Holiday Gift Idea: Homemade Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Dark chocolate and peppermint always remind me of my sister.  She definitely has a sweet tooth and loves when the holidays bring an abundance of peppermint treats.  Since we live on opposite coasts I thought I would send her a care package of some homemade dark chocolate peppermint bark.  Not only does she love this combination, but

Virginia Feature: Halloween Elmo Cupcakes

When my daughter was nine months old, I went back to work. As I was making the transition from full time mom to part-time working mom, my husband and I searched high and low for dolls to comfort her when we were away. Like so many parents making that transition, we tried stuffed giraffes, bear

Maple Bacon Donuts – Recreating a Vacation Memory

In February my toddler and I flew across the country to visit family in San Fransisco.  This was a momentous trip considering it was my son’s first flight and he was meeting his new cousin.  The trip was amazing and every morning we would walk over to the Little Marina Green to play at the

Virginia Feature: Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate is a treat associated with feelings of affection. Smelling and eating chocolate can create sensations of happiness and love. With it’s slight caffeine content, chocolate even has the power to stimulate the mind, and sharpen one’s focus. Needless to say, after becoming a sleep-deprived parent, I always have a stash. Even though chocolate is

It’s Time to Celebrate! Nautical Theme 1st Birthday Cookies

My nephew was turning one and I wanted to create a cookie in honor of his birthday.  The birthday party was being held on Cape Cod, so naturally it was a nautical theme.  Whale and sailboat cookies would be a perfect sweet ending to a day of fun and family.  I am comfortable making cookies,

California Feature: Camping and S’mores

When you think of camping, what comes to mind? Sure, the fresh air, relaxation and adventure. But, c’mon…what really comes to your mind first? S’MORES! Am I right? For as long as I can remember, camping and s’mores have gone hand in hand. When I was a kid, I used to bug and bug my

Soft and Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

Making my first batch of cinnamon rolls was an adventure.  This past spring my family and I took a trip to Cape Cod and during that trip we found a new coffee shop.  In need of some caffeine we decided to check it out and also get our toddler a treat.  When I was scanning

Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

One of the most requested treats my toddler asks for when he and I are out running errands is an “oatmeal cookie”.  So you can imagine his excitement over us baking them together at home.  He and I both prefer a soft and chewy oatmeal cookie with a slight crunch for texture and this recipe

California Road Trip: Donuts & the Beach Family Tradition

I’ve been camping with my family since I was about three years old and my husband is a camper too, so camping has always been something we’ve done ever since we’ve gotten together. And that didn’t change when Jax came along. Luckily he loves the outdoors as much as we do! Every first of the

Cape Cod Road Trip: The Chatham Candy Manor

I have been visiting the Chatham Candy Manor, in Chatham, Ma, since I was a child, so the ability to bring my son to a place that holds so many fond memories is a thrill.  My toddler has now enjoyed a few homemade chocolate pops and it was this Chatham Candy Manor experience that had