The Casa Way

Author: mbacasa

  • October Prime Day 2026: 9 Deals Actually Worth Grabbing

    October Prime Day 2026: 9 Deals Actually Worth Grabbing

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    October Prime Day 2026: 9 Deals Actually Worth Grabbing

    Updated Oct 7 — FINAL DAY: Prime Big Deal Days ends tonight at 11:59 PM PT. I rechecked every price this morning; the good stuff is still live, but inventory is thinning and some deals are already selling out. If you want any of these, today’s the day.

    I dug through the markdowns and pulled the nine that are genuinely worth your money — no filler, no “deals” that were cheaper last month. Prices were current as of publication; Amazon prices move fast, so double-check before you buy.

    1. Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 (reg. $249)

    Still $179 on the final day — $70 off, within $10 of the all-time low. Premium earbuds with strong noise cancellation, heart-rate sensing, and live translation. Perfect for travel, workouts, and work calls — and a gift that never disappoints.

    Check the price on Amazon

    2. DIME Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum — $26 (reg. $32)

    A simple, gift-ready self-care upgrade. Serious hydration without complicating anyone’s skincare routine — great stocking stuffer territory.

    Check the price on Amazon

    3. Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock — $144 (reg. $169.99)

    A gentler wake-up and a phone-free bedtime. Loved by parents, teens, and anyone trying to stop doomscrolling at midnight. Note: the Amazon price crept up a bit since day one — check both Amazon and Hatch direct before you buy.

    Check the price on Amazon

    4. Lalo The Chair 3-in-1 Convertible High Chair — $149 (reg. $225)

    A premium baby gift with an easy-clean tray and adjustable footrest that grows with the child. Stylish enough that parents won’t hide it when guests come over.

    Check the price on Amazon

    5. Graco Table2Table Lux 6-in-1 Highchair — $191.99 (reg. $239.99)

    Converts through six stages — infant high chair to booster, youth stool, and a full kid table and chair. One purchase that lasts years.

    Check the price on Amazon

    6. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller — $255.99 (reg. $319.99, select configurations)

    A 14-pound travel stroller with a compact fold, carry bag, recline, and UV canopy. The airport-to-everyday workhorse for families on the move.

    Check the price on Amazon

    7. Owlet Dream Duo Gen 3 — $299.99 (reg. $379.99, 21% off)

    Still $299.99 everywhere — camera, sleep tracking, and oxygen/pulse alerts in one monitor, plus a free $50 Sleepy Sage fabric sock with the deal. The baby-shower gift that gets used every single night.

    Check the price on Amazon

    8. EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Portable Power Station — $219 (reg. $249)

    Backup power for outages, road trips, tailgates, and camping. Charges the family’s essential devices when the lights go out.

    Check the price on Amazon

    9. Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock — up to 40% off

    Keyless entry with guest codes, auto-lock, and app access. Makes family comings-and-goings effortless — no more hiding a spare key under the mat. Discount varies by model, so compare options on the page.

    Check the price on Amazon

    Final-day tips

    • Ends tonight. Most deals end at 11:59 PM PT — the page will show you if something’s already gone.
    • New drops happen all day (midnight, 8 a.m., and 1 p.m. PT) — worth a second look this afternoon.
    • If you see the price you want, grab it. Final-day inventory doesn’t get restocked.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices were accurate at publication and can change — the Amazon page always shows the current price.

  • 10 Actually-Good Coworker Gifts Under $25

    10 Actually-Good Coworker Gifts Under $25

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.

    You drew the Secret Santa name. There’s an office gift exchange. You want to thank your assistant, your desk neighbor, the person who covers for you without being asked. And you do not want to give another candle shaped like a cupcake.

    These ten are workplace-safe, genuinely useful, and all under $25 — no gag gifts, nothing weirdly personal, nothing that screams “I bought this at the airport.”

    A quick note on prices: Amazon prices bounce around, especially heading into the holidays. Everything here was under $25 when I put this list together — if something’s crept up, the page will show you before you buy.

    1. “Thank You” Puzzle Piece Keepsake (~$6)

    Check price on Amazon

    A little desk keepsake that says thank you without a whole speech. Perfect for admin professionals, farewells, or the coworker who quietly holds everything together. Sweet, cheap, and it won’t collect dust in a drawer.

