Nine Years

Nine years ago today Hubby and I said I do!  While some days it seems like just yesterday, some days it seems like I can't remember life without him.  

 Happy Anniversary, Hubby!  I love the life we've built together and can't wait to see what's in store.

 So, as the saying goes, grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.

Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

This is 40!

Although I'm a little late in posting, I was lucky enough to spend my birthday in Destin, Florida this year and I must admit it was heavenly...couldn't have been more perfect.  Growing up my family visited Destin many times over the years and it is a place that holds many, many special memories.  To be able to ring in this new decade in a place that evokes such special thoughts of dear loved ones (some no longer with us) while looking forward to the future, was a bit overwhelming at points, but I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Old habits are hard to break, so I was up early and was rather anxious to head to the beach, making it just in time for a spectacular sunset.  The beauty of God's creation was truly awe inspiring....

....headed "home" for coffee and breakfast by our pool with Bestie KP (any time with Bestie KP is guaranteed to be a good time!!).....

.....spent some more time soaking in the rays and relishing the view....

.....enjoyed a spectacular dinner of fresh caught fish on the water, while enjoying another spectacular view and the first sunset of the trip.....

.....and was surprised with a beautiful cake and sweet treats from loving friends.

To top the night off, I crawled into bed, pulled up Instagram, and discovered I was the winner of a fabulous giveawy hosted by the talented Natalie Chang!

If the first day of the new decade is any indication of what's in store, then I'm a very happy camper and so very grateful!

Happy New Decade!

Igloo Cheese Ball and Black Olive Penguins

Every pay day each grade level takes turns bringing in "payday treats" for the staff.  It's such a fun little way to celebrate and certainly makes for a nice start to the day and end to the week.  Some grade levels do a really bang up job (think made to order pancakes in a 50s diner) and others just throw some bagels on the table.  Ive been a part of both styles, but last week we were fortunate enough to be paired with the school's art teacher.

She did a bit of research and discovered it was Penguin Awareness Day, so we ran with it as our theme.  I so wish I had some pictures of the adorable little penguins she whipped up as centerpieces, but I wasn't able to capture them. For my contribution, I made an igloo cheese ball and black olive penguins.  While this sounds a little complex and complicated, it really was pretty simple and straightforward and turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself.  (These pictures are terrible.  I took them in the wee hours of the morning while it was pitch black out.  I'm so sorry for the poor quality.)

Igloo Cheese Ball and Black Olive Penguins

(adapted from Betty Crocker)

Ingredients for all steps:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz pkg of blue cheese crumbles
• 2 blocks cream cheese, 1 softened, 1 firm
• 1/4 cup bacon crumbles (I used chopped fresh bacon - original recipe calls for bits)
• 1/4 t. red pepper sauce, plus a couple shakes, to taste
• 1 T milk
• 1 can jumbo black olives
• couple carrots for garnish

Directions:

• Put cheddar and blue cheeses, softened cream cheese, bacon, and red pepper sauce into a food processor or stand mixer and blend until well combined.  
• Line a small bowl with plastic wrap.  Add mixture to bowl, making sure to press firmly so that it reaches all points to form the dome fully.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  (I did overnight and it was perfect).

 Cream Cheese Icing Mixture and Door Ice Blocks 
(When ready to assemble the igloo.  Also used for penguins.)
Ingredients:

•  1 block cream cheese
• 1 T milk

Directions:

• Cut 6-8 ice blocks of firm cream cheese block and reserve for the doorway.
•  Mix remaining cream cheese with milk.

Assembling the Igloo:

• Once cheese ball is set invert on serving platter. (You can ice the plate to make it look even more realistic.)
•  Ice the igloo with cream cheese mixture, smoothing with a spatula.
• Using a tooth pick draw ice blocks into the icing.  Start by making a circle on the top of the dome.  Draw another slightly larger circle just below the top circle.  Continue until entire igloo is completed.  Add lines connecting the circles to make the blocks.
•  Make curved, arched doorway with blocks of cream cheese.  
• Add penguins.

