We had a short-lived taste of spring and now it's back to colder temperatures in the Midwest. During the winter months I like to make a lot of soups, chili and stew. Beef stew is one of my husband's favorite dishes. I pulled this recipe out of a magazine years ago. It's very tasty and perfect for a chilly night. You can serve it over mashed … [Read more...]
Dogs and Henry Make Me Smile
My son turns 18 today and watching him grow into a nice young man for the past 18 years, has made me smile every day. I could dedicate this post to him, but being that he's 18 he wouldn't think that's very cool. I'll wait until he graduates to share all of my boohooing. I've decided to write about my other son of the canine variety who also … [Read more...]
Favorite Finds- Signs, Sam’s Club and Books
I was surprised to find my neighbor carving this welcome home sign into a snow drift last weekend. His girlfriend had been out-of-town over Valentine's Day weekend and he spent all day preparing the snow, carving out the letters and spraying paint through a straw to color the letters. It wasn't a nice warm day either, as you can see from the … [Read more...]
Shrimp and Sausage Cioppino
My first taste of cioppino was at an old restaurant in San Francisco which was known for the dish. Cioppino is an Italian-American seafood stew, but this particular recipe from the cookbook Weeknights With Giada gives it a twist by adding Italian sausage. Fresh seafood isn't readily available where I live so I happen to like this recipe. … [Read more...]
Do You Know Your Decorating Style?
image from Home Goods Do you know your decorating style? While looking for ideas on organizing my home I came across a blog post from 7th House on the Left. Have I mentioned I'm easily distracted? The post mentioned Home Goods' Stylescope quiz and I'm a sucker for any quiz that reveals something about your personality. I also … [Read more...]
Coconut Dream Cake
The reports of snowstorms across the country have me dreaming of coconut cake. Instead of pulling your hair out because your kids are home yet another day for President's Day, celebrate winter's snowfall with a taste of the tropics and a mug of hot chocolate. Snow days and winter holidays are a great time to watch movies, bake, play board … [Read more...]
Love
Originally I had planned to do a great roundup of chocolate recipes I've been pinning on Pinterest the past few months, but I decided to keep things short and sweet since it's Valentine's Day. Call someone and tell them you love them or give someone a hug. Don't text, email or Facebook message them, actually talk to them … [Read more...]
50 Favorite Movies About Love
Movies are a great escape, give you a new perspective and can kindle a romance. My first date with my husband ( 30 years ago) was at the movie theater. I met him when I was 16 and we went to see Two of A Kind with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. It was also January 20 and there isn't a ton to do during the winter months in … [Read more...]
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These chocolate cherry cookies are the perfect Valentine's Day treat! My friend Angela shared this recipe with me. She has been making these cookies for 22 years and they are a family favorite. The cookie is moist and cake like and covered with a decadent fudge frosting. Upon biting into the cookie you are greeted with a sweet … [Read more...]
How Tortellini Soup Warmed My Soul
I had something happen a few weeks ago that changes the way I will forever look at tortellini soup. … [Read more...]