Shelly Latinovich

Two weeks ago I discovered that I am allergic to dairy…and I am ok with it!  You think I’m crazy for thinking that?  I can understand your thoughts, but if you knew my health history through the years you would understand.  I left the doctor’s office in tears…not from knowing I have to change my world a bit but rather from happiness that I FINALLY have some real answers.  Now it is time to learn all about surviving a dairy free life! I have been put through test after test….after test through the years.  The blanket answer back then was Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Can you say Metamucil? ... Continue Reading

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that I have always loved making DIY home decor for.  It’s fun to make crafts for all holidays, but for some reason it just seems fitting that, for this holiday, most of my home decor should be created from the heart.  Even better is when you can use the “base” of a past project to create a new idea…which is what I have done with the DIY Valentine Branch Tree. In November, we worked on gratitude and created a fun “Gratitude Branch Tree.”  We painted some branches black and cut out leaves with different kind acts that the grandkids could perform... Continue Reading

Would you let your child be saved by a convicted killer?  Some immediately would say yes and some would hesitate due to the “evil” of that person and not wanting them associated with their child.  Jodi Picoult has consistently been one of my favorite authors.  Her books dare you to understand BOTH sides of very controversial issues and once again she has created a very thought provoking book.  Please be aware that my book review of A Change of Heart does include some spoilers. June Nealon has faced a lot of heartache…more than the average person.  Through this book we meet numerous characters... Continue Reading

Christmas has come and gone and New Year’s Eve is upon us.  Have you taken your Christmas decor down yet or are you one of those (like me) who love a few extra days of festive glow.  There is just something special about the cozy feelings you get with the strings of lights and warm candles all around.  Well, winter is still here so let’s make a DIY snowy luminary to keep all the warm “feels” through the rest of the winter! I belong to a Sustainable Craft Challenge Group that challenges us to use a pin we have saved and actually create the craft.  How many pins have you saved that you... Continue Reading

Traditions are a big part of family events throughout the entire year.  New Year’s Eve is no exception.  Whether you are staying home and celebrating with your kiddos or if you are going out and have a sitter staying home with them, kids still like ringing in the new year like the rest of us.  These New Year’s Eve Countdown Bags are a perfect way for the littles to enjoy the celebration of a new year as well. There are a nunber of fun options when creating the countdown bags.  I love creating just one bag per each child.  A clock with a movable hand will be affixed to the front and goodies... Continue Reading

As you search through salad ideas, many “specialty” salads are more seasonal.  Then you get lucky and find that one “specialty” salad that just seems to be good for all seasons and all holidays.  THIS is that salad!  Have you tried classic broccoli salad?  If not, let me tell you that this is one of the MOST requested salads at our friends and family get togethers. This salad can be made ahead….BONUS!  I remember going to end of season sports banquets and I always looked forward to this side.  Yes, I have loved it for a very long time!  It is a delicious mixture of only a few ingredients... Continue Reading

If you are anything like me, you are always working with different cookie recipes….all year long….but incessantly during the holidays!   We always love our tried and true recipes over the holidays ~ iced Christmas cookies, lemon bars, skillet cookies, homemade fudge, snowball cookies, and nut cups are some of our favorites!  However, we also love to add new recipes into the mix.  The Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are one of the additions this year….and they are amazing! Don’t you just love the aroma that fills the whole house when you are doing holiday baking?  You can close your eyes... Continue Reading

We have all heard of Secret Santa.  There are so many different situations that Secret Santa is used…in the workplace, at church, family gatherings, clubs, schools…basically where there is a group of people there is potential for this fun activity!  However, as is the norm with Mimi (that’s me ), I like to change it up a bit!  Let me tell you a little more about Secret Santa with Gizmo! Gizmo is the little blue snowflake I brought to life last year.  If you haven’t read about him, you can read all about cute little Gizmo right here! Gizmo appears to spread holiday cheer.  He helps... Continue Reading

It’s hard to think about the holidays and NOT think about all of the delicious seasonal cookies and treats.  When you scour Pinterest alone you see tons of Christmas cookie recipes….but who has time to bake all of them?  This is where a Christmas Cookie Exchange with a wine pairing (cookie and wine pairing…who knew?) came to life! I have been to a couple of different cookie swaps, but it has been a VERY long time ago.  The decision was made to host my own holiday cookie exchange, but I wanted to make it a little different.  Holding the party at the beginning of December was important... Continue Reading

Birthdays deserve to be a BIG celebration. Deciding on the theme is the starting point to planning the perfect party for your special kiddo!  Max always chooses a theme that makes DIY creating a lot of fun….this year was no exception.  He LOVES karate so a Ninja Themed Birthday Party won for birthday #5 for our little man.  Once the idea was settled upon, his mama’s  creative gears started turning.   After a few sleepless nights (because she CANNOT turn that brain off when she is planning) Neon Ninja came to life! From the birthday cake…to the fun activities…to the party favors…to... Continue Reading