Grown Up Mac and Cheese with Bacon

July 23, 2014 by

Grown Up Mac and Cheese with Bacon

This adapted mac and cheese has been a favorite of mine since I first started making it back when I was pregnant with my son. It’s the ultimate comfort food and is something I know will always please a crowd.

With the addition of bacon, and the panko crust, this mac and cheese is taken from ordinary to extraordinary. But I really think that the secret ingredient is the pinch of nutmeg. It really does change the flavor for the better!

If you’re a huge fan of mac and cheese I highly suggest you try this grown up mac and cheese with bacon. It’s well worth it.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Dinner, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Delicious Summer BBQ Ideas

July 18, 2014 by

Summer BBQ Ideas - great additions to any summer bbq or party

Summer is here and that means it’s time to start cooking! The warm weather is perfect for inviting a few friends and family over for a laid-back BBQ cookout any day of the week.

I love how easy it is to BBQ. A good rub or marinade, some meat and veggies, and a hot grill! Plus there are so many great sides and treats to serve alongside the BBQ goodies.

Not sure what to throw on the grill? Try out these delicious ideas for your summer BBQ. Not only do we include what to grill, but we also share what to serve with your BBQ meal. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, Desserts, Dinner, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Strawberry Lemonade with a Twist Drink Recipe

July 15, 2014 by

This week I made my Sweet’N Low Strawberry Lemonade with a Twist drink recipe as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. #SweetNLowStars

Strawberry Lemonade with a Twist Drink Recipe #SweetNLowStars

Nothing says summer like a great refreshing beverage. And, in my opinion, it’s even better with a splash of alcohol. Especially when the new house doesn’t have a/c and I need something to cool me down quickly.

When we first looked at our new home I noticed the citrus trees in the back yard right away. At the time there was no fruit on the trees but two months have passed and the lemon tree is thriving!

As soon as I saw the gorgeous lemons on the tree I knew I wanted to make some homemade lemonade. Adding a twist made it even more perfect for summertime.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Drinks & Refreshments, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

21 Tasty Oreo Cookie Recipes

July 8, 2014 by

21 Tasty Oreo Cookie Recipes

Childhood memories of summer always involved Oreo cookies and an ice cold glass of milk on back porches after playing in the pool or running around with the neighborhood kids.  As a grown up I still crave Oreo cookies, but now I like a bit more sophisticated flare (although you’ll still catch me with a handful of oreos and a tall glass of milk some nights!).

Here are 21 Tasty Oreo Cookie Recipes that are perfect for kicking it up a notch and creating a new adult cookie memory.  With ideas great for kids parties, giving as yummy food gifts or sneaking as an adults only dessert after the kids go to bed, this list is perfect for any Oreo lover out there. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Desserts, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Great High Protein Snacks for After Workouts + A Carrot Tangerine Juice Recipe

July 3, 2014 by

This shop featuring great high protein snacks with #BarNutrition and a carrot tangerine juice recipe has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser.

Great High Protein Snacks for After Workouts + A Carrot Tangerine Juice Recipe

As someone who tries to stay active, I was thrilled when I learned that the house we were buying was right around the corner from the dreaded stairs. Before moving, these stairs were what I would run to with my teammates during our team challenge at the YMCA. We’d run a mile and a half to get to them, then do the stairs 8-10 times, then run a mile and a half back to the gym. Talk about a workout!

Now I’m about 1/4 of a mile away from the stairs and can walk or jog over whenever I need to get some cardio in. No need to drive to the gym!

When I’m done with the stairs and my knees are shaking and my legs are weak, I need something to pick me up and keep me going for the walk home. Luckily I have great high protein snacks in my back pocket to pull out and keep my body fueled.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Fitness, Health & Wellness, In the Kitchen, Snacks, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

June 26, 2014 by

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

In the summer I’m all about easy side dishes. Especially when barbecue season rolls around and we have an invitation to something every other weekend. This bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad is my go-to when I’m in a rush and need something quick. Plus it’s absolutely delicious!

