:

3 C. all-purpose GLUTEN-FREE flour (I use Bob's Red Mill)

Combine all ingredients well, pour into bread pans, and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Girls' Night Out || Arbonne + Tapas + Sangria

Last week, my sister, Nellie, came to town and brought all of her "Arbonne-ness" with her!
I knew we were going to be pampered, but I didn't know that I was going to like it so much that
I was going to sniff the towels we used from that night for many days after because they smell like
all of that "pure + safe + beneficial" wonder! And now you are never going to look at me
the same way again. I also made a Christmas wish list like a freakin' 6 year old.

I'm thinking I should get out more.

I've raved about Arbonne before, and I'll do it again. If you haven't tried their products - we can't
be friends. Ok, that was harsh, and I don't mean it - but you guys!!! It's some good stuff.

It was seriously so much fun to experience Arbonne with some dear friends of mine! At one point headbands were passed out and I felt like I was in Junior High again - wishing everyone could just spend
the night and stay up til 3 in the morning talking about NSYNC, lip gloss, and our latest crushes!!! Sigh.

Girls' Night Out - let's do it again, ladies!!!

P.S. If you need a great consultant or just want to chat about options, opportunities, or how you can
make your towels smell divine = talk to Nellie!!! E-mail: nellie.simoneau@gmail.com || Facebook

InStyle with the Bump || Dark + Floral

"This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, InStyle,
Vogue, and Elle, but all opinions are my own." #pmedia #inspirefallfashion // full disclosure
_____________________________________________________

I believe that "fashion" is for all. It's a natural, creative desire within us that radiates forth - bursting
into sequenced pumps or classic flats, layers of cotton or ruffles in satin, boot cuts or skinnies forever.
We all have our own unique style and drive and I believe it is to be CELEBRATED!

I am currently a 36 weeks pregnant hot mess.

Confession: the other day I seriously texted my husband, "I want to be so cute, but I just feel so
big and large and round!" - with some very sad emoticons for all-intensive, visual purposes. I think we as
women, myself included - right smack in the front of the line, can be so critical of ourselves when we
could be taking all that God-given, beautiful, radiate energy and using it to ROCK what we've got!

Preaching to myself: life is too short to not embrace the fashionista within!

From size 0 to plus - from tiny to voluptuous - from petite to tall - from maternity to post partum -
raise your glasses... because the Fall fashion magazines are dripping with ideas for YOU. Yes, you!


I ran to Target (because I ALWAYS run to Target!) and picked up the September issues of
InStyle and Elle. Fun fact, right now if you buy any two (InStyle, Elle or Vogue) fashion magazines
through September 13th, 2014 you get a $5 Target gift card. Um - that's a pumpkin spice latte on your
way out the door! Read and sip, my friends - read. and. sip!

All the dark colors paired with floral immediately caught my eye! *Swoon*
So this Fall I'm going vintage-classy and I'm taking "the bump" with me!!!





black stretch turtle neck // Target (similar)
floral skirt // Carol Anderson
moccasin flats // Nine West
slouch hat // American Eagle
rings // Target

Be encouraged, be inspired, be who you were created to be and dress accordingly! There are lots
of beautiful ideas out there (hey thanks - InStyle, Elle, Vogue!), so I'm going to highly recommend that
you start at Target and get that PSL with your $5 gift card on the way out the door!!!

InStyle || TWITTER + FACEBOOK + INSTAGRAM