Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I never had a boxed mashed potato in my life until I got to college. My mom always made real mashed potatoes and I never appreciated it until I became an adult. Boy, are they a pain to make! But totally worth it.

Here is a great Garlic Mashed Potato recipe your family will love!

Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. It tastes great and is easy to prepare. If you haven't tried roasting it, be sure to do it with your next batch of asparagus. It's crispy and packed with deliciousness.

Here is the recipe...

A Hello Kitty Themed Birthday Party

The Hello Kitty company has genius marketing executives. Never have I seen something that isn't linked to a cartoon or movie be so popular. I suppose when you manufacture pink & sparkly items, you will sell anything.

My girls are enamored with Hello Kitty. They want everything they see with this little feline on it. So, it was fitting that we did a Hello Kitty theme for Evelyn's second birthday party. Since we had her party at a jump house place, we didn't get to decorate- however, I did come up with plenty of ways to keep myself busy in the week before the party.

Here are the pics...I hope it helps inspire you for your own little Hello Kitty affair!

A Toddler Peasant Dress Tutorial

I'm in love with sewing. I have no time, but I try to make time for this hobby. My only problem is that my project to-do list is ten times longer than I could possibly complete in the short time I have. These dresses were for Evelyn's second birthday party. I wanted to create a cute, 3/4 sleeve dress for the girls to wear.

My friends don't believe me, but I'm a very amateur seamstress. I don't know how to follow a commercial pattern, so blog tutorials are my saviors. There are so many blogs out there that detail almost any project in layman terms. With these tutorials, I don't need to figure out all the jargon on the pattern... I just cut my fabric and sew according to the pictures and easy directions. I think that once pattern companies figure this out, it will open a door to all of us amateur seamstresses to be able to really put together some fun projects.

I suppose my one redeeming quality is that once I do something one time, I usually figure out how I can change it to create what I want. This dress is basically my Valentine's Pillowcase Dress with sleeves. The best thing about this dress is that I already had the fabric cut out from the extra fabric squares I had from my cloth napkins from my sister's bridal shower.

Here is how I did it...

Sundae Marshmallow Pops

We had Evelyn's second birthday party this weekend, so I've been very busy working on birthday things. We had her party at a jump house place, which should have made it an easy party...Not when I'm involved. I feel that I'm in competition with myself for every party I throw. I kept getting different ideas for the goodie bags and the cupcakes and thier outfits- are you exhausted thinking about it all? I certainly was.

Anyway, I made these simple, but delicious marshmallow pops for her goodie bags. These would be perfect for your Valentine!

Super Bowl Party Food Recipes

I love watching the Super Bowl- mainly for the commercials, but also for the food that comes with it. Whether we're at a big party or just with our friends, Emily & Jay, the food is always amazing. The timing is always bad, since it's right after all of us resolve to eat healthy and loose a few pounds, but what is one day of finger foods, dips and beer?- Hmmm...maybe that thinking is part of my problem of never completing my resolutions.

Here are a few of my favorite game day recipes that are sure to feed a hungry crowd!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Its freezing here in Chicago. I love winter. I was married in the winter and we did outdoor pictures- 17 degrees, my bridesmaids weren't thrilled, but the pictures were beautiful. The best part about winter in Chicago, is staying in and enjoying a warm bowl of soup- even better if it's homemade soup.

This potato soup is easy, quick and tastes amazing. Perfect for a snowy, frigid evening!

Here is the recipe: