All about my adventures with cooking, crafts, and travel
Hot Cheesy Spicy Sausage Dip is the perfect party dip to enjoy when you want something that is cheesy, hearty, and packs a spicy punch!
When you are looking for a new dip to try while you watch your favorite game or enjoy a game night with friends, give this Hot Cheesy Spicy Sausage Dip a try. Everyone is going to be impressed when you bring out that hot skillet full of ooey gooey cheese and meat.
…You’ll want to run away with the Super American Circus after watching a fun performance filled with sky high stunts, acrobatics, and death defying acts!
Thank you to Super American Circus for inviting us to enjoy a great afternoon at the circus.
To celebrate Autumn’s 5th birthday, we went to the the circus for an afternoon of high flying fun.
The Super American Circus was in town before setting off on their 2019 tour across the US. They previously sold out their inaugural tour of Hawaii where they left everyone speechless with their high flying acts.
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Your Mission: Stay Hydrated- Hot summer days zap us all of energy. It’s important to stay hydrated. You’ll feel great & your overall wellness will improve.
Whenever I am feeling lousy, the first thing I think of is if I am properly hydrated.
Or that is a tumor and I will probably be dead in 3 months.
But more likely, I’m just not properly hydrated.
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I love summer.
The outside activities, sunshine, and warm mornings all make me happy.
The smell of sunblock and bugspray are my perfumes.
Water activities are the best.
Sunkissed cheeks are extra kissable.
I love the way that Autumn comes home with tangled hair matted to her from running around and getting sweaty.
Cold glasses of ice tea are a must.
Melty ice cream cones make for sticky fingers.
Our dogs flop into the cool tile floor after a long walk.
The smells of grills fill the air at night.
S’mores are my summer time addiction.
Flip flop tan lines are a sigh of freedom.
Piles of sand on the car floor means a great weekend was had at the beach.
Going down the slide at the pool is a given.
Summer is the best season.
Pics from this weekend’s community splash pad event.
Did you forget that Father’s Day is this Sunday?
Oh, only me then…
Well, I’ll use the new baby as a decent excuse, but what’s your excuse?!?!?!
It’s time to get shopping!!!
I hopped over to Amazon for ya to check out some awesome stuff. Amazon has tons of great products and the majority of them are Prime eligible. Some are even available for Prime Now, depending on where you live.
Let’s be real, you’re an amazon addict if you’re a parent. It saves ya when you need to order diapers or tub toy organizers (like what we needed to do this past week after our daughter Hulk’d her organizer off the wall and broke the bracket!)
Essential Oil Diffusers – Monq $120 for 7
Okay, so this won’t arrive in time to give to Dad for Father’s Day but… it’s still an awesome gift. Like, maybe he won’t mind if you put an IOU in his card.
I have been using Monq for the past 6 months and I love it. I am a big fan of essential oils and love the benefits that they provide. These are portable diffuses so they can be tossed in a bag or pocket. I find that they really help with giving me an afternoon pick me up or helps me relax before bed.
Beard Oil – Mountaineer Brand $12
For the dad’s with some facial hair, a beard oil is a must. It helps keep the hair soft and helps condition your skin underneath the beard.
Tripod Mount for Smartphones – Studio Neat $30
This is great for the Dad who loves Instagram or who loves to share family memories on Facebook. Having the tripod mount for smartphone devices is great for capturing moments of the whole family together.
And make sure dad snaps a self timer picture of everyone on Father’s Day with his new tripod!
Digital Laser Measure- Bosch $30
I have been using laser measures at work for years. They are so awesome. They are really precise and easy to use. Dad will love having one of these around for his next big home project.
Grilling Cookbook – America’s Test Kitchen $19
It’s time to fire up that grill! I love cookbooks from America’s Test Kitchen as they are clear and easy to follow. They are packed with great, helpful trips and tricks. You know Dad is gonna love to share his new found knowledge with you while he grills up a big steak, some kabobs, and some beer can chicken.
