DIY Easter Centerpiece & PEEPS Treats
We have updated this PEEPS EASTER DECOR IDEAS post since it was originally posted in 2016 diy...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 28, 2024 | DESSERTS, EASTER, ENTERTAINING |
We have updated this PEEPS EASTER DECOR IDEAS post since it was originally posted in 2016 diy...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 24, 2024 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
WE UPDATED THIS SPRINKLE FUNFETTI OR CONFETTI BIRTHDAY CAKE SINCE IT WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 21, 2024 | DESSERTS, EASTER, RECIPES |
We have updated this fun Easter Party Favors Post of Chow Mein Noodle Bird Nest Cookies with new...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 20, 2024 | DOGS, PETS, RECIPES |
One of the most popular posts is our Dog Cake recipe. This makes at least 3 dog...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 25, 2024 | ST. PATRICKS DAY |
St Patrick’s Day is not just about the Green Food or Rainbow Crafts, it is about those silly...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 18, 2024 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Do you ever find diverting slightly from a recipe actually is a welcoming discovery?...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 30, 2024 | DESSERTS, EASTER, RECIPES |
I have updated this post about three Pretzel Chocolate Easter Dessert Ideas since it was first...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 18, 2024 | BREAKFAST, RECIPES |
Who says you can’t have chocolate for every meal on Valentines Day. I wanted to share a fun...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 14, 2024 | CRAFT, DIY, HOLIDAY, HOMEMADE GIFTS, TEACHER APPRECIATION, VALENTINES DAY |
Valentine’s Day Themed Simply Layered cookies in a Jar is a great way to say thank you to a...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 13, 2024 | DIY, RECIPES, TEACHER APPRECIATION, VALENTINES DAY |
Tempering chocolate is a crucial process in chocolate-making that involves melting, cooling, and re-heating chocolate to achieve a glossy finish and a smooth texture. While traditional tempering methods often require...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 10, 2024 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
We updated this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bundt Cake Recipe since we first published in 2019....
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 8, 2024 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
New Year doesn’t mean sacrificing all sweets. Everything in moderation, including...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Dec 10, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
The holiday season is synonymous with the flavor of Peppermint and chocolate. Why not combine the...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Dec 3, 2023 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE |
We have added a few new favorites things to our thoughtful gift guide from last year. No...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 30, 2023 | CHRISTMAS, DESSERTS, RECIPES |
When I started to host a cookie exchange party 20 plus years ago, I had no idea that it would...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 17, 2023 | DIY, THANKSGIVING |
Since Thanksgiving is so much about the food it is easy to forget about Thanksgiving Centerpieces...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 10, 2023 | RECIPES |
My family loves all thing Greek. From Greek Salad to Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 27, 2023 | RECIPES |
Chicken and Rice Dishes are one of the most common family meals served. The popularity of...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 18, 2023 | APPETIZER, RECIPES |
Cheese balls are a quick and easy appetizer any time of year but especially around the holidays. I...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 15, 2023 | MAIN DISH, RECIPES |
I don’t care what type of super mom you are sometime pizza is on the menu, often from the...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 12, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Have you ever tried to make bullseyes before? You know the Chocolate balls filled with peanut...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 20, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
This post about apple Galette Recipe and making pasty dough in a food processor is a easy way to...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 15, 2023 | GARDEN, HOMELIFE |
Fall gardening in Virginia can be a rewarding and productive time for gardeners. Here are five top...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 7, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
My daughter is the chocolate chip cookie maker in our home. We have updated this Brown...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Aug 24, 2023 | BACK TO SCHOOL, RECIPES |
We can all use some Back to School Lunch Hacks: These Make Ahead Sandwiches Your Kids...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Aug 9, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Although you can get key lime pie in the freezer all year long, summer is a wonderful time to...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jul 24, 2023 | RECIPES |
Summer peaches are the best when they are ripened correctly and the juice just overflows in your...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jul 8, 2023 | RECIPES |
Once you know how to make these quick and easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles, you can enjoy this crisp...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 26, 2023 | RECIPES, SIDE DISH |
One of our family’s favorite summer foods is fresh corn on the cob. Once we start...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 21, 2023 | DESSERTS, FOURTH OF JULY, HOLIDAY, RECIPES |
Looking for a last minute dessert to give the kids this Fourth of July? We have you covered with...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 19, 2023 | DRINKS, RECIPES |
There is nothing like one of our fresh summer drink recipes to really pick you up on a hot day. We...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 29, 2023 | DOGS, PETS |
Original Road tip with dog tips post 6/2013 updated 5/2023 Embarking on a road trip with your...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 23, 2023 | TRAVEL |
Spending time with your girlfriends away from kids and your everyday responsibilities can be so...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 14, 2023 | MAIN DISH, RECIPES |
