Liza

About Me

 Uncategorized  2 Responses »
Feb 262012
 

My name is Liza and I am both a wife and the mom of a preschooler (Bubbles), a stepson (Austin) who heads off to basic training this summer, and a stepdaughter (Ashley) a college graduate that just started her first teaching job in Indianapolis.

Bubbles, our almost-4-year-old preschooler

Bubbles is a typical preschooler that loves anything related to Disney (Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Planes, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, the princesses, Sofia, and more), shows like My Little Ponies and Tom & Jerry, coloring, playing with blocks, and taking her trike for a spin outside every chance she gets.

Austin loves pick-up basketball games, watching basketball and football both live and on TV, and playing video games.  He also loves flying; after riding in a bi-plane and then taking a couple of lessons, he’s thinking of becoming a pilot.

As a first-year teacher Ashley doesn’t have a ton of free time but what time she does have is spent reading and making music.  Both she and Austin play the guitar; Austin also plays drums and keyboard, and Ashley sings (check out her YouTube channel – she’s really good!).  Ashley also recently made us very proud when she raised money for pediatric cancer by shaving her head.

We currently live in Louisville, Kentucky (that’s the Louisville skyline up there in my header).  For those not familiar with the area, Louisville and the surrounding towns are most well-known for the Louisville Bat company, the Kentucky Derby, bourbon trail, and creating the Hot Brown sandwich.  As a family we also enjoy the local zoo and watching the Louisville Bats baseball team.

Growing up I loved both learning and writing.  This lead me to obtain B.A. degrees in both Secondary Education and English while attending college in Florida.  After college I returned to my home state of Maine and taught at a public high school.  I then took the opportunity to combine my love of education with my interest in business by becoming the Education Manager at a Fortune 500 company.  Today my gears have shifted slightly and I am working in the instructional design field.

Never losing the love of writing, in 2010 I found a creative outlet in blogging.  Originally focused on sharing deals with friends and family (I have always been labeled the go-to person for finding the best sales) my goal has changed.  I now shares my views on family, fun, products, activities, local events, recipes, crafts, and much, much more.

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

One of my highest-viewed (and family’s favorite) recipes: Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

In my spare time (does spare time exist when you have kids?) I love to sit and browse Pinterest.  I find so many great recipes, crafts, and DIY projects to try, plus lots of great ideas for traveling, designing our next house, gift giving and lots more.  I also like to watch Disney movies with Bubbles, try new things in the kitchen, and do a bit of shopping.

So pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea or coffee (make mine black, please, and extra-strong!), and check out our Views From the ‘Ville.  Be sure to check out what’s going on over on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my YouTube channel, too!

Keep Pacifiers Germ-Free With Pipila UV Pacifier Sterilizer #BabyBdayBash

 baby products, Reviews, sponsor spotlight  3 Responses »
Feb 252012
 
Last year I attended the ABC Kids Expo here in Louisville and you may remember that I was introduced to a number of excellent companies, interesting products, and lovely people.  I wrote about quite a few of those interactions, including the one I had with the folks at Pipila.  Pipila, for those who may not have been readers at the time, is the world’s first portable UV pacifier sterilizer.  It safely eliminates up to 99.9% of germs in just three minutes – and for busy parents, that three minute cycle is an important feature.
Pipila

Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Update #NSNation

 NSNation, Nutrisystem  No Responses »
Feb 232012
 

I realize I haven’t updated you all about my Nutrisystem progress in quite some time.  To be completely honest, I ended up taking a little bit of a hiatus.  With the move and getting re-settled, I ran out of both time and food.  The lovely folks (and trust me – they really are awesome) at Nutrisystem understand that life happens sometimes and are allowing me to continue the program, and I’m very thankful!

My personal goal for March is 5 pounds.  My newest order of food will be arriving some time next week, so I will be re-starting on March 5th.  I’ll give a quick check-in that day, and then will start back with weekly status updates the following week.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem?  Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

Cooking With Kids! Play With Your Food – Roasted Sweet Potato Shapes

 For the Kids, Recipes  3 Responses »
Feb 222012
 

Easy Recipes For Kids

This week Tasty Tuesday is being dedicated to the younger set.  We’re cooking with kids!

Cooking With Kids: Easy Recipes for Kids

Growing up, I baked with my Grandmother in her kitchen nearly every Saturday morning.  We made bread for my entire extended family, and Gram would whip up big batches of baked beans and potato salad.  Those memories are very vivid – and cherished – and they were nurtured from a very young age.

I would love for Baby C. to share my love of creativity in the kitchen.  I also want to create special memories for her and have been looking for ways to start doing that even now.  Baby C. loves to shake things and it’s an instruction she understands.  Asking “Can you shake your Pooh toy for me?  Can you shake Clifford?” while we’re driving in the car keeps her entertained for a bit if she’s getting fidgety.

When I was tossing red potatoes with oil and spices the other night, it kind of struck me – she could definitely do that part for me!  If I put the items in a small bowl with a lid she’d be able to shake away.  Since she loves sweet potatoes, I decided she and I would use those instead for her “lesson”.

Roasted Sweet Potato Shapes

1 medium sweet potato
2T olive oil

First I peeled and washed the sweet potato (I did this over the garbage can with her highchair pulled up next to it so she could watch).  Next I sliced the potato into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.  After that I cut some of them into basic shapes (triangle, square, etc.), showing and explaining each shape to her.  I have a fairly decent-sized collection of cookie cutters so I grabbed a few of the little ones – like stars, hearts, teddy bears, and gingerbread men – and cut shapes out of a few of the rounds.

Cooking With Kids: Easy Recipes for Kids

Now the part that has some action for the kiddos: I put all the shapes into a small bowl and added 2T of olive oil.   I snapped the lid on tight and gave it a quick demonstration shake, then handed the bowl to Baby C.  She had such a fun time shaking the bowl.  She kept grinning as if to say “Are you sure I should be doing this?”  When the excitement wore off and she started trying to peel the lid off, I spread the shapes out on a baking sheet and roasted them for 30 minutes at 350.

Since she had such a good time with the activity, and because she loves eating them, it’s definitely something we’ll be doing again soon!  Maybe next time we’ll doctor them up a little and sprinkle on a small bit of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Do you have a favorite easy recipe for kids?  I’d love to hear about your own experiences cooking in the kitchen with your kiddos!

 Older Entries  Newer Entries