When I was home visiting in Nova Scotia this past summer, I had the pleasure of helping my cousin & his wife put together a look for a bedroom that was going to become Big Brother’s room when Little Brother arrives this fall. We chatted about a look for the room, and I suggested that the room could fresh & fun without being too ‘themey’ or ‘disneyed out’… a room that could grow with ‘Big Brother’ for the next few years. We started off with a visit to Homesense to search for new bedding for a twin bed and some inspiration for a colour pallette Read More »
Happy Thanksgiving!
This weekend is Thanksgiving if you live in Canada. At my house, we are getting prepared for our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. We like a very tradional dinner. On the menu besides turkey and gravy are: Mashed potatoes Carrots Green Beans Roasted Squash Roasted Brussel Sprouts Rolls & Butter Homemade Cranberry Sauce Coleslaw Pickles Ginger Ale White Wine And for dessert, we are having, at my son’s request, Black Forest Cake, and Pumpkin Pie and these yummy looking gingerbread bars, which I found here. I just read on facebook where one of my girlfriends just said “Happy Thanksgiving” and then added Read More »
Decandent Caramel Apple Dip…
Welcome to the 4th edition of Apple Treats Week! I am super excited to share this recipe with you…because if you have never tried this before…you are in for a wonderful treat! It’s so good it’s ridiculous! I first had this delicious dip about 8 years ago when my SIL brought it to a scrapbook day that our scrapbook group was having. It was a huge hit and I know we had her running to the kitchen to cut up more apples! I have since taken this dip to book club, meetings and other gatherings and it is Read More »
Slab Apple Pie
Welcome to the 3rd edition of Apple Treats Week here at Echoes of Laughter. On Monday, I shared a recipe for “Salted Caramel Apple Cookies”. On Tuesday, I shared “Apple Brownies”. Today we are talking about Apples & Family Fun! I know that most people have their own favourite recipe for pasty, apple pie & apple crisp, so I won’t share one with you here…but I did want to share some fun ideas you can do with apples, pastry and your family. Yes! Get your family involved! Call it Apple Fest Day! It can be such a fun activity in the kitchen…. Read More »
Decadent Apple Brownies
Welcome to the 2nd edition of Apple Treats Week! I am so amazed to hear that some of you made the cookies from yesterday already. That is so fantastic! Today I am going to share another of my favorite apple recipes…Apple Brownies. This is a very easy recipe that showcases the fresh taste of apples and takes only minutes to mix up. I started making these about 5 years ago and they are a refreshing change from regular brownies. I also love this recipe because it makes a 9 x13 pan. I think if you are going to take the time to Read More »
Salted Caramel Apple Cookies
I am so excited to share the first day of Apple Treats Week with you today! The first treat I am sharing is a recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Cookies. I have been making this recipe for about 13 years, but the caramel & salt part is a recent addition to this cookie. It reflects my love of salty & sweet together….and it is just divine. Please don`t be intimidated when you see the words salted caramel apple cookies…it is really not that super fancy or hard…I promise. I am not a gourmet baker by any means. And there are already a ton Read More »
A Fall Table
Last night my teenage daughter had a few friends over. The plan was for them to stay for dinner and then they were doing the funnest thing that girls do…hair & makeup. I decided to make a spaghetti dinner for them since it is a meal that most people like. Homemade spaghetti sauce, caesar salad and garlic bread. While I was in the grocery, some sunflowers caught my attention. So I grabbed a bunch and went home to make a pretty table. I really wished I had a vintage tin to use as a vase. But since I didn’t, I used what Read More »
Next Week is ‘Apple Treats Week’…
I have declared next week ‘Apple Treats Week’ here at Echoes of Laughter. I grew up in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, which is famous for it’s apple orchards & high tides. Apple picking is a regular part of our fall activities…and in the kitchen apple smells are plentiful…whether it be applesauce or pies. So next week, I will share with you some of my very favourite apple recipes. All of them will be fairly easy recipes with regular baking ingredients. They will be perfect for sharing with a cup of tea…or packing in a lunchbox! And I will be Read More »
Has my blog helped you be a better home manager?
Have you used my Bill Payment binder? Have you created a School Launching pad? Have you tried 5 Easy Steps To Packing School Lunches? If you like my blog and it helps you in any way be a better manager of your home & family, could you please click the button above and vote for me for 1 of the top 25 Home Management Blogs? I would be so very grateful! This blog is dedicated to beautiful living…be it decorating, organizing, creating or cooking! Thank you so much for reading!
