Citrus Coconut Sunshine Cake

This super easy to make and delicious Citrus Coconut Sunshine Cake is bursting with bright lemon, sweet mandarin oranges, and toasted coconut- just like summer on a fork!

So, the last time I posted a new recipe on here it was near the beginning of summer. I do apologize for the almost 3 month long hiatus, but I promise you all that it was for a very good reason. A very good reason that I can't reveal to everyone just yet, but that I should be able to tell you all about within the next two months or so. ;) So, stay tuned- because it is a pretty BIG. 

In the meantime, I am over here soaking up these last little bits of summertime and digging into this easy to make Citrus Coconut Sunshine Cake. Seriously, folks. This citrusy and bright cake is summer on a fork.

And when I say summer, I mean the pre-Covid, all day at the pool, backyard family BBQ's, beach vacation summer. Because let's face it- this has been a super weird summer. Summer 2019 with its outdoor concerts, and the crowded city pool, and packed restaurant patios seems like a lifetime ago at this point- am I right?

Strawberry Coconut Bread Pudding

The sweetness of strawberries comes together perfectly with the creaminess of coconut in this easy to make Strawberry Coconut Bread Pudding...

So, one of my favorite things about us going from late spring to early summertime is those first of the season strawberries. There is just nothing quite like them- wouldn't you all agree? Not only do they seem to be at their very best, but the prices drop dramatically and you can snag a big ole package of them for just a few bucks. 

But unfortunately when there are only two people in your house most of the time, a big ole package of strawberries doesn't seem to get consumed quickly enough. Not wanting to see them go to waste, I brainstormed what I could do with them. I also happened to have on hand a loaf of locally baked sourdough bread I needed to use and some leftover canned coconut milk from when my boyfriend made me homemade Indian food from scratch a few days before. 

Fresh strawberries + sourdough bread + coconut milk? It was a no-brainer, folks. It was time to whip up a new homemade bread pudding recipe! ;)

Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Almonds Trail Mix

You only need 4 ingredients to whip up this easy to make & addictive Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Almonds Trail Mix... 

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Huy Fong Sriracha Almonds.

Who else just loves getting their snack on? Personally, I am a big fan of anything sweet, salty, & crunchy with a little kick of heat. Who else is with me on this one? ;)

That is why I was crazy excited when I got the chance to try the one and only Huy Fong Original Sriracha Almonds. These California roasted premium almonds are flavored with the official, full-flavored taste of the authentic Huy Fong brand Sauce. It's just like having your favorite Sriracha sauce in a perfectly snackable form! 

Peanut Butter Oreo Cake Mix Cookies

These easy to make peanut butter cookies start with a cake mix and are loaded with chunks of chopped Oreos...

So, we are on like what? Day #1,525,123 of the stay at home/quarantine life now? And yes, like everyone else I am starting to feel a little restless and antsy & long for some of the normalcy from my life pre-virus...

For one, I miss my gym workouts something fierce, you all. Specifically, cardio machines like my beloved elliptical and stair climber. Yeah, I know I could go out and run, but A. I kind of hate running and B. Mother Nature hasn't really been cooperating weather-wise. I mean, one day it is sunny and in the 60's and the very next day it is flipping snow here. Or it is raining. Or just plain cold.

I also miss getting my hair cut. And since I went much shorter with my hair in the fall, I had been stopping in to see my stylist about once every 3 weeks before all of this went down. I made the decision a few weeks ago to just go with it and started growing it out. 

My hair is presently in that super awkward stage of having ducky feathers and sticking out in weird places, so I am super thankful for my stretchy, wide headbands right now. And baseball caps. And the fact that I can't go out socially (because no one wants to witness this, lol). But hey- what better time to decide to grow it out than now? 

Lavender Tom Collins

A classic gin cocktail gets a floral, springtime twist in this bubbly Lavender Tom Collins...

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.

Okay, I won't lie to you all. I am pretty sure my alcohol consumption has maybe slightly increased since this who stay at home order business started. I mean, there really isn't any rules anymore for when it is acceptable or not to enjoy a little boozy concoction- am I right? 