Making the Penguins:

•  Slice one jumbo olive in half horizontally (like a hamburger fold for those of you with little ones :)...) for the heads. Using a toothpick, poke two holes in each for eyes and a hole for the carrot beak.
• Make a vertical slit in the other olives only on one side.  Stuff with cream cheese mixture and close olive, leaving a bit of white peeking out.
• Slice a carrot into coins.  Cut a notch into each carrot coin to make the flippers. Use the notch for the beak.
• Put all the pieces together and slide a toothpick through the top of the head all the way to the feet. (I would have loved to use the frilly topped toothpicks, but they didn't have them at the two stores I tried...)

I promise while this is rather wordy, it really is simple to pull together.  It would be so fun for a sledding party or anything Frozen (I promise I won't sing). 

Happy Cooking!

What''s for Dinner [Green Eggs and Ham]

Last night Hubby and I had a little celebration in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Growing up I read a  three books in rotation, Make Way for Ducklings (my ultimate favorite), Madeline, and Green Eggs and Ham. 

I decorated the table with Seussicalesque wrapping paper from my stash, a couple copies of his classic work, and our chalkboard menu which listed our menu consisting of green eggs (baked eggs with fresh herbs) and ham, truffula fruit (blueberries), and pink ink drink (strawberry milk). 

Let's just be clear here....I'd eat these eggs in a box, with a fox, on a boat, with a goat, I'd eat them here or there, I'd eat them anywhere!  They are so yummy and actually make the yummiest lazy weekend morning breakfast.  Toss some ingredients in a ramekin, throw them in the oven, and in 5-7 minutes you're treated to some yumminess.  We love them served with baguette or ciabatta toast.

Baked Eggs with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients (per ramekin):

• 2 eggs
• 1 T milk
• Parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley, chopped
• fresh thyme, chopped
• fresh ground pepper
• butter

 Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Into each ramekin:

• Place a pat of butter in each ramekin.  Put in warm oven just until butter melts.
• Add 1 T milk.
• Break 2 eggs, careful not to break yolks.
• Add generous pinch / smidge Parmesan cheese.
• Top with generous sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Pepper to taste.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes. Tip: Whites shouldn't be completely set, but almost, so that the white will set while resting, but yolks will still be runny.
• Remove from oven and allow to set for 2 minutes before serving. 

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss and 

Happy Cooking!

DIY: Watermelon Basket

When sweet neighbor J mentioned he was hosting a backyard wedding brunch in honor of his daughter and new son-in-law I immediately knew I wanted to contribute.  He is the kindest, most wonderful neighbor and it would be terrific to finally be able to do something for him, just as he does for everyone else.  After some scheming with the bride we decided on a watermelon fruit basket and a coffee cake.

Peach and Cherry Flambee

Yesterday we celebrated my sweet Hubby's birthday.  He's not much of a traditional cake fan, so I opted for something a little out of the box for a special dessert.  It was a huge success....Hubby loved it and the presentation made the treat special enough for the special birthday!

Five on Friday [7.3.15]

Happy Friday and Happy Independence Day Weekend!!  Let's just get right down to this week's Five on Friday....

ONE
Earlier this week we had the yummiest grilled Greek style lamb chops.  Seriously delicious.  They will definitely become part of the regular rotation.

Patriotic Printables

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays!   I'm so very proud and grateful to be an American. It is incredible just how lucky we are to live in this country.

Honoring a Dear Friend

Last week was filled with much love and big surprises.  We all had such an incredible time honoring a dear, dear friend on her retirement.  I've been trying to determine the best way to explain the numerous surprises, but still haven't come up with something really clear....so here it goes.....Bestie MHDRL surprised her mom and flew in from Texas on her last day of school.  We had told Dear Friend D that we would bring dinner and champagne to celebrate, but little did she know we were also bringing her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson!  She was stunned for the first surprise. 

Countdown to Summer

Summer is just around the corner and we can hardly stand it here in our happy little hive.  I decided we needed a little something extra to help get us to the finish line. 

