Super Bowl Sunday is almost upon us and whether you are hosting a super bowl party or just hanging at home with your family, you need this cheesy dip in your life. Honestly…can we talk for a minute about why dips are so good? I feel like I could make most meals out of appetizers … Read more
I am always on the hunt for cute and easy DIY party food ideas for school parties and get togethers. The kids were having a Valentine’s Day party and I needed some fun Valentine’s Day treats stat. These fun treats are quite possibly the easiest fun food on the planet. No bake Valentine’s day treats … Read more
I don’t know about you, but in our house we think the best part of January and February are all the fun football games. With college playoff games stretching into late January and NFL games running through mid February, there are lots of excuses to make all of your favorite dip recipes and curl up … Read more
There’s nothing that I love more about Halloween than fun Halloween food ideas. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I am always on the hunt for easy Halloween recipes. Creepy cocktails, mummy mini pizzas, a halloween snack board…all the things. It’s so fun to make cute and creepy spooky snacks for kids and … Read more
There’s nothing I love more at Halloween time than a spooky drink or spooky treat….you know…gummy body parts or something served in a black cauldron with candy eyeballs…that sort of thing. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays…you can probably tell by all of the Halloween content on the blog. It’s funny because I don’t … Read more
Football season is almost upon us and if you know me or have been following along with the blog for a bit, you probably know I’m a big football fan. As much as I love going to football games, watching them at home with a killer spread of favorite tailgate foods while you cheer on … Read more
With all kinds of spring and summer parties coming up, this easy fruit dip recipe is my go-to to pair with my favorite fruit this time of year. A few simple ingredients and you have a delicious creamy dip that is perfect for birthday parties, a baby shower, pool party and all your spring and … Read more
The 4th of July is almost here and that means it’s time to plan the perfect 4th of July menu! Whether you are attending family gatherings or a neighborhood block party good food is always the best part of any Independence Day party! I decided to put together all of my best fourth of July … Read more
As much as I love chocolate, caramel comes in a close second…and actually, a chocolate caramel combination is total perfection if you ask me! Twix, 100 Grand Bars, chocolate covered caramel apples…all so yum! If you love caramel too, then you need to add this super easy and delicious recipe to your recipe box. This … Read more
I don’t know where I’ve been for the last 40+ years, but I can honestly say I’m not sure I have ever had scotcharoo bars in my life until this last year. I know…you’re in total disbelief. One of my favorite soda shops in Utah also sells treats…one of which is a scotcharoo bar. I … Read more
Apple Pie is a staple of summer and lucky for us, fall is time for all things apples too. We have been fortunate enough to inherit a very productive granny smith apple tree, so I have become a little more creative in order to use up those apples! This apple tree is so prolific and … Read more
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a charcuterie board. I would be happy to eat one for every meal. Charcuterie boards are easy to make, usually please even the pickiest of eaters, and look beautiful. We have some different groups of guests coming in the next few months for weddings and graduations and … Read more
Seven layer dip has been around forever and is seriously one of the best and most delicious appetizers you can make. It’s always a hit at every party. You can always buy your 7 layer dip at Costco or your local grocery store, but this Cinco de Mayo rather than buying it at the store, … Read more
If you are looking for the perfect party appetizer that packs tons of flavor, is smooth, tangy and crunchy all at the same time, you can stop your search right here. These mini goat cheese bites pack a punch full of smooth and creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, sweet and chewy cranberries, honey and a … Read more
What is it about fall that just makes treats and sweets and comfort food a necessity? When it’s summer I feel like I just want to eat fresh fruit and salads and all kinds of light and healthy things…then September hits. lol! A few weeks ago some friends visited and they brought us a box … Read more
I am always looking for fun and easy ways to celebrate the holidays and Halloween is one of my favorites. Halloween treats are a must, and the cuter the better! I love to make all kinds of treats, and finding ways to use leftover Halloween candy is always a fun challenge. I had a few … Read more
