Cara Carroll

lifestyle

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

5 Things To Do With Your Family in the Summer – Breckenridge, CO

One of our family’s favorite places to visit in the summer (or really any time of the year), is a quaint little mountain town in Colorado roughly about 100 miles west of the Denver International Airport.  Breckenridge is home to some of the most breathtaking views and gorgeous hikes in the area. If you & your family find yourself anywhere in the area this time of the year, here are a few things that will keep you busy. BRECKCONNECT GONDOLAThe BreckConnect Gondola is an 8-passenger cabin suspended on cables & provides visitors with transportation to and from the Peak 7 and Peak 8 ski resorts.  The gondola is … [Read more...] about 5 Things To Do With Your Family in the Summer – Breckenridge, CO

Banff Canada – Lodging & Food

WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF If you’ve been following my IG for a while, you might remember that my husband and I…along with two of our friends…traveled to Banff Canada for a few days in June.  I’m not an expert on traveling, and I’m definitely not an expert on traveling to Banff, but here’s just a little rundown of the lodging and food after several people have asked for trip details.  We reserved our lodging only about a week and a half prior to our trip due to poor planning on our part.  By the time we were ready to reserve our stay, most lodging in Banff was completely sold out.  We ended up having to split our stay … [Read more...] about Banff Canada – Lodging & Food

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Here's a dessert that's perfect to make for your next get-together or take to your next potluck. It's sure to be a hit! This dessert is light and fluffy and won't leave you feeling stuffed.  A perfect treat to indulge in after you're all done with dinner...or when you just want a little taste of sweet :)  This is, by far, one of my most favorite versions of my favorite dessert. … [Read more...] about Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Slow Cooker Baja Pork Tacos

If you love tacos and easy-to-make meals, don't miss out on this one. Packed full of flavor and delicious! This is the kind of slow cooker meal where all you do is dump...such quick prep time! This is a family favorite and one we often serve when we entertain. My only complaint about this recipe is that we rarely have any leftover to enjoy the next day! Recipe via Chef in Training … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Baja Pork Tacos

Saturday Style Files

After a few different requests, I'm trying something different on the blog today.  Welcome to the Saturday Style Files. My plan is to come back every Saturday and post a few outfit ideas that are perfect for the classroom...or anywhere else you like to wear clothes :).   You won't just find the outfit details, but I'll also include similar options at different price points, too. Hopefully this helps answer some questions I've been getting and gives you a few ideas, too. ***This post contains affiliate links*** One of the easiest outfits to throw on...for me anyway...is a short sleeve or tank dress & a kimono with a pair of wedges or … [Read more...] about Saturday Style Files

Summer Chores & Boredom Busters

Ahhhh, summer.  It's almost here.  In fact, it's so close I can taste it.  I love summer.  Everything about it (except the crazy Houston heat and humidity!)  What I love most about summer is having my kids home with me.  Having them home also means I need to figure out ways to keep them busy.  Not shuffle them here-and-there kind of busy, but active (both physically and creatively). Since the boys were little, they've been helping out around the house (as much as they can).  If I'm being totally honest, this last year they've been slacking in the responsibility department quite a bit.  I can't blame them solely for it though.  If I had a mom … [Read more...] about Summer Chores & Boredom Busters

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

Thanksgiving Decor & Ideas

Don't you just love this time of the year?!  The food, the friends, family...and did I mention food?!  We hosted our first annual Friendsgiving on Sunday and had the best time, so I wanted to pop-in real quick and share some ideas that can easily be used on Thanksgiving Day or even your own Friendsgiving!  So let's cut right to the chase because if you're anything like me, you're probably running a million miles a minute trying to get the house...and the food!!!!...ready for Thursday's festivities.  I wanted the adult table to be festive and simple.  I bought a roll of kraft paper and ran it down the center (cheap and easy!) and then … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Decor & Ideas

Tuesday Teacher Time Savers

Hey Y'all!   Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and if you started back to school today, I hope your summer treated you well! I thought it would be fun to pop-in once a week....in this case, on Tuesdays...and share some time savers with you guys.  I know how utterly hard it is to effectively juggle all the demands given the time we have, so any little tips and tricks for time management, whether at home or school, is always helpful!  This week we're talking all about time saving meals.  I know how important it is for teachers to have access to quick and easy meals.  The last thing I want to do at the … [Read more...] about Tuesday Teacher Time Savers

Better than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Yes, my friends.  Better than Cinnabon.  And that's a bold statement coming from someone who would bathe in their cinnamon gooey-goodness if I could.  This is, hands down, the easiest recipe from prep to table. And the tastiest, too.  I'm sure this recipe also has a very high caloric intake, so if you're opposed to meal that will make your pants fit a little tighter, abandon reading now.  My motto is "everything in moderation".  It's just a shame I didn't exercise that kind of restraint when digging in ;) … [Read more...] about Better than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

 If you love banana bread, you MUST try this version!!!!  It's definitely the best....and the easiest...I've attempted.  I'm not a fan of a banana bread with nuts and this recipe calls for NONE.  Yay.  And it makes a TON.  6 loaves to be exact.  This recipe is not only delicious, but perfect for gift giving, too!!! Anyway you slice it, this bread is DELICIOUS!!!   Recipe via House of Smiths … [Read more...] about Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Orange You Glad It’s Friday?!

The first week of the new school year has started and I sort of feel like I'm back in a routine.  My boys started 2nd & 1st grade(s) on Monday and they are LOVING it so far.  I did a little news segment for a local station on Monday talking all about teacher gifts.  Just a few quick and easy ideas, but then I got to thinking that I forgot one so I wanted to chat about that here in case you need any ideas for the teachers in your life.  This would be a great one for any Friday of the school year :)  Let me just preface this by saying that teachers DO NOT expect gifts.  Ever.  When I was in the classroom I didn't … [Read more...] about Orange You Glad It’s Friday?!

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