Fall Is Almost Here: Apple Ginger Screwdriver Recipe

This refreshing apple ginger screwdriver is the perfect drink to cool down at the beginning of fall when the crisp hasn’t quite reached the air. 

Apple Ginger Screwdriver

The kids are back in school, it’s almost the official start of fall, and mama’s happy for a few hours  of peace during naptime to get back to what she loves doing… creating! So in celebration I thought I would start first with a delicious cocktail for all of the other mamas (and dads) who might need to take a moment to themselves before, dare I say it, the holidays get closer. 

In this time between summer and the holidays, we love planning fun outings and get togethers and try and map out how the end of the year will be. And right now it’s almost time to start planning our annual apple picking trip! I cannot wait to make a list of all of the fun apple-filled recipes I want to try this year. I never know exactly what apples we’ll be picking so it’s fun to get some ideas for tart and sweet apple recipes.  Many which would go great with this delicious cocktail! 

Apple Ginger Screwdriver with apple garnish

Apple Ginger Screwdriver

  • 1.5 ounces Tito’s Vodka
  • 3 ounces Apple Ginger Juice
  • 1 Ripe Red Apple
  • Crushed Ice

In a cocktail shaker, add Tito’s vodka or a vodka of your choice, R.W. Knudsen Apple Ginger Juice and top with crushed ice.

Shake it, but don’t break it for 30 seconds.

Strain into a standard whiskey glass.

Garnish with an apple slice.

Serve and enjoy with friends.

Apple Ginger Screwdriver - a refreshing fall beverage

What are you most excited about for this time of year? 

Looking for more great drink ideas as we head into the holidays? Check out a few of our favorites: 

Spiked Apple Cider Drink Recipe - with spiced rum

Spiked Apple Cider

Spiced Citrus Sangria Pitcher

Spiced Citrus Sangria

Grown Up Hot Chocolate Drink Recipe for Girls Night

Grown Up Hot Chocolate

2-Ingredient Homemade Bubble Solution Plus Fun Bubble Activities

This 2-Ingredient Homemade Bubble Solution is the perfect thing to have on hand for a boredom buster! 

2-Ingredient Homemade Bubble Solution and other awesome ways to use bubbles!

My girls are obsessed with bubbles. Completely obsessed. Every day they head outside, grab the bubbles, fill up the bubble maker, turn it on, and dance around in the bubbles. Hearing the joy and squeals that come out of them as they play is the best. But when the bubbles run out, sadness hits. Hearing my little 18 month old asking for more “buh-bowls” is the cutest thing ever but she’s serious when she says she wants more. 

So the last time we ran out of bubble solution I decided to see if there was an easy recipe to make them at home. We tried a few out and changed some around but honestly this recipe below was the best homemade bubble solution that worked perfectly both with a wand and our bubble maker. The best part? Our girls can help make it with me! 

And it’s a lot less expensive than bubble solution. Unless we find bubble solution on clearance (PS… it’s on clearance now at Target!). 

2-Ingredient Homemade Bubble Solution

2-Ingredient Homemade Bubble Solution

  • 1/2 cup dish soap
  • 3 cups water

Add water to a container (preferably with a lid). Then slowly add in soap and stir gently. Try not to create too many suds while you incorporate the soap completely into the water. Use right away or place lid on bubble solution. 

2-Ingredient Homemade Bubble Solution - playing with bubbles

Other Fun Ways To Use Bubbles

Tips for Hosting A Playdate - bubbles and other activites

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: A History of Citizen Science at theNAT

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People exhibit Dragons Lair Couch

Last Saturday marked the grand opening of Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: A History of Citizen Science, a brand-new, permanent exhibition at theNAT. The kids and I were invited to check it out a bit early though so we headed over to the museum last Friday to take a peek. As soon as we walked in one kid went one while while the other headed the other way. And boy were they excited to find that not only were there cool items on display, there was also a little book nook upstairs just for them in the Dragon’s Den. 