If you’re looking for a great dish that has fantastic flavor (come on… bacon and cheddar!?) then this is the side dish for you. Make a double batch or stick with a single for just your family. But whatever you do don’t just sit down with the whole bowl and a fork. Because it will disappear fast! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Sharing A Morning With Friends and Coffee-Mate + a Healthy Berry Muffin Recipe

June 16, 2014 by

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop featuring Coffee-Mate and a healthy berry muffin recipe in support of #CMSalutingHeroes has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Healthy Berry Muffin Recipe

Living in San Diego, we’re surrounded by the men and women who serve our country in the military. When I was growing up, my step-father was in the Navy and now my Brother In Law is in the Coast Guard.

Both grandpas and an uncle served as well. So while military life isn’t my life, it’s been with me since I was small. Now that I have children of my own and run a playgroup, I’m constantly meeting the wives of men serving in the military (some who have served themselves).

One very special military wife, my friend Nadia, is someone I hold dear. Not only does she keep me sane but she’s someone I’d call a true friend. The dedication and support she shows for her husband as well as the great way she’s raising her kids both awes and inspires me to do more. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Baking, Breakfast, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Easy Summer Dinners: KRAFT Chopped Grilled Chicken Salad

June 13, 2014 by

This post brought to you by KRAFT Natural Shredded Cheese and Safeway. All opinions are 100% mine.

Easy Summer Dinners Kraft Chopped Grilled Chicken Salad

During these hot months the one thing I love are easy summer dinners. Meals that I can prep in advance and throw together in minutes for the whole family to enjoy as well as meals that are tasty and perfect for when we have company over.

We’re in the midst of moving right now but still want to have friends over so this weekend we kept things simple and made this delicious Chopped Grilled Chicken Salad. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Dinner, Drinks & Refreshments, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Easy Summer Recipes: Tomato Basil Bread with Bruschetta

June 4, 2014 by

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop featuring easy summer recipes that get #DinnerDone has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Tomato Basil Bread with Bruschetta

I don’t think there’s anything better than a house filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. It just takes me back to a warm safe zone where I’m comfortable and relaxed. Pair freshly baked bread with delicious dips and toppings and I’m pretty much set. Especially during the warm summer months.

I absolutely love to bake but one of my greatest fears for the longest time was using yeast in my baking. But one day I got up, put my big girl panties on, and started experimenting. And you know what? Baking with yeast wasn’t as hard as I thought. In fact it was kind of fun. Being able to form something with a handful of ingredients and watch it rise, fall, and rise again and then pull it out all golden brown and delicious is quite rewarding.

Now normally I’d head to the garden to grab some ripened tomatoes and fresh basil but my tomato plants are still green. So to make this recipe quick and easy I used delicious Hunt’s petite diced tomatoes. I love being able to stock up on tomatoes when I am not quite ready to pick my own. Luckily we still had plenty of fresh basil to grab!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Baking, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized

Bigelow Vanilla Chai Banana Bread: The Perfect Mommy Time Out Snack

May 21, 2014 by

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This #AmericasTeas shop featuring a vanilla chai banana bread recipe has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Bigelow Vanilla Chai Banana Bread The Perfect Mommy Time Out Snack

When the kids are asleep and the house is all quiet I feel like I finally have a little mommy time-out to relax, reset, and take a little time for myself after working and caring for the kids all day. Whether that time is spent sipping a cup of Bigelow vanilla chai tea or (if my husband is home) a walk around the neighborhood, I find essential to take advantage of this downtime.

Naptime has become my time over the past few years and I take full advantage of it. I take this time to prep dinner, get some laundry in, catch up on work, or make some goodies to enjoy after naptime. And sometimes? I even get to read. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve actually finished a book? It’s been a while.

As I recognize this opportunity for my own mommy time-out during naptime, I’ve been leaning more towards spending this time for myself instead of the endless list of chores and work that’ll be there after naptime.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Baking, Breakfast, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,


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