Cath Kidson

This favorite store in Soho, originally from London, carries some of the cutest items from vintage fabric..The diaper bags, bibs and other novelty items for mom and baby are wonderful and unique. We love the mini cowboy print and the oil cloth bags are sturdy and great weekenders!! Shop Cath Kidson online as well.

drink lots of H2O

Summer's perfect companion or perfect gift is a Klean Kanteen water bottle. Lots of imitaions out there but these are fun, stainless and keep your water cool! I have a great,small pink one and love it...Check them out!

Aloha Cake

A child could make this~easy and light

1 package angel food cake mix ( I like Duncan Hines)
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple,undrained
1/2 cup coconut
1 tsp. ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together and beat for 1 min. Pour into a ungreased 9 x 13 pan and bake for 40 mins. Serve with berries and whipped cream.

T....4....2!

Seaching for tea rooms in the city, New York or Philly, has always been fun, especially at Christmas. Since I was young, my Mom and I shared this special treat and my daughter, Sarah, as she was growing up as well. Guess that's where my love of scones and attempt to create the perfect balance of ingredients began. Lady Mendl's Tea Room in NYC is a perfect spot! Located inside the Inn at Irving Place, a rustic, beautiful brownstone on Irving Place in the Chelsea section, the tea room is so inviting and the lovely teas and food, delicious...Making reservations is suggested and it is also great for a girl's weekend!

Man in the Mirror

The shock that Michael Jackson is gone has touched all of us in different ways. His music will always be some of the best. We grew up with him and his family. My heart aches for his Mother who stood by him no matter what.

Best Summer Recipe~Roasted Tomato Pasta

This is a truly delicious,easy and flavorful dish! Don't forget the fresh basil garnish!

1 1/2 lbs grape tomatoes
4 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lb. pasta,penne,fusilli,spaghetti (cooked)
S and P to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil (optional)

Preheat oven to 400
Place washed tomatoes on a cookie sheet or in a baking dish.
In a small bowl combine garlic,bread crumbs,cheese, s and p
and spoon over tomatoes.Pour olive oil over all. Bake for 30 mins.
Serve over cooked pasta and pass the cheese.

Spread a "Rumor"

Since the sun has finally come out, I drove over to the OC boardwalk. I went to the newly expanded Terry Ivory jewelry store. Lots of exciting designs, great gifts and my favorite, Holly Yashi! I came across a new grouping of earrings and necklaces called "Rumor" and bought a little piece. Very nice and inexpensive. Check it out as they also have a store in Stone Harbor. From there I went to Hula Grille and of course, Fudge Kitchen!

Get Your Ribs On!!

5 lbs of baby back ribs,split in half
2 of each,julienne,red, green, yellow bell peppers
1 large, thinly sliced Vidalia onion
6 minced garlic cloves
2 finely chopped jalepeno peppers
Salt and Pepper
1 BBQ sauce recipe

Preheat oven to 325

Place a sprinkling of all vegs on separate squares foil and lay ribs on top. Place the rest of veggies on top and add salt and pepper to taste.Wrap tightly and place each packet on cookie sheet. Place in oven for 6-8 hours depending on thickness. When done remove and unwrap foil, brush on sauce and return to oven for 10 mins...Serve

BBQ Sauce:
2 tbsp. butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp.Coleman's dry mustard
1 large, minced garlic clove
3/4 cup ketchcup
1/3 cup cider vinegar
2 tbsp. lemon juice
4 drops Tabasco
1 1/2 tsp. paprika and onion flakes
1/2 tsp. each cumin and chili powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne

Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil,stir and simmer on low for 20 mins.

A Day Trip

Going out for the day with a girlfriend can't be beat. Linda and I try to do it from time to time and always have a wonderful outing filled with shopping, finds,and naturally lunch! This last trip we headed to Marlton, NJ, a favorite. Between Christmas Tree Shoppe, Wegman's and Home Goods we had plenty to do. Lunch this time was the Cheesecake Factory since Linda had never been. We were good! Splitting a nice salad in order for us to choose and share one caloric overloaded caramel cheesecake. WORTH IT! Guess my whole point in writing about our day is to say how much I appreciate our friendship! (and the dessert)

Nothing Like a Note

If you know me, you'll know I collect notecards, send notecards and give them as gifts. Growing up we were always encourage to acknowledge gifts and thoughtfulness this way. Today the note seems like something to hold onto since that form of communication is gone. There are many sites now,Tag Your It, Vista Print, Fine Stationary, Design Her Gal, getNOTEiced to name a few that have some beautiful, personalized choices. Once you start you can't stop.Try one!

Cupcake Crazy

Both Sarah and I are always in search of a new bakery or new cupcake flavor and decoration. My great friend, Kathy, gave me this wonderful,creative book for Christmas. Mainly because the white pup looks like Molly but also because she knows I love to bake..It is filled with nice ideas and colorful photos. Pictures good enough to eat.