Located in the new Eleanor and Jerome Navarra Special Collections Gallery, Extraordinary Ideas was developed from the ground up by the Museum’s exhibits staff. The exhibition features approximately 70 rare books, works of art, and photographs from the Research Library’s 56,000-volume collection that demonstrate how everyone can participate in science. Exhibits will also include plant and animal specimens, touchscreen interactives, and touchable models (perfect for little hands).

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People touch and see for kids

A Little History (of course)

TheNAT was founded in 1874 as the San Diego Society of Natural History by a small group of citizen scientists who had a passion for the natural world. They dedicated countless hours to documenting their observations of the flora and fauna in San Diego County. Extraordinary Ideas helps tell their stories by featuring exhibits that showcase works that resulted from their devotion to the natural world.

For example, Laurence Klauber, who is featured in the exhibition, is a locally known amateur naturalist who was the chairman and CEO of SDG&E, and in his off time focused on studying reptiles. In the field of herpetology, he left his mark as the world’s leading authority on rattlesnakes. Klauber donated 36,000 reptile and amphibian specimens to theNAT, including the most comprehensive collection of rattlesnakes in the world.

More To See

In addition to the main exhibition, there is an upper mezzanine featuring two smaller galleries. The first gallery showcases exquisite original watercolors of California wildflowers by renowned artist A.R. Valentien. The A.R. Valentien gallery will display approximately 10 paintings at one time from the 1,094 pieces the Museum has in its collection. The second gallery is named the Dragon’s Den and houses a fantasy book nook designed specifically for children with comfortable seating and antiquarian books depicting dragons and other mythical creatures.

“Very few people have seen the objects that are featured in Extraordinary Ideas and its accompanying galleries,” said Margaret “Margi” Dykens, curator of Extraordinary Ideas and longtime director of the Research Library at the San Diego Natural History Museum. “The objects and rare books on display, some dating back to the 1500s, convey the impact citizen science has had not only on our organization, but the world at large. It’s a great honor to be able to share these items with the public for the first time.”

A Stunning View

The exhibition is on Level 3 of the Museum, and the entryway is clearly marked by a dramatic pediment featuring a griffin, a mythical beast whose image is found in many early natural history encyclopedias. As visitors approach, they will notice larger-than-life natural history books, replicas of 10 books in the Museum’s collection. Once visitors enter the space, they are greeted by wallpaper murals of marbled end papers, a design detail included in many of the Museum’s rare books. To preserve the condition of the featured objects, each gallery is climate- and light-controlled.

Other exhibition highlights include:

  • An extremely rare copy of the gigantic Double Elephant Folio of John James Audubon’s Birds of America. The folio, one of only a few intact copies in existence, depicts life-size renditions of a wide variety of North America’s birds.
  • Gorgeous, oversized murals featuring illustrations from rare books, including a Reddish Egret from the aforementioned Birds of America as well as a stunning mural fromHistoria Naturalis Ranarum, a book from 1758 about the natural history of frogs.
  • Exhibits on naturalists—both past and present—featuring rare books alongside specimens from the Museum’s research collections, touchable objects, and multimedia experiences that allow deeper access to the works on display.
  • The top of the Foucault pendulum, which was installed in the 1950s and has been restored and adorned with a new, modern casing.
  • Exposed skylights and other stunning architectural elements from the original 1930s building.

Finding Inspiration 

“Early citizen scientists helped develop our understanding of the natural world, and today they broaden and amplify the work of professional scientists,” said Judy Gradwohl, president and CEO at the San Diego Natural History Museum. “Extraordinary Ideas allows us to show how amateur naturalists began our beloved institution and how they continue to provide vital support for our research projects. Our hope is that visitors will walk away knowing that their observations help make a difference in the world of science and, more specifically, the natural history of our region.”

Extraordinary Ideas will show visitors how they can contribute to the Museum’s research efforts by submitting information on various digital platforms, one such platform being theAmphibian and Reptile Atlas of Peninsular California, a binational effort to understand the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles from southern California and Baja California.

