Category Archives: Holidays

Tips for a No-Stress Holiday Season // Harry & David

October 22, 2018

Easy Gourmet Holiday Food

Easy Gourmet Holiday Food

Every year I say I am going to slow down and enjoy the Holidays. Then, in one way or another things get busy, the stress sets in, and I am back to feeling overwhelmed.  Well, not this year!  I plan to enjoy the Holidays, simplify and let go of the things that don’t matter as much!

While I absolutely love being in the kitchen creating and cooking, during the holidays I find myself so busy with all the extra activities, and fun. 

Easy Holiday Food with Harry & David

I love that Harry & David Gourmet offers gourmet options created for everyday entertaining with elegance and ease when you need to take the stress out of bringing amazing food to the holiday table. I love that you can have items in the freezer ahead of time for when a holiday event pops up, and you can have confidence that you are prepared and have options at a moments notice.  I put together a dinner party complete with a create your own ham and turkey feast, the ultimate charcuterie and cheese board, a maple pumpkin layer cake.


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Soft Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies // Santa Bruce

September 21, 2018

Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

You may be thinking, wait? What? Christmas?  But, I’m telling you, it will be here before you know it!  We are back partnering with Disney Book Group on this sponsored post to introduce you to their newly released book, Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins!

This adorable book is about a bit of a grumpy bear named Bruce who gets mistaken for Santa Claus by his forest neighbors. But, that doesn’t stop the whole forest from lining up to give him their Christmas wishes when he becomes the victim of mistaken identity.

It was fun to see my kids cuddled up to read about poor Santa Bruce who just can’t catch a break!  And, now of course my kids have Christmas on their minds and are all ready with their wishlists for Santa in September, ha!  Like I said, it will be here before we know it!

One thing I do love the most about the upcoming season is the Holiday traditions!  We love to bake treats, and hand them out to friends and neighbors spreading holiday cheer! The kids of course, always leave a plate out for Santa Claus, making sure to stay on the nice list.

I’ve been working on perfecting my gingerbread cookie recipe over the past year, and I think I’ve done it!  They are thick, flavorful, soft, and chewy!  Just the way I like them!  The kids love helping, and I love our time in the kitchen together!


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4 Ways to Serve Others and Spread Love

February 9, 2018

Gift Basket to Show Love

Inspirational Book with Quotes

I am so excited to be partnering with Workman Publishing again on a special release by Flow Magazine. Flow is a magazine that takes its time, celebrating creativity, imperfection, and life’s little pleasures.  In a time when other print media is focusing their energies on their digital properties, Flow Magazine is finding success by fully embracing the physical qualities of paper.

Inspirational Book with Quotes

The co-founders and creative directors of Flow Magazine, Irene Smit and Astrid Van der Hults have released their newest book at the perfect time in a month we celebrate love!  Everything Grows with Love is the cutest little book that is filled with inspirational and beautiful lettered and illustrated quotes!  It is the perfect little collection of inspirational thoughts and quotes that you will want to return to day after day when you need to put a little smile on your face or find that perfect gift for a loved one!  I love how it is a reminder to appreciate the small moments, be present, think happy, and appreciate the people around you!  It makes the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, an every day gift, birthday gift, engagement gift, or simply for someone who just needs a little pick me up!  And, for only $9.95!

Inspirational Book with Quotes

Now who doesn’t love to celebrate love of all kinds!  I once read that love is making space in your life for someone else.  As I have gotten older, I have found that the definition of love has changed for me a lot over the years as I have continued on my journey.  Love for me as a mother, and wife and women in my community with friendships is much different than what I used to see it as in the past.  A huge part of love and a great way to show love is to offer service.  For me this is one of the truest forms of love, and something that I have been making a conscience effort to make a priority in my life.  I wanted to share a few ideas and ways to serve and show love that I have enjoyed doing over the years.


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