Food, Family, and Lifestyle
There are two February Holidays that really matter: Valentine’s Day and National Margarita Day. Guess which one is my favorite? Thanks to this Leukemia issue, I missed out on celebrating National Tequila Margarita Day last year, and will again this year since I am preparing for the stem cell transplant, however, I will enjoy the…
8 Iced Refreshing Summer Sangria Recipes to cool you down!
Since Labor day was yesterday, I am ready to allow all things Autumn, Fall, and Pumpkin into my life and home. The kids even want to start decorating the house today so in honor of this time of year in New England (55 this am but will be 90 this afternoon), here is the Ultimate Pumpkin/Pumpkin…
This morning, my daughter and I were out weeding the garden and discussing what to make with the truckload of basil that we have found ourselves with again. I was also daydreaming about a date night with my hubby when I glanced back at the basil and decided it needed to be muddled with some…
Seeing that it is hot outside and I adore coffee (and if you didn’t know that you must be a first-time visitor), I whipped this baby together on a whim and can’t stop smiling. I also made a decaf frozen coffee milk for the kids. If you live in Rhode Island, you know that all…
I teased you about the white chocolate powder by Designer Whey and now am sharing the recipe. Sounds to die for right? well it is so make it now friends! Please go see all of the amazing recipes using their protein powders including the new to me White Chocolate. Yum! Disclosure: FitFluential LLC compensated me…
I have mentioned a few times now that I am working on a ‘secret’ project and trust me, it will be revealed very soon, but in the meantime yesterday was a tough one. My project partner and I had major technology problems, I somehow lost a photo we needed for said project and my friend’s…
Back in March, I was hired to create some smoothie recipes for the Designer Whey protein powder company. I wanted to create some super yummy, fun and creative protein shakes/smoothies that they would be proud to publish on their recipe page and you would enjoy too! Please go see all of the amazing recipes using…
I was skipping (ok, walking) through Stop & Shop on Saturday morning and was asking the produce stock person if they had any Kale in back as there was none out front. She commented they did not however, they now had organic baby kale for sale. I squelched, I mean, asked her to show…
You may be aware that March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. I don’t know about you but I am more of a savory rather than a sweets person, which means I crave salty rather than sugary foods (not that I never crave a brownie or sliced of cake). I poked around this blog to…
Expand your wrap aka sandwich repertoire with these 13 healthy wrap recipes. Seriously, who doesn’t love a wrap? If you don’t, then simply make these recipes using bread. These recipes are so balanced and healthy that they are basically a meal in themselves. I am presenting to you a variety of wraps from the well…
A few years ago, I was first exposed to fried pickles. Since then, three out of the four members of this family have ordered fried pickles whenever we see them on a menu. Since I had a craving the other day, I decided to finally make my own version. I choose to use pickles spears rather…
9 Creative Back To School Lunch Box Ideas that you pack at home, including a recipe for Quinoa Meatball Sliders
You folks who hang out here regularly know that we plant a garden each spring, and that it brings us much joy. This year we decided to add dwarf eggplants, San Marzano tomatoes, and purple basil to the mix.
I have divulged my childhood stories of homemade spaghetti and cheese. I have shared many slow cooker recipes. Everyone knows that broccoli and cheese are a delight, therefore, I present the combo of the three in this recipe. Thank me now, and later.
I heard you. I posted the Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Collection on Saturday, and soon after some of you sent me some messages. “But what if I don’t like traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage?”, “I am not so sure I am a cabbage fan. What else could I try?”. “Any other ideas…
Happy New Year 2017! For a fun New year’s Eve dessert, I made a poke cake with a whipped topping. I don’t know about you all, but I was sipping on the bubbly last night. In fact, the bubbly was flowing for the adults, and the kids (in the form of sparkling cider). Normally, if I am short…
It is officially Summer 2016. It is also officially crazy herb growing season in our garden (you do recall the annual garden of the past right?). We may have an abundance of herbs, but like you, we do not have an abundance of time, or patience, for making lengthy dinner recipes in the heat. Therefore, I present the…
Mother’s Day 2023 was a perfect weather day. It was sunny and 70 degrees with a light breeze. You could wear pants, shorts, sleeveless top with a light cardigan or a hoodie and be comfortable. A perfect day to walk in the park, sit outside and read a book or even walk on the beach….
