Let's get to the point, and fast — everyone is in a rush during the holidays. You've got gifts to give, and bells to ring, and there's no time to waste. I'm a grocery-shopping pro, and have done it both the easy and the hard way. Below are my five prime tips for an efficient, time-saving … Continue reading 5 Time-Saving Tips for Holiday Grocery Shopping
HELLO, friends! It's been a hot minute since I've posted a recipe or blog, and I thank you for keeping up with me, via Instagram and Facebook! Summer has ended, and it was a season full of changes (all positive), and travel! The summer began with an unexpected shift in my full-time job, but I … Continue reading Autumn Squash & Spinach Salad
It was brought to my attention that I did not have a pesto recipe on my blog. In years past, I've been lazy and bought pre-made pesto, but honestly, it's soooo easy to make, and not full of preservatives. Ingredient wise, it's pretty inexpensive (minus the pine nuts)! There's a ton of different recipes out … Continue reading How To Make Basil Pesto
While I was in England, Joe took me to this wonderful Korean Bowl restaurant that serves rice bowls with different types of marinated meat, stacked with raw veggies, and different yummy sauces. It was so good, I decided to re-create my own bowl for you guys, and I'm pretty proud of this recipe! If you're … Continue reading Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowl
For Christmas, my mom got me an Instant Pot, and for the past few months, I've been experimenting and learning how to use it (I have yet to try boiling eggs in it, which I really want to try next). What I've liked cooking most in my pot is chicken and meat - it cooks … Continue reading Sweet Potato Nachos with Instant Pot Carnitas
Take back Taco Tuesday with a vengeance, with these easy-to-make, delightful pickled red onions. Fresh cilantro, pickled onions, and a lime wedge can really bump your taco game up a notch. I love to top fresh Mexican food or avocado toast with these lil' purple guys. Not only do they had a unique flavor, but they're pretty too (Instagram worthy … Continue reading Homemade Pickled Red Onions
Mediterranean food is one of my favorite cuisines, due to the immense mixture of flavors you can create, plus it tends to be on the healthier side. A Mediterranean diet tends to be rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, seafood, low grains, low dairy, and low meat. Great for people who need to eat a … Continue reading Cauliflower Tabbouleh (Tabouli)
When trying to eat low fat, but high protein, I love to incorporate white fish into my diet. Cod is one of my favorites because it's flavorful and inexpensive; I also enjoy making halibut. I've always said Nashville would be the perfect place to live, if we were bordered by an ocean, and had fresh … Continue reading Lemon Tahini Fish
Down in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, there's an old Italian grocery store famous for its Original Muffuletta Sandwich created by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo. Central Grocery was opened in 1906 by Lupo, and the shop still brings in hundreds of locals, tourists, and foodies from around the world every day. The iconic … Continue reading Make Your Own N’awlins Muffuletta
Believe it or not, it IS possible to re-create fried rice with cauliflower. When I first tell people this, they never believe me - "But... it can't possibly taste the same!" That's where your wrong kiddo, cause it can. I'll admit, the texture is slightly different, but it can really cure that craving for take-out … Continue reading Fried Cauliflower Rice
Thank you to all the birthday wishes, messages, and texts I received this past week! My best friend, Ashton flew me out for 2 days to her home in North Carolina, and we literally just took it easy and watched Netflix. Over the weekend, I went to the symphony for a Back/Mozart/Elgar showing, ate my … Continue reading 28 Things I’m Grateful For Today (+1 to Grow On)
Typically, Chinese is one of those food groups we all love, but know it's filled with so much MSG, fat, and overall, unhealthy. Luckily, it's not very hard to make your own tasty Asian meals. Today, we're going to go over how to make the following: Sesame Chicken Later this week, look out for this … Continue reading Sesame Chicken
Just because I love to eat healthy a lot of the time, doesn't mean I don't miss eating Hooter's Buffalo Wings with some good ole ranch. Trust me, I miss that. I'm not much of a sports fan but, I enjoy going to watch a UFC fight with friends, order hot wings, and go through … Continue reading Buffalo Cauliflower
My family has used the same deviled egg recipe for years. A family friend of ours passed the BEST deviled egg recipe down to us, and I LOVE it. There are so many variations out there (the ones with vinegar should be banned), but the recipe we share is my absolute favorite. It's based with … Continue reading Not Your Average Deviled Eggs
With all the hate being spread in the world right now involving race, religion, and political belief, there is one thing most people tend to agree on - bacon ROCKS. I've even chatted with vegan and vegetarian friends who will admit that although they don't eat it anymore, bacon is delicious and once upon a … Continue reading Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
For Christmas, I was sent a gift basket from an Italian Restaurant in NYC, and still have loads of pasta left. I of course ate the fresh ravioli immediately, but still had some frozen cavatelli left. This simple recipe is delicious and easy. Fix the cod without the pasta, or vice versa if you like! … Continue reading Lemon Baked Cod with Cavatelli and Tomato Sauce
