Fourth of July is just around the corner, and if you are looking for some fun patriotic crafts to do for your home, you’ve come to the right place! While there are a bunch of kid-friendly patriotic crafts out there, what about for adults? I don’t know about you, but I love any excuse to break out my crafting supplies! Whether you want to add a pop of red, white, and blue to your home, or are just looking for a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, here are some of the best red, white, and ... Read More
Easy Tips to Tweak Your Skincare Routine for Summer
Winter can wreak havoc on your skin making it parched and dry, but summer is the worst season for your skin. The wind, sun, and water can all damage your skin and cause issues you normally don’t have. Extreme sweating can clog your pores and cause major breakouts. The sun has harsher UV rays which can cause sunburns and sun damage. The salt from the ocean can dehydrate your skin and cause flaking or even breaks in the skin. As if that is not enough, oil from sweat can cause your makeup to run or ... Read More
Mint Julep Cupcakes
There was a time when I wasn't much of a cake-eater at all. I outright just didn't care for it. I'm happy to say that my tastes have changed and I now have the opposite problem--I love it all. I'll be honest, though--I am often super lazy and take the box cake route. It's always a special treat when I decide to make a cake from scratch because it means it's time to have fun and there's going to be an unusual flavor. These mint julep cupcakes are soooo good and you're going to love the responses ... Read More
Roasted Eggplant Dip
We've been cooking with eggplant a lot lately. It's easy to grow and relatively cheap in the supermarkets, so it made sense to explore its versatility more. We use it in curries and ratatouille, but our current favorite preparation is this roasted eggplant dip. I've become a big fan of appetizers before dinner and this has become a go-to. It's easy to make and super tasty--it works for an appetizer, snack, sandwich spread, or a party dip. What makes it even more fun is that I can send the girls ... Read More
A Day at the Auckland Zoo
I have a confession. I have a lot of preconceived ideas about what New Zealand attractions will be like well before I go. When my kids asked to go to the Auckland Zoo, I cringed. I imagined a cramped area with a few animals that you could see anywhere. I was also preemptively cranky because the last time we had tried to go, parking was an absolute nightmare--in that there was simply no parking to be had. This is a theme throughout New Zealand and it won't be the first time you've heard me moan ... Read More
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
Living in a different country with different traditions is more difficult for me when a holiday is approaching. Easter in New Zealand is very different than the Easters I had growing up in the States. People don't tend to dye Easter eggs here, jelly beans aren't a thing, and Easter candy tends to be very marshmallow based. I've been feeling especially homesick and wanting to give the girls some of my own traditions again. Chocolate peanut butter Easter eggs were one of my favorite Easter treats ... Read More