Food Fun Family

St. Patrick’s Day Green Treats – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #106

Lolli — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 12:00:12 +0000

I can’t believe it’s March! How crazy is that? My youngest daughter has a birthday at the end of the week (every birthday makes ME feel older!) and we have altogether too much stuff going on. Concerts, parties, trips, camp outs, performances, you name it.

It’s a busy time, but at least I’m finally fully over that nasty flu!

This week, my fellow hostesses and I noticed LOTS of green treats that our readers had shared in the linky party, so we thought it would be the perfect time to share some green and St. Patrick’s Day appropriate recipes that stood out to us!

Welcome to Delicious Dishes Recipe Party! In case you’re new to the party, here’s what you need to know:

Delicious Dishes is a weekly link party where bloggers can share their most delicious recipes while checking out the amazing recipes that other bloggers are sharing.

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Lil Leprechaun Snack Mix from Marilyn’s Treats

#2: Homemade Banana Frozen Yogurt from The Unprepared Mommy

#3: Brownie Cookies from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Lime Sherbet Floats from Home Cooking Memories

Lois loved Chocolate Covered Leprechauns from The Monday Box

Brett loved Rainbow Jello Frosted Grapes from Must Have Mom

Susan loved Grasshopper Pie from Clever Housewife

Keri Lyn loved Awesomely Green Recipes from Easy Holiday Ideas

Emily loved St. Patrick’s Day Mocktails for Kids from Play Dates to Parties

Mary loved Guinness Cupcakes with Sweet Cream Chocolate Frosting from Kelly Stilwell

Follow us along on our Pinterest board. We pin a ton of recipes that are shared to our linky party each week. So get your recipes ready. We can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen this week.

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Amazing Thanksgiving Appetizers – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #94

Lolli — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:00:10 +0000

Did I tell you guys my exciting news?? If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen our newest family member, Jax. Jax is a 7-year-old rescue dog and today is his 3 week anniversary of coming home with us. We are thrilled to have him as part of the family. All 72 snuggly pounds of him!

Yes, our new dog has taken up quite a bit of our time and energy the past few weeks. But he’s adjusting well and seems happy in his new home.

Jax is especially interested in ANY action in the kitchen and likes to plop right down in front of the oven whenever I’m cooking, which makes dinner prep very interesting. When I made a recipe for an upcoming blog post last Friday, I had to put the kitchen gate up just so Jax would stay clear of my feet.

Enough about Jax….let’s get down to the real reason you’re here! Welcome to Delicious Dishes Recipe Party! In case you’re new to the party, here’s what you need to know:

Delicious Dishes is a weekly link party where bloggers can share their most delicious recipes while checking out the amazing recipes that other bloggers are sharing.

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake from Marilyn’s Treats

#2: Sweet Potato Breakfast Muffins from Kleinworth and Co.

#3: Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies from Food Fun Family

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Bacon & Chicken Stuffed Mini Peppers from Teaspoon of Goodness

Lois loved Buffalo Chicken Wonton Appetizer Recipe from Tammilee Tips

Brett loved Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks Appetizer from Cooking with Curls

Susan loved Stuffed Bacon Rolls from Simply Stacie

Aly loved Crab Stuffed Mushrooms from Jordan’s Easy Entertaining

Keri Lyn loved Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball from Crafts a la Mode

Emily loved Strawberry Mint Bruschetta Appetizer from Tammilee Tips

Mary loved Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pecan Appetizers from This Mama Loves

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Cute Easter Treats : Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #64

Lolli — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:00:54 +0000

Hi guys!

We’re on the final countdown to Spring Break! My kids’ first day of Spring Break is this coming Friday, which means over a week or turning my alarm off. Hallelujah!

Hey! Have you guys joined my LuLaRoe group yet? I admit that LuLaRoe is taking up the majority of my time lately, but I’m excited to report that I’ve got some delicious recipes coming up soon.

This week, we’ve decided to feature cute Easter treats because you guys shared so many adorable Easter and spring-themed sweets last week! Which cute treats are you most excited to try?

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Soft Sweet Light Rolls from Joyful Homemaking

#2: Homemade Bacon from Hey Fitzy

#3: Doritos Crusted Chicken Fingers from The Black Peppercorn

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Crispy Rice Easter Egg Treats from Kids Activities Blog

Lois loved DIY Chocolate Easter Eggs from Gluesticks Blog

Brett loved Spring Bunny Treats for Kids from 5 Minutes for Mom

Susan loved Easter Bunny Cupcakes from She Saved

Aly loved Hand Dipped Chocolate Covered Carrots from Life with Heidi

Keri Lyn loved Carrot Garden Easter Cupcakes from Cincy Shopper

Emily loved Baby Chick Cupcakes from Rose Bakes

Mary loved Easter Pretzel Chick Treats from Cincy Shopper

Follow us along on our Pinterest board. We are celebrating over 60 weeks of delicious recipes from YOU! We love this weekly party that was created to showcase recipes from our foodie friends. And guess what? We have some exciting news!

