The Best of The Best - Podcasts You NEED to Be Listening To!

So I'm late to the game but I'm so obsessed with podcasts lately, from binge-listening while working to trying to sneak in a few minutes while D is running around outside with her dad in the mornings -  I'm constantly listening.

I personally tend to listen via itunes on my computer and on my old school ipod, but I know there's all kinds of apps you can use to listen to your favorites on. This list can all be found on itunes, but I know several of these shows are available on other platforms as well!

Beyond HOW you listen, I know a few of you are wondering why should you listen? The main reason I can give you, is that these shows are life changing... all in different ways!

So let's get started with the best of the best... (and be on the look out for more of these "best" lists in the future)



1. My Favorite Murder - HILARIOUS... and outrageous. Murder and comedy don't seem like they would tangle together well, but these two genius ladies have created a cult-like following and the most epic podcast. If you like true crime, start with episode one and listen through. I'm only about 130 episodes in... but I'm in awe of these ladies and their comedic talents and their story telling abilities.

2. Creative Processing with Joseph Gordon Levitt - Another genius creation, made by the famous man, JGL. He has done so much with his life, always finding a way to help others express creativity and this podcast is just another epic creation. He interviews some amazing people and gets their input on challenging questions posed by his audience. I enjoyed listening to every episode in his first season and long to hear season two, ASAP!

3. Raising Good Humans - If you're a parent, this podcast is going to be LIFE for you. Get parenting tips and be the best mama (or dada) to your little one with the helpful advice she offers. From handling tantrums to helping kids learn, I love her input on challenging parts of parenthood.

4. Seriously, Let's Be F***ing Honest - While this podcaster 100% has a potty mouth, she can help you learn to be a better you... starting at episode one. Give it a listen... and let's get honest about a little bit of everything.

5. Office Ladies - If you love The Office, you will LOVE this podcast. Angela and Pam changing up the game... and making podcasts even more hilarious.

6. The Expand Your Awareness Podcast - If you like mindfulness and learning about complex theories, this may be the podcast for you. I've questioned the world around me after listening to episodes of this and that's exactly why I love it.

7. The Business Life & Joy Podcast - This podcast is seriously life changing for small business owners and/or bloggers. She's so knowledgeable and encouraging - it's definitely worth a listen if you are ready to make some changes and lead a happier life.

8. Great Women of Business - I didn't expect to love this podcast as much as I did. It has limited episodes, but OH MY LANTA, it's amazing. Learning about so many amazing women and the way they have succeeded, through all kinds of struggles. It's truly encouraging and something every woman needs to hear.

9. The One You Feed - This was my hubby's recommendation, but it's also another inspiring podcast that makes you think. Whether you're analyzing deep thoughts along with him or wondering how you can change the world, this podcast is different and enchanting. I promise you'll enjoy it.

10. The RobCast - This one is definitely one I knew I would love immediately, without question. I first head Rob Bell preaching back in my high school days. He shared messages that were DIFFERENT, he wasn't demeaning or condemning, but optimistic and eager to teach... and that changed my life. Now that he isn't on stage, but still behind a mic, nothing has changed. Listening to the RobCast has been a learning experience, over and over again, each time I press play.

11. Crime Junkie-Another one to check out if you are a tru crime fanatic is Crime Junkie. This was the first podcast I ever binge-listened to and it'll always be one of my favorites. It's much more serious than most of my other favorites but it's been one that keeps me coming back again and again for each episode.

Beyond that, I know there are HUNDREDS more that I need to hear... so tell me, what is your favorite podcast to listen to?

Cheesy Potato Balls with Stella - The Most Unique & Delicious Way to Use Left Over Mashed Potatoes

This post is sponsored by Stella® Cheese but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Here's the thing, you probably already know that I'm not so traditional when it comes to life, but I'm truly a little off the wall when it comes to the holidays. As far as our most recent holiday, Thanksgiving - well, if I'm being totally honest, it's definitely not on my list of favorites. Mainly because I don't love turkey and I think we should be thankful everyday, among other reasons. To make up for my lack of turkey lovin', I like to get super creative with side dishes.

This year I went totally left field and made something super unique that I've never made before and that my family seemed to really enjoy - even Miss Delainey loved these, once she finally took a break from playing long enough to eat.