A Quiet Birthday Celebration

Hubby and I had his parents over last week for a little birthday celebration in honor of his dad.  I'm a big fan of using Punchbowl to send little invitations for all sorts of celebrations, and this was no exception.  I chose the fish invitation to set the stage for a "summer is coming" soiree.

A Special Baptism

We had the most wonderful celebration of the sweetest little one this past weekend in Chicago.  It was beautiful, full of love, and so moving to be a part of such a timeless tradition.  The sweetie didn't utter a peep during the service, but instead kissed her nouna (Godmother) as she waited to be dunked stealing the hearts (I'm sure) not just of her nouna, but every one in the church.   She then fittingly reappeared as an angelic beauty in all white, smiling the entire time. 

My Style [China Obsession]

I have a problem.  I completely confess that it is a problem.  A true love.  Really.  It drives Hubby crazy, but I love china.  Dishes, serving pieces, everything.  I spent forever choosing an every day pattern, and finally fell in love with Pillivuyt's Queen Anne.  I. love. it.  Truly.


via William-Sonoma



Five on Friday [Birthday Edition]

It's been a great week!  It certainly helps that it's not only my birthday week (although if you follow me on IG you already know), but Spring Break also starts today at the end of school!  Woo-hooooooo!!!!  I'm ready :)!!  Here's this week's Five on Friday:

ONE
My sweet Spring Break Buddy (like a Secret Santa, but for the week leading up to Spring Break) gifted me with the most adorable little goodies all week.  It certainly made things easier as at one point the week seemed to never end.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you and your loves a very happy and special Valentine's Day.  Hubby and I are spending the day together snuggling and relaxing and will have a delicious home-cooked meal by the fire this evening.  What are your special Heart Day plans?  Hope you enjoy them, whatever they may be!! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine Touches

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy Valentine's Day.  To me it's just another excuse to remind people how much you love them, and to tie it all up in hearts and pink.  Believe me when I tell you it doesn't take much to convince me to add a little pink when and where I can. 

Nothing reminds me more of love than our wedding pictures.  I've paired one of my favorites with some DIY candles and a little heart votive.

I love you because.....

A few years ago I made this sweet little I love you because printable for Hubby.  It's framed and hung above his bedside table so that he can see it either first thing in the morning or right before bed and the glass frame makes it easy to erase and change the sentiments. 

Super Bowl Sunday

It's Super Bowl Sunday!!  As much as I love football (truly, I do) I also love everything that surrounds the game.  Although it's certainly more fun when a team you love (or even one you don't despise) is playing, we're still excited to settle in next to the fire at our little hive to watch the game.  We're having wings this evening, but if we were hosting a bigger gathering this would be my menu:

Appetizers ~ Roasted Jalapeno Popper Dip.  Yummy jalapeno popper goodness, but made simpler in dip form. 

Vasilopita 2015 [Part Two]

Yesterday I mentioned that I was starting the year off making our family's Vasiliopita.  I thought I would take a minute to briefly explain just what that means.  The Vasilopita (Sweet Bread of Basil) is one of my favorite annual traditions celebrated by Greeks (and Orthodox) around the world. The bread is sweet to symbolize the sweetness and joy of life.  It is hoped that the New Year will be filled with that sweetness of life for all who enjoy the Vasilopita, but the one who finds the coin hidden within will be especially blessed for the year. 

Vasilopita 2015 [Part One]

I'm starting the new year off doing something I've never done before....making our family's Vasilopita.  (Vasilopita is the Greek New Year's Bread.  More to come on that later.)  I'm extremely a little nervous, as I find the recipe somewhat intimidating.  (I mean, it calls for 5-6 pounds of flour! And it's only made once a year....mess this up and I've blown our one chance for the year!!)

What I'm loving most though are the incredible memories of those I held dear surfacing.  I can feel my Great Aunt's presence in the wording of the recipe and relish in knowing that I'm continuing the tradition in not only the same manner as her, but in the many generations before her as well. 

Although the process started out a little rocky.....

At this point I was running out of flour, and the mixture was
very clearly still too sticky.  Panic may have seeped in for
a moment....