Comfy At Home with Plush Necessities Robes

Now, more than ever, is a great time to Treat Yo Self! These Plush Necessities Robes are out of this world amazing. Great for men and women, these would also make a delightful Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts. They are roomy, ultra-soft, and washed up great. Absolute LUXURY, in your own home. I have never owned a robe THIS nice, and now I get to appreciate some of the finer things in life. YAY!

Things have been so crazy lately, that when Plush Necessities sent me two robes, and I slipped them on, the worries actually melted away…thank you SO much!!!!

Last month, we spent a little time at our friends’ cabin in the woods and had such a great time! The robe made our time there EVEN better! Just look at how relaxing that fireplace makes things…

I have honestly taken a little step back from the crazy business of life, blogging, and travel, and have been focusing more time on doing meaningful things at home than I ever have before. I have been aiming to make a few more considered meals compared to quick bites for dinner, incorporating more local ingredients thank in years past. Luckily, too, foraging for local morels, wildflowers, hiking, and getting on the lake a bit have been extremely good therapy.

Also, I have been doing deep cleaning and organization of all my clothing, craft, and sewing supplies, as well as helped clean up our yard a bit. It’s sometimes hard though, with the current situation at hand to be able to push aside the thoughts of worry and uncertainty for the future, and focus on these sorts of things. Perhaps they are just distractions…but productive distractions to say the least.

I was trying to honestly hoping to avoid mentioning the stay at home / shelter in place / pandemic on my blog at all, perhaps in hopes of it just “going away”. Our society has really had to adjust to a major change in lifestyle, and people are all handling the social distancing thing in their own ways, making me wonder how we will all have adjusted and how these changes will stick to our social interactions from here on out, even after the COVID is “over”.

We can’t even go to bars and restaurants like we used to. We can’t have friends and family over for dinners or parties, or go to others’ homes to do the same. It’s been rough. We never really went out to eat or drink THAT regularly, since I believe the best food and drinks around here come from our home here in southern Ilinois.

BUT, with no live music to attend, and with the Makanda Mushroom Fest postponed until late September, I have to now re-focus energy back on myself, on mental health, and relaxing. None of which I have ever been THAT good at. I love focusing energy on making others happy and making life beautiful for others, and that in turn makes ME happy.

So, this is the moment to TREAT YO SELF, and I am loving this new way of thinking. Little special treats like this robe and a few delicious recipes, and some delish beer are getting me through…

Now, instead of going out to a live show, I can even more appreciate a night at home, watching a movie, enjoying a delicious beverage…

Our friends did such an incredible job with the remodel on their rental cabin, and soon, it will be available to rent again! It’s such a retreat in the woods, but not too far from town. Such a relaxing oasis.

Find Plush Necessities Online, on Facebook, and on Instagram!

Peanut Bar Recipe

These peanut bars are by far everyone’s favorite treat I have ever created.

With such simple ingredients and work involved in these, they are even great if you’re looking for a quick and easy treat. I made these to help spread the word when the Dumbo movie premiered. Such an honor!

INGREDIENTS

• cooking spray

• 1 (16 ounce) jar dry-roasted peanuts, divided

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (12 ounce) package peanut butter chips

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 cups miniature marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Spray the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Spread 1/2 of the peanuts into the prepared baking dish.

3. Cook and stir sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter chips, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted, about 5 minutes. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth. Pour mixture over peanuts and top with remaining peanuts.

4. Refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 2 hours. Cut into bars. Enjoy!

Cranberry Juice For A Better Life

This post is sponsored by Ocean Spray® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

This year, health became more of a focus for me. I have always lived a pretty healthy and active lifestyle, but this year, when we upgraded our kayak, it got us outside, getting fit, and overall appreciating the benefits of treating our bodies better than ever. 

I am always looking for new things to incorporate into my mission of living a healthy lifestyle. This year, I was able to spend so much time outside doing fun activities like hiking and boating, and now that the weather is a bit chillier, I tend to do more activities inside like yoga and light weights.

Ocean Spray® Pure Cranberry Juice has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and is Non-GMO. This is a big incentive for me to purchase this juice over others, because I love to find new ways better myself through what I am drinking!

You can get Ocean Spray® Pure Cranberry Juice at Target, Walmart or Kroger. I got my juice at Kroger, in the juice aisle, near the other 100% juices. It’s towards the very beginning of the aisle. The juice is 100% pure cranberry juice, and there’s NO added sugar. The only sugar in this juice is 9g per serving, which occurs naturally in the cranberries themselves. This is an excellent option compared to traditional juices that may contain 23g of sugar or more.

Cranberries have been referred to as a superfood, and they are known for their high levels of nutrients and antioxidants. Each bottle of Ocean Spray(R) Pure Cranberry juice is made from the juice of 850+ cranberries.

Throughout this post, I will share some of the simple ways I adapted to a healthier lifestyle, share the health benefits and nutritional information of cranberries, and share how you can easily incorporate cranberries into a more health conscious lifestyle. Plant based wellness is such an easy way to take our health into our own hands and help our bodies prosper any way possible!

MY HEALTH JOURNEY

Years ago, I decided to completely give up fast food and most convenience foods. By eliminating fried foods and gave up drinking soft drinks almost completely. That one was so difficult, but once you don’t give into certain temptations like excessive sugar, then your body does begin to crave it less and less. By finding alternative ways to indulge in those sugar cravings is so always have bananas, apples, and oranges on hand. And, feel free to of course keep a bit of chocolate around, but I recommend getting a bag of dark chocolate chips and eating a small handful of them, instead of keeping bags of processed candies around.

Also, through food photography, I was able to start learning more about eating plant based foods, incorporating new ingredients into my meals, and to consider what I ate and drank SO much more than ever. In addition to that new kayak we got this year, which allowed us to get outside, get fresh air, and get more active, we have been on an upward slope to being overall in better health. Cranberries are so fun to cook and bake with as well, and their all natural color makes for some gorgeous food.

CRANBERRIES FOR A BETTER LIFE

The Ocean Spray website has a lot of great recipe ideas, and some of them include smoothies and a variety of Cranberry Mocktails like these. The holidays are a fun time to try new drinks and ingredients, so here are some ideas. 

Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail

Muddle ice and mint leaves in glass, then add all other ingredients. Enjoy this refreshing drink.

1 C. Gingerale

1 C. Ocean Spray® Pure Cranberry Juice

¼ Lime wedge

2 Mint leaves

1/4 C. Cranberries to garnish drink

Ice

Cranberry Martini Mocktail

Pour all ingredients over ice together, garnish with fresh cranberries.

·    4 tbsp of Ocean Spray(R) Pure Cranberry Juice

·    1/2 Can Cranberry sparkling water

·    4 tbsp of freshly squeezed orange juice

·    1 tsp lemon juice

·    Cranberry and mint for garnish

·       2 Cups crushed ice

It’s so easy to incorporate cranberry juice into your life, making your journey towards health even more rewarding and achievable!

Vegan Game Day Appetizers with Gardein

Super excited for #FootballSeason with @gardein! Here is a delicious #vegetarian #football #party #appetizer that will please fans. These #plantbased Gardein Meatless Meatballs are great baked in the oven, then finished off in your favorite sauce in a skillet in the oven. They also have a range of other products like chicken fingers and chicken strips which we have thoroughly enjoyed all season long.

The brand was so kind to send me an assortment of their meatless appetizers

#GardeinGameDay #IC #appetizer #meatlessmonday #footballparty #recipe #heresmyfood #meatless

CBDMEDIC + Me ~ Outdoor Adventures in Southern Illinois

This post is sponsored by CBDMEDIC but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Experience a new revolution in pain relief! CBDMEDIC is a topical ointment in stick form that is applied directly to the skin to relieve sore muscles. I love being able to choose a safe, effective, and powerful pain relief - allowing me to Play Harder & Live Better!

