My top 3 Whole30 tips, as well as grocery lists and meal ideas!
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A “WHOLE 30” DAYS TO A HEALTHIER YOU.
JELLO CAKE
Let me share with you one of my most favorite family recipes: JELLO CAKE! Any time anyone in our family has a birthday, this is the cake everyone chooses! With cool whip and jello as frosting, how can you go wrong?! This poke cake is very customizable, in-fact I have made this into cupcakes, put…
PREGNANCY #2..
TRIGGER WARNING. Pregnancy number two, not the outcome we were hoping for.
BROCCOLI SLAW PASTA
A really easy, quick, and low carb “pasta” alternative. With the right ingredients it is also Whole30 compliant!
BEANLESS CHILI
One word: YUM! We make this every couple weeks because it is delicious and it makes a ton for leftovers/lunches. Original recipe found in my dear friend Liz William’s cookbook: Keto Meal Prep, we modified it just a little bit to our liking! This scrumptious heart warming recipe is keto/low carb and can be made…
DIY VALENTINE
Cutest little DIY Valentine for kids!
CRAISIN SALAD
You are going to love this savory, sweet, green salad! It makes enough for a crowd!
ULTIMATE 7-LAYER DIP
My Grandma Mellen says: “The party starts when the seven layer dip gets here!” Seven layer dip is a VERY MUCH LOVED appetizer in this family. It is always DEVOURED at any of our holiday parties. Save this recipe for the next game day or shindig you’re attending! The recipe mastered by my Mom
DIY FAMILY FILMS
You may or may not have noticed I have been making A TON of videos lately. It really makes me happy to create and re-watch these over and over. I have loved sharing these with family and friends– and I really hope Remi continues to love watching!! I recently took a little course from DIY…
MELLEN CARAMEL POPCORN
This recipe is one my Grandma Mellen’s Christmas traditions! She makes this every year for family and friends. It is one of my favorite holiday treats. The raw peanuts are extra delicious. (Please note this is HARD caramel popcorn! Toffee like– not for everyone) CARAMEL CORN Original recipe by: J. Cunningham Pre-heat 3 gallons of…
SINK OR FLOAT
Entertain your kiddo for 20+ minutes with this easy game of sink or float!
ELF ON THE SHELF
As if the Christmas season isn’t chaotic enough 😛 This is kind of a silly tradition, but I have WAY too much fun with it. I love that Remi jumps out of bed every morning to go and find her elf. It just adds a little extra magic to the season.. (and sometimes maybe even…
HALLOWEEN 2023
This year for halloween Remi originally wanted to be Bowser — so the Mario theme was GAME ON. She is really into Villains and “bad guys” right now– and then she randomly changed her mind to Princess Peach and stuck with it. I wanted to find a Wario costume because he is my ALL time…
SEW SPECIAL.
“Sewing is harder than it seams” ———————————————– Sewing [ soh-ing ] is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a sewing needle and thread. According to Wikipedia it is one of the oldest of the textile arts. For as long as I can remember my Grandma Mellen has been the best seamstress…
PUMPKINS N’ POWER TOOLS
Pumpkins and power tools. Trying out some pumpkin carving hacks.
DIY PUMPKIN DOUGH
I am always down to try anything if it keeps my child entertained for 20+ minutes. I found this easy DIY recipe on Pinterest for Pumpkin moon sand, and we decided to try it out. Most likely you may already have the ingredients already in your kitchen. It turned out to be a little less…
NEWPORT BEACH
Favorite highlights from our annual Newport Beach trip 2023: ・❥・SANDY, SUNNY, STICKY BEACH DAYS ・❥・DISNEYLAND ・❥・CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS ・❥・CRUISING THE BOARDWALK ・❥・ALL THE GOOD FOODS ・❥・NOT WORKING NIGHT SHIFTS ・❥・SO MANY POP-CICLES ・❥・REMI PLAYING WITH ALL HER CUZZIES NEWPORT VIDEO DISNEYLAND VIDEO We have visited this same beach every year now for the past…
HIMALAYAN SALT CAVE
The Himalayan Salt Cave at the Centered Stone has been charming my to-do list for awhile now. In fact it is still on my to-do list to attend a sound bath in this salty cavern. These pictures hardly do any justice to the peaceful vibes and beauty in here. Halotherapy Salt Therapy has many health…
TWENTY TWENTY-TWO
2022 the year of GROWTH.
