The Easy and Delicious Colorful Vegetable Frittata You Didn't Know You Needed in Your Life
This post is sponsored by Walmart but all photos, opinions, and thoughts are my own.
It's no secret that I love cooking with color, especially when it means cooking with fresh, colorful ingredients straight from the 'vine'. Be it a sliced, bright red tomato perfectly placed on a pizza topped with fresh basil, a purple cabbage slaw or a vibrant green kale salad, I'm constantly looking for ways to incorporate some of my favorite colors and flavors in the dishes I create at home, particularly for my family.
What To Pack: The Supplements You Need To Take With You When You're Traveling This Season
Travel has become a huge part of my professional and personal life over the last year. While it has incredible (mental and physical) health benefits that are indisputable, a constant on-the-go or uprooted state can take a toll on your health and mental state. Our last trip really tested me, for example. From the cat getting bit by a snake (expensive emergency vet bill) to a 14-hour car ride with 3 kids and a two cats all taking turns testing our patience on the trip back to the city. To say I was exhausted is an understatement, yet my bags are packed and ready for the next two upcoming trips. *shrug*
Away we go!
Where To Stay and What To Do, Eat, & See When You Only Have 4 Days on Fort Myers Beach During The Summer
I'm refusing to let go of Summer.
While it's a bag of mixed emotions being home with the boys for two months during the summer, it's also such a great opportunity to go on new adventures and see what we can find.
This week, we headed south to Ft. Myers Beach and it did not disappoint. I grew up nearly two hours north and had never set foot on the island so I was thrilled to make its acquaintance in my 30's with the boys in tow. Ft. Myers Beach is definitely made for families: the laid-back beach vibes gives you the opportunity to do as much or as little as you please. So before you jump to book your trip to the Gulf Coast here's everything you need to know...
The Best Ways To Take Advantage of Back-To-School Shopping As An Adult
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk Wireless. All opinions are 100% mine.
Back-to-school shopping has a pretty special place in my heart. Every year, my grandma would take me on a girl's only shopping spree to create a fresh new wardrobe for the new school year, followed by a lunch at one of our favorite spots. We always made a big day out of it, and it was such a special way to bond with her only granddaughter (at the time). I can still see myself so clearly standing in the fitting room buttoning each daisy-shaped button on a bright floral dress the year I started 5th grade. I remember thinking “oh, how retro, this is so cool.” Of course, today's outfit had to incorporate a little (yet, adult-sized) nod to that floral dress circa 1997.
Nowadays, the mom part of me dreads back-to-school shopping because it's a crazy rabbit-hole slash wild-goose-chase to find every correct color folder, 'special pencil' and every other *very specific* item on the list. I don't know why, but I can't for the life of me ever find an orange folder for the kid's school supply list. Why is orange so impossible to find? Why can't I just use black? And why do I need to buy 10? How many subjects are 3rd graders really taking? I hope it's not too obvious, but I'm already tired of looking at school lists and supplies, and we're just getting started...
So, today we're tossing the traditional back-to-school routine to the wind in favor of going back to that amazing time in my life when my grandma and I took advantage of all of the back-to-school sales without buying one single pencil...
For starters, did you know that back-to-school shopping is the second largest retail period of the year[1]? And, of course, if you're a smart shopper, you already know that the deals aren't just for traditional school supplies but also clothing and electronics too.
You know we're going to keep talking clothes, but first let's cover those new electronics. More specifically, a new phone. In this hyper connected world (when properly supervised and regulated) a smartphone can be a great asset. A wireless brand I trust is Straight Talk Wireless because it not only lets you save on the latest and greatest smartphones, but you'll also have nationwide coverage on America's largest and most dependable 4G LTE† networks for up to half the cost when compared to major carriers.
After a little browsing I found some great deals on smartphones to kick off my back-to-school season (and yes, I might just be breaking down and letting Aiden go off to middle school with one). For a limited time, Straight Talk Wireless is offering a $200 discount on a Samsung Galaxy S9, or you can get an iPhone 6s for only $8 per month. Not only are the phone devices a steal during back-to-school season, the no-contract plans are always affordable. $45 for unlimited talk, text and 25GB of high-speed data is a win if you ask me...so, you can stay connected and put those extra funds toward your end of summer plans, like a last minute trip to the Florida Keys (and definitely not orange folders).
I opted for the sleek Samsung Galaxy S9 because I preferred the specs, but what you decide on is entirely up to you! Either way, it's a great way to test the waters of ditching your traditional carrier contract + adding a little more flexibility to your cell phone service – all while being affordable.
BRB, calling my NANA for a shopping date...
For more information on Straight Talk Wireless, visit StraightTalk.com
[1]Mintel, Back-to-School Shopping, 2019; NRF Annual Consumer Spending Survey
Here's How To Wear The Tie Dye Trend In Your 30's without looking ridiculous
So, Tie Dye is back and I know you're just dying to get your toes wet with some of the seriously cool styles on the market. I know I am but it's paired with a deep dread of "am I going to look back at this in a couple of years and say WTF was I thinking"?
I mean, remember the glitter fad of 2012? We can't go ever go back there.
What To Do, Eat, and See When You Only Have 3 Days in New Orleans During The Summer
Everything we did, saw and ate during our trip- amazing! A clear no-brainer that you cannot leave the city without doing nearly everything on the list. Otherwise, you better believe you're going to end up at home booking another trip to satisfy your FOMO.
Let's get started, shall we?