I visited CVS to grab the stick. I found it across from the pharmacy, in a nice CBD featured endcap. I loved getting to know the range of CBDMEDIC products.

CBDMEDIC - a CBD-infused topical for fast pain relief. Topicals generally do not enter the bloodstream, and they do not have to pass through the metabolic system before producing the effect. This aids in temporary pain relief. This would be great to keep in your travel bag too, since the lid fits nice and securely.

This incredible rub-on CBD-infused stick relieves sore muscles through other active ingredients like camphor, menthol, and clove oil. Many other natural oils and ingredients are utilized.

About the product, from the brand. "Our Active Sport™ Deep Muscle Rub and Solid Sport Stick provide advanced pain relief while continuously delivering our proprietary formulation that increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation. Active Sport™ products can be applied before, during, and after workouts, so they work when you are ready for them. From strains and sore muscles to joint distress and muscle pulls, our Active Sport™ line can offer highly effective relief and get you back in the game"!

Play harder & Live better!

With all the fun outdoor activities we do here in southern Illinois, it takes a toll. Sore muscles are no joke, and while I try to stretch or fight through the pain, sometimes I definitely need something. This lotion was really nice, and easy to apply since it’s in a twist-up applicator.

We are so fortunate to have such immense natural beauty here in southern Illinois. We have lived here for about 13+ years, and we used to hike and camp all the time. We loved it, but the heat would keep us inside more and more. It gets extremely hot and humid here, and there is rarely a cool breeze to greet us.

We recently headed to a friend’s cabin and I tried Stand Up Paddling (SUP). While I have kayaked and paddled quite a bit recently, I have never gotten the chance to SUP. It was great.

As I mentioned, we have kayaked a lot lately. Last Fall, we got a two person kayak, and learned that the best way to actually enjoy summer here is on the water. Paddling can definitely hurt my arms and shoulders, almost making my body feel tight. It’s always nice to know that I have been exercising and working those muscles, and this CBDMEDIC offers fast relief, and then you can go on with your day.

If you would like to learn more about CBDMEDIC, visit them on social media, or their website, here!

3-Ingredient Meal- Unique End of Summer Recipe With Hatfield

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FALLInLoveWithHatfield, #MakeEasyMoreInteresting #simplyhatfield #CollectiveBias

We recently headed to Schnuck’s Market here in Carbondale to shop for our Hatfield® Dry Rubbed Marinated Tenderloin, as well as the grocery items on the list. Luckily, this meal only took 3 main ingredients, so shopping was fast and easy.

Hatfield has amazing products, ranging from dry rub seasoned tenderloins to slow-cooker-ready pork roasts.

TIME SAVING TIP

Since the pork tenderloin is already marinated, your prep and cooking time is reduced by HOURS! Oh my goodness, the aroma of the Tuscan Herb seasonings made the house smell incredible…our mouths were watering after just a few minutes :)

MORE TO LOVE ABOUT HATFIELD

Cook and serve

Simple

Full of Flavor

Makes dinner less about the hard work of cooking, and more about time spent with family.

#1 Marinated Tenderloin in the Northeast is the Hatfield Tuscan Herb Tenderloin

Hatfield offers a HUGE variety of products and selections in their Marinated line. From Tuscan Herb to Texas Smokehouse, so many flavor profiles are covered, that most anyone would find one they loved.

• Hatfield® Marinated Pork Tenderloin

• Hatfield® Marinated Pork Loin Filets

• Hatfield® Marinated Pork Roasts

• Hatfield® Marinated Pork Chops

• Hatfield® Marinated Pork Ribs

HOW TO MAKE THIS 3-INGREDIENT MEAL

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Package (18.4 oz.) - Hatfield® Dry Rubbed Marinated Tenderloin

• 1 medium-sized summer squash

• 1-2 packages asparagus

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED:

• Olive Oil

• 3 skillets (at least 1 needs to have a lid for the pork tenderloin)

• seasoning (I used Italian seasoning)

• Salt

• Any other seasonings you like, such as garlic

• Cooking utensils

• Tongs for cooking tenderloin, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Hatfield® Marinated Pork Tenderloin

1.) Remove packaging, and heat skillet to medium heat, with 2TBSP or so of olive oil.

2.) Once the skillet is hot, use optional tongs to place tenderloin onto heated skillet. This will begin to help you build a nice sear on the outsides while cooking the insides as well. Place lid onto pan/skillet, check after 2-3 minutes to ensure no sticking). No need to season the tenderloin, since Hatfield has already done the hard job of marinating the pork for you. This saves hours, luckily.

3.) After 3-4 minutes of cooking, carefully use an oven mitt and pair of tongs and flip the tenderloin to the other side. Replace lid and cook for 4-5 more minutes, moving tenderloin around in skillet if needed, to avoid burning or sticking to the skillet too much.

4.) Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes (or even a bit longer), rotating and flipping the tenderloin every couple of minutes. Make sure meat has cooked to an internal temperature of about 180 degrees F. The meat was extremely tender and cooked SO WELL!

Squash

1.) Heat second skillet and add 1-2 TBSP olive oil.

2.) Carefully slice squash and once skillet is hot, add squash to skillet. Sautee about 3 minutes on one side, use tong to flip slices, and cook on other side for 2-3 more minutes, until tender.

Asparagus

1.) Cut bottom 2-3 inches off asparagus stalks.

2.) Cook in hot skillet with olive oil, salt, and garlic, enjoy.

I would definitely recommend keeping a few of these Hatfield Marinated products on hand. Cook one for dinner, have it as leftovers the next few days, and keep 2-3 other Hatfield products in the freezer. They only take a half a day to thaw, so they would be amazing when you need a fulfilling dinner without any fuss.

The other protein that I was considering featuring was the Hatfield® Marinated Pork Roast. It looks incredible, but the preferred cooking method was a crock pot. I would definitely like to keep one on hand for another time.

MEAL PREPPING IDEA

This dish would be super easy to make ahead for lunch or dinner the next day. Simply use clear containers to store the meal, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

I also really love what Hatfield is doing across their social media channels. In fact, they featured my kebabs recipe recently, it was such a nice surprise! Get the full recipe here.

CHECK OUT HATFIELD ON INSTAGRAM HERE!

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM HERE!

Simple and Delicious Make Ahead Meal Idea with Laura’s Lean

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I was asked by Carusele to participate in the #LaurasLean campaign, sponsored by Laura’s Lean. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.

This simple and delicious meal idea is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Since all of the ingredients are creatively displayed on the plate, each person can create their very own version of their meal. This is food that actually makes you feel great after eating it, exactly what food should be!

I think this would also be fun to serve to guests, for the very same reason, everyone has such different tastes and preferences.

I have been a fan of Laura’s Lean for a couple of years now. Since I shop at Kroger, and I am always drawn to higher-quality, learner ground beef, Laura’s Lean has been a go-to of mine ever since I first tried it. Our local Kroger was remodeled recently, and I tend to prefer their selection and prices way better than anywhere else in town. I always recommend upgrading your beef selection when possible – you definitely deserve the best. When you chose Laura’s Lean, you’re choosing the balance of taste and nutrition for you and your family.

Learn Where To Buy Laura’s Lean Near You!

Keep reading to get the full details on this lean recipe and learn how easy it is to make this yummy meal.

This dish would be so great as a make-ahead option too, since most of the ingredients can be stored overnight and bought to work or school the next day. I stored each of the leftover ingredients in individual containers, and created a whole extra meal the next day. 

PERFECT FOR …

 WORK LUNCHES

BACK TO SCHOOL

 BUSY FAMILIES

 …and anyone who loves an easy, simple, delicious meal that takes under 30 minutes to prepare and enjoy!

Learn more about LEAN BEGINNINGS here.

