Tasty Tomato Tart

This shop has been compensated by #Albertsons. All opinions are mine alone. #StockUpOnDelMonte #CollectiveBias

Fall is finally here my friends! I know it’s been a few days now since it became “official”, however it’s just now beginning to sink in and I’m very excited. I’ve talked on here about some freezer meals that I like to create for busy nights, but sometimes when it’s crazy around here (in between the games, homework, etc.) I can still pull together a quick meal in less than 25 minutes that tastes delicious. I like to keep certain things on hand that I can use in a variety of ways, like Del Monte Tomatoes. I have their Stewed Tomatoes as well as their Diced Tomatoes in my cupboard and I use them for many different things, like stews, pot roasts, soups, and recently I used them for this tasty tomato tart.

Eye Makeup Tutorial + DIY Glitter Jar Makeup Holder

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LorealBeauty #CollectiveBias

Today marks the third week of back to school for us, and like I’ve mentioned before, I’ve yet to get any sort of routine down at all between the events and traveling I’ve had, but I think that’s all going to change this next month as I settle into a new schedule of having a solid 6+ hours a day to myself. 

One thing I’ve already been trying to do is get my house (especially my bathrooms!) a little bit more order because honestly during the summertime it gets a little out of hand with everyone here. The other thing that I’m finding nice about having the kids in school all day is that I have the ability to get ready when I want and don’t always have to feel rushed. Since we live so close to the Grade School I walk Emma and Noah there every day, and will normally just throw on some workout pants and L’Oreal mascara until I get back home, then I’ll get myself ready for the day and put my makeup. I’ve got a pretty good routine down for my every day makeup look that doesn’t take me very long, so I can get back to better things, like blogging or attempting to organize this house. ;)

Two Things I Learned This Week

Why hello! My name is Melissa, and occasionally when I find time I actually stop by on here and write! I know, sounds crazy right? I’ve wanted to write and share so many things lately, but I’ve just been so tired I find myself falling asleep while browsing on the computer, and haven’t been able to stay up and actually write a post for a few days now.

This past week has been a never ending circle of ups and downs and between trying to juggle work, the house, and the kids’ schedules – I was beat! I finally sat down last night before promptly falling asleep on the couch (oops!) and briefly reflected on the week's events - happy it was over. While I was thinking about all of the events that occurred over the past few days I realized two important things:

The Wine Bloggers Conference: Day 3

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've hopped on here and said 'hello'! I'm finally getting back into a routine after nearly a month of traveling back and forth - I have so many adventures to talk about! Today I wanted to share day #3 of my trip to the Wine Bloggers Conference in Corning, NY last month. If you need to catch up you can find day #1's post here, and day #2 here. Be on the lookout - the final day #4 will be on here soon! :)

Saturday morning I drug my sleepy self out of bed to more sessions at 9:30 am, and after the sessions we were greeted with yet another tasty lunch. More sessions were held after lunch, including the second speed tasting. Saturday evening we all headed over to the Corning Museum of Glass, where we attended a live hot glass demo. It always amazes me how glass artists can create such beautiful masterpieces!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Roll Ups

Thank you to Foster Farms® for sponsoring this post!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Roll Ups

Fall is fast approaching and even though I’m incredibly excited about the cool evenings, soccer, football, new routines, sweatshirts, and all things pumpkin; there’s still a little part of me that misses the ease of summer time food – the quick salads, BBQs, and tasty appetizers.

Even though summer is gone, it doesn’t mean all foods have to be tedious to make or hearty.

Living Locally: Feast Portland Happening This Week!

You guys! I'm so excited for Feast Portland! It begins in just two short days! This will be my second year attending Feast, so I know just how much fun it's going to be. I'll be up there for a full day of events on Friday,Saturday, and Sunday! If you want to follow along catch me over on Instagram, and be sure to check out the hashtag #FeastPDX to see everyone's drool-worthy pictures.

Gearing Up for Back to School Travel

Hey everyone! It seems like forever since I said hello on here! After we went camping on the coast for a few days the kids started school and then I flew down to California for a blogging conference. I got home last night and finally sat down to write out everyone’s schedules for the next month – mainly Anika and Noah’s soccer schedules.

Anika was placed on a competitive soccer team this year, so we’re traveling a bit farther than I’m used to for games. Half of her games this season are in the Portland area, and depending on the traffic it could end up being an h and hour and a half one way – and that’s quite a bit of time in the car on top of everything else! I think I’ll pretty much be on the go for the next eight weeks. J

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NaturallyCheesy #CollectiveBias

Today’s the day – the kids are officially back in school, and I have an easy back to school dinner idea to share with you! I’m very excited to begin this new chapter in my life with all three kids in school full day (and I am a little sad too). It’s something that seemed so far away, and it has been 12 years since I became an adult rocking my first baby in my arms – and now that phase of my life is officially over and gone are the days of putting diaper bags together and here are the days of busy evening filled with school events and soccer games.

Living Locally: An Evening at Stoller Family Estates

A few weeks ago Wayne and I headed over to Stoller Family Estates with a couple of friends for an evening outside under the stars to watch a live performance of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”. We had never done anything like that before, however since we pretty much live a hop skip and a jump away from Stoller (I know, how lucky, right?) we decided to just do it – and we were so glad we did!

The Wine Bloggers Conference: Day 2

(See day one HERE)

You know you are at the Wine Blogger’s Conference when you begin tasting at 10 am with as much champagne being poured and consumed as coffee! The opening notes began promptly at 9:30 am the next day and we had a variety of topics, from our key note speaker Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, to the Finger Lakes Country Tourism Board, who gave us a brief history on how the Finger Lakes happened, as well as the topography of the area. Lunch was presented by the Finger Lakes Country Tourism Board and we all sat outside eating salad and sipping wines of our choice from a variety of vendors at an expo held concurrent with lunch.