Dirty Little Secrets

Today I want to talk about dirty little secrets. We all have them, but we don't share them. In this age of social media it is so important to keep our lives polished and presentable for the masses. But, I am not polished or pristine. I may not even be presentable sometimes if we are being honest.

Thanks to BIZ for sponsoring this post. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am a hot mess mom. If you stop by unannounced I am going to look like a wreck. I am guaranteed to have flour, paint or cement on my person. I am also an unprepared hot mess most of the time. I get an idea and I run with it. So my favorite shorts, my most flattering skirts and all of my tops pay the price for this by the seat of my pants lifestyle.

I used to replace favorite outfits seasonally. Ruin a pair of shorts then go buy them again. Toss a top in the trash and get a similar one. It is expensive to have a fashion sense such as mine.

Then I got this laundry changing opportunity to be a BIZ ambassador. I have tried laundry boosters and stain removers before, but I am a mess; my kids are a mess. My favorite quilt was covered in black marker from this creative vibe we have and the lack of planning I am cursed or blessed with.

But, BIZ is ideal for cleaning up this messy life. Without taking away from our fun! I can let everyone get messy, save money and keep my peace with a $3 addition to my shopping list. BIZ stain fighter does just what it says it will, and makes it easy for me to keep everyone looking great in their favorite clothes. It is as easy to use as adding it to your favorite detergent and letting the washing machine and the stain fighter do the work! I love that it is available in both liquid and powder and it is so affordable. And yes, the marker came out with no trace!

Laundry is the least of my worries these days now that BIZ is a trusted part of our family. But, stains happen! If you have a great stain removal tip, be sure to share it in a comment!

ABC Pancakes with Krusteaz

Thanks to Krusteaz for hooking us up with yummy mixes!

My 4 year old is going through a phase... the phase of "I don't like it..." He refuses to eat everything from yogurt to chicken, to crackers and fruits, he doesn't like anything except pancakes. So I make a ton of pancakes these days.

I have been making my sons food of choice into a fun learning experience, because face it, food should be fun to prepare and eat.

Krusteaz was kind enough to send us Honey Wheat Pancake Mix. {This stuff is so good! No wonder the kid wants to only eat pancakes!} and I got busy in the kitchen making pancakes for Roo that offered him a yummy breakfast and a chance to practice his ABC's.

I followed the directions on the package and created a batter.

Using a squeeze bottle I wrote letters on the hot griddle.

 After about 30 seconds I added a scoop of batter to the top of each letter and allowed them to cook as normal.

This created letter pancakes for the kids.

My son really liked telling us about the letter he was eating, this included letter sounds, who has a name that starts with a letter and son on.

Breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner too, Krusteaz pancake mixes make a delicious option for my family. My son is a huge fan! I am too because I can make a huge batch and freeze them for a quick breakfast during the week to the delight of my family.

Cheesy Roasted Baby Potatoes

I am a proud partner with Tasteful Selections Potatoes. 

In March I had the opportunity to visit with the Tasteful Selections family in Bakersfield. To witness their passion for potatoes sparked something in me. Potatoes are awesome. I am a big fan of the tuber, but it seems as if this tasty dinner addition doesn't get much play from me. That is about to change! I am thrilled to continue working with my favorite baby potato company, to have the chance to share easy and yummy potato recipes with you, and to find ways to introduce my children to new dishes.

Tonight was one of those nights that I just didn't really want to cook... but my stomach insisted that I get in the kitchen and whip up something that I could serve for dinner.

Crab cakes are my favorite food... I could eat them rain or shine, morning or night, every day! I whipped up a small batch of crab cakes but needed a side to accompany our salads. I had Organic Honey Gold Tasteful Selection Potatoes in my refrigerator, so I opted to whip up something fantastically yummy and I can't wait to share this very simple recipe with you!

This recipe makes 2 servings of cheesy potatoes.

Ingredients

7 baby honey gold organic potatoes

1 tablespoon of EVOO

1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon of garlic and herb seasoning

1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

*note*

I made this dish in a wok, because I have one and I like to use it as much as I can. You can also just use a skillet on the stove top.

Instructions

Cut your Tasteful Selections honey gold potatoes into quarters

Heat Wok to 300 degrees {or skillet to medium high heat}

Add 1 Tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the Wok

Add quartered potatoes, fresh black pepper and garlic herb seasoning to the wok and stir.

Allow your potatoes to cook for about 3 minutes then stir. You want to keep stirring every few minutes to insure your potatoes are crisped evenly on all sides.

When your potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy reduce the heat to about 250 degrees, add 1/3 cup of cheese and stir

Allow your cheese to melt completely then serve to the delight of your family. Who doesn't love crispy potatoes and lots of cheese?! 

What is your favorite way to enjoy potatoes? Tell me all about it!

Summer Style for a Mom on the Go

Summer is here and we are on the go! We have been visiting parks, playgrounds and museums. We have had a million baseball games and play dates, and with so much time spent running, it is the season to see and be seen. This year, I am looking fashionable  while staying functional on a budget and I know you are going to want to hear my secrets to achieving a great look for your summer mom adventures.

This post contains partner links. Samples were received to facilitate the style guide.

First, comfy shoes are a must. I have been rocking a pair of Lugz Regent Lo in White. These oxford style shoes are so comfy and supportive that I can chase kids all day long and still look stylish when I dash into the grocery store. Retailing at under $45 I love that this pair of shoes offers a casual look for any on the go  woman this summer. Lugz are a family favorite option here as they are durable, affordable and always stylish. {ADD PHOTO AND LINK}

Next, a bag that can do double duty is important. I love the Retro Metro Bag from Thirty One. It is spacious, with side and interior pockets keeping track of your keys, phone and chapstick is a breeze. I love that the interior has enough room to hold my necessities plus my mom gear. This is the bag you can always find on my arm these days. I have officially retired my coach collection for Thirty One. {ADD PHOTO AND LINK}

Adding an accessory is a fun way to style this summer. Thirty One has these awesome Just Write Snap Bracelets that you can make your own. These would be great to layer, or maybe get two and share one with your bestie. {ADD PHOTO AND LINK} I also swoon over every bracelet in the Luca and Danni collection. This Hudson bangle is my go to for light and summery looks while the Druzy Metallic in Blue is my favorite statement bracelet.

Skirts are perfect for summer; and I just got a really nice A line from Novashe, at unbeatable price for the quality. It is well made, elegant in appearance and great for a chic summer evening outfit.  {ADD PHOTO AND LINK}

NatureSweet Cherubs Greek Salad

My friends over at NatureSweet asked me if I would like to share a recipe with my readers, just in time for spring. Of course I jumped at the chance!

Course Type: Side Salad

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Short Summary: A classic Mediterranean favorite

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg Fresh Express® Spring Mix
• 2 Tbsp pitted black olives, sliced
• 1 cup NatureSweet® Cherubs® Tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 whole pepperoncinis
• Your favorite balsamic or tarragon vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Place Fresh Express® Spring Mix into a large salad bowl.
2. Top with olives, NatureSweet® Cherubs® Tomatoes and onions. Add cheese and pepperoncinis. Drizzle dressing over salad.

Stay tuned, I will be developing a recipe that is perfect for spring and summer eating featuring my favorite little tomatoes!