    2. Blriet Shower Steamers, 8-Pack (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    Aromatherapy shower steamers with essential oils — the “spa night” gift without assuming anything about anyone’s bathtub situation. Gender-neutral, gift-ready box, and everyone showers. Can’t miss.

    3. Spa Luxetique Hand Cream Gift Set, 10-Pack (~$9)

    Check price on Amazon

    Ten travel-size hand creams in a giftable set. Keep a few in your desk drawer for last-minute thank-yous, or give the whole set to one person and look extremely generous. Dry office air in December makes this a hero gift.

    4. Funny Desk Signs, 30 Flip-Over Messages (~$11)

    Check price on Amazon

    A little flip sign with 30 workplace-safe funny messages for the desk. It’s the Secret Santa gift that gets laughs on day one and still gets flipped to a new message in March. Way better than a mug.

    5. Funny Motivational Pens, 12-Pack (~$8)

    Check price on Amazon

    Everyone at work uses pens, and everyone steals them. These have witty sayings on each one, so they’re actually fun to pull out of the pen cup. Split the 12-pack across a few gifts or hand the whole set to your favorite work friend.

    6. dbsono Mini Bluetooth Speaker (~$14)

    Check price on Amazon

    A tiny waterproof Bluetooth speaker with 20-hour battery — for the desk, the office party, or WFH life. At this price it feels like a much bigger gift than it is. The overachiever Secret Santa pick.

    7. Rechargeable Hand Warmers, 2-Pack (~$20)

    Check price on Amazon

    For the coworker who’s always freezing at their desk or commuting in the cold. Rechargeable, magnetic, with an LED display — feels like a gadget, works like a hug. At the top of the budget but the most “wow” gift on this list.

    8. Scented Candle Gift Set, 16-Pack (~$24)

    Check price on Amazon

    Sixteen soy travel candles in tins — it looks like a $50 gift the second they open the box. Keep a few, gift a few, or give the whole set to someone who deserves it. The safe, cozy, crowd-pleasing pick.

    9. KLUBI Insulated Wine Tumbler (~$18)

    Check price on Amazon

    A 12oz insulated stainless tumbler — coffee at the desk by day, wine by night. Pro move: tuck a gift card inside and you’ve got a two-part gift for under $25. Work-appropriate and genuinely useful.

    10. Melinda’s Hot Sauce Variety Pack, 5-Pack (~$22)

    Check price on Amazon

    For the coworker who puts hot sauce on everything. Five different flavors in a gift-ready sampler — fun, shareable, and interesting without being a gag. The “oh, this is actually cool” gift.

    Prices change — I checked every item when writing this, but Amazon does what Amazon does. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which keeps the lights on around here at no extra cost to you.

  • 10 Actually-Good Gifts Under $10 (That Don’t Look Cheap)

    10 Actually-Good Gifts Under $10 (That Don’t Look Cheap)

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.

    Every year there’s that moment: the coworker gift exchange, the teacher gift, the neighbor who shoveled your driveway, the stocking that still looks empty. You need something good, fast, and under ten bucks — not a candle shaped like a cupcake.

    These are the ten I’d actually give. Every one is useful, gift-ready, and looks like you spent more than you did.

    A quick note on prices: Amazon prices bounce around, especially heading into the holidays. Everything here was under $10 when I put this list together — if something’s crept up, the page will show you before you buy.

    1. e.l.f. Sheer Slick Lipstick (~$6)

    Check price on Amazon

    This looks and feels like a $20 lipstick. Sheer wash of color, hydrating, not sticky, vegan and cruelty-free. Black Cherry is the can’t-miss shade — flattering on basically everyone. Buy three and you’ve solved three stockings.

    2. Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, 4-Pack (~$9)

    Check price on Amazon

    The 4-pack is the move: keep one, gift three, or split them across stockings and teacher gifts. It’s the classic for a reason — peppermint tingle, actually moisturizing, and everyone uses lip balm in December.

    3. SheaMoisture Scalp & Hair Oil (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    For the friend who’s always complaining about dry winter hair. A few drops on the ends, smells amazing, and the little bottle looks fancy on a bathroom counter. Right at the top of the budget but worth it.

    4. MONOZO Gold Initial Bracelet (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    Personalized without the personalized price tag. Dainty gold-plated disc with her initial — looks like something from a boutique, arrives gift-ready. This is the “wait, you got this for under $10?!” gift.