Uggs to Rainbows:)

When you live at the shore, flip flops are a way of life. Mainly Rainbows. They are a staple as much as Uggs in the winter. When there is the occasional "dress up' footwear needed my feet do resist. After all Uggs are the warmest,coziest thing your feet will ever step into on any cold day and Rainbows are just plain easy.

Pick Your Own

I have been picking my own strawberries and blueberries for over 25 years. When my kids were young,they put on their old tee shirts and off we went. Many times more on themselves then in their pails but what great fun. I always make jam from both like my Mom did and since our family is spoiled with homemade and loves it, I continue to pick my own, searching out new farms when I can. Today's trek was to B and B Farms on Rt.30 near Galloway,NJ. They have nice berries, picking is till the end of July and they are open from 8-4 daily. Call 609-965-5558 for a wonderful experience for yourself and your kids.

Summer Feta Spread- Quick, Easy and Cool

This makes about 2 cups~
1- 8 oz. whipped cream chesse,can use reduced
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 tbsp. toasted pine nuts
2 tbsp. chopped,fresh basil
1 minced garlic clove
1- package crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup chopped,drained, oil- packed sun dried tomatoes
1 small jar artichoke hearts,drained (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend. Place in a container and chill. Serve with bagels,raw veggies or pita chips! Store for 1 week.You'll love it.

My Favorite Blooms~

During this time of year, my favorite flower, Hydrangea, are everywhere. Can't imagine another flower where one bloom becomes a gorgeous bouquet! I used to pick them and dry for Christmas wreaths but now just cutting and enjoying them in my kitchen is a beautiful treat. They require sandy soil and come in almost every color and combination...Try growing just one plant and you are in for a treat!

"My Niece, Elise"

We are anticipating another summer trip, east from our beautiful, full of life Elise! She is a "Jersey Girl" at heart from Calif. and loves visiting as much as we love to have her. Since her brother has football and her sister is too young we will just be entertaining Elise( and she'll be entertaining us:) Can't wait!

My Next Sleepover

Waiting for my next visit to my daughter, Sarah's, new loft!! It is a gorgeous,cozy apt. and she loves it. Her knack for color, harmony and decorating in a small space has been incredible. With help from her family she is all moved in and ready to start enjoying it. We had a few pieces I painted that belonged to my Mom. Some great memories mixed in with the new furnishings. Sarah's great friend, Aubre, also living in a Philly loft, has been exploring the city and hoping for her first job! She'll have no trouble as she has many talents and the brains! Bravo to 2 gals I love dearly!!

Lots of Loveliness

For several months I have been following Melissa Lester's blog on family,ideas for her home and beautiful parties and fun. She is one of the most inspirational and gifted young Mom's. She works tirelessly to show her family how much they mean and I enjoy all her efforts to allow others into her wonderful life.

Latest Summer Reading

The latest book I finished last night,"The Glass Castle",was both fascinating and somewhat tragic. It is the true story of the author,Jeanette Walls,growing up in an eccentric family.How she and her siblings survived is remarkable. I could not not put it down. Next is "The Noticer." Hope the weather clears soon since beach reading is a favorite of mine!!

Fabulous Food Blog

I have been following Ree for many months and trying her great recipes as well as viewing her tremendous photos of life on a ranch. She is a wonderful cook and inspiration for all things delicious. My family loves her cinnamon rolls, pasta dishes and lots more!

Peanut Butter Pie-great for summer

Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter
2 oz finely grated semi sweet chocolate

or 1 prepared,store bought crust

Filling
1 cup chunky peanut butter
1 package cream cheese,softened
2 tbsp. butter,softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 container whipped topping

Combine crumbs,butter and chocolate and press into a 9 in pie plate. Chill. In a lg. bowl beat together peanut butter,cr.cheese and butter.Add in sugar and vanilla.Blend well. Stir in chocolate chips and fold in whipped topping.Spoon into crust and freeze till ready to serve..Enjoy!

Miss Molly

Anyone who has a dog in their family is truly blessed.Molly is 11 and came to us as a pup.She is a poodle and brings me joy everyday...Molly loves car rides and visits to the bank and Post Office. Right now she is sleeping!

Scones at home

I invited my good friend,Shannon, over yesterday to make scones.Some of my friends think mine are the best.I have to agree.It has been a long process to get them just right and I love to share them with family and friends.Funny how a baked good puts a smile on:) My favorite are cranberry pecan and I know my friend will start to make her own and share them as well.

One hubbie,three kids,one poodle...

Welcome to my blog,quite an accomplishment for me! I will be stopping by from time to time to give you some new recipes, ideas and fun things to do this summer. Life at the Jersey Shore is the best with the occasional visit to Philly and NYC. Enjoy!!