My Favorite Mom Quote

6 Steps to a Fun and Functional Entryway

1. Select a table or dresser.

This was a dresser that my aunt refinished and gave to me. Lucky me, I know. I picked up the knobs from Anthropology.


2. Hang a mirror or pic.

I found my mirror for $45 in a little antique store.  Love it.


3. Turn on a light or electric candle.

This candle has been sitting in my attic for ages. Glad I found a use for it!


4. Use a tray to keep your things organized.

I like how my tray has high sides. It keeps little kid fingers from getting at my stuff!


5. Display things that make you smile.

I framed a treehouse my son drew and childhood pics of my husband on his 2nd bday and me when I was 8 on my great grandfather's farm. They immediately put me in a good mood!


6. Place a guest book for friends and family to "sign in" at dinner parties and memorable events.

Sounds cheesy, but it will be fun to look at years from now!



Have a great entryway idea? Please share!

Gywenth's New Cookbook!

I have a million cookbooks and really try to resist buying a new one every time I come across one with a pretty cover. Fast forward to me at Target the other night mesmerized by Gwyneth Paltrow's pretty soft pink cookbook, "It's All Good."

I randomly opened her book to a recipe for Old Bay Ranch Dressing. I was drooling and couldn't wait to substitute her vegan mayo for real mayo and dip some thin cut French fries with sea salt in it.

And that is just what I did! Last night my husband made burgers and fries. I whipped up the Old Bay Ranch Dressing, and we lathered it on our burgers and fries. It was pure deliciousness! I know that was not Gwyneth's intent for her healthy lifestyle cookbook, but I did do sit ups while I watched Chopped after dinner. That counts as healthy in my book!

What are your favorite new GP recipes?

The Naming of a Home

In our family everything gets a name. If we see a random squirrel outside the window - it gets a name. Every stuffed animal that crosses our doorway is named. So it only makes sense that the other night at bedtime (probably a stalling technique) my son started asking me questions about our house's name. I explained our house was missing a name and thought he could do the honor of giving it one.

What did he come up with? The Bookshelf! He explained that our house has so many shelves and piles of books that the whole house is just holding up books.

I am in love with our house's new name and the story behind it. Does your house have a name? How did it come to be? Please share!

Enjoy a few pics of some of our bookshelves that inspired our home's name...

What's in your Easter basket?

Every year I try and move further away from an Easter basket full of trinkets and candy and move closer to a basket full of thoughtful and fun spring surprises.

Check out a few of my Easter basket finds, and please share yours too!

Post about Peonies

Peonies are my all time favorite flower! Here are a few pics of the peonies from my garden last spring along with a peony arrangement trick and a new garden tradition...

Peony Arrangement Party Trick!

Want peonies for your next spring party? Cut your peonies when the buds are just opening and are showing a lot of color. Then refrigerate without water for up to one week. Recut peony stems when ready to arrange and enjoy!


New Garden Tradition

For special anniversaries or occasions plant a peony bush or your other favorite variety in honor of the event. My dad planted a hydrangea bush in my front yard to celebrate the birth of my twins. When I got home from the hospital it was there to surprise me and will be there for years to come!

Valentine's Day Craft for Kids

Follow the pics for a super easy Valentine's Day craft!