VERONA, ITALY… BEYOND ROMEO AND JULIET

Although it’s most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona has much more to offer than its connections to the star-crossed lovers! In fact, there’s little evidence that anything like the Romeo and Juliet story actually took place here… but it is indisputable that you won’t be short of sights in this beautiful city, even if you ignore Juliet’s “balcony” and “tomb.” In fact, the city’s rich culture and history has landed it on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

SALTED CARAMEL LAYER CAKE

I don't know how it happened, but, slowly overtime, when our family celebrates a birthday I end up cooking for and entertaining our family. No complaints mind you.... in fact, my favorite part of our little celebrations of life is baking the birthday cake.

Bridge of Sighs ~ Venice

If you happen to be in Venice... don’t stare across at the Bridge of Sighs – Go INSIDE the bridge and stare out!

A Well Traveled & Weary Trunk

Yesterday, E bought this vintage wicker steamer trunk for her and Bradley's new home. It comes with such a cool history. It hails from 19th century France. It has traveled all over the world, from Ireland to China and everywhere in between - even Italy.

Baskets Overflowing With Good Cheer!

Often the best way to package good cheer is in a basket.... to tote to a neighbor's house, to hand off to a favorite teacher, to present to your hostess at that yearly, jolly, Christmas party, or simply a fun way to give a cherished friend or family member that perfect gift.

Current Obsession: Monogrammed Cloth Napkins

I love shopping estate sales, thrift shops and tag sales -- I get a thrill out of saving money. A few years back, on a cold fall morning, as I was digging my way through a lovely old home here in Dallas, I came across a treasure trove of cloth napkins with our initials monogrammed on them. I could not believe my luck and I bought all of them before anyone else saw the wonderful prize I had found.

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

This morning, as I find myself in the kitchen cooking and preparing for our family to join us later in the day (and Mr.P is drinking his coffee while THE parade plays in the background) I turn my mind to the things that I'm most thankful for this year. 

Spicy Cranberry Cilantro Holiday Salsa

Looking for a last minute party starter?? Well look no further. This spicy cranberry salsa recipe is a mouthwatering addition to your holiday spread. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet.

Our Favorite Cinnamon-y & Sugar-y Treats Round-Up

I've still got the cinnamon-sugar coated sopapillas on my mind after dinner last night. Are you in the baking mood? Do you love the cinnamon-sugar combo as much as me? Here is a list of some of our favorite cinnamon-y and sugar-y treats that would be perfect to bake for the holidays or any day! Follow the links and enjoy.

Extending Your Dining Table for the Holidays

When the holidays come around and the decision is made as to who will be hosting the big dinner, panic may set in when you discover you will be the hostess and you realize there is not enough room at your existing dining table to sit 10 – 12 family and friends.   Do you have a buffet style dinner or do you try to be a little creative with your seating plan in order to accommodate the traditional family style meal?  Here are some tips on how to tackle your seating dilemma that can be used for any large holiday gathering.

30 Fun & Festive Halloween Cupcakes

Halloween is such an awesome holiday! Dressing up in costumes and pigging out on sweets – that should be on the agenda every day. ; ) Though I’d never turn down chocolate and Halloween candy, my most favorite dessert is a cupcake. For this reason I rounded up 30 of the most original, silliest, spookiest and cutest Halloween cupcakes the Internet had to offer. From mummies to ghosts, bats to witches, and even a few with fake blood (!), here are the 30 best Halloween cupcake recipes, and their links, that are sure to be a huge hit at your Halloween party! ENJOY!

MAKING HOMEMADE ICEES!

Here's an easy way to make Icees, create fun memories with the kids and keep cool this summer - all at the same time!