

The National Restaurant Show took over Chicago’s McCormick Place last week showcasing the latest restaurant innovations. This four-day event that brings together over 60,000 food service professionals came back to life after the pandemic as it introduced us to the latest trends in the industry. What do you think of the 2022 National Restaurant Association trends?
Exhibitors and attendees alike were happy to be seeing colleagues once again and talking shop. There was definitely an energy throughout the halls to get back to business as we knew it. This is a very big show which means lots to see and explore.… Read more
The day I have been eagerly waiting for is here! ShelfGenie installation time. As I mentioned in Part 1 of my kitchen’s small renovation project, I discovered a solution to my cabinet organization challenges when I learned about ShelfGenie at a home design conference.
ShelfGenie is a national organization with local outlets that provide custom shelving and design ideas to help improve the way your home functions. This could be in your kitchen, pantry, bathroom, laundry room or office. Working in the housewares industry, loving to cook and entertain friends and family but having limited storage means everything I have is stacked on top of each other. … Read more
The start of the new year isn’t so much about resolutions for me as it is about the need for a refresh. You know what I mean. A getaway to clear your mind even if just for a few days. The reason why a Swissotel Chicago staycation with the beauty of the city architecture seen from every window, relaxing environment and close proximity to all things Chicago is just the remedy to welcome in 2022.
If you haven’t considered a staycation before, I highly recommend it. Whether you reside in Chicago or live in close proximity (driving distance if air travel is not being considered), you must book a stay at the Swissotel.… Read more
This post was sponsored by Truvia® Sweet Complete®. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.
As soon as the weather has a chill in the air, my baking equipment comes out of the cabinet. Pantry shelves become filled with different varieties of flours, chocolates and nuts. And of course, I need a sweetness to make my desserts decadently good. Which is why I am sharing my first recipe of the season for my Homemade Caramel Corn using Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown Sweetener.
This zero-calorie per serving sweetener adds a warm brown sugar flavor using plant-based stevia. When you use it in your recipes, it measures cup-for-cup making it so easy to replace traditional brown sugar in your creations.… Read more
What’s your favorite room in your home? For me, it is my kitchen. No surprise to anyone who knows me or follows me on social media. In my houseware world and home design adventures, I learned about a company called ShelfGenie. And they really are!
A Genie that is. They can magically make cabinets and drawers a place of organization and not dread. I’m sure you know what I mean. You need to find an ingredient in your pantry but it looks like a deep cavern of boxes, bottles and bags. In order to find what you are looking for, you have to take everything out.… Read more
Coffee lovers, our day is fast approaching! National Coffee Day is Wednesday, September 29 (and October 1 for International Coffee Day). Whether you are a fan of coffee from your local shop or brew your own at home, there is a cup waiting for you. Since I drink most of my coffee at home, exploring new brands and ways to enjoy my favorite beverage flavor is a challenge I welcome. So, on this special day designed for coffee fans, I am sharing a selection of 14 coffee flavored drinks, sweets and snacks for you to sample.
Now, some people drink coffee for the energy boost – thanks, caffeine!… Read more
When you are in the middle of cooking dinner, do you open every cabinet and drawer trying to find what you need? Is your goal to have nothing on your countertops? Organization and efficiency are the most wanted features when it comes to designing or remodeling a kitchen. Here are 30 kitchen design ideas from outlets to islands to create the kitchen of your dreams.
Divided Drawer:
Create a drawer that is set up with containers for flour, sugar and other ingredients you use frequently. Include a sticker for identifying purchase date, expiration date or any other details that are important to remember.… Read more
This post was sponsored by Don Victor Raspberry Honey. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.
One of my absolute favorite foodie things about summertime is being able to incorporate fresh fruit into my recipes. Whether we are talking desserts, side dishes, sandwiches, main courses or salads, fruit is a welcome addition to any dish. In this Summer Salad with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette, I have not only included fresh raspberries, but Raspberry Honey from Don Victor Foods to enhance the fruit flavor.
The beauty of salads is how versatile they are from the salad ingredients to the dressing itself.… Read more
My virtual suitcase is packed. Travel agenda is made. Excitement is high as I get ready to explore Puglia, Italy.
Exploring the Puglia region, pronounced pool-ya, is one of Italy’s hidden gems. You may also hear it called Apulia, its Italian name.
Puglia is easily identified on the map, as it runs down the east coast of the country from the Gargano Peninsula all the way into the “heel of the boot”. Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Six provinces make up the Puglia region on the southeast coast of Italy.