Smoker Box – Char-Broil – $13
If Dad likes grilling, then he might like to try smoking as well. This smoker box is a great way to start that. You can get all different kinds of wood chips for him too!
6 quart 7 function Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot $100
No place for a grill? Or dad doesn’t enjoy it? Then give him an instant pot. I bet he will love making pulled pork or batches of mac and cheese in there. Shoot, my husband loves that he can hardboil 18 eggs in there at once.
Baby Bike Seat – CyclingDeals $60
Family bike outings are always a blast. These bike seats are great for young kids so they can join the family. Having them right behind you lets you talk to them and play ‘I Spy’ while out on the trails.
Bike Trailer – Via Velo $400
Have 2 kids? This bike trailer is perfect for both of them.
And if they are doggo kids… they are great to hang out in there too! ha!
Insulated Water Bottle – KINGSSO $12
While Dad is hauling everyone around with his bike, make sure he is well hydrated! A sleek looking water bottle will help him stay hydrated and looking cool.
Graphic Tee’s- $20+
These Fun ‘Drink Local‘ Tee’s are great for the Dad’s that love local brews and live in CA, DC, MA, NY, TX, and WI.
This ‘For Fox Sake’ shirt is great for the dad that has a fun sense of humor.
Bike Messenger Bag- Manhattan Portage $120
This messenger bag is great for the stylish Dad who commutes to work on public transportation. It’s compact but still manages to hold a lot of stuff with
Vintage Canvas Backpack- Hotstyle $35 or less
Or maybe a messenger bag isn’t his thing? This backpack is pretty awesome. It’s waterproof and looks really stylish. Plus, it won’t break the piggy bank for less than $35.
Cool Diaper Bag- Diaper Dude $25+
And for the dad’s to be, a cool diaper bag is a must. My husband has a messenger bag from diaper dude and has loved using it over the past few years. It’s comfortable and has plenty of storage, including pockets for smart organization.
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What are you getting Dad for Father’s Day?
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Woohoo! Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Are you ready?!
Resist the urge to take mom out for brunch. Everyone does it and it’s a madhouse out there. Also, resist the idea of making breakfast in bed for her. Unless you make everything, give her the breakfast, and walk away to clean EVERYTHING up. Let her eat in peace. Personally, I think it’s a better idea to let her sleep in while you take a gremlins out of the house, and you bring back her favorite donuts/bagel/pastries and a giant coffee. Again, you leave her alone to eat in peace.
Have you caught on yet?!?!?
In addition to that, some gifts would be nice. Feel free to go while and get some fun things. Maybe you should skip that spinning stone necklace in exchange for these awesome goodies.
A Great Lipstick- Melted by Too Faced $21
I am loving lipsticks from Too Faced lately since they have great coverage and colors. Nudes are classic but bright colors are fun for summer. Just get her one that will make her feel wonderful.
Her Favorite Perfume – $60+
It’s just wonderful how when you give your mom a big hug and you take in a deep breath, breathing in her perfume, it takes you back to memories of your childhood.
Getting her a fresh bottle of her signature scent is a winning gift. Or pick up a new scent for her that is sure to become a classic.
Key, Wallet Tracker – TrackR $30
If mom misplaces her keys or wallet as much as I do, then she will probably love this gadget. It will make getting out of the house with keys in hand quickly and stress free. Instead of running around like crazy looking for her keys, she will be able to quickly locate them with the app on her phone.
Ultra Compact Portable High-Speed Charger- Anker $17
For the moms on the go, these portable phone charges are great. They help you stay connected, or at least on Instagram while at the park.
Pineapple embossed wineglasses – Luminarc $32 for 6
Pineapples are super trendy now. Yay! So you can’t go wrong with gifting these fun glasses and a bottle of wine.
Then walk far away from mom so she can enjoy a glass of wine in silence. shhhh!!
