Stove Top Potato & Kale Dish

September 11, 2013 Arielle

Ok...I know potatoes aren't necessarily the type of food that makes you excited and eager to make ASAP...But i'm on a mission in my household, and in a few weeks I'll disclose all the details of what I've been working on. But to get you somewhat excited, you should know that it's all about healthy grocery shopping each week on a LOW budget. It's about stretching food, using the ingredients you have on hand, and not over spending each week at the grocery store!

Normally during the week I visit the grocery store 2-3 times. Eeeeeee!! Partly because my girls eat a flat of berries a day, and partly because I'm a food blogger. Sadly, I buy A LOT of food to go along with my long lists of ideas that I have planned for this 3rd child of mine (the blog), but I usually don't get to most of them.

HENCE I buy more than I need which equals...I spend more.

It's really a simple fix, but I've never been a simple person. Ever. Ask my husband. And my parents. I'm fantastic.

Near the end of the week I start to notice that the few things I have left in my kitchen are no where near what I want to eat, so at that point I head to the grocery store and buy what we would rather have...

But I'm changing.

So what happens when I open my fridge and see some rotting potatoes, a handful of kale, and a lemon? As my good friend Tim Gunn once said..."Make it work."

So I saved the lemon for the baby, and made a potato dish that was flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly didn't taste anything like 'the end of the week.'

*I love this dish because it contains a great variety of vegetables, which is always a plus! Feel free to jazz these up as a breakfast side dish, or top them like you would a baked potato!*

Stove Top Potato & Kale Dish

Ingredients

3 TB. coconut oil
2 TB. chopped garlic
1/2 sweet onion, diced
2 large carrots, shredded
1 green bell pepper diced
4-5 golden potatoes, peeled and diced
1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
opt: a little veggie broth to add while the potatoes are cooking, about 1/4 cup
salt and pepper to taste
preferred seasonings (We like a sprinkle of paprika, garlic, hot sauce, and cumin)

Instructions

Heat your coconut oil in a pan on low/medium heat.
Cook your onions and garlic until onions become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Next add in your carrots and bell pepper. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add in your potatoes, toss, and cover the pan with foil. Add a little broth if you want the potatoes softer more than crispy. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, add your seasonings to taste.
Fold in the kale, cook for a minutes to warm kale.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

3.5.3208

These would be perfect with tons of toppings as if you were loading a baked potato, such as:

Eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, salsa, beans, hot sauce, etc...

But out of the above toppings, only one thing was in my fridge...Salsa. :)

Pink Guava Smoothie and Pre School Lunch // First Day of School Meal Ideas

September 5, 2013 Arielle

I now have had a glimpse of what it's like mornings before the kiddos run off to school...

Let's not mention the fact that I didn't shower, I was still gross from my workout, and sweet pea had a rats nest in her hair. And let's forget about the 10 minute melt down that occurred when a certain someone realized her princess high heels could not be worn to school. I just love mornings.

Which is why I've realized mornings for our little fam bam have to kind of be fun, because otherwise we will focus too much on the lack of sleep and "MOM WHERE IS MY LIPGLOSS!" And trust me, trying to find a tiny pink lipgloss container at 630 in the morning is...horrible.

So usually starting off the morning with our favorite color is a step in the right direction. Followed by a matching pink straw and all feels right in the world...

Printable Recipe Here: Strawberry Guava Smoothie

And nothing makes eating lunch at Pre School more exciting than having a pink lunch box!

Pretzels // Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins // Grapes //Almond Butter Princess Crown Sandwich

Our first morning before school was full of excitement and a little bit of tears, from both sides. But I'm excited for this next chapter in life and can't wait for all the fun things that come with it!

Except for the whole liking boys thing...For some reason I feel like that's going to happen sooner than later...

Mini Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins

September 3, 2013 Arielle

Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins from The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com

Let's talk about life.

How come life can be so incredibly fast at one moment, and insanely slow the next?

For example...A workout on a tired day seems like an ETERNITY. Running errands with two babies seems like a lifetime. And trying to make my husbands 11 hour work days go quickly is practically impossible...

Then I realize that in just ONE day my sweet Boo will be attending Preschool three times a week for THREE hours. What? 3 days...3 hours...But she's only a baby! If there's anything that I wish could slow down it would be the rate my babies are growing up!

