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: , , , ,

Get Ready for Summer with Safety and CPR Classes

June 11, 2014 by

I am currently a participant in Sharp HealthCare’s blogger ambassador program. While Sharp HealthCare has provided me with samples, event opportunities and/or resources to serve as content for my blog posts, all opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-first-aid-heart-massage-cpr-practice-dummy-image32605504

Now that school is out and summer is upon us we’ll be enjoying more family time together. As the hustle and bustle of the school year comes to an end and the relaxing days of summer are before us, finding the time to check out safety and CPR classes may be a great way to start these warm, summer months.

Sharp HealthCare offers many safety classes that cover topics such as CPR, safety and first aid. We never know when we may be in a position to help someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency. If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or the relative who is often tasked with supervising the children while they play in the pool or at the beach, be sure to register for a class today. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

What They Don’t Tell You After Birth: Light Bladder Leakage

June 8, 2014 by

This post featuring light bladder leakage tips is sponsored by Poise. 

When I had my son there were so many different things friends and family tried to tell me. Their  tips, advice, and suggestions. But in all of those tips, advice, and suggestions they never told me about the things that happen… down there… after the baby is here.

 I don’t mean right after giving birth (although that could be a whole other post), I mean a few months later when you aren’t pregnant anymore and are heading out for your first run post-baby and all of a sudden you’re a mile away from home and have a little dribble of pee running down your legs.

No, seriously. This happens people! And it’s not fun!

new running shoes [Read more…]

Filed Under: Life, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Relax and Indulge at Spa Velia San Diego

June 6, 2014 by

Spa Velia San Diego

The past few weeks have been hectic. Travel, work, the kids, and everything in between. So when I was asked to check out Spa Velia San Diego and tour the beautiful new location on Harbor Drive, right across from the convention center, I knew it would be the perfect way to relax and enjoy some time to myself.

When I arrived I noticed just how close it was to the Convention Center and the trolley stopped right in front. I may or may not be taking advantage of it’s proximity during Comic Con while my husband waits in long lines for Hall H.

The spa was beautiful inside and out and the staff were lovely. I truly felt pampered from the moment I stepped in the door. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Reviews, San Diego, 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

DIY Pencil Holder

June 1, 2014 by
DIY Pencil Holder

Summer is right around the corner! And what does that mean? School is coming to an end for another year. Why not do something special for your child’s teacher this year and let your child create an awesome gift to give to them on the last day of school?

This pencil holder is not only easy to make but versatile as well. You can easily exchange the craft sticks for pencils, crayons, etc. Whatever you have extras of at home. And the holder doesn’t have to just be for pencils! You can even include a little treat or a gift card for your child’s special teacher.

While we were making this craft together my son worked on his colors, letters, and sorting! So not only was it fun to make, it was educational too! What teacher wouldn’t love to hear that? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, gifts, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

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: , , , , , ,

Hummus Without Tahini from Vegan Beans from Around the World

May 20, 2014 by

Hummus Without Tahini

For quite a while I have been on the hunt for the perfect vegetarian/vegan recipes to help change my family’s view of non-meat dishes. My husband seems to think that a meal isn’t a meal without meat.  So when I was asked to review Vegan Beans from Around the World by Kelsey Kinser I thought it’d be a great opportunity to try again and change the way my family thinks about mealtime.

I started small with a few appetizers and sides to test their limits. Then I went straight in and prepared some vegan dishes for dinnertime. And you know what? They ate it! And not only did they eat it… they enjoyed it.

While I haven’t quite convinced my husband that meat does not need to be in each meal, I have gotten him to open his eyes to new possibilities and new flavors thanks to the amazing recipes in this book.  [Read more…]

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


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