Something I really enjoy doing when we have overnight guests is getting up early and preparing something sweet to cook in the oven. As the goody bakes, it fills the house with a warm and welcoming aroma that everyone appreciates waking up too. Add a pot of hot coffee or tea and bam, just call [...]

Is anyone else finding it hard to get up and into the routine since school started? Smoothies are a great and efficient option for when you can barely butter the toast and the kids can barely pick it up and chew. Stick a straw into a tall glass of healthy sweet nutrients and the kids can keep [...]

I was late to the cast iron cooking game. I think I thought it was too heavy, not necessary, and required a lot of maintenance with tasks like seasoning and hand washing. My impression was wrong and it turned out to be a game changer! Yes, it is heavy. But that weight allows for more even [...]

After having a Costco membership for 5 years now, I have unlocked a whole lot more than bulk groceries. With the super warehouse constantly changing and expanding their offerings, my list each year grows on what I like to buy and why.   I do not believe every single thing at Costco is worth it and [...]

Including fruits, veggies, nuts, and the complete protein powerhouse seed known as quinoa, this salad can be served as the main attraction, lunch box feature, or enhancing side. I made this recipe as part of my Sunday weekly meal prep. I don’t always accomplish meal prep but school starting back up tomorrow put me in the [...]

Continuing the drive up the coast of Maine, we stopped in Portland for one night. We were all in the mood for Asian food and decided on a vegetarian Thai restaurant called The Green Elephant. We checked with several locals including our hotel staff, shop keepers, and Uber drive and they all gave it a [...]

We left Boston yesterday to drive up the coast of Maine. Passing through Kittery, there were many outlet stores and I wasn’t really interested in stopping to shop until I saw this: I’m not gonna lie. I was excited and at the same time felt guilty that my it was my first stop and activity [...]

A few of my readers have asked me for a healthy oatmeal raisin cookie that they could feel good about feeding their children for breakfast. I was out of raisins when I made these but you could used any small dried fruit. Again, ease and versatility are the name of the game! These cookies are [...]

Hello from Boston! I love this town rich in history and monumental in the American Revolution. I like that it has the culture of larger cities like New York and Philadelphia but is more the size of my town, Charlotte! The people here are so friendly and helpful. Both times I’ve been here now, the [...]

We are almost through our Back to School series! So far, we’ve made doughnuts for breakfast, came up with lots of lunch box ideas, and scrumptious popcorn for snack time. It’s all very kid friendly, suitable for various diets, and without having to compromise lots of time or nutrients. Now it’s time for everyone’s favorite, pizza! [...]