I've titled this recipe the ultimate oatmeal raisin cookie because these are some of the best oatmeal raisin cookies I've ever had. They only thing that would make them better is if you add some chocolate chips to the mix. Chocolate makes everything taste better in my opinion. My friend Cindy loves to make and test dessert recipes. She reads the … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Personalize a Party with Photos
I recently threw my husband a party for his 50th Birthday and used some old photos to personalize his birthday celebration. I reserved a space at a local restaurant and there wasn't much time to decorate the area. I also wanted to keep things simple and didn't want to lug tons of decorations or balloons into the restaurant. After all, the … [Read more...]
Chicken Tamale Casserole
This chicken tamale casserole is a quick and easy Mexican dish and a delicious alternative to traditional tamales. My friend Angela shared this recipe with me several months ago. I came across it again while searching for Mexican dishes to share for Cinco de Mayo. This chicken tamale casserole has a layer of corn spoonbread on the bottom and is … [Read more...]
The Selection Book Review
A beach chair, sunglasses, sunshine and a good book bring me joy. I was excited to receive a copy of The Selection by Kiera Cass right before our Spring Break trip to The Dominican Republic. Every now and then I get drawn into a young adult series that really captures my attention. My soon to be 16-year-old daughter will sometimes share a few of … [Read more...]
10 Things to Pretty Your Space
The spring season makes me want to freshen up my home with flowers and plants, incorporate lighter spring colors with pillows, and get rid of clutter. There are simple things you can do to pretty your space that don't cost a fortune. I've rounded up 10 ideas to help you pretty your space. 1. Add some fresh flowers to a room. … [Read more...]
4 Ingredient Guava Dip Recipe
There are a few readers I know that have been waiting for about two years for this four ingredient guava dip recipe. I hosted a party two years ago and my friend Kyra brought this guava dip. It was a huge hit and had such an interesting flavor that everyone wondered what was in it. The secret ingredient is guava paste. Guava is a tropical … [Read more...]
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
I came across the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up while browsing the staff recommended book section at Barnes & Noble several months ago. At the time I was gung-ho about simplifying and decluttering my home and it's one of those book titles that makes you want to pick it up and read more. I really didn't need to add another book to … [Read more...]
15 Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
It has been on my list to do list to share a grilled cheese roundup for sometime now. I just recently learned that April is National Grilled Cheese Month after reading a post by my friend Michelle at A Dish of Daily Life. These 15 gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches combine different types of cheeses, meats, condiments and even roasted cauliflower … [Read more...]
Finding Joy When You’re In a Funk
Have you ever been in a slump or as I like to call it a funk? I have many times and for the past several days I've been in one which makes it difficult to find the joy in the everyday. After coming back from my spring break vacation I thought I would be rejuvenated, but instead it just reminded me of how I long to live near the ocean. My … [Read more...]
Mocha Chocolate Brownies
These mocha chocolate brownies are rich, chocolaty and have a hint of coffee in them. My friend Anne shared these brownies with me and although she's not a coffee drinker this is one of her favorite brownie recipes. She often makes them for parties and they are a big hit. I love chocolate and coffee so they are a big hit with me as well. I … [Read more...]