Find Laura’s Lean Ground Beef or Ground Beef Patties at Kroger nationwide.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 3-4):

1 (16 oz.) package of Laura’s Lean Beef

1/2 – 1 cup chopped onion

2-3 cloves garlic – chopped or minced

2-3 TBSP olive oil

3-4 TBSP Taco Seasoning (or more if you prefer)

2 cups shredded cheddar

Lettuce - chopped, tomatoes - diced, sour cream, and any other toppings you prefer.

Tortillas – optional – omit if low carb is preferred.

Salt

1-2 limes

We really loved being able to use home grown tomatoes, right from our garden!

Laura’s Lean is so great – it’s so lean and has a taste that’s better than anything else on the market.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Chop onions and garlic into tiny pieces, set aside. In a medium to large skillet, add 1-2 TBSP olive oil, and turn heat to medium. Add chopped onions and garlic, and season with a small sprinkle of the taco seasoning. Cook until tender.

2.) Once veggies are sautéed, add Laura’s Lean Ground Beef, and begin to cook. Season with 3-4 tsp salt + 2-3 more TBSP of the taco seasoning, and more if you prefer. Cook until brown. Season with fresh lime juice if you would like.

3.) If you do see any excess grease after your beef has cooked, feel free to strain it in a colander in the sink. Once drained, add beef back to skillet and get ready to prepare your plates.

4.) On each plate, add Laura’s Lean ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, cheese, and any other toppings you like! Serve with warmed tortillas, and enjoy.

Hatfield® Marinated Summer Grilling ~ Fresh Local Veggie Kabob Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerItUpWithHatfield #GrillingWithHatfield #CollectiveBias

You know those memorable summer meals that make the summer all that much better? Those meals the you and your friends and family talk about all year? Well I believe this is going to be one of those. I was floored with the flavors that the dry rub marinade on the Hatfield® Marinated Pork contained and I am already looking forward to leftovers. I was also able to source peppers from my local farmer’s market!!

Basically, I used the flavors in the Hatfield dry rub marinade to inspire the flavors throughout the entire meal!

Since this pork tenderloin was already marinated, I hardly had to do any prep work. Generally I like to let any of my ingredients marinate for at least several hours, and the pre-seasoned tenderloin made this meal so easy to prep and create. From their dry rub seasoned tenderloins to their slow-cooker-ready pork roasts, delicious fresh pork makes dinner less about the cooking and more about the family and friends around you. Send them home with leftovers - they’ll thank you!

WHERE TO FIND…

I found my products at my local Schnucks (and at the farmer’s market) and in other parts of the country, you can find them at these retailers: ACME, ShopRite, Giant Carlisle, Stop N Shop, Giant Landover, Supervalu, and Giant Eagle.

VARIETIES INCLUDE:

Hatfield® Marinated Pork Tenderloin

Hatfield® Marinated Pork Loin Filets

Hatfield® Marinated Pork Roasts

Hatfield® Marinated Pork Chops

Hatfield® Marinated Pork Ribs

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INGREDIENTS:

1 Hatfield Marinated Pork Tenderloin

4 Bell Peppers - Cut into 1.5” squares

1 Container Of Pearl Onions - Skins removed

1/4 lb. Mini Potatoes

1/3 c. Italian dressing

Skewer Sticks

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Cut peppers into 1.5” squares, and arrange them onto skewer sticks. Set aside on a sheet pan, drizzle lightly with Italian dressing.

2.) Add mini pearl onions to skewer sticks, and set on same sheet pan.

3.) Add mini potatoes to skewers. If some are too large, simply cut them smaller.

4.) Lastly - to make the pork skewers, remove Hatfield® Marinated Pork onto a cutting board and discard wrapper. Next, cut lengthwise down the entire tenderloin, then cut one more time lengthwise on each side. Next, cut cube shaped pieces and add 5-6 pieces per skewer. Set these pork skewers aside onto a different pan from the veggies.

5.) Time to grill. Spray grill with non-stick spray. Add skewers to grill. Flip skewers with tongs after 4-5 minutes. Always cook pork thoroughly. Enjoy!

FULL OF FLAVOR - JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER!

CONNECT WITH HATFIELD ON SOCIAL:

TAG THE BRAND WITH: #SummerItUpWithHatfield #SimplyHatfield #GrillingWithHatfield 

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HatfieldQualityMeats/

• Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/hatfieldmeats/

• Twitter https://twitter.com/HatfieldMeats

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hatfieldmeats/

Consider incorporating Hatfield marinated ingredients into your summer recipes and taste the delicious and simple difference that makes Hatfield AMAZINGLY great!

Biodegradable is NOT Debatable!

Biodegradable is NOT debatable! I wanted to share a quick post with you today, sharing one of our latest projects with Organic Initiative.

Consider using 100% pure organic cotton Oi Regular Tampons (which are free of synthetics, plastics, chlorine bleaching, perfumes and chemical dyes. Everything which should be avoided anyway! 

Here are some important tips and FAQ’s that I found on the OI website, here!

At Oi we pride ourselves on giving you all the information you need to make informed choices about what you put into your body. Therefore we have answered some of the questions you may have regarding your health and environmental concerns below.

What are Oi products made from?

Oi tampons, pads and liners are made from certified organic cotton. Oi wrappers are made from bioplastic, meaning they are made from plant starches. Our boxes are recyclable and our inks are made from vegetable dyes.

All Oi products are free from chlorine, synthetics such as rayon and polypropylene, chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and lubricants, they are also biodegradable.

Oi products are sourced from sound ecologically managed producers and cruelty-free.

Where is the cotton sourced from?

Our cotton comes from a range of GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified farms including the USA, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

How do you ensure production is in line with your environmental policy?

Every year, billions of plastic laden menstrual pads and tampons are disposed of and the majority of conventional pads are made from crude oil plastic which pollutes our fragile ecosystems.

Plastic waste from menstrual pads and tampons is often found littering our beaches causing disease and compromising public health. Plastics tangle marine animals, killing or injuring either by suffocation, strangulation, drowning or by the reduction of movement and thereby hampering the animal’s ability to feed.

All Oi products are BioGro certified, New Zealand's leading organisation.

By choosing Oi, you are saying no to the use of crude oil plastics.

What are other non-organic tampons and pads made from?

Most menstrual pads, liners and tampons contain synthetics.

These are made up of plastics such as polythene, polypropylene and polyacrylate super absorbent gel, surfactants and chlorine-bleached wood pulp - as well as fragrance and colours.

Tampons are commonly made from chlorine bleached rayon or a combination of conventionally grown cotton, one the most highly sprayed crops on earth and rayon.

Chlorine bleaching practises produce dioxin as a by-product - a substance linked to health issues such as cancer, endometriosis and immune system compromise. By choosing Oi you are saying No to the use of synthetics and chemicals in your tampons and pads.

Why is organic cotton better?

Many women experience vaginal itching, irritation, soreness and discharge.

Just as we are recommended cotton underwear because it is soft, pure and breathable Oi recommends all women choose 100% certified organic cotton tampons and pads.

How does natural cotton compare with organic cotton?

“Natural” cotton commonly refers to the fact there are no synthetics and plastics added to the natural fiber after the plant is harvested.

However this does not mean that the cotton is chemical free. Conventional cotton is sprayed extensively with pesticides and other dangerous chemicals.

Non-organic cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, using more than 25% of the world’s total insecticides. Organic cotton is made from non-genetically modified plant which is grown without use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers or pesticides.

Is organic cotton just as reliable as synthetic products?

Yes.

I’m thinking of switching to Oi but I’m worried that the products won’t work as well as the ones I’ve been using.

Yes. You can trust that Oi products are convenient, comfortable, safe and reliable.

Where are Oi products made ?

Oi is a New Zealand owned company. Our products are made in Europe and adhere to the strict guidelines set out by GOTS (Global organic textile standard) BioGro (New Zealand’s organic certifier and the FDA (Food and drug administration) from farm to you.

What certification standards do Oi products have?

All Oi products carry the highest certifications.

These include GOTS (Global organic textile standard) and BioGro (the leading voice in organics for New Zealand and the Pacific).

