Triscuit and Martha Stewart have partnered up this summer for the Triscuit Summer Snackoff Challenge (which I'll share more details about below). My challenge to help promote this and to give you a little inspiration (as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #TriscuitSnackoff) was to create a topping for Triscuit crackers using peas, which is this week's featured ingredient. So I give you Prosciutto and Pea Crackers. They make a tasty little appetizer, that are perfect for summer entertaining. Ingredients: (makes approximately 1 dozen crackers) Triscuit - original crackers 1/2 cup English peas - cooked and cooled, I like... Continue reading

Remember a while ago when I posted about Sauder and some of the gorgeous furniture they have? Well, as luck would have it I was asked if I'd like a lovely piece and so of course I jumped at the opportunity and after days of narrowing down choices, because really I couldn't decide between a new bed for my baby girl, an armoire for her brother or a sewing cart for me, I selfishly chose the sewing cart. Isn't it fabulous? And it gets better, just look inside. From ordering, to delivery and then assembly it was smooth sailing. My... Continue reading

Did you go strawberry picking this season? We forgot, and I simply can't believe it, we've gone every year until now, but thankfully the kids haven't remembered that we haven't been, and as long as I have a constant supply of strawberries on hand they seem to be happy. I even made these yummy strawberries and cream chocolate cupcakes. These are great for a summer get-together with friends. This is what you need to make these fun summer berry sweet cupcake treats: chocolate cupcakes - yes I even used a box, sometimes you just want quick and easy (of course... Continue reading

I absolutely love lemon drops. They are without a doubt my favorite cocktail. It could be because I love just about anything with lemon it it, but these are also quick and easy to make. And so I made a really simple (and delicious) Sweet’N Low lemon drop as part of a sponsored post (I'm a Sweet'N Low ambassador) for Socialstars #SweetNLowStars Of course I couldn't help but add in a sprig of thyme too. I think thyme should be a staple item in everything. Aside from smelling divine, I sprinkle it in just about everything I make. Now let's... Continue reading

Entertaining at home is a breeze with this new CW by CorningWare™ line of bakeware. Your dishes can go from oven to table and look stylish all the way. I was inspired to create a summer brunch and show my True Colors with my new CW by CorningWare™ bakeware in curry. This bakeware is so versatile and comes in the most vibrant colors. You can use it in the oven, microwave or refrigerator, which makes entertaining so easy. You can bake ahead, store in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave before guests arrive. I've got some simple tips... Continue reading

I've always hated being on the other side of the camera. I don't consider myself photogenic and I'm way too critical of myself, but I've been making a conscious effort to step out from behind the lens and get in front of it a little more often. I'm learning to embrace how I look, and I like to think that if I do that and stop being so shy then just maybe my daughter will grow up to not be as self conscious as I am. So when PinkBlush reached out to see if I'd like to take a look... Continue reading

I totally forgot to show you these fun popsicle holders I made for the kids in Marisol and Flynn's classroom at the end of the school year. I had seen felt ones on-line before, but the thought of having wet, sticky felt that needs to be washed from drips and sticky fingers sent me searching for an alternative that could be wiped clean or rinsed out in the sink. Then I remembered I had some oilcloth scraps in my craft room and they were the perfect color to match boxes of Jolly Rancher popsicles that I picked up at Dollar... Continue reading

I love a white kitchen. It looks clean and fresh, and with lots of light coming in through the windows, it's somewhere that I want to cook. But, there is such thing as too much white, sometimes you need a pop of color, or decor that makes a statement. This one needed a little something to make it feel more homey, you know, somewhere that you want to be ... that's welcoming. And so I made this kitchen sign using Mod Podge Collage Clay: When I've completely finished decorating the kitchen I'll share more photos. It's a long, slow process... Continue reading

If you are looking for a simple 4th of July party drink for your upcoming celebration, I've got the perfect one for you. I'm also going to show you how you can take one of your kids old toys and turn it into a test tube beverage holder, perfect for parties. This project has been on my to-do list for a couple of years. I know, some may think that my craft room is full of stuff that probably needs to be tossed out, but I swear it all has a reason for being there, sometimes it just takes me... Continue reading

I love being outside, especially over the summer. There's something quite lovely about enjoying a meal outdoors while the sun is still shining until late and the kids are still able to play. The one thing I don't like though is dragging everything outside, you know the numerous trips it takes to get all of the cutlery, place settings, food and condiments out there, and back inside again. So I made this: Isn't it lovely? Jay had made this wooden caddy at a Home Depot kids clinic years and years ago. It's been in our garage storing tools all this... Continue reading

Looking for another creative way to display your kids art? I'm over at The Centsible Life with a tutorial to make this simple (and very cheap) cuff. This would make a lovely teacher, grandparent or Mother's Day gift. Continue reading

