Happy July

Happy Fourth of July, friends!  It's very hot here - 90 degrees to be exact.  We are celebrating at home today.  I made sheet pan chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches - they are currently in the freezer and will be dessert tonight.  We are also planning to grill burgers for dinner and watch fireworks on TV a bit later.  What are you up to on this Independence Day?  

Charleston Getaway

We took a trip to Charleston for a few days the first week of June.  It was a much needed getaway after all the busyness from the last month of school.  The weather was mostly overcast with a few showers one of the days, but I didn't mind at all, as it kept it from being blazing hot.  The south gets really hot and humid in the summer.  I love the longer days and beautiful flowers that come with summer, but not so much the heat.

Have you ever visited Charleston, SC?  It's such a beautiful, historical city and the coast is only a twenty minute drive from downtown Charleston.  I love to walk the cobblestone streets of Charleston and take in all of its beauty.  The food is also fabulous - lots of wonderful, local seafood on every corner.  It was definitely a nice, little getaway to one of my favorite cities!

Lovely May

Hello!  What a lovely May it's been so far.  I celebrated my birthday earlier in the month.  I had a fun day celebrating with a nice lunch out at one of my favorite cafes with Charlotte and my parents, and take-out pizza for dinner with chocolate cake for dessert that I made earlier in the day.  It was a very happy day indeed!  I know 44 is going to be an awesome year!!

I've been doing a bit of gardening here and there.  I planted zinnia and cosmos from seed and they've already started to sprout.  I'm looking forward to lots of lovely blooms this summer.  

Next week is Charlotte's last week of school before summer break.  I'm definitely ready for a more relaxed schedule.  Also, looking forward to spending the first week of June in Charleston.  Happy almost summer!  I'll be back soon!

Our Trip to NYC

We had a wonderful trip to NYC for Charlotte's 10th birthday at the end of March!  I'll let the photos speak for themselves!  I've been meaning to post these, but time hasn't been on my side lately, it seems.  Since today starts one of the busiest months of the year (last month of school) and all the busyness that comes with the end of the school year, I thought I better do a post today.  It's also my birthday month - this Friday to be exact!  Yay!!

This was my daughter's first trip to the city and she loved it as much as I do.  One of the highlights was having High Tea at The Plaza Hotel, and she had a special Eloise birthday tea.  And also going to Tiffany & Co. to select a necklace for her birthday.  We loved walking around Central Park, and China Town, and SoHo, and eating cannolis in Little Italy, and visiting the big American Girl Doll store, and seeing all this lights in Times Square at night.  We did lots of walking and lots of sightseeing.  We didn't get to everything on our list, so we will be back!  We are definitely city mice and cannot wait to visit again!

Hello March

Hello friends!  I hope everyone is doing well. I haven't had a chance to post lately - life has been busy, and Charlotte has had a lot of homework over the past few weeks, it seems.  This week appears to be a bit lighter in that department, thank goodness!

Spring is just around the corner, and so is Charlotte's 10th birthday!  So hard to believe my baby girl is turning ten soon.  We are going to NYC for a long weekend to celebrate her birthday and we are so excited!  I know it's going to be a very fun time for her.  We have an afternoon tea planned, a visit to the American Girl Doll store, of course, and lots of touring around the city. So looking forward to it!

I recently ordered the new Oven to Table cookbook, and I am absolutely loving it.  I've made Fudgy Raspberry Brownies (twice), Oven-Baked Balsamic Beef and Vegetable Stew, and I just made the Faux Sourdough bread this morning, and it looks and smells amazing.  It will pair perfectly with spaghetti and meatballs tonight.  It's quickly becoming one of my favorite cookbooks - so many easy weeknight dinners here.  I hope you check it out soon!

February

It seems like January came and went fairly quickly this year.  I have to say that I really like the month of January.  It still feels like winter here as it should - no snow, but cold and blustery. 

 Charlotte is already thinking about Valentine's Day, as you can see below.  She made this sweet heart for me to display on the front of our refrigerator door.  We will probably go shopping for Valentine's cards next week for her school friends.  I love Valentine's Day!  It's just such a sweet day.

For the past few weeks, I've treated myself to some lovely tulips for the kitchen table.  I really can't tell you just how much I've enjoyed them.  They make me very happy! 

I've also been baking a lot lately.  I made a Meyer Lemon Cake, Raspberry Crumble bars, which have been perfect for breakfast or with a cup of tea in the afternoon, and a Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, requested by Charlotte.  I love to be in the kitchen.  It's definitely my happy place.

I'm making Chicken Wings, Nachos, and Brownies this weekend for Super Bowl Sunday.  We don't really watch the game; it's just an excuse to make yummy Super Bowl food.  Have a great weekend! 

Last photo: Charlotte got to take a break from her school uniform for Country/Western Day at school this week.  She looked adorable!