Over the past few weeks, I have been fortunate enough to be able to watch my daughter at Tennis practice and competing in games. Before I head out each afternoon, I pack us a bag with food and water as I get hungry mid-afternoon, and she is always hungry after expending so much energy in…
Pasta e Ceci aka Pasta with Chickpeas is more than an Italian classic. I have enjoyed it at Portuguese family events as well as at picnics and cookouts. Since pasta is a staple in many homes, I want to share this very quick and easy recipe with you. You can easily toss some chicken into the…
You already know that salads can be good for you. You already know that you should eat them more often. You already know it would make your doctor, and your Mom happy.
I heard you. I posted the Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Collection on Saturday, and soon after some of you sent me some messages. “But what if I don’t like traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage?”, “I am not so sure I am a cabbage fan. What else could I try?”. “Any other ideas…
Tweens are an odd bunch aren’t they? Stuck between a youngster wanting to cuddle with mama, and a raging ball of teenage angst, that thinks your e.v.e.r.y. move is embarrassing and unnecessary? They also talk funny. Speaking of funny, cruciferous is a funny word. I picked up a bag of cruciferous salad at Trader Joes’…
Okay folks, I figured if I made a spring vegetable inspired dish, that it would help melt the 18,937 inches of snow that we had accumulated. In fact, while I was making this dish, the kids were home from school while 12 inches of snow fell – there was supposed to be 3 inches. *Ahem,…
To be honest with you, I should call this ‘kitchen sink couscous’. I made some Isreali Couscous with no real plans on what to do with it, so while it was cooking, I opened the fridge and began grabbing. I had a bit of feta, a few grape tomatoes, 1/2 can or so of chickpeas…
By now you probably have your Thanksgiving menu planned but after you shake off the tryptophan, you will then be faced with the fridge full of leftovers. Therefore, I turned to the blogosphere for some fun leftovers recipes with a twist. First up, Turkey recipes! First up, with the gorgeous photo above, is the Waffled…
How do you make banana cream pie? Ever since I was young, I have loved banana cream pie. In fact, I would choose banana cream pie over chocolate cake any day. The biggest issue I had with the banana cream pies people made when I was a child is that they put nuts in the…
Honestly, who doesn’t begin to salivate when they smell banana bread? It is one of those scents that gives off homey vibes and exudes warmth. Since I am an avid fan but do not make it frequently, I decided to find another way to enjoy banana bread without the baking hence, the banana bread protein…
Is Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend really worth obsessing over? Is air necessary for life? I first grabbed a bottle in January and we went through it faster than you can say ‘Pass the seasoning’. I then went back and Trader Joe’s to graab some more bottles but the shelves were bare, therefore,…
I have shared that I have finally began playing with my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, and have already learned more about how I like to use it most. I have learned that I, so far, I have not been impressed with using it for soups, unless maybe one containing dried beans, as the Instant Pot…
What can you mix with Quinoa? One of my son’s favorite products at our local Aldi, is a quinoa brown rice mixture. Most of the time, we enjoy it as a simple side dish however, I have been using it in this breakfast bowl that I have been enjoying. You could create this breakfast bowl…
When you work at home, you can easily get in a ‘grab whatever you see’ rut. I ‘accidentally’ decided to break that rut. I grabbed some hummus but found we were out of carrots. I grabbed some salsa but found we were out of chips. I grabbed some ricotta but saw we were out of pasta, and sauce.
