We finally managed to go on our quest for the perfect Christmas tree this year. I’m not sure that this tree constitutes perfect, but it’s pretty. And it will do. Also it was for a good cause. I am not a fan of buying a Christmas tree from a “big box” store. It just robs …
Weekends are the best time for an adventure. At least once a month Chad and I like to put the boys in the car and pick a weird family day destination. Sometimes we go to flea markets on our weekend adventures. For some reason my boys really get a kick out of a flea market. …
Yesterday was my littlest brother’s 16th birthday!!!! Sixteen- WHAAAAT??? That’s crazy. That means he can drive a car. But in my head Spencer (that’s my little brother) is forever four years old driving toy cars around the living room. He is the little kid with the giant blue eyes and the skinny little legs that …
With the launch to the holiday season officially behind us it is time to get down to business. For the last month I have ignored all displays of Christmas celebration because I just wanted to have November for once. Going straight from Halloween to Christmas stresses me out. It’s bad enough that every retailer in the …
I don’t really do Black Friday. I have a very short fuse, and I really have a major problem with line jumpers. You know there’s a reason they teach us in preschool to stand in line and wait our turn- it’s because waiting in line is an inevitable part of life. We all have to …
The Before Times I am often asked how this blog got its beginnings and it was really a collision Chop up 3 cups of your favorite crispy apples– beware of poison apples that witches leave at your doorstep– no need to peel these. This cake is a little bit rustic. Grease two 8 or 9 …
Do you ever make things just because you have all the things you need to make them? I do. Around Halloween I made a really cute mummy candle holder just because I could. Usually when I wander into the kitchen looking for a creative outlet whatever I end up with is almost always a result …
A rich tomato sauce that boasts tender onions and a whole stick of butter. San Marzano Tomato Sauce was inspired by a recipe scribble in the pages of a chic lit book. After reading I just had to bring it to life! This is one of the first recipes I published! I have updated the …
Forgetting homework is a mystery to me. I don’t ever remember forgetting my homework as a kid… not unless it was on purpose anyway. I don’t know if it is a boy thing, or an 8 year old thing, or a little kid thing… I think maybe I should ask my mom. My brothers …
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!!! That’s right. These things are addicting. My kiddos BEG for these things every year when we get down to pumpkin carving and EVERY year I have to stop and think about the oven temperature and all the detail kinds of things. I mean, I dunno about you, but I only hack up …