20 Ideas for Mac & Cheese Stir Ins

We all know kids love macaroni and cheese. So, why not take that opportunity and give them one of their favorite dishes while stocking it with protein and nutrients at the same time? Once a week I'll usually choose a flavor of boxed macaroni and cheese (we're big fans of Annie's Organic pasta) and add whatever we happen to have in the fridge (usually leftovers from dinner the night before). Porter loves it and so does my husband! Plus, it sure makes my life easier for the night.

Here are some ideas of things to stir in your child's favorite mac & cheese...Now, if some of these sound weird to you, just try them! I throw odd combinations at Porter just to see if he'll eat them and guess what--he does! I've put a lot of effort into raising him not to be a picky eater and let me tell you, this kid will eat anything. I know some kids are naturally going to be pickier than others, but I also believe that we as parents tend to project our own likes and dislikes on them as well. So be brave, think outside the box and let them decide what their favorites are!

• tomato, Parmesan cheese & Italian seasoning
• mushroom, onion & artichoke hearts
• ham, green beans and hard boiled eggs
• corn, black beans & tomato
• ground turkey, steamed carrots & celery
• broccoli, cottage cheese & baked chicken
• shrimp, yellow squash and zucchini
• pepperoni, tomato & basil
• tuna, green pepper &dijon mustard
• hot dogs & baked beans (drained)
• hamburger, pickles & yellow mustard
• bacon, asparagus & cheddar
• ham & pineapple
• chicken, bacon & ranch
• Italian sausage, red & yellow peppers
• ground turkey, taco seasoning & tomato
• tuna, peas & garlic
• chicken, feta crumbles & sliced olives
• mushrooms, spinach & sausage
• hamburger, Italian breadcrumbs & roasted tomato

My Vices

Everybody has them. I am no exception. I have conquered some of my vices, but I have this nagging list in my head that I'd like to get rid of! I thought if I wrote about them publicly, I'd be inclined to finally kick them once and for all!


1. BITING MY NAILS--This one has been a struggle for as long as I can remember. Not only do I bite my nails, I ruin my cuticles by picking at them too. Its mindless. Its gross. Its a nervous habit I suppose.


2. SWEETS--I can't help myself. After every meal. All day long. I crave sweets. I'm not really sure how to kick it, but I need to curb my sweet tooth.


3. SWEARING-- Its not like I curse like a sailor, but having a little toddler that copies everything I do means its time to stop swearing all together. I've got a pretty good start on this one, just gotta keep it up so eventually I won't have to catch myself!


What are your vices? Do you have any suggestions that might help me with mine?

My Doctored Alfredo Sauce

I really love cooking all the way from scratch. I'm talking, rolling your own ravioli dough, stuffing it with your own concoction and topping it with sauce made from roasted tomatoes out of your own garden. That is bliss to me! Don't laugh...it really is. However, I am also a realist. Its just not gonna happen every night. So, a lot of the time when I make dinner its a little bit ready made and a little bit from scratch.
If you asked my husband what one of his favorite dinners is, he would probably tell you about my Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Its super easy and tastes delicious!

• 2 tbs butter or olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• kosher salt
• 10 oz sliced baby portabella mushrooms
• 1 tbs minced garlic
• 1/2 cup to 1 cup of dry sherry wine
• jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce
• cracked pepper

In a large skillet, start sauteing the onions in butter or olive oil over medium low heat. I usually add a little kosher salt at this step to help the onions sweat. After about 10 minutes, add the sliced mushrooms and stir to coat. When the onions are soft, add the garlic and saute for one minute.

Next, increase the heat to medium high and add the dry sherry. Allow this mixture to reach a boil. I listed a vague amount of sherry on the ingredient list because I love the flavor it adds to the sauce, so I am usually closer to a full cup but use whatever pleases your taste buds! 

Finally, simply add the jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce and season with fresh cracked pepper to taste. I usually just use whatever is on sale at the grocery store and it always tastes delicious! Serve this sauce with grilled or baked chicken and your favorite kind of pasta and you'll  be sure to want seconds!

Easy Binky Keeper

Porter was, IS the kind of baby that loves his binky...18 months old and we did not meet our goal of giving it up as he still uses it for bedtime. I spent so much time in the beginning searching for a pacifier! He lost them left and right. So we invested in a binky keeper, you know the kind you buy from the store that you can clip on to their clothing. Problem solved, right? Not so fast! He easily pulled the clip off his clothing and lost it again and again! I decided to take matters into my own hands (with the helpful guidance of my crafty mother). I used vintage mitten clips. They're metal. They have round teeth that really attach it to the clothes and there was no pulling it off!! Hallelujah! I simply sewed two 10" pieces of decorative ribbon together, wrong sides together. I looped one end through the pacifier ring and sewed the end of the ribbon to itself to secure it in place. I inserted the other end of the ribbon in the mitten clip and voila~a binky keeper that works in under five minutes!

Our Son, The Hugger

One of my goals as a mother is to raise affectionate children who openly express their emotions, the good and the bad. We say "I love you" every time we part and we always, always kiss goodbye and goodnight. At fifteen months Porter was already saying "I love you", his first official sentence. It sounds more like I luh you (all one word), but oh so sweet nonetheless! He is eighteen months old now and really starting to interact with his buddies. I've captured a couple displays of affection he shared with his friends. He just melts my heart!

Mad Men Inspired Bridal Shower

When you think of a 1960's housewife, two pictures come to mind. One being the sweet, supportive and loving Laura Petrie type. The other being the martini shaking, cigarette smoking kind like the women in the TV series Mad Men. About a month ago, a client came to us with the idea of throwing her daughter's bridal shower with an angry housewife twist. We absolutely loved the idea and ran with it!! The theme was original and I think everyone there will remember this bridal shower for years to come! Here's what we came up with for her...  

The custom invitations we designed, printed and mailed for her.

A vintage portable bar, decanters and other props helped set the theme.

Party favors included a martini glass with candy ciggarettes, red lipstick and pearls.

The hit of the party decor were definitely these high heel cupcakes 
from our new favorite cookbook Cupcakes, Cookies and Pies Oh My!

We had such a blast designing everything from scratch for this party. We also made all of the hair pieces you see the girls wearing...thirty all together! That was a challenge, but they were very fun to create and now we have them to rent for future parties. Everyone loved wearing them for the day. 

The bride and her ladies in our photo booth with all their Mad Men glamour!

I bartended the event, serving up our signature tea infused cocktails!

Caprese Kabobs, mmm!

Our client served up the most delicious orange marmalade cake, recipe to come soon I hope!

The lucky bride and her mother. They know how to party in style!

That's me! My beehive updo was a huge hit!

That's mom, posing with a mocktail and sporting one of our handmade hair fascinators!