    5. Century Star Fuzzy Slipper Socks (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    Non-slip grips on the bottom, so nobody’s skating across the kitchen floor. This is the universal “I didn’t know what to get you, but you’re going to live in these” gift. Works for teens, moms, grandmas — everyone.

    6. ULTRAIDEAS Memory Foam Slippers (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    For the coworker who’s always cold. Memory foam insole, anti-skid sole, genuinely comfortable — not the flat sad kind that dies in a week. A real upgrade from drugstore slippers at basically the same price.

    7. Twinings Tea Sampler, 20 Count (~$9.50)

    Check price on Amazon

    Twenty different teas in a giftable box with a little cotton pouch. For the tea person — or the “I’m trying to drink less coffee” person. Feels thoughtful, costs less than two lattes.

    8. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    The loudest, silliest ten minutes of family game night. Easy to learn, 2–8 players, ages 7 and up — kids and adults both get weirdly competitive. Perfect for the family with everything or a white-elephant exchange.

    9. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (~$9)

    Check price on Amazon

    The least glamorous gift on this list — and the one that gets used every single day. For teachers, nurses, and anyone who washes their hands forty times a day. Unscented, actually works on cracked winter hands.

    10. Diodiva Glass Nail Files, 3-Pack (~$10)

    Check price on Amazon

    Once you use a glass nail file, you don’t go back — gentler than emery boards, seals the nail edge so it doesn’t split, and they last basically forever. Three with cases: keep one, gift two. Stocking-stuffer perfection.

    Prices change — I checked every item when writing this, but Amazon does what Amazon does. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which keeps the lights on around here at no extra cost to you.

  • Wildwood Crest, NJ – A Simple Yet Fun Vacation

    Wildwood Crest, NJ – A Simple Yet Fun Vacation


    Our Family Getaway to Paradise Resort in Wildwood Crest, NJ

    Pic of pool and hotel at night.

    Hey there, fellow parents who know the struggle of everyday life! Sometimes, we don’t need a fancy vacation; we just want a break from the norm. Our recent family trip to Paradise Resort in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, turned out to be just that – a delightful escape that was wonderfully average, but oh-so-great. Let me share why this simple, down-to-earth place won our hearts and gave us a much-needed breather.

    Empty beach with gentle waves

    A Skip Away from the Beach

    Right off the bat, let me tell you, Paradise Resort’s location is a win. It’s super close to the beach, just a short walk away. No need to drive for miles or pack the kitchen sink; it’s a quick jaunt to the sandy shores. Perfect for families who value convenience.

    Clean and Comfy

    Cleanliness is essential, especially with kids in tow, and Paradise Resort delivered. Our room was tidy and well-kept. It wasn’t a five-star luxury suite, but it was cozy and clean. Honestly, we’d take a clean and comfy place over fancy any day.

    A Cozy Poolside Spot

    The pool area, I have to say, was a pleasant surprise. It’s not Olympic-sized, but it’s just right. What really got us was that it was never packed. We spent quality time there, and it felt like our own little retreat. No frills, just relaxation.

    Loads of Family Activities

    Wildwood Crest has its share of family-friendly activities, and we tried a few. Mini-golf, water parks, and bike rentals – all within easy reach. Nothing too extravagant, but they kept us entertained. Isn’t that what family vacations are all about?

    Delicious Dining Options

    Now, let’s talk food. The dining options around Paradise Resort cater to all tastes. From fresh seafood to classic American fare, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Some even offer lovely bay views and incredible sunsets. It’s not Michelin-star dining, but it’s good grub.

    Wooden dock at sunset over water

    Our family getaway to Paradise Resort in Wildwood Crest was, well, not extraordinary, but it was exactly what we needed. We didn’t need opulence; we wanted simplicity, comfort, and convenience. The resort gave us just that. With its proximity to the beach, cleanliness, a peaceful pool area, and a variety of local activities and dining options, it checked all the boxes for an enjoyable, average family vacation. So, if you’re looking for a laid-back escape that doesn’t break the bank but still leaves you with cherished memories, Paradise Resort in Wildwood Crest is worth a shot. Trust me, your inner “I-just-need-a-break” parent will thank you for it!

    Hand holding an ice-cream cone at night
  • Delicious, Easy and Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    Delicious, Easy and Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

    I could eat soup and chili all year round. This is not a winter-only craving for me. I love that it is full of veggies and is a great break from salad when you are avoiding processed/unhealthy foods.