What about Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a certification for products produced in developing countries that do not have industrial labour laws. Our products are manufactured in first world, developed countries (Europe) that have fair labour laws and working conditions.

What about GMO?

Organic standards prohibit the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) so you can rest assured that all our products are 100% GMO free.

Walmart has a great selection of all sorts of products from Organic Initiative!

#changeyourworldthismonth  #jointherevolution  #careforyourworld #EcoFriendly

Incorporate these 100% organic cotton, Eco-friendly goods into your days, months, and life!

Tips for Actually Relaxing on Vacation

This post has been sponsored by Canada Dry®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let’s be honest, traveling can be pretty stressful. But, if you go into a vacation or adventure with a well-thought-out plan, a realistic outlook, and something refreshing to drink, it’s so much easier to sit back and actually relax and enjoy your time away!

During our recent vacation to the Florida Keys, we took a sunny day to relax and picnic near the ocean. We bought along a DELICIOUS new flavor from Canada Dry called Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade, which we found at Kroger as we were getting ready to make the 24-hour drive to the Keys. This destination is worth every single mile! 

This new Canada Dry flavor is perfect to enjoy in Florida, the sunshine state known for its oranges; this drink delivers a flavor that is light and refreshing, with a hint of ginger and 1% real orange juice! 

I loved lying at the beach and simply staring out into the ocean. The tropical breezes make the palm trees wave ever so slightly with no cares in the world. We always pack a cooler full of ice and refreshments when we are adventuring around on our vacations. Staying hydrated is key in being able to stay focused, relaxed, and feeling fresh.

I see the stress that looms over those traveling and taking so much time, effort, and money on what they thought was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, only to find that the crowds, traffic, and overpriced everything are just too much!

I am often asked how I stay so positive while traveling, and I am so happy to be able to share tips on making sure you get the most out of your vacation throughout this post. It is a dream of mine to one day create a blog dedicated fully to travel and lifestyle, so stay tuned! Who knows what dreams might just come true! 

PLAN A RELAXING SCHEDULE

The day we shot this post, we headed to a cute little park that we had all to ourselves for the morning! Talk about relaxing…I left feeling incredibly refreshed and ready to handle the day…the month…and even the year ahead. A bit of fresh air and sunshine can really do wonders for helping one relax.

Making sure everyone has something cold and refreshing to drink really makes a huge difference. I know that when I am parched, I just can't think of anything but getting a sip of something cold. How about you?

Here, we treated a couple of our closest family members to some tasty refreshments as they enjoyed a relaxing sunset by the water. They said it was some of the tastiest Ginger Ale they had ever had and were so happy we shared! We filled glasses with ice, poured the Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade into the glasses, then garnished them with slices of mini oranges. What a tropical treat! Plus, the house we stayed at while in Florida had tons of gorgeous hibiscus bushes, and other pretty tropical flowers which really complemented the delicious taste of the Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade.

We love taking vacations with family. We all get a chance to bond and relax, which all of us need very badly since we all work SO hard throughout the year.

STAY COMFORTABLE / PACK ACCORDINGLY 

If your goal is to recharge, there is no use in completely doing way more than you would normally be capable of. Sure, it’s fun to challenge yourself and make the most of every day while on vacation but this also means giving your mind and body a little bit more time to rest than usual. You may not even realize that walking a city’s downtown area could add 5+ extra miles to your daily adventures!

Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, and be prepared for a variety of environments. This will help you stay at the top of your game. You may even find that in cities where walking is a huge part of peoples’ daily commute, you may find shoe stores and boutiques that carry incredibly comfortable and stylish items! Never pack shoes or clothing that are the least bit uncomfortable because you likely won’t even wear them while traveling.

Another part of staying comfortable is being prepared with enough refreshments and snacks. You never know when you will get that perfect chance to catch an amazing meal so rather than being stressed by packing improperly, get things organized ahead of time so you're all happy and you can take as much time to relax as possible.

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH

Plan a relaxing schedule. It allows you a bit of wiggle room if places are not as expected. This way, if the itinerary isn’t planned out minute by minute, your whole day isn’t ruined if a detour arises!

Sometimes, the best and most relaxing days come from spur of the moment stops we have taken—whether it is just to get out and stretch our legs or is something a local told us about. 

I also love using the maps app on my phone to look up reviews, photos, and honest opinions of not only restaurants and bars but also state parks, venues, and even places off the beaten path.  

Also, if you search locations via Instagram’s geo tags, you can find out about a place days, months, or even years in advance! And, you get a look at what the locals are doing as well as those who are visiting.

UNPLUG AND LEAVE WORK BEHIND

 As we all know, unplugging from technology and work can be extremely peaceful and reduce stress. This is something I always have trouble doing since I work in social media. It’s part of my job to keep my phone or laptop by my side, whether it’s to check emails from clients or shoot photos for projects. And since I don’t have a traditional work schedule, work literally never ends. This means that I have to put forth extra effort to leave the phone in the other room so that I can enjoy the precious time we have in any given place.

Of course, technology while traveling can also help reduce stress. Set aside some time each morning or evening. If you do not already have a plan for the day ahead, jot down a list of ideas and look them up to see if it’s worth the time and effort.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND + A REALISTIC OUTLOOK

I always recommend keeping an open mind and realizing that travel can be stressful, so going with the flow in a new location or situation is sometimes the best way to fully enjoy your time.

Never pressure yourself to relax. If the situation is bothering you, do a little change of scenery, realize that you’re on vacation, and have a little fun. After all, there is likely some reason people vacation there, so find those places and check them out even if they are not your normal plan!

TRY A NEW ADVENTURE

Try a new adventure—that can breathe new life into your spirit and even if you wore yourself out a bit trying something new, the memories and thrill of a new adventure will truly reinvigorate or reenergize you for years to come.

Remember, pack yourself some snacks and your favorite flavors of Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade, Ginger Ale, and Diet Ginger Ale—something for everyone!

RECHARGE AND RELAX 

Get a good night’s sleep. I always bring my own pillow from home if space allows in my luggage. I find that after traveling and staying in so many places, the comfort of your own pillow is worth more than any luxury accommodations.

While I have never attended a spa to get a massage while on vacation, most tourist destinations boast award-winning, state of the art spas and salons that offer unique experiences.

What sorts of relaxing travel tips do you have? Do you find vacation stressful or relaxing? If you chose the latter, I do hope some of these tips have really inspired you to start enjoying every single moment of that relaxing vacation you planned! Happy and safe travels, friends!

What to Pair with Asti Spumante + Mini Fruit Tart Recipe

This post was sponsored by the Italian Trade Agency as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Message for readers 21 and older.

Throughout life, I have been so inspired by my Italian heritage. I enjoy wine, food, and art, all of which are very close to my heart. My grandfather’s parents moved to the United States from Italy around 1910, and since I was so close to his side of my family, I always felt such a connection to that culture. Living La Dolce Vita, meaning living the sweet life, is a great phrase for the way I feel about what you will find in this post. Learn how to pair this sweet sparkling Italian wine called Asti Spumante with something sweet and easy to make.

 In this post, I wanted to share a bright, refreshing glass of Asti Spumante with you (from one of 20 wine regions in Italy), and provide an easy yet elegant recipe for mini fruit tarts, which pair very well with this sparkling Italian wine.

Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine that is produced from Moscato Bianco grapes in the southeastern part of the Piedmont region of Italy, concentrated around the cities of Asti and Alessandria, but also near Cuneo. 

Though Piedmont accounts for only 7% of Italy’s wine production, it is celebrated for producing wines of extremely high quality. Piedmont stands proud as the region with the most DOC/DOCG zones (58) and the largest percentage of officially classified wines (86%). Piedmont is Italy’s northwesternmost region, sharing a border with Switzerland and France, and surrounded by the Alps to the north and west and the last peaks of the Apennine Mountains to the south.