Sometimes I feel like the most amazing moments in life go by so quickly, and if we aren't careful, we miss them. Which is why I've decided to put boo back in diapers and start feeding her bottles. It's the only way to keep her young...

Or I could just make her chocolate muffins for her little pink lunch pail that fits neatly in her tiny pink backpack...And as I send her off to school I will make sure to hold on to that moment forever. Because before I know it I won't be packing a tiny pink lunch pail anymore...Instead she will be asking for 20 bucks to go get Starbucks with her girl friends.

On second thought...Diapers and bottles sound a lot better to me.

Mini Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins from The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com

Recipe adapted from :HowSweetItIs

Printable Version:Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins

Now If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go wrap my three year old in a blanket and rock her to sleep like she's 3 months old. :)

Diva Adventures: Las Vegas House of Blues Gospel Brunch

September 2, 2013 Arielle

This past Sunday our little family was invited to The House of Blues for the Kirk Franklin's Gospel Brunch!

We've never done something like this, so I knew immediately that this would be a fun opportunity and experience. Vegas has proven to not be the most kid friendly place, but this was definitely something that both the girls enjoyed.

We were treated to an amazing Southern Buffet of biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, eggs, fruit, salads, shrimp, fresh juice...Oh and did I mention biscuits?? I think my husband had 8. I will not divulge on how many I had...

I must also add that the staff was amazing! They were the nicest to my crazy kids, which doesn't happen often at restaurants and shows :).

After the buffet brunch we listened to an incredibly talented gospel choir! Honestly, I've heard gospel music before, but never seen a choir perform in person! Holy amazing voices! Half the time I kept looking at my husband and saying, "Ok..she's good!" On the way home I kept practicing my gospel choir voice and kept trying to prove to my husband I could do it. :)

Overall it was such a fun and exciting experience, especially since it was so family friendly. I took a quick video of Boo dancing, because I've honestly NEVER seen her move that way! So many people kept coming up to me talking about how much they loved her. I guess she really was moved by the music!

I'm so glad my family had the opportunity to attend this event! If you are near a House of Blues, check out the Gospel Brunch! It's such a fun experience, especially if you have little kids that love music and dance :)!

*I was not paid to write this post, but was given complimentary tickets to attend this event. All opinions are my own.

The BEST (Healthier) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

August 27, 2013 Arielle

Saying something is "The Best" basically makes me think...really??!! I mean, is it truly THE BEST or are you just saying that to rope me in and entice me? Are you a liar liar pants on fire, because if it's honestly THE BEST well, that's big. Huge. Crazy.

With that being said, these cookies really are...The Best.(I know..Really??) Let me just preface it by saying that The Best to me could be THE ultimate worst to someone else, and then you really will believe that I'm a big fat liar just trying to make friends. But if we have different levels of what taste good then maybe we should keep our relationship strictly frienemies. (Friends/Enemies). That's probably best.

You see, my idea of the perfect cookie is soft and chewy with barely any bite or crispy-ness. But others might like a little crisp. I've just always loved that certain brand of tiny cookies that you can buy from the grocery store that are so soft and melt in your mouth perfect. After 7-8 of those, I swear all my problems go away.

So as I was playing around in the kitchen, trying to find a cookie that had whole grains, minimal (natural) sugar, healthy fats, and VEGAN, I almost screamed out loud as I took my first bite.

And lucky You (and me), my beloved camera is broken and I don't have drool worthy pictures to convince you...(Insert sucky face here...)

But I filmed a VLOG for now, and as soon as my camera comes back I will do a post with drool worthy pictures!

I just couldn't wait to share...

The Best (Healthy) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Diva Dish

Pink Princess Party Part 2-The who, what, when, where, and how-to

August 19, 2013 Arielle

As promised I gathered all the how-to info from the girls Pink Princess Party! I will start off by saying I am a hoarder...I love to go thrift store shopping, and a lot of times I buy a lot of crap for no reason what so ever. BUT when a party rolls around I am able to put all the crap to use :). So I would say 90% of the stuff I used for the party was bought either at a thrift store or on clearance! Otherwise my kids would be eating canned beans for the next 6 months due to party expenses... :)

I think it goes with out saying that my goal for this party was to make it pink PiNk PINK! That was including the food :)!

