Can you guess what we’re doing? If you guessed that we’re starting seedlings, you’re right! Our yard may be completely covered with snow still, but we’re getting our plants going so they’ll be ready when the thaw comes. We’ll be going through the process here, so be sure to check back to watch our garden grow! One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients... more

March? Really? I couldn’t tell by looking outside. One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. Monday – Turkey Salad on greens Tuesday – Spaghetti Pie, green salads Wednesday – Red Lentil Soup using... more

It has been a busy weekend. I started it out by working a lot and getting ready for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday (Happy birthday, Kathleen!). On Saturday I had the privilege of photographing Hearts for Haiti downtown with Anne followed by church and basketball tournaments and a long overdue top-to-bottom cleaning of the entire house (excluding the laundry room and storage areas). I had started last weekend by doing the kids’ bedrooms, but I finished the rest of the house today.... more

The Olympics are underway (and curling starts Tuesday). We spent tonight glancing at the games while putting together a fondue feast for 8. My sister and her boyfriend Matt celebrated with us, and everything went off without a hitch. One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able... more

I’m back from Blissdom, and I have to admit, as much as I am thrilled to be here with my kids and my husband, I’m sad it’s over. I had a fantastic time, met so many wonderful women, and I learned a lot too. I also completed the two missing pieces of my…cake?…and was able to spend some time with my friends Mandi and Tara while I was there. It’s been a long time coming, and I was so grateful for a chance to get together in person. Ole has been holding down the... more

Five things I learned about curling last week: Each rock weighs 40 pounds. The last rock thrown in an end is “the hammer.” The scoreboard is hard to read until someone explains it to you. The handle on the rock is called “Eye on the Hog.” Inexperienced players wibble wobble, but none fell down. I was waiting, though. And just like that, it’s February. While January was an exciting month for me, full of opportunities and changes, I would not like to repeat... more

I hope you’ll forgive me for my silence this week. I’ve been getting together things for this and things for that, and I’ve also been busy writing here, there and everywhere else. If you missed them, you should check out my Asian Orange Chicken Salad, vegetable broth from scraps and my new recipe binder that I received as a gift this Christmas. I’ve also got news on the horizon that I can’t wait to share. I’m excited about it, and I hope you all will be as... more