(Image Source: Extraordinary Italian Wine) 

Below, you will notice a regional map of Italy, and the Piedmont region is shown in red.

The region is surrounded on three sides by the Alps. The name Piedmont comes from Latin meaning, ‘at the foot of the mountains,’ which makes for a very rocky soil and terrain in some areas. It’s an agricultural region, where more than half its 170,000 acres of vineyards are registered with DOC designations.

Italy produces the largest volume of wine in the world. The country may have more than 3,000 varieties of grapes, of which 590 are officially recorded with hundreds left to be catalogued. The wines are often referred to as “passionate wines,” extremely expressive wines that convey many emotions.

I often go for white wines when possible, and enjoy Chardonnay a LOT. This variety of wine has notes of light citrus fruit flavors (apple and pear mostly,) and a few hints of vanilla. Foods that pair well with Chardonnay include semi-soft cheeses such as goat cheese, herb-crusted halibut or scallops, chicken breast, and more.

My grandfather was one of my favorite people ever, and it’s really an honor to be able to celebrate him and the positive impact he had on me. My last name is Accettura, which is actually a city in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. It has always been my dream to one day visit, and hopefully I will.

Since my grandfather loved cooking for me and treating us to delicious meals at restaurants in the Chicago area and on our vacations to Florida, I learned to love good food. He would be so proud of me for following my dreams of working for myself as a food and lifestyle photographer.

Many sites I researched concluded that fresh fruit are a great pairing for Asti Spumante. A few sites even mentioned fruit tarts, which I knew would be gorgeous to pair with this wine.

HOW TO MAKE MINI FRUIT TARTS:

Ingredients:

 1-2 packages of ready to use flaky shells (freezer section near the puff pastry and pie crusts)

Fresh fruit topping:

1 kiwi, cut into small pieces

1 package of blueberries

3 strawberries, cut into slices then into slices, like a pizza

Fresh whipped cream:

1 pint heavy whipping cream

¼ cup (or more) granulated sugar

2 tsp Vanilla bean paste or regular vanilla

1/3 C. powdered sugar, sifted

Optional – frosting bag and larger star-shaped piping tip

Instructions:

1.) Make whipped cream. In a stand mixer, whip together cream, granulated and powdered sugars, and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form, put into fridge to cool. After 15-20 minutes or less, transfer into prepared frosting bag.

2.) Lay all shells out onto work surface, and use your frosting bag to full shells. I used a swirling motion to get a nice shape. See below.

3.) Cut up fruits, and add one fruit at a time to all cups. First put one blueberry on each cup. Then, put one piece of kiwi on each, then one piece of strawberry. Serve with Asti Spumante and enjoy!

Experiment with Italian wines in creative, unexpected settings: Italian whites at the beach, Italian Rosato with BBQ, Italian whites with sushi, Nero d’Avola with Korean BBQ, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with burgers, Valpolicella with ribs, Lambrusco with Mac n’ Cheese, Pairing Italian wines with cheese and meats.

I am SO honored to have had this chance to work with the Italian Wine Trade Agency on this incredible project. What an incredible learning experience. Cheers to amazing opportunities. 

As I mentioned before, my grandfather was 50% Italian; his parents relocated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900s. Since I was so close to my grandparents on my dad’s side, I was raised learning all about the Italian foods that my grandfather grew up enjoying, then cooking for me. I also learned later in life that my dad inherited several vintage bottles of Italian wines that my grandpa, Vito, had been keeping in the basement for many years. We still keep that wine as a memento of him, which makes this post even more special to me.

Asti Spumante’s characteristics are a persistent froth, a color from pale yellow to pale gold, the perlage is fine and persistent; its fragrance is soft and characteristic and, finally, its taste is aromatic, distinctive, sweet and balanced in structure. That’s why Asti is a wine with a strong and aristocratic personality. The bubbles add SO much to the experience.

Since strawberries are looking so great in stores right now, they were perfect to feature in this recipe, and to pair their sweet taste with the sparkling wine.

Made from the Moscato Bianco grape, Asti Spumante is sweet and low in alcohol. In fact, it is the perfect wine of the sweet occasions and to toast after a meal. It accompanies desserts and is very suitable with fruit, as it has hints of acacia flowers, wisteria, peach and apricot.

Use any variety of fruits you would like to make these adorable mini fruit tarts. I would recommend incorporating at least 3-4 colors of different fruits for the best effect.

Thank you so much for joining me to learn more about Italian wine and what pairs best with Asti Spumante. Have you ever tried this wine before?

Simple and Indulgent Moments with Oikos Oh! Double Cream Yogurt

This post is sponsored by Oikos but all opinions are my own. #OhMGMoments

Time to de-stress and indulge in the simple pleasures of the NEW Oikos Oh! Double Cream Yogurts. There are four indulgent flavors to choose from, can you imagine how good the Salt Dusted Caramel Crème tasted?! This new yogurt is unlike any yogurt you’ve ever had. Made with double the cream versus Oikos whole milk yogurt, to create a one of a kind thick and luscious texture that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Delight your mouth with a spoonful of yogurt, no toppings are needed, That’s because The Salt-Dusted Double Creme Yogurt was such a treat! Enjoy this as a simple treat after a long day, during a movie or TV show, or even as dessert after a yummy home cooked meal.

The anticipation of that next bite is an indulgence in and of itself. As someone who works from home, I am always on the move. I find it hard sometimes to simply let myself relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life because I know that something or other can be checked off the to-do list.

But, rewarding myself with a tasty snack like this one really helps me stay grounded and enjoy something to myself, time to take a deep breath, and time to indulge.

Learn more about Oikos Oh! Flavors Here!

Double Cream Yogurt Honey Drizzled Blueberry, Magnificent Mixed Berry Rhubarb, Lemon Sweet Cream Delight, and my favorite, Salt-Dusted Caramel  Crème. So many incredible flavors to choose from! I would recommend trying one of each to see what you like best.

What flavor would you choose? What are some of your favorite indulgences?

Thank you so much to Oikos for collaborating with me on this post!

Easy Recipes for Big Game Day Snacking with popchips

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of popchips.

The Big Game is all about what food you put on the party spread so I have teamed up with popchips to share some cute and easy decor ideas, as well as hassle free food ideas for homegating and viewing parties THIS SUNDAY!!! Who are YOU rooting for?

Try all three flavors of the popchips ridges BOLD & CRUNCHY - buffalo ranch, tangy bbq (my fave), and also cheddar and sour cream. I thought it would be amazing to offer guests three different dips to try with their popchips PLUS a fun dessert treat that only took three ingredients. Keep reading to get all of the details!

The best part about all of the treats and snacks I featured in this post, is that all of it was super fun and easy to create myself, with minimal ingredients, and none of this had to be baked! I was even able to make the three dips ahead of time as well as the desserts. Get the recipes below!

GAME DAY DIP RECIPES

Buffalo Dip - 1 cup sour cream + 1/3 cup (or more) buffalo sauce

The Best Dill Dip Ever - 1 cup sour cream + 2 tsp salt + 2-3 Tbsp dried dill

Mediterranean Dip - 1 cup Greek yogurt + 2-3 tsp turmeric + 1 tsp salt + 2-3 tsp Greek seasoning mix

CUTE + EASY FOOTBALL DESSERT IDEA:

Ingredients:

1 squeeze tube of green frosting (pre-made or homemade)

football decorations - I found these at a party store in the baking section

peanut butter cups - I unwrapped these ones myself!

Set out an assortment of popchips ridges chips, all three dips, carrots, celery, mini tomatoes, and any of your other favorite foods. Enjoy your game day celebration!!!

Why You Should Be Using Bioré Witch Hazel Products

This post is sponsored by Bioré, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. #BioreWitchHazel #BioreAmbassador #BioreBabe

Have you ever been curious about adding Witch Hazel into your skincare routine? Witch Hazel reduces redness and inflammation on your facial skin and boasts other amazing results too.

