happy new year

I can't believe it's the last day of July!  Nothing makes me more sad than summer flying by and thinking of back to school.  Maybe it's the kid in me or the former teacher???  I love summer for the freedom, the sun, the later mornings and the longer nights.  School starts August 25th around here which means that August is last call.  It's the month that we cram everything we haven't done on our summer bucket list into our last days and nights.  This thought calls for a drink-Ha!  But today it's not the alcoholic kind-it's for a detox water that will make you feel great even with the thought of school right around the corner.   I tend to take it easy at the gym during the summer months only because its difficult to maintain any sort of a schedule with the kids going every which way.  I workout when I can and I try to make good choices when it comes to eating. That way I can enjoy summer without feeling guilty that I'm not being a gym rat. ...

My kids love to eat things on a stick.  Lollipops, cake pops, corn dogs, and now s'mores.  After spending a long weekend at the lake we have plenty of leftover fixings for s'mores and what better way to use them up then by enjoying them on a stick-right??  Anyway, we are holding onto lake life this week with these tasty snacks!  And if you really want a treat try using  these  homemade marshmallows that we made last fall. S'mores On A Stick Ingredients: graham crackers large marshmallows chocolate squares parchment paper baking sheet serrated knife lollipop sticks Line the tray with wax paper. Break the graham crackers into the four rectangles; place them wrong side up on the wax paper. Skewer marshmallows with a stick. Place chocolate squares onto rectangle graham crackers.  Place on parchment covered baking sheet. Heat the graham crackers and chocolate in a preheated 350 degree oven for 3 minutes or just until the chocolate is soft but not melte...

Hope you all had a great weekend.  We took several days and went to the lake to relax and spend some time with family. The kids had a blast with their cousins and we were all excited to   get away from routines.  Today I spent running to the grocery store, unpacking and lotsa laundry. I am looking forward to tonight when I am meeting up with some friends that I used to teach with for dinner in the city.  I just bought this Equipment  dress that's perfect for summer going into fall.  Tonight I'm going to pair it with a denim jacket because the temps are supposed to be in the mid 60's.  I mean really �� .Where's summer?  Hope your Monday is off to a great start!                                                                                   ...

I love beauty products and I am open to trying new things.  One of my favorite new discoveries is bareMinerals bareskin foundation  and applicator brush.  When I saw that bareMinerals has a new liquid foundation I jumped at the chance to try it.  I have fair, freckly skin so I went with "bare shell" and it's perfect for my tone.  I recommend finding a shade that is a shade or two lighter than your actual skin color.  Don't let the outer bottle color convince you-make sure you test the color on your skin before you commit.  Also, the dedicated foundation brush is a must when purchasing.  It enables the best possible application.  Place a few drops in the well of the brush and buff into the skin starting at the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.  Apply a couple more drops when necessary.  I like the coverage that this foundation provides as well as the lightweight nature. It's hydrating and leaves no " cakey" residue. I like the light, ...

Our first born is twelve today!  I remember the day we brought him home and he was ours-like it was yesterday.  I was four months pregnant with our daughter.  We wanted to have a dog before baby.  Doggy first, baby second.  He has watched us become parents over the last twelve years-4 times.  He is our rock, our comfort, our snuggler, our playmate.  He is all powerful-He can melt our heart with a single gaze.  He loves water.  Water of all kinds-lakes, pools, snow!  He is our companion our friend our fur baby.  He's a little slower than he used to be.  A little gray in the face.  He sleeps a little more than he used to but he remains so happy and content.  We love him so and he knows it.  Today he gets lots of extra belly rubs, more walks and treats.  He is one lucky pup and so are we, cause he is ours. Happy Birthday ole'man Carlton.   We picked up a few of his favorite toys and treats.  His favor...

It's the sale of the year and it's going on now.  WAHOO!!     Just in case you�re unaware, the Nordstrom Anniversay Sale is amazing. It�s brand-new-for-fall merchandise that�s marked down before it hits the floor at it�s regular retail price. That means there are deals you just can�t miss!  I've picked out some of my favorite things for the kids.  If your looking for my faves for me click  here. I hate to think about back to school in July but � ... 'Larynn' Boot Girls Striped Dress Girls North Face Boys Nike Gym Shoes Girls Nike Gym Shoes Girls Hudson Jeans Boys Patagonia Little Boy Jeans Boys Under Armor Hoodie Boys North Face Girls Leopard Kicks "Tea" Dress Girls Dress Boys T Boys Sperry Check out my favorite sale and deals to be had.  It's hard to beat, and remember free shipping and free returns-AHmazing!  Happy Shopping and Happy Weekend!  

Summer calls for tall ice filled glasses with cool refreshing drinks.  Whether you choose a crisp green iced tea-my fave or a ice cold smoothie, it's fun to mix it up a bit.  Today's Thirsty Thursday is a round up of my favorite ice cold drinks for day and/or night . Click below for links to all the recipes. Grapefruit Margarita Detox Water Watermelon Cocktail Fruity Ice Water Cucumber Lemonade Lavender Lemonade Bloody Mary Strawberry Smoothies Hope you are having a great week!  Loving that tomorrow is Friday!

Well, we survived our backyard bash this past weekend despite a crazy day with two kids in the baseball/softball championships and a evening full of thunderstorms!  We had about a hundred neighborhood friends filling our tented backyard and house.  It was a ton of preparation but a ton of fun!  I have been spending the last few days playing catch up and clean up.  Despite the hard work, I love to entertain and in the summer I am drawn to ease and simplicity.  Foods that don't require an oven or even a stove.  This cool appetizer is perfect for a summer gathering.  Few ingredients that are plentiful in summer months.   Watermelon Feta Bites 1 small watermelon sliced- 1 boxes of chunk Feta cheese 1 cup of fresh basil for garnish optional-balsamic vinegar  Use a small round cookie cutter to cut small circles from the watermelon slices.  Cut Feta into bit sized cubes.  Place Feta cube onto watermelon round and garnish with fresh basil l...

My favorite summer sale is on!!!  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is underway for Early Access.  Which means if you have a Nordstrom card you can shop now before everyone else!!  If you're not a card member the sale begins July 18th! I love the vast selection of things for everyone in the family.  And did I mention that I always buy the kids back-to-school shoes now during the sale.  I have picked out some of the best deals that I would love to grab for myself but remember there are so many great deals for everyone in the  fam.  And remember there is always free shipping and free returns-score! 1.    2.    3.    4.    5.    6.    7.    8.    9. Here are my favorite picks for the kiddos.

How is it even possible that it's already Thursday!?!  How come the summer weeks go flying by and the winter seems never ending??  Anyway, weekend BBQ planning is in full swing and I'm finding myself feeling a bit of motherly guilt.   Except for a trip to the library, a quick trip to the pool, and outings for ice cream-w e have been so busy running errands, cleaning the house, preparing the yard that kids summer fun has been minimal this week.  Hoping to make it up to them after Saturday!   Today is Thirsty Thursday and I'm whipping up this cool watermelon tequila cocktail!  We all deserve a break and I'm sure it's 5 o'clock someplace??!! Watermelon Cocktail  8 cups diced seedless watermelon (1 pound) 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 can of Sprite*special ingredient, use instead of simple syrup  Fresh mint leaves for garnish 1 1/4 cups silver tequila Ice In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the...