February 13, 2018 First it’s kale, then it’s brussel sprouts, now chia is the trendy food item popping up everywhere. Have you heard of chia seeds? Certainly not new, this superfood dates back to Mexico around 1000 B.C. Chia seeds have several health benefits: Antioxidants. The more antioxidants we consume, the more we protect our…
February 22, 2018 Is your belly constantly bloated? Did you know that there is a scientifically-proven way to shed those stubborn midsection pounds and keep them off? The secret to beating the bloat is a healthy gut. Superfoods, anti-inflammatory fats, prebiotics, and probiotic foods reduce cravings, regulate blood sugar, fight inflammation, and shed those pesky…
February 21, 2018 In the morning, I don’t have time to do much more than get ready and out the door! While it would be nice to whip together an omelet with bacon and sausage and freshly squeezed juice, it’s just not going to happen. That doesn’t mean that I have to resort to pastries…
February 27, 2018 Everything from stress, lack of sleep, illness and even genes are said to cause inflammation in our bodies. However, foods are a major cause of inflammation too. Making some little simple tweaks to your diet can not only help you feel better and look better, it can help fight inflammation. Here are…
February 26, 2018 It can be so frustrating dealing with a child who refuses to eat most foods—especially when their likes and dislikes seem to change overnight. Apples on Monday are wonderful, then suddenly apples on Wednesday are a definite no. What happened? Of course, there can be medical reasons that lead to picky behavior….
February 27, 2018 If there was ever a year to throw an Oscar Viewing Party, it’s this year! The 2018 Academy Award nominees are the most diverse in history—nominees of all color and gender—and films many people have actually seen! Plus, could you ever before have imagined a world in which Star Wars, Blade Runner,…
May 15, 2018 There’s nothing like homemade lemonade on a hot summer day! And there’s nothing like the fresh scent of a lemon when you cut into it. Did you know there are many uses for this versatile fruit? Here are some surprising ideas for things you can do with lemons. Cleaning: Mix lemon rinds…
April 13, 2018 This may sound like a bizarre combination, but you are going to love this homemade cream of mushroom and kale soup recipe! Years ago, I had found a recipe that called for a can of cream of mushroom soup. I didn’t have any in the cupboard but decided it couldn’t be that…
April 24, 2018 Have you been wondering about a few of the popular healthy eating plans you’ve heard about online or in the news lately? It seems like everyone is talking about keto, paleo, Whole 30, clean, and other healthy eating plans. If you’re not already familiar with each eating plan, here’s the skinny on…
May 10, 2018 Breakfast, lunch, dinner … tacos are always on everybody’s most wanted meal list, no matter the time of day. This traditional Mexican dish, which consists of a corn or wheat tortilla folded around a filling, has been embraced by the world. Here’s a tome that takes on tasty new takes on the…
May 7, 2018 I love lobster and crab cakes but the expense of using the real thing is just out of my budget. If you’re looking for an easy, affordable meal idea, you can make these easy imitation lobster cakes just as easily at a fraction of the cost. When you purchase imitation crab or…
May 24, 2018 We can all agree that the Kentucky Derby just wouldn’t be the Kentucky Derby without a few sips of a Mint Julep, the quintessential cocktail of the South. This bourbon-based cocktail is traditionally made with four ingredients—mint leaf, bourbon, simple syrup, and crushed ice—and makes for the perfect boozy refreshment on a…
May 29, 2018 There is no tastier way to start your morning than with this chia seed pudding. I know that on busy days, I’m often tempted to skip breakfast. Or, even worse, to grab a donut or pastry instead of a healthier choice. The joy of this delicious chia seed pudding is that you…
June 6, 2018 Ah honey, sweet, sweet honey. In the summer the flowers are blooming and the bees are buzzing. Honey is the original way to satisfy a sweet tooth. We all know it’s much healthier than sugar, but are you using honey as often as you could be? Do you know the difference between…
July 31, 2018 If you’re lucky enough to grow tomatoes, you know you’re always in for a treat mid to late summer. Picked at the height of the season, a fresh tomato is a mouthwatering delight for many people. They are easy to grow, even on small sunny patios in pots, so living in a…
