I love fall. I love the smell, I love the colors, I love the temperature. It's my second favorite season next to summer. I'm always looking for new things to do with fall leaves so when I came across a fall leaf bowl on Pinterest, I knew the girls and I had to try to make one. There are many different versions of fall leaf bowls on Pinterest. Most use fake leaves but I wanted to see what would happen if we used real leaves. TJ and I gathered a bunch of fresh fallen leaves from the yard. The leaves must be fresh fallen so they can bend. Then we gathered the rest of the supplies: Modge Podge Sponge brush Plastic wrap A bowl We first tried to Modge Podge the leaves around a balloon like some people suggested. However, the balloon was too round and the leaves had a hard time molding to the form and staying on it. So we got out one of my mixing bowls and covered it with plastic wrap so that the leaves didn't permanently stick to it. The bowl worked much … [Read more...]
A Year Ago This Week – Finding My Happiness
A year ago this week, my world and that of my family's turned upside down when I was told they were eliminating my position at work. For six years I had been working in what was called a Baylor position. I worked 24 hours a week (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 hour shifts) in exchange for getting paid what I would be making if I worked 36 hours a week. I gave up my weekends, but we didn't have to pay for child care, I made enough money to support my family (because my husband's income is unpredictable) and I could participate in school activities with my girls. It was perfect for my family. A year ago this week, I unintentionally started a journey to finding my happiness. You see, I thought I was happy. After all, I was, for the most part, a stay-at-home-mom but I also had a great job that supported my family. I had the best of both worlds. Who wouldn't want that? A year ago this week, I started learning that sometimes you need to let go. I cried. I cried a lot. I … [Read more...]
Triple Espresso at the New Century Theatre
My husband and I enjoy going to the theater and we love comedy so when Hennepin Theatre Trust contacted me about writing an advertorial post about Triple Espresso in exchange for tickets to see it, I jumped at the opportunity. Theater and comedy shows aren't something we've shared with our girls quite yet. It's not that we haven't wanted to, it's just that we haven't had the opportunity...until now. I'm excited to take them to see Triple Espresso at the New Century Theatre. They'll get to see their first show at a real theater and their first comedy show in one! With a name like Triple Espresso, you wouldn't think the show would be family friendly. I almost turned down the opportunity to see it because the name made it sound like an adult show. I am assured, however, that the entire family will enjoy Triple Espresso. It's "an evening of caffeination and cackles for the whole family - this production is suitable for ages 6 to 106!" So, what is Triple Espresso and what's it … [Read more...]
Incredibly Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
I love fall. Besides the beautiful colors, crisp air, and spicy smells, fall is also the beginning of comfort food time. This incredibly easy vegetable beef soup is one of my go-to comfort foods because I almost always have all the ingredients on hand and it's quick to make. My girls are super picky eaters but this is one meal they gobble right up (and usually ask for seconds!) I don't think they even realize how many vegetables they are eating. Bonus! My husband loves it because it's hearty despite being a soup. Exchange the rice for small cubed potatoes and it's even heartier. To make this easy vegetable beef soup you'll need: 1 lb hamburger or ground turkey cooked and crumbled 1 package of frozen mixed vegetables 1-2 cups cooked rice 32 oz beef broth Dried basil, parsley, and oregano to taste Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients in a large soup pot and cook until vegetables are thawed and soup is warm. My family likes to eat this … [Read more...]
Halloween Witch’s Brew Necklace
My youngest daughter's birthday is at the end of the month. Because her birthday is so close to Halloween, she's having a Halloween themed party. It's hard to come up with unique ideas but this year I think I've come up with the perfect activity/craft that also serves as a party favor... a Halloween witch's brew necklace! I told my daughter that we were going to make a "potion necklace" for her birthday but I didn't exactly tell her what the potion would do. I made an example of what the necklace would look like and she loved it! A bottle of "Slime of a Frog" and "Unicorn Dander". But that wasn't the end... I had her uncork both bottles and pour the "Slime of a Frog" into the "Unicorn Dander". I wish I would have gotten her and her sister's reaction on video! They thought it was "so cool!". I can't wait for the birthday party guests to make and then use this Halloween Witch's Brew Necklace! I hope their reaction is as fun as my daughters'. In … [Read more...]
Hard Rock World Burger Tour Review #WorldBurgerTour
Last week I introduced you to Hard Rock Cafe's World Burger Tour burgers. Today, I'm sharing with you my family's thoughts on some of those burgers. A gift card for my family to eat, gift pack giveaway, and burger information have been provided to me by Hard Rock International. All opinions are my own. As you know, my family already loves Hard Rock Cafe so when we were asked to try the limited time World Burger Tour burgers, we didn't hesitate to say "yes!". Hubby and I took a look at the burgers on the tour website ahead of time and decided which ones we thought we'd like. They all sounded super interesting. I couldn't decide between the Java Lava Burger and the Tandoori Chicken Burger. Espresso rub on a burger? Add in cheddar cheese and bacon? *drooling* I could go without the fried jalapeno on top though. That's the Java Lava. Mint mayo and cucumbers sounded really fresh and summery on the Tandoori Chicken Burger. Hubby thought he'd like the Jamaican Jerk Burger or the … [Read more...]