It's true what they say... Red Bull does give you wings. I had one a few hours ago and I'm still flying high at 3 a.m. Every once and awhile I have (a sugar-free) one, and regardless of how terrible they are for you, it does the job. Tomorrow (or I guess, today), is my … Continue reading Tequila & Lime Shrimp Nachos
Been home for two days, and I'm still coming down from my "New Orleans, New Year's" high. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities for so many reasons - a 300 year old city packed with rich history, diverse culture, and delectable food. I had the most wonderful New Year's trip, but I'll save … Continue reading Whole30 Zuppa Toscano Soup
This is going to be short and sweet, literally. Christmas is TEN DAYS away y’all. Between work, shopping, and holiday parties - it’s a busy month for us all. Don’t get stressed out with your party food and baking - make it easy on yourself. Granny wants you to bring an appetizer for dinner? No … Continue reading Sweet n Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Goat Cheese
Thanksgiving is just around the corner – time to finalize your recipes, and head to the store. I was hoping to go to the grocery tonight to get ahead of the crowds, but I have a feeling it’s already slammed. Every year, families gather around the dinner table, and most of us eat a compilation … Continue reading Dairy-Free Baked Mac-N-Cheese
It's the holiday season, and no matter where you look, you're in a society filled with sugar and candy. Why not make your own, and know exactly what ingredients go into what you're eating? I've got the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings. These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter bars are essentially homemade Reese's. These … Continue reading “Reese’s” Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Lately, I have been FEELING the sweet tooth... it's very annoying. I've been seeing a personal trainer since the end of July, and obviously he discourages me from consuming what I like to call "naughty" foods. Added sugar is definitely a naughty, naughty food! Ugh. I really wish I hated chocolate - that is my … Continue reading Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bites
"Raise your hand if you have ever been personally victimized by Regina George." Mean Girls - the movie we all still love. If you're like me, you can probably quote the entire film word for word. It's a movie millennials grew up on, and still continue to worship and quote in real life. Not only … Continue reading How to Throw the Most FETCH Mean Girls Party
If you know me, you know I love seafood. My dad was a foodie, and spoon fed me Cajun seafood gumbo at the age of one. Nashville had a sad selection of seafood restaurants in the 90s, but we still went to a place called, "Florida Seafood" a few times of year, as well as … Continue reading Bacon Wrapped Seared Scallops
I've whipped up a recipe for smoked paprika breakfast potatoes, and they are delicious paired with eggs, bacon, or even as a side with whatever you're having for dinner. These would also be divine in a breakfast burrito (I haven't eaten yet today and I want to eat everything I'm talking about). Sometimes I get carried … Continue reading Smoked Paprika Breakfast Potatoes
Here we are days away from October, and it's still warm outside (at least it is in Tennessee). Well, I don't care… Summer has ended, and I am ready for everything fall has to offer. Ready for pumpkins, ready for scary movies, ready for Halloween, and then - I will be ready to eat so … Continue reading Keto Chili Con Carne
My best friend moved to Raleigh a few weeks ago... it's her first big move.... sigh. She got a killer job promotion (and a HUGE raise), and I'm so happy she made the decision to start this new chapter of her life. Of course, I had to go visit her asap... can't let my boo … Continue reading Simple Slaw
Yesterday was the Solar Eclipse, and today I have been coming down from that incredible high. I woke up and was sad af. "Great... only 7 more years until the 2024 Solar Eclipse! UGH." Seriously - it was such an amazing experience. I'm nerdy anyways and knew about the eclipse over a year ago, but … Continue reading Baba Ganoush Dip
It's funny that I like brussels sprouts, because my dad ALWAYS tried to make me eat them growing up. He LOVED them, and would make them for himself because my mom and I couldn't be bothered. Even up into high school, he would say, "Maybe your taste buds have changed... try it again for me." … Continue reading Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a lovely, adventure-filled weekend. I know I did… I just started binge watching Game of Thrones (yeah, yeah, I’m behind). The addiction is real. I finished Season One in three days, and on the third day I only had two episodes left. These were on days I … Continue reading Mini Zucchini Pizzas
I'm typing this as I'm getting ready for a Cancer Survivor benefit, so don't expect a long post for this one. Margaritas - we all love them. We all want them. The recipe I'm providing you is not only easy, but healthy too! Skinny Margs don't have to taste "healthy." Anytime I've ordered a "skinny" … Continue reading Skinny Margaritas
Given the choice over savory and sweet, I always choose savory. But sometimes, a girl needs a damn cookie. These peanut butter cookies are full of flavor, but made with only FIVE ingredients! They pair quite nicely with peaches (drizzled with honey and cinnamon), and pecans. They're dairy-free, grain-free, and paleo! I like to buy … Continue reading Paleo Peanut Butter Cookies
I'm so cocky. I also titled my key lime pie recipe, "The Best Key Lime Pie Ever," but it is... No regrets. I NEVER get sick of Mexican food – it’s a problem. Chuy’s and tacos never offend me (except when I'm eating super clean, ugh). I like to blame my mom, because my dad … Continue reading The Best Guacamole Ever
