Cara Carroll

lifestyle

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 one, … [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! … [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.   … [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

Christmas Card Covers

If you're anything like me, you might have a soft spot in your heart for the sentimental. Something about the holiday season really pushes those feelings into overdrive (for me, anyway). I think this is why Christmas cards are my favorite. I love running to my mailbox in December. I anxiously tear open each and every card and swoon over the beautiful faces and sweet handwritten sentiments hiding of each envelope. And because I'm so sentimental, I absolutely can't part with ANY of those Christmas cards at the end of the season. It kills me to think that my friends and family spend so much time curating the perfect card only to … [Read more...] about Christmas Card Covers

Holiday Gift Guides for Kids, Tweens/Teens, & 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!* Pranklopedia - for the kid who loves to pull pranks, here's a book full of ideas!Knee High … [Read more...] about Holiday Gift Guides for Kids, Tweens/Teens, & College Students

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!* 11-in-1 Survival Gear Kit - I hope my husband and boys are NEVER in a situation where they need this kit, but just in case they are I want them to be prepared!Rechargable Hand Warmer - I'm thinking this is one of those gifts intended for him, but will be stolen by me in no time.Solid Cologne Sticks - these are such GREAT stocking stuffers! Perfect to carry on-the-go … [Read more...] about Holiday Gift Guides for Him & Them

Holiday Gift Guides for HER!

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! Just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Today's gift guides are for the ladies in your life whoever they may be and most of these gift items are from Amazon! I know how much we all love to Prime :) Gift guides for him, them, kids, tweens/teens, college students, cocktail enthusiasts, book lovers, travelers, faith-based, and teachers will be rolling out each day between now and Thanksgiving Day so stay tuned for those! *This post contains … [Read more...] about Holiday Gift Guides for HER!

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

I have quite a few Tex-Mex 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 at Gimme Some Oven 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 Tex-Mex soups we keep repeating.  And it takes NO TIME to make...even better! … [Read more...] about Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

I don't know about y'all, but I'm a huge fan of Jack Johnson.  There's just something about his music that makes me want to live seaside and spend my life relaxing on a hammock.  I adore his voice. And just like it would be impossible to choose a favorite child, the same sentiment goes for choosing a favorite song of his...I just can't do it!  I love them all so much!  I swear this post isn't about Jack Johnson and his music, but I can't make this recipe without singing "Banana Pancakes" to myself while whipping up these flapjacks. They're incredible...just like the song :) … [Read more...] about Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Reese’s Peanut Butter Poke Cake

Here's a cake that isn't lacking in calories, but I can promise you that the caloric intake is definitely worth it.  I served this candy topped dessert in honor of the sweet holiday we just celebrated and there wasn't a crumb left in the pan by the end of the night.  This was a frightfully delightful dessert and a new family...and friend...favorite.  And ridiculously easy to make, too.   If you have any leftover Reese's hangin' around, you NEED to make this asap!  This was one of the most decadent desserts my taste buds have ever enjoyed.  It was the perfect combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and everything else :)  Like I said earlier, … [Read more...] about Reese’s Peanut Butter Poke Cake

Stuffed Pepper Soup

I wish there were a magical weather button we could press when the season changes from Summer to Fall.  At the strike of midnight on September 22nd, not only would the season change, but so would the hot temperatures.  I'm a summer girl through and through, but cooler weather wouldn't be terrible right about now.  Nothing drastic, just a relief, y'know?!   We always joke that maybe if we start making "fall"ish recipes like soups and stews, maybe we'll will on the cooler weather.  Sorta like a rain dance, but the only thing dancing will be our taste buds :)      Just to test out the waters, I decided it was time for our annual … [Read more...] about Stuffed Pepper Soup

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've never been the biggest fan of anything pumpkin flavored.  Not pumpkin pie.  Nor pumpkin cheesecake.  And especially not pumpkin spice lattes.  The flavor is just "meh" to me.  All that to be said, my whole family tends to love the taste.  And from the looks of social media, it appears that the rest of the free world feels the same way as my family.  However, these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are some of the best cookies I've ever tried. Consider me converted (kind of). I'm so grateful for people who actually know how to combine the right ingredients in just the perfect way so that I could, in turn, enjoy the tastiness without … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

While I know this dinner is approved by only 3 out of 4 family members (anybody else have a picky eater?!), I can guarantee to you that the three of us who loved it are spot on in our critique of this meal :)  It was AMAZING!  I always love a good chicken noodle soup, but making it creamy made it that much better...even if I did add too many egg noodles.   With the cooler months ahead you'll definitely want this recipe in your arsenal of comfort meals....it's SOUPer!Recipe via Cooking Classy … [Read more...] about Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

It was no surprise to my husband that I was anxious to try out this recipewhen I found it.  I was hoping to recreate my favorite restaurant style soup and he could tell how excited I was to do so.  This is definitely not anything like IJ's chicken tortilla soup, but y'all...it's pretty darn amazing.  This will definitely be a go-to in the months ahead!  And the best part about it is that it can all be thrown together in the slow cooker and waiting for you when you get home from a long day's work :)  Aren't those the best kind of meals?!Recipe via Seeded at the Table … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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