Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This recipe was originally published December 2, 2012! WOW! So much has changed since then for us. We have another child for one, and a lot has changed diet wise. I thought I would update it for a few reasons. You could make this slow cooker recipe in a crockpot or instant pot (which wasn't a thing in 2012). The original recipe called for Velveeta cheese and I thought I would share how to make that homemade. With the current climate and so many making recipes at home with canned goods, I thought I would share a better for you recipe made with items from your pantry instead of fresh from a fridge. 


The original version of this recipe was created to trick my daughter into eating her veggies by adding purees into it which you could still totally do, but I have found that you can do this with almost ANY recipe really. Making the cheese sauce for this homemade is better for you because it has less preservatives. If you want to make it easier, then you can definitely buy Velveeta block cheese and call it a day. You could also make this keto friendly and omit the spaghetti noodles, then just top it on zoodles. Yum!

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipe {Easy and Freezer Friendly}

Who doesn't need some homemade Mexican food in their life right now?! This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipe is not only super easy to make and freezer friendly, but a HIT with my family!


Homemade Mexican Enchiladas Recipe


This post was originally published on 3/5/13. I thought I would update it. This was originally for a review of MexAmerica tortillas, they had let me try out a variety of their tortillas. Their website is down and I haven't seen any current updates on their social media, so I thought I would re-do this post for y'all. My husband loves these enchiladas and they are so super easy. PLUS they are a hit with the kiddos too! You are definitely going to want to pin and re-pin again! :D

Low Carb Lasagna Recipe {Freezer Friendly & Perfect for St. Patrick's Day}

This Low Carb Lasagna Recipe was a hit with the entire family, easy to make, and keto friendly. It was sneakily green, perfect for St. Patrick's Day, and a great way to sneak in those veggies to picky eaters.




We have been focusing on a low carb diet for a while now. When we re-focused our nutrition and really start losing weight, cutting out carbs is the way we have done it. If you have asked us what our diet looks like and I don't really give you an answer, it's because no we don't do keto, yes we do low carb, but we still eat carbs because we need them with the amount that we work out. The dinners I make are almost always low carb.

So why do I say this is perfect for St. Patrick's Day?

The Best Guacamole Recipe Ever

My husband makes this for so many events and we get asked all the time for the recipe so I thought I would share it here so I could give a quick link to people. He looked up a recipe years ago to use up some ripe avocados, but he has changed it to perfection. We get complimented everywhere we go and since we have starting to eat healthy, it is our go to dish to bring so we know we will have something to eat wherever we go. Compliment it with a veggie tray and boom! Satisfying, delicious, and good for you party food too.


Easy Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer Recipe

This post is a sponsored conversation brought to you by Flavor Your Life campaign and Moms Meet. All opinions are my own.


It's the most wonderful time of the year.... when you have to bring an appetizer or side dish to an umpteenth event. I have a super easy one for you that will really up the wow factor. You can organize it into a wreath if you have the right dish wear and then you'll be extra fancy.




If you are like me and looking for a super easy yet fancy looking recipe, here is how you make these yummy Easy Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer.

Snacking on Plan with FITCRUNCH + Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Nugget Recipe

I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I have some amazing news that I haven't shared anywhere else yet, but I am very proud of it. I have officially lost 50 pounds and am at my lowest weight I have been before I got pregnant with my son (probably my daughter too, but I didn't weigh myself then). I wish I had kept better track of this journey because it has been a long one. Figuring out what works for my body. Understanding that nutrition is number one and strength is more important than cardio. It has been a learning curve for sure.


I am a firm believer in making food choices that are smart. Snacking is the number one issue concerning people who are trying to lose weight. And they always want to know how to stop it. And I say, why? Just be smart about your snacking choices. I was recently sent some FITCRUNCH Cheddar Cheese High Protein Puffs to try out with my family.

Guilt Free Almond Energy Bites with Once Again Amore Almond Spread

I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I love when I get the opportunity to work with my favorite brands over and over again. As some of you may know, I have been on a weight loss journey for a while now and trying to find the right balance of working out and nutrition that works for me and my family.




For Valentine's Day, I made some chocolate covered strawberries with Once Again Amore Almond Spread. I love to have date nights at home. My husband and I don't eat out much anymore since we never know what to get when we go out plus we are trying to save money to pay off debt. So with that said, date nights at home are key. But honestly my new FAVORITE thing that I have made with Once Again Amore Almond Spread is these No Guilt Hazelnut Energy Bites!