The Research Library’s resources that are not on view in the exhibition continue to remain available for research purposes. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit theNAT’s website or call 877.946.7797.

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People exhibit A.R. Valentin Mural

When was your last visit to theNAT? 

The Museum is located at 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 in Balboa Park. For more information, call 877.946.7797 or visit sdnat.org. Follow theNAT on Twitter and Instagram and join the discussion on Facebook.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Wine Pops

In need of girl time? Make these yummy chocolate dipped strawberry wine pops and invite a few friends over!

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Wine Pops

I’m sure I’ve said it before but girl time is pretty important to me. I used to host mom’s night ins here in my home with my playgroup and my friends, used to dedicate one Saturday a month to Bunco with the girls, and make various happy hour plans, etc. But lately I’ve let the girl time slack. However after a wonderful few days away – with girlfriends hosted by Kia – I am reminded of the importance of girl time. 

Now I need to plan for a girls night for real. So I can make these again. Because they were amazing. Especially when paired when a glass of wine. And some chocolate covered strawberries. Hey! All of the ingredients were already there…

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Wine Pops - the perfect summer treat

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Wine Pops

  • 1 1/2 cups strawberries
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup, homemade or store bought
  • 1 cup fruity red wine like Pinot Noir
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 8 oz. chocolate chips

Add the strawberries and simple syrup to a blender and purée until smooth.
Pour the strawberry purée into a pitcher. Add the wine, Pom juice, and balsamic vinegar (optional). Stir well.
Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.

Once Popsicles are frozen, you can prepare the chocolate for coating:
Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate over medium heat until smooth and shiny.
Dip each popsicle into the melted chocolate and lay on the cookie sheet to harden. (I found it easier to actually just spoon the chocolate over each pop).
Place back into the freezer for at least one hour before serving.

When’s the last time you enjoyed girl time? 

Pool Party Etiquette + A Simple Solution To Party Gifts

We’re sharing some tips on pool party etiquette and our simple solution to picking the perfect party gift with help from our partner Google Express. Also? You can score a free 6-month membership by using code FREETIME when signing up!  More savings at the bottom of this post including $15 off your first order.

Pool Party Etiquette plus A Simple Solution To Party Gifts

This past week was very busy. It was the first week the kids didn’t have camp and things were a bit… busy… in our home. Not only was I working from home while the kids tried to entertain themselves, but we are also preparing for vacation. 

And that means extra work, extra things on my to-do list (what items did we need for our trip?) and extra chores. You see, I hate leaving the house un-tidy when we leave for vacation. It’s just not fun to come back from being away and not having things perfect at home. Does that make sense?  Basically I had to do all.the.things in one week. 

Pool Party Etiquette - bring your own gear

So when we were invited to a pool party for my son’s friend that weekend, I wasn’t sure if I could do one more thing. But luckily with the help of Google Express, I was able to not only tackle my to-do list from my house, but I was also able to pick up pool supplies and a gift for my son’s friend all from the comforts of my home. And it was all delivered with time to spare. That means less running from one store to the next to the next and more spending time at home getting things ready here. 

Checking off things on my to-do list not only give me personal satisfaction but also free up time during my day so I can do fun things with the kids. Total win in my book! 

I just perused the site (and over 25+ stores) and added what I needed to my cart. Sunscreen, cell phone tripod, sea bands for the trip. A LEGO for my son’s friend’s gift. And cleaning supplies for the house. All within 15-20 minutes of looking for what I needed. That would have taken me a lot more time driving to a few different stores. In two days the items arrived at my doorstep and I was able to continue to go about checking off everything on my list before our trip. And next month when we need more sunscreen I know exactly where to go! 