7 In 1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker– Instant Pot $99
This could be tricky. She might be offended that you are giving her a kitchen gadget, but
the risk might pay off when she tries it and falls in love with it. I am loving mine so I hope she loves hers too.
A fun mug- $15
I swear that it’s a real victory if I can manage to drink a cup of coffee without reheating it in the microwave. Why are morning so crazy?!?! At least a new large mug will be a cute addition to her collection. Hopefully, it will give her a good laugh when she retrieves it out of the microwave again and again.
And don’t forget to gift her favorite coffee or tea along with the mug!
Delightfully Delicious Macarons – $15- 90
Online order some macarons or stop by a local bakery to pick some up before visiting mom. I bet she will get a kick out the inventive flavors, like passion fruit, lychee, or lavender.
Activity Tracker- Fit Bit $99- $150
I have used a FitBit for the past few years and I have loved every step of it. There are all different styles of fitness trackers so get one that you think mom will like. The low profile Alta or the Charge with the heart rate monitor? So many options, so many mix and match bands to accessorize with it.
Fitness Membership – Orange Theory
If mom likes to push herself then have her check out an Orange Theory class. She will love to see how many calories she burned and how many splat points she earned during class. Then she can calculate how many glasses of wine she can have in exchange for the calories she burned during class. ha!
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Price snapped these pictures when my mom was recently visiting while we were checking out the sunset. It was a fun visit.
See you soon Mom!!
It’s snowing today in Boston.
I love/hate it. I think it’s wonderful but such a mess at the same time. It’s 2007 Britney.
We are currently predicted to get between 5-8″ of snow. Not too shabby.
After last year’s record setting snow fall I’m glad this winter had been pretty easy on us.
With 9 days left in Boston I can’t complain. I’ll take what snow comes our way. I will miss it to some degree, but I don’t miss having to clear off the car or shovel.
In fact, I really hate cleaning off the car, I have a “funny” story about snow and my soft-top Jeep Wrangler from when I was in high school. My mom was out cleaning off her car after it had snowed and was lecturing me that I needed to properly clean off my car before going to school while I sat inside it as it warmed off. I said “nah, look at this. I do this all the time.” I turned around grabbed a gym shoe in the back and tossed it against the back plastic to knock off the snow. “See, it knocks it off!” I grabbed the other shoe, tossed it back there again and my shoe sailed right through ripping the plastic. WTF!?!?!?! I guess the cold, rigid plastic had had enough of shoes bouncing off of it and RIP!!!!!
Needless to say I was in trouble and really cold in my car that day. Lesson learned, don’t through shoes at your Jeep Wrangler’s windows.
Anyway, I snapped these photos on my birthday, Jan 18th, as it snowed a bit that morning. Autumn gave it 10 minutes outside before calling it enough. Or maybe, that was me. Doesn’t matter really…
Price and I are so, so bummed that the show Cougar Town is having it’s series finale tonight. We have loved that show from the start. We quote it a lot. A lot.
It has been ‘our thing’. We would watch with glasses of wine, a big element of the show. For awhile we used our big glasses. You know, the ones that can hold a whole bottle of wine! We’d split a bottle between our glasses to enjoy during dinner and while watching Cougar Town. But then mine broke in the dershwursher*. 🙁 Those were the best glasses. I need to get another.
You know how women would be a “Carrie” or a “Charlotte” when SATC was a thing. Well, I am Ellie. I am 110% Ellie. Watch Cougar Town and then you will understand me.
I even have a Cougar Town Penny Can signed by the cast. I nearly died when that arrived at my office after winning a Twitter prize from the Cougar Town account a few years ago. I thought I’d get a pen or a magnet but this delightful can showed up and I completely freaked. It’s amazing. hmm, maybe I should drink my wine out of there tonight?
So tonight, we will enjoy #OneLastPour as we watch the finale of Cougar Town after our Cougar Town baby goes to bed. And don’t mind me when I look like crap tomorrow. Just shrug off my minor hangover and puffy sad eyes. Wahhh!!!
