10 Things to (Legally) Do At A Red Light

I was at a red light the other day and I thought to myself, "Self, in this world of multi-tasking, the red light seems like a perfect time to get some things done." So I set forth to think of some stuff to do in that  few precious moments.

( Photo credit: Freeclipartnow.com)

1. Pluck those few stray eyebrows
2. Search for the water bottle/sippy cup that rolled under the seat earlier. 
3. Trim a hangnail.
4. Fix your wedgie
5. Eat chocolate
6. Gaze at yourself in the rearview mirror and think, "God, my significant other is lucky to have me."
7. Think up your next Facebook status. 
8. Think of all of the problems in the world and how to solve them. 
9. Get mad that you're the only one trying to solve the worlds problems. 
10. Check out the person beside you and see what they're doing. 

New England Dessert Showcase

My sister, Kelly, and I traveled to Heaven a couple of weeks ago. Well, my version of Heaven anyway. It was a room filled with yummy, chocolatey, rich, tasty treats known as the New England Dessert Showcase. It was held at the Sheraton in Boston. We had a great time sampling lots of decadent treats. We probably should have jogged home from there after all of the desserts that we consumed.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Kind-Kind Bars were our first stop at the Showcase. It was the first table we saw, plus we figured we should start with something healthy. I fell in love with the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar. It was so yummy. With 7g of fiber, 6g of protein and only 5g of sugar, you can feel good about eating it.

PUREFECTIONS-A Quincy based chocolatier, Purefections was a booth we loved visiting. Not only were the owners knowledgeable about their product, but they were friendly and helpful too. I sampled the P2C2 in dark chocolate. It's a combination of rich, velvety, dark chocolate combined with sweet caramel, peanuts and salty crushed potato chips. Yes, you read that right. Potato chips. Hold on, I need to get a napkin to wipe the drool. Okay, I'm back. As I was saying, the combination of flavors is nothing short of spectacular. I would especially like these around the 18th of every month.

Finale-For my birthday several years ago, some friends took to me to Finale for a night out. It was one of my favorite evenings. We nibbled on appetizers and then I gorged myself on chocolatey goodness. It was fantastic! I think that everything that Finale does is amazing. They have some of the best tasting desserts I've ever had. They did not disappoint at the Showcase. They offered samples of their Dark Chocolate Decadence. It's a fudgy, flourless, truffle-like cake that will make you smile from ear to ear. Delicious.

Goodway Gourmet Cafe-I was surprised to learn that the Goodway Gourmet is out of New York. After trying their delicious delights, I didn't care if they were from Mars! I snacked on their macaroons. I love a good macaroon. I commented on how tasty they were and then I was "forced"(okay, gently persuaded)  to try their signature rum cake. "I don't like rum cake." I told them. They asked me to try just a small piece. Well, I still don't like rum cake, but I love their rum cake. It was light, moist and tasty with little to no alcohol flavor. They told me the difference is in the way that they cook it. I don't know anything about cooking rum cake, but they sure do. That stuff was great!

I can't wait for the New England Dessert Showcase to come around next year. In my opinion, there's nothing better than a day spent eating dessert.

Whatever your dessert choice is, eat it in good health. Enjoy!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I did receive media passes to the event. All opinions are my own.

A Trip to Lull Farm, Hollis, NH

This past weekend I went to visit some friends in Hollis, NH. It's not far from the Massachusetts border, just north of Nashua.

My friend took me to Lull Farm,  just down the street from her house. I was amazed at all the wonderful things they had to offer. It was one of the best farm stands I've been to.

They had dozens of different kinds of tomatoes.  

Each box had a sign telling all about that particular type of tomato. 

And check out these melons. So fresh. 

They had every other vegetable you can imagine. 

Beans

Brussel Sprouts

Carrots

And fingerling potatoes

I was amazed at all the beautiful colors and textures. The also had fresh flowers, ice cream and baked goods. I was completely overwhelmed, but in a good way.

After checking out the farm stand we headed out back to see the animals. They had the usual cows, goats, pigs and roosters.

When we turned the corner, we came upon the cutest little bunny I've ever seen. He (or she) was the most beautiful, unusual color. He (or she) was blonde, just like me, but somehow I doubt that he (or she) gets his (or her) color at the salon.  He (or she) had two siblings; a black one and a grey one. I wanted to take them all home with me.

If you're ever in the Nashua/Hollis area, I can't recommend Lull Farm enough. Even if you have to go out of your way, it's well worth the trip. Oh and they also have one in Milford, NH.

Enjoy!

This is not a sponsored post. 

Happy Sweet Sixteen Meg!

My niece, Meghan, turned sixteen today. I remember being that age. What a great time....looking forward to getting my drivers license and all the freedom that brings. I now understand how much stress and worry it can be for parents.

In honor of her special day, I give you, The Letter:

Dear Meg,

You're sixteen and I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday that you were that chubby baby with the loudest squeals of delight. You've never been afraid to show your feelings, whether you were happy or very, very unhappy. Whatever the case, everyone around you knew how you were feeling. 

You've come a long way since then. Now you're the TALL, skinny, muscular, athletic one who turns shy when you're around people you don't know. 

You and your mom butt heads about stuff, but don't worry, that's normal. She loves you very much but sometimes you both need some time away from each other. 

I'm not going to lie to you, life at sixteen can be hard. There are a lot of decisions that you have to make. And sometimes it seems like everyone is against you. Please know that that's not the case. We're just looking out for you. We love you. 

 There are a lot of new and exciting things going on in life. You're a sophomore now...no longer a lowly freshman. You're in cross country (you're a great runner). And you'll be driving soon. Yikes! 

That last one scares me the most. Every time you get behind the wheel of that car, my stomach will drop. For you, though, it will be the most exciting day of your life when you finally get that drivers license in hand and you take off for a friends house or the mall. The feeling of independence is amazing and I can't wait for you to experience that. 

As the aunt of a sixteen year old there are a few things I could do without:

• the attitude
• eye rolling
•  yelling at your brothers
• being a know-it-all

You're a great kid and (believe it or not) your mom and I are always saying that. We're very blessed that you're such a caring, empathetic, kind-hearted person. You care a great deal about other people and it shows. 

You are a rule abider. With you, it's either black or it's white. There is no gray area. That's both a blessing and a curse. 

I'm your aunt and you can trust me with all your secrets. 

As you soar towards adulthood, my advice to you is this:

• Be comfortable in your own skin. You're the only you and you are amazing!
• Be a leader, not a follower. 
• Be confident. 
• Be passionate. Find out what you love to do and do it. 
• Dream big. 
• Travel.
• Don't be afraid to speak your mind. Your opinion matters. 
• Mistakes are okay. Learn from them.
• Always be honest with yourself. 

That's it baby. That's all I got.

Even though I didn't give birth to you, I feel like you're partly mine. I love you with all my heart. I'm absolutely giddy with excitement for all the fun/cool things that you're going to experience in the next few years. You deserve everything wonderful that comes your way. Embrace them! 

Always,

Auntie Laura 

xo

P.S. If I ever see (or hear about) you driving without your seatbelt on, you can kiss your car privileges goodbye. 

Here are some photos I thought you might like: