Author: ajb21

Chocolate Espresso Bundt Cake

Chocolate + Espresso + Amazing Crown Bundt Pan = Simply Delicious!

You know that “Japanese Clutter” book (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo)? Well, she tells you to hold up every single item you own and ask, “Does this bring me joy?” If not, you toss it without regret because you only want to surround yourself with things that make you happy.

Therefore, I just want to tell you… I want to surround myself with this new Nordic Ware Bundt pan (and its cousins, all my other Bundt pans). This Crown Bundt is the diva of my Bundt world – totally cool and layered in gold.

(As an aside, I found the book interesting although sometimes crazy, but she has revoluti… Read More

This pregnancy has been totally different than my first. When I was pregnant with Thomas, I was motivated to run everyday (including the day we went to the hospital to have him), I wanted to get dressed in “real” clothes everyday, and I honestly felt pretty dang good physically from my second trimester onward! This pregnancy, however, has been more challenging. Don’t get me wrong, I’m THRILLED to be pregnant, and I know that every single hard moment is totally worth it, but I’m just exhausted!

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m 39 or if it’s because I’m still taking hormone injections or because I’m running after Thomas (or maybe all three!), but I haven’t wanted to run or workout as much as I did the first time. And that’s totally fine! However, when I do workout or run, I end up feeling 10x better throughout the rest of my day. It’s great for my physical health, but it’s also a huge … Read More

Richard Torrez Jr is a specimen. At 6’2”, 225 pounds, the southpaw from Tulare, CA, is knocking out everyone who gets in his way as he rises to the top of the professional heavyweight boxing division. But outside of the ring is an intelligent, family-and-friends-orientated human being who finds balance in the special moments he finds outside of intense competition.

M&F sat down with “The Gentleman Boxer,” who currently has an undefeated record of six wins all by way of knockout, to find out what drives him and why it’s important to turn negative experiences into rocket fuel for positive results.

Top Rank Inc
Richard Torrez Jr… Read More

One of my all-time favorite retailers is Nordstrom. They carry so many brands that I love in a range of prices, and their customer service is top tier (you can return almost anything at any time and they cover return shipping).

Every season I love to go through the new arrivals on Nordstrom.com and round up my favorite finds. Today’s post is all about fall dresses since we’re finally approaching the cooler months. I always appreciate a great dress find since it’s an outfit all on it’s own versus needing multiple pieces.

Below I’m rounding up casual, work, and dressier dress finds. I hope something works for you!

Best Fall Nordstrom Dresses

Casual Dresses from Nordstrom

Wavy Check Sweater Minidress

I got this sweater minidress for myself during the Nordstrom summer sale and absolutely LOVE it. While it would be perfect for an office with the right shoes, I’m excited to wear it casually. I love it with these… Read More

A recipe for warm freekeh breakfast bowls topped with roasted radishes, asparagus, spring alliums, and eggs that will get you ready to tackle any morning.

To get to my computer I pulled a sweatshirt off the floor and slowly sank my arms deep into the sleeves, a layer between me and the chill of a spring morning. I navigated a pile of dirty clothes outside the boys’ bedroom door. I ignored the laundry waiting to be folded on the couch.

To get here, I turned the world off and kept moving. The house is quiet, and I get my best work done before anyone else is awake, before the hustle of the day demands my attention elsewhere.
<img loading="lazy" src="https://foodformyfamily.com/wp-conten… Read More

Denim shorts are by far the most worn thing in my closet in the warmer months. They’re comfortable to wear all day, go with any top, and look cute with all sorts of shoes. If I had to guess, I’d say I wear them 5 times a week at least.

But, as an almost 40 year old, finding denim shorts that are not too short or too tight is challenging. I’m not comfortable wearing short-shorts anymore, and SO many of the jean short options on the market are super short and tight (and look like they’re better for a 15 year old than a someone in their late-thirties). So over the past couple of years, I’ve made it my mission to find denim shorts that are cute AND appropriate for my stage of life.

Luckily, I’ve had a lot of success this summer. I bought and reviewed a handful of different styles from a few different brands, and in today’s post I’m sharing my favorite finds. If you’re like me and you struggle to find jean shorts … Read More

 

Meyer Lemon Curd Bars

Make These Lemon Bars.

Just do it.

There isn’t much to say about it.
So, go. Make them!

I like lemon bars made with cooked curd because the lemon flavor is just soooo much more intense. 

I used Meyer Lemons. Look at that color!!! I didn’t sprinkle powdered sugar on top because…that color!

This is a Cook’s Illustrated recipe – found on Leites… Read More