happy new year

We had such a great vacation!  Warm sun, ocean breezes, playing in the sand and swimming in the pool.  Kids had a blast and husby and I loved the break from everyday routines.  Unplugging and unwinding-spending time together=LOVE!! I don't know what it is about vacations but the minute we get home I'm already looking to plan the next one.

Well our spring break came to an end this weekend and we are back to the every day realities of being home.   I feel as though we waited for so long for our much needed break and it was over in a flash.  We had so much fun soaking up the sun and warm weather.  Lotsa beach time and hours in the pool.  Preparing for a family vaca takes some thought and I want to share how I pack up a family of 6 for an 8 day vacation.  We have taken so many trips over the years that I feel I have become somewhat of a packing-pro.  We don't necessarily pack light but it's extremely organized.    I have discovered  especially being a mother to 3 sons that it is important to pack outfits for the boys and separate them into clear gallon sized zipper bags.  That way in the morning when they are getting dressed they can reach into the suitcase and pull out a bag that contains the clothes for the day-shirt, shorts, socks and underwear.  This keeps them from ...

It's so important to have great sunscreens.  I am super fair and I don't like to leave the house without it especially when we hit the beach and pool.  Spring break is here and summer is right around the corner so I must be armed with the best sun protection.  The sun can do some major damage even though it feels so nice to soak it all in after such a long winter.  When our family hits the beach and pool we slather on the protection before we head out. Here are some of my faves.  1.   2.   3 .  4.   5.   6.   7. Always have one of these in your bag this summer-sun protection at its best. Neutrogena SPF 15 & Above � Mustela SPF 15 & Above � philosophy SPF 15 & Above

Colored eggs, jelly beans, and bunnies oh my!  Easter is just a few days away and we can't pass up making these delicious treats for this springtime occasion.  We used Easter M&M's because the kids just love 'em but you can use any kind of candy egg you choose-jelly beans would be perfect too!  Hipity Hop! Use this  Tastiest White Cake Recipe  for your cupcakes and then simply use green frosting and fill in your grass. Add your eggs and top with a pipe cleaner for the basket handle.  I used this stiff twisted rope because I  didn't have the pipe cleaners and this seemed to do the job.  Whatever works!:) Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!  

1.    2.     3.     4.     5.     6.     7.     8.     9.    10.     11.     12.     13. Well just a couple more days til we leave for spring break!!!  It's been such a long winter I can't wait fora bit of fun and sun.   I try to pack basic pieces for myself and then  accessorize with pops of color.  It enables mixing and matching and less to bring in the big ole suitcase.  Packing for a family of six can be a long process but when we're headed to the beach we don't need to bring much.  Swimsuits and sunscreen are at the top of my list!     Not only do I pack the bags for the fam but I must remember the entertainment for the trip itself.  That's the fun of traveling with kids:)  Check out  these tips  for traveling with kids. Here are some more great versatile mom picks for vacati...

Our family always loves Mexican food whether we are out at a restaurant or right here in our own house.  When the kids were babies we would spoon feed them guacamole and they LOVED every bite.  So funny that our number one baby food of choice was guacamole.  Avocados are full of antioxidants and fiber and unsaturated heart healthy fats. This classic recipe is so yum I have to pass on the pure guacamole love. Simple Guacamole  2 ripe avocados peeled and pits removed  1/4 cup diced red onion 1/2 jalapeno pepper diced with seeds removed 1 clove of garlic finely diced/pressed 1/2 cup of freshly diced tomatoes 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped juice from 1 lime add salt and pepper to taste In a medium mixing bowl combine all ingredients and mash together using fork.  Place the  avocado pits in the finished guacamole-this will help to keep it fresh longer.  Serve with your favorite corn chips, quesadillas, tacos or any favorite Mexican dishes.  L...

So I'm going to admit that I was an addict.  Hooked on diet coke for years and years!  Wake up in the morning and crack open a can and then have several more that day.  I was never a coffee drinker except for an occasional latte from Starbucks.  DC has always been my beverage of choice but I've cut it out of my life!  On Ash Wednesday I was working out at the gym and was thinking about what I could give up for Lent- I made the decision in that moment, my diet coke habit was done.  I've felt great the last couple of months and can't believe that I've lasted this long without the constant  caffeine.  I've been drinking a lot more water and green iced tea and I'm now trying to spruce them up a bit.  These jazzed up ice cubes make drinking water a bit more fun and flavorful.  I like to add them to sparkling Pellegrino as well to get my fizzy soda fix.  I'm thinking about a warm summer night with these in my wine spritzer!  If you l...

The weather here has been so dreary!  Today is all rain and I keep saying to the kids, "April Showers Bring May Flowers!"  I really am hoping we have flowers in May!  Although most days it is still feeling like winter around here I have been loving the fresh spring products from my March Birchbox and I wanted to share them with you.  It was a great box!  I loved everything including the Cherry Blossom perfume and I'm not normally a floral scent perfume liker:) Lotsa fun stuff!  I love the full-size Stila Lip Glaze.  I adore the twist dial and built in brush applicator makes it super easy to apply. Another favorite is the Jergens BB Body Perfecting Cream.  It's a lightly tinted moisturizer that's thick but not greasy and leaves the skin super soft.  I want to go out and get the full size of this one for sure! The Supergoop is a sunscreen and anti-aging serum.  It is a hydrating mosituizer that acts as a perfect primer under your ever...