Archives for October 2014

Littlest Pet Shop Screening Party and the Yummiest Italian Cream Soda Recipe

“I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Littlest Pet Shop. I received a sample to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating. Holy cow, my two daughters were so darn excited to host a Littlest Pet Shop screening party with their best friends.  They were literally jumping up and down because they love the show and the toys so much … [Read more...]

Ghoulishly Fun Halloween Dinner

We had a hard weekend here at my house.  My husband deployed on Saturday afternoon and the kids and I were all feeling pretty down and out and basically throwing ourselves a big ol' pity party.  We needed something fun and we needed it quick! Eating eyeballs changed their moods and brought smiles (and a few "eew, that is so gross" comments) to our otherwise quite house. Yes, that's … [Read more...]

Tips for Gorgeous Gourmet Apples – Learn From my Mistakes, People!

I have a slight obsession with apples.  I eat at least one, every single day.  When I was in Europe on vacation recently, I had withdrawals because I went two weeks without a single apple.  It is kind of ridiculous but oh so true. When my mom was in town recently we decided to make some gourmet apples.  We experimented and learned a lot along the way.  So here is your is chance to learn from … [Read more...]

Update on Our Healthy Habit Heroes

I was so excited to get the chance to try out some incredible new products from LISTERINE via my partnership with Mom Central.  And although they sent me some product to review and I will receive a promotional item, I can assure you that all opinions are 100% my own and that I truly love these products!  I promise that I would not share it with you if I didn’t fully stand behind it. I filled … [Read more...]

Paleo and Gluten Free Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

You may have noticed that I am trying to lighten up our holiday foods a bit if you read my post on making your own pumpkin puree (which this recipe uses!), naked apple butter, the paleo apple pumpkin muffins or even my hummus and turkey roll ups.  It's true...I am trying to stick to a cleaner diet to keep me from packing on the winter weight. But if I am totally honest, I don't always have the … [Read more...]

It’s NAKED…Naked Apple Butter, That Is

I am a big fan of going naked... With my food, of course! There are so many sweeteners added to all kinds of foods, most of which would be great without any additional sugar.  If there is a way to make a "naked" version of my favorite foods, chances are good that I am going to try it.  I love to strip it all down to the basics and let mother nature add her own sweetness. That is exactly … [Read more...]

The Day I Realized Just How Gross My Kids Are

Some days I go through life thinking that I am an incredible mother and I've got everything under control.  (Ha, yeah right!) Other days I go through life fully understanding that I have created three monsters and then unleashed them upon the world.  (Sorry about that.) It goes back and forth as to which outlook on life I am currently choosing to believe. The day that I found blue zombie … [Read more...]

The BEST Pulled Pork (easiest slow cooker recipe)

This is the time of year when things really start getting busy again in my house.  School has been in full swing for awhile, fall sports are back in gear and the holidays are quickly approaching.  Slow cooker meals become my best friend once again (who am I kidding, they are always my best friend!) and this one is a sure fire winner that is as delicious as it is easy.  This is the BEST pulled pork … [Read more...]

Delicious Roll-Ups That You Won’t Have to do Sit Ups to Eat!

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Skinnygirl. I received a product sample and a promotional item to facilitate my review. So like I mentioned the other day, this is the time of year that I start packing on the weight.  Gotta make sure you fatten up to get through the winter, right?  Well, as much as I wish that I could convoke myself to believe that, deep down I know it is … [Read more...]

How to Draw a Perfect Spiderweb

As much as it pains me to admit it, I am horrible at drawing.  I'm not talking about drawing a portrait, I'm talking about stick people.  How can I not even make stick people look right?!  It drives me bonkers! But I have figured out how to draw a perfect spiderweb.  And there are only three steps, so it is easy enough that even I can make it work! Are you ready for the secret?  We are going … [Read more...]

Paleo Apple Pumpkin Muffins

Alright, truth time...this is the time of year that I start gaining weight.  I know that I am not the only one, but every fall and winter becomes a struggle for me to eat all of the goodies that I want, but to try to maintain a healthy weight.  I love baked goods and tend to make them often, so I have come up with ways to trick myself into thinking that I am getting an incredibly scrumptious … [Read more...]

How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

For the last couple of weeks I have been baking up a storm.  A ton of delicious fall recipes that all revolve around apple or pumpkin.  And by a ton, I mean expect to see some fall recipes for the next few weeks! To start with though, I needed some pumpkin puree.  I used to buy the canned variety until I realized just how easy it is to make your own.  There are no preservatives, it is totally … [Read more...]