Garlic Hummus and Spicy Black Bean Hummus

To say that I like hummus would be an understatement because I LOVE hummus! Its such a healthy and flavorful snack. Since I always buy my hummus at Trader Joe's, I thought that I would try making it. I settled on this recipe just because it came from such a trusty source like, Ina. While browsing around, I also came across this recipe that looked interesting (and yummy) so I thought I'd try it out. Turns out both recipes were equally as good.
xx,
Andrea

Image via Andrea

Image via Andrea

Image via Andrea

Image via Andrea

Celebration!

This weekend was all about celebration...We started off the weekend by celebrating my mom's life on the day of her birthday by having a great dinner with the whole family at her favorite sushi restaurant Katsu-ya. We laughed, reminisced, cried and ate way too much but it was all so worth it just for her. Whenever we're together as a family it's always a good time plus there's never a dull moment that's for sure, we are a family full of characters. We then attended Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night with our family and friends which certainly got us into the spirit for Easter Sunday which turned out to be a beautiful day. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and the Easter eggs were hiding waiting to be found. We began the day with Sunday brunch at Ca Del Sole then moved the party over to my sisters house for a fun Easter egg hunt. Now I can't help but gush over my nephew and niece all the time! They are just so cute, funny and bring such joy to our family. I LOVE spending time with them and with the rest of my family, I really couldn't ask for a better family I'm extremely blessed.
Here are a few pictures of our great weekend...

...Rebecca...

Lukas, Annika and Me...

Lukas found the golden egg...

Annika posing with her bunny basket...

My beautiful mom...

THE PEAKS...and the pits

THE PEAKS...
Laughter is the best medicine!
-Even though I'm feeling under the weather being surrounded by people who can make you laugh really does make for great medicine! -Rebecca
That Good Stuff:
- When you get good news that puts a smile on your face. Proof that good things really do happen. - Andrea

...and the pits

Sniff Sniff!!!

-Getting sick with a cold again! I'm over the tissues, not being able to breath and sounding like I'm talking thru a drive thru speaker. Not a good way to start Spring. -Rebecca
Waaaa....Waaaa...Waaa:
You know, just on my way to work when I notice that I have a FLAT TIRE!! The worst! - Andrea

We hope you and your families have a wonderful Spring holiday!!!! Easter or Passover, whatever floats your boat :)

- Rebecca and Andrea

 

Easter Goody Baskets!

I remember when I was little waking up every Easter morning to find a goody basket for myself and my older siblings from my mom. She was so creative and would always make us a cute basket filled with tons of candy and some little gifts. It's one of those memories I will never forget that made our childhood so special! So to keep the tradition going I've made my nephew Lukas and my niece Annika each an Easter Goody Basket filled with fun things like toys, fun tattoos, a book and some funny socks. It's just a little something to keep a fun tradition going.

Hope you all have a fantastic Easter!!!

Lukas' Easter Basket

Annika's Gift Basket

Mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Every Easter I always try to bring some sort of fun dessert to our little family gathering. This year, I decided to try out this recipe. Instead of making regular sized cupcakes, I went a mini version. Everything is just cuter when its teeny tiny, right? I topped mine off with edible flower petals that I picked up at the farmers market this past weekend. Tip: If you make the mini cupcakes using this recipe, cut down the baking time as the mini versions have faster baking times.
xx,
Andrea

Image via Andrea

Image via Andrea

Pastel Pop

Image via Pintrest

Spring time has arrived! I know it didn't seem like it this weekend with the spring showers and wind but the weather is slowly making it's way back to normal...finally! With Easter just around the corner, I'm always thinking about what to wear on Sunday and for the rest of the season. Any excuse to browse and shop for clothes is one of my favorite past times so I couldn't help doing another style post for this holiday. Now whenever I think of Easter and Spring the only colors I envision are always pastel! The blush pinks, sea foam greens, yellows and peach colors are just to name a few colors for this spring season. They are just so delicate and soft that really they can work on anyone. So with inspiration from this picture of pastel colored pencils, I found some great fashion pieces and accessories that are giving me a serious case of Spring fever!!!

 ...Rebecca...

Vince Camuto Dress

 

Forever 21 Beaded Necklace

H&M Handbag

OPI Nail Polish

Sam Edelman Sandals

H&M Blazer

The most important thing to me...

...is family. While having coffee with my grandma yesterday morning, I couldn't help but think about how much I love my family. Yes, they are crazy and you can never get a word in because everyone usually talks over each other, but they are who makes me the person I am. My family consists of not only who is blood-related, but of my closest friends whom I trust. While growing up, my dad used to constantly tell me that, "family is all you have and all that matters". When I was younger and he would tell me this, it went in one ear and out the other because I wanted to go out with my friends (whom half of those people I don't even talk to anymore!) then attend a family gathering. Now I totally understand what my Dad meant! Maybe it's because I am older and wiser, but now I would much rather spend time with my family then do anything else. Its just that I don't want to miss out on being there for them. With Easter this Sunday, I can't wait to be with my family and enjoy their company.
Xx,
Andrea