Healthy Dinners in the New Year

We just completed our first week back to school after being off for 2+ weeks. The good thing is: WE SURVIVED!!! We got to school on time. We jumped back into piano and dance and baseball lessons. And we--well--ME! I jumped back into cooking quick healthy meals for my family. If you know me, I…

Wreath Making Party

Oh what an afternoon! Another FIRST in the books!!! I hosted a wreath making party inspired by my dear friend Tania @thebendflowercompany who hosted one in her new space in Bend, OR last year and said it was a total blast! We laughed, we learned and we all left with the most beautiful wreaths to…

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Nothin’ like a lil’ Christmas Bunko Party to kick-start the holiday festivities! This morning my head is spinning, my cheeks are sore and my mouth is still watering from the new dessert I baked up for the festivities! These Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese frosting from @eighteen25girls were DELISH!!!! The cake was moist, the…

Race Car Birthday

It's the day before my son's 10th birthday... 10 years! Double digits!  I can't even believe it.  It feels like just yesterday we were walking past a shiny red Corvette and he literally stopped in his tracks, as a 5 year old, stared at it, then turned to me with the biggest cherry bright eyes,…

Easter Sippin’

Having a slew of relatives over? Or maybe a Friends-Easter? (Doesn't quite have the same ring as Friends-giving, does it?! 🙂 ) We are having both!  My in-laws, brother-in-law & his girlfriend and cousin Teresa are coming over for Easter. Then, our family dinner group who all have kids our kids age, are also coming…

Let’s Dye Some Eggs!!!!

  My daughter came home about a week ago and exclaimed, "Let's make marbled Easter eggs this year!"  And of course I said, SOUNDS GREAT!  Let's do it! Low and behold, there was an article in a magazine on marbling eggs with Cool Whip!  So I jumped in the mom mobile and headed to the…

Amazing Blueberry Dessert

When I commit, I commit hard.  So when I was asked to join a Bunko group in our neighborhood, and was told that "..you have to come.  No excuses.  We rely on all 12 members coming every month..." etc. etc.  Well...she didn't know who she was talking to.  I am a dedicated person.  If I…

Thailand Inspired Cocktail

Do you belong to a book club?  That amazing Oprah inspired us all to start one back in 1996!!!  I joined one many years ago just to give me an excuse to read a book a month. With all other life distractions and responsibilities, my reading gets postponed till vacation or summer breaks. Now, that…

Quick and Healthy After School Treat

I don't know about you but some days my body just does NOT feel good!!!  Hubbie's first question is, "Have you worked out?"  Ok, no.  I haven't.  I've been SLAVING OVER MY HOUSE AND SICK CHILDREN AND THEIR SCHEDULES AND NEEDS AND TOTALLY IGNORING MY OWN, OK?!!!!! I don't yell.  Only in type. 🙂  But…

Waldorf Astoria Cake 🎂 (aka Red Velvet)

This is the BEST red velvet you have ever tasted! And the frosting: so unique!