Red Velvet Cupcakes, fish and more

Nothing is ever still in our lives and that is wonderful! Isabelle will be the proud new owner of two fish on Sunday. She has fallen in love with "Nemo" at school and was very disappointed - okay, in tears really - when on her Lucky Star Day she was not able to feed Nemo because of all the other activities that particular day. So, she asked to buy her own fish. Yes, my four-year old has a been saving account than I. Pretty pathetic on my part! The tank is up and running in her room - 2-gallon one for small fish. I am not really a big fan of fish. Alas, both Isabelle and Al love them.

Today I was able to complete part one of the red velvet cupcakes (24 in total) for tomorrow's fundraiser. Myself and fourteen other people agreed to make cupcakes for a pasta dinner fundraiser for a family in one of my mom's groups that is in need. They look awesome. Tomorrow, the frosting will be made and applied. We are expecting about 300 people! Kudos to Marie for all the hard work she did in organizing the event!!!

Then, there is tomorrow. My Day as I am calling it. Facial and Pedi in the late morning and then off to the pasta dinner and afterwards, Girls Night with friends. I'm loving it!

Now, I am thinking of joining Foursquare. Why not - I do a lot of the other social networking, so why not this one. Now the world can know all that I do....like it really wants to know (lol)!

Quote to ponder

Interesting quote that has been attributed to Abraham Lincoln and it truly was made by the Rev. John Henry Boetcker in 1916 - quite some time after President Lincoln's death. Despite who said the following, it is so true and we should as try to remember the truth behind these words:

• You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
• You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
• You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
• You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
• You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
• You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
• You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves

(What the Easter Bunny left for Isabelle)

Happy Easter Peeps!!! One could not ask for a more beautiful day for Easter Sunday in New England. It is in the 70's and sunny. Making all the rain so worth it!!! Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter and hoping you are spending it with family and friends.

Spring in New England

For the next few days, it will be Spring in New England. And, I will be enjoying it so very much. One reason (outside of sunny skies and warm weather) is the start-up of a new non-profit that myself and two friends will be undertaking. The non-profit will focus on Moms and kids and is seriously in the beginning stages. We are a bit dissatisfied with a current moms group we are a part of and know that we can do so much more.

What would you like to see in a moms group if you were to start one? We have some great ideas but there is always room for more!!

And, now to leave you with a picture of Natasha who decided to find a spot to sleep after removing the sheers from the dining room windows. She is such a monkey ;-)

Strawberry Tarts

Cooking with Isabelle is always fun, and until recently I have done the basics with her...pizza, applesauce, cupcakes, muffins, bread etc. Then, for some reason, I finally remembered about one of my all time favorite children's cookbook authors, Annabel Karmel. Her stuff is so yummy for both children and adults. (Not a huge fan of Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld - recipes are okay though not my favorite.)

After buying one book and checking out her website, decided to make the apple meringue tarts. Of course, as is usual with me, I need to make a change...mainly as my strawberries were going to go bad well before the apples. So, the tarts are made with strawberries in place of apples and they look/smell awesome. Cannot wait to taste a bite!

For the recipe, simply check out Annabel Karmel's website. (Hopefully, will get pictures of my creation on here soon!) Thank you Annabel!!