May 31, 2018 Summer means lots of fresh vegetables from our garden, the farmer’s market, and the supermarket. Nothing tastes better than fresh summer produce, and what better to enjoy with it than your own homemade salad dressing. One of the reasons I enjoy making homemade dressing and other condiments is that I have total…
June 13, 2018 As the temperatures rise, many people wonder if it’s possible to make dinner and keep the kitchen cool at the same time. No one wants to put the oven on for an hour at 400 degrees when the temperatures outside are topping 90 degrees! That makes the kitchen, and often the rest of…
June 20, 2018 I’m sure you’ve heard by now that oats are healthy, add fiber to your diet, and help keep you feeling full. They’re gluten-free and add whole grains to your diet. They’re full of vitamins, iron, and minerals, and are nutrient dense. Most people eat oats by preparing oatmeal in a bowl and…
June 19, 2018 Most of us have a wooden cutting board that we use to dice vegetables, slice cheeses, and carve apples. Have you ever wondered if you’re properly caring for the board or do you simply wash it and put it away in the cupboard until the next time you need it? Chances are…
July 2, 2018 Who doesn’t love beautiful and bright sunflowers? They make a lovely sight in gardens from summer into fall. You can also bring them inside to add cheer to any room. Here’s all you need to know about cutting, drying, and enjoying sunflowers and their seeds. Cutting Flowers The huge and gorgeous flower…
June 27, 2018 People tend to associate a barbecue with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and other meat-focused dishes. However, that’s not for everyone. Roughly one million of the United States population is vegan. Although that means only about half a percent holds this dietary preference, it’s important for a host to be able to cater to…
June 25, 2018 Have you ever had someone stop by unexpectedly to visit and you’re at a loss what to offer them to eat? I love entertaining and when people stop by to visit, I try to offer them something to eat and drink. When I’m short on time or I don’t have the necessary…
July 3, 2018 Have you ever wondered how to make bread from scratch with yeast? I have always enjoyed baking and cooking as many things as possible from scratch. I think of it as a challenge and try to recreate as many traditionally processed foods as possible. For the most part, the recipes are just…
July 17, 2018 Kids grow up so quickly these days. Before you know it they’ve outgrown the diapers, toys, and even baby food that you have on hand. If you’ve ever found yourself with a few jars of unneeded baby food, you will be glad to learn that there is a delicious way to use them!…
August 6, 2018 Have you ever wondered how to make cornbread with honey? Traditional Northern cornbread is made with sugar, but for those that are trying to avoid refined sugars, there are other options available. If you’re like my husband, a native Texan, you may be thinking that sweetener has no place in cornbread at…
August 20, 2018 If your garden is going crazy like mine is, you might be wishing that autumn would arrive soon so things will slow down. As much as I love my garden, the summer months are bountiful with zucchini, tomatoes, and other summer vegetables. By mid-summer, I look forward to autumn because it means…
August 28, 2018 You are going to love this easy sausage gravy recipe for biscuits! My husband is from Texas and there are a few regional recipes that I had to learn how to cook when we got married. Since I’m a New England girl, sausage gravy isn’t something that I had ever dined on,…
September 12, 2018 Don’t you just love the start of each new season? With it comes new fashion, new weather, and new seasonal foods. Picking your own produce is the best but farm stands and farmers’ markets are great sources and can be fun too. Grocery stores will have in-season produce at good prices too!…
September 18, 2018 Fall is here, and it is my absolute favorite time of year for many reasons. Cooler weather, hoodies, boots, Halloween; all of it gets me giddy. Another part of autumn I enjoy is National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year it runs September 18th through October 18th and is a time to celebrate…
September 26, 2018 Being born in late October, Halloween was always my favorite holiday of the year. Halloween meant three things: I got to dress up as whatever I wanted, I got to eat an incessant amount of candy (this was the 90’s, before parents checked their kids’ candy), and my HALLOWEEN BIRTHDAY BASH. My…
October 1, 2018 Pumpkin bread is one of my family’s favorite fall desserts. We generally pick up a few small pumpkins from the farmer’s market which means I almost always have pumpkin puree. This quick bread recipe is one of the easiest ways to use up the puree if you aren’t in the mood for…
