Wednesday, July 31, 2013

One of those days...

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Ever have a day, week or maybe even a month when you feel like you are on rollercoaster ride and you just want to get off for a little while?  Life is just going way too fast?  Does this look like how you feel once in awhile?  Or maybe you look like this too much?
 
 

Well, we have had days like that recently in our household.  We started the summer off with a nice relaxing vacation, but have been running ever since!  When I get that way, I either start cleaning like a mad woman or head to the kitchen to bake.  This time I went to the kitchen and started baking some cookies with my youngest.  Believe it or not, it helped to clear my mind and once I started eating what I baked, all seemed good.  You may be wondering what kind of cookies I baked?  Usually I go for something chocolate...nothing in the pantry.  My next vice of choice is peanut butter.  So, I made peanut butter cookies...TOTALLY a comfort food. 
 
 
This delicious cookie recipe is from http://bloomdesignsonline.com.  They hit the spot.  The toffee chips were a wonderful surprise for my taste buds.  And yes, I did share.  The best part???  I could spend some time off the rollercoaster baking with my daughter AND eating something that reminded me of when I was a kid.  Ahhhh, the simple things that make life sweet!
 
Until next time,
 
Christine
 
 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Picnic in the Park

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Summer can be short in the Midwest, so we spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can before winter.  One of our favorite things to do is go on picnics.  We try to do a fancier, adult style picnic at least once.  So, this time we met up with my dad, my sister and her family to enjoy some classical music as well as some fancier picnic fare.  We even divided up the "picnicking" responsibilities to make things simple.  Our main dish, made by my sister, was a delicious Greek Orzo Salad recipe she found.  Gina Neely of Foodnetwork posted this recipe.  It was perfect for an evening picnic!  It looked so gourmet, yet even all the kids liked it...so you know that it must be good!

 
 
 
For my part, I made Ham n Cheese Pinwheels.  They were yummy, easy to transport and a good compliment to the salad.  Click the link below to find the recipe at Celebrations at Home Blog.

 
 
To finish out the picnic and keep things simple we brought some cut up fruit and vegetables as well as some cheeses and bread.  Of course wine for the adults and some juices for the kiddos.  But you know, a picnic isn't complete without your favorite dessert!  Cookies or dessert bars work great.  Sounds and looks pretty fancy, right?  The best part was that it really wasn't that hard. 
 
Find an evening to celebrate the summer with some music, friends, family and food under the stars.  You'll be so glad you did!
 
 
 
(Thanks to my sister for the great picture!)
 
Celebrate the simple things that make life sweet!
 
Until next time,
 
Christine

 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Celebrating the Little Things That Make Life Sweet

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I have always been fascinated with butterflies!  The whole change from a caterpillar to the chrysalis stage and then on to a butterfly is just AMAZING!  There are so many books and crafts for kids about the process, but the best part is seeing those beautiful creatures flitting through your yard!  Butterfly watchers have said that the butterfly population was down this year.  I was so disappointed to hear that, being such a big fan of the butterfly.  I have a butterfly bush in my yard to attract those creatures and wondered why I hadn't had any winged visitors.
 
 
 BUT, just this morning, one arrived and I was lucky enough to catch him with my camera.
What can I say?  Just beautiful!
 
So if you want some butterflies to flit by, plant a butterfly bush.  They will stop by for a few seconds to grab some nectar.  You might even get a hummingbird to check it out, which is really exciting.  I love watching butterfly tongues (I am sure their is a more official name to that butterfly body part) drinking in the nectar.  If you see one, take a minute to watch before they fly off on another butterfly adventure.  It takes just a second to stop and celebrate the little things that make life sweet!
 
Happy Butterfly Watching!


Until next time,

Christine
 

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Sunday Supper

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Sundays we try to leave as family days.  With that being the case, I try to cook something a little fancier than what I cook during the week.
 

 
 
 
This recipe has become a family favorite!  It would also be a great company recipe and really impress your guests!  The combination of the cheesy grits and sautéed spinach along with the grilled chicken thighs is incredibly yummy.  Click on the link above from www.myrecipes.com to find the recipe. So, stoke up the grill and get your taste buds ready because they are in for a real treat!
 
Enjoy the little things that make life sweet!
 
Until next time,
 
Christine

Saturday, July 27, 2013

A Great Time at BlogHer' 13

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Like I mentioned before, I was a little apprehensive about going to BlogHer' 13.  I AM so glad I did!  What a great way to network with some awesome bloggers and learn some new blogging tips from the pros!  I met a few women from the Chicagoland area and others from all parts of the United States. I even met an American woman living just outside of Paris.  She blogs all about her Parisian life at www.ALadyInFrance.com.  Check her out.  She had some good words of advice and was very encouraging!  She was even selected as one of the conference's Voices of the Year.  It was great to have connected with her!
 
I thoroughly enjoyed one of the keynote speakers, Ree Drummond, one of my blogger idols, of The Pioneer Woman.  She is as funny and cute as her books, food network show and blog depict.
 
 
I also got some great photography tips from Amanda Green Bottoms.
 
