Easter Morning Memories

Happy Easter, everyone! I made a few of my favorite desserts tonight in preparation for our family visits tomorrow. I'm SO EXCITED to see both of our families!

As I was whipping up my desserts, all I could think about was the excitement of Easter morning that we experienced as kids. Right next to Christmas, this was the second most anticipated morning to wake up to. My parents were pros at making Easter morning loads of fun. They created an Easter Basket Scavenger Hunt every single year until I was in high school... no lie! And I loved every minute of it! Finding Easter Eggs is fun, but going on a hunt for your basket is a blast!!!  

I am one of four siblings and we're all a few years apart, which made the event that much more entertaining! The excitement in the air was always very contagious... We would all wake each other up, run to the dining room table, and read the Easter Bunny's notes to each other.  The notes and locations of the baskets were different for each one of us, but we'd always help each other understand and recognize the clues before taking off to run around the house. The "Easter Bunny" hid our baskets in the weirdest places, which always resulted in hearty bouts of laughter among the four of us. 

I love, love, love this childhood memory that I experienced each year and I really can't wait to have my own children to carry on the tradition. I would imagine it was a lot of work for my parents to decide on clues for each child, write notes and clues that always rhymed, and plan everything out carefully ...and it was all done just to see our excitement and smiling faces that morning.

Nowadays, the internet and Pinterest makes everything so easy. You can easily print out scavenger hunt cards, as seen here on the Happy Home Fairy Blog. So cute!!

Embellish Goods blog also has super cute scavenger hunt materials, too!

I really enjoyed writing about this memory tonight and can't wait to discuss it tomorrow with my siblings and parents. If you celebrate Easter, I hope you have a wonderful day with your families!

Must have FREE APP! Red Stamp

Have you heard about Red Stamp?! It is an app that you must get! This app allows you to create greeting cards, which could include photos if you'd like, right on your smartphone! 

I love this app, because I can create all different greetings, from happy holidays, to thank you to I miss you, they have it all!

 

The photo above highlights just some of the options that Red Stamp offers. You can click each category, which then opens you up to many different designs. 

Once you customize your greeting, Red Stamp allows you to save the greeting to your phone which allows you to text it to your recipient. You can also email it...or even have the greeting and sent to the person you're thinking about! 

Another great thing is that if you sign up for Red Stamp's emails, they will send you ideas for crafts, activities and recipes that are seasonally fun and appropriate for all ages! 

Download Red Stamp today and let me know what you think!

High Five for Friday!! Spring break edition!

Dawn and I participate in the link party, High Five for Friday, from Lauren Elizabeth's blog. Head on over to Lauren Elizabeth for more "High Five for Friday." We're taking part in this fun reflection each week and hopefully you will too!

What an incredible week this has been! It has been a week of fun and recharge, filled with family, friends and the man who has my heart. I'm a lucky girl!  Here's what I've been up to!

1. This week began and ended with friends!

I began this break with seeing Dawn on Friday last week. On Saturday, Marc and I went to Rhode Island to visit our friends Greg and Heather. They were super hosts, and we had a blast with them. From cuddling with their little dog Gigi and heading out on the town in Providence, we made memories that I'll never forget! Marc and I ended the week with hanging out with our other friends, Tom and Katrina. The two are planning their June wedding, and we can't wait to celebrate with them!

2. Dinner at my parents on Sunday.

My mom had my uncles and some friends over on Sunday for a Palm Sunday dinner. It was so nice to catch up with everyone. My mom is a great cook, and we were able to enjoy the warm Sunday weather on the deck. My uncle made his incredible Italian cheesecake that we've come to expect on holidays. 

3. Three Amazing Getaways!

It has been a long haul from Christmas break to Spring break. With state assessments and all the other stressors, Marc and I have managed to fit in three getaways! The first was to Providence, Rhode Island, the second was to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and finally we will be heading to Albany, New York for Easter. Clearing my head for this break was top priority, and I think I've succeeded!

4. Laughing fits.

It's been a super long time since I've laughed so hard my stomach hurt. Marc and I had a few instances this week where we couldn't stop laughing. Even though my silly comments may have been the cause for our laughter, this is just proof that a sense of humor makes relationships all the better!

5. Sleeping late!

Sleeping until 9am or later each day has been heavenly. It was another thing in my to-do list, and I've succeeded.

I hope you all enjoy your Easter weekend!!

High Five for Friday: Hockey Wife

Amanda and I participate in the link party, High Five for Friday, from Lauren Elizabeth's blog. Head on over to Lauren Elizabeth for more "High Five for Friday." We're taking part in this fun reflection each week and hopefully you will too!

This week FLEW by! I've had an amazing Spring Break and I'm not ready for it to end. 

A few highlights from my week:

1. My first weekend on Spring Break was filled with non-stop visits with friends and family. It was such a "full" weekend, as I blogged about here. I loved every minute of it and I wish every weekend could be that "full."

2. My week was filled with motivation to complete projects. I always find myself saying "there's never enough time in one day." So, I love using "break time" for completing massive tasks that I can never get around to doing during my normal daily routine. My tasks varied from one extreme to the next and it felt SO GOOD crossing stuff off my list. The best feeling ever.

3. Helping my brother with graphic design stuff. If I didn't go to college for teaching, I would have went for graphic design. I LOVE IT! We made some awesome stuff together on Tuesday!

4. Watching my husband play hockey...  I'm a hockey wife. I met my husband as one of the best hockey players on his high school team. He took a break from men's leagues these past few years and just returned on Wednesday night with friends from his old high school crew. I totally forgot what it felt like to have my heart in my throat for the entire game. It was a lot of fun despite the nerves! ;-)

5. Visiting with my mom today. I spent the afternoon with my mom today and it was the perfect way to end my week. There's nothing like receiving a bear hug from your mom and talking to her for hours. I can't wait to see her and my entire family on Sunday!

