Imagine being on the most popular reality TV show in 2009. Overnight, your life took an opposite turn. You went from waiting tables to girls all around. Money all around. Fame all around. How would you react? How would you feel? What if I told you that you were in your 20's when this happened? Would that change things? Would you be able to handle it or would you succumb to the pressure, expectations and temptation?  I have been following Jersey Shore ever since it aired - 2009. I fell in love with the castmates, their lives, their adventures, and their silly antics. I liked different qualities in each of them. Mike "The Situation" was no different. But his story was not what I expected. The glamorous life I saw on TV was nothing like the real world for Mike.  When I was in my 20's watching Jersey Shore, I saw it as just another reality show - not realizing there was so much behind the scenes that I had no idea existed.  I recently found out that he wrote a book on his...

I found this recipe for Almond Joy Dates all over social media and since I bought a bag of pitted dates, I thought I would give them a try. I, for one, love Almond Joy candy bars. I like them better when they have healthier ingredients. With only six ingredients, you can't go wrong! If you love coconut and you love Almond Joys, you will want to give this simple recipe a try. The texture of these bites is just like an Almond Joy: a hardened, yet light center, chocolate outside, and an almond mixed with creamy coconut flakes.  These bites are so hard to resist. They taste amazing after being in the freezer for a few hours and you will think you are indulging on a real Almond Joy. Here’s a quick overview of this recipe: • Difficulty Level:  Easy • Serving size:  This recipe makes approximately 15 Almond Joy Dates • Family friendly:  My family does not like coconut but if they do, this is one they will love! Such a simple and easy snack • Total prep and chill time: 20 mi...

I don’t make Indian food very often. I am not of Indian descent and I’m not an expert in Indian cooking, but I have to say this Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala turned out excellent. It had the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, richness, and depth. We purchased Indian spices and seasonings we had never used before. I love trying new things and Jace, my 15-year-old who is taking a cooking class, helped me with this as well. This meal took some time to prepare but it was so worth it. Add naan bread and basmati rice and you have a complete, authentic, Indian-style meal.  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate • Serving size:  4 • Family friendly:  YES! We all devoured this meal • Total prep, chill and cooking time: 6+ hours • Serving suggestions: Serve with a side of naan bread and basmati rice •  Family rating: 10/10, would make this again If you’ve been wanting to try making a restaurant-style Indian dish at home, this recipe is a great place to start. What Is Tikka Mas...

Do you love sweets as much as I do but don't want all of the added sugar and extra unnecessary ingredients? I have curated a list of six no-bake sweets that you will have on repeat.  Several of these recipes contain protein powder and are perfect as pre- or post-workout snacks or midday pick-me-ups. Others are snack mixes or cereal bars for kids and adults alike that are easy to make, will last for days, and replace the sugary snacks you may have in your cabinet.  In This Post Here are the six recipes that I've included in the roundup: ✓  No-Bake Raspberry Protein Bites ✓  Easy No-Bake Cereal Bars ✓  No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars ✓  No-Bake Valentine Snack Mix ✓  No-Bake Candy Cane Cookie Dough Protein Bark ✓ No-Bake Viral Japanese Cheesecake What Makes These Recipes Unique I wanted to share recipes that were nostalgic, budget-friendly, longer-lasting, healthier, and easier to make overall.  These six recipes tasted amazing and are recipes ...

Are you hosting or needing some appetizer ideas for the big game? I have gathered six tried-and-true comfort food recipes that are ideal for snacking and sharing. These are my go-to big game recipes that always disappear quickly. Whether it’s my fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, a cheesy buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese, or an easy fried steak egg roll, you’ll have six delicious options to choose from.  Whether you’re hosting, attending a party, or just planning a cozy night in, these recipes are simple to make and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. In This Post Here are the six recipes included in this roundup: ✓  Buffalo Chicken Taquitos ✓  Slow Cooker Ribs ✓  Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ✓  Korean Chicken Wings ✓  Mini Cheeseburger Sliders ✓  Steak Egg Rolls What Makes These Recipes Unique I went through and found recipes that were not only great for snacking, but also appetizers I would personally make for the big game. I chose recipes that were si...