Pool Party Etiquette - watch your kids Pool Party Etiquette - plan other activities

Pool Party Etiquette

1. Bring Your Own Towel

And goggles, and floaties, and change of clothes, and… you get what I mean. Don’t expect the host to provide anything you might need at the party. I also find that it’s helpful to bring a wet bag to put the wet clothes in after the kids get out of the pool and dry off. 

2. Make Sure To Designate Supervision

For me, personally, if my kids are in the pool, so am I. While my son is a strong swimmer, my daughter still lacks the confidence to swim for a long period of time without me close by. Even if I’m not right there in the pool, I’m on the side of the pool with bathing suit on just in case. If you’re dropping your child off at a pool party, don’t feel weird asking the host how many parents will be watching the kids and if the parents will be in the pool. 

3. Go Over Pool Rules

Before you leave the house, remember to go over the pool rules with the kids so they’re up on pool safety and what’s to be expected of them. Make sure they understand who’s in charge, what is ok and not ok, and what to do if they need something. I find that the kids actually remember the rules when I go over them a few times. 

4. Remember Sunscreen

It may be obvious but for our family we stock up on sunscreen like it’s going out of style. And then we buy more. Because even when wearing sunscreen I will burn. So I am that parent who will re-apply my kid’s sunscreen every 1-2 hours. I’m also the parent that has extra for the kids who forgot their sunscreen. It’s an important part of the pool party equation. 

5. Have Fun!

Whether it’s fun in the pool or out, the key to any good party is to have fun. And that means SAFE fun. Plan a few activities for the kids to do outside of the pool so that when they’re done playing in the water, they have a safe activity to participate in. 

Pool Party Etiquette - water balloons

Great Gift Ideas with Google Express

With over 25 stores to choose from, you can find everything from pool toys from Target, to LEGO sets from Toys R Us , to books from Barnes and Noble. And don’t get me started on the awesome Costco finds I was perusing! There are so many great gift ideas all in one place. 

Plus, you get same-day, overnight or 2-day delivery from these stores with Google Express. It’s your everyday, delivered. We’re at Target or Costco at least once or twice a week so the fact that we can shop at these stores all in one place, add items to our cart, choose when we want delivery from each store, and check out using Google Payments makes everything so much easier. One place, not 10.  

With a Google Express membership, you can get fast and free delivery on eligible orders. For non-members, delivery starts at $4.99 per store for eligible orders which is definitely reasonable for what you’re getting. 

Google Express delivered to your door

 Want to check out Google Express yourself? Sign up for a FREE 6 month membership by using code FREETIME. Just click on the Try It Free button after following the link. Then you can shop and use BJK8N924Z at checkout for $15 off first purchase. You will need to sign up first with code FREETIME before you can use the $15 off referral code. 

Once you’ve enjoyed the freedom Google Express brings, post a comment or photo of your Saturday on social media with the #MyNewSaturday and #GoogleExpress hashtags to share how you’re spending your newfound free time!

How will you spend your free time this summer?

Give $15, Get $15: Offer may end at any time/valid until 08/31/2016 while your account is active. Limited to Google Express accounts that received the offer from Google. Each valid referral gets you a $15 courtesy credit when the new users you referred place their first order using your referral code. Alcohol, gift cards, membership costs, and shipping & service fees excluded. Credits you give are subject to these terms. Credits you get are subject to these terms.*

2 Ingredient Silly Putty

This post featuring how to make 2 Ingredient Silly Putty was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

2 Ingredient Silly Putty - a quick and easy activity for kids

All summer the kids and I have been finding fun ways to stay busy together. Whether they’re messy crafts, DIY jewelry or other projects, or taking road trips to fun new places. So when my daughter came to me this morning and asked if we could do something together before the baby and her brother woke up, I knew I had to get a little creative and make it happen. 

With ingredients we found around the house, we experimented a bit in finding a way to make 2 ingredient silly putty right in our back yard. And we cleaned everything up afterwards with the WaterWipes I purchased at Babies R Us a few weeks ago. We were able to do this fun craft in less than 15 minutes and she’s still playing with the silly putty now! So fun. 

