Memorial Day Weekend Essentials with Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores

Hey guys! So excited to be teaming up with Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores today to talk about their delicious new flavors: Chocolate Marshmallow, Toasted Marshmallow, and Toasted Marshmallow with fudge. As most of you know my nephews are very important to me. I spend so much of my free time with them so making sure they're happy and satisfied this Summer is definitely a priority. All three of them LOVE ice cream, and when I showed up with Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores they were ecstatic! 

For the first time ever, our entire family (and friends) will be spending this Memorial Day at our beach house, and I can't wait for all of us to spend some quality time together. The beach and ice cream pretty much go hand in hand, so I am pumped for the weekend ahead. 

What is great about Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores is that anyone, of any age can enjoy them. I truly feel like ice cream brings people together in such a fun way. One of my fondest memories when I was a child was spending the nights eating ice cream with my cousins and neighborhood friends. The NEW Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores bring out all the delicious flavor of S’mores with marshmallow flavored ice cream, and a rich graham cracker, chocolatey coating.

I had so much fun spending time with my nephews (and Oliver of course) and I can't wait for the weekend. We plan on bringing our Nestlé® Drumstick® ice cream with us and eating it right on the beach. I hope New Jersey brings the sun- because we're definitely bringing the delicious ice cream!

Visit local grocery retailers to purchase NEW Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores, or visit Drumstick.com to learn more. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The Healthy Triple Decker With Oscar Meyer Selects!

Hi everybody! It's been a while since I have shared one of my favorite healthy recipes, so I am happy to be teaming up with Oscar Meyer Selects Natural to bring you a recipe that puts a spin on the classic turkey club triple decker sandwich.

The triple decker is always my go-to when we go to any diners in the area, so being able to make it in my own home- is extremely important to me. It's also important that I use healthy food options that fit into my balanced diet. Oscar Mayer Selects Natural is made with no artificial ingredients, and is minimally processed. Selects Natural has no artificial preservatives (the back side of each package lists the ingredients used to preserve quality), no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no gluten and no by-products.

Choosing quality ingredients is important for me because I like to keep everything in my diet, healthy and nutritious. Since we are making a healthier version of this sandwich, I have subbed out some ingredients that will make this sandwich not only tasty, but also good for you. 

Turkey is one of my favorite lean protein options, and it's extremely low in fat, which I love.I think people assume that cold cuts are all bad, and that's not the case. Oscar Mayer Selects Natural is the perfect choice for anyone looking for quality cold cuts that have no artificial ingredients and delicious taste. I sometimes eat turkey as a snack with a little bit of hummus, it's perfect and filling for any time of the day. 

For this particular recipe,

What you'll need:

-3 Slices of Pumpernickel Bread

-Oscar Mayer Selects Natural Slow Roasted Turkey Breast 

(about 2 slices per slice of bread)

-3 Slices of Turkey Bacon

-2 Tablespoons Light Mayo

-Kale Leaves 

-Salt & Pepper to taste 

First you'll want to toast your bread slices. While the bread is toasting you'll want to cook up your turkey bacon, to your desired crispiness. I like mine extra crispy, so I over cooked it for this recipe. The crunchier- the better!

Next add mayo to your bread, and layer your bottom slice with turkey, kale, and turkey bacon. You will do the same for all three layers, and when you're ready, slice them into perfect triangles, and you are ready to go. It's a very simple recipe- with a very sophisticated flavor.

You can learn more about Selects Natural and all the Oscar Mayer products on OscarMayer.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/OscarMayer, Twitter at @OscarMayer and on Tumblr at OscarMayer.Tumblr.com.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Starbucks And My Love For Coffee : Part V

The holidays came and went and I can't even believe it's February 1st! One of my favorite things about the winter months is switching to hot coffee and drinking more tea and hot chocolate. Starbucks has so many options of beverages that you'll never go thirsty again. These are all available where you buy groceries, so it's very convenient, and easy to find them, even if you're not near a Starbucks. I am in love with their Via Instant coffees and lattes- especially the white chocolate mocha and peppermint mocha flavors. These are so easy to make- all you do is put hot water in with your packet- and voila- you have your drink!


Whether it's holiday entertaining, or just having a morning cup- Starbucks makes it easier to get through the long, wintery days ahead. All you need is a nice warm cup of your favorite drink, and you can snuggle up and stay warm. 

