Hot Mess

At this point in time, I think it is safe to say that I am in a fight with March. Cold bitter snow-days, the death of my coffee maker and now very sick children. A horrible winter cold has taken three out of three children out!

So dear friends please forgive me for not being able to give my all to the blogging world! April will be better, right!?!

Let The Games Begin

TGIF XVII

Happy Friday my friends! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

{1} Divergent

While the kiddos are in school today I will be sneaking off to the movies. I am looking forward to seeing Divergent with some other SAHMs. I think it will be good for all of us to get away during the middle of the day. A little "me time" will make me a better mom, right!?!

{2} Orchids

I don't want to jinx myself but I am super proud that I have keep a orchid alive for almost three weeks. My brother's super cute girlfriend bought us an orchid when they joined us for dinner. We started talking about how hard they are to keep alive but so far so good!

{3} Let's Go Friars!

Hubby and I are so excited for the Providence College basketball game today. Last week's Big East Championship game was a nail-biter. Hope the Friar's will come out on top tonight too!

{4} Middle School

I totally can not believe it but we are already getting B ready for Middle School. This week we spend over an hour at the rising 6th grader's "Music Night". B got to try any instruments that she was thinking about playing next year and how whatever reason she was only interested in ones that were bigger than herself. I am happy to report that I talked her out of playing the tuba!

{5} Spring

Every year I say I will order all of my planters for Spring in March. And then every year, I don't! I just have such a hard time thinking Spring when it is so cold outside. The problem is that when I wait all of the planters I like are sold out. Hopefully this year will be different!!!

You can also find me at A Liz Adventures and Hello! Happiness

The Last Original Wife

Our long winter has really slowed my home "to-do" list. I need some warmer water so I can repaint my Ikea Hack. I have a desk for L that needs much work. And warmer weather would be best if I ever hope to hold a yard sale. So over winter!

But on the other hand, I have read a bunch this winter. There is really nothing like a curling up with a good book on a cold day! Over our last snow-day I read Dorothea Benton Frank's latest novel, The Last Original Wife. I might have picked it out just because the main character house-sits in Charleston, SC. At this point I think everyone in NoVa would do anything to house-sit in warmer weather!

Goodreads says:  Leslie Anne Greene Carter is the last original wife among her husband's group of cronies. They've all traded in their first wives-the middle-aged women they long ago promised to love and cherish 'til death did them part-for riper peaches: younger . . . blonder . . . more enhanced models.

Leslie is proud of her status and the longevity of her marriage. Sure the spark isn't quite as bright and sometimes takes a little longer to flame. And it wouldn't be too much to ask if her husband paid just an itty bit more attention to her desires. But there's something to be said for a comfortable and deeply familiar relationship. Or at least she thinks until the day, out golfing with her husband and his friends, she slips into a manhole. And nobody realizes that she's gone.

That one misstep opens Leslie's eyes to the sham her perfect life has become. No longer will she be invisible. No longer will she accept being taken for granted. With the healing powers of South Carolina's lush white beaches, candy-colored sunsets, and fiesty and funny residents, Leslie is going to transform herself and reclaim the strong, vibrant, sexy woman she was meant to be.

The Last Original Wife is classic Dorothea Benton Frank: an intoxicating tale of friendship and love that is as refreshing as a soothing breeze across a golden lowcountry marsh and as invigorating as a dip in cool, salty waters on a sizzling South Carolina summer day.

I know that the reviews are all over the place on this book but I took it at it's cover - a beach read. It is a fast yet fun read. If nothing else, I was reminded of how lucky I am to be married to Hubby. Things are not always perfect. There have been, and will be, bad days along with the good days. But I feel pretty confident that if I feel down a manhole Hubby would notice!

We Have Lift Off

It is not an understatement to say that I have been all over the place to get a new coffee marker today. But I am happy to report that I have one and I am hopeful!

If the coffee gods smile upon me, we will have a pot of strong hot coffee in the morning. 

Houston We Have A Problem!