2-Ingredient Silly Putty supplies

2 Ingredient Silly Putty

What you need: 

  • 1 part corn starch
  • 1 part dish soap 
  • measuring cup
  • mixing container 
  • spoon
  • WaterWipes

What you’ll do: 

1. Add equal parts dish soap and corn starch to mixing container. Start with 1 cup of each. 

2-Ingredient Silly Putty stirring ingredients together

2. Stir ingredients together until combined. Add corn starch if more structure is needed.

2-Ingredient Silly Putty - playing with silly putty

3. Play with your silly putty!

2-Ingredient Silly Putty - playing with silly putty

2 Ingredient Baby Wipes

Just like this silly putty, WaterWipes contains only two ingredients, 99.9% pure Irish water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract. It’s also chemical free which is a huge plus in a baby wipe. 

And it’s durability? Well lets just say that it can withstand my 18 month old, 5 year old, and 7 year old! Not just for wiping during diaper changes but after messy projects like this one as well! It’s definitely a safer, natural option for our kids.

2-Ingredient Silly Putty clean up with Water Wipes

How do you deal with messy situations? 

Water Wipes at Babies R Us
You can find Water Wipes right by the diapers in your local Babies R Us store! They come in this convenient 60 count size that I keep in the diaper bag, next to the changing table, or near the craft area. 

Making Friends In Your Thirties: The Hard Truth No One Told Me About

Making Friends In Your Thirties The Hard Truth No One Told Me About

I’ve always been somewhat outgoing. I’ve always been able to easily strike up a conversation or find something I could relate to the other person. My my has stories of me making friends with other kids on the McDonalds playground or just about anywhere else we went. As I went through school and into my 20s, I had no problems finding friends and people to hang out with. But I didn’t realize how different it’d be once I hit thirty. 

The biggest thing, I think, was the realization that it’s SO much harder to find a solid tribe as you get older. 

One thing I’ve learned, after the many friendships I’ve held, is that I have become more selective in who I bring into my tribe. Sure I have a lot of acquaintances but there are few I let into my life. And even though I’m more selective, I’ve found that the friendships I make are stronger and easier. On a recent trip I was invited on courtesy of Kia, I was able to strengthen some of those friendships I hold dearest to me. The unexpected ones. 

Making Friends In Your Thirties - girl time

I packed my new luggage up with cute outfits and a band t-shirt – Sublime of course – and headed down to the Hardrock Hotel San Diego to spend a few days with Kia and a few girlfriends – old and new. Now I thought I was just heading down to learn more about Kia and their brand, but what I also learned was how important I hold these relationships I’ve forged online. And how much girl time really means when you work full time and care for kids full time. Those two days saved my sanity when I needed it most. 

KiaSanDiego-309

Even though we hardly ever see each other in person – sometimes only every few years – each time we meet up it’s as if we’ve never been apart. I don’t have to censor myself, I don’t have to think about what I’m going to say next. Because these friends I’ve formed bonds with get me. They get my world. 

Finding friendship in my thirties has been hard but it’s also been the most rewarding.

So as I headed out to tour my dear city in a Kia Sedona with friend and fellow blogger, Heather Reese, I got to enjoy the smooth ride, adaptive cruise control, and heightened visibility while we talked about everything from our childhoods to our futures. We were able to simply relax and be ourselves even when we were sharing in a brand experience. Because that’s Kia. Down to earth, easy, and fun. Not to mention very, very comfortable. I may or may not have seen myself as a converted minivan mom. Can’t wait to see how the carseats fit in the back! 

Making Friends In Your Thirties - Kia bringing us together

Making Friends In Your Thirties - new adventures

Making Friends In Your Thirties - Horton Plaza Park

When we arrived back to the hotel after driving around and experiencing a bit of everything San Diego has to offer – from sea to mountains to desert – we spent a little more time with Kia. We enjoyed the Harman Kardon sound system as we rocked out and watched the talent that was around us. Live band karaoke and amazing videos created by the influencers as they cruised around in the various Kia vehicles available to us to test drive. 