Happy almost New Year’s! I know we will have a solid 24 hours left in 2016, but I felt I had to share this recipe with you now so you can start baking stat. If you don’t want to use Champagne (call it Sparkling Wine so the French don’t chase you down), you can use sparkling…
Since Labor day was yesterday, I am ready to allow all things Autumn, Fall, and Pumpkin into my life and home. The kids even want to start decorating the house today so in honor of this time of year in New England (55 this am but will be 90 this afternoon), here is the Ultimate Pumpkin/Pumpkin…
By now you probably have your Thanksgiving menu planned but after you shake off the tryptophan, you will then be faced with the fridge full of leftovers. Therefore, I turned to the blogosphere for some fun leftovers recipes with a twist. First up, Turkey recipes! First up, with the gorgeous photo above, is the Waffled…
Easy, Healthy Vegetable Recipe Ideas that will make you, dare I say, crave more vegetables in your daily diet.
How do you make banana cream pie? Ever since I was young, I have loved banana cream pie. In fact, I would choose banana cream pie over chocolate cake any day. The biggest issue I had with the banana cream pies people made when I was a child is that they put nuts in the…
Honestly, who doesn’t begin to salivate when they smell banana bread? It is one of those scents that gives off homey vibes and exudes warmth. Since I am an avid fan but do not make it frequently, I decided to find another way to enjoy banana bread without the baking hence, the banana bread protein…
You are probably thinking that Loaded Baked Potato-style Herbed Cauliflower Turmeric Soup is a long title. It may well be a long title but I needed all the words to properly describe this Loaded Baked Potato-style Herbed Cauliflower Turmeric Soup. Cauliflower soup to the rescue The recipe was first created during my 6 week stint…
Over the past few weeks, I have been fortunate enough to be able to watch my daughter at Tennis practice and competing in games. Before I head out each afternoon, I pack us a bag with food and water as I get hungry mid-afternoon, and she is always hungry after expending so much energy in…
Is Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend really worth obsessing over? Is air necessary for life? I first grabbed a bottle in January and we went through it faster than you can say ‘Pass the seasoning’. I then went back and Trader Joe’s to graab some more bottles but the shelves were bare, therefore,…
You may be aware that March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. I don’t know about you but I am more of a savory rather than a sweets person, which means I crave salty rather than sugary foods (not that I never crave a brownie or sliced of cake). I poked around this blog to…
Not many of us think about having Kale and Spinach Potato Soup for breakfast, but that is exactly what I did. I have been making, and freezing, many soup recipes so that I have some healthy choices at hand to bring to, and enjoy after my stay at the hospital. While I was packing up…
Raise your hand if you want any, or all, the following: A one pan meal? An easy recipe? A quick to table recipe? A healthy recipe? Wow, that is a lot of hands in the air. Seeing that I am spending time preparing to head to the hospital for a month, and spending so much…
I have shared that I have finally began playing with my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, and have already learned more about how I like to use it most. I have learned that I, so far, I have not been impressed with using it for soups, unless maybe one containing dried beans, as the Instant Pot…
Two and a half years ago, I received an Instant Pot for Christmas. For two and a half years, it had collected dust. When I first opened my gift, I dutifully washed it, read about performing the initial steam test, and then the flashbacks began. I thought about my Grandma’s pressure cooker: it would bounce…
Expand your wrap aka sandwich repertoire with these 13 healthy wrap recipes. Seriously, who doesn’t love a wrap? If you don’t, then simply make these recipes using bread. These recipes are so balanced and healthy that they are basically a meal in themselves. I am presenting to you a variety of wraps from the well…
I heard you. I posted the Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe Collection on Saturday, and soon after some of you sent me some messages. “But what if I don’t like traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage?”, “I am not so sure I am a cabbage fan. What else could I try?”. “Any other ideas…
Do I have any Corned Beef and Cabbage fans out there? I sure hope so because I just scoured the yummy Irish corner of the internet to gather you a tasty collection of classic Corned Beef and Cabbage recipes – from a Shortcut to a Classic to Slow-Cooker, I bet these recipes will make you want…
In case you did not get the memo, yesterday was carb-loading day. While I was carb-loading my belly, I was also carb-loading my brain by searching Pinterest for all sorts of Lasagna loveliness. I hope I haven’t confused you. No, I am not training for a marathon. I am not on any formal training plan. Unless you call…
Wow, just the title is a mouthful. Speaking of mouthfuls, you can fit a few of these mini-meatballs in your mouth. And you will want to because they are good. And fun. Like tasty, cute and fun. Cause they are small. Kids are small too. And cute. But don’t nibble on them.
