Milkshakes and Margaritas — a blog for the modern mom

We're Back!!! and French Hot Dogs

I'm sorry we've been away so long. Between the two of us... sickness, a thrown back, travel and work craziness - we just needed to take a break. I've sincerely missed posting and am excited to be back.

I'll warm up again with a quick post about French Hot Dogs. Once in a while my youngest, Dillon, and I get sneak away for a date with just the two of us. We like to go down to the new La Boulange bakery on our street and have a latte (his is warm soy milk), and a pick a treat. Last week Dillon chose a "french hot dog", which was a hot dog wrapped in pastry dough. He then sweetly asked if he I would make them for his lunch. 

I made mine with Chicken Apple Sausage and some croissant dough from the grocery store (they were out of pastry dough). I grilled the sausage and then wrapped the little doggie in the croissant dough, and tossed in the oven following the croissant packaging instructions. Voila!

 

Ok, I know mine are not nearly as pretty, (honestly I didn't even try), but he didn't mind. I got a big thank you hug when he came home from lunch the next day. This year I'm trying a few new things in their lunches and this one is a win. We also took a few of the leftover dough triangles, rolled in a few dark chocolate chips and baked. Topped 'em with powdered sugar when they were out of the oven... a quick and easy treat.

— Danielle

Family Traditions Will Be Remembered More than Presents

The "Pfefferkuchen" have arrived from Germany and the fight is on in my family.

My aunts (and my grandmother when she was alive) have made these special cookies every year of my life for Christmas and their arrival is eagerly anticipated. We bring out three boxes and very carefully divide the cookies evenly. You aren't even allowed to eat them during the division or it counts against your final bounty. It sounds crazy, but for me it isn't just about the cookies, but the family tradition. We only get these once a year and even the good-natured fighting over the cookies is part of what brings us closer.

Family traditions are important to me and I am trying to pass them on to my sons. My mother made apple Santa men with me every year and I do it with my sons to give out to teachers and friends. I love when I see other families and their traditions. 

Thanksgiving Craft Round-Up

Just incase you're looking for a last minute Thanskgiving craft, I've rounded up a few from around the web that look pretty fun to do with the kids.

 

From Left to right: Martha Stewart placecards, GiveThanks Banner from Parents, Leaf Place Settings from Make & Takes, Boat Centerpiece and placecards from Martha Stewart

Throw Out the Rules and Party All Night!

When Cash was four years old, his favorite book was the Berenstain Bears and the Slumber Party book. All of his drawings and dictated stories were about squirting soda and throwing popcorn around the room (the bear party gets a little out of control and he loved that).

So when my husband went out of town for work this week, I decided to throw out the house bedtime rules (which are actually my rules, but whatever) and stage a slumber party in the living room.