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My Simple Living Manifesto

Posted on by Joy

What would it take to simplify our lives? This is a question I’ve been contemplating in the midst of ever-increasing demands on my time, money, and energy. My mind is forever preoccupied with my to-do list: chores, errands, appointments, calls to make, emails to answer, pictures to post. Not to mention the demands of 21st century parenting: Are the children vaccinated? How much screen time are they getting? Do they play outside every day? They must be supervised at all times. Their cups have to be BPA-free! Don’t let the Epi-Pens expire! And make sure the birthday cake is gluten-free!!! Read more…

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A Family Weekend in Boston

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I was thrilled to visit Boston with my family this summer because this city has it all – incredible sights, friendly people, and delicious food. We focused our itinerary on Boston’s North End and the surrounding historic sites, because my 6th-grader is a huge history buff, and I never wanted to be more than a few blocks from an Italian bakery. Priorities, right? On our way into the city on Thursday afternoon, we stopped for a quick tour of Fenway Park. We didn’t have time to see a game on this trip, but if we could go back for one, Read more…

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War Stories from my Uncle Louie

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On December 7, 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked Pearl Harbor, sinking five battleships, destroying 188 aircraft, and killing 2355 U.S. servicemen. Four days later, the United States declared war against Japan, Germany, and Italy. My Uncle Louie was 20 years old at the time, living in Springfield, MA, and working at the Bosch plant there. He was engaged to his sweetheart, Betty, and they were planning a summer wedding. Louie Gentile married Betty in July 1942, and soon received his draft notice. No one in the family was particularly concerned about Louie being drafted. He was blind in his right Read more…

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Visiting Kennedy Space Center

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Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to visit Kennedy Space Center. I remember watching the space shuttle launches on TV years ago and thinking how exciting it would be to watch in person from the shores of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Now that I have two boys in elementary school, this year’s spring break seemed like the perfect time for us to go and learn about NASA’s endeavors of the past, present, and future. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is huge. You could easily spend the whole day there and not even see every exhibit. Many of the attractions Read more…

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Soft & Chewy Date Squares

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When I want to make a quick and tasty dessert, I often pull out this recipe. These yummy date squares are easy to serve to a crowd, and always get rave reviews. Often called matrimonial cake or matrimony bars, this dessert originated in Canada. No one seems to know the reason for the name. Perhaps these little squares were first served at weddings, or the name refers to the layers “married” together to form a cake. I don’t know the answer, but I do know that making them for your spouse can improve your marriage! Soft & Chewy Date Squares Read more…

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Minimalist Concepts Anyone Can Use To De-clutter

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“We’re out sharing a recipe. You know, we’re not out here trying to proselytize. We’re not trying to convert anyone to minimalism. But I do want to share a recipe and see if there are ingredients that other people can get value from and apply those ingredients to their own life.” – Joshua Fields Millburn, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things Over the past few years, I’ve read countless books, articles, and blog posts on minimalism. I also enjoyed watching Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things on Netflix. I don’t claim to be a minimalist (yet), but I’ve begun Read more…

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Book Review: Margin by Richard Swenson

Posted on by Joy

At the beginning of 2018, did you choose a “word of the year” for yourself? I like to choose a word, verse, or motto to help me set my intention for the year. A few years ago, I picked the word “margin.” I don’t remember exactly where I first learned about the concept of margin, but I had seen the term pop up in several articles and blog posts about minimalism. I was feeling stretched thin at the time, and the idea of margin in my life was enormously appealing. I craved space. Space to breathe. Time to think. Energy Read more…

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Ten Things To Do with Kids in Norfolk, VA

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My family called Norfolk, VA, home for six years and we loved it! I’m so glad we lived there during our kids’ preschool and early elementary years. There are so many fun things to do with kids in and around Norfolk. Here are a few of my favorites: The Virginia Zoo & Lafayette Park – Norfolk, VA Tigers, elephants, kangaroos, and much, much more! The zoo also has a farm animal area and reptile building. Children love to ride the zoo’s Norfolk Southern Express. (The train ride is an additional $2.00 per person.) In the summer, kids can play on Read more…

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Progress in Our Family Room

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Our family room is looking a bit more up-to-date these days. Like everything else in our home, it’s a work in progress! I’m going for a “collected” look throughout the house, and curating takes time. The changes are happening slowly, but they are happening! Remember what it looked like when we moved in? Eventually, I want to paint the family room (and foyer and hallways) light gray to match my home office, but I have to hire a professional painter for that job. The ceiling needs to be painted, and it’s about twenty feet high. This girl is not climbing Read more…

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Cheesy Garlic Spinach Orzo

Posted on by Joy

Most of the recipes I post here are desserts, but today I have an amazing orzo dish to share with you! This Cheesy Garlic Spinach Orzo is a favorite at my house. Let’s face it – no one in my family is a huge fan of spinach, but this is a delicious way to sneak it into our diet. This dish convinced my kids that they like to eat spinach! You can serve this as a main course or a side dish. I like to pair it with a piece of fish, chicken, or steak. The recipe below makes enough Read more…