I love Super Bowl Sunday for two reasons – commercials and FOOD! At my house we don’t cook a traditional dinner. Instead we (I) make a bunch of fun finger foods and the family picks at those all day. It’s the perfect time to relax, have fun and enjoy the game. Here’s a collection of [...]

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Here in Maryland, there are some mornings where we wake up and it’s 11 degrees outside. Just thinking about it gives me chills! There’s no way I will take the kids out in that cold. What’s a Mom to do on days like that? Tons! Don’t use the cold an excuse to hibernate in front [...]

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There’s so much pressure at the start of the New Year to make sweeping changes to your life, particularly your diet and exercise routines.  For many of us, this could not come at a worse time of year because cold winter conditions probably make you want to crawl under a blanket and chow down on [...]

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Holiday parties are an ideal excuse to invite over friends, get dressed up and eat yummy food. I love to play host because it gives me a chance to show off my culinary skills and provide healthy options, while experimenting with recipes. Last year, my honey baked ham was a hit, but my homemade biscuits [...]

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Whether you’re a last-minute scrambler or you’ve been shopping for gifts since July, December is holiday crunch time.  As deadlines are looming, here are some tips to keep calm and carry on throughout the holiday season: Make a list… or six They’re not just for Santa anymore.  Write down presents as you buy them, make [...]

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Yay for winter break! The end of the year brings many reasons to celebrate and more opportunities to spend time with the kids. In my opinion, the Holidays are all about making memories. Here are 3 activities I’m planning to do with my little ones this month. Bake Cookies I have the best memories of [...]

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Even though Black Friday was a few weeks ago, let’s be honest – your holiday shopping is not finished yet. If you’re like me, you’ve barely begun. But once I begin shopping, I typically don’t stop until my checklist is complete (this typically takes place in one day)! Since my list of recipients expands each [...]

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Prepping for appetizers around the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you want to whip up a delicious dish in 10-15 minutes!  That’s why… we’re featuring two amazing recipes, using The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss Wedges and a few additional ingredients that will be feeding your friends and family in no time! [...]

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner and deciding what to make can be difficult.  That’s why we want to share four easy appetizer and side dish recipes you can whip up in minutes!  Your family and friends will be sure to remember this cheesy Thanksgiving Day celebration… and all you need is a few simple [...]

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Shopping on Black Friday is an informal tradition in my family.  My mother would not dare compete with the crowds, but my sister and I were always up to the excitement. I do not mind the crowded parking lots and am fairly patient in line for the bathroom.  However, I do not do well if [...]

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Sometimes I fall into a summer’s gone rut… the warm weather, the beach, the fresh produce from my garden. There’s something energetic and vibrant about the summer months. I take my kids to local parks, farm stands, and nightly walks around the neighborhood. Then falls sneaks in. It gets breezy and chilly. Instead of heading [...]

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It’s almost Halloween! You know what that means…CANDY! In a few days the kids will get inundated with tons of it on Halloween night which always ends up lingering around the house for weeks, months, even years! If you dig in my pantry you’ll find remnants of Halloweens past in the forms of lollipops, Reese’s [...]

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While Halloween is only one day a year, Halloween treats last much longer. Stores start stocking candy weeks in advance and the goodies usually linger long after the spider webs are taken down.  Here are some tips to celebrate the season with a little more nutrition health than horror: Procrastinate! If you celebrate, wait until [...]

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As summer comes to a close, most of us in the Northern hemisphere are waving goodbye to the all-stars like berries, melons, and colorful tomatoes.  Sure they’re still on the shelves, but they’re not at their peak or at the bargain prices you find when you buy in-season.  But, as one door closes, another opens! [...]

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Our days of running through the sprinkler and swimming are all but gone. Now, the temperature is dropping and the leaves are changing as we enter into a new season. Fall brings more and different fun stuff for us to do – especially with our kids! Here are a few of my favorite fun fall [...]

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Touchdown Vikings! Wait – don’t leave! Even if you’re not a Minnesota Viking’s fan, surely you can still appreciate a great party and cheering for your favorite team on game day. Why is it fun hosting a game-day party? Because you get to provide the fun of easy, delicious foods and entertainment for your guests! [...]

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Fall seems to be the favorite DIY season when it comes to in-season produce.  From making a dish using pumpkin seeds from a freshly carved Halloween decoration to a day of picking apples at a nearby farm–food preparation does not get more entertaining.  If you are blessed with good weather, outdoor activities can fill your [...]

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This week we had the chance to sit down with Keri Gans, MS,  RD, author of  The Small Change Diet, to discuss her thoughts on healthy eating habits. Q: Can you explain the premise behind your book? A: The whole idea behind the ten tips is really for the reader to choose one, tackle it, [...]

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Snacking is crucial to maintaining a well-balanced diet. Many dietitians and nutritionists recommend 5 meals a day: breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner. So, this week we’re featuring a few quick, tasty and waistline-friendly snack recipes to jazz up your meals.   Lean Bean Tostada Add some spice to your snack [...]

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One of the ten Master Strategies in my book, Eat Right When Time is Tight, is to Energize in 3-5 by eating something (ideally with protein and fiber) every three to five hours to ward off hunger and keep you going.   But the reality is that isn’t always possible.   Whether it’s a delayed flight, late [...]

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Is it just me or is everyone crazy busy? Sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of a long, hard day is cook dinner, but what’s the alternative? Drive-Thru? Pizza delivery? No, no, NO! I don’t mind it now and then, but eating out or ordering in can get expensive in [...]

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What is your favorite fall treat? Think on it a second. It’s an honest question that I had to ask you all, as I’m genuinely curious. Fall holds the key to many of my most favorite treats. Anything that is pumpkin or apple based makes my mouth water. You name it, I probably love it [...]

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It’s almost FALL (as of September 22nd)! You know what that means? Cool sweatshirt wearing nights, changing leaves, college football, and a whole new harvest of fruits and vegetables!  Fall brings a lot of fun and a welcomed change (for me) in the food department. We are coming off the berry, zucchini, tomato and melon season [...]

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I can hardly believe it myself, but this month the kids are going back to school! I’m looking forward to a more consistent family schedule, but fear the return of packing a school lunch. Getting something healthy in my 6-year-old is the bane of my existence, and it gets even more difficult during the school [...]

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A summer BBQ is a surefire way to have family and friends knocking down your door.  Get creative beyond hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and pie with these ideas to keep your dishes light and delicious: “Veggie” Burger: Pack in the produce with a double hit of veggies on (and in!) your burger.  Take a [...]

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