The refrain around my house for the last week or so has been the usual stuff of mid-May: what do you want for Mother’s Day?
It started as a casual question, then became more urgent as the week went on, finally hitting a crescendo by Saturday afternoon.
The problem is, there’s really nothing I want for Mother’s Day. Or at least, nothing I can point to in a store window. Because that’s the thing about being a mother: it’s hard to translate a year’s worth of appreciation into a sweater or a piece of jewelry. Really, I think that all any of us wants is to be appreciated on a regular basis, and...continue reading
Spring is in full swing, so here are some of my tried and true spring gardening tips to help get a jumpstart on your warm weather vegetables and herbs:
Keep a garden diary.
I’ve long since given up on my ability to remember which plants were successful and which ones were not -Baby # 2 sucked the memory card right out of me. Now, I keep a garden diary to help me keep track. I have a simple log that tracks what was planted, when it was planted and harvested and whether we liked eating it or not. Then, the following year I can plant with confidence, baby brain and all.
Pay attention to the...continue reading
Are you looking for something unique to surprise Mom with this Sunday? Show your love with a batch of Maple Bacon Muffins, in bed, of course.
Mom can start her glorious day snuggled in PJ’s, the comforter, and the savory sweet aroma of these delicious treats. Start your pan sizzling and see what happens…
Maple Bacon Muffins
Ingredients
6 slices cooked* maple bacon (we use Farmer John’s) Note: After frying, reserve the drippings in a container and place in the refrigerator to solidify - approximately 30 minutes.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2...continue reading
A couple of days ago, Ava and I went searching for a Mother’s Day gift to send to my mom.
It happens every year: I spend a month trying to figure out the most perfect and thoughtful gift to illustrate how much I love and appreciate her, and then with two days to spare, I scramble. Last year, I found myself standing in the beauty section of Marshalls holding a can of Big Sexy Hair volumizing spray. Because nothing says “I love you” like voluminous hair.
No. Really. I bought my mom hairspray for Mother’s Day. And you know what’s even better? She liked it.
My mom is the most appreciative and...continue reading
"Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!" - Robin Williams
With winter winds still howling and the season’s holidays now over, it’s not uncommon to experience a touch of the winter blues.
Like many of us, you may feel like you are coming out of hibernation, a little sluggish and sleepy-eyed, wondering how to get into the swing of things when mostly what you want is a long nap.
But don’t forget: Spring is around the corner. It’s time for birds to sing and blossoms to bloom, time for sloughing off the winter grays of dreary cold and stepping into a fresh new you.
By now, most of our...continue reading
Spring's arrival and the upcoming Easter holiday means tons of excitement for preschoolers! So channel that energy and excitement into creative Easter art projects that will make for a fun and festive display at home or in the classroom.
Dyed Easter eggs typically come to mind, but that's not the only craft project you can do with your little ones. Here are several Easter arts and craft projects perfect for preschool-aged kids:
Egg Shell Art
The leftover egg shells from the colored Easter eggs stay out of the trash for this preschool art project. The small pieces of colored shell become the...continue reading
Decorating your home for Easter is easy with fresh and colorful spring arrangements. These Easter flower arrangements are ideal to decorate your home for an Easter celebration, or to simply enjoy throughout the spring, making the most of the early blooms of the season.
Integrate your own family traditions into these Easter flower arrangements to make them even more meaningful for your family. You may even be able to collect the materials for this arrangement around your home and yard!
What you'll neeed:
Flowering branch
Garden shears
Large vase
Tulips, daffodils or other...continue reading
Want to have fun with the kids and also have a yummy dessert and decorations for Easter brunch? We've got a recipe for adorable tasty bunnies, tips for a fun edible decoration and a craft project that will add sparkle to your eggs.
Enjoy!
1. Easter Bunnies
In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Using 1/3-cup measuring cup coated with cooking spray, divide warm cereal mixture into portions. Using buttered hands shape each portion into ball. Use frosting to attach two...continue reading
