This recipe is from my mom. I am not sure where she picked it up over the years, but it has become a family favorite. I have always been mystified by the name, that is, until today. Thanks to technology and multiple online dictionaries, I now know why this egg dish bears the name “strata”. If you are wondering, The Free Online Dictionary has the answer. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stratum
For best results, refrigerate this dish overnight so that the bread can absorb as much liquid as possible. Since this dish is refrigerated overnight, it is perfect for Easter morning, just pop it in the oven as soon as you get up. Serve with fresh fruit as a perfect accompaniment. Read the rest »

Honestly, do you really know what is in the back of your clothing closet? Regardless of the size of your closet, chances are you’d like a bigger closet and more space.  I have an organizing solution for you.  It’s easy to accomplish your goal without spending a fortune.  In addition, it’s not difficult if you remove the extras, clear the clutter, and organize your wardrobe.

Following are a few of the tips I share with clients who aren’t in a position to have a “gourmet” closet but hope to organize their clothes and accessories.  Many of them proudly show off their closets after spending a few hours making their closets see-worthy. Read the rest »

The Dino-Tee: It is designed by a child, with the finishing touches put on by his father, and offered for sale on Mom’s website with proceeds going to charity — A Clever Family? We certainly think the Morrissey’s are. Read the rest »

Do not try to “control” or “direct” your child’s artwork or explorations. Let them do the exploring.  Simply surround them with the materials and let them go.  They will discover in their own time and may surprise you with their clever “different” uses for materials.  In other words, let them use the handle end of the brush to paint with.

• Mint Iced Tea: add a few “starlite” (regular or wintergreen) mints right after brewing, or add several sprigs fresh mint leaves (strain before serving)
• Cinnamon/Clove: add 2 sticks of cinnamon and 5-6 whole cloves immediately after brewing. Steep overnight. Strain before serving.
• Lemon Iced Tea: add either a ¼ - ½ cup lemonade or a few squeezes of fresh lemon.

1. “We’re not people who put our baby in front of the TV,” but Danielle’s daughter loves the PBS Show Boobah “They have a long opening credit sequence that Anja likes. She is interested in TV, but she LOVES Boobah (she’ll sit still for 15 minutes!).
2. Patemm pad / Skiphop Pronto – ” I keep my Patemm pad in the base of my strollers, they’re great because if you’re just going out for a little while and have to change a diaper it’s a nice clean pad with a big space for changing.”
3. Fisher Price swing – “This swing was amazing for the baby for the first few months. It saved us – especially the first couple of weeks when she couldn’t figure out night from day.”
4. Swaddle blanket by Swaddle Designs. The blanket has a tag on it that shows you how to swaddle. You don’t need to refer to it after you do it several times, but it’s helpful up-front. Also, it’s a good size and is a nice thin blanket.
5. Stacking cups

Watching the 2004 Golden Globes at home with her husband, Danielle Friedland casually started recounting all of the celebrity pregnancy gossip she knew. When her husband, surprised by the vast amount of knowledge she had of all things celebrity and baby, said “You should start a blog.” Danielle thought, “Oh God, does anyone else care about this but me?” The answer: a resounding yes. Read the rest »