Homemade Meal Prepping Breakfast Ideas for Kids

I have been trying to find ways to save more money recently. My husband and I are focusing on paying off debt this year, so finding ways to cut back just goes hand in hand. One thing I have noticed since I have stopped extreme couponing, is that our grocery bill has gone way up. And this is simply because I have been purchasing convenience items. I prefer for my kids to have a hot breakfast. When they have a breakfast that is jam packed with sugar, they seem to get hungry a few minutes later. I started meal prepping my husband breakfast and lunches which got me thinking, I could make the same convenience items that I have been purchasing in store and save a bundle plus they will probably be better for them since they aren't overly saturated with preservatives.

meal prep breakfast ideas

I am a stay-at-home mom and the argument has always been, "well you have so much time on your hands that's why this is easier for you". This was the same thing I heard when I was couponing. Like anything else you want to do whether it's start going to the gym, craft, pick up a new hobby, etc., you have to make the time if you want it to work. I meal prep on Sundays because besides going to church in the morning, we don't have much else going on that day. Some people like to "relax" and watch TV, well bring the TV in the kitchen and watch your shows while you meal prep. I promise you can find the time if you want to make this work.

So now on to a few things that we have been making for the kid's breakfasts.

Easy Keto Coffee Smoothie Recipe

If you are looking for a keto friendly protein powder then you are in luck! Coffee is mom life fuel. We all know caffeine is great in the morning to get us started and be productive, but...Did you know caffeine also helps you to lose weight?

keto coffee protein shake smoothie recipe

This is because caffeine can speed up your metabolism, which makes you burn fat without exercising, nor doing anything in particular. You do know that protein is the best macronutrient to lose weight, right?  And because keto is so popular right now, I know many people out there are looking for a keto friendly alternative to their favorite protein powders. I personally like protein shakes because they are convenient on-the-go options whether after a work out or a quick breakfast.

Easy Keto Coffee Protein Shake Smoothie Recipe

Low Carb Lasagna Broccoli Sausage Bake Recipe - Easy and Family Dinner Approved

I created this easy keto lasagna broccoli bake recipe so my family could have a delicious meal time without too much fuss. My husband has been focusing on the low carb diet called ketogenic for over two years now and within the past year his family has started living this lifestyle as well. My mother-in-law is at her goal weight after years of not being able to lose any weight. She also did intermittent fasting.

Low Carb Lasagna Broccoli Sausage Bake Recipe


What I love about this meal is that you can prep it ahead of time for an easy pop in the oven family dinner idea. I also love that there are left overs to make for easy meal prep. It also re-heats really well. The funny thing about how I came up with this recipe is, my husband bought a bunch of sausage brats on sale and we froze them. I saw them in the freezer after not being able to find any chicken and thought, "I bet I could throw something together with those". I searched a few recipes on Pinterest, but didn't see exactly what I was looking for based on what we had on hand. So this easy family recipe was created! And I wanted to share because it was definitely a crowd pleaser!

20 Keto Approved Side Dishes To Complete Family Dinner Time

My husband and I have been trying to lose weight for over a year. We have been stuck in a rut and decided that we needed to do an overhaul on our diets. My in-laws have had a lot of luck recently with the ketogenic diet and although my husband and I have been considering for a while, we never made the plunge. That was until we watched "The Magic Pill" on Netflix. This documentary was really an eye opener for us and made us want to recommit to our health. Check out this Keto Macro Calculator to help you with your ketosis, weightloss needs.



Being a busy family of four, we like meals that are easy to make and if we can make them ahead of time? Even better. Here are some Keto Approved Side Dishes to complete family dinner time. If you are new to keto, I recommend checking out this Keto Shopping List for Beginners. If you are unfamiliar with something on the list, let me know in the comments below and I'll explain why you need it.

Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe {Degustabox Box October 2018}

If you haven't purchased a Degusta Box Subscription Box yet, maybe this month's will change your mind. I have been reviewing this foodie subscription box for two years now and I love all of the products I have discovered along the way. This month had so many awesome yummy snack foods great for fall and I have included a yummy Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe too! Also don't forget new subscribers can get their first box for only $12.99 which includes a free gift and free shipping.


First, what is Degusta Box? Degusta Box is an on-line food subscription service that delivers a monthly surprise box containing the latest and best products, from small and big brands alike, to the homes of the consumer: saving time and money. You can cancel anytime.

So what was in the box? 

20 Keto Approved Dinner Ideas the Whole Family Will Enjoy

If you have been following my blog for any amount of time, then you know I have struggled with my weight. As adults, my husband and I are trying to learn what is healthy and what works for us because we never had very good or high quality food as children. It isn't that our parents didn't try their best, they just didn't know better themselves.

Keto Family Dinner Ideas


So trying to re-learn everything about the food pyramid has been difficult because the information that has been on the market can be misleading. My husband has wanted to get on the keto diet train for a while now and I told him if he helps me find recipes, then I am more than willing to try it. My in-laws have jumped on board and so now we have compiled a list of Keto Approved dinner ideas that the whole family is sure to enjoy!