Get amazing skincare results with Bioré Witch Hazel products from Walmart (they always have the BEST prices!)

Wicked Pores? What is hiding in your pores can be downright scary and these extra-strength pore strips are no hocus pocus! Working like a super-magnet, they lift out even the most stubborn blackheads and deep down dirt & oil that can lead to complexion problems. YIKES! Formulated with Witch Hazel, known to tighten pores & for its astringent properties, these strips deep clean, remove blackheads, refine pores, and help prevent future breakouts.

Shop Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Strips Here.

Shop Bioré Witch Hazel Toner Here.

This product came into my life at a wonderful time! We are heading to the Florida Keys TOMORROW, and like most other vacations, I always try to get my skin looking great before heading anywhere that I’ll be in a suit, lol!

I have used the pore strips about four times in the last two weeks and WOW, my nose looks awesome! The pore strips have a witch hazel scent to them, which also acts as a bit of a way to open up the sinuses! While I have used other pore strips before (both the original ones and their Charcoal pore strips - you can read all about that in my post here)

HOW TO USE BIORE PORE STRIPS:

1.) Wash face and dry completely. Open pore strip and remove plastic backing. Wet the pore strip on the slick side, with a few drops of water and your finger tip.

2.) Stick pore strip onto nose, then smooth out onto nose with finger tips. Apply a bit of pressure so that the pore strip can really connect with your blackheads, and grab them!

3.) Wait about ten minutes, and once the pore strip has completely hardened, it’s time to remove it. I always recommend starting to remove the strip from one of the lower corners, but if there is anywhere it’s already starting to separate from your nose, begin there. Remove completely and use a bright light to check out all the blackheads you just removed!

4.) Make sure to then use a bit more water to remove any residue that the pore strip. That’s it!

WITCH HAZEL TONER:

This light-weight Toner with witch hazel helps restore skin’s balance as it deep cleans and removes residue a cleanser might have missed. Witch Hazel is known to tighten pores, while salicylic acid controls oil and treats blemishes. When Bioré® Pore Clarifying Toner is combined with this botanical astringent, wicked skin issues disappear faster than you can wave a wand.

BENEFITS OF WITCH HAZEL:

Long known for its astringent and pore cleansing properties, Witch Hazel is a multi-purpose remedy. The natural ingredient is known to tighten pores, purify, refresh and help heal skin. When Bioré® Pore Clarifying Toner is combined with this botanical astringent, wicked skin issues disappear.

Not all pore strips work like Bioré® Pore Strips! Unlike other pore strips, Bioré® Witch Hazel Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips use a blend of C-bond technology to safely remove dirt, oil, and blackheads. These strips work like a super magnet, locking onto and lifting out deep-down dirt, oil, and EVEN blackheads from your most clogged pores. Bioré® Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are the trusted, dermatologist-tested way to purify pores. 

Long known for its astringent and pore cleansing properties, Witch Hazel is a multi-purpose remedy. This natural ingredient is known to tighten, purify and refresh your pores!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WITCH HAZEL

Here is an image of the Witch Hazel plant, found here on bhg.com. While there are at least four varieties of the plant, this one is called “Sandra” Witch Hazel.

Witch Hazel is a very pretty flowering shrub that has a pleasant scent and surprisingly loves cooler temperatures. It’s apparently relatively easy to grow in full sun, and blooms in late winter to early Spring.

Witch Hazel may traditionally bring to mind its use in skincare products, the plant itself is so bright and eye-catching.Witch Hazel has the benefits of making your garden look as beautiful as your skin will after incorporating this amazing product into your routine! With ribbon-like flowers and golden-yellow color, witch hazel releases a spicy scent when it blooms in the fall.

Go Organic This Super Bowl With Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold + A Cast Iron Skillet Nachos Recipe

This post is sponsored by Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. Learn how to make this year’s Super Bowl LIII the most delicious one yet.

#LiveULTRA #PureGold #Organic #SuperBowl

Pair Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Organic Light Lager with these exceptional Organic Vegetarian Skillet Nachos for a game day snack that will be a huge hit. Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is made from organic grains inspired by nature and it’s free from artificial colors and flavors. When I learned Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold was not only organic and delicious, but also lower in carbs and calories than a glass of wine, I was sold! You can bet this Super Bowl I’m pairing my favorite organic recipes with Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold.

ORGANIC VEGETARIAN CAST IRON SKILLET NACHOS RECIPE (Serves 4)

I was inspired to create this recipe because of the organic ingredients in the beer, plus my love for always eating organic every chance possible. I always aim to use as many organic, vegetarian ingredients in my recipes! Thiese skillet nachos could be made vegan by simply excluding or subbing out the cheese and sour cream - everything else is vegan!

Some of Tastemade’s other organic recipes include these homemade Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Chicken Wings.

Ingredients (Use organic when possible):

1 bag of blue corn tortilla chips or any chips you like

1 small can green chilis

1 cup diced, roasted sweet potatoes

1 cup finely chopped red and yellow peppers

thinly sliced jalapeños

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 - 1 cup sour cream (transfer into plastic squeeze bottle for easy use and application)

1/2 - 1 cup lettuce (not shown)

1/2 cup black olives (not shown)

Cast Iron Skillet - at least 12” across

Instructions (See video below for more details):

1.) Spray skillet with non-stick spray. Place a layer of tortilla chips to cover the bottom of the skillet.

2.) Add your prepared toppings such as: diced chilis, shallots, onions, roasted sweet potato, seasonings, peppers, black beans and anything else that can be baked in the oven. Also, top with jalapeños and 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

3.) Bake nachos at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese has melted. ***BE CAREFUL when removing the cast iron skillet from the oven because the handle is deceptively BOILING HOT. Please always use an oven mitt when handling the nachos and the skillet.

4.) Top with sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, and any other ingredients you like. Enjoy with Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Organic Light Lager this Super Bowl.

These skillet nachos are also fun because they are more of an interactive dish, where people can mingle around the meal and grab small bites as they wish. Keep beer on ice or in the fridge for easy pairing!

About Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Organic Light Lager:

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE MICHELOB ULTRA’S SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL ON YOUTUBE ON 1/30!

With the USDA Organic certification on each and every package, that means they provide organic beer that proves quality, organic ingredients make for better taste. Let’s go organic this Super Bowl!

Michelob believe in thriving on a steady diet of friends, fitness, and occasionally laughing a little too hard. We believe you can work out and still go out, that you can stay fit and stay fun. We believe that getting more out of life requires putting more into life. 

Live Fit. Live Fun. Live ULTRA

Watch the Michelob ULTRA Super Bowl Commercial here, or watch below!

As one of the largest beer brands in the U.S, Michelob ULTRA represents not only a premium light and refreshing beer, but a brand that embodies wellness and active lifestyles. The brand is uniquely positioned at the intersection of health and happiness. We believe in a life of balance where you don’t have to sacrifice beer in order to maintain your active lifestyle.

Michelob ULTRA wants you to be proud of who you are, your hard work, and what makes you truly unique. We want to celebrate together and be a part of that journey with you – whether it is about living fit or living fun. Michelob ULTRA plays a part in living a full life. One that’s filled with friends, fitness and of course—fun. 

Michelob ULTRA’s new packaging is light and refreshing boasting the USDA Organic seal, just like the light, golden hue of the lager itself. With a light taste like that, it’s very easily drinking, and pairs well with food AND football!
Live life to its fullest with other foodie and football fans alike this Sunday, 2/3/2019!

WATCH THESE THREE VIDEOS FOR MORE RECIPE IDEAS!!!

The Best Meals Bring Us Together ~ Easy Party Recipes with Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups

One of my favorite things about cooler weather is that it’s great excuse to get everyone together for a warm, potato soup! Gather your friends and family, and try new Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups. They will warm you right up. This could also be an amazing Game Day party menu too! Find out how I made a low cost meal for a crowd, and learn a little bit about how Idahoan® soups and other great foods bring us all together!

