She is growing

My amazing granddaughter has started to express herself. I have to say the journey as a grandmother is far far different from being a mother. I enjoy each and every second I spent with her...in a different way. I don't have the stress of the daily routine with her. I am able to walk in when my daughter feels overwhelmed and settle their world. Just for a bit but every bit helps when you are a new mom. Even though they are on the West Coast and we are on the East Coast we speak daily via Skype. (I would loose my mind without it) And the time that I spend out there on the West Coast is limited it is a glorious thing to allow my daughter and husband to have date nights and have an extra pair of hand to help them out. I an very excited to be able to spend the summer with them and help them when needed and sit and read when they have everything under control. Being a grandmother has changed my life in such an amazing way....

Traditions at Easter

For years I have been trying to make Easter Bread. After several years of failed attempts, I just didn't think it was in the cards for me. It has always bothered me that I had never accomplished this goal, again, this year I gave it a try and finally...after years...success. They turned out picture perfect. A few more lessons along the journey of figuring out Easter Bread but I have now started the tradition this year of creating the perfect Easter Bread. Travel on over to Italian Food Forever for their outstanding recipe

Find Your Book

Again with this time of year. If you are lucky enough to work in a school, winter means snow days! Have that book ready to go. The possibility of a snow day starts the mind wondering what to do with the time. Cooking, creating or just plain reading and spending the day in bed. What is your favorite snow day acitivity? The last day we had snow I finished a book called, "The Shadow of The Wind". If you need a great book this was wonderful. It felt like I lost a friend when this books was over. That friends is a good book!!!!

Come One Come All

Now that the duldrums of Winter have set in it is time to have fun indoors. A annual event for our family is game night. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, brothers and sisters, we all come together. Everyone brings their favorite munchie and bottle of wine. The anticipation of this night by the entire family is mounting right about now. Emails are flying back and forth over who the family champ will be. We are practicing and honing our skills in preparation. The tension is in the air. Prep Prep Prep for a night of laughs, good food and good wine. Set a date, send an e-invite make it fun....the possibilities are endless. Wait until you see the fun you are going to have!!!

Inspiring Beauty Indoors

The winters here on the East Coast are so very gray and dark. Here in the Philadelphia area there is an inspirational place to visit. When it is time to recharge and feel uplifted the place to go is Longwood Gardens. In the winter months, when gardening is so far from my mind, simply visiting Longwood is like a breath of summer air. The holidays are particularly beautiful both inside and out. Indoors are many holiday displays strolling carolers dressed in old english attire,
and outdoors there are wonderful holiday lights and holiday music. Enjoy these beautiful photos taken by my Mom on her most recent trip this past December.

Party Party Party

The Holidays bring about a spirit of festive parties. My own personal theme this year has been less is
more. Believe me this is not easy for me. If hosting a holiday party stick with a few of you absolute
favorite things to make. Perhaps do just a dessert party and offer 2 or 3 different goodies with some Stilton Cheese and a glass of Port. You don't need an overwhelming amount of food. And always remember
the table setting always makes the food and drink taste better. An most important, don't make it so you
are overwhelmed before the party starts. You want to enjoy yourself as well!!!!

For someone who has everything

Every holiday season holds the task of finding that one gift....for that someone who has everything and believe me it can become overwhelming. I recently came across this find and had to share. For the woman who has everything...pencils with Swarovski Crystals......