Thank You

 (click on image to see larger) 

I am always looking for a way to give a simple thank you- that doesn't break the bank. This could be great as a teacher gift, a visiting teaching "treat," or, in my case, a thank you for the many people who helped so much with day camp.

JJ

This is one happy baby. My friend (girl-I-visit-taught-until-yesterday-and-it-makes-me-want-to-cry-that-we're-split-up) is the mom to this darling, happy baby. And I am so happy they live a hop and a skip away from me.

Party Decor

A few friends have asked lately for help with party decor ideas- so I thought I'd share a few quick tips to whip up some party/shower/birthday decorations:

1. I almost always use a roll of wrapping paper as a table runner. Such a cheap simple way to add color to any event.

2. Use pictures on cork/magnet boards, hanging clips, in frames, giant clothespins, etc. Quotes and invitations are other items to display.

3. I love to use memorabilia, especially for my kids parties: their baby shoes, books from our collections that match the color scheme, lego creations, fake flowers Dylan delivered the day Ellie was born, etc.

4. Use food and favors on platters and cake plates to decorate.

5. Around my kids birthdays, I like to make the mantle (or other little spots in our home), more about them. It may have their pictures or favorite toys or the cards they have received in the mail.

6. Lose sleep over tiny details that you may only notice :) Sure makes life fun!

Valentines

Happy day.

Happy Birthday to you!

I can't believe my nephew Neal is one! I took a few pics at the party and these were some favorites. What a handsome boy!

Honey Harvest Quinoa

1 1/3 cup quinoa
2 2/3 cup water
1 small Golden delicious apple cored and cut into chunks (I used a large pear & loved it!)
1/4 dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 low fat milk (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons of honey (plus more for serving)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons butter (I didn't add this and it was still tasty)

Rinse quinoa and put in saucepan with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add apple/pear chunks and cranberries and continue to cook until the water is absorbed (about 10 minutes).

Meanwhile, toast the pecans in a dry skillets over med-high heat until fragrant (about 2 minutes). When quinoa is cooked add milk, honey and cinnamon. Cook until milk is heated through (about 1 minute). Serve with milk, honey, toasted pecans... and adding blueberries was delicious.

Sneek Peek

This is my sister-in-law Hailey (and her darling family). She is creative, organized, stunning, patient and kind. I love her. So happy to take pictures for her on this perfectly beautiful day.