So here it is! If there is anything I missed or anything you would like to know just comment below or email me! :)

Sweet Pea's Frilly Dress: I found this at a kids boutique in Las Vegas // Boo's Lace Dress // Matching Headbands

A lot of my decorations were either re-used from last years birthday, OR I bought them on clearance or at thrift stores. For example, the pink crystal circles in the vases were only 50 cents on clearance at Hobby Lobby :). The sticks were a house decor item that was in my garage not being used. I spray painted them pink and used them for the center pieces.

I also used $1 store table clothes and draped them from the ceiling. Note: if you use a staple gun...it will make holes! ;)

The chandeliers were made from lampshade that I bought at the thrift store. You just take off the fabric from the lampshade, and wrap ribbon around the wires.

I also tied beads that I stranded, ribbon, and tulle bows.

These candy filled jars I originally saw on Pink Pistachio. I of coarse gave them a pink makeover! :) I used old baby food jars that I had been saving, spray painted the lids pink, and glued silver crowns on top.// Silver Crowns from Party City.

The pink drink table was thrifted, and I seriously contemplated whether or not to paint it because I loved the original! We spray painted it pink and my mom dressed it up in fancy tulle!

The mason jar cups were tied with a piece of tulle and a strip of burlap. We then made tags to go along with it.

Princess Crown Stamps // White Tags // Pink Stripped Straws (I found them at marshalls, 100 for $5!)

Cinderella Stamp // Princess Cookie Cutters

Princess Cake Mold //

Princess Wands from the $1 store // Fruit Princess Wands

Strawberry Basil Chicken Salad: I didn't really measure but I added chicken, strawberries, dried cranberries, grapes, chopped basil, and strawberry puree to make the dressing pink. I also added mayo and a little honey and dijon.

Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Wood boards from Michaels // Paint Pen from Michaels // Wood Stain from Home Depot // Yard Sticks from Home Depot

I think my princesses, included me, are all partied out for a while! Maybe when they are 16 right?? :) I have to give a special thanks to my wonderful family that helped a lot, especially taking care of the kids while I turned my parents house into party central. And I'm sorry dad that I used a staple gun in your walls to hang almost everything. I'm such an awesome daughter... :)

Now...Let's get back to some healthy living shall we??

Pink Princess Party!!

August 12, 2013 Arielle

Time truly has gone by too fast and I now have precious 1 AND 3 year old little girls! I'm blessed beyond measure, and I love spoiling my girls in every way! This years birthday was all about the color pink and princesses. My oldest is obsessed, (to say the least) with princesses, and she had been asking for a princess party for months. So I did my best to create any princesses dream party...I may have gone overboard...and next year's party will probably be at chuckie-cheese...

But in the end it was all worth it! And now I hope you are ready for a photo dump of pictures!

(I also plan on doing a part 2 of this party with all the food recipes, and some how-to info on some of the decorations! So for now, just enjoy the pictures! :) )

Pink Princess Party from thediva-dish.com

Pink Princess Party from thediva-dish.com

Three

August 8, 2013 Arielle

I couldn't be more blessed to have this little THREE year old princess in my life! We spent the first part of the day with a house full of balloons & streamers. Followed by a walk to the donut shop for, you guess it...PINK donuts! Then we took a trip to every Princess' dream store...The Disney Store! Stories were read, dresses were admired, and birthday songs were sung. Of coarse a new princess dress came home with us! Next we rode the train and all the quarter machine rides!

Once we got home, the little princess decorated her Pink cake with all of her favorite things, Spirnkles & Chocolate Candies. Followed by singing Happy Birthday, blowing out candles, and making wishes.

And the day ended the best way possible for this little princess, which was a trip to Grandmothers house...In California! Now she's sitting on the grass, playing Tea Party, and getting ready for her Princess Party this weekend!

I Love you Boo! Thanks for making these past THREE years the greatest that I could have ever experienced!

No Bake(Or Bake) Anytime Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

July 31, 2013 Arielle

No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com

Let's count the number of times a day my daughter asks me for a cookie...

While we are at it, let's also count the number of times a day that I WANT to be eating a cookie.

If you guessed the number 56, you are right. I'm assuming this is perfectly normal right?