Mexican food is a staple in our house. Like when we’re home in Orange County we eat it 4-5 times a week, can’t get enough of it staple. 😉 Moving to Utah has made it a bit more difficult to find delicious Mexican food, especially some of our favorites…pork carnitas tacos…so I have gotten desperate … Read more
Several years ago I walked into a restaurant (maybe I should say I walked into a bar because this is starting to sound like a bad joke 😉 ) and saw this word staring at me from the menu…CHARCUTERIE. Huh? What is that? The description read something along the lines of “Chef’s Choice of Meats, … Read more
Take me just about anywhere for dinner these days and I’ll be browsing the cheese and charcuterie board options on the menu. I LOVE the pretty boards full of delicacies styled to the nines. Creamy cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, olives, chutney, bread and crackers, spicy meats…so many good things! And let’s face it. There is … Read more
With summer upon us I thought this is the perfect time to share my family’s FAVORITE Cinco de Mayo dessert that will be the perfect compliment to your tacos and guacamole. 😉 Have you ever wondered how to make a tres leches cake? Well, you’re in luck, because this is a super easy Tres Leches … Read more
Spring and summer are all about Strawberries. Strawberry Jam, Strawberry pie, a great strawberry shortcake recipe …I can’t get enough of them! I am always looking for pretty party centerpieces and these strawberry topiaries are always a hit at any gathering…baby shower, bridal showers, Mother’s Day brunches..you name it. If you are wondering how to … Read more
An ice cream party is a timeless classic perfect for any occasion. I remember back when I was in elementary school they used to have an ice cream sundae party every year at open house. I can’t remember all of the details, (because I’m old! lol!) but I’m sure it was a fundraiser designed to … Read more
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…at least as far as the kids are considered, because the kitchen is full of baked goods and sweet treats. Every year we love to bake and make homemade goodies for friends and relatives and popcorn party mix ideas are some of our favorite go-to treats. You can … Read more
I love dessert and I love it even more when it is super easy. The kids have been excited for the latest Disney Channel Original Movie, Freaky Friday, to come out, and it’s finally happening. So, of course we need to celebrate. 😉 I have so much fun putting together movie nights for the kids … Read more
We’ve seen glimpses of what summer will look like around here with a few warm nights. The minute the weather heats up we are outside enjoying every minute, which for us means lots of dining al fresco and simple meals. When the heat of the summer comes, it’s prime entertaining time…but it’s also the least … Read more
During these dog days of summer nothing makes a hot day feel better than a cold treat. This delicious snickerdoodle ice cream sandwich recipe will make all of your trouble melt away. The best part is, they are so easy, you won’t even mind making them for the neighborhood…because believe me, when the kids hear … Read more
With temperatures heating up and BBQ parties on the calendar I figured it was a good time to share my favorite go-to potato salad recipe. I love potato salad, but I have to admit I don’t make it terribly often because it is time consuming. Every time I decide to just grab some from the … Read more
Brunch is my favorite meal of the day. I love finding new great restaurants that serve brunch near me or great brunch recipes. Hosting a brunch party when the weather is nice is even more fun. With Mother’s Day next weekend and the fun baby showers and bridal showers that spring and summer bring, I … Read more
One of my favorite things about food, are the memories that it carries with it…kind of like music. When I hear a certain song on the radio I am transported back to a period of time like a Jr. High dance and can vividly remember that moment in time. When I make certain recipes, the … Read more
Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to more fun coming up this week! This coming weekend is all about parties and great food to celebrate the season with family and friends. If you are hosting or attending a party and in charge of an appetizer, look no … Read more
Chocolate pumpkin ice cream sandwiches. Does that sound decadent or what? You guys…I found the most AMAZING ice cream! Have you tried the pumpkin pie ice cream from Trader Joes? It is DIVINE! I knew when I tasted it that I needed to make something fun with it, and well, I had some chocolate chocolate … Read more
Remember that cute sprinkle mix that we made a few weeks ago? Well, we’re going to put it to use today with some of the yummiest and cutest sugar cookies around to turn yourregular everyday sugar cookies into something special. These are the perfect sugar cookies for all of your summer parties, especially the … Read more