Thank you Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups for sponsoring this post. Enjoy the flavorful, slow-cooked taste of restaurant-quality soup at home, in minutes.

I have actually been a fan of the Idahoan® brand for over 15 years! I remember always having it in the cabinet at home, and once I began to make more meals for myself and for my friends around age 18, and as I moved out of my parents’ houses, and began doing grocery shopping of my own, I literally ALWAYS made sure to have several packets of the Idahoan® instant mashed potatoes. I still always have a packet or two on hand, and love always having something yummy pairing it with dinner, usually chicken breasts, green beans, and mashed potatoes. That sounds SO good right now!!

These packets of potatoes literally shaped the way I prepared meals from the very beginning. That’s why I was really honored to be able to create a meal for friends, inspired by Idahoan®, one of the very foods I used to feed some of my first groups of friends once I moved to my own place. To see how their foods are still bringing the most important people in my life together is really heart warming. Making meals for friends is always fun, and it’s a really great way to get people together when we are all so busy.

Idahoan Steakhouse® Soups are available in a variety of delicious flavors, including: Loaded Potato, Creamy Potato, Cheddar Broccoli, and Cheddar Potato.

HOW TO MAKE SOUP FOR A LARGE CROWD OR PARTY

(SERVES 8-10+)

For our group, I mixed three different packets of Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups together, then added 12 Cups of water (because each packet requires 4 cups of water to make, and that’s it!).

Ingredients:

3 packages of Idahoan® Steakhouse® Soups in any flavor (Learn more about available flavors below)

12 Cups water

2-3 tsp Seasoning Mix of your choice - I used a Greek Seasoning, which added black pepper taste

Optional - 1-2 cups fresh broccoli flowerettes (cut into small, bite-sized pieces

What Toppings To Offer:

(Best displayed in cute bowls with spoons so guests can serve themselves)

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Soup Crackers

Bacon Bits

Sour Cream

Hot Sauce

This was a VERY cost effective way to feed a large group!

We served up soup and SO many other tasty sides. The cookies were a huge hit! Get the recipe below.

FOR THE DECOR:

I set the table with a slivery grey piece of fabric, then placed a black and white buffalo plaid fabric table runner over the top. I thought this really tied the warm, cozy, inviting feel of the soup into the decor as well. Next, I found the cutest white plastic spoons at the party store, plus some periwinkle colored bowls. While I could have also used glass or ceramic bowls, these worked great! Another fun idea would have been to use coffee mugs for people to eat soup from, and it would be even more casual.

I did however provide cloth napkins for guests, and a few other cute paper and bamboo plates for all those yummy side dishes.

The Best Oatmeal Cookie Recipe - Makes 20 Cookies

These cookies were a huge hit, and finished off the meal nicely. After eating our meal, we sat around the table, reminiscing about fun times we all had together over the past year, and eating oatmeal cookies.

This recipe was found on this inspiring blog, The Comfort of Cooking, here.

Note - I would recommend doubling the below recipe for a crowd.

OLD FASHIONED CHEWY OATMEAL COOKIES

YIELD: Makes 20 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

2.) In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla until well blended. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder and nutmeg in a bowl. Stir into butter mixture. Gently stir in oats until well blended.

3.) Shape dough into rounded golfball-sized balls (about 2 Tbsp. each). Place on prepared baking sheet (I fit 9 per sheet). Flatten with the bottom of a measuring cup dipped in sugar.

4.) Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Spinach Artichoke Dip + Pita Bread Slices (Serves 6-8)

I found this recipe on the Spend With Pennies Blog, here.

PREP TIME 10 minutes

COOK TIME 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME 35 minutes

This is my favorite Spinach Artichoke dip recipe!! It’s easy to make and always a huge hit!

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz cream cheese , softened

• 2/3 cup sour cream

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese divided

• 1/2 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup gruyere cheese

• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach defrosted and squeezed dry

• 14 oz marinated artichoke hearts chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut pitas into 6 pieces each, like pizza slices.

2.) In a bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and garlic with a hand mixer until fluffy.

3.) Stir in parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, gruyere cheese, spinach, and artichokes.

4.) Place into a 9x9 casserole dish (or deep dish pie plate) and top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

5.) Bake 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is browned. Carefully remove from oven and serve directly from baking dish when safe to serve.

6.) Meanwhile, bake pita triangles for 5-7 minutes, remove from oven before they are too crunchy, and are still a bit soft but warm.

Enjoy!

What soup flavors will you feature at your next gathering? You could also make a batch of each soup and see what your guests lie best! Lay out all the toppings in matching bowls, and offer guests spoons, napkins, plates, bread, and more! Enjoy!

Have a wonderful day!

Sheet Pan Spicy Roasted Brussels and Rainbow Veggies Recipe

This post was sponsored by Colman’s, all opinions are my own.

A delicious and health-forward vegan recipe that makes eating your vegetables easy AND delicious. Colman’s Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Vegetables make an amazing holiday side dish, snack, or even dinner idea. Colman’s dry mustard does have some heat and spice to it, but it’s a very nice, subtle warming flavor which I just love.

Flavors of mustard grace the outer edges of a wide array of vegetables, in every color and crunch level –you’re going to love these veggies! The mustard flavor also paired exceptionally well with the other marinade ingredients like honey and soy sauce.

Plus, these vegetables make a very elegant dinner or side dish, and go very well with lots of different refreshments. I just love how pretty the Brussels sprouts are when they are cut open. They are like mini cabbages, and while they do have a stronger and sometimes more acquired taste than other vegetables, they are said to be high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The more vegetables one can incorporate into their diets, the happier their bodies might be. While everyone is of course different, I love treating my friends and family to healthier meal options.

I always love creating plant-based meals that offers a new alternative to dinner or a side dish. Impress just about anyone (even if they are “newbies” to or unsure about Brussels sprouts, these are definitely a crowd pleaser.

By incorporating Colman’s dry and wet mustards into the glaze for these vegetables, I absolutely LOVED the new, unique flavors that came through from baking the ingredients with such a great marinade. If you can imagine a potato or egg salad containing mustard, that is where I got the idea that potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and so many other veggies would pair perfectly with the Colman’s mustards.

Colman’s has been creating mustards since 1814, using time-honored traditions and the highest quality ingredients.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4-5):

Marinade:

2 Tbsp Colman’s Dry Mustard

2-3 Tbsp Colman’s Wet Mustard

1/3 C. Olive Oil or more, to ensure all veggies are fully coated at the end

2-3 tsp. seasoned salt

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp honey

Suggested Vegetables:

2 Cups Brussels Sprouts (cut into halves, and cut some into quarters)

½ -1 C. thinly sliced Russet potatoes

½ C. sweet potatoes – chopped into small pieces

½ C. yellow zucchini

½ C. green zucchini

¼ C. corn – from cob or canned

1 head of garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Prep all veggies, and cover sheet tray(s) with foil, Spray with non stick spray and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Carefully cut off top of garlic head. Set aside.

2.) In a medium to large mixing bowl, mix up all marinade then add veggies to mixing bowl. Use tongs to coat all vegetables, then transfer all veggies to sheet pan(s). To create the garlic head, simply cut off the top of the garlic to expose the cut tops of each clove, while still leaving the rest of the head in tact.

3.) Bake 20 minutes covered with foil, then CAREFULLY remove foil (there will be lots of steam, which can burn someone easily). Bake 10-15 more minutes, and then remove from oven. Transfer to serving tray or large bowl, OR transfer into plastic containers to give to busy families during the holidays. Enjoy!

Here are a few more images of the finished veggies and head of garlic. Definitely recommended!

Have an amazing holiday! And enjoy this delicious, health-forward dish today!

Check out Colman’s Dry and Wet Mustards today, and spice up just about any savory dish you can imagine!

