When my dad was here to visit a few weeks ago, he suggested we pick up coffee and doughnuts on Sunday morning. Something simple since we were working so hard. C’mon, Dad, you know me better than that. He was outside painting the shutters when I told him that breakfast was ready. Baked sour cream doughnuts — a nod to... Read more
1. Last week we bought a new push toy for Sam, and it only took about three days for him to figure out how to use it. Check him out cruising around the house! And wiggling his little baby butt. The boy loves to dance. 2. Speaking of dancing, we had a family dance party in our kitchen on Monday... Read more
I typically gravitate towards chocolate when it comes to dessert. But sweltering summer days call for light and refreshing desserts. These lemon bars are just that. They’re a little sweet and a little tangy and when topped with local berries and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re the perfect punctuation to a summer meal. Light Lemon Bars (Print this Recipe) Makes... Read more
While Nick was in Philadelphia last week, Sam and I spent some time with my family. And our neighbors’ chickens. I’m a bit jealous of this beautiful chicken coop. My mom even planned a ladies night. Sam is so adored! Our drive home is a bit longer than it used to be, and we were so happy to see this... Read more
Our typical weekend morning looks a little like this. Wake up at 6:45am — because Sam doesn’t yet understand the concept of sleeping in. Feed Sam. Change his diaper and wash his face. Join Nick downstairs where the kitchen already smells like freshly brewed hazelnut coffee. Plop Sam on the floor with his toys while we sip our hot coffee... Read more
Are you a fan of cilantro? Because I know not everyone is. We, however are proud members of Team Cilantro. We add bunches of it to Asian dishes and Mexican dishes and often use it to garnish salads and salsas. For this dish, cilantro is present in both the black bean patties and the sweet potato salad. (So if you’re... Read more
The boy is on the move! Crawling and climbing are his current favorite activities. In addition to chasing our little monkey around the house, I’ve also been working. A lot. I have a new assignment that has required me to put in extra hours, which means I’m glued to my laptop during naptime and after bedtime. Iced coffee helps. So... Read more
I’m finally satisfied with the organization of our new kitchen. The wooden spoons and spatulas and tongs are within grabbing distance of the stove top. The cutting boards and cooling racks are neatly stacked in the cupboard below canned goods and confections. There is a drawer dedicated to baking supplies — muffin tins, measuring spoons, and frosting tips — and... Read more
My family was kind enough to help with a few home improvement tasks over Memorial Day weekend. We washed the windows; we added a dimmer switch to the dining room; we mounted a garage door key pad. But, behold, the most significant improvement of all. The shutters went from faded green to rich chocolate brown — a much better compliment... Read more
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer. Though temperatures in Pennsylvania have been in the 90s for at least a week already. The heat was not at all conducive to weeding and mulching our new flower beds, but it was the perfect excuse to make a cool treat. This recipe is a Wiley family favorite, and Nick’s mother shared... Read more