I’m spending today getting ready for our annual Soup’s On New Year’s Eve Party. I’ve lost count of how many years we have been doing it. I cook up 3-4 big pots of soup, a few appetizers and desserts. Our guests also bring an appetizer or dessert to share so there is always LOTS of food! [...]
Snowed In – Cinnamon Ice Cream
December 29, 2008 By 9 Comments
After 12 straight days of snow I think we have finally thawed out. I have lived in Portland for 26 years and never remember having snow for this long! Well, when you are stuck in the house because of snow and ice what is the first food that comes to mind? Hot chocolate, homemade soup, cinnamon [...]
Family Photo Shoot
December 26, 2008 By 13 Comments
Over the Thanksgiving break we had a family photo taken. Having a family photo taken is a lot of work! Picking out what everyone is going to wear and making sure it all works together, making sure everyone has a good haircut, finding a time when everyone is available, including the photographer, and then in [...]
Holiday Greetings from our house to yours!
December 25, 2008 By 3 Comments
Merry Christmas! Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas day! I wanted to share our family Christmas card with you. Enjoy your day!
Deck the Halls with Joy!
December 24, 2008 By 12 Comments
Do you have a favorite word? A word that just speaks to your heart, a word that motivates and inspires you? A word that just seems to pop up every time you turn around? That word for me is Joy – it’s not an unusual word this time of year. In fact, last year I [...]
Visits with Santa – a Family Tradition
December 23, 2008 By 13 Comments
Back in 1985 a tradition was born. In Portland, if you want to see the “real” Santa, you go to Santaland at Meier & Frank (now Macy’s). So of course when we took our first baby to see Santa, off to Santaland we went. As a six month old Logan thought nothing of the funny, jolly old [...]
Breakfast With Santa and Buttermilk Pancakes
December 22, 2008 By 10 Comments
When my children were younger one of our favorite holiday traditions was to have Breakfast with Santa downtown at Meier & Frank each year. We probably did it for 10 years or so. It was fun to get dressed, eat breakfast in the beautiful Georgian Room, enjoy the entertainment and of course see Santa. Sadly, [...]
Winter Wonderland and Cookie Baking Time!
December 21, 2008 By 5 Comments
We are having some unusual weather here in Portland – snow! A few days of snow once every couple of years is normal for Portland – not 7 straight days of snow! For the second Sunday in a row church has been cancelled. As a result, our backyard has turned into a Winter Wonderland and [...]
You Can Make This Giveaway Winner!
December 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I am excited to announce we have a winner! I know this is going to look a little suspicious but I promise you it is totally on the up and up. I used Random.org to choose the winner and the winner is…. And the crazy thing is – the winner’s name is Leigh Ann!! I promise [...]
Holiday Tea – Asian Style and White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps
December 19, 2008 By 5 Comments
One of my favorite holiday traditions each year is my Beach Babe Holiday Tea and Book Exchange. I’ve lost track of how many years we have been having holiday tea together but each year we gather at a local tea house or one of our homes to enjoy an afternoon together. It is a break from [...]
