Cara Carroll

lifestyle

Laundry Room Makeover

Our washing machine recently bit the dust after a good 10 year run. In all honesty, I was secretly THRILLED to finally get rid of our front loader. Truth be told, it just wasn't my favorite...especially toward the end. After a lengthy conversation with our repairman about the life span of different washers and dryers, we decided that a basic model would be best...y'know, a washer like grandma used ;) A top loader with an agitator and NO electronics. We ended up with the Maytag Commercial Grade High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer & Electric Dryer Set. Our previous washer and dryer set were big and bulky and made our small laundry room … [Read more...] about Laundry Room Makeover

Easy Cleaning Schedule

Cleaning has never been my favorite. The last thing I want to do after a long day at work is clean. But I do love having a clean house. Some seasons of life lend themselves to my house being a lot cleaner than others (I'm sure you can relate!) My oldest is innately a sort of self-proclaimed "neat freak". Without being asked, he's usually the first to take out the trash, pick up his room, tidy up shared spaces, and load the dishwasher because he genuinely doesn't enjoy a mess. It puts him in an angsty teenage mood when there's a lot of disarray and he tends to get out of sorts and befuddled in the midst of clutter. To the … [Read more...] about Easy Cleaning Schedule

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

I love finding new-to-me soup recipes.  I have quite a few Mexican flavored soups we barrel through on a monthly basis so I tend to try and steer clear of those because how different can they really be?!  But when I found this recipe and read that it included Masa and cheese, well, I was sold.  Thick and hearty and full of flavor...a different flavor than any of the other Mexican soups we keep repeating.  And it takes NO TIME to make!!  Even better! … [Read more...] about Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

2020 Holiday Gift Guide – The Kitchen Edition

*This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission.  Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Ninja Air Fryer - a 4 qt. air fryer perfect for any kitchenWooden Oven Push Pull - the easiest (& safest) way to pull out & push in an oven rack while bakingBelgian Waffle Maker - my personal favorite applianceKitchen Conversions Wall Sign - I absolutely adore this little kitchen accessory. Completely unnecessary, but really cute!Tomato & Grape Slicer - the easiest, cleanest, fastest was to slice small veggies and fruits!Defrosting Tray - Yes. Just yes to this. Defrost meats the quick and … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guide – The Kitchen Edition

2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Kids, Teens, and College Students

It’s always a bit of a challenge shopping for kids whether they’re young, teens, or semi-adults. I’m all about the gift cards personally, but when I’m gifting to the kids in my family I like to try and put a little more thought into what I purchase. Hopefully these gift ideas help you while you’re crossing things off your list this year! If nothing else, I hope they give you a little inspiration and maybe a few new ideas! *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Collapsible Solar Powered Lantern - whether your child is indoor or outside, this LED lantern … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Kids, Teens, and College Students

2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Her & Beauty Lovers

Today's gift guides are geared toward the ladies in your life and might even give you a few ideas for yourself! *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Fuzzy Slippers - because you can never go wrong with comfy, cute slippers.Silk Pillowcase - another step in preventing wrinkles and hair damage, a silk pillowcase would be a perfect stocking stuffer & pair beautifully with a little calming pillow spray, too.Two Tiered Jewelry Tray - absolutely LOVE this jewelry tray & the vertical storage option on the one!Never Too Soon Hand Sanitizer - because … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Her & Beauty Lovers

2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Him & Them

Continuing on with our holiday gift guides, today we’re highlighting stocking stuffers and gifts for those special guys & couples in your life.  *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission.  Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Travel Size Bergamot Hand Sanitizer - because it's 2020. Enough said.Custom Face Socks - so he'll never forget your face. It's the gift that keeps on giving!Grilling Plank Variety Pack - my husband loves his grilling planks...especially for grilling salmon!....and this variety pack gives your guy a sampling of Western Cedar, Alder, Hickory, Cherry, … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides for Him & Them

2020 Holiday Gift Guides for the Host/Hostess, Wine Lovers, & Cocktail Enthusiasts

Whether you're searching for the perfect host/hostess gift or trying to finish off the list for your brother/sister/parent/grandparent/friend, these party themed gifts are where it's at. *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission.  Thank you so much for supporting my blog!* Wine Infused Rubs - for the host(ess) with a taste for wine, these rubs are perfect for adding to their favorite foods.Holly Monogram Glass Candle - not only do these candles smell great, but the monogram adds the perfect personal touch.Bath Fizz Serenity Set - with scents or orange and lavender, this bath fizz set is … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides for the Host/Hostess, Wine Lovers, & Cocktail Enthusiasts

I Am Who You Say I Am

How we define our identity is where true peace and contentment can be found. It's easy to allow ourselves to be characterized by the talk of man if we're not careful, but the words spoken by people to convince us who we are, are rarely grounded in truth. They're fickle and too easily influenced by emotion. There's freedom in the identity we've been assigned by God. Who He says we are NEVER changes. It doesn't shift based on His feelings. It's not influenced by our social media following. There's no failure or success that can make it budge. It's not affected by the number on the scale. And it certainly won't waver based on how we feel … [Read more...] about I Am Who You Say I Am

