December 2014 archive

Pretty (Delicious) Pretzel Rods

In my opinion, a perfect snack is one that combines salty and sweet. These dipped pretzel rods have been a favorite in my family for as long as I can remember. I recently grabbed the recipe from my mom because I wanted to give homemade goodies this season, but something a little different than the traditional cookie. These make great gifts because they can be made well in advance of giving and look great packaged up in clear cellophane bags or other gift bags or boxes. Recipe below.

DSC_2312_edited-1 (more…)

Homemade Pizza Night

My kids have never been big eaters, so I’m often looking for ways to get them interested in meal time. I don’t mean getting them interested in eating more vegetables or developing a more adventuresome palate…I mean getting them to just sit down and eat. I consider pizza kind of a victory, since it can hit on a fair number of food groups, and even pizza can be a tough sell. But not when we have family pizza night and they are involved in the process. When it’s just the kids I go relatively simple with store-bought crusts and limited ingredients, but we’ve also done this with our adult friends and added in rolling out the dough and more sophisticated and varied ingredients, to make it a fun night at home. DSC_1539_edited-1

Kerry: Gap sweater, pants and socks | hand-knit scarf from my mom
Ella: Gap dress, pants and socks
Taylor: Gap shirt, pants and socks
(Note: I wasn’t actually attempting to look like an amateur Gap family ad, but it happens around holiday sales time. Tough to resist the 40% off)

(more…)

Whiteout | Black & Gray On

This is the first time in 60+ years that my family has spent time at the cabin during the winter months, therefore this also is the first time I’ve seen snow on that particular landscape or experienced ice on the lake. It was calm and beautiful on this day, and the bright white snow and horizon provided a crisp backdrop for this cozy black and gray outfit. I wear boots all the time these days, after realizing (finally!) that it’s just too difficult to keep shoes from getting trashed during Minnesota winters. But that means I’ve also had to search for some alternatives to my trusty Hunter boots, which are certainly the bees knees when it comes to sloshing through snow and slush, but also are on the expensive side if I’m just looking to add a color or style. I love the quilted look of these Sperry wellies, as well as the price point ($78.00, and I have to believe you can find them on sale somewhere this time of year!).

DSC_2134_edited-1

Banana Republic sweater, shirt and pants | Sperry Top-Sider boots | Kate Spade sunglasses | Eileen Fisher scarf | Tory Burch handbag (on sale) | Michael Kors watch | Melly bracelet | Anthrpologie earrings
(more…)

1 4 5 6 7 8