 

Details: Starbucks Travel Cup / Starbucks via Instant Peppermint Mocha / Coffee stamped spoon / Starbucks Hot Cocoa / Holiday Blend Coffee / Hot Chocolate Salted Marshmallow / Holiday Mug

Asparagus and Lemon Refreshing Gluten Free Pasta Salad

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GlutenFreeBarilla http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV 

I am so excited to be teaming up with Gluten Free Barilla Pasta today to bring you a healthy and refreshing pasta salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. As you all know I am the queen of pasta salads, and this recipe is a little different, but still delicious! If you haven't checked out my other recipes with Barilla, you can see my strawberry basil pasta salad here, and my meditteranean pasta salad, here. This recipe is a little different for a few reasons. The main reason is because I am using Barilla's new Gluten Free pasta for this recipe. It's also a dish that you want to serve warm due to the ingredients, and olive oil drizzle. 

I really love preparing different dishes around the holidays. My family always chooses me to make any of the pasta dishes, and I try to focus on staying healthy, and preparing a delicious meal that everyone will love. Gluten free pasta is great because it has non GMO ingredients, it's healthier and tastes just like regular pasta!

For my Gluten Free pasta I shopped at BJ's wholesale club and got a 4 pack of pasta for a very reasonable price. Since I come from a big family, this is perfect for the parties to come in the next few weeks. You can also visit BJ’s Wholesale Clubs on December 22nd and 23rd to see an in-store Barilla Gluten Free pasta demo at select clubs. You can also visit Pinterest to see other delicious Barilla  Gluten Free pasta recipes!

Making this pasta is very easy! Here is how to make your own at home.

First, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.  

Once the water is boiling , salt the water and add your Gluten Free pasta. 

While your pasta is cooking, you'll want to sautee your asparagus and brussels sprouts. 

Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a pan, cut up your asparagus, and sprouts and then squeeze a full lemon on top, and season with salt and pepper.

You'll want to cook your asparagus for about 10 minutes on the skillet. When that's finished, add the cooked asparagus and sprouts, and squeeze half a lemon into the pasta. You'll also want to drizze olive oil on top to avoid a dry pasta.

Enjoy!

Starbucks and My Love For Coffee : Part IV

Thanks to Starbucks, I got to enjoy a nice little picnic this fall. Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good pumpkin spiced latte just like every other girl out there. These little instant packs have been pretty much a lifesaver for me this season. I never thought instant coffee could taste so delicious, and honestly, it's just like going in the store and having one there! What I love about their instant coffees is how easy they are to carry around, and all you need is some hot water, and boom-you're ready!

For me, the Fall stands for a lot of things. It means the leaves changing, it means the temperatures are starting to change, it also means that it's getting closer to my birthday- and that gets me really excited! Coffee is such a huge part of my day to day life, and I honestly don't know where I would be without it. 

When the Fall comes around I switch from iced coffee to hot on some days, and this Fall blend is just delicious. It's the perfect amount of hearty, with some fresh spice notes to really leave a nice flavor on your palate. 

What are you drinking this Fall?

Strawberry Basil Pasta Salad

If you guys have been following along for a while, you'll know that I love Barilla Pronto! A while back I made a Mediterranean pasta salad , and fell in love with Barilla Pronto pasta. This time around I wanted something a little different, but still delicious. My schedule has been very intense lately, so making meals in advance is extremely crucial. This pasta is so easy to make, and requires only about ten minutes of your time. It never needs to be drained, and uses minimal water- which is awesome because by the time you put it in a pot, it's time to take it off! 

I shopped for my groceries and pasta at Stop & Shop. Here's what you'll need for this delicious strawberry salad. 

In the salad you'll need:
Yellow Grape Tomatoes
1 box of Barilla Pronto (your choice of what kind!)
Basil Leaves
Peppers (tri color)

Cook the pasta following the directions on the box, and then allow it to cool off for approximately 20 minutes. Once it's cool add your peppers, tomatoes, and basil.

For the strawberry vinaigrette:
Strawberries (frozen or fresh)
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 of A Lemon's Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Combine all ingredients and blend in a food processor. It is extremely easy and simple!

See how easy it is? I love that it tastes better and better as I eat it throughout the week. Sometimes the simplest recipes are best!

 

Make sure you grab some New Barilla Pronto Pasta next time you shop at Stop & Shop, Giant Food Stores, or Martin’s Food Markets.  Barilla Pronto Pasta is also available through Peapod!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #AnytimePasta http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

My AmaZING Latte & Cappuccino Recipes!

What’s your favorite thing about mornings? Mine is definitely the coffee! Today I am sharing two of my favorite recipes with you guys. I am going to be sharing how I make my cappuccinos and lattes from home- with a good coffee machine, anything is possible!