Man, I was on a roll with reading books all summer and then boom, my kindle app stopped working and I got so fustrated that I took a break. Lame, I know.
I should have been all 5 years ago me and bought some hardcover books, but I didn’t. But good news is that after like 8 uninstalls and reloads and updates my Kindle app on my phone is working again so I’m back to reading. Like a smart person. Or a person. Whatever.
Currently Reading…
The Book of Joe: A Novel
I just started this book- only 5 chapters in!- so I can’t say too much about it but assuming that I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the other Jonathan Topper books I read this year I am going to love it.
If anyone remembers the show 2007-08 October Road, imagine that… an national bestselling author, who wrote some not so nice things about his hometown, goes back years later. He discovers a lot about himself and the people that he left behind.
And I’ve read these bad boys…
Yes Please
This was the last book I read. Such a great read. It makes me love Amy Poehler even more now. I admire her constant hard work. Her life and career are incredible taking her from the ‘burbs of Boston to Chicago to New York to LA. Her writing is relate-able and mak
I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections
I read this gem this summer. At least I think I did, as I remember nothing. Really, I am just as bad at remembering people’s names as Nora is. It’s incredible in a horrible sort of way. At least it made me feel like I wasn’t the only one out there who couldn’t remember the names of people she has worked with for years. ha! But that is just the focus of one of the many short biographical stories she shares in this book.
Anyway, if you like her movies then you will love this book. Promise.
A King of Infinite Space (Long Beach Homicide)
Earlier this year I got an email from Kindle saying I was eligible for a free book. They provided me with a few selections and from them I picked the 2nd book in this Long Beach Homicide series. At the time I didn’t know it was the second book in the series, as it read with such ease, it didn’t feel like I was really jumping into an on going story. Once I was done with it I looking into the author for other books, which is when I realized I needed to go back to read the first book in the series, A King of Infinite Space.
It tells the story about a Long Beach, homicide detective Danny Beckett and his partner as they solve the murder of a nearby High School teacher, who was brutally murdered in her own classroom. While Beckett works the murder the reader learns about the complex back story and how he is trying to come to terms with the loss of his wife and family.
I loved how there was so many layers to the characters and how Dilts perfectly paints the scenes and story with his writing. It leaves you on the edge of your seat.
The Pain Scale (Long Beach Homicide)
While I had read this book prior to reading the first book in the Long Beach Homicide series, I didn’t have any problems understanding the lead character, detective Danny Beckett, and how he was coming back on the job from a year-long medical leave from an injury on the job. It didn’t dwell on the prior case that caused the injury, but focused on the new murder while still weaving the injury into the story.
Dilts beautifully takes you into the mind of Detective Beckett in such a a way that you really get to see his point of view while feeling his pain. I swear your arm might just ache along with his.
A Cold and Broken Hallelujah (Long Beach Homicide)
The latest book in the Long Beach Homicide series.
As soon as I finished the second book in the series I ordered this book to get up to date with the happenings of Detective Beckett. Another murder, another twist. Beckett knows when things don’t add up and you’ll quickly realize that the murder of an innocent homeless man is more and just a robbery.
This Is Where I Leave You: A Novel
When I saw the commercials for the movie starting Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, and Jane Fonda, I knew that I just had to see the movie, This is Where I Leave You. But first I just had to read the book. I have a rule about that. I have to read the book first before seeing a movie. I don’t want the movie shaping my imagination as I read. So I immediately bought the book and sailed through it.
Tropper does an incredible job with narrating the point of view of the main character. I think he is one of the best writers in creating a ‘real’ character. There are plenty of other author’s characters that are relate-able, but I swear that you really get brought into the minds of Tropper’s characters as he shares you the most vulnerable parts of all of us. It sucks you in.
