Every week I have at least one conversation with a friend or new person I meet about what we are cooking or feeding our family. More than not, we talk about the successes and failures in getting our sweet little (or big) ones to eat something other than a hamburger or a bowl of cereal. Here are the top 5 unique meat-free meals my kids will eat everytime. [Read more…]
8 Simple Kid-Friendly Christmas Traditions
December is one of the busiest months for me, and not for the obvious reason. In our household we have two birthday’s to celebrate, one anniversary to commemorate, and a Christmas celebration to host. Our month gets filled up quickly when you add in the gift shopping, Christmas card writing, Holiday party hopping, and what not. Even with the full social calendar we make time for our Holiday traditions. These are 8 simple kid-friendly Christmas traditions worth trying. [Read more…]
The Christmas Pie Tradition
The Christmas Pie tradition can probably be traced back to my grandparents, if not farther. As a little girl my mom would shop for inexpensive small gifts for each Christmas dinner guest. They could be wind up toys, cassette tapes (yes, I am that old) or other silly games. She’d wrap each one up and tie around it a piece of curling ribbon with about a 3 foot talk of ribbon hanging off of each. At the end of the ribbon she would tape on a small piece of paper with a name of the recipient. Then she would [Read more…]
“Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own” by Kate Bolick – Book Club Question
courtesy of Penguin Random House
Have you heard about this great book yet? It just came out in April 2015 so its pretty new by my book reading standards. Kate ties her life into this book by evaluating the possibilities of living her life while remaining single. She brings in short chapter-size bios of woman from generations, if not decades past, to compare there lives to modern single women’s today. Its not a quick read and somewhat verbose, but makes you think differently about the way we choose our paths in life and the enlightening life that most woman even in this advance culture do not choose first.
Here are my Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own by Kate Bolick – Book Club Question: [Read more…]
Outdoor Halloween Decor Ideas on a Budget
When I was in college I was probably the most creative I have ever been on coming up with ways to decorate for the many different holidays. Some of the best ways to decorate a house with almost $0 money involved construction paper, markers, and scissors. As much as I loved those days, and will probably write a post at some point about the talented no-cost college holiday decor, here are some ideas for Halloween decor ideas on a budget. [Read more…]
“Shanghai Girls” by Lisa See – Book Club Questions
Courtesy of Lisasee.com
I am notorious for not reading my book club books in order. Firstly because I take what ever is available at the library and it is not always the next book in line, and secondly, I often gravitate to what sounds good. I was especially excited to read Lisa See’s book “Shanghai Girls” that came out in 2009. Asian culture is one of my interests (just look at what my Minor was in college) and so I jumped ahead to our January 2016 book selection. [Read more…]
Calico Pizzas
Here we have it, folks another great way to use up those leftovers sitting in your refrigerator on a Friday night. I started these calico pizzas when I realized that my children were not big fans of the vegetable-ful pizzas I love to make and it only made sense to start producing a variety of mini pizzas so that everyone was happy.
As my kids get a little older, and a little more adventuresome,we have expanded their taste buds with unique variations of this pizzas. Even though there is not really a formal recipe, here are some delicious combos we have come up with: [Read more…]
5 Reasons to Buy Furniture Online
I am an advocate for buying online, however the task of buying furniture online can sound a little intimidating. When it comes to furniture you know you are not only going to sink cost into your purchase if you want something nice, but you also know that you have a list of expectations like comfort, style, and quality. Have no fear, this may shock you, but buying furniture online is not as risky as it sounds.
Way back in 2000 I used to use this very new website called Overstock.com for purchase of non digital camera and new duvet comforter. I recall the reaction from my colleuges when I told them I purchased a camera from a new website, it was as if I went on a date with a publicly known serial killer. In all seriousness, the idea of purchasing this expensive item online raised eyebrows.
Fast forward to now. I bank online, I pay bills on line, and I continue to buy consumer goods online. Here are 5 reasons to buy furniture Online. [Read more…]
10 craft items you need for your school ager
I remember when I was in high school I had a friend who asked if I wanted any of her parents craft supplies they were planning to throw away. I gladly took many of the items, but I also asked why her parents decided to unload these fine items. She simply explained that the only reason they had them in the first place was that they had kids in school and didn’t need them anymore. As an adult and a parent I finally understand them. There are craft items you just need stocked in your house when you have kids: [Read more…]
Buff’s Breakfast Casserole
I am always amazed when I come across a recipe which makes a dish that tastes significantly more complicated than it is. My colleague brought this into the office for our team brunch and it made a big impact. He made it three different ways, cheese, sausage, and with vegetables. If you are looking for a delicious dish to bring a friend’s house or whip up when unexpected company arrives at your house try this deliciously simple breakfast casserole. The recipe is as follows: [Read more…]
Ideas for Leftover Apples
I face this dilemma each and every Fall after I have gotten extra zealous with my apple purchases. There are so many great varieties to try its hard to resist the urge to buy some new ones to try. Although tart Granny Smith is my preferred choice, I am particular to a seasonal Zestar variety we pick up at Ten Ecyk Apple Orchard in Brodhead, WI. Family-owned since 1839, this beautiful farm is worth visiting for its wide-variety of apples, over 50, being harvested each year.
So what to with all those leftover apples? The ideas are endless, here are some [Read more…]
Kid Friendly Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables take on sweeter flavor. One way to make vegetables appealing to a child’s taste buds is to roast them to a perfect crispy perfection. After many trials of scorched vegetables here is my perfected kid friendly roasted vegetables.
- 1 lb of organic carrots
- 1 lb of organic red potatoes
- 2-3 Tbs of olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Chop vegetables into 1 or 1 1/2 inch pieces. Try to [Read more…]