Favorite Memorial Day Recipes!

Happy Friday you guys!!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

This week, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

Since it's the Friday before Memorial Day,
and I'm sure lots of people will be hosting or attending BBQ's
I figured today I'd share with you guys my

FIVE FAVORITE MEMORIAL DAY FOODS!!!

Dad's Lemon Pepper Chicken
I just made this last weekend and love it just as much as I did as a child.
It's so easy and would make a great addition to any BBQ.

Homemade BBQ Sauce and Spice Rub
Maybe you're looking for more of a BBQ flavor?
Then whip up some spicy BBQ sauce or rub for some chicken or ribs!

Inez's Turkey Burgers
These turkey burger have SO much flavor!
And not only are they super easy, but can be prepped ahead of time too.

Asian Quinoa Salad
This would make an amazing side dish for any Memorial Day event.
And if there's leftovers, it can be enjoyed for a few days after!

Pizza Quinoa Bites

These would make a great appetizer.

And since they taste like pizza, kids will probably love them too!

Hope you all have an amazing and safe Memorial Day weekend!!!

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April and Christina's blogs from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Favorite Kitchen Tools!

Happy Friday you guys!!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

This week, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

Since the majority of what I post about is food,
and I've been cooking for quite a few years now,
I figured today I'd share with you guys my

FIVE FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOLS!!!

Wusthof Knives

 While I don't have a full set of these babies,
I have pieced together a nice collection over time.
My collection includes the following:
17-Slot Block, Chef's Knife, Santoku Knife, 
Paring Knife, Pull- Apart Shears and a Honing Steel 


Hamilton Beach Programmable Crock Pot

I've used a crock pot for well over a decade,

but this one is a HUGE step up from my original.

Not only is it much bigger, it's programmable,

but the best part is that you can brown the meat in it!!!

I don't know about you, but that was a game changer for me.

Kitchen Gurus Food Scale

My brother got the for me for my brithday a few years ago.
And while it's not something I'd probably have bought myself,
I really do love having it around now.
I find myself using it more and more these days
because it makes certain tasks so much faster and easier!


KitchenAid Stand Mixer

I've had my stand mixer for almost ten years now.

When I first got it, I thought I'd make baking easier.

But I've learned to use it for other things too.

It makes certain cooking tasks easier,

and I haven't had to kneed dough by hand in years!!!

Cast Iron Double Burner Reversivle Grill/Griddle

This is one of my most used kitchen tools by far.
It's so versitle and I'm always finding new things to make on it.
It makes making tons of pancakes super easy,
is a great way to grill meats indoors,
and make an amazing grilld cheese sandwich too!!!
 
Don't forget, many places online offer cast back through Ebates!
I ALWAYS check Ebates before placeing an order online.
And really - who doesn't like free money???
It's not always much, but it's some money back!

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April and Christina's blogs from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

 

Favorite Ways to Wrap Up Summer!

TGIF you guys!!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

I feel like I JUST posted about Summer Musts,
but that was already a few months ago!
And with the Summer almost over, it's time to talk about
FAVORITE WAYS TO WRAP UP SUMMER!!!

We still have a month or so of hot temps in Los Angeles,
but I know that it will be Fall before I know it.
So today I have just a few suggestions
on ways to capture the last essence of Summer! 

Grilling Outside
Get in some grilling while the weather is still nice and warm.
Burgers, chicken, tacos and much more!!!

Turkey Burgers
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Blackened Tilapia Tacos

Movies in the Park
If you're local to Los Angeles, there are three fun options!
I've only been to Cinespia, but I hear great things about all three.

Cinespia

Street Food Cinema

Eat See Hear

Outdoor Games
Get some friends together for some outdoor games.
Take advantage of the sun being out late
because soon it will be sundown around 5PM!

Bocce Ball

Horseshoes

Volleyball/Badminton

Summer Color Mani/Pedi 
I don't know about you, but I tend to think bright colors for Summer.
Get your last fun, bright mani/pedi before dark Fall colors are all over!

Essie Fashion Playground
Essie Watermelon
DND Gel Pinky Kinky

Back To School Shopping
(Options in high and low price points!)
I'm not in school (and haven't been for years) but I love Back to School time!
New clothes, a new planner and a new bag were always a must for me.

Paige Verdugo Jeans
Erin Condren Life Planner
Tumi Nora Tote

Target Jeggings
Target Planner
Target Tote

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Home Tour Link Up!

Last December, a fellow blogger came up with an idea I loved!

Andrea started a year-long Show and Tell Link Up series,

which happens two Tuesdays every single month!

I knew I wouldn't be participating in every single one,

or even every month for that matter,

but a few struck my fancy and I marked them in my planner!

I take pride in keeping a nice, clean home,

and am always thinking of ways to redo or redecorate something.

So you bet I was excited for today's Show and Tell:
HOME TOURS!!!

While I don't currently live in a house,

I have worked hard to make my apartment a "home"

and I'm excited to share it with you guys today!

Come on in!

I almost always have a some sort of seasonal decor outside my front door.

And if it's a wreath, you can bet I made it myself!

Two different views of the front door from inside.

While I do wish I had a more updated kitchen, as a renter I can't be too picky.

I do love how open it is though, because it makes entertaining so much easier!

I also love the open living/dining room with vaulted ceilings.

