Published on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly
–Anna Thomas
Food, for me, is an experience. So many of my most treasured memories are strung together by a common thread...a meal. My father was the "cook" in our household, and despite our busy schedules, we always had dinner together. My passion for healthy meals made from wholesome ingred... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
As passionate as I am about healthy eating, I have one weakness...chocolate. Some people crave chips or cookies or ice cream...I crave chocolate! To curb those cravings, I simply keep a supply of dark chocolate chips in the fridge. A handful is typically enough to curb that craving without completely blowing it (as far as fat and calories go) for the day. And ... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 1, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
One of my father's favorite candies was the infamous Nestlé Crunch Bar, and while we never had a lot of sweets in our household, I specifically remember sharing the crisp rice-filled milk chocolate bar with him during movies and other special occasions. If you can believe it, Nestlé Crunch is celebrating it's 75th birthday, and the brand has kicked off an incred... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 8, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
In the past several years, I've noticed a trend in the automotive industry. Owning a vehicle is no longer just a means to getting around...it is a lifestyle, and automotive brands like Buick are recognizing the consumer's demand for a vehicle that fits into that lifestyle.
Buick, in partnership with Food & Wine Magazine, recently hosted it's third annual lux... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 8, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
I don't need many excuses to bake, and given that we're just one week away from Valentine's Day, I decided that we were in need of a serious chocolate fix! Cookie and cupcakes seem to be the tradition during this time of year, but I wanted to do something different...something unique...something that incorporated a variety of the traditional sweets and treats you se... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 31, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
It's like dessert for breakfast...but healthier!
I love breakfast...from simple whole grain cereals to elaborate frittatas and fruit crepes. But most mornings, I simply don't have time to be creative. By the time I've helped my kids get dressed and fed, the breakfast window is over, so very often I'll have a simple bowl of cereal or oatmeal.
Because oatmeal is a... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
There aren't many things that cannot be made better by chocolate. It's my dessert of choice...my go-to for indulgent sweet fixes. So whenever I'm dreaming up a recipe, it typically includes chocolate.
This weekend, families across the country will gather to watch and celebrate the best in football. Super Bowl weekend is quickly approaching and while we are not p... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
Having a child with food allergies means that I have had to get creative. My son remembers what it was like to eat homemade macaroni and cheese and whole milk ice cream, and very often, the allergen-friendly alternatives just don't taste as good. Because ice cream is a big deal in our house, we've made it a point to have a constant supply of varying sorbet flavors s... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
My love for seafood can directly be attributed to my father's influence. By the time I was 2, I had already developed a liking for shrimp, a regular weekend treat we'd enjoy at home or at one of the many well-known seafood restaurants along the shores of Southern California. As I grew older, he continued to introduce me to various types of fish and shellfish, but sa... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 10, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
We packed away our faux Christmas tree over the weekend, one of the last few reminders of the holiday season, now officially over. I always start out the new year with specific resolutions, mostly surrounding health and wellness, and this year is no different. I plan to continue to attempt a regular fitness routine and a healthy diet, in hopes of losing some of th... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 6, 2013 by Caryn Bailey
Most mornings, I have but 30 minutes to prepare breakfast, pack lunches, and get my children fed and on their way to school. While I always prefer home-cooked meals, I tend to take a shortcut weekday mornings, opting for cereal, granola, oatmeal, and frozen organic waffles as time-saving meal options. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and since I don't typ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, December 2, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
This giveaway is now closed! Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Debbie W. Congrats!
'Tis the season for sweets, treats, and other delectable delights! I can't go out without coming face to face with all kinds of gourmet temptations, and when it comes to chocolate, I simply can't resist. As a self-proclaimed chocaholic, there aren't many varieties I don't like.... Read More »
Published on Friday, November 30, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity. ~Voltaire
You likely know that I'm a total foodie. I love dark chocolate, Gruyère Mac & Cheese, and Indian Red Quinoa. You also likely know that I'm incredibly passionate about health and wellness and how they correlate with what we eat. Strikin... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 26, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
I am a complete and utter coffee junkie! In any given week, you'll likely find me at my local Starbucks coffee shop at least once or twice (and that's being modest in my estimation). As you can imagine, that can quickly add up, so I try to exercise restraint with my coffee shop visits and brew my own java at home when possible.
Like most people, I have my favor... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 25, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Dawn G. Congrats!!
Over the past year, you may have noticed the increase in recipes posted on this site. As much as I don't enjoy cooking, I've worked hard over the past year to find ways to improve my skills and actually enjoy my time in the kitchen.
With two small children, evenings can be a bi... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
We're just a few days before Thanksgiving, and soon I'll be busy shopping and prepping for our family dinner. Tradition always prevails, and once again, we'll have our favorite foods including turkey, stuffing, rice pilaf (a dish my father made every single year), cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
While I've never made an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself, I do ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
I love walking into stores and restaurants right after Halloween because they're transformed with color and warmth for the season. Despite the fact that we're often rushed during this time of year, it's a different type of busyness. I'm beginning to decorate, plan our family get-togethers, shop, and think about the meals we'll be serving, specifically for Thanksgivi... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
It wasn't until I lost my father last year, that I truly grasped the fragility of life. When people spoke of losing loved ones, it felt far-removed...like something I might experience in the distant future. But there is a ... Read More »
Published on Monday, October 22, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
My husband always teases me about the fact that I bake a TON during the Fall and Winter seasons but never actually eat what I create. As opposed to cooking which can be stressful and time-consuming, baking is cathartic and relaxing for me. I love the ability to get creative and bake dishes that typically delight the palates of my friends and family.
During this t... Read More »
Published on Thursday, October 18, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
Last week, we had a tease of Fall with rain and brisk, chilly weather. I pulled out my boots and sweaters only to put them away this week. While I absolutely love living in a city which sees so much sunshine, I do look forward to the Fall, even if it's simply for the change in colors and the inspiration to bake and cook.
My husband and I enjoy coffee...sometimes to... Read More »