SweetGirlSmirk

June is all about parties. Summer is breaking, students are graduating, pools are opening, and bonfires are burning. It is that time of year where we shed off our Winter blues and Spring rainboots and DANCE. Here is a playlist I have put together that get everyone from mommoms to millenials out on the dance floor, passing the plate, and humming along over the horseshoe pits. Also great for a quick drive to the beach or to blast in your backyard in the pool. I'm ready to get happy, are you? At two and a half hours, there is plenty to keep you moving. If you like this list subscribe to it on Spotify! This link will take you directly to the playlist on your Spotify player. And don't forget to check out my other playlists, by Kimberly Marie. What song is guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor? Leave a comment! If you haven't yet subscribed to Spotify, here are the songs for your enjoyment. The Killers- Mr. Brightside Blondie- Call Me Eurythmics- Sweet Drea...

I really like this one. I really don't think it matters what we have if we aren't contributing to the greater good. I like to think about every action I do and what it will mean to others. Am I raising inquisitive children into strong minded adults? Do I have a career or a job? Have I changed a life in a positive way? What would really change if I were gone? We only have a short time here, make it count! Look beyond E=MC2 and explore the man that lives on in our classrooms and our imaginations with this critically acclaimed book: Einstein: His Life and Universe

I have to start off by saying that I really want to call this cottage pie, because that's what it is. It is made with beef. But I know that most people don't make their shepherd's pie with lamb. But now you know! Anyway, a rose by any other name or whatever, because no matter what you call it, it is easy and delicious and so comforting. I always have to make corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day, so I make this the week beforehand. I also love it at Halloween (We like to incorporate our Irish heritage into that holiday as well... Remind me to get back to that this October!) It reheats great, so it is nice to make ahead for meals during the week. One full pan averages 2400 calories and 4 serving, so around 600 calories each. But it is a whole meal in one dish! And with this recipe, there is no way to mess it up! I like recipes that have few ingredients but taste delicious, so this is a modified recipe that takes all of 30 minutes from start to finish. I start ...

I know, I know, this has been a brutal and neverending winter. The slush won't go away and I think most of us here on the east coast forget what green grass looks like. But fear not, though Mother Nature may not agree, SPRING IS COMING! If you are anything like me, cabin fever has truly set in and a day or weekend out is just what the doctor ordered. It used to mean that going away anytime in March or April meant Mardi Gras or Spring Break and it was most likely to end with stories you would never want to tell in mixed company. Of course, we are a bit older now, and partying all night is so last year (or decade...).  So, here are some ideas that can get you out of the house and enjoying that bright world outside your door. And you don't have to worry about your boss seeing the pictures your "friend" tagged you in on Facebook. 1) Wine Trails. (I said no partying all night, not don't have any grown up fun) There's a good chance that I said this in the Fall ...

I love a good pie. It is the perfect way to end a meal. Yet, since I was diagnosed with celiac several years ago, a good pie has not been as easy to come by. In the early years it was a struggle, but I have learned to adapt. Once you can figure out what replacement flour to use, it becomes second nature to convert a recipe. But sometimes, you find that perfect recipe that doesn't need to be converted and everyone can enjoy it and your friends won't scoff when you say it is gluten free. (Seriously, it doesn't always taste like paper. You'd be surprised how many times I won't say something is g-free and people love it anyway) Every Easter and Thanksgiving I like to make sure that I am included in the big dessert spread. So, I make my signature coconut custard pie. It is easy, delicious, and honestly I would eat the whole thing in one sitting if that were polite. Flour, eggs, suggar, milk, butter, vanilla, salt, coconut. Boom. Bake. Done. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1/...

Nothing like a good sing along to get you in the holiday mood!

In the age of Google Drive and Pinterest, holiday planning seems a snap. Until guests are seated for Thanksgiving dinner and you forgot the recipe for cranberry relish or who was supposed to bring the egg nog for caroling. If you are not a list person, you will be now. Grab a legal pad, make a list of dates and what you need to figure out for each. Breaking down each weekend/event into smaller components will make it much less overwhelming. It will also be a great reference for the next year instead of starting from scratch. I even have "holiday drinks, gift wrapping ideas, and leftover ideas" on mine. Now, breathe. You got this! Planning today means relaxing tomorrow!