Recently we celebrated our 60th party here at Delicious Dishes! And we thought of switching things up a bit. We are now starting something new with our weekly Host Favorites Feature.

In addition to each host choosing a FAVORITE recipe to be featured on all EIGHT blogs every week, each host will visit their favorite’s blog and pin a bunch of their great content to their Pinterest boards. We’ll also pin our FAVORITE recipe in our Delicious Dishes group board.

That’s a TON of exposure! So get your recipes ready. We can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen this week.

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Tasty Easter Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #63

Lolli — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 11:00:20 +0000

Hi guys!

I get a little giddy when we get close to certain holidays because it means that I get to cook my holiday menu! I do believe that if you asked any member of my family what their favorite holiday food was, they’d probably all give the same answer:

my homemade crescent rolls

What are your favorite dishes to make (or better yet, to eat!) during the holidays? Do you enjoy the finger foods and appetizers, the main and side dishes, or the desserts the best?

I’ll take a little of everything, just like we’ve got in this week’s Delicious Dishes host favorites collection:

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Bunny Butt Cupcakes from My Thoughts and Ramblings

#2: Mini Lemon Flower Tarts from Kid and Kin Blog

#3: Easter Treats from Rose Bakes

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Dill Pickle Ham Dip from A Grace Full Life

Lois loved Orange Clove Tart Recipe from The Rebel Chick

Brett loved Empty Tomb Rolls for Easter from Clever Housewife

Susan loved Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa Bites from What the Fork

Aly loved Tulip Tomatoes from More than a Mom of Three

Keri Lyn loved Chicken Fettuccine Casserole from Somewhat Simple

Emily loved Biscuits and Gravy Casserole from Dear Crissy

Mary loved Prosciutto Asparagus Spears Recipe from Ann’s Entitled Life

Recently we celebrated our 60th party here at Delicious Dishes! And we thought of switching things up a bit. We are now starting something new with our weekly Host Favorites Feature.

In addition to each host choosing a FAVORITE recipe to be featured on all EIGHT blogs every week, each host will visit their favorite’s blog and pin a bunch of their great content to their Pinterest boards. We’ll also pin our FAVORITE recipe in our Delicious Dishes group board.

That’s a TON of exposure! So get your recipes ready. We can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen this week.

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Welcome Spring! Easter Dessert Recipes: Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #62

Lolli — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:00:07 +0000

Hi guys!

Welcome to SPRING! The weather took a turn back in the direction of winter last week, but I hear that we’re supposed to be feeling much more spring-like by the weekend. I can’t wait! I love the spring. My only complaint is allergies, but honestly I am willing to suffer if I can enjoy the sunshine, the warm without humidity, and the coming of summer!

This week, we’ve pulled together some delicious Easter and spring-inspired desserts. I love how colorful they all are! Here’s a fun Easter cupcake that I made a few years ago:

What are your favorite Easter or Spring desserts? Do you have traditional desserts that you make each year?

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Minty St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Bark from Juggling Act Mama

#2: Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes from Just 2 Sisters

#3: Spicy Buffalo Drumsticks from Hey Fitzy

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Gluten Free Coconut Cake from What the Fork

Lois loved Easter Egg Grass Cupcakes from More than a Mom of Three

Brett loved Easter Egg Muddy Buddys from Sugar Spice and Family Life

Susan loved Macadamia Nut Easter Candy Bark from Woman of Many Roles

Aly loved Easter Nest Cupcakes from A Cultivated Nest

Keri Lyn loved Easy Sheep Cupcakes from Coupons and Freebies Mom

Emily loved No Bake Peanut Butter Nest Cookies from Dear Crissy

Mary loved Easter Egg Nest Cake from Rose Bakes

That’s a TON of exposure! So get your recipes ready. We can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen this week.

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Fun Valentine’s Day Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party

Lolli — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:00:57 +0000

Hi guys! Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day treats are in the kitchen. :)

If you haven’t seen already, I’m starting a NEW Valentine’s Day leggings giveaway in my LuLaRoe VIP group today (two winners will be picked on Friday!). Come join me over there! I should have more leggings to sell within the week, as well.

And now for this week’s Delicious Dishes Recipe Party. Welcome! In case you’re new to the party, here’s what you need to know:

Delicious Dishes is a weekly link party where bloggers can share their most delicious recipes while checking out the amazing recipes that other bloggers are sharing.