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I mentioned putting together an Ecookbook of Kids Breakfast Foods. I've been working on recipes left and right, and yesterday I started working on breakfast cookies. I made three different kinds of cookies, and I ate about 2...plus 4.

I love anything quick that you can grab when you are running to the park, to the store, going on a road trip, etc. A sweet treat that's filling and full of wholesome ingredients. It's also the perfect treat for when you are watching grown men cry on the Bachelorette. That part has been tried and tested.

These started out as a No Bake treat, but I wanted to try it as a baked cookie as well. I'm going to state the obvi here and say that it's not your traditional crunchy super sweet cookie like you might be used to. It's thicker, full of oats, and sweetened with bananas and a touch of honey. You are more than welcome to add a little more sweetener too! :)

It's completely optional if you dip it in a jar of drippy creamy peanut butter...Actually that's not an option. It's a requirement. But watching a group of men and 1 woman experience an amazing roller coaster of emotions all for love IS an option...Shhhh...We all know that that's a necessity as well.

Printable PDF Here: No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's now 7 in the morning, so I think it's safe to say...

Time for a cookie!!

Sunday Dinner-Tandoori Chicken with Cilantro, Curry, and Honey Yogurt Sauce

July 29, 2013 Arielle

I had a really clever story to go along with this post... It was all about how much I love Indian Food and could live off warm naan bread for every meal. Clever huh?

Tandoori Chicken w/ Cilantro, Cumin & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

But my fingers are having trouble typing what my brain is thinking. Right now there's a princess movie playing in the background that we've now seen 37 times in the past 4 days..yes that's possible.

My baby, Sweet Pea, has had a fever and no sleep the past 3 nights.

Oh, and now the girls are fighting over a sippy cup of water. End.Of.The.World.

We've also had crazy monsoons and rainstorms followed by 105 degree sunshine. Pretty sure that's annoying.

But despite a few bumps in the road, I'm happy to say that Sunday is usually my favorite day of the week. We are all together at home, and I love that. Yesterday was even more comforting with the rain and a supper cuddly baby. I can't complain.

So here's to bumpy weeks and relaxing Sunday's...

Cilantro, Curry, & Honey Yogurt Sauce from The Diva Dish

All you need is some good comfort food and your family sitting around the table to make it your favorite day of the week!

Tandoori Chicken

Cilantro, Curry, & Honey Yogurt Dipping Sauce

These are the spices I used for the recipes, but they are completely adaptable if you don't have these at home.

Tandoori Masala seasoning can easily be made at home by using THIS RECIPE.

Madras Curry Powder to me is similar to yellow curry powder, so if you have that use it. But taste test as you add a little in here and there.

But I will say that I LOVE these spices and I use them regularly! So if you want you can purchase them here:

Madras Curry Powder:

Tandoori Masala Seasoning:

I served this with coconut rice, steamed broccoli, and naan bread!

Unless of coarse your two year old throws a tantrum because you gave her the green spoon instead of the pink spoon, and decides to punish you by throwing her food all over the floor.

Then it really is the best day of the week. Hands Down.

To My 3 Year Old Princess

July 24, 2013 Arielle

Follow my blog with Bloglovin(Boo will be turning 3 in just a few short weeks and I can't believe it! I thought I would write a little letter to her, and let her know how much I love her!)

To my 3 year old Princess...

Sometimes I feel like there isn't enough time in the day to tell you how much that I love you.

To tell you how grateful I am for you sass and your drama.

To say thank you for making me laugh and smile on a constant basis.

I love to hear you tell me stories, take care of your baby sister, and watch you play with your princess toys.

I could sit and watch you all day as you dance and sing at the top of your lungs. Sometimes I think you are imagining yourself on stage in front of millions, performing and entertaining.

And even though it's hard, I admire your determination and stubborn-ness. At times those tears of yours can have a whole entire store watching your broadway performance...

But you know what, I love it. You are a strong and sensitive young woman and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I hope you know that I'll always love you Boo. That I'll be there for you whenever you need me. Even when your 16 and that stupid boy breaks your heart. I'll kill him for you without question... :)

Promise me that you will do your best to remain pure and wholesome in world surrounded with pain, suffering, selfishness, and unkind things. I have no doubt that you will be the diamond in rough.