2020 Holiday Gift Guides – The Cozy Edition

With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to start rolling out my annual gift guides so that you’ll have plenty of time to shop for your family, friends, and everyone in between! Today's gift guides are all about the cozy things and with many of us being forced indoors this year, you can never have too much cozy. When I think of cozy, wrapping myself up in a warm blanket and enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea with a book is what comes to mind so these gift guides are a reflection of that! Hope they're helpful! *This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission.  Thank you so much for … [Read more...] about 2020 Holiday Gift Guides – The Cozy Edition

Mouth Watering Waffles

Whether it's breakfast in the morning or enjoyed as a dinnertime meal, these mouth watering homemade waffles are a family favorite. Hands down, this is probably my most requested recipe by all three of my boys. This is one of those tried and true recipes passed down through a couple of different generations and it definitely stands the test of time! … [Read more...] about Mouth Watering Waffles

Cha Cha Chili

We absolutely LOVE chili here at our house and we're always looking for different chili recipes...especially this time of the year. We'd love to have a rotating selection so we're never without our favorite cold weather fare and don't tire of our tried and true versions. This recipe has been in our rotation for about 10 years and truth be told, we haven't tired of it yet. … [Read more...] about Cha Cha Chili

Veggie Chicken Pitas

I was looking something a little lighter to make for dinner and when I found this recipe I thought it fit the bill. I wasn't disappointed! I love the ease of prep for this one and from start to finish it was ready in about 20 minutes. The best part about this meal is that I cooked it all in one skillet. Easy to cook, easy to clean...definitely my kind of meal! … [Read more...] about Veggie Chicken Pitas

Chicken Fajita Pasta

The easiest meals to prep and cook always tend to be my most favorite.  Don't get me wrong.  I love to put a little elbow grease into my meals when I have extra time...the juice is almost always worth the squeeze when a few extra ingredients and a little extra time is required.  But on nights when the kids have practice until late and I still want to get something hearty and and homemade on the table before bedtime, an easy to prep and cook wins every time.   This meal right here couldn't be easier.  Minimal prep time is involved which is always a bonus.  In all honesty, I found this recipe and thought is might be a little bland so I'd … [Read more...] about Chicken Fajita Pasta

Where to Stay in Breckenridge, Colorado

We visit Breckenridge at least three times a year. I’m often asked about the best places to stay, but I can only recommend what we’ve personally experienced as a family of four traveling alone and with a bigger group.  There’s plenty of lodging in and around Breckenridge, so you won’t find yourself short on options. Here are a few of our  recommendations based on personal experience. IN THE SUMMER... We typically visit Breckenridge in the summer with another family, so we need extra space to sprawl out.  We use VRBO/Home Away to book all of our summer lodging and we’ve always been happy with where we’ve stayed.  One … [Read more...] about Where to Stay in Breckenridge, Colorado

Packing for a Summer Trip to the Mountains

If you’ve never visited the mountains in the summer, I can’t recommend it enough. The weather, the views, the endless amount of opportunities to be active outdoors.  It’s a breath of fresh air and breathtaking all at once.  We visit the Colorado Rockies every summer and I’m often asked what to pack, so I thought I’d share our essentials packing list if you’re planning a trip, too. This is obviously not an exhaustive list as every family’s needs/wants/preferences are different, but I personally think it’s a great starting point. LAYERSLayers are essential when visiting the mountains any time of the year…yes, even in … [Read more...] about Packing for a Summer Trip to the Mountains

Eclair Cake

I remember my grandma and grandpa picking me up from school sometimes and it seems like we'd always head to Shipleys Donuts for an afternoon eclair.  Be still my heart.  Shipleys has the BEST eclairs (if you're from Houston, you know exactly what I mean).  It wasn't too long ago that I went to a family party and someone delighted the crowd with an eclair cake.  Took me back to those after school dates to Shipleys with my grandparents.  Of course, I had to grab the recipe so that I could have those edible memories at my fingertips whenever I wanted.  While this is no Shipleys eclair, it sure is amazing.  A definite crowd pleaser for sure!!! … [Read more...] about Eclair Cake

Summer Sunnies

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for sunglasses. I'm also a sucker, period. I've found myself spending more $$ on expensive sunglasses that I either end up breaking or losing and then I wholeheartedly regret my purchase. It never fails. After my last two pair of Ray Bans went missing, I decided it was time to find something more budget friendly. I tried a few pair and finally found a winner! Not only are these sunglasses less than $15, but they're comfy and lightweight as well. I believe the lens size is 55mm. They're excellent quality and polarized, too. I love the classic style of the frames...nothing too trendy, … [Read more...] about Summer Sunnies

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