 
Amanda is from www.kevinandamanda.com.  She has great recipes and AMAZING photos.  I can't wait to apply some of her tips to my picture taking.
 
I am so excited to have started on this blogging journey!  This conference has given me inspiration to really get going and continue to enjoy the simple things that make life sweet!
 
Until next time,
 
Christine
 
 
 
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

BlogHer' 13

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I am so excited!  Tomorrow is my first Blogher Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago!
 I just realized that when I go to the city, I have always gone with someone.  I have never actually gone into the city alone?  How could that be?  Well, it is time to do it!  So while there is some excitement, there is also a case of the nerves!  I get to put into practice all that I have learned about public transportation and where things are at from all my other visits.  Thank goodness for google maps!  So wish me luck!
 
Today, I will spend figuring out which break out sessions look good.  All I know for sure is that the keynote speaker is none other than Ree Drummond...the Pioneer Woman.  Can't wait!
 
So check back tomorrow to see what the day was like at the conference!

Find time to enjoy the simple things that make life sweet!

Until next time,

A nervous Christine

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

BLUEBERRIES!!!

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Blueberries for Sal was always a favorite with my kiddos.  As the story goes, Sal's mother doesn't want her to eat the blueberries so that she can use them for canning.  Well, blueberries don't last very long in my house either, just like Sal.  Although, I don't have bears trying to get their fare share either!  But, someone is always taking a couple.  More like a handful!  They are like candy only they are good for you!  I am lucky if I can use them to make muffins, pancakes, bread or pie.  This time I was able to gather enough to make a rustic tart.


 
This recipe from Taste at Home used blueberries and blackberries.  You can too, or just double up on the blueberries!  Put a little scoop of Greek Frozen Yogurt on top and get your piece while you can.  This totally says summer!  Enjoy the simple things that make life sweet!
 
Until next time,
 
Christine

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Simple Granola Bars

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I originally came up with this recipe from Rachel Ray and changed it up to meet my family's palette.  It was super easy to make, which was a huge plus for me!  Boy were these good!!!  I was sampling as I was making them.  That's a good thing, right?  My sources tell me that professional chefs do that too.  So, I am just following protocol"



 
 
  

Monday, July 22, 2013

One Potato, Two Potato

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This is the first year I planted potatoes and much to my surprise, it was a huge success!  Got lots of taters and made a really simple recipe with them.  Just boiled them until the skins cracked and they felt soft when poked with a fork.  Then gave them a quick chop.  Finally, I added some butter and garlic salt to taste.  Voila!  EASY, delicious and pesticide free!  Love it!
 
 
 
Enjoy the simple things that make life sweet!
 
Until next time,
 
Christine

Sunday, July 21, 2013

County Fair

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Growing up in South Florida, we spent a lot of time at the beach.  To me, county fairs were more about carnival rides then 4-H competitions.  My first date with my future hubby was to a county fair.  I even treated him because I had free tickets!  Lots of thrilling rides were ridden, yet,  the night did not end well.  Let's just say that spinning rides and smell of funnel cakes did not mix for me!  Who knew he would marry me many years later.  Anyway, I digress...living in the Midwest, I have become obsessed with farm life.  One day my dream is to milk a cow!  Haven't gotten that one checked off my bucket list yet.  I can still get to a farm even though I live just outside a huge city.  Going to the fair has become a summer must for my family.  AND, the smell of funnel cakes no longer scare me.  I absolutely love the animals.  Here are a few of my new friends.

The sweetest sheep!  He is in need of a haircut.

This little guy looks pretty fierce.  I bet he'd get you up nice and early in the morning!

Yes!  I hear ya!  (She is saying let me out of here!)

Always "wondered" what you would find in the World of Wonders?


Check out a county or state farm in your area and make some new friends too!

Enjoy the simple things that make life sweet!

Until next time,

Christine

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Welcome to My Blog!

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Welcome to my blog. 
My name is Christine and I am married to my wonderful hubby.  Together we have two beautiful daughters.  While teaching, I was always searching for clever and fun ideas to share with my students.  That same searching need spilled into my family life!  I am always looking for creative and fun ways to celebrate the holidays, birthdays and anything I could turn into a celebration.  My girls had Madeline parties, ladybug parties, Cinderella parties, spa parties, etc., etc.  We even got up super early one day years ago to celebrate the royal marriage of Prince William and Kate, complete with tea, clotted cream and scones.


I always had a theme.  Whether I was decorating my classroom, organizing a church wide event or celebrating birthdays and holidays.  The last big party I planned was my daughter's high school graduation party.  Using some Pinterest ideas to inspire me and some of my own, I orchestrated a great graduation party, at least that's what everyone was telling me.

 
I have heard those comments over the years and decided it was finally time to start a blog to share. Some of that creativity is self created and some comes from various social media outlets.  Some ideas are for celebrations be it a holiday or a self proclaimed celebration.  Some things will be about my garden like what to plant and what to do with what is harvested or even what might have gone wrong.  There will be recipes and craft projects as well as travel ideas...basically a sprinkle of this and that.  My intent is to source everything so that you too can be a gatherer of all things creative.
So off I go and I hope you will follow along on this sweet journey!  Because....it is the little things that make life sweet!