A Visit to the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Waterloo, Iowa

Yesterday, before attending a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Board of Trustees meeting in Waterloo, Iowa, I finally took the time to stop at a place I’ve driven by countless times - the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. I’m so glad I did!

The museum is part of the Grout Museum District, which is a member of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. This heritage area is a network of museums and historical sites in the Northeast quadrant of Iowa that collectively tell the story of Iowa and the heritage of American agriculture. It’s an honor for me to begin my term this year as a board member for such an impactful organization.

Pickle Wrap Dip

Are you looking for the perfect dip that’s a hit at tailgates and holiday gatherings? This pickle wrap dip recipe brings together everything you love about those irresistible pickle wraps in an easy, crowd-pleasing dip! Packed with the savory flavors of ham, dill pickles, and cream cheese, this dip is simple to make and hard to resist. Trust me, once you put it on the table, it won’t last long!

Why You Should Go to a Cross Country Meet

Today marks the end of our son’s second year of cross country, and I have to admit - before he participated, I had never been to a meet in my life. But after these two seasons, I’ve truly fallen in love with the sport, the environment and everything that comes with it. There’s something special about XC meets that sets them apart from other sports and I’m here to tell you why you should experience one for yourself.

Photo by Molly Bird
Our son is in the middle of the pack in the red & black jersey

Oreo Fluff Salad

Looking for a quick and easy dish to bring to your next potluck or holiday gathering? Try my four ingredient Oreo Fluff Salad! It's always a hit with all ages!

Back to School: My Kids' Favorite Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

It's the first day of school here in Iowa today and with the special day falling on a Friday, I thought what better way to celebrate than with my kids' favorite Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza! This pizza is easy to make with staple ingredients that, if your family is anything like mine, you always have stocked - string cheese and pepperoni!

Knee High by the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our country's independence, show off your patriotism, spend time with family and friends, shoot off fireworks and check crops. It's been tradition for decades that farmers check their crops, especially corn, to see if it is "Knee High by the 4th of July." Now while knee high isn't the benchmark for farmers anymore due to hybridization and improved genetics, it is still a fun tradition for our family to benchmark our corn (and family's) growth every year. In fact, our family has been taking an annual "Knee High" photo for over a decade (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012).

Signs You’re Less Than Two Weeks Away from the County Fair

As the County Fair approaches, the excitement and anticipation are high. Here are seven telltale signs that you're less than two weeks away from the big event: