A greeting card with a gift card tucked inside -- that's what a I get my dad for Father's Day every single year. Although I know he uses the gift cards and appreciates the gift, I don't feel like I'm being very thoughtful or creative. Buying gifts for my dad is just hard. I know my dad enjoys mowing the lawn and working with tools. He loves washing his truck and watching the same movie a million times. But as far as things he would like as a gift? I'm just not sure. Not sure what he already has. Not sure what he'll actually use. Perhaps you are in the same boat. Is your dad tough to buy Continue Reading
A Letter to My Brother Before His Wedding Day
My brother is getting married soon. In just one month and two weeks, he will be standing at the front of a church in a grey suit awaiting his beautiful bride. I couldn't be happier for him and his wedding day. He honestly chose such a wonderful woman to claim as his wife. I am going on three years of marriage. I've seen the ups and the downs. As my brother prepares for one of the biggest days of his life, I wanted to write him this letter. Before Your Wedding Day: A Letter to My Brother To my little brother, Logan, I am really surprised how quickly this special day of yours is approaching. Continue Reading
St. Patrick’s Day Desserts
I wouldn't say I've ever really celebrated St. Patrick's Day before. If there's any celebrating going on in my home, it's eating. That's how we like to celebrate things -- with food. I particularly like sweet treats. So for this holiday, I thought I'd share some great GREEN St. Patrick's Day desserts. End of the Rainbow: St. Patrick's Day Desserts Lucky Charms Cookies from Glue Sticks and Gumdrops St. Patrick's Day Muddy Buddies from Glue Sticks and Gumdrops Shamrock Shake from Back to Her Roots St. Patrick's Day Lime Rice Krispies from Living Well Mom Rainbow Layer Cake with Easy Continue Reading
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas & Deals
Mother's Day is upon us. I don't know about you, but my mom is one of my very best friends. In fact, I'd say as far as best friends go, my husband is #1 and my mom is #2. It's pretty special that I get to call my own mother not just a friend but a best friend. I hope that you feel the same way about your own mother. This Mother's Day, let's spoil those diaper-changing, tear-wiping, hug-giving ladies we've grown up with. The advice-giving, meal-making mamas who have been there for us every step of the way -- yes, they deserve a thanks. So today, I'm first of all reminding you that Continue Reading
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Mom
Mother. Mommy. Mama. Mom. Ma. Mum. Whatever you call her, she deserves a day just for her. After all, she did give birth to you ... and changed your diaper ... and fed you ... and put up with your rebellious teen years ... That's what Mother's Day is for! But sometimes, finding a way to truly celebrate your mom and show her how special she is to you can be difficult. I've gathered several ideas for you, hopefully some you may not have thought of! Whether you use one of these ideas or something else, just be sure to show your appreciation to such a special lady! Check Out These Continue Reading
St. Patty’s Puddin’ Parfaits
St. Patrick's Day isn't a holiday I've ever celebrated. But when it means eating green Oreos and pudding, I'm happy to start! These little cups of goodness are such a yummy dessert perfect for this Irish holiday. Here's what you'll need: Oreos (regular or mint) Vanilla pudding Green food coloring Whipped cream Shamrock or green sprinkles Crush up the Oreos in a Ziploc bag. You can use Mint Oreos if you want a mint flavor. Make the pudding like normal using milk. Add in green food coloring. I let the pudding set up in the refrigerator. Using small glasses, layer the Oreos, Continue Reading
Thin Mint Truffles
Girl Scout Cookies. Who doesn't love them? My absolute favorite are thin mints! Yum yum yum! But what about when you run out of the all the boxes you bought?! I know, it's a scary thought. But there is a solution! You can make these thin mint truffles. The great thing about these truffles is you can just keep popping them in your mouth! I'll say it again: Yum yum yum! And it's just in time for the month of green! Here's what you'll need: Keebler Grasshopper mint chocolate cookies Cream cheese Almond bark Green food coloring Start by crushing up all the cookies in a food Continue Reading
Sweetie Pies
Valentine's Day is upon us folks. This will be my first one with a husband. But whether you are married or single, you can still celebrate with a yummy treat! You can make these for your family to enjoy, for dessert during a romantic home-cooked meal, to devour all by yourself while crying during your favorite chick flick, to take to a party or to give as a thank you gift to people in your community. Whatever floats your boat! First of all, don't you just love their name? Sweetie Pies are sweet and made of pie dough so the name really does fit and is perfect for this holiday. Here's Continue Reading
Raspberry Shortbread Valentine Cookies
Looking for a delicious cookie to make for Valentine's Day? You know what they say -- the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Travis and I both thought these cookies were delicious! Here's what you'll need: Butter (make sure it is softened!) Sugar Brown sugar Flour Salt Raspberry preserves (or jam) Powdered sugar Heavy whipping cream Start by creaming together the butter, sugar and brown sugar. Then, mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Roll out your dough. Be sure to flour the surface and the rolling pin. I needed lots of extra Continue Reading
Bride & Groom Gifts (For Each Other)
Recently, it has become popular for the bride and groom to get each other gifts on their wedding day. Some like this idea and others don't bother. Travis and I wanted to get in on this tradition. (Or maybe it was just me! Is it so bad that I love presents?) Gifts from the Bride & Groom to Each Other I have been working on Travis' gift for a long time. For years. Since before I even knew Travis. And it cost me probably $10. Who said a romantic gift has to be expensive? So let me explain. When I was in high school, I bought a journal, and I began writing in that journal to my future Continue Reading
Word of the Year: 2013
For the past couple years, I have been choosing a word to represent my new year rather than making resolutions. Last year, I chose the word "purpose" for 2012. I wanted to put purpose into everything I did. Now looking back on 2012, I believe my word was actually "healing." I spent most of that year being healed by God, having my heart mended. And once I was healed, I received great restoration and joy. For 2013, I've pondered over several words such as change, adventure, joy and journey. All of which seem to describe what 2013 will probably be filled with. But I decided not to go with any Continue Reading