Crowns, Wands and Princesses.

A "castle" under the trees, 12 little princesses all dressed up. Crowns, wand making, and "dragons and princesses" were all part of the party fun. Pink cupcakes, little croissants, veggies and juice, on a blanket under the "castle." Drama free!

The best homemade granola bars!

My kids go through granola bars at a very unusual pace! I hate buying the store bought ones that are filled with preservatives, and well, they can get very expensive. I've been searching for a good homemade recipe for a while now and I think I've finally find out!

Don't these look delish! (not the best photo but I had to snap it quick before they were eaten by 3 little monsters).

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

1/4 c unsalted butter
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c honey
1/4 c natural peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c oats
1/2 c crispy rice cereal
3/4 c chopped pretzels (you can substitute for extra nuts if you want)
1/4 c mini chocolate chips (substitute with raisins if you have something against chocolate)

1. In large sauce pan, add butter, sugar, honey and peanut butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until mixture starts to bubble. Once bubbling, cook for 2 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Stir in the oats, crispy cereal, and pretzels. Stir until well coated. Prepare 8x8 pan with layer of parchment paper. Pour into pan. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and gently press into the granola bars.

3. Place in refrigerator and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Note: I individual wrap the bars and store them in the refrigerator. You can also keep them in the freeze for lunches, but mine don't usually last that long!

Enjoy!

Lifestyle - Everyday Things.

I love taking lifestyle shots of my kids. Just of the every day, mundane things. My son, Austin, loves to look at himself in the mirror and make faces while combing his hair. He's wearing the robe he wears every night to bed. He would stay in his robe all day long if I'd let him!

Here's a few shots I took of Austin "primping" in the bathroom after his bath. Isn't he a cutie?!

Finally! I finished my new website!

I've been working on my new website for the past month - and it's finally done. Please check it out and let me know what you think... www.mellabellaphoto.com

Also, note my new name "Mella Bella Photography." And of course I'm posting an image - my favorite one from the summer.