What's so amazing about these Cheesy Potato Balls? Well, to put it simply... everything! These little balls of heaven are perfectly seasoned and just the perfect size to "pop" in your mouth during a holiday party or after a family meal as a little snack.

Filled with the most delicious Stella cheese, this is not only delicious - it's a GREAT way to get rid of left over mashed potatoes from a family meal as well. Have the left over potatoes but need the cheese? Find Stella cheese at a location nearby you using the locator on their website!

Enough about how amazing this recipe is though, here's how you make it -

Ingredients:

4 tbsp Stella Gorgonzola Cheese
3/4 of 8 oz block of Stella Fontinella Cheese
Half of red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
3 minced scallions
5 cups cold mashed potatoes
3/4 cup + 2 tbs of flour
3 pieces of bacon, diced into small pieces
2 eggs, beaten
Oil (for frying)

Heat oil up to 375 in a deep fryer (or a in a pan).

While oil is heating, mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

Form the "dough" into small balls and drop them into the oil a few at a time to not overcrowd the deep fryer or pan. Cook approximately 5 min or until edges look browned and crispy.

ENJOY!

Overstuffed Mushrooms with Savory Crab & Real California Cheese Filling!

This post is sponsored by Real California Milk but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.



I can't even believe it's already November... I mean, this year is really just flying by.

The thing is, THIS time of year is pretty much perfection in my neck of the woods. We start out the days with a little crispness to the air and by the end of the day, it's still nice enough to watch the sunset at the beach. It's the best of both worlds... and it also makes me crave some of my favorite savory dishes.

I seriously can't be the only one that instantly feels a chill in the air and starts dreaming of pumpkin spice dishes, chili, mashed potatoes, and "stuffed" everything. I mean, that's what the month of November is about - thankfulness & food... and one of my favorite foods to bring back this time of year is actually one I tend to favor all year round as well - I'm talkin' stuffed mushrooms, y'all & this recipe doesn't disappoint!

These crab & cheese stuffed mushrooms are just like a Florida day - absolutely perfect in every way! Pairing seafood with savory, creamy goodness - it doesn't get much better than this... Except for the fact this dish is made with all Real California Milk Cheeses. That means the flavor is better and it's made with love, with the dairy coming from 99% family owned & operated farms.

That's the thing, when your dairy comes from other families - you know it's going to be good... and the extra spectacular news is, you can buy Real California Milk Cheeses nearly everywhere! I found a huge selection at my local health food store, as well as a decent selection at Publix!

Want to find a place by you, so you can get yours hands on the "good cheese" too? Check out this locator and find out where you can find these delicious, wholesome cheeses with the "Real California Milk seal" nearby you. After all, knowing your cheese comes from real people & it's kissed by the California sun just means there's that much more love going into your holiday dishes this year!

Want to serve up the best of both coasts? Pair my "Floridian" recipe with their California cheese and you have a real winning combo! So... let's get to making those delicious overstuffed mushrooms with a savory crab and cheese filling!

Ingredients:

2 cups crab meat
4 oz freshly shredded Mozzarella Cheese made with Real California Milk
1 tbsp parsley
1/2 tbsp sea salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp marjoram
1 tbsp garlic
1/2 tbsp black pepper
2 green onion stalks, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
4 large portebella mushroom
olive oil
4 oz freshly shredded Pepper Jack Cheese made with Real California Milk
1 tbsp bread crumbs

Step one - Preheat the oven to 375 degrees & get your filling started: mix the crab meat, Real California Cheese Mozzarella, spices, green onions, bell pepper, and grated parmesan all together in a large bowl. Place to the side.

Next - take your mushrooms and apply a thin layer of olive oil to the top of the caps. Flip over & place on pan, overstuffing the mushrooms with the crab mix.

Now - add 4 oz of Pepper Jack cheese made with Real California Milk on top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake or 18 minutes at 375, then turn your oven to broil for 3-5 minutes.

Garnish with parsley, if desired & enjoy!

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Delainey and I agree. We both love the holidays.

The thing is, we have been slightly off lately, battling with a cold for what feels like forever... So things haven't been as cheery as they could have been over the last few weeks. I had all these plans and well, none of them really played out.

I was going to share how we made these awesome homemade ornaments.. then life happened. So instead you get this photograph of them right now and maybe the tutorial for how to make them at a later date.

