What I Learned From An Improperly Fastened Car Seat and Other Off-Road Adventures I tried to be a laid back and, in some ways, I was; but, in other ways, my inner voice told me I wasn’t cut out for this task called mothering. Every time one of my kids went through a right of […]
Here are 10 tips to help your party be a huge success and a gif to go with each. Cuz, well, gifs are amazeballs. 1. Pick a theme and a few colors to compliment it then repeat. For example, if you find a bright, pretty blue to use don’t all of the sudden toss a […]
We wracked our brains to find the theme of all themes and decided on A Retro Fifties Housewife Bridal Shower. See this girl? This is my daughter (affectionately known as Dotter). My little girl. She got married last year and her bridesmaids and I came together to create a memorable bridal shower – one that […]
Red Plate Girl I walked through the door and for the first time in my life I was truly surprised. It was my sixteenth birthday party and my mom had worked together with some family friends to throw me one of the most memorable birthday celebrations I’ve ever had. I was surrounded by my family, […]
Meet Your Neighbors Such a fun way to meet neighbors! This might just be my favorite video I’ve ever stumbled upon on Facebook. Let’s reconnect this weekend and as a result, find joy. Do it now. Meet Neighbors While You Spread Joy
Years ago I shared this photo of my Ged Bedder Badket with my Facebook friends. This is my “ged bedder badket”. It hadbs eberythin’ I neeb to feel bedder when I hadb a code in my node. Since then, I have seen many friends post their own special variations of this idea on trays, in […]
Here’s a list of Five Awesome Party Games for you & your loved ones. Tired of the same old holiday routine? Pull simple supplies together to surprise your family and friends with these Minute to Win It style games and fun challenges. Make sure everyone gets a try. Although the main point is to connect with […]
My daughter and I had a fun talk about being introverts recently. If you’ve been thinking introverts are shy, boring, and unsocial, I’m sorry to tell you that it is inaccurate. We are very social and pretty darn fun. We just recharge our batteries alone. If we ever shut down in public, don’t worry. It […]
Having authentic conversation all begins with showing people know you care about their souls. I used to own a bed & breakfast. I had such a fun time teasing and chatting it up with guests. I learned a lot about people, talking, and laughter. So much so, I can’t hold it in. I just gotta share. […]
Wikipedia says “Toleration and tolerance are terms used in social, cultural and religious contexts to describe attitudes which are “tolerant” (or moderately respectful) of practices or group memberships that may be disapproved of by those in the majority.” For years I have been hearing about the act of tolerance from schools, government and well-meaning people […]
Questions Every Mother of the Groom Receives. I am getting ready to attend my baby’s wedding. The first question one receives as the mother of the groom is, “Do you like his fiancé?” When the first question is asked, I light up like a Christmas bubble light from the seventies. You cannot get me to […]
Let’s consider how to love people better. I have a friend who is full of fun one-liners. Often he will say, “Attention! Attention, everyone!” I turn around quickly to hear his important announcement and he declares, “Thank you. I just love attention.” I fall for his joke every single time. But isn’t it so true […]
What is a successful breakfast? Recipes: The Old Hen’s Orange Blueberry Scones and Spiral Omelet A successful breakfast at my table is not defined by the perfect oily, French-pressed coffee. Breakfast here is not defined by my witty personality and mischievous, sparkly brown eyes, and humble ways. See what I did there? Breakfast is not […]
I am 45. Because it’s been a while since I’ve confessed something, I’m just puttin’ it out there. While I’m at it, I might as well admit that I never lost the baby weight and my children are 17 and almost 20. I’m at this weird place in life where I’m braver than I have ever […]
Memoirs of an Innkeeper With Koji Yakusho. I got a call. We had some special guests arriving from Japan. Memoirs of an Innkeeper With Koji Yakusho They brought this stunning candy. We were honored to have our guests. They were so kind and fun, and as we found out after a while, they were, um, […]
Let me tell you about the day I organized the pantry. My favorite day of the year, month, or whenever I get around to it. I thought I’d share my shame with you today so you can feel better about yourself. My pantry is especially out of control. The Day I Organized the Pantry Believe […]
30 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Graduated From High School An open note to Dotter and to all the girls of this year’s graduating class: 1. Never stick your wet hand in the freezer. For that matter, don’t stick any wet limbs in the freezer. 2. The easiest way to learn something […]
Have gone to a very fancy party, restaurant, or event and noticed it’s the little things done with love that make all the difference. Creativity without love = showing off & guests who leave with a void in their hearts Creativity with love = inspiration & guests who wish they could return again tomorrow If […]
Check out these Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Foodies. Tea Forte Ribbon Box Sampler – If they love tea, they will love Tea Forte… the prettiest tea I have ever seen. Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong – one of the world’s funniest books. Pastry Scraper – Works like a dream to scrape countertops […]
5 Ways to Spark Creativity Into Your Hospitality. I have learned that funny looks and failed ideas can pay off big time. One thing I have always tried to do is make every get-together just a little over-the-top. This means that I receive many funny looks from friends when I am describing what my plans […]