But first, here are a couple of my favorite Valentine’s Day-inspired treats:

Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats

Waffle Iron Strawberry Shortcake

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt from Divas Run for Bling

#2: Mint Chocolate Lofthouse Cookies from Moms Need to Know

#3: Queso White Chicken Chili from Lydi Outloud

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Love Bug Valentine’s Day Punch from Our Family World

Lois loved Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies from Two Twenty One

Brett loved Strawberry Valentine Spritz Cookies from Creatively Homemade

Susan loved Jello Cool Whip Heart from Joyful Homemaking

Aly loved Strawberry Red Wine Cocktail from April Go Lightly

Keri Lyn loved Nutella Filled Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Emily loved Homemade Heart Suckers from Coupons and Freebies Mom

Mary loved Valentine’s Day Macarons from This Mama Loves

Follow us along on our NEW Pinterest board. We pin all your amazing recipes!

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

New Year’s Eve Appetizer Recipes – Delicious Dishes

Lolli — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 14:00:27 +0000

Hi guys, and Happy Holidays! Because this week’s party landed smack dab in the middle of Christmas and New Years, we decided to take it a little easy this week and feature some of our host favorite New Year’s Eve-friendly appetizer dishes and skip the link up for this week only. If your week is anything like mine, you’ve got kids home from school for the week, home projects galore, and fun activities planned away from the house.

So grab a recipe or two to make this weekend, then go enjoy some time with your family (that’s exactly what we’re doing!).

Have a wonderfully happy and prosperous New Year! We’ll see you bright and early next Tuesday with the first Delicious Dishes link up of 2017!

Before I feature the recipes that you guys shared with US last week, I wanted to share a few of MY personal favorites from my kitchen. These are a couple of the appetizers that make an appearance at nearly every holiday party! (Click the pictures to go to the recipes)

Corn Avocado and Black Eyed Peas Salsa

The best cheese log recipe!

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Sparkling Cranberry Mint Mocktail

Meet the Delicious Dishes ladies:

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Pesto Greek Dip from The Bewitchin Kitchen

Lois loved Pomegranate Party Punch from Cravings of a Lunatic

Brett loved Sweet Spicy Blue Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates from Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Susan loved Sausage Cups Appetizer Recipe from Flour on My Face

Aly loved Hot Black Eyed Pea Dip from Rose Bakes

Keri Lyn loved Spicy Thai Chicken Wings from The Bewitchin Kitchen

Emily loved Cranberry Baked Brie from Two Twenty One

Mary loved 3 Ingredient Crab Dip from This Mama Loves

Follow us along on our NEW Pinterest board. We pin all your amazing recipes!

We’ll be back next week with our weekly linky party. See you in 2017!

6 Ways to Fight Holiday Stress

Lolli — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:21:21 +0000

Are you feeling stressed out this holiday season? I know the feeling! With five kids and a list a mile long, I know exactly how you feel. I feel like I’ve run out of time (Christmas is RIGHT around the corner!). However, the holidays don’t have to be a time of stress – I promise! Here are a few ways you can fight the holiday stress:

Slow down

Think about it. When you are going a mile a minute, it is so hard to enjoy what is going on around you. My advice to you is to slow down! Enjoy what is going on around you and take one step at a time. Just throwing this out there: what’s the point of celebrating the holidays if we are doing everything with a bad attitude??

Don’t do it all yourself

I have had to learn this time and time again. The holidays are not meant for you to carry all the stress on your own shoulders. Split up the holiday tasks with whomever is willing to help you. If you do have to do everything yourself, keep things as simple as possible. It’s OK to minimize, especially if it means keeping your sanity.

Start doing things now

There’s no time like NOW to start. There are no rules that tell you that you need to start a week before Christmas. I start buying small items for Christmas dinner a month before our feast. I also start stocking up on gifts a few months before. Nothing spells stress like letting allowing everything to build up or waiting til the last minute and discovering that all of the things you need are sold out.

Install a non-drama clause

Listen, it’s the holidays. The last thing you want to do is deal with drama. You can help avoid drama by not engaging it. I tell my people that if they want drama they need to go somewhere else. I just do not have the time for it. No drama = a lot less stress in my life around the holidays.

Eat healthy and get plenty of sleep

As great as the holiday candy tastes and as much fun as it is staying up late watching movies, it’s not worth it when it happens every single day. Take care of yourself first. This is a time of year in which everything is demanding your attention. While you may not be able to fully control the things and people fighting for your attention, remember that YOU get to decide where your attention goes.

Practice stress relief

If you are like me, stress builds up inside and then I explode. Something I have realized is that I need some sort of stress relief. Some days that is taking a much-needed nap and other days it is enjoying a hot bath after the kids leave for school.

Tell me, what are some ways you fight off holiday stress?

If you liked this, you’ll love these too!