    My turkey chili recipe isn’t special in any way – no secret ingredients – no new way of doing it. Just your basic, delicious, standard chili for a person who doesn’t eat red meat but likes a nice tomato-based chili still.

    First up, a great pan to cook in. I use my cast iron. I cheaped out a little and didn’t go for the name-brand pot, this one is a Martha Stewart black Friday special. I’ve had it for years and it hasn’t let me down. Here is my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/40Tc5JZ Luckily, I don’t even know the difference of those fancy brands so I’m pretty happy using this one. I make sure to stay away from any Teflon pan, especially when you are cooking for such a long time. If you don’t know why I avoid Teflon, I recommend that you google it right away and replace your pans if you can.

    Next – get those diced-up veggies cooking. I use onions, peppers, and garlic. Yum. I sometimes use a little olive oil, but when I am feeling super healthy I swap that out for chicken broth. Then cook up the ground meat in a separate pan while the veggies are cooking or in the same one after the veggies. Then dump in the rest of the ingredients (minus the cheese and sour cream) and cook for about 30 minutes or as long as you can handle waiting to try it. I think my time at the stove is less than 15 minutes and then we just wait. I love that. I also make enough for us to eat for lunch for days.

    Ingredient Suggestions – Make it how your family likes it!

    2 teaspoons of olive oil (can be replaced with chicken broth)
    2 yellow onions diced
    6 cloves of garlic diced
    1 red pepper
    1 – 1.5 lbs of ground chicken or turkey
    2 cups (or more) chicken broth
    1 – 28 ounce can of tomatoes – crushed or diced
    1 can of red kidney beans rinsed/drained
    1 can of corn drained or 1 small frozen package
    SEASONINGS: 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper if desired

    Toppings – Cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, cilantro, pepper, and anything else you love.

  • Paradisus Cancun – Spring Break Review

    Paradisus Cancun – Spring Break Review

    As a mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 11, I was thrilled to stay at the Paradisus Hotel in Cancun for our family vacation. The resort offered a variety of activities for children, including a kids’ club and pool, which my daughters absolutely loved. They made friends with other children staying at the hotel and were able to have fun while my husband and I relaxed.

    Tropical resort pool with palm trees

    We looked many places before deciding on Cancun, and The Paradisus. People warned us to not travel to Mexico, but we were not going to let the media scare us out of traveling. There didn’t seem to be any issues with the resorts, the crime is not with the tourists. We stayed in the resort and main stream excursions and felt safe the whole time.

    Raised stage that was on the side of a pool with a woman dancer.

    One of the highlights of our stay was the entertainment offered by the hotel. Every night there was a different show, ranging from acrobatics to live music performances. My daughters were particularly impressed with the nightly shows, and my husband and I enjoyed dancing pool side at night. The entertainment was a great way to end our evenings and added to the overall experience of our trip.

    A picture of two rum punches sitting on the pool bar.

    The drinks at the hotel were pretty good, although we did find out that they were only made with base level alcohol unless we upgraded our stay. However, this did not detract from our experience, as we still enjoyed the drinks and the variety of options available. The hotel had several bars throughout the property, including the pool bar, which was one of my favorite spots.

    A picture from our dinner table looking out over one of the pools and into the ocean.

    I could write for days on the details of the trip, but for this first post, I’ll keep it light. Overall, I would definitely recommend the Paradisus Hotel in Cancun to other families. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the facilities were well-maintained and clean. My daughters loved the beach and pool, and my husband and I enjoyed the entertainment and relaxing atmosphere. We would definitely consider staying at this resort again for our next family vacation.

    I am more than happy to answer any questions about Cancun and will post with more specific details and reviews.

    A picture of the many colors of the ocean taken at Isla Mujeres.

  • No more insects inside…finally!

    Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you love spending time outdoors in the warmer months, but hate dealing with pesky insects once you head inside. That’s why I want to introduce you to the Zefo Indoor Flying Insect Trap – a game-changer in insect control!

    First of all, let me just say that this thing really works. The Zefo trap uses LED lights to attract insects, then sucks them into a trap with a powerful fan. And let me tell you, it’s amazing how many bugs this little thing can catch! We’ve had ours for a few weeks now and I’ve been shocked at the number of flies and mosquitoes it’s caught. It’s such a relief to be able to relax in my home without constantly swatting at bugs.