We made the bacon lasagna recipe below to welcome our new neighbors. We packed it up in a nice casserole dish along with heat pack, to welcome them to the neighborhood (gosh, I hope they return our dish). It is important to our family that our neighbors feel welcome and part of the family and really…
I know what you are thinking: What am I going to do with all this leftover roast beef? That’s not what you are thinking? How about what am I going to do with this extra pork, chicken, turkey? (You can adapt this recipe to use any protein really.) When my husband said he was going to…
You may be aware that March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. I don’t know about you but I am more of a savory rather than a sweets person, which means I crave salty rather than sugary foods (not that I never crave a brownie or sliced of cake). I poked around this blog to…
I decided to give it a try via the whole foods/elimination route, and commit to the Whole30 diet. Seeing how it has been almost three weeks since I started, I asked some fellow food bloggers for some Whole30 recipes ideas. Why am I doing this? Soon after I completed my chemotherapy treatment for Acute Myeloid…
I have shared that I have finally began playing with my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, and have already learned more about how I like to use it most. I have learned that I, so far, I have not been impressed with using it for soups, unless maybe one containing dried beans, as the Instant Pot…
Two and a half years ago, I received an Instant Pot for Christmas. For two and a half years, it had collected dust. When I first opened my gift, I dutifully washed it, read about performing the initial steam test, and then the flashbacks began. I thought about my Grandma’s pressure cooker: it would bounce…
Expand your wrap aka sandwich repertoire with these 13 healthy wrap recipes. Seriously, who doesn’t love a wrap? If you don’t, then simply make these recipes using bread. These recipes are so balanced and healthy that they are basically a meal in themselves. I am presenting to you a variety of wraps from the well…
There are two new cookbooks on the market, ‘Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen’ and ‘Easy Keto Dinners’, written by my blogging friend Carolyn Ketchum of All day I Dream About Food. Whether your family eats a low-carb or ketogenic diet is irrelevant, because these two books are chock full of yummy, approachable recipes that will not make you…
In case you did not get the memo, yesterday was carb-loading day. While I was carb-loading my belly, I was also carb-loading my brain by searching Pinterest for all sorts of Lasagna loveliness. I hope I haven’t confused you. No, I am not training for a marathon. I am not on any formal training plan. Unless you call…
This weekend we have family coming to celebrate New Year’s with us. My cousin and I are going to tackle the Instant Pot. We plan to first experiment with making soup. Why soup? I want to give them something comforting and warm after their travels. I have been looking around Pinterest and am thinking of trying one…
Lately, our weekly dinner plans include having ‘Taco Bar Tuesday’, and this week I decided that this quick and easy weeknight meal needing to be taken up a notch. I mean, how many times can you put out ground beef, lettuce, salsa, beans, guacamole and cheese onto a tortilla? No more than four times I…
Raise your hand if you want any, or all, the following: A one pan meal? An easy recipe? A quick to table recipe? A healthy recipe? Wow, that is a lot of hands in the air. Seeing that I am spending time preparing to head to the hospital for a month, and spending so much…
Expand your wrap aka sandwich repertoire with these 13 healthy wrap recipes. Seriously, who doesn’t love a wrap? If you don’t, then simply make these recipes using bread. These recipes are so balanced and healthy that they are basically a meal in themselves. I am presenting to you a variety of wraps from the well…
It is officially Summer 2016. It is also officially crazy herb growing season in our garden (you do recall the annual garden of the past right?). We may have an abundance of herbs, but like you, we do not have an abundance of time, or patience, for making lengthy dinner recipes in the heat. Therefore, I present the…
