This post is sponsored by Capital One®. Hi guys, Dan here of @dansdadlife on Instagram (yes I will shamelessly plug myself in the first sentence)! Being Erica’s husband has automatically given me a lifetime full of love and happiness (aww, I know, I’m so sweet). BUT, ever since she’s grown her blog into a full-fledged business, I’ve gotten to experience some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and learn about some amazing brands. Last week, Capital One reached out to tell her all about ... [ Read More ]
GUILT-FREE Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
As you may have noticed, my air-fryer has been my favorite kitchen tool lately and I've been coming up lots of fun recipes so I can use it more (including these incredible Mini Pizza Pop-Tarts!) Egg rolls are one of the easiest and most delicious things I've made in the air fryer! Since I love all things buffalo chicken, I thought combining them would be a great call. And it was. </br> Everyone knows you can't have buffalo chicken without a little blue cheese dressing on ... [ Read More ]
Maple Tahini Vegetable Buddha Bowl
I've LOVED getting back to sharing more recipes with all of you and when this one turned out the way it did, I knew I had to share it. This Tahini Maple Vegetable Buddha Bowl was so filling and full of flavor, I couldn't believe how healthy the ingredients really were. Eating colorful foods is always something I strive to do and this dish nailed that. You can totally follow my recipe exactly or tweak it and make it your own with whatever vegetables you love! Let me know how it ... [ Read More ]
Exploring the Benihana Kabuki Kids Menu
When Benihana opened a location on Michigan Avenue last year, I was thrilled. I grew up going there with my family and I had missed having one downtown. When they opened, I got to be one of the first to experience the new location (and got a chance to actually be the chef)! It was so much fun and I knew it was a place I wanted to take my daughter when she was old enough to eat table food. Well the time has come (Elia loves all things rice and shrimp) and Benihana did not disappoint! My ... [ Read More ]
The BEST French Onion Soup
This amazing recipe was made possible by the sponsorship of Brownberry Bread I know what you're thinking. "Erica, why on earth are you giving us a soup recipe during the hot and humid summer?" The answer is simple. On those torrential downpour summer days, a little comfort food can go a long way. Plus, it's not going to be summer forever (as we know), so tuck this one away and you'll thank me later. This is one of my favorite recipes and I have a few secrets that truly make this the ... [ Read More ]
Mini Pizza Pop-Tarts
True Story: I'm addicted to pizza. I recently got my air fryer and was brainstorming how I could make a healthier version of this highly addictive kryptonite of mine. Then it hit me, I could put all my favorite pizza ingredients in a little pop-tart form. Let's be honest, a healthy, less guilt pizza is what we all dream of. This entire recipe makes 48 pop-tarts and they are less than 20 calories a piece (18 to be exact)! If you're doing weight watchers, 2 of these babies is just 1 ... [ Read More ]
Guaclandia is Coming to Chicago!
As we all know, avocados are the hottest recipe accessory! This creamy, buttery, fruit (yep! it's a fruit) has been all the rage for the last couple years. I must say, I dig it. Whether avocado's are the inspiration behind an entire restaurant (or just something you've learned to love on toast), we are all becoming avo obsessed. Which is why I had to share with you the most perfect, fun and FREE event coming to Chicago, Guaclandia! Guaclandia is being launched by the makers of Wholly ... [ Read More ]
Un-fried Eggroll Recipe
Call me what you will (my husband would say major nerd), but testing out the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets is definitely a hobby of mine. I always want to know first hand if it will save me time, save me calories, and be worth it for foodies and beginner cooks alike. Cue the air fryer. As someone who has a hard time passing up a fried anything, I really truly thought it was too good to be true. Naturally, I had to see for myself so I managed to get one delivered to my house in a matter ... [ Read More ]
Elia’s Rainbow Paradise 2nd Birthday Party
I cannot believe it, but my little girl, Elia, is two years old! It's insane how quickly the time has gone. I remember planning her first birthday party last year and couldn't believe how big she was then. Looking at her now, it honestly feels like a lifetime ago. Elia's first birthday was tough because I had NO idea what she liked. I took an educated guess (aka I picked what I loved) and had a magical unicorn theme. This year though, my little toddler has thoughts, ideas, dreams and ... [ Read More ]
My Family’s 5 BBQ MUST Haves Dishes
One thing I love about the summertime is a good ol' BBQ. There's honestly nothing I love more than hanging out with my family on my deck, cooking/grilling up amazing food and soaking in that summer sun. I have so many fun memories doing this with my family and I love continuing these traditions into my life as a Mom. Since my parents bought a condo in Chicago recently, I thought it would be fun to have a BBQ and ask them (and my sister) to bring their favorite nostalgic BBQ food. Basically, ... [ Read More ]