Orange Soda Pops with Veri Organic Soda

I received complimentary products to provide this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

This was originally published 7/15/15.

What's better than making a summertime treat with some organic soda! What did I just say?! That's right and exactly what we did. I recently had the opportunity to review Veri Organic Soda. And we used the orange flavor to make some yummy Orange Soda Popsicles.





Veri is committed to crafting the world’s finest organic, low-calorie, soft drinks. They spent years crafting a line of soda that is made with the best organic ingredients and is low in calories but also tastes like the real deal or in other words, how soda used to taste back in the good old days. Veri Organic Soda has no harsh sweetness or overpowering carbonation. It has a delicious refreshing taste and only 60 calories per can with no artificial ingredients. It is a soda the whole family can enjoy. Available in Veri Cola, Orange, Ginger Ale, or Lemon Lime. I think Veri makes a great addition to any summertime get-together!
 

Taco Southwest Salad with Nasoya Toss'ables

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

My husband is the chef in our house. He is always coming up with such innovative dishes in the kitchen. I am not as creative as him. He found this recipe on Facebook and tweaked it (like he always does). It is fantastic! It isn't the easiest recipe to make. I would honestly only make when we are having guests over or just for the Hubby and I every once in a while, but it is SO GOOD. I shared a picture on Instagram and people went crazy, so I thought I would share here. Enjoy!

Southwest Taco Salad Recipe

Vegan Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe

Summer is officially here at our house! That means staying up late with the kiddos and super fun movie nights...possibly under the stars? Any ways...this Vegan Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe is one of my family's favorites and it will son become of one of yours too!

Hazelnut Pancake Muffins with Once Again Nut Butter

I have never tried a hazelnut spread before. I know crazy, right? It is a thing that people have been going crazy over online, but I just never got on the hype. I recently had the opportunity to try out Once Again Nut Butter's Amore Hazelnut Spread. I was so excited to finally try hazelnut spread from a brand that I love.



I am in a Shelf Challenge right now. And basically the idea is to cut your grocery bill by being super creative and using up the items found in your pantry then save the savings. I have a ton of pancake and waffle box mixes for some reason. I have made a bunch of batches and frozen them, we have had breakfast dinner more times than I can count, but my favorite thing to do with pancake box mix batter is to make muffins for the kids. You can add anything you like: honey, fruit, sprinkles, etc. But this time I added Once Again Nut Butter Amore Hazelnut Spread.

Vegan Coffee Protein Shake for the Mom on the Go

I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Summer is right around the corner and I don't know about you, but we are so busy during the summer and it can be hard to make healthy choices. I try to meal plan ahead and bring my lunch if I can and make sure I make myself some kind of breakfast. My go-to breakfast for on-the-go is a Coffee Protein Smoothie. It is easy to make with only 4 ingredients and I just throw every in the blender, then I'm done and ready to go. I have recently discovered a new vegan protein shake powder that has really stepped up my plant based protein in a very yummy way.

Vegan Coffee Protein Shake

The VeganSmart All-In-One Nutritional Shake contains a complete protein blend of five different non-GMO plant-based proteins to build and repair body tissue and muscle. The whole food complex consists of nine different healthy, colorful fruits and vegetables to support wellness. Each shake has 22 vitamins and minerals to support healthy cell function. The fiber content helps to keep you regular, while the omega blend supports a healthy brain, heart, and circulatory system. The shake contains prebiotics to stimulate the growth and maintenance of beneficial intestinal flora. The digestive enzymes blend assists in digesting foods more completely for greater absorption of nutrients.


Vegan Coffee Protein Shake Recipe


Tips to Make Homemade Olive Oil Vinaigrette

This post is a sponsored conversation brought to you by Flavor Your Life campaign and Moms Meet. All opinions are my own.

Being the frugal mom that I am, I love ways to save money while still dressing things up. Making your own dressings is a great way to not only save money, but you can also make your dressings as flavorful as you want and you don't have to sacrifice quality. The best and easiest to make dressing is an olive oil vinaigrette.


The key to an awesome vinaigrette is 1 part vinegar to 3 parts olive oil and add salt, pepper to taste. Olive oil should just be a staple in every kitchen. It is so versatile. Because Olive oil has a high smoke point (400° F), it can handle anything from a light sauté to a deep (and deeply flavorful) fry. You can bake with olive oil, as well. You can even preserve roasted veggies or use it to moisturize dry skin!

Choose Plant-Based Protein and Save at Publix

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pinnacle Foods & Boulder Brands. All opinions are my own.

One of my tips I tell people to help save money on their grocery meals is to have one night that is meatless. So when we are creating our meal plan we have what we like to call “Meatless Mondays.” And what you may find surprising is that you can choose plant-based foods without giving up taste, convenience, or quality.