EASTER BASKETS & MEMORIES

Easter is this weekend and I find myself reminiscing about past Easters in our family and how special this celebration has been in many ways. When we were little Easter often fell on spring break and we frequently went “out west” as my parents called it. We went to Las Vegas! Many Easter’s we took…

ST. PADDY’S DAY IRISH DINNER

I am not Irish, but my name is, and I married an Irishman so now I also have an Irish last name…so that kind of makes me Irish…kind of. Growing up I felt like a bit of an impostor on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m a lot of many things but Irish by blood is not…

HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP

Nothing is better in the winter than homemade chicken soup, especially in the midwest. Snow storm coming? Make some chicken soup! A cold settling in? More chicken soup! My newest reason for making a batch of chicken soup is Charlotte. Carrots that have been cooking in broth all day are the perfect texture for a…

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

When I was pregnant with Charlotte I had two cravings. Apples and homemade triple chocolate brownies. I felt like that was a good balance of cravings, right? I made these triple chocolate brownies a lot! They’re simple to make and when a craving hits you can be eating them within an hour! Love, love, love…

VALENTINE’S DAY STYLE

Charlotte has a little friend, E. They are so sweet together. Charlotte loves to give him hugs and kisses while naturally he likes to play hard to get. We always look forward to spending time with E and his Momma.  Charlotte and E were born 17 days a part, both adorable blond-haired, blue-eyed beauties! Naturally E’s…

BABY FOOD MAKING BASICS

We love to eat. Who doesn’t? I was so excited to share with Charlotte so many of my favorite foods. It was painful for my parents to see her only drink breast-milk for so long! They wanted so badly to make real food for her. It’s an interesting thought. What do we do when someone…

CLASSIC SHORTBREAD

Do you remember taking a treat to school for your birthday? What was your favorite dessert? I cannot believe that I do not remember! I remember my Mom made the most delicious chocolate peanut butter apples for my brother (recipe coming soon!) but I cannot remember what I requested. Most likely vanilla cupcakes if I…

SATURDAY MORNING CINNAMON ROLLS

I have what seems like hundreds of cookbooks. I love them. I love their beautiful photos, captivating titles (Nigella I really want to write How to be a Domestic Goddess Part II, is that OK with you?) and the endless possibilities hidden between the pages. But when it comes to my favorite, my tried and…

TRAIN TRAVEL IN FRANCE

*Although this first photo is my own, I apologize for the stock photos that follow! They may not be the best, but I think they help to get the job done. Paris is probably one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of France, but when planning a trip to France,…

CHILDREN’S TABLE & CHAIRS UPGRADE

I have another wonderful “IKEA hack” for you! Let me preface by saying that I do not sew. Needless to say I proceed with caution, low expectations and shaking hands when I tackle anything that is considered “upholstery.” Before I die I should really learn to sew. I think I would be disappointed to get…