A Side of Sweet

Amazing One Pot Pierogy Lasagna

How do you improve upon perfect lasagna? Simplify it to a one pot meal, make it healthier & turn it into pierogy lasagna! It’s way better than the classic recipe you grew up with.

Lasagna is one of my favorite foods. Growing up it was one of the meals I requested most at home and now it’s one of the most common meals that Pat and I make. One of the best things about lasagna is that it gets better over time so it makes for amazing leftovers! That being said, our current recipe is a massive effort in the kitchen. It requires dirtying every bowl in the kitchen and using the microwave, oven and the stove top. It’s really a beast of a thing so I’ve really been looking for a way to simplify the process…. Read More »

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Nut Free Vegetarian

Put your crockpot to good use – for dessert! You’ll love this easy slow cooker apple crisp recipe paired with the perfect oat topping.

We use our slow cooker all the time. From my favorite ever vegetarian chili, to this shredded chicken that works with everything, it’s our kitchen MVP. Using a slow cooker for dinner is obvious though. What about dessert? That’s what I’m doing today, making what’s going to be your go-to dessert for fall, slow cooker apple crisp.

Best of all, making this apple crisp recipe only takes 30 minutes of prep time. My favorite part might be the oat topping. It comes out of the slow cooker with a bit of crunch and a lot of oat-y cinnamon-y goodness. It’s the perfect partner for the soft apples that melt in your mouth…. Read More »

My Lasik Eye Surgery and PRK Surgery Experience

This year I had a two-step procedure of Lasik eye surgery followed by PRK eye surgery to correct me from -10.0 to 20/15 (better than perfect) vision. Here’s my experience.

I’ve had terrible vision for as long as I can remember.

I got my first pair of glasses in kindergarten. By fourth grade, my eyes were so bad I was impaired without glasses. I was in ballet at the time and my eye doctor signed off on my first pair of contacts because I couldn’t dance with glasses.

At the beginning of this year, my vision was -10.0 in both eyes. To put that in context, you are considered legally blind if your prescription is -2.5.

Click through for more about my patient experience having PRK and Lasik eye surgery. This is a long one, so buckle your seatbelt…… Read More »

SF Events :: Perfect Your Shoefie at Macy’s

Read on for details for a fun event I’m hosting at Macy’s Union Square this week. Join me to learn some of my Instagram tips, style your perfect shoefie and get a Macy’s gift card when you purchase a pair of shoes!

You might remember me mentioning that I’m working with Macy’s as a Macy’s ambassador. It’s my job to get the word out about all the amazing FREE Macy’s events that are happening this year. I’m excited to share an awesome September event – the Macy’s Fall Shoe Gala. This one is extra special because I’m actually going to be hosting the event! Mark your calendars, because it’s coming up quick – the Shoe Gala is actually this Thursday.

At the event, I’m going to be sharing my tips on creating the perfect ‘shoefie’, just like the ones you see on my Instagram account. We can walk through everything I do to style the shot, my photography set up, camera settings and editing! I’ll even help you make a flatlay with your new shoes if you make a purchase…. Read More »

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

A no-fuss baked pumpkin donuts recipe that is perfect for fall. Baking instead of frying makes them healthier – less than 350 calories per donut!

Can you believe pumpkin spice season is here again? Almost every food blog I follow has featured at least one pumpkin or pumpkin spice recipe already this season. It’s mid-September and I’m already late to the party.

Before you overindulge on pumpkin and need ten months to recover, try this amazing recipe for baked pumpkin donuts. They are baked, not fried, which makes them easier in so many ways. Easier to make, easier to clean up (oil splatters anyone?), and easier on your waistline. These babies ring in at less than 350 calories each!
… Read More »

10 Healthy After School Snack Ideas

September is a great time to recommit to healthy choices! Start the month off right with these great healthy after school snack recipes. after school snack ideas

September is here and that means everyone is in back to school mode. Even if you’re not back to school, the changing of seasons is a great time to recommit to making more of your food at home – even snacks! Start the month off right with these great back to school snack recipes from some of our favorite bloggers.

Read on for some great recipe inspiration!… Read More »