The Stuff You Absolutely Must See and Do In New Orleans
The OG bike tour company of the city has all the dirty little secrets, oooh's and ahh's you could ask for all while on an 8-mile bike ride/workout. We got lucky and managed to squeeze our ride in on the only sunny day of our trip and it did not disappoint. This was my second time on the tour and I have to say it's easily my favorite thing to do on a sunny New Orleans day. You cover so much ground, the guides are so friendly and knowledgable, they make you feel like you're part of their family. There are plenty of bike tours but I will only recommend the family-owned, FreeWheelin' Bike Tours to anyone who asks.
(P.S. Laura and Teddy are my favorite guides)
(P.S. Laura and Teddy are my favorite guides)
I know we talked about the Hop on, Hop Off a little bit on my previous trip and we didn't get to fully enjoy it this time around courtesy of the hurricane. But if you're heading to New Orleans you absolutely have to book the 3-day pass and make your way across the city.
If you love ghost stories and haunts, New Orleans is the best place to take a Ghost Tour. Jackie, Gita and I took Ghost City Tour's Killers and Thrillers Tour on an eerie calm-before-the-storm night and it was amazing. Did the hairs raise on my skin? Did I have chills? Absolutely. If you love all the true crime, haunted and unexplained mysteries, this is the tour for you. Our guide was phenomenal and I can say that without a doubt that she was the reason I binged the entire season of American Horror Story coven after introducing us to the infamous LaLaurie Mansion.
Skip Bourbon, Opt For Frenchman Street
If you're a spring breaker, sure Bourbon Street is the place for you. But if you're looking for the real, grown-up version of the New Orleans experience, Frenchman is where it's at. THIS is where you go for the music.
If you're a spring breaker, sure Bourbon Street is the place for you. But if you're looking for the real, grown-up version of the New Orleans experience, Frenchman is where it's at. THIS is where you go for the music.
Wander Around The Garden District
Lush greenery, boutique shopping and delicious restaurants. Wander, check out the houses and make your way into Lafayette Cemetery.
The French Market
Yes, you better shop local-owned businesses during your trip and The French Market is where to do it. The oldest of it's kind in the United States, The French Market District flea market has over 200 vendors with eateries, produce, baked goods and more. Skip the usual tourist-y tees and opt for something way more unique.
The French Market
Yes, you better shop local-owned businesses during your trip and The French Market is where to do it. The oldest of it's kind in the United States, The French Market District flea market has over 200 vendors with eateries, produce, baked goods and more. Skip the usual tourist-y tees and opt for something way more unique.
Where You Absolutely Have To EAT and Drink While In New Orleans
You can't take a trip to New Orleans without stopping by the iconic Brennan's for a bite. The birth place of Banana's Foster, Brennan's not only serves the most incredible brunch but the decor is an absolute treat.
What To Order:
Bloody Mary, Egg Hussard and of course, Bananas Foster.
Effervescence
What To Order:
Bloody Mary, Egg Hussard and of course, Bananas Foster.
What To Order:
The Bubbly Flight, Spicy Tuna and Panisse
What To Order:
Gumbo, Créole Dinner with Crawfish Étouffée, Jambalaya and The Shrimp Créole
What To Order:
Hurricane, French 75, and Pink Panther
This one is more or less self-explanitory because you can't go to New Orleans and not get coffee and beignets from Cafe Du Monde.
What To Order:
Beignets and Cafe Au Lait.
What To Order:
Beignets and Cafe Au Lait.
Cochon
Give me all of the Cajun and Southern Cooking, please. While I'm definitely more of a Créole food lover, I will never pass up cajun flavors and Cochon does not disappoint.
What To Order:
Fried Alligator & Smoked Pork Ribs with Watermelon Pickle
What To Order:
Fried Alligator & Smoked Pork Ribs with Watermelon Pickle
Located directly across from Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District, Commander's Palace is a New Orleans landmark. It's a truly unique whimsical dining experience that has to be done at least once.
What To Order:
Pecan Roasted Gulf Fish and Bread Pudding Soufflé
There you have it - what to do, eat, and see in New Orleans!
Be sure to hop over and see what Jackie thought of her first time in The Big Easy!
What To Order:
Pecan Roasted Gulf Fish and Bread Pudding Soufflé
Be sure to hop over and see what Jackie thought of her first time in The Big Easy!
Channel Your Inner 90's Girl With Three Pieces Under $30 That You Can Wear All Season
I should have listened when mom told me that things always come back in style. After all, who would have thought I would be reliving my childhood as a 30 year old. Hello, Spice Girl CD's playing on repeat, barrettes, leopard print and wearing your favorite band tees from back then (you know how I feel about my Hanson tees!). I legit saw slouchy overalls at Target today that I'm 100% sure I wore on repeat for the entire end of the 90's. It took everything in my body not to whip them off the shelf and into my cart. But, knowing me I'll be back...
That being said, this outfit head to toe 90's vibes and I'm here for it. Spice Girls t-shirt? Yep. Oversized Barrette? Definitely. Leopard Wrap Skirt? Absolutely. Fact: everything was under $20 a piece and can be worn straight through summer into fall. You better believe I'm sporting a rainbow mani with zero shame.
The Best Place To Stay In New Orleans For Groups: Domio Baronne Luxury Apartment Style Hotel
If you're heading to New Orleans for an extended weekend with a group of your best girlfriends, the Domio is the place to base. Sure, our girl's trip was off to a rough start with high-winds and flooding the second the plane landed plus a hurricane two days away- but the moment we rolled up to Domio Baronne St, all of our anxieties washed away- pun intended. We were barely 6 inches passed the door by the time we realized this stay was going to be an epic one. The decor throughout the entire complex will stop you in your tracks for a collective "ooh-" and "-ahh".