Also, promise me you won't hate me when you turn 12. I know that you are probably going to want to wear short shorts, say things like WTF, and want to kiss all the boys...But stick with barbies and princesses for well...a long time. I'll do my best not to embarrass you on a daily basis, and I'll even try to wear regular pants instead of yoga pants when I pick you up from school!

Thank you for being the best 3 year old in my life my little princess! I wouldn't have you any other way!

Love,

Mommy!

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

July 19, 2013 Arielle

Fudge Brownies (Healthy, All Natural Sugars, Whole Grain) From Ari @ The Diva Dish

I wish I could apologize for now posting within days of each other two rich chocolate desserts involving practically the same ingredients...But I just can't.

Truth is we've had visitors come and go in and out of our house for the past 3 weeks, and we are about to have more this coming week. I would say that the visitors love when my house is full of vegetables, healthy snacks, and water...But 1 day into my grandmother visiting and she went straight to Costco and loaded up on muffins and a large chocolate cake.

So I got the hint grandma. Way to be subtle.

I decided I probably should make some sweet treats to avoid my 3 year old asking for Costco Cake each meal of the day, and watching her great grandmother happily and secretly slice her one.

That made for a fun few days following great-grandma's visit...

Similar to the Chocolate Banana Bread these brownies are incredibly rich and dense. Nothing light and fluffy here.

To me, they are the perfect dessert to show off to guest. Or to give to your toddler as a 'prize' becuase she has done so well in not asking for cake for each meal.

Wait? Pretty sure I screwed up that parenting opportunity.

Printable Version:Chocolate Fudge Brownies

(Adapted from the amazing HowSweetItIs Avocado Brownies)

At least this one can't tell the difference between Costco Cake and healthier brownies...Yet.

Honey Sweetened Limeade & Raspberry Limeade

July 16, 2013 Arielle

Recently I've started planning the girls 1st & 3rd Birthday party, and if you know me and parties, than you know I tend to go overboard. Not overboard as in, I'm renting a zoo and a circus, but enough to make me question whether or not I'm actually planning a wedding...or a birthday party...for a baby.

(See 1st Birthday & 2nd Birthday for examples.)

I really do love throwing the birthday parties because honestly I don't get out much. I'm a stay at home mom who cleans 24/7, despite how my house may look, I live vicariously through trash tv, and I'm surrounded by pink princess toys and sassy attitudes on a daily basis. I am head over heals in love with my life and my family.

But I also love to be creative and work on projects, so it's only fair that I drive my family crazy for a good 2 months as I gather and create projects until my fingers bleed and I'm crying.

(Please ignore the intense dramatic explanation...)

So if you are wondering what this year's birthday theme is going to be, I urge you to look through the past year of posts and pay attention to my almost 3 year olds outfit of choice on a daily basis.

Pink

Princess.

Luckily the majority of the things we own in this household are pink, including our vaccuum, so the decorations itself pretty much taken care of. BUT the food has become a challenge for me.

It is all going to be Pink...ish.

This doesn't mean I'm going to be dyeing foods left and right with pink food coloring, but I'm going to be making a lot of food with naturally colored pink ingredients.

Naturally the first thing that came to my mind was Pink Lemonade. But since we've already been there with this Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade, I thought we could explore a different path.

Printable Recipe for: Limeade

Printable Recipe for: Raspberry Limeade

Next year I think I'm going to call my friend Chuckie Cheese for some party planning help... :)

My Husband's Favorite Salad-Mexican Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad

July 11, 2013 Arielle

Don't let that incredibly bright and charming sexy smile fool you...

My husband is one of the pickiest eaters I know. But in HIS defense, he is picky in my standards and probably not real life standards. I will say that he's really easy to please when it comes to what he likes to eat. The problem is his wife who likes to make it all that more difficult for him.

You know...Just fulfilling my wifely duties of making easy things hard.

He's like, "Wife, just make me frozen tacquitos for dinner topped with melted cheese."

And I'm like, "Are your frackin crazy?! I will definitely not make that! I'm just going to make tacquitos from scratch, but a vegan version, and we will top it with salsa...k?"

My Husbands Favorite Salad-Mexican Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad from The Diva Dish

Don't even get me started on picking a place to go out to eat.