Just like everything else in my life, I have finally accepted the fact that I am living a new "normal" for now. Like realizing that my youngest is still wearing her pajamas as dinner time is fast approaching & shrugging my shoulders because she will just be taking a shower in a few hours & changing into a new pair of PJ's. 

Or the fact that I have now become a hard core FaceTimer when I hardly ever used the app on my iPhone before. I mean, what better way is there to chat with my sister than with a unicorn or a kitty filter on? Also, how am I just now discovering how insanely fun that is?? ;)

I have also learned to appreciate the value of a well stocked fridge and liquor cabinet through all of this. Because sometimes a whiskey & ginger or a little gin and lime is just what I need at the end of the day. We have been fortunate here in West Virginia that our liquor stores have remained open throughout all of this. I can't say the same for our neighbors up north though (sorry, Pennsylvania!). 

Mesquite Beer Can Chicken

This flavorful Mesquite Beer Can Chicken is a smoky take on a classic grilling recipe...

This post is sponsored by McCormick Grill Mates & Soapbox Influence.

I can't even tell you all how excited I am about the arrival of grilling season. I mean, I have been looking for just about any reason to get outside of the house and out on my back deck at this point. Any reason. Not that doing a little grilling is a hard sell for me at all.

One of my absolute favorite recipes to make on the grill is a classic beer can chicken. It is so easy and simple to make. A little olive oil, a good seasoning mix, a can of beer, and a hot grill are all that you need to pull off this impressive whole grilled chicken recipe.

Recently, I discovered McCormick Grill Mates Seasonings & Marinades at my local Walmart. With flavor profiles like Roasted Garlic and Herb, Brown Sugar Bourbon, and Mesquite, I thought why not take my usual beer can chicken recipe to a whole other level of seasoning?

Chicken with Mustard Tarragon Sauce

This flavorful Chicken with Mustard Tarragon Sauce is a single serving take on a classic French dish...

I was provided with a copy of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook for review. I was not compensated for this post in any other way. All opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own. This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.

With my son being in college and living on campus most of the year and my daughter being with her dad a least a few days each week now, I find myself needing to only cook for one a little more often these days. I actually don't mind it. Evenings to myself allows me to whip up some of my personal favorite dishes for dinner- you know, the ones that the kids won't touch with a 10 foot pole and crinkle up their noses at in disgust. ;)

I reserve those kid-free evenings to saute a salmon filet or tuna steak for myself. To serve quinoa as a side dish. To roast all the veggies and throw them on my plate. Neither of my kids are big seafood fans. They think quinoa is weird. And they are very specific about the types of vegetables they will allow on their dinner plate. 

But I can only make the fish/quinoa/veggies combo or heat up leftovers for dinner so many evenings each week. That is why I was so happy when my food blogger friend, Joanie Zisk of One Dish Kitchen contacted me about checking out her new cookbook, The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook.

Edible Springtime Slime

You only need 4 ingredients to make this super fun Edible Springtime Slime! Easy to make & guaranteed to keep the kiddos entertained for at least a couple of hours...

So, today I am sharing a "recipe" with you all that is a little out of my norm for the blog. But hey- what is normal these days anyways? Am I right, you all? I mean, normal is pretty much out the window for the next couple of months (at least), so why not share something a little different with you all this week? ;)

My daughter has been obsessed with making slime for the past couple of years now. Me though? Not so much. I mean, making & having glue based slime in my house has been an absolute pet peeve of mine. I really do hate to be that mom, but UGH. I most definitely am.

My daughter has a knack for getting slime in all the wrong places. My living room sectional? Check! Smeared (and then dried!) onto my kitchen table? Check! In her hair? Check! I could keep going on and on, but I think you all get my drift by now. I don't know how many times I have had to google, "how to get slime out of - fill in the blank".

And let's not talk about the countless containers and ziploc baggies of homemade slime I have randomly found around the house that should have been thrown out weeks ago. Eeeeewwww...

12 Easy-to-Make Kid Friendly Recipes

These 12 Easy-to-Make Kid Friendly Recipes are fun for the kids to make and require very little adult supervision... the perfect boredom busters!