October 20, 2018 Dump Cakes are one of the best and easiest go-to desserts when you are short on time but really wanting to impress guests with a tasty cake! You only need one bowl and a few, pantry-ready ingredients, making it faster than ever to whip up a delicious dessert. Food writer Anne Schaffer’s…
September 29, 2018 Yum! Subway’s San Diego stores are undergoing a “refresh,” with elevated flavor options and beverages. The newest sandwiches sound amazing! Choose from Steakhouse Melt (Steak, American Cheese and new Sub Spice seasoning); California Club (Turkey Breast, freshly sliced Avocado and Mustard Seeds); Italian Grinder (Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Black Forest Ham, Subway® Herb…
October 26, 2020 It’s a common storyline in holiday films (and households) in our society. After family members gather together at the Thanksgiving table, all of the issues festering in their hearts and over their heads create tension that builds and leads a huge blow up. We might laugh when we see the antics unfold…
October 26, 2018 Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to have gift giving without gifts? As much as I love the holidays, gift giving can be a challenge. There really isn’t anything that I want or need, so coming up with ideas for people to give me is tough sometimes. And, it’s not just…
November 26, 2018 Christmas is the favorite holiday for many people. For some it’s for religious reasons, for others it’s about cherishing family and festivities. For most, it’s a combination of both! Unfortunately, it can get very stressful for many people. It is overwhelming to budget for gifts, host out-of-town guests, plan and host holiday…
November 16, 2018 As a salad lover, I know they are super healthy but can actually get boring when you eat them daily. My favorite tip? Change the toppings! Not only will you add variety, but you’ll also add health benefits. Mix and match for a new variety, making your salad the perfect side dish…
November 15, 2018 Much has been made in movies and pop culture about the downright craziness that can surround the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving. While it’s meant to be a day for showing love and gratitude, tempers can flare when extended family members—some of whom may be estranged—try to gather around the table for a meal….
November 7, 2018 Have you ever wondered how to make a gluten-free pie crust? In today’s world of food allergies, hosting people for the holidays isn’t as simple as it used to be. It’s important to check with your guests before the big day to find out if anyone has food allergies or intolerances. It…
December 5, 2018 Looking for the perfect gift for the crafty, artsy, creative girl or boy in your life aged 8-12? Here are our picks for high quality natural and imaginative toys that help bring out a child’s natural curiosity and creativity. Crayon Rocks Kids love creating beautifully textured drawings with the pebble-like-shaped Crayon Rocks….
December 13, 2018 Holiday mornings call for easy decadence, and these muffins deliver. These rich, banana muffins dotted with dark chocolate chips and spiked with bourbon can be prepped the night before and then popped into the oven for an easy breakfast or accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. Simply combine the dry ingredients in…
December 31, 2018 There’s so much that goes into planning a party that it can be overwhelming to get everything done. Not only do you need to manage the guest list and be sure your home is ready for guests, but you also need to come up with a menu that everyone will love. Depending…
January 4, 2019 Finding breakfast smoothies that are dairy free can be a challenge for some people. Since my daughter is lactose intolerant, we try to avoid dairy-based foods in the things we prepare for her. Since many breakfast smoothies use yogurt or Greek yogurt as a base, we have been searching for an alternative to…
January 18, 2019 It’s almost game day and time to play your Super Bowl celebration. Even if your team isn’t in the lineup, snacking your way through the plays (and the commercials) has become a cultural event. Whether it’s just your own little family or you’re planning to host a party, there are some quick…
January 17, 2019 The cold winds and snow may have you wanting to lounge by the fire, but that’s no reason to neglect healthy eating. Now’s the time to take advantage of seasonal winter superfoods that are loaded with essential vitamins to get you through the winter months. If you’re looking to boost your immunities…