This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, all opinions are mine alone. #CrispyComeback #CollectiveBias This year we are doing something a bit different for Easter. Normally we stay home and arrange an Easter egg hunt for the little guys, surprise them with Easter baskets and keep it pretty low key. I'll make a ham and some roasted asparagus, everyone will munch on some deviled eggs and peanut butter cookies and we'll keep it simple. Well, this year ... continue reading...
Most Recent Posts
Join Chef Nancy Silverton at Macy’s In Union Square
Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy’s Culinary Council. As always, all opinions are my own. There's an exciting event coming up soon that I just have to share with you. On Saturday, March 28th 2015, Chef Nancy Silverton will be hosting a Cooking Demo at Macy's Union Square in San Francisco! Some of my longtime readers might remember when I attended one of these events a few years back and met an Iron ... continue reading...
Browned Butter Pistachio Blondies with White Chocolate Chunks
When I was little my mom and I would often travel to Southern California to visit my grandma and my uncles. Most of these visits consisted of long car rides, we only flew there maybe once or twice. It would be about a 6-8 hour drive, but usually it was longer with stops. We'd stop to eat or pick up snacks, and sometimes even to rest. I remember this one little store that we'd stop at every time, and I'd always pick up dried banana chips, trail mix and a bag of shelled pistachios. I just loved ... continue reading...
Simply Delicious Baked Boneless Chicken Breast
Picture this: It's a busy night in the middle of the week. You've just picked up the kids from school, they are doing their homework and your spouse is running late after work. One (or more) of the kids has to be dropped off at football/baseball/soccer/wrestling/cheer/dance practice (take your pick) and there's nothing much in the fridge to cook that takes 30 minutes or less. You just see that bag of chicken that you took out to defrost a few days ago that needs to be cooked, but you're not sure ... continue reading...
Raspberry Pineapple Banana Smoothie
What is it about warmer weather that makes you instantly crave smoothies and bright colors, or is that just me? I'm not sure, but I'm telling you this raspberry pineapple banana smoothie embodies the seasonal change. I mean, it's made with pineapples which always makes me think of some tropical destination and bananas which I basically throw into every smoothie I make because it adds that creaminess and texture that just works so well in a good smoothie. And raspeberries.. ahh, I love ... continue reading...
Cabbage Rolls with Brown Rice
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ChooseSmart #CollectiveBias Can you believe that it is already March? Next thing you know, Spring is right around the corner. I'm looking forward to the change in season, as Winter hasn't been too kind to my family this year. I've been ill a few times since November and even as of last week had bronchitis. RoRo and RiRi have both been sick the majority of that time too, each of ... continue reading...
Almond, Clementine & Apple Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Thank you to CVS for sending items to keep my family heart healthy year round! This year has been a whirlwind already. I entered the year planning so much for myself and my family, including vacations and travel, experiencing new things, new organizational and time planning goals, and of course personal and combined health goals I wanted to achieve. One of those goals is to take better care of myself and commit to healthier living for my entire family. This includes meal planning by the week ... continue reading...
Adventures in Detroit: Food, Farmers Markets and Entertainment
As a travel writer, my adventures lead me to so many unique places. Recently I took a trip to Detroit, Michigan- the comeback city. Due to recent events, there wasn't a lot of information coming out of the city aside from the economy or lack thereof. Leading up to my visit I made the decision to tune out the negative and focus on clues that would lead me to valuable experiences that I could share with everyone else. Looking back, I am so glad I made that decision as there is plenty of life left ... continue reading...
Vegetarian Italian Sausage with Tri-Color Rotini {GIVEAWAY}
Disclosure: I received complimentary products from Valley Fig Growers in exchange for this post and giveaway. As always all opinions are my own. About six months ago my 14 year old daughter, RiRi, decided on changing her eating habits by becoming a vegetarian. Since then I've had the challenge of creating meals for her either by adapting whatever I'm making for the family and making a smaller serving for her with an alternative, or I make something vegetarian friendly for the whole family. I ... continue reading...
Cherry Chip Pizookie
I've devoted a lot of this week to researching recipes that epitomize the celebration of love. I know, it's a tough life in this food bloggers life, but I do the dirty work so you don't have to. You can thank me later. I think there's one recipe that my family requests from me more than any other combined. My chocolate chip cookies. Yes, they are loaded with 2 cups of milk chocolate chips. Yes, they are ridiculously easy to make, and much better than any store bought cookie. Yes, I've ... continue reading...