How is everyone hanging in there locked down with their kiddos at home 24/7? ;) Honestly, my life hasn't changed all that much. I mean, I was working at home before all of this went down, so it has more or less been business as usual around here.

Okay, so that is a little bit of a lie. My workload as a blogger, social media manager, and virtual assistant has been about the same since the governor of my state issued a stay-at-home order. But now I have an 8 year old hanging out with me most days doing her online instruction and "crafting" all. the. time. 

I love my daughter to death, but her daily multiple crafting sessions are becoming the bane of my existence, you all. I adore her sense of creativity. I really do. But I could do without her gluing plastic cups to paper plates and getting glue on my sectional and paint on the carpet, and the list goes on & on. As I speak, it looks as if the arts & crafts section at Hobby Lobby or Michael's threw up all over my living room floor.

So, I have been on the hunt to find other things that do not involve glue, glitter, or paint to keep her happy and entertained during these long days at home. Because I honestly don't think my couch can survive too many more crafting mishaps before I have to start furniture shopping online.

The Metropolitan Cocktail

This citrusy Metropolitan Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic cosmopolitan with an Italian flair...

This post was created in partnership with Spello Restaurant.

When it comes to Valentine's Day, I am all about the pretty cocktails. There is just something about starting with a romantic & sexy cocktail that sets the mood for the entire evening- am I right? ;) 

I recently had the opportunity and the pleasure to dine at the newly opened Spello restaurant in Mars, Pennsylvania during their soft opening for friends & family last week. The ambiance was upscale, yet not pretentious. The dinner menu is inspired by Chef Melnick's travels to Italy. It is impressive, yet not overwhelming. The emphasis is on the quality of their menu selections rather than the quantity. But that cocktail menu, you all...

The sophisticated boozy concoctions being served at the restaurant come from the creative mind of mixologist & COO of the restaurant group that owns Spello, Colin Smith. Smith has been a part of the restaurant & mixology scene in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area for over 24 years . 

The cocktail menu is higher end (you will find no well liquors here, folks), but is reasonably priced. Most of Spello's libations feature Italian spirits & liqueurs.

I would be lying if I told you all that I haven't sampled just about every cocktail on their bar menu because I have. (I may or not have photographed the entire cocktail menu for the restaurant. ;) ) But my favorite of Spello's boozy offerings is their Metropolitan cocktail- a citrusy blend of vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, Aperol, & sweet Italian Vermouth...

Matcha Chia Pudding Green Smoothie

This thick & creamy Matcha Chia Pudding Green Smoothie is protein-packed and loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin A,  & Omega-3 fatty acids. The perfect pre-workout meal!

Not that this should be a shocker to anyone who has ever read a game day recipe post of mine, but I did not watch the Super Bowl on Sunday evening. Honestly, I could have cared less who won or lost. And if I had attended a party to watch the game (which I didn't), then I would have only been there for the snacks, my friends. ;)

But there is one thing about the Super Bowl that I do like hearing about and watching the next day, and that is the halftime show. The halftime show the past couple of years didn't really impress me much even though I have always been a big fan of both Justin Timberlake and Maroon 5. But when I heard that both Jennifer Lopez and Shakira would be performing at this year's show, I was actually kind of sad that I had cut the cord on cable last year and would have to wait to watch it until later on my laptop. 

I have been a longtime fan of both of these ladies for many years. WAY back in the day, JLo and Shakira were some of my favorites to hear played when I went out to the dance clubs with my friends. Their upbeat, high energy music pretty much made up half of the soundtrack for my early to late twenties. 

Make Game Day Entertaining Easy with These Essential Big Game Eats

Hosting a get-together for the big game this weekend? The game day spread can make or break even the best football party. Make game day entertaining easy and delicious with these essential big game eats...

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. 

When it comes to game day entertaining, I only have one thing on my mind- the big game snack spread. I usually don't care much about who is playing who, or even who ends up being the champions in the end. I am there for one thing & one thing only- the food, folks. 