THINGS TO DO IN UTAH IN WINTER
More than 25 things to do in Utah in the winter. I don’t know about you, but I have to get out of the house to keep the SAD at bay!
OUR TOP 5 FAVORITE DISNEYLAND FOODS
Top 5 favorite Disneyland eats.
SEWING SALLY
Since APRIL—Remi has wanted to be Zero from Nightmare before Christmas, “Mommy to be Sally, and Daddy to be Jack!” So I made it happen! Remi’s Zero costume we scored on Amazon. We added white long-sleeve jams for warmth, and a white tutu for a ghosty flow. David’s Jack costume and gloves we found from…
ALL THE FALL THINGS
Loving all the fall things: the colors of the leaves, Pumpkin patches, Frightmares, Disneyland, and Halloween everything.
SELF-CARE!
Over 200 self-care ideas to help you fill your bucket and water your soul.
SPRING ACTIVITIES IN UTAH
Spring is so vitalizing after the long soul sucking winter cold in Utah I appreciate the spring time, now more than ever. The days are starting to get longer, the trees and flowers are starting to bloom. It is so refreshing to be outside and inhale all the fresh growth going on in the world.…
ROASTED SAUSAGE + VEGGIES
You know I love a quick and easy dinner! This quick little recipe is savory as hell for how simple it is. It also warms up for some killer left-overs, or delicious meal-prep. Low carb, Keto friendly, and FAST. This recipe can also be made Whole30 friendly with the right sausage! Slice your favorite chicken…
TULUM, MEXICO
A romantic little beach getaway in Mexico
BANGERS + MASH
A low carb spin on this pub favorite: Bangers and Mash
DOLL HOUSE RENOVATION
This project was extra meaningful. It was practically preserving 5 generations of LOVE. My great-grandfather Mackay built this dollhouse for me when I was a little girl. He passed away when I was 8 years old, but he remains one of my favorite spirits ever. For the past decade my aunt had it for my…
ICE CASTLES
This past Wednesday evening we went searching for Elsa in the Midway Ice Castles. We did not find Elsa, but the sky was sure showing off her magic. The ice castles are located in Midway, Utah about a 50-60 minute drive from Salt Lake City. Midway is a cute little town, with some pretty cool…
CRAZY THE DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
Both mama and babe have had so much GROWTH Mama: Bought our first house. Got my dream job. Growing emotionally and physically stronger. Taking care of myself so much better. New appreciation for my body. Babe: PHYSICAL Growth. Personality. Communication and vocabulary . Curiosity, questions and wonder. I thought I was ready to raise this…
TWENTY TWENTY-ONE
The highlights, low-lights. [& the most photographed.] JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
NORTH POLE FEST
Sunday night we checked out the North Pole Festival at Rio Tinto stadium! You can check out more information on their website at: northpolefestival.com. We got our tickets on Groupon! It is here until January 2, 2022! This little walk-thru experience is especially fun for little kids who love lots of Christmas lights. They offer…
DRAPER SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Remi and I hiked the little 2.3 mile loop this past Monday morning. Have you been up there yet? We started from Orson Smith Park in Draper, 12625 Highland Dr. Draper, UT 84020. My cute little adventure buddy did most of this hike herself, with a few stops to explore the dirt.
