Dave and I went to the Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party in Boston last Sunday. We arrived at noon with our friends, Silvia and Jerry.  We were on a mission to sample a BBQ rib from each vendor to see which one we liked the best.  I tried a rib from all of them accept the last two.  I was too full!  Each vendor sold a sample of 3 or 4 ribs, so it was perfect for the 4 of us.  They had other … [Read more...]

  Hey Everyone!  I was just wondering if any of you in the Boston area are going to the Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party in Boston this weekend?  I've never been before.  Have you?  Here are the details:   June 24, 25, 26, 2011 Friday noon to 10PM.  Saturday noon to 10PM.  Sunday noon to 7PM. City Hall Plaza in Boston, MA (next to City Hall and the Government Center MBTA … [Read more...]

A few weeks ago, our son Matthew graduated from Hofstra University in New York.  To say that we're proud of him is an understatement!  I can't believe 4 years have gone by so fast. I was a total wreck the year leading up to Matthew going away to college.  I cried at the drop of a hat.  (Just ask anyone in my family!)  I think what bothered me the most was the distance.  The University is 3 … [Read more...]

This was the best weather on Memorial Day in years!  We spent the day at my brother-in-law's house on the lake about 10 minutes away.  It was nice catching up with Dave's side of the family.     My nieces Camdin and Jordyn   My niece Kailey   Checking out a salamander that Dave found   My father-in-law and Jordyn   My husband Dave playing lawn … [Read more...]

Hi everyone! I'm hosting Easter dinner this year for about 14 people.  I'm making spiral ham, mac & cheese, and cookies.  What are you making? My college son Matthew is home at the moment and I'm so thankful that the four of us are together for this special holiday!  I know that this will not always be possible so I'm really cherishing this time with my family. I want to wish all … [Read more...]

My husband Dave is a big Red Sox fan.  So for Valentine's Day, I got him two tickets for yesterday's 1:00 game against the Blue Jays in Boston.   We drove an hour to the Riverside Train Station so we could ride the T to Fenway.  Dave is the one with the camera bag on the left.  Don't ask me why the man on the right is wearing a Santa suit.  I'm guessing he's wearing red for the Red … [Read more...]

On Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of meeting up with some other Boston area bloggers at the Brookstone Store in The Natick Collection!  It was fun checking out their amazing massage chairs and Outdoor Living Collection. Here I am trying out the Zero Gravity Chairs.   I attended this event with my friend Kristi from Moms Own Words.  Did I ever tell you that our husbands work … [Read more...]

Dave and I weren't able to celebrate Valentine's Day last weekend due to his bad cold.  So we went out today for an early dinner at O'Connor's!  I took these pictures with my cell phone, so they're not very good. O'Connor's Restaurant is located in Worcester, MA about 45 minutes from my house. We ordered the usual drinks...a Fuzzy Navel and a Black & Tan. I had a $60 … [Read more...]

Every year, I put on about 5 lbs. between September and Christmas.  Why?  Because I love baking in the fall and around the holidays (not to mention testing out new recipes for my blog)!  I've gotten to the point in my life that I'm really okay with it.  Don't get me wrong, I'd rather be a smaller size, but I just believe in living a little.  You know what I mean?  Usually, by Christmas … [Read more...]

As a member of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen to sample a Smithfield Paula Deen Crunchy Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham! I also received a $250 stipend from Smithfield to put towards my holiday dinner! That sure came in handy! Thanks Smithfield!  :-) I received a fresh 8.5 lb ham delivered right to my door! Yesterday, my parents joined us for a … [Read more...]

Thanks to our son Andrew, we had tickets to see the Mighty Mighty Bosstones last night!  Dave and I drove an hour to Boston and rode the subway to the House of Blues. The House of Blues is in a great location.  It's on Lansdowne Street, across from FenwayPark.  This is "The Green Monster!" We had the usual...a Fuzzy Navel and a Black & Tan. We both ordered a burger … [Read more...]

In a house full of guys, the kitchen has always been my domain.  My husband has always helped with grilling outdoors and simple meals in the kitchen, but never really got into cooking.  My boys haven't cooked with me since they were about 5 years old.  It just wasn't their thing. Well, in the last few years, my college son Matthew (above) has done a lot of experimenting in his kitchen … [Read more...]