Ring in the New Year with Overnight French Toast Casserole

Ring in the New Year with Overnight French Toast Casserole

This is a dish that our family makes for every big family gathering that included a morning, from New Years Day to Easter to Christmas morning and even had for one of my homecoming (or prom?) morning brunches!

I now understand why it was present every big family morning. This is the easiest dish to whip up. You make it the night before, stick it in the fridge then pop it in the oven right as you are getting ready the next morning. Let people think you spent hours cooking, but let yourself enjoy the special day.

Read More

Christmas Classics - Salt Dough Ornaments

Christmas Classics - Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments. A bit of nostalgia mixed in with some cute and lasting kiddo creations mixed in with an activity that can span days …WAIT did she say an activity that can span days?!?! You bet I did! This is one craft you won’t mind doing with your kids because it will keep them occupied for 2-3 days minimum and to top it off it is super cheap which is great if your kiddo is like mine and insists on giving a gift to every single person he’s ever met!

Read More

Let me (re)introduce myself

Hi there! It’s been a minute!

9FB462F5-874A-476D-B6E3-7E15BF203DAC.jpg

I as I finally sat down and took a deep breath, for the first time in what felt like ages, I scrolled through my blog posts and realized (1) I haven’t written anything in 4 months (eek!) and (2) I never formally introduced myself to you!
It’s been a while, but I’m back. It was never my intention to disappear from the virtual world the way I did, and I even tried to jump back in a few times, but it was never the right time. You might say there was a lot going on *gestures broadly* and I kept getting pulled away.
I’ve spent the past little bit of time refocusing on myself and preparing to come back so this time it’s for real (promise!)

WHAT IS CHAOS AND CROWNS
This blog started as a place where my friends could find all the recipes that I was constantly getting asked about. It became a place where I could write down my musings on life as a woman, mother, and runner, is really geared towards women in this funny in between middle stage of life.
You can find a damn good recipe here (gf/df of course). You can also find a piece of writing that (I hope) will make you think or laugh or give you a moment to yourself.

WHO AM I
I am a dedicated wife to Z (really the most patient man ever), mom to T, two dogs, and one cat … it’s a zoo up in here.
Like you I am living through a pandemic right now and shit is weird, so I’m just muddling though. Some days are good and some days are not at all, it is what it is at this point.
I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley but have been just outside of DC for 15 years now and love the bustle and all this area has to ofter (in non-pandemic-y times).
I”m loud and opinionated, thats probably why I like to write. I went to law school and gave it a shot. My writing was too flowery for legal work. I’m now a stay at home mom and love to craft and bake and cook. It is what it is.
I can’t eat dairy or gluten. But I can EAT.
I am a runner. I could run for days. I like to think of that as my excuse for living in leggings but really they are just the best thing ever so, it is what it is.
I suffered from Post Partum Anxiety Disorder and after years of thinking I was “just type-A” finally realized I was suffering from sometimes crippling anxiety. I am not shy talking about my mental health and think we should all talk about it more.
I like to think I am a good friend but I am awful at replying to texts.
I love learning to things and meeting new people so reach out to me., tell me YOUR story, let me know when you like sometime I write or if you’ve tried a recipe!


And don’t forget If you want to see more of me (and so you don't miss any blog posts) you can follow along on Instagram

Camp - Mama Style

Camp - Mama Style

Welcome to Camp Mama. We opened this week. It’s a free camp. Electronic devices are allowed. The goal is to make the day go by as quickly as possible for all participants. Counselor might drink. Campers will take quiet time from 1-230 (at least here). And damn it campers will enjoy themselves (ha!).

Read More