THE ALPINE LOOP
I have lived in Utah my whole life, and have only heard of the beauty that is the Alpine Loop. Until THIS Fall, when I finally experienced this stunning little canyon cruise myself. The Alpine Loop spans from American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon, and is open from late May to late October. It is…
KUWAHARA’S PUMPKIN PATCH
Everything is much more magical and fun through the eyes of a child We visited Kuwahara’s pumpkin patch for Remi’s birthday and the three of us LOVED it. They had a stellar selection of pumpkins!! Not only did they have a TON of orange ones, but warty pumpkins, green ones, white ones and they had…
BABY SHARK TWO TWO TWO
I cannot believe my Remi girl is TWO! Remi is obsessed with Baby Shark right now, so we had a little Baby Shark Two Two Two party! There are so many darling party ideas for turning two. Check out my TWO Pinterest board here. Some ideas we considered were: In TWO the Wild, TWO WILD,…
BUN-LESS PHILLIES
“If we are what we eat, I am fast, easy and cheap!” One of the yummy staple dishes around our house lately! Inspired by the recipe found in Simply Keto cookbook by Suzanne Ryan, one of our favorite Keto cookbooks!! Directions: Simply chop the onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. Add salt and pepper, and seasons…
LAKE POWELL 2021
Lake Powell is PURE MAGIC When I visit Lake Powell, I feel the most connected to the universe. I absolutely love not having any cell service, and getting lost in the incredible stars on stars visible in the black night sky. Floating and exploring the days away– not knowing the time or date. It is…
CRISPY CHEESE CHIPS
When David and I switched to a low-carb diet, I think I missed crunchy tortilla chips + salsa the most. This was the best substitution I found! HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG WITH STRAIGHT CHEESE?! Pile some cheddar cheese on some PARCHMENT paper, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese, as well as some Chili Lime seasoning…
PORK CARNITAS
A delicious Costco find. Quick and easy, low carb dinner. Have you guys tried this pork yet? WE LOVE IT at our house. I always have to have them on stock in our fridge, as they are David’s most requested dinner– and Remi will eat it too! WIN-WIN. Each container has two family sized servings…
DISNEYLAND WITH A TODDLER
Taking a toddler to Disneyland is an adventure. I have compiled my favorite Disneyland hacks, advice and items to pack.
THE DEVASTATING FIRE OF 2021
This past Monday morning, (June 21st, 2021) I woke up to SIX MISSED CALLS, and a text from my mom that said: “Call me as soon as you wake up.” *INSTANT PIT IN MY STOMACH* “Who died?” was my awful first thought. I call my mom right away, and she starts with: “Grandma’s house caught…
INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDENS
We have been playing Softball with Beehive Sports, at Jordan Park for a few seasons now! I have heard someone mention there are Peace Gardens at this park, but I have never ventured too far past the softball field until this week! If you are in the Salt Lake area, (1060 S 900) it is…
CHICKEN MEATBALLS
This is one of our favorite meals right now, and it is so freaking easy and delicious. Another easy Costco meal. (Low carb, and seriously– SO GOOD) Have you tried these chicken meatballs from Costco yet?? They are so freaking good. I’m kind of weird about chicken, especially in meatball form, but these mixed with…
MOAB
If you haven’t been to southern Utah, you must put it on your bucket list! Anywhere with that gorgeous red rock— Moab, Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, even St. George! This past weekend we went down to Moab with a group of our long time friends. This was the stunning red rock view from our…
TULIPS + BUTTERFLIES
THANKSGIVING POINT IN THE SPRING Grandma, Remi and I spent a lovely spring day checking out the Tulip Festival, and the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving point. These stunning gardens are so well taken care of, you can tell they are groomed with love. It is hard not to smile when you are immersed in such…
CURRY CHICKEN SALAD
This delicious recipe was modified from its original recipe, shared by my aunt Andrea. Keto friendly, low carb, and WHOLE30 compliant with the right ingredients. A real crowd pleaser (and by that I mean my husband, baby and myself all LOVE it.) I’m talking: “CAN I LICK THE SPOON CLEAN,” kind of good. We enjoy…
BABY ANIMAL FESTIVAL
E I E I O! The baby animal festival at Cross E Ranch in North Salt Lake was AMAZING. They had baby goats, sheep, calfs, chicks, as well as many other farm animals that you could pet and feed. There were many activities for the whole family– corn hole, bounce pads, giant slides, tetherball, zip…
LIFE FLIGHT
I AM A HIGH RISK OB LIFE FLIGHT NURSE!!! I have been hesitant to post this, because it still does not feel real! Being a Life Flight nurse has been a dream of mine since I became a nurse in 2016. I remember telling Melanie Longmore in my first nurse interview, when she asked about…
