Crack me up!

I can't remember exactly how I came to it...my husband's, sister's, friend's, sorority sister passed it along. If you're ever looking for a little laugh, you must checkout Whoorl. La Plates was fortunate enough to get a post on it after sending a little treat to the author's son Wito. Seriously, this woman is one of the most hysterical writers! Thanks to the 219 people that participated in our giveaway - congrats Michele!

Meet Kansas City

I was born and raised in Indiana, attended college in Ohio and spent a few years in Georgia. I now reside in the Kansas City area and friends ask me to describe the city. I always get the question, "Which side to do you live on, Kansas or Missouri?" I was recently on the Spirit Magazine site and now have a resource to send family and friends - Meet Kansas City. It's the best article about Kansas City's history, current hot spots and people making a difference in the area. Kathleen Leighton did a fabulous job summing up Our Town.

A view of the Kansas City skyline

The Country Club Plaza during the holidays

The City of Fountains really does have some great ones!

Never fail recipe

I have this idea that food is the cure for anyone in need...a baby is born, the family needs food...someone has surgery, they need food...a loved one passes away, the family needs food. This is all well and good, but I've had a few disasters that are no real excuses for an edible meal. After the dried up pork tenderloin with a side of salad-in-a-bag that I delivered to a new mother of a 4th baby boy, I decided I needed to move on to baked goods. Don't sign me up for entire meals to be delivered on a specific date, because my family doesn't often get that! Now my answer to food chains will be "surprise baked goods". This means, I don't know when I'll bake them, but when I do, it will be a surprise treat - and edible!

Here's a no fail recipe, from The Joy of Cooking - my Bible in the kitchen. It's great to whip up if you've got a few over ripened bananas on your counter.

Banana Bread
all ingredients at room temp, position rack in lower third of oven, preheat oven to 350 & grease loaf pan

Whisk together:
1 1/3 cups flour
3/4 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. baking powder

In a large bowl, beat together:
5 1/3 T unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar

Beat in the flour mixture, then gradually beat in:
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Fold in:
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (2 bananas)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans - I leave this out, due to allergies!

Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes & let cool in the pan 10 mins. before taking it out to slice.

Enjoy!

Campbell Cate collection

If you're looking for a cute addition to your child's Fall wardrobe line up, checkout the clothing at www.campbellcate.com. Kerri has created fabulous handmade clothing at great prices. My favorite pick is the monkey onesie, I've got a few boys over here who this would fit perfectly!
Next up, the witch onesie, I've got a few little goblins to send this one off to!
Now, I don't have any little girls, but if I did, I would love this dress! Wear it with a long tee this winter, without a tee in the summer and use it as a tunic next year...now that's a great deal!

Facebook

I fought it for months. I wasn't going to do it, just because everyone else was doing it. I could keep in touch with all my friends on my own. The idea of Facebook made me a little nervous, I mean EVERYONE could find you!

I did it. I love it. I'm addicted. How did I ever live without Facebook?!

Let me count the ways I love thee...
1. Found and communicate with my 1st best friend.
2. Attended a big high school and am now back in touch with many friends that I missed over the years.
3. College roomies and sorority sisters can easily update each other with all of life's going ons.
4. The whole crew from my summer job love FB! We all came from all over the country, so it's fabulous having one place to touch base.
5. Love getting updates on local friends without having to call and chat for hours...I mean who has time with kids, work, and FB?!
6. My sis-in-law was right, it's great for business. I really did create a La Plates group. I'm not entirely sure what to post there yet, but I did it. I have a business group, so now my time on Facebook is a write off as "business", right?!

Big day to celebrate!

Today is a big day in my personal life...my husband and I are celebrating 7 years and it's Nana's birthday!! They are both a huge part of me and support every last think I do - thanks to you both and have a fabulous day!

Celebrating our 1st anniversary

Nana on a road trip to KC

Celebrity fans of La Plates

La Plates are not something that celebs carry around with them to get a PR shot. However, through friends of these Hollywood elite, La Plates have made their way to their tables. Whether as a gift for hosting a luncheon, a birthday treat or a "you're going to be a great big sis" gift, La Plates make a great gift anytime!