Leah's Life: Pearls and Oysters

Disappointment: A Parent’s and a Child’s Worst Enemy

Disappointment is something that drags me down more than anything. It always has and perhaps always will. I know we’re not all wired the same way, but my daughter and I can be pretty tough until we’re faced with disappointment. Then, the rug has been pulled from under us and we struggle to stand upright…

Cupcake Camp: One Day, Many Cupcakes

School just got out and already we’re starting with: A little math, a little reading, a little writing, and a whole lot of fun. Why? Because we ‘re heading to Cupcake Camp! It is not exactly camp but it is a day of cupcake tasting, from classic to innovative, with amateurs (that would be us)…

Dishing on Detergent: New Cascade Platinum Pacs (Sponsored Post)

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.” Bubbles, Dishes, and Gail Simmons’ Panna Cotta It is summer time and for us that means that we are planning at least one…

Summer Equinox: The longest day of the year

The longest day of the year. It doesn’t matter if you are a sleep-deprived parent, an ‘angsty’ teen, or a child waiting to hear what the ‘we’ll see verdict’ turns out to be, young or old, poor or rich, pessimistic or optimistic, we all have these never-ending days or moments. The one real longest day…

Pico de Gallo: A #1 Recipe for #2 Tomatoes

If you’re a fan of Dance Moms then you know what Abby Lee Miller says, “#2 is first loser.” That may be true in the dance world but luckily we ‘re not there, we’re in the kitchen. Today I bought a basket if the most beautiful #2 tomatoes ever. They were grown in Maine, with…

Dirty, Fresh, Summer

Today was a perfect summer (almost summer) morning. I worked at our farm share/CSA farm because part of membership is that every adult works 4hrs. each season. The weather is cool and the earth is soft and damp after yesterday’s storm. I harvested garlic scapes and green onions (aka scallions) and my hands have the…

Father’s Day: No Crumbs in the Bed

It turns out that dad is not that into breakfast in bed. In fact I’m our family, the idea totally repulses him. My children’s father is fully dressed before he leaves the bedroom and a bit fastidious about his morning routine. The idea of having breakfast in pajamas of any sort with the potential chance…

Lettuce Wraps for a Party

Whether I’m throwing a party for toddlers, a holiday party, a thank you party, a cocktail for colleagues without the children, or `a water gun fight/party for the whole family, I have a few rules. The party has to have good food for everyone so everyone can eat and enjoy themselves. This includes taking into…

Peanut Dipping Sauce (Recipe)

I used this peanut sauce most recently. It is my favourite so far, but you can always “Google” around and find one that has ingredients you like. The last time I made this sauce I was out of hoisin sauce so I substituted a Vermont Maple bbq sauce and it worked out great. Vietnamese Soft…

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce (Recipe)

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce 1/4 cup of rice vinegar (also known as rice wine vinegar) 1/2 cup of hot tap water 2 TBSP of fish sauce 1 – 1 1/2 limes juiced 2 cloves of garlic minced 1 tsp of red chili paste In a jar or mixing bowl add all the ingredients. Shake it…

Chicken for Lettuce Wraps (Recipe)

You can get creative with this, but for a basic chicken mix for lettuce wraps this is what I like to do. You could also use this for a bahn mi sandwich, or an Asian chicken salad base too. Chicken: 1 rotisserie chicken 1 bunch of green onions/scallions 1 bunch of cilantro 1 lime 1…