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The New York Sour
I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that, yes, I just turned 40-years-old, but on the rare occasion that I go into a bar, most of the time I have no clue what cocktail to order. Often, I just order a GT (gin-and-tonic) not because I really like them but just because its easy. However, as soon as the bartender asks me what gin I prefer, the conversation quickly devolves… As a result, I was excited the other day when I encountered a picture of a cocktail that I had never seen or heard of before – the New York Sour. Its pretty with a red wine floater – seemed right up…
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Megan’s 40th Birthday Dinner
We celebrated Megan’s birthday at my house with all the red wine and chocolate. We started the evening with Black Raspberry Bellinis. They are cute/went with our red theme, delicious and super simple. The day of your event, put out champagne flutes and add a splash of Chambord Liqueur and a few raspberries to the bottom of each glass. Shortly before your guests arrive, add champagne and set them out so guests can grab one as they come in. I made a large appetizer spread at one end of my kitchen island. I love making cheese and dessert boards so I gave my sister this book as part of her…
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To the beauty and brains of our family on her 40th birthday…
Here are just a few things we love about you: How you work so hard to make everyone feel loved with the perfect themed gifts purchased months in advance Your tenacity and perfectionism Your willingness to step in and help with anything – especially when it comes to your three younger siblings You are a fabulous cook and aren’t afraid to tackle anything in the kitchen Your perfectly themed outfits How you are teaching your kids to be empathetic and give back to your community And last but not least: Cheers to you sister! You don’t look a day over 33 (which is my age and people always ask if…
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Hope & Henry
Do you have a favorite store or brand that is your “go to” when shopping for your kids’ special occasion clothes? I have what might be a new one for you: Hope & Henry. I have never received more compliments about my kids’ clothing than when my daughter wore this dress to a school function: Fellow moms and teachers would randomly stop me on the street for weeks afterwards to ask about this dress. It was my first purchase from Hope & Henry via Amazon and I could not have been more impressed with the quality and price point ($26.95). While I am always very hesitant to make my first…
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To Sauna or Not?
Do you Sauna? Until very recently, I had never given it much thought. Chris, on the other hand, is obsessed. Him, Ryan and my brothers love a good sauna and steam session. They are all so obsessed that Chris getting one for our garage or backyard is a normal topic of conversation (not happening). This last Sunday following Valentines Day, my in-laws came over to watch the kids and we went to the gym and out to lunch. This was the first time in forever we have gone on a “day date” and it was glorious; I highly recommend it. We worked out and then went our separate ways to…
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Where I like to buy wine!
On Saturday, I was in Metropolitan Market (if I’m being truthful, there are not many Saturdays when I’m not in Metropolitan Market) and noticed the store was advertising its own Red Table Wine Release No. 36 Vintage 2017. For just $10/bottle, it was worth a try. Mallory, Chris, Ryan and I decided Sunday happy hour was a good time to try the bottle (why let it age?). You can also get more info about napa valley vineyards here.Some of the tasting notes are. Mallory: Nice, easy and drinkable. Enjoyable for $10. *Coming from a less sophisticated palate. 😊 Ryan: Daily drinker. Mallory: Daily 4pm mom wine. Goes down easy, but…
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Smoked Almond Kale Bowls
We both love to cook and make dinner for our families just about every night of the work week. We are constantly trying new things and sharing recipes, and when we find a good one, it sticks and everyone in our family starts making it. One of our most loved and most made recipes are Smoked Almond Kale Bowls. These bowls are super simple, can be prepped ahead of time, help us get our greens in, and most importantly, they are delicious. Directions: For the marinated kale: Wash, dry and stem 1 large bunch of lacinato kale, then cut the leaves into thing strips and put into large ziploc or…
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Happy Valentines Day!
It’s a special date for Ryan and I. We were married on Valentine’s Day. Not because we are super lovey-dovey, romantic people (in fact just the opposite!) but because the date was available at the wedding venue we wanted. And, who doesn’t want a free steak dinner, red roses, live music & dancing, and chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Here we are on our wedding day…we look so young! When we chose our wedding date, however, we didn’t think about what that might mean for future anniversary celebrations. Who wants to go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day to celebrate their wedding anniversary? Over-priced prix fixe menus, tables crammed too close…
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Last Minute Valentines
Need any last minute Valentine ideas for moms, kids, sisters, husbands? We’re here to help. For your GALentines: Heart sunglasses YSL Heart and Arrow Rouge Volupte Shine Collector Lipstick Steal My Heart Lipstick Essie Valentines Day 2020 Nail Polish Collection Love Bomb Bath Fizzer Heart Shaped Sponge Blenders For the men in your lives: 6-pack of various beers or spiked seltzer (also known as dad juice in our homes) Handsome Devil Wine Lulu Lemon Boxers – every guy who wears these, loves them For the kids: Valentine Lego and Valentine Lego Book Indestructibles Love you, Baby Book (these books are so great for babies – truly indestructible and safe for…
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A Sun Valley Surprise & Our Favorite Things To Do
We just surprised our Dad for his 70th birthday in Sun Valley and think that it is such a great place for a family vacation. If you are considering going – do it! Here is a list of mostly kid-friendly things you shouldn’t miss: Sun Valley Lodge to stay, eat, and play! We didn’t stay here this time but visited, the spa, had drinks in their Duchin Lounge, and took the kids bowling which was so fun. It’s the cutest little bowling alley with bumpers and games for the kids and a full bar for the adults – everyone loved it! Galena Lodge for snowshoeing or cross country skiing and…