Hubs is like, "Babe. Taco Tuesday at Del Taco. Right now. Sounds amazing!"

Wifey is like, " Ha in your dreams lover boy, I don't do drive throughs! Let's go to that sit down place that serves expensive organic food and bring our two screaming children...k?"

We were definitely meant to be.

So besides being partially the worst wife ever, I do try and please my husband occasionally and feed him the food he loves. BUT in MY defense, he eats out for lunch every day. So you have to understand he gets his taco tuesday, hamburger wednesday, and chicken wings thursday...

So I don't feel so bad when it's, "Welcome home lover buns! Hope you like vegetables!!"

Printable Recipe for Chicken:Seasoned Grilled Chicken

Printable Recipe for Pico De Gallo:Pico De Gallo

Printable Recipe for Salad:Mexican Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad

Also, Check out our favorite salad dressing topping : Copycat Chili's Salsa. Recipe from Chef in Training! Bonus, this is my hubs favorite restaurant. Bonus #2: He likes to mix a little with ranch for his salad dressing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that in marriage...the main thing is to be selfless. And don't you think it would be selfish of me if I didn't share with my husband all my favorite foods?!

Good. I'm glad we are on the same page.

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread w/ Diced Strawberries...(A.K.A. Feelings Bread)

July 8, 2013 Arielle

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread w/ Diced Strawberries from Ari @ The Diva Dish

There was this one time in college where I ate my feelings...

It was Valentines Day 2007. I was living in the middle of no where Idaho and it was negative 20 outside, I lived in the dorms, and I was single. Boo.

I'm sure that being single had nothing to do with the fact that the freezing weather had me eating on a every 20 minute basis in order to add some fat to my body to keep me warm...Or maybe it was because my roommates and I spent our weekends playing dress up and taking 'we think we are so sexy' pictures.

More like 'never ever take pictures like that again in your life' pictures.

So on that cold day in February, I had this bright Idea to make a chocolate cake. I'm pretty sure I made it straight from a box along with chocolate store bought frosting. What I remember the most though was buying a cake decorating gel tube that you could write on the cake with. After the cake was cooked and frosted, I took that pink died gel goop and wrote across the whole cake, "FEELINGS."

It was a clever way of saying, "Tonight Ladies, we will eat out FEELINGS!"

Skip to almost 6 plus years later, and I still refer to rich chocolate comfort food as Feelings Food. Because sometimes, when the day is hard and trash TV and a run on the treadmill aren't doing it for you...

Sometimes 'eating your Feelings' is the only solution.

Printable Version Here: Rich Chocolate Banana Bread w: Diced Strawberries

Side note:

This Rich Chocolate Feelings Bread goes great with a Nicolas Sparks movie...

Cinnamon Sugar Cups-For Ice Cream, Fruit, Etc.

July 3, 2013 Arielle

I'm going to tell you exactly how this recipe came about, and then afterwards you will basically understand why I'm not at all but kind of completely awesome.

Let's pretend for a second that I'm a totally-on-top-of-it blogger. I've got a book full of future ideas and recipes, and i've planned out how and when I will post them. I also post frequently and on a regular basis...

We can now stop that journey of pretending and enter the reality of my blogging lifestyle in which I admit that only a tiny bit of the above statement applies to me. I can honestly say that I've got that idea book. Yes, there are a few items scratched off that list of future posts/ideas, but the majority have yet to be accomplished.

One of those items written down months ago was planning a fourth of july menu. Oddly that item got scratched off the list due to the 4th being oh...i dunno...tomorrow.

I wish I could blame a tropical vacation for my procrastination, but truthfully and honestly I've failed at almost every attempt to make a remarkable July 4th menu.

Every frackin recipe I created and tried didn't turn out. Period.

Did you know you could screw up a salad? Apparently it's possible. Also, don't turn your freezer degrees all the way up to 'speed up the process'. Anyone have an ice scraper I can borrow?

It basically came to the point where I said, 'Holy Heck! I'm just going to buy a box of ice cream cones, a carton of ice cream, and a jar of sprinkles and call it Easiest Dessert Ever!'

But then I started to really think about ice cream, and waffle cones, and chocolate, then sprinkles, and then well...

This...

The Easiest Dessert Ever.

You know what the best part is? After all the filling has gone, it's time to eat the cup!

