creativity

I'm lacking in creativity. This is one gene that I don't have. I see many great ideas in blog world, and I usually think, "why couldn't I come up with that idea?" So, I copy it. I can copy! I'm okay with this.

However,  I still want to encourage creativity, especially in my girls. My oldest had an idea to decorate her room with her own artwork. She went through her school box of the last four years to find her favorite pieces of art. After a little putty, she was able to display them throughout her room. She couldn't be happier!

I'm so proud of the creativity that my daughter is showing and displaying!

joining the ranks

Guess what I found at the thrift store last week? Five dollars later, I have a new addition for the top of my kitchen cabinets. Thanks to Meg and Lindsey for inspiring me with this great decorating find!

green on red day

Happy late Valentine's Day! Don't get confused by the title. Yes, I still wore red yesterday, and my girls were clothed in pink and red for the holiday. However, I've been thinking about what it means to be "green"!

First of all, I'm very far from being a "green person" or a tree hugger. (No offense if this is a passion of yours)! But, I have been thinking about my responsibility and involvement in helping to take care of the gifts that we have been given! The concept of being a good steward!

The first change that I made switching over to the reusable grocery bags. Do you know how many plastic bags were hanging out in my cupboard? My tip for making this work is to keep the bags in my vehicle! I never know when I'm going to make a quick stop at the store, so it is handy to have the bags with me. 

My girls' school had a Mixedbag fundraiser in the fall.  This was a new company too me, that specializes in reusable bags.  The great thing about this company is you could choose different sizes and designs!  I purchased several bags and used them as part of my Christmas giving! This way they had a dual purpose - gift bag and a gift they could keep reusing.

The second area that I hope to get better at, is using cloth napkins. I have a couple of sets that I use for special occasions, but recently I have been thinking, "why don't I use these all the time?" They add that little extra special touch to our dining experience and then I wouldn't have to purchase paper napkins.

How are you reusing or being a good steward of your resources?

valentine

I'm a little slow.

Valentine's day is six days away. It hit me, that I have done very little to prepare for this holiday.

I know some of you say, "blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!"

However, it is important. Enough said! I was able to throw up some of my decorations. I have a minimal amount, especially since I still have my winter decor up, and I use red all the time. I can get a lot of mileage out of my red decorations.

How do you celebrate February 14th?

Recipe Search

Where do you find your recipes? Do you have a "tried & true" cookbook? Do you use allrecipes or have a favorite blog that you turn to? Maybe you call a friend or your Mom......

I try a lot of recipes!! I can't give you the best cookbook or site, because there are so many out there. Many times I will try something new, and my family will like it, but it doesn't make the list. You know, the list, the one that declares it needs to be made again and again!!

However, I wanted to point out this recipe! This one made the list! We ate it so fast, that I never got to take a picture of it. I think the best endorsement for this recipe came from my six year old daughter, "Mom, I want this recipe for when I get married!!" Just love it! Thanks Andrea for posting this!

Here is another recipe for cookies that I wanted to point out! (I did manage to snap a picture). I made this recipe twice. Here is my little twist on this recipe, I added cinnamon chips! It was by mistake (I didn't have enough chocolate chips). Made them very tasty! I'm still on the look out for the perfect cookie! I know a lot of it is personal preference AND a lot of it depends upon the type of fat you use (or combination of fats), and the type of pan you bake your cookies on.

I would love to hear about your favorite cookie recipe of tip for cookies AND what has been your favorite recipe find?