A Little More of Fall Decor…
I was able to finish off a little more decor for Fall at our house. Over the years, I have discovered a few things about my decorating style. Creating tablescapes are my favourite to add to our home for seasonal changes. I don’t like hanging or pinning things up…I just like thing making horizontal surfaces beautiful. I love to use things like vases, old books, prints, candles or greenery. For this tablescape I used things that I already had. The plate is a piece from my Grandmother’s china… called “Buttercup” by Spode. {Interestingly, I spied some of this china pattern on the table Read More »
Nesting For Fall 2011…
I have been busy these past 2 days decorating our home for Fall. Yesterday I was not very happy with myself as the fall decoration storage totes were on the bottom of the pile under all the Christmas storage totes. I mean, seriously, who does that to themselves? I was sweating by the time I was done fishing out the 2 totes that I needed! *** This year I chose a colour theme of white, yellow & orange to decorate & freshen things up with….less brown and black over last year. I only spent $15 in a few new flower stems Read More »
My Little Mr. Martha Stewart & A Note About Blogger
The other day I returned home from running some errands. While I was gone, my 10 year old mixed up some cookie dough all by himself. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. He used a recipe{from Martha Stewart}. He measured out ingredients. He cracked eggs. Used the kitchen aid mixer. Added another egg & some more flour when he thought it didn’t look right. {Isn’t he a daredevil?} He cleaned up the mess. Washed the dishes by hand. Waited for me to get home to use the oven. Some day he will make some lucky lady a very happy girl. And his kids will Read More »
Style At Home Magazine: 3 Fall Trends You Can Add To Your Home…
This week, to my delight, I was contacted by the web editor of Canada’s Style At Home magazine. The editors at Style At Home Magazine have identified 3 top trends for fall in home decor and they have invited me to share them with you all. You don’t have to ask me twice to talk about home decor! If you have never read Canada’s Style At Home magazine, you really should try it out! It is my favorite home decor magazine and I have been reading it for years. And just so you know, I received no financial compensation for writing Read More »
Organizing Backpacks For School
I am back with the last post in this series about ‘Back To School Organizing’ which was supposed to happen last Friday, but due to some camera issues, I couldn’t get it posted! I can’t post without pictures….that just won’t do! Last Monday spotlighted `Wardrobe Wrangling` and getting the ‘Back To School’ wardrobe whipped into shape. Tuesday was all about organizing School Supplies & Study Spaces. On Wednesday I shared ‘5 Easy Steps To Packing School Lunches’. {And on Saturday this post was featured by Tip Junkie and it got a whole bunch of page views} Thursday was the day for Read More »
A Monogram Wreath for Fall
This was my little craft project for today. Updating our wreath for fall. This is the same wreath from last fall when I updated it with some flowers to freshen it up. This morning I made a quick trip to Michaels and picked up some of the new Martha Stewart craft paint and a white letter for the monogram. Three coats later it looked like this: I threaded some ribbon through it to attach it to the wreath. And now we have a new look for 2011, except for the strange line through the photograph which is the Read More »
Creating A School Launching & Landing Pad
Whew! Can you believe it’s Thursday already? I don’t know about you, but it has been a very tiring week with all the back to school stuff! I have a 15 yr. old who is getting up at 5:30 am to have a shower & do her hair & makeup before school, so naturally I am awake as soon as her bedroom lights pops on. I am looking forward to everyone sleeping in a little on Saturday morning! *** So this week the hot topic is organizing for back to school. On Monday, we talked about Wardrobe Wrangling. On Tuesday, we discussed Read More »
5 Easy Steps To Packing School Lunches
Hello there! This week we are talking about Back To School Organizing and I am sharing strategies & ideas to help you get organized for the back to school season. On Monday, we talked about Wardrobe Wrangling and getting that school wardrobe whipped into shape. On Tuesday, we talked about Sorting Out School Supplies & Study Spaces. Today, we are talking about the things that Moms dread the most….packing school lunches. *** First off, if you are looking for lunches that are super cute or made into smiley animal characters…this is not what this post is about. Remember I said EASY Read More »
Organizing School Supplies & Study Spaces
This week we are talking about BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING! And I am sharing with you some of the strategies I use in my home to keep things organized during the school year. On Monday, we talked about Wardrobe Wrangling…how to get your children’s wardrobes whipped into shape. Today we are talking about Sorting Out School Supplies & Study Spaces. ***The List. The List. We all have that Back to School List of things our children will need to begin a new school year. And right now, the supplies are all on sale at rock bottom prices… which makes it a great time to stock up for Read More »
Organizing School Wardrobes
Since my kids head back to school this week on Wednesday & Thursday, I thought I would write a little series on my take on organizing for back to school in your home. So please…come organize with me! It won’t be too painful…I promise! I am so excited to share with you these topics as I work through BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING this week: Monday-Wardrobe Wrangling Tuesday-Sorting Out School Supplies & Study Spaces Wednesday-5 Easy Steps To Packing School Lunches Thursday-Creating A School Launching & Landing Pad Friday-Tackling Backpacks Back-to School Organizing for me always starts with my kids’ wardrobes. Read More »
Family Rules….
When I was browsing in Homesense looking for things for Tyler’s new bedroom plan, I unfortunately walked by this subway art canvas. I tried to ignore it. I really did. {Must. Stay. Out. Of. Homesense.} But a strange magnetic force pulled me back. Then I made a mistake..and read it. And it came home with me. I don’t have a ton of wall space left to hang things. It found it’s new home on the pantry door in the kitchen. For now.