I LOVE coconut, so I am always looking for ways to incorporate a little coconut flavor into everything. I was whipping up some chocolate cupcakes for a get together the other day and I thought I’d try to create a yummy coconut frosting recipe. Just two simple modifications will switch up your regular buttercream frosting … Read more
Strawberries are in season and nothing says summer like a sweet strawberry shortcake. It doesn’t get any easier than this strawberry shortcake recipe. I am a fan of homemade whipped cream, so I did use that for this shortcake recipe, but if you are afraid of making cream from scratch or running short on time, … Read more
With summer quickly approaching I am always on the hunt for yummy ways to incorporate the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season. This mango salsa recipe is fresh and easy and can be made in minutes. Pair it with tortilla chips, or, to liven things up for dinner, use it to top grilled chicken. … Read more
One thing that John and I love about our neighborhood is that it is SO walkable. We spend LOTS of time out on walks as a family on the endless system of trails. We can walk to several retail centers as well, which makes for a fun date night or Saturday morning as a family. … Read more
This, my friends, just happens to be quite possibly one of the best desserts ever! No joke… because dessert is a serious thing to me! It covers all the “perfect requirements” a dessert should have…sweet… gooey… slight crunch…chocolatey,, caramel-ey…a perfect mix of different textures… it’s just perfect! My family gets so excited whenever I make … Read more
Are your kids as excited for St. Patrick’s Day as mine are? Ashley is convinced that THIS is the year she is going to catch the rascally little Leprechaun that wreaks havoc on our house every year. She has been working on and perfecting her trap since January…I kid you not. She makes me laugh! … Read more
These easy to make thin mint ice cream sandwiches are sure to lure all the little leprechauns in your neighborhood. I mean, who doesn’t love a great mint and chocolate combination? I don’t know about you guys, but I LOVE to buy Thin Mints from the cute little Girl Scouts in my neighborhood and then … Read more
February has flown by. I can’t believe that we were just celebrating Valentine’s Day and red and pink were filling up my Instagram and blog feeds, and now it’s already time to switch to green for St. Patrick’s Day! Here is a simple but totally cute and delicious treat you can make this month to … Read more
Looking for the perfect, easy Valentine’s Day breakfast that will only take a few minutes to make and will make the kiddos squeal with delight? Well, look no further! These red valentine heart pancakes with a powdered sugar heart are the perfect treat and SO easy! Simply make your favorite pancake recipe. When you are … Read more
I have already admitted to being a huge football fan, but in all honesty I think I get more excited for football season because of the food! From tailgating to parties for the big game, the appetizers and finger foods that abound are something to get excited about even if your team doesn’t win! These … Read more
With The Big Game on the horizon it’s time to think parties! Mexican food is always a favorite and this hearty and delicious crowd pleaser will make hosting a breeze. I’m always on the lookout for ways to simplify life and spend less time in the kitchen while still enjoying great food. When I … Read more
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MinionsMovieNight #CollectiveBias Are your kids as excited as mine that the new Minions movie is finally available on DVD? I don’t think that the word banana will ever be said normally again in our house. They will always … Read more
With back to school right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about after school snacks. My kiddos are pretty good about eating healthy…(one better than the other), but it makes it even easier to talk them into it when snacks look fun and yummy. I thought I’d share one of our favorite healthy … Read more
As the weather heats up, so does entertaining season. With fun days ahead celebrating Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations, guests are on their way! If you’re anything like me, you are always on the hunt for new recipes and ideas for spring entertaining so that your guests always have something new to look forward … Read more
I’m back this week with a simple idea to dress up your Easter dessert table! It’s a completely edible treat, including wafer paper grass from World Market! Simply make your favorite frosted cupcakes (or grab some from your local bakery) and surround them with edible grass. Top with your favorite foil-wrapped holiday chocolate. Imagine how … Read more