Mornings are generally difficult for most people, but they really don’t need to be. I think something that has helped me a lot is definitely waking up earlier, and giving myself more time to get ready and really “wake up.” I love waking up early and having time to eat breakfast and drink my coffee outside (when it’s warm at least!) Mornings don’t have to be miserable, and if you start giving yourself a little more time, you can actually start to love them too! Trust me, I never thought I would be saying this, but I am.

Coffee can make or break your day- so you gotta make sure you get it just right. Today I am teaming up with Born Sweet® Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener to show you how I make the perfect latte and cappuccino! It’s awesome to enjoy the sweetening experience of Zing™ Stevia Sweetener. It is made with only real ingredients – nothing artificial, it has the perfect sweetness found in the stevia plant. I always keep my diet extremely clean, so this is the perfect addition to my morning routine. Zing is perfect to sprinkle into your coffee, teas, smoothies, over fruit and other favorite foods and beverages.

Can’t forget the Zing!

First, you may be wondering what the difference is between a latte and a cappuccino. A latte is made with espresso, milk foam and steamed milk. A cappuccino is very similar but has more foamed milk, than steamed milk.

I also personally suggest getting a good coffee machine. I have discussed this in the past, but a good coffee machine truly makes all the difference. I use a Jura at home, and it’s been a huge life changer!

Here’s how I make my favorite morning beverages:

Latte- First, steam the milk. Heat your milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Let the milk bubble around the edges, but don’t boil it. Remove the pan from heat and place aside. Next you’ll need to whip the milk with a mixer (I use the Froth Pro) this will provide great froth for your latte.

Now brew your coffee. Make sure you brew for an espresso. If you’re using a coffeemaker use two tablespoons of coffee per 5 ounces of water. Once the coffee is done, pour the steamed milk over the espresso, and add ice (if you wish).

To perfect your latte, add 1-2 packets of Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener for a perfect sweet taste.

Cappuccino-First steam the milk. Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the milk to bubble around the edges but don’t let it boil. Remove the milk and set aside. Whip the milk with an electric mixer. (Again- I use the Froth Pro) until the milk thickens. Do this until you get the desired amount of froth.Make your coffee. Measure 2 tablespoons for every 5 ounces of water. You can use a french press or an automatic drip coffeemaker.

The perfect cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foam. I like to use unsweetened french vanilla syrup and 1-2 packets of Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener depending on how sweet you like your drink.

Would you guys like to try a sample of Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener for yourself ? Go here to request a sample, and it’s yours free!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The Perfect Picnic With Izze!

Now that Summer is coming to an end I am enjoying the last few weeks we do have by spending most of my time outside.  Although it's been really hot in New Jersey, around dinner time the weather cools off enough just to be able to enjoy sitting outside. I love having picnics in the park and this Summer we really tried to do just that, whenever we found the free moment. I can't believe Summer is almost over, and I feel like it just started!

 When planning a picnic, I always make sure to include the essentials. Since we still want to make sure we stay hydrated and healthy, we always keep water with us.  Some other essentials include cheese, some delicious salami, and of course fresh fruit.

IZZE Sparkling water has become my new go-to drink this summer. It's delicious with true to fruit flavors including raspberry watermelon, mandarin lime and blackberry pear. It's triple filtered mountain spring water and the fruit flavors are organic, which makes me feel great about what I am putting into my body.

Although the Summer is coming to its conclusion, we can still enjoy the remaining days by stocking up on good food and drinks, and of course, great company!

Have you guys done anything fun this Summer? If so I would love to hear about it!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Alizé Passion Summer Cocktails!

Hey guys! I am so excited to team up with Alizé today, to bring you two delicious cocktails! For those of you who have been reading for a while, you probably already know that I have been bartending for almost 10 years now. I truly enjoy making delicious drinks, and being able to be creative is definitely fun!

 

Our first drink is called Fresh Passion.
What you'll need:
4/3 oz Alizé Gold Passion
1/3 oz Lime Juice
5/3 Ginger Beer
Splash of Ginger Ale

In the base of a highball glass lightly press the mint, add the remaining ingredients , fill with crushed or cubed ice and stir. Garnish with mint sprig!

The second drink is called Shortcake.
What you'll need: 
1 oz Alizé Red Passion
2 Strawberries
1/3 oz Lemon Juice
2/3 oz Vodka
2/3 oz Lemonade 
Splash of Cranberry Juice

In the base of a cocktail glass muddle strawberries. Add the remaining ingredients and shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Both drinks are refreshing, and yummy! For those who didn't know, Alizé is a line of premium liqueurs imported from France. Alizé Passion infuses premium French vodka with passion fruit nectar and all-natural flavors found in the world's most exotic regions.

You can check them out on Facebook, here and find more delicious recipes. 

This post was sponsored on behalf of Alizé Passion via One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.