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: , , ,

Teaching Kids and Growing Food at Suzie’s Farm

July 16, 2014 by

Suzie's Farm San Diego

A few weeks ago my family and I were invited to check out Suzie’s Farm. I had seen their stands at our local farmer’s market and loved their produce but didn’t realize just how local they were until we drove out to check them out.

Just a little south from us, nestled in, was Suzie’s Farm all laid out and ready for the kids to enjoy. The first thing they found was an awesome tree swing that I couldn’t get them off of. Right then I knew they’d have a blast.

And a blast they had! From learning about all of the crops they had planted this season, looking at the leaves and growing conditions, as well as checking out the fun chickens, my kids were in heaven.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: San Diego, 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: , , , , ,

Date Night Out at Cafe 21 San Diego

July 9, 2014 by

Cafe 21 San Diego - Gaslamp

My husband and I are very serious about date night. We make sure to get out, just the two of us, at least once a month and have even invested in theater tickets for the next season at Broadway San Diego to ensure that we have a standing date night for most months of the year.

So when we were invited to try out Cafe 21 San Diego just blocks away from the San Diego Civic Theater I knew we needed to try it out! We’re always on the hunt for fabulous restaurants around the downtown area and have heard amazing things about Cafe 21.

As soon as we walked in we felt a warm and inviting presence. The decor was clean and creative and definitely fit the food and the staff. We also noticed some purse trees next to the tables to help keep the ladies purses off the ground and the back of their seats.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Date Night, Parenting, Restaurants, San Diego, 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: , , ,

Road Trip with Kids Survival Tips

July 7, 2014 by

These road trip with kids survival tips featuring Capri Sun is part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. #CapriSunMomFactor

Road Trip with Kids Survival Tips #CapriSunMomFactor

A road trip with kids sound like good ideas when you’re planning it. The trip even feels like good ideas as you’re making your way to your destination. And when you finally get there – in our case it was 8 hours one day and 12 hours the next – you think, this isn’t that bad!

But then it’s time to head back home. And this is when road trips with kids get hard. I had to pull out all of my tricks for that last two days driving back from our trip and was so excited to finally be home.

Luckily this road trip was totally worth it for the whole family because we all got to meet the newest additions to our extended family; My sister’s new baby girl and my brother’s new twins. Plus the kids got to play with their cousins and had a blast doing so!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

My Makeup Bag: Switching to a Natural Makeup Routine

July 5, 2014 by

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Whole Foods Market La Jolla.

My Makeup Bag - Switching to a Natural Makeup Routine

Since having kids I’ve switched up most of our lifestyle to include natural alternatives to the chemical-filled products we used to use. I’ve switched to natural cleaners in the house and in the laundry room, purchase local organic produce and foods, and am now starting to switch to a natural makeup routine.

I am really not sure why I didn’t tackle my makeup bag sooner but after a trip to Whole Foods La Jolla for their Body Care Event I was able to learn about what to look for in great natural beauty care. I even learned that some of my favorite natural products I was already using in other areas of the home could be great for beauty care as well! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Beauty & Fashion, eco-friendly, Nails & Makeup, 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: , , , , , ,

Knotts Berry Farm Camp Snoopy Celebrating 30 Years

July 1, 2014 by

Knotts Berry Farm Camp Snoopy Celebrating 30 Years

This past Saturday I took my family up to Knott’s Berry Farm for the first time ever. We were invited up to check out the recently revamped Camp Snoopy and Calico Mine Ride.

My husband and kids have never been to Knott’s Berry Farm and it’s been ages since I’ve gone so it was quite a treat for us all. And boy did they have a great time!

Knotts Berry Farm Camp Snoopy is celebrating their 30th birthday this year and in addition to some of the fun rides they already have, they’ve also added a few additional rides to the mix.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,


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