It's snowing...again

Watching this little guy run from window to window as the snow falls outside brings such a smile to my face. He gets so genuinely excited, it almost makes me excited for this snowfall too. Almost.

Little moments of him gazing out at the snowflakes in wonder.

Hola

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Looking up from watching the kids play in the sea to this view. My second favorite tree. 

some of my favorite things...

I love flowers, all kinds too. Not just the bright and fancy ones. These? They are simple alstroemeria, a traditional filler flower but for the bargain price of $5.99, I got myself a sunny bunch on a much-needed gloomy day. 

Sometimes I'll place a handkerchief under the vase not really protecting the surface but more for a finished look. This one is an antique handkerchief I purchased years ago from a market in Italy. My nonna used to carry a handkerchief on her always and it makes me smile when I see one. I started a small collection years ago but whenever I see them now, I don't necessarily buy them but they do always make me smile. 

I enjoy picking a vase for my flowers and most always go with a vintage glass jar of which I have a decent handful to choose from. Traditional clear or blue mason jars, but this one is special because it was a gift from a friend. She brought it over full of a beautiful arrangement she did herself and then gifted me the jar. I was so excited. It's the little things.

The flowers themselves...a favorite because I enjoy them in the home, their fragrance if they have one, their bright and cheery disposition (yes, flowers can have disposition) and being able to photograph them in different lights. 

Innocenti

A museum to place on your places-to-visit list, Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence, Italy. A happy accident as the more popular museums were closed on the day we visited and we decided on a whim to go find something new-to-us to do. What a wonderfully happy accident it was and what a remarkable place to tour.

I've never met a museum I didn't like and this one definitely tops my list of favorites.

More photos to come.

Nutella Banana Bread

You had me at Nutella.

I made it again and I'm not sure why I don't make it every week. Oh right, because it's all I would eat. Nutella Banana Bread is quite easily the simplest recipe and the most delicious too. I changed it a little this time around and still so good.

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed 
1/2 cup applesauce 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup nutella, softened in a microwavable bowl for 10 minutes 

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugars, baking soda and salt. In a smaller bowl, combine the egg, bananas, applesauce and vanilla. Add the smaller bowl to the flour mixture bowl, stirring just until combined.

Now for the Nutella...Pour in half of banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan then dollop in a few spoonfuls of the softened nutella. Repeat with remaining banana bread batter and then again with the dollops of nutella. Take a knife and swirl it around. Easy peasy and swirly pretty. 

Bake at 325° for 1 hour 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

happy monday

sisterly love

for all the moments they get upset with one another or don't want to play together, these sweet moments make up for them tenfold. different but the same. these girls are my favorite sisters.

decisions, decisions

I'm just a girl standing in front of a box of chocolates and trying to just eat one...

Notting Hill - one of my favorite movies

Morning at the Museum

Last day of Christmas vacation. Home somewhat in order, presents put in their places and kids crawling all over the walls. Wait, what? Nope, that's just me crawling all over the walls. I'd looked into a new-to-us museum and confirmed that we were going after the 3rd sibling squabble bright and early this morning. 

Snacks and water packed for the car, all bundled up since it was 14 degrees when we were walking out the door and off to Delaware Museum of Natural History we went. 

And it was so well worth it to get out, even in the frigid temps, to visit such an adorable museum. Only one floor but plenty still for a 10, 8 and 4 year old for nearly two hours. 

We were there for the Dragons exhibit which we stayed in alone 30 minutes taking in all the pictures, history, books and large aquariums of "dragons" or just really cool lizards. We even were lucky to be present for a puppet show put on by our very own Sofia.

AND there was a Harry Potter wall detailing wands and potions which my Harry Potter loving gals enjoyed very much.

Chinese Water Dragon is totally not impressed with me or my camera. He might have just been making sure Mario didn't tap on the glass.

We love puzzles.

She loves penguins.

She loves to read. Wins all around at this place.

There was an adorable Nature room full of educational fun that we spent another 30 minutes in as well. Blocks, crafts and fun and interesting things to read - my kids loved it.

Give this gal some scissors, paper and crayons and she's happy.

Thankful to live near some pretty cool places that the kids appreciate. Definitely a better option than staying home and everyone taking turns on timeout.