Funny things is, I got this book so that I could read it to watch the movie, and yet months after it was released I still haven’t seen it. Oh life, you are just too busy!!
Plan B: A Novel
Once I finished This is Where I Leave You, I bought about Tropper book as I enjoyed his writing style so much. I flew through this as well. So good!
A group of High School friends who have lost touch over the years come together to help out a friend who’s famous life is spiraling out of control. An elaborate plan on rescuing him from his demons brings them to a family cabin in the woods, and that is when things get really interesting. Detoxing, fighting, and the threat of emanate arrest grab your attention at every page.
Everything Changes: A Novel
Another Tropper book!!
Another complex character. I just love the way Tropper creates these every man characters. He captures how Zachary’s seemingly perfect life gets a major shake up. You want him to stop messing things up but at the same time you know that the upheaval is for the best. But getting there is such a major mess!!!
Landline
I think I saw a blurb about this book in a People magazine while getting my nails done. I could just be imagining that. Either way, I got this book and really enjoyed it.
Without giving much away, it ultimately makes you believe in magic. And putting hardwork into your relationships. Plus, solidifies that being a mom is a pretty complex thing. Basically, read it and you’ll be cheering for Georgie, for love, and for yourself.
Eleanor & Park
This wasn’t my favorite book. I’m not saying it wasn’t good as it was but I didn’t get so attached the the characters like I had with Landline. But it was probably from my own personal experiences and how I couldn’t relate to it as well as I had with Landline.
If you like sweet teenage romances then this is for you. It tells the story of Eleanor and Park, who sweetly fall in love even though there are plenty of obstacles preventing their relationship to blossom. You’ll root for them and sweet teenage love everywhere.
Attachments: A Novel
This was a pretty easy read that I connected to as it reminded me of all the long emails that I send back and forth to my best friend about everything and anything.
Beth and Jennifer spend plenty of time sending emails to each other about everything from work, family, and relationships. Their emails are monitored at work but they don’t care as they continue on with the back and forth all because the guy monitoring them doesn’t have the heart to report them. He is lonely himself and enjoys reading their emails and feeling a connection them. Things get complicated, but that makes for some fun!!
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Please send me some suggestions! xox
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Happy First Day of Winter!!!!
I’m still in denial that the year is almost over. That it’s almost Christmas. That today is the First Day of Winter.
I’m trying to embrace the season but the short cold days get me down. So I always look to the future of the beautiful summer days to help me get through the cold winter. One of my favorite summer time things we do is go to Maine. I love our long weekends visiting there.
Here are some pictures from our visit this past summer. We visited the property of one of Price’s mom’s friends and snapped these pictures with Autumn one evening.
Just 89 more days until Spring!!!
Price and I love to go camping. Or “glamping” as you have it.
Camping to us is about getting to disconnect our phones and enjoy the change of pace by being away from the house with the constant distractions from the TV, computer, phones, and never ending laundry. We love to check out different New England campgrounds to see what each offer and what we can do at each one. Sometimes the weekend is focused on a hike, or it’s just focused on sitting back in some chairs around a camp fire and reading. One thing remains the same is that we always pride ourselves in packing well and efficiently. Sure, we bring a lot but everything we have acquired over the years of our camping has been carefully selected. Our latest addition to our camping gear is a WÜSTHOF 7- Piece Travel Set.
The traveler set comes with a pair of kitchen shears, a waiters corkscrew, a knife sharpener, and 3 knifes in a traveling case. The kit includes a paring knife, serrated knife, and a chefs knife, which are essentials for preparing a meal, in your kitchen or out at the campsite. There are 2 price points for the kit, which are reflective of the finish of accessories in the case. There is a WÜSTHOF Gourmet 7 Piece Travelers Knife Set
We brought the WÜSTHOF Gourmet 7 Piece Travelers Knife Set along with us this when we went camping this summer in Maine. It was such a life saver since everything was well contained, and had everything that we needed for just about every situation over the weekend.
