GET OUTDOORS

It is now officially Fall. I think this is the best time to be outdoors because it isn't too hot and isn't too cold. Yes, it's just right to be outside enjoying nature. Make sure you have good gear to keep you safe AND comfortable as you go out.

I love this Bright Outdoors Picnic Set. It is a slim wallet with utensils, plates, napkins and such for two people. All you have to do is add a blanket, food, and friend. #thebrightoutdoors

If you like to cookout when you go camping, the Stolevar Ultralight Camping Cookware set is awesome. It comes with everything you need to prepare, cook, and eat your meal...and then clean it all up afterwards. #messkit

If you plan on being out for a long time, then you know you need to have sufficient water. You can easily use this Hydration Pack Backpack with 2L Water Bladder. It only weighs 1lb with empty water bladder and 5lbs when full. #ArcticCurrent

I was given the opportunity to purchase these items at a discounted price in exchange for my honest opinion.

PASTRY BANDITS

I donut need a reason to stop at Provo Bakery,

but #nationdonutday was a great excuse for sweets.

Thank you donut gods for creating these circular delights straight from heaven.

PI DAY

It's as easy as 3.14....I mean, pie.

I attended my friend's annual Pi Day party. I decided to make a cinnamon roll apple pie.

The competition was tough and there were some really yummy looking pies, but somehow my pie took first place. (It might have been the love I sprinkled on top.)

I will respect my year reign as Pi champion.

Here is the recipe I followed:

Learn To Make The Perfect Apple Pie — With A... by LittleThings

PINEAPPLE DINNER

You'll be so proud of me.

I took this.

 Had William help me do this.

Cooked up some chicken teriyaki and rice

 to make this.

And then made their faces happy like this.

PS Yes, those are Alex and Ani bracelets on my wrist. Yes, I love them. Yes, they have free shipping until 2/15 and they make great Valentine's Day presents!

MAC & CHEESE

I did this Czech kid a favor and introduced him to the American world of Kraft macaroni & cheese.

Yes, mac & cheese totally changed his life. 

You're welcome.

MY AMERICAN THANKSGIVING...IN CZECH

After spending the day in Waldsassen, Germany (read that post here), I drove back to Plzeň for a special Thanksgiving celebration...Czech Republic style.

I taught William how to draw a turkey with his hand.

 We took turns saying things we are thankful for

before eating schnitzel and potatoes prepared by Ivanka.

We might have made Ivanka tear up a bit. It was sweet.

I am thankful for my Czech family who, even though I am thousands of miles from my house, can make me feel like I am at home.

Happy Thanksgiving.

SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
It might have been so long that you don't remember, but I used to spend my summers in the Czech Republic. I ate many yummy foods there. One of my favorite meals Ivanka made was schnitzel, potatoes, and cucumber salad. That cucumber salad was so light and perfect for summer. I miss it. So I am going to share the recipe with you.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 large cucumbers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/8 cup water
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

Slice the cucumbers. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl. Put cucumber in mixture. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Easy Peasy.

How do you get your cucumber to look as pretty as the cucumber in the photo? You can use the SuperSwizz Spiral Slicer. This spiral slicer will also help you cut carrots, squash, and zucchini into veggie spaghetti, stir fry ingredients, or as a fancy garnish to add to your plates (totally impressive). It is easy to use and comes with a finger guard so you don't cut yourself. You can slice veggies in 2 different sizes. It is easy to clean and fits in your drawer with your other kitchen gadgets. You'll love it.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

THE MUFFIN MAN

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

My friend Joe uses a silicone mat to bake cookies and they turn out fabulous EVERY time. Since cupcakes are super popular right now, I needed something to help me bake them perfectly every time. So I tried out the OvenArt Bakeware silicone muffin pan. 

This pan is awesome because it isn't made from metal so it won't rust, dent, or flake. It is made of 100% high quality European silicone. Everything I have put in it cooks and pops out, cleans up, and is baked almost effortlessly. It is not only safe for the oven, but also for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. That means you can make more than just cupcakes, cornbread, and muffins. 

The pan has 12 molds and the dimensions are 12.8 x 9.7 x 1.2 inches. Each cup holds 2.5 ounces and measures 2 3/4 inches across.

I suggest you try making mini deserts, crab cakes, shepherds pie, mini lasagna bakes, or chocolate swirl buns. I tried making  bacon wrapped mini omelets (because I love breakfast food) and they were great!

Give the muffin pan a try -- it is protected by the OvenArt "better muffin" guarantee for lifetime assurance against defects and performance issues.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

10 INCH FRYING PAN

These are few things my mother has told me every lady should always have:

*ice cream in the freezer

*10 inch frying pan

*soft toilet paper

*cute, black dress

So I have my first 10" frying pan.

This pan has an ultra-safe ceramic coating which is 100% PTFE /PFOA free, scratch resistant, and is super easy to clean.

 It is made of durable heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum and has a heat resistant handle.

 Ten inches is the perfect size pan to sauté, fry, bake, boil, or braise your food to perfection.
That's right, I make perfect eggs and pancakes that don't stick to the pan every time (well, pretty close to perfect).

That's right, I mentioned bake. This pan can go from stove to oven up to 350 degrees.

This is my second Ozeri pan and I love them. They hold up great, come in my favorite shade of green, clean easily, and cook food evenly.

Buy this solid Ozeri frying pan for your own collection...then invite me over to taste your culinary delights!

KITCHEN SCALE

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

A new year means new resolutions, right?! Here is my goal: I am going to keep my bathroom scale numbers down by keeping an eye on my kitchen scale. Yes, I will eat healthier in 2014 and control my servings with the help of my new MIRA Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale.

It has a large, easy to read display that allows you to measure in grams, pounds or ounces and gives accurate measurements in 1g/0.1 oz increments (up to 11 lbs/5 Kgs) for those serious about their measuring (or Weight Watchers members like Jessica Simpson).

This scale also has a TARE function that ignores your dish so it weighs only the food inside.

It doesn't have a ton of buttons to push to confuse me. 

It's totally easy to use and easy to clean.

I like that it is thin and doesn't take up tons of space on the counter.

Best part: it comes with a full 2 year warranty and batteries ARE included with purchase!

Let's get cooking. Feel free to pass on some of your favorite recipes, please.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PAN

When I lived in Oklahoma, the kids at the house would beg me to make them my special, fluffy, scrambled eggs EVERY morning. I was tired in the mornings and made a deal that I would make them every other day.

What's my secret? Add a little milk and use a good pan.

Want a recommendation on a good pan? Try the Green Earth Pan by Ozeri. 

The pan has a textured cooking surface for enhanced cooking. As you can read on the sticker in the photo, the pan uses 

GREBLONTM – a 100% PTFE and PFOA free ceramic non-stick superior coating from Germany. This allows for easy cleaning and cooking.

The Green Earth Pan name means there are no harmful heavy metals or chemicals. This pan also has a comfortable silicon coated handle that is induction stove safe.

The Ozeri pan is available in 8, 10, and 12 inch sizes. It also comes with a super cool pan protector to help protect the surface and coating of your Ozeri frying pan against scratches during storage. I love that.

I don't make many things that are super delicious, but I do make some yummy scrambled eggs!