I can't believe it, but I am finally out of my first trimester of pregnancy! In a strange (and totally not serious way), it kind of feels like being released from jail. A jail inside my own body. Let me explain. For the past 8 weeks or so (I started feeling sick around 6 weeks pregnant), I've been in a constant state of drowsiness, unbearable nausea, puberty style breakouts, intense mood swings and overall anxiety that something was going to happen to my baby. It really is like living in a ... [ Read More ]
I’ve got a bun in the oven (and I’m not even cooking)!
Hey guys! I know it's been a while, but I've been cooking up something pretty cool these past three months. Surprise! I'm pregnant :). Truth be told, this has literally been one of the most difficult times of my entire life. As I sit here now, a little over 12 weeks pregnant, I'm finally able to reflect back over the last few months with a smile... Rewind back to week 6. I could barely get out of bed. I kept reading that it was going to get better. They told me soon enough I'd feel better ... [ Read More ]
Goat Cheese & Onion Jam Crostini
I've partnered with my friends at Learn to Cook to share the PERFECT recipe just in time for New Years. This goat cheese & onion jam crostini isn't just easy to make, it will knock the pants off your guest! A special surprise this week... It's a video recipe!! Check it out. https://youtu.be/najsSBzxlAo Goat Cheese & Onion Jam Crostini This goat cheese & onion jam crostini isn’t just easy to make, it will knock the pants off your guest! Crostini 8 oz Goat ... [ Read More ]
How to throw a Memorable New Years Eve Party (without stressing yourself out)
Can you believe it's almost New Year's Eve?! Where did 2015 even go? Every year around this time, we're faced with the same choice as to how we will celebrate this festive occasion. Do we go out and celebrate at a restaurant or bar or do we stay in and perhaps host our own party? The majority of the time, my friends and I opt for the first option. Going out usually means less stress, less mess, and more freedom (however, it usually comes with a hefty price tag.) Last year, I decided to ... [ Read More ]
5 Tips to a Balanced Lifestyle during the Holidays
I love this time of the year, but it seems like we don't have much down-time to let our bodies reset from all the food we eat! We go straight from Turkey Day to attending all those awesome holiday parties (where we inevitably consume large amounts of food). It’s tough! Visiting the parents, grandparents, or friends can spell-out trouble – especially when every home has tables covered in sweets, hams, side-dishes, or just festive candy. Today, I'm sharing 5 tips to help you balance the ... [ Read More ]
Jamie Otis: Chicken Meatballs Over Celeriac Mash
Hey Guys! My name is Jamie Otis. Some of you may know me from 'The Bachelor' and/or 'Married At First Sight.' I've been married to my amazing man for almost two years now. (Yes, we were married at first sight. Yikes!) When I first met him he claimed he enjoyed cooking and cooked "a lot." That "a lot" turned into a handful of times when we were first married - and I think he only cooked those few times just because he wanted to impress me. ;-) It worked, too! But anyway, ... [ Read More ]
How to Throw the Ultimate Friendsgiving
This time of year, it seems like everyone is throwing or attending a Friendsgiving! While these parties are typically far from your traditional family dinner, they’re usually super fun and filled with delicious food! Have you ever thought of throwing one yourself, but worried about breaking the bank? What if I told you throwing the ultimate dinner party was super simple and you won’t have to worry about spending your life savings? I’ve teamed up with Coca Cola to share everything you need to ... [ Read More ]
7 Layer Thanksgiving Dip
Every year after Thanksgiving it's the same story. You take your leftovers, you make a sandwich and you call it a day. Well, I'm about to change all that with my super creative (and awesomely delicious) 7 Layer Thanksgiving Dip. This is one of the easiest leftover use-up recipes you'll find and you can literally put ANYTHING in it that you had during the Thanksgiving meal. 7 Layer Thanksgiving Dip This is one of the easiest leftover use-up recipes you’ll find and you can literally put ... [ Read More ]
2015 Holiday Gift Guide for a Foodie
The snow has fallen (better late than never), the hot cocoa is warm, and the lights are up along the Magnificent Mile. You know what this means? The 2015 holiday season is here and in full swing! As a result, I've been on a search to find the best gifts to get your foodie friend, significant other or relative this holiday season. From gourmet chocolate to my favorite cookbooks, I promise that you will find exactly what you need for the foodie in your life. 1. Total Terlato Gift ... [ Read More ]
Vegetable and Tofu Coconut Curry Pot Pie
I love all things curry. Now when you combine my favorite thai inspired dish with good old American comfort food...well life just get's a whole lot better. This vegetable coconut curry pot pie is the perfect mashup of those two cuisines. To make it even more unique, I'm using puff pastry instead of traditional pie dough (a little play on the curry puffs you get as appetizers at events). This dish is warm, hearty and most of all, a super quick and easy dinner to throw together. You can make ... [ Read More ]