Cara Carroll

lifestyle

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

My Must Have Hair Care

*This post contains affiliate links* I've been trying to be more intentional about taking care of my hair in between cuts and colors. It's usually a fried mess by the time I'm due for another appointment, but since incorporating these products into my hair care routine, I've noticed a HUGE improvement in the overall texture and health of my mane. Here's what my hair looked like BEFORE using the CER-100 & Aveda Damage Remedy. Yikes. Those ends, tho. I've overprocessed my hair for years. It's been all shades of pink, purple, red, black, brown and everything in between. All those intense color appointments have wreaked … [Read more...] about My Must Have Hair Care

Blow Dry Spray Reviews & Comparisons

*This post contains affiliate links* Drying my hair has alway been a chore. It's the sole reason I started training my hair to go days in between a wash. The thought of blow drying has always been so intimidating. It would typically take me anywhere between 15-20 minutes to dry my hair after showering. As much as I wanted to shower before bed and let it dry overnight, that just wasn't an option. A while back I was convinced I just needed a new blow dryer even though my Nano Babybliss Pro Titanium was working just fine. So I asked my Instagram friends for their recommendations and they delivered in big ways. One message out of the … [Read more...] about Blow Dry Spray Reviews & Comparisons

Chicken Fajita Penne

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 have to tweak it and add a few things here and there, but I was SO very wrong.  I could eat pasta every night of the week, but my husband has never been a huge fan. Not only did he rave about the meal as he was eating, but he took it to work for leftovers the next day and that says A LOT because that sweet man is not a leftover kinda guy (saves more for me!! ;))   Recipe via Mommy on Demand … [Read more...] about Chicken Fajita Penne

Savory Breakfast Bake

I'm not a huge breakfast person.  I usually drink my coffee until about noon and then go straight for lunch fare.  When I am in the mood for breakfast, I usually stick with my favorite PBJ Oatmeal. When we're hosting overnight guests, breakfast is a must.  The most amazing cinnamon rolls will likely be on the menu paired with something a little more savory for good measure.  I pinned this savory breakfast recipe on Pinterest months ago and couldn't wait to try it out and jazz it up.   This was the perfect savory breakfast and SO easy to prep!!!  Bacon would be a great addition, too.  I've even toyed with the idea of adding in some shredded … [Read more...] about Savory Breakfast Bake

No Bake Oreo Pie

If you need a dessert to take to potlucks, or one to make for a crowd, let this one be it. I promise it will be the hit of the party and there won't be a single crumb left in the pan by the time it's all said and done. The icing on the cake...er, pie...on this one is that it's NO bake. An obvious NO brainer as well :) Recipe via BuzzFeed Food on FB … [Read more...] about No Bake Oreo Pie

25 Reading Activities for Home and School

Encouraging reading at home is a foundational step to instill within your child a lifelong love of reading.  Providing our kids opportunities for reading in any form (whether it be a book, comics, graphic novels, newspapers magazines, recipes, etc.) is critical for establishing a solid foundation.  Reading for the simple pleasure of enjoyment is so important, but if you’re looking for a few ways to extend a reading experience with your child, or students, these ideas might help. Challenge Accepted!Designate a specific number of books to read within a given time frame.  This can be done individually, as a family, etc. Keep a running … [Read more...] about 25 Reading Activities for Home and School

Fiesta Creamed Corn

My grandma passed along the MOST DELICIOUS fiesta corn recipe to me a few months ago and I couldn't wait to try it.  I'm not a fan of the fiesta corn in a can...maybe the only kind of corn I don't like...but this one sounded too good to pass up.  I mean, how can you go wrong when bacon is part of the recipe?!  Needless to say, this was a HIT.  There was hardly a bite left when it was all said and done.  This is definitely a go-to side dish now.  Perfect for dinner at home or for entertaining a crowd.  It would definitely be the hit of the party! … [Read more...] about Fiesta Creamed Corn

Building Relationships – Use Your Spidey Senses!

Creating opportunities to share an experience together is one of the best ways we can help build relationships with others. Whether it's establishing connection with our kids, co-workers, spouses, or family & friends, shared experiences are the building blocks in the foundation of relationships. As teachers and parents, it's important for us to create opportunities that allow our kids to engage in those experiences. Whether you're a parent with kids at home or teacher with kids in school, it's important to be intentional in the experiences you're providing. One of my favorite relationship building activities for both home and school … [Read more...] about Building Relationships – Use Your Spidey Senses!

200+ Conversation Cards for Kids

As parents, we have a strong tendency to fall prey to the familiarity of routine. The monotony of the normal day-to-day tends to set the tone for the interactions we have with each other & our kids, too. Oftentimes, I can predict how a conversation with my boys will go before I even initiate it. As a mom, I crave authentic communication and conversation with my kids. Sometimes I feel like I'm pulling teeth to get more than one word answers from them. I also realize that asking them the same questions over and over again breed the same answers. I'm always trying to engage my kids in conversation one way or another and I've … [Read more...] about 200+ Conversation Cards for Kids

100+ Activities For Kids to do at Home

As COVID-19 continues to shut school doors, many parents are finding themselves with their kids at home and struggling to keep them engaged in meaningful activities. I put together a list of 100+ ideas to help you keep your kids occupied in meaningful ways. While these ideas aren't necessarily academic, they will learn from them. Real life skills, patience, problem solving, creativity, perseverance, and so much more. I hope these ideas are helpful, as well as enjoyable, for both you and your child(ren)! Get in the Kitchen!- Scour Pinterest or sift through old cookbooks & magazines for new recipes. Some of my favorite kid … [Read more...] about 100+ Activities For Kids to do at Home