Sky Lanterns ... Bucket List?!

As I was planning my wedding, I often came across gorgeous photos of sky lanterns. Most of the time these photos came up as I searched "beach weddings" because I often thought about getting married on the beach. I loved the idea of using sky lanterns at my wedding because it just seemed like a magical moment that many people would enjoy, young or old  ...and experiencing it with your loved ones on one of the biggest days of your life? Sounds like perfection to me! The aspect that intrigued me most about sky lanterns was having guests write wishes and prayers on them before sending them towards the sky/heavens. [heart melting!] So, so beautiful!

I unfortunately didn't incorporate sky lanterns... but REALLY wish I did! :-(

My research tells me that sky lanterns go all the way back to times of war when Chinese troops used them to signal one another. During times of peace, commoners began using them in everyday activities and they've been used in Asia ever since. Many people use them as a sign of sending wishes and prayers up to the sky towards the heavens where they might be heard better. The sight of many sky lanterns in the air is a way of bringing tranquility to any family activity or formal festivity, bringing people closer to one another. 

I was inspired to write this post tonight because of Target. Yes, Target!! I blogged last week about my obsession with their outdoor home decor. As I researched for great buys on their website, I came across Target's Sky Lanterns. My thoughts exactly... Target sells sky lanterns?! YES! THEY DO! Click here to snag them up!

Buy me at Target! 

So, my husband doesn't know this yet... but I just might be surprising guests this summer at one of our backyard cookouts. How much fun would that be?!

Sky lanterns can rise a mile or more and fly for miles in whatever direction the wind goes. They'll continue to rise and fly until the fuel pad burns out. Then they float gently down to earth. Most sky lanterns are biodegradable: thin tissue paper, bamboo and a little piece of wire, which will rust away. Nothing harmful going into the environment. 

My research tells me that they're very easy to use: You gently open them up, then you light the waxed cardboard fuel pad, hold it right side up while the paper balloon fills with hot air, and when they're ready to go, you just release them, and off they fly!

Have you ever used sky lanterns before? I'm dying to experience it, especially as seen below! Definite bucket list item! 

We are linking up to the Pin It Party over at Creative-Geekery! Click on over to Creative-Geekery to read more awesome blogs! 

I'm a Lucky Girl

I was going to save this blog post for my "High Five for Friday" post, but I decided that it should get a post all of it's own.  

My boyfriend and I are both teachers, and we are lucky enough to share the same vacation schedule, so when we knew spring break was coming up, we decided to take a little getaway to Atlantic City.  It's about 3 hours away, so it's a perfect drive.  We stayed at Harrah's Resort and Casino, and had an amazing time!  

We arrived late Wednesday afternoon, and were able to enjoy an amazing dinner the first night together.  After some exploring, we were a bit tired, and decided to retire for the evening.

This morning, I was woken up to Marc jumping on me (thanks, babe ;), telling me it was time to get up!  After I woke up, he told me that the most important time of the day was 5:00, because he had made an appointment for me to go get a massage at the spa!  Wow...I was shocked and so excited!!  I hadn't expected it, but with all the craziness of work, it was something I really needed.

At 5:00, we made our way to the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.  I was whisked away into the back as Marc finished making the arrangements at the front.  I was able to relax in a lounge and read a magazine which I haven't had the time to do in months.  Then my massage therapist brought me to the treatment room, where I was treated to an 80 minute massage.  It was the best massage I've ever had!  They made sure to help me relax from the top of my head to my toes!

After the massage, I headed into the spa area, where they had a hot tub complete with a fireplace and lounge chairs.  I relaxed for a little while, and then decided I better get back to Marc and tell him how amazing his treat was over dinner!

Treats and surprises are my favorite things.  This was by far, more than I ever expected...but the relaxation and getaway was truly necessary!

Thank you, Marc.  I'm so lucky to have you!

Easter Dessert: Rice Krispie Eggs!

I saw this Instagram photo on my feed and nearly died. My friend and former colleague, Angie, posted it the other day. Follow @gottskitchen for more delicious recipes. Her husband is a chef and they post great recipes from simple to gourmet!  

Firstly, one of my favorite desserts is Rice Krispie treats. We loved them growing up - it was always a simple go-to recipe for my mom to whip up. It was also a simple recipe for us to learn to make as little kids. It's now my go-to dessert when I'm in a rush and don't have a lot of time. They always seem to disappear at get-together's or parties... who doesn't like Rice Krispie treats?!

I texted my sister the other night and told her that THIS is what I'd be bringing to her house for Easter. Super easy, super quick, and super cute! It really is as simple as making your favorite Rice Krispie treat recipe and then before it sets, shove them into the middle of a large plastic egg to mold. Pop it out and voila! A yummy treat in the shape of an Easter egg! Eat them just like that or fancy them up and go sprinkle crazy!

Here's the recipe that Angie and her husband used:

Looking for an idea to fill your child's Easter basket? Try these cute Rice Krispie Treat Eggs! 

 Melt 1.5 TBS of butter then add 2 cups of miniature marshmallows and 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Mix and place inside the eggs. Let sit for 10 min and you have your molded Easter eggs! You can leave them plain or make them more colorful with chocolate and sprinkles.

Here are a few more photos for inspiration:

A special treat inside... such a cute touch!

I'll also be using Spring-shaped cookie cutters that my sister gave me!

These must be super fun to make with kids! Let me know if you've made these before or if you plan on making them for Easter, like me!