If there’s one thing that can bring friends together, it’s music. We belted out tunes together and enjoyed the talent of those around us who took to the mic. I may or may not have also stepped up on stage. After, we were able to chat more into the night and simply enjoy time together as friends. And it was exactly what I needed. 

I know how important it is to carve out time for friendships. To continue growing those friendships and focusing on the good people around me. While I don’t have as many friends as I once did in my teens and twenties, I know that the friendships I do have are stronger than ever. And I’m already planning my next girls night…

Making Friends In Your Thirties - firsts in singing karaoke

Have you found it difficult to make friends as you get older? What are the changes you’ve seen? 

While at The New Kia event we were introduced to two new vehicles from Kia to hit the market soon. The new Kia Niro and Kia Cadenza. The Kia Niro is a hybrid utility vehicle – the first of it’s kind and the first Kia to be built from the ground up as a hybrid. We cannot wait to test drive it once it hit’s the market. This is exactly what my husband’s been looking for! 

KiaSanDiego-413

Thanks again to Kia for inviting me to The New Kia event! 

Exploring Santa Fe With Kids: Meow Wolf

explore santa fe meow wolf

A few weeks ago our family set out on their first summer adventure. We hit the road in a Kia Sorrento that Kia so graciously lent us and traveled across two states to arrive at our destination – Santa Fe, New Mexico – for a few days. I was there for a conference and the family came along for the adventure. 

While there, we wanted to find fun, new things for the kids to explore so the first thing we did was spark up a conversation with a few parents we ran into and asked what they did with their kids for fun. And while we got some great suggestions for various things to do around town, the one suggestion that was the same from everyone was to visit Meow Wolf. 

Meow Wolf? What could that possibly be? Well let me tell you. If you are anywhere around Santa Fe, you NEED to check out this exhibit. It is absolutely amazing. And the perfect experience for adults and children alike. 

explore santa fe meow wolf house of eternal return

explore santa fe meow wolf house

Meow Wolf: The House Of Eternal Return Exhibit

When we first stepped inside The House Of Eternal Return exhibit at Meow Wolf all we saw was what appeared to be the yard of a large house. There was a mailbox, a porch, and we entered into the front door. Inside we walked around the house and saw the various rooms inside. Kitchen, dining room, living room downstairs, and bedrooms upstairs. 

After exploring each room downstairs, we headed up to the bedrooms. And from within the bedrooms we found our way into what appeared to be a different dimension. We walked around the exhibit allowing the kids to lead. Around every bend was another crazy, amazing room after another filled with various sites and sounds.

explore santa fe meow wolf kitchen explore santa fe meow wolf fridge opened

What was most enjoyable about Meow Wolf was the hands on feel. Our kids could explore this exhibit with every sense and really experience each new finding. We didn’t have to worry about standing back and watching, or keeping our voices quiet. Although the sites we explored did leave the kids quiet as they busily walked (and ran) around to find the next new thing. 

About Meow Wolf

With the help of George R.R. Martin, who recently purchased a vacant former bowling alley, Meow Wolf has converted the building into a multi-use Art Complex. The Meow Wolf Art Complex stands as a beacon of creativity and community in Santa Fe’s emerging Midtown Innovation District, welcoming locals and tourists alike to take part in fun, enriching art experiences, workshops, and community activities.

The building is home to the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Creative Maker Studio hosted by Make Santa Fe, The David Loughridge Learning Center inhabited by Meow Wolf’s non-profit educational outreach program Chimera, and the 20,000 square foot interactive art experience “House of Eternal Return.”

explore santa fe meow wolf statue

What Else To Do At Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf does not just house The House of Eternal Return exhibit. You can also participate hands-on in some of the artist’s projects in the Maker Studio as well as various workshops held. But make sure to check out the website before visiting so you can sign up in advance for the workshops you or your kids are most interested in. 

