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. 

3 Simple Steps for Creating Summer "Me Time"

It is easy to create quality time for yourself with these 3 Simple Steps for Creating Summer "Me Time"...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PEOPLE®, Real Simple®, and Southern Living®. The opinions and text are all mine.

While I definitely look forward to the kiddos' summer break each year, it also means that I have to be more creative with sneaking in little moments of "me time" each week. During the school year, I get at least 6 hours of full blown "me time" at least four days a week. But summers get trickier with my youngest being at home with me 24/7 every day but one day out of the week.

Giving up my "me time" during the summer months is definitely not an option. We all need to create a little time for ourselves each week to get re-centered, focused, & motivated. It's essential to my sanity and to my role as a mother, wife, homemaker, and full time food & travel blogger that also happens to work at home. It can be difficult to "get away" and recharge when you are always "clocked in" mentally. 

So how do I find quality "me time" during the non-stop busyness of the summer months? It doesn't have to be elaborate or time consuming or require hiring a sitter. I keep it easy with these 3 simple steps...

Cucumber-Mint Green Tea Sangria

This Cucumber-Mint Green Tea Sangria is a refreshing & minty twist on a summer cocktail classic...

Does anyone else feel like Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer?

It is usually the last big BBQ of the summer.  The last weekend that the public swimming pools and water parks are open. The last three day weekend with warm temps and summer sunshine.

Well if you are planning a little get-together or a huge cookout for the long holiday weekend, I have the perfect pitcher of deliciousness to serve up- this Cucumber-Mint Green Tea Sangria! 

It is refreshing & packed with all kinds of good stuff from the fresh mint, cucumber slices, and green tea.  I mean, I am not trying to tout this as a "healthy" cocktail.  But it is WAY better for you then some of those other summer cocktails out there. ;)

Plus, it is just so easy to make! You can start infusing the green tea with the mint and cucumber the morning of your BBQ, and then simply add the chilled Moscato about 30 minutes before serving...