The WÜSTHOF kitchen shears are so sharp! Everything was cut cleanly and quickly as we glided the shears right through packaging for our new dog leader, our new tent, and for cutting some rope that we hung up between some trees to help dry off the towels we used when Kemper did some swimming. Besides being great quality, my favorite thing about them is that they come apart. They won’t just suddenly fall apart in your hands as you need to get to the correct angle to pop them apart. By separating each blade, you can do a great job of cleaning them. Taking care to clean them is very important when you are doing something messy, like breaking down a fish or even just cutting some herbs.
When we were packing up we had realized that we had accidentally left Kemper’s leader that we stake into the ground back in New York when we were there over the 4th of July. We stopped to pick one up on our way to the campgrounds. Both the leader and the stake are very well packaged, for theft and safety (hello big sharp metal corkscrew stake). We quickly got through both packages with the kitchen shears.
And what is camping with out booze?!?!?!
Yes, you need to allot a gallon of water per person per day but you gotta have some cold beers to help stay off the summer heat as well. Having a bottle of wine doesn’t hurt either.
While there is a bottle opener built into part of the scissors, I find that this bottle opening is great for quickly popping off the tops to beers. As well, this has the corkscrew needed for that wine you are going to enjoy with your sausages that you grill over your campfire!
And what’s a Corona without some lime?!? The WÜSTHOF paring knife was perfect for cutting out thin wedges that we then slipped into the neck of the bottle. Just like the scissors, the paring knife was extremely sharp so cutting up the lime, and other fruit that we brought for Autumn to snack on, was very easy.
All of the knives were brand new so we didn’t need the knife sharpener but having it as part of the travel set is really handy. You might never know when you’ll need to sharpen the scissors or knives from wear.
FYI- The cutting board we used was is not including in this kit, but it’s from another camping mess kit we have.
And you can’t have a beer without a snack!
We always bring a lot some cheese and crackers with us when we go camping. It makes for a quick snack that is easy to prepare (none) and is tasty (very!). We used the kitchen shears again to open up the packaging and then…
Ah, the serrated knife in action! This knife was great for cutting thin slices of cheese that we enjoyed with out crackers for an afternoon snack.
The only knife we did not use while camping was the chefs knife, but I did test that once we were back at home and it put all my well loved knives to shame. Price and I already have a plan to register for a BIG set of Wusthof knives when we get married. A bliss!
We quickly got set up at our campsite we enjoyed some swimming and naps (well the baby did!), and then before we knew it was time for lunch! We brought hot dogs along with us, which had to be opened and sliced in half, for better charring, of course!
WÜSTHOF is a family run company, that was founded in 1814 in Solingen, Germany. They have always been creators and makers of exceptional quality and long-lasting products. Their logo emphasizes their brand mission as the trident symbolises their three values: Passion – Diligence – Perfection. They run and manufacture their products with those guiding principals in mind.
Their products are long lasting without leaving a lasting impact on the enviroment, which has been an important mission from them for a long time. They have a very modern facility which guarantees environmentally-friendly production processes. They continue to focus on increasing the efficiency of energy and raw materials, how to preserve resources, reduce wastewater contamination, and reduce emissions of CO² and other gases. The air and water that is used and ultimately levaves the leaves the plant completely uncontaminated thanks to an extensive filter system. But that is just a start for them as they are currently concentrating on recovering heat from the production process and reducing noise emissions.
This WÜSTHOF 7- piece Travel Set is not just for camping! It is a smart choice to have with you when you got boating, RVing, picnicking, tailgating, or even just backyard grilling as you can just grab the kit and you are ready to go.
I sincerely mean it when I say that this would make for a wonderful addition for people with a fun, active life. And it would make for a great gift as well. Be sure to keep that in mind when shopping for birthdays, Father’s Day, and Christmas!!
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While I recieved this WÜSTHOF Gourmet 7 Piece Travelers Knife Set
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