30 Free Virtual Learning Resources for COVID-19 School Closures

As schools all across the country continue to shut their doors amidst growing concerns of COVID-19, I've been encouraged to see so many individuals and companies provide virtual opportunities for kids to continue their learning experience even when they aren't in the classroom. I thought it would be helpful to share a landing space here that would provide both parents & teachers with free resources that can be accessed while your students/children are at home. If you'd like to add any additional resources in the comments, please feel free to do so as well. I hope this helps make things a little easier for us all. Before sharing … [Read more...] about 30 Free Virtual Learning Resources for COVID-19 School Closures

Butternut Squash Noodles with Spinach & Sausage

My husband and I were recently talking about how our eating habits have changed since we got married 15 years ago.  I was an AWFUL cook.  Like, couldn't toast toast kind of bad.  For the first 3 years of our marriage, we survived on tater tot casseroles, chicken squares (gag), Hamburger Helper, and pizza.  We eventually moved onto a variety of meals to make up for those lost three years, but only in the recent years have we shifted toward a healthier diet.  I'm not saying we're perfect eaters 100% of the time.  We still love all the "bad" stuff, too.  But these days we practice the motto, "everything in moderation".  On nights when we want … [Read more...] about Butternut Squash Noodles with Spinach & Sausage

February 2020 Book Review

February found me coming & going and unable to read as much as I wanted.  I was able to finish four books, one of them being a repeat I enjoyed last year.  I think you might enjoy a few of these, too. Open Book, by Jessica Simpson This was the first pick of the month and it did NOT disappoint.  I opted for the audiobook because Jessica Simpson herself was narrating her memoir.  I would HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook if you have the chance.  There are certain points throughout her narrative where her voice cracks and shakes, her vulnerability palpable.  I didn’t have high hopes going into this … [Read more...] about February 2020 Book Review

Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I'm always on a mission to find dinners that are easy to prep and cook and take little time from stovetop to table.  When I can pair that winning combo with something that also tastes delicious and has me going back for thirds?!?!  That my friends is what I call 'winning'.  Yes.  Winning in every way possible.  If you're a fan or these flavors, I think you'll feel the same.  Thank you, Little Spice Jar. This is a recipe we'll come back to time and time again! Recipe via Little Spice Jar … [Read more...] about Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Pizza Twists

This twist on a traditional pizza caught my eye when I was scrolling through Facebook one day.  I think my favorite food page to follow is Tasty. You know, all those delicious videos of foods you can only eat in moderation...the foods that make you salivate and your buttons pop just by thinking about them.  The recipes you watch being made, but never make yourself.  I decided this one looked easy enough to try and really wanted my boys to try something different with a hint of familiarity. Let me just tell you that what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in taste!  The boys absolutely LOVED these pizza twists! … [Read more...] about Pizza Twists

Cupid’s Crunch

I found this little recipe yesterday and was so excited!  Sounded right up my alley and too easy to pass up.  This is a great little spin on the tried and true puppy chow.  Completely irresistible and easy to make.  Whip up a batch to munch on this weekend and I promise you won't have a bite left.  The perfect little treat for your sweetheart(s) :)   I made a HUGE batch since I was taking it up to school for the teachers, so that's what the measurements reflect below.  Check out Mom Fabulous for the measurements of the smaller batch. … [Read more...] about Cupid’s Crunch

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

I'm always looking for a healthier spin on some of my favorite flavors and when I found this cleaner version of a college favorite, I had to try it out. Now this has become my go-to buffalo chicken recipe.  It is remarkably delicious, and pretty much guilt-free, too!!  Win, win! In all honesty, I thought this recipe would be pretty good, but I didn't anticipate it being as tasty as it was.  I kept thinking it was way too delicious to be so "clean". But really, eating cleaner doesn't mean we have to sacrifice the taste.  Some of my most favorite recipes are clean.  And this one is no exception.   Recipe via Clean Food Crush … [Read more...] about Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Book Review – Open Book, by Jessica Simpson

“Right now, with this book, I want the freedom to say, “Well, there are no more secrets.” I have grown into myself and come to a place where I want to be honest about my flaws. If I can do that in front of the world, then I can remain honest with myself.” – Prologue, Open Book, Jessica Simpson Let me just start by saying that I absolutely LOVE getting lost in between the pages of a good celebrity memoir.  I honestly had no plans of diving into this one as I don’t really keep up with celebrity gossip, but a few friends had already started reading and said what they’d read up to that point was pretty good so my curiosity was … [Read more...] about Book Review – Open Book, by Jessica Simpson

January 2020 Book Review

I always start a new year with lofty goals and about mid-week of the first week in January, I usually forfeit those big ideas with a quickness.  I’m the kind of person who falls off the horse and finds it WAY too daunting of a task to get back up and keep going.  Instead, I abandon said goals and resolve to just “do better”.  This year I knew I wanted to do a better job of reading.  I LOVE losing myself in between the pages of a good book and would sit down and read for hours a day if I could, but in all honesty?!  I’m riddled with guilt when I do…especially when I know there are a million … [Read more...] about January 2020 Book Review

Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry

I love a meal I can cook in one pan and this recipe fits the bill perfectly! This was great with the rice, but it would've been just as good without.  My husband enjoys protein AND carbs, so I typically have to consider adding both into our dinners whether it's all combined together or served separately.  I personally love this dish not only because the flavor and consistency are outstanding, but I was able to cook in all in one skillet (not including the rice, but you get the point ;) … [Read more...] about Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry

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