Because when it comes to snacking, there isn't much that beats a good game day spread. From the essentials like chips & dips to wings to pizza and everything else in between, the big game menu is what makes or breaks a game day get-together for me.

White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Cookies

Chock full of creamy white chocolate chips, tart dried cherries, and crunchy macadamia nuts, these thick & chewy White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Cookies would make the perfect addition to Santa's cookie plate...

So who else feels like we were catapulted straight from Thanksgiving dinner right into the Christmas season almost overnight? Granted, Thanksgiving did arrive a little later than it normally does this year, so maybe that is why I am feeling as if I have been scrambling this last full week before Christmas. 

We finally went out and picked out our Christmas tree and got it up and decorated last Friday. We didn't bother putting lights up outside this year because it seemed to rain almost every day that my son & I actually would have had the time to tackle the task. And by the time the weather cleared up, the lights would only be up for a couple of weeks so why bother with all that effort?

And while it may seem that I am grumbling a little (maybe there is even a little hint of bah-humbug in there?), it has been kind of nice to just be able to focus on the essentials for the holiday season for once. The tree may have been put up a little later than normal, but it IS up. The gift list has been checked off and the shopping is officially done. And I was still able to host my annual Christmas cookie baking party with my family. Things may not have went exactly according to my usual plan, but memories are being made and cherished family traditions are still being continued.

So what does the recipe for these White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Cookies that I am sharing with you all today have to do with any of the above? ;)

It's Time for Turkey: My 4 Essentials for Easy Holiday Dinner Prep

Make your family holiday dinner super simple & hassle-free with My 4 Essentials for Easy Holiday Dinner Prep...

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

It is t-minus one day until turkey time, folks! If you happen to be scrambling to put the finishing touches on that holiday dinner menu for tomorrow, then you are in luck because I have a few quick & easy ideas to share with you all today. 

Who says that hosting a family holiday dinner has to be crazy time consuming and stressful anyways? ;) You can make it super simple & hassle-free with a few simple ingredients and a little creativity. I am sharing a handful of my favorite products & tips below for making that happen.

Make Your Holiday Dinner Simple & Easy with the Bob Evans Premium Farmhouse Feast

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bob Evans Restaurants for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holiday season was meant for spending quality time with your family and loved ones. Make your holiday dinner simple & easy this year with the Bob Evans Premium Farmhouse Feast...

I love sharing a special meal with my family during the holidays. In fact, it is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. Coming together, gathering around a table to enjoy a family-style meal, sharing stories, and just enjoying a little time together.

What I don't sometimes like about family holiday dinners is that someone (usually me) gets stuck in the kitchen cooking and baking up a storm while everyone else gets to come together, share stories, and enjoy a little time together. 

But I have a little secret to share with you all that I just discovered for myself... you can let Bob Evans do all the preparation for that family feast for you this holiday season by ordering their Premium Farmhouse Feast either online, in store, or over the phone. That's right! Your next holiday dinner can be made simple with Farmhouse Feast.

Bob Evans Premium Farmhouse Feast provides a complete "home-cooked" meal for 8-10 dinner guests without all of the hassle.

Chipotle Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup

Roasted butternut squash & creamy pumpkin are blended together with warm spices & a little kick of heat in this perfect for fall Chipotle Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup...

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.

While I am not a fan of the cooler temps (and *gasp* the impending snow), there is one thing I do look forward to as fall progresses into early winter and that is the ushering in of one of my favorite seasons of the year- soup season! Honestly, we eat soup all year round in this house. But I definitely kick up my comforting and cozy soup game once the temperatures start to dip below the 40's on the regular.

I mean, what is better than a bowl of warm and creamy homemade soup when it is a cold and rainy (or snowy) outside? Not much else, folks. Except for maybe a mug of my Pumpkin Chai Hot Buttered Rum or a dish of my Slow Cooker Apple Butter Rice Pudding. ;)

This recipe for Chipotle Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup that I am sharing with you all today just might be the best fall inspired homemade soup recipe that I have come up with so far for the blog. It is creamy & smoky, with a little kick of heat, and a touch of spice & sweetness. Everything you could possibly ask for in a fall time soup! 