I COULD HAVE DIED
This Christmas was extra magical this year with a toddler who lights up and dances when Peanuts plays from the Christmas tree. Our Christmas tree is behind the gate that keeps her out of the entry room. Multiple times a day Remi heads over to the gate hollering “tree, tree, tree,” until we take her…
COCONUT BREAD
For as long as I can remember, my grandma has always made coconut bread for all of her neighbors and friends. My mother and I started baking it together last year, and this will be our second year passing loafs out to our friends too. This year was extra special because it made me realize…
HOME-BREWED KOMBUCHA
I started drinking kombucha many moons ago, but it is one expensive drink. A bottle of kombucha from the grocery store can run anywhere from $2.50 to $5.99 each!! We have been brewing our own now for over 3 years. We can make pretty much any flavor we once loved from the store, for about…
REMI IN ONEDERLAND
How in the world is my sweet Remi babe ONE already!!? I had started Pinning ideas for Remi in Onederland when she was around six months old!! I put so much love and stress into the details for this party, and it turned out so stunningly-lovely that I have been dying to share it with…
FOUR GENERATIONS ♥
My mother, grandmother and daughter are some of my most cherished people. This blog was inspired by these three beautiful women, and the sunshine they bring. Whenever I have a chance to get us all four in a picture I take it! I pinned this darling image years ago, with hopes of doing it myself…
BABY MANDRAKE COSTUME
Harry Potter inspired DIY baby mandrake costume
+ BABY OLSEN
It all started with some tender breasts and a little blue + It was Friday, February 15 2019. I woke up with the most tender breasts I have ever had. I was due for my period the next day, and decided if I woke up Saturday without any cramps I would take a pregnancy test!…
HIGHWAY 101
For my 30th birthday celebration, we adventured off on one of my dream road-trips: The Pacific Coast Highway!! Highway 101 has been a legendary road-trip in my mind for quite some time! I have often day-dreamed of the stunning ocean-cliff-views, the foggy Redwood Forest, and that free feeling only an open road brings. I would…
SIMPLE + DELICIOUS SPICY MARINARA
If you know me, I have to have my marinara! This homemade marinara is super quick, easy, and healthy– even David likes it! So you can have extra, extra marinara without all the added guilt! I use this on pizza, zoodles, or meatballs! Sometimes I even add a little of our homemade salsa if I am craving a little…
BAND TEE QUILT
Shortly after David and I started dating, I told him about my dream of making a band t-shirt quilt. He absolutely loved the idea, and one night we had this crazy idea to cut up all our old band t-shirts! BAD IDEA. I wish we would have paused for one second and at least cut…
BALI
Here are some of my favorite photos from our honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia from 2017. UJUNG WATER PALACE The Water Palace is definitely worth a visit if you are in eastern Bali. It was offered as a free morning excursion from our hotel: Bali Palms Resort. It was 50’000 IDR, (about $5) but both David and I…
OUR FAMOUS SALSA
I have been hesitant to post our family’s famous salsa recipe for a few years, but since it is such an intense labor of love to make– if you want to go through this process, you deserve to enjoy it just as much as we do! I can eat an entire jar of this by myself…
SPICY PICKLES
The best homemade spicy dill pickles out there.
MYSTIC HOT SPRINGS
I have been dying for a road-trip up the Pacific Coast Highway, adventuring into the Redwood Forest, and making our way up to Oregon to visit friends… — But since we only had the weekend off, I had to plan a much shorter trek. I found out that David has never been to Moab, so I planned…
DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN
So, I admit… I was totally blog stalking an old professor of mine, and came upon this post. I HAD to share it. It is actually a graduation speech by Baz Luhrmann, so credit due where credit due. Ladies and Gentleman,Wear sunscreen.If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.The long…
WANDERLUST
I have been lucky enough to have seen some pretty amazing places in my short time here on Earth. I have ventured to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, New York City, Niagara Falls. I’ve seen some Mayan ruins, the red light district in Amsterdam, the Grand Canal and Saint Mark’s Basilica in Italy. Santorini and Ancient…
40+ DATE NIGHT IDEAS ♥
Over 40 ideas of actually FUN date nights around Salt Lake City, Utah and surrounding areas.
SASSY WATER
Health Benefits:“Ginger in the sassy water is said, by Flat Belly Diet authors, to “calm and soothe” your gastrointestinal tract. Ginger does effectively deter nausea and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh mint and lemon also aid digestion and discourage stomach bloat. Cucumber and the other ingredients help give the water flavor.” Livestrong, 2017 “You’ve probably…