Confession - my living room already looks a tad bit different. 

I made some small changes, but I didn't have time to snap new pictures!

A few more shots of the dining and living room from different areas of my apartment.

Head down the hall and the guest bath is the first door to the left.

Having an extra bathroom is a must with any type of company!

The rest of the hallway from a few different directions.

Continue down the hall and the second door to the left is the den.

Also known as the guest room when I have family in town visiting.

And at the end of the hall you finally reach my bedroom!

And guess what? These pictures aren't 100% accurate either

because I've made a few small changes in here too.

I told you at the beginning of the post - I'm always redecorating!

More views of the bedroom.

And yet even MORE views of the bedroom!

I lost a walk in closet when I moved into this place,

but the wall of closets has proved to be pretty amazing too!

Lastly, the master bath that is connected to my bedroom.

I hope you've enjoyed the virtual tour of my little home in Los Angeles!

Summer Musts!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

I'm so excited guys - Summer officially started less than a week ago!
I bet we're all ready for the longer days and warmer weather.
And since this is just the beginning of the season, now is a great time to share
FIVE SUMMER MUSTS!!!

SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is SO important and that's why it's #1 on my list!

Being a redhead, I've burnt more times than I can remember.

And sadly have had a couple skin cancer scares too.

Make sure you're getting annual (or biannual in my case) skin checks folks.

Now I don't leave home without SPF on - even if it's not sunny!

Not only is it important to apply both face and body SPF,

but it's equally as important to reapply as needed.

HYDRATE

Summer months are HOT and easy to get dehydrated. 

Whatever you're doing these next few months,

if it's outside or not,

making sure that you stay hydrate is really important.

Drinking water is key, but I know a lot of people find it "boring".

So why not try hydrating with some yummy watermelon

or even make yourself a batch of watermelon juice???

COOL OFF

I grew up in Arizona, so I know a thing or two about staying cool in the Summer.

Growing up, I was such a little fish.

If there was a pool nearby, I was in it!

And could swim ALL.DAY.LONG.

Heading to the beach is one of my favorite ways to cool down.

Even if you don't go in the water all the way (or at all),

chances are the temps will be cooler and there will be a cool ocean breeze.

I haven't hit a water park in YEARS,

but I remember full days spent at them in my younger days.

Ahhh to be young and carefree again. 

SUMMER VACATION

With school out for a few months, Summer is a great time to take a trip!

Hit the road with some friends for a fun road trip.

Get a group together and go on a camping adventure.

Or hop on a plane and go somewhere exotic!!!

SUMMER READS

I'm not sure why - but I always seem to read more in the Summer months.

I have the two books shown above waiting to be read.

And I always have some kind of magazine handy.

And both are great to take to the pool or beach!

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Favorite Road Trip Essentials

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

The past few days I've been out of town celebrating my mom's birthday.
I had quite a bit I needed to bring and instead of flying I decided to road trip.
So since I just went on a road trip, I thought it'd be perfect to share
FIVE ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS!!!

COMFY CLOTHES
If I'm going to be sitting in the car for hours,
comfy clothes and shoes are 100% necessary.
I aim to be in pants with a stretchy waist,
a loose fitting top and shoes I'll be comfortable in.
I like to keep a light jacket handy too if it gets chilly.

Pants: Old Navy Compression Capris,
American Apparel Shiny Leggings and BP Essential Leggings
 Tops: Mossimo Loose Racerback Tank and Mossimo Long and Lean Tank
Shoes: Chuck Taylor Sneakers and Old Navy Classic Flip Flops

SNACKS/DRINKS
On road trips, I hate stopping unless I have to.
Instead I try to bring as much with me as I can.
It's easier, cheaper and most likely healthier too!
If I bring enough healthy snacks with me,
it most likely prevents a fast food stop!

Fresh fruit or veggies that are easy to eat like apples, grapes and baby carrots.

And to treat yourself throw in granola bars, pretzels and some gummy bears too.

Regular or Iced Coffee is an absolute MUST for me!

And it's not pictured but LOTS and LOTS of water too.

You've gotta keep your body hydrated while driving folks!

If coffee and water isn't enough for you,

bring along a yummy green juice or grab a smoothie!

GPS/DIRECTIONS
Getting lost on a road trip is never fun.
If you have a phone with GPS - use it!
If your phone doesn't have GPS,
look up directions before departing
and keep a map with you for the drive!

Waze and Google Maps

GOOD MUSIC
Listening to music makes any drive faster for me.
Long or short drive, it doesn't mater.
And I love a good mixed CD for a long road trip too.
There's just something about jamming out in the car
that makes a long boring drive much better!

Some of my favorites at the moment are....
Alabama Shakes Always Alright 
Andy Grammer Honey I'm Good 
Carly Rae Jepson I Really Like You 
George Ezra Budapest 
Jason Derulo Want To Want Me 
Little Big Town Girl Crush
Maroon 5 Sugar 
Meghan Trainor Dear Future Husband 
Sheppard Geronimo
Walk The Moon Shut Up and Dance 

THING TO PASS TIME
Make sure to plan ahead to have things to pass the time!
If you're traveling alone listen to a podcast, books on CD
or even safely (read: using bluetooth) call a friend!
If you have a travel buddy - play a fun game,
like the License Plate Game or even Mad Libs!

License Plate Game and Mad Libs

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!