Everything was off to a great start…a few great hair days, pushing through the days, work, work, working. I picked up a few new ideas while attending a recent music festival. Naturally, this week found me standing on chairs during my rehearsals to further demonstrate to my students when playing a musical instrument, the importance of sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor. Many, many thanks Mr. A! (P.S- I totally gave you all the credit – but my students who were at the festival thought I ‘stole’ this move. They were so mad…and I do not even have to describe that ‘middle school look’ to you. You totally know that look that involves eye rolling? I gently reminded them that sharing is caring. It’s ‘all good’ they chimed. I am drawing the line at that tap dancing number though…) Things were going so well. I was not the least bit phased when I found myself with an array of spices, freshly squeezed lime juice and…
Carrot Fries
I stepped into the shop at the appointed date and time, but, the lights were off on my usual side. I doubled checked my iPhone – yes, I had a hair appointment that day. I pushed aside a little sparkle of hair and knew I was in the ballpark of needing a lift. A miscommunication…so I was going to shine brightly for another week. Fine. I will shine. How do you deal with the ‘unexpecteds’ in life? Do you roll with it? Do you get mad? Do you stress eat?
The Everyday: Week 5
Pipers Peppers
I glanced around the produce section. The grocery store was pretty quiet thankfully. This allowed me to think up a comfort food dinner plan. There would not be a big plate of fresh pasta, fresh marinara with basil and gorgeous meatballs with freshly grated cheese. (Yes, that is what I really wanted) Instead I turned to this overlooked vegetable.
Salted Caramel Loaf

I laughed inwardly…not quite believing what my head had been thinking all week. I had my eye on a salted caramel date loaf. Please read those flavor combinations again. Yes, I know, right?! I just had to make it. Earlier in the week one look around my cupboards told me I had all of the necessary ingredients. Later in the week, I set out to make this recipe from Not Without Salt… Continue reading “Salted Caramel Loaf” »
Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart

Good morning!
The coffee maker was quietly percolating away and one look outside told me the birds were having a killer breakfast of sunflower seeds. The pre-packaged suet brick was finally noticed by a curious woodpecker but he flew off after one taste. It reminded me of a small child having to finish their lima beans on the dinner plate. The birds around my yard are used to only the finest scraps of suet which our local butcher provides. So spoiled. I felt spoiled as well as I poured a cup of french roast coffee and glanced at the thermometer. It was above zero…that alone was cause for celebration. What could I make?

Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart
The Everyday: Week 4
The Perfect Party Appetizer!
Have you ever wanted to be ‘that’ person that brings the simple, yet slightly sassy, hostess gift? A bottle of “Flirt” red wine? Or perhaps step into the kitchen and make a fantastic knock-your-socks-off edible gift for the party planner? Look no more…I found a recipe just for you!

Cocoa Roasted Almonds
A jar full of good
How can three ingredients turn into something so delightfully beautiful?
The Everyday: Week 3
The past week in a few photos…

Many fires were built this week…

Looking out the sunroof
Warm one day

And snowy the next day. Welcome to New England!

Cooking date for two. A japanese meal…complete with sake.

Beautiful flowers in the light.

Coconut Body Butter…recipe coming soon!

The perfect one bite dessert – almond cake, a dollop of lemon curd and 2 blueberries. Fancy pants dessert for one, please.

Nice commute to work