Holiday Entertaining With Blue Diamond® Gourmet Almonds & Nut Thins®

This post was sponsored by Blue Diamond®. The opinions and text are all my own. #NutsAboutTheHolidays

I recently created a gorgeous, holiday-inspired charcuterie and party spread that turned out so well! Inspired by these delicious Blue Diamond® Gourmet Almonds and Blue Diamond® Almond Nut-Thins® from Walmart. Best enjoyed with those you truly love spending time with during the holidays.

In this post, I will show you a few inspiring ways to incorporate almonds, crackers, and other delicious ingredients into a stylish snack board platter, perfect for a holiday party and more!

While I have created my fair share of charcuterie boards in the past, I will admit, I have also spent a lot of time researching new ways to style charcuterie boards, chocolate boards, and other gorgeous platters of food. That’s just the food stylist in me, I guess! For this post, I was incredibly inspired by those images you may have seen of bountiful, well placed ingredients with lots of varied textures and flavors – something for everyone, I guess you could say!

RECREATE THIS SNACK BOARD

I consider this offering more of a snack board than a charcuterie board, because traditionally, the word charcuterie relates to a variety of meats. I am eating meat less and less these days, and my friends and family members are too, so I figured that I would just offer a vegetarian selection of goodies and call it a Holiday Snack Board.

One of the highlights of this snack board is definitely the brie cheese; with honey and herbed Blue Diamond Gourmet Almonds on top. It looks so elegant, and like it took a very long time to create. It was finished in less than 20 minutes and was the perfect pairing with the Blue Diamond Almond Nut-Thins.

Ingredients:

1 bag Blue Diamond Gourmet Garlic Herb and Olive Oil Almonds

1 box Blue Diamond Almond Nut-Thins

1 8oz. round of brie or similar cheese

3-4 Tbsp. honey (2 Tbsp. in small star shaped dish + 2-3 Tbsp. to top cheese)

2 cups cauliflower and broccoli florets

1 package of dill or parsley, or any other green herbs for garnish.

1-2 cups green olives, marinated in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and Mediterranean seasoning mix

1 cup red peppers, sliced small and thin

Any other cheeses you would like to add to your board, or that you already have on hand.

Instructions:

1.)   Bake brie cheese in a heat safe container, or on a baking sheet at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, covered in foil, until middle is fully molten. Carefully check if the middle has melted yet by applying pressure with a spoon or other utensil. You will sort of be able to tell of the cheese is liquid inside yet or not. Once that is fully baked, top with 2-3 Tbsp. honey and ¼ cup or a small handful of Blue Diamond Gourmet Garlic, Herb and Olive Oil Almonds.

2.) Place the brie onto a small round plate (mine measured 6.5” across), then arrange Blue Diamond Almond Nut-Thins around the plate. They fit there perfectly, and this made for an exceptional way to enjoy the crackers and cheese! I also placed a tiny sprig of dill on top, but any fresh green herb would work here, but is not necessary.

3.)   Place the brie in the center of your board as the focal point, then begin placing bowls of seasoned almonds, olives, and any sauces or dips on there too. Then, place crackers, fresh ingredients and any other fun goodies you have around the board to make a full, elegant snack board. Guests will LOVE what you have provided them with.

I was able to find so many incredible items to add to my snack board from Walmart, and I was so inspired by their large selection of snack items! Browse the fresh section, the cracker and nut aisles for the Blue Diamond products, plus the candy and snack aisles to find as many different flavors and textures as possible for your snack board.

This year for décor and styling, I am all about a pink Christmas and as always, shimmering accents and as many trees as possible. I used a large wooden cutting board for the base of the snack board, then used a pink ceramic cutting board with a handle as the main focus. That pale pink was everywhere this year, and I love it so much! It goes so well with whites, light wood tones, and other shimmering accents.

Happy Holidays! Make sure to check out the Blue Diamond website for more holiday entertainment inspiration!

Gourmet Game Day Dipping Station

This post has been sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Company. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that it makes life easier to let guests serve themselves so you can enjoy the festivities too. That’s why this Game Day Dipping Station is absolutely genius! This spread was a huge hit, and I cannot wait to show you all of the details. Get the recipes for two delicious dips, and also get ideas on how to style your next game day gathering. 

This Gourmet Game Day Dipping Station is sure to be a huge hit!

RECIPES (Serves parties of 6-8)

Featured Products + Ingredients

HEINZ Ketchup

KRAFT Mayo

KRAFT Ranch Dressing

KRAFT Mustard

Chicken Strips

Chicken Nuggets – 2 bags

1/3 – ½ C. chopped cilantro

1/3 – ½ C. fresh jalapenos, finely chopped

1/3 – ½ fresh dill, chopped

1 bag of curly fries – any brand you like

Juices

Glass Carafe to hold juice(s)

2 decorative bowls to hold dips

Floral arrangement – 2 packages of pine branches or source your own + 1 jar with water in it.

Small cake stands – optional

12 crispy rice treats

12 paper straws

1 cup white chocolate or almond bark – melted until smooth

Check out Kraft products at Dollar General, and get great savings on everything from Kraft in store as well!

Dip 1

1/3 C. cilantro + 1/3 C. finely chopped fresh jalapeno + 1 16oz. bottle of KRAFT Ranch

Dip 2

1 – 1 ½ C. KRAFT Mayo + ½ C. KRAFT Mustard + 1/3 – 1.2 C. fresh chopped dill

Instructions:

1.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread out Chicken Nuggets onto one, Chicken Strips on another, and fries on the last sheet. Set aside.

2.) Make both dips. In one medium mixing bowl, add 1 bottle of KRAFT Ranch, plus the cilantro and jalapeno. Stir until everything is combined. For the second dip, add mayo, mustard, and dill, and stir until combined. Transfer dips to two decorative serving bowls and provide serving spoons for guests. They're perfect when paired with the Chicken Strips and Chicken Nuggets!

3.) Bake food as instructed on packaging, and begin to prepare your delicious Game Day Dipping Station. I used a piece of light grey colored stretchy velvet as the table cloth, then I added one striped green and white kitchen towel to the center of the table. Place a small cake stand and floral arrangement in center of table and build out from there as symmetrically as possible.

I placed two decorate serving bowls with dips in the center, then Chicken Strips behind that, and lastly, the Chicken Nuggets and curly fries on the outsides.

4.) To make the treat pops, stick paper straws into crispy rice treats. Melt white chocolate and use a spoon to apply it to the treats, one at a time. Place them onto a prepared sheet pan, and also add sprinkles if you would like in team colors or others! These added a lot to the display and made a great dessert.

Dollar General is great - I found ALL the necessities there!

And below, you can see my two helpers. They love taking rides to the store with me! They are the best, and they'll definitely be enjoying game day with us. Have an amazing game day! 

Dulce De Leche No Bake Dessert Recipe

Do I have a delightfully easy no bake dessert for you! This one would be PERFECT to serve during the holidays, and if you make it in a larger dish, this would be great for a crowd! These desserts are seriously incredible, and I think they would even taste great with chocolate syrup as well.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pint heavy or light whipping cream

1/2-1 cup Torani Caramel Sauce (found at Walmart in the coffee aisle, near the chocolate sauces)

1 box of graham crackers (reserve several for top garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Place three medium-sized glasses on your work surface, and crush up graham crackers as small as possible. I placed 15 or more graham crackers into a stronger Ziploc bag, closed the bag, and then used a jar to crush up the crackers.

2.) Divide the crushed up crackers between the three glasses. Now, to make your filling! Beat heavy whipping cream for several minutes, until stiff peaks form. Reserve about 1/2 Cup of the whipped cream for your topping, then, add vanilla and Torani Caramel sauce, then finish mixing to combine everything. Divide the filling between the glasses.

3.) For the garnish, I used a sharp knife to carefully cut the graham cracker squares in half, then I cut a diagonal angle as well. This is totally optional, I just thought it was cute. Also drizzle more Torani syrup over the top of the dessert and enjoy.