While the blogging world is a wonderful way to get to "know" people from all over the world there are parts of my world that you would never know about unless you knew me in real in life. Today I thought I would let you get to know a little more about the "real" me.

First thing you should know is that I start every, and I mean every, day with a hot cup of coffee. Second thing you should know is that I am a coffee snob! I believe that coffee beans should only be ground the night before one plans to use them. I also firmly believe that when measuring coffee grinds one should use a heaping tablespoon - no if, ands or buts about it. The day can not properly start if I do not have a hot cup of strong coffee in my hand.

Which leads me to my problem. My coffee maker is dying and I need a new one. Stat!!!

Should I try the Bonavita 8-Cup Coffee Marker? I like that it has the thermal carafe but I do not like that I can not set the brew time the night before. And the fact that it only brews 8 cups worries me.

I have also thought that I should just replace my Cuisinart with the latest upgrade; the Cuisinart Extreme Brew. I love that I can program it the night before but I am not to happy with the hot plate. After a while the coffee can taste a little off to me. But then again the price point is great!

Or do I bite the bullet and invest in my next coffee maker? I have been hearing wonderful things about all of Technivorm's coffee markers for a long time. Yes, I know they can get the water really hot, really fast. Yes, I know that coffee snobs all over sing their praises. Yet I can't get over how much they cost! (Hubby's note- I just checked the prices and neither can I!)

So what is a coffee snob to do!?! 

How To Have A Perfect St Patrick's Day

For me, St Patrick's Day will always be a day for family. This year will really be all about family since the kiddos are home for their 14th snow day. After some sledding and hot cocoa, I plan to make sure that we have a wonderful St Pat's Day!

First off, the kiddos and I plan to bake some Irish Soda Bread. The best part about this recipe is that it makes two loafs. One for you and your family plus another to share!

While our bread is baking, I will turn on our stove-top for our corned beef dinner. This is one of my most favorite one-pot dinners. And it is all the better as leftovers between two pieces of rye bread.

And if I am a very lucky gal, Hubby will pour me a glass of Guinness at the end of the day. Slainte my friends!

Nine Is Just Fine!

This past Wednesday, we celebrated M's 9th birthday. Since it was a school night we kept it simple. M got to choose what he wanted for dinner and dessert. I was not surprised when he announced that he would like Moe's for dinner but his dessert choice did surprise me.

The birthday boy requested that I make him S'Mores Bars. And I was more than happy to oblige the boy since they are the easiest treat to make!!!

Happy Birthday to our sweet, kind and super funny boy!!!!

No Power - No Post

The wind is blowing tonight! So much so that our power keeps cutting off. Which is such a bummer because I have pictures from M's birthday dinner to share with but can't upload them to my computer. 

Hopefully once the winds settle down I will be able to tell you all about M's birthday dinner. 

You Will Thank Me Later

As your friend I feel that I have to tell you that you should stop what you are doing and figure out how you are going to get your hands on Cadbury's White Mini Eggs! I know what you are saying; "Eileen, I already know what a Cadbury Mini Egg is. No big deal." And some of you are also saying; "Ummm, Eileen, we are in the middle of Lent. Why in the world would you be talking about sweets!?!"

So first off, Cadbury is not just making their tradition solid milk chocolate. They are making Easter tasty this year with three mini eggs; milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate. And for any of you out there with food "issues" like we do, you will be happy to know that Cadbury clearly lists all ingredients in their chocolate products. It is so nice to simply red a label and know if your child can safely eat it! All three of the kiddos declared that the White Mini Eggs are their favorite of the new line-up.

My second reason for telling you all about this yummy candy is because I have developed a sweet tooth. Normally I would take something salty over something sweet. My main go to is cheese and crackers but this year I have given up cheese for Lent. Sounds easy right!?! Wrong, now my without my go-to afternoon snack I am turning to this yummy candied eggs for a bit of energy. I have sub sugar for salt and that is not a good thing. So not what Lent is all about! 