Okay lovely readers, I've been compiling, and compiling, AND COMPILING lists of things for you to do this summer with the kids. A lot of it's free, some of it isn't, a little is educational, and all of it is fun. And also you get to see a glimpse of what we've been up to lately, because sometimes I forget to share. I get a little caught up in the tutorials and recipes so it's nice to share other things we've been doing too. Let's get down to it shall we. Knott's Berry Farm A little while ago the kids... Continue reading

In anticipation of DreamWorks Pictures’ charming new movie THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY arriving in theaters on August 8th, starring Helen Mirren, I've got a couple of fabulous brunch recipes to share with you. THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY: Omelette Recipe THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY: Quiche Lorraine Recipe Note: click on the images (or on the link under each image) to be taken to the PDF which you can print and keep. Learn more about THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY here: Facebook | Twitter #100FootJourney | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube | Website ENJOY! Continue reading

It's summer. The kids are home. It's a time for play dates and having family and friends over. There seems to be a constant rotation of people coming and going from our house (especially when you have a swimming pool and it's summer), so entertaining with just a few minutes notice is absolutely no problem if you have a few staple items on hand. Tips for last-minute entertaining: Keep it simple. Order food if necessary - 4 $5 footlongs from Subway are great and if you cut them into 8 slices, they go a long way. I always try to... Continue reading

My obsession with paper roll crafts continues. Over at The Centsible Life I've got a tutorial to make pretty paper roll pillow boxes. Perfect for gift giving. Continue reading

We go to the beach quite often, especially in summer. Guess who is normally in charge of lugging everything around ... that's right, me! I haul the bag of sand toys, the bag of snacks, and the bag with changes of clothes and towels. Occasionally they help ... if they aren't already in the water. Well now one of them has no excuse but to help. Inspired by the new book Minnie in Paris, I made Marisol her very own beach bag. Minnie may take fashion to Paris, but we take it to the beach. She has her very own... Continue reading

I absolutely love living in California at this time of the year (okay, let's face it, every season is pretty great here), but I particularly love these hot sunny days, the smell of freshly mown grass and kids playing in their backyards. Often though these impromptu play dates happen mid morning or mid afternoon on weekends, or after school during the week. Kids get hungry and thirsty quickly so it's important to have healthy snacks and beverages on hand. It only takes a few minutes to set up a quick table in the backyard so that kids can help themselves... Continue reading

Miss M has taken a bit of a liking to origami. She only knows how to make whales right now, and we have more than I can count all over the house, so she helped me (origami and I just don't get one another) put together a tutorial for Rusty and Rosy. Continue reading

Disney's latest movie Maleficent, starring the stunning Angelina Jolie, is screening in theaters beginning today. I had a chance to attend a local media screening a couple of days ago and I have to say it's a magnificent film. I'm going to share my thoughts below for those wanting to see it, but fun first, I've got some free activity sheets and scene makers for you to download and print for the kids, just click on the links below the image. Maleficent Activity Sheets Maleficent Scene Maker Essentially the story is told from the perspective of Sleeping Beauty's iconic villian,... Continue reading

I love dragging the drill out of the garage. There's something therapeutic about drilling holes into something, taking out a little aggression, and making something fabulous at the same time. I'm over at The Centsible Life today showing you how to turn a regular tray into a serving tray for under $10. Wouldn't this be perfect to deliver breakfast in bed, or to carry tea and biscuits to the table? Continue reading

It's grilling season and for us that means lots of hot dogs, and although the kids only like theirs with ketchup, I need toppings. Lots of toppings. If you are looking for a quick and easy grilling recipe, then these Crunchy Barbecue Bacon Hot Dogs using Ball Park’s® new Parks Finest™ hot dogs are perfect. And delicious. Ingredients: Park’s Finest™ Frankfurters from Ball Park®: Slow Smoked Hickory Hot Dog Buns Barbecue Sauce Bacon Crushed Pineapple French Fried Onions These require no extra cooking time. Simply grill your bacon with your hot dogs. I even did it all on my little... Continue reading

I love dessert. I may even (on occasion) indulge in dessert prior to (or instead of) eating a proper meal. You only live once, right ... that's my excuse. This dessert is rich, chocolatey and delicious. Note: Recipe makes 5 mini cheesecakes using the Williams Sonoma mini spring-form cheesecake pan. Ingredients: Cheesecake base 8 sheets Graham Crackers 4 tbs butter (softened) 2 tbs sugar Cheesecake filling 1 8oz package cream cheese (room temperature) 2/3 cup Hershey's Spread: Chocolate with Almond 2 eggs (room temperature and lightly beaten) 1 tsp vanilla 3/4 cup sugar pinch salt Topping Whipped cream Hershey's milk... Continue reading

I know I've talked about this a few times, it's even on my bucket list - from last year. Organize the garage. This space drives me crazy. We have a three car garage and cannot fit a single car in it. I've been tackling it slowly over the past few years, but honestly there are still boxes that I haven't even unpacked from our move. So far I've created two rows of racks with storage bins, picnic gear, and some of my party planning supplies. I've also started the LEGO space for the kids. What I hadn't done was create... Continue reading