From St. Patrick’s Day treats to Easter treats… it’s a quick turn around between holidays, so let’s get you ready to dazzle, create and amaze this spring! We’re talking easter bunny cookies, two ways. You could say level 1 difficulty and level 2; we’re going to focus on level 1 today, but here’s a quick … Read more
Remember last week we made a gloriously tall rainbow cake for St. Patrick’s Day? Well why not kill two rainbows with one stone? If you’re going to all the trouble of coloring your cake batter six ways, let’s use that leftover goodness to make a whole new treat! It’s simple as can be. Fill cupcake … Read more
What?! Yup… Pizza Rolls! Because everyone loves pizza! And they are as good if not even better than they look and sound. Pizza in a roll form…. come on! These may become a staple in your home… good thing they are easy to put together! Make them tonight and see the smiles of joy come … Read more
I’m just an Irish girl at heart, and with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate by making the magically delicious rainbow cake. Turn up the volume on your celebration this year! Add simple chocolate coin candy detail for that extra festive sparkle! Next, it’s time to play with food coloring. … Read more
I’ll just call this what it is… a dessert hack. It’s my take on strawberry shortcake, and it’s so simple and delicious! Take puff pastry from freezer section of the store. Thaw and cut pastry with your favorite biscuit cutter (or a drinking glass works well, too!) Brush the top with an egg wash (1 … Read more
They’re like rice krispy treats on overload; dense, peanut buttery, krispy goodness with a layer of decadent chocolate and butterscotch on top. If that’s not enough flavor for you, I’ve topped it with our homemade ganache recipe from last week! Why not, right? These bars make the perfect treat or after school snack! And an … Read more
The fastest way to anyone’s heart is through chocolate ganache. It’s a scientific fact. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, here’s the best ganache recipe I know of… here’s what you’ll need: I like to make a double batch of this sauce and share it with neighbors and friends. It’s delicious over ice cream, … Read more
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Universal Pictures, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BoxtrollsFamilyNite http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV We love movie nights at our house and I love nothing more than an excuse to party. 😉 I have been known to throw a few … Read more
Everything is more darling in miniature form, don’t you think? This sweet cake is a simple little show stopper! Bake your favorite cake recipe and take a circular cookie cutter or a round glass and cut several layers. Frost between each layer and stack! Wouldn’t this cake be the most perfect 1st birthday dessert for … Read more
Are you ready for some football? How many of you are hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend? The best part about any football party is the food. It can range from down home to gourmet and it’s ALWAYS good! A must have at any football party in our house is some killer guacamole. … Read more
Well, the teams are set and the Super Bowl is on in just over a week. You know I love any excuse to party, so we are starting the party prep around here early this year. 😉 Are we really excited about football, or are we most excited about the food that comes with it? … Read more
Recently, my husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary at the gorgeous Rancho Bernardo Inn, located in beautiful, sunny San Diego. One of the highlights of our trip was enjoying one of the most decadent, cozy desserts I’ve ever had. At the hotel’s Veranda restaurant, Sean and I decided to try their cinnamon monkey … Read more
Raise your hand if you’re a fan of red velvet desserts! I’ve got both my hands up. Ordering this southern classic is easy as pie, but getting that bakery quality red velvet flavor and coloring is a whole other challenge. Until now. Let me introduce you to the cheat of the century. LorAnn’s Red Velvet … Read more
Peppermint bark is one of the reasons I get up in the morning during the gloomy days of winter! Creamy white and milk chocolate topped with crisp and cool peppermint is a dreamy, delicious way to spread holiday cheer! This Peppermint Bark recipe is so simple to make, you don’t even need those tricky little … Read more
I love pumpkin desserts…but I don’t really care for pumpkin pie. Is that funny? I’m the same way with Bananas. I LOVE banana bread, banana chips etc., but I can’t eat a regular banana…they make me gag. 😉 Weird, I know. 😉 With Thanksgiving coming up next week, I thought I’d share one of my … Read more
If you’re anything like me, you’re not quite ready to release your firm grip on pumpkin season. Sure, Christmas is everywhere, but it’s still November and I’m dedicating this month to warm, spiced desserts! My sweet friend, Maggie, shared this recipe with me last year and it’s my go to for something delicious and autumn … Read more
