-Ann-Margret Gidley

These inspiring words would apply to anyone’s life in all situations big and small, however the situation that inspired Ann-Margret to say them was just about as terrible as they [...]]]>

“There’s almost always a way out.  You can think it through.  And you will.  Do not ever underestimate yourself.”

-Ann-Margret Gidley

These inspiring words would apply to anyone’s life in all situations big and small, however the situation that inspired Ann-Margret to say them was just about as terrible as they come:  She was a hostage in a potential mass murder back in 2002.  She watched and waited for the captor to make a mistake and she made her move that resulted in saving the lives of 20 people.  Hopefully this great quote finds you in very much less stressful situations!

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I was recently on Living Dayton in the Cooking with Sallie segment with a great recipe for lentil soup from Hope Springs Institute’s cookbook.  Take a look:

http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/living_dayton/kitchen/cooking-with-sallie#.UbkIeWXSrEM

I absolutely LOVED being able to cook on [...]]]>

I was recently on Living Dayton in the Cooking with Sallie segment with a great recipe for lentil soup from Hope Springs Institute’s cookbook.  Take a look:

http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/living_dayton/kitchen/cooking-with-sallie#.UbkIeWXSrEM

I absolutely LOVED being able to cook on Living Dayton in their Cooking with Sallie segment!  It was so much fun and I’m thrilled I didn’t cut myself!

When I got there, the set was dark and I was nervous I would have to get set up without being able to see what I was doing but luckily that didn’t happen!

I was thrilled to meet the hosts (who were all super nice – and taller than me) and I thought it was great they were willing to try lentil soup for the first time.  I especially loved that I got to see some old friends from Vandalia – by coincidence my friend from high school was in one of the segments before me!

I had such a great time that I hope to be invited back someday!

You can watch Living Dayton on WDTN weekdays at noon!

For a Mother’s Day/Wedding present for my mom, I bought her a light blue Russell + Hazel binder and all the trimmings she needs to set up an efficient planner system to help plan her busy schedule.  I just love getting this huge Russell + Hazel haul, even if it’s not for me!

Last weekend, my friend, Megan and I decided to visit Moore Dessert Please! and were thrilled about their new cupcake sundaes.

First, you pick your cupcake.  I went with their White Almond and Megan went for the Buckeye.

Next, you pick which flavor of Young’s ice cream you [...]]]>

Last weekend, my friend, Megan and I decided to visit Moore Dessert Please! and were thrilled about their new cupcake sundaes.

First, you pick your cupcake.  I went with their White Almond and Megan went for the Buckeye.

Next, you pick which flavor of Young’s ice cream you want – we both went with simple vanilla.

Finally, you decide which Ghiradelli sauce you want added between chocolate and caramel - we both picked…both.  We’re not proud.

We dug into these beautiful sundaes back at my house and it was completely blissful.  I can’t wait to try more flavor combinations!

My mother was in the market for some cowboy boots but being city folk we didn’t know exactly where to go to find such a thing.  Then we remembered something we always see while driving on the highway – Boot Country.  It’s in Butler Township, minutes from her house, off of Miller [...]]]>

My mother was in the market for some cowboy boots but being city folk we didn’t know exactly where to go to find such a thing.  Then we remembered something we always see while driving on the highway – Boot Country.  It’s in Butler Township, minutes from her house, off of Miller Lane.  It’s funny to think about all the places that are just staring you in the face that you never think of to visit.

One weekend we decided to give Boot Country a try and wow they have a lot of boots – from extremely tacky all the way to completely practical and every stop in between.

The ones that stole my heart weren’t really cowboy boots at all but were rain boots with horses on them.  I seriously almost walked out with these on, they are so odd and perfect.

If you happen to be a little bit country and want to check out a place devoted to a cowboy’s number one accessory, visit Boot Country!

I have had this place on my To Visit list for a while now and I’m so glad I finally got to try Awesome Yogurt in Kettering.

First of all, this place is just fun.  I love the decor and seating areas.

The yogurt was, well, AWESOME! As [...]]]>

I have had this place on my To Visit list for a while now and I’m so glad I finally got to try Awesome Yogurt in Kettering.

First of all, this place is just fun.  I love the decor and seating areas.

The yogurt was, well, AWESOME! As promised.  And the toppings were wonderful.  I love the mix of healthy and not-so-healthy.

Here’s what I created:

I think I’m going to be filling up my frequent buyer card sooner than later!

My husband and I went to the soft opening of the Fifth Street Brewpub for his birthday because my mother gave him a membership there (if you’re looking for a great gift idea, this is it!).

I am absolutely thrilled with the place and it’s not even finished yet.  They [...]]]>

My husband and I went to the soft opening of the Fifth Street Brewpub for his birthday because my mother gave him a membership there (if you’re looking for a great gift idea, this is it!).

I am absolutely thrilled with the place and it’s not even finished yet.  They have lots of tables inside, but my favorite part of the pub was the set up outside with long tables under tents lit by chadeliers.  It felt like the perfect summer vacation spot, and it was right here in Dayton.

The other neat aspect of Fifth Street Brewpub is that it’s in St. Anne’s Hill, which is an area I haven’t explored much.  The area is absolutely beautiful and I loved getting a chance to drive around the neighborhood, seeing all the old houses.  It’s a lot like walking around the Oregon District houses.

For a year or so, my sister lived in Springboro and her main complaint about the area was the lack of locally owned restaurants and shops.  While driving to Tik’s Thai Grille, I could definitely see what my sister meant by that – everywhere I looked, there was nothing but national chains.

I was so looking forward to visiting Lily’s Bistro and on my husband’s birthday, we had the perfect opportunity.  I was mainly excited to try this restaurant because it’s owned by the owners of Blind Bob’s, which has some of the best food in the world. (You are [...]]]>

I was so looking forward to visiting Lily’s Bistro and on my husband’s birthday, we had the perfect opportunity.  I was mainly excited to try this restaurant because it’s owned by the owners of Blind Bob’s, which has some of the best food in the world. (You are welcome to quote me on that!)

I love what they’ve done with the place.  You may remember this space as its former restaurant, Boulevard Haus, but now it’s sleek and stylish with a completely updated look.

The food is absolutely amazing.  I was so impressed with everything, right down to the presentation.  I ordered the fish of the day and my husband ordered the chicken thigh.  The dishes were flavorful and delicious, and you could tell that everything was completely fresh (and I found out later that they strive to use locally sourced food whenever possible).

For dessert, I had to try the grown up cookies and milk (the milk is mixed with brandy and nutmeg for a fun twist).  I loved it and now I can’t wait to try their other desserts.

I’m so glad to have a great new restaurant like this in the Oregon District!  I’m looking forward to many more visits to come.