So after you have finished judging me, run to the stores and pick up a bag or two. They might not look like they are that special but these new Mini Eggs are awesome. Trust me you will thank me later!!!

Sunset

We had a super crazy weekend. My parents were staying with us while they visited with my brother. M started lacrosse practices with his Spring team and B had try-outs for the Spring travel field hockey team. It was a wonderful yet busy weekend and this week is shaping up to be even busier!

So in the middle of all the madness of after school activities, I took a moment and relaxed. The sun did not start to set until 7pm and it was still 60 degrees outside. A simple yet joyful moment amongst all the craziness. Life is good!

Make-Up Fun

One of my most favorite pat of a special night out is getting all dolled-up! I know that sounds so old fashion but as a stay-at-home-mom there is no need to spend time on hair and make-up. For the record I know that I am beyond blessed to be at home with my children plus have special nights-out, too. So I try to enjoy all of it!

This year for the CC Ball I used some tried and true make-up, as well as a couple of new products. Since my dress was navy I was not sure if I should go with brown make-up or grey, but the wise women of Nordstrom told me that I needed a little blue in my life. They promised it would make my eyes "pop". Per usual, they were right!

Tried and True

Maybelline's The Colossal Volum

Lorac's Behind The Scenes Eye Primer

Nars Blush  (You know what one. The one with the name that makes me blush saying it out loud.)

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

Stila's Lip Glaze

New to Me

Smashbox 'Halo' Hydrating Perfecting Powder

Bobbi Brown 'Sparkle' Eye-shadow in Pebble

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye-shadow in Lapis

Trish McEvoy 'Intense' Gel Eye-liner

I was pretty happy with the results for the big night! Do have any "go-to" make-up for a night out on the town?

Fat Tuesday

I am well aware that for tons of Americans Fat Tuesday means pancakes for dinner. Growing up that's what my mother always served my and my three brothers. And for many years I have served the very same thing. But this year the kiddos asked to try something different.... 

Hamburgers and fries! So we all headed out to one of our favorite burger joints, Market Burger. Market Burger uses local sourcing for all of their burgers which ensures nothing but the freshest of foods. Very farm to table approach to a traditional burger joint. The end result is a super yummy burger!

The best part about Market Burger is that my whole family can enjoy their fries. If your family is anything like mine, then you would know that restaurant fries are a big no-no. At most places we have to worry about cross-contamination. But happily Market Burger only fries fresh cut potatoes and they don't use peanut oil. Perfect if you ask me!

A yummy meal that was not that healthy yet allergy friendly. So happy that kiddos talk me into something different this Fat Tuesday!!!

Making The Most Of It

On our 13th snow-day of the year, we tried our best to make the most of it! The kiddos and I didn't set any alarm clocks. A little extra sleep was good for all of us. We enjoyed a lazy morning, just hanging out in our pjs. The kiddos were crazy enough to head outside for a little bit. 

Super cold weather can't stop these three from having a great time! I might have enjoyed it more but I don't even have snow-boots. Every year I make sure the kiddos are all set with winter gear, just in case. But I never seem to order anything for myself. I do have a nice pair of Wellies but they just don't keep my feet warm. My irrational fear is that if I invest in winter gear for myself, we will never have another snow-day. Weird, I know! 

Lastly, the kiddos would like to you all know that Peeps float in hot cocoa. And are super yummy! 

Snowday #12

This Winter has just been unreal! I am starting to fear that Spring is not coming this year.

And if you can believe, the county just called to inform us that there is no school tomorrow. Snow-day #13!!!

An Oscar Family

Most years it is just me alone on the sofa watching the Oscars but not this year. If you can believe it all three kiddos asked that we DVR this year's Oscars. You might be asking why an 11, 8 and 5 year old care about the show and the answer is simple. Idina Menzel! 

Ever since my parents and I took the kiddos to see the movie Frozen, we have all been in love with Ms. Menzel's beautiful voice and we can't wait to hear her perform tonight.