My "Get Out of Your Box Challenge" this month is to try a new recipe or attend a cooking class. I had the pleasure of attending an Italian Small Plates class with Chef Jasper Mirabile, Jr. hosted by Olive Tree . This shrimp and artichoke oreganata recipe uses Olive Tree's Butter Olive Oil so you get the flavor of butter without the unhealthy … [Read more...]
InstaSmiles
It's been a while since I've shared some of my pictures on my Instagram feed. For those of you who follow me on Instagram you may have already seen these pictures. I'm always surprised though how many things people don't see, therefore I tend to overshare at times. Timing plays a big factor when it comes to social media and people automatically … [Read more...]
March Get Out of Your Box Challenge
This month's Get Out of Your Box Challenge is to try a new recipe or sign up for a cooking class or demonstration in your area. I've mentioned before how I love the idea of cooking, but don't actually enjoy the process. Cooking shows make everything look so easy. All of the ingredients are already pre-measured,placed in cute little bowls and 10 … [Read more...]
An On The Go Workout & Garmin Vívosmart Giveaway
My out of the box challenge for February was to try a new physical activity or exercise class. Sometimes you can have the best intentions for exercising and then life happens. Circumstances don't always allow you to go the gym, exercise outside or attend a class somewhere. My friend Angela shared an exercise App with me that is easy to do in your … [Read more...]
Things I’ve Learned From 4 Years of Blogging
This month marks my four year anniversary of blogging. In some respects I feel like it's been 20 years and in other ways it seems like just yesterday. I started my blog as a way to: get into the habit of writing, share creative ideas, record all the blessings in my life and hopefully provide a catalyst to other creative opportunities. In the past … [Read more...]
Teen Speak
I've always had a hard time remembering numbers, but words I remember. Over the past year I've noticed there seems to be a whole new vocabulary amongst teens or at least my 16-year-old daughter and her friends. Not all of the words are new, some are words used in a different context. I remember an incident when I was in grade school grocery … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Jump-start Your Year
Monday marked the Chinese New Year. I'm never prepared to set goals and establish priorities by January 1 so I like to follow the Chinese New Year. China celebrates the Gregorian calendar, but the lunisolar calendar has ceremonial significance. The Chinese New Year marks a special time to spend with family and honor ancestors. Each … [Read more...]
Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas
Love is the key which binds us all. We celebrate love on Valentine's Day, but really we should be celebrating love every day. Valentine's Day is the second largest card sending holiday following right behind Christmas. Contrary to my father's beliefs, Hallmark did not start this holiday. You can read about the history of Valentine's Day here. … [Read more...]
Delicious Baked Ziti
This delicious baked ziti recipe is perfect for a big family dinner and full of flavor and cheesey goodness. The recipe makes quite a bit so if you have a small family you may want to half the recipe. It's also great as a leftover. It's my friend Christine's go-to recipe and I've made it so many times that it has now become mine. It's one of … [Read more...]
Things That Are Saving My Life This Winter
I can understand why people retire in Florida. As I get older I enjoy the cold temperatures less and less and crave the sunshine. Winter can be a tough season and it's easy for me to list all the things I hate about winter. I've been obsessively reading the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy and loved this recent post Anne shared on keeping a list of things … [Read more...]