Hosting Thanksgiving in your home is a huge undertaking. Not only do you have the pressure of creating a memorable meal that everyone looks forward to all year, but you may have out of town guests that need entertaining beyond just the holiday meal. A post-Thanksgiving breakfast is always a must with my family and every year it feels like we are scrambling to put something nice together. Since I'm hosting the holiday the first time this year (and I'm all about making things as easy as ... [ Read More ]
5 Tips To Planning the Perfect Childs Playdate
I swear, everyday I’m learning something new as I navigate this whole, "new mom" thing. Elia is almost a year and a half and she's finally starting to get to an age where her little personality is blossoming. As most of you know, I elected not to put Elia in daycare, so she spent much of her first year hanging out with me, my husband and our nanny Chi Chi. When Elia turned one, I began to feel like I really need to get her interacting with more kids. I talked to my mom squad (every girl needs ... [ Read More ]
Pinterest Perfect (but totally simple) Fall Centerpieces!
Halloween has barely passed us by, but Thanksgiving is already on the mind! This year is the first time I am hosting my own Thanksgiving and I couldn't be more excited (and freaked out!) I can handle the turkey and all the fixings, but admittedly, my decorating skills aren't exactly up to snuff. To be honest, I am known as the queen of Pinterest fails. I always try, but usually end up discouraged and I throw away my project. Then I go out, purchase what I need to decorate and end up spending ... [ Read More ]
Dress for Fall (without any effort at all!)
If you know anything about me, you know I'm all about making life easy. Whether it's cooking, mom hacks or fashion, I'm all about keeping things really simple and affordable. Since it's finally starting to feel like fall around these parts, it's time to officially change over my wardrobe. One of my favorite things to do is to repurpose pieces from the spring/summer and make them work for fall. Not only does it save money, but it makes life a heck of a lot easier. A really easy ways of doing ... [ Read More ]
Pulled Pork “Ice Cream Cone”
Does anyone else have a husband who is completely football obsessed? The only benefit to football season for me, is the fact that I get to create and eat yummy food! As a new Mom, I don't have the same amount of prep/cook time that I used to, so I'm all about creating something simple. Last weekend, I came up with these pulled pork "ice cream cones" using Curly's BBQ Sauceless Pulled Pork and they were a total hit. The reason I love Curly's BBQ Pork is because it comes completely pre-cooked ... [ Read More ]
An Afternoon with Elia and Me
If you ask any Mom, most of them will tell you that having a routine for your baby or toddler is a key factor for success. Not only does the predictability make them a happier baby, but it helps you figure out which chunks of time you will have available to do other things (like shower). The mornings are usually a breeze for us since she wakes up at 7:30 and goes back to sleep from 9:30am-11am. The afternoons, however, are a bit more difficult to navigate since I have about 4 hours before she ... [ Read More ]
5 Ways to Stay Motivated to Work Out
The second it gets cold out, I just want to wear a big comfy sweater, lay on the couch and eat tons of ramen. Does anyone else feel the same way? Also, working out is usually the last thing on my mind to begin with so now with the cold weather and carb overload cravings, my fitness level can easily get to an all-time low. Realistically, given the amount of pasta I feel like eating on a daily basis, it really should be kicked into gear. Since I'm now over officially over 30 and my body has ... [ Read More ]
Whole 30 Poke Bowl
This poke bowl craze is popular for a reason. They are SO delicious and really really good for you. Skip the rice (or substitute it for cauliflower rice like I do) and you're in for a really low carb meal. This is one of those recipes that makes you forget that you're eating clean! Whole 30 Poke Bowl This is one of those recipes that makes you forget that you’re eating clean! Bowl4 oz Sushi Grade Tuna (per person; cut into small cubes)1/4 cup Coconut Aminos Garlic Sauce1/4 cup ... [ Read More ]
Halloween Candy Bark
I can't believe it, but Halloween is literally right around the corner! Time is seriously flying. This holiday has taken on a whole new meaning for me now that I have Elia. What costume will she wear? Will she say Trick or Treat in time (we keep practicing!) and what kind of candy will she like?! I'm just so excited to take her Trick or Treating for the first time and see her face light up every time someone opens the door to give her candy. She's going to freak out. I also just bought my ... [ Read More ]
Why I Choose the Table almost Every Night!
Life is hectic. I get it more than anyone. There is always a work e-mail to be answered, a text to reply to or mess to clean up. It's just so easy to get disconnected from the ones you love and frankly, it's not ok. Call me judgmental, but I think it's SO important to put the phone down and take a few minutes to really be in the moment with your family every single day. For me, I choose the kitchen table as the place to reconnect with my daughter and husband almost every single night. It's ... [ Read More ]
