Whenever I see the word "Bang Bang" on a menu, my mouth immediately starts to salivate. There's something so enticing about a sweet and spicy creamy sauce paired with something crispy and fried. Then, I remember that I'm never going to lost that 10lbs if I keep eating like that! Most of the time, I end up getting it anyways, but truthfully, I never feel good afterwards. One of my favorite things to do is create healthier versions of my favorite less-healthy dishes (have you tried my egg ... [ Read More ]
‘Tis the Season Skillet cookie
We're in the middle of all things holiday, so when I found Hudsonville Limited Edition Peppermint Stick ice cream in the freezer section, I knew I had to have it. If you haven't heard of them, Hudsonville is a Midwest Crafted Creamery that has been churning out delicious ice cream in Michigan since 1926. I try to shop locally to the Midwest as much as I can and with ice cream recipes that have been wowing customers for 90 years, what's not to love? I wanted to use Hudsonville's ... [ Read More ]
My Bedroom Makeover with North & Madison
If you've been following along (or know anything about me), you know my bedroom is my happy place. 90 percent of my business is run out of this room, so you can bet I put some serious time into picking a mattress, sleeping pillows, sheets, and duvet insert. But honestly, that's where my effort on my room was left. I think these before pictures of my room makes that pretty dang clear. Being in this industry, I would find myself admiring the bedroom shoots of other bloggers. ... [ Read More ]
Skillet Roasted Chicken Thighs with Olives
I am a sucker for a one skillet meal. Anything that requires less time spent washing dishes is a major win to me. This quick and easy skillet roasted chicken thigh recipe is one of my new favorites, especially because it's super healthy but doesn't taste like you're sacrificing anything. Leave the feta cheese off and this dish is 100% Whole 30 compliant! YAY. The recipe turned out beautiful and the flavors blended together amazingly. What You'll Need: 4 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs 1 ... [ Read More ]
Air Fryer Pop-Tarts (with 2 ingredient dough!)
All things air-fryer have been a weekly if not daily part of my recipe creating. I can't help it, when I find a hack I loved I can't not roll with it. I grew up loving poptarts. I loved any and all flavors, now though, I can't bring myself to buy them. With the high calories, and extra additives they're just not worth it even when I find myself craving one. That's why this air-fryer recipe might be one of my most fun to hack yet! These guilt- free poptarts won't have you throwing away your ... [ Read More ]
Interview: Graham Elliot at the Capital One® Kick-Off Tastemaker Chicago Event
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 ]
Mother’s Day Gift Guide- Tech Edition
I can't believe Mother's Day is just a few days away! As a new Mom myself, I find myself gravitating towards technology gifts and away from the traditional candles & slippers. While they are always appreciated, this modern mama is craving the latest and greatest. Here are the 5 gifts on my wish list for this year: Armitron Watch Armitron Watch ($25-$110): Armitron has been around since 1965 and for good reason. They pioneered many of the first affordable digital wrist watches and ... [ Read More ]
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Everything you NEED to Know
Over the years, one of the most asked questions I get on my blog is about Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). People want to know what's the best, how to spot a fake, understand the quality and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle! I've partnered with the European Union to help answer those questions! They have a 3-year campaign called, EXTRA Healthy Living to help disseminate the correct knowledge of European extra virgin olive oils and their health-giving features. Here the answers to the most ... [ Read More ]
Kid Friendly Recipe: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Every winter, I find myself craving more comfort foods and the desire to make more crock pot meals. Something about eating a meal that's been slow cooked all day gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Since Elia is eating more food now (and constantly trying to help out with the cooking), I wanted to create a recipe that was easy for her to participate in AND covered in cheese so I know she'll eat it. That's how I came up with this cheesy tater tot casserole. With the recipe in mind, all I ... [ Read More ]
A Day in My Life
Every so often, one of my followers asks me what a typical day for me looks like. Since my career is a little out of the ordinary, I know it can be a little confusing. I thought it would be fun to lift the curtain and show you all what I do on a daily basis. I've partnered with Uber and Shop Your Way to show you what a day in my life looks like. I'm also letting you in on a way that I can earn points to buy really cool things just buy doing what I'm already doing! Read on to learn ... [ Read More ]