When we visited, after exploring the exhibit, we headed to the Learning Center where, after a small donation, the kids could paint, build, and create various pieces of artwork. They were able to meet other children and have a bit more fun before we returned to our hotel. If we had thought about it ahead of time we would have looked into the workshops they also held to sign the kids up. But that’ll be for next time…

explore santa fe meow wolf treehouse lights explore santa fe meow wolf plasma plex

If you’re in Santa Fe and haven’t been to Meow Wolf, go! 

Give yourself about 2 hours to explore (maybe a little longer if you want to spend some time in the Learning Center). Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under, and $16 for seniors (cheaper for New Mexico residents). You can purchase tickets online in advance here

And make sure to bring your camera! 

Have you been to New Mexico with kids? What was your favorite part? 

Looking for a new family car? Check out the Kia Sorrento. Roomy, smart, and so comfortable. 

My family of 5 was able to get 3 carseats in the back (2 Britax Frontiers forward facing and 1 Diono Radian rear facing) and while it was a tight squeeze, it worked. There’s an option for a third row for larger families or those who don’t want 3 carseats across. Our favorite features? USB plug ins + 110 volt power inverter to keep all of our tech charged and ready to go, advanced smart cruise control, and superb navigation! 

Thanks again to Kia for loaning us a Kia Sorrento for our family road trip. Stay tuned for more adventure updates from our trip! 

Kia Sorrento In New Mexico

Instant Pot Recipes: Individual Crustless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake

Instant Pot Low Carb Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake

Sometimes you just need a good dessert to fall back on. Even if you decided to go low carb and kick sugar. And especially if it can be made in the appliance you purchased on Prime Day on a whim because it has been in your cart for so long you forgot why you wanted it and it was finally on sale. 

Yup, I was like the thousands of others who purchased an (get ready for an affiliate link…) Instant Pot on Prime Day. And I also made this recipe three times to perfect this crustless peanut butter chocolate cheesecake in an effort to have an awesome alternative for dessert when my family baked their Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chip cookies they keep in the freezer for random “cravings” in the evenings. 

Dude. This recipe? Is now my go-to whenever we’re heading to a birthday party, family get together, or on a Sunday night when I watch the kids and husband down cookies. Because while I’m not a huge cheesecake fan, it’s just enough peanut butter chocolatey goodness that I forget I’m watching my carbs and really feel like I’m indulging. 

Now less talking and more sharing recipes…

I’m sharing this one on my dedicated low carb site. You can just click right here to grab it in it’s entirety! Including directions on how to cook it in the Instant Pot. 

Crustless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Individual Crustless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake bite

Low Carb Fish Tacos + a Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Lettuce Wrapped Mahi Mahi Tacos with Low Carb Tartar Sauce

It is summer and I just do not feel like cooking big, heavy meals. So when I grabbed a box of salmon fillets from Costco a few weeks ago, I was dying to try them out. The fillets go in the oven (boo) but cook really quickly and what you can do with them afterwards is even better! 

We had been just serving the fillets with some veggies or over a salad but I decided to get a little creative and create some mock fish tacos that fit my low carb lifestyle. I’ve been low carb since the beginning of June (actually started last year but that lost steam around the holidays). With my new lifestyle, I also started a blog because… why not? It’s a local blog that covers local restaurants and how to eat low carb around San Diego but it’s also going to be chocked full of the LCHF recipes I try out. Like this lettuce wrapped mahi mahi taco with low carb tartar sauce. 

I’ll make sure to share a snippet and photos of my recipes here with a link over to the full recipe on each post so you can stay in the loop! And if you’re living a low carb lifestyle already, I’d love to hear your go-to food ideas! 

Grab the full recipe here: 

LETTUCE WRAPPED MAHI MAHI TACOS WITH LOW CARB TARTAR SAUCE

Lettuce Wrapped Salmon Tacos - delicious low carb dinner



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