Silly Cousins

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of time spent with my cousins. Holiday dinners, days at the shore and family vacations were filled with silly laughter that only happens when hanging out with family. And it warms my heart that kiddos love to be with their cousins, too.

So when we had a chance to get together with Hubby's sibling and their sweet kiddos, we said count us in! Due to busy schedules and travel over Spring break we will not be able to all be together for Easter so we celebrated a week early. Poppy and Gigi had some eggs ready to hid for the little ones. 

The kids where just too cute running all over the backyard looks for eggs. I love how each one of them declared that they had the most! 

The egg hunt was followed by a lovely dinner. Gigi always spoils us with a yummy dinner. And of course the silly cousins didn't let dinner get in the way of their fun. I mean really, who knew Gigi's napkins could have so many uses!?! These "dessert bandits" thought they were the high of hilarity!!!

And of course we we tried to get a group picture. Maybe by the time the youngest is in middle school they will all look at the camera and smile. Dare to dream right!?!

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!!!

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!!!

Last Day of Vacay

We had a super busy weekend!  Many errands were run on the Easter Bunny's behalf, a lot of yummy dishes where baked, friends came over for a Saturday brunch, there was a crazy egg-hunt and a family Easter dinner was had.  All in all it was a wonderful Easter weekend!  And I hope your's was too!!!

Today we plan to relax and enjoy the last day of Spring vacation.  God willing the last day of vacation will not be as cold as the first day was!!!

Easter Pretties

Slowly but surely this home is getting ready for Easter.  I was able to brighten up the front table with some pretty pink tulips.  And unlike last time, I did double and triple check to make sure no decorations from St Patrick's Day were still out.  But I do have to admit that while moving the living room carpet around I did find some pine needles from Christmas - oh well!

I also put out some colorful Easter candy in jars and a cupcake cloche that I got from Home Goods.  Is it just me or has Home Goods had some great finds some lately?  I feel like I should be going once a week so I don't miss anything.  But I am sure Hubby disagrees!

Hopefully it will warm up a bit for Easter!!!

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Forcing Spring

Yesterday the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. Unfortunately it was cold and super windy! Poor L, my great outdoorsman, could not handle the cold wind. So inside we went to take care of some boring chores but atleast we could feel our toes!

After some "boring" cleaning, L and I went to the basement and got our Easter bin out of storage. L got so excited when he saw he Easter basket and I fear he still does not understand how long he has to wait to see if the Easter Bunny leaves him some candy.

We cleaned off the mantel and got to work. First I placed my crystal candle stick-holders on the mantel with white and pink candles. I love the way they catch the sunlight and brighten up the whole room. I added one of my antique mint julip cups with some greens. Finally, L and I placed some of my ceramic bunnies.

There may have been more productive ways to spend the day but after coming home from M's freezing lacrosse practice I was happy to have a bit of Spring in the home!

You can find also find me at Savvy Southern Style and No Minimalist Here