Last-Minute Christmas Treats – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #50

Lolli — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 12:00:36 +0000

It’s the final countdown to Christmas! Most of the presents are bought and wrapped and under the Christmas tree. The treats are all in a big bag in my closet. I’ve made a few batches of goodies (like my world-famous caramels and Grandma’s English toffee and my son’s ever-favorite butterscotch bars).

I should feel excited and proud, but instead I just feel SO TIRED!

This week, in keeping with the timing, we’ve picked out some delicious Last-Minute Christmas Treats the whole family will enjoy! Check out these fun and festive ideas, and have a wonderful Christmas (or have a wonderful week if you don’t celebrate!).

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Red Velvet Cookies from Life with Heidi

#2: Broccoli and Potato Cheese Soup from Brooklyn Farm Girl

#3: Coffee Custard Filled Donuts from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…Wouldn’t they all be perfect for last-minute holiday baking??

I loved Christmas Tree Cake from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Lois loved Candy Cane Reindeer Pops from Finding Zest

Brett loved Peppermint Pretzel Kisses from A Cultivated Nest

Susan loved Candy Cane Hearts from She Saved

Aly loved Pistachio Cranberry Bark from Flour on My Face

Keri Lyn loved Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge from Cincy Shopper

Emily loved Grandma’s English Toffee from Food Fun Family

Mary loved Candy Cane Cookies from Clever Housewife

Follow us along on our NEW Pinterest board. We pin all your amazing recipes!

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Midnight Madness in Annapolis, Maryland – Loews Annapolis Hotel

Lolli — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 16:59:10 +0000

This past Thursday night, I was invited to spend a fun evening with friends old and new at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, right in the heart of downtown Annapolis, Maryland. We were pampered and fed and then sent off to shop at Annapolis’ annual Midnight Madness. Accommodations were provided at Loews Annapolis Hotel, but all thoughts are my own.

My Christmas shopping typically consists of as much online orders as I can handle, followed by carefully planned trips to the shopping centers and the mall while the kids are in school. I wouldn’t necessarily call that kind of Christmas shopping “fun.”

Midnight Madness, on the other hand, was everything Christmas shopping could be….and should be! Mom and Pop shops? Check! Treats and tastings at every stop? Check! Fun handmade, unique gifts for all sorts of hard-to-shop-for friends and family? Check!

Midnight madness was basically the ultimate holiday season Girls Night Out, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.

What is Midnight Madness? Midnight Madness is a yearly tradition in Annapolis! Come enjoy holiday shopping, special deals, caroling, and treats every Thursday night in December from 6pm to midnight. Expect lots of fellow shoppers, plenty of deals for all your holiday shopping needs, and a fun night out with friends. Find out more at https://www.downtownannapolispartnership.org/

We stopped at a specialty spice shop, a used and rare book store, a shop dedicated to special oils and vinegars, a super fun hat store, and so much more.

Yes, it was cold (freezing cold, in fact!) but armed with some hand warmers, warm winter hats, coats, and scarves, and the warmth of good friends, we hardly even noticed the cold.

I loved the quaint downtown area decorated with festive lights. Perhaps my favorite thing about the evening was bumping in to some friends from Sons of the Severn Barbershop Chorus singing Christmas carols. Since I was an hour from home, I was not expecting to run into someone I knew!

Sons of The Severn Barbershop Chorus

After we shopped til we (almost literally) dropped, we headed back to the Loews for desserts and drinks (I needed water!), visiting and gift wrapping in the Presidential Suite. I think we all stayed up well past our bedtime, but it was totally worth it! Especially since we could sleep in (and take the day off from waking kids up for school in the morning!). I fully enjoyed the comfortable bed at the Loews as well as the friendly staff.

Ring in the New Year at Loews Annapolis Hotel!

Forget a late night drive home after your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Loews Annapolis Hotel can take care of all your New Year’s Eve needs! New Year’s Eve Package start at $314* for stays December 31, 2016 – January 1, 2017, and include:

Nightly, coastal chic accommodations in our Four-Diamond service hotel
Live entertainment, dancing, party favors, and champagne toast at midnight
Bubbles & Bliss: split of Moet champagne & souvenir champagne glasses in-room amenity upon arrival
Hangover brunch for two in BAROAK Cookhouse & Taproom on New Year’s Day
Valet parking for one vehicle per night
2 PM checkout on New Year’s Day
Want to stay an extra night? Special discount rate offered

Special New Year’s Eve 5-Course dinner for two at BAROAK Cookhouse & Taproom with 2 seatings available. $50 per person early seating, $75 per person late seating (includes party favors and champagne toast at midnight). Live music by blues artist Dean Rosenthal. Find out more at www.baroakannapolis.com

Have you been to Annapolis? If you live nearby, you should definitely make plans to stop by during the holiday season!