Frauline Maria loved her "Favorite Things" so much she sang a SONG about them! You ever get the urge to throw a party just to get together with good friends and family, but don't really have an "occasion" to celebrate? Well NOW YOU DO! Throw a "Favorite Things" party! You and your friends/guests get to spend some ... Continue Reading
D.I.Y. Ice Bottle Cooler
Doesn't this just look like it would be FUN to make?! It immediately caught my eye when I saw it on CelebrationsAtHomeBlog.com. This woman Chris Nease has some A M A Z I N G party ideas! You have to check it out! I just really, really was drawn to this idea. Maybe it's because it's hot outside and this looks so cool and ... Continue Reading
An Ode to Homemade Ranch Dressing!
My experience growing up might be a little different than most. It wasn't until I was married and "on my own" that I started buying bottled ranch dressing. I grew up on the Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing made from the packets by my Mom. Back then I think there was ONLY the buttermilk version available. I took it completely for ... Continue Reading
Adding "Computer Repair Technician" to my resume!
I still can't believe I did this. (OK...my 15 year old son helped. Actually he takes full credit...but you and I know the truth!) :-) This is our lovely Dell Dimension E510 desktop computer (I am so familiar with this thing now, I didn't even have to look that up!) that we purchased new 5 years ago. It leaves a lot to be ... Continue Reading
EASY Lemon Chicken & Lemonade Cake
Even before going "gluten-free", our family ate a lot of chicken! As a matter of fact, if it weren't for chicken, my youngest would probably starve! He is by FAR my pickiest eater (what kid doesn't like homemade mashed potatoes, or pasta, or cereal, or rice, or roast beef....I could go on and on) but if chicken is on the menu, I ... Continue Reading
Whoa (Bahama) Mama!!
Two things before I start. #1 This turned out to be A LOT more complicated and involved than I ever imagined starting out. Chalk this one up to "easier said than done" and #2. DARN YOU ERIK! I just had to get that out of the way. I feel better now. Let me explain. Last night after dinner we were discussing the usual ... Continue Reading
New Life for Old (Mason) Jars
So, my oldest child (a BOY thankfully!) is getting married in October. As the mother of the groom I haven't felt too pressured about the whole affair, but with the bride-to-be currently living with us, I'm finding myself being increasingly sucked in to the madness!! lol! That's not true. I am helping out, but because I love ... Continue Reading
Funky (Cheap) Wall Art!
I did it again! I had what I wanted to post all picked out and then I found something I HAD to share! NOW! :-) Not that that's a BAD thing! Just funny to me. The internet can be a dangerous place for those of us with a.d.d.! Although I prefer to think of it as being "flexible" and "open to new ideas". Hopefully you think ... Continue Reading
A tribute to an amazing hostess & a recipe for Swedish Visiting Cake in her honor!
The dictionary describes a "hostess" as "a woman who receives or entertains guests in a social setting". Well, this definition leaves a lot to be desired! If *I* had a dictionary and you looked up the word "hostess", it would have a picture of my sister-in-law Marianne next to it. She truly was the epitome of the "hostess ... Continue Reading
Baskets and bottles….
I made a stop at our local thrift store last week looking for a couple of different things we were in need of. Mainly a twin bed frame and a nightstand for my daughter. Unfortunately, on this day, I struck out on both of those. But don't you worry! I definitely didn't come come home empty-handed! (Which I RARELY do from ANY ... Continue Reading
Brand Name Laundry Detergent’s "Last Stand"!
So a couple of weeks ago I had HAD it! I was FED UP! I could not bring myself to buy ONE MORE bottle of over-priced, wastefully-packaged laundry detergent. I just couldn't do it! Now, I'm no eco-nazi (far from it), but buying those big bottles of laundry detergent, lugging them home and then turning around and throwing ... Continue Reading
Lemon JOY and the best darn cookies you’ll ever eat!
So those of you who know me well....know I am a HUGE fan of LEMON!!!!! Pretty much lemon ANYTHING....lemon yellow, lemon chicken, lemon trees, lemonade, lemon candy.....but ESPECIALLY Lemon DESSERTS!!!!!!!! As a matter of fact...I have an entire board filled with pins about all things lemon on Pinterest. (Mostly desserts of ... Continue Reading
D.I.Y. for the D.I.Y. Challenged…like myself!
I don't mean to whine....I mean I've been blessed with many wonderful gifts....with a few exceptions. :-) I can't draw (Oh how I wish I could!!!!) and I'm not the "craftiest" person on the block. Don't get me wrong....I LOVE crafts!! I admire the crafty! I will even suspend reality long enough to pretend I AM crafty and ... Continue Reading
Dining In Is The New Date Night
I recently read somewhere that "dining in" is the new Date Night. This took me a little by surprise because while it's definitely the case where we are concerned...I didn't know that the concept was catching on. In my case...by the time Friday night rolls around...I am ready to just put on comfy clothes and R E L A X! The ... Continue Reading