With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, I have been anxious to decorate with some red, white and blue. I adore the inexpensive little flags that you can buy pretty much anywhere for under $2. I keep some in the car during June and July and let the kids hold onto them when we go shopping. The kids have tons of fun waving them around, and they look super cute showing their patriotism. Ok, my patriotism. Because I'm pretty sure they don't know what that is yet. But I have talked to Little L ... continue reading...
How I use a shop vac to keep my kitchen floors clean
The original title to this post was going to be "How I use a shop vac to keep my sanity when the little people who live with me throw everything I feed them on the floor." Because that title seemed too long and slightly disturbing, I went with the generic title. But this really is exciting stuff--at least for the slightly Type A mom who might have just a touch of OCD. Just a touch. Behold the breakfast table: Clean floors, clean chairs, clean tabletop. It would be so nice if it ... continue reading...
Sausage and Cheese Kolaches
The kolache. It's a controversial term in Texas vocabulary, but the result--whether it be fruit-filled or sausage-filled or pronounced kolach-EE or KO-lawtch (rhymes with "watch")--is so delicious that even sticklers are willing to turn a blind eye to the term's incorrect usage or pronunciation. Everyone agrees that kolaches start with a yeasted dough. However, some Texans will insist that kolaches have to be filled with fruit. Others will insist that their grandmother was Czech and ALWAYS put ... continue reading...
The Guest Room (Peacocking Part I)
Peacocks and other things Peacocking. It means "to display ostentatiously" and "to strut like a peacock." In Texas, it's a way of life. In my opinion, 1989-1992 was the height of the peacocking trend in Texas (though I think it's making a comeback—have you heard about the Lisa Frank leggings???). It was a rare occasion that I didn't have some 3D material coming out of my neon-colored top. And this was a time when our Christmas sweaters were the Ugly Christmas Sweaters. ... continue reading...
Oh “Mar”! The Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake Saga
There is a fabulous Italian restaurant and winery about twenty-five miles outside of Austin that Mr. L and I would frequent when we lived in South Austin. It's called Trattoria Lisina, and is seriously one of the most fabulous places to eat if you are ever in the area. And by "the area," I mean YOU MUST STOP THERE if you are anywhere near Austin or traveling on I-35 south of Austin. It's a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the visit. Not only is the traditional Italian fare delicious, ... continue reading...