20 Tasty & Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes for Fall

You are sure to find a cozy slow cooker recipe to keep you and your family warm and satisfied in this collection of 20 Tasty & Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes for Fall...

Who else is huddled up inside avoiding this cold front that this blasting the east coast this week? I, for one, loathe being cold. When an arctic blast is heading my way, I am happiest when I am warm & cozy, cuddled up with a soft blanket and a bowl or plate of my favorite comfort food. Who's with me? ;)

And some of my favorite comfort food recipes happen to be made in one of my favorite kitchen appliances- my slow cooker! My love affair with my slow cooker is no big secret to those of you who have been following my blog for a while. In fact, some of my most popular recipes on the blog are made in the slow cooker.

I searched some of my favorite food blogs for the best tasty & comforting slow cooker recipes I could find for fall time. All of these slow-cooked recipes are brimming with some of our favorite flavors of fall like apple, pumpkin, butternut squash, and pears. 

Whether you are avoiding the cold temps outside or you are just craving a little comfort food, you are sure to find a cozy slow cooker recipe below to keep you and your family warm and satisfied...

How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Taste Better Than Bakery

Magically transform a store bought cake mix into a moist, crowd-pleasing layer cake with my "secret" hack for How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Taste Better Than Bakery...

I don't mean to brag or anything (okay, maybe I do just *a little* bit ;) ), but I have become known over the past few years for my "homemade" two-layer cakes. They are often requested by my family & friends for birthdays, special occasions, and holidays. And I do have to say that I find it a tad bit amusing since I have never really considered myself much of a cake baker.

But a few years back, I discovered a little hack to doctoring up a boxed cake mix. (Shhhhh.... I do not make my layer cakes from scratch!) The "secret" is extra eggs, extra oil, and sour cream. The addition of these three things can magically transform a regular ole store bought cake mix into a super moist and decadent cake that will leave all of your party guests raving and begging you the recipe.

Honey & Herb Roasted Chicken with Autumn Squash

This Honey & Herb Roasted Chicken with Autumn Squash recipe is a delicious way to usher in the fresh & warm flavors of the fall season...

This recipe first appeared on the Bridgeport Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh site.

I am on a mission once again this outdoor farmers market season to show you all how you can create a delicious recipe purchasing mostly locally grown & raised produce and meats at your local farmers market. I started this locally inspired recipe series in the summer of 2017, and I am thrilled to be continuing the series this year as well. Each month I will be sharing a recipe here to the blog inspired by and featuring some of my own personal favorite fresh & local finds from my local market. 

For the month of September, I am sharing my last recipe post of the outdoor market season- this juicy and flavorful Honey & Herb Roasted Chicken with Autumn Squash. This roasted chicken recipe is a delicious way to usher in the fresh & warm flavors of the fall season. 

I am going to share a little secret with you all that I just recently learned myself- if you roast a chicken upside down, you will end up with the most moist & juiciest chicken breast that you have ever tasted. I know it seems weird to roast a chicken with the breast side down, but do trust me on this one, folks. Give it a try with this recipe. I guarantee that you won't regret it. 

4 Time-Saving & Nutritious Choices for Stocking Your Freezer

Not only can you feel good about serving these nutritious spins on some of your family's favorites, but you can also save yourself a little time with these easy & convenient choices...

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Conagra Brands

It is no big secret in the blogging world that the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for most of us food bloggers. Even if you are not a food blogger, I think everyone feels the time crunch around this time of the year. The kids are full-on into the whole back to school thing with after school practices and homework. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are just around the corner. And it seems our daily to-do lists gets a little longer the closer that we get to each holiday. Am I right?

Some evenings I find myself hard pressed for time, but I still want to provide smarter choices for myself & my daughter for dinner time. For nights when I just don't have it in me to whip up a nutritious dinner from scratch, I keep our freezer stocked with a few of our favorites from Gardein, Healthy Choice, & Birds Eye. 

Not only can I feel good about serving these nutritious spins on some of our favorites to my family, but I can also save myself a little time with these convenient choices...