Category Archives: Quirky Family

How My Kids Taught Me to Love Reading Again

How My Kids Taught Me to Love Reading Again

Growing up, you could easily describe me as a bookworm. I would spend entire days curled up with a good book and I was always on the hunt for new things to read. I loved the quiet of reading, the focus it requires, the escapism, and the way it inspired me to write. And then… [more]

Under the Sea Party–Mermaids, Fish, Turtles, and More!

Under the Sea Party–Mermaids, Fish, Turtles, and More!

When you’ve got a new house with an indoor pool and a daughter turning 7, all signs point to an “Under the Sea” themed birthday party. Sure, it’s a bit obvious, but it’s also got a lot of potential in terms of decorations and food. Any good party starts with the invitations. Of course, I’m… [more]

A Butterfly Garden Party

A Butterfly Garden Party

Last summer, LadyBug had a Butterfly Garden Party for her 6th birthday. I have been remiss in posting pictures, but that’s largely because I barely took any. I spent hours upon hours upon hours prepping for this party and then had no time to take pictures! So frustrating. Butterfly Garden Party Invitations In any case,… [more]

Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker–Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Last year, LadyBug and I were treated to a tour of the Nutcracker Suite at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston. We were both captivated by the magic of it (it even inspired one of our Christmas presents that year), but I had context and LadyBug did not. The tutus, Nutcracker and giant bear were all just… [more]

Tiny Little Needles-Food Allergy Parenting

Have you ever had an allergy skin prick test? Here’s what happens at our allergist… They clean your back with alcohol, and then write with a permanent marker to label where each section of tests will happen. And then they press groups of 8 tiny needles into your back that contain things you may be… [more]

Lessons Learned from the Circus (Smirkus)

Lessons Learned from the Circus (Smirkus)

I have been meaning to take the kids to see Circus Smirkus for the past two years. For those who don’t know, Circus Smirkus is an organization that teaches circus arts to kids. They put on a full-scale traveling performance each summer throughout New England. Since LadyBug loves trapeze so much (she’s hoping to take… [more]

Farm Camp, Fear, and Parenting Moments

Farm Camp, Fear, and Parenting Moments

The kids have just finished their second year of farm camp. In addition to providing time for me to work and a fun experience for the kids, I try to choose programs that supplement the types of activities we do at home as well as the skills and interests that Big Guy bring to the… [more]

How to Create Marbled Frosting on a Cupcake or Bundt Cake

How to Create Marbled Frosting on a Cupcake or Bundt Cake

Most good ideas start with a challenge. I had two. First, I needed to figure out how to frost some mini bundt cakes. Unless you’re planning on doing intricate piping, they are difficult to frost while maintaining the detail that makes them so pretty. Second, I had two bright and pretty frosting colors that I… [more]