Happy 4th Everyone!!

Hawaii Part 2

June 25, 2013 Arielle

Oahu Island Matsumoto Shaved Ice

Laie Hawaiin LDS Temple

Polynesian Cultural Center

Dessert Buffet

Ted's Bakery

The Best Shrimp my husband has ever had:

Somewhere along the North Shore.

Kauia Island,

Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa

Dinner Buffet at the Resort

Sweet Pea's First Steps

Resort Pictures

Living Foods Market

Poipu Beach

Na Pali Coast

Sorry for the picture overload my friends, but the beautiful islands and landmarks of Hawaii are just too good not to share! Sadly we are back home now, and I haven't stopped dreaming of fresh pineapple and shaved ice...It's a problem.

Much Love!

Hawaii Part 1

June 17, 2013 Arielle

I've been counting down the days for this Hawaii trip and it has finally arrived! I debated whether or not to share this trip with you guys, but I decided it would be fun to share the places we see, visit, and eat in hopes that it might help you on a future trip! And if you don't have any Hawaii vacations planned in your future, then make yourself a pina colada at home and come on a virtual tour with me :)! Day 1:

LAX-HONOLULU

ARRIVING AT THE RESORT:

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club

First Family Photo in Hawaii...Fail

Day 2:

Resort Swimming

Resort Beach Exploration

Baby Makapuu Local's Beach (This wasn't my favorite beach, a little too rocky, but it's definitely a place all the locals go to BBQ and hang out. We met some loacl friends there, and had a great time though!)

We will be in Hawaii all week and have lot's planned! The first few days were just getting settled and relaxing from travel since the kids were kind of iffy on the time change. Then on Tuesday we head to Kauai! I promise some foodie pics are soon to come :). Have a great Monday!

Birthday Cake Pancakes-Natural & Healthy!

June 12, 2013 Arielle

Healthy Birthday Cake Pancakes from The Diva Dish

This weekend I advance to big girl status and turn 25 years old...

If you would have told me 10 years ago where I would be at the age of 25 I would have definitely said, shut the front door!..."I have TWO kids?! I live in Las Vegas?? I have a food blog?? Wait I have TWO kids?!"

10 years ago I was still in high school & looking to attend the FIDM fashion college (considering I'm the least fashionable person of all...) I ate corn dogs and chipotle burritos on a weekly basis, and every time I held a baby it started to cry.

You can definitely say my life isn't where I thought it would be, but I love exactly where I am. I'm glad the days of corn dogs and fashion school are long gone. Making pancakes coated in sprinkles with my two darling babies is a lot more fun anyways :). And plus, they don't cry when I hold them either.(Well..most of the time!)

A big special thanks so Kodiak Cakes for sending me some samples of their Flapjack & Waffle mix so we could make some special Birthday Cake Pancakes! Every ingredient is natural, readable, and recognizable! Not to mention you just have to add water and voila, you've got whole wheat pancake goodness.

All Natural-Healthy Birthday Cake Pancakes From The Diva Dish

But since birthdays are special, we dressed up this pancake mix with some fancy add ins to make any birthday morning one to remember!

Birthday Cake Pancakes from The Diva Dish

Printable Recipe Here: Birthday Cake Pancakes

I highly suggest topping with coconut cream and extra sprinkles!

And guess what, because I love you guys and so do the people over at Kodiak Cakes, THREE OF YOU have the chance to get a FREE box of their pancake mix. I may even throw in a surprise myself!

Like some sprinkles...

Or maybe a birthday cake...

Or maybe I'll just jump out of a sprinkle covered birthday cake when you open your door?!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have A Great Week Friends!! XO

60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake-Single Serving

June 8, 2013 Arielle

Some days things don't go your way and chocolate is the only solution.

Just when you think you are on a roll, strolling along and happy because of your accomplishments...BAM! Life hits you...Or in Sweet Pea's case...Every.Dang.Piece.Of.Furniture.

No matter how much you try, or push, certain things just won't budge and make your life a little bit easier.

In this case, one should probably just resort to chocolate.

Sure you could grab a handful of chocolate chips and then come back 7 times just to make all those problems go away.

And of coarse you could always resort to that jar in the back of your pantry that holds a large chocolate bunny from Easter. I'm almost positive that would make you happy...