Don't throw that out! Stem-to-root cooking Featuring The Produce Box

Don’t throw that out! Stem-to-root cooking Featuring The Produce Box

The Produce Box is a wonderful service here in North Carolina that provides you with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items directly from North Carolina farmers and other small business owners. Each week there is a different selection, depending on what’s available and in season, and unlike a CSA, you choose exactly what, and how much you want to purchase. It’s like a farmer’s market brought right to your door. (Want to become a member? Check it out here!) Because of my Produce Box deliveries, I have become much more aware of the parts of food that we use and the parts that go to waste. Produce Box items arrive to your door a little differently than if you pick them up at the grocery store. For example, carrots …

School Lunches Made Easy

School Lunches Made Easy

The one thing I dread every school year, aside from the early mornings, is the battle of the back to school lunches. Don’t laugh, the struggle is REAL!! My kids refused to eat school lunches (unless it was pizza day). So every day I would pack five lunches. Trying to remember which kid liked peanut butter and jelly this week, or which kid would only eat veggies if they were drenched in balsamic vinegar. After having one too many uneaten lunches return home, I announced to my kids that I was DONE. If they didn’t want hot lunch, they were responsible for making their own lunches from now on. This system has been working out for the past two years, and now the only complaints I get is when we run out …

Simple Guacamole & Baked Tortilla Chips

Tasty Tuesday – Simple Guacamole & Baked Tortilla Chips

Chips and guacamole. It’s the one snack that ALL my girls love to eat. One of my favorite guacamole recipes is from Alton Brown, but I don’t always have the extra time to make it, so I discovered an easy and delicious way to make guacamole in a very short amount of time. It’s so easy, in fact, that my kids can make it on their own! It takes less than 5 minutes to make and it’s just as tasty as the “real” stuff. Super Simple Guacamole What is your favorite snack?  

Cheesy artichoke dip

March Mania – Pick your Fav Dip and Win!

Disclosure: I am part of the BJ’s Wholesale Club Blogger Ambassador program. March Mania – Pick your Fav Dip and Win! is a sponsored post. Although I was supplied products and/or compensated for writing this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I believe in, and use myself. I have a confession. I hate basketball. Well, hate is a strong word. I went to a couple of Knicks Games when I lived in the Northeast and enjoyed the live action, but I’d rather read tax code than watch the Final whatever of basketball. But I do love to entertain and if everyone else wants to gather here to watch the big game, who am I to interfere?!? I have a few go to munchies that I love to serve, …

DIY California and Vegetable Rolls

DIY California and Vegetable Rolls

My kids and I love (cooked) sushi. Although my 14 YO will eat pretty much any kind of sushi, even the raw stuff, I just can’t get over the raw fish factor so I stick to “safe” things like California Rolls, Caterpillar rolls (my favorite), vegetable rolls and anything with tempura. NEWS FLASH…. I like seared tuna! Had the opportunity to taste some at Bonefish Grill and my friends FORCED me to try it. I’m so glad I did! Now back to your regularly scheduled recipe. With a family of seven, we just can’t afford to go out and get sushi as often as we would like. It’s too expensive! A friend suggested since I love to cook, I should start making my own. Truthfully, it never even crossed my mind! So …

Back to School with BJ's Wholesale Club

Back to School with BJ’s Wholesale Club

Disclosure: I am part of the BJ’s Wholesale Club Blogger Ambassador program. The following is a sponsored post. Although I was supplied products and/or compensated for writing this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I believe in, and use myself. BJ’s carries everything you need for back to school at affordable prices… and if you are sending your teen off to college, it’s a one-stop-shop. You will find computers, bedding, furniture, appliances, toiletries, food… everything your college-bound teen could possibly need! Last week I had the pleasure of attending a back to school event at my local BJ’s Wholesale Club. We toured through the store discussing all the new items BJ’s has stocked to help you prepare for the new school year. Backpacks, lunch boxes, pens, Post-it Notes, markers, …