Eat // White Chili

When I make a meal that the entire family enjoys, I take note. And when I place a bowl of food in front of my kids and their first response is "Mmmmmm!", I know it's a keeper. White Chili is one of those meals that pleases the palate, has good, simple ingredients, and is easy to make. Win. Win. Win.

Click "Read more" for the recipe

Good Reads // "Divergent" Book Series

I really should be working on some new projects or at least straightening up the house, but instead I've found myself being sucked in and completely engulfed by a book. Or actually, a few books. Have you heard of the "Divergent" book series by Veronica Roth? It's touted as the new "Hunger Games"-- young adult lit, dystopian society, lots of action, violence, good vs. evil, a little romance. Similar to HG and yet, the characters and plot are different enough that you don't compare the two series. At least I didn't. 

       

if the chocolate cake and black & grey clothing don't make sense...  you'll have to read the books to find out their significance!

So I've read Divergent, Insurgent and even Free Four, a 16 page excerpt from the male protagonist's point of view. And, like a bunch of folks, I'm eagerly awaiting Allegiant, the final book which is scheduled to be released in October. I found Insurgent, the second book, to be better than the first, so I can't wait to see what enfolds in the third and final book. 

For those who prefer to watch rather than read, you won't be left out... A movie is already in the works and is scheduled to be released in 2014.



sources: chocolate cake via tastespotting; divergent, insurgent and allegiant book covers via amazon; "abnegation" grey dress via farfetch ; "dauntless" black top via farfetch; leggings via stylebop; black boots via nordstrom. And a couple more cool boot options via steve madden & frye.

Party // Gummy Bears!

This past weekend we celebrated my youngest's Fifth birthday with a Gummy Bear party! We had the party at his favorite gymnastic place so all I had to do was provide a little decoration and food. These days I'm all for simple and this was one of the easier parties that I have planned; Bright colors and a simple bear shape. You really can't go wrong with that!

Click "Read more" for the party details

We're Back!

Just dropping in to say hello!  We've been traveling the past couple of weeks. Fourteen wonderful days of togetherness, which, as you probably can imagine with two young kids, is unpredictable and an adventure in itself.

Since we were out of the States and also spent a week at Sea, it was a true vacation from all of the daily noise and distraction that comes along with WiFi, 3G, and their cousin FIOS.

beautiful mother nature. no filters or photoshop necessary!

I wish I could stay in unscheduled vacation-mode bliss, but two weeks of dirty laundry beckons, not to mention my youngest's 5th Birthday Party is scheduled for this weekend, and I have a TON of things going on behind the scenes of the blog... So back to reality for me!   But seriously, I could stare at this sunset picture all day long...  :)

Our Lives // Unplugged

Turn off the television. Turn off the video games. It's time to build!

Get out your blocks and choose a design...

Build it...

Take a break...  :)

Click "Read more" for the full post

Party // Gummy Bear Prep

I'm planning a party for my youngest's fifth birthday. I'm a little sad typing that. Five years old is the real deal! Definitely not a baby anymore... but a sweet little boy. He still loves hanging with his mama, freely gives hugs and kisses, adores his big brother and is a happy-go-lucky friend to all.

His favorite things haven't changed much over the last few years; Balloons, bubbles and balls are always  pleasers. Lately Mario Bros. has also made the list. But the one thing that he ABSOLUTELY adores,  the one thing that makes him do the happy dance, and the one thing that he asks me for every.single.day is ... Gummy Bears!

So when he requested a Gummy Bear party to celebrate his fifth birthday, I was mentally prepared. Luckily it's a pretty simple theme. Here's what I have so far.

Click "Read more" for the full post

Eat // Heirloom Tomatoes

Have you been enjoying Summer's bounty? I'm digging these miniature heirloom tomatoes that are out right now. Look at those beautiful colors. Not to mention they taste so much better than the regular stuff. I'm partial to roma tomatoes for cooking, but these are great for topping a salad or for just popping in your mouth for a quick snack.

My favorites are the dark green tomatoes.  I call them "watermelon" tomatoes because of their dark green striped skin and red flesh, but I think they're actually called Zebra Tomatoes.

Happy Wednesday!

Upcycle // Cool Jar Series - Part III

Jars, bottles and other recyclables... I have a ton of them and I'm determined to do something with them. So far, some have become colorful translucent vases, others have become photo votives and now I'm down to a bunch of glass spice jars.

I rescued these cute little jars back in January when we were purging my in-laws storage unit. They were still wrapped in their original packaging and had been in storage for over 30 years.  I think they were waiting for me.  :)

Click "Read more" for the tutorial

Happy Fourth of July!

source

Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday!

Upcycle // Cool Jars Series - Part II

It's time to do something with all those jars and bottles that you've been saving for the odd project or two. For the last couple of weeks, I've been trying to come up with some new ways to beautify old glass vessels (in this case, former salsa jars). For my first project, I experimented with alcohol inks. This time I decided to try my hand at printing on tissue paper to create these translucent photo vases. 

I used flowers, but I think these would also turn out great with family, pet or cute animal photos. 

Click "Read more" for the tutorial