We had plans to visit Santa again before Christmas, but our colds put that idea on hold and now Christmas has already passed. Oops! So... we'll take our precious photos from a random visit with Santa at the zoo this year and embrace them, even if she is being feisty in them. That's a true depiction of my girl, after all.

That's the thing, sometimes you just have to go with the flow, embrace the change, and just deal. So that's what we're doing this holiday season... and I'm okay with that.

With that said, in 2018, I'm hoping for great things - from myself, for my daughter, for my blog, for my business, for my circle of friends and family, for our country.

So cheers! Here's to the holiday season and all the greatness to come in 2018. I hope the best for you & yours in the coming year!

Hickory Farms & Traditions That Help The Hungry!

Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms.

Traditions matter to everyone, especially around the holidays! From making special recipes with your favorite grandparent to spending time decorating tree with your brothers and sisters - most of us have traditions we follow around the holidays and those traditions are so very dear to our hearts!

As I mentioned last month, we started a new tradition with Hickory Farms this year...  and with such a wide variety of gift ideas and delicious little sets, I have a feeling this will be a tradition we carry on for years! Maybe it'll even become a tradition for our friends and family too.

We've always been fans of Hickory Farms, maybe it's because they carry the #1 Summer Sausage in America? Regardless, Hickory Farms will always be one of our favorite ways to treat ourselves and our loved ones and this year we opted to try out something different, we ordered the tea & biscuits and it was delicious and everything a girl could ever want for a tea party!

But that's no surprise because everything from Hickory Farms is delicious, made with the extra love that goes into each item because of their charitable hearts; it's just that much more enjoyable when I get the chance to indulge in my holiday favorites. Hickory Farms is proud to support No Kid Hungry®. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need every day - a cause I totally want to help in any way possible.

Want some amazing news? Hickory Farms has contributed more than $4 million to No Kid Hungry since 2008 and for every Signature Party Planner purchased this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to No Kid Hungry.

So check out the selection Hickory Farms has to offer and maybe buy a special treat for yourself and your favorite coworker, your best friend, or maybe even your mail delivery person! Tell me who you would want to send one of these awesome gift boxes to in the comments below!

The Best QUICK Party Food: Delicious Savory Mini Cheese Balls

Sponsored post by Lunchbox

The holidays are here and that means it's time to be a total cheese ball. I'm not talking about imitating your goofy uncle that tells jokes that no one understands! I'm all about the most delicious thing served at any holiday party, the actual cheese ball!

While I'm usually the type to stick with just one delicious big ol' cheese ball per party, I saw this Kraft recipe and knew I had to try it, so I decided to make savory mini cheese balls for everyone to enjoy! I think I like things better this way, with a variety of flavors I'm sure this will be a dish that truly everyone can enjoy!

I was so shocked at how simple this recipe is and how absolutely delicious it tastes... minimal effort with maximum taste, this is my kind of recipe! Plus, I was able to put it all together in literally a matter of minutes...

Maybe you have a holiday party coming up and can't decide what to bring... or maybe you want to show off for Santa this year? Show up with these delicious Mini Savory Cheese Balls and everyone will be asking for your recipe!

This recipe is super simple to prepare and you can find the original from Kraft here and everything you'll need at Walmart! I wanted to share the details with you though, so they are listed below as well!

You will need:

1-1/2 pkg. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (12oz total)
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed
1 tsp. poppy seed
2 cloves garlic, minced, divided
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
2 Tbsp. finely chopped PLANTERS Pecans

So lets get this party started, you'll begin by cutting the cream cheese into 6 pieces; rolling each piece into a ball.    

Combine sesame seed, poppy seed and half the garlic in small bowl. Mix herbs and remaining garlic in separate small bowl. Combine cranberries and nuts in a third bowl.    

Roll 2 cheese balls in sesame seed mixture, 2 cheese balls in herb mixture and remaining 2 cheese balls in nut mixture. Serve & ENJOY!

I'm totally obsessed with this recipe, with no baking time necessary and minimum work put into preparation, it's easy to see why I plan on making and taking this to the next handful of parties we are invited to... So tell me, what will your holiday spread include this year? Hopefully a handful of cheese balls and a whole lot of love! Find more recipes here so you can make every day delicious!