First of all, I want to start by saying how grateful I am for all of the encouraging messages/comments/texts I received about my post on Monday. It just exemplifies what I mean about having such an amazing support system, both near and far! It's not easy opening up about such a personal topic, but I think it is important to be open when the time is right. So again, THANK YOU all! Today I have a super simple recipe for you that is a perfect way to use up your summer garden tomatoes! I have to say, there is nothing qui[...]
Category
Side Dishes
With summer in full swing, I am all about the entree salads! My husband has different thoughts, but I like the challenge of creating filling, delicious, and complex salads that will satisfy even the pickiest of salad eaters! Especially in the summer, but really year round, I could probably live off the notorious "Big A$$ Salads" I have in my repertoire. I just love the variety of flavors and textures they offer, plus they fill you up without making you feel TOO full. And also, vinegar. I've always been a big fan of vine[...]
Happy Monday! Another weekend has gone in a flash! Travis and I drove out to Tucson, Arizona last Thursday and had a great weekend visiting his family and celebrating the marriage of some great friends that Travis met in college. We ate well, relaxed a bit, and enjoyed some quality family time. I usually dread the drive to and from Tucson, but for some reason it wasn't so bad this time! I think I was glad to get to enjoy some uninterrupted time with my husband listening to podcasts and talking about life. There's no[...]
Another weekend has come and gone in the blink of an eye! Since Travis and I only get one day "off" together, we always try to make Sunday a good mix of productivity and fun. We started the day off with a major grocery haul at Costco and Trader Joes, to get those things checked off the to-do list. After a busy (and crowded) Sunday morning, we made it back home in need of a little R&R. A nice big lunch and an episode of Dexter later, were ready to head back out again. I have had my eye on a "U-Pick" Strawberry field[...]
We've got 2 recipes for the price of one in today's post! Here's what happened- I was experimenting in the kitchen last weekend and made 2 versions of the same basic dish, and then couldn't decide which one I wanted to share here today. They both turned out to be super tasty, and each have their benefits depending on your specific dietary needs or preferences :) This Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is a low carb, highly nutritious version of everyone's favorite side dish. I've done cauliflower mashed "potatoes", and cauli[...]
We are smack dab in the middle of the so-called "holiday season"...how's that going for everyone? I know it can be difficult to eat healthy and stay on track during this time of year, so today I have 2 tips for you if you are heading out to a holiday party :) Eat before you go. If you have a feeling that there might not be many healthy options, have a substantial "snack" or mini meal before heading out the door. This way, you can still nibble on a few treats or whatever strikes your fancy, but you won't be ravenous and[...]
Thanksgiving is less than 1 week away! That is seriously so hard for me to believe. But I am stoked that the holidays are HERE and that we have made it to the most wonderful time of the year :) What are your plans? Do you have the pleasure of cooking a feast for your family? Will you be bringing a dish to a family gathering, or are you hitting the road along with the rest of us? We will be heading east to Tucson, AZ to visit Travis's family. There are a lot of them (he is one of 5 siblings, plus lots of nieces, nephews[...]
It's hard to believe, but it feels like summer is winding down. I don't know if it's the unseasonably cool temperatures we've been having, or that all the schools are back in session, but I am seeing fall on the horizon, which is incredibly exciting because it is easily my favorite time of the year!! But before we jump into pumpkin spice everything, let's first talk about your upcoming Labor Day weekend! (I have always felt like Labor Day weekend is the official departure of summer.) Whether you are planning on going to[...]