    Another thing I love about the Zefo trap is how easy it is to use. All you have to do is plug it in and turn it on – no complicated set-up required. And unlike some insect control methods, it’s completely safe and non-toxic – no chemicals or sprays involved. Plus, it’s small and unobtrusive, so it won’t take up a lot of space in your home.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Zefo Indoor Flying Insect Trap to anyone looking for an effective, easy-to-use solution to pesky indoor insects. It’s been a game-changer for my family and I know it will be for yours, too. Say goodbye to annoying bugs and hello to a more comfortable, enjoyable indoor environment with the Zefo trap. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

    Check it out here: (affiate link) https://amzn.to/3oXbCsV

  • Maui – Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel – Review

    Maui – Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel – Review

    My husband and I were lucky enough to take an adult-only trip to Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui in May 2022. We missed our kids but we needed some adult time. I’m not sure my kids would be able to handle the 12-hour flight there or the 24+ hour trip home (thanks to some delayed flights).

    The Fairmont was a beautiful 30-minute drive from the Maui airport. Our driver showed us some great places to visit on our trip there and even took some back roads so we could start our site seeing right away.

    Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel sign as you pull in the driveway.

    When you pull up you are greeted with some beautiful leis. The open-air lobby looks over the breathtaking property. The hotel is on a hill so the lobby is much higher than the beach. The lobby is even higher than the gift shop and restaurants. There was quite a bit of climbing and elevator riding in this hotel. This is not a complaint at all, but if stairs and hills are something you avoid, this isn’t the hotel for you.

    Our room was even better than we had imagined from the pictures online. We were only on level 2 and we had a great view of the pool and the beach. The room has a full living room with a desk and couch, a foyer, a huge bathroom with a stand-up shower, a tub, a private area for the toilet and multiple entrances, a large balcony that felt more like a patio, and a large bedroom. There were many times that my husband and I would circle around missing each other.

    Image of the view from our beach chairs.

    The beach was a little torn up while we were there. In order to sit on the beach you had to sit pretty far back and there wasn’t much seating. We were nervous to go in the water with the big waves so we mostly hung up on a grassy area. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed sitting high up on the hill, away from the beach, away from the pool. The view was amazing, and there was lots of privacy since the chairs were far away from other groups. We had a nice table for our drinks and the waitress came regularly to see if we needed anything.

    View of the hotel and pool area behind us while sitting on the hillside.

    We have been to Aruba, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Florida, but the views from this hillside just blew away the normal view of the ocean that you get at those other places. It made the long flight worth it.

    The adult only pool and swim up bar area.

    After two days of barely moving from our hillside chairs, we ventured up to the adult pool and swim-up bar. The pool is up the hill and pretty secluded. It was easy to lose a few hours of swimming and enjoying drinks before dinner.

    Fairmont Kea Lani has some of the best-rated restaurants in Maui. We ate at two of them. You can read my review of them here.

    We appreciated that the hotel had a free car service to nearby locations. We used it a few times to go shopping and have dinner. It was easy to grab a ride out of the hotel and to get a ride back you simply called the hotel and asked for them to get you. We never waited more than ten minutes. We did walk to a nearby state park one day and called for a ride home but they said that we were out of their range so we had to Uber back. It wasn’t a big deal but there were not many Ubers at the time so we waited a while to be picked up and we were hot, tired, and very thirsty.

    The walking path near Fairmont Kea Lani.

    We loved starting our day with a long walk. If you go to the right out of the hotel, there is a long touristy path that hugs the shoreline. We saw lots of people out running and walking that path every day. It was a great way to start the day. If you head to the left, you go to a more hidden back road. This was by far my favorite place to walk. There was no one else – at all. There were all little hidden beaches along the way and amazing private homes. The streets were lined with crowing rosters that were not afraid of us at all. Each turn brought new surprises and new views.

    Breakfast was either an incredible buffet or a small gift shop with a few breakfast options. We basically split it up every other day since we couldn’t handle two days in a row of that buffet, but the options in the gift shop were very limited.

    There wasn’t much nightlife at the hotel. I’m assuming that everyone went to bed after dinner. A few of us had drinks each night at the lobby bar and one night there was someone playing piano. If you are looking for some real nightlife, you should head to town.

    The canoe on the beach and the waves breaking behind it.

