Baking for Friends with Tate’s Bake Shop
Baking for friends and family throughout the year is something I’m very passionate about doing. Those who know me have certainly been supplied with lots of goodies! I mean, really, what better way to show up for a visit, than with a tin of muffins in hand? They are certainly always well received! I like […]
Hot Toys for 2012: Morphology
My family adores board games. In fact, we try to set aside at least one night per week to have a family game night and always invite guests to join in, too. It’s certainly a terrific way to spend quality time together. The game that’s top on the list for my boys this year is […]
Please Take a Moment to Thank Our Troops
I come from a long line of U.S. veterans, some of whom sacrificed their lives serving our country. I’m incredibly proud of our family legacy and of all those who have sacrificed so much to serve and protect our freedoms. Right now. over 1.5 million troops serve our great nation. So many of them will […]
Gluten Free Theme Parks – Dollywood is Leading the Way
Robert F. Thomas Chapel at Dollywood (10/12) When visiting Dollywood this fall, I was surprised and pleased to learn that the beacon theme park of the south has tailored their park menus to cater to special dietary concerns including food allergies, vegetarian, diabetic, and gluten free choices. Now, while enjoying the music, rides, artisans and […]
Hot Toys for 2012: Reverse Charades
Last year, Reverse Charades was one of our top picks for hilarious clever new games from the Chicago Toy Fair. Reverse Charades is making our top list again this year, thanks to their newly launched Reverse Charades Expansion Packs which add even more belly-busting laughter, mayhem, and fun to the game play! Reverse Charades is a twist […]
Save Your Sanity and Your Budget With a “Make Under” Christmas
Does the hustle and bustle of the holiday season make you cringe a little? Are you so busy that prepping for Christmas that it feels more like a chore than a joy? Or do want to simply scale back this year and keep things simple? A “make under” Christmas may be the answer to both […]
Hot Toys for 2012: Stompeez
By now, you’ve likely seen the commercials for Stompeez or have noticed the cute comfy slippers on a retail display. However you have seen or heard about these cute slippers, you know they are irresistibly adorable! They also have a super clever design that has each animal moving with your child’s every step. Stompeez are fluffy, comfortable, […]
Hot Toys for 2012: I See Me! Personalized Placemat and Coloring Book
I’m a huge fan of personalized gifts. Whether it’s hand-crafting a unique item, selecting favorite colors, or imprinting the recipient’s name on on a gift, a personal touch is always something I value dearly, and thereby love to give. I See Me! is a company that also values personalized keepsakes. Their mission is to increase […]
Holiday Secret: It’s Not Too Early to Start Planning for Next Christmas
The last six weeks of the year can be expensive. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, we do nothing but cook and eat, visit and travel, spend and shop. This can certainly wreak havoc on an otherwise tight budget but it’s not too late to learn some terrific habits from holiday savvy shoppers. Many savvy spenders budget for […]
How About A Nice Football? Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Giveaway
I can recite nearly every memorable line by heart from the 1983 classic “A Christmas Story.” The only thing wrong with this quirky capability? I didn’t choose it. I have developed this nifty, unsettling talent that I rarely put to practical use from being subjected by my husband (and now my children who are fans,) […]
Gluten Free Baked Spaghetti #Recipe
Gluten Free Baked Spaghetti (recipe below) As I’ve found out, gluten free living can certainly be a challenge to maintain and does mean sacrificing some ol’ stand-by food favorites and discovering new substitutions to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. One of my biggest hang-ups, though with going gluten free is that my family does not […]
Farm Fresh Recipe: Apple Harvest Citrus Sangria
Wondering what to do with the remaining apples from your trip to the orchard or looking for a clever, seasonal drink recipe for your next gathering? Put a spin on a great classic by serving up Apple Harvest Citrus Sangria. Ingredients: 2 red apples 1 750 ml bottle white wine 1/3 cup peach schnapps 1/4 […]