have tried a lot of different marinades for Pork Tenderloin and this Ina Garten Pork...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 9, 2023 | DIY |
I get it is hard to plan a winter birthday party because you can’t be outside but it...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 8, 2023 | CRAFT, DIY, HOMEMADE GIFTS, TEACHER APPRECIATION |
Teacher appreciation is coming up at the beginning of May. This year Teacher Appreciation Day is...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 3, 2023 | DOGS, PETS, RECIPES |
Hey there, fellow dog treat bakers! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite dog treat recipes – peanut butter dog treats! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 30, 2023 | GIVEAWAYS |
Thanks to National Geographic Kids Books for sponsoring this great Giveaway for Great Educational...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 28, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Peanut butter and jelly is a classic lunchtime classic. Well, how about putting those...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 18, 2023 | DESSERTS |
We remade this Easy Chocolate Cream pie in April 2023 with some great additions such as using milk...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 13, 2023 | KIDS Crafts, PARENTING |
If your kids need some summer activities to get off the couch and active, we have some great ideas...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 10, 2023 | DIY, KIDS Crafts |
This Snow Man Soup Gift idea is perfect for a class gift. I made this along with Reindeer Food to give to my Kindergarten Class at Christmas. We have also included a fun Hot Cocoa recipe to make at home with the kids...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 29, 2023 | GARDEN, HOMELIFE |
Now that winter is over and we are deep into spring gardeners need to take a new perspective on...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 27, 2023 | CRAFT, EASTER |
Easter is the sign of Spring in so many ways. I just love the pastel and bright colors that are...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 25, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Strawberries are in their height this time of year. We have already gone Strawberry picking and...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 28, 2023 | BREAKFAST, DESSERTS, RECIPES |
You really don’t have to wait or even celebrate Easter to make this amazingly flavorful and...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 23, 2023 | APRIL FOOLS DAY, DIY, HOLIDAY |
Not only is tomorrow April Fools Day but it is also my birthday so I feel totally compelled to...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 22, 2023 | DESSERTS, HOLIDAY, RECIPES, ST. PATRICKS DAY |
Who can resist those mint Oreos on the shelves this time of year, especially when the end result...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 29, 2023 | RECIPES |
Thanks to Newair for providing us with a Freestanding Wine Fridge to review. My daughter...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 10, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast? Well maybe not for breakfast, but when you...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 3, 2023 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
A family friend made these delicious peanut butter bars every Christmas and we looked forward to...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 30, 2022 | DESTINATIONS, FAMILY VACATIONS, SKI TRIPS |
While we were planning our Spring Break trip, my kids had decided on taking a family ski trip. My...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 19, 2022 | DESSERTS, HOLIDAY, RECIPES, THANKSGIVING |
This shop about how to doctor up a Frozen Pumpkin Pie has been compensated by #CollectiveBias,...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 9, 2022 | DESSERTS, HOLIDAY, RECIPES, THANKSGIVING |
Thanksgiving Pie Recipes are one of my favorite things to make for Thanksgiving dinner. I can skip...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 6, 2022 | ENTERTAINING, HOMELIFE |
Thanks to Newair for providing us with the best countertop ice maker that makes nugget ice in...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 19, 2022 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
This post about French Apple Pie recipe was published in 2015. I have updated the post to...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 14, 2022 | CRAFT, HALLOWEEN |
Picking out the right pumpkin is the easy part. Well sometimes. We have spent many a hour...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 6, 2022 | RECIPES, SIDE DISH |
Thanksgiving dinner is really about the Thanksgiving side dishes. While I love turkey, I think I...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 3, 2022 | DOGS, HALLOWEEN |
I know it feels Halloween is so far away now but every time I head out for Halloween Costumes they...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 2, 2022 | Breads |
Looking for a Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe that is flavorful? We have the one for you and it has a...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 1, 2022 | DESSERTS, HALLOWEEN, RECIPES |
You will never want to buy store bought peanut butter cups after you make some at home. You need...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 28, 2022 | dessert, RECIPES |
Nothing says Fall like Pumpkin and Apples. This delicious Pumpkin Apple Streusel cake has...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 26, 2022 | dessert, RECIPES |
Biscotti is a super easy Italian cookie to make. Plus they last a couple of weeks in a well...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 22, 2022 | GARDEN, HOMELIFE |
This summer vegetable gardening season was horrific. I am not sure what happened but the only...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 21, 2022 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
I have remade this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Squares recipe since the original in 2013. ...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 19, 2022 | RECIPES, SIDE DISH, THANKSGIVING |
Best Side Dishes For Thanksgiving To Make Ahead will be a true time-saver. No matter, if you are...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Aug 30, 2022 | RECIPES |
Kids are back to school which means a lot of after school activities that keep you out of the...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Aug 11, 2022 | BREAKFAST, RECIPES |