    This isn’t the type of hotel that has activity directors running games of bingo or water aerobics. The days were long and peaceful. The one activity that they recommended on property was a cultural canoe ride. It is free for guests but if you cancel they do charge you. The waves were very rough and I’m not sure we should have been out there on that canoe – but I wasn’t going to miss this experience so we tried it even after the guide told us we could easily flip this canoe. The experience was nice but it was really hard work. You have to lift up this incredibly heavy canoe and run it in the water. Then when they say to, you have to paddle exactly like they say, and most importantly, don’t lean to the right or you will flip the boat.

    There was a craft fair one night in the lobby but I don’t remember any other activity happening at all. We made sure to book excursions for some fun and adventure since we knew we were not doing more than relaxing and eating at the hotel. You can read more about our riding, boating, and biking adventures here.

    Picture of the hotel grounds at night from the hotel balcony.

    We are so thankful for this wonderful experience in Maui, and we hope to visit again one day!

  • Maui – Food Finds – Lineage Review

    Maui – Food Finds – Lineage Review

    My husband and I were lucky enough to take a trip to Hawaii in May 2022. We LOVED it. I have a few posts about Maui – beaches, boats, bikes, and more. This post is all about our favorite food spots.

    First of all, did you know that you can literally just stop on the side of the road and find fresh fruits? There are hundreds of wild avocado trees in Maui. You won’t get in trouble for picking a single avocado to take back to your room and enjoy. There are lots of other wild-growing fruits. We even passed some fruit stands that let you leave money and take whatever fruit you want. This fruit is nothing like the mass-produced mainland fruit. It is a must try!

    Beyond the roadside snacking, the food is pricy but delicious! We didn’t have a meal there that we were not raving about for days. First was Lineage. This small restaurant is hidden in an outdoor mall. I was tempted to skip it since I couldn’t believe that a mall would have anything other than an Olive Garden type chain restaurant – but this was different!

    We ordered the fried half chicken. If you asked us, there was no other option. I don’t even remember what else they served because we knew this was the best option. Every table around us also ordered the friend half chicken. We all finished every last piece of chicken. On a regular day, I wouldn’t dare order chicken on the bone, or fried chicken. This was different. This was magical.

    Our server was beyond friendly, happy to fill our wine glasses, and shared stories about all the menu options that we questioned. The location was great. We took a shuttle to the mall, but we were able to walk home to the Fairmont Hotel in about 20 minutes.

    There was a small convenience store right next to the restaurant with fresh fruit, pre-made food, souvenirs (way cheaper than the one at The Fairmont), and of course, alcohol. We stocked up before our walk home.

  • Fast, easy, heathy, yummy salads.

    Fast, easy, heathy, yummy salads.

    Salads are so healthy. Raw veggies and fruits are the best food for us. Trying to get enough of them in each day can be difficult. Salads tend to be the easiest way to hit those veggie goals. Unfortunately, the wrong salad can also be very high in fat and sugar. Here are some of my favorite fast, easy, and “mostly” healthy salads.

    Grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomato, and cucumber over romaine. Well, that is the recipe. There you go! My go-to dressing for this one is balsamic. I like to grab pre-made grilled chicken from my local food store to make it even easier. If I skip the store-bought chicken, then we will make a few days’ worths of grilled chicken. I like a dry, thin, grilled chicken with McCormick’s seasoning.

    Another easy salad is grilled chicken, dried cranberries, goat cheese and mixed greens. My favorite salad dressing for this classic is a raspberry vinaigrette. Again, if you have the pre-made grilled chicken, your dinner can be done in less than a few minutes.

    Who could forget Mexican Chicken Salad?! Whatever you order at Chipotle, that is what you include! For me, grilled chicken, romaine, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, and avacado. I like good ranch dressing for a salad like this, although, I know it isn’t the healthiest choice!

    Sick of grilled chicken? No problem! Try a chef salad! Romaine, turkey, ham, cheese (maybe two types – I like a yellow American and a hint of fresh mozzarella), artichokes, red onion, and olives. (Unless you can’t stand olives, like my picky husband). My salad dressing pick would be plain old oil and vinegar for this one. No cooking, no prepping, no cleanup. For me, it doesn’t get any better!

    Hexclad is my favority pan for grilling chicken indoors. If you get the pan hot, get the oil hot, and then add the chicken, you will see a great sear on your chicken , amazing flavor, and much safer than that terrible teflon!) affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3VqLH9a