2 Quick Dips for Game Time Grub
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GameTimeGrub #CollectiveBias Although the BIG GAME is now over, that doesn't mean sports season is over in my house. Matter of fact, it's pretty much game time all year rounds since we have boys that play baseball, football and basketball and we are fans of many sports. Even when there's no games on tv that we are particularly interested in, we have a lot of birthdays and more ... continue reading...
Pimento Queso Dip with Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I know some of you aren't sure what your plans are. Whether you are preparing for a romantic night in with your love or you want something to snack on while you're preparing for a night out together, this appetizer is perfection for date night. With heart shaped tortilla chips and a creamy, cheesy dip with a little kick to it, this appetizer is sure to please! The tortilla chips are baked so you don't feel as guilty dipping them into the cheesy ... continue reading...
14 Easy Chocolate Treats that are Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Disclosure: My “14 Chocolate Treats, Perfect for Valentine's Day” recipe collection is part of a sponsored opportunity by Foodie.com. I personally selected each recipe to be added to the collection. As always, all opinions are my own. Can you believe that Valentine's Day is already coming up? It's just about a week away, and while many people are preparing for this day by trying to figure out the best gift, the sparkliest jewelry and the prettiest flowers, I'm preparing the way I always do. ... continue reading...
2nd Annual Day of Light
"I need help." Sometimes those are the only words you need to say, but those exact words can be the most difficult words to utter. I'm no stranger to depression and mental illness. I grew up knowing all about it. Seeing the way it changed the moods of those that I loved. I saw it hold the people I loved hostage, and ravaged their thoughts and distorted their self perception, making them see someone completely different than the person others would see in them. I understand the emotional ... continue reading...
Baked Barbecue Chicken Taquitos
One thing I love about living in Northern California is that we can grill practically year round. I have to admit, there's times I'm envious of my friends that get to experience a white Christmas or actually see all four seasons. However, I remember our beautiful weather and how fortunate we are to go outside and grill during what is typically the coldest winter months, and I thank my lucky stars. No matter which team you were rooting for this past weekend, I think we can all agree that many ... continue reading...
5 Signs You Need a Coffee Break
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BackToBalance #CollectiveBias Can we chat for a sec? I don't know about you, but I'm the reigning queen of doing too much. I'll commit to a variety of projects, events and appointments without taking into consideration all of the other things I have going on. Because I'm usually overbooked and short on time, I'll put myself last and I won't take enough breaks to recharge my ... continue reading...
Blueberry Coconut Shortcakes
Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. I received a stipend to facilitate my purchase for my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. Can you guess what my favorite kind of berry is? I'll give you a hint, it's not that common one that's in or on everything. It's blueberries! Did the photo at the top give it away? Whether it's choosing yogurt flavors, or deciding which fruit to ... continue reading...
44 Quick & Healthy Meals for the New Year!
Disclosure: My “44 Quick & Healthy Meals for the New Year!” recipe collection is part of a sponsored opportunity by Foodie.com. I personally selected each recipe to be added to the collection. As always, all opinions are my own. Yes, it's that time of year. Most people make resolutions for health and change and as we all know January is the prime time that folks decide to make those changes in their lives. I know that personally, even without making resolutions, after the holiday season I ... continue reading...
It’s Morning… #OurProject52 Week 2
I never used to be a morning person. Ever since I was a child, way before my preteens, I preferred to stay up late. Even though I was an only child, and I never had a tv or a phone in my room, I still stayed up. I'd listen to my records, with the volume turned way down, or I'd escape my own reality and dive into the stacks of books I'd check out weekly from the public library. Often, I'd finish each of those books in one day, usually by staying up late. I remember school nights being so ... continue reading...
Who Am I? #OurProject52 Week 1
Even though I often have a camera in my hand, I rarely turn it onto myself. Sure, when my hair is done and my makeup is just right and I have my contact lenses in, I'm camera ready and able to take a photo with my husband, kids, a friend, or family. However, if you look through my photo stream on my phone or computer, you rarely see a photo of just me. In my 20's it was a different story. I was working, going out, having fun and always camera ready. I had a ton of self portraits (aka selfies) ... continue reading...