Maritime Brown Bread Recipe For The Breadmaker
I would have to say without question that the favourite bread of Maritimers is brown bread. Made with molasses and rolled oats… it has a slightly sweet taste. It has been traditionally served with baked beans for a Saturday night or Sunday supper. My Grandmother Ada, who was born in 1915, remembers her mother soaking beans and making brown bread on Saturday night so that Sunday could be a day of rest. And when I was a child, the call of fresh brown bread from the oven would cause a stampede to the kitchen by my brother & I. And my father Read More »
A Beautiful Sewing Studio…
I had the wonderful pleasure of helping to put together this wonderful sewing studio for a very good friend of mine. She is a very busy mom of 4 children who works full-time and also takes on a full slate of volunteer commitments. She is truly an amazing mother, wife & friend…always with a smile to greet you. This sewing studio initally started out with a hodge podge of furniture with the sewing tables being 2 foldable banquet tables….like the kind you buy at Costco. But a flood in the basement of the home required the room to have new Read More »
Food Rut: Getting Back to Menu Plan Monday…
I am in a bit of a food rut. Remember that old Dunkin’ Donuts commercial.. “Time to make the donuts”. That’s me right now…”Time to make supper.” {sigh} {double sigh} Everyday I honestly don’t know what to cook for my family. That’s not good! I think I am still on post-vacation hangover….I was away for 5 weeks staying with my parents and my Mom did all the meal planning. She is so awesome like that….so good at taking care of other people! In an attempt to get my mo-jo back, I am going to try new recipes this week. I am not Read More »
5 Secrets To A Great Bedroom
With my interest in decorating & home decor, I am often asked by friends & family to look at rooms to offer suggestions & advice. I never get tired of this….I love, love, love helping people make their homes beautiful! I think bedrooms are so important and they are often the most neglected space. Bedrooms can provide more than just a place to sleep. They can be escapes from the stresses & busy-ness of everyday schedules…a wonderful place to read & relax… a place that can make you feel refreshed & at peace. And I don’t think you need to spend oodles of money Read More »
A Lovely Riverside Picnic….
Today was my birthday. I was up half the night with my youngest, who was not feeling well. I had plans to go & sew with a friend today, but I was too tired to even think about sewing… plus I didn’t want to take Tyler out anywhere. I was kind of bummed about my plans getting squelched. But a girlfriend called & invited me to come for lunch with her at the library. Little did I know that she threw this wonderful little lunch picnic for my birthday. She brought a pretty tablecloth…and fresh flowers. A simple but delicious lunch of a sandwich, Read More »
Style & Organization for a Girly Dressing Room…
So another project that I tackled while I was home visiting in Nova Scotia was styling & organizing my Mom’s dressing room. {After} My sweet mother realized that this large & spacious area next to her walk-in closet had become a bit tired and was in need of a little makeover. She asked for my help & of course I said YES because when the woman who has been one of your biggest cheerleaders in life needs help, you are at the ready!! I did a little shopping at IKEA and shipped a large box to her just as Canada Post went on Read More »
Tyler’s New Room Plan….
I have returned from vacation and am throwing myself back into projects around the house like nobody’s business. It was great to come back after a fabulous 5 weeks in Nova Scotia because not only did I get lots of rest & relaxation…I got to come home and see my house with fresh eyes! So my Mr. Tyler has been asking repeatedly for a new & BIGGER bed in his room. He is a growing boy and he wants to say ‘bye bye’ to his twin bed and hello to a Double Double please. Let me be honest here…his room is small. Read More »
In the Cradle of Sweet Summer Days…
We are still vacationing in Nova Scotia and enjoying lots of fun adventures. Our days are never dull and every day is a great day! We have been… Hanging out with Best Friends… Making picnic sandwiches for the beach… Wallowing in Bay of Fundy mud… Enjoying my Mom’s cooking….Blueberry Pie….so yummy! Helping Grammie in the kitchen… Tubing on the Gaspereau River with friends… And what`s a summer without a jump off an old country bridge… Enjoying the view from the breakfast nook in the morning… Having a delicious lunch of lobster chowder & homemade biscuits with an Aunt & Uncle.. Going Read More »
Organizing A Breakfast Station…
You didn’t really think I would go on vacation for a whole month and NOT find some organizational project to tackle, did you? I can’t help it….it’s just the way my brain works! So while eating breakfast in my parent’s kitchen one morning…it came upon me that I could tweak the ‘breakfast station’ to make it more functional & organized. Here is the breakfast area before… Take note there is no toaster or coffee maker. BEFORE: Now this is better…the toaster & coffee maker can finally attend the breakfast meeting. AFTER: Observe the cereal cupboard. There are no bowls or spoons for cereal Read More »
Easy To Make Strawberry Jam
For many years, my Mom made strawberry jam in the summer. I adore this jam….for me it is the perfect compliment to a toasted english muffin with butter. So, making freezer strawberry jam has become a summer ritual for me now too. Here are the kids and I as we picked strawberries for jam in 2006. But now that they have aged to a teenager and an adolescent, I couldn’t convince either of them to come pick berries with me! Jeepers! What’s a mom to do? You get over it and you buy the berries! That’s what you do! I have to Read More »
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