I have shared healthy recipes and tips for a few years now but healthy eating is only one part of the game. I think it is time to give a few more suggestions about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle before we get to this ridiculously fabulous Quinoa Crusted Salmon Burger Recipe with Creamy Sriracha Dill…
My husband has always been able to whip together a quick, easy, and fabulous meal with very little forethought. This recipe came about by him boiling some pasta, and sauteing some shrimp with olive oil and a fabulous Italian salad dressing. Throw some fresh herbs on top and you are done. Just imagine how easy it…
There is a new cookbook, from the Cooking Light team called Dinnertime Survival Guide, that I have been excited to get my hands on. It was described as a reliable family handbook to help get dinner on any family’s table in an easy, efficient and healthy way and they certainly delivered! Components in this book that I…
*This post is sponsored by Udi’s Gluten Free Foods* For those who are Gluten-Free, either by choice or necessity, you may have found yourself wondering ‘Where do I go from here?’ or ‘Where do I start?’ when you first began on your journey. With this in mind, I decided to toss the following question out…
On New Year’s Eve, we had some friends over and asked everyone to bring a savory dish to share. This recipe was a huge winner and is so easy and adaptable. If you want it to be Vegan as well, simply omit the shrimp. Happy New Year 2014! Looks like someone has a resolution to…
Continuing on my lazy busy-day recipes that I made while company was visiting this week, comes this 2-minute to prepare Herbs de Provence Salmon Recipe. This is a perfect weekday recipe because all you do is simply mix in some dried Herbs de Provence with some mustard, slap smear it onto the Salmon and pop…
This time of year rolls around every spring: time to make the Rice Krispie Treats Recipes! I have had three Rice Krispie Treats Recipes on my blog for years, but decided you might want some more ideas, so I present fifteen of them for you! First up, gluten free cake batter krispies: Nutella rice krispies…
I had a dream come true last week. My friend Rebecca came to visit me all the way from Germany! There are the so many things we did in the week she visited, that I have so much to share, but first up, is the story about us making homemade marshmallows. While I was working…
I have shared that I have finally began playing with my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, and have already learned more about how I like to use it most. I have learned that I, so far, I have not been impressed with using it for soups, unless maybe one containing dried beans, as the Instant Pot…
I promised I would share more about our trip to Magnolia Silos because one post was simply not enough! I already told you, and showed you, how magical it is at Magnolia Silos & Bakery, but now you get to see even more pictures. First up, more of the amazing interior of the Magnolia Silos. Kitchen…
Happy almost New Year’s! I know we will have a solid 24 hours left in 2016, but I felt I had to share this recipe with you now so you can start baking stat. If you don’t want to use Champagne (call it Sparkling Wine so the French don’t chase you down), you can use sparkling…
A few weeks back, I was invited to attend the opening of a gourmet pastry shop, Cake by Frank, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. I was looking forward to seeing some of my blogging friends, and tasting some delectable creations by world-renown pastry Chef Franck Iglesias. As luck would have it, the family schedule was…
Since Labor day was yesterday, I am ready to allow all things Autumn, Fall, and Pumpkin into my life and home. The kids even want to start decorating the house today so in honor of this time of year in New England (55 this am but will be 90 this afternoon), here is the Ultimate Pumpkin/Pumpkin…
Wow, Wednesday night’s #GiveDeerCheer Twitter party with Dancing Deer Baking Co. was fun and sweet. Now when I say sweet, I do not mean sweet because of the Dancing Deer baked goods – although they are delicious – but because of all the memory sharing and reminiscing that we did. In case you missed it…
The Thanksgiving countdown is on and once the clean-up begins, you will be wondering what to do with all the leftover mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Don’t panic because I have some fun ideas for you! And if you have no idea what to do with all the Turkey, no worries cause I have you…