Who loves warm blueberry muffins in the morning? We have an easy blueberry muffin recipe you...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Aug 11, 2022 | DESTINATIONS, VIRGINIA |
Thanks to the folks at VISITPWC for hosting us to explore Prince William County and share 7...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Aug 1, 2022 | RECIPES |
Summer months bring about some of our favorite watermelon recipes. Whether it is at a local...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jul 24, 2022 | KIDS Crafts, PARENTING |
When the summer comes, you have to entertain and teach your children, but not the...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jul 22, 2022 | DESSERTS, RECIPES |
Blackberries are an August favorite here in Virginia and I am sure in many other locations this time of year. Whether you are going for the thorny wild blackberries or driving to a farm with thornless here are some...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jul 7, 2022 | TRAVEL |
Thanks to Pure Fishing for the rod and reel to test my fly fishing skills in Crested Butte...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 29, 2022 | dessert |
There are so many fun Patriotic desserts out there, this super easy cake mix cookie bars are perfect for any summer outing. We made these patriotic cookie bars for my son’s send off to the USAFA a few weeks ago, and...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 25, 2022 | DOGS, PETS |
Thanks to Lucky Dog for providing us with some great dog products you should have for summer...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 14, 2022 | RECIPES, SIDE DISH |
Now that you know the simple method of roasting beets we wanted to share one of our favorite ways of using them, in a roasted beet salad with goat cheese. It does not matter what color beets you are using , this...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jun 12, 2022 | RECIPES |
Either you love or you hate beets. You can buy them pickled or roasted in a grocery story,...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | May 21, 2022 | dessert, RECIPES |
This raspberry strawberry rhubarb pie is brimming with sweet-tart fruit and topped with an easy to make brown sugar oatmeal crumble. This time of year we love anything Rhubarb and Strawberry. In fact this year we are...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 27, 2022 | EASTER, RECIPES |
They don’t call it a pound cake for anything, have you lifted a truly homemade loaf...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Apr 24, 2022 | MAIN DISH, RECIPES |
My father is a big big fan of risotto and I remembering making my first attempt after...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Mar 28, 2022 | RECIPES |
My kids love the packaged biscotti from the grocery store. So I recently decided to make my...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 28, 2022 | RECIPES |
My sons have state tournaments this weekend for swimming and wrestling. My husband and I are...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Feb 12, 2022 | DESSERTS, RECIPES, VALENTINES DAY |
When I think of cornmeal I think of dusting a pan before putting down pizza dough or...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 23, 2022 | RECIPES |
When I make garlic bread for the family I usually take a short cut by toasting the bread in the...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 13, 2022 | APPETIZER, RECIPES |
This summer a friend of my son introduced our family to Dot’s Pretzels. They are...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Jan 3, 2022 | RECIPES, Soup |
First of all I want to wish you all a Happy New Year!! Firstly, check out your community for ways to recycle that Christmas tree into mulch. Excited to see Richmond is doing it this year again. Ours however...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Dec 19, 2021 | CHRISTMAS, CRAFT |
Need a last minute stocking stuffer or maybe a food craft to do with kids. I made some of...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 30, 2021 | RECIPES |
Sad to say but we all know kids love party favors at birthday parties. I think adults love a...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 29, 2021 | SKI TRIPS, TRAVEL |
There is so much to think about when planning family ski vacations, from experience I know that...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 12, 2021 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE |
Have you started any of your Christmas shopping yet? We have some unique items to add to your gift list this season. No boring items this year were mixing it up with holiday gifts that are as unique as the people you...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 10, 2021 | DESSERTS, RECIPES, THANKSGIVING |
This is the first year I have decided to do some taste testing of pies before I officially baked...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Nov 2, 2021 | DOGS, PETS |
While your dog loves those dried treats you get from the pet store, you sometimes worry if...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 27, 2021 | HALLOWEEN, RECIPES |
You might be wondering why would I even want to make homemade lollipops. They are a fun...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 26, 2021 | TRAVEL |
If you love the outdoors and mountain views, I have a hidden gem of a resort you must experience....
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Oct 26, 2021 | TRAVEL |
READ MORE TO GET DAY ONE THROUGH THREE DISNEY ITINERARY Good for you that you have...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 30, 2021 | RECIPES |
We have already gone apple picking this summer and due to our timing and lateness of the peach...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 22, 2021 | APPETIZER, HALLOWEEN, HOLIDAY, RECIPES |
Trust me, you need to host an event with this Spooky Halloween Dip Display. Who would not...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 14, 2021 | DESSERTS |
Before I even begin with this Easy Pie Recipe for 5 ingredients Chocolate Truffle Pie, my husband...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 12, 2021 | HOMELIFE |
Thanks to PurpleTrail for letting us customize our own weekly menu planner to create this post about how to make a weekly menu plan. This post does contain affiliate links. How to Make a Weekly Menu Plan...
Read MorePosted by Maria Long | Sep 1, 2021 | FOURTH OF JULY, HOLIDAY, RECIPES |
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a reason to gather and celebrate....
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