Moms' Coffee Date

If you follow us on our social media, you know that I recently went to the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida. I thought I would give you the recap of the fun we had! My husband and I escaped our children and the snow on the ground at our house, and flew to sunny Florida! That in itself, was very nice. This is our one chance a year to get away just the two of us. We should probably plan better and go somewhere more like a vacation than a convention! Either way, time away together is fun! So, as a total surprise, we ended up flying down there with some friends of ours who were going too! It was great to get to spend some time with these people that we don't normally get to see! Before we left, my children had all been sick the week before with cold symptoms and high fevers. I was stressing out big time that I wouldn't be able to go because they (as children do...) were coughing and sneezing in my face all week. Ugh. Luckily, I managed not to get sick...

Today we are linking up with  Erika ,  Narci  and  Andrea  for our weekly installment of Friday Favorites! Favorite #1 Real Simple magazine.  I have been a subscriber since the very first issue back in April of 2000. I have loved every issue. It's the one magazine that I get excited to see in the mail and actually read it cover to cover. There are so many great tips! Actually, now that I think about it, it reminds me a little of our blog. Recipes, fashion, tips to make life easier...in a nifty magazine! Favorite #2 Route 11 Potato Chips Omg, you guys! I am usually a sweets girl. Chocolate, baked goods with chocolate in them, chocolate candy...you name it, I love it. In my opinion, chocolate anything is really the only viable dessert option. An occasional apple something is ok, but #givemeallthechocolate! But these chips...so dangerous. They are in smallish bags, or at least that's what I tell myself. My ...

Hi everyone! We are so excited to kick the year off with Allie over at  A Gal Named Al  and our monthly linkup! Ok. So, if you know me, you know I am probably the LAST person to be doling out organization tips! Don't look in my closet! Or any of my closets for that matter! But, I do happen to have a tip or two up my sleeve that could possibly help you in your daily life! Ok...let's begin with the most embarrassing for me! My pantry! First, let me just say...we have lived-in our home for almost 12 years and I have not changed the shelf lining that was here when we moved in. Even though I am not fond of it. Or even like it. But usually my pantry looks like this...so...yeah. I don't even really see it very often. What the before picture is, is about 4-6 months of shoving stuff in there from the kids and trips to the grocery store. That's why it's all wrong.  This is much better. See the hideous paper?  ...