Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Girls Weekend!

 


This Christmas Erin and I decided that instead of trading presents we'd rather plan a weekend in the city hanging out and doing some of the activities we always talk about but haven't taken the time and money to actually do them!  So, we planned a fun girls day weekend in the city.  We started with a Paczki class at a baking workshop place Erin had been dying to go to called Betties's Baking.  They have a cute retro vibe and the class was so fun...but mostly the donuts were amazing!  


The class was about 2 hours long and we learned all the steps to making our own Paczkis.  For those of you who don't know, it's a polish donut of sorts that is traditionally associated with  Fat Tuesday - an opportunity to use up all the lard and sugar in the house in prep for lent.  


We had a great time, and now we know how to make donuts!  I was empowered enough to buy a GF cookbook the baker recommended and to try and make some donuts at home with Abby.  


While I only have pictures of our donut class, the fun didn't end there!  We went for tacos and margaritas for lunch, went to a fancy cocktail bar for dinner, watched My Best Friend's Wedding on the couch and went to bed before 9:30 pm and then....maybe our favorite part of the whole weekend was our trip to Aire, the ancient spa.  We had two hours at the spa and 45 minute massages.  We floated, salt scubbed, soaked, and just relaxed and it was amazing!  We had sushi for late lunch and I made it home to Marengo in time to make dinner for the fam.


We had such a lovely time, I think we both agreed that we'll do something like this again for Christmas next year.  I have a feeling the spa will be a part of it...it was really really really nice.


Sunday, February 8, 2026

Casting Dreams Competition

 


Yesterday the girls were signed up through the community college to participate in a metal work competition and Abby WON!  Like, 40 kids competed and Abby got first place and won $200!  Her entry will now travel to the national competition which is held in Ann Arbor, MI in March and she could win up to $2k if she wins that competition.  

We came across these classes through the college about a year ago and they've had the best experience with them.  The both took a class over the summer through the Kids at College program and now that we're on the mailing list, we get to see all of the different kid programs they offer.  I'm so impressed with the college and what they are doing.  The kiddos are headed there the week of spring break for a 3 day crafting class.  I can't wait to see what they come home with!


(Hazel's entry didn't win any prizes, but isn't it cute?)