Everyone knows that everything is better with Nutella. Pair a little of this incredible chocolate hazelnut spread with puff pastry, and you’ve got a simple, rock star dessert in no time! Here are our ingredients (not pictured, one egg): Start by laying out puff pastry on a flat, lightly floured surface, and use any shape … Read more
Have you ever made homemade caramel apples, only to have the delicious caramel slide off the apple? There are different ways to make sure that doesn’t happen, but I’ve got a secret for you that will make your life so much easier! Sandpaper. Yes, I said sandpaper. Simply run the sandpaper over the entire surface … Read more
I LOVE Halloween! I can’t get enough of all the fun. My kids, especially my daughter, is a girl after my own heart. She loves to celebrate any and everything and is ready to start decorating as soon as school starts. So you can imagine her excitement when I broke out the fake spiders a … Read more
As Halloween quickly approaches there’s just one question you need to ask yourself. Who doesn’t love a friendly little ghost? These little darlings are easy to make, delicious on their own, and also double as the perfect topper for a cake or cupcakes. These little cuties are spooky, sweet and delicious! Enjoy! To see … Read more
You don’t have to be an experienced baker to add a little style to your fall desserts! All it takes are a few extra ingredients from the store, and you’re in business! I’ve made a pumpkin spice cake with maple frosting, but a boxed cake and frosting would work beautifully here as well. After completely … Read more
We are in the middle of a crazy heat spell here in So Cal…temps hitting more than 100 degrees. YUCK! To help keep cool I’m whipping up one of my kids favorite frosty beverages. It’s super easy, tasty and colorful…what more can you ask for? Here’s what you’ll need: Prepared Kool Aid in assorted colors/flavors … Read more
Looking for a quick and delicious treat to bring as a hostess gift or party food for an Easter egg hunt this season? These cute Easter egg hunt treats are sure to please your guests and they only take a minute to make. That is my kind of party food! If you have made our … Read more
As a party planner I spend countless hours searching the internet for the perfect party or picture prop, party favor, creative decoration or party activity. Sometimes it is challenging to find exactly what I have dreamed up, and other times it is just WAY too expensive and out of my, or my client’s budget. Most … Read more
I’m working on a project and wanted to share a quick and easy idea for upcoming valentine parties, weddings, or any other fun event! These are super simple and take about 5 minutes to make a dozen. Here’s what you’ll need: Brownie Bites (you can use homemade or I purchased mine at Coscto) White frosting … Read more
Only one more day until my top secret cold and frosty shoot. 🙂 I’ve been working on a few treats around here and wanted to share. Here’s a super easy, inexpensive (and pretty cute I think) treat that you can make in minutes and is sure to be a big hit! 🙂 What you’ll need: … Read more
It is finally starting to cool down around here. Today is the first day that it has been overcast, a little drizzly and less than 75 degrees. I’m loving it!! 🙂 It’s the perfect weather for my upcoming shoot, celebrating all things cold. 🙂 To get in the spirit, I created this easy, cute … Read more
These DIY Turkey cookies are always a hit for Thanksgiving. My kids love to get a couple of friends together and make them. They turn out so cute too. Each one has it’s own personality. 🙂 Here’s what you’ll need: mini reeses peanut butter cups oreos…double stuff are the best whoppers candy corn (5 or … Read more
These are such a quick and easy party snack and they are super cute to boot! They would work perfectly for just about any birthday party, Disney Monster’s Inc. Movie Party, or a Halloween party. Make them in any combination of colors to fit your theme. Here’s what you’ll need and the simple instructions to … Read more
Are you looking for a show-stopping idea for your 4th of July party this year? These layered drinks are incredible looking and easy as can be to make. It is absolutely as simple as pouring three pre-made, store bought drinks into a container or glass. Think you can handle it? 😉 Isn’t that cool? This … Read more
It’s that time again! I LOVE Memorial Day, Flag Day, the 4th of July…EVERYTHING patriotic! I am always looking for patriotic party ideas. Red White and Blue is just such a stellar color combination, it just makes any party supplies and party food look fun. Here’s a SUPER easy and budget friendly DIY treat that … Read more
Easter is almost here and nothing screams Easter more than some chocolate bunnies. Have you ever used candy melts or candy molds before? I tried using them a bit ago for a birthday party and guys…they are SO easy! I thought it would be fun to share some DIY Easter party food ideas and so … Read more