I love pretty desserts that look like you spent a lot of time making them. This pear tart is one of those desserts, but it can be made in 30 min. or so start to finish. The hardest part of this tart was cutting the pears really thin. Had I used a mandoline slicer it probably would have been easier and my slices would have been more uniform. I … [Read more...]
Little Free Libraries Make Me Smile
A little known fact about me is that I was the first library card holder in Mt. Top, Pennsylvania. When the Mt. Top Area Library opened it's doors my mother, brother and I must have been the first three in line. The library was located in an old home with creaky wood floors. The librarian typed the information on a piece … [Read more...]
Fall Pinspiration
I have a pinterest addiction. I don't think pinspiration is an actual word, but I guarantee it will be before long. For years I've been tearing ideas out of magazines and putting them in notebooks and folders. Pinterest allows you to select images from blogs and websites and organize them on your own personal boards. You can also follow other … [Read more...]
Autumn Pork Tenderloin
Several years ago I hosted a fall lunch at my home out in the country. There were lots of laughs, good food and a pack of dogs that ran out in front of my guest's cars causing some soup spills from crock pots. I haven't seen the dogs since. They must have smelled all of the good food coming their way that day. I asked my friends to bring a dish … [Read more...]
$100 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway
Nordstrom by dpasco featuring leopard pony hair shoes Me Too leopard pony hair shoes / Cara necklace / Round trivet / Tory Burch 'Amanda' Smartphone Wallet Welcome to the Nordstrom Giveaway! These are a few of things I'm loving from Nordstrom. The trivet was a gift from my husband for Mother's Day. I use it as a cheese board … [Read more...]
Enjoy The Ride
I took this picture at the Missouri State Fair this summer. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with it, but it made me smile. How can you not smile at a Kraft Macaroni and Cheese ferris wheel? Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a staple in our house. I often struggle with just enjoying the present moment. I'm always … [Read more...]
Simple Joys
source Twisted Sifter These are a few things I've been loving this week. I love these 15 quotes on creativity from Twister Sifter. Sometimes a simple quote can be empowering. I love this DIY message board from Jenna at Rain On A Tin Roof. I love the fabric she used to cover her bulletin board and the … [Read more...]
Perfection Is A Myth
source Twisted Sifter During our summer vacation in England several people made the comment to me that we are the perfect family. My first thought was, you haven't seen us behind closed doors. Don't get me wrong, I have a wonderful husband and two great kids, but we aren't perfect. On the other hand, I do have "the dog of the world" who is … [Read more...]
20 Caramel Apple Toppings
One of my favorite things about Fall is caramel apples! It's one of my mother's favorite Fall treats and growing up it quickly became one of mine as well. Last year I was determined to set up a caramel apple bar for some friends after seeing the idea on pinterest. I had a station set up with several different toppings. The images I found on … [Read more...]
Country Concerts and Magazines
These are a few things that made my smile list over the weekend. A good friend invited us to the Flatlands Country Music Festival. For three consecutive days several country artists performed in concert at the Sporting KC Stadium in Kansas City. Anyone that knows me well knows I'm not a huge country fan. It was our good friend's … [Read more...]