Anyone who knows me is well aware of my love, nay, my adoration, of all things Irish.  So when I was asked by Hachette Book Group if I wanted to read The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey I couldn’t refuse!
In the early 20th century Ireland was involved in two wars- one for independence from Britain, [...]

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner I’ve been trying out new recipes for my annual Irish feast.  I found a new Irish Brown Bread recipe in an issue of Woman’s Day magazine last year and recently tried it.  Oh so good!  It’s the best I’ve made yet!
This recipe requires no pans as the [...]

I’ve been chosen as one of 50 finalists in Ciao Bambino’s contest.  The prize is a week in Tuscany.  Oh, yes, I want to win this…
Since not all of my readers bridge the gap between this blog and Family Rambling I realized I needed to ask for help over here, too.  It’s very easy to [...]

Des Moines Moms Nite Out will be held at Staybridge Suites in West Des Moines!  I am realy excited about this location as it provides lots of room for pampering and fun!
Businesses around the metro are getting involved to help give Des Moines moms a great night of fun and pampering!
For more information on MNO [...]

I hosted a Houseparty to help spread the word about Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins®.  I was thrilled to do this for a couple of reasons.

I “discovered” these when we were in Boston a year ago.  When we returned to Iowa I couldn’t find them anywhere.  I am so glad they are available practically everywhere now!
Arnold was [...]

Al Gore, the inventor of the internet, may likely be the destroyer of it as well. New studies have shown that a major cause of global warming is dihydrogen monoxide. Apparently too much dihydrogen monoxide in the earth can cause catastrophic results, and too little can cause expansion of the ice caps- as [...]

If you’re a business it’s likely that you have some sort of online presence.  Which is really handy for your customers.  But did you know that if your content isn’t updated regularly Google thinks your site is stagnant and your website moves lower and lower in searches…  Even if your name is searched directly.
With that [...]

I haven’t been very good about sharing what I learned at Blissdom.  Sorry for that.
When I say a couple of thoughts I truly mean “a couple of thoughts”.  Because I only wrote down two notes in the niche blogging session.
1) Your community is not an enemy.  Embrace it and share.  Your goal is to help [...]

Funnily enough as large companies continue to close and institute lay offs it brings something out in people.  That something is called “entrepreneurial spirit”.  I have met so many people in the past year who have begun small businesses and who are really making them work.The SmallBiz Social Media Summit in Hutchinson, Kansas wants to [...]

I completely suck at losing weight.  I have very little willpower when confronted with any baked good and though I know that the first few bites of anything taste the best I have trouble stopping myself from eating too much- thereby losing the taste all together.
It’s very frustrating for me to feel so weak.
I’ve tried [...]

Quesadillas are a quick & easy meal in our house.  Often it’s leftover meat and a bit of cheese between tortillas.  Or just cheese if the girls are feeling finicky.  Either way they take only a few minutes to make and are a fun change from sandwiches.
When I want to get a bit fancier I [...]

When I was at Blissdom I had the opportunity to sit down with Hallmark writer Sarah Mueller (a native Iowan!) and talk about encouraging kids. It was fun to do and I really enjoyed perusing Hallmark’s new Kids Collection which includes necklaces, keychains, water bottles and, of course, cards.

BTW- you can get a free [...]

As a mom I don’t know that there is much that will make you feel more helpless than when you have a sick child.   Caelan’s runny nose from yesterday morning became a full blown cold last night.  The first time I went to check on her she was breathing through her nose which resulted in [...]

Though I like to think I know what I’m doing with SEO (search engine optimization) I am always looking to learn more.  SEO goddess Kelby Carr (Type A Mom) recently released her ebook: Mom Blog SEO.  Don’t let the name fool you: this is an SEO book for anyone.
The book is set up as a [...]

All my Des Moines area ladies will want to mark their calendars for Thursday, May 6.  You’re taking the night off for an evening of fun and pampering!  Details are coming together and I